A Compilation of Steamboat Institute Press Coverage 2019 Friends

IN THE NEWS a compilation of Steamboat Institute Press Coverage 2019 Friends,

The Steamboat Institute’s mission of defending the nation’s first principles has been amplified by a steady drumbeat of state and national press coverage. This has allowed our message to echo far beyond the walls of our events, reaching exponentially more people than we could fit in even the largest conference rooms or auditoriums.

This booklet provides a sampling of this media presence over 2019. I am proud to say it is on par or even exceeds the presence of some of the biggest and most well-established state think tanks. In addition to news coverage, this booklet contains a stream of op-eds I have written for state and local publications which allows us to put forth a fuller and more persuasive case for free minds and free markets.

This booklet only contains our print media coverage. The Steamboat Institute has also been regularly featured on Colorado radio stations (with reach throughout the Rocky Mountain region), and our latest Freedom Conference and Campus Liberty Tour were covered by C-SPAN.

Please take a moment to browse through this booklet to gain a deeper understanding of The Steamboat Institute’s priorities, scope, and influence on the public debate we care so much about.

Jennifer Schubert-Akin Chairman, CEO and Co-founder

• Also ran in the Orange County Register, Santa Clarita Valley Signal, Long Beach Press Telegram, San Bernardino Sun, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, The Daily Breeze, The Daily Bulletin, The Pasadena Star News, Redland Daily Facts, Steamboat Pilot, and Alva Review-Courier

The fight for free speech on college campuses January 21, 2019 By JENNIFER SCHUBERT AKIN

Last month, California free and open debate. Free speech on campus is Rep. Ted Lieu said, “I Across the country, especially important would love to be able to colleges have instituted because this is where the regulate the content of speech codes, free speech next generation of business speech; the First zones, prohibitions against and political leaders are Amendment prevents me perceived verbal slights forming their opinions and from doing so.” known as “micro- ideas. In order to make aggressions,” among a these opinions robust and This remarkable statement slew of other speech advance human is just the latest in a string controls. knowledge, a competitive of attacks against free marketplace of ideas — speech by California Last month, the unencumbered by controls policymakers. Last year, Foundation for Individual — must exist to test and the state legislature Rights in Education challenge them. introduced a bill to released a report finding regulate “fake news” on that 90 percent of public Free speech is not only social media and ban and private higher necessary to advance books that counseled education institutions in human knowledge but also against gender the U.S. restrict the speech to protect against reassignment surgery. In of their faculty and recurrently popular, yet addition, its law requiring students. And last year, a dangerous, arguments. pregnancy centers to Gallup/Knight Foundation How are students — and advertise abortion services poll found that 61 percent future generations — was struck down by the of college students believe supposed to be able to U.S. Supreme Court. that the climate on their reason against, for campus “prevents some instance, tribalism or The threat to free speech is students from expressing eugenics unless they are greatest on college their views.” exposed to them? campuses, which are supposed to be places of

1 Philosopher John Stuart and creativity could itself Harvard Law professor Mill said it best when he be subject to government Alan Dershowitz and argued that without free regulations if free speech University of Pennsylvania debate, people cling to protections disappear. law professor Amy Wax, their opinions like they will further this case for hold on to their prejudices, Fortunately, there has been free speech on campus at a believing them to be right a recent backlash against public event at Pepperdine but not really campus speech controls. University. In addition to understanding why, or ever More than 50 colleges, their persuasive arguments, seriously considering that including several in they can draw on their they might be wrong. “He California, have adopted personal experiences, who knows only his own the so-called “Chicago being on the receiving end side of the case,” argued Statement” — produced by of attempts to stifle their Mill, “knows little of that.” the Committee on Freedom speech. of Expression at the Unsurprisingly, free University of Chicago — This free speech fight will speech controls seem to be guaranteeing “all members be victorious when the impeding learning on of the University overwhelming majority of campus. Several recent community the broadest college campuses commit studies have found most possible latitude to speak, to preserving free speech students show little-to-no write, listen, challenge, and and when business and improvement in analytical learn.” It codifies that “it is political leaders can make reasoning, critical thinking, not the proper role of the the case for it beyond problem solving, and University to attempt to simply falling back on the writing skills over the shield individuals from First Amendment as a course of their college ideas and opinions they crutch — or a roadblock. studies. find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even Jennifer Schubert-Akin is Ironically, the biggest deeply offensive.” the Chairman and CEO of proponents of campus The Steamboat Institute. speech controls are On January 31st, two of students and faculty in the the nation’s leading free liberal arts, whose writing speech proponents,

Controversial Debate Comes to Campus JANUARY 31, 2019 BY ASHLEY MOWREADER

Freedom of speech is zones,'” according to the not just for conservative guaranteed for Americans Pepperdine Public Policy people or for people of under the Bill of Rights, website. faith, but to encourage all but are college campuses Pete Peterson, the dean of people to feel free to share restricting that right? This the School of Public their ideas and beliefs. is the question the School Policy, said in a phone of Public Policy’s forum interview this event is part “As a policy school, we’re seeks to address. of a larger goal of the preparing people to go into School of Public Policy to politics, and that’s a pretty “Are American College encourage viewpoint rough field these days,” Campuses ‘Free Speech’ diversity. Peterson said. “But at the Zones?” will take place same time, I think if we Thursday Jan. 31 through “This is the concept of, can prepare people both in Pepperdine’s School of whether in campus the classroom and through Public Policy, partnering speakers, or academic events like this to talk with Steamboat Institute. hiring or just in what in about contentious issues in The event will be a students can say in the a civil way, frankly, that’s discussion between classroom, there’s a the only way we’re going University of Pennsylvania respect for diversity in to solve the biggest Law School Professor opinion,” Peterson said. challenges that are facing Amy Wax and Harvard “We’re hoping it’s another the country and our Law School Professor step in showing how communities.” Alan Dershowitz. people, even at different Professor Robert Kaufman parts of the political This is not the first time of the Pepperdine School spectrum, can agree on the Pepperdine has hosted of Public Policy will importance of the freedom controversial speakers. In moderate the event. to express your opinion April, conservative and to do it in a civil way. political commentator and “This discussion will “ writer Ben Shapiro spoke provide insight from about acceptable political different points of view as Peterson said the School of discourse and to whether American Public Policy also wants to institutionalized racism. campuses are ‘free speech show viewpoint diversity The sold-out event caused

3 a stir on campus and Shapiro, but both Wax and persuasions to talk about prompted a discussion Dershowitz are known as important issues in civil between club leaders, prominent figures in this ways. The university has students and faculty on debate. that phrase, ‘convicted how to best create a Peterson said there has civility,’ and I think [the welcoming and respectful been little to no pushback event] is going to be an atmosphere. from this event however, evening of how we which is encouraging to demonstrate and witness Shapiro said this meeting him, as it shows a general convicted civility right was a “bitch-fest,” which support. before us.” he later partially retracted and said, “I apologize for The event is not designed The event will take place calling it a bitch-fest if it for a particular audience at 7 p.m. in Smothers was not, in fact, a bitch- but rather to make a space Theatre. The event is free fest.” People who for open and honest to the public and supported or opposed deliberation and refreshments will be Shapiro’s views attended disagreement, Peterson served after. The speakers the event and were allowed said. will be selling their books to question Shapiro in a and participating in a book question and answer “These are two brilliant signing as well. Those session. people [and so] you’re interested in attending can going to hear extremely register on the Public “Are American College thoughtful opinions,” Policy website or for more Campuses ‘Free Speech’ Peterson said. “We need to information can e-mail Zones?” may not be as find opportunity for people [email protected] controversial as hosting of different political u or call 310-506-7490.

Law professors opine on state of free speech during stop at Pepperdine February 7, 2019 By Barbara Burke

The right to free speech is a central tenet of to ancient Greece and the a cornerstone of the First democracy for millennia, Magna Carta. Amendment and has been with its roots dating back

• Also ran in the Colorado Springs Gazette

TABOR a target unless Supreme Court puts it out of reach Mar 4, 2019 By Joey Bunch

Colorado's most important subject rule" that says TABOR to government political football is on the ballot questions can only and partisan interests in tee. The state Supreme take up one thing at a time. Colorado is what John Court in the coming weeks Elway is to football. could put the future of the “People put it in the And on the current Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights Constitution as one political playing field, with in play or put it out of measure; it seems like the left in the lead, it seems reach. people ought to have the to TABOR foes to be the Liberals and conservatives power to take it out as one right time to take down the are paying close attention, measure,” said Carol conservatives' coveted because TABOR, as it's Hedges, executive director constitutional block called, controls how the of the Colorado Fiscal between taxing and state caps spending and Institute, who filed the spending. government growth. request with Secretary of Critics says it also hobbles State Jena Griswold’s “Now is the time because Colorado's ability to invest office to collect signatures people across Colorado are in schools, transportation to get it on the ballot in frustrated because we’ve and the other spoils of November. got a lot of challenges population growth. that’s resulting from the Taking TABOR apart in growth we’re experiences Some of those who believe pieces would take years, if and we don’t have many the latter want voters to not decades, and more tools to deal with them,” decide this year if TABOR campaign money than I Hedges told me. “TABOR can be undone with a can imagine, so any real is more than 26 years old, single ballot initiative. change is going to take a passed in 1992, and it Opponents and the law say broad swipe. What the locks in the taxing system TABOR is so big and Supreme Court decides is a we had then. multi-layered that a single big fiscal deal. vote would violate the “I think there are a lot of state's so-called "single people today who look at

6 that and say, ‘I don’t think “Consent matters," Amy pass a sales tax increase to that makes sense.'” Oliver Cooke, executive address it. vice president for the In 1992, when 23 percent Independence Institute, Without TABOR, of the Colorado electorate stated in a news release Democrats who now voted for Ross Perot and about the poll. "As some control both chambers of his anti-government elected officials and the legislature and economic ideas, a Donald special interest groups governor's office could Trump-like pitch man from collude against taxpayers make quick work of a tax Colorado Springs named with plans to dismantle this increase to fight traffic Douglas Bruce led the wildly popular ... jams. And they very likely crusade to pass TABOR. constitutional amendment, would. the results of this survey Broadly, TABOR could be Two years later, Colorado should give them pause. the fight Colorado voters passed Referendum Attempts to weaken it or Republicans need right A, the rule that limits any erode voter consent won’t now. ballot question to a single be well-received by subject. TABOR and the Coloradans.” Smarting from losses single-subject rule have across the electoral since survived a slew of To get on the ballot for the landscape last November, direct and indirect court next election, proponents the Colorado GOP needs challenges. of any measure will need something to rally around. valid signatures from Though recent polling A coalition of conservative 124,632 Colorado voters. shows most Republicans in groups already has That represents 5 percent the state stand by President commissioned a poll that of total number of votes Trump, many GOP indicates broad public cast in the last secretary of members on the ballot next support for TABOR. The state's race. That's also year are tepid about pack includes the usual about 26,000 more hitching their wagon to fiscally conservative signatures than the that beast of burden. suspects: The previous four years, Independence Institute, because of the high 2016 But you won't find many, Americans for Prosperity- turnout. if any, on the right who Colorado, Colorado Rising aren't willing to go to war Action, Getting on the ballot is one to defend TABOR. SpringsTaxpayers.com and tough hurdle; selling the “I think a lot of the Steamboat Institute. need is another. conservatives would be excited to have that battle,” Given the definition of Colorado has a massive said Michael Fields, TABOR, which requires a transportation problem, executive director of vote of the citizenry on tax everyone agrees, but last Colorado Rising Action matters, 71 percent of the year not even the Denver and one of the brightest 500 Coloradans who were Metro Chamber of political minds around. polled liked what they Commerce and a coalition “TABOR is very popular, heard. of statewide partners could and when it’s 'full repeal' it’s an easier argument. It

7 unites the right when tax donors who might be there’s too much infighting dismayed by Colorado's There are a lot of political going on on our side of the drift to the left. dynamics vying for aisle." attention at the local, state Bringing that outside and national levels this And for organizations such interest and money back to spring, but this one is as his and the Colorado can't be anything worth watching. Independence Institute, it's but good if you're on the a rainmaker issue for anti- Republican side.

