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.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Government’s Beef with Agriculture
Agriculture continues to bring exceptional value and should not be blamed for Climate Change.
People today understand much less about the value chain that brings food to the kitchen table. As farming operations have increased in size with other industries, food production has become less visible in most communities. In the past, people had direct knowledge of food creation because they grew up on farms or visited the farms of friends and family. As government has expanded its regulatory role, many times in an intrusive fashion, it has brought excessive and unproductive regulatory restrictions. The reduced visibility of agriculture in our communities has left the public unaware of these challenges faced by today’s farmers. Many of these regulatory trends are initiated in Western Europe by special groups, migrate to California, and finally spread to the rest of the U.S. Agriculture in much of Western Europe is no longer self-sufficient due to these pressures.
Adding to this, livestock production has been incorrectly blamed for climate change. It was noted at the American Chemical Society’s national meeting this March 22 in San Francisco that only “2.8% of the U.S. greenhouse emissions (per the EPA) came from animal agriculture in 2007, and this number has remained nearly constant since 1990” (www.feedstuffs.com) This is amazing considering that the U.S. meat production has grown by 50% over the same period! As the global need for safe and affordable food is expected to double over the next 20 years, we must applaud our farmers for the diligent work they do and for the care of the land they demonstrate. We must not condemn them for bringing food to our tables. Twice American is first appreciating the goods and services we need, and second acknowledging that hardworking men and women are behind those goods and services.
Regards,
Lee Byberg
Source: Tim Lundeen, U.N. admits to flaw in climate change report. Feedstuffs, March 25, 2010
People today understand much less about the value chain that brings food to the kitchen table. As farming operations have increased in size with other industries, food production has become less visible in most communities. In the past, people had direct knowledge of food creation because they grew up on farms or visited the farms of friends and family. As government has expanded its regulatory role, many times in an intrusive fashion, it has brought excessive and unproductive regulatory restrictions. The reduced visibility of agriculture in our communities has left the public unaware of these challenges faced by today’s farmers. Many of these regulatory trends are initiated in Western Europe by special groups, migrate to California, and finally spread to the rest of the U.S. Agriculture in much of Western Europe is no longer self-sufficient due to these pressures.
Adding to this, livestock production has been incorrectly blamed for climate change. It was noted at the American Chemical Society’s national meeting this March 22 in San Francisco that only “2.8% of the U.S. greenhouse emissions (per the EPA) came from animal agriculture in 2007, and this number has remained nearly constant since 1990” (www.feedstuffs.com) This is amazing considering that the U.S. meat production has grown by 50% over the same period! As the global need for safe and affordable food is expected to double over the next 20 years, we must applaud our farmers for the diligent work they do and for the care of the land they demonstrate. We must not condemn them for bringing food to our tables. Twice American is first appreciating the goods and services we need, and second acknowledging that hardworking men and women are behind those goods and services.
Regards,
Lee Byberg
Source: Tim Lundeen, U.N. admits to flaw in climate change report. Feedstuffs, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A Race We Should Finish
At a recent Tea Party in Moorhead, a critic noted that there wasn’t enough racial diversity. Similar criticisms populate news stories and opinion pieces across the nation in an attempt to discredit the call for freedom and liberty coming from the American people. This is not a phenomena exclusive to Tea Parties; the list of victims includes representatives, senators, and anyone who publicly criticizes policy decisions of the democrat party.
Racism today is a pale and fading shadow of the horrific violence of previous generations and the term (like so many others) has been co-opted by a group of people with a specific agenda. Racism is a simple issue to understand; the idea that one person would hate another due to an arbitrary attribute (usually color of skin) is deplorable. The simplicity of this concept makes it a prime label to paste on to people who disagree with you. That’s the real travesty of racism; that factual racism has been kidnapped and replaced with phony racism to push political policy. What service is that doing to the brave men and women of the civil rights struggles?
Our founding principles state that all men are created equal, and we all have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Conservatism upholds these ideas. Conservatism is color-blind because color isn’t relevant to policy; all men are created equal. This isn’t, however, about ignoring our cultural heritage and family traditions. This is about writing law in Washington, and about having the freedom to disagree with the principles of other people.
