AFP National Defending the American Dream Summit Participant Shares Experience II

A number of participants at the AFP Defending the American Dream Summit in Washington earlier this month have submitted their thoughts about the summit. We have published one last week and are happy to receive others.

An activist from the Kansas City area, Andrea Plunkett, posted her summit experiences on her blog, AFP's Defending the American Dream Summit

Another attendee, Maria, submitted her thoughts as well. We thank them all for participating and sharing with us. Here's Maria's thoughts:

Health Care Reform. Competitive Enterprises. Fuel Economy Mandates. Cap and Trade. Socialism. Global Warming. Bail-out Packages.

If you’ve flipped through your television channels or almost any publication, these terms should sound familiar. The debate over these matters are more heated than ever and can be quite intimidating if there’s no time or interest to conduct any background research. It’s difficult to have an interest in supporting what is right if the starting line seems farther than the actual race. The urgency to become involved became apparent when I attended the “Defending the American Dream” National Summit in Washington, D.C. with <a href="http://www.americansforprosperity.org/national-site">Americans for Prosperity</a> from all across the country. Young people across America have a lot of energy, talent and optimism to bring to the platform, especially in light of our futures.

As an upcoming young professional myself, I’ve been especially concerned with the economic weather I face. Many people just like myself will struggle to pay off school loans upon graduation because of the outstanding unemployment rate. With more than 6% of employees losing great jobs, there’s even less room for young professionals to create a new generation of work. Most people are aware of the recession, but what can we do to make sure our country can rebound? Many inspiring speakers at the Americans for Prosperity conference lobbied against Obama’s Cap and Trade Policy, but MSNBC’s “Kudlow Report” host, Larry Kudlow struck a chord when he spoke about lowering marginal tax rates. He said, “If you tax something less, you get more of it! We need to revive the conversation about lowering marginal tax rates for large and small companies.” Reviving the conversation is just what needs to be done. Lately, raising taxes seems like the only option, but some states have no income tax, such as a state closer to home, Tennessee. My home state and Tennessee neighbor, Missouri, has stood by while Tennessee’s success is apparent. Research from a Missouri-born economic think-tank, <a href="http://showmeinstitute.org/">Show-Me Institute</a>, reveals the many similarities between the two states, but points out that Tennessee’s lack of income tax keeps hundreds of dollars in consumers’ and businesses’ hands. A study published on August 6, 2009 called <a href="http://showmeinstitute.org/publication/id.203/pub_detail.asp">'All Caught Up: How Tax Policy May Have Allowed Tennessee to Outgrow Missouri'</a> states that, “A lower overall tax burden is attractive to prospective businesses and residents, because it leaves more money available for consumers to spend on goods and services. Tennessee’s lower tax burden results in an average of several hundred extra dollars remaining in each taxpayer’s pocket.” The study goes on to tell of Tennessee’s higher economic growth rate compared to Missouri’s. Dropping income tax seems simple, but it takes determination and valor for Americans to gather and stand up for what we deserve as citizens of this country.

Speaking of deserving the best, the debate on health care reform was another topic that I was shocked to learn the truth about at the AFP conference. After witnessing a story from Tracy Walsh, who owes surviving breast cancer in part to the current system of American health care, I was stunned about what I didn’t know. Tracy is originally from Canada, where they have socialized health care, and because she wasn’t satisfied with the time she had to wait to get treatment, she came to the States and received care in less than 6 weeks. Her mother who also got breast cancer had to wait four months in Canada before she was even able to discuss treatment. The proposed health care plan (similar to Canada’s) isn’t the kind of treatment I want for myself, my parents and family, and my future husband and children.

Health care and tax reform were only a couple of the topics discussed at the “Defending the American Dream” conference, but the knowledge I gained in the short time I spent with Americans for Prosperity gave me insight to many other debates, such as the policy affecting our environment. And when I thought I’d be one of few young people present, I was intrigued to encounter many young activists representing their home states. I even discussed ways to create a more vigorous youth community with representatives from Michigan and the National President of Americans for Prosperity, Tim Phillips. Because of the growing effect on America’s youth, the effort to create an outlet for young people to gather and express their platforms is making way, starting in Wisconsin, with a segment organization called Students for Prosperity. There are other people who want to make a different kind of change in the policies being pushed today and despite what many might think, most are willing to answer questions and stand as a great resource for support. To get involved check out the Americans for Prosperity national website and also your local state website find out how you can stand up with neighbors.

Thank you Andrea and Maria!