Summary of Our 3/3/09 Lincoln Day Dinner

Good food, good company, good principles – sounds like a Weber County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner

By Ricky Hatch
Treasurer - Weber County Republican Party

Once again Weber State University was the site for our Lincoln Day Dinner. Rather than go into detail about the meaningful flag ceremony by the WSU ROTC Color Guard, the scrumptious food, shimmering decorations, and scintillating dinner conversations, I’ll get right to the point – some great speakers.

Lieutenant Governor Gary Herbert talked about the strength of the State of Utah. He pointed out that for the past 20 years, this state has always been recognized as one of the best financially managed states in the Union. Is it then a coincidence that, for the most part, this state has had Republican leadership during that same time period? He thinks not and neither do you. He said that it’s easy to legislate when the coffers are full. Unfortunately, this year’s environment can’t quite be described that way. But the Lt. Governor stressed that during our last legislative session, our Weber County elected officials were FANTASTIC.

He cited The Economist magazine, which said America has led in every major category in the 21st century. Why? Because freedom works. Capitalism is not a dirty word. In Utah, we will live within our means, balance our budget, adhere to the principles of the Republican Party, and we will keep government off your backs and out of your wallets. We need to do more “missionary work” about capitalism and the free market.

National Committeeman Bruce Hough talked about the race for the Republican National Committee Chairman. It was considered one of the most rigorous races in memory. All 6 of the candidates visited Utah, and Mr. Hough went to Minnesota undecided. Michael Steele, Chairman of the South Carolina State party was elected after 6 rounds of voting, and is very capable of articulating the party’s message.

Mr. Hough talked about how one of the most important purposes of the RNC is the get Republicans elected. He also confirmed that he is in fact the father of the two Hough dancers on “Dancing with the Stars.”

The keynote speaker of the night was economic futurist Jeff Thredgold, who believes that God created economists to make astrologers look good. Actually, Jeff was very entertaining and enlightening. He caught our attention by stating that the period we’re in is the stuff our grandkids will read about in textbooks, but the basic message is “we will get through this-we always have.”

He gave plates full of statistics, and then listed 4 silver bullets on how we can get through this recession (Hmm…I wonder how many he would need to say before being thrown out of a Democratic fundraising dinner): 1) Limited Government, 2) Individual Responsibility, 3) Reduced Taxes, 4) Investment in the Stock Market. He said national unemployment will hit 9%, and that the recovery will start in Q4 of ’09.

Other “powerful” numbers: in 1980, the average college grad earned 25% more than the average high school grad. Today, he or she earns 90% more. If you have strong computer skills, you earn 15-20% more than a non-techno-dork. One out of every 3 college students is over 40 years old. 65,000 new web sites are created every minute. A universal language voice translator will be available on the market by the summer of 2010. C’est chouette!

Jeff said the Federal Reserve is more concerned about deflation than inflation. Twelve to 14 years ago, the US was a “bloated dinosaur.” But now we’re powerful, more innovative, flexible and dominant. The three guaranteed growth sectors are 1) Health care, 2) Financial Planning, and 3) Leisure and Entertainment (think of a wave of Baby Boomers getting ready to retire). Seven critical industries of the future: Technology, Transportation, Telecommunications, Financial Services, Energy, Entertainment, and Bio-medical.

He closed by saying that economics can be boiled down to one statement: “People respond to incentives.” That’s why Communism and Socialism are imploding, and that’s why the US will get through this recession.

Good food, good company, good principles – sounds like a Weber County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner.