There’s an important question that we the people have failed to ask ourselves about government: “Should you be doing that?” It seems simple, a foregone conclusion, that government would be performing only those tasks essential to running our nation. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth.
Government, if not held in check by the people, will seek to outgrow its framework. In our own history, we can identify several massive expansions of government over the last century. These expansions happened at crucial times when America was either A: too concerned or B: too complacent to bother asking if government SHOULD be taking on these new responsibilities. If we look at the early expansions of government, we find massive expansions of government following the market crash of 1929, and continuing through World War 2.
More recently we have a congress and an administration using the current downturn in the economy to push America farther from our founding principles than at any time in our history. We are most vulnerable in times of crisis. We the people are distracted by our own situation and trusting enough of our government that we allow it to grow beyond its proper role.
It is time for action.
It is time to call upon representatives with credibility that will look at the assumed roles of government and ask the question, “Should we be doing this?” It is time to answer that question with a resounding, “NO!” when appropriate. It is time we roll back government and return liberty to “we the people.” Is it not time we show the next generation how to run an economy while being fiscally responsible? Is it not time that we buckle down and start paying off our debt instead of racking it up in record fashion.
America needs to be leading the world in scaling back big government; after all, we are the ones who showed them what a limited government could do.
Thomas Jefferson: "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.”
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Liberty’s Voyage; Norwegian Americans’ quest for freedom
I am Lee Byberg from Willmar, the GOP candidate to represent District 7 in the November election for the U.S. House versus Representative Collin Peterson. Some 33 years ago while living in Norway as a teenager, I visited my friend Arne Norbo from the island of Finnoy outside of Stavanger. Today, Arne is working with others to complete a replica of perhaps the most fascinating sailing ship in the Norwegian and American relationship (www.restauration.systorvest.com/index.php/eng). The sloop named the “Restauration” is remembered as the Norwegian Mayflower as it crossed the Atlantic in 1825 and triggered the organized emigration to America. The vessel is scheduled to be christened this June 16th in Stavanger, 185 years after the journey.
I was privileged to celebrate the Norwegian Independence Day (May 17) with the people from the communities of Milan, Sunburg and Willmar. America and Norway continue to be connected as nations through their people and by America’s influence on Norway’s constitution. These nations hold the two oldest constitutions of the World. As we delve into the history of Restauration’s voyage, it should be noted that is began as a cry for freedom. Lars Larsson, one of the organizers behind the voyage, had been released after being held as a prisoner by the British for 7 ½ years on the prison ship Fyen.
After Admiral Nelson conquered Napoleon’s fleet by Trafalgar, the British forces began a process to pirate and take-over the Danish and Norwegian fleet, the next most powerful fleet in the world, to prevent Napoleon from seizing it. In this hostile takeover, Norwegian sailors were captured by the British and held in horrible conditions on prison ships. The goal was to force the sailors to enroll in the British fleet. Lars, with many others, refused, accepting death before surrender.
While imprisoned, Lars and others discovered a 150 year old book which would change their lives and link the history of our nations. The book titled “the Apologist” was written by the English Quaker Robert Barclay. The essence of the book proclaimed that all humans have equal value, that it is not control or might, but the inner light that gives ultimate value. All beings are valued equally by the Creator; God does not favor King over beggar. This message brought insight and liberation to the minds of Lars and many of the other imprisoned sailors.
After being released from the prison ship in 1814, many of the sailors returned to Norway with new clarity and faith that all men are of equal value. This new faith was not accepted by the governing officials and the State Church in Norway. Fleeing persecution and oppression in Norway, Lars Larsson and two other imprisoned sailors, collaborated with others to begin a five year process to depart from Norway and head to America. They sold all belongings, purchased the sloop Restauration and set sail for America on July 4th of 1825.
