I am often asked, “What are the guiding principles by which a free society can be governed while preserving individual liberty?”
“The Sharon Statement,” a short yet powerful declaration of conservative principles, was adopted by the founding members of Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) in Sharon, Connecticut, at the home of William F. Buckley Jr. in September 1960. Though originally written over six decades ago, it remains a timeless reminder for all who call themselves conservative.
I encourage you to read this statement and share it with others who may need to be reminded—or refreshed—of these enduring ideas. As the document addressed the crises of its own time, its truths may be even more relevant today.
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The Sharon Statement
In this time of moral and political crises, it is the responsibility of the youth of America to affirm certain eternal truths. We, as young conservatives, believe: That foremost among the transcendent values is the individual’s use of his God-given free will, whence derives his right to be free from the restrictions of arbitrary force; That liberty is indivisible, and that political freedom cannot long exist without economic freedom; That the purpose of government is to protect those freedoms through the preservation of internal order, the provision of national defense, and the administration of justice; That when government ventures beyond these rightful functions, it accumulates power, which tends to diminish order and liberty; That the Constitution of the United States is the best arrangement yet devised for empowering government to fulfill its proper role, while restraining it from the concentration and abuse of power; That the genius of the Constitution—the division of powers—is summed up in the clause that reserves primacy to the several states, or to the people, in those spheres not specifically delegated to the Federal government; That the market economy, allocating resources by the free play of supply and demand, is the single economic system compatible with the requirements of personal freedom and constitutional government, and that it is at the same time the most productive supplier of human needs; That when government interferes with the work of the market economy, it tends to reduce the moral and physical strength of the nation; that when it takes from one man to bestow on another, it diminishes the incentive of the first, the integrity of the second, and the moral autonomy of both; That we will be free only so long as the national sovereignty of the United States is secure; that history shows periods of freedom are rare, and can exist only when free citizens concertedly defend their rights against all enemies; That the forces of international Communism are, at present, the greatest single threat to these liberties; That the United States should stress victory over, rather than coexistence with, this menace; and That American foreign policy must be judged by this criterion: does it serve the just interests of the United States?
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In conclusion, The Sharon Statement stands as a powerful testament to the core principles that define conservative thought – reminding us of the enduring importance of individual liberty, economic freedom, and the proper role of government in safeguarding both. As we confront the challenges of our time, embracing the timeless truths articulated in this document can renew our commitment to defend freedom and promote a just and prosperous society. Let us continue to uphold these values and engage in meaningful dialogue, ensuring that the ideals of The Sharon Statement endure to guide future generations.
For Texas and Liberty,
Senator Bob Hall
Texas Senate District 2