Phil Williams: Fortress America
For some time, I have been working on the draft of an opinion piece I loosely entitled “Fortress Alabama.” The impetus for the piece was the deep concern I have for the loss of conservative positions in national politics, and the feeling that Alabama could become one of the last bastions of defense for those positions. But then Election Day came and the tide turned. We now stand on the brink of being able to reverse some of the most egregious overreaches of liberalism ever seen. Buoyed by the Republican victories led by President-elect Donald Trump, I have restyled my draft as “Fortress America”. What is a fortress? Standard dictionary definitions don’t do the word justice. You have to create a full mental image to grasp what a fortress really is. A fortress is a strong place situated on key terrain. It is a place of refuge and security from dangers that lurk outside its walls. A fortress is a secure place in which strategies are formed, ideals are preserved, and provisions are stored. It is a position from which attacks are launched against the enemies of those charged with the security of the land. The walls are thick, the ramparts are steep, and flags wave from the highest point. The view from the top of the fortress takes in all of the lands that are to be protected, routes the enemy might use, and the clear fields of fire designed to hold attackers at bay. A fortress is not an accidental location — it is an intentionally developed strategic location built with great labor and forethought. America once again has an opportunity to be a conservative fortress for the world. For the past eight years there has been a steady bludgeoning of conservatism from the bully pulpit in Washington. Constituents are calling me to voice concern over the massive premium increases they are experiencing under the inaptly named Affordable Care Act. American foreign policy has become one of “do no harm” as opposed to the projection of strength. The enemies of our nation have grown accustomed to tepid responses to their violence and extremism and have therefore become emboldened. On the home front, our southern border is porous and so-called sanctuary cities are not confronted. Meanwhile our courts have become a place where religious liberties and conservative values are deemed secondary to the advance of liberal activism. Status-quo liberals have denounced and fought the opportunity for parents to choose the best education for their children. Government regulations enacted by executive fiat have burdened free enterprise and destroyed jobs. I could cite example after example for each of the topics just noted, but I am sure that the readers have already referenced their own. I’m proud to be a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican — in that order. That’s my team. I have chosen not to remain ambivalent or fatalistic to the advance of liberal policies. While there may be those in elected positions who choose not to address hot issues, or who consider something a moot point because it is deemed by liberal progressives as inevitable, I pledge to lead. I was elected as a conservative by a conservative majority. There are pressing issues that demand our attention and the time we are in is suited for the struggle For the first time in many years, Republicans hold a majority in the vast number of state Legislatures. That strength in the states, combined with a Republican majority in the U.S. Congress and the coming inauguration of President-elect Trump, means conservatism is ready for a comeback. The people have spoken, and I’m expecting to participate in a turning of the tide that the world will take note of. Fortress America is the place that will provide refuge, provisions, and strength in an uncertain world — but only if the conservative mandate we have been given is acted upon without delay. In the end, when generations to come look back on this time, I will not be recorded as one who merely shrugged his shoulders and went blithely along his way. This nation is a fortress for good in the world and the world needs Fortress America. ••• Phil Williams represents Etowah, Cherokee, DeKalb and St. Clair counties in the Alabama Senate. Follow him on Twitter for the latest legislative updates: @SenPhilWilliams.
Bradley Byrne: The American story
This week, we celebrate the birth of our nation. In addition to spending time with family and friends, I hope you also took time to reflect on exactly what it is that we celebrate on the Fourth of July. In 1776, some very brave men put their signatures on a piece of paper that not only declared independence from Great Britain, but also declared the essential values that make us Americans. These values include the frank statement that we are all created by God as equally important people; that we have rights given to us by God which can’t be taken away, like the rights to our lives, our individual liberties and our individual pursuits of what makes us happy. And our government exists to protect these rights. Indeed, our government only has the powers which we the people consent to give it. These values have helped our nation through the good and the bad during the course of the American story. You see, we Americans are too often forgetful of our own history. If we remembered it better, we would know of the terrible difficulties faced by our forebears and the wisdom and fortitude they demonstrated in overcoming their challenges every time. Looking back on our history should make us optimistic about our future. Don’t get me wrong, the challenges of today are very serious. Our economy continues to struggle. We face a range of serious threats to our safety and security, including the threat of terrorism. Our country is deeply polarized both politically and morally. There is great dissatisfaction with government in general. But, by looking back on our history, I think you can take comfort in knowing the challenges of today are all things that can be overcome. It just requires courage, determination, and a belief in the fact tomorrow can, and will, be better than today. Think about where our country would be if George Washington had not led those troops across the Delaware River in 1776 to defeat the British at the Battle of Trenton. One can’t help but wonder if our nation would have been able to continue without the leadership of President Abraham Lincoln at a time when our country was literally at war with itself. What would the United States look like today if the brave men of the Greatest Generation had not stormed the beaches of Normandy in 1944? Imagine if Rosa Parks had thought it would be too hard to stay in her seat on that bus in Montgomery in 1955. What would have happened if Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin had been too afraid to take those first steps on the moon in 1969? What if the first responders on Sept. 11, 2001 had turned and run away from the fire instead of running straight into danger? You see, a quick glance back through our history is a strong reminder of the challenges our nation has faced, but, more importantly, of the determination, courage, and devotion of the American people. So, do not give up on the American dream. Do not back down from the challenges of today. Do not let anyone tell you our country’s best days are in the past. This week, as we celebrate our birth, let us renew the promise made by our forefathers to one another and mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor. And let us look to the future with determination and confidence. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
