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Today I am pleased to announce that we are changing the name of the “Sutherland Soapbox” to “Principle Matters.” The change reflects Sutherland’s efforts to shift our focus from Boston-style, Revolutionary battles of what we are against, to a more compelling Philadelphia vision of what we are for – rooted in the principles outlined by the Constitution.
The dictionary defines a soapbox as “an improvised platform used by a spontaneous, or informal orator; something that provides an outlet for delivering opinions.” The term is often associated with strident voices going on a tirade about some controversial issue. Standing atop the soapbox has its place – but it is not enough. More important is to be able to share a vision for what we do want – a vision based on transformational principles.
And that’s why we’re changing the name of our radio commentary to “Principle Matters.” You’ll notice that the name has a double meaning: first, that leading from a position of sound principles is critical – it matters; second, “Principle Matters” describes what our commentaries will focus on. We will focus on the topics of utmost importance, the principle (and principal) matters of our time.
Gaylord Swim laid out our vision when he wrote that “[t]he Sutherland Dream is that we will promote principled patterns for governing and implement public policies that will be the envy of, and set a standard for, the nation.”
Some have wondered if a think tank located in Salt Lake City can really be heard. But being based in Utah is very fortunate, because from Utah’s laboratory of democracy, Sutherland Institute will sound the certain trumpet of sound principles and policies out to the country while providing a window in for all to see a Philadelphia vision in action.
So what are some of those principles, those foundational values and ideas? What are the subjects of greatest significance, the matters of principle importance?
Sutherland Institute is pursuing the path to “A New Birth of Freedom” for America through the pillars of a free market economy, civil society and federalism. Those three pillars are the matters of utmost importance. The free market is the economic engine that has and will continue to lift people from poverty. Civil society is the place where true compassion and community thrive – the family, the neighborhood, the church, and associations. And federalism – the proper balance between the federal and state governments and the various branches of government – is critical to a healthy, vibrant nation.
Thought leadership, compelling research, and strategic communication will enable Sutherland Institute to passionately promote and defend empowering principles, advocate for elevated dialogue, strive to produce enlightened public policy, and work to inspire more engaged citizens.
These are the principle matters. And we promote and defend them because, yes, principle does matter. And we invite you to join us on the path to “A New Birth of Freedom.”
For Sutherland Institute, this is Boyd Matheson. Thanks for engaging – because principle matters.
Boyd Matheson is president of Sutherland Institute.
This post is an edited transcript of Principle Matters, a weekly radio commentary aired on several Utah radio stations. The podcast can be found below.
Receive this broadcast each week directly to your iTunes by clicking here.
