Crisis of Confidence

It is amazing that liberals are sticking to their failed policy that government spending is the way to spur economic development and create jobs. Recently Speaker Pelosi said that issuing unemployment checks was the quickest way to create jobs. Is this really a talking point that Democrats believe connects with the working and frustrated American? President Obama echoed a similar lack of understanding of the economy when he recently promised his Union friends additional funds to supposedly buoy-up the economy.

The hard-working American business owner has little confidence that this president and congressional leaders have a plan to address the weak economy. Continued spending is a failed strategy. Supposed necessary bail-outs have had no real positive impact on the economy and for certain, another will only drive us further into debt and delay the day when the invisible hand of a robust free-market must work to restore the fundamentals to place us back on the path to prosperity.

The truth is capitalism works. I know this is a hard concept that liberals and progressives hate to acknowledge. But the time-tested truth is big government is the enemy of small business and small business is the nexus of prosperity. I’m not saying there is no role of government nor am I saying that capitalism isn’t messy. But government must stop spending money and liberals must acknowledge that for business to thrive, we need government off our backs and out of our wallets.

Business owner across the country face a crisis of confidence. While Obama is in the White House and liberals control both Houses of Congress, businesses wonder what is next. So while liberals get more desperate as they watch their support fade and poll numbers drop, the American business owner holds their breath in hopes that they can survive the final two years of the Obama administration. What the American business owner and their hard-working employees need are less government regulations and a government willing to cut spending and waste now.

A prosperous economy will require a quick return to conservative constitutionally-founded principles. We need our elected Representatives to stop the rush to socialism and start asking what the proper role of government is. This is the only way to bring American away from the brink of financial destruction.

President Ronald Reagan said Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.

This disastrous trend must end and Utah’s GOP leaders and candidates are prepared to show the way. As the best managed state in the nation, Utah offers the example: after years as the majority party, the GOP can demonstrate fiscal and economic leadership. A victorious GOP this fall will help restore fiscal sanity to Washington, and continue to lead here in Utah.

Only through fiscal discipline will confidence of both business owners and consumers return and the economy improve.

Let's debate but not boo

As the Utah State GOP Nominating Convention nears, the discussion of booing came up between me and a few other delegates.

I have volunteered too many hours to agree that it is ok to boo. We all know that a boo is far more than just the opposite of applause. For example, when you are displeased with your child or disagree with a neighbor or another family member, I hope you don’t boo them but continue to communicate with them and educate them and work out the differences with integrity and fairness.

The time and place for disagreement is in the arena of public debate (and trust me, I love this process) but at a nominating convention it is very rude to boo. I may disagree with an elected official but I voice that through debate and with my vote. I say stand for principles and never compromise on them but we must conduct ourselves with greater dignity than a boo. The opportunity to petition the government and make changes is before us every day. I applaud the right to offer a dissenting opinion (and have done so many times myself) but I will never boo.

When we boo we disenfranchise many who want to participate but don’t understand the boos. One of the things that I choose to do is encourage more to participate (we need to reverse the level of apathy and compliancy we have in the public). If as a party we have just become an angry and frustrated people that participates little in the public debate, but then feels the need to boo and hiss, then we will not be the party of ideas and leaders for the future. We need full discussion (and my actions show I support full and vigorous debate) but let’s not let rudeness enter into the debate.

I agree with Jefferson (and other Founders) to warn our elected officials (so let’s lobby them and educate them through active participation) but I hope we are above booing. Tell me how booing protects our freedoms and I might change my mind but I think it is fair and honest discussion that leads to good public policies (policies that defend the constitution and protect the family) we need… and not booing.

We can and must do more to express our disagreement with government than boo. Booing closes doors of discussion and we need to close the accountability gap through increased discussion and participation.

4 Steps for Conservatives to achieve VICTORY

America is at a crossroads… actions in Washington DC have many questioning if America is still the land of opportunity and prosperity. With President Obama in the White House and liberals in control of the House and Senate, the path for conservatives should seem clearer. Yet, the Republican Party is also at a crossroads; a resurgence of conservative voters and grassroots organizations has conservatives salivating in anticipation of new life and the possibility of returning to power, but not all this activity and energy is necessarily partisan at its core.

I believe that conservatives must take the following steps to prevail and capitalize on the momentum and ultimately achieve victory. Basically stated, Republican’s must show the American people that we are connected to our principles and as we stay connected to them, we will help return America to a land of opportunity and prosperity.

