“…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom–and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
–President Abraham Lincoln
Gettysburg Address, Nov. 19th, 1863

A New Season Begins…

This past Tuesday, June 1st, marked the start of “nomination season” in the political world.  This is when candidates and campaign volunteers deploy across the state to knock on doors, talk to people in shopping malls and parking lots, and network with friends and neighbors to collect a prescribed number of verifiable signatures in order to be put on the ballot this fall.  It’s time consuming, it’s challenging, and it’s daunting–but it’s also a key first step in voicing YOUR opinion regarding who represents you in elected office.

Looking to the Future, Through the Past

Given the challenges our nation faces now with a prolonged recession, an increase in anti-American terrorist activity, an environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, and fraud, waste, and abuse in nearly everything our government touches, it’s easy to see how our future could look bleak.  American Exceptionalism is being threatened like never before and citizens–regardless of party–are standing up to demand better…to demand more from those they send to Washington.  Americans have a sense of Duty, Honor, and Country…and they know that these three words represent the only antidote to fraud, waste, and abuse–they know that those three words are the lifeblood of American Exceptionalism.

This “nomination season” is the first chance for you to step up and actively participate in the electoral process.  Find candidates for all offices that you like and back them.  Make sure you know where they stand on the issues, understand their character and integrity, and sign their nomination papers if they are called by Duty, will lead with Honor, and vow to stand up for our Country.  That’s the type of new leadership we need in Washington if we’re going to defeat fraud, waste, and abuse…if we’re ever to get past “politics as usual,” or, as President Lincoln aspired, if “this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom–and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

Yes, these are important times with important decisions that will impact the course our country takes for years…and you’re the key to determining that direction.  This is YOUR time to make a difference…YOUR time to shape our future…YOUR time to stand and be counted…and I invite you to stand with me.  Together–and with Duty, Honor, and Country as our watchwords–we’ll keep the torch of liberty lit for generations to come!

Duty. Honor. Country.
Dave

p.s. If you’re interested in helping us gather nomination signatures, click here to send us an email requesting the form.  We’ll email you a version back that you can duplicate and collect signatures in your neighborhood!

“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.”
–President Ronald Reagan, Pointe de Hoc Speech, June 6th, 1944

Click Here to view this week’s video.

Honoring. Remembering. Thanking.

This is Memorial Day weekend, 2010–the “unofficial start to summer.”  But it’s also the official day for Americans to remember the sacrifices and losses of those who have gone before us to preserve liberty and freedom.  Please, as you’re out and about this weekend with friends and family, remember the reason we take an extra day off this weekend…and fly an American flag, thank a Veteran, and tell your kids about those who have died to make this an exceptional country.

Duty. Honor. Country.
Dave

“We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation….We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now.”

–Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (excerpt from the “I Have A Dream” speech)

Click Here to view this week’s video.

Serving Our Country Takes Many Forms…This is a Call to Action!

Serving our country takes many forms, and ‘good intentions’ or ‘waiting until later’ are not enough.  There is too much at stake–now–to remain on the sidelines.  When it comes to saving America, this is our call to action…we have a “fierce urgency of now.”

What Will YOU Do Today?

Today is an important day…and we need our supporters to get involved and take action.  As many of you are aware, the state convention is next week and we want to make a great showing there…on the way to winning this election.  Success in this area, however, is going to take all of us answering the call…all of us stepping up and doing something today…all of us getting involved.

In the balance is the direction our country ultimately takes.  At stake is the financial stability for future generations.  Awaiting the outcome of this election is American Exceptionalism itself–and YOU hold the power to make a difference!  Please get involved and donate to our campaign today–not for me…but for you, your kids, for the future of American and the well-being of freedom and liberty everywhere.  YOU are the key and duty is calling!  It will be my honor to answer the call with you…please donate today!

To donate online, please click here.

Accountability Starts Today!
Dave

“For those who wish America harm, or are still unaware of the inevitable outcome of the War on Terror, or who think America will compromise, negotiate, or tolerate acts of terror in our homeland, there is only one response–one sacred commitment from America to her people: we win, they lose.  The torch of liberty will stay lit.”

Click Here to view this week’s video.

Relying on a Malfunction Is In Itself a Failure

On May 1st, America dodged another potentially devastating terrorist attack.  And once again, it was due to malfunctioning explosives and alert civilians that we avoided carnage in the streets of New York City.  The problem is, however, that the bomber was still able to build and deliver a weapon of mass destruction to his intended target, walk away from it without arrest, and nearly flee the country by airplane.  All the while the administration thinks that it’s doing a great job cracking down on terror.

What?

How does a failed bombing attempt–due to a malfunctioning explosive–mean that America’s immediate threat from terrorism has passed?  Where are all the leaders on this issues?  Who is standing up to say “no more?”  Who is standing up for the safety of Americans?  Relying on a malfunctioning explosive device is–unfortunately–proof-positive that our national stance on terror is weak, and that we are all still at risk.

