The Rio Grande Foundation is proud of its conservative credentials and suffer the slings and arrows of those who sometimes call us a “front group” for Republicans. But, we are about good policy, not party politics. That is why we recently had some kind words for Rep. Mimi Stewart (a liberal Democrat) to the consternation of some prominent Republicans (read the comments at the previous link).
Well, last night after our Las Cruces Liberty on the Rocks, I went directly into the “belly of the beast” when I visited the “progressive voter alliance” in Las Cruces. I was there thanks to Sen. Steve Fischmann who, while we disagree on a variety of issues, agrees with and supports much of the “Florida Model” for K-12 reforms and Gov. Martinez’s educational efforts.
I had four minutes to present, and was given a fair hearing for my views. If anything, the main concern that the 50 or so folks at the meeting had was the need to address underlying poverty issues that go far deeper than any “education” reform can. And, while I know that we at RGF and the PVA folks probably disagree 90+ percent of the time, I think education is one big issue that there may be some common ground on. Hopefully build and then leverage that support to get more robust education reforms the next time the Legislature meets.
RGF isn’t conservative, though it is far right winged.
Even though there is no such thing as a free market, even left leaning people will push for market mechanisms.
http://www.planetizen.com/node/48568
Paul, I appreciate you reaching out to the left as long as we “conservatives-moderates” don’t have to sacrifice our “core values” I value honest dialog and open discussion on issues with anyone reasonable. Kudos to going into the “belly of the beast”. I just want to be wise about not letting “anyone” off the hook for any “absurd ideas” that have passed as legislation and will continue to be proposed. As I suggested previously it was Mimi Stewart that agreed with the RFG not the other way around. One moment of clarity in the land of “Alice in Wonderland” does not make it a movie I want to watch much less make reality for me or my children.