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Conservatives unite to push for changes
Robert C. Reed | Hickory Daily Record
Organizers of The Hickory 9/12 Project are shown with Chris Swecker, guest speaker at the group’s Monday, June 29, meeting at Hickory Dickory Dock. From left are Crystal Marlow, Dave Garner, Swecker and Susan Townley. Swecker is a former deputy director of the FBI.
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Published: July 5, 2009
HICKORY - Max and Dale Watts believe a revolution is coming in America, and they want to be part of a peaceful effort to change the direction in which they see the country moving.
The Morganton couple think they have found an answer in The Hickory 9/12 Project.
"We have seen our rights and freedoms eroded over several decades now, but the changes and erosion of our freedoms are now occurring at warp speed," said Max Watts, who heads a family-owned, engineering services business.
"We feel frustrated and angry that people elected to serve our needs in Washington do not appear to be listening or seem to be indifferent to our concerns.
"We have been asking if all of America is now so beaten down and apathetic that we can only watch 'American Idol' and be amused by vulgar soap operas on TV to take us away from the stress of everyday life."
At the suggestion of a friend, the Wattses drove to Hickory Monday evening to attend their first 9/12 Project meeting.
Established in March as a nonpartisan group for local fans of conservative talk show host Glenn Beck, the Hickory 9/12 Project now has about 176 members. It has general meetings each month at Hickory Dickory Dock on U.S. 70, SE.
After a quick dinner at the bustling entertainment complex's snack bar, the Wattses joined nearly 80 other people in a back meeting room.
The shouts and squeals of boisterous children outside the room were quickly drowned out as members and newcomers shook hands, introduced themselves and joined in conversations ranging from spirited political discussions to jokes about celebrities.
Shortly after 6:30 p.m., the group got down to business.
U.S. military veterans were recognized, a member led the group in prayer, and everyone stood to pledge allegiance to a prominently placed American flag.
Guest speaker Chris Swecker, a retired executive assistant director of the FBI and former chief security officer for Bank of America, told the group he believes in "common-sense" government, and was pleased to be sharing his experiences with like-minded people.
Among other topics, Swecker discussed the roles mortgage fraud and lax corporate ethics played in the current economic meltdown, the importance of heightened national security and why Americans must hold elected officials to high ethical standards.
Swecker told the group he believes the majority of Americans are "moderate, conservative, center-right," but their views do not get the amount of attention commonly given to more extreme viewpoints.
"Groups like this reflect the core values of Americans, not the fringe elements that get the most media attention," Swecker said.
During a question-and-answer session with Swecker and a short open forum, Hickory 9/12 Project members enthusiastically expressed their views about a wide range of issues, including transparency in the Obama administration, illegal immigration, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 and the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN).
When the meeting ended at 8:30 p.m., many lingered to continue conversations, swap phone numbers or discuss plans to attend July 4 "tea parties" in Charlotte and Boone.
The Wattses felt they were in the right place.
"It was good to see such a large group of like-minded individuals who took the time to meet, talk and listen to a knowledgeable speaker," Max Watts said.
"We found the same emotions that appear to exist all over this country. We saw people who were frustrated, people who were angry, and people who feel they are being betrayed by their elected officials in Washington.
"Everybody wants to find a way to be heard."
Derick Hartshorn agreed.
The 70-year-old Conover resident, a retired product service engineer with General Electric Co., attended his first 9/12 Project meeting Monday after a casual conversation in a grocery store with a member of the group.
"I'm concerned about the way things are going in this country," Hartshorn said.
"I get distressed about many things, including government control of our lives, new taxes, terrorism and insane spending policies that are bankrupting us.
"Until people come together like this, we're just disgruntled individuals not accomplishing much. Together we can make a difference."
Bringing people together was Crystal Marlow's primary reason for organizing the Hickory 9/12 Project, which started as a "Glenn Beck Program" viewing party.
The 37-year-old Newton woman created a Web site — www.meetup.com/Hickory912Project — which has helped grow the group as well as provide fertile ground for lively discussions.
Marlow and a handful of others have organized monthly group meetings where speakers have tackled such topics as the economy, the U.S. Constitution and Islam.
Hickory 9/12 Project members also sponsor study groups, including one on the Constitution.
Members helped coordinate the April 15 tea parties in Catawba County.
Susan Townley of Sherrills Ford, who helped organize the Hickory group, said 9/12 Project members represent a wide range of backgrounds and opinions, but share a belief in common-sense politics.
Nationwide, 9/12 Project claims 384 groups and 60,000 members. The Hickory group draws people from throughout the region.
"We focus on things that make sense," Townley said.
"Our ultimate goal is to restore this country to the constitutional republic that our founding fathers intended.
"And contrary to what the mainstream media would have you believe, this is a peaceful revolution."
Max Watts said he and his wife will continue to participate in groups like the Hickory 9/12 Project.
"We want to be a part of finding that positive and peaceful approach to making our country great again," he said.
"I want my grandchildren to have the same kind of life that we've enjoyed."
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