I am a liberal (or progressive as we like to be called).  I admit it.  I believe that the pursuit of happiness is founded in equality and in providing certain foundational services.  For our nation to thrive, we must be the example to other countries by taking care of our selves, our resources, and our children.  And I believe social, domestic and international policies can be tremendously successful enablers in the process.

So, it came as a surprise to me, at my son's conservation camp closing ceremony yesterday, that the keynote speaker would so eloquently weave conservatism with conservation,global warming, the environment and social agenda.  John is former President of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and current Board Member of the Conservation Non-Profit, and was a successful business owner who I had met years ago.  One who I respected, one who I thought I knew a bit about, but soon learned I knew very little about. 

I walked up to him after the event and reintroduced myself.  He's a frequent reader of our Tips from the Top newsletter, so while my face wasn't recognized, my name was.  And there, in the middle of a sweltering camp rec hall I learned about his passion.  Helping everyone, young and old, learn about the environment.  Learn about natural resources, learn about taking care of our limited supply.  For campers, learn as future leaders their responsibilities as stewards of this planet.  And making this affordable for all - in fact, many of the teenagers who attended camp, did so on full scholarships.

John grew up on a family farm in the 30's.  Back then it was farming first, then play or jobs or other activities.  And it shaped him.  As a farmer and a hunter, he learned how important it was to work with limited resources and to think long term about the consequences and ensure sustainable practices.  That very lesson is the basis for his thinking as a business owner today:  always consider how to make the best use of your company, your time, employees and investments and ensure that those practices are sustainable.

As we were saying our goodbyes, John turned to me and said "You know, we have to take our country back."  My first instinct was to cringe. I'd heard those words before.  From people who want to throw out our legally elected leaders, from those couch racism in taxation/big government terms, and from politicians looking to play on people's fears.  But as John continued, I heard another word.  I heard responsibility.  We have to take responsibility for our country back; this cannot be abdicated.  We have to fully engage.  We have to fully participate.  And we have to hold ourselves fully accountable, not others. 

"Taking our country back" for John isn't  about a political party.  It's smart common sense.  For our environment, for our society and for our economy.

At the end of conversation, I hugged John with hopes that it wouldn't be another 5 years before I saw him next.   And thank yous.  For helping to grow the Conservation Camp into a transformative experience for youth.  For the inspirational words he shared with the campers as keynote speaker.  And for opening my ears up a bit.  So the next time I hear something, I'll remove my filters and truly listen to what the others are saying, and just as exemplified through The Alternative Board at every meeting - remind me that everyone you meet in life can teach you.