We hope you enjoy these news stories about TFAS activities, alumni and events this week. Sign up to receive TFAS updates, and visit us on social media for additional up-to-the-moment TFAS news!
TFAS Public Policy Fellows Explore the American Political Tradition
This year’s cohort of the 2022-23 TFAS Public Policy Fellows began their journey together this past fall and quickly grew close. The group thoughtfully debated and exchanged their opinions, viewpoints and experiences through a series of academic discussion sessions and weekend retreats.
Throughout the year-long program, these promising young individuals focused on answering the question, “What is conservatism?” They analyzed post-war conservatism and the efforts made by scholars such as F.A. Hayek, Russell Kirk, William F. Buckley Jr. and Frank Meyer to determine how best to resolve the conflict between freedom and order in public policy. Each month, Fellows discussed topics essential to republican government with public policy professionals, academic and political leaders.
Read more about the cohort’s exciting year here.
Challenging the Status Quo: TFAS and Sen. Rand Paul Host 11th Annual Capitol Hill Lecture Series
Each summer, The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) and the Office of Senator Rand Paul host the Capitol Hill Lecture Series, an inspiring series of talks featuring courageous thought leaders who challenge the status quo to uncover the truth behind complex issues. Sponsored by the Einhorn Family Foundation, this is the 11th year of the Capitol Hill Lecture Series. This series attracts 1,500 young leaders each year and puts young people face-to-face with prominent leaders advancing the cause for freedom.
The subject of this summer’s lecture series is Courageous Leaders: Challenging the Status Quo. In focusing on this specific theme, TFAS students and other D.C. interns are encouraged to ponder what it means to lead courageously.
This summer’s lineup features five brave individuals who have dared to do just that – serve the people around them instead of serving their own agendas. Matt Taibbi and John Tamny gave the first two lectures in June, which had an excellent turnout of 450 D.C. interns.
Read more about this year’s Capitol Hill Lectures here.
Ron Hart On The Power of Laughter
In this week’s episode of the Liberty + Leadership Podcast, TFAS President Roger Ream ’76 speaks with political op-ed writer, former investment banker and TFAS alumnus, Ron Hart ’81. Roger and Ron touch on a range of topics from how regulations and priority changes have negatively impacted the financial industry to his career as a standup comedian. They also discuss what it was like growing up as the son of a policeman, his career in wealth management, and how today’s younger generation is afraid to laugh.
TFAS Faculty, Alumni, Supporters in the News
Calvin Blaylock, PPF ’20, is now the chief of staff at Invictus Strategies, a new fundraising consulting firm in Leonard Leo’s network that exists to help conservatives retake the philanthropic lead in America.
Haley Britzky ’16 made her CNN live debut where she discussed the strains on the Army’s air defense units and what the military plans to do about it.
Stephanie Slade, Novak ’16, wrote a piece for Reason about the Supreme Court ruling that Colorado can’t force graphic designer Lorie Smith to create same-sex wedding websites.
Peter Suderman, Novak ’10, explains the Biden administration’s economic policies and highlights how the system works from the top down in an article for Reason.
Ryan Lovelace, Novak ’17, wrote a piece for The Washington Times about Google and Meta teaming up to restrict news in Canada rather than compensate news outlets.
Matthew Continetti, Novak ’08, wrote an article for National Review explaining the poor economic policies and practices of the Biden administration and speculated on their impact in the next election cycle.
Michael Lucchese, PPF ’22, wrote a piece about Nisbet and the “non-libertarian” case for decentralization for Public Discourse.
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United Nations Jakub Kulhanek ’07 spoke on behalf of Czechia and Slovakia at the UN Security Council to condemn Russia’s attacks against civilians.
TFAS Professor Dr. Nikolai Wenzel co-wrote an article with his student from TFAS Guatemala, Luis Carlos Araujo Quinter ’22, about George Washington, the American Cincinnatus.
Post of the Week
Last week, TFAS reached the halfway point for the D.C. Academic Internship Programs! So far this summer, TFAS students have participated in Capitol Hill Lectures, site visits, and briefings, while taking academic courses at George Mason University and exploring everything Washington, D.C., has to offer! Junia Lee ’23 posted an update on Instagram from the Capitol Hill Briefing where TFAS students heard from U.S. Representative and TFAS alumnus David Rouzer ’93, ’94. We are excited for our students to enjoy the second half of the D.C. Summer Programs as well as many more fantastic experiences with TFAS!
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