We expect better from our local newspaper March 14, 2019 Brodie Farquhar a troubling trend often seen We applaud Steamboat attempting to ridicule The from extremists on both Pilot & Today’s Feb. 26 Steamboat Institute the left and the right, and editorial calling for greater without a hint of factual we associate ourselves civility in public and basis or a trace of with the perspective voiced political debate. As the constructive dialogue. by Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial said, “it’s columnist Peggy Noonan important that we treat one The Steamboat Institute is of The Wall Street Journal, another with dignity and highly regarded as a who recently wrote: respect, even when we principled public policy “Social media is full of disagree.” nonprofit organization swarming political and whose mission is to ideological mobs. In an We also agree that the promote free and open interesting departure from Pilot should help to “create debate on the national democratic tradition, they a place where constructive stage, at the state level, on don’t try to win the other dialogue takes place and colleges campuses and in side over. They only opposing views are communities throughout condemn and attempt to welcome”… and that “it’s the country. As friends and silence.” essential that people listen supporters of the Institute, to one another, present we have no issue with a To us, the Pilot’s decision their perspective with an fact-based rebuttal of any to run Mr. Farquhar’s letter emphasis on facts over Institute activity, program not only ignores the emotion, focus on the or speaker, but empty editorial standards the Pilot common good rather than defamation is pointless. recently embraced but also an individual agenda, ignites the very passions refrain from personal And let us be clear. We are that Ms. Noonan and other attacks and bullying and not writing to respond to thoughtful observers of our communicate with an Mr. Farquhar. He has nation’s politics rightly openness to other’s ideas.” every right to sit at his find troubling. A sampling computer 24/7 and turn his of the online commentary It is because we share this opinions into sentences around Mr. Farquhar’s common ground with one and paragraphs. The issue, letter makes this point fully of the Yampa Valley’s front and center, is the and forcefully. most significant media Pilot’s decision to publish voices, we found ourselves his letter. “SI inviting right wing greatly disappointed that, extremists to spew more on March 6, the Pilot ran a This said, we view Mr. conspiracy theories, letter to the editor from Farquhar’s letter as part of nonsense, misinformation

9 and destructive backward. There are letters Amelia Hetfield propaganda, …” “the SI is to the editor that do not Madison, Wisconsin both apologist and merit publication. There June MacArthur obfuscator for extreme are participants in the Steamboat Springs conservatism. Freedom online discussions who Ed MacArthur Forum, I believe, is simply should plainly be barred. Steamboat Springs an elaborate exercise in You know the standards. John Lamb applying lipstick to various You have stated them. We Castle Rock, Colorado conservative pigs: greed, encourage you to follow Sara Lamb racism, vampiric them. Castle Rock, Colorado capitalism, anti-Islam, Anne Lowe mysoginy [sic], etc.” In the end, our local Steamboat Springs newspaper should be better Rich Lowe So, our message to the than what we are fed daily Steamboat Springs Pilot is this: Your editorial by the shabby world of Toni George on civility was an cable “news” TV. Hartford, Wisconsin important step forward. Curt Weiss But your decision to Ron Lazof Steamboat Springs provide a forum for Mr. Dallas, Texas Mary Weiss Farquhar’s empty Rick Dowden Steamboat Springs defamation is two steps Steamboat Springs

One of America’s best-known criminal lawyers to headline Steamboat Institute’s Freedom Conference By: Derek Malolo April 3, 2019 A graduate of Brooklyn She met Dershowitz in STEAMBOAT SPRINGS College and Yale Law January during the — A prominent, at times School, Dershowitz joined organization’s Campus controversial lawyer and the faculty of Harvard Law Freedom Tour series, academic has been named School in 1964 at the age which promotes free the keynote speaker at of 25. Three years later, he speech at universities Steamboat Institute’s 11th became the youngest law across the country. The annual Freedom professor to be granted series has been a reaction Conference this summer. tenure in Harvard’s to students protesting history. controversial figures from Alan Dershowitz, whose speaking on campus or law career spans more than He has since retired from colleges banning such 50 years, has been a teaching and has focused speakers altogether. dogged proponent of civil his attention on the rights and freedom of political scene. Schubert-Akin was speech. His nonpartisan His recent involvement in impressed by Dershowitz, backing of Constitutional headliner issues, such as who spoke to students rights, even in political the Mueller investigation about the importance of issues, has elicited and discussions over allowing open discourse at criticism and praise from Trump’s impeachment, universities, even on both sides of the aisle. was a major reason polemic issues. She Steamboat Institute chose strongly supports that Dershowitz garnered him as this year’s keynote view. widespread media attention speaker. for his involvement in “Students need to learn several high-profile legal “Each year, our goal is to how to develop robust cases, including make the speakers and arguments,” she said. successfully defending O.J. panels as timely as “That means you Simpson in the former possible,” said Jennifer sometimes have to be football player’s 1995 Schubert-Akin, chairman confronted with situations murder trial. and CEO of Steamboat and topics that make you Institute. uncomfortable.”

11 More than taking political Impeaching Trump,” debate on socialism versus sides, Dershowitz values echoes his lifetime capitalism, as well as a the Constitution and the devotion to the word of film festival with laws within it. He has used law. Rather than argue for Hollywood producers, his career to uphold those or against the President actors and screenwriters. laws, even if it means and his policies, defending unpopular Dershowitz claims The conference runs from people or movements. Democrats have over- Aug. 22 to 24 in reached their legal power Steamboat. Those Despite his appearances in trying to oust the head interested in attending can this year on Fox News — of state. register online. where he has defended “In the fervor to impeach President Trump from President Trump, his Steamboat Institute is also accusations that he political enemies have offering several obstructed justice in the ignored the text of the scholarships to interested 2016 election — Constitution,” Dershowitz guests younger than 30. Dershowitz considers said in a comment to the The scholarship will cover himself a civil libertarian book’s publisher. their registration, travel and even voted against and lodging costs. Trump. In addition to his keynote address at Lake His most recent book, Catamount, the Freedom “The Case Against Conference will feature a

• Also ran in the Steamboat Pilot.

Jennifer Schubert-Akin: Joining interstate voting compact threatens Colorado’s voters’ voice April 4, 2019

Voter suppression efforts Colorado voters to the will progressives have argued are alive and well in of the nation and upend this change is necessary. Colorado. nearly 150 years of state precedent. It takes effect if This interstate compact is Governor Jared Polis states representing 270 the more politically recently signed a bill to electoral votes — the practical way to achieve enter Colorado into the minimum threshold needed this goal because explicitly National Popular Vote to win the election — dumping the electoral Interstate Compact. commit to it. Twelve states college in favor of national Member states agree to and Washington D.C., popular vote would require transfer their share of which represent 181 a constitutional electoral college votes in electoral votes, have amendment. While this future presidential signed on with New strategy may sidestep the elections to the candidate Mexico and Delaware U.S. Constitution, it could who wins the national expected to follow suit. run afoul of the state popular vote. This means constitution. that Colorado’s nine This compact is a back- electoral college votes door effort to change the Article 20 of the Colorado would go, not to the nation’s electoral system Constitution makes clear presidential candidate who from the electoral college that the state’s presidential most state voters choose, to a popular vote. In the electors “shall be chosen but to the candidate who wake of the 2016 election, by direct vote of the wins the national popular where Donald Trump people.” Surely this refers vote. defeated Hillary Clinton to Coloradans, not while receiving 2.9 million Americans writ large. This compact would fewer votes, some Colorado’s constitutional subsume the will of voting requirements

13 regarding eligibility, The current system less democratic than the residency and registration balances geographic and current system. This is the would also be counteracted population considerations exact opposite of what by the voting procedures of to ensure that less supporters contend. other states under such a populated areas like system. Colorado are not sacrificed They claim that a national to the more populated popular vote achieves the Even if this reform were areas — a phenomenon “majority rule” principle of constitutional, it would be that happens in many other democracy. Yet it wouldn’t the wrong move for countries — where the even necessarily do this. Colorado. The electoral wishes of those in the Hillary Clinton received college balances not only countryside are ignored for just 48% of the popular the will of the people but those in the cities. vote in 2016. Al Gore, who also the will of the also lost the presidency different parts of the See the ongoing “Yellow while winning the popular country. Vest” protests in France, vote, also did not receive a whose president is elected majority of the vote. In a nation as big and by popular vote, for varied as the U.S., instance. The political Gov. Polis claims to be an geographic democracy is clout of middle America opponent of voter vitally important. If would deteriorate further if suppression, yet selling out national elections were such a system were the votes of Coloradans to determined by popular enacted here. the coastal elite by entering vote, candidates could Colorado into this merely focus on the desires To the extent that interstate compact suggests of voters in big cities such presidential candidates otherwise. as Los Angeles, San ignore the wishes of Francisco and New York, Colorado voters and their Jennifer Schubert-Akin is whose combined counterparts across the the chairman and CEO of metropolitan populations country in order to run up the Steamboat Institute. are nearly seven times their scores in the big Co politics Colorado’s. population centers, a national popular vote is far

The Spot: Socialism or Capitalism? Get Ready to Rumble! June 6, 2019 By Nic Garcia

Socialism or capitalism? Bhaskar Sunkara, author of country,” Jennifer Get ready to rumble! The Socialist Manifesto Schubert-Akin, chairman and editor of The Jacobin, and CEO of the Steamboat Many of today’s political will debate Stephen Moore Institute, which hosts the conversations — especially of The Heritage event, said in a statement. those coming out of Foundation at the 11th “By featuring the Washington, D.C. — are annual Freedom perspectives of two of the about socialism versus Conference and Festival, nation’s leading capitalism. To prime the set for Aug. 22-24. proponents of capitalism pump closer to home, two and socialism, leading scholars on the “It’s important to address respectively, attendees can issue are going to hash it these fundamental develop a deeper out in Steamboat this worldviews that underpin understanding of this summer. the political news cycle essential and timeless and the future of the debate.”

• Also ran in the Steamboat Pilot

It's time to sweep socialism back into history's dust bin By Jennifer Schubert-Akin June 21, 2019

A Gallup poll released last government to collect far floundering socialist month finds that 43 percent more taxes from top programs such as Social of Americans favor earners, with some Security, Medicare, and socialism. This is just one presidential candidates Medicaid. of many recent surveys calling for top income tax finding that Americans are rates in the 70 percent Meanwhile, support for increasingly enchanted by range. Massachusetts Sen. capitalism, an economic socialism, an economic Elizabeth Warren even system that allows system where the wants to confiscate some individuals to control government controls of the wealthy's property in resources, is waning. It has resources. A majority of order to fund various social been unfairly blamed for Millennials and programs. the financial crisis, Great Democrats, for instance, Recession, and now support it. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio- skyrocketing health-care Cortez (D-NY) wants to and college costs. The growing support for nationalize vast swaths of socialism is reflected by the American economy, Though the political news recent public policy including energy cycle may suggest proposals. "Medicare for production and higher otherwise, the essence of All," which would education, while providing today's political debates — nationalize the country's government jobs to those from energy to fiscal to health-care system under a who want them, under her healthcare policy — are single-payer, government- proposed "Green New rooted in a broader run system, is supported by Deal." disagreement over many leading Democrats, capitalism vs. socialism. including 2020 presidential Socialist policies aren't candidate Bernie Sanders. limited to Democrats. I am not an unbiased Leading Republicans no observer in this battle of Democratic politicians are longer seem willing to call ideas. I believe that united in their calls for the for reform to existing capitalism is largely

16 responsible for making the U.S. the most prosperous Extracting money from Don't take my word for it. country, with the largest communities through Two of the leading middle class, in the history higher taxes means fewer proponents of capitalism of the world. I think that to resources for investment, and socialism, the extent socialist policies consumer spending, and respectively, will debate are adopted, opportunity small business creation. As the issue at the Steamboat and prosperity for ordinary a result, there's less Institute's 11th Annual people will diminish. economic activity and Freedom Conference in opportunity for everyone, Steamboat Springs, Aug. Capitalism is the only especially for those who 22-24. Stephen Moore, a economic system need it most. distinguished fellow at the conducive to economic Heritage Foundation in growth, i.e., rising living Capitalism's critics claim Washington and economic standards. It's the best that this economic growth adviser to President system for people to rise is unequal, with most of Trump's 2016 campaign, up and improve their lot in the benefits going to the will face off against life through hard work, rich. Yet, historically, it's Bhaskar Sunkara, the trade, and ordinary people who founding editor of Jacobin entrepreneurship. benefit most during Magazine and author of economic expansions. Ever "The Socialist Manifesto," That's because capitalism wonder why America's with viewers encouraged is based on mutually middle class is so much to come to their own beneficial exchange, where wealthier than its conclusions about the people voluntarily trade developed-world relative merits of each value for value. Both the counterparts? Because of economic system. purchaser and the seller its relatively free market gain through the voluntary and the economic Part of the reason why trade of products and opportunity it fosters. socialism's popularity is services. Only under growing is because societal capitalism can you truly The marvel of compound pillars such as media, pop "make money" — and you interest reinforces the culture, and academia do so to the extent you importance of an economic support it. By offering the help others. system that fosters alternative perspective, we economic growth. At 3% hope to persuade people While capitalism grows the annual economic growth, that capitalism is the only size of the economic pie, which was reached last system that allows people socialism merely year and is the American to freely pursue their distributes it, with historical standard, living dreams and enjoy the fruits unlimited interest groups standards double every 24 of their labors. It’s time for fighting over the scraps. years, or every generation. liberty-loving Americans Burdensome taxes and Yet at 1% growth, typical to help push socialism regulations reduce the in socialist countries, it back into history’s dust bi number of mutually takes 72 years — or about beneficial exchanges that a lifetime — for living fuel economic wellbeing. standards to double.