Five families totaling 50 people started the journey. They experienced much hardship as they sailed from Norway to England, to the Atlantic Island Madeira, across to the Caribbean and then up to New York. The voyage started in Stavanger and ended 3 ½ months later on the 9th of October. The group added one person, a little girl, born in the midst of a storm. Arriving in New York, the difficulties continued as authorities confiscated the ship, imprisoned the captain and fined him $3,150 for having too many people in a small boat (the Restauration estimated at 53 feet (16m) was a small vessel built for coastal voyages and was perhaps the smallest vessel that crossed the Atlantic with immigrants from Europe).
Lars did not give up; he had been in worse trouble before, and he wrote President John Quincy Adams for assistance. The President ordered immediate release of all prisoners and the ship. President J.Q. Adams concluded that this is not how we welcome brave immigrants seeking liberty in America. This history has been collected and retold by the Norwegian authors Anne Elisabeth Skogen and Sylvelin Vatle.
Over the next hundred years, about 1 million Norwegians, 2/3 of the original population, departed for America. America today has more Norwegians than Norway. They came for freedom and economic opportunities. My friend Arne summarized for me: “Who are we? Are we Norwegians? Yes, 100%. Are we Americans? Definitely 100%, and even more.”
In my Campaign for Congress, I use the theme that “We are all Twice Americans.” First by right, second by choice. As America has accumulated a national debt of $13 trillion (robbing future generations), this is our time to recommit to the American idea of fiscal responsibility and free enterprise. Thus we choose to become Twice Americans. All elected officials are replaceable, but America cannot be replaced. This is the time to offer District 7 my candidacy as a proven business leader that will champion the American spirit. I will honor both past and future generations with ideas and policies anchored on sound economic principles. I ask for support in November from Republicans, Democrats and Independents voters. We are all Americans and it’s time to unite behind a conservative plan that fits America’s DNA.
I was privileged to celebrate the Norwegian Independence Day (May 17) with the people from the communities of Milan, Sunburg and Willmar. America and Norway continue to be connected as nations through their people and by America’s influence on Norway’s constitution. These nations hold the two oldest constitutions of the World. As we delve into the history of Restauration’s voyage, it should be noted that is began as a cry for freedom. Lars Larsson, one of the organizers behind the voyage, had been released after being held as a prisoner by the British for 7 ½ years on the prison ship Fyen.
After Admiral Nelson conquered Napoleon’s fleet by Trafalgar, the British forces began a process to pirate and take-over the Danish and Norwegian fleet, the next most powerful fleet in the world, to prevent Napoleon from seizing it. In this hostile takeover, Norwegian sailors were captured by the British and held in horrible conditions on prison ships. The goal was to force the sailors to enroll in the British fleet. Lars, with many others, refused, accepting death before surrender.
While imprisoned, Lars and others discovered a 150 year old book which would change their lives and link the history of our nations. The book titled “the Apologist” was written by the English Quaker Robert Barclay. The essence of the book proclaimed that all humans have equal value, that it is not control or might, but the inner light that gives ultimate value. All beings are valued equally by the Creator; God does not favor King over beggar. This message brought insight and liberation to the minds of Lars and many of the other imprisoned sailors.
After being released from the prison ship in 1814, many of the sailors returned to Norway with new clarity and faith that all men are of equal value. This new faith was not accepted by the governing officials and the State Church in Norway. Fleeing persecution and oppression in Norway, Lars Larsson and two other imprisoned sailors, collaborated with others to begin a five year process to depart from Norway and head to America. They sold all belongings, purchased the sloop Restauration and set sail for America on July 4th of 1825.
Five families totaling 50 people started the journey. They experienced much hardship as they sailed from Norway to England, to the Atlantic Island Madeira, across to the Caribbean and then up to New York. The voyage started in Stavanger and ended 3 ½ months later on the 9th of October. The group added one person, a little girl, born in the midst of a storm. Arriving in New York, the difficulties continued as authorities confiscated the ship, imprisoned the captain and fined him $3,150 for having too many people in a small boat (the Restauration estimated at 53 feet (16m) was a small vessel built for coastal voyages and was perhaps the smallest vessel that crossed the Atlantic with immigrants from Europe).
