Editorial

Winning: Are We There Yet?

By Grahn-Howard

The answer is a resounding no. We are still in the early stages of this battle, and now is NOT the time to sit back, rest, relax, or disengage. Due to their preference for limited government, many conservatives often become complacent after a successful election cycle. While the Democrats may seem disorganized at the moment, that situation will not last long. They will regroup and once again launch their assault on our Republic.

Trump’s return to the White House is the first step in what I anticipate will be a decade-long fight to restore our Republic. Make no mistake: we are engaged in a protracted struggle to achieve this goal. Winning requires effort, intentionality, discipline, and unwavering determination. Years ago, I wrote an essay on advanced citizenship, which is precisely what our Founding Fathers envisioned for us.

Advanced citizenship necessitates direct involvement in local, state, and federal elections. If your time or resources are limited, focus your efforts on local elections and processes. Our Republic needs your active participation and the exercise of your advanced citizenship.

Let’s clarify this once and for all: we often fall into the trap of referring to America as a democracy and advocating for its spread. NO! Americans frequently forget that the United States is not a true democracy but a Constitutional Republic. This Republic employs democratic methods to elect our representatives. We, the people, must engage, hold elected officials accountable, and fully grasp the government’s rightful role.

Remember Benjamin Franklin’s words: “A republic if you can keep it.” Maintaining it has been an ongoing battle. Democrats have worked tirelessly for over a century to transform us into a true democracy. We are drifting away from our Republic—the shining city on a hill—into a democracy.

“Democracy will soon degenerate into an anarchy, such an anarchy that

every man will do what is right in his own eyes, and no man’s life or

property or reputation or liberty will be secure, and every one of

these will soon mold itself into a system of subordination of all the

moral virtues, and intellectual abilities, all the powers of wealth,

beauty, wit, and science, to the wanton pleasures, the capricious

will, and the execrable cruelty of one or a very few.” John Adams

John Adams’ insights are almost prophetic. Democracy resembles a grand, beautiful sailboat with massive sails but no rudder; a Constitutional Republic provides that necessary rudder. What we are witnessing is a descent into mob rule or pure democracy.

Consider this glaring example: ever since 1913, when the Constitution was amended to allow U.S. Senators to be directly elected by the public—previously, they were elected by state legislatures—our American form of government has shifted toward true democracy and away from our Constitutional Republic.

A recent New York Times article provocatively titled “The Constitution is Sacred. Is it Also Dangerous?” suggests that our founding document might be one of the biggest threats to American politics. This is astonishing and frankly outrageous. The intent appears to be a move away from our foundational principles. Societal changes have long been pushing this agenda. Liberals seek an authentic democracy instead of preserving our Constitutional Republic. This topic could easily fill a history book.

So, what must we do? We need to heed the call of previous leaders in the conservative movement, like Phyllis Schlafly: educate ourselves and take action. There are NO unimportant elections. The COVID crisis highlighted this truth. Life-altering decisions were imposed by local “leaders” that many had previously ignored. School boards, county executives, and councils made choices that severely impacted our economies, children, and livelihoods. I hope you’ve learned from this and will invest your time, talent, and resources into local races.

Now is the moment to educate ourselves on policy, strategy, and tactics to prepare for the 2026 election cycle. Much is at stake at every level. I urge each of you to disconnect from your computers and engage with our local conservative leaders. Many are willing to hold seminars designed to enlighten you on how to get involved and understand the issues. Seize those opportunities. Your Republic demands your effort.

Identify organizations operating on solid conservative principles and remember that we need the most conservative candidate to win. However, the most conservative candidate is not always the one who can secure victory. It will require time, training, and substantial effort to cultivate an environment in certain districts where we can elect the most conservative candidate. This goal is achievable with your patience, commitment, and determination. It will not happen overnight—it might take a decade of relentless diligence. Let’s get to work.