Debate to cover Electoral College July 7, 2019

Two political experts will Democratic strategist, electoral votes as it has face off in Aspen on lobbyist and political members of Congress. The Tuesday during a debate consultant based in District of Columbia gets over how Americans Denver. He favors three. In order to win a should elect their switching to a national presidential election, a president, hosted by the popular vote, a movement candidate must get at least Steamboat Institute. that has gained traction half the total plus one — or ahead of the 2020 270 votes. Trent England, executive presidential election. vice president of the Five times, most recently Oklahoma Council of The Electoral College has in the 2016 presidential Public Affairs, will defend long faced scrutiny that it race that elected Donald the current system, known does not lead to a truly Trump, the electoral as the Electoral College. democratic election. system delivered a split Arguing against him will According to the system, verdict in which a be Ted Trimpa, a each state gets as many

18 candidate wins the popular of geography, race, fair and balanced debate,” but loses the presidency. income, religion, or she said. Viewpoints on the system gender.” tend to follow partisan The institute, a lines, with Republicans Supporters of the Electoral conservative think tank, favoring the Electoral College worry a switch to saw the value of College and Democrats a national popular vote organizing debates during against it. would allow larger states its Campus Liberty Tour and urban areas, which last year, which hosted Since 2007, 15 states and tend to be liberal hubs, to similar discussions on the District of Columbia disproportionately control contentious issues around have joined the National future elections. the nation’s colleges. Popular Vote Interstate Co. In February, Gov. Jared “One of the original “It was fascinating,” Polis, a Democrat, signed a reasons for creating the Schubert-Akin said. “Not bill under which Colorado Electoral College was to just because there were joined the coalition. make sure a few high- such good debaters, but population areas did not because it attracted people The pact would not take control the whole country,” on both the left and right.” effect until enough states England said. sign on to give a collective Tuesday’s debate will 270 electoral votes — the A Federalist, England has include a Q&A session so number needed to win the made a career out of audience members can presidency. It currently has defending the current bring up their questions or 196. election system, which he concerns. Attendees also believes gives voters a will be able to write their After the bill signing, more equal voice. questions on index cards Colorado Secretary of prior to the event. State Jena Griswold Jennifer Schubert-Akin, released a statement chairman and CEO of the The debate begins at 4 supporting the law, arguing Steamboat Institute, hopes p.m. Tuesday at the Pitkin it upholds the promise of the event draws people County Library. It is the equal, balanced elections. from both sides of the second stop in a three-city issue. In searching for two tour, with debates Monday “As secretary of state, I’m people to represent both in Steamboat Springs and guided and inspired by the opinions, she looked for Wednesday in Grand principle of ‘One Person, experts with extensive Junction. One Vote,’” she said in the experience in national The events are free, but statement. “The National elections. those wanting to attend Popular Vote upholds this need to register online to principal and ensures that “You get a broader guarantee a seat. every citizen’s vote spectrum of people to matters equally regardless attend if you present it as a

Electoral College debate at library should be intriguing July 8, 2019 By John Carlson experts — Trent England, website at some point, and Tonight in Aspen, two executive president of the I intend to check it out. “political experts” will Oklahoma Council on face off in a debate over Public Affairs defending Getting back to the subject the merits, problems and the current system, and at hand, Ward, like many possible solutions to said Kyra Ward, an Aspen High in the Democratic Party, problems that result from School graduate who also favors ditching the our constitutional reliance graduated from the Electoral College and on the national Electoral University of St Andrews switching to a national College in the quadrennial (Scotland) with degrees in popular vote, in keeping U.S. presidential contests international relations and with a movement that has — an arrangement that I economics (Ward is gained traction since believe is both outmoded standing in for the original Donald Trump lost the and anti-democratic. pro-National Public Vote popular vote in 2016 by advocate, who had to drop some 3 million ballots but The debate is scheduled for out due to a family health won the election thanks to 4 p.m. at the Pitkin County emergency.) the Electoral College. Public Library, and is free to all comers, though According to a England — perhaps hopeful attendees need to representative of the predictably, since he is register online (go online Steamboat Institute, Ward from Oklahoma, a red state to steamboatinstitute.org was a star debater in high with a relatively small and click on the “events” school and at college, is population, and is a strong button to register) in order “very passionate” about advocate for the Electoral to be guaranteed a seat. the subject of the debate College — will argue for and is expected to hold her retaining the college, This is one of three such own with style at the maintaining it is good for events, the first having library’s event. middle America’s small- been held Monday in town voters and good for Steamboat Springs, the In any case, only the Grand our country as a whole. third Wednesday in Grand Junction event, according Junction. to the Institute, is to be In a nutshell, the issues are videotaped and posted on this: the Electoral College, Unhappily, I cannot be the Steamboat Institute’s written into the U.S. there to learn from the Constitution under the 12th

20 Amendment, directs states choice up to their state in general favoring a to assign “electors” voting legislators as established popular-vote method of in the Electoral College by the original 12th picking our presidents, according to the number of Amendment. while Republicans by and Congressional seats large favor retaining the (senators as well as In that election, Andrew college as it has been representatives) held by Jackson won the popular throughout our history. each state. This method vote that was counted in was intended to smooth out those 18 states by a 10% I guess that’s hardly the presidential voting margin, but was beaten by surprising, at this point, process back at a time John Quincy Adams, who since the Republican Party when the logistics of won the Electoral College has been the beneficiary of holding a national election vote. The numerical votes the current system the last in our vast nation was a of the six other state are two times the presidency daunting prospect, and to not recorded that I can went to the Electoral provide a way in which find, so the 1824 election College winner rather than states with small is not considered a “clean” the candidate who got the populations would not be example of the winner most popular votes — that completely overshadowed turning out to be the loser. would be selection of by states with larger George W. Bush in 2000 populations. Adding to the negative side and, of course, Trump’s of the College ledger is a elevation to the White But as the nation has growing body of research House in 2016. progressed technologically, that shows the current it has largely overcome the system effectively means I prefer not to describe difficulties of having the that voters in low- those results as “elections,” voting population spread population states (such as in the truest sense of the over so much terrain. The Oklahoma, I must point word, since the candidate Electoral College, out) have as much as four that got the most votes in however, has endured, and times the political clout as each case ended up not in four separate elections do voters in more populous being sworn in as — 1876, 1888, 2000 and states, because the low- president. 2016 — the president has count voters typically And so, as things stand not been put into office by benefit from larger today, we are poised on the a majority of actual votes, Congressional delegations eve of yet another election, but by the machinations of (and Electoral College in 2020, that will be the Electoral College. representation) per capita decided by the Electoral due to the arcane rules College (I’m pretty sure An earlier election, in governing the college and there is not enough time to 1824, was the first one in elections. change the system now) which the popular vote whether we like it or not. mattered, because 18 states Tellingly, the arguments that year chose presidential about whether to ditch the Many of us do not like it, electors (for the Electoral Electoral College fall out however, and there is a College) by popular vote, along partisan political path forward to make at while six states left that fault lines, with Democrats least one change.

21 As has been widely strictly according to the reported, 15 states, numbers. However it goes, I firmly including Colorado, have believe the popular vote signed on to a National If the number of states would be a better way of Popular Vote Interstate signing on to the Popular choosing our president Compact that, if it achieves Vote movement gets to the than the one we are under a certain level of support point where the member today. from around the country, states have 270 Electoral would mean the states that College votes among them, But, hey, don’t take my have joined would eschew it would effectively word for it — do some the Electoral College sideline the Electoral research and check out the dance and have their College and perhaps set the debate, whether in person presidential votes counted stage for getting rid of it or online. entirely.

Colorado Voters Could End Tabor Refunds July 9, 2019 By Owen Macaulay

The state’s Taxpayer’s Bill Over the decades, officials “These are refunds that the of Rights (TABOR) have returned more than $3 taxpayers are entitled to,” requires the state and local billion to business and Ransom said. “We do not governments to refund individual taxpayers. have an income problem. excess revenues to We have a spending residents. Gov. Jared Polis (D) problem.” signed into law H.B. 1257, Colorado voters will which puts the proposition The additional funds could decide whether to suspend on the fall ballot, and H.B. be diverted and may not a provision of the state’s 1258, which would materialize at all, says Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights allocate the additional Michael Fields, executive (TABOR) that requires the revenue to education and director of Colorado state government to refund transportation programs if Rising Action, which excess revenues to voters approve the advocates for limited residents, in this referendum, on June 3. government. November’s general H.B. 1257 received the “There is no guarantee election. needed majority approval where the money will go in in both houses of the the future,” Fields said. TABOR, added to the state Colorado General “There is also no guarantee constitution in 1992, Assembly, including all the how much money will be requires voter approval of votes cast by Democrats there to use each year—or tax increases, limits plus one from a if any will be there at all.” increases in government Republican state Senator. spending to inflation plus ‘Might Be No Refunds’ population growth, and Funds Could Be Diverted forces officials to refund The tax refund for 2020, excess revenues to the The state government is projected to be $65 taxpayers. just trying to take away million, depends on more money that belongs revenues made possible by Colorado is the only state to taxpayers, says Rep. energy production that the with such a strong limit on Kim Ransom (R-Littleton). state may not receive increases in spending. because of new restrictions

23 on resource development, “Its requirement that refunds for five years and says Fields. excess revenues must be directed the money to refunded to taxpayers has transportation and health “With the new oil and gas resulted in more than $2 care spending. H.B. 1257 regulations, our economy billion being returned to would permanently divert might be slowed, which the private economy to be all excess revenues. means there might be no spent at local businesses or It is doubtful the additional refunds at all,” Fields said. saved for retirement,” spending would improve Schubert-Akin said. “H.B. education or Ended ‘Economic 1257 threatens to eliminate transportation, says Stagnation’ this vital requirement that Schubert-Akin. excess revenues be Colorado’s tax and returned to those who “Education and spending limit has had a produced them.” transportation cannot plan positive effect on private- for this money year-to- sector growth, says TABOR refunds to citizens year,” Fields said. “We Jennifer Schubert-Akin, have been made through can't bond for roads off of CEO of the Steamboat property tax breaks for refund money, and Institute. seniors and veterans and education can't build it into through temporary income their budgets. “TABOR helped end years tax rate reductions. of economic stagnation “The bill is intended to and laid the groundwork Not the First Time create better roads and for the state’s future schools, but it's unlikely to success by keeping Colorado lawmakers achieve these goals,” resources in the hands of previously have found Schubert-Akin said. Colorado residents who ways around TABOR, “What’s sure, though, is could put them to their such as instituting fees that that H.B. 1257 will take highest valued use and [by] funnel tax money into money out of residents’ checking overzealous additional government pocketbooks, hurting their government spending,” spending. In 2005, voters personal finances and the Schubert-Akin said. passed Referendum C, state's economy.” which suspended the

Alan Dershowitz to address conservatives in Steamboat Springs July 16, 2019 Joey Bunch

Alan Dershowitz, public policy solutions professor emeritus at beyond the confines of the In an interview with Harvard University School Washington, D.C., National Public Radio of Law and one of bubble," said Jennifer Monday, Dershowitz cited President Trump's chief Schubert-Akin, chairman Epstein's close ties to other legal defenders in the and CEO of the Steamboat Harvard University media, will headline the Institute, which puts on the officials. 11th Annual Freedom annual conference. Conference and Festival in "None of us had any Steamboat Springs. "The ideas and inspiration inkling that he was advanced at the Freedom involved in anything The gathering of Conference are only improper," he said about conservatives to talk policy matched by its scenery." the earlier allegations that and politics — or "an Epstein recruited underage immersion in ideas to Dershowitz has been a girls to have sex with well- further the ideals of liberty ubiquitous media presence connected men. "But then and inspire Americans to for decade, but he faced when he was arrested, he greatness," as organizers new criticism from the left asked me to help put put it — is Aug. 22 to Aug. the past two weeks for together a legal team, ... 24 at The Steamboat Grand helping negotiate a lenient him which I did." Hotel. plea deal for accused pedophile Jeffrey Epstein Dershowitz has been Tickets are on sale and 11 years ago. accused of being one of the available online by men who was provided by clicking here. Epstein is a former friend Epstein a girl with whom of President Donald to have sex, an accusation "The 11th Annual Freedom Trump. On Friday Trump's he has vehemently denied. Conference brings together labor secretary, Alexander the nation's leading public Acosta, resigned over In a statement released by policy thought leaders to criticism for the Epstein the Steamboat Institute the Rocky Mountains, plea deal he accepted when Monday, Dershowitz where they can debate and he was a Florida previewed his Colorado pursue the most pressing prosecutor. speech.

