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Our James Madison: WCS15 as Peg saw it

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(By Peg Brady, ’76 Contributor)  Friday, 26 June – Convening: John Andrews and Bill Armstrong – To stirring cheers, Centennial Institute founder John Andrews welcomed us and proclaimed this year’s Western Conservative Summit theme, “Your Story: Freedom Alive.”  Former state senate president Andrews declared, “.America’s future depends on your individual choices. Here we the people govern.”

Editor: Peg Brady has become the unofficial scribe of WCS, contributing her voluminous notes of Summit proceedings every year since we started in 2010.  What Madison’s notes were to the Constitutional Convention, Brady’s notes are to these annual rallies on the right, six years and counting.

As Colorado Christian University president, Bill Armstrong affirmed our shared dedication to our beloved nation’s great future.   He reminded us that “governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Summit 2015 is dedicated to heightening our awareness that America is “a nation richly blessed.” Mr. Andrews added that “sacrifices may be required of us to maintain our precious freedoms.”

Following a rousing Pledge of Allegiance by our 4000 voices, CCU’s Legacy Quartet stirred our souls with their sincere and moving voices as they sang our national anthem. Then cowboy-poet Michael Martin Murphy opined on what judges should be, strengthened with his hearty song “My Country Under God.” Several times during the Summit, the Legacy Quartet raised their rich harmonies in prayerful song. Both Friday and Saturday evenings MMM roused us with his patriotic passion, and on Saturday evening the Colorado Children’s Chorus brought us cheering song. Throughout the Summit, CCU’s 1776 Scholars introduced program speakers and other honored guests. After each presidential candidate addressed the Summiteers, syndicated columnist Byron York asked the candidate’s views on specific current issues, such as Obamacare, tax reform and immigration.

“Why I Chose America,” Rafael Cruz

“I am so blessed, and so proud,” began Ted Cruz’s father. He recalled that, as Castro gained power, the dictator-to-be promoted hatred between groups, quashed free speech, reduced citizens to government-dependency and attacked people of faith. He escaped to America, achieved an engineering degree, founded a business and raised a fine family. To his son, now Texas Senator Ted Cruz, he often repeated, “If we lose our freedom here, there is nowhere to go.”

 

Growing up, the boy Ted learned the Founders’ great thoughts, embodied in our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, so thoroughly and passionately that he gave lectures while yet in high school and later won debates while at Harvard.

 

Mr. Cruz and his illustrious son believe that truth draws people together and that people crave truth. He advised voters to choose not only by listening to candidates’ words but especially by their actions. “By their fruits you shall know them.” [Matthew 7:16]

 

That criterion applies to all individuals. At the edge of a precipice, Mr. Cruz warned, “if we lose this fight, there will be no future for America.” We need to dedicate ourselves to being honorable citizens and industrious workers. Hard work and perseverance are the path to the American Dream, not government largesse. “The establishment in Washington, in both parties, is rotten to the core.”

 

To guide us, we need a government that upholds our Constitution and promotes free-market economic growth.

He urged people to be “biblically correct, not politically correct.” America must once again unleash our quashed entrepreneurial power by reducing taxes, eliminating unnecessary regulations and limiting government to its Constitutional powers only. To restore peace in the Middle East, ISIS and other radical purveyors of violence must be destroyed.

 

So eloquently and sincerely did he proclaim his love of America while he extolled Ted’s honor and courage, many Summit-goers opined that Rafael himself would be a fine President.

 

“Calling All Patriots,” Jenny Beth Martin

Co-founder and national coordinator of the Tea Party Patriots, Jenny Beth Martin was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential Leaders in 2010. As in her previous Summit appearances, she invigorated her listeners with the assurance that we need not be disheartened. She reminded Summit-goers of the many recent victories that Conservatives have achieved at state and federal levels. “The Tea Party agenda is the winning agenda.” The keystone of that winning agenda is limited government, achieved through a balanced budget and reduced taxes.

 

Every day we can make a difference. Despite “a truckload of bad Supreme Court decisions,” our country is stronger than any misguided statist agenda. Because in Washington, “the pressure to do the wrong thing is immense,” we need to help legislators at all levels see that doing the right thing is good for them – including even those whose self-serving goal is re-election. As Milton Friedman instructed, we need to make it “politically profitable for them to do the right thing.”

 

Our message to all our governments must be their duty to promote “personal freedom, economic freedom and a debt-free future.” To guide those in power, we need to speak truth. Then “evil will not triumph.”

 

“How I Would Lead,” Rick Santorum

Former senator for Pennsylvania, Rick Santorum has authored four books, launched the Conservative non-profit “Patriot Voices” and recently announced his presidential candidacy. Mr. Santorum too has enthralled previous Summiteers and his presence again inspired.

 

“This is our country,” he began. “Our country does not belong to the Supreme Court, or Congress or the president.” To take back control, we the people must set to work. We need to stand strong as moral people, living morally good lives. More, we must communicate our message.

 

Mr. Santorum’s message emphasizes a fair or flat tax, ending illegal immigration, promoting families, upholding principles, and correcting America’s military weakness. Of immediate importance is defeating all those, such as ISIS, who seek our destruction; to do so we must first acknowledge that they have established themselves as America’s enemies.

 

Among the many candidates for office at any level, we must carefully choose those who will in fact advance Conservative values. Many speeches incorporate our touchstone principles, but too often the speakers do not follow their promises. We need to think beyond their words and judge them by their actions.

Saturday, 27 June

 

Jubilant, eager Conservatives cheered John Andrews’ announcement that last night the Summit achieved national and worldwide coverage. America and the world heard our good news of caring, principled policies to renew our great nation. Mr. Andrews recited Psalms 144:15, “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord” and reminded us that the word happy there is not superficial giddiness but rather faith’s deep, abiding contentment.

 

“Faith, Family and Freedom Indivisible,” Tony Perkins

Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council, served four terms as a Louisiana state representative. He is a Marine Corps veteran and former police officer.