Twice American means first knowing that we are all equal, and second celebrating that we are all different. Diversity is much more than skin deep; cheapening our individual experiences by viewing them through the lens of race goes against everything America should represent. When you are born in America, or become American by choice, you are American first. So let us shatter the looking glass of racial identification. Let’s shred the racial qualifiers we use to identify ourselves. We are Americans, we want to go back to the founding principles of equality, life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, and we want our government to remember that they represent us.
In November, we will remind them.
Racism today is a pale and fading shadow of the horrific violence of previous generations and the term (like so many others) has been co-opted by a group of people with a specific agenda. Racism is a simple issue to understand; the idea that one person would hate another due to an arbitrary attribute (usually color of skin) is deplorable. The simplicity of this concept makes it a prime label to paste on to people who disagree with you. That’s the real travesty of racism; that factual racism has been kidnapped and replaced with phony racism to push political policy. What service is that doing to the brave men and women of the civil rights struggles?
Our founding principles state that all men are created equal, and we all have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Conservatism upholds these ideas. Conservatism is color-blind because color isn’t relevant to policy; all men are created equal. This isn’t, however, about ignoring our cultural heritage and family traditions. This is about writing law in Washington, and about having the freedom to disagree with the principles of other people.
Twice American means first knowing that we are all equal, and second celebrating that we are all different. Diversity is much more than skin deep; cheapening our individual experiences by viewing them through the lens of race goes against everything America should represent. When you are born in America, or become American by choice, you are American first. So let us shatter the looking glass of racial identification. Let’s shred the racial qualifiers we use to identify ourselves. We are Americans, we want to go back to the founding principles of equality, life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, and we want our government to remember that they represent us.
In November, we will remind them.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Performing Surgery With a Meat Cleaver
On Sunday 3/21/2010 our government passed one of the most revolutionary pieces of legislation in the history of our country. Arguably, this is the furthest step away from the constitution that we have ever taken. While the constitution and the founding principles of our nation are the celebrity victims of this legislation; they remain the beginning of a very long list of casualties.
When the fog of war fades and the sun rises on peacetime, many countries build a single monument to “the unknown soldier.” This memorial serves as reminder that not everyone comes home from war, living or deceased. Today, we must erect that monument and remember what we have lost during this fight; specifically, the process of crafting and voting on legislation. Of course, according to Washington incumbents, we Americans don’t care about the process, right?
Crafting legislation is serious business which we can equate to surgery. It requires a problem or issue, knowledgeable people who can diagnose the problem and craft a solution, and finally the proper tools to implement the solution. We must take care that our actions actually solve the problems facing us. We must also measure those actions against the barometer of the constitution. Washington has failed in performing this operation; the patient (health care) is worse off than when we started.
Washington incumbents have been chanting a dangerous mantra, “We have to start somewhere.” We’re being sold the idea that while this legislation isn’t perfect, it’s a starting point, and we MUST start somewhere. That’s like your doctor screaming that we MUST operate now, grabbing a meat cleaver, and hacking away. Our leaders need to be calm, confident that the solutions measure up to the expectations of our founders, and the demands of our constitution. They need to pick up the scalpel and make precise incisions to complete the surgery in as few steps as possible.
Twice American means first choosing the right tool, and second wielding it with practiced precision.
When the fog of war fades and the sun rises on peacetime, many countries build a single monument to “the unknown soldier.” This memorial serves as reminder that not everyone comes home from war, living or deceased. Today, we must erect that monument and remember what we have lost during this fight; specifically, the process of crafting and voting on legislation. Of course, according to Washington incumbents, we Americans don’t care about the process, right?
Crafting legislation is serious business which we can equate to surgery. It requires a problem or issue, knowledgeable people who can diagnose the problem and craft a solution, and finally the proper tools to implement the solution. We must take care that our actions actually solve the problems facing us. We must also measure those actions against the barometer of the constitution. Washington has failed in performing this operation; the patient (health care) is worse off than when we started.
Washington incumbents have been chanting a dangerous mantra, “We have to start somewhere.” We’re being sold the idea that while this legislation isn’t perfect, it’s a starting point, and we MUST start somewhere. That’s like your doctor screaming that we MUST operate now, grabbing a meat cleaver, and hacking away. Our leaders need to be calm, confident that the solutions measure up to the expectations of our founders, and the demands of our constitution. They need to pick up the scalpel and make precise incisions to complete the surgery in as few steps as possible.
