Draw the Line or Be Overrun: A Call to Show Up and Lead. We have to draw the line on free speech locally and at the community level or the federal government will do it for us. If we don’t define our boundaries and regulate speech through social norms and pressure, they will. And mark my words, their definition will serve the existing power structures, enforced with an iron fist. It comes down to this: Rule yourselves or be ruled. The time for armchair philosophies and online debates is over. It’s time to get real. Men, It’s on You I see it every day in my work and community leadership roles. Our community organizations and councils regularly ask us to provide “real leadership” for community groups. The problem? No young men are stepping up. It’s mostly women and older men carrying the weight, and they do the best they can. But the truth is, our communities are weak because we lack strong, courageous leaders—men with the backbone to stand up and serve. This isn’t about power or status. It’s about responsibility. Learn self-control. Build courage. Then get in the trenches and lead by example. Look in the Mirror What