Not reinventing the conservative message. Just making it spicier.
March 15, 2012 Leave a comment
Conservative in college? Want to hear from movers and shakers? Attend Eagle Forum’s Collegian Summit in Washington, DC this July 19-20, 2012.
I highly suggest you attend this conference. I had the honor of being one of ten youth panelists at last year’s summit. I got to hear Paul Ryan, Allen West, and many other remarkable speakers. I also got to meet other like-minded college kids and see some old friends.
If you’re looking for a great networking opportunity in an intimate setting, this event is for you!
Here’s the promo video:
Also, here are Allen West’s thoughts on college conservatives:
Register for the event here. Students in the DC metro area can attend the event for free. Those residing outside of the DC metro area can apply for scholarships here.
February 16, 2012 3 Comments
Late last night, the Hillsdale Collegian broke a story about Rick Santorum confirming his spot in the first-ever student-led presidential symposium. The event will take place at Hillsdale College on Monday night.
Santorum had these words to say about Monday’s event:
“I am excited to share my vision for a brighter America, and the life experiences that have helped shape those positions,” Santorum said.
Hillsdale senior Elliot Gaiser, who will moderate the symposium, shared his thoughts about the event and its goals.
“My hope is this will shine a bright light on what candidates believe about the Constitution, and influence the presidential race to focus on the document we expect our next president to protect and defend,” Gaiser said.
The three other presidential candidates have not confirmed nor denied their participation. Nevertheless, Hillsdale College plans to make history next week with this event.
November 28, 2011 1 Comment
Today marks the launch of TheCollegeConservative–a new daily publication for conservative college students, by conservative college students. I have the esteemed pleasure of serving as one of three assistant editors and as a contributor.
The Daily Caller and FOX Nation picked up our website.
Here’s my debut piece entitled, “Of Principle and Pragmatism: Why Conservatism Always Trumps Moderation”:
In this time of great moral and economic peril, certain individuals continue to call for a radical transformation of our nation’s traditions, laws, and customs.
Then-Senator, now-President Obama championed “Hope and Change” and subsequently delivered class warfare rhetoric, socialized healthcare, appeasement, and anti-Americanism, to name a few. Similarly, Republicans—most pointedly, Republicans in Name Only (RINOs)—want to dilute the conservative message because “it alienates moderates and independents.”
Proponents of such change, particularly liberal Republicans, succeeded in undermining conservatism in 2006 and 2008. Towards the end of his presidency, President George W. Bush emboldened big government policies like No Child Left Behind, TARP, and billion-dollar budget shortfalls. Conservatism suffered a similar blow when John McCain clinched the Republican nomination in 2008. He was representative of the Republican Party gone awry: unabashedly moderate, disconnected from everyday life, and irresponsible in conduct. Without running mate and conservative champion Sarah Palin, McCain would have been a total failure.
In 2009, Ed Feulner of Heritage Foundation wrote about the importance of reconciling all tenets of conservatism: “I suggest that what is now needed is a politics of inclusion, not exclusion–no casting out of social conservatives or neoconservatives or any other kind of conservative, but a renewed fusionism that will unite all the branches of the now-divided conservative mainstream.”
After President Obama’s coronation into office on January 20, 2009, the tide began to change.
People united under the Tea Party Movement banner to reclaim limited government principles, constitutional values, and fiscal responsibility. Their efforts materialized in November 2010 after Republicans reclaimed control of the House of Representatives and won several Senate seats.
Similarly, Americans continued to champion traditional values. In 2008, Californians overwhelmingly voted 52 to 48 percent in favor of Prop 8—which defined marriage as between “one man and one woman.” Additionally, LifeNews cites Gallup analyst Lydia Saad on the ascent of pro-life views in 2011: “Americans are rather conservative in their stance on abortion, with 61% now preferring that abortion be legal in only a few circumstances or no circumstances. By contrast, 37% want abortion legal in all or most circumstances.”
