Saturday, July 19, 2008

YES WE CAN (Fight City Hall!)

I'm at the Americans for Prosperity Defending the American Dream Summit in Austin, TX, and boy, what a great event this has been so far. Lots of familiar and new faces (rumor on the floor is that we exceeded expectations - woohoo!), a great bunch of bloggers, and activists from all corners of our fair state.

One of the best quotes of the weekend so far came from Tim Phillips, national director of Americans for Prosperity. During his Friday evening speech, he reminded attendees that you really can "fight city hall."

It's so important that the grassroots realize that we absolutely can effect change on the local level - not only can we fight city hall by turning out and getting everyone we know to turn out and vote "no" on irresponsible tax rate hikes and spending/bond measures, but we can take back city hall by running for office, and vetting the candidates in advance to support the very best taxpayer advocates possible.

Tim Phillips is speaking right now, kicking off the morning general session at the Summit. He reminds us, we have to send a message to elected officials that we do care about fiscal responsibility. "There is a constituency for doing the right thing."

This movement is gaining momentum; despite the rhetoric this weekend, this is actually the third taxpayer gathering of this kind in Texas, the fifth if you include the "mini-summits" held in Houston and Dallas last June. Each time, more people came, new people came, and there was a pulse that kept getting louder. This weekend, the pulse is undeniable. The movement is alive and well and kicking in Austin (of all places!!). Conservatives will TAKE BACK CITY HALL, and as Tim Phillips is saying right now, it starts right here. It starts in this room, and online, today.

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