 

Introducing his theme, Mr. Perkins acknowledged our many internal and external enemies. America’s own Supreme Court this week “unleashed chaos.” Further, he cited Will Rogers’ comment, “Even on the right track, if you sit still you will be run over.” We ourselves are sometimes our own enemy, lacking motivation or faltering in our commitment to our principles

Mr. Perkins noted that it is no accident that religious freedom is included in the very first Constitutional amendment, for it is the essential basis for all our rights. Nor can the Constitution be re-interpreted to suit each contemporary fad. The Left’s claim that we must adjust to “the right side of history” is false. Instead, we must strive for truth and uphold the Framers’ intent. To illustrate the wrong-headedness of faddish judicial rulings, Mr. Perkins cited the 1857 Supreme Court ruling, in Dred Scott vs. Sandford, that Negroes could not be citizens and had no legal standing. Surely the Left would not celebrate that decision!

 

From Cicero through Blackstone, a fundamental premise of good law is that it must conform to “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.” Law that contradicts that criterion is no law at all.

 

Thus, we have “no option to remain quiet.” Instead, we Conservatives must stand for right – but civilly. We should refuse to be run over.

 

“Decline of the Mainstream Media,” panel of Nick Adams, Ashley Dobson, Ben Harris-Quinney, Raheem Kassam, Warren Smith, and moderator Hugh Hewitt

 

Australian author, political commentator and Centennial Institute fellow Nick Adams returned to the Summit to again urge Americans to preserve our precious heritage of freedom. For a start, we should abandon political correctness. “Why be PC when you can be right?” He opined that America’s mainstream media constitute an “oppressive discriminatory agency” and that “truth is the casualty.” He blames mainstream media for the widespread hate, distrust and disdain of America. Yet, the left-leaning media distort truth, preferring emotional content and selectively slanting data. To gain their end, he believes, “the Left always chooses the profane over the profound.”

 

Ashley Dobson edits RedAlertPolitics.com. This lively native Texan believes that the new media are especially effective for communicating with young people. Few Americans trust the mainstream media. Because electronic media distribute messages among friends, those messages garner far more trust. Visual images convey messages more effectively than words, moreover; as an example she cited the Left’s viral image of raising the rainbow flag after the Supreme Court’s ruling that legitimated same-sex marriage.

 

Ben Harris-Quinney, an often outspoken UK political strategist, quipped that Americans might soon be reciting a Pledge of Allegiance to the Rainbow. More seriously, he acknowledged that “a few hundred people control the political debate” in America, as well as in Great Britain. Until we win this culture war, our goal should be to become the mainstream media – and then retain that prominence.

 

British political strategist and internet commentator Raheem Kassam averred that Europe’s media are even more left-leaning than ours – about 10 years further along that path. To combat that trend here, “we need strong cultural warriors.” As an example, we 4000 gathered at the Western Conservative Summit – “western” as in Western Civilization – have the opportunity to revitalize the most economically productive and politically free culture the world has ever known.

 

Warren Smith, radio host and World News Group executive, held that more Americans trust Conservative media rather than the mainstream networks. To convey our messages most effectively, he urges greater use of storytelling, a technique that the Left widely and successfully employs. That way, we would become “the signal amid the noise.” Also we should strive to gain attention for our message through holding news-worthy events like the Summit. Finally, we must stop funding the Left’s media.

 

Keeping freedom alive requires that we learn and adapt the Left’s skillful communication techniques, but apply them for truth, intoned Hugh Hewitt, Chapman University law professor and distinguished author.

 

“Liberalism Hurts the Poor” Richard Fowler and Kevin Jackson

 

Host of a nationally syndicated liberal talk show, Richard Fowler claimed genuine improvements since the Great Society’s inception. Higher wages are still needed, though, he believes, not mentioning that higher wages would cause higher prices but would benefit governments by engendering more tax revenue. The goal is greater government involvement in people’s lives, he proposes, because “government is the solution.”

 

Kevin Jackson, author and radio host, declared that the Left cannot show reliable data of any such improvement; assertions do not constitute evidence. Indeed, the Left’s “wack-ademia experts” too often rely on selected or skewed data, even outright falsehood, to advance their statist agenda.

 

“How I Would Lead,” Mike Huckabee

Enthusiastic Summit-goers again welcomed author, Fox News host and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, who has announced his presidential candidacy.

 

The administration’s so-called economic recovery is a sham, Mike Huckabee began. Most people’s economic well-being has stagnated or even deteriorated. Sixty thousand manufacturing plants have closed. The administration fosters one-sided trade agreements that benefit Leftist cronies, not average Americans, and the partner countries do not enforce the same regulations that stifle American businesses. Moreover, Obama’s trade agreements deliver power to our competitors, even our enemies. “Those who feed us own us. Who builds our weapons controls us.” We need to return manufacturing and food production to America.

 

To Obama’s assertion that global warming is our worst danger, Mr. Huckabee answers a resounding, “No!” He wants to reverse the administration’s energy policy, which benefits cronies and foreign governments but harms America’s economy. Instead, we should extract enough fuel to power our economy and even export overseas. Not only would our economy flourish, but that policy of energy independence would utterly disrupt our enemies. Cheap fuel would reduce businesses’ operating costs and accomplish an effective pay increase for American families.

 

Tax policies should reward – not punish — productivity, savings and investment. A fair or flat tax would enable businesses and individuals to prosper and would end the IRS’ corrupt and intrusive control over our lives. The Rule of Law would again prevail.

 

Mr. Huckabee quickly summarized his position on numerous other important issues. So long as our economic and social policies reward irresponsibility, we will foster ever more irresponsibility. Similarly, our weak and fluctuating foreign policy, which encourages our enemies and dismays our allies, must end. He lamented the Supreme Court’s judicial activism, saying that “the Court cannot make law.” Legislators can restore the Constitutional three-part balance of power by refusing to enact legislation to support or fund unconstitutional “judicial tyranny.” He also pointed out that in 2008 Obama declared that marriage applied only to the legal bond between a man and woman; it is not uncommon, though, for Obama to make false statements. On immigration, Mr. Huckabee wants to welcome only those who love our nation and wish to become productive, assimilated residents.

