Teddy, Moses and Buford

President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” I offer those words of advice to the thousands of credit union officers, directors, employees and advocates who will come to Washington, D.C., for the annual Governmental Affairs Conference Feb. 24–28.

During your time in our nation’s capital, you will have an opportunity to listen to and speak with numerous members of Congress, who will address various sessions of the conference. In addition, many of you will take part in the “Hike the Hill” sessions, where you will sit down with your elected officials to talk about credit unions issues. And there are many.

Aside from what have become perennial subjects such as an increase in the member- business lending cap and the need for supplemental capital, there are other issues to address with your congressional representatives. They include the regulations issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the new mortgage lending rules and, of course, the taxation of credit unions.

When speaking with an elected official, you need to fully explain an issue, the reason for its importance to you and the effects the legislation will have, good or bad, if enacted into law. I encourage you to have a straightforward, understandable and respectful discussion. Quietly discuss the pros and cons, and let them know what would be best for credit unions. That is the “speak softly” side of the story.

Elected officials should also know that you will inform your members—the owners of the credit unions—whether their member of Congress supports, and will vote for, legislation that will benefit their financial institution.
Remember the big stick Moses carried when he parted the Red Sea in the epic movie The Ten Commandments ? How about Sheriff Buford Pusser, who restored law and order in the exciting movie Walking Tall ? He too wielded a big stick.

This is Washington—this is how it’s done. And who better to give advice than the “Rough Rider” himself.

Welcome to our nation’s capital where the size of the stick you carry may mean more than the words you speak.

Michael Fryzel

Michael Fryzel

Michael Fryzel is the former Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration and is now a financial services consultant and government affairs attorney in Chicago. He can be reached at ... Details