Lars did not give up; he had been in worse trouble before, and he wrote President John Quincy Adams for assistance. The President ordered immediate release of all prisoners and the ship. President J.Q. Adams concluded that this is not how we welcome brave immigrants seeking liberty in America. This history has been collected and retold by the Norwegian authors Anne Elisabeth Skogen and Sylvelin Vatle.
Over the next hundred years, about 1 million Norwegians, 2/3 of the original population, departed for America. America today has more Norwegians than Norway. They came for freedom and economic opportunities. My friend Arne summarized for me: “Who are we? Are we Norwegians? Yes, 100%. Are we Americans? Definitely 100%, and even more.”
In my Campaign for Congress, I use the theme that “We are all Twice Americans.” First by right, second by choice. As America has accumulated a national debt of $13 trillion (robbing future generations), this is our time to recommit to the American idea of fiscal responsibility and free enterprise. Thus we choose to become Twice Americans. All elected officials are replaceable, but America cannot be replaced. This is the time to offer District 7 my candidacy as a proven business leader that will champion the American spirit. I will honor both past and future generations with ideas and policies anchored on sound economic principles. I ask for support in November from Republicans, Democrats and Independents voters. We are all Americans and it’s time to unite behind a conservative plan that fits America’s DNA.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Comprehensive Energy Policy
To address the future energy needs of the United States, and provide an example of efficiency and responsibility to the world, we must reinvent our energy policy. We cannot continue to frame the discussion as traditional vs. renewable if we want to remain a leader in responsible energy production. Our policy must include a pragmatic approach, incorporating technologically advanced usage of “traditional” resources like oil, coal, natural gas and nuclear, as well as bringing forth the emerging renewable energy provided by wind, water, biomass, algae and the sun.
Currently, restrictions on energy production methods have become obsolete in the face of new technology. A prime example comes in the form of Integral Fast Reactors (IFRs) which can provide clean and affordable nuclear energy for more than 1,000 years. It’s important to note that IFR’s are safe, resistant to proliferation, and use waste from outdated reactors as fuel. This technology needs to be at the forefront of American energy production. We have a responsibility to be good stewards of our resources, and support efforts to keep our air and water clean. This is why America must take the lead on energy.
The nation that provides the advances in energy policy to the world has the opportunity to benefit economically, and promote capitalism and freedom as well. America alone has the experience of balancing the strength that comes from global excellence with a respect for the rights of other nations and individuals. Liberty is the DNA of America, the constitution is our lifeblood. America, grounded in its founding principles, is uniquely positioned to provide responsible solutions to the world’s problems.
To provide those solutions, we must be willing to utilize the resources that are available to us. To reach the goals of energy security and economic prosperity, we must open the markets for energy production within our borders. We need to roll back outdated legislation intended for obsolete technology. We must push the envelope on emerging technologies, and lead the world in energy reforms that make sense economically. Twice American means first knowing what resources you have and second, developing a plan to use those resources responsibly. However, we ourselves must use these resources. We cannot continue to funnel money to other nations for resources we have in abundance at home.
The United States and its people expect exceptional solutions to our most pressing problems. We cannot afford to cripple industry with CAP and TRADE legislation or other hurtful regulations. I will introduce legislation to advance America’s energy sector in a responsible manner based on free-market principles. I will stand up against oppressive CAP and TRADE regulations that hurt American business. I am Twice American; in November, I’ll need your support to steer our nation back toward prosperity.
Currently, restrictions on energy production methods have become obsolete in the face of new technology. A prime example comes in the form of Integral Fast Reactors (IFRs) which can provide clean and affordable nuclear energy for more than 1,000 years. It’s important to note that IFR’s are safe, resistant to proliferation, and use waste from outdated reactors as fuel. This technology needs to be at the forefront of American energy production. We have a responsibility to be good stewards of our resources, and support efforts to keep our air and water clean. This is why America must take the lead on energy.
