This is about OGs, but please bear with me while I tell you about how a little kindness led to a fantastic revelation.
I am a direct descendent of one of the Patriots that gave his life in the cause of our nation's liberty. His name was Lt. Col. James Steen and in October of 1780, he fell at Kings Mountain, SC in what many historians say was the "tipping point" battle of the American Revolution.
I belong to a "Steen" chat group and had corresponded a few times with a very distant cousin. She is also descended from Col. Steen. Some months ago, she emailed me. She was planning a trip to Charlotte, and asked if I could give her some "pointers" of sights to see near the old (1760) Steen Homestead. I gave her some pointers and told her that I would be happy to take off work and act as her "tour guide."
She and her husband, a retired attorney, arrived last Thursday and off we went to tour historical sites on Friday. We hit it off extremely well, and had a fabulous time! At dinner, I asked her husband, "What can I do to get the state Attorney General to start enforcing the anti-OG and sales tax laws?"
He told me that the "tour" that I took them on had fulfilled his wife's lifelong ambition and that he would be delighted to share some of the things he had learned. "First," he said, "You don't have a legal problem. You have a political problem. And I have a little knowledge in that area."
He gave me that night, and in a subsequent conversation before they left, a set of ideas. I jotted them down and, out of curiosity, did a Google Search for his name. (NO I won't reveal it.)
What I learned was that, among other accomplishments, he had been Dean of a Major Northeastern Business College, has an LLB from one of the most prestigious Law Schools in the world, had been actively involved in his party's politics for many years, and was a Presidential Appointee to a Cabinet level position. In short, this unassuming retired attorney KNEW POLITICS!
Here is a synopsis of what he suggested:
And I hope this advice will be as useful to the Flower Chat group as it has been to me. (And I wish I had known this many years ago!)
Bill
I am a direct descendent of one of the Patriots that gave his life in the cause of our nation's liberty. His name was Lt. Col. James Steen and in October of 1780, he fell at Kings Mountain, SC in what many historians say was the "tipping point" battle of the American Revolution.
I belong to a "Steen" chat group and had corresponded a few times with a very distant cousin. She is also descended from Col. Steen. Some months ago, she emailed me. She was planning a trip to Charlotte, and asked if I could give her some "pointers" of sights to see near the old (1760) Steen Homestead. I gave her some pointers and told her that I would be happy to take off work and act as her "tour guide."
She and her husband, a retired attorney, arrived last Thursday and off we went to tour historical sites on Friday. We hit it off extremely well, and had a fabulous time! At dinner, I asked her husband, "What can I do to get the state Attorney General to start enforcing the anti-OG and sales tax laws?"
He told me that the "tour" that I took them on had fulfilled his wife's lifelong ambition and that he would be delighted to share some of the things he had learned. "First," he said, "You don't have a legal problem. You have a political problem. And I have a little knowledge in that area."
He gave me that night, and in a subsequent conversation before they left, a set of ideas. I jotted them down and, out of curiosity, did a Google Search for his name. (NO I won't reveal it.)
What I learned was that, among other accomplishments, he had been Dean of a Major Northeastern Business College, has an LLB from one of the most prestigious Law Schools in the world, had been actively involved in his party's politics for many years, and was a Presidential Appointee to a Cabinet level position. In short, this unassuming retired attorney KNEW POLITICS!
Here is a synopsis of what he suggested:
- It is probably not a good idea to be actively “pushing” the OG issue right now. In an election period, all the people we would like to have assisting us are focused elsewhere. (And some of them may not be around after the election!)
- Make sure that all communications emphasize how the PEOPLE are losing as a result of the OGs. Example: They are being CHEATED because 40% to 50% of their money is being sent OUT OF STATE in the form of UNDISCLOSED FEES and COMMISSIONS. And, The PEOPLE are being deprived of TAX REVENUES because the OGs are illegally not charging sales taxes.
- If we complain about how bad the situation is for FLORISTS, our pleas will likely fall on deaf ears.
- Always approach someone that may be able to help us as a FRIEND. Starting in an adversarial position is a recipe for disaster.
- A good approach is, “You are an expert in sales tax (or whatever). Can you help us learn how we can deal with the following situation?” Then explain the problem that the PEOPLE have.
- Invite local legislators and officials to local Florist Association meetings.
- Invite the State Attorney General to a major State Floral Event -- perhaps as a keynote speaker. (My a suggested title: "The Law and The Florist.") Prime the pump with information about how the OGs are damaging THE PEOPLE.
- Its gonna cost some money. Not much, maybe, but a few dollars put into a political contribution or two will be very beneficial. HOWEVER this must be done AFTER the desired assistance is obtained. Otherwise, it’s a bribe
- Make sure that you are not the only florist filing complaints, or contacting people of influence. If that happens, you will be branded a “troublemaker” and may even be targeted for retaliation.
- Be sure that all your statements are accurate. For example, be sure that the offending OG’s actions demonstrate that he has a “nexus” in your state. A call to your CPA or attorney will help establish that fact.
And I hope this advice will be as useful to the Flower Chat group as it has been to me. (And I wish I had known this many years ago!)
Bill