 

.“How I Would Lead” Carly Fiorina

Carly Fiorina, the first woman to lead a top 20 US company as CEO of Hewlett-Packard, has announced readiness to take on the responsibility and honor of becoming our president. She introduced herself by quoting Justice Scalia’s statement, “Principles are most important when they are most difficult to uphold.”

 

As an experienced, successful executive, Mrs. Fiorina declared her belief that ‘you can solve any problem by unlocking people’s potential. Every individual has the right to fulfill his or her potential.” The people, she affirmed, “are smarter than liberals imply and should make the decisions that affect them.” The best policies lift people up. Instead, so-called progressive policies quash people’s potential and erode their rights.

 

Mrs. Fiorina enumerated policies that she would immediately reverse, especially those that unnecessarily hamper energy development. She would reassert our commitment to our allies and only support an agreement that did ends Iranian nuclear enrichment with thorough monitoring and instantaneous consequences for violation. While head of HP she ensured that all individuals received like benefits, but she also believes that the Supreme Court was mistaken in their decision to legalize same-sex marriage because decisions on social issues should be made at the local or state level, not by federal fiat.

 

Moreover, government agencies are overly expensive and alarmingly inept. Too many bureaucrats do not effectively perform their assigned function but instead seek only to enhance their own position at our expense. She strongly disavowed crony capitalism, which benefits the connected and powerful. She would massively trim the thousands of pages detailing tax law and reduce the IRS’ power; the optimum solution would be eliminating the IRS entirely. Similarly, she would cancel non-productive regulations so that entrepreneurship can again flourish and thus create real-world jobs; government jobs do not promote genuine economic growth, only making even more Americans dependent on the government.

 

National defense is crucial, along with upholding our commitments to our allies. “My first act in the Oval Office would be to telephone Bibi Netanyahu and assure him that America stands with Israel. Then I would call Iran’s Ayatolla Ali Khameini; he won’t answer but he already knows what I intend to tell him. I won’t bother calling Putin, because he too knows what I would tell him.”

 

“America needs realistic policies that uphold our national interest. Lady Liberty squarely faces the world and holds her torch high.”

 

“How I Would Lead,” Rick Perry

Nick Adams introduced Texas governor by asking, “Do you want America to be like California or like Texas?”

 

Mr. Perry was again greeted by enthusiastic Summiteers. With his usual directness, he affirmed his commitment to the Bill of Rights, especially calling on this administration to respect the 10th Amendment. All functions not expressly delegated to Congress belong to the states. “States are the laboratories of democracy,” opined Justice Louis Brandeis.   Rather than the federal government’s one-size-fits-all dictates across America, respecting the role of states empowers innovation and keeps decisions local.

 

He cited his record in Texas, creating 1.5 million jobs between 2007 and 2014 while much of the economy stagnated. He lowered taxes and improved school accountability. “We don’t do squishy in Texas.”

 

Statists pit businesses and the people against their agenda, and they will do anything to achieve their ends, however unpopular or unconstitutional. The president’s only functions are enumerated in the Preamble to our Constitution; none of Obama’s agenda is on the list.

 

“We cannot stand aside” while murderous chaos threatens our allies. “Our allies’ enemies are the enemies of America. They must learn that, if they cross that red line, there will be hell to pay.”   With a strong foreign policy once again, we can form partnerships to end the Middle Eastern tumult that ISIS promulgates. To begin reversing that mayhem requires only decisiveness. On that topic, Mr. Perry added that he recognizes the difficulty of balancing a strong defense with the need to cut government spending; toward that end he would seek input from knowledgeable advisors who both respect taxpayers and love America.

 

Moreover, we need a North American energy policy that encourages development of all energy sources; by so doing, we would increase our energy independence, lower energy costs, reduce the flow of cash to aggressor nations, and correct undue subsidies that fund the elite’s cronies. Lowering taxes would genuinely stimulate economic growth. Securing our borders from illegal immigration and from penetration by those who seek our ruin would then enable us to develop and enforce a wise immigration policy that encourages sensible numbers of arrivals with appropriate skills, readily adjustable as economic needs indicate.

 

Of special importance in 2016 is the probability that the next president will appoint as many as three Supreme Court justices. We need a president who will choose Constitution-respectful judges. Our president and legislators must be truly committed to upholding our Constitution, as they swear to do. “With a legislature and president who respect our Constitution, our best days lie ahead.”

 

 

“Opening the Conservative Heart,” Arthur Brooks

“Only a free-market economy really reduces poverty,” proclaimed American Enterprise Institute president Arthur Brooks. Returning to the Summit, this nationally honored author stated further that a free-market economy alone engenders personal freedom.

 

By contrast, our current administration promotes pessimism, instills a victim mentality and triggers divisiveness. To deal realistically with contemporary issues, we must first determine those concerns that are genuine, not merely agenda. Facing true problems realistically is best achieved in an economic environment that encourages innovative, practical solutions. Then, unlike false statist “solutions” such as Johnson’s Great Society, America can accomplish real successes, thereby nurturing individual and national self-esteem and optimism.

 

Mr. Brooks urged us to recognize our successes rather than dwelling on our shortcomings. And we need to spread our message of genuine hope. He suggested a three-part program to regain Americans’ emotional buoyancy.

–   First, we should proclaim our positive achievements and plans. Conservatives are not merely opposed to the Left’s agenda; we have free-market solutions that will effectively address issues. Leftists pose as caring, while actually seeking to enlarge government control, but we genuinely yearn to improve Americans’ happiness through freedom and prosperity.

–   Next, we should broadcast our fundamental belief that all people truly matter. Leftists demote people to dependents, whereas we seek to raise everyone up. Effort and investment, without undue governmental hindrance, yield flourishing businesses, high employment and widespread prosperity. A person who fulfills his or her potential is truly happy.

