March 8, 2009
Something for the Youngins

Posted at 4:12 pm, in: Uncategorized

As a former college “conservative activist,” I am often asked for advice as to what the next generation can do to finally turn the tide of liberalism that has been washing over our nation for the past seventy years. Without hesitation, here is my advice to you, in no particular order.

1. Don’t take on the role of victim. You are a conservative. The deck is stacked against you; get over it. Don’t cry about it; change it. Take action! If people tell you it’s “crazy,” it’s probably not crazy enough.

2. Learn to communicate effectively why you are a conservative. I have the bonus of coming from a liberal background. People, especially liberals, are always interested to hear what changed my mind. That interest opens up their mind to the conservative ideas that brought me over. What in your life can help them relate to you? (Tip: That mommy and daddy were Republicans and that’s how you were raised isn’t helpful.)

3. Don’t become a business major! Take up a major that is traditionally liberal. It’s time to beat them at their own game. Infiltrate liberal classes and stand up to your professors with your conservative ideas. The time has come, conservatives are now the revolutionaries. Embrace this! Imagine the damage you could cause in a women’s studies class.

4. Take a traditionally liberal career path. One of the reasons the left has been so successful is because they now consume almost every aspect of our lives. Become a teacher, actor, or government employee. You really want to change government? Become a federal employee and cut your office’s budget down. It will get you farther than whining about federal spending from the outside.

5. Rethink the way you approach CPAC. No one is impressed by you with your business card stating how you are the president of the College Republicans at your local university. You’re just a kid. Get over yourself! If you’re actually making a difference others will notice, you won’t need a card to tell them. See CPAC as a chance to hang out with likeminded people, exchange ideas, and have fun, not a networking opportunity.

6. Be skeptical, no matter who the messenger is! A healthy dose of cynicism is the best thing for you. For this, I recommend Sen. Tom Coburn’s (R-OK) book, Breach of Trust: How Washington Turns Outsiders into Insiders.

7. Branch out! Don’t always surround yourself with likeminded people. You cannot fully understand or debate the other side until you have befriended the other side. Trust me, you are way more likely to convince a liberal friend of something than a liberal enemy. A friendship gives you a starting point that rests on a common ground unrelated to politics.

8. Read, read, read! And, I mean, read everything. It’s easy to read what you agree with. Challenge yourself! The better acquainted you are with the enemy, the better prepared you are to beat them, or at least neutralize them. For more on this tactic, I recommend the last battle-rap scene in the movie 8 Mile.

9. Don’t forget, there are plenty of people that aren’t on either side of an issue. They are either apathetic or middle-of-the-road. It is your job to bring them to the right side of the road. Everyone is looking for something to believe in. Give them that something!

10. Don’t worry about your present actions hindering your future possibilities. Too many times I have met a student so consumed with some future career in politics that they think they have planned that they refuse to act now. I know this is the age of the Internet and what you do will be known forever. I’ve pulled some stunts. As long as you’re willing to be honest and exposed, most people will understand anything that you’ve done. You have youth on your side. Use it!

Perhaps this is helpful, perhaps not. I don’t know. This was my mindset in college, and it remains my mindset today. Whatever happens, I know that I have always done what I thought was right at the moment. I have no regrets. Can you say the same?

Think about what so many others have given up to fight for the principles this nation was founded on. Are you worried about losing some friends? Can’t take a little name-calling? How many people died in the Revolutionary W ar to guarantee the rights we all take for granted? And, you’re not willing to be uncomfortable? The time to stand up and fight back has not just arrived. It’s been here for quite some time. Go out, get crazy, and do something today!