25 The weekend also will "I am honored to speak at The conference also will feature NASA the 11th Annual Freedom feature former U.S. administrator Jim Conference in beautiful Senator Jim DeMint of Bridenstine discussing Steamboat Springs," he South Carolina, who will "The Future of Space." stated. "I look forward to discuss the topic of his discussing the importance new book, "Conservative: President Trump has of protecting free speech Knowing What to Keep; expressed the goal of for an organization that Why the Principles that erecting an American flag promotes it so vigorously. made America the freest, on Mars, but his message Many organizations most prosperous nation in on returning to the moon profess the importance of world history must be has been muddled. free speech, but the reclaimed to prevent our Steamboat Institute demise." actually practices it."

Why conservatives must engage in Hollywood It's the only way to ensure lasting policy change By Sam Sorbo August 9, 2019

Conservatives have toiled states like Vermont or than in Hollywood, as I for decades at countless California. experience firsthand as a think tanks across the conservative actress, nation trying to influence Why does the size of producer and screenwriter. public policy and public government only seem to opinion in their direction. grow, with conservative Nearly every major motion They’ve funded political victories merely coming in picture — this uniquely candidates at great fits and starts? One major American form of culture expense. The results have reason is that liberals — is seeded directly or been middling at best. dominate culture, which indirectly with liberal has a much more profound messages that impel the Despite some recent impact on people’s perspectives of audiences successes under President worldview than policy decidedly toward the left. Trump such as tax cuts and analysis. Culture, and deregulation, society’s entertainment specifically, If conservatives want to general march toward taps into people’s reverse the juggernaut of bigger government emotions, reaching a the leftist agenda, the long continues. Recent polling deeper level of the brain march through the finds that a majority of than rational appeals that institutions, they must millennials and Democrats usually don’t penetrate the commit to engaging in prefer socialism — full frontal cortex. cultural spheres even more governmental control of than they do in intellectual the economy — to Societal pillars such as ones — as government capitalism. academia, education, education has produced journalism, media, generations conditioned to It seems like only a matter literature, pop culture and responding emotionally of time before some type high arts are now rather than rationally to of government-run health overwhelmingly liberal, issues of the day. Doing so care system is churning out creative will help convince people implemented, despite such leftist messages to of the morality — not just socialized systems not impressionable audiences. the practicality — of being able to pass in liberal Nowhere is this conservative public policy. domination more complete

27 Conservatives looking to production quality 2020, is inspired by the engage culturally face compelling. true story of two conmen, many hurdles. Start with the biggest oil strike in the fact that conservatives Case in point: Several history during the Great don’t generally enter the years ago, National Depression and the arts or other traditionally Review ranked the 25 best miracles that happened creative fields. Research conservative movies of the along the way. from Southern Illinois past generation. The results University finds that spoke for themselves. There’s even a new film conservatives are less Movies such as festival held by The likely to engage in creative “Ghostbusters,” “The Dark Steamboat Institute each pursuits, preferring to Knight” and “Team summer in Steamboat pursue careers in more America: World Police” Springs, Colorado, as part objective fields such as made the list. These were of the organization’s business, finance or not exactly Oscar annual Freedom science. candidates, let alone true Conference. This year’s counterparts of event, which takes place Then there’s the fact that conservatism’s proud Aug. 22-24, features our for many years, intellectual corpus. But latest film as well as conservatives have viewed they were, at least, a start. several other compelling Hollywood simply as an films that celebrate enemy. In the early 1990s, The dearth of conservative individual freedom, conservative commentator Hollywood films is personal responsibility, the Michael Medved wrote the beginning to end. My entrepreneurial American best-selling book husband — Kevin Sorbo, spirit, and the inspiration “Hollywood vs. America: well-known from of faith and family through Popular Culture and the “Hercules” and “God’s film. War on Traditional Not Dead” — and I have Values.” It argued that recently produced the But for these conservative Hollywood’s themes were critically acclaimed film efforts to be antithetical to American conservative film “Let successful, individual ideals and harming society There Be Light,” and his conservatives must support as a whole, turning many career spans several others, them. That means going conservatives off like “What If.” And we are back to the movies and Hollywood altogether. not the only ones. making the pilgrimage to Steamboat Springs this Another problem has been But while Hollywood summer. Such support will that when conservatives do seems to be paying lead more conservatives to engage creatively, the attention, it’s in the pursue careers in film and product itself has often independent film culture, which can finally been mediocre. Though we production sphere where create a lasting change in may agree with the true adherence to public policy that we all principles in many conservative values in film desire. conservative movies, can thrive. Our latest audiences generally release, “Miracle in East As Andrew Breitbart haven’t found the stories or Texas,” due out early famously said, “Politics is

28 downstream from culture.” • Sam Sorbo is a film Steamboat Institute’s Film It’s time for conservatives producer, screenwriter and Festival, Aug. 22-24, in to swim upstream. actress. She will be Steamboat Springs, appearing at the Colorado.

29 Civil Conversation, Your Time Has Come AUGUST 14, 2019 ERICKA ANDERSEN

The Steamboat Institute, a year, they hosted a debate former Senate majority conservative nonprofit in on nationalism versus leaders Howard Baker, Steamboat Springs, globalism between the Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, Colorado, is deeply UK’s Nigel Farage and the and George J. Mitchell. committed to the free former Mexican president BPC is doing the necessary exchange of ideas. Despite Vicente Fox at the work to slice through their small size, the University of Colorado and extreme partisanship in a Institute has managed to the University of more formal way, bringing create a powerful “Campus Maryland. politics down to earth Liberty” tour, hosting true when ideologically blue debates between those They partnered with the extreme conversations with vastly different Bipartisan Policy Center begin to remove the middle viewpoints on hot topics (BPC), which has been ground. like capitalism versus pushing this kind of socialism—coming this across-the-aisle work and fall at a yet-to-be conversation since 2007, announced campus. Last when it was founded by

‘Hercules’ actor Kevin Sorbo to open Steamboat Institute Film Festival on Thursday with new film 3-day film festival to include 'A Dog's Journey,' 'The Creepy Line' and more August 22, 2019 By: Julia Ben-Asher

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS conversations on a variety attend a two-day policy — In conjunction with the of timely topics. The conference,” said Steamboat Institute’s festival features a wide Steamboat Institute CEO Freedom Conference, the variety of film. Jennifer Schubert-Akin. Steamboat Institute Film “We want to provide Festival is meant to “We want to broaden our something fun and educate and start audience beyond who’ll interesting to the

31 community that’s uplifting these companies get as producers Ann and inspiring.” close as possible to “the McElhinney and Phelim creepy line” without McAleer will offer All films take place at actually crossing it. The remarks. Metropolitan Wildhorse 6 film is followed by a panel Stadium Cinemas at 655 with co-producers “No matter whether you’re Marketplace Plaza in Michelle and Matthew pro-choice or pro-life; it’s Steamboat Springs. A Taylor. a compelling story,” ticket to one showing costs Schubert-Akin said. $12, and $50 buys access “Not in Vein” — 3:30 to 5 to all six films. Children 12 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 “The Pursuit” — 3:15 to 5 years old and younger may This documentary p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 attend for free. investigates and showcases the effects of the opioid “The Pursuit” follows “Miracle in East Texas” — epidemic across the U.S. musician-turned-economist 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. The showing is followed Arthur Brooks as he travels 22 by a discussion with across the world in hopes Ashley Evans, whose story of answering the question: Based on a true story, is included in the “How can we lift up the “Miracle in East Texas” documentary; Kim world together, starting tells the entertaining tale of Kleinhans, director of with those at the margins two conmen’s antics and family advocacy at of society?” He meets with luck, in the midst of the Brigid’s Path, a treatment people from Kentucky to largest oil strike in the facility for opioid- Mumbai, New York to history of the world in dependent babies; and Barcelona to the 1931, the start of the Great Ericka Anderson, Himalayas and, along the Depression. The film Steamboat Institute’s way, articulates theories features remarks by co- digital media consultant. about how all humans can producers Sam and Kevin find true happiness. The Sorbo, who also directed “For anyone who’s dealt showing includes remarks the film. This year marks with this issue and needs by Creative Director the third year that the hope, I think this Marshall Walker Lee. Sorbos will show a film at documentary could bring the Institute’s film festival, that,” Schubert-Akin said. “A Dog’s Journey” — 7:30 according to Schubert- to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Akin. “Gosnell” — 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 24 Saturday, Aug. 24 “The Creepy Line” — 7:30 The sequel “A Dog’s to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, “Gosnell” explores the trial Journey” continues the Aug. 22 of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, story of “A Dog’s who worked in an abortion Purpose.” In this film, “The Creepy Line” clinic and, ultimately, was Bailey the dog forms documentary explores the convicted of murder and strong bonds with his roles of Google and manslaughter charges, with humans and finds meaning Facebook in modern a life sentence in prison. in his own existence. The society and argues that After the film, co- family-friendly film will

32 be followed by remarks by film producer Kira Muratova.

US Interior Secretary Bernhardt touts environmental deregulation at Steamboat Freedom Conference August 23, 2019 By Derek Maiolo

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS Chief among those In the moments before his — In his opening address initiatives were speech, one could sense a Friday to the Steamboat deregulatory efforts to tension in the largest Institute’s 2019 Freedom boost revenue from oil and ballroom of the hotel. Conference at The gas operations and make it After two people broke out Steamboat Grand, U.S. easier for companies to get in protest at last summer’s Secretary of the Interior federal leases on public Freedom Conference David Bernhardt praised lands, such as the during a speech by the his department’s initiatives announcement last week to previous Secretary of the since he took office in weaken application of the Interior Ryan Zinke, April. Endangered Species Act. organizers appeared on- edge about the potential of

34 a similar outburst during To that end, Bernhardt said Land Management Bernhardt’s address. his department has released in May, showing delivered over $3.7 billion that in fiscal year 2018, the “Hecklers will be promptly in what he called nation produced a total of escorted from the premises “regulatory relief” to the 214,144,945 barrels of oil without a refund by a American people since on federal land “with the uniformed law Trump took office. smallest footprint of enforcement officer or acreage under lease” since Steamboat Grand security Bernhardt discussed some the agency began personnel,” Steamboat of the ways he has collecting comparable data Institute’s Chairman and contributed to in 1985. CEO Jennifer Shubert- deregulation, such as Akin warned the crowd streamlining the National Bernhardt pointed to before Bernhardt took the Environmental Policy Act advances in technology stage. “We hope we don’t to make it easier for and innovation, in addition have to do that.” companies to get leases on to deregulation, as the federal land for operations primary factors of the While no one disrupted like oil and gas drilling. record-setting year. Bernhardt during his address, a handful of Conservationists have While the overall acreage protestors stood outside the argued the expedited of leased land decreased in hotel, holding up signs to process poses threats to recent years, the BLM passing cars. public lands and the fish recently has expanded and wildlife that live on leases on public lands and Bernhardt began his them, shortcutting continues to allow more speech by recounting his regulations that have been companies to gain permits. upbringing just a few hours in place for 50 years. away in his hometown of He argued that such According to those Rifle. As he said, growing deregulation has boosted statistics from the BLM, up surrounded by federal revenues from federal the agency leased about land instilled in him the lands since President 1.3 million acres in new importance of protecting Donald Trump took office, leases during fiscal year the beauty of natural hitting a record revenue of 2018, compared to about landscapes and resources. $1.1 billion last year. 570,000 acres during fiscal year 2016. The number of “But the reality is that the “We have the highest new leases rose to 1,333 in culture, the history and the number of oil and gas 2018, compared to 520 economies of rural production on federal leases issued in 2016. communities along the leases since 2008,” he said. Western Slope and “But it is also worth noting The leasing of public lands throughout the West we have leased the least to oil and gas companies is depend on both the amount of acreage during among the reasons development and use of that time.” longtime Steamboat those natural resources,” Springs resident Stuart he said. Bernhardt was referring to Lynn and other protestors statistics the Bureau of spoke out against

35 Bernhardt outside the and our natural resources,” on the Routt County hotel. Lynn said. Courthouse lawn in downtown Steamboat. A “The regular guys get A “Stand for Our Land” similar protest last year, poorer and the richer guys protest calling for climate timed with Zinke’s visit to get richer at the action is scheduled for the area, drew a crowd of exploitation of the Earth 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, 1,400.

