I recently spoke at an event in Missouri, and I took the liberty to talk about why I believe America’s best days are ahead. In this speech, I hit on what I believe are the most critical problems and end with solutions that start with the people. Our best days are ahead if we the people will take ownership.
Part II: https://youtu.be/YNdZaC1RvDM
Part III: https://youtu.be/r6vnrVXNU4M
Part IV: https://youtu.be/bP-zvBwq8Fo
Shane Krauser recently spoke on an Arizona college campus at an open forum sponsored by the Young Americans for Liberty (YAL). During the course of this presentation, Shane highlighted three questions that every person must answer before adopting their political philosophy. This was powerful, engaging, and fun! Listen in:
We’ve heard it over and over, and it is now even being taught in some of our educational institutions. The Constitution is apparently no longer relevant and is even classified by some as downright evil. Here are my thoughts. What are yours?
It wasn’t too long ago I was invited to debate Dr. John Ray, a professor at Montana Tech University regarding liberty and the U.S. Constitution. Can people discriminate on religious grounds? Should we have unlimited access to firearms? Is the Constitution a living, breathing document? Check out this great, vibrant exchange straight out of Butte. Montana.
Parts 2, 3, and 4 can be found by clicking the following link: Shane Krauser’s YouTube Channel.
In July 2012, I had the distinct honor and privilege to be invited by Glenn Beck to be a part of the Restoring Love event in Arlington, Texas. This attracted tens of thousands of people from all over the world, and it was certainly one of the highlights of my life. These videos capture just one of the many talks I gave during that monumental week. Enjoy!
What is the most important battle going on in America and the world? As an intense as it might be, many might conclude that the political battle is of utmost importance. While tempers rage in the political arena, the cultural battle is quietly taking place. It’s always been this way. When all is said and done, politics is just a reflection of the outcome of the cultural battle.
Change the the hearts and minds of the people first and changes within government will follow. It will not happen the other way around, insofar as we are talking about liberty and prosperity. Here are some of my thoughts:
We have every reason to be concerned for our future and whether they will carry on the fight for freedom. My experience as I have talked with thousands of high school and college students is one that many Americans would not necessarily be astonished by. Most of our young people don’t have a clue about the great American experiment that they are apart of. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that once our children hear the “other side,” there is an awakening that takes place. Suddenly, these young people have the capacity to give us hope. They believe in America. They understand why limited government is essential to the freedom. Without question, our young people in this country hold the capacity to right this unconstitutional runaway train. There are few things I believe more strongly than this.
So, how do we get there?
I continue to hear the mantra that we want to get the young people involved, but we often wonder why they are missing in action. The answer is simple. We are not presenting them with those things that make it important to them.
As far as young America is concerned, their initial impressions revolve around believing that cradle to grave security provided by big government is just fine. And society hasn’t really taught them anything different.
Think about the following questions, followed by some typical responses of our young people.
Separation of powers?
“What’s that?”
Division of authority?
“Who cares?”
Constitution?
“Old, dead white men.”
Popular sovereignty?
“Fancy word.”
Republican form of government?
“Nah, we live in a democracy.”
Freedom?
“Well, I’m fine. I ain’t got no complaints.”
I am convinced that our young people don’t understand the “why” of America because we’ve spent so much of our time in civics just teaching them about the “what” and the “how.” Of course, human beings buy the “why” and they couldn’t care about much less, at least at the inception of the sales or learning process.
How about letting our children experience events like the 1776 crossing of the Delaware, for example? In my own family, we celebrate that historical event by jumping into a “cold” pool or running barefoot through the snow on Christmas Eve, which is the time frame of this pivotal battle. And why is this event so important? Because 1/3 of our soldiers had no shoes, they believed in the intangible of freedom, and we’re willing to fight for it even if it was unpopular or uncomfortable.
The rising generation must experience this, and my own children have a deep sense of appreciation for the founding generation because of these emotional teaching moments. The idea of America must first touch their hearts before they’ll contemplate it seriously in their minds.
There is something refreshing about watching Americans wake up, especially when you make freedom and an overbearing government up close and personal. We can make these things relevant one step at a time. And then we can discuss limited government. Now, we can discuss why we cannot allow power to be concentrated into one branch of government. Now we can discuss what it truly means to be free.
We have a lot of work to do, but I am convinced that, as we build relationships with the future of America, the tide will quickly shift. Not only do I believe this. I know it. Experience is an incredible master.
Memorial Day is a special day. Thank you to all those who have served. Here is my small tribute:
America has a courage problem! And every year on Memorial Day, we have a chance to really focus on the uniqueness of America, to rediscover the courage of those who wear and have worn the uniform. Today we remember those who have given everything.
Going back to World War I, we remember the battle at Belleau Wood when the Germans attacked and the French began to retreat. The Americans arrived and were ready to fight. And in the words of Captain Lloyd Williams, “Retreat? Hell, we just got here.”
During World War II, the Japanese told us that he would Iwo Jima would last for a thousand years. We raised the flag in three days.
During Vietnam at the Battle of Khe Sahn, 500 American soldiers stood on a hill and said, “You will not take this.” We were outnumbered 30 to 1, and the North Vietnamese forces attacked for 77 days until they finally said to the unrelenting Americans, “You can have it.”
In 2003, we toppled a dictator in Iraq in Firdos Square, and many would have the opportunity to experience freedom for the first time in their lives. I realized I had never gone a day without freedom, and today I am thankful for those who have stood in uniform to make that a reality.
During that same time, a great patriot would suffer a mortal wound in a conflict with the enemy. As he lay dying and the medics tried to save him, he made it clear that this is what he wanted – to fight for liberty alongside his brothers.
This attitude is why we are unique. America has a long history of experiencing adversity and testing our commitment and courage. Time and time again, we have passed the test.
Our troops are simply exceptional going all the way back to our troops who were led by George Washington. On Christmas Day 1776, they prepared to engage against the enemy. What is often not said is that of those 2500 troops, one-third had no shoes.
This is the tradition of those who wear the uniform – relentless sacrifice for something bigger than themselves. It was Samuel Adams who said if we refuse to suffer tamelessly an attack on our liberty, we encourage it.
To our military men and women who serve and to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, thank you for your unwillingness to stand tamelessly when freedom was in jeopardy. Thank you for standing in tough places in defense of America.
Shane Krauser on Leadership & Liberty 