Top 10 Things American Experiment is Thankful For

Dear Friends,

As always, we have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. In the tumult of the moment, especially in an election season, it is easy to forget that for almost all of human history, the freedom to debate issues publicly and determine a nation’s policies in a free and open election has been only a dream. As we prepare for another peaceful transition of power, in an unbroken sequence dating back to 1789, we should be thankful that for all of her faults, America remains a shining city on a hill, a beacon and an example to all those who yearn to be free.

Here at American Experiment, as we look back on 2016, we have many things to be particularly grateful for. It is hard to hold the list down to 10!

Top 10 Things We Are Thankful For

  1. A BIG Win:  Early in 2016, the Center took a lead role in stopping an under-the-radar attempt by AFSCME to organize child care providers.
  1. New Forum Series:  Our quarterly lunch forum series focused on how liberal policies hurt the middle class, the poor, and minorities has drawn huge crowds to hear speakers like Jason Riley, Peter Wallison, Heather Mac Donald, and a debate on raising the minimum wage to $15.
  1. Impact of Reports and New Magazine:  Peter Nelson’s report on people (and income) leaving the state and Joseph Kennedy’s report on the mediocre performance of Minnesota’s economy have ignited an important policy debate. And our new glossy 48-page magazine is already reaching 15,000 Minnesota households, a number that will continue to grow.
  1. Big New Outreach:  We have significantly ramped up our outreach through newspapers and magazines, social media, radio, internet, and emails.  By the end of 2016, we will have had more than 10 million contacts with Minnesotans through op-eds, radio and television appearances and ads, internet videos, Facebook, our web site, etc. Next year, the sky is the limit.
  1. American Experiment Board and Staff:  Our board is composed of leaders whose wise counsel, generous support, and tireless work have allowed American Experiment to survive and thrive for over 25 years.  And we are blessed with a small but dedicated staff who work long hours to create a new Minnesota civic culture where conservative and free market ideas are better understood, appreciated and applied.
  1. Statewide Influence:  In 2016, the Center focused on bringing its messages to all of Minnesota, with op-eds in 64 newspapers, presence on 40 radio stations, and public meetings and press conferences in Duluth, Fergus Falls, Mankato and St. Cloud. Watch for much more activity in Greater Minnesota in 2017.
  1. Great media coverage:  We often complain about the press, but the truth is that the Center does very well across a broad range of media. Our work has been covered and generally praised by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Twin Cities Business, the St. Cloud Times and other Greater Minnesota papers, MinnPost, all the metro-area television stations as well as television stations in Duluth, Minnesota Public Radio, KTIS Radio, AM1280, AM1130, AM1440, AM 1500 and WCCO-AM.
  1. The Center’s Reputation and Productivity:  It didn’t come easy or overnight, but we long ago became the most credible source in Minnesota for delivering sound, practical policy solutions from the right side of the aisle, and this has easily been our most productive year. Our staff is greatly respected by legislators and legislative staff of both parties.
  1. America the Beautiful:  We are free and blessed and our great wealth and generosity have brought prosperity and real hope to billions, here and around the world.
  1. You!  Our Donors and Friends:  We don’t forget for a day that all of our accomplishments are made possible by the generosity of faithful friends like you.

Be well, and may you and your family enjoy a very special Thanksgiving and Holiday Season.

With great respect and appreciation,

John Hinderaker

President