Interior Secretary Bernhardt talks BLM move, energy, preservation in Steamboat By Marianne Goodland Aug 23, 2019

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS “It instilled in me the As to the Department of • The U.S. secretary of the importance of public the Interior, Bernhardt said Interior came home to access and protecting the in 2017 and 2018, the Colorado Friday to a warm natural beauty of department delivered $3.7 welcome from those landscapes,” he explained. million in deregulatory attending the 11th annual But the reality is, he added, relief. Freedom Conference that rural communities on hosted by the conservative the Western Slope also “We’ve helped America Steamboat Institute. depend on those lands and become No. 1” in oil and natural resources being gas production worldwide, David Bernhardt, who was developed “as well as for he said, and revenues on confirmed in the post in conservation and federal lands have soared April, is a native of Rifle, recreation.” to more than $8.9 billion. just a few hours down the highway from Steamboat The nation will have an In addition, federal lands Springs, where the historic legacy of now have the highest conference brought in just accomplishment by the end number of oil and gas- under 400 people, amid of President Donald producing leases since heavy security. Trump’s tenure, Bernhardt 2008, he said, yet that oil said, pointing to job and gas production “It’s an honor to serve in growth and record low occupies fewer acres of the Trump administration,” unemployment. land due to American Bernhardt told the friendly Bernhardt was named 53rd technology and innovation. crowd. He explained that secretary of the Interior by growing up in Rifle, he Trump on Feb. 4. He Bernhardt also touched on was surrounded by lands previously served as the department's managed by the U.S. deputy secretary under announced intention to Forest Service or the Ryan Zinke and as acting move the management of Bureau of Land secretary after Zinke its Bureau of Land Management, and that he resigned on Jan. 2, 2019, in Management to the hunted and fished on those the wake of ethics western United States. lands. scandals.

37 On July 15, Republican takes place in Nevada and U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner of Arizona, but the top “There are folks out there Colorado announced the mining staff are in who see this differently,” BLM planned to relocate Washington, he said. he added, but “they its headquarters to Grand probably haven’t analyzed Junction, although it later Bernhardt sent a letter to the problem or come up turned out that only 27 Congress in July, notifying with a solution.” employees would likely them of his decision, and move to the Western Slope that Congress had 30 days He also touched on forest community. The rest will to respond. That’s now fire prevention on federal be scattered around the expired and “we will begin lands, noting that the West, including at the the implementation phase” agency has 4,500 people Federal Center in of the move. He also said dedicated to firefighting Lakewood. he believes that the “best and 2,500 active and brightest will beg to management projects in Bernhardt said his goal in get into” the agency, 2019. Under the National moving the BLM is part of solving a recruitment Environmental Policy Act, a plan to reorganize, problem because people the agency is planning to realign and strengthen the didn’t want to move to work on 11,000 miles of BLM, noting that Washington. firebreaks and has treated Colorado’s senators, 1.2 million acres this year Gardner and Democrat However, House alone. Michael Bennet, as well as Democrats claim they have Gov. Jared Polis, have not given the green light Bernhardt also brought up been talking about this “for for the move and that the Endangered Species years.” Bernhardt is incorrect in Act. The Trump assuming there are no administration earlier this It’s more expensive to concerns by Congress. month rolled out some of keep the BLM in the broadest changes in Washington, D.C., In a question-and-answer decades to enforcement of Bernhardt explained, in session following his the law, allowing the part due to “locality pay” remarks, Bernhardt government to put an that covers the more expanded on the BLM economic cost on saving expensive cost of living in relocation. There has been scare plants and animals. the nation’s Capitol. “stiff opposition," “We need to get resources including from BLM Bernhardt said there are a to the front lines of our employees, one questioner number of places in the act operations,” he said. noted. where “it was unnecessarily conflict- He noted, for example, that Bernhardt pushed back, driven and not focused on the managers of the wild stating that in his travels to efforts to optimize horse and burro programs BLM offices, he’s been conservation and protect are in Washington, while “shocked by how species.” the programs themselves enthusiastic” BLM are out West. Most of the employees are about this Bernhardt was also asked mining on federal land change. to address the president’s

38 recent interest in someone else,” not reported Friday morning, purchasing Greenland, a Interior. in opening remarks by notion that has been firmly institute CEO Jennifer rebuffed by Greenland and The institute is part of the Schubert-Akin. its parent nation, Denmark. conservative State Policy “They do significant Network, funded by the The conference also critical minerals,” Koch brothers, although includes a film festival and Bernhardt said, laughing, there was no mention of will conclude Saturday. “but that’s a question for the passing of David Koch,

Steamboat Keeps on Churning Aug 23, 2019 By ZACK COLMAN Jim Bridenstine today will focus on issues “including address The Steamboat free speech, administrative STEAMBOAT KEEPS Institute’s Freedom power, the future of space, ON CHURNING: Interior Conference and Festival in and socialism vs. Secretary David Bernhardt Steamboat Springs, Colo. capitalism,” according to and NASA Administrator The three-day event will the institute.

Interior Secretary David Bernhardt Says BLM Move To Grand Junction ‘Just Makes Sense’ August 23, 2019 By Matt Kroschel

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, from the crowd gathered in Colo. (CBS4) – Speaking Steamboat Springs for “It’s very easy to be 2,500 to a friendly crowd of Steamboat Institute’s miles away and make a conservative allies, Freedom Conference on decision about a piece of Secretary of the Interior Friday morning. land that you know nothing David Bernhardt said the about,” said Bernhardt. plan to move the Bureau of Many people asked about Land Management’s wildlife protections and the Just outside of the headquarters to Grand BLM’s move from conference room, a single Junction just makes sense. Washington to Colorado’s protester stood on the He took several questions Western Slope. sidewalk. Stuart Lynn’s

41 sign read “Earth Killer Rifle and spent a lot of on the grass outside the Conference.” time on the Western Slope. courthouse downtown. He also has close ties to Bernhardt was long gone; Lynn said he already does the oil and natural gas his security detail was on not like what he sees industry. That cozy the move a couple of coming out of the new relationship concerns minutes after his speech administration at the Lynn. wrapped up in the Department of the Interior. morning. Later in the day on Friday, “It’s all about the rich other protesters concerned The conference continues getting richer,” Lynn said. with issues ranging from this weekend in Steamboat wild horse management to with more guest speakers. Bernhardt hails from oil and natural gas leasing Colorado. He was raised in on public lands gathered

Dershowitz talks Epstein, sexual misconduct allegations, defends Trump at keynote address August 24, 2019

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS Despite being a classical Dershowitz gained fame in — Famed criminal defense liberal, Dershowitz said he the 1980s when he attorney and retired finds that, today, he has successfully represented Harvard University much more in common Claus von Bülow, who was professor Alan Dershowitz with classical charged with the attempted describes himself as conservatives than with the murder of his wife, liberal. But that doesn’t “hard-left.” Though, he socialite Sunny von mean he always has to hasn’t abandoned all of his Bülow. His career also agree with a specific liberal political leanings, included representing Patty political party. despite being a supporter Hearst, Mike Tyson and as of President Donald part of the “dream team” That, he said, is the beauty Trump. of attorneys that defended of individual liberties O.J. Simpson, offering guaranteed by the U.S. “I’m here because I advice on the appellate Constitution. disagree with you on process. Delivering the keynote certain issues,” he told the address to a full house at audience, noting In 2008, Dershowitz was the annual Steamboat differences on topics such part of the legal team to Institute Freedom as gay marriage, female defend Jeffrey Epstein, the Conference & Festival on reproductive rights and millionaire who was Friday, Dershowitz taxation. charged with trafficking covered several topics, There is a common underage girls for sex. He from why he chooses to commitment, he said, to had helped negotiate a represent high-profile principled dialogue and 2008 plea deal for Epstein criminals to the recent decision making, to the on charges of soliciting a allegations that he engaged protection of opposing minor for sex in Florida. in sex with a minor, to the views and for due process Epstein was sentenced to division of liberals and for those with differing 18 months imprisonment. conservatives. The latter, ideologies. he said, is worrying, Epstein was arrested again especially heading into the A fierce litigator in July on suspicion of sex 2020 presidential election. trafficking minors in Florida and New York. He

43 killed himself in prison was not where she said he change regardless of who earlier this month. had been, he explained, was president. and that there was “The vast majority of my “overwhelming” evidence Dershowitz said he wanted clients have been guilty,” of his innocence. Clinton to win the 2016 Dershowitz told the election, having audience. “Thank God for “We live in a post-truth contributed financially to that. Would anyone want world where identity her campaign and had to live in a country where politics prevails over offered staunch support. the vast majority of people everything else,” he said. accused of crimes were But “the #MeToo Still, he said, he’s able to innocent?” movement is great. It’s support Trump. wonderful,” he remarked. When asking about the “They have made people “President Trump hasn’t #MeToo movement, responsible for acts even come close to Hadley Heath Manning, they’ve done in the past.” committing anything that director of policy at the would be an impeachable Independent Women’s The movement, Manning offense,” said Dershowitz. Forum and moderator of added, is something that “So, I’m not going to the conversation with has “affected at least our remain silent in the face of Dershowitz, brought up the cultural perceptions of the that.” charges that have surfaced presumption of And that, he said, is a great from a woman who said innocence.” test of principle: the “shoe she was held as a sex slave on the other foot” test, as by Epstein. She alleged The matter with the he called it. that she had sex with woman who accused “If the facts were the Dershowitz, in addition to Dershowitz is still pending opposite, or the party was several other high-profile in court. the opposite, would you men, when she was still be making that underage. Defending Trump argument?” he asked.

