About the blogger
A little about the guy behind the words.
I am a Writer.
In addition to this blog, I am a regular contributor to ValuesAndCapitalism.com, an American Enterprise Institute project at the intersection of faith, politics and free-market economics. Follow them on Twitter @ValuesAndCap.
I am a Designer/Marketing Strategist.
As the lead graphic designer at Houston Baptist University, it is my job to target audiences, develop messages and communicate them effectively through a variety of media and methods. I have been in this role since 2008.
I am a Proto-Academic.
I graduated cum laude from Houston Baptist University with a BA in Government, and I am working on an MA in Political Science at the University of Houston. My academic interest is in constitutional democracy, political economy and Christian social thought. I have been awarded a Fellowship by the Institute for Humane Studies at George Mason University and have participated in conferences and seminars with the Acton Institute, the Foundation for Economic Education, American Enterprise Institute, Liberty Fund and the Southern Political Science Association.
I am a Conservative.
Political labels tend to oversimplify, so here is the rundown: I advocate limited government, separated powers, federalism, free trade, strong families and moral and civic virtue. I believe these things lead to a healthy, free and just society. My political support goes to free-market Republicans or—in the absence thereof—prudent Libertarians.
I am a Christian.
I was not raised to follow any certain religion, but at various points in life I found my questions answered by Christianity. I still have plenty of them, and I’m comfortable with that. One unresolved question is what denomination fits best with my values, understanding, et cetera. I consider myself a Protestant with enormous respect for the Catholic church and its history. As such, my approach is ecumenical and my foundation is Christ. For me, my faith is both a theological reality and a life philosophy.
I am a Musician.
I started writing, recording and performing around 1995, but my most successful effort was as frontman for the group Jack in the Pulpit (iTunes it). I went back to college in 2007 and began focusing on school work and leading worship groups. Fans still ask if I will be releasing anything new, but as of yet there are no plans.
I am a Husband.
I married my beautiful wife Lauren on September 27, 2008, and we have since resided in our hometown of Houston, Texas. I am thankful to be sharing my life with someone of her passion and talent.
Mr. Grant:
I have had the very same thought that you have articulated here even down to the name of “Federalist”. I have started an editorial that I had planned to send to my local (and several regional) papers espousing the idea. I have even toyed with adopting the pen name Publius but I’m afraid that may prevent the article from being taken seriously. I think that a devolution of powers to the way things used to be would do wonders for American and the majority would immediately implement conservative values in most states. I’d be interested in hearing more about how you think modern federalism should take form. If you’re interested I’d be happy to exchange ideas with you via email. Either way, thanks for a very informative article.
Thanks David. I absolutely agree that a return to the principles of federalism would do wonders for the United States. Reagan did a lot of great things in this regard, but it hasn’t been discussed since then. I’m not sure, however, that the majority of people in most states would be so quick to implement conservative values. Blue states will still be blue. One of the valuable things about federalism, though, is the ability for states to learn from one another over time. For example, the Massachusetts health care plan would’ve provided a great opportunity to see what went right or wrong. But the general public mentality is that we are one nation headed by the President, who makes laws along with our Congress. The states are mere districts within the larger body. This has got to change.
Harking back to your post on political spectrum, I would likely consider myself on balance a (social) liberal. Though as you pointed out, labels are difficult; each individual rests on a unique position within the continuum. I like the fact that conservatives such as yourself are active in the political discussion. Ideological diversity allows us to cover all bases, and widens our respective worldviews to something more comprehensive.
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