I have the pleasure right now of being in Santa Barbara as one of the presenters at the YAF’s “Deconstructing the Left” Seminar for high school and college students.
I have to tell you, being able to participate in the program at the YAF, meeting and working with thoughtful, curious and engaged young people is incredibly inspiring for me. The group of about 40 students at this event is no different. They’ve come from all over the country, sponsored by the YAF, to hear myself, Andrew Breitbart, Ward Connerly, Peter Schweitzer and Steven Hayward on why the left does what it does, and what we can do about it.
Today’s academic environment is one of the most difficult and oppressive for young people who identify as conservative. Typically, it’s the left, which fancies itself as the protector of the ‘different,’ who work exclusively to ostracize and punish anyone who does not pledge allegiance to the leftist status quo. One of my goals this weekend is to make sure these young people leave here knowing that being today’s ‘conservative’ means being the true Individualist, authentic to one’s self, even yes, different, while also being able to embrace the values that make our nation great.
I embrace the Classical Liberal framework that smaller government is best if we want to live the lives that best suit us. Big government is an enemy to anyone who dissents, anyone who is different. That’s why it’s young people who do not confirm, who do not kow tow to the leftist status quo. These are the people who are the genuine protectors of individual freedom.
I hope to leave these students this weekend with an awareness of the fact that being different does make some things more difficult, but giving up yourself in the name of belonging, betraying your own beliefs, and buying into the death of right and wrong in particular (which is what the left asks of us) is far too high a price to pay to be invited to certain parties or picked for the basketball team.
These students get it. They are the bright and the courageous And it’s the YAF which gives them the support and encouragement to continue in the most hostile of environments–our school and academic systems. But they are here, against all odds, which is another reason why I have so much faith in this nation and our future.
C-Span has been here all day today taping the program. As soon as I found out when they’ll air it I’ll let you know.
Tammy:
Good luck in this endeavor. It is incredibly important for younger folks, who tend to be more “liberal” to understand that true liberals are not the same as these leftist freaks who call themselves liberals. “Liberal” should not be a dirty word, but the political left has bastardized it. Thanks for helping these younger folks understand the difference between a liberal and a leftist masquerading as one.
Awesome! It’s so true that non-conforming young people are the enemy of the left. The same left who continually proclaim their celebration of diversity unless of course that diversity is applied to ideas.
Way to go Tammy!
I daresay the job you’re doing this weekend is one illegal aliens won’t do. Thank you for using your abilities to make a positive difference in the future of the greatest country on earth.
I know first hand what being a young conservative in high school – and to a greater extent, college – is like. As a “Reagan Yoot”, I found myself constantly having to defend my opinions. I quit the debate team in HS because I found myself wound up like a new watch all the time. It wasn’t a pleasant experience.
Thanks (as always) for doing what you do. I’m sure those kids all appreciated it more than you know.
Awesome! Absolutely awesome. I also know what it’s like to be “a” conservative in a university setting and it is NOT easy though it’s kind of fun to make certain people a little uncomfortable (I wrote for the student paper! haha). I cheer you and your colleagues on, Tammy!!
God bless,
Tirian
Tammy,
Just wanted to thank you again for the amazing weekend in Santa Barbara. Your insights into leftist argument have truly left a lasting impression on me. My father loved the book, so thank you for that as well. Hope to see you at future events.
Jay Lara
Hi Tammy,
I saw you on C-span last night and WOW is all I can say. I’ve seen you on Fox, etc but I thought you were a conservative! Your story is incredible and I’m buying your book, “Death of Right and Wrong”.
As a formerly brainwashed (college) liberal turned conservative, your thoughts are quite compelling to read. Hope to check your site out often, I’m impressed by your courage!