Libertas 31.1

InsIde: Karl Rove on Winning the Battles AheadAissa Wayne on Rancho del Cielo, John Wayne, and the Fight for Freedom Today

“A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits

of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the

mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of

good government…”— Thomas Jefferson

Vol. 31 • No. 1Spring 2010

April12,2010

DearFriends,

The Wall Street Journal proclaimed,“Freedomhashaditsbestweekinmanyyears[dueinpartbecausetheSupremeCourt]issuedalandmarkdecisionsupportingfreespeechbyoverturningsomeofCongress’smoreintrusivelimitsonelectionspending.”

TheSupremeCourtcasewasCitizens United v. The Federal Elections Commission.IshouldaddthatIamadirectorofCitizensUnited(CU),andIhavefollowedthisfightforfreespeechsinceitbeganseveralyearsago.

Inmanyways,thecasebeganin2004whenCUsoughttopublishafilmthattheFederalElectionCommission(FEC)claimedinvolvedpoliticalissues.TheFECbureaucrats—whohadbecomethearbitersofAmericans’freespeechrightsinmattersthatmighttouchoncampaignsforFederaloffices—decidedCitizensUnitedhadnotreleasedasufficientnumberoffilmstoadvertisefreelyasafilmproducer.Inthemeantime,CUreleasedmorethanahalfdozenfilmsandsoldhundredsofthousandsofDVDs.

In2008,CUaimedtoreleaseafilmthattookacriticalviewofformerFirstLady,RoseLawfirmpartner,andwildlysuccessfulstockspeculator,HillaryClinton.TheFECinstantlyruledthatCUcouldnotadvertisesuchafilminanelectioncycle!

TwoYoungAmerica’sFoundationgraduates,thenservingasCUofficers,DavidBossieandMichaelBoos,hadhadenoughwiththearbitraryandrestrictiveFECrules.TheyabidedbytheFECdictate,buttheyfiledinFederalCourttochallengetheFECdecision.

Ultimately,thisledtotheUnitedStatesSupremeCourtrulingthattheFEChadviolatedCitizensUnited’sConstitutionalrights.TheCourtrejectedargumentsadvancedbytheObamaadministrationthatthegovernmentcouldbanthosebooks,pamphlets,andfilmsthatitdisapprovesofifacorporationproducedthematerials(whichisalmostalwaysthecase).TheSupremeCourtstruckdownthesectionsofthelawknownasMcCain-Feingoldthatprohibitedcorporateparticipationinelectioncampaigns.

JusticeStevenswroteastingingdissent.Hesuggested,“Therewereprincipled,narrowerpathsacourtthatwasseriousaboutjudicialrestraintcouldhavetaken.”Thisbecametheleftisttalkingpointaboutthedecision:theCourtcouldhavefoundanotherwaytoruleinCU’sfavorshortofstrikingdownrestrictionsoncorporations.

WhatJusticeStevensfailedtowrite,andhisbiggovernmentaccomplicesarereluctanttoacknowledge,isthathisbelovedFederalElectionCommissioncouldhaveruledinfavorofCitizensUnitedat any step in the process.But,no,theLefttriedtoseizecompletecontroloverourfreespeechrights.TheFECwantedtoallowother“political”filmsandexpenditurestogoforward—includingtheworkoffilmproducerMichaelMooreorBarackObama’sownorgyofspendinginthe2008campaign—whilebanningfreespeechforconservatives.TheFECrolledthedicetogainunlimitedpower.Fortunately,theCourt,ledbyJusticeAnthonyKennedyandChiefJusticeJohnRoberts,rejectedsuchfar-reachingclaimsoftheFECbureaucracy.

WhydoIhighlightthiscase?TheWall Street Journal wasrighttonoteitwasoneofthegreatestvictoriesforfreedom.Butitwasn’twonbecauseofcaféphilosopherstalkingaboutFEClaw.Ourrightswerenotprotectedbyjustwell-honedargumentsfromConstitutionaltheorists.No,itwasnotintellectualswhowontheday.Rather,twoleaders—whowereoncesomeofYoungAmerica’sFoundation’smostaggressiveactivists—accomplishedthisbreakthroughvictory!

DavidBossieandMichaelBoosareheroesinthelonghistoryofprotectingindividualrightsfromgovernmentoverreaching.Isalutetheircourage.Youshould,too.

TheCitizensUnitedepisoderemindsuswemustbeaggressiveindefendingindividualrightsfromanoverbearinggovernment.Ideashaveconsequences…butonlywhenactivistsarewillingtotakechancestoadvancethoseideas!

Sincerely,

RonRobinson President

Ron RobinsonFoundation President

Young America’s Foundation Board Of Directors

Ron Robinson President of the BoardRonald Pearson Vice President of the BoardFrank Donatelli Secretary and Treasurer of the BoardT. Kenneth Cribb, Jr.Wynton C. HallThomas L. PhillipsPeter SchweizerJames B. TaylorKirby Wilbur

Reagan Ranch Board Of Governors

Frank Donatelli ChairmanJudge William Clark Co-ChairmanEdwin Meese Co-ChairmanGovernor George AllenRoyce BakerJohn BarlettaDr. Suzanne BeckerLisa M. BuestrinRobert CumminsBecky Norton DunlopRobert Giuffra, Jr.Timothy S. GoegleinAmbassador Patricia L. HerboldEric & Nicole HoplinMarty IrvingHarold KnapheideAl & Bette MooreGovernor Bill OwensDoug & Pat PerryThomas PhillipsDr. Robert RuheFred & Ruth SacherLee ShannonCraig ShirleyOwen & Bernadette Casey SmithDavid E. “Gene” Waddell

National Journalism Center Board Of Governors

Thomas Phillips ChairmanAlex X. Mooney Executive DirectorPeter BarnesKellyanne ConwayDinesh D’SouzaTerry EastlandDavid GraceyLawrence KudlowRich LowryMatt RobinsonTom Winter

LibertasSpring 2010

Libertas,apublicationofYoungAmerica’sFoundation,highlightstheprograms,events,students,staff,andsupportersoftheFoundation.YoumaycontactLibertasandYoungAmerica’sFoundationbywritingto:YoungAmerica’sFoundation,NationalHeadquarters,110EldenStreet,Herndon,Virginia20170;calling800-USA-1776;orvisitinghttp://www.yaf.org.

Publisher: Ron Robinson; Editor: Jessica Jensen; Publication Design: Jonathan Briggs.Thisdocumentandallhereincontents,images,stories,graphics,anddesign,falluntoCopyright©2005,2006,2007,2008,2009,2010YoungAmerica’sFoundation,unlessotherwisenoted.Allrightsreserved.AnyuseofLibertas’contentwithoutthewrittenpermissionofYoungAmerica’sFoundationisprohibited.

Also in this Issue: •TomandRandallPhillipsHostCaliforniaReception– page 4 •9/11: Never Forget ProjectReachesMorethan215Campuses– page 5 •MichaelSteeleHeadlinesReaganRanchRoundtable– page 7 •CelebrateReagan100withaFoundationCruisetotheEmeraldIsles– page 39

C O N T E N T S

400 Attend National Conservative Student ConferenceCoulter, Pence, Gingrich, and others offer a conservative alternative to Obama’s policies at the 31st annual conference.By Roger Custer, Conference Director

Winning the Battles AheadWhat Conservatives must do to advance freedom in the months ahead.By Karl Rove, Author, Courage and Consequence

Moore, Folsom, and Williams Inspire High School StudentsMore than 130 young leaders attend the 12th Gratia Houghton Rinehart National High School Leadership Conference.By Roger Custer, Conference Director

Meet Your Alumni Board Members!Schenk, Graham, Lopez, Cunningham, and others named to Young America’s Foundation’s Alumni Board.By Jessica Jensen, Editor

Mitt Romney and Joe Wilson Headline West Coast Leadership ConferenceMore than 200 participants travel to Santa Barbara to hear from today’s leading conservatives and visit the Reagan Ranch.By Ana Lightle, Program Officer

Standing up for FreedomWhy we need Ronald Reagan’s ideas today.By Congressman Joe Wilson, South Carolina

Staff Profile: Stephen V. Bird, Ph.D.Dr. Stephen Bird instructs young journalists as the academic director at the National Journalism Center.By Jason Mattera, Editor, Human Events

Igniting the Conservative Movement in Reagan CountryThe Reagan Ranch Center hosts key leaders and groups to advance the Conservative Movement nationwide.By Andrew Coffin, Vice President and Director of the Reagan Ranch

Brit Hume Addresses Future JournalistsThe veteran Fox News analyst shares stories about his career with National Journalism Center interns.By Lauren Smith, Program Officer, National Journalism Center

John Wayne’s Daughter Visits Rancho del CieloAissa Wayne shares her thoughts on the Reagan Ranch, her father, and advancing freedom for future generations.By Bryant Conger, Development Officer

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Young America’s Foundation • Libertas4

I N B R I E F

Studentsacrossthecountryparticipatedin“NoMoreCheDay”onOctober9.CheGuevarawasaninternationalterroristandmassmurderer.DuringhisviciouscampaignstoimposeCommunismoncountriesthroughoutLatinAmerica,CheGuevaratrainedandmotivatedtheCastroregime’sfiringsquadsthatexecutedthousandsofmen,women,andchildren. CheisanotoriousfigurewhoisidolizedbytheLeftandhailedasa“hero”oncollegecampuses,yetmoststudentsneverlearnthetruthabouthiscultofviolence. Forthelasttwoyears,YoungAmerica’sFoundationhashelpedstudentsusetheanniversaryofChe’sexecutiontoeducatethecampuscommunityabouthisatrocities.YoungAmerica’sFoundationalsoprovidesstudentswithfreecopiesofour“VictimsofCheGuevara”posterandotherdownloadablefliers.

(Left) Student Richard Davis distributes the Foundation’s “Victims of Che Guevara” posters on his campus, the University of California – San Diego, to protest the murderer who is often idolized by the campus Left and the mainstream media. (Right) Dayme Sanchez, who lived in Cuba until she was six years old, organizes the “No More Che Day” protest on her campus, the University of Florida.

Tom and Randall Phillips Host Newport Beach Reception FoundationDirectorandChairmanoftheNationalJournalismCenter’sBoardofGovernorsTomPhillipshostedaneventathisCoronadelMar,California,homeforlocalfriendsandsupportersofYoungAmerica’sFoundation. Tomandhiswife,Randall,servedasgracioushostsforthisintimateaffairwhichincludedremarksbyTomPhillipsandFoundationPresidentRonRobinson. ThereceptionconcludedwithawonderfulmusicaltreatbyRandallPhillips.AsarenownedandtalentedperformerwhoonceplayedAnnieintheBroadwayhitAnnie,RandallsangTomorrowasafittingfarewelltoherhouseguests. TomandRandallcontinuedatraditionofhomesocialgatheringsinOrangeCounty,California,whichbeganwhenthelateVirginiaKnottBenderhostedYoungAmerica’sFoundationfriendsinherhomemorethanadecadeago.PreviousOrangeCountyeventhostsincludeBobandLaDornaEichenberg,CurtisandJoanPatrick,GaredandFranSmith,andJoanHadley.YoungAmerica’sFoundationthanksTomandRandallPhillipsforhostingthiseventandforalltheydoforthecauseoffreedom.

(From left) Andrew Coffin, Jerry Norton, Kim Norton, Tom Phillips, Randall Phillips, Ron Robinson, and John Barletta enjoy the reception hosted by Tom and Randall Phillips at their Corona del Mar home.

