What a weekend we had with over 150 members of AFPF-Arkansas! From our national Defending the American Dream Summit to around 500,000 patriots on our nation’s mall – we are invigorated and energized for the road ahead.

Throughout our summit the message was clear. People are sick and tired of wasteful government spending. In fact one veteran voiced concern that everything he fought for while in the Pacific theater of World War II was being forgotten about. The freedoms and liberties that he said kept him motivated are being trampled on by on intrusive government, and any future his grandchildren might have looks bleak due to the ever increasing deficit.

And then there are the small business owners that took valuable time to attend the summit “because it was too important to miss.” The recurring theme with these Arkansans was in regards to new healthcare legislation. They are worried about losing their businesses they have placed their all into because of “fees,” new taxes, and new regulations that will be placed upon them. Speaking of regulation – cap-n-tax also infuriates the dry cleaner from Springdale. With the unregulated power the EPA continues to attempt to grasp small businesses like your local dry cleaner, family owned construction company, or pizza parlor could be regulated to death. And this is how the government is going to fix all of our problems?

After a wonderful Arkansas delegation (did I mention we had over 150 representing our state?) meeting inspiring words from AFPF President Tim Phillips, AFPF Vice President of Policy Phil Kerpen, and Herman Cain, and an afternoon full of informative break-out sessions, the evening ended on an extraordinarily high note with conservative columnist and commentator George Will.

George spoke of history. My how the gathered “aroused assembly” can make the difference and fix the problems brought upon it by an overreaching government. He actually quoted Winston Churchill by stating “the American people invariably do the right thing after they have exhausted all alternatives.” And he is right. We have sat on the couch and armchair quarterbacked for long enough. Such apathy is what got us into this mess. What we must do is ever so politely remind Congress that November is coming, and vote for those you feel would best represent your views while in Washington, DC.

So get out, get informed, and go vote this November. We are the difference we wish to see. We are the play makers. We are the change this nation so desperately needs.