Twice American means first choosing the right tool, and second wielding it with practiced precision.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Moral Compass or Financial Roadmap?
Politicians today like to set boundaries and categories to make it easier for voters to identify with their agenda. This tactic is not only disingenuous, it also allows politicians to sidestep commitment to any sort of principles. They don’t have to pick a platform, they just follow every other politician in that category.
The most common distinction is to pick either socially (read: morally) or fiscally (read: spending) liberal or conservative. The split seems to be the stance-of-the-day for the follower-class of politicians in Washington, either socially liberal but fiscally conservative or visa versa. Each of these translates to undecided moderate. On any given issue, the politicians can excuse themselves from a tough decision by painting the issue in either a social or fiscal color.
The core problem with this classification is the inappropriate attempt to separate moral issues from economic issues. The reality of life is that morality on all sides ties directly to economic performance. Our country was founded on principles of morality and fiscal conservatism; the government had a limited role. Since our founding, major economic crises can be traced back to decisions that are either immoral or amoral; we don’t have to go back very far to find examples of this.
We had a housing crisis in which the mortgage industry boiled over sending our economy into turmoil. What’s interesting about the housing crisis, everyone has an opinion of how it occurred, the root causes, and all of the conclusions lead to a moral crisis; yet, in addressing the issue, the government took a strictly fiscal approach. The crisis came about because banks made loans to people who couldn’t afford to pay them back. A combination of personal entitlement, greed, a lack of personal responsibility, and government regulations favoring “fairness” fed the furnace of looming catastrophe.
Twice American means first following your moral compass, and second finding the most fiscally responsible financial roadmap to success. Knowing your direction without knowing your destination is as useless as knowing your destination but having no idea which way you are going. We need leaders who know where they are going AND how to get there; back to the principles that made this country great.
The most common distinction is to pick either socially (read: morally) or fiscally (read: spending) liberal or conservative. The split seems to be the stance-of-the-day for the follower-class of politicians in Washington, either socially liberal but fiscally conservative or visa versa. Each of these translates to undecided moderate. On any given issue, the politicians can excuse themselves from a tough decision by painting the issue in either a social or fiscal color.
The core problem with this classification is the inappropriate attempt to separate moral issues from economic issues. The reality of life is that morality on all sides ties directly to economic performance. Our country was founded on principles of morality and fiscal conservatism; the government had a limited role. Since our founding, major economic crises can be traced back to decisions that are either immoral or amoral; we don’t have to go back very far to find examples of this.
We had a housing crisis in which the mortgage industry boiled over sending our economy into turmoil. What’s interesting about the housing crisis, everyone has an opinion of how it occurred, the root causes, and all of the conclusions lead to a moral crisis; yet, in addressing the issue, the government took a strictly fiscal approach. The crisis came about because banks made loans to people who couldn’t afford to pay them back. A combination of personal entitlement, greed, a lack of personal responsibility, and government regulations favoring “fairness” fed the furnace of looming catastrophe.
Twice American means first following your moral compass, and second finding the most fiscally responsible financial roadmap to success. Knowing your direction without knowing your destination is as useless as knowing your destination but having no idea which way you are going. We need leaders who know where they are going AND how to get there; back to the principles that made this country great.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Healthcare: the State of the Issue
You can’t look at Washington right now without seeing something about healthcare. According to most sources, the need for healthcare reform is unanimous; there is simply some disagreement on the scope and scale of the reform. There’s a major problem, however, with all of these healthcare reform conversations: the federal government has no business reforming health care in the ways Washington is currently discussing.
When our founders drafted the Constitution of the United States, they built the framework for our federal government. The key aspect of a framework is that as you go on, you can dress the walls, but you can’t build outside of the frame. The constitution limits the chances of a massive federal government restricting the rights of not only the citizens, but also the states. Reform of healthcare in America belongs to the citizens and the states. This is a core value of our founding fathers: the federal government is to protect the citizens and the states, not rule over them.
The constitution says in Article IV section 2: The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. Many people have guessed at the meaning of this phrase, but one interpretation has held true; no state may discriminate against citizens from another state in favor of citizens from its own state. This is the only place in which the federal government has any say in healthcare reform amongst the states, and it’s one of the most important reforms to reducing healthcare costs: the elimination of state mandates.