Students Lead “No More Che Day” Protests Nationwide

Young America’s Foundation • Libertas 5

I N B R I E F

9/11: Never Forget Project Reaches Record Number of Campuses Since2003,YoungAmerica’sFoundationhasensuredthatcollegeandhighschoolcampusesproperlyrememberthosemurderedbyradicaljihadistsonSeptember11,2001.Unfortunately,mostcollegesandhighschoolswouldnotholdprogramstorememberthoselostifnotfortheFoundation’seffortsandthehundredsofconservativestudentswhobringthe9/11: Never Forget Projecttoschoolsnationwide. Arecord215highschoolandcollegecampusestookpartinthe2009Never Forget Project,whichincludescreatingdisplaysof2,977Americanflagstorememberthosemurderedthattragicday.TheFoundationprovidesstudentswithtraining,materials,andsupporttocreatetheflagdisplays.Eachyear,theprojectreachesmorecampusesandhasanevengreaterimpact. LakevilleNorthHighSchool(Minnesota)studentLizMinnemanwroteofherNever Forgetmemorial:“Ijustwantedtoletyouknowwhatagreatsuccessour9/11projectwasatLakevilleNorth.Theflagswereaspectacularandverypoignantdisplay—itwasgreattoseebothstudentsandcommunitymemberscomeouttocommemorateadaythatforeverchangedournation…Thankssomuchforallyoursupportthroughoutourproject.TheresourcesYAFprovidedhelpedtremendously!”

Students organize 9/11: Never Forget Project flag memorials on campuses nationwide, including those pictured above (clockwise from top): Pepperdine University, Los Osos High School (California), and Texas A & M University.


I N B R I E F

Freedom Week: Students Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall Conservativepatriotsonmorethan115campusesparticipatedinYoungAmerica’sFoundation’sFreedomWeektoensurethattheirpeersdonotforgetthe20thanniversaryofthefalloftheBerlinWallandthelessonsourcurrentleadersshouldhavelearnedfromthefailuresofsocialism. YoungAmerica’sFoundation’sFreedomWeekisinspiredbyalittle-knownholidaycalledWorldFreedomDay.PresidentGeorgeW.BushcreatedWorldFreedomDayonNovember9,2001,torecognizefreedom’svictoryovertyrannywiththefalloftheBerlinWallonNovember9,1989—thebeginningoftheendoftheColdWar. ToproperlycelebratetheanniversaryofthefalloftheBerlinWall,activistsoncollegecampusesnationwidebuiltandtoredownreplicawallstounderscorethattheydonotwantthegovernmenttakingagreaterroleintheirlives. FordhamUniversityactivistKatiePoedtkesecuredrecentMarylandLt.GovernorandcurrentGOPChairmanMichaelSteeletospeakatherBerlinWallevent.SteelegreetedtheactivistsalongwithsomeyoungNewYorkCityveterans.Hesignedthewallwiththeslogan,“NoWallCanStopFreedom.”

Activistsatschoolsnationwide,includingtheUniversityofMissouri,St.LouisUniversity,andtheUniversityofToledo,amongothers,alsoworkedwiththeirschools’studentgovernmentstoformallyrecognizeFreedomWeekandWorldFreedomDay.

Students at the University of Toledo construct a mock Berlin Wall on campus to remind their peers of the dangers of big government.

A Fordham University student (pictured above) pauses near the Berlin Wall constructed by her peers (pictured right) to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Tancredo, Spencer, and Darwish Headline Radical Islam Summit ThroughthegeneroussupportofHelenFollmerandHenryandDundeeSchulte,studentsfromaroundthecountrytraveledtotheReaganRanchCenterfortheRadical Islam Summit: Consequences of Appeasement in a Post-9/11 World. Thoseinattendanceheardfromleadingpolicymakers,authors,andactivistsincludingCongressmanTomTancredo,JihadWatchDirectorRobertSpencer,authorNonieDarwish,adjunctfellowattheHudsonInstituteAlexAlexiev,CenterforSecurityPolicyPresidentFrankGaffney,andDr.MichaelWallerfromtheInstituteofWorldPoliticswhoalsoservedastheleadfacultymemberfortheprogram. ThegroupdiscussedhowtheObamaadministrationhasquicklytossedasidePresidentReagan’s“PeacethroughStrength”strategyinfavorofapolicyofappeasement.Theconsequencesoftheseactions,accordingtoRobertSpencer,areastrengthenedstealthmovementbyradicaljihadiststopushShariaLawintheUnitedStatesandothercountriesintheWesternWorld. InadditiontodiscussionsofthethreatsposedbyradicalIslam,bothDr.WallerandFrankGaffneyprovidedthestudentswithspecificideastotakebacktotheircampusesandwarntheirpeersaboutthethreatofradicalIslamandShariaLaw. ThegroupalsoexploredtheReaganRanchEducationCenterandExhibitGalleryandenjoyedaspecialvisittoPresidentReagan’sRanchodelCielo. Followingtheprogram,WilliamHockeyfromEmoryUniversitywrote,“YoungAmerica’sFoundation,alongwithprovidinganexcellenteducationalsummit,alsoprovidedanopportunitytomeetanddiscusscurrentissueswithintelligent,like-mindeduniversitystudents.SomethingIdonotgettopursueatmyuniversity!”

Michael Steele Featured at Reagan Ranch Roundtable RecentMarylandLieutenantGovernorandGOPChairmanMichaelSteelewasthefirst2010WendyP.McCawReaganRanchRoundtablespeaker,addressingapackedroomofmorethan190Foundationsupporters,friends,andstudentsattheReaganRanchCenter. “IreallyappreciateYoungAmerica’sFoundationinvitingmeheretobeapartofthis…It’ssuchprofoundlyimportantwork,”ChairmanSteelenotedinhisopeningremarks. ChairmanSteelealsovisitedtheReaganRanchearlierinthedayandreflectedontheexperience:“IhadtheincrediblehonortobeattheReaganRanchandtobeamongstthethingsofhislife.It’sjustwonderful.It’sjustagreatenergythatIgetfromthat.” Steeleencouragedconservativestokeeptheirhopethattheirvalueswillprevailinthecomingyears.Hismessagehighlightedtheimportanceofperseveranceinthefaceofadversity.“Livingininterestingtimesallowsustodointerestingthings,”hesaid.“Itallowsustogobeyondourcomfortzoneandgobeyondthingswethinkweknow.” ChairmanSteeleconcludedthequestionandanswerportionwithaconversationwithChrisGarcia,aPepperdineUniversitystudentandFoundationactivist,urginghimandhispeerstounderstandthattheyarenotthefuturebutthepresentoftheConservativeMovement.


Chairman Michael Steele engages Foundation activist Chris Garcia from Pepperdine University during the question and answer period following his speech at the Reagan Ranch Roundtable.

I N B R I E F

(From left) Author Nonie Darwish, Center for Security Policy President Frank Gaffney, Jihad Watch Director Robert Spencer, Congressman Tom Tancredo, and Dr. Michael Waller address the student audience gathered at the Reagan Ranch Center for the Summit on Radical Islam.


orethan400participantsfrom38states,190collegesanduniversities,

andfivecountriesconvenedinthenation’scapitaltolearnabout

conservativeideasseldomtaughtincollegeclassrooms.YoungAmerica’s

Foundation’s31stannualNationalConservativeStudentConference—heldatThe

GeorgeWashingtonUniversity—featuredleadingconservativespeakersincluding

AnnCoulter,SenatorJimDeMint,CongressmanMikePence,and58thSpeakerof

theHouseNewtGingrich,alongwithmorethan40others.

“Iamnolongerafraid,”saidJacobFerrarioftheUniversityofCalifornia–

LosAngelesafterattendingtheweek-longprogram. “Iknowhowtostandup

formyself.Ihavepeersalongsidetohelpme,andIwillnevergiveuponthe

beliefinlife,liberty,andthepursuitofhappiness.”(continued on page 10)

Speaker Newt Gingrich signs a copy of his book for conference attendee Clare Huber.

“I know how to stand up for myself. I have

peers alongside to help me, and I will

never give up on the belief in life, liberty, and

the pursuit of happiness.”

Jacob Ferrari, UcLa

By RogeR CusteR, ConfeRenCe DiReCtoR


During a live C-SPAN broadcast, former Godfather’s Pizza CEO and radio host Herman Cain addresses the dangers of socialized medicine and “health care deform” at the National Conservative Student Conference.

More than 400 students enjoy the week-long conference in Washington, D.C.


henthestudentsarrivedattheconference,theywereeagertohearfromthepowerhouselineupofspeakers.Andthosespeakersdidn’tdisappoint.“Afterhearingtheselectures,Ifeel

moreinspired,moreemboldened,andwiserthanIdidbefore,”notedKitElliottofCaliforniaStateUniversity-MontereyBay. TheYoungBritons’Foundationalsobrought30studentstotheprogramandinvitedDanielHannan,memberoftheEuropeanParliament,tospeak.Mr.Hannandiscussedthespecialrelationshipbetween

theU.S.andtheU.K.andhighlightedthedangersofanationalizedhealthcaresystem. OtherspeakersthroughouttheweekincludedYoungAmerica’sFoundationVicePresidentKateObenshain,FoxNewscontributorMonicaCrowley,formerGodfather’sPizzaCEOandradioshowhostHermanCain,entrepreneurandKangaroo MillionaireauthorMarcHrisko,FoundationPresidentRonRobinson,AllianceDefenseFund’sDavidFrench,ClareBootheLucePolicyInstitutePresidentMichelleEaston,andpopularcampusspeakerandauthorBayBuchanan.

C-SPAN, ABC, NBC, and other news outlets cover Speaker Newt Gingrich’s address at the National Conservative Student Conference.

Casey Cooper from the University of Central Florida asks a question of a conference speaker.

Best-selling author Ann Coulter greets National Conservative Student Conference participant Kiana Dunn.


AdditionallecturersincludedDr.RobertGeorgefromPrincetonUniversity,HillsdaleCollegeprofessorandauthorDr.BurtFolsom,FoundationVicePresidentPatrickCoyle,andNational ReviewEditorRichLowry.Theconferencefeaturedpaneldiscussionsaboutgreatbookstoreadincollege,thestatusoftheyoungConservativeMovement,andpromisingchoicesinhighereducation.Inaddition,JedBabbinfromHuman Events,RobertSpencerfromJihad Watch,andfilmmakersAnnMcElhinneyandPhelimMcAleerinspiredthecrowdduringtheweek.

TheFoundationalsopresentedHooverInstitutionFellowWyntonHallwiththeDistinguishedAlumniawardforhiscontinuedservicetotheFoundationandcommitmenttomentoringyoungconservatives. “YoungAmerica’sFoundationwentaboveandbeyondmyexpectations,”notedattendeeLaurenHutchinsonfromWesternMichiganUniversity.“Eachspeakerwasdifferentthanthelastandhighlyeffective.IliterallylearnedmoreatthisconferencethanIhaveinafullyearatmyuniversity.IfeelwellequippedtobecomealeaderatmyuniversityandcontinuetheConservativeMovement!”

CEO of the polling company, inc. and member of the National Journalism Center’s Board of Governors Kellyanne Conway addresses the attendees at the 31st annual National Conservative Student Conference.

Congressman Mike Pence meets with student Jerome Hudson.

European M.P. Daniel Hannan shares insights on the failures of the U.K.’s National Health Service.

Princeton professor Dr. Robert George addresses the importance of academic freedom.

Commentator Monica Crowley discusses opportunities for young conservatives in the “Age of Obama.”


