Welcome to the new Blog

So I gave up on Mindsay. And, I'm now on Blogspot. I changed mostly to start out fresh since I haven't really blogged that much since last November's election cycle. And, that should really be representative of what my new blog is going to be all about. But in case you want to see the old Mindsay blog, you still can.

I was ecstatic last November when President Bush pulled out a major victory and by a pretty good margin, larger than anyone predicted and he definitely earned a "mandate." His mandate was not as secure with just his win alone - though that was enough for me. But, with the Republicans picking up 4 seats (!) in the Senate and a whole lotta seats in the House, and a few more governor's seats... I'd say that's a mandate.

Now, what should President Bush and the Republican majority do with this mandate that the American people have given them? They should go forward with their agenda and with an agenda that leans mostly to the right. For guidance, they should consult the Heritage Foundation's Mandate For Leadership guide. I'd stand behind most of that. It is an outline of how this President and this Congress can use conservative principles to limit government, expand freedom and strengthen America.

While I'm happy Republicans are now the majority, I'm also nervous. I'm nervous they will just turn out to be like the Democrats, and continue expanding the size of the federal government, as there is not a "more conservative" party available to check them. And I'm nervous that they'll be unable to start cutting back on the budget.

But, I am hopeful that they will lead, as there are crucial issues they must do so on. I'm especially concerned with the war on terrorism and the cultural values that I voted for - continuing to promote freedom at home and abroad and doing so in a way that respects civil liberties, keeps America the beacon of hope for all around the world, and promotes a culture of life, no matter who tells them they are wrong or tries to stand in their way.

This blog hopes to remain principled, even if the party I typically vote for does not. I will also focus a lot of issues on the college campuses I visit as my role as Director of Membership and Campus Leadership for the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. I can't divulge everything on here, but I can certainly share touching stories from some of the amazing people I meet, lectures I get to hear, and ideas that I am able to ponder.

I'll also share stories of what I've been up to with my friends and family and other aspects of my personal life - a life where my Catholic values and conservative principles almost never remain absent. As I try to follow the path that Christ set out for each of us, sometimes I still struggle to follow that path. I do believe I am on a path though and I know the Lord is leading me with his Light. Every new person I meet, every new place I discover, and every new experience I have shows me that this world is full of a magnificient creation that we continue to learn about each day. I believe that God puts people, places, and experiences in our lives for us all to enjoy and be guided by. I hope this blog helps me reflect on the grace we are all given with the amazing lives we each have.

As I consider academic and career choices, I'll also keep some updates on those. And, of course I hope to offer plenty of pictures from my travels across this great nation. It is the people that make the places - and the American people continue to make this country thrive, and it is courageous and thoughtful college students that keep the America's campuses alive with the free exchange of ideas, even when some of their ideas are challenged or when great odds are posed against them. I also hope that you will partake in this blog, with your thoughtful responses. This will be partly a journal, but partly a discussion. Each of you remain a crucial part.

So... this is my blog. Welcome to my world.