–   Third, we must reach out to those people – by far most people — who want to work, not whine. Leftists, in their craving for control, induce a sense of victimization. Not only does that promote divisiveness, it also lowers people’s morale. “Even whiners don’t like feeling victimized.” But we should not criticize under-achievers. Instead, we need to encourage all to be their very best. That is the upward path to happiness.

 

In closing, Mr. Brooks advised us, as we evaluate the candidates, to choose those who most promote gladness — not those who sell false promises but those who speak truth.

 

“Roadmap to Replace Obamacare,” John Goodman, Philip Klein and moderator Dr. Jill Vecchio

 

John Goodman, an Independent Institute senior fellow, is a nationally recognized health-policy expert. Wall Street Journal named him “the father of health savings accounts” for his visionary enthusiasm. He urged designing and implementing an effective alternative to Obamacare that actually meets Americans’ needs. The government should not dictate the type of insurance and health treatments one receives.

 

One simple-to-implement correction that Mr. Goodman recommended is allowing insurors to sell policies across state lines, adjusting premiums accordingly as needed. Especially crucial would be equal treatment in the IRS’s Obamacare-enforcement, regardless of the source of one’s insurance. He believes that tax credits, rather than subsidized premiums, would better serve low-income families and America’s taxpayers; taxpayer-subsidized premiums mostly help insurors.

 

The Washington Examiner’s managing editor Philip Klein knows the Beltway’s foibles. Mr. Klein is convinced that Obamacare is unconstitutional, not within the legislature’s enumerated powers. He stated that America must quickly find an effective, actually affordable alternative to Obamacare, based on free-market principles. That alternative should lower costs and improve outcomes. If there is a genuine need for health-care assistance, he recommended catastrophic coverage, not coverage for all medical conditions.

 

Unlike the administration’s promises, Obamacare vastly increased the national debt and made health care less available and far more costly. Leftists, he believes, don’t care if Obamacare fails, because their long-term goal is “single payer” nationalized health care, which would give the statists control over a huge component of our economy. Meanwhile, they will blame the soaring costs on capitalism, giving them their excuse to nationalize.

 

Mr. Klein explained that, because of excessive regulation, prospective policy buyers find little difference among insurors’ offerings, leaving little incentive to “shop around” and reducing competition. Moreover, costs are unclear, making it even more difficult for buyers to make informed choices. Weakening people’s ability for self-determination may be a desired side-effect of this pressure for nationalization. Sadly, Obamacare has already become so ingrained that sudden repeal may too severely disrupt the industry and individuals’ lives; nonetheless it must be deeply and thoroughly revised, replaced with a free-market solution.

 

Dr. Jill Vecchio, radiologist and recognized expert on health-care reform, has lectured widely on health care to state public policy networks, university think tanks, congressional staffs, political organizations, and professional groups.  Dr. Vecchio’s guest editorials are published by the Heritage Foundation and Colorado’s Independence Institute.

 

“How I Would Lead,” Dr. Ben Carson

Winner of the 2015 Summit presidential straw poll (then not an announced candidate), Dr. Ben Carson has now joined the 2016 presidential race. He was director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital and has become a prominent Conservative voice, author and recipient in 2008 of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Dr. Carson cited the pundits’ assertion that an outsider could not become a respected candidate. “But the pundits forgot the people!” Americans want candidates whom they can trust, not members of the Beltway elite. As proof, his candidacy receives its funding from thousands of small-donor Americans, so he is free from the entanglements incurred when a candidate must pursue campaign contributions.

 

Those thousands of donors are demonstrating that Americans want to regain control of their government. “It is time for people to take back our government,” he agreed. “And I can help precisely because I am not a professional politician.” Rather, he too wants to end the tyranny. A first step is to restore the Constitution’s balance among the three branches of government.

 

“We have real enemies. We are not one another’s enemy. The purveyors of divisiveness only increase internal weakness and aid our external enemies.” There are far better ways to address our internal problems and issues, non-hateful ways. For instance, our Constitution protects the rights of gays just as it does everyone’s rights – but not more.

 

The Framers envisioned a citizen-controlled government, representing our views; our government is not entitled to bully Americans into complying with a partisan agenda. Unpopular and economically destructive Obamacare is just such an agenda and should be replaced. Dr. Carson, thoroughly familiar with both the human and corporate costs imposed by Obamacare, believes that health savings accounts would be a wise alternative. An individual can choose how to spend his or her health-care dollars, even contribute to paying a family member’s expenses. Obamacare, like many of the administration’s programs, promotes dependency; HSAs encourage self-reliance, responsibility and informed decision-making. Everyone benefits.

 

Immigration is another issue that the administration uses to increase divisiveness – and hence weaken America. We should seal the borders from illegal immigration and prevent arrival of those who intend to do harm   It is any sovereign nation’s privilege and duty to defend itself and to choose the people whom it welcomes.

 

Moreover, this administration weakens America, at home and abroad, through the monstrous debt it has incurred. Worse, the acknowledged $18.3 trillion debt does not include unfunded obligations; the total exceeds $200 trillion – an unsustainable amount. That staggering debt can, however, be reversed by reducing individual and corporate taxes, which would genuinely stimulate our economy. With less regulation, a fair or flat tax, and massive cuts in excessive government staffing, our economy would again soar.

 

As to our external enemies, Dr. Carson called for courage, standing up to bullies. Some can be undercut with substantive, extensive sanctions. Those like ISIS who practice violence must be destroyed. Furthermore, America should stop funding the world through foreign aid. Instead, Dr. Carson advises that American corporations, strengthened by lower taxes, can invest in projects at home and overseas that will increase employment here and abroad. While that approach benefits American corporations and American workers, it also promotes global employment. In addition, when people in other lands can then find productive jobs at home, they would create less pressure for immigration.

 

Closing this segment of tonight’s Summit, John Andrews described Dr. Carson’s words as “Rx for brain-damaged Americans.”

 

“Government Over-reach,” Louie Gohmert

Louis Gohmert, new US Representative for eastern Texas, has already gained national notoriety for standing firm against establishment politics-as-usual.