Overthepastyear,Ihaveengagedthousandsofyoungpeoplewhilevisiting

studentaudiencesnationwidethroughYoungAmerica’sFoundation’scampuslectureprogram.Collegecampusesareoftenhostileforconservativesandconservativeideas,buttheyprovidetremendousvenuesforintroducingyoungpeopletoconservativeideas—principlesthathaveadvancedfreedomandprosperitythroughoutournation’shistory. TheConservativeMovementhasenjoyednumerousvictoriesthesepastfewmonths,andIoffermythoughtsonourachievements—particularlyinregardtothehealthcaredebate—below. Recenteventsshowwhywemuststepupoureffortstoreachyoungpeoplewiththeideasoflimitedgovernment,traditionalvalues,freeenterprise,andastronganationaldefense.YoungAmerica’sFoundationdoesjustthat,anditisanhonortopartnerwiththisorganizationtoadvanceoursharedcause. DespiteCongress’recentactions,conservativeswonatremendousbattleforpublicopiniononhealthcare. Thisprovidesvaluablelessons—andimportantwarnings—fortheresurgenceofourmovement’sidealsinthe21stcentury.Lastspring,apopularnewpresidentandoverwhelmingDemocraticmajoritiesinbothhouses

heldtheupperhand.Itseemedliberalhealthcarereformwasinevitable.Eventhepublicfavoreditbymorethantwo-to-one,withsupportparticularlystrongamongseniors.YetconservativesinCongressandoutsidewerenotdeterred.RatherthanstayingsilentoracquiescingintheactionsofthenewPresidentandhisCongress,conservativesactuallyreadthebillsbeingproposedandturnedabrightlightonobnoxiousprovisions. InthefaceofthePresident’shigh

approvalratingsimmediatelyafterhisinaugurationandthenaturaldesireofAmericanstogiveanewChiefExecutivethechancetopresshisagenda,ittookcouragetoopposehim,butopposetheydidwithrespect,patientattentiontothefacts,andrelentlessenergy. Fortunately,liberalshadill-preparedthecountryforsucharadicalchange.Instead,candidateObamahadruntelevisionadsthatcalled“government-runhealthcare…extreme.” Sowhenliberalssaidpeoplecouldkeeptheirexistingcoverageiftheylikeit,conservativesshowedthelegislationwouldencouragecompaniestodumptheirexistingplans. Whenliberalsclaimedlegislationwouldleadtobettercare,conservativesexplaineditwouldresultin

Winning the Battles Ahead By Karl Rove

Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush and popular campus lecturer Karl Rove offers words of wisdom to Foundation activists at a 2009 program in Washington, D.C.


rationing,longlines,andpoorerqualityofcare. WhenliberalsarguedreformwouldextendcoveragetomoreAmericans,conservativespointedoutitwouldcomeatthecostofeveryotherfamily’sexistingarrangements. Whenliberalsimpliedtheirmeasurewouldnotaddtothedeficit,conservativesshoweditwasbuiltonahouseofgimmicksthatwouldsurelygenerateafloodofredink. Whenliberalssuggesteditstrengthenedthepowerofpatients,conservativesdemonstrateditinsteadgavemorepowertogovernmentattheexpenseofpatients,families,andtheirdoctors. Whenliberalsimplieditwouldbefinancedbytaxespaidbydrugcompaniesandmedicaldevicemanufactures,conservativespointedoutthatpatientswhoneededthosedrugsanddeviceswouldpaythehighertaxes. Thishelpedflippublicopiniontoopposingtheliberalchangebytwo-to-one.Butasimportantly,whenliberalssaidconservativeshadnoideasorconstructiveproposals,wewerereadywithourownattractivereforms,basedsolidlyonconservativeprinciples. Conservativesadvocatedmakinghealthinsurancetrulyportable,soworkersaren’tstuckinajobtheyhateforfearoflosingbenefits,butcantaketheircoveragewiththem. Conservativesarguedfamiliesshouldbeabletosavemoremoneytax-freeforoutofpocketmedicalexpensesandpairahealthsavingsaccountwithalow-cost,highdeductibleinsurancepolicy. Conservativespointedoutthatallowingpeopletobuyinsuranceacrossstatelinesandpermittingsmallbusinessestopoolrisktogetthesamediscountsbigcompaniesreceivewouldexpandaccessandlowercosts.

Andconservativesmadeacon-vincingcasethatendingjunkandfrivolouslawsuitswithmedicalliabilityreformwouldreducethecostofhealthcareforeveryone. Conservativesadvancedourideaswithaone-twopunch:describingindetailwhatwaswrongwiththeliberalprescriptionandthendrawingonconservativeprinciplesofindividualfreedom,competition,andmarketstodescribeabetterway.DespitethepassageofthePresident’shealthcarebill,conservativesmustcontinuetofightthisimportantbattleforfreedom. It’shardtobesomethingwithnothing:conservativesopposedhealthcarebythoughtfulandpassionateadvocacy,notsimplyagainstwrong-headedliberalideas,butalsoforanswersarrivedatbyapplyingourtimelessconservativeprinciplestothechallengesAmericafaces. It’sastrategyworthusinginthemanyfightswehaveahead.———————————————— KarlRoveservedassenioradvisortoPresidentGeorgeW.Bushfrom2000to2007anddeputychiefofstafffrom2004to2007.HeisnowaFoxNewscontributor,writesaweeklyop-edfortheWall Street Journal,andisaNewsweekcolumnist.HeisalsoamemberofYoungAmerica’sFoundation’scampuslectureprogram. Hismemoir,Courage and Consequence: My Life as a

Conservativein the Fight (ThresholdEditions),isonsalenow.Formoreinformation,visitKarlonlineatwww.Rove.com.YoucanalsoconnectwithhimonTwitter(@karlrove)oronFacebook(www.Facebook.com/KarlRove). ToinquireaboutbringingKarlRovetoyourcampus,[email protected].

“Conservatives advanced our ideas with a one-two

punch: describing in detail what was wrong with the

liberal prescription and then drawing on conservative principles of individual freedom, competition,

and markets to describe a better way.”

Onehundredandthirtyparticipantsfrom28statesgatheredjustoutsideournation’scapitalforthe12thGratiaHoughtonRinehartNationalHighSchool

LeadershipConference.HeldinChevyChase,Maryland,theconferencebeganwithaCapitolHillbriefingfeaturingSenateSteeringCommitteeExecutiveDirectorEdCorriganandTomLizardo,chiefofstafftoCongressmanRonPaul(Texas).Thetwoencouragedthestudentstogetinvolvedwithshapingpublicpolicyatanearlyage. StephenMooreoftheWall Street Journalchargedthestudentswithamission,saying,“Youwanttobeknownasthegenerationthatdefeatssocialism.”DavidBossie,presidentofCitizensUnitedFoundation,energizedthestudents,discussinghisexperiencesasaconservativefilmmakerandtheproblemsassociatedwiththeLeft’scontrolofthefilmindustryasawhole. BayBuchanan,presidentofTheAmericanCause,gaveastirringspeechunderscoringthecharacteristicsoftrueleaders. Sheurgedthestudentstotakeaction

(continued on page 17)

Moore, Folsom, and Williams Headline 12th National High School Leadership ConferenceBy RogeR CusteR, ConfeRenCe DiReCtoR

1Young America’s Foundation • Libertas14

1) Student Hope Ammen participates in the speaker question and answer session. 2) More than 130 high school students from 28 states travel to Washington, D.C., to be inspired by conservative ideas. 3) High school students from around the country enjoy the three-day conference which provides an introduction to conservative ideas. 4) Hillsdale professor and regular conference faculty member Dr. Burt Folsom engages the young audience in a discussion based on his latest book, New Deal or Raw Deal?

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1) Sarah Clogston, Katherine Hernandez, and Elana Pidgeon enjoy the 12th National High School Leadership Conference and a tour of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 2) Foundation Director Kirby Wilbur discusses Abraham Lincoln’s true convictions and accomplishments—facts often distorted by leftist teachers today. 3) Foundation team members and interns Roger Custer, Brad Mahlstedt, Lauren Scirocco, Patrick Coyle, Adam Tragone, and Trey Easton gather near the U.S. Capitol during a tour of Washington, D.C., with the conference attendees. 4) Student Brandi Heuer from Prescott, Arizona, asks a question of a leading conservative at the high school conference. 5) Activist and author Bay Buchanan instructs the young audience on the key characteristics of true leaders. 6) William Keene listens intently during a speaker session at the conference. 7) Stephen Moore instructs the high school audience on the importance of the free market.

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againstthepublicleaderswhoarenotdoingtheirjobs:representingtheinterestsoftheAmericanpeople. FoundationVicePresidentKateObenshainencouragedtheyoungattendeestostandupfortheirvalueseveniftheirpeersshowcontemptforthem.ObenshainrecountedstoriesoftheFoundingFatherswhosevalorandcouragehelpedtheUnitedStatesgainindependence.Sheremarkedthatyoungconservativesshouldbelikethefirstpatriotsanddefendtheirownprinciplesnomatterwhoorwhatisintimidatingthem. HooverInstitutionVisitingFellowandFoundationalumnusWyntonHalldiscussedtheimportanceofchoosingtherightwordstoconveytheconservativemessage. Dr.WalterWilliams,distinguishedeconomistatGeorgeMasonUniversity,spokeaboutgovernment’sever-growingroleinafreesociety.StudentsalsoheardfromHillsdaleCollegeProfessorDr.BurtFolsomwhoinstructedthegrouponthetrueentrepreneurialbeginningsofAmerica’sindustrialboomandCongress’wastefulspendingatthattime.Folsomalsospokeonhisnewestbook,New Deal or Raw Deal? MichelleEaston,presidentoftheClareBootheLucePolicyInstitute,discussedthefailuresoffeminismandfeminists’loveaffairwiththeLeft.FoundationDirectorKirbyWilburaddressedtheeverchangingperceptionofAbrahamLincolnandstressedthatLincolnwasamanofconviction,supportingtheequalityofallmenandtheimportanceofpreservingfreedom. ThespeakersconcludedwithFoundationVicePresidentPatrickCoylewhoenergizedthegrouptoadvanceconservativeideasattheirhighschoolsandintheircommunities. Tocapofftheprogram,thestudentsandFoundationteammemberstookatwilighttourofWashington,D.C.,visitingtheCapitolandtheLincoln,WorldWarII,KoreanWar,andVietnamWarMemorials. Theyoungleaderslefttheconferencewiththecharacter,knowledge,andsupportofYoungAmerica’sFoundationtospreadconservativeideasattheirschools. HopeAmmenfromRoanoke,Virginiasaid,“Iamleavingthisconferenceinspired,educated,andmostimportantly,readytotakeaction.Thankyouforequippingustoembarkonanobleendeavortoreachournationwiththecore,fundamentalvaluesthatourcountrywasfoundedon.”

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8) David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union, addresses the high school audience. 9) Hoover Institution Visiting Fellow and Foundation alumnus Wynton Hall stresses the importance of using the right words to advance conservative ideas. 10) After hearing from leading conservative speakers, conference attendees enjoy free time with their new, like-minded friends. 11) Foundation Vice President Kate Obenshain greets high school conference participant Hannah Glenn. 12) David Bossie, Foundation alumnus and president of Citizens United Foundation, discusses his work producing conservative documentaries and the Left’s determination to prevent these films from reaching broader audiences.

