A strong movement has to be willing to not only discuss the issues on which everyone agrees, but also to debate important issues in which opinion isn’t settled. The goal isn’t to get acclimation on every issue, but to understand the views of allies with differing opinions. By dampening distrust, it allows more robust cooperation on issues where there is agreement.
The conservative movement, in particular, has to be willing to confront important issues, even if it causes some members discomfort. The left comes from a singular philosophy: increase centralized control over citizens. Conservatism is built on the sanctity of the individual, but its members are animated by different issues. Conservatives must address all issues where individual liberty is threatened, and it must allow all voices to be heard. That is the spirit underlying Breitbart News’ “Uninvited” session at CPAC on Saturday.
Andrew Breitbart’s animating vision was that all conservative voices deserve to be heard. Moreover, that all issues vital to our national interest deserve a hearing. If the conservative movement bows to the media or a political establishment and censors its discussions, it is cheapened and made weaker.
In that spirit, Breitbart News has organized an impressive panel of experts to address issues which are all too often swept under the rug.
The “Uninvited” panel will take place on Saturday, March 16th from 1-3pm. The event is being held at the Gaylord Convention Center at National Harbor, host hotel for CPAC. The wide-ranging discussion will address the threat of radical islam, the rampant rise of crony capitalism, and the undermining of our nation’s military, among other issues. Through active engagement between policy experts and CPAC attendees, “Uninvited” will provide conservatives a robust forum on issues that pose an existential threat to our nation.
Stephen K. Bannon, Executive Chairman of Breitbart News Network, said, “This session is not simply about speakers and panelists, but about direct engagement and participation by the CPAC audience. Andrew Breitbart believed in more voices, not less, and that is what this session will be about. We will get as many people as possible to the microphone to ask their questions and engage our speakers.”
Former Attorney General Michael Mukasey
The panel begins with former US Attorney General Mike Mukasey, discussing the threat of civilizational jihad and the willful ignorance preventing our political class from confronting it. Government Accountability Institute President Peter Schweizer will address crony capitalism, infecting our government, and the rise of a permanent political class.
Peter Schweizer, author of Do As I Say (Not As I Do): Profiles in Liberal Hypocrisy
“The biggest political battle is not Republicans against Democrats,” Schweizer told Breitbart News. “It is the rest of America against Washington. Without changing the culture of Washington we won’t advance the conservative agenda.”
Following these discussions, Bannon will lead a panel of conservative stalwarts like Frank Gaffney, Robert Spencer and Pamela Geller.
Frank Gaffney, founder and president of Center for Security Policy
Fittingly, the panel will close with a discussion of free speech in today’s America. “Truth is the new hate speech according to our betters — the enemedia and political elites,” Geller told Breitbart News.
Pamela Geller, author of Freedom or Submission
Larry Solov, CEO and President of Breitbart News Network, said, “Andrew Breitbart never shied away from tackling controversial issues. He also understood that people need vigorous and sustained discussion and debate to make their own informed decisions. It is in Andrew’s spirit that we are proud to host this event.”
Saturday’s panel will build on Andrew’s legacy of confronting those that would suppress our views. It comes on the last day of CPAC, after which attendees will return to their lives and reengage in the daily fight for liberty. They will be properly armed.