Deshowitz had a simple Dershowitz recently Looking to the 2020 response. released a book, “The Case presidential election, Against Impeaching Dershowitz said he’s “I never met the woman. I Trump,” which argues worried the Democratic never heard of her,” he against impeaching the Party is being held said. “But you go on president, but to the “captive of some people on Twitter, and I’m a audience’s chagrin, it the extreme, hard left,” he pedophile; I’m a child wasn’t originally meant to said. “I never want to see rapist.” be about Trump. Instead, it the Republicans and the was written about Hillary Democrats so far apart that He told the audience that Clinton. they can’t talk to each his name has been cleared, other.” that an investigation into It was penned prior to the the matter found no truth 2016 election, but the Bipartisanship requires two to the charges. He simply message, he said, wouldn’t things, according to

44 Dershowitz. It requires the had previously advised For Jean Pierre Sagouspe, ability to condemn the Trump that families a board member of the person that an individual shouldn’t be separated at Steamboat Institute from had voted for if they did the U.S.-Mexican border Los Banos, California, something wrong; and and that the U.S. Dershowitz was a being able to support the Constitution allowed the refreshing voice. other side when they do president legal standing to something right. cease such an act. “Liberals are not all that bad,” he said, laughing. He supported Trump on Trump did not heed his “We all have our positions. several matters, including advice, he said. We can’t talk about them his direction to recognize and we can’t discuss them, Jerusalem as the capital of Despite being a liberal so we never get solutions. Israel and the nation’s speaking to a mostly (Dershowitz) is a solutions sovereignty over the Golan conservative audience, person that’s based in the Heights region. Dershowitz was met with Constitution. There’s not a Conversely, he said he roaring applause and a lot of people on either side “mercilessly” disagreed standing ovation following that way anymore.” with President Barack his address. Steamboat resident David Obama’s allowing of the Wilson agreed. United Nations to pass a “I thought it was great,” resolution that declared said Bob Weston of “Our Constitution is Israel had illegally Littleton, who came to designed to protect your occupied territory, Steamboat Springs to rights and my rights, and to including the section of attend the three-day disagree with each other, at Jerusalem that featured the conference. “As the same time to live Western Wall. conservatives, we can buy- equally in this society,” in to most of what he said. Wilson said. “We have to But Dershowitz also Without a doubt.” remain a society that the admitted he has had rule of law applies disagreements with Trump, Too many liberals and regardless of ideology, who he called a personal conservatives are unwilling regardless of who the friend, namely over his to listen any longer, whipping boy or girl is of administration’s Weston said. the day.” immigration policy. He

Alan Dershowitz denies claims from Epstein accuser during talk at conservative conference AUGUST 27, 2019

During a keynote address attorney Alan Dershowitz in Jeffrey Epstein’s sex at the Steamboat Institute on August 23 denounced trafficking operation. in Steamboat Springs, claims from Virginia Colorado, criminal defense Giuffre that he participated

Bernhardt to Speak At Conservative Summit By ANTHONY ADRAGNA Aug 29, 2019

BERNHARDT TO will speak this week at the speakers include Alan SPEAK AT Steamboat Institute’s Dershowitz and NASA CONSERVATIVE “Freedom Conference & Administrator Jim SUMMIT: Interior Festival” in Steamboat Bridenstine. Secretary David Bernhardt Springs, Colo. Other

CU-Denver to host debate on socialism September 4, 2019

Reservations are open for Rand’s Ideas Can End Big The men are on a national debate and discussion of Government,” will debate tour, with stops already at “Capitalism vs. Socialism” Bhaskar Sunkara, the the University of Texas at Sept. 19 at the University founding editor and Austin and University of of Colorado Denver. publisher of Jacobin and Maryland. author of “The Socialist Yaron Brook, chairman of Manifesto: The Case for The debate and discussion the Board for the Ayn Radical Politics in an Era will be moderated by Rand Institute and author of Extreme Inequality.” Hadley Heath Manning, of “Free Market the policy director for the Revolution: How Ayn

48 Independent Women’s Tour, in partnership with Student Commons Forum. the University of Colorado Building in rooms 2500 Denver. and 2600, so registration is The event is part of the advised, organizers said. Colorado-based Steamboat Admission is free, but Institute’s Campus Liberty seating could run out at the

UT Hosts Capitalism vs. Socialism Debate BY CHASE WEST September 18, 2019

Over 100 students and Analytics hosted the organization, as part of its community members debate between Yaron nationwide Campus gathered in the William C. Brook, chairman of the Liberty Tour. The two Powers Jr. Student Activity Ayn Rand Institute, and debaters sparred over the Center auditorium on Bhaskar Sunkara, former practicality and ethics of Wednesday to hear experts vice-chair of the the opposing political debate capitalism and Democratic Socialists of theories. After the initial socialism. America. The debate was discussion, audience sponsored by The members had the chance to The UT Center for Steamboat Institute, a ask questions to either of Enterprise and Policy conservative nonprofit the debaters.

50 the nationalization of all their hands if their minds “Capitalism is a system production. had been changed, and two that leaves us free to make people put up their hands. choices for ourselves, to “What the socialist vision Psychology junior Jheel act on those choices and to is, is guaranteeing the Patel did not raise her pursue our values, free of basics of life to people. hand, but said she went coercion,” Brook said. Your right to housing, your into the event with an open “Everywhere capitalism is right to healthcare, your mind and thought both tried to the extent that it is right to childcare and your sides presented good tried, it is incredibly right to pursue an points. successful.” education,” Sunkara said. “If these rights are “I came because I just During the debate, Brook guaranteed, then more wanted to hear a new talked about the dangers people will be free to perspective, because I associated with a large embrace their individual know I’ve always thought government and said to be potentials.” one way, and I’ve always cautious of its unnecessary wanted to hear the other expansion. Sunkara While audience members side just to hear what they emphasized the practicality occasionally voiced their have to say,” Patel said. “I of socialism as a safety net protest at answers from have to say, I loved amidst a failing capitalist either debater, the debate hearing their back-and- system in the United carried on largely forth commentary, because States, pushing back undisturbed. it really taught me a lot against the idea that about both sides. I think I socialism always leads to At the end, the moderator definitely became more asked the audience to raise moderate from the debate.”

CAPITALISM VS. SOCIALISM DEBATE HINGES ON CONCEPT OF COERCION By Kira Barrett Sep 19, 2019

Two authors with opposing Institute. “Freedom means Radical Politics in an Era viewpoints focused on the the absence of a gun put to of Extreme Inequality," concept of coercion during your head, where you’re defined coercion more a socialism vs. capitalism told what to do.” loosely. Although debate on Sept. 17, 2019, oppressive in some at the University of He said capitalism situations, he said coercion Maryland. systematizes the absence can be a recourse for of coercion. “It eliminates citizens against “Freedom means the coercion from society by exploitation in the absence of coercion,” protecting the rights of workplace. said Yaron Brook, author individuals,” he said. of "Free Market “If you are stuck in a job Revolution: How Ayn Bhaskar Sunkara, founder you hate, that is coercion,” Rand's Ideas Can End Big of Jacobin Magazine and Sunkara said. “If you can’t Government" and author of "The Socialist afford to get a degree, that chairman of the Ayn Rand Manifesto: A Case for is coercion.”

52 commoditized social “Socialism used to prompt He said the government benefits” built on a a flurry of questions — has an obligation to capitalist system, where sometimes disdain, intervene on behalf of companies are worker- sometimes general ordinary citizens to protect owned and college is a confusion,” he said. “Now them from the people who right. people are saying ‘Yes, control society’s wealth. sure. Leave me alone.” The key is giving citizens He argues that unregulated power to decide when workplaces inevitably Sunkara emphasized that coercion is justified. devolve into tyrannies. some socialist democratic ideas — free college “We are for all sorts of Brook said public education, healthcare-for- intrusions,” he said. “But programs that guarantee all, labor unions and even we believe in access to things such as worker-owned democratically setting education and healthcare corporations are already these limits.” violate the rights of gaining traction. individuals, or minorities, Brook argued that the Students and faculty lined because they require other trajectory toward pure up outside the Riggs people to provide those capitalism would be more Alumni Center for the services. difficult, but that removing event, presented by the Ed government from the Snider Center for “The only minority is the economy begins with Enterprise and individual,” Brook said. education. Markets at Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Moderator Jillian Kay He cited examples of Business. The discussion Melchior, editorial page government interventions was part of a nationwide writer at The Wall Street gone wrong. He called the debate tour in partnership Journal, set the tone by antitrust case against with The Steamboat creating a sense of urgency Standard Oil the “first Institute. around Generation Z’s great violation of human political polarization, and rights,” and a situation that Brook identifies as not asked the audience: Are self-corrected with the only an advocate for you capitalist, socialist, or invention of electricity laissez-faire economics, undecided? A vast before the government got but also as an “objectivist,” majority of students involved. the term for a follower of identified as capitalist, Russian-American with a few undecided and “Corporate taxes are stupid philosopher Ayn Rand and socialist students. taxes,” Brook said. “If you a believer of moralistic know anything about selfishness. The conversation turned to economics, you know that a societal transition toward the workers and consumers Sunkara is an advocate for these ideologies. Sunkara end up paying them.” socialist democracy and a explained that the United Sunkara agreed with this critic of socialist systems States is already on the point, emphasizing his idea like the one in Venezuela. path toward his vision. of a worker-owned He instead calls for a “de-

53 corporation, governed by as free speech do not are limits to what one can voting. require other people to act take.” on your behalf, only to Brook rejected the notion leave you alone. Positive Brook said taking property that corporations would rights such as free from one person and take the place of education force other giving it to another through government in his vision. people to give you coercion is always wrong. “The government has something or do something “The only right you have is guns,” he said. for you. to be left alone,” he said. “Corporations don’t. If you “There is no such thing as leave them alone, they will “People want more a positive right.” leave you alone.” freedom to do what they want, and I agree that The conversation series The conversation ended means taking something will continue at the with a disagreement on away from someone,” University of Texas- negative and positive Sunkara said. “But there Austin, and University of rights. Negative rights such Colorado-Denver.

54 Against my better instincts, I went to UMD’s debate on capitalism. Here are my thoughts. September 20, 2019 By Zachary Jablow

figured I got the picture But scrolling through the Upon hearing that the and didn’t need to see it in event’s information, I University of Maryland’s person. The event was a found that the pro- business school would be partnership with The socialism speaker would hosting a debate on Steamboat Institute, a be Bhaskar Sunkara, the capitalism vs. socialism, I conservative nonprofit. founder and editor of the wasn’t terribly interested. The moderator: Jillian Kay magazine Jacobin, which is Gather a bunch of business Melchior, a Wall Street among the most influential students in a room, Journal editorial page publications in the rising pontificate about markets writer. My suspicions were socialist movement in and bash the vague idea of confirmed. American politics. socialism for a while — I

55 I would normally have like watching the Yankees armed with more clever tried to avoid philosophical play at Fenway Park. slogans to whip out. debates hosted by the Sitting opposite Sunkara as business school. But the pro-capitalist debater Sunkara opened with a against all my natural was Yaron Brook, whose reasonable explanation of instincts, I decided I political philosophy might his politics. As he should go. best be described as “Ayn explained, there should be Rand Superfan.” Naturally, a guarantee of public The debate was held he is the chairman of the goods like housing and Tuesday at the Samuel board of the Ayn Rand health care. The hierarchy Riggs IV Alumni Center. Institute. of workplaces are a Before the event started, I “tyranny” that strips heard a couple people Melchior, for her part, did workers of their rights. He nearby saying that the pro- a decent job. Though her introduced the idea of capitalism debater had opening remarks included workplace democracy, that been featured in a great an eye roll-inducing jab at workers could organize interview on Ben Shapiro’s socialists for not being able their workplaces Sunday Special. I wasn’t to take a joke and a line collectively in an effective sure if I’d ever actually about how the goal is “not way and establish a more heard someone speaking to make ideas safe for egalitarian system of fondly of Shapiro in students,” her role as production. Cautiously public. moderator was surprisingly trying not to appear too even-handed and radical, he even appealed I quietly hoped that there understated. Not to take to his far more right-of- wouldn’t be any corny away from Melchior, but center audience, saying audience participation perhaps the reason she that he’s no revolutionary: moments. Within five remained mostly impartial All he wants is to take the minutes, Melchior asked was that Brook’s ideas are social democracy of the audience to raise their so off the wall that even a countries like Denmark hands to indicate whether committed conservative and Sweden a step further. they supported capitalism would cringe at some of He carefully avoided using or socialism. The Ben what he said. the phrase “means of Shapiro fans shot their production.” hands up for capitalism. The debate itself was a The night was off to quite frustrating spectacle. Brook responded in a way a start. Sunkara and Brook clearly that was initially disagreed on what promising. “It’s always The debaters were framed socialism means, but that good in a debate to define on either side of the stage was never addressed. your terms,” he said. by signs for the Ed Snider Brook was a much better That’s true. Sunkara hadn’t Center for Enterprise and orator with far loonier really explained what Markets and The politics (all government socialism as a concept Steamboat Institute involvement in the means — some form of Campus Liberty Tour. economy is bad, altruism is social ownership of Through the perspective of amoral, etc.), leaving me productive facilities — and a socialist, this would be wishing that Sunkara came for years right-wing

56 American pundits and Toward the end of the politicians have been Throughout the event, event, it was abundantly yelling about how Brook highlighted his clear that the debate hadn’t socialism means the belief that any government gotten very far. An government will intervention in the audience member posed a expropriate your economy is wrong. Forget question about Venezuela. toothbrush. about any and all labor Sunkara explained that laws, environmental Venezuela really isn’t a And with that fleeting regulations, you name it. socialist country by any moment of clarity, Brook Responding to a question measure. Without pause, proceeded to give a long from a student about the Brook said that Venezuela speech about how environment, Brook is a failure of socialism. “capitalism is a system of gleefully dipped into And with that, I left the freedom” and “socialism is climate denial, saying auditorium vowing never immoral,” never once young people are “always to return to a debate hosted accurately defining any of depressed about the by this university’s those terms. Ignoring environment. ‘The world is business school. Sunkara’s actual beliefs, going to end in 12 years’ Brook invoked the misery or something. Life has Zachary Jablow, opinion of the Soviet Union and never been better.” editor, is a junior China in defense of economics and government capitalism. and politics major.

