2013 CPAC RECAP (entry 1 of 3 part series)
This past weekend I attended the conservative political action committee in National Harbor, MD only 5 min from my home in Alexandria, VA. From the start I felt good about the anticipated CPAC because they gave me a media credential, which I thought were for people and organizations with substantial experiences and significant bodies of work. To my surprise the role of the citizen journalism was definitely embraced and I found myself one of hundreds of bloggers in a blogosphere I never knew existed. My first CPAC was a great time, I’d encourage anyone interested in the conservative movement to make the journey at least once, and I intend to make it an annual event-can’t wait till next year!
There were well over 100 events on the 3-day schedule consisting of speakers, panels, breakout sessions, movie screenings, training sessions, job fairs, book signings…etc. I attend as many as I could and below are few highlights I felt worth mentioning. Entry 1 of 3 part series:
DAY 1:
- I’ve always been somewhat intrigued by the Tea Party and prior to this weekend I didn’t quite understand the Tea Party beyond what I’ve read in books and online articles. After attending a few Tea Party Patriots breakout sessions it is clear that the movement is steeped in conservative intellectualism. Attending a Tea Party breakout session resembled more American Constitution 101 (complete with textbooks and instructional DVDs on the founding of America) than a meal with only red-meat on the menu. Even more awesome was the diversity of individuals in the room to include Jews, Hispanics, women and African-Americans. In fact there was even a separate session sponsored by the Tea Party Patriots, entitled: “Trump the Race Card: Are You Sick and Tired of Being Called a Racist and You Know You’re Not One.“ It is unfortunate that we live in a country where the issue of race seems to have unloosening grip on our people. However, better us have the conversation than not, so I applaud the Tea Party’s efforts of promoting diversity. I don’t agree with everything coming out of the Tea Party, but it is a thoughtful movement and represent the kind a civic-populist engagement the would make Tocqueville proud.
Alexis de Tocqueville
The famous French political thinker and historian Alexis de Tocqueville wrote pointedly about American society in large measure to help his countrymen navigate the transition of aristocracy to democracy. In so doing he wrote, Democracy in America. As a critic of individualism, Tocqueville thought that through associating, the coming together of people for mutual purpose both in the public and private sector, Americans are able to overcome selfish desires, thus making both a self-conscious and active political society and vibrant civil society functioning independently of the state.
- I attend another breakout session concerning the future of same-sex marriage with the conservative movement. The panel presented a strong case in favor of the measure to a packed crowed of fellow sympathizers. CPAC is a grassroots event, as such the attendees are by far the most engaged and partisan of the electorate. Thus, to see a packed room of proponents coupled with both rationale and emotional appeals I walked away convinced that the future of the GOP will consist of an influential openly gay wing of the party. Today this wing of the conservative movement is still in the periphery (i.e. Log Cabin Republicans and the like were not invited).
The real question is can this new burgeoning wing co-exist with the traditional marriage crowd led by Rick Santorum and his equally loud, passionate following.
- I ended the day with a movie screening; Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, The award winning look at our beloved 40th president. Pretty good flick and highly recommended.