 

He did so again this evening. “Judges must not legislate from the bench, as they have this week. It is ominous when the decision of fivc unelected Supreme Court judges violates the law. The Supreme Court ruling is tragic for the turmoil it will engender for America. Our Constitution gives Congress and the federal courts no authority over marriage.”

 

Mr. Gohmert stated that the Washington elite have mastered the appearance of sincerity to disguise their “illegal stuff” with no regard for the Constitution that they all swore to uphold. Most government agencies spend taxpayers’ money on programs that steal our freedom. He declared the dire need for “a president who will clean house” and urged us to demand the drastic overhaul of government. That cleansing will require hard work. “You can’t just lean on the shovel and pray for a hole.”

 

Florida congressman Dr. Ted Yoho joined Mr. Gohmert for the finest comedy routine ever enjoyed by Summiteers. But while we laughed delightedly, we also learned example after example of government over-reach. It must end.

 

“How I Would Lead,” Scott Walker

Not yet a declared presidential candidate, Scott Walker is Wisconsin’s governor, the only governor in American history to win a gubernatorial recall election. He became nationally honored by Conservatives when he successfully restructured Wisconsin’s unsustainable relationship with its powerful unions.

Mr. Walker proclaimed his commitment to defending our precious Constitution, which the Framers intended would be our daily defense against tyranny. When the British government tried to dominate brave American colonists, in violation of their rights as Englishmen, they stood firm and returned power to the people. American colonial patriots faced real danger, risking their lives for freedom. “They were people of true courage, dedicated to a better future. Continuing that tradition of American exceptionalism is our duty.”

 

His record as Wisconsin’s governor demonstrates his commitment to standing strong against power-wielding special interests. The result: low-performance teachers can be dismissed and children’s test scores have climbed. Wisconsin high-schoolers achieved the second highest ACT scores in the nation. “Education lifts people from poverty, not artificially inflated wages. That and hard work are how people achieve the real American dream.” He cut undue regulations, limited frivolous lawsuits and ensured right-to-work. Wisconsin voters must show photo-ID. Economic growth and personal freedom require that we “get government out of the way.”

 

As to ISIS and our other external enemies, “we must take the fight to them before they again bring the fight to us.” It is imperative that our allies, especially Israel, know that they can count on our support. At home, repealing and replacing Obamacare is a top priority. The new president should appoint judicial “originalists” – judges and justices who respect the original intent of the Constitution’s Framers; their letters and publications clearly document their intent.

 

“We can defeat the Left’s creeping destruction. People crave freedom — and good candidates whose accomplishment demonstrate their values and their integrity.”

 

Sunday, 28 June

 

“Summit Interfaith Chapel: Scoring in the Red Zone,” Spencer Tillman

As a former NFL star running back, Spencer Tillman knows how coaches stir enthusiasm, but he is also an erudite and articulate spokesman for liberty.

 

Mr. Tillman understands pressure. Thus he recognizes the difficulty faced by principled leaders in Washington, trying to uphold Constitutional government in the face of Beltway elitists who seek to undermine our freedoms. Like an NFL player in the “red zone,” not only must a leader under pressure act decisively, choosing an effective course of action and carrying it through, but he or she may have very little time for deliberation.

 

Those same criteria apply to all patriots as well. We must be ready at all times to evaluate a situation, identify the most appropriate action, and move ahead quickly. He detailed the tasks, using the word vector as a mnemonic.

– Values define our goals.

– Energy inspires us to proceed.

– Courage is needed to face the issue, sometime even just to identify the problem.

– Talent and training enable us to grapple with challenges.

– Organization allows us to act effectively.

– Resources support us as we act.

 

The famous tale of Rip Van Winkle illustrates a risk that Conservatives must recognize and overcome. Being conservative, we tend to delay. “Beware not to sleep too long.”

 

“Gun Control Endangers Us All,” Mark Levine, Katie Pavlich and moderator John Andrews

Mark Levine (not to be confused with Conservative author Mark Levin) hosts a daily radio show and has worked for Massachusetts congressman Barney Frank. He opined that Conservatives and Leftists share the same goal, just different means. People with guns in their homes are more likely to injure or kill themselves, and children are especially vulnerable. Too many weapon-owners lack sufficient training, and online or gun-show purchases enable people to acquire guns too easily. In public places, when an incident occurs, arriving law-enforcement may not be able to distinguish a civilian with a drawn weapon from the perpetrator.

 

Online Townhall news editor, author and radio program host Katie Pavlich won national acclaim for her coverage of the “Fast and Furious” scandal. She maintained that the Second Amendment “keeps Americans safe.” Acknowledging that firearms require training and respect, she believes that history documents the necessity for an armed populace. “All but two of America’s mass shootings occurred in gun-free zones.” Criminals don’t obey the gun-control laws anyway and prefer to attack where they expect no resistance.   People purchasing firearms should be fully trained, and educating children about guns is vital. But statistics on gun deaths can be misleading; most are suicides or deaths among criminals. Miss Pavlich cited a Harvard study establishing that gun-control laws do not reduce the death count and certainly does not lower crime rates.

 

“Can the Left Subvert Elections?” John Fund

National Review columnist and author John Fund summarized his workshop presentation on voter fraud [please see that material below, so that this précis can be brief]. “Yes, voter fraud occurs and it matters,” he proclaimed, citing Al Franken’s election as an example.

 

That famous trainer of “community organizers” Saul Alinsky detailed ways by which elections could be skewed. It is noteworthy that Hillary Clinton studied and wrote a thesis on his methods. Similarly, Barak Obama joined Alinsky’s organization and in time became ACORN’s attorney in cases alleging corruption and election fraud. While president, Bill Clinton weakened voter registration requirements; dead voters cannot be deleted from rolls for years, for example. Those and more recent rules have created election chaos, causing such unreliable outcomes that many principled voters have become frustrated and detached. That is part of Alinsky’s plan.