The nation that provides the advances in energy policy to the world has the opportunity to benefit economically, and promote capitalism and freedom as well. America alone has the experience of balancing the strength that comes from global excellence with a respect for the rights of other nations and individuals. Liberty is the DNA of America, the constitution is our lifeblood. America, grounded in its founding principles, is uniquely positioned to provide responsible solutions to the world’s problems.
To provide those solutions, we must be willing to utilize the resources that are available to us. To reach the goals of energy security and economic prosperity, we must open the markets for energy production within our borders. We need to roll back outdated legislation intended for obsolete technology. We must push the envelope on emerging technologies, and lead the world in energy reforms that make sense economically. Twice American means first knowing what resources you have and second, developing a plan to use those resources responsibly. However, we ourselves must use these resources. We cannot continue to funnel money to other nations for resources we have in abundance at home.
The United States and its people expect exceptional solutions to our most pressing problems. We cannot afford to cripple industry with CAP and TRADE legislation or other hurtful regulations. I will introduce legislation to advance America’s energy sector in a responsible manner based on free-market principles. I will stand up against oppressive CAP and TRADE regulations that hurt American business. I am Twice American; in November, I’ll need your support to steer our nation back toward prosperity.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
If You Can Keep It...
In 1776 our founding fathers presented history with a new hypothesis. They said that men, free from the shackles of ruler-ship, free to forge their own destiny, and free to worship with impunity would build a society unlike any the world had known before. They abolished birthright; allowing each individual to succeed or, perhaps more importantly, fail based on their own ability.
When they finished crafting the basis of our country, Benjamin Franklin said they had established “a republic, if you can keep it.” Our founding fathers knew that a society of free people couldn’t be defeated from the outside. Only by throwing freedom away, making a fool’s bargain for meaningless trinkets or empty promises could we possibly fail.
Freedom can’t be bought, but it can be sold. When our founding fathers started the Great American Experiment, they knew that the only variable that mattered was the fortitude of we the people. Now, perhaps more than any time in the history of this nation, that fortitude is being tested. As Americans we have the freedom to make these decisions for ourselves. As conservatives we have a duty to remind our brothers and sisters what the true value of freedom is.
Twice American means first knowing the privilege of freedom and second knowing the cost of losing it for the world. America is the first and last hope for freedom that our world has ever seen; to give up freedom in America is to abolish freedom from humanity.
Our leaders in Washington have shown themselves to be unwilling or unable to keep our republic. We must elect leaders in November with the conviction and fortitude to cling firmly to the principles upon which this nation was founded. I am Twice American and I’m a conservative; I know how to “keep it.”
When they finished crafting the basis of our country, Benjamin Franklin said they had established “a republic, if you can keep it.” Our founding fathers knew that a society of free people couldn’t be defeated from the outside. Only by throwing freedom away, making a fool’s bargain for meaningless trinkets or empty promises could we possibly fail.
Freedom can’t be bought, but it can be sold. When our founding fathers started the Great American Experiment, they knew that the only variable that mattered was the fortitude of we the people. Now, perhaps more than any time in the history of this nation, that fortitude is being tested. As Americans we have the freedom to make these decisions for ourselves. As conservatives we have a duty to remind our brothers and sisters what the true value of freedom is.
Twice American means first knowing the privilege of freedom and second knowing the cost of losing it for the world. America is the first and last hope for freedom that our world has ever seen; to give up freedom in America is to abolish freedom from humanity.
Our leaders in Washington have shown themselves to be unwilling or unable to keep our republic. We must elect leaders in November with the conviction and fortitude to cling firmly to the principles upon which this nation was founded. I am Twice American and I’m a conservative; I know how to “keep it.”
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Running on Repeal
America, brace for impact! The conservative tide is rising, and it’s no longer safe for shoreline politicians. A wave of repeal is rolling in, and the options are set sail and ride the tide or stay ashore to be swept away. Yet, there are two important questions regarding repeal: is it right, and is it enough?
