This last September I attended the California Republican Party Fall Convention in Anaheim, and had the high honor to be appointed as an Associate Delegate. Ahead of the annual event our primary objective shifted quite abruptly to focus on Proposition 50 as we gear up for the special election here in California on November 4th. Although I could write at length detailing this mid-decade debacle— that’s not what I’m here for, at least not right now. What can I say? I love a grand ol party- and talking about Gerrymandering might really kill the vibe. With that in mind, yes the Gulf of America Luau hosted by the Log Cabin Republicans was a really good time. I could also talk about the hysterics of the Associate Delegate Representative race. Although, I’d rather not air out anyone’s dirty laundry. I might not throw the first stone, but I might be tempted to throw the second or third. On a more serious note, a personal peak of the weekend’s proceedings was receiving a proxy vote and being able to actively participate at the convention’s close.

The weather in Anaheim was wonderful, and despite the fact that I was not rested, nor was I ready— I did have time to maintain my tan.

Since the close of the convention; unprecedented events in our nation and around the globe have unfolded, and in the midst of this I can’t help but wonder, Whose fault is it that we won?

Without a shadow of a doubt, a low point during the Convention was attending a Young Republican panel moderated by our recently elected California Young Republican Federation Chairwoman Kristen Valle. The question was posed to two Assembly members; David Tangipa and Kate Sanchez, “Speaking of insanity- What is the most ridiculous bill you guys have ever seen introduced?”

Kate Sanchez’s response, “Last year before Dave was here, it would probably be by Assembly member Corey Jackson- who said canine dogs are are systemically and inherently racist- um, what?”

From the audience there was affirmative laughter and sighs, and as I was physically present for such a galling comment, I was incredibly uncomfortable at the blatant disregard of common sense. I firmly believe, at the time this proposal was made whatever the bill may have been- a simple acknowledgment, reflection, and veto, would have sufficed.

Not to detract in anyway from our need for law and order- this was a daft remark from Assembly woman Sanchez and I continue to be ashamed on her behalf. It is fact that during the slave era, dogs were systemically used by slave patrols and plantation owners throughout the American South to track, intimidate, and capture enslaved people who tried to escape. This was a direct precursor to the later use of police dogs in U.S. law enforcement. My primary complaint apart from all that might be obvious, in regard to this being brought to the table is how the constituents Ms. Sanchez represents were in effect laughed at and mocked in public forum. This remark, although shallow and ill sighted was not unique. My peers insistence that systemic racism doesn’t exist is a tiresome trope.

I believe these types of ideas held by the leaders in the GOP especially from millennial and Gen Z elected officials is indicative of a dire need for education reform. I have found no real solace in reckoning with the weight of living in a seemingly different reality than my peers apart from a conversation from the Hoover Institution’s digital series: History in the Making: Victor Davis Hanson on Strategika’s Century Mark, Examining Wars Present and Past . In the interview Bill Whalen and Victor Davis lend scholarly expertise and insight into this phenomena of history unfolding rapidly in our modern age and the shared and sometimes lacking objectivity of our collective past.

The highlight of the Fall convention was a solo side quest to Musco Center at Chapman University to attend TCHAIKOVSKY: A LOVE LETTER. The final days and letters of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was told through an all-original, full-length ballet, and explored the themes of longing and an unwavering pursuit of freedom. During the ballet I pondered the elements of unexplored desire, prolonged angst, and eclipsed desire. I couldn’t help but also think about the curiosity that’s fueled by original sin— and of course what’s left to sift through once what’s done in the dark is exposed after being brought out of the closet. Running into a few founding fathers on campus after the performance was the cherry on top.

A compass if you will, for the weekend’s primary objectives.

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

— James Madison

The journey home from Anaheim I hitched a ride with members of the Sonoma GOP, and am grateful to have been adopted into their family. The carpool felt like a proper campaign trail through the Central Valley. Yes the manure still smells like money.

Back in the San Francisco I collected my energy with a full night of sleep and sought out proper hair of the dog provisions and enjoyed some coffee in one of my favorite haunts, and while there was gifted some cigars. A lovely and unexpected welcome home. You know what they say, the show must go on…

The night Charlie Kirk was assassinated I attended San Francisco Opera’s - Faith, Law & the Death Penalty hosted by Sister Helen Prejean. Presented by Ministry Against the Death Penalty (MADP) and the San Francisco Interfaith Council (SFIC). It was a rather timely and vital message to consider. I was especially struck by the idea posed by Sister Helen Prejean that we have a propensity to “sanitize” our lives with the words of the gospel and claim our actions holy. I have and will continue to carry this assertion with me, as I aspire to not alone belong to the body of Christ but to reflect the work of God in my life.

At the close of each of the panels there was an opportunity for panelists to answer questions from the audience. I was once again confronted by the assertion that canine dogs are inherently and systemically racist. An audience member posed her question both thoughtfully and tactfully to the panelists. And I was reminded that in turmoil- and in the examining of our freedoms and resilience; we turn to faith leaders to steer us, to help correct, and provide safety and facilitate peace. Is this moral clarity and leadership too much to ask from the people we elect to represent us?

Following Charlie Kirk’s untimely and devastating assassination I attended a memorial hosted by the San Francisco GOP. As a young republican Charlie Kirk meant a lot to me. Despite this, I do feel it would be disingenuous for me to pretend he was a legitimate martyr for the advancement of civil discourse. I would be remiss if I failed to mention that, in the weeks before his death, I unfollowed him on social media. As I believe many of his ideas for unequivocally debatable and outright wrong. With this in mind I am still grateful for Charlie’s voice— his ability to stir discussion, and stand firm in his own beliefs. Along with this, Charlie’s faith was such a prominent fixture in his conversations I have to believe that he was exactly who he said he was. His ongoing legacy will be discussion and debate, and the shaping of the groupthink of many young conservatives, and for that I am immensely grateful. In city of San Francisco young republicans are often relegated to near secret meetings, as not to offend the patrons who might know who we are- and even more poignantly there are plenty of business owners that run the risk of ruining their career simply for allowing us to patronize their establishments. The memorial was incredibly peaceful and far from somber, and I’m humbled to have been in attendance with so many like minded individuals young and old alike.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

— Ephesians 6:12

Warmest Regards,

Haley Jean-Marie Ameral

Hope Springs Eternal

Walk With Me