State mandates are requirements placed on health insurance providers who wish to do business in a given state. The provider must cover X, Y, and Z if they wish to sell insurance. The problem is, it effectively makes it illegal for you or me to buy health insurance from another state, even if it’s more cost effective and better fits my needs. What free market? This is a clear violation of the constitution as it restricts our freedom to purchase products across state lines, and insurance companies’ rights to do business with any free citizen.
It’s time we get leaders in Washington who will adhere to constitutional solutions to our problems. Leaders who are bold enough to work within the framework of our founders, who will empower the citizens, not the politicians, to solve our problems. Twice American means first knowing the framework established by our founders, and second working within the framework to preserve the liberty of “we the people.”
When our founders drafted the Constitution of the United States, they built the framework for our federal government. The key aspect of a framework is that as you go on, you can dress the walls, but you can’t build outside of the frame. The constitution limits the chances of a massive federal government restricting the rights of not only the citizens, but also the states. Reform of healthcare in America belongs to the citizens and the states. This is a core value of our founding fathers: the federal government is to protect the citizens and the states, not rule over them.
The constitution says in Article IV section 2: The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. Many people have guessed at the meaning of this phrase, but one interpretation has held true; no state may discriminate against citizens from another state in favor of citizens from its own state. This is the only place in which the federal government has any say in healthcare reform amongst the states, and it’s one of the most important reforms to reducing healthcare costs: the elimination of state mandates.
State mandates are requirements placed on health insurance providers who wish to do business in a given state. The provider must cover X, Y, and Z if they wish to sell insurance. The problem is, it effectively makes it illegal for you or me to buy health insurance from another state, even if it’s more cost effective and better fits my needs. What free market? This is a clear violation of the constitution as it restricts our freedom to purchase products across state lines, and insurance companies’ rights to do business with any free citizen.
It’s time we get leaders in Washington who will adhere to constitutional solutions to our problems. Leaders who are bold enough to work within the framework of our founders, who will empower the citizens, not the politicians, to solve our problems. Twice American means first knowing the framework established by our founders, and second working within the framework to preserve the liberty of “we the people.”
Monday, March 1, 2010
Finally, we have reached the summit!
Have you noticed an increase in the amount of summits taking place in Washington? It used to be that only mountain climbers, explorers, or geologists knew what it meant to reach the summit. The summit is a huge climbing achievement, and it takes quite a few people to make it possible. Once you get to the summit, there’s a bit of celebration, euphoria, maybe some inspirational speeches. But, after the respite and the speeches are through, everyone leaves and heads back down the mountain.
Well, we can add Washington insiders to that list. It sure seems appropriate; they go to the summit, they make some speeches, they celebrate the fact that they are there, and then they go home. Very little seems to be getting accomplished at these summits; it’s almost as if the summit is more important than the solution.
The summit craze is a symptom of a deeper problem in Washington. Politicians forget how government was developed in this country: By the people. At some point, Washington took a top down (or summit down, if you will) approach to problem solving. Politicians stopped listening to their employers, the citizens of this country, and decided that they know the solution.
This “summit” approach shows that finding solutions is less important than trumpeting the plan they’ve decided will work. This isn’t leadership; it’s Hollywood, or perhaps Vaudeville, more appropriately. Being a leader means knowing where solutions have come from through history, the people. Leadership is about leading your team to a solution, not selling the team on your solution.
Twice American means first recognizing a problem, second getting government out of the way of solutions from the people. Being a typical politician means coming up with a plan and then waiting for an issue to come up that fits your agenda; and, of course, holding a summit to tell everyone why your agenda is right.
It’s time our politicians remember who solves the problems: We the people.
Well, we can add Washington insiders to that list. It sure seems appropriate; they go to the summit, they make some speeches, they celebrate the fact that they are there, and then they go home. Very little seems to be getting accomplished at these summits; it’s almost as if the summit is more important than the solution.
The summit craze is a symptom of a deeper problem in Washington. Politicians forget how government was developed in this country: By the people. At some point, Washington took a top down (or summit down, if you will) approach to problem solving. Politicians stopped listening to their employers, the citizens of this country, and decided that they know the solution.