Currently conservatives are divided, fearful, and full of distrust…of each other and unfortunately of groups with similar goals. But the bottom line is the American people will not follow an angry, frustrated, and distrustful party. So what does the Republican Party need to do to unite conservatives and capture the momentum? First off, we must recruit, train and motivate our neighbors. I’m excited by the undercurrent of conservative, business-friendly discussion and attention. Many are active in recruiting and training their neighbors to get involved; this is a great trend and we need to accelerate this activity.

I believe some of the reasons we face serious challenges as a nation is voter complacency and apathy, and government corruption. When complacency and apathy are solved, or more actively addressed and reduced, then we’ll see less corruption in government. When I say corruption I’m talking more than just fraud and back-room deals. I’m also including the growth of government with its out-of-control spending (if this behavior were being committed by any other entity, public or private, it would be illegal). I’m talking the corruption of big government, which is best kept in check through greater citizen involvement.

Second, to reduce complacency and apathy, we need to bridge the gap between our leaders and the people. Conservatives we must lead out to bridge this accountability gap. But as we do we can expect some resistance. Thomas Jefferson said, “Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.” Thankfully we have citizens not afraid. But as we encourage this bold action I ask, are we effective?

Third, conservatives must unite. The various grass-roots movements right now must unite or divided we fall. I believe as a conservative the GOP is the best vehicle to accomplish my goals to defend the Constitution and protect the family. So while the Republican Party may need to purge a bit and get back to our foundational principles (and I think for the most part this is happening) we need to make sure that the variety of grass-roots movements doesn’t take us off track.

Finally, stay connected to conservative principles. The proof is in the none-partisan but conservative nature of the frustrated voter. For example, the Scott Brown win in MA and the struggles of Charlie Crist in FL demonstrate that the candidate that demonstrates his connection with conservative principles will win, regardless of party. The voters are rejecting all officials/candidates regardless of party if they remain aloof and defend big government. So I suggest conservatives unite and help the Republican Party be the champion of the Founders. This is easier as we return to our core values, but conservatives can’t win if we are angry and distrustful. We will be the party of the future as we recruit, train and motivate others to get involved.

For the Republican Party to achieve victory we must follow V.I.C.T.O.R.Y.: The GOP has the right vision and message. We need to be more inclusive and communicate better. We must incorporate technology better to help us do both of these and we must do so in an open and transparent way. Relationships are critical to our success and these relationships, especially with the youth, must be based on relevant information, delivered in a timely and effective manner.

This is how as conservatives we can prevail and achieve victory; as we show the American people that we are connected to our principles and stay connected to them, we will help return America to a land of opportunity and prosperity.

Connection to People & Principles

Can you believe that one year after Barak Obama defied conventional political wisdom and claimed victory and the White House that we would see liberals running for cover? Having beaten the Clinton machine and a Republican war hero and senior senator with a well-known independent appeal, we are now seeing every incumbent run from big government and the liberal agenda from the Obama White House and championed by Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi.

What is going on? Is this a partisan swing of historical proportion? Glenn Beck stated earlier today that a Scott Brown win in Massachusetts would begin the “death of the Democrat soul.” Many other political pundits have tried to explain how a state that has not voted for a state-wide Republican since the year I was born (1966) was on the verge of sending one to Washington. How could the environment swing so quickly from one year ago when Obama won by 26 points?

The answer is simple and the same one I use to explain why Utah has been voted again the best managed state in the nation. It’s called connection to people and connection to principles, not to party per se. Utah Republican leaders have been able to connect with voters in a way that demonstrates that they understand conservative principles…and as residents of Utah, we reap the benefits of this every day as we continue to lead the nation in economic development and job creation, to name a few leading indicators.

Connection to the voters and an acknowledgement on the part of the elected official that they understand who they represent and whose money they spend is the key to victory, or conversely, the recipe for defeat if you fail to make that connection. Now the rest of the nation, broadly speaking, understands this as individuals across the country seek to again get connected with their leaders; and with the principles this country was founded on. Defending conservative principles, tested by time and results, is now even popular in the bluest state in the nation, Massachusetts. Wow. To put this in perspective, a Utah equivalent might be if Sen. Hatch passed away and Mark Shurtleff was beat by State Sen. Luz Robles. Who, you say? My point exactly.

One article I read about the transformation in Massachusetts put it this way, “But the race narrowed considerably over the past week as Brown's populist message resonated with an angry and resentful electorate in an antiestablishment environment. He's energized Republicans as well as attracted disillusioned Democrats and independents worried about taxes, spending, government expansion and health care under Obama.” (Obama makes last-ditch attempt to save Senate seat by BETH FOUHY and LIZ SIDOTI).

Republicans should be pleased; Martha Coakley couldn’t convince voters to ignore her gaffs and her commitment to big government. The fact that this race turned so quickly is nothing short of a historic and motivational victory. Momentum is certainly on our side. But at its core, this is not a partisan victory.