Is it right? This is, perhaps, the most important question involving repeal, but the answer starts with a different question: Is the health-care overhaul wrong for America? Definitely. The overhaul bill addresses the rising cost of health care from the wrong angle. To reduce the cost of a product you must either increase supply or decrease demand, or both. The health care overhaul decreases supply with proposals to tax the companies and individuals who provide health care while subsequently scaling back their pay. These changes limit the ability of providers to offer health-care, reducing supply. At the same time, increasing the amount of insured people (whether they want it or not) and offering “free” preventative care will increase demand.
Economically, this bill stands to increase the cost of health care, not decrease it. Yet, economics aren’t the only negative aspect of this bill. This bill strikes at one of the very core tenets of our nation: liberty. For the first time in history, the government will require by law that all citizens purchase a product from a private company. This government control over private industry is a concept which, as a nation, we have been at war with for half a century or more.
Clearly, repeal is the correct goal. The bill does the opposite of its stated intention by implementing changes that will increase the cost of health care. The bill goes against fundamental aspects of America. So, is repeal enough? The short answer is no.
Repeal of this bill is a call to something far greater in America: the repeal of big government. Government has grown beyond the intentions of our founding fathers, and we the people must rein it in. We the people must get a grip on government, and it starts with this bill. Twice American is first remembering what made us great, and then steering the ship back in the right direction.
We are all Twice American; first by right, then by choice as we commit to live by the American spirit. I am Twice American; I know the truth of American prosperity. I believe in life, liberty, and our right to pursue happiness. Help me in November to renew the Great American Experiment. We the people will remind the world what true freedom looks like.
Is it right? This is, perhaps, the most important question involving repeal, but the answer starts with a different question: Is the health-care overhaul wrong for America? Definitely. The overhaul bill addresses the rising cost of health care from the wrong angle. To reduce the cost of a product you must either increase supply or decrease demand, or both. The health care overhaul decreases supply with proposals to tax the companies and individuals who provide health care while subsequently scaling back their pay. These changes limit the ability of providers to offer health-care, reducing supply. At the same time, increasing the amount of insured people (whether they want it or not) and offering “free” preventative care will increase demand.
Economically, this bill stands to increase the cost of health care, not decrease it. Yet, economics aren’t the only negative aspect of this bill. This bill strikes at one of the very core tenets of our nation: liberty. For the first time in history, the government will require by law that all citizens purchase a product from a private company. This government control over private industry is a concept which, as a nation, we have been at war with for half a century or more.
Clearly, repeal is the correct goal. The bill does the opposite of its stated intention by implementing changes that will increase the cost of health care. The bill goes against fundamental aspects of America. So, is repeal enough? The short answer is no.
Repeal of this bill is a call to something far greater in America: the repeal of big government. Government has grown beyond the intentions of our founding fathers, and we the people must rein it in. We the people must get a grip on government, and it starts with this bill. Twice American is first remembering what made us great, and then steering the ship back in the right direction.
We are all Twice American; first by right, then by choice as we commit to live by the American spirit. I am Twice American; I know the truth of American prosperity. I believe in life, liberty, and our right to pursue happiness. Help me in November to renew the Great American Experiment. We the people will remind the world what true freedom looks like.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Will a real conservative please step forward?
Congressman Collin Peterson would have his constituents believe he is a “moderate” who is not beholden to the hard left leadership currently running the Democratic Party in Washington, D.C. But in the end, Representative Peterson has been loyal to Nancy Pelosi and President Obama.
Collin Peterson voted against the health care bill. However, do we know what he would have done had he been the deciding vote? No we don’t. But he gave us some indication in a recent speech to the DFL faithful when he said, "This election now I think is going to center to a large part on repealing the health care bill. That's going to be the mantra. That's going to be what people are out there talking about in this election...I am not going to be part of it." The American people disagree. They want the health care legislation repealed.
Why repeal? As Americans we don’t like to settle for second best solutions. We aspire to win, to create improvements that are second to none, to engage in open dialog, and to feel proud that the process was not tainted by the ideology that the “ends justifies the means”. Do we not think that bi-partisan dialog is essential for complex issues to become solutions that can survive the test of time?