CMU Civic Forum announces debate on national popular vote versus Electoral College September 30, 2019 “Institutions like the Jennifer Schubert-Akin, CMU will host Steamboat Electoral College fall into CEO and co-founder of the Institute’s Campus Liberty that space and we are Steamboat Institute Tour Debate Series excited to host this debate believes that for in conjunction with the democracy to thrive, policy Colorado Mesa Steamboat Institute.” discussion and policy University’s ongoing effort making must go beyond to create hands-on civic The debate will feature the the confines of soundbites engagement opportunities Oklahoma Council of and simplistic ideologies. for students and the Public Affairs Executive community will take the Director Trent England “Our desire for this debate form of policy debate on and Ted Trimpa, principle at CMU is that people Wednesday, October 9 and CEO of The Trimpa from a diversity of political from 5:30 to 7pm in Love Group, LLC, a political perspectives attend and Recital hall at CMU. The consulting firm with engage,” said Schubert- debate is part of the offices in Denver and Akin. “When Americans Steamboat Institute’s Washington, D.C. challenge each other’s Campus Liberty Tour and perspectives, we by default is titled How Should We In 2019, the Colorado celebrate democracy and Elect Our President? Legislature passed learn from one another legislation allocating about how today’s The forum is open to the Colorado’s electoral vote decisions affect the public and will be to the winner of the future.” moderated by Jay Seaton, national popular vote. The Publisher of the Grand legislation has implications In 2018, the CMU Civic Junction Daily Sentinel. for the future of the Forum showcased civic executive branch of engagement opportunities “CMU is committed to government in the United including hosting the U.S. forming partnerships that States. Providing Court of Appeals 10th engage students and the thoughtful public dialogue Circuit and the forum held community in policy in relation to modification for the first time a discussions that shape the of the Electoral College is statewide gubernatorial future of civil society and the purpose of the debate. debate produced by CMU democracy,” said CMU students in partnership President Tim Foster. with Rocky Mountain

58 PBS. In addition, the CMU CMU Vice President of in Washington, D.C. In Civic Forum invited a Intergovernmental and future years, CMU plans to number of national Community Affairs Derek leverage our tremendous speakers, civil rights Wagner believes the CMU facilities and faculty leaders, policy makers, Civic Forum can partner expertise and community elected officials and guest with organizations from all partnership to build lecturers. In 2019, the political points of view to capacity for a better civil Civic Forum initiative ensure higher education discourse in western hosted Equity Project civil maximizes its role in Colorado.” rights leader Nita Mosby advancing democracy. Tyler and coordinated the The Electoral College CMU annual Holocaust “President Foster has debate is slated as part of Awareness Series as well already had discussions the institutes’ campus as national speaker and with some of Colorado’s liberty tour that includes a Martin Luther King Jr. premier civic organizations series of debates meant to performer Stephon and a variety of national educate people on both Ferguson. thought leaders during the sides of timely policy recent Capital Conference discussions.

CU Denver hosts “Socialism vs Capitalism” debate OCT 02, 2019 by AMANDA BLACKMAN

CU Denver students and speakers for political the Board for the Ayn community members had events on campus so long Rand Institute, as well as the opportunity to engage as there are no security the author of Free Market in diversity of thought at concerns. Revolution: How Ayn the Socialism vs Rand’s Ideas Can End Big Capitalism debate, hosted Yaron Brook took on Government. Sunkara is by the Steamboat Bhaskar Sunkara in this the founding editor and Institute’s Campus Liberty 90-minute debate, with publisher of Jacobin, a Tour. Notably, CU Brook arguing in favor of magazine voicing socialist Regents changed the capitalism, Sunkara in perspectives on politics, campus free speech policy favor of socialism. Brooks economics, and culture. last year to allow all is the current Chairman of He’s also the author of The

60 Socialist Manifesto: The capitalist nations and Regardless of ending Case for Radical Politics socialist nations. stance, students voiced in an Era of Extreme their appreciation of the Inequality. “I don’t care about opportunity to discuss inequality,” Brooks said perspectives that are less Brook and Sunkara’s when asked about common on college national Campus Liberty inequality. He explained campuses. Events such as Tour came to CU Denver that in a truly capitalistic this are meant to encourage through the work of society, every individual students to not only ask Republican CU Regent has the same opportunities, questions about political Sue Sharkey and her giving everybody the same stances, but to respect connections with the chance of social mobility. those of others. Steamboat Institute, which “promotes America’s first “I am less concerned with “I’m very interested in principles and inspires inequality of income, but different trains of thoughts active involvement in the more of inequality of on campus,” Chris defense of liberty,” power,” Sunkara said. To Speciale, a student according to their website. Sunkara, ownership serves attending the event, said. “I as the creator of power. want to help one another, Brook’s arguments Socialism, in his view, but I want to be a stemmed out of the aims to address the lack of capitalist. People who want Objectivist thought — ownership in certain social to help one another can do that individual happiness is classes and excess in it in capitalism, but they the moral purpose of life others. can’t in socialism.” and productive achievement as the noblest At the event’s conclusion, Other students at CU activity. Sunkara argued moderator Hadley Heath Denver may disagree with that democracy should not Manning asked audience this assessment, as there is be only in government, but members to raise their a chapter of Democratic within workplaces and all hands if their stance on Socialists of America on of society through a favoring one economic the Auraria campus. socially and democratically system over the other had owned economy. changed during the debate. While taking advantage of A swath of the crowd the University of Moderator Hadley Heath raised their hands, Colorado’s new free Manning posed questions acknowledging their speech policy, events such on the topics of healthcare, thoughts had shifted. as this allow students to social inequality, and real- learn from diverse world instances of thinkers.

Debate will discuss popular vote vs. Electoral College

Oct. 6, 2019

The Steamboat Institute Should We Elect Our never been more topical will host a Western Slope President? A Debate on than it is today,” said Debate Tour on the National Popular Vote vs. Jennifer Schubert-Akin, national popular vote vs. Electoral College.” chairman and CEO of the the Electoral College from Steamboat Institute. “Both 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 10 in The Western Slope debates the Electoral College and a room 130 of the Chemistry are in response to national popular vote offer Hall at Fort Lewis College, increasing calls to move democratic advantages and 1000 Rim Drive. away from the Electoral drawbacks. Two leading College toward a popular voices coming together to The event is part of The vote system. Earlier this debate this issue will allow Steamboat Institute’s year, Colorado Gov. Jared people to make up their broader Campus Liberty Polis signed a bill to enter own minds about which Tour. The debate will Colorado into the National voting system is best.” feature Trent England, Popular Vote Interstate executive vice president at Compact, which would Registration is not the Oklahoma Council of require member states to required. Admission will Public Affairs, and Ted transfer their share of be on a first-come, first- Trimpa, founder and Electoral College votes in served basis. Arrive early principal at the Trimpa future presidential to guarantee a seat. Group. elections to the candidate who wins the national For more information, The debate will be popular vote. visit www.steamboatinstitu moderated by Paul DeBell, te.org/events. assistant professor of “The voting system that political science at FLC. Americans use to elect our The topic will be: “How president has perhaps

National popular vote debated at Fort Lewis College By Patrick Armijo Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019

A movement to elect the populated areas, ignoring president by winner of the But a critic said the change much of rural America. national popular vote would simply “shuffle the would create a system that deck” and shift the focus The national popular vote values every voter equally, of presidential campaigns movement is focused on according to a proponent. from battleground states to convincing state

63 legislatures to sign onto an that will go before voters However, Trent England, interstate compact to in November 2020. executive vice president pledge their votes in the and director of Save Our Electoral College to the The National Popular Vote States, said the national winner of the national Interstate Compact would popular vote movement is popular vote. Right now, not eliminate the Electoral trying to do the impossible, virtually all states give all College. Instead, it would “take the politics out of their electoral votes to the require a state to give all politics” and is filled with popular vote winner within its electoral votes to the flaws even greater than the the state. national popular vote current Electoral College, winner, even if the state-based, winner-take- The sides aired their majority of the state voted all system. positions in a debate for the loser of the national Thursday night before a popular vote tally. “It is unstable and crowd of about 100 people untested, and the very in the Chemistry Hall at Patrick Rosenstiel, senior legality of it is in question, Fort Lewis College. consultant with National whether it would have to Popular Vote!, said, “I be approved by Congress, Currently, 14 states and think the real intention of whether you can give away Washington, D.C., the national popular vote a state’s power based on representing 187 Electoral campaign is to ensure that things that are happening College votes, have every voter in this room – in other states,” he said. adopted legislation to join Republican, Democrat, “All of these are open the National Popular Vote unaffiliated, progressive, questions. Legal questions Interstate Compact. The conservative, liberal – is that would have to be compact would take effect relevant in every decided by federal judges.” when states representing presidential election 270 electoral votes, the moving forward, and I The current system, he amount needed to elect a don’t believe that the said, prevents candidates president, sign onto it. current system delivers on from concentrating their that.” campaigns in areas they Colorado, representing are already popular. nine electoral votes, passed A vote by national tally, he National Popular Vote said, gives every voter “a “A politician can’t win the Interstate Compact direct voice in the outcome presidency by spiking the legislation, but the law has of the national popular football, by running up the been suspended pending a vote.” score in a place where he vote on a veto referendum or she is already popular,” he said.

The Civic Forum brings a night of debate October 9, 2019 By Alison Standish

The Colorado Mesa sides of the issue, and will Executive Officer of the University Civic Forum take place on Oct. 9 at 7 Trimpa group which is a will host the Steamboat p.m. in the Love Recital democratic consulting Institute, a conservative Hall inside the Moss firm. nonprofit organization, for Performing Arts Center. a debate about how we Each of the two men will should elect our president. The debate will feature represent a side of the Trent England, Executive debate. Jay Seaton, the The debate will discuss Vice President of the Publisher of the Daily whether we should elect Oklahoma Council of Sentinel, (the local through National Popular Public Affairs, a newspaper here in Grand Vote or through the conservative think tank Junction) will serve as Electoral College system. based in Oklahoma. It will moderator. This event will serve to also feature Ted Trimpa, educate people on both the Principal and Chief

65 Two debaters squared off over the National Popular Vote. Here are the highlights. Oct 10, 2019

Whether Colorado should comes before them during why, or why not, the effort participate in an effort to next year's general to join the National elect U.S. presidents based election. Popular Vote Interstate on the national popular Compact is a good idea, as vote is a question that For now, the two sides are was the case at a debate voters ultimately will squaring off over the held at Colorado Mesa decide when the issue matter in trying to explain University on Wednesday.

