Week in Review: The Fight for Freedom is Never in Vain

Twenty years ago today was September 11, 2001—a day when America came under attack by violent extremists opposed to our values and way of life. For all of the men and women who lost their lives two decades ago, we will never forget. Nor will we forget those who bravely took up the cause of freedom to battle the forces of evil who perpetrated or aided in this attack and other acts of terrorism. 

Goldwater Institute Director of National Litigation Jon Riches, who is a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, reflects on the anniversary of 9/11 in a new post at In Defense of Liberty. The battle against evil remains crucial to the preservation of freedom, Riches writes: “Watching Afghanistan fall to the same rulers who gave sanctuary to those who planned the 9/11 attacks has caused outrage and pain for many Americans, including those who sacrificed so much to remove a barbarous regime. But the sacrifice of those who served in Afghanistan and in the broader War on Terrorism was not in vain.”

We at the Goldwater Institute pledge to honor those who fought—and continue to fight—against the forces of evil that threaten our lives and liberty. You can read Riches’ full commentary here.

Goldwater Gets Massachusetts Grandmother’s Car Back from the Government

Thanks to the work of the Goldwater Institute, Massachusetts grandmother Malinda Harris finally has her car back after it was held by the government for six long years.

Six years ago, Berkshire County police showed up at Malinda’s home and demanded the keys to her car. Why? Malinda had let her son, Trevice, borrow the car, and the police suspected that Trevice had used it in a crime. Malinda, though, hadn’t done a thing to run afoul of the law, and she had no idea that her son might have been involved in illegal activities, either. But nevertheless, her car was hauled away. There it sat in police custody—and the years passed by.

The Goldwater Institute got involved on Malinda’s behalf—and now, Malinda’s car has been returned to her. But many innocent Americans have similar stories—their cars, their cash, even their homes are taken and held by government when they haven’t even been accused, let alone convicted of a crime. That’s because of states’ civil asset forfeiture laws—and Goldwater is leading efforts to stop asset forfeiture abuse in courtroom and state capitols. You can read more about this important work here.

Goldwater to DC: Don’t Hike Taxes on Hardworking Families & Small Businesses

This week, the Goldwater Institute joined a coalition of more than 120 center-right organizations, activists, and state lawmakers in opposition to the numerous tax hikes on American families and businesses included in the $3.5 trillion reckless tax-and spend reconciliation proposal being considered in the U.S. Congress. We have joined with the coalition’s members in sending a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee in opposition to any effort to raise taxes on American families and businesses.

As Americans continue to deal with the ongoing economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, now is one of the worst times to raise taxes on American families and businesses. We are still more than five million jobs short of pre-pandemic levels. In addition, inflation is running rampant and increasing prices for families and businesses across the country. Rather than pushing tax increases on American families and businesses, Goldwater and the coalition urge Congress to push policies that promote economic growth.

You can read the full letter here.

REGISTER NOW: Color and Conformity in America’s Cancel Culture

Whether in the media, the workplace, in communities, or on college campuses, cancel culture and identity politics are forcing Americans to conform to ideologies and identities that may not be their own.

On Thursday, September 30, join the Goldwater Institute and America’s Future in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a conversation with Christian Watson, political commentator and national spokesperson for Color Us United, about how young Americans can reclaim their individuality, take responsibility for their own lives, and chart their own pathway for success.

This event is part of the Goldwater Institute’s ongoing series of discussions regarding the rise of Critical Race Theory in America’s schools and society, halting the movement toward Marxism, and how Goldwater is working to ensure academic transparency in the classroom so parents know what is being taught to their children.

You can learn more about the event and register to attend here.