This “summit” approach shows that finding solutions is less important than trumpeting the plan they’ve decided will work. This isn’t leadership; it’s Hollywood, or perhaps Vaudeville, more appropriately. Being a leader means knowing where solutions have come from through history, the people. Leadership is about leading your team to a solution, not selling the team on your solution.
Twice American means first recognizing a problem, second getting government out of the way of solutions from the people. Being a typical politician means coming up with a plan and then waiting for an issue to come up that fits your agenda; and, of course, holding a summit to tell everyone why your agenda is right.
It’s time our politicians remember who solves the problems: We the people.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Will someone please bring me a bottle of seltzer?
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please gather ‘round! Don’t push, don’t crowd, leave that to the professionals! Today, we have a new act; prepare for mystery, suspense, baggy pants and a face-full of meringue. Wait for it...send in, the clowns.
Yes, as an astute blogger recently illustrated, the comically small door has been opened and a whacky horde of clowns just keep stepping through it. It’s impossible not to watch the show! Just look at the clowns and all of their zany antics! Oh wait, is a belief in liberty zany, or how about personal responsibility? Okay, maybe it’s not zany, but it must be ridiculous. I mean, who are these clowns to stand on the principles that built this country, anyway?
This is the attitude that continues to seep out of the incumbent establishment, “Who are these clowns to challenge us?” Watch out, America. These clowns may not look the same as the politicians you are used to. They may dress a little different; they may do and say hilarious things such as reading the constitution and believing in the framework built by our founders. They may even have the audacity to ask for the truth, and to hold everyone accountable. Most ridiculous of all, they may even ask you to hold them accountable.
Most Americans recognize that our nation is at a cross-road. Both parties have indulged in excessive spending and left us with crippling debt. Our incumbent officials must be held accountable for either perpetuating this spending binge, or failing to stand against it. I am running as a Republican candidate for US Congress MN CD 7 because I see many members re-dedicating themselves to the principles of fiscal responsibility, free enterprise and liberty.
The powers that be in Washington look at us like we’re stepping out of a clown car. They don’t believe in personal responsibility, accountability, or truth. They forget that this nation is fueled by people who must take personal responsibility to support their families. They forget that people must operate on principles of truth and hard work to earn their living. They forget that Americans are held accountable for their actions every day.
So, they see a tiny car with a tiny door swinging open and clown after clown stepping out. We, however, know that the car is a cardboard cut-out. Standing behind it is an endless line of people who are finished with incumbent politicians who don’t operate in the real word of actions and consequences. Now, can someone grab me a pair of polka-dot suspenders, a red nose that honks, and a bottle of seltzer? It’s time to step through the door.
Yes, as an astute blogger recently illustrated, the comically small door has been opened and a whacky horde of clowns just keep stepping through it. It’s impossible not to watch the show! Just look at the clowns and all of their zany antics! Oh wait, is a belief in liberty zany, or how about personal responsibility? Okay, maybe it’s not zany, but it must be ridiculous. I mean, who are these clowns to stand on the principles that built this country, anyway?
This is the attitude that continues to seep out of the incumbent establishment, “Who are these clowns to challenge us?” Watch out, America. These clowns may not look the same as the politicians you are used to. They may dress a little different; they may do and say hilarious things such as reading the constitution and believing in the framework built by our founders. They may even have the audacity to ask for the truth, and to hold everyone accountable. Most ridiculous of all, they may even ask you to hold them accountable.
Most Americans recognize that our nation is at a cross-road. Both parties have indulged in excessive spending and left us with crippling debt. Our incumbent officials must be held accountable for either perpetuating this spending binge, or failing to stand against it. I am running as a Republican candidate for US Congress MN CD 7 because I see many members re-dedicating themselves to the principles of fiscal responsibility, free enterprise and liberty.
The powers that be in Washington look at us like we’re stepping out of a clown car. They don’t believe in personal responsibility, accountability, or truth. They forget that this nation is fueled by people who must take personal responsibility to support their families. They forget that people must operate on principles of truth and hard work to earn their living. They forget that Americans are held accountable for their actions every day.