The party that articulates their foundational principles and demonstrates best that they are committed to connecting with voters will win in 2010. Put another way, voters don’t appreciate being ignored or taken for granted; they want accountability from their leaders and an assurance that candidates and party know their place in the political hierarchy. Like Scott Brown said, “It’s the People’s Seat.” Any candidate with a history of a gap between them and the voters will lose and conversely, the candidate or party that helps close this gap will win and become the dominant party of the future. Brown mentioned tonight in his victory speech that on the campaign trail that he heard over and over again that “voters were tired that elected officials had grown aloof.”

Aloof describes Coakley to a T. She ran an elitist campaign and made little connection with the voters; her failed campaign showed this clearly. Brown on the other hand connected with people and they also felt his connection to his guiding principles. This gave them confidence that he would not become aloof. That’s all voters want – connection. Brown will close the gap between government and the voters. The reason Democrats will suffer under this tide is big government screams for a large gap to exist.

Locally, many municipal incumbents lost for this same reason. Their elitist attitude and failure to understand and connect with the voters sent them packing. So, will Republicans be the party that bridges the gap and connects with voters? Will incumbents rush to close this gap, where one exists? For some it may be too late. Deal makers, big spenders, and liberal over-achievers may already know their fate after tonight.

For me, I will fight for accountability, fiscal responsibility, and for defense of the Constitution and protection of the family. It is clear that what happened in MA can happen all over America – and I’m not sure that is a bad thing.

What does a free and strong America mean to you?

Today I accepted the challenge from Mitt Romney's Free and Strong America PAC to write down in 250 or less "What does a free and strong America mean to you?"

I accepted this challenge and submitted these words:

The strength of America is in her founding principles and the devotion of her people. As a Constitutional-republic, America is a land governed by the people, for the people. As a citizen, I pledge my allegiance to our flag and to the republic for which it stands.

As inspired innovators, our Founders knew that freedom was worth fighting and dying for. They gave us a document that granted to all the ability to pursue happiness and secure prosperity through innovation and risk. But freedom requires more than just claiming we have a Constitution; freedom requires the adherence to it.

America will only remain strong if we remember that freedom requires the ability to pursue happiness through ambition, risk, and commerce. These tenants are under attack today by those who pursue narrow political gain. Rather, they should be celebrated by all freedom-loving individuals.I don’t question the devotion and patriotism of others, but I am concerned that our appreciation and understanding of the wise and innovative, and indeed risky, sacrifices of the Founders is being forgotten.

I speak of apathy, fiscal irresponsibility, selfishness, greed, corruption, accountability, the abandonment of personal responsibility, and the lack of respect for others including the Founding Fathers and the Constitution. Some blame a rush towards socialism; I blame a lack of understanding and devotion to the Constitution.

For America to remain strong, we must more fully appreciate and understand our founding principles and remain devoted to them.

D-Day reflections on liberty

D-Day 2009

It is interesting to ponder what the U.S. and Europe would be like today if the brave American soldier didn’t face the barrage 65 years ago. From the rain and blood soaked beaches in Normandy, freedom has blossomed.

I am reminded of the poignant words offered by President Ronald Reagan 20 years ago at Point du Hoc. He began, “We’re here to mark that day in history when the Allied armies joined in battle to reclaim this continent to liberty… Here in Normandy the rescue began. Here the Allies stood and fought against tyranny in a giant undertaking unparalleled in human history.” Reagan continued, “Behind me is a memorial that symbolizes the Ranger daggers that were thrust into the top of these cliffs. And before me are the men who put them there. These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war… You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One’s country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you.”

I love those words. I hope we all appreciate D-Day and the victory over tyranny and the fight for freedom that began that day. I also love D-Day because my daughter was born on this historic day 10 years ago. We named her Liberty. She is everything to me (Ok, that’s not true; I have 4 other children and a wonderful wife). My family is my life. So I am grateful for the boys of Point du Hoc. I am grateful for liberty. I wish I can be a hero for the cause of liberty.

I get very reflective on this day; in fact, maybe more so than on July 4 or Memorial Day. I think it was more than just freedom that was carved out of the sand and the rock and the blood along the beaches of Normandy. I think that the liberty and the freedom that was fought for has brought great prosperity. Prosperity and happiness is the dream of all who seek freedom.

But how does freedom look today? Freedom is more than just living under a democracy; freedom requires the ability to determine your future through ambition, risk, and commerce. These tenants of all free-loving societies are under attack today by those who pursue narrow political gain. These attacks are subtle and perhaps not as deadly to life but they are deadly to freedom and prosperity.

