This issue forum is about how to convey the conservative message. Featured in the picture is Rick Martinez, a radio host on state government radio. The panelist are talking about the conservative message. Interestingly, there have been numerous different answers to the very first question: "What is the conservative message and is it getting out?" Mr. Martinez was the moderator for this panel discussion.

There was discussion about gerrymandering and the fact that there is no choice in elections in North Carolina. Some members of the audience mentioned that in the North Carolina Legislature, Republican does not mean conservative -- you run as a Republican to get elected, and then you can govern any way you like.

Matt Mittan, a radio host from southeastern NC, says that we should talk about ideas, not labels. He believes that the conservative message is getting out, but the label of "conservative" isn't getting out. But he didn't care -- as long as good ideas get out.

He also says that a huge issue in North Carolina is ballot access -- libertarians are being told they simply don't exist in North Carolina because they're not allowed to be on the ballot. He says this is a BIG issue for conservatives.

Donna Martinez, another radio host and a television commentator said that she is a conservative and proud of it -- but may be a libertarian and doesn't realize it. She believes that conservatism is about personal responsibility and accountability. She believes that people should be absolutely free to make wrong and stupid choices.

Curtis Wright, a talk show host from Wilmington, says that the conservative message is what the next election will be about. But at the same time people today want to know "What's in it for me?" People want "Added value." If the conservative message doesn't show people the "Added value" of the message, people won't care.

Curtis Wright continued to say that all politics is local. Instead of focusing on national issues and Washington, we need to work on local issues and show people reasons to choose conservatives. Conservatives need to show people what's in it for them and their families. He says that too many people are involved "in the game" -- and no one cares about those people. He says that conservatives should never have to talk about what's going on in Washington and Raleigh, because the local people should be driving their activities.

Nathan Tabor says he is a Christian first, Conservative second, and Republican last. He believes that the conservative message is pro-God, pro-family, and small government.

Nathan Tabor continued that it was all about the primaries. That's where the battles need to be won. Conservatives have nothing that compares to moveon.org. He also believes that the liberals care more about the issues -- because they give more money and time than conservatives do.

One audience member strongly agreed with Curtis Wright -- that people simply do not care and will not care unless you start giving them something. Another audience member also agreed that conservatives need to show people what's in it for them. Towards the end, one audience member complained that he still did not see this panel show a clear answer to the initial question: "What is the conservative message." He outlined various points and idea.

Ogre thinks that one thing could define the conservative message and literally everything else would fall in line: Smaller Government. Unfortunately, that seems to be at odds with many people here today -- a smaller government does NOT ask what it can provide for others. A smaller government does not tell people what they will give to others -- with one exception. If you want to know what I would give you, were I elected, I'd give you one thing and one thing only: Freedom.