9 years ago today, our nation was attacked by a small force of militants who saught to strike at the very heart of liberty and freedom around the world, and because ours is a country that promotes free trade and civil cooperation among the international community, they targeted the center of that sentiment. The United States began as an experiment, one that continues today. An experiment to prove government of, by, and for the people can be successful. To this day, through war and tragedy, that such government has not failed, and it shall not perish from this earth. That night, as I held hands with friends and neighbors and family members, singing "God Bless America", I devoted my life to promoting and defending those values that set us apart, as well as the guiding spirit that welcomes the rest of the world to join at our side.
I began to learn more about the political process, and watched the 2004 and 2006 elections pass right in front of me. In 2008, I decided it was time to take action. I began by joining the effort of then Senator Barack Obama. I was sold on his plan to change this nation’s path from the course of the previous administration. I was also supportive of the bill set forward by Senator Ted Kennedy to raise the minimum wage. The bill passed, and the wage was raised that Summer. I left home for a trip a loyal Democrat. I came back, and found myself without a job. I was angry, and turned to blaming the effect of the legislation on the job market when the cause was most likely an issue within the business itself. These frustrations compelled me to join the effort to defeat Barack Obama, without much real inner support for the other candidate. I would continue on with this movement, however I encountered many problems which drove me away. In 2009, I ran my own campaign for the Waxahachie I.S.D. School Board, winning 110 out of 1,400 votes in a 6 candidate race. Though I was humbled with the support from the community, I was proud to see the attention my campaign brought to crucial issues that before had been ignored.
I began an online radio show, The Activist Report, and later left the show to become involoved in Libertarian Party politics. I worked toward the goals of promoting civil liberties and a peaceful foreign policy. Yet when progress was being made, I discoverd that I was standing alone in support. When President Obama announced the end of combat operations in Iraq, my cheering voice was among scoffers. It became clear that Libertarians were more interested in complaining about problems than fixing them. That is simply incompatible with my character. Where Libertarians do propose policy changes, in many cases, I cannot follow their lead. Many call for Texas to opt-out of Medicaid, a proposal I cannot and will not stand behind. On the day I committed myself to this cause just a few long years ago, I must admit that I feel it best to abandon that course to which I can no longer wholeheartedly dedicate myself.
My devotion remains loyal to the cause of a peaceful foreign policy, the defense of civil liberties, and a free market where consumers can feel safe from theft and fraud. Change is needed in Texas and in America as a whole, not change for the government’s sake-but change for the People’s sake. In the coming days, I will make my way back home to Democratic politics, supporting activist groups like the Democratic Freedom Caucus and others who carry liberty’s torch; But make no mistake-whatever the label, whatever the ticket-those values come first.