My friends and fellow Americans:

“These are the times that try men’s souls.” –Thomas Paine

This is not the time to capitulate, retreat, or compromise. No. This is the time to strengthen our collective resolve, vow to keep fighting for what is right, moral, and decent in this great nation of ours.

This is the time to remind the elected officials that they work for us and not the other way around. This the time to remember that the United States Constitution is not some antiquated document that can be ignored and tossed into the dustbin of history.

This is the time to find those real conservatives who will represent us in the election of 2014 – those honorable men and women who understand what is Constitutional and what is not; what is an appropriate action to take in the world and what is not; what is the legal manner in which to allocate the funds we the people send out of responsibility for the few necessities promulgated by the law – to provide for the common defense.

This is the time to find the true conservative, not some weak-kneed moderate masquerading as a conservative, but a true Constitutional conservative, be it a Republican or a member of the Constitution Party, to be the standard bearer in 2016. The GOP had better heed the message that moderates to appease the media; moderates to appease the opposition will guarantee a future much like that of the Whig Party – extinction.

This is a clarion call for true conservatism – fiscal and social – not right-wing fanaticism, but genuine political and cultural conservatism that welcomes black voters, Hispanic voters, and Jewish voters who have balked at joining the movement due to a fear of a religious insurrection.

Religious faith is very important and should not be dismissed, but it should not be intertwined in our body politic. Having religious principles that guide us in how we live our lives on a daily basis is vital. Prayer is good too, but it should be personal and not political.

I am a believer in one Almighty God and attend synagogue regularly. It is a major part of what defines me as a person and how I choose to live my life. It does not, however, dictate my politics.

Taken on true conservative principles, supporting life, the rights of victims of crimes over those of the criminal, a strong national defense, the defense of marriage as one man-one woman, non-entangling alliances, the rights to defend one’s life, family and property are all tenets that should attract support from a vast swath of Americana, and it is welcomed.

Now is the time, friends, fellow Americans, and fellow patriots to stand up and not shy away from the hard work and responsibility that has fallen on our shoulders. Our voices must be heard and we must deliver ourselves from this festering cesspool of mediocrity and reclaim this nation to be the democratic-republic our Founding Fathers fought and died to give us. Their work shall not be in vain.

Thank you, and may God Bless us and the United States of America.

Sanford D. Horn is an educator and writer living in Westfield, IN. A lifelong Republican, he is (again) interested in seeking public office with the proper support and backing.