The Timeless Truths Award is
presented annually to one individual whose work
and accomplishments best exemplifies the basic
concepts upon which the American republic is
based. These truths are best articulated
in the American founding documents, and
summarized eloquently as the right to
"life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
The Eternal
Vigilance Award is given to individuals or
organizations that best exemplify Thomas
Jefferson’s admonition that the price of freedom
is
“eternal vigilance.”
It is awarded to those
who labor to protect and advance public policies
necessary to maintain our freedom, or
effectively thwart individual and policies that
would erode that freedom. The Eternal Vigilance
Awards may be presented periodically, or in
conjunction with a major PPC event.
The Tammany Toad Award was
named after the infamous New York political
machine that was known as “Tammany Hall." The
name, now synonymous with political hackery and
corruption, alludes to the meeting place of the
old political machine’s hierarchy and cronies.
The Award is presented periodically by the
Public Policy Caucuses in order to draw
attention to public officials who subvert
democratic principles, and whose actions place
partisanship and personal political power ahead
of the best interests of the taxpaying public.
The
humanized Tammany Toad logo, with it bowler hat,
vest, watch chain, cigar and pinky ring, evokes
the image of the “ward heeler” popularized in
the 19th Century cartoons of Thomas Nast. The
toad, itself, refers the negative connotation of
the expression “old toad” as a mild rebuke. The
background imagery of the Award certificate adds
another reference to old style corrupt politics
with the photo image of Hinky Dink McKenna, a
historic Chicago political figure who
personified vice and corruption. McKenna’s
partner in “crime,” Bathhouse John Coughlin is
seated to the right, but cannot be seen since
Tammany Toad is sitting on his face, an graphic
consequence that is all too fitting.
The Tammany Toad image was
created by, in is the intellectual property of,
Thomas and Joyce, Inc. The use of the image and
concept has been granted to various
organizations in the past. It is currently
granted exclusively to the Public Policy
Caucuses, a citizen-based, public interest
advocacy group.
If you have nominations for the Tammany
Toad Award, please send them along. There is not
special nomination process, nor panes of
distinguished judges. If we think you have a
winner, they we be presented the Award, and you
may take public credit or request anonymity for
your submission.