 

Now, with Obama as president (funded by Soros’ millions), the Justice Department no longer protects elections. Instead, there are reports of outright voter intimidation.   And Mrs. Clinton as candidate is calling for even less control over registration and voting. She proposes, for instance, that ex-felons be given voter privileges, re-labeling them “returning citizens.” Additionally, Mrs. Clinton campaigns for an extended voting period, automatic registration and similar loosened control – all leading to yet higher likelihood of voter fraud.

 

Studies reveal that 6% of non-citizens voted in the last presidential election. A profound cleanup is needed. One simple help would be to install (or even just to simulate) store-like security. An important component is informing the public of the real danger of corrupted elections – both the probability and the dire effects. “It is our duty as citizens to protect the election process. It is also our necessity.”

 

“Conservative Call to Action,” Dick Morris

Formerly active on the Clinton team before he recognized the Conservative values, author and political advisor Dick Morris now hosts cable and radio programs and authors New York Post and The Hill columns.

 

“If Hillary Clinton is elected, I’m moving to Canada,” he began. And as the Clintons’ former campaign advisor, he truly knows them. To expose Mrs. Clinton flaws we should emphasize authenticity over opportunism. We need to demonstrate that people cannot rely on her promises. A crucial mistake in the Romney campaign was his gentlemanly forbearance. Instead our candidates must promptly refute and debunk “cheap shots” aimed at impugning us. And, of course, we must choose candidates with demonstrable patriotism, good judgment and integrity.

 

Democrats, he believes, vote for largesse, not for principles. So the main issues we need to answer are jobs and the economy. “Don’t play the Democrats’ game on immigration,” he warned, advising that it is a smokescreen. Regardless of party, all Americans want improvement in education and less crime. Improving education will require us to stand firm in the face of union bullying. The path to better education is school choice for parents and local control through local school boards. More student loans will not resolve the problem of student debt, jobs will. So too will strengthening access and accreditation for online and for-profit colleges. And, with better jobs, students could more readily repay their student loans – and that money, now $80 million, could be used to reduce Obamacare costs.

 

Mr. Morris expects that Republicans will retain their Senate majority. Here in Colorado it is essential to defeat Michael Bennet. Conservative control of both Houses and the presidency would enable America once again to shine her beacon of liberty and strength throughout the world.

Farewell for Now, Bill Armstong

Bill Armstong, former US Senator and now President of Colorado Christian University, reviewed some of the university’s achievements, prominent among them an A-rating for academic excellence. He reviewed the school mission of preparing young people for fulfilling lives with high moral character and active, informed citizenship. Citing the Parable of the Talents, he reminded us all that we must be unafraid to use our gifts for betterment, borne up by faith; then one day we too may be welcomed with, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

 

Adjourning: John Andrews

Concluding this year’s splendid Summit, Mr. Andrews announced the results of the “straw poll” documenting attendees’ 2016 presidential preferences. Once again, Summit attendees chose Dr. Ben Carson, followed by Carly Fiorina, Scott Walker. Ted Cruz and others. The full results can be viewed on the Centennial Institute website (ccu.edu/centennial). Video and audio recordings of the entire Summit can be purchased, as well.

 

This year’s Western Conservative Summit hosted more than 4000 joy-filled Summiteers from 40 states. “It’s like a family reunion,” proclaimed one Summit-goer. Beyond that, media coverage reached across the globe, London to Tokyo. Spreading our message of hope is essential. And we must all do our part, inspiring others.

 

Western Conservative Summit, the Rally on the Right, convenes again on 8 July 2016. I can hardly wait.

 

 

LET FREEDOM RING!

Peg Brady, Centennial, Colorado

 

 

 

 

2015 WESTERN CONSERVATIVE SUMMIT WORKSHOPS

 

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Citizen Action Workshops

Of great value during WCS 2015, 31 Citizen Action Workshops empowered and informed us. These learning sessions were scheduled on Friday afternoon before the Summit convened and on Saturday afternoon. Choosing among them was most difficult. Below are descriptive summaries of all the workshops, with more detailed explanations of those that I could attend. In all cases, you can explore these presenters and organizations on their websites.

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“Best Practices for Effective Organizing,” local and state coordinators, Tea Party Patriots

The Tea Party is the most important new political force of this decade, and Tea Party Patriots is its leading voice. Learn organizational techniques from Tea Party Patriots veterans.

 

“Build and Sustain a Grassroots Machine,” Matt Batzel, American Majority

Permanent issue battles call for developing a permanent presence by our side, with volunteers and coalitions, and for monitoring our elected officials. Here’s how to do it.

 

 

“Can People of Faith Regain a Place and Voice in the Public Square?” pollster Dee Alsop, Maclellan Foundation (maclellan.net)

With surveys showing that many Americans view religious people as “part of the problem,” a new approach is needed. Mr. Alsop reviewed surveys and studies on Americans’ attitudes about religion and then expounded clues for effective communication in light of those findings.

 

  1. Arthur Thomson believed, “The most powerful factors in the world are clear ideas in the minds of energetic people of goodwill.” Yet many people withdraw from debate on issues because we expect to be ridiculed or even abused as “bigots.” That the government has become a coercive arbiter of viewpoints severely exacerbates the problem of openly exchanging ideas. Fear of retaliation by the IRS and other powerful agencies increases the pressure for remaining silent.

 

At least among the general public (neither politicians nor media), our fears are largely unfounded. Americans highly value freedom of speech and freedom of religion; they believed that these freedoms should be openly exercised and vigorously defended. Unfortunately, half of those interviewed believed that those freedoms already ARE adequately protected, and they distrust any effort to change.

 

True, some Americans may view people who are overtly religions as extreme, but normal non-aggressive presentation of a faith-based position on an issue rarely triggers such a response. Sadly, one factor that tends to increase public wariness about faith-based opinions is the media’s propensity for labeling and for highlighting any behavior they want to quash. Too infrequently are good works reported – adoption services, schools and hospitals, for example — and we hold back from “tooting our own horn.”

 

A recent difficulty is that Americans, especially young people, increasingly question moral absolutes. Many have been taught to equate morality with bigotry; instead, morality is doing that which is right. Moreover, Americans have wearied of extremists dominating issue discussion; they want a return to a gentler middle-ground.