Nevertheless, moderate and liberal Republicans have called for a moratorium or the complete elimination of social issues from the Republican Party.
In a 2010 interview with Weekly Standard, Indiana governor Mitch Daniels said presidential candidates “would have to call a truce on the so-called social issues. We’re going to just have to agree to get along for a little while.”
Republican feminist Margaret Hoover similarly called on the Republican Party to drop its pro-life plank. Hoover said, “If we don’t make inroads in the next 16 months, we’re going to lose the next generation.”
“People like you who try to divide our party on social issues, that is not the way forward for the Republican Party,” she added.
Moreover, the “brilliant” Meghan McCain—daughter of “Lord of the TARP” John McCain—has taken every opportunity to deride conservative women and social issues.
McCain said, “I consider myself a progressive Republican. I am liberal on social issues. And I think that the party is at a place where social issues shouldn’t be the issues that define the party.”
Recently, I heard the same rallying cry to hose down “extreme” conservative viewpoints at a conference. The male attendee—one markedly dumbfounded by conservatism at this conservative conference—bemoaned how Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum, along with social issues, are “too extreme” for the Republican Party.
The horror, the horror!
The question beckons: Who are these people to chide conservatives for holding their beliefs? Why must political expediency—not principles—be the sole path to winning elections?
In 1980, Ronald Reagan ran for president as a conservative and won. He did not pander to moderate viewpoints. On the contrary, he succeeded as President of the United States because he championed conservative ideals.
Renowned conservative thinker Dr. Robert P. George of Princeton University expounds on this by presenting the case for sound conservatism in “No Mere Marriage of Convenience: Uniting Social and Economic Conservatives.”
He writes, “Sound conservatism, as a matter of principle and not mere pragmatism, will honor limited government, restrain spending, and provide honest money and low taxes — while at the same time upholding the sanctity of human life in all stages and conditions; the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife; and the innocence of children.”
As a result, it is imperative to vote conservative in 2012, so as to defeat President Obama and restore this country’s greatness.
Throughout history, moderate Republican candidates lost in general elections. Next year, voters can select a conservative candidate—a social, fiscal, and national defense conservative—to implement real change in Washington, D.C.
Till then, I will cling to my fishing rod, anti-Communism, family values, and Constitution before succumbing to big-government, leftist and equally Marxist-Leninist viewpoints— so should you.
We at TheCollegeConservative hold no prisoners and will not kowtow to Cultural Marxism. You have been warned!
Also, pieces by TCC contributors Domenic Gelsomino and Marc Seelinger were featured today. Every weekday, we’ll publish three articles. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s batch!
I’d also like to thank Robert Stacy McCain and Smitty of The Other McCain for profiling my piece and our site. I couldn’t be more thrilled! Thank you, gentlemen. (If you don’t already read their website, I suggest you do.)
They had this to say about my jab at intellectual midget Meghan McCain. (Note: Snark is intended.)
You see Gabby, this notion of starting from any invariant principles and applying those principles to life is all backward. We have to embrace the notion that wise experts at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service somehow know better, despite the news that
anthropogenic globalclimatewarmingchange, like the rest of the Progressive project, stands revealed as a giant, steaming crock of. . .oatmeal.And social issues like drugs and abortion are just another case of Maggie Is Right. We should welcome our new Priests of Baal just as much as we scoff at the notion of ideological purity (read: common sense).
Don’t let this here internet thingy fool you, Gabby. Just because you think you have access to better information does not mean you can reject the ‘wisdom’ of the self-appointed elite. They may be incompetent, Hoffman, but they’re all we’ve got, to hear them tell it. And Progressivism may suck, but time only moves forward, and that means our political ideas cannot look back, even if the ideas we reject were relatively superior to the dog’s breakfast currently before us.
You see, I’m not a fan of Meghead…er, Meghan McCain.
