& nbsp;   &n bsp;   The conservative movement now stands at a crossroad as two camps vie for the leadership and direction of our party.  This battle is being waged between the loyal base of American conservatives who believe in limited government and traditional moral values and the emerging, yet ever-present, sect of careerist politicians and big government Republicanism.  The state of our movement now depends on the American people and the crucial choice that is before us.  Will we once again stand together to proclaim the strong values and principles that has made our nation so prosperous, or will we allow a small group of elites to dictate for us our party’s platform and outcome?  Will we succumb to apathy, moral decay, and other demoralizing effects that big government Republicanism has brought our nation, or will we as a people take it upon ourselves to strengthen the conservative movement by returning to our most cherished and flourishing principles?  Freedom must be our choice.  This is the battle cry of Indiana Congressman Mike Pence and must remain the mantra of the American people. 

Historically speaking, the conservative movement as we know it today is relatively young and in its infant stages.  With the Draft Goldwater movement in the early sixties, it was the American people, not the political establishment, who embraced the values and principles set forth by a conservative platform.  It was the American people who took it upon themselves to volunteer and get involved with American politics.  They knew that the future of their families, their communities and their country depended upon their efforts.  They could not wait for a political leader to emerge that upheld and promoted their value system, they had to work hard to ensure that the most conservative candidate won the nomination.  Although the Draft Goldwater movement strengthened conservatism by bringing it into the forefront of political thought and debate, our candidate was unsuccessful.  But through this movement emerged the most historic, effective and cherished leader of our time, Ronald Reagan.

Ronald Reagan was not only the embodiment of the Republican Party but he was the personification of everything it meant to be American.  With his brilliance in leadership and his ability to inspire the nation towards greatness, the Great Communicator led our nation’s people into a time of prosperity and freedom.  As he urged us to raise a banner of bold colors, no pale pastels, we achieved peace through strength.  Reagan was fearless, yet humble, profound, yet modest, exceptional, yet common.  America resonated strongly with Reagan’s ideas, principles and values and through doing so became a people who cherished and strengthened the American system.  Reagan was not successful because of what he did, but because of what he inspired us, the American people, to do and believe. 

Every great movement is successful not because of one leader, but because of the individual efforts of a people who understand their times and take on the great responsibility and civic duty to fight for their freedoms, principles and values.  Such a time has come for Americans to once again rise to this higher calling by steering our conservative movement back on the right path.  Mike Pence, the leader of the conservative movement, is not discouraged as he knows trialing times bring out the best in Americans.  At the same time, Pence knows the importance of leading our nation into remembrance and calling us to rediscover the historic principles and values our great nation was founded upon.  But ultimately Pence knows that it will be God’s work, His cause, and His story in the making.  As a man of great character, one who describes himself as a “Christian, a Conservative and a Republican, in that order,” Pence always remains true to principle and maintains faith in the American people. 

The conservative movement began with Goldwater, was realized through Reagan, and must now be rekindled by Pence.  The conservative movement must not be about politics as usual, we must change the hearts, minds and lives of the American people.  And by doing so, we will remain that shining city on a hill.    & nbsp;   &n bsp;   &nb sp;   &nbs p;