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2008 was supposed to be a referendum on conservatism. We were the down-and-outs, the has-beens, and the politics of yesteryear. Our time had come and gone, they all said. Newspapers, magazines, talk show hosts and colorful punditry of all shapes and sizes swiftly rendered their verdict on the Republican Party: it’s dead. Done. Over and out.
Yet here we remain, after a year of watching the Democrats and liberals’ romp through government—with often curious and unpleasant results. They were supposed to fix the economy, yet are now reduced to issuing falsified reports full of fuzzy math purportedly extolling the virtues of big-government bailouts. They were supposed to revitalize American industry, yet are nervously confronted with double-digit unemployment figures.
People always seem to want Democrats in charge, until they actually are. Instead of focusing on economic issues and job creation, they’ve focused on energy taxes (cap & trade), pseudo-nationalized healthcare expansion, the quadrupling of the federal debt, and generally ignored the American population that elected them with a mandate to help the economy.
So how can we revitalize the economy without breaking the bank? Enter the conservatives. During this past year we’ve done some soul-searching, and have the energy, ideas and creative capacity our counterparts lack. We understand economics. We know not to raise taxes in a recession. We can make health care better for everyone without nationalizing our medical system, and make it easier for noninsured people to acquire. In short, we need the adults back in charge in Washington.
This is a new era, full of new people with new ideas—but solid ones, not crazy suppositions and fuzzy math. Instead of looking to the past, failed policies of Carter-era big government, we’re looking forward to making our government work for us in a more efficient, fair way. The SRLC is going to be our drawing board, figuring out how to solve our problems while remaining true to solid principles of economics, fairness and common sense. Virginia and New Jersey clearly rejected the hollow showmanship of ‘Yes, We Can’ politics in favor of ‘Yes, It Works’ conservatism. The American people are ready for us to lead and look forward, and we’re ready. 2010, bring it on.
I am constantly reminded of the quote by French philosopher, and early contributor to European conservatism, Joseph Marie de Maistre when he stated that “Every country has the government it deserves.” Certainly while de Maistre’s context and philosophy behind the original intent of the quotation might vary some from our current situation, I am no less struck by its applicability and simplicity in framing the issues with which we deal today. Through this perspective, it is quickly revealed that the Obama-Pelosi-Reid triumvirate could not possibly come to power on issues, stances, and political philosophy. In no way have they ever truly resonated with the heart of America. No, when history needed us in the conservative movement to embrace our identity, to separate ourselves from muddled ideologies for the good of the American people, and to brighten the Bold Colors of President Reagan – we slept. Moreover, we retreated back into pale pastels and the American people were catapulted into a culture of confusion and away from the principles that make this country the preeminent force in the world (as a concession, it is “change” by definition). Our existence is the one that history has proven, the one upon which history continues to shine so brightly and one that has stood the test of time. Our existence is based upon true free market principles, centered on freedom, and grounded in the thorough understanding and embrace of life and personal liberty. In these we find our answers, for they really are endowed upon us by something much greater than anything one could ever pass through Capitol Hill. And yet, they require Bold Colors to light the way for this country. And because we have these solutions, because we believe so strongly in the existence of this party and this country, we have a profound responsibility – one established in the beginning by Lincoln and refreshed for us by Reagan – that requires a firm stance in doing right, in stepping out there, in being bold. In other words, in deserving a government that is right and just for this country.
We will see these Bold Colors emboldened and emblazoned in the SRLC next year in New Orleans. There is already an intense interest and excitement in the upcoming SRLC, thus far, and it is going to be highlighted by the bold and dynamic values and individuals that make our party what it is. Most importantly, this edition of the SRLC will be serving as the collective voice for the current “re-enlightenment” of the Republican Party and will be the catalyst sending us off into the next presidential cycle, the 2010 mid-term elections, and back to deserving a government built upon American core values.