I speak of apathy, fiscal irresponsibility, selfishness, greed, corruption, the rush towards socialism, the abandonment of personal responsibility, and the lack of respect for others including the Founding Fathers and the Constitution.

How does liberty and freedom look for my daughter Liberty and for her children when:
· Dennis Cauchon, USA TODAY In all, government spending on benefits will top $2 trillion in 2009 — an average of $17,000 provided to each U.S. household, federal data show. Benefits rose at a 19% annual rate in the first quarter compared to the last three months of 2008.
· June 1 and June 2, 2009, editions of The Gartman Letter. Mr. Geithner is in Beijing this week to explain that further investment in the US is in China's best interest… outlining the benefits of investment in US Treasury securities…It is, instead, in China's interest to secure the raw materials it needs to foster further economic growth... Mr. Geithner's is a lonely and embarrassing job it seems. His "product," debt securities, have lost their luster, and the things he cannot sell… copper, steel, coal, wheat, soybeans, cotton, crude et al… have seen their luster enhanced. His is an embarrassing job at the moment.
· June 3 Bloomberg -- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said large U.S. budget deficits threaten financial stability and the government can’t continue indefinitely to borrow at the current rate to finance the shortfall. “Unless we demonstrate a strong commitment to fiscal sustainability in the longer term, we will have neither financial stability nor healthy economic growth,” Bernanke said in testimony to lawmakers today. “Maintaining the confidence of the financial markets requires that we, as a nation, begin planning now for the restoration of fiscal balance.”
· Benefits, such as Social Security, food stamps, unemployment insurance and health care, accounted for 16.2% of personal income in the first quarter of 2009, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reports. That's the highest percentage since the government began compiling records in 1929.

Where are modern-day champions who understand that some things are worth dying for? Freedom is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for. I invite all who love liberty to fight tyranny today, just like the men of Point du Hoc did 65 years ago.

Great News for Utah's Economy

I’m not one to complain but I’m tired of winter; I’m tired of slow cars on Orem Blvd (the posted speed is 35); I’m tired of changing messy diapers; I’m tired of dropped calls; and I’m tired of waiting in line to eat at Iggy’s.

But what I’m most tired of is hearing economic doom and gloom.

I firmly believe that we hold the future of our economy and our country in our hands. I’m one who believes it ain’t all bad out there.

I recently heard Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert speak and he summed up my feelings when he said, “we often hear the phrase ‘this is the worst economy since the Great Depression’. This is like comparing a headache to a brain tumor. We don’t want to understate the current economic challenges, but we don’t want to overstate them either. Let us have an appropriate perspective, particularly here in Utah.”- Gary Herbert - Lieutenant Governor, State of Utah

The following highlights some of the good things about Utah and Utah Valley:

Home Foreclosures
Utah's foreclosure rate (1.4%) is less than half the national rate (2.9%). Utah homeownership rate is 4th highest in the nation. Four states (CA, FL, AZ, NV) account for approximately half of all foreclosures. During the Great Depression foreclosure rates neared 50%

Bank Failures
According to the FDIC, there have been a total of 28 bank failures in 2007 and 2008. In recession-free 1988-89, there were 1,004 failures. Since the Great Depression, the average number of bank failures per year has been 94.

Mortgage interest rates
Currently at 5% for 30 year fixed rate mortgages. Business mortgages have doubled because of low interest rates.

Housing
Bargains are bringing buyers back to the market. The number of existing homes sold in February rose 13% from the previous month. In the West homes sales surged 13.6%.

GOED
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has more than 120 companies in active discussions with the state about moving or expanding in Utah.

Utah Exports
International exports from Utah during the first three quarters of 2008 was $8.1 billion. Over 50% higher than the value during the same period last year. This rate of growth ranks 4th among all states.

Unemployment
4.3% Utah (U.S. 7.2%) –Dec. 2008. During the Great Depression unemployment was 25%

More Great News
1. Utah unjoys a AAA Bonding Rating. This rating saves taxpayers money on interest costs.
2. Utah Best Managed State—Pew Research Institute
3. Provo ranked #1 as Money Magazine Best Small Cities in 2008
4. Year-over job change in Utah was –1.9% in December 2008
5. Energy and Natural Resources had 7.2% positive growth in December and has potential for continued growth.
6. Population in Utah continues to grow. Utah's population was an estimated 2,757,779 on July 1, 2008 - up 58,225 or 2.2% from July 1, 2007. Net in-migration in 2008 was 16,648, or about 29% of total population growth.
7. Mineral Lease Money has increased by 109% since 2005
8. Tourism at Zions National Park hit 2.7 million in 2008, setting a new record for Zions.

I love Utah.