Do you know why we do events here at Mountain States? It’s to gather with likeminded people from all walks of life and recharge – recharge us, recharge our partners and supporters, and to welcome people into our incredible team that is out to change the world. And I don’t know about you, but I was feeling the need for a bit of a recharge and MSLF’s most recent event provided just that.
It is always refreshing to be surrounded by individuals who believe in the liberty and freedom of America. It reinvigorates my hope for the future of America. Americans are battling on multiple fronts to preserve the freedom and nation that was handed down to us by our Founding Fathers. And this Mountain States event, aptly named “The Reclaiming of America” was a good reminder we are not in this fight alone. In fact, the complete opposite is true, we are in this together.
Last week, Mountain States hosted an event with Michael Pack, the director and producer of many acclaimed films but is perhaps most recognized for his most recent project, Clarence Thomas: In His Own Words. The evening buzzed with energy as guests, donors, and MSLF staff engaged in conversations, a book signing by Michael Pack, and a special dinner. It warmed my heart to see so many friends of liberty engaging with each other in refreshing conversation.
A Tribute to the Longwells
The most touching part of the evening was the presentation of the Medal of Courage award to Sidney Longwell posthumously and was accepted on his behalf by his wife Sealann Longwell. Sidney Longwell was MSLF’s client in our Solenex case which just closed out with a victory through a major government settlement. Sidney Longwell never gave up the fight that lasted over 40 years and though he did not live to see the victory he achieved for liberty; his courage will not be soon forgotten.
Mrs. Longwell shared some touching words about Sidney and also the impact that Mountain States has had on their family’s life. Mrs. Longwell is a woman filled with life and I believe embodies the beauty of the American spirit. She is fearless and believes deeply in the cause of liberty.
Freedom and Film
The evening’s keynote was, of course, Michael Pack’s remarks on “The Reclaiming of America.” His speech touched on the importance of film and art within the conservative movement to provide an alternative narrative to the left. He advocated that the reclaiming effort of our nation begins with reaching people who are in the middle, neither right nor left, and that often the best way to achieve that is through film.
He showed clips from a couple of his films and shared the inspiring stories behind them, but also the obstacles that stand in the way of those pictures actually showing up on your TV or the silver screen. The opposition is tough, but Michael Pack remains committed to his mission of producing films that inspire a love for freedom and patriotism in Americans.
I was hopeful that night, as I was surrounded by an entire ballroom of individuals devoted to the cause of liberty and who stand with Mountain States. We share a common purpose in preserving and restoring the rights enshrined in the Constitution. Even more inspiring is that room was just a fraction of the entire movement for liberty. A group of individuals united by a movement committed to reclaiming America is enough to make me think that the future of America is bright.
We can ensure an America that is free for future generations. We can reclaim the values upon which our great country was founded. We can preserve the rights under our founding documents. United, I believe that we can reclaim the America we love.