So, they see a tiny car with a tiny door swinging open and clown after clown stepping out. We, however, know that the car is a cardboard cut-out. Standing behind it is an endless line of people who are finished with incumbent politicians who don’t operate in the real word of actions and consequences. Now, can someone grab me a pair of polka-dot suspenders, a red nose that honks, and a bottle of seltzer? It’s time to step through the door.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Coming to Terms with Limited Government
Washington has a nasty habit of using words with vague definitions. It's part of the “Washington is never wrong” strategy to stay away from anything with solid meanings; it also makes the job of an honest person much more difficult. To tackle this task, some of the articles on this blog will be dedicated to defining terms that will be used throughout the campaign. Honesty and clarity are key aspects of leaderships; “we the people” deserve a blueprint for success, not a blank slate.
Conservatism revolves around a key theme: limited government. Our government has grown beyond its intended purpose, and it needs to be scaled back to preserve our freedom. But, what is a limited government?
The left criticizes the idea of a limited government by equating it to a small government. This is theme of progressive thinking, that problems are bigger than people, groups, and communities; these problems can only be addressed by a bloated central government. Their criticism of conservatism is that a small government wouldn't be able to handle big problems. This is the importance of definitions; a limited government isn't small and powerless.
The founders of our nation established a limited government, not a small government; however, our Federal government has become inefficient, redundant, and comprised of too many unsustainable and unnecessary programs. A small government has too many boundaries to deal with problems, where a limited government respects the boundaries established by the constitution. These boundaries involve the daily decisions of Americans and American businesses, as well as matters reserved for the state and local governments. In short, our federal government should be facilitating the military and enforcing laws that cross state lines, not telling us what kind of cars to drive ,or what to teach our children, or what temperature we should use on our furnaces.
Our founders fled a government that was too big for its own good; they established a government that allowed people to stand up and achieve on their own. “Twice American” means first appreciating the struggles that lead our forefathers to freedom, and second, taking the responsibility and fighting to preserve it. Conservatism's view of a limited government is peeling back the layers of regulation and restriction that go beyond the scope of the constitution. The federal government was indeed given a supreme role in its LIMITED scope, but RESTRICED from interfering with the RESPONSIBILITY of local-government and SECURITY of the individual. It's about having a government that is big enough to handle problems, but only the problems it was designed to handle. Most importantly, it's about remembering the framework, laid by our founders, that led to unprecedented global success.
Regards, Lee Byberg
Conservatism revolves around a key theme: limited government. Our government has grown beyond its intended purpose, and it needs to be scaled back to preserve our freedom. But, what is a limited government?
The left criticizes the idea of a limited government by equating it to a small government. This is theme of progressive thinking, that problems are bigger than people, groups, and communities; these problems can only be addressed by a bloated central government. Their criticism of conservatism is that a small government wouldn't be able to handle big problems. This is the importance of definitions; a limited government isn't small and powerless.
The founders of our nation established a limited government, not a small government; however, our Federal government has become inefficient, redundant, and comprised of too many unsustainable and unnecessary programs. A small government has too many boundaries to deal with problems, where a limited government respects the boundaries established by the constitution. These boundaries involve the daily decisions of Americans and American businesses, as well as matters reserved for the state and local governments. In short, our federal government should be facilitating the military and enforcing laws that cross state lines, not telling us what kind of cars to drive ,or what to teach our children, or what temperature we should use on our furnaces.
Our founders fled a government that was too big for its own good; they established a government that allowed people to stand up and achieve on their own. “Twice American” means first appreciating the struggles that lead our forefathers to freedom, and second, taking the responsibility and fighting to preserve it. Conservatism's view of a limited government is peeling back the layers of regulation and restriction that go beyond the scope of the constitution. The federal government was indeed given a supreme role in its LIMITED scope, but RESTRICED from interfering with the RESPONSIBILITY of local-government and SECURITY of the individual. It's about having a government that is big enough to handle problems, but only the problems it was designed to handle. Most importantly, it's about remembering the framework, laid by our founders, that led to unprecedented global success.
Regards, Lee Byberg
Monday, February 8, 2010
Time for Renewal
Many people want to fix America. That’s a nice expression, it sounds easy, almost momentous; we are broken, we are fixed. There’s a lot of talk coming out of Washington: “We are going to fix the economy! We are going to fix education! We are going to fix our standing in the world! We are going to fix the environment!” What isn’t coming out of Washington? Results.
