By J. Robert McClure III, PhD., President and CEO of The James Madison Institute
And now the hard work begins… Yesterday Floridians and Americans across the country voiced their frustrations at the ballot box. Liberty-minded voters, tired of a government at every level intent on bending the American people to its will, responded as our Founders had hoped. Through a peaceful voting process, still the envy of the world despite its issues, the country decisively called for self-governance, greater economic freedom and more personal responsibility. Floridians were no exception.For months now, many of you have written, called and organized in the lead-up to November 2. Yesterday voters reminded politicians and the ruling class of the importance of those words found in the Declaration of Independence: “deriving their just powers from the Consent of the Governed.”Yet now is not the time to rest. Ronald Reagan once said that “If you can’t make them see the light; then make them feel the heat.” Here at The James Madison Institute we have never gotten too excited about politicians or parties. Both come and go, and too often change with the political winds. At JMI, our focus for over 23 years has been and remains the principles of greater liberty and more personal responsibility. Together we must work to advance those principles.Numerous exciting opportunities are before us: educating our young people about the importance of the Founding principles; a Florida Legislature that will have nearly a third of its members in new positions; a Cabinet that has experienced complete turnover; and thousands of local officials and private citizens from Pensacola to Key West who are hungry for solutions that advance the cause of freedom.So let’s get to work – doing the things that culminated in a profound message yesterday. Meanwhile The James Madison Institute will continue to engage the policy arena in the battle of ideas – educating both Floridians of all ages, as well as our elected officials, on the principles of good government and the values that have made this nation great. Onward!
2010
