RochesterConservative.com

I first met Charlie on the forums of the Democrat and Chronicle, where we were both avid posters against the transgressions of our ever-burdensome government. I was focused more on national issues, and he more on state, but we quickly formed a unique bond. In due time, we largely abandoned the D&C forums for our own, though Charlie would end up venturing back to spread the word about corruption throughout the state.

If there was one thing you could say about Charlie, other than the love he had for his family, it was that he truly believed we could make things better for our fellow man through the expansion, the recapturing, of our liberties. I couldn’t even guess how many different forums he participated in across the state, not only on the internet, but also in person as part of the Independence Party, in his quest to reform the state.

By all means, he should have been on the ballot this week, but that same Independence Party that he once believed wanted reform, stabbed him in the back despite his years of service, including service on their nominating committee, and endorsed a major party candidate instead of one of their own. I’d like to say he was furious, but I think it’s more appropriate to say he was disappointed. He even asked me if I knew any ways to make his former party members squirm without being a vindictive instigator. That was Charlie, he couldn’t even bring harm against those who harmed him.

Over the last couple years, Charlie, others from our group, and I would occasionally meet up, sometimes privately, sometimes in front of thousands of people, like at the tea parties. I’m actually a pretty bashful guy, but Charlie was like a battle standard, flying out in front to give the men something to rally behind. He said what he meant and he meant what he said. Most importantly, he believed in us and what we were fighting for and that we could achieve it, if only we could spread the word.

The man who carries the standard has typically been one of the greatest targets of his foes on the battlefield because how strong the rallying cry is that he represents. Tradition says that the man closest to him should bear his flag and continue the charge if he falls. I can’t say that I will ever be able to be the crusader that Charlie was, but I can say that I’m willing to help lead the charge for the cause that we both believed in. Just because Charlie’s body is gone doesn’t mean his spirit has failed to live on.

To you Charlie, a husband, a father, a brother, a veteran, a patriot, my friend and a champion of all of our freedoms: May you continue to touch the hearts of all you befriended. You’ll be sorely missed. Rest in peace, but know that you will always be a part of us as we carry on.

PL <phantomlord@rochesterconservative.com>