Greetings Friends,
I want to wish each of you a heartfelt Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! In keeping with what I believe to be a cherished American tradition, I hope this message brings a sense of normalcy and peace, even when life feels anything but.
Traditions like these remind us of what is good and enduring, especially in times when it feels like peace is in short supply.
As we reflect on 2024, a year many of us would agree was challenging in countless ways, let’s turn our hopes toward 2025, and hope that a “better way” will mean more the same to each of us than in previous years. After all, what feels good to some may not resonate with others and tends to come with consequences. One thing remains certain, though—when our traditions and foundations are destroyed, we must ask, “What can righteous people do?” We know this coming year will give us the answers.
For my part, I aim to offer encouragement where I can and I will start here but before I do, I’d like to share a bit about my journey over the last few months and invite you to reflect on your own, considering how we all fit into the bigger picture moving forward. I plan to post more details soon, and I’ll also be introducing you to my new venture, the Idaho Ripple Effect (IRE), which I’m eager to tell you more about in this message and future updates.
Many of you know I served as the area coordinator for The John Birch Society for 11 years, after nearly two decades of dedicated involvement. It was my engagement and passion that led to that role, and both the position and the people I met along the way have been incredible blessings in my life. I learned so much, shared what I could, and built lasting relationships that continue to inspire me today.
The last few months have been some of the most challenging of my life. I left JBS in search of higher income, accepting a job in an unrelated field that offered a significant pay increase. Unfortunately, within about ten weeks, I was laid off—a blow that deeply affected me, as I’ve never been without work in my entire life. Navigating unemployment has been eye-opening, to say the least (and should be revealed in an entirely separate blog post.)
At 62, Ironically also reaching the age of retirement, I’ve faced a reality many of us have come to recognize—an increasingly challenging job market shaped by mandates, policies, and regulations that seem to stack the odds against people like many of us. But through these challenges, with the support of my wife, friends like you, and my faith in God, I’ve found the courage to pursue something new.
This new venture, IRE, exists because of those conversations I had with so many of you. You shared your concerns about our country, your communities, and your hopes for the future. many of you even challenged me with a simple but profound question:
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“Tom, why don’t you start something on your own?” Well, here I am—excited, a little nervous, and ready to answer that call.
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The Idaho Ripple Effect is built on the belief that our shared experiences and concerns can become a powerful force for positive change. This effort is still in its infancy, but with your help, I believe it can grow into something truly impactful. I invite you to visit the website, explore, sign up for updates, and join me in this journey and watch us grow.
One part of this isn’t just about sharing news; it’s about understanding what we are reading, understanding the depths of the issues, how they are all connected and driving meaningful action. JBS says that "education without action leads to frustration" and how right they are! I want to create a space where we can come together—whether in our homes or local meeting places, or across the state as I hope to travel and meet and engage with you—to make a real difference. Your voice matters, and the conversations we’ve had in the past remind me that together, we can achieve great things. Understand though, there is far more planned for us that what I have stated here briefly, much more and I hope you will stick around with me and find out all that we have planned to do together. Remember, call, text or email me if you have any questions.
I hope what you’ve read here has sparked your interest. I’m excited to hear from you, to work alongside you, as we work to see Idaho become a beacon of hope to other states and although the mission seems daunting, nothing worthwhile in life is easy. Help me and Let’s make this vision a reality—together.
Talk to you soon,Tom
NOTE: If you know me already or you understand what We hope to do, and wish to offer financial support you may do so on the Donate tab by clicking on the Idaho Ripple Effect website or do so here below:
Online
By mail:
Idaho Ripple Effect
521 10th Ave.
Box 224
Caldwell, ID 83605