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Meet Young America’s Foundation Alumni Board Members–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––——By Jessica Jensen, Editor

Who do you think are the up-and-coming leaders of today’s Conservative Movement? RichLowryandGlennBeck

What books do you recommend today’s young people read?TheBible,Plato’sRepublic,Aristotle’sPolitics and Nichomachean Ethics,Aquinas’SummaTheologica andOn Kingship,Huxley’sBrave New World,Orwell’s1984,Rand’sAtlas ShruggedandThe Fountainhead,Marden’sPushing to the Front,BrianTracy’sGoals!,Focal Point,and Investor’s Business Daily.

Name:RuthMalhotraCurrent Occupation: ResearchassistantatCampusWatch,aprojectoftheMiddleEastForum,andexecutivedirectoroftheAlliancefortheFutureofGeorgiaTech

Hometown:Atlanta,Georgia

Alma Mater:GeorgiaInstituteofTechnology,Atlanta,Georgia

Foundation Activities you participated in:IparticipatedintheNationalConservativeStudentConference,Club100[theFoundation’sactivismrewardsprogram],ThomasPhillipsStudentLuncheonatCPAC,

Name:JimGrahamCurrent Occupation:TexasRighttoLifeExecutiveDirector

Hometown:Houston,Texas

Alma Mater:UniversityofSt.Thomas,Houston,Texas

Foundation Activities you participated in:Iattendedthe1993NationalConservativeStudentConference.

What did you most enjoy about the program(s) you participated in?Irealizedthatthereisaculturewarbeingfoughtbasedonobjective,eternalprinciples,thatthiswarwasbeingfoughtbypeoplelikemeoncampusesacrossthenation,andthatIcouldandmustbecomeinvolvedorIwaspartoftheproblem.

What do you most enjoy about your job today?EverydayIamabletoadvancetheCultureofLifeandbuildtheKingdomofGod.

What is your advice to today’s young conservatives?Startreading(notonline)foronehouradaysomethingthatisnotrequired(e.g.,National Review).Writeandreviewyourspiritual,family,health,school,andfinancialgoalsatleastonceamonth,ifnoteveryday.

Y oungAmerica’sFoundationispleasedtoannouncetheformationofourAlumniBoardofDirectors.Thisdistinguishedgroupwillincludeupto15alumniwhowereinvolvedwithourprogramsasstudentsorasamemberoftheFoundation’steamandwhocontinuetheirengagementwithourmission.Weareproudoftheiraccomplishmentsandlookforwardtoworkingwiththemtostrengthenouralumnieffortsandreach

moreyoungpeoplenationwide.

Thefollowingareprofilesofseveralmembers.Ifyouareanalumnuswhoisinterestedinbeingmoreinvolved,[email protected].


Name:JonathanMillerCurrent Occupation/Location:IamamemberoftheWestVirginiaHouseofDelegates(secondterm)andhealthinsuranceconsultantwithShenandoahValleyGroup(theWestVirginialegislatureisapart-timelegislature).

Hometown:Inwood,WestVirginia

Alma Mater:HighPointUniversity,HighPoint,NorthCarolina

Foundation Activities you participated in:IhostedthreeFoundationspeakersonmycampusandattendedseveralFoundationprogramsincludingthe2005NationalConservativeStudentConference,CPAC,andFreedomFest.

What did you most enjoy about the program(s) you participated in?ExperiencingtheReaganRanchinSantaBarbarawasoneofthemostmemorableeventsofmylife.

What do you most enjoy about your job today?Ienjoybeinganadvocateforlimitedgovernment,freemarkets,andindividuallibertyinastatelongdominatedbystatistsandsufferingfromtheeffectsoftheirbiggovernmentpolicies.

What is your advice to today’s young conservatives?Aboveallelse,followGod.Politicsareimportant,butyourfaithandyourfamilyareparamount.Icouldn’tsurvivewithoutmyChristianfaith,mywonderfulfiancée,andmyfamily.

Haveacorephilosophyandavision.Makesureyourvisionmatchesupwithyourcorephilosophyandworkhardtowardthatvision.Continuallygrowyourexperience,andreadeveryday.Don’tbeafraidtomakemistakesandtakerisksbecauseyoulearnmorefromyourmistakesthanyoursuccesses.Don’tbeinvolvedinpublicpolicyforpowerorprestige.Beinvolvedbecauseoftheideas.Don’tworryaboutwhogetsthecredit.Don’tgetmad.Don’tgeteven.Getahead.

Who do you think are the up-and-coming leaders of today’s Conservative Movement? MarcoRubio,

the9/11: Never Forget Project,anactivistsummitattheReaganRanch,andYoungAmerica’sFoundationcampuslecturesatGeorgiaTech,EmoryUniversity,andAgnesScottCollege.

What did you most enjoy about the program(s) you participated in?MyfirstdistinctmemoryofparticipatinginaYAFprogramisfromthe2004CPACwhenIattendedtheThomasPhillipsStudentLuncheon.DavidHorowitzwasthefeaturedspeaker,andthethemeofhisspeechwasacademicfreedom.ImetMr.HorowitzandtoldhimaboutmyexperiencesatGeorgiaTech.Afewmonthslater,IwouldtestifyalongsideHorowitzinfavoroftheAcademicBillofRightsintheGeorgialegislature,andthiswasjustthebeginningofmybattleforacademicfreedomandintellectualdiversity.

What do you most enjoy about your job today?Ifindmycurrentworkinhighereducationreformveryrewardingandinmanywaysacontinuationofmyeffortsincollegeandgradschool.Mydesiretorestoreandpreservelibertyinournation’scollegesanduniversitieshasmaturedwithmyownacademicexperiences,andIamhonoredtobeapartofthemovementtoholdoureducationalinstitutionsaccountable.

What is your advice to today’s young conservatives?Understandthelong-termimpactofwhatyou’redoing.Today’sactivistsaretomorrow’sleaders,andthisisauniquetimetochannelyourzealintoadynamicforce,astheimpactyouhavewillgofarbeyondyourtransientphaseincollege.Recognizeyourpotentialasacatalystforchangeandencouragelike-mindedstudentstobecomeparticipantsratherthanspectatorsinconservativeactivism.

Who do you think are the up-and-coming leaders of today’s Conservative Movement? Andrew Breitbart and CongressmanPaulRyan.

What books do you recommend today’s young people read?TheBible,theU.S.Constitution,Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of DutybyPeterCollier,A National Party No More byZellMiller,Feminist FantasiesbyPhyllisSchlafly,Red State of MindbyNancyFrench,God and Ronald Reagan byPaulKengor,Success God’s Way byCharlesStanley,What’s So Great About America byDineshD’Souza,andReligion of Peace? Why Christianity Is and Islam Isn’t byRobertSpencer.

growafamily,beresponsible,andbeactiveinlocalgovernmentandcivicorganizations,andshowpeoplebyexamplethatthesearetheideasthatwork.

Who do you think are the up-and-coming leaders of today’s Conservative Movement? There’sanicecropofconservativeswhomIlookforwardtoseeinginWashingtonsoon.SeanDuffyinWisconsinandMarcoRubioinFloridaaremyfavorites.(Duffy’ssister-in-lawisaFoundationalumna.)

What books do you recommend today’s young people read?Conscience of a Conservative byBarryGoldwater, WitnessbyWhittakerChambers,One Day in the Life of Ivan DenisovichbyAlexanderSolzhenitsyn,andGod and Man at YalebyWilliamF.Buckley.Toomanypeopleadvocateideaswithoutunderstandingthephilosophybehindthem,sobesuretoreadHayek,Burke,Kirk,vonMises,andFriedman,andforafunreadonthehistoryoftheConservativeMovement,readWilliamF.Buckley’sGetting it Right.

Name:MatthewSchenk

Current Occupation/Location:IamafoundingpartnerwithHSPDirect,adirectmailfundraisingfirminHerndon,Virginia.

Hometown:Hermiston,Oregon

Alma Mater:SwarthmoreCollege,Swarthmore,Pennsylvania

Foundation Activities you participated in:IinternedattheFoundationinthesummerof 1994,organizedaseriesofsevencampuslectures,launchedaconservativestudentnewspapersponsoredbytheFoundation,andattendedandhelpedorganizethe1994NationalConservativeStudentConference.Aftergraduation,IworkedattheFoundationasaprogramofficerfrom1995to1998.

What did you most enjoy about the program(s) you participated in?WiththesupportoftheE.L.WeigandFoundation,YoungAmerica’sFoundationlaunchedaprogramatSwarthmoreCollegeduringmyjuniorandsenioryearsinwhichwebroughtsevenhigh-profileconservativeleaderstothistraditionallyleft-wingcampus.WiththehelpoftheFoundation,thisprogram

CongressmanPatrickMcHenry,ErickErickson,AndrewBreitbart,andTimPhillips.

What books do you recommend today’s young people read?TheBible,Liberty and TyrannybyMarkLevin,The LawbyFredericBastiat,National Review,The Reagan Diaries,Funding Fathers byRonRobinsonandNicoleHoplin,andBad Boy: The Life and Politics of Lee Atwater byJohnBrady.

Name:MelissaMoskalCurrent Occupation/Location:Issueadvocacy,Washington,D.C.

Hometown:OrlandPark,Illinois

Alma Mater:TheGeorgeWashingtonUniversity,Washington,D.C.

What was your involvement with Young America’s Foundation? IwastheFoundation’sconferencedirectorforfiveyears(1998to2003).Fewpeopleareluckyenoughtohavejobsthattheyenjoyandwheretheytrulygettobeapartofsomethinglargerthanthemselves.Keepingintouchwithstudentsovertheyearsandwatchingtheirlivesunfoldhasbeensogreat!

What do you most enjoy about your job today?Iworkwithanamazinggroupofridiculouslysmart,creative,hilarious,dedicatedpeople,andit’sneverdull.Andwe’recomprisedofRepublicans,Democrats,libertariansandconservativesengagedinissuesthatarefreemarket,pro-entrepreneur,pro-smallbusiness,andagainstintrusiveregulations,whichremindsmethatthefundamentalideashavelittleornothingtodowithpartyaffiliation.

What is your advice to today’s young conservatives?Youhave suchahugeopportunityrightnowtoadvanceconservativeideas.Gargantuangovernment,seeminglyendlesscorruption,andhintsofsocialismaremakingpeoplethinkaboutpolicyandideasinwaystheyhaven’tbefore,givingyouagreatchancetobeanadvocateforconservativeprinciplessuchassmallgovernment,devolutionofpower,lessregulation,andstrongnationaldefense.Andwhenyou’redonewithschoolandbeingacampusactivist,gogetajob,buildabusiness,



What did you most enjoy about the program(s) you participated in?IenjoyedmeetingotherconservativestudentsandtheforemostleadersandintellectualsoftheConservativeMovement.Ialwaysleftwithawealthofknowledgeabouttheissuesdiscussedandcurrentevents,aswellasthebreadthofopportunitiesandresourcesavailabletostudents.

What do you most enjoy about your job today?Aftercollege,IchosetostartmycompanysothatIcouldspendeverydayonthefrontlinesofourcountry’smostimportantpublicpolicydebatesandculturewars.

What is your advice to today’s young conservatives?Iwouldadviseyoungconservativestodaytohavefunwithcampusactivism,whileatthesametimetakingitseriously.Payattentiontodetail,butdonotlosesightofthebiggerpicture.Knowthattherearetremendousopportunitiesandresourcesavailable,learntomanageyourtimewiselyandtrustyourinstincts.Attheendoftheday,makesureyouaresharingyourconservatismwithyourpeers,alwaysaskingthemtojoinyou.

Who do you think are the up-and-coming leaders of today’s Conservative Movement? CongressmanPaulRyanandMarcoRubio.

