#evanmcmullin

The time has come for a new generation of American leadership and civic engagement. Our nation was founded by courageous, principled Americans who took on the seemingly impossible fight for the cause of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. To put our country back on track, we must live up to their example. We begin by identifying and discussing the core ideals and principles that give us strength and prosperity.

Our basic rights are God-given. Every American is created equal and has the same right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The fundamental purpose of government is to secure, not define, these rights for every member of our diverse society.

We honor our Constitution. We must honor the Constitution and the rights it enshrines as written, including the freedoms of religion and speech. Any changes to the Constitution must be made through the amendment process it provides, not by Judicial or Executive action.

Government power must be separated and balanced. The Constitution grants separate powers to the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. We must return lawmaking power to Congress, ending Executive and Judicial overreach. Federal activities must be limited to those granted by the Constitution and all other powers must remain with the States and the people.

Our leaders must be honest and wise. They must put the public interest ahead of their own, acting with integrity, transparency, and good judgment.

We share responsibility for service and civic duty. Every American has a responsibility to serve our communities and our nation. It is our civic duty to be informed and engaged on important issues, and seek out leaders who will uphold our rights and serve the people.

Our leaders must be fiscally responsible. Our country cannot be secure and prosperous with uncontrolled debt and deficits. Our leaders must have the courage to reform entitlement programs and pay down debt, rather than accumulating more.

Government must promote a free market. Big corporations should not be able to buy government favors. There should be a level playing field for all companies, large and small. Smart, narrowly-focused regulation must protect health and safety without stifling innovation.

We must help people in poverty to overcome it. Government must provide a basic safety net for Americans unable to support themselves. Its programs should help people to overcome poverty, rather than simply survive it.

We must protect life from birth to natural death. Our respect for life is a true measure of our humanity. We must protect the lives of the most vulnerable from the unborn to the elderly.

National defense is a primary federal government responsibility. Our national security requires unmatched military and economic strength, and a commitment to the cause of liberty.

All Americans should have access to affordable, quality health care. The best way to improve Americans’ health care is to encourage competition and innovation. Our health care system must be responsive to patients, not simply insurers and bureaucrats.

Our 2nd Amendment rights must be protected. We have a Constitutional right to keep and bear arms, which the government must ensure.

Healthy immigration is important to our future. We must secure our borders, enforce our laws and facilitate the legal immigration of those who will contribute to American prosperity, security, and culture.

AN INVITATION FOR A NATIONAL CONVERSATION

It is time for a new conversation in America about these principles, the future of our country and what we must do to ensure our security, prosperity and unity. We encourage Americans everywhere to discuss these principles and our future with their families, neighbors, friends and colleagues.

To help your discussions, here are some questions you might consider:

How do you feel about America today?

What kind of future would you like for our country?

What are the principles and ideals that are most important for our future?

What kinds of leaders do we need for that future to become a reality?

How can you help create that future?