We meet today in defense of the freedom of religion that gave rise to America in the first place, the freedom of thought that enables us to choose our political leaders, and the freedom of speech that makes possible an industry like yours and a forum like this one.
Let's be the Backbone State
What’s a state? For starters, an expanse of territory, a resident population, and a sovereign government. But there’s a lot more, when you think about it as I’ve tried to do in my new book, Backbone Colorado USA. A way of life, a set of values, shared history and traditions, all play a part. As Colorado marks 140 years of statehood this year, it has actually come to reflect a special state of mind.
Beware, politics isn't everything
Who do you like for President? Many Americans this year seem inclined to answer that question with another: What’s today? The polls are volatile. We’ve already seen surprises, and we’ll see more. This was going to be a column endorsing Romney. The straight-arrow entrepreneur is my guy. If Mitt quits, I’m for gruff Fred Thompson. I was also going to say that McCain and Huckabee, big-government egotists, are my least favorite—though preferable to any Democrat.
What if it's not possible to be both a good Muslim and a good American?
Can a good Muslim be a good American? Brian, a constitutional scholar, put the question to Michael, a national security expert, as we passed the Washington office of Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN), the first Muslim to serve there. Ellison’s decision to be sworn in on the Quran still echoes controversially.
Facing the Responsibility Deficit
The race to succeed Barack Obama is on, but remember this: Important as the 2016 election will be, whether the Republicans or the Democrats prevail is not going to keep our country from rolling into 2017 faced with the same ominous symptoms of decline. Another centennial for the USA is far from assured. Maybe our country will be around to celebrate 2076, but maybe America's goodness and glory will be but a sad memory by then. Historians warn that great nations undo themselves with moral and fiscal laxity after about 250 years. My timely book, Responsibility Reborn: A Citizen's Guide to the Next American Century, looks at our chances and maps the way forward. I argue that Uncle Sam's insolvency is only a symptom; irresponsibility as indulged by all of us is the fatal deficit we face. Saving our country starts with individuals looking in the mirror. Can we do it? Damn right we can. To learn more about the book and order your copy today, go to centennialccu.org and click Centennial Institute Store.