Terrorist Acts Are Attempted by Terrorists…Not Defendants

The first reaction of our elected officials after the May 1st bombing attempt was to refer to the suspect as a “defendant.”  Isn’t someone who attempts to carry out an act of terror a terrorist?  If we’re going to ever be able to take this threat seriously, don’t we first have to stop being so politically correct about it?  Why isn’t the President and his administration leading by example and calling terrorists exactly what they are?  Why are we worried about offending those who want to kill us?  It’s time  to take off the “kid gloves” and step into the ring to fight this head-on.

Liberty will always be at odds with tyranny…and Freedom with terror.  Fortunately, liberty and freedom are the paths aligned with our destiny…and will therefore always be the right paths to take.  Let’s get back on course, America–the cost of failing to do so is too great!

I hope you enjoy the video and I look forward to seeing you on the road…

Accountability Starts Today.
Dave

“Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army.”
–Edward Everett

Click Here to view this week’s video.

Until Education Becomes a Priority, It Will Continue to be a Problem.

In the United States, we spend more on a per-pupil basis to fund education than nearly every other nation in the world…yet we lag significantly in our mastery of math, science, and several other disciplines that will be crucial for us to command  if the United States is to remain a world leader into future generations.  In some evaluations we rank as low as 19 out of 38 nations overall and are a disappointing 19 out of 21 in one subject and demographic area.  This has got to change.  Successively increased funding coupled with deteriorating results is a sign of a failed system…not failing people within the system.

The Problem Crosses All Party Lines

Education reform is not specifically an issue of funding…nor is it an issue exclusive to test scores, metrics, and accountability.  Previous efforts to “fix” education that focused on one of these or the other put teachers in the middle of the reform debate…instead of allowing them to foster a world-class environment in the classroom.  Our teachers primarily want to do a good job…they want to make our kids the best educated in the world, but bureaucratic hurdles hold them back and, in turn, hold our kids back.  This is disastrous for our future.

Having the best educated children in the world MUST be a priority for the United States.  This will only happen when politicians step away from their partisan filters and create an environment for teachers to teach, parents to guide (or, as is the case with home schoolers, also teach), and children to thrive.  That’s the basis for American Exceptionalism…and we can do it–for the sake of our future, we MUST do it.

I hope you enjoy the video and I look forward to seeing you on the road…

Accountability Starts Today.
Dave

“…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom–and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
–Abraham Lincoln (excerpt from the Gettysburg Address)

Click Here to view Part 1 of this week’s video.

Click Here to view Part 2 of this week’s video.

Note: Below is a brief summary of this week’s video.  Please click the link above to view the entire topic.

“Phase I” Set the Stage…

For the last twelve months our campaign has visited nearly every county in this state, piled up over 50,000 miles on my 10-year old SUV, and met face-to-face with well over 10,000 Wisconsinites.  We focused exclusively on taking the “harder right over the easier wrong” and having you tell me your story…and that focus has paid off.

We have hundreds of letters and emails from people across the state with stories about how life–in one way, shape, or form–is more difficult now than it was when Sen. Feingold went to Washington 18 years ago…and they don’t want to send him back for 24.  I’ve laughed with you, I’ve cried with you, I’ve hugged and high-fived you…and along the way, you’ve come to understand that I’m a heck of a lot more like you than a career politician or “traditional” candidate is.  You know that I’m a leader made of character and integrity.  You know that I don’t have any hidden agendas.  You know that I am absolutely certain as to why I’m in this race: to SERVE the people of Wisconsin…and not a special interest or some other Senator’s pet project (and if you haven’t signed the “Accountability Shirt” yet–that’s my written contract with you guaranteeing this–let me know so you can!).

That was “Phase I”…now it’s time to REALLY get to work…

“Phase II” Brings Down the House…

Besides the personal concerns you shared with us over the last year, we’ve also discovered that many of you share “cause” concerns as well.  Veterans, home schoolers, Right-to-Life advocates, outdoor sportsmen, small business owners…the list goes on and on…you also need someone to strongly stand up for you–to fight for you–because you don’t currently have a voice in government.  Friends, these causes are fundamental components of American Exceptionalism and MUST be fought for!

And in order to be your conduit into your government, I need money for the fight.

So “Phase II” is about building on the momentum we started over the last 12 months, raising funds, and creating mobilized coalitions with your causes.  Do you have a passion for a cause?  Let us know and help us fight for it by contributing.  Are you a part of group that needs a voice?  Tell us about it and help me stand up for you by sending a check.

The first phase of getting out and hearing what’s important to you has worked GREAT…and from here on out it’s only going to get better.  Join us!  Help us! Take back your country…because together, we can make this the dawn of a new morning in America once again!