The girl is a liberal in Republican clothing who quips how oppressive and mean-spirited conservatives are. (The horror, the horror!). She always finds an opportunity to bash women like Ann Coulter, Michelle Malkin, and Laura Ingraham just to add to her 15 minutes of fame. She exploits Daddy McCain’s name and has no shame whatsoever. And she puts a bad name to smart and equally articulate blonds like myself…Thank you for adding to the negative stereotype, hon!
In all seriousness, Meggie, you don’t represent me, women, the Conservative Movement, or Generation Y. And yes, we will NEVER take you seriously as a political commentator.
Apart from my apartment ceiling suffering a massive blow today, this has been a relatively great day with TCC’s launch and Barney Frank’s retirement. Happy Monday, everyone!
Be sure to regularly check out TheCollegeConservative for new content!
November 27, 2011 1 Comment
Image via Wikipedia
“Occupy Wall Street” has found another apparatchik in Miley Cyrus. She joins the ranks of Kanye West, Michael Moore, Anne Hathaway, and other self-hating rich folk that have come out in support of “Occupy Wall Street.”
Entitled “It’s a Liberty Walk,” Cyrus’ ode to the predominantly white, college-kid crowd is as follows:
This is Dedicated to the thousands of people who are standing up for what they believe in. Miley Cyrus
September 26, 2011 1 Comment
Cross-posted from the NSCW Blog
When people think of California, they envision a place marked by idyllic weather, insurmountable wealth, friendly people, and world- famous attractions. It is undeniable that the Golden State has led the way for job growth, endless opportunities, and innovation. California is quite enviable – why else do people flock here? Nevertheless, one area was left untouched in this period of prosperity: education.
A state greatly overridden by teachers unions and virtually nonexistent school choice laws, California is in great need of education reform. Heritage Foundation reports that California is reluctant to embrace private school choice options, although it is more hospitable to public school choice options. Nearly 351,000 students are enrolled in the state’s 941 public charter schools, signaling the minimal albeit important presence of school choice here.
Compared to other states, California ranks near the bottom in quality of education. In 2009, it was ranked 48 of 50 in terms of sending graduating seniors to four-year colleges. Additionally, teachers unions dictate the course of education and remain hostile to outsiders like school choice proponents. As a result, school choice policies hardly penetrate into the state.
Continue reading at the NSCW blog
September 12, 2011 Leave a comment
September 2, 2011 1 Comment
Cross-posted from Truth About Bills
Recently, Governor Jerry Brown signed part one of California’s DREAM Act into law.
This particular bill, which gives funding to illegal immigrant students, is blatant amnesty. This particular legislation comprises two parts—AB 130 and AB 131. The author of both bills is Assemblyman Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles).
AB 130 grants private scholarships to illegal immigrant students who qualify under this provision. Brown signed the bill into law on July 25, 2011:
This bill would provide that, on and after January 1, 2012, a student attending the California State University, the California Community Colleges, or the University of California who is exempt from paying nonresident tuition under the provision described above would be eligible to receive a scholarship derived from nonstate funds received, for the purpose of scholarships, by the segment at which he or she is a student.
Part two (AB 131) grants public funds to qualifying illegal immigrant students. This provision was passed in the State Senate Appropriations Committee on August 26th, 2011. The legislature has until September 9 to pass it, and Governor Brown has until September 30 to sign the bill into law:
This bill would exempt a student who has attended, for 3 or more years, at least one of which shall have been in a high school, and graduated from, secondary school in California from paying nonresident tuition at the California Community Colleges and the California State University.
Interestingly enough, Governor Brown might veto AB131.
Gov. Brown seems to have made his broader philosophical decision on the question of providing support for students who are in the country illegally,” Schnur said. “Now he’s got to decide whether he can afford it. It’s a much more difficult decision than the first one.
Nevertheless, Assemblyman Tim Donnelly (R-Hesperia) believes that this bill will further cripple California’s economy.
“AB 131, the second part of the California `DREAM Act,’ is a nightmare for citizens,” Donnelly said. “Students are already struggling to pay increased tuition and many cannot even get into the classes they need, but the Legislature continues to pretend we can afford this entitlement. The simple truth is, everyone including the governor knows we can’t.”
California faces a budget shortfall of 26 billion dollars. Universities across the Golden State are already facing massive budget cuts. Rest assured, the California DREAM Act will be a nightmare for taxpayers.
*UPDATE: California State Senate passed its own version of AB 131.
September 1, 2011 10 Comments
I previously wrote about atheism and secularism here, and commented about “Atheist Awareness” Week at UCSD.
It appears that a growing trend towards secularism is being witnessed on college campuses nationwide. Religion, critics assert, corrupts people and makes them bigoted. As a result, atheism and secularism must succeed in order to combat the Judeo-Christian tyrannical stronghold in place in the United States! (Sarcasm intended).
In all seriousness, this trend signals a bad course in society. It is alarming that such “righteous” people are painting morals, Biblical teachings, and faithful people as boneheads, when they are the ones demanding special attention and conditioning programs to make us more accepting of their belief system.
Pitzer College in Southern California will be the first to launch this program. The press release elaborates further:
Claremont, Calif. (May 9, 2011) — Pitzer College will launch a Secular Studies Field Group in the fall 2011-12 academic year. With the creation of this department, Pitzer College will become the only higher education institution to offer courses and an undergraduate degree in secular studies.
The creation of a Secular Studies Field Group reflects an emerging interest in an awareness of the notable growth of secularity in America and elsewhere. For example:
- Approximately 660,000 Americans join the ranks of those claiming no religion each year. Fifteen percent claims “none” when asked about religious affiliations, a doubling of “none” since 1990.
- Twenty-seven percent of Americans currently “do not practice any religion” and 22% say that religion is “not a factor” in their lives.
- The Secular Student Alliance – a college campus group for nonbelievers – reports 240 chapters nation-wide, up from 42 in 2003.
- Almost 30% of Canadians can be considered secular and approximately 1 in 5 Canadians does not believe in God.
- Fifteen percent of Australians claim to have no religious beliefs.
- In France, 33% of the citizenry are atheists, while in Belgium, the percentage is 27%. Rates of unbelievers are even higher in the Czech Republic, Estonia and Slovenia.
- Sizeable secular populations can also be found around the world including Israel, Uruguay, Japan, South Korea and Azerbaijan.
The Secular Studies Field Group will be headed by Pitzer College Professor Phil Zuckerman, an internationally renowned secular studies scholar. It will offer courses focused on various aspects of secularity from a historical, philosophical and sociological perspective. It entails the study of non-religious people, groups, thought and cultural expressions. Emphasis will be placed upon the meanings, forms, relevance and impact of political/constitutional secularism, philosophical skepticism and personal and public secularity.
Nevertheless, it looks like San Diego State will follow suit. KPBS reports the following about this development:
Southern California colleges are leading the country in the field of secular studies. Claremont college recently announced their latest bachelor’s program devoted to secular studies, UC Irvine now offers courses on Atheism and Secularism, and San Diego State University is debuting its first course on Atheism, Humanism and Secularism this Fall. We will be speaking with the SDSU professor who is instructing the course to discuss this recent trend in higher education and the field of religious studies.
Guest:
Professor Roy Whitaker, SDSU religious studies professor and expert in the history of religion and irreligion; and African American religious thought.
Students and taxpayers should be alarmed at how their money is being appropriated by university administrations. Instead of focusing on these politically correct, quasi-Marxist programs, why not invest in real religious studies? Talk about the persecution of Jews and Christians in Muslim countries in the present day, along with the growing phenomenon of militant Islam and rising anti-Semitism. Why not talk about religious persecution in the former USSR and why the absence of religion there corrupted people? Can’t they dedicate one lecture to religion and its value in society, or is that too much to do? Why don’t universities give a fair account about history/religion/politics, instead of spewing leftist propaganda?
The crusade to combat political correctness will ensue. We must do all in our power to vanquish it once and for all.