The problem lies in the concept, to fix. You can fix a washing machine, a car, or a computer; these are machines with defined parts. You can’t “fix” a country. Now we face a dilemma: America is broken, but we cannot just “fix” it. This is a chance for renewal. Renewal literally means “to make new again.” As a concept, or even a goal, it goes much deeper than a quick fix.
Renewal means learning the lessons of history. Renewal is about peeling back the mistakes we have made and returning to a system of government that empowers people to control their own destiny. When we look to the beginning of America, we see a people who were only a tiny percentage of the world population standing in the face of the near-eternal dynasties of Europe. This isn’t about military victories, it’s about economic leadership. Renewal in America means returning to the government framework that allows anyone to stand up and achieve.
This is the heart of conservatism; looking to the values and the framework that brought prosperity to the world in an unprecedented manner. There’s an important distinction, however, that must be stated. Our world has changed, people and their values have changed. Conservatives understand that values lie in the hands of the people, not the government. Our founding fathers understood this. This country was founded on a government that was limited to the protection of its people, not the dominance of its people.
America has a chance to become new again. We can’t just fix some broken component, we must renew. This is about being Twice American; we are Americans first by right, and second by choice. Renewal is about peeling back layer upon layer of a government that has far exceeded its role; about returning values to the people, not some bureaucrat. A new America taught the world what people in control of their destiny could accomplish; a renewed America has the potential to far surpass the previous lesson.
Regards, Lee Byberg
The problem lies in the concept, to fix. You can fix a washing machine, a car, or a computer; these are machines with defined parts. You can’t “fix” a country. Now we face a dilemma: America is broken, but we cannot just “fix” it. This is a chance for renewal. Renewal literally means “to make new again.” As a concept, or even a goal, it goes much deeper than a quick fix.
Renewal means learning the lessons of history. Renewal is about peeling back the mistakes we have made and returning to a system of government that empowers people to control their own destiny. When we look to the beginning of America, we see a people who were only a tiny percentage of the world population standing in the face of the near-eternal dynasties of Europe. This isn’t about military victories, it’s about economic leadership. Renewal in America means returning to the government framework that allows anyone to stand up and achieve.
This is the heart of conservatism; looking to the values and the framework that brought prosperity to the world in an unprecedented manner. There’s an important distinction, however, that must be stated. Our world has changed, people and their values have changed. Conservatives understand that values lie in the hands of the people, not the government. Our founding fathers understood this. This country was founded on a government that was limited to the protection of its people, not the dominance of its people.
America has a chance to become new again. We can’t just fix some broken component, we must renew. This is about being Twice American; we are Americans first by right, and second by choice. Renewal is about peeling back layer upon layer of a government that has far exceeded its role; about returning values to the people, not some bureaucrat. A new America taught the world what people in control of their destiny could accomplish; a renewed America has the potential to far surpass the previous lesson.
Regards, Lee Byberg
Friday, February 5, 2010
Hope vs. Certainty
Leadership depends on a strong foundation. Today, the foundations of our leaders, the base of their messages, are rooted in one of two places: Hope, or certainty. This article will focus on the difference of these two concepts. It will be the foundation for articles to come; it will frame the conversations about issues that come up during this campaign. Laying the foundation won’t always provide every answer, but a foundation anchored on truth will allow the construction of solutions that work.
Hope. Hope is a powerful term, it is inspirational. Hope asks us to think beyond the conventional wisdom of what we can create, what we can become, or even where we are going. Hope asks us to look past our doubts; it opens us to new possibilities. However, there is a less inspirational side to hope; hope isn’t anchored on truth, it’s anchored on ideals. Hope is a dangerous term, in this respect. We should have hope, we should dream bigger than ourselves; this is a core tenet of being an American. Without hope, we would never achieve. But, is hope an appropriate foundation for leadership?
Hope is baseless by definition. Hope asks us to not look at what we are or what we know, it asks us to dream. Hope asks us to look at a plot of land and see a house, not the bricks, wood, and nails that will take to build the house. Hope looks to the ends, never the means.
Leadership demands that we account for the means. Leaders should have hope, they should have vision, but they must never ignore the reality of achieving that vision. Washington has responded to the state of America with hope, but the results are falling far short of their vision.