What books do you recommend today’s young people read?Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in HistorybyWilliamSafireandThe Little Red Book of WisdombyMarkDeMoss.

OthermembersoftheFoundation’sAlumniBoardofDirectorsincludeMichaelBoos,vicepresidentandgeneralcounselforCitizensUnited;ChuckCunningham,directoroffederalaffairsfortheNationalRifleAssociation;KathrynLopez,editorofNational Review Online;AndrewWong,attorneyandgoverningboardmemberofthePonomaUnifiedSchoolDistrictinCalifornia;andFlaggYoungblood,YoungAmerica’sFoundation’sdirectorofmilitaryoutreach(2006to2009).

ToreadmoreprofilesofFoundationalumniortocreateyourownalumniprofile,visitwww.yaf.org/alumni.aspx.

completelydominatedthepublicpolicydiscussionatSwarthmorefortwostraightyearsasspeakersincludingDineshD’Souza,WilliamF.Buckley,PhyllisSchlafly,WalterWilliams,andEdMeeseaddressednearlytheentirestudentbodyateventsatthisveryliberalschool.

What do you most enjoy about your job today?IenjoyprovidingfundraisingsupportforsomeofthemosteffectiveorganizationsandleadersoftheConservativeMovement.

What is your advice to today’s young conservatives?Constantlychallenge—whetheritischallengingyourselfandyourownpreconceivednotions,ortheideasofyourfriends,classmates,andteachers.Themoreyouchallenge,themoreconfidentyouwillbecomeinyourownbeliefs.

Who do you think are the up-and-coming leaders of today’s Conservative Movement? KenCuccinelliandChuckDeVore.

What books do you recommend today’s young people read?The Conscience of a ConservativebyBarryGoldwater,Anarchy, State, and UtopiabyRobertNozick,andThe Brothers KaramazovbyFyodorDostoevsky.

Name:OritSklarCurrent Occupation/Location:IampresidentofOritSklarConsulting,anAtlanta-basedconsultancyassistingconservativecandidates,faith-basedorganizations,andissue-orientedcampaignswithbranding,messaging,marketing,andonlineandmobilestrategy.

Hometown:Mt.Vernon,NewYork

Alma Mater:GeorgiaInstituteofTechnology,Atlanta,Georgia

Foundation Activities you participated in:Iparticipatedinthe2003NationalConservativeStudentConference,Club100[theFoundation’sactivismrewardsprogram],theThomasPhillipsStudentLuncheonsatCPAC,Foundation-sponsoredcampuslecturesatAtlanta-areaschools,andthe9/11: Never Forget Project.


Morethan200participantsattendedYoungAmerica’sFoundation’sWestCoastLeadershipConferenceinSantaBarbara,California.HeldatYoungAmerica’sFoundation’sReaganRanchCenter,studentsheardfromsomeoftheleadingvoicesintheConservativeMovementandnetworked,

brainstormed,andinspiredeachothertowinthebattleforideasontheircampuses. TheconferencebeganwithapanelfeaturingBreitbart.comfounderAndrewBreitbartandFoundationspokesmanJasonMatteradiscussing“GuerillaWarfare:HowYoungActivistsandanInternetPublisherTookDownACORNandExposedMediaCorruption.” HooverInstitutionFellowandauthorDr.VictorDavisHansonthenofferedhisviewson“Obama’sBraveNewWorld,”breakingdownPresidentObama’sforeignpoliciesanddetailingtheirglaringflaws. ThedayincludedareceptionontheMr.&Mrs.AlwalAnheuserBeimsMooreRooftopTerracewheretheevening’sspeaker,GovernorMittRomney,andhiswife,Ann,metandtookphotoswiththeattendees.GovernorRomneylateraddressedthestudentsandmembersoftheFoundation’sPresident’sClubatthedinnerbanquet.HetouchedupontheimportanceofconveyingconservativeprinciplestoyoungpeopleandcalledoutthePresidentfornothavingaplanforAfghanistan.


Romney, Wilson, Breitbart, andOthers Ignite

Young AudienceAnnual West

Coast Leadership Conference

Covered by the Los Angeles Times,

CNN, and More!

By Ana Lightle, Program Officer

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1) Foundation supporter and talk radio host Mark Larson emcees the West Coast Leadership Conference luncheon at the Reagan Ranch.


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2) Young leaders enjoy a sunny afternoon at Rancho del Cielo during the West Coast Leadership Conference. 3) Prior to his speech at the annual West Coast Leadership Conference, Governor Mitt Romney and his wife, Ann, meet with Foundation supporters Wendy McCaw and Arthur von Weisenburger in the Tom and Randall Phillips Library at the Reagan Ranch Center. 4) Congressman Joe Wilson addresses students and supporters at a special luncheon on the lawn of President Reagan’s Rancho del Cielo. 5) Students from 16 states and 44 schools attend the West Coast Leadership Conference at the Reagan Ranch Center in Santa Barbara, California.


“ThePresidenthasheldhisjobfor10monthsbutdoesnotyethaveastrategy,”RomneyassertedduringhisspeechintheDavidLouisBartlettVisitorsCenter.“WhathashebeendoingthatismoreimportantthanprotectingthelivesofthetroopsofwhichheisCommander-in-Chief?” Thenextdaybest-sellingauthorLynnVincentdiscussed“HumbleHeartsandCivilTongues:GrassrootsCoalitionConservatism.”AmericanConservativeUnionSecretaryTomTrippfollowed,explainingtheimportanceofdefendingcoreconservativeprinciples. StudentsandsupporterstraveledtotheReaganRanchforaluncheonandanafternoonsessionmoderatedbyFoundationsupporterandtalkradiohostMarkLarson. WhileatRanchodelCielo,CongressmanJoeWilson—whoseparticipationintheconferencewasmadepossiblewiththehelpofFoundationVicePresidentRonPearson—spokeabouthisdaysasayoungactivist.CongressmanWilsonexpressedhopeforthefuture,noting,“Ithinkwehaveanadministrationthatistrulyoutofcontrol,whenyoucompareitwiththepositiveeffectofRonaldReagan…I’mjustreallyhopefulthatwe’reallworkingtogetherwiththeextraordinarysuccessoftheYoungAmerica’sFoundation,andthatwecan…makeachange.”(Seerelatedarticleonpage25.) FoundationPresidentRonRobinson,VicePresidentKateObenshain,andDirectorKirbyWilburwrappeduptheconferencewiththeirpaneldiscussion:“ConservatisminAscendancy:HowObama’sDisastrousAgendaisSpawningConservativeLeadership.” Intotal,morethan3,000peopleviewedconferencesessionsonUStream.tv,andtheconferencegarneredprominentmediaattentionfromtheLos Angeles Times,CNN,andtheSanta Barbara News-Press. YoungAmerica’sFoundationthanksallthosewhosupportedthisprogram,andweespeciallythanktheprincipalsponsorsofthisyear’sWestCoastLeadershipConferencewhogavegiftsof$10,000ormore:ArnoldGarrison,JoanHadley,FrankMiller,BarbaraNewington,TomandJoanStreiff,MichaelandSusanTurner,andRichandShirleyWalker.

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1) Students enjoy the fully-subscribed, weekend-long conference at the Reagan Ranch Center. 2) The West Coast Leadership Conference includes a memorable and inspiring visit to President Reagan’s Western White House for all attendees. 3) (From left) San Diego State University students Jessica Basiago, Stephanie Jones, Lindsey Keena, and Nicole Donahue gather in the Wendy P. McCaw Welcome Center at the Reagan Ranch Center.


Standing Up For Freedom: Why We Need Ronald Reagan’s Ideas TodayBy Congressman Joe Wilson, South Carolina

IhadtheprivilegeofattendingYoungAmerica’sFoundation’sWestCoastLeadershipConferenceattheReaganRanchtooffersomeofthefollowingremarks. Itwassuchanhonortobewiththeseextraordinarystudentsandmeetthesupporterswhomakeitpossibleforyoungpeopletobeinvolvedandhavethisremarkableopportunity. RonaldandNancyReaganaretwoofmyheroes;tobeattheWesternWhiteHouseonthe20thanniversaryofoneofthemostsignificantdaysthatoccurredinmylifewasparticularlymoving.IcherishNovember9,1989,andthefalloftheBerlinWall. ItwasRonaldReaganwhofirstidentifiedtheSovietUnionasthe“EvilEmpire”andhiswillingnesstofaceanenemyisstillappreciatedtoday.InJerusalemin2008,ImetSovietdissidentNatanSharanskywhowasinaGulagwhenReagandeliveredthat“EvilEmpire”speech.Thefamousdissidenttoldmehowmeaningfulitwastohearthespeechduringthattryingtimeinhislife. WorkingwithPrimeMinisterMargaretThatcher,PopeJohnPaulII,andLechWalesainPolandatthetime,PresidentReaganhadthevisionanddeterminationtobackuphiscalltoMr.Gorbachevto“teardownthiswall!”Allthanksshouldgotothesacrificesofgenerationsofourmilitaryservicemembers.DuetoAmericanveterans,todaytherearemorefreedemocraticcountrieswithfreemarketeconomiesthaninthehistoryoftheworld. Onissuesofnationalsecurity,RonaldReagan’splaybookisonethatlawmakersshouldrevisittimeandagain.StarWars,RonaldReagan’sStrategicDefenseInitiative,was


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4) Students Chelsea Orman and Lauren Scirocco enjoy an afternoon at the Reagan Ranch. 5) Governor Mitt Romney addresses Foundation student activists and supporters at the West Coast Leadership Conference. 6) Andrew Breitbart chats with students following his address at the annual Santa Barbara conference.


particularlyinstructive.Hewasthepersonwhosaidwecandevelopamissiledefensesystemwhereabulletcanhitabullet.Acoupledecadeslater,IheardtestimonyintheHouseArmedServicesCommitteeabouthowwenowhavetheremarkableabilitytostrikeaparticularplaceonabullet. It’scriticalthatAmericacontinuestobeattheforefrontofsuchtechnolog-icaladvances.Rightnow,NorthKoreaisdevelopingTypeIIMissilesthathavethecapabilitytostrikeAlaska,Hawaii,andGuam.Unfortunately,atthesametime,thecurrentadministrationiscut-tingmissiledefensefundingandreduc-ingsites.Thisonlyencouragesourenemies;itonlyputsAmericantroopsandouralliesatrisk. Additionally,IranistestingmissileswithrangestoannihilateourallyIsrael;ourNATOpartnersofGreece,BulgariaandRomania;andourstrategicpartnerIndia. Nationalsecurityisn’ttheonlypageofReagan’splaybookthatPresidentObamashouldstudy.Thisadministrationistryingtospendtheirwaytojobcreationbypassingtrilliondollarso-calledstimulusbills.TheAmericanpeoplewerepromisedthatunemploymentwouldnotexceedeightpercent,butwe’veseenitclimbpasttenpercentbecausetheborrowing,taxing,andspendingisnotworking.Theadministrationwouldbewisetolookat1981whenReaganrespondedtoaneconomicdownturnbycuttingtaxes—justlikeJohnF.Kennedydidin1961.Successfuljobcreationpoliciesdonothavetobeapartisanissue.LawmakersshouldbeworkingwiththePresidenteachandeverydaytopresentideastogetAmerica’seconomyrollingonceagain. Next,weshouldlookatenergypolicy.IworkedattheU.S.DepartmentofEnergyfrom1981to1982whenRonaldReaganderegulatedoilandnaturalgas.Themediaprojectedthatgasolinepriceswoulddouble,butthatcertainlydidn’thappen.WhatoccurredwasthattheOPECcartelcollapsed.Oilandgasolinepriceswentdown,andIhadafront-rowseat.Itwas28yearsago,andwewerealreadypromotingconservationandalternativefuelsthatstillhavenotmadeitintoAmerica’senergyplans.Unfortunately,whatthisadministrationhasinstoreforus

1) Congressman Joe Wilson visits the Reagan Ranch Center’s interactive exhibit gallery and watches President Reagan’s address to the Foundation’s 1993 National Conservative Student Conference. 2) Foundation President Ron Robinson enjoys Rancho del Cielo with Congressman Wilson and his wife, Roxanne. 3) Congressman Wilson converses with young leaders and shares activism advice following his speech at the Reagan Ranch.

