Gatekeeping

Gatekeeping: the activity of trying to control who gets particular information, resources, power, or opportunities, and who does not.

One of the common activities in the Oregon Republican environment is gatekeeping. This comes in many forms and is typically used in the control of information. Many PCPs have complained about the lack of transparency in leadership or the seemingly selective release of information. Many county parties and the ORP itself have been affected by this. Many times these event are simply the result of having an all volunteer organization. But then there is this time.

Below is a email that was sent yesterday to many Marion County PCPs. It is a clear attempt at gatekeeping. I was not included in the email that was sent yesterday.

I am a Marion County PCP, and private American citizen.

I am running a website (this one) and attempting to grow an Oregon News blog and Podcast.

The above letter clearly is trying to interfere with that business.

I have not attempted to speak for the Marion county Party nor will I. I may as is my right comment on Marion County Republican Party activities, polices or other things.

By calling my podcast "unauthorized" implies that they have some authority to control the communication of Marion County PCPs. They do not. This is a clear attempt to de-legitimize my podcast. This is the same kind of tactic that was used when I was Chair. The Marion County GOP leadership is clearly afraid of voices that they do not control.

While I was chair, on several occasions others spoke out against me, to include several derogatory statements and papers directed at me personally. I did nothing to impede those voices.

I do find it disturbing the Marion County Party is using Official resources to try to interfere with business of one their members and attempting to execute that inference without that member's knowledge

Some questions:

When did it become required to get "authorization" to speak to my fellow PCPs ?

What is the "situation" that needs to be addressed ?

I have been building an audience for the Oregon/Marion Leader Podcast for over two years. I intend like every other pod-caster in this state to continue to build an audience.

My goal with the podcast is to promote conservative and constitutional values in Oregon. It's clear from this email the Marion County Republican Party Leadership does not agree with that goal.