I hope you enjoy the video and I look forward to seeing you on the road…

Accountability Starts Today.
Dave

“…and never to be content with a half-truth when the whole truth can be won.”
–Excerpt from the West Point Cadet Prayer

Note: Below is a brief summary of this week’s video.  Please click here to view the entire topic.

“Politics as Usual” Needs to be Much More Unusual…

This week we received literally hundreds of inquiries about an article written by Terrence Wall supporting the prohibitively expensive commuter rail project in Madison.  In summary, you asked how could he have been so enthusiastic about it in his article, then say he opposes it now?

Simple. It’s politics as usual.

And let’s clear the air on something right away–this is NOT a “bash Terrence Wall” article…this is an examination of this particular case of “politics as usual” and learning lessons so we can all move forward together with renewed faith and optimism in our political system.

Lesson One: Opinions Change for Political Expediency; Facts Do Not

In this case, commuter rail in Madison would only serve a small portion of Madison residents–let alone Wisconsin citizens–yet it would affect us all in the form in increased taxes.  Obviously, this is not a popular issue in an election year…so you have to ask yourself what changed in Terrence’s stance on this issue?  If it was bad for taxpayers when he wrote the article and supported it…and it’s still bad for the taxpayers now and he opposes it, what’s behind the change of heart?  If a candidate is going to ask you for the most precious thing you control in a democratically-elected republic–your vote–they have to allow you to look them in their eyes…examine them…test them…make sure they share the same character and level of integrity that you believe we need in government or we’ll never improve from politics as usual.

And politics as usual hasn’t been good to us lately.

Lesson Two: Money is a Corrupting Force in Politics

Once again, we come back to the topic of money…and [as yet another example of why I refuse to actively spend time raising money at this point of the campaign] we know that serving money and serving the people are diametrically opposed.  Right now I choose to focus my time on building trust with (and showing character to) the people.

And this isn’t just me talking.  Most Americans are bothered that “politics as usual” is beholden to money…so it’s no wonder why millions of Americans don’t even get off their couches to go vote on election day.  Our campaign, on the other hand, is committed to showing Wisconsin voters who I am first…then we’ll raise money based on you’re confidence in me truly representing who you are (hence the “I AM DAVE WESTLAKE” t-shirts and signs).

Yes, it’s really that simple.

Again, consider this example–Terrence suggested that his motives for supporting commuter rail was because of a positive experience with it during his internship in London…but as a real estate developer, he likely stood to make a significant amount of money…which calls into question his true motives.  I don’t presume to know them, but referencing lesson one above, it’s a worthwhile discussion if we’re to find out what his–or any candidate’s–character is made of.

Honesty, integrity, and trust with the people MUST come first.  If you don’t have these three elements, all the money in the world makes no difference whatsoever.  Sure, you might be able to change “bodies” in Washington–but if you don’t change the mindset, you haven’t gained a thing…and again, we stay stuck on politics as usual.

And this country is so much better than that.

I hope you enjoy the video and I look forward to seeing you on the road…

Accountability Starts Today.
Dave

“A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
–Amendment II, Constitution of the United States of America

Note: Below is a brief summary of this week’s video.  Please click here to view the entire topic.

Bottom Line: It’s Not Entirely About Guns…

Since the founding of our nation, Americans have enjoyed liberty that is unique to our country…protected by rights that are equally unique–like the right to bear arms.

For several years, however, this right has been challenged by those who would cede our liberties to the government–and Americans who stand up to exercise (or defend!) these rights are demonized.  What’s worse is that we have hundreds of career-minded politicians (on both sides of the aisle) who fail to truly understand the importance of this issue and simply pacify us with a statement on a website or a piece of literature that says “I support your Second Amendment rights” but fail to comprehend how fundamental this right is to our nation.

Make no mistake, challenges to the Second Amendment are not simply about controlling guns or gun owners; those challenging our right to bear arms are challenging one of the most basic components of liberty itself…not to mention our American way of life.

Liberty and the 2nd Amendment are Permanently Linked

The right of our citizens to bear arms sets America apart from nearly every other nation in the world…and it has since our founding.  Furthermore, in order to preserve the liberty that is the very basis of American exceptionalism, all law-abiding Americans need to have access to gun ownership (and training on how to safely use them).  The Founders, when they envisioned what America should look like throughout time, argued about a lot of things–the Federalists and Anti-Federalists disagreed on states’ rights, size of government, who should lead, and so on.  But there is one thing that all parties were uniformly adamant on: that an armed population is the essential element to preserving liberty.

So, we find ourselves at yet another crossroads in America–and in the throes of another election year.  In the coming months, we’ll see candidates spend millions of dollars on campaigns saying that they “support the Second Amendment”…yet if history is any indicator of the future, these words are hollow at best.  Regretfully, so too is their understanding of how the Second Amendment–whether you like guns or not–is important to ALL of us.

