These include the unalienable, God-given rights as expressed in the US Declaration of Independence: equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Institutions such as our democracy, faith and family, and the uniquely American institution of a vibrant and egalitarian middle class, are under attack. The hard-earned rights our ancestors fought for, including freedom of speech, freedom of worship, lawful assembly, economic freedom and mobility, privacy and sanctuary, are each at risk of being lost.

Americans are right to love and be proud of their nation, the only place on earth they have to call home. Patriots strive to make America better by confronting its flaws and contradictions, even in the face of opposition and persecution. Frederick Douglass, the escaped slave turned prophetic voice of nineteenth century American conscience, defined patriotism this way: “He is the lover of his country who rebukes and does not excuse its sins.”

America faces enemies, both foreign and domestic, which seek to undermine America’s economy, society, and foundational values. This unpleasant reality informs our analysis and recommendations. Hidden from view for years, the actors and their methods of attack are being uncovered in a process of discovery. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.

We support equality of opportunity, not of outcomes. America competes with nations and must reward excellence to avoid falling behind.

Government’s pro-inflationary actions, including massive money supply expansion, deficit spending, growing debt, misallocation of resources, regulatory overreach, politically-driven economic policies, particularly a debilitating national energy policy, are all working to undermine America’s strategic interests.

Congress, the legislative branch appointed by the people, needs to make laws. Neither the judiciary nor the executive branch, operating through executive orders and regulatory overreach, has this power. The states and the people need to reassert their authority and constitutional rights under the tenth Amendment and take back control over essential matters from the federal government bureaucracy.

We are not opposed to the success and prosperity of the Chinese people or nation. Rather we stand against the Chinese Communist Party’s oppressive regime and its attempts to destabilize American interests at home and abroad.

We must protect and defend our nation, our land, and its people. America First isn’t political polemic … it’s basic common sense. Leaders of any nation must prioritize their own nation and their citizens ahead of others or vague concepts of the “whole world.” American imperialism, including endless wars, the folly of “regime change,” and “nations building,” has led to the squandering abroad of tens of thousands of American lives and trillions of borrowed dollars, while our own citizens suffer, our infrastructure deteriorates, and our national debt threatens to bankrupt us all.

Immigration must be legal and aligned to the national interest. Controlled, legal immigration can be a national strength, mass illegal immigration is a form of national suicide. America cannot defend others’ borders if we cannot secure our own.

The dividing line is between those who support the coercive power of the State, enabled by an elite technocracy representing a modern aristocracy, and those who believe in the principles of democracy, the individual’s right to freedom and privacy, and the sovereignty of the people. In this sense, “old-school” liberals have more in common with today’s populist conservatives than they do with the globalists or the radical agenda of the progressive Left.

Americans have a constitutional right to peacefully resist tyranny and oppression by their own government. The right of protest, of petition of grievances, and of righteous civil disobedience are enshrined in the US Constitution, in law and in precedent. These are powerful tools when used justly and without violence. Non-violent resistance to oppression, corruption and lies is essential for national transformation. Truth-telling is both powerful and contagious.