2006 Speakers
Our speaker in January was Bill Leonard, the 4th District representative of the California Board of Equalization. Bill pointed out that, unlike the court system, the burden of proof is on the taxpayer to prove the government wrong when they challenge a tax return. In addition, privacy goes out the window once you appear before the Board of Equalization; the records for that which is discussed or challenged become public record. Finally, he pointed out that even if the government is proven wrong, they have no liability to the taxpayer.
Our speaker was Bob Williams, the president of Evergreen Freedom Foundation. He was well-armed with facts and information about election fraud that is coming from the left in our society. His classic example was the Governor's race in the state of Washington just this past November where the Republican candidate had more votes on election day, and after the first re-count. However, after more absentee votes were counted in Kings County that the actual number of absentee ballots sent out, the Democratic candidate for Governor was "elected."
March 2006 - Dr. Lawrence McQuillan, PhD
Dr. McQuillan discussed economic freedom which he defined as the right to keep what you earn, the right to produce what you want and how you want, and the right to compete in product and labor markets without force or fraud.
Lance Izumi, a senior fellow in California Studies and Director of Education Studies at the Pacific Research Institute for Public Policy, talked about the upcoming election as it relates to Proposition 82. This is the universal pre-school initiative supported by Rob Reiner.
In over two years of having monthly forums, Steve Wampler was the first speaker who we have invited back to our monthly meetings. With over 70 people in attendance, Steve did not let us down. His message was about the good news from Iraq that mostly is not reported in the mainstream media.
Our speaker in June was Barry Minkin, a futurist and global thinker. He is in the process of getting a book published entitled, "Ten Great Lies That Threaten Western Civilization." He indicated that in the 1960s we went from equal opportunity as a goal to radical separation espoused by the likes of Stokely Carmichael, Malcolm X, and the Black Panthers.
July 2006 - Special Independence Day Celebration
Our July 4th Independence Day Observance at Azule City Park in Saratoga, California, was a very special old-fashioned 4th of July celebration. There were over 500 people in attendance.
August 2006 - Dr. Charlie Self
In August, Charlie Self (Doctor History) wowed Conservative Forum attendees with his vast knowledge, wit and enthusiasm. Doctor History started out by saying that to be a conservative is a courageous effort and highlighted the 7 Principles for the 21st Century Conservative.
On Tuesday, September 5th, 2006, more than 200 conservatives had a chance to listen, laugh and cheer their conservative values as Star Parker educated and entertained The Conservative Forum throng. Star Parker took a unique path to her conservative points of view. Moving from a background of welfare recipient, she has transformed her life by discovering Jesus Christ.
Our October speaker was John Kurzweil, the president of the California Public Policy Foundation. John provided a very scholarly presentation on the state of Calfironia politics.He pointed out that Sacramento was the final oracle for Californians. He made an analogy about how Joseph Stalin totally controlled the people of the former Soviet Union by regulating every facet of the people's lives. He gave an example of a bill that passed the California legislature that demonstrated in detail how to legally tether your dog.
Our November speaker was Paul Beard of the Pacific Legal Foundation. He discussed the 14th Amendment, the equal protection clause and affirmative action. Specifically, he discussed how PLF has successfully defended Proposition 209, which was passed by the citizens of California in 1996.
December 2006 - Annual Meeting
Our Conservative Forum meeting of December 5th was very well received by its attendees. Forty Conservative Forum members and guests observed The Conservative Forum's first annual meeting. First of all, 17 board members were nominated and elected to two-year terms. Then, 10 board members were chosen to be on the Executive Committee to meet monthly to discuss the day-to-day running of the Forum.