I hope you enjoy the video and I look forward to seeing you on the road…

Accountability Starts Today.
Dave

“You can’t be for big government, big taxes, and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy.”
–Ronald Reagan

Note: Below is a brief summary of this week’s video.  Please click here to view the entire topic.

Not EXACTLY a “Road to Nowhere,” But Pretty Close…

Last summer, just outside of New Lisbon, WI, the government’s “stimulus plan” allocated several million of your taxpayer dollars toward replacing 29 culverts along a road leading from Juneau to Monroe Counties.  Now, given that there are thousands of acres of valuable farmland on either side of this road, culverts and water drainage is important, but…

…what if I told you that these culverts didn’t need to be replaced?  What if you knew that culverts that were supposed to last 40-50 years were put in that road less than a decade ago?  What if you knew that this spending only created a couple jobs that lasted about half a year?  Is that how you would have spent your money?

Probably not.

The Inverse Relationship Between Government Spending and Job Creation

When the government spends money, it inhibits job growth.

The millions of dollars spent on this unnecessary project are millions of dollars that were not left in our pockets for us to spend on things like home improvements, or college savings…or even just paying bills or feeding our families, all of which support jobs (whether they be at the lumber yard, investment firm, or grocery store…or all the jobs that support these businesses).  When the government took away our ability to spend that money by taxing us, they eliminated our ability to support job growth in our local communities…job growth that has a meaningful and lasting impact for real Wisconsin families.

Do you want to see a job creation explosion?  Demand less government spending.  Do you want to see an economic boom that transforms our economy into a self-sustaining, constantly-growing powerhouse?  Elect officials who will shrink the size of government.  That’s the key–along with lower taxes–to job creation and growth.  Allow Americans to have more money in their pockets and we’ll ALL be amazed at where our collective ingenuity, creativity, and work ethic takes us.

Folks, we have a bright future ahead of us…we simply have to hold our government accountable to the three basic criteria we’ve discussed for several weeks: 1.) follow the Constitution, 2.) shrink the size of government, and 3.) cut government spending.  When we demand this from Washington, we’ll not only once again control the government that is supposed to be of, by, and for the People…but we’ll also spark a new economic renaissance that is unmatched by any in history.

God bless you all on this Easter weekend.

I hope you enjoy the video and I look forward to seeing you on the road…

Accountability Starts Today.
Dave

“We have too many high sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.”
–Abigail Adams

Click Here to view this week’s video.

Note: Below is a brief summary of this week’s video.  Please click the link above to view the entire topic.

The Things that Congress Could Learn from Farmers…

[Admittedly, this is one of those topics that makes a lot more sense if you watch the video, but here goes...]

There is perhaps no better industry to illustrate the importance of setting a proper environment for productivity than farming.  If cows aren’t able to digest food in a relaxed setting, they won’t produce as much milk.  If a growing season doesn’t provide an optimal mix of sun, moisture, and soil nutrients, crops don’t grow well.  If chickens are artificially stressed, they won’t lay eggs and it takes them an unnaturally long time to re-establish confidence in their surroundings to start producing again.

The same holds true for our economy.  Think about it…if the government meddles too much in market operations, businesses don’t expand.  If the mix of taxes and revenue aren’t optimal, the economy won’t grow.  And if there is too much artificial stress (through mandates, regulations, etc.), then the economy freezes and it takes a painfully long time to regain it’s footing for expansion.

Of course, in both farming AND the economy, we need to make sure to keep the proverbial “Madoff out of the hen house”…which means that just the right amount of oversight is always necessary…

Squaking from the Roost

Last week we talked about establishing a tax holiday starting immediately and going through the end of 2011 for all investments in new ventures and expansions of existing companies.  Well, what happens after 2011?  Simple.  To constantly maintain an atmosphere conducive to economic growth, we replicate tax laws as they apply to home ownership: defer capital gains taxes when proceeds are re-invested.  If business investors can defer taxes on gains they make by investing in subsequent businesses, we maintain a uninterrupted flow of start up (or expansion) capital in the economy.  This, in turn, creates constant economic activity, job creation, and an on-going environment that is favorable for a robust American economy.  It’s a simple solution that meets the three criteria that we’ve established as being critical for any program going forward: 1.) it is Constitutional, 2.) it doesn’t increase government spending, and 3.) it doesn’t grow the size of government.  (…and 4.) it works!)

Friends, we can do this.  And when we get our economy back on track by re-igniting the entrepreneurial flame, we’ll be one step closer to a the dawn of a new morning in America, again.

I hope you enjoy the video and I look forward to seeing you on the road…

Accountability Starts Today.
Dave