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isanationalenergytaxthatwillcostAmericanfamilies$3,400each. Inadditiontoblockingthisjob-killingnationalenergytax,thisyearitiscriticalthatCongressalsopassanall-of-the-aboveenergyplansothatAmericaisnolongerdependentonforeignenergy.Wemustexpandouruseofthenaturalresourceswehavehereathome,increaseourdomesticproduction,andrevampourenergyinfrastructure—includingupdatingandbuildingnewrefineries. ThebipartisangroupIjoinedinCongressmustcomebacktogethertopushourAmerican Conservation and Clean Energy Independence Act of 2009.Thislegislationistheroadmaptoastrongerenergyfuture—oneinwhichwepursuethedevelopmentofnewenergyalternativesandrenewablesourcesthatwillmakeourenergyproductionandenergyuseaffordableandclean. ItistheAmericanpeoplewhomuststanduptogetCongressandthisadministrationtoreprioritizeandfocusontheseenergy,defense,andjobcreationpolicies. Citizenactivistsweresuccessfulindelayingagovernmenttakeoverofourhealthcaresystem.Theimpactoftheteapartymovementhasbeenextraordinary.Millionsofpeoplearestandinguptothisgovernmentmonstrosity.TheyunderstandthatthislegislationwillcreateamazeofnewmandatesandfederalregulationsthatwillcostjobswhileraisingtaxesonsmallbusinessesandAmericanfamiliesalreadystrugglinginatougheconomy. I’mconfidentthatmorepeoplewillcontinuetogetinvolvedandstanduptothemajorityinCongresswhohavesettheirsightsongrowingthesize,scope,power,intrusion,andcostoftheFederalgovernment.AswefighttogetCongressandthisadministrationtocorrecttheirmisplacedpriorities,IamremindedofRonaldReagan’swarning,“Governmentstendnottosolveproblems,onlytorearrangethem.” Itisachoiceofpowertothepoliticiansortothepeople.Itistheeternalstruggleofbiggovernmentversuslimitedgovernment.I’mconfidentthattheAmericanpeoplewillultimatelyprevailwithlimitedgovernmenttoexpandfreedom.


Inspiring Tomorrow’s Journalists Today — Stephen Bird, Ph.D.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––————————————————–––––––––——By Jason Mattera, Editor, Human Events

BillMcMorris’investigativereporting

wentviralalmostimmediatelywhenherevealedthatasignificantportionofPresidentObama’s“stimulus”spendingwenttodistrictsthatdidn’tactuallyexist.ErickaAndersenisorchestratingCongressmanMikePence’scommunicationstrategytothecountry’sleadingblogsandwebsites,helpingtogetwordoutonthelatestgovernmentforayintoourlives. What’stheconnectionbetweentheseindividuals? StephenBird,Ph.D. BillandErickainternedwiththeNationalJournalismCenter(NJC),studyingundertheleadershipofDr.Bird.Formorethan33years,NJChasbeentrainingyoungleadersonthenutsandboltsofreporting.AfewyearsafterNJCbecameaprogramofYoungAmerica’sFoundation,StephencametoWashingtontoserveastheacademicdirector. “I’vealwayswantedtoworkwithtopstudentswhohaveakeeninterestinjournalismandpublicpolicy,”Stephennotes,“sotheNationalJournalismCenterwasanaturalfitforme.” Atage46,Stephenisoneofthemostmild-manneredandeasygoingguysyouwillmeet.Butdon’tmistakehiscalmcomposureforalackofenthusiasm.He’sincrediblypassionateabouthisworkandevenmoresoaboutinspiringthenextgenerationofreporters.Infact,inacity(Washington,D.C.)drivenbyegosandevenlargeregos,Stephenmanagestostaygroundedandkeepthefocusoffofhimself. Anditdoesn’tgounnoticed. AuthorJedBabbincallsStephena“B-

2bomberofconservativejournalism.”Headds,“YouneverseeStephenclaimingcreditforallthegreattalentheturnsout,buttheyounginternsandreporterswhogothroughNJCinternshipsarethebestonourside.” MarkTapscott,editorialpageeditoroftheWashingtonExaminer,agrees.“Stephenhasararedevotiontohelpingaspiringjournalistslearnacraftthatisamongthemostimportantinthe

preservationofindividuallibertyandtheAmericanrepublic.” Stephen’sinterestineducatingyoungandhungrymindsisnosurprise.Afterall,hedidreceivehisPh.D.in

communicationstudiesatRegentUniversityandwasafull-time,tenuredprofessoratRadfordUniversitypriortojoiningNJC. “Mythreeandahalfyearswiththe

NationalJournalismCenterhavebeenaprivilegeforwhichIamverythankful,”saysStephen.“IfeelblessedtoworkintheNationalPressBuilding,withtopstudentsfromallovertheworld,withtopmediaoutlets,andwithgreatFoundationcolleagues.” WhatalsomakesStephenaneffectivementoristhathecombineshisteachingintuitionwithanimpressivecareerasajournalist.HehasfreelancedfortheAssociatedPress,theWashington Times, FoxNews,ESPN,theDaily Oklahoman, andotheroutlets,andheworkedfortheDanville Register & Bee. StudentsattendingtheNationalJournalismCenterareputthroughintense,thought-provokingseminars.Theyalsohearfromanall-starcastofveteranjournalistsininformal,intimatesettings.GuestlecturersunderStephen’sleadershiphaveincludedFoxNews’s

BritHume,best-sellingauthorandNJCalumnaAnnCoulter,authorandrecentWashington TimeseditorialpageeditorTonyBlankley,RegneryauthorTimCarney,andCNNproducerDavidGracey,amongothers.Stephenmakesthisallhappen,andtheNJCinternstrulyappreciatehiscommit-

menttotheirjournalismeducations. ErickaAndersenofMikePence’swebteamconcurs:“I’mhappytoknowIhaveareferenceandamentorinDr.Bird.”

S t a F F P R O F I L E

Dr. Stephen Bird serves as the academic director at the National Journalism Center.

Dr. Bird presents NJC graduate Elisabeth Meinecke (who now works at Human Events) with her certificate of completion from the 12-week long program.

Young America’s Foundation • Libertas28 Young America’s Foundation • Libertas 29

S peakingattheReaganRanchCenter,GovernorMittRomneytoldthegatheredaudienceofstudentsandFoundationsupporters,“Isalute

youintheeffortthatyouarecarryingout—toreachyoungpeopleinthiscountry.Yourecognizewehaveworktodo.Ourconservativemessagewillconnectwithyoungpeopleifwetellthemthetruthandiftheyhearitclearly.” ThemissionthatYoungAmerica’sFoundationispursuingthroughourSchoolhouseforReaganismontheWestCoast,theReaganRanchCenter,resonatedwithGovernorRomney—asithaswiththecountlessotherconservativeleaderswhohavecomethroughourdoors.RecentweeksmarkanexcitingperiodofsuccessinestablishingthereputationoftheCenterasanunparalleledmeetingplaceforconservativeinspiration,debate,andtraining.

Igniting the Conservative Movement in Reagan Country:

Leaders Advance Freedom at the Reagan Ranch Center

By AnDRew Coffin, ViCe PResiDent AnD DiReCtoR of the ReAgAn RAnCh

Ourannualcelebrationofthesigningofthe1981EconomicRecoveryTaxActincludedabarbecue,Ranchopenhouse,andprogramforPresident’sClubmembersandstudents.FoundationsupportersRayandBarbaraCullinpersonallywitnessedthesigningofthe1981legislationbythePresidentattheRanch.(RayservedastheWhiteHouseproducerforNBCduringtheReaganyears.)Thecouplesharedsomeoftheirmemoriesofthatdaywiththeattendees.FoundationVicePresidentKateObenshainalsomaderemarksbeforeintroducingthekeynotespeaker,BajaFreshCEODavidKim. Mr.KimrecountedthebenefitsofReagan’shistorictaxcutsandremindedguestsofthepromiseofcapitalism,entrepreneurship,andfreemarkets,saying,“Capitalism...isthefastestpathtohumanfreedom.” Thousandsofstudents,supporters,andlocalcommunitymembershaveattendedourmonthlyReagan

Young America’s Foundation • Libertas28 Young America’s Foundation • Libertas 29

RanchRoundtableluncheons,featuringspeakerssuchasPacificResearchInstitutePresidentSallyPipes,Wall Street JournalcolumnistJohnFund,GOPChairmanMichaelSteele,andauthorsMartinandAnneliseAnderson.VisitorsalsotouredtheReaganRanchCenterEducationandExhibitGalleriesduringaseriesofopenhouseevents.Inaddition,localattorneys,financialplanners,andwealthmanagersattendedanEstatePlanningProfessionals’LuncheonwithFoundationsupporterBrooksFirestone. GuestsalsotookpartinabooksigningwithReaganRanchBoardofGovernors’memberCraigShirley,highlightinghisrecentlypublishedbook,Rendezvous with Destiny: Ronald Reagan and the Campaign that Changed America. Onthe20thanniversaryofthefalloftheBerlinWall,acapacitycrowdof180highschoolstudentsattendedaspecialevententitled“VoicesfromBehindtheIronCurtain”torememberthismomentousday.PanelistsincludedRussianimmigrantandmemberoftheFoundation’sPresident’sClubDariaBoxer;ChapmanUniversityprofessorDr.TiborMachan,whowassmuggledoutofCommunistHungryin1953whenhewas14;MariaQuintanaThiemanandherfather,Dr.JoaquinArturoQuintana,whofledCubain1969;andGiselleRecarey-Delgado,whowasexiledfromCubain2008forfightingforhumanrights. Studentsalsogatheredfromacrossthecountryto

Igniting the Conservative Movement in Reagan Country:

Foundation Vice Presidents Kate Obenshain and Andrew Coffin meet with Baja Fresh CEO David Kim at the Reagan Ranch during the anniversary celebration of President Reagan’s 1981 Economic Recovery Tax Act.

The Wall Street Journal’s John Fund addresses a sold-out crowd at a Reagan Ranch Roundtable luncheon.

