Thanksgiving Day is always a perfect time for reflection. The year is drawing to a close and we have the privilege of spending more time with family then usual.

The AFP-Oregon Staff has so much to be thankful for today, it almost defies listing. First and foremost is you. AFP volunteers are the real heroes of the victories we have won so far in 2009. From referring the Legislature's job killing tax increases - to the ballot measure win in Estacada - to demonstrations at Congressional offices against a government take over of health care, AFP members have stepped up to the challenges of muscular, expanding government at all levels. You have turned out in numbers for Tea Parties, demonstrations, protests, meetings, Hot Air Tours, Summits, frequently without our having asked.

In particular, we owe a debt of thanks for our Chapter Leaders. AFP-Oregon has grown tremendously this year - more than doubling in size - and our local Chapters are the primary reason. Our Chapter Leaders run weekly, twice monthly or monthly meetings and have consistently met their responsibility to keep those meetings interesting, fun, and focused on the limited government and economic freedom mission of AFP. Many of these dedicated volunteers pulled double (or triple) time during the signature gathering effort and did it with enthusiasm and purpose. Without these men and women, AFP would be "a guy and a mailing list" - just the opposite of a grassroots organization.

We also need to thank our coalition partners with whom we have worked so closely this year. The 912 Project, Tea Party Patriots, Patriotic Resistance and so many others understand that we are all pulling the wagon in the same direction and that we all benefit when we work together. We look forward to continuing these beneficial partnerships.

The challenges before us are daunting. This nation faces a stark choice between freedom and servitude. AFP believes 2010 is going to be a year of rebirth for the American Dream and the principles on which this nation was founded. But that discussion must be saved for another time. Today we are simply thankful - thankful for our family, thankful for our friends, thankful for the opportunity to work with such dedicated and talented volunteers and thankful to live in the greatest, most free nation the world has ever known.

The AFP-Oregon Staff wishes you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!

Jeff Kropf, State Director
Richard Burke, Director of Grassroots Development
Matt Evans, Communications Director
Eric Winters, Attorney