This time of year, a lot of people look back over the past twelve months and evaluate some of the big moments of their life. Where did things go wrong? Where did things go right? What could I have done better? What were some of the unexpected surprises along the way? I could spend some time with you today looking back at 2012 - it was an incredibly eventful year with some bitter disappointments - but I don’t feel like looking back today. On this New Years Day, I want to look forward to the future.
In 2013, all of us are going to have some interesting decisions to make. I believe each one of us is going to have to make a commitment to stand up for our principles and values. You and I both know the problems we're facing aren't going to be solved in Washington D.C., but in individual homes across the country. It is my responsibility to be prepared for what is coming in the next few years, especially given the data I'm being presented with on a daily basis.
And do you want to know the good news? I’m an optimist. I know the American people still have the resolve, the grit, and the willingness to make the hard choices to get through the tough times that are headed our way. Sure the progressives are clearly in political control, but it’s going to be the people who value freedom and liberty that will be the light in the darkness.
In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote:
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.
These are the times that try men’s souls, and putting America back on the path of freedom may not be easy - but“the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”
So in 2013, what do I need to do? Your focus may be different, so I'm only sharing this to give you some perspective about where I'm focusing my energy.
First, I have made a commitment. It’s going to be harder than ever to stand for liberty, freedom and small government in 2013. I am prepared to stand up and stand firm for the things that I know to be true.
Second, I have already aligned myself with like-minded people who really believe in the principles of freedom. If you look to the Constitution as a guide, you’re likely to find some allies like I have. Why can I sit down with an atheist and find common ground? Because we both believe in the same basic principles of freedom and liberty that were part of this country's founding. I guarantee you, there are more people in this country who want small government and personal responsibility than those who don’t - you just need to seek them out and find that common ground.
Third, I believe we need to take back the culture. It appears to me that conservatives have all but given up on culture. I've been working with my company on some exciting new plans for next year and beyond that will see us injecting socially redeeming content back into the cultural sphere. I am committed to working with companies who are committed to those cultural goals that will impact lives, so I'm dedicated to find those companies and help them make massive marketing moves in the coming years. But I can’t do this alone. If you’re a creator or an artist, you need to be out there creating your art, filming your movie, singing your song. And if you’re not an artist, you can support and share the work of people who are putting their work out there. I can help you market your message, but it MUST be high quality content that will engage our culture.
Fourth, I intend to be as prepared as possible, first for the "All is Normal" scenario, next for "Survive-in-Place" scenario and a "Bug Out" scenario. I am an optimist, but I also know that with the way things are going in Washington, things could get worse before they get better. Please, take the simple steps that you can. Store some extra food and water around the house just in case there is a storm or a natural disaster. Have a go-bag ready. Make sure your family knows a meeting point where you can all regroup in an emergency. I’m not asking you to go crazy, I’m just asking for basic preparedness. You've lost nothing by preparing compared to being at someone else's mercy if something does happen and you've not prepared.
Fifth, I intend to triple my business and double the revenue for all my existing clients. The more money we all make together, the more we will control our own destiny. Money certainly isn't the sole focus and it doesn't solve all the problems, but it does allow me to arrive at the solutions in style! :)
Finally, in 2013 I want to be an example. I intend to talk to my friends and family about the things that I believe and know to be true. I’m not telling you I'm going to dress up like George Washington and go to every single Tea Party rally in my area. I am telling you I'm going to try and engage people who may not agree with me in a cordial and civil way. I am telling you I'm going to be putting money away so that I can handle problems with family and friends in which I don’t want the government involved. I am telling you that I am doing everything possible to embrace personal responsibility. I am attempting to have honest conversations. As important as it is to ally with like-minded individuals, the biggest challenge I will face in 2013 is waking up the people who have been brainwashed by the progressives on television, in music, and in the classrooms.
If I don’t show my neighbors, and more importantly my children, a better path, then it’s going to be harder to turn things around. I believe that we can put this country back on the right track, but it is not going to happen overnight, it's not going to happen in the coming year...but we have to be dedicated to turning this around over the next 10, 20 and 30 years. We didn't get here overnight and we're not about to change the culture or restore sanity without hard work and dedication to that goal.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful 2013.
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