Liya Palagashvili from George Mason University takes notes during the Founda-tion’s Road to Freedom Seminar: Selling Your Freedom to Government in the Age of Obama held at the Reagan Ranch Center.

attendtheRoad to Freedom Seminar: Selling Your Freedom to Governement in the Age of ObamaandtheWestCoastLeadershipConference(seerelatedarticlesonpages22to26).Thesetwoprogramsdrew

The Santa Barbara News-Press covers Congressman Joe Wilson’s West Coast Leadership Conference address.

studentsfrom54schoolsacrossthecountrytolearnaboutconservativeprinciplesfromsomeofthetopmindsoftheConservativeMovement. DuringtheRoad to Freedom Seminar,students


heardfromHillsdaleprofessorandformerYoungAmerica’sFoundationinternIvanPongracic,Wall Street Journal columnistJohnFund,Reuters reporterJimPethokoukis,authorRabbiDanielLapin,ChapmanUniversityprofessorandcolumnistTiborMachan,PresidentoftheFoundationforEconomicEducationLawrenceReed,andFoundationDirectorKirbyWilbur. SpeakersdiscussedthemythsoftheGreatDepression,themoralityofcapitalism,thelessonslearnedfromthefalloftheSovietUnionandtheBerlinWall,howRonaldReaganrestoredAmerica’seconomybysigningthelargesttaxcutinAmericanhistory,andmore. TheFoundationalsohostedlike-mindedorganizationsattheCenterandRanch,includingTheFundforAmericanStudies(TFAS)andtheHeritageFoundation.ParticipantsinTFAS’sLeadershipNetworktouredtheReaganRanchCenterbeforeenjoyingaluncheonprogramintheDavidLouisBartlettOutreachCenter.TFASPresidentRogerReamemceed

Young America’s Foundation welcomes the leadership, alumni, supporters, and students of The Fund for American Studies to the Reagan Ranch.

Students and supporters gather near the Knapheide Family Berlin Wall exhibit in the entryway of the Reagan Ranch Center.

Members of the California legislature and their spouses tour the Reagan Ranch Center’s exhibit galleries while in Santa Barbara for a Joint Legislative Summit.


theprogramwhichincludedwelcomingremarksfromReaganRanchBoardofGovernorsChairmanFrankDonatelli. TheHeritageFoundationalsoworkedwithYoungAmerica’sFoundationontwoevents,includingascreeningofHeritage’slatestdocumentary,33 Minutes,withspecialguestUnitedStatesSenatorJimTalent.TheSouthernCaliforniaCommitteeforHeritagealsoorganizedatalkandbooksigningwithMattSpalding,authorofWe Still Hold These Truths: Rediscovering Our Principles, Reclaiming Our Future. MembersoftheCalifornialegislaturevisitedtheCenterandtheReaganRanchduringtheirJointLegislativeSummitinSantaBarbara,organizedbyStateSenatorDennisHollingsworthandAssemblymanSamBlakeslee.FrankDonatelliwelcomedthegrouponbehalfoftheBoardofGovernors,andPresidentReagan’sSecretServiceagentJohnBarlettadiscussedtheFoundation’smissionandthehistoryoftheReaganRanchwiththesepublicservants. Throughoutthepastyear,thousandshaveattendedeventsattheReaganRanchandReaganRanchCenter,andwitheachvisitor,oursharedcauseisadvanced.EveryguestleaveswithabetterfundamentalunderstandingoftheprinciplesReaganchampioned—byhearingfromleadersoftheConservativeMovement,spendingtimeintheReaganRanchCenter’sEducationandExhibitGalleries,andwalkinginthefootstepsofPresidentReaganathisbelovedRanchodelCielo.

————————————For more information on upcoming Reagan Ranch Center programs, please visit www.yaf.org or call the Reagan Ranch Center at 888-USA-1776.

“Resist” posters advertise the theme of the 2009 West Coast Leadership Conference—hosted at the Reagan Ranch Center.

Local media cover Young America’s Foundation’s special panel commemorating the

20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Senator Jim Talent headlines a special screening of the Heritage Foundation’s documentary, 33 Minutes, in the David Louis Bartlett Visitors Center at the Reagan Ranch Center.

OneofthestrongestelementsoftheNationalJournalismCenter(NJC)programistheinteractioninternshavewithesteemedjournalistsandexpertsduringtheweeklyseminars.Theseintimatesessionsprovideopportunitiestoaskunfilteredquestionsof

professionalsandreceivehonestanswersinreturn.PreviousspeakershaveincludedlegendarycolumnistRobertNovak,renownedeconomistDr.WalterWilliams,NJCalumnaandbestsellingauthorAnnCoulter,andmanyothers. FoxNewssenioranalystBritHumerecentlyaddressedtheNJCinterns,whogatheredshoulder-to-shoulderintheNationalPressClubasMr.Humesharedremarks,answeredquestions,andmetinformallywiththeeager,buddingjournalists.Headdressedobjectivity,mediabias,andreportingongovernmentandtheWhiteHouse—topicsofmuchinteresttothejournalisminternsstudyingandworkinginournation’scapital. Mr.Humealsotookthegrouponajourneythroughhisfourdecadesofworkinjournalism.HisfirstjobaftergraduatingfromtheUniversityofVirginiawasinHartford,Connecticut.WhiletheHartford Timeswasa“traditionalpaper,”thelessonsthatMr.Humelearnedfromworkingtherebuiltthefoundationforhiscareerinjournalism.

TheHartfordTimes was gradually dying, but the standards were very high and they were very old fashion. In those days, the idea of editorializing on the news pages was considered a much greater sin than it is now. The attitudes have changed...

TheHartford TimesgroundedMr.Humeinthevaluesofaccuracyandobjectivity,andMr.Humeofferedhisthoughtsonobjectivityintoday’snewsrooms:

A Conversation with Brit HumeVeteran Journalist Inspires

National Journalism Center Interns————————————————————————————————————————

By Lauren Smith, National Journalism Center Program Officer

The kind of objectivity in which we talk about is probably impossible…If you are a thinking person, and you’re out covering news events, you’re going to form some opinions about them…You’re going to like some ideas better than others. In other words, you’re going to have biases. We all have them. We’re human beings. So the trick…is to be professional about

it. To learn—and it’s not that hard to do—and to recognize our biases…To begin our work each day with an awareness of them. If you do that, and you’re conscious of them, it’s not that hard to check yourself, screen your thoughts, screen your writing, watch your words to be careful the bias does not creep in and affect your work and coverage.

Mr.Humespentmorethanthree-quartersofhisjournalismcareer

workingfortwomajortelevisionnetworks—ABCandFoxNews—andnotedthathelearnedmoreabouthispersonalvaluesandethicswitheachassignmenthewasgiven.Asdomanyjournalists,hebeganhiscareerasa“conventionalliberal.”“ThatwasjustthewayIlookedattheworld,”saidHume.“Wealldid.” Mr.Humeattributedhisshifttoconservatismto“anaccumulationofexperiences,someofthemprofessionalandsomeofthempersonal.” CoveringCongress,theWhiteHouse,andmanyotherbureaucraciesinWashingtonmadehimmoreawareofpublicpoliciesandtheimpacttheyhaveonpeopleandtheeconomy.HealsosharedhowPresidentReagan’seconomicandforeignpoliciesplayedaroleinhisconversion:

I was dubious of the whole Reagan program. I wondered a lot about it, and I read a lot about it, and it began to make


that it really was possible to confront Communism and that Communism could be defeated. And it was.

DuringanextendedquestionandanswerperiodwiththeNJCgroup,Humeofferedadditionalinsightsintohiswork.HenotedhereadstheWall Street Journaldaily,asitoffers“everythingtheNew York Timeswouldgive”him“plusithasavastlyrichereditorialpage.”TheFoxNewsanalystalsosaidhevisitstheMerriam-Websteronlinedictionary“nearlyeveryday,”nottocheckhisspelling,buttochoosehiswordscarefully—advicehepreaches“tothecorrespondentsatFoxNewscontinually.” Mr.Hume’sremarksandopennessabouthiscareerandpersonallifeundoubtedlyinspiredtheyoungaudience,andhisadvicewillnotsoonbeforgottenbytheNationalJournalismCenterinternsfortunatetoattendthisuniquesessionwithoneoftoday’sleadingjournalists.


Fox News analyst Brit Hume offers insights about his career and life as a journalist with National Journalism Center interns.

“in those days, the idea of editorializing on the news pages was considered a much greater sin than it is now. the attitudes have changed...”

a lot of sense…[We]had lower personal income tax rates than the rest of the world and with inflation tamed, we had an almost uninterrupted boom for a quarter of a century. And I began to think that that theory of the economy was the right one, and I also came to think, just watching the results that unfolded during the 80s,

Make Freedom Your Legacy!

Never before has America seen so great an internal threat to our freedom. President Obama is launching an all-out assault on our liberties. He has gained control of our health care, investment banks, and the American automobile industry. The Left will restrict more of our liberties unless conservatives do more to educate and inspire the next generation of America’s leaders.

There is no better place to inspire conservative leadership than at the Reagan Ranch.

Presidential homes serve a critical function in teaching the history and ideas of America’s great Presidents. George Washington’s Mount Vernon is where students of history learn about our first President who helped establish America as a great nation. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is where students learn about the author of the Declaration of Independence and our third President, whose zeal for liberty and limited government continues to inspire Americans today. The Reagan Ranch is where students learn about our 40th President who revived our economy by lessening the burden of government and extended freedom to hundreds of millions because of his peace through strength principles. Our students tell us they are not just better educated about Ronald Reagan after visiting the Ranch, but they are also more committed to protecting America’s freedom. Ronald Reagan spoke of the need to institutionalize freedom. He said in his farewell address from the Oval Office,

Our spirit is back, but we haven’t reinstitutionalized it. We’ve got to do a better job of getting across that America is freedom—freedom of speech, freedom

of religion, freedom of enterprise. And freedom is special and rare. It’s fragile; it needs protection.

You can help institutionalize freedom by remembering Young America’s Foundation in your estate plans. Updating your plans to reflect your priorities enables you to control your legacy. If you die without a will, the government will decide how to distribute your estate for you—and take its share! Currently, the death tax rate for 2011 and beyond is 55% or more for estates of more than $1 million. There is no tax on gifts to Young America’s Foundation. Tell your attorney to make freedom your legacy by adding this language to your will:

I give, devise, and bequeath to Young America’s Foundation, tax identification number 23-7042029, 110 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170 (insert percentage, amount or nature of gift, or remainder of estate) to be used for educational purposes.

You will be honored at the Reagan Ranch on Freedom Wall for your legacy gift. Please call Kimberly Martin Begg, Esq., director of planned giving, at 800-USA-1776 to request a free information packet, to schedule a visit to the Reagan Ranch for yourself or your financial and legal advisors, or if you have any questions.

National Headquarters, F. M. Kirby Freedom Center, 110 Elden Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170, 800-USA-1776, www.yaf.orgThe Reagan Ranch Center, 217 State Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101, 888-USA-1776


n1947,newlyelectedScreenActorsGuildPresidentRonaldReaganfoundhimselfinthemiddleof

aturbulentunionmeeting.Emboldenedbythegrowingpro-SovietsentimentinHollywood,leftist

activistswereinthemiddleofaloudandaggressivecampaigncoordinatedbycommunistsympathizers

toseizecontroloftheunion.

Inthemidstofthechaos,RonaldReaganheardacallforadjournmenttoendtheattemptedtakeover.

Whentheleftistblocdemandedtheidentityofthepersonwhomovedforadjournment,RonaldReagan

immediatelylookedtoJohnWayneandsaid,“Why,IbelieveJohnWaynemadethatmotion.”

JohnWayneimmediatelysteppedforwardandbellowed,“Isureashelldid.”Withinminutes,the

meetingwasoverandtheradicalcampaignhadbeenthwarted.

A young Aissa Wayne enjoys time with her father, John Wayne, on the set of The Alamo.