Representative Peterson recognized the predicament with the health care bill, yet wanted it two ways. He saw the political danger in voting for a bill that was opposed by most of his constituents. But he will not work with those who want to repeal it. The vote seems to be a politically expedient vote, knowing he could probably get by doing penance in front of his hard left supporters.
In that same speech, Peterson discussed the fiscal crisis facing our country. Is not the Tea Party movement a reflection of the failing grade assessed on career politicians who for years have neglected to guide our nation into financial solvency? Referring to America’s dire financial situation Peterson said, “But this has got to be addressed. We have Moody’s rating service talking about downgrading from AAA to AA the bonds of the United States of America. I never thought in my lifetime that I would hear of anything like that. We have people talking in the Financial Times about the United States of America becoming the next Greece.” It is certainly about time that Representative Peterson and others of our leaders take our national debt seriously – which is approaching about $13 trillion or about $40,000 per individual. Unfortunately this new attention is too little too late as we have lost faith in many of our current career politicians.
Collin Peterson has spent the last 18 years in the United States Congress. Perhaps there was a time when the country could tolerate elected officials who would move from side to side. Perhaps there was a time when Americans could prosper in spite of politicians whose votes were dictated by working the middle between their constituency and their radical base. America is at a cross-road and is currently directed by the radical left. To regain the American idea, we need now new leadership anchored on principal limited government solutions.
This country has spent its way into a financial hole that we will not dig out of without elected officials who are committed to cutting the budget, reducing America’s national debt, and living within our means. I, Lee Byberg, will be that kind of elected official. As a nation, state and district, it is indeed time for the people to elect new leaders who will take on the difficult choices required to return our system to a limited government as specified by our Constitution.
During Peterson’s 18 years in Congress, his Party has promoted spending and taxation for every cause imaginable. Peterson and his friends have not considered the hard working, tax paying Americans who pay Washington’s bills. A token vote for restraint here and there does not make up for voting with Nancy Pelosi over 93% of the time. It is time to send someone to Congress who will stand for the traditional American values of individual freedom and responsibility, fiscal restraint, free enterprise, and efficient use of tax dollars.
I ask for your vote November 2nd.
Collin Peterson voted against the health care bill. However, do we know what he would have done had he been the deciding vote? No we don’t. But he gave us some indication in a recent speech to the DFL faithful when he said, "This election now I think is going to center to a large part on repealing the health care bill. That's going to be the mantra. That's going to be what people are out there talking about in this election...I am not going to be part of it." The American people disagree. They want the health care legislation repealed.
Why repeal? As Americans we don’t like to settle for second best solutions. We aspire to win, to create improvements that are second to none, to engage in open dialog, and to feel proud that the process was not tainted by the ideology that the “ends justifies the means”. Do we not think that bi-partisan dialog is essential for complex issues to become solutions that can survive the test of time?
Representative Peterson recognized the predicament with the health care bill, yet wanted it two ways. He saw the political danger in voting for a bill that was opposed by most of his constituents. But he will not work with those who want to repeal it. The vote seems to be a politically expedient vote, knowing he could probably get by doing penance in front of his hard left supporters.
In that same speech, Peterson discussed the fiscal crisis facing our country. Is not the Tea Party movement a reflection of the failing grade assessed on career politicians who for years have neglected to guide our nation into financial solvency? Referring to America’s dire financial situation Peterson said, “But this has got to be addressed. We have Moody’s rating service talking about downgrading from AAA to AA the bonds of the United States of America. I never thought in my lifetime that I would hear of anything like that. We have people talking in the Financial Times about the United States of America becoming the next Greece.” It is certainly about time that Representative Peterson and others of our leaders take our national debt seriously – which is approaching about $13 trillion or about $40,000 per individual. Unfortunately this new attention is too little too late as we have lost faith in many of our current career politicians.
