Autobiography - The Galindo Group

Ram Galindo THE MAKING OF AN AMERICAN Page 90
his tax reduction plan or other legislative initiative important to him. I found that his mind
was just as tough as his body and that he knows how to drive both to their best
performance.
Later, when he became president in the closest and most contentious election in recent
history, his impeccable record and balanced free-enterprise vision proved to me again
that a key to a successful America lies in the election of the best candidates available.
Judging by his popularity in his home state, my view was obviously shared by many
Texans. I think most Americans now also share it. Governor Bush had many able and
dedicated close advisors, including the uniquely savvy and smooth Karl Rove. A man of
impressive intellect who started his fame as Texas’ foremost political architect under
Texas Governor Bill Clements, Karl went on to continue his role as the President’s
intimate adviser in Washington D.C. Another friend of the President’s who moved to
Washington with him was Clay Johnson, his appointments director. Together with other
capable members of the former governor’s staff, they continue to be at the core of a
reliable and trusted group of advisers.
Obviously America was lucky to have George W. Bush as president during the trying
days following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York (two passenger
planes were crashed by terrorists at the World Trade Center towers) and in Washington,
D.C. (one passenger plane was crashed into the Pentagon). Those of us who want
limited government to guarantee our freedom but are not willing to get sweaty, muddied
and beat-up in the arena of public scrutiny must at least support the good candidates
who do. Yet, helping them get elected is not enough.
The right to pursue a dream, like most other significant rights, is high-maintenance. We
must all help and not just with money and/or time; we must stay engaged and
participate in public policy formation by driving the political agenda with our opinions. An
individual opinion, unless issued by a renowned authority, needs a lot of heavy lobbying
before it is even heard, much less considered, by politicians. Opinions expressed
frequently by diverse constituents in the right forums are listened to with more attention.
That is why it is important to participate in associations, think tanks, and other
organizations that compound the value of one opinion to a viable suggestion for
legislative action. The fight for freedom takes many forms but it never ends. It costs a lot
of money. Therefore, making money is very important to the preservation of our system,
as is having the freedom to use it as its maker sees fit. The next chapter of my book is
dedicated to recounting my work on these endeavors, which have absorbed much of my
life.
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