Leading through certainty means to act on truth. Certainty requires discipline, a respect for where we have been before, and knowledge of what worked. Certainty takes the dreams of the hopeful, looks at the resources available, and works to achieve those dreams. Certainty also looks at those dreams with enough maturity to know what is possible. It is said that we are living in an unprecedented time, that we haven’t ever faced what we are going through. Leaders anchored in certainty know the deception of that statement. Situations may never be exactly the same; however, we can find examples through history to teach us how to deal with the present.
Leading requires knowledge of the past and the wisdom to see what has worked. Leaders must have the maturity to determine what is anchored on truth, and what is anchored on dreams. We cannot hope for a change through wishful thinking and reckless spending. Our leaders must act with certainty that the solutions will work because we have learned from the successes and the mistakes of the past. A true leader knows where he came from, not just where he wants to go.
Hope. Hope is a powerful term, it is inspirational. Hope asks us to think beyond the conventional wisdom of what we can create, what we can become, or even where we are going. Hope asks us to look past our doubts; it opens us to new possibilities. However, there is a less inspirational side to hope; hope isn’t anchored on truth, it’s anchored on ideals. Hope is a dangerous term, in this respect. We should have hope, we should dream bigger than ourselves; this is a core tenet of being an American. Without hope, we would never achieve. But, is hope an appropriate foundation for leadership?
Hope is baseless by definition. Hope asks us to not look at what we are or what we know, it asks us to dream. Hope asks us to look at a plot of land and see a house, not the bricks, wood, and nails that will take to build the house. Hope looks to the ends, never the means.
Leadership demands that we account for the means. Leaders should have hope, they should have vision, but they must never ignore the reality of achieving that vision. Washington has responded to the state of America with hope, but the results are falling far short of their vision.
Leading through certainty means to act on truth. Certainty requires discipline, a respect for where we have been before, and knowledge of what worked. Certainty takes the dreams of the hopeful, looks at the resources available, and works to achieve those dreams. Certainty also looks at those dreams with enough maturity to know what is possible. It is said that we are living in an unprecedented time, that we haven’t ever faced what we are going through. Leaders anchored in certainty know the deception of that statement. Situations may never be exactly the same; however, we can find examples through history to teach us how to deal with the present.
Leading requires knowledge of the past and the wisdom to see what has worked. Leaders must have the maturity to determine what is anchored on truth, and what is anchored on dreams. We cannot hope for a change through wishful thinking and reckless spending. Our leaders must act with certainty that the solutions will work because we have learned from the successes and the mistakes of the past. A true leader knows where he came from, not just where he wants to go.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Open letter to residents of Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District
V. Lee Byberg, Candidate for U.S. Congress, 7th District, Minnesota
It is with appreciation, resolve and a servant’s heart that I write you, my fellow citizens of Minnesota District 7. I ask that you assess my qualifications and motivation to serve as your next U.S. congressional representative. The day has arrived for new leaders to step up from the midst of the people and bring our great nation back to the liberty and prosperity that is the American way.
We need to accept that our nation has arrived at a cross-road. One road leads to further expanding entitlements and the role of Government; the other is to accept the challenge from our Founding Fathers and President Lincoln to “Come back, Come back to the principles of the Constitution.” The concepts of liberty, opportunity, and responsibility are the ONLY approach to withstand the scrutiny of history; these principles will endure as our children reach for the future.
Our people in local communities, District 7, the State of Minnesota and the U.S.A. will continue to compete with the best in the world because we have the courage to remain free. No other nation has discovered these timeless “Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
I will pursue specific policies to protect the right to life for the unborn, our right to own property, our right to bear arms, simple and fair taxes, our right to free enterprise, and the necessity of government to act with fiscal responsibility. However, there is ONE guiding principle that will make real and lasting differences; the proven principle of a Government for the People and by the People.
I am twice American, first by birth, second by choice. I stand before you with the education and experience of running significant agricultural businesses in Minnesota. I stand with the international experience of different cultures and languages. I stand as the father of three sons (Kristoffer, Anders and Steffen) and a twenty year husband to my wife Nancy. I give you all my aspirations, courage and drive; I ask for the opportunity to serve you. We are twice American; if we continue our choice for freedom, then the strength and insight endowed to us by our Creator will lead us to a brighter tomorrow.
V. Lee Byberg
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