By North Dakota State Rep. Blair Thoreson
BISMARCK — When did the public and private sector working together to find solutions become a bad thing? If you listen to the rhetoric stemming from Progressive groups, cooperative efforts dedicated to creating economic opportunity, consumer choices and finding solutions to real world problems are part of a vast right-wing conspiracy.
As a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), I am appalled at the spurious attacks directed toward the organization. As public sector chair of the ALEC Communications and Technology task force, I know the positive impact of legislation brought forward in states because of the issues we debate.
Groups that oppose free-markets and the free exchange of ideas have politicized the recent shooting in Florida, which resulted in the death of 17-year old Trayvon Martin. Organizations funded by George Soros as well as leftist pundits are trying to associate ALEC with this horrible tragedy. As member of the board of directors for the non-profit journalism organization Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, I’m troubled by the old media for their lack of fact checking surrounding the accusations made against ALEC. The combination of leftist attacks and lack of media scrutiny is being used to intimidate supporters of the organization.
The low depths these allegedly “Progressive” groups have sunk to beckon an answer to the question: what are they so afraid of? The answer: ALEC is successful at shaping pro-growth, free-market legislation at the state level. Working with both Democrats and Republicans in state capitals has resulted in job creation and economic growth. ALEC has helped create a vigorous exchange of ideas between the public and private sector.
The results have improved the lives of families all across our great country. Do opponents of ALEC fear bipartisan efforts to make people less dependent on government rendering those in leadership less powerful? Sadly the answer is “yes”.