Collin Peterson has spent the last 18 years in the United States Congress. Perhaps there was a time when the country could tolerate elected officials who would move from side to side. Perhaps there was a time when Americans could prosper in spite of politicians whose votes were dictated by working the middle between their constituency and their radical base. America is at a cross-road and is currently directed by the radical left. To regain the American idea, we need now new leadership anchored on principal limited government solutions.
This country has spent its way into a financial hole that we will not dig out of without elected officials who are committed to cutting the budget, reducing America’s national debt, and living within our means. I, Lee Byberg, will be that kind of elected official. As a nation, state and district, it is indeed time for the people to elect new leaders who will take on the difficult choices required to return our system to a limited government as specified by our Constitution.
During Peterson’s 18 years in Congress, his Party has promoted spending and taxation for every cause imaginable. Peterson and his friends have not considered the hard working, tax paying Americans who pay Washington’s bills. A token vote for restraint here and there does not make up for voting with Nancy Pelosi over 93% of the time. It is time to send someone to Congress who will stand for the traditional American values of individual freedom and responsibility, fiscal restraint, free enterprise, and efficient use of tax dollars.
I ask for your vote November 2nd.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Course Plotted, Destination: Washington
All stories consist of three main parts: beginning, middle, and end; however, stories do not distribute focus evenly among all three. Often, the beginning of a story is engaging, drawing you in, demanding your attention. The end of a good story is climactic, building to a crescendo of emotion and bringing you the “ah-ha” moment that ties up all the strings that had you paying attention in the first place. But, any great storyteller knows that the middle is where a story transcends to greatness.
This past weekend wrapped up the beginning of a great story. Minnesota CD7 has demanded that we must look back to move forward; we will return to the founding principles of our nation, and we will renew our commitment to life, liberty, and our pursuit of happiness. This is an appropriate beginning, but the middle awaits us.
The middle-voyage doesn’t possess the same turmoil of a ship leaving harbor, navigating shallow waters, rocking on the breakers. It doesn’t carry the emotional payoff of first spotting land and triumphantly bringing a ship to port. What it does is test the endurance of a captain, and the tenacity of his crew. It is the relentless pursuit of a distant goal that ends in disaster, or victory. It is the specialty of America. America is the pursuit of the top, the individual seeing a dream and working to achieve it. America is a free people wanting something better for the next generation. America began as a dream; America is far from its conclusion. America, by definition, is the journey.
We are past the breakers; we have hit the open sea. Thank you, Minnesota CD7 for a fantastic beginning. Now we are faced with the middle-voyage where many great stories will flounder. We will not. We know the history of America, and we know that the middle is the proving ground that will temper our excellent start and forge it into a conclusion worth telling. Twice American means first seeing your destination, and then having the fortitude to make the journey. We are all Twice American, and the middle is where we do our sailing.
This past weekend wrapped up the beginning of a great story. Minnesota CD7 has demanded that we must look back to move forward; we will return to the founding principles of our nation, and we will renew our commitment to life, liberty, and our pursuit of happiness. This is an appropriate beginning, but the middle awaits us.
The middle-voyage doesn’t possess the same turmoil of a ship leaving harbor, navigating shallow waters, rocking on the breakers. It doesn’t carry the emotional payoff of first spotting land and triumphantly bringing a ship to port. What it does is test the endurance of a captain, and the tenacity of his crew. It is the relentless pursuit of a distant goal that ends in disaster, or victory. It is the specialty of America. America is the pursuit of the top, the individual seeing a dream and working to achieve it. America is a free people wanting something better for the next generation. America began as a dream; America is far from its conclusion. America, by definition, is the journey.
We are past the breakers; we have hit the open sea. Thank you, Minnesota CD7 for a fantastic beginning. Now we are faced with the middle-voyage where many great stories will flounder. We will not. We know the history of America, and we know that the middle is the proving ground that will temper our excellent start and forge it into a conclusion worth telling. Twice American means first seeing your destination, and then having the fortitude to make the journey. We are all Twice American, and the middle is where we do our sailing.
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