While the 2010 Southern Republican Leadership Conference does not officially kick off for over four more months, the country is anxiously awaiting the face of the movement that we are seeing – and, no doubt, the SRLC will be delivering next spring. Since Inauguration Day in January, the current administration has turned to the left more times than a NASCAR driver and it continues to disenfranchise more of the electorate each day. While President Obama swept through much of the general election on “hope and change,” it seems as though Americans are quickly finding that they are changing what they previously hoped. Most recently, White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod epitomized this growing philosophical divide between the administration and the American people when he suggested that the president will take action to ensure that any amendment restricting federal funding for abortion coverage is removed from final legislation. This move would run counter to an earlier Gallup Poll which found that more Americans identify as “pro-life” than as “pro-choice.” Incredibly, while Obama-care is increasingly becoming the most polarizing issue of recent presidential administrations, Obama continues to fly counter to the heartbeat of America on the most important issues facing us today – namely life, liberty, and security. Furthermore, the decision of the Obama administration to try Khalid Sheik Mohammed in a New York City civilian court rather than a military tribunal was met with disagreement of nearly tw0-thirds (64%) of Americans polled. Yet, the president greets such responses with a cold shoulder, sheer disdain, or highbrow condescension – all of which amount to conduct unbecoming of a president of the people, for the people, and by the people.
What is most amazing here is the dichotomy of attitudes Obama carries both abroad (see European Apology Tour or excessive bowing to foreign dictators) and domestically with complete and utter disregard for the voice of the American people through tea parties, town halls, and polls. In fact, nearly six out of ten Americans polled disagree with the direction of the country. This president continues to govern not out of anchored, directional values, but of a high level of hubris where personal arrogance outweighs any of the promised pragmatism.
Still, while the abyss of the Carter years brought our country Reagan’s vision of the shining city on the hill, a similar time is now to seize control of the direction of this amazing country and to turn our eyes back toward that shining city. To achieve this, our country will need to get back to ownership of our destiny, back to the “rugged individualism” that shaped the core of America and which is now needed to revitalize the governance of our lives, our country, and our future. Until then, the SRLC will continue efforts to build the base for this country, fostering the values and beliefs that still exist as the foundation for most Americans today. With the first straw poll for the Republican Party on its way at the SRLC and a platform being set to kickoff the next presidential cycle, SRLC 2010 will be filled with excitement and an action that will rock the country back to its rightful place as that shining city.
As the host of the first straw poll for the Republican Primary, SRLC is generally regarded as the unofficial start to the presidential cycle. All full-conference registrants and VIP registrants will be able to voice their opinion and vote for our next presidential candidate. And Republicans are ready for some serious action.
We’ve seen the outrage across the country – the tea parties…the town halls…Conservatives are coming together like we haven’t in years to fight back against the Obama machine and SRLC is just the ignition boost we need to get us on track.
We’ve seen the left get off track since Obama took up in the White House. From proposing ideas bordering on socialism (and then using a constant campaign to promote them), to congress members being too scared to hear the truth from their constituents, to focusing on torpedoing Rush’s bid to buy the Saint Louis Ram (yeah, like that’s relevant to the conversation) – the left has illustrated that they really do not understand America, Americans, or what makes both great. It’s no surprise that Barack’s DISAPPROVAL rating has skyrocketed to 49%.
Its time for us conservatives to rev our engines, come up with a plan, and take victory seriously. We have a lot to discuss next year at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, as we kick off the next presidential election cycle off in style in the Big Easy. Hearing from potential candidates and sitting governors, senators, and representatives from across the south is the first step of the process. We must see which of our candidates and elected officials stand strong for our fundamental beliefs. We must also hear from our nation’s leading experts in campaigns, communications, grassroots, so we can be smart and tactical in our approach. And finally, we must each voice our opinions in the first straw poll of the presidential cycle.
Unlike the wooing of the left that bases a high importance on smoke and mirrors, conservatives tend to consider, contemplate, convince and act. This is just the beginning.
The 2010 SRLC will be adjacent to the French Quarter Festival. The festival is large enough to draw amazing musical talent and first class food – but small enough not to overwhelm the city.
The French Quarter Festival is the South’s largest free music festival attracting over 400,000 visitors each year.
Dozens of bands will be playing just steps away from our conference hotel. You can read more about the festival by visiting their website fqfi.org.