66 The debates are sponsored College votes needed to "The national popular vote by the Steamboat Institute, become president. is the very worst way to a conservative organization elect presidents," said that defines itself as a If that happens, each state Trent England, executive defender of freedom and that signs onto the compact vice president of the advocate of liberty. would dedicate its electoral Oklahoma Council of votes to whomever wins Public Affairs, a right- England and Rosenstiel are the national popular vote, leaning think tank. to debate the issue again including Colorado's nine tonight at Fort Lewis electoral votes. "I don't believe you should College in Durango. have to be in a swing state "I don't believe we should To date, 15 states and the to get presidential be praying to the tyranny District of Columbia have attention," countered of the minority," signed on. All currently Patrick Rosenstiel, a media Rosenstiel said. have Democratic Party consultant and spokesman "The Electoral College has majorities in their for served the nation well," legislatures. Including NationalPopularVote.com. England countered. "It has Colorado, that effort has "The current system traps stopped politicians from 196 electoral votes. you. I don't believe the running regional Under the Electoral Electoral College is there campaigns." College system, which was to protect small states." established in the U.S. The state's participation in Constitution in 1789, states England was supposed to the compact started in the have electoral votes based be debating Ted Trimpa, a Colorado Legislature when on the number of members Denver-based political it was in session earlier that each have in the U.S. consultant who primarily this year. There, Senate and U.S. House. works for progressive Democrats who control candidates. In July, the two both chambers passed a That system is based on were part of a debate tour bill requiring Colorado to the same premise under the that started in Steamboat join. U.S. Constitution that gave Springs and went to states equal footing in Aspen. That debate was That measure, however, Congress, which allocated supposed to be held in was the subject of a each with two senators, but Grand Junction at that petition drive led, in part, congressional members time, but Trimpa had to by Mesa County would represent an equal cancel at the last minute Commissioner Rose number of people. That's because of a family Pugliese, who successfully why, when populations emergency. At the last gathered enough signatures shift from state to state, minute, he canceled again. to get the question on the some states gain seats in 2020 ballot. the 435-member U.S. Instead, Rosenstiel was House after a national called to sit in at The compact doesn't go census every 10 years, Wednesday's debate. into effect for the states while others lose them. that join it unless it has the Colorado, for example, is minimum 270 Electoral expected to gain an eighth

67 House seat after the 2020 Currently, 48 states use a 1876 and John Quincy Census. winner-take-all system, Adams in 1824, according with their electoral votes to U.S. House archives. Using that scheme for the based on the popular vote Electoral College, as for president within their The closest Congress has opposed to a national vote states. come to altering the system in presidential races, was was in 1969, when the meant to prevent states Of the nation's 45 House approved a with greater populations presidents, only five times proposed constitutional from running roughshod have presidential amendment to go to a over less-populated ones. candidates won the popular national popular vote for vote but lost the election president. That measure, Still, the U.S. Constitution through the Electoral however, was later rejected allows states to determine College. Those who won by the U.S. Senate. how their Electoral those races include College votes are Presidents Donald Trump To view the debate in its determined, which means in 2016, George W. Bush entirety, go to the they can peg their electoral in 2000, Benjamin institute's Facebook page. votes to a national popular Harrison in 1888, vote. Rutherford B. Hayes in

Home to Thousands of Independent Voices Capitalism vs Socialism: A Debate and Discussion Oct 17 By TJ Canann

CEPA hosted a special Yaron Brook is the guardian US columnist, Policy@McCombs, in Chairman of the Board of and the author of “The partnership with the Ayn Rand Institute and Socialist Manifesto: The the Steamboat Institute, by the author of “Free Market Case for Radical Politics in bringing to campus a Revolution: How Ayn an Era of Extreme debate on “Capitalism vs. Rand’s Ideas Can End Big Inequality. Socialism” featuring Yaron Government”. Brook (Ayn Rand Institute) Moderated by Tom Rogan and Bhaskar Sunkara Bhaskar Sunkara is the — Commentary Desk, (Jacobin Magazine). founding editor and Washington Examiner. publisher of Jacobin,

• Also ran in the Colorado Springs Gazette and The Atlas Society.

Conservatives must engage in the culture wars Oct 23, 2019 By Sam Sorbo

A Gallup poll from this have helped achieve penetrate the frontal year shows the fraction of numerous conservative cortex. We’ve all had that Americans who identify as public policy reforms over feeling of understanding conservative over those the years, but they have something intellectually who call themselves liberal evidently failed at growing but not emotionally. Until is at its lowest point in the the conservative ranks. someone laughs out loud, poll’s history. The share of wells up with tears, or feels Americans who describe While conservatives are heartbreak or a frisson themselves as conservative leading in the battle of from a public policy white has declined by nearly ideas, they have all but paper, appeals from 20% since 1992, while the surrendered the culture entertainment will always portion who identify as war. Academia, have more impact. liberal has increased by entertainment, and high- nearly 50%. and low-culture are When it comes to completely dominated by Hollywood, which is my What’s the reason for this liberals. Conservatives domain as a filmmaker and decline in the conservative must enter the cultural fray actress, the story is more population? It’s certainly if they’re going to expand nuanced. Sure, movies not due to a lack of their base. push the latest PC claptrap, conservative think tanks universally depict shrewd and advocacy groups. Entertainment taps into businessmen as bogeymen, There are hundreds of people’s emotions, and treat conservative conservative state and reaching a deeper level of characters as dweebs or national organizations the brain than rational worse. But the across the country. These appeals that usually don’t fundamental and time-

70 honored Hollywood cronyism — are ones with Ultimately, conservatives themes remain essentially which most conservatives must build up their creative conservative. would agree. content producing capacity. This doesn’t Even movies that Imagine the cultural mean starting with a full- ostensibly espouse liberal influence if conservatives length feature. But it does values are usually seized this opportunity by mean expanding video undergirded with creating and promoting departments and providing conservative concepts conservative story lines to them with the decision because audiences still root match these universal rights to pursue their for good values and right themes. creative visions. In over wrong. addition to tapping into I will make this case to their followers’ emotions, Such common themes conservatives at the annual these organizations will include using ingenuity to State Policy Network expand their audience to overcome obstacles to conservative think tank demographics that achieve dreams; taking confab in Colorado traditionally don’t care responsibility for actions Springs. I will ask about public policy. that have consequences; attendees to focus a little and the importance of more on entertainment and There’s a market for such character over situation. a little less on Excel conservative content. My Until there’s a summer spreadsheets. husband Kevin Sorbo, blockbuster where well-known from characters laze around What does this look like in “Hercules” and “God’s performing self-destructive practice? At the most basic Not Dead” and I have behaviors without level, this simply means recently produced the consequence, the conservative think tanks conservative film “Let Hollywood product will supporting the There Be Light,” and his never be truly liberal. conservative offerings that career spans several other come out of Hollywood by conservative offerings such Other inherently highlighting them to their as “What If” that have conservative Hollywood audiences in blog posts, clearly tapped into latent themes include the newsletters, and op-eds. demand. importance of family; the Who doesn’t like a good glorification of the movie recommendation? Our newest film, “Miracle American dream; and in East Texas,” due out rewards for hard work and More ambitious think next spring, tells the true sacrifice. Masculinity, tanks should offer a film story of the world’s biggest freedom, and a willingness festival such as The oil strike, highlighting to fight in self-defense are Steamboat Institute does entrepreneurship, also almost universally every summer in conservative values, and glorified. Even the Steamboat Springs to freedom as themes. common Hollywood highlight the latest and By supporting such critiques of capitalism — greatest in conservative conservative films and warnings against cinema. engaging in the culture consumerism, corporatism, wars, conservatives can

71 reverse their dwindling green eyeshades for purple Sam Sorbo is a film population. It’s time for eyeglasses. producer, screenwriter, conservatives to trade their actress and adviser to The Steamboat Institute.

Colorado's think tanks put ideas into action Oct 23, 2019 By Joey Bunch

All that expertise and of view, they dive deeper George Sparks still carries credibility evolved into the into hot political issues and himself like a titan of museum's Institute for niche theories than industry -- a straight spine, Science & Policy, one of mainstream media would a firm handshake and a the few chief independent or could, especially in a purposeful gait as he greets policy resources at the public arena with fewer a journalist and makes his Capitol. That means that as and fewer professional way through the cavernous Colorado presses ahead on journalists. halls of the Denver issues such as climate Museum of Nature & change and renewable These organizations, Science. His mission this energy, the scientists funded by donors, inject day was to show off the working at the museum in knowledge and talking reconstructed bones of a T. East Denver will be at the points into a process that Rex dinosaur near the forefront of solutions, if runs on questions and entrance, as parents and policymakers listen. assumptions ahead of often children shuffled in. costly conclusions. Colorado is home to at Studies, white papers and When he was 45 years old, least two dozen institutes, fact sheets provide the he thought about the policy organizations and meat in the sausage- future, about his career collaboratives that pick making process in with Hewlett Packard and, apart issues related to the government. before that, his service as economy, health care, the an Air Force pilot. He environment, religious Colorado Politics polled made a plan to retire from liberties, fiscal news-media experts, global software matters at responsibility and other current and former 55 to run a nonprofit. One variables of the common legislators, lobbyists and informed decision led to good. other Capitol insiders another until 2004, when about the most prominent Sparks became president Some lean left, some lean and most credible think and CEO of the state's right, and some call tanks, regardless of premier scientific themselves nonpartisan for partisan slant. institution, one that began tax reasons, though their in a cabin in Breckenridge conclusions tend to follow Former State Sen. John in 1868. an ideological direction. Andrews, ubiquitous in Though most own a point Colorado politics for

73 decades, has founded five volleyball where the ideas The institute puts a lot of such policy organizations, go back and forth and stock in the next including two of the think eventually the strong generation of tanks on the list, the survive, as Steamboat conservatives. Independence Institute in Institute chair and CEO Denver and the Centennial Jennifer Schubert-Akin “When a young law school Institute at Colorado characterizes it. student can meet Alan Christian University in Knowledge and Dershowitz and visit with Lakewood. cheerfulness are more him, when they’re able to powerful than partisanship, surround Jim Bridenstine, "Government is constantly she said. the head of NASA, and interjecting itself into new they’re able to meet with areas of our lives, for In August, at one of the him one-on-one, they go better or worse," he said. Steamboat Institute's away feeling like, ‘Wow, I "Most Americans are busy largest annual events, the can meet these people, I getting on with their lives, Freedom Conference and can talk with them, I can so it gives people Film Festival in Steamboat make a difference,'" participating in self- Springs, Heritage Schubert-Akin said. government and the Foundation Senior Fellow average voter another debated capitalism vs. “It’s not just educating. resource to make sense of socialism onstage with Many organizations put on the issues beyond the Bhaskar Sunkara, founding conferences can seminars sound bite or the intense editor of Jacobin magazine and people get to go and sit emotional debate that gives and the author of the book in a room and listen, but off more heat than light." “The Socialist Manifesto.” how many people really go This were not people away feeling inspired?” Andrews said Twitter's conservatives would Reason and persuasion are short missives provide a normally embrace, but on a best mixed with a smile poor substitute for rigorous relaxing, sunny weekend in and good conversation, not study of the facts and an Routt County they did. anger and bitterness, she even more rigorous debate suggested. in the public arena of “If helps to understand the ideas. issues, if you’re willing to “If you want to inspire listen the other side to see people to come around to Here's a look at 10 where they’re coming your way of thinking, you Colorado think tanks. from," Schubert-Akin said. don’t do that by beating "At the same time, we them over the head and … incorporate music and calling them stupid,” she videos. We do that with a explained. “... We see Steamboat Institute: lot of the programs we plenty of that on both sides 'Knowledge and have. We want people to of the aisle. Turn on pick- cheerfulness' have a good time, to enjoy your-favorite-network, it the experience and to learn doesn’t really matter, and Politics doesn't have to be some things in the you’ll see a lot of that. a full contact sport, but process.” instead can be more like

74 “We insist there has to be a Seven staff and seven and social spectrum of the better way and we try to be Tony Blankley fellows. value of individual liberty, good examples, by freedom from excessive showing people they’re Annual budget: About government regulation, welcome at our events $850,000. and personal regardless of your responsibility. Our popular ideology.” Key financial contributors: annual Freedom The Adolph Coors Conference and Film Mission: "The Steamboat Foundation, The Anschutz Festival, which draws Institute promotes Foundation, The Lynde people from across America’s first principles and Harry Bradley America to Steamboat and inspires active Foundation, El Pomar Springs each August, involvement in the defense Foundation, The Snider provides ordinary citizens of liberty." Foundation and the – including dozens of Woodford Foundation for young leaders attending on Year founded: 2008. Limited Government. scholarships – the opportunity to have direct, Key leadership: Jennifer Why is your work personal access to our Schubert-Akin, chairman important? "The nation’s leaders in and CEO. Steamboat Institute offers conservative thought and creative, inspiring and policy." Number of staff, entertaining programs contributors or fellows: which persuade people from across the political

75 STEAMBOAT INSTITUTE Mailing Address P.O. Box 883037 Steamboat Springs, CO 80488 —— 300 Independence Avenue SE Washington, DC 20003 —— 970-846-6013