The President's Message

As printed in the latest issue of Libertas, the premiere publication of Young America's Foundation

September 23, 2011

Dear Friends,

Ronald Reagan’s book collection at his beloved Western White House, Rancho del Cielo, includes a biography of football legend Vince Lombardi for whom football’s ultimate trophy is named. Lombardi helped build great teams—at West Point and with the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, and Washington Redskins—by focusing on the basics. Conservatives can still learn from Lombardi’s fundamental approach.

One such basic is that conservatives must effectively compete for the hearts and minds of America’s students. Ronald Reagan understood that and noted, “There is a spark in all of us which, if struck at just the right age, can light up the rest of our lives!”

Reagan sought to address students throughout his career. Many of President Reagan’s most important speeches were to college students at Notre Dame University, Moscow State University, Oxford University, and Fudan University. Why are students such an attractive audience?

Students are most impressionable. They are often hearing ideas for the first time. They are less likely to be set in their ways, which is often the case with older Americans—myself included.

Many college students are away from home—and family influences—for the first time in their lives. They leave their familiar environments to learn new and different ideas.

Young Americans also have a lot of time on their hands as students and in the years to come. Because their class schedules are so relaxed, most young people have time to think through issues, hear guest lectures, and engage in causes. In addition, a student won over to our cause in his or her teens or early twenties could have decades of activism ahead.

In the shadow of the Obama administration’s failed policies, students are open to hearing your conservative values and ideas. Young people aren’t just worried about their own dismal job prospects; they are also concerned by the hard times facing their parents and families. The Obama administration is telling them this is the best we can do.

We have an opportunity to tell them that there is a better way.

Schools have many forums—even on campuses threatened by politically-correct policies—to express conservative ideas. Classroom and seminar discussions, campus clubs, guest lectures, informal dorm room discussions, and ongoing social networking allow for the free flow of ideas.

So, if freedom’s cause is to advance, our ideas must be competitive in our high schools and colleges. Ronald Reagan’s public career reflected such an insight. It is also a basic for Young America’s Foundation.

Sincerely,

Ron Robinson
President