II

Rancho del cielo, John Wayne, and the Fight FoR FReedom today

Rancho del cielo, John Wayne, and the Fight FoR FReedom today

B y B r y a n t C o n g e r, D e v e l o p m e n t O f f i c e r

A n I n t e r v I e w w I t H A I s s A w A y n eA n I n t e r v I e w w I t H A I s s A w A y n eA n I n t e r v I e w w I t H A I s s A w A y n e

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TomillionsofAmericans,includingPresidentReagan,JohnWaynechampionedthecourageousAmericanindividualismofthecharactersheplayedandthecausesheadvocated.AstaunchopponentofCommunismandafearlesssupporteroffreedomworldwide,JohnWaynestruckupa30-yearfriendshipwithRonaldReaganwhichculminatedwithPresidentReagan’svisittoWayne’schildhoodhomeinWinterset,Iowa. YoungAmerica’sFoundationhadthepleasureofhostingJohnWayne’sdaughter,AissaWayne—anauthorandaccomplishedattorney—andherOscar-winninghusbandScottConrad,alongwiththeirfriends,KurtandDanaDietel,atRonaldReagan’sRanchodelCielo. YoungAmerica’sFoundationthanksAissaforkindlysharingherthoughtsonhervisittotheRanch,herfather,RonaldReagan,andtheFoundation’smissiontoreachincreasingnumbersofyoungpeoplewithpro-freedomideas.

————————————————

Young America’s Foundation is honored to have hosted a number of unique and important guests at Ronald Reagan’s Rancho del Cielo. What sparked your interest in taking a tour?

Myhusband,Scott,andIlearnedaboutyourorganizationfromourgoodfriends,KurtandDanaDietel.They

describedtheirvisitstotheReaganRanchwithsuchpositiveenthusiasmandshowedtheiroptimismaboutyou,thegenerationoffutureleaders.Wewantedtosee,firsthand,whatthiscourageousgrouphadbandedtogethertoachieveandwhattheReaganRanchwasallabout. Iwasimpressedandencouragedbyyourdeterminationtostandupandspeakoutforliberty,freedom,andtheconservativeprinciplesadvancedbyRonaldReagan—thesameprinciplesthathavemadeAmericaanationoffreeandprosperouscitizens.Asyoupointedout,myfatherand

RonaldReaganweregoodfriends,inpart,becausetheysharedthoseconservativeprinciplesthatwithstandandtranscendthetestoftime. VisitingRanchoDelCielowasagreatreminderofthemanthatReaganwasandoftheprinciplesheadvanced.

When Young America’s Foundation’s students and supporters visit the Ranch, they often gain a deeper understanding of President Reagan’s character and principles. What new impressions of our 40th President did you leave with after your tour?

TheRanchtourwasconductedbyagreat

teamof“yaffers”whotoldmanyintimatestoriesaboutReagan’scharacterandabouthisdailylifeontheRanch.NotonlydidIfindtheReaganstoriesimpressive,butthewaytheyweretoldandtheenthusiasmexpressedbythestaffwasalsoinspiring.Theseyoungpeoplewereveryfamiliarwiththeman,andtheysharedhisviewaboutAmerica’sgreatness. ThesimplicityandunaffectedatmosphereoftheRanchwasstriking.Thiswashometothemostpowerful

manintheworld,yet,thefurnishingscouldnothavebeenmoredown-to-earthandhumble.EventhebedwasasimplebedthatcouldhavebeenpurchasedfromtheSearscatalog.Thekitchenwasalsobasicandsimple.IwonderedhowtheReagansmanagedtoentertainheadsofstatewithsuchbasicamenities.Itwasapparentthattheyworkedatkeepingtheirhometheirs.Theydidnotappeartoneedfancyappliancestodealwiththeoccasionalneedsofpubliclife.TheirhumblenessisondisplayatRanchoDelCielo,astheReagansappearedtoenjoylife’ssimplicity.Thereisapeaceaboutthatconcept. Alargelog-builtholdingfenceforhorsessurroundsthefrontofthehouse.Thiswashand-builtbyPresidentReagan,yetanothersignofthemanandhisindependentnature.ItwasapparentthatReaganlovedworkingwithhishands—


Aissa Wayne stops near the resting place of President Reagan’s longhorn, Duke, at Rancho del Cielo.

He also said don’t ever consider yourself “better” or “above”

anyone else, and similarly, remember there is no one

“better” or “above” you either. “That’ll serve you, darlin’…”


buildingthingsandfixingthingsaroundtheRanch.Itwasapowerfuljuxtapositiontoseethehard-workingphysicalsideofthemanwhomIhavealwaysknownashavingagreatintellectandgracefulpresence. Horse-backridingwasalargepartofRonaldReagan’slife.Hisgaragewasfilledwithassortedtoolsforbuilding,handy-work,andriding.HeandNancy,weweretold,rodemosteverydaytogetherwhentheywereattheRanch. AdeeperunderstandingofReagan,theman,wasbroughttolightbytheamazingYoungAmerica’sFoundationteammemberswholedourranchtour.TheysharedReaganRanchstorieswithacertainfamiliarconfidenceshowingavisceralunderstandingofPresidentRonaldReaganandhismessage.IsocommendYoungAmerica’sFoundationforadvancingconservatism,preservingtheRanch,andbringingthetrueanddeepermeaningofitssurroundingstoitsvisitors.

President Reagan and your father had a lot in common. What are some of their shared values that stand out to you?

MydadandRonaldReaganwerethekindofmenthat

strivedtobethebesttheycouldbetothemselves,theirfamily,andtheircountry.Theybothhadapurenessofheartandarelentlessdesiretomakethisplacebetteraftertheyweregone.Ibelievetheyachievedtheirgoals.BothbelievedinGod.Bothbelievedingoodandbad,rightandwrong.Bothchosetobeonthesideofgood,notevil,andbothhadthecouragetostandupagainstandfightevilatallcosts.Therewasnootherchoicefortheseguys;theywouldalwayschooserightoverwrong.Theywouldnoteverallowwords,semantics,orpopulartheorydistorttheirtruths. Mydadneverrefusedtolistentoanotherangle.Heexplainedhowvaluableitistolistentoothersandtopayattentiontotheopposingtheory.Heusedtosaythatlisteningandevaluatingallsidesinevitablystrengthenedhisbeliefthatthebasicprinciplesofconservatismproducethe

mostlibertyandhappinessforAmericancitizens. Today,andformorethan50years,theLefthaspromotedtheconceptthatyoushouldnotberesponsibleoraccountableforyourselfandyouractionsandthatweareallcollectivelyresponsibleforeveryoneelse.Liberalsarepromotingthepracticeofredistributionofindividual

wealth,detractingfromthegreatAmericanworkethic.

MydadandRonaldReaganwerebondedbythefactthattheybothfoughtfortheprinciplesoffreedomandlibertythroughouttheirlives.Eachmanusedhislife’sworktocommunicateandofferhispartinthewarbetweenlibertyandtyranny.Weliveinafreesocietytodaybecauseofourparentsandtheirparents.Weoweourchildrenthesame.Wemustspeakout,fightfor,anddoanythinginourpowertomaintainourpreciousfreedoms.

When President Reagan was asked why he wanted to leave the peace and comfort of Rancho del Cielo for a shot at the White House, he said, “To protect what it represents, freedom.” How do you believe the Ranch communicates the sense of freedom that your father

and President Reagan shared?

RanchoDelCieloisaplacewherePresidentReaganmadehishome.Therewasnothingfancythere.Buttherewere

signsalloverofPresidentReagan’sgreatnessjuxtaposedwithhistremendoushumilityasaman.Thiswashishumblehome.HedidmuchoftheworkontheRanchwithhisownhands. Regardinghumility,mydadalwayssaid,“Keepyourword…Tellthetruth…It’smorevaluablethananycontractorlaw.” Healsosaiddon’teverconsideryourself“better”or“above”anyoneelse,andsimilarly,rememberthereisnoone“better”or“above”youeither.“That’llserveyou,darlin’…” Thesearesimplelessonsofkindnessandcourtesytowardyourfellowman.WhatIlearnedisthatweare


Aissa Wayne appears in The Alamo in 1960 with Joan O’Brien and John Wayne.

Just as my father remains an icon of the great American principles and spirit, so does

Ronald Reagan remain a symbol of American strength,

humility, and honor.

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alluniqueindividuals—responsibleforourselvesandourfamily.Iflefttoourowndevices(withnogovernmentintrusion)wewilldoprettywellforourselves,andwewillwillinglytakecareofthoselessfortunate. TheRanchremindsmeofReagan’shumilityandhisdevotiontoourgreatland.Itisareflectionofthelifeofoneofthegreatestleadersofalltime.JustasmyfatherremainsaniconofthegreatAmericanprinciplesandspirit,sodoesRonaldReaganremainasymbolofAmericanstrength,humility,andhonor.

Both your father and Ronald Reagan had a tremendous impact on our country. Unfortunately, many university professors discredit the ideas that both men held and belittle the accomplishments of President Reagan. How do you believe Young America’s Foundation can play a role in fighting for conservative values on college campuses?

Youaredoingthisbymaintaininganactiveandpositivepresenceoncollegecampusesthroughoutthecountry—

byhostinglectures,conferences,andseminarswhichteachthepositivemessageoftrueconservatism. Ittakescouragetobeathinkerandtotakeastandforwhatyoubelievewhenitisnotpopular.Itrequiresnoefforttoadoptsomeoneelse’sideas.Thereisnodoubtthatittakescouragetogo“againstthegrain”intoday’sclimate.Ittakescouragetoremainsteadfastandstronginthefaceoftoday’sliberalmedia,left-wingtextbooks,andradicalprofessorsbeingtheso-called“mainstream”resourcesforinformation.Ittakeswhatmydadcalledguts.That’swhateachofyouhave:guts.It’salsocalled

“grit.”That’swhatmydadhad,andthat’swhatyouhave.Youarehelpingtosaveourcountry.

Two of the most defining qualities about Ronald Reagan were his inherent optimism and belief in the ingenuity of individual Americans. Are there any words of encouragement you would like to share with Young America’s Foundation’s student activists?

A ftermeetingtheFoundationstaffatRanchodelCielo,IknowhowYoungAmerican’sFoundationandthe

studentsyoureachvalueandappreciatelivinginfreedomandliberty.YouunderstandwhyAmericaisthegreatestcountrythateverexisted.Yourworkwillcontributedirectlytoprotectingourcountryfromcollapsefromtheideasoftheelites,ourenemies,andfromthosewhoareattemptingtorationalizeandmarginalizeourAmericanprinciples. Today’satmospherecanbeconfusingforyoungpeoplebecauseit’snotpopulartoespousepersonalresponsibility,andoftenthereisn’tmuchofarewardfromtheirpeers.TheworkYoungAmerica’sFoundationisdoing,settingexamplesfortoday’syoungconservatives,issoimportant.YoungAmerica’sFoundation’sactivistsareadvancingtheconservativeprinciplesuponwhichthisgreatcountrywasfounded. Youarepreservingthechanceforthosewhofollowyoutoliveinfreedom,toutilizetheirtalents,andtoexploretheiruniqueingenuity.Youarepavingthewayforthefreepursuitofindividualhappiness.Thankyouforhelpingtopromoteourcountry,ourliberty,andtheAmericanwayoflife.Thankyouforhavingcourage.Youareanimportantpartofthefuture.YouaregreatAmericans.


(From left) Dede Wood, Kurt and Dana Dietel, Paul and Kay Lupo, Steve Wood, Linda Lee and Eric Baumgarten, and Aissa Wayne and Scott Conrad enjoy their visit to Rancho del Cielo.


S tudentsfrom16statesand44schoolsenjoyaspecialvisittoRonaldReagan’sRanchodelCieloduringthe2009WestCoastLeadershipConferenceinSantaBarbara,California.

Vol. 31 • No. 1Spring 2010

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Documents

Libertas 31.1