 

What can be done? Mr. Alsop advocates getting publicity for your views, but stated lovingly. Sixty-three percent of those interviewed reported that a communication style had more impact than the message’s content. They respect kindness and sincerity and openness to respectful discussion. As an example he cited saying, “I thought and struggled about this for quite a while. I try to do what’s right and I think that I do. But I would like to hear your views, too.” He further recommended discussing sensitive topics with a single individual or two, not with larger groups; individuals in groups communicate differently than they do one-on-one, and also communicate differently in the presence of a person in authority. Still, if the individual’s mind is closed to discussion, trying may be futile.

 

In any discussion, it is wise to seek shared principles, common ground. For example, nearly everyone acknowledges the Golden Rule. To proceed, it helps to ask for the other person’s views, truly listening (not planning a rebuttal) and showing readiness to respect those views.

 

“Confronting the Ugly Underside of Washington DC,” Bill Pascoe, Tea Party Patriots

Why don’t politicians vote the way they promised to do during their campaigns? Why do legislators of both major parties ignore us?

 

 

“ Conservative Compassion for the Homeless,” Peter Droege. Step 13

Denver’s nationally-acclaimed model, Step 13, founded by the late Bob Cote, successfully turns around the lives of substance abusers. Learn how Step 13 works and how it is moving ahead.

 

“Discover the Power of Telephone Town Hall Meetings,” Curt Cerveney and Patrick Davis

Go beyond the rote recorded robocall for national talk-radio-style dialogue with policy leaders and elected officials.

 

“Effectively Using Social Media,” Matt Frate, Tea Party Patriots

Twitter and Facebook can be a force multiplier or a time sink. Learn how to use your phone to win political battles.

 

“Energize Your Church for Civic Engagement,” Dran Reese, Salt and Light Council

Why are the people with whom I worship uninterested or uninvolved politically? Learn answers and a proven action plan.

 

“How to Deal with the Media,” Diana Banister, Tea Party Patriots

Reporters, editors and broadcasters aren’t automatically your adversary or your ally. Learn proven techniques for building useful relationships with them.

 

“How to Defend Your Gun Rights,” Jacob Leis, National Association for Gun Rights

Radical anti-gun policy is on its way. Learn what to expect, what to do about it and how to avoid the Left’s traps.

 

“How to Hold Your Legislators Accountable,” Rich Bratten, Principles of Liberty

Every week while Colorado’s General Assembly is in session, the Principles of Liberty team evaluates each new bill in the context of whether it promotes or quashes nine crucial principles.

 

Individual Liberty: Individuals have an unalienable right to act in their own interest with complete control over themselves so long as their actions do not infringe upon the liberty or property rights of others. Individual liberty allows us to make wise decisions or foolish decisions, to succeed or to fail.

Personal Responsibility: Individuals who are free to determine their own course of action have the responsibility for the consequences that ensue. When any entity intercedes to ameliorate the consequences of individual actions, that entity steals the essence of liberty and replaces it with tyranny, however benevolent the intent.

Property Rights: Production comes from an individual’s mind and effort and is unique as that person. As such, production and property acquired through subsequent voluntary transactions between parties are the sole dominion of their creator. That creator has the right to maintain ownership control and to determine the use and disposition of his/her property so long as it does not infringe on the liberty or property rights of others.

Free Market: Free markets spring from property rights and liberty. Political and economic freedom are inextricably intertwined. In a free market, one may exercise the liberty to use and dispose of property in the manner determined by its owner in his/her best interest. Government’s role is to defend and preserve property rights and to uphold the Rule of Law. In so doing, governments may enforce or adjudicate contracts, enforce restitution for fraud and the like. It is not the role of government to create barriers, disturb free-market mechanisms such as price-signaling, compete with private enterprise or distort markets through needless regulation or other intrusion for the purpose of advancing any other end.

   – Limited Government: As Thomas Jefferson recognized, for liberty to be preserved, government must be held in check. The level of government that serves best is the one that is capable of performing the desired function and that is closest to the people – local, then state, last federal.

   – State vs. Federal Balance of Power: The federal government’s powers are few and enumerated, while the powers left to the states or the people are broad and undefined. State governments should always hold the federal government’s limited powers in check.

Fiscal Responsibility: Government cannot provide anything that it has not first taken from the people. Economic consequences (“opportunity costs”) derive from the government’s takings. Private markets are subject to competitive pressures on prices, service/product options, quality and profitability; the government is not. Thus, government should only take that which is necessary to perform its proper role, minimizing the opportunity cost. Governments have a moral and fiduciary duty to be responsible and accountable to the people for that which it has coercively taken from the people. To help minimize this opportunity cost and lost efficiency, governments must be held accountable to fiscal responsibility.

   – Equal Protection, The Rule of Law: All citizens must receive equal protection under both federal and state law; a government must not treat any individual or group differently — either favorably or unfavorably. It is not a role of government to create a special group or class of citizens for protection or punishment, special treatment or penalties. The force of government is legitimate only if limited and applied equally.

   – Constitutionality: The Constitution of the United States and state constitutions are the essential basis of a social contract between the people and their government, guiding the voluntary delegation of power from the people to the government for specified purposes. If a constitution is found lacking, there is a specified process to effect the needed change; until such process is completed, the constitution must be upheld. Upholding constitutions requires a study of the context in which they were written, including contemporaneous writings and events surrounding their adoption.

 

After evaluating each new bill’s impact relative to these nine principles, the team then sends to each state legislator their assessment of the bills and the reasoning by which they reached that assessment. Legislators and the public can also view the information on the team’s website. Finally, the team ranks legislators according to their voting record on bills that enhance or reduce liberty.

 

Mr. Bratten hopes that teams in other states – or counties or cities — will initiate similar efforts, defining their own set of principles and then applying their principles to legislation and legislators there. Whether in Colorado or another state, the Principles of Liberty scoring system gives citizens powerful leverage against the backsliding of government insiders.

 

“How to Win the War for the Free World,” Frank Gaffney, Center for Security Policy

Learn the response American needs to counter the growing global jihad.

 

“Learn about Liberty vs. Statis from C. S. Lewis,” David Theroux, Independent Institute

Discover an unsuspected ally in our fight against Progressivism in defense of natural law, Judeo-Christian tradition and American’s Founding principles.

 

“Lessons from the Left,” Anita MonCrief, Americans for Prosperity

The renowned ACORN whistleblower tells about working inside the Progressive movement and how she came to embrace economic freedom.

 

“Mobilize to Stop Iran and the Jihadists,” Allen Roth, Secure America Now

Obama’s weakness abroad makes it imperative that we create constant public pressure and demand firm Congressional resolve. Here’s how to get involved.

 

“Moving the Middle with Digital Media,” Allen Fuller and David Flaherty, ThoughtBuzz

We hear it said that Conservatives must catch up with the Leftists in “technology.” What does that really mean?

 

“Preparing for Your Conservative Career,” Patricia Simpson, Leadership Institute

Whether young or old, aiming to work on a legislative staff, in a think tank or a non-profit, you can gain valuable tips.

 

“Protecting the Poor from Global-Warming Madness,” Calvin Beisner, Corwall Alliance

How real science, sound economics and Judeo-Christian ethics condemn the alarmists’ statism-based response to climate change and offer a better way for everyone.

 

“Real School Choice vs. Fake Reforms,” Robert Enlow and Bill Moloney, The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice

What you can do in your community as scores stagnate and the educrats’ credibility keeps sinking.

 

“Reset the Moral Compass to Win on Social Issues,” Debbie Chaves and Sarah Zagorski, Colorado Family Alliance and Colorado Citizens for Life

Veteran organizers for family and faith tell how to recruit influencers, end apathy, find entry points and strategize for success.

 

“Republican National Committee Preview 2016” Nick Trainer, Elliott Echols and Kelsey Jarrett, RNC

RNC political education director Nick Trainer, national youth director Elliott Echols and digital expert Kelsey Jarrett offer an inside briefing on the coming election cycle.

 

“Run for Office with Victory Guaranteed (Almost),” Matt Batzel, American Majority

Learn how to evaluate whether to launch your candidacy and, if you do, how to reach voters and campaign successfully.

 

“Social Media Secrets for Winning Online,” Anbrey Blankenship, American Majority

Straight talk, with practical tips about graphics, content and messaging, about what the Right is doing right (and wrong) on the crucial playing field of Twitter and Facebook.

 

“Steering Congress to the Right in 2016,” Ken Cuccinelli, Senate Conservative Fund

The former Attorney General for Virginia explains that the presidency is not the only 2016 prize and that the GOP is not the only player.

 

“Trump the Race Card,” K Carl Smith, Frederick Douglass Republicans

It is possible to change the narrative so that you can share your conservative views with minorities without being labeled as a racist.

 

“Voter Fraud – How Obama Is Subverting Our Elections,” John Fund, National Review

Renowned investigative reporter John Fund has nationally exposed the unscrupulous Holder Justice Department and the left’s outrageous assault on ballot integrity. Speaking to a packed lecture hall, Mr. Fund recounted his experience with discarded or intentionally damaged ballots, registration of non-citizens, voting by ex-felons and dozens of other violations. Because many election laws are “murky and complex,” abuses are too often undetectable or uncorrectable. So prevalent are these shams that voter confidence has plummeted.

 

Mr. Fund cited a study in New York that disclosed widespread fraud. The auditors compiled a list of several dozen names of people who had died, moved out of state or were incarcerated. Then, claiming to be one of these individuals, an investigator would try to cast a ballot. Only one investigator was challenged; the rest cast a (blank) ballot. Few states require photo-ID for voting; in California it is actually illegal for an election judge to request one. Because in many states and counties the officials tasked with protecting against voter fraud are themselves elected, some may not be highly motivated to pursue fraud allegations.

 

Before the 2012 election, 35 left-oriented foundations dedicated millions of dollars to fight efforts to legislate photo-ID requirements. Their usual argument is that it is onerous and costly to obtain a photo-ID, thus a hardship on the poor. But one needs a photo-ID for nearly any activity. “If someone is so disconnected from participating in everyday American life activities, perhaps he or she should not consider him/herself well-equipped to make informed voter decisions.”

 

Does it matter? Al Franken won the Minnesota senatorial race by a mere 317 votes, giving the Democrats the 60 votes that they needed to pass Obamacare. Later investigation revealed that 2/3 of those 317 votes were unlawful.

 

Thanks to citizen activists, election fraud had been decreasing substantially, but now it again is on the rise. Particularly dangerous are the recent trends for automatic and universal registration and for internet-based balloting.

 

Mr. Fund urged us to keep the public aware of this issue’s importance. He reported that messages from family members, friends and co-workers get more attention and credibility than other messages. “It is every citizen’s duty to protect the ballot process.”

 

“Want to Engage to Win?” Melanie Sturm, Engage2Win and ThinkAgainUSA

Discover practical communication skills to spread our morally superior message and thereby reclaim our political culture, one impressionable person at a time.

 

“War of the Worldviews,” Don Hood, Worldviews Calling and Culture

Worldviews shape politics, economics and culture with little public awareness. Colson Centurions graduate Don Hood explains how to spot and counter the Left’s worldviews.

 

“We’re the Millenials. Give Us a Look,” Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA

Explore how high school and college students see the issues and ideologies shaping our times.

 

“Why I Ran for Speaker and What’s Up in Congress,” Rep. Ted Yoho, Florida

Retired veterinarian Ted Yoho upset a longtime congressman in Florida’s 2012 GOP primary and hasn’t stopped making wave since.

 

“Young Voters Meet the Candidate,” Carly Fiorini, former Hewlett-Packard CEO

If you’re under 30 and concerned about the future, come to this townhall-style open forum with presidential candidate Carly Fiorini.

 

 

 

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The post Our James Madison: WCS15 as Peg saw it appeared first on Centennial Institute.


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