In Memoriam: Earl F. Dodge
November 9, 2007 — wickleLongtime president of the Prohibition Party, and 6-time Presidential candidate Earl F. Dodge passed away on Wednesday, 11-7. He was 74 years old.
I had incorrectly stated that Mr. Dodge was not running in 2008 … Thank you to Mr. Dodge’s son, Calvin, for setting me straight and for letting me know that his father had passed away.
Born on Christmas Eve in 1932, Earl Dodge joined the Prohibition Party at the age of 19. He has been active in issues all his life, working with various patriotic groups, his church, pro-life groups, and other temperance organizations.
Whatever one’s opinion of Earl Dodge or his cause, I think the man deserves respect for standing hard and fast for his beliefs.
As I have noted, the Prohibition Party platform is one with which I tend to agree on most issues … though even as a non-drinker Im not sure about prohibition itself.
My condolences and prayers are with the Dodge family in their loss.
November 9, 2007 at 7:43 pm
I appreciate the acknowledge that Earl F Dodge deserves respect, even if one disagrees with his life’s work. He didn’t talk down to those he disagreed with. His way was to try and educate others as to the ills that alcohol causes our society. He knew he’d lose an election. But he wasn’t in it for recognition, money, picking up connections, or other motivations we’ve come to expect from our politicians. He followed his convictions, and he did it with humility and the knowledge that we’re all imperfect beings. He was always more interested in telling someone about his Lord than convincing them of the error of their ways. He loved God, and he loved people. If you’d met him twenty years ago, for a 10 minute meeting, there’s a good chance he’d remember you, and something personal about you. He was special in the lives of many, perhaps because others were always special to him. If you met him and sensed he was interested in you and what you had to say, that’s because he was. Dad was invited many years ago to join our country’s main conservative party. He was told he could go far. But he never considered it, because of his personal commitment to the Prohibitionist cause.
November 9, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Thank you for adding that.
I can’t think of much better to say about a man than that he turned down the opportunity to “go far” because he would have to have given up on a cause he believed in.
“He loved God, and he loved people.” If my sons will say the same about me when I go Home, then I’ll know that my life has been a success in every way that matters.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts.
November 12, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Whatever his detrators may have to say about Earl Dodge none can claim with certainty that without him, his passion for the movement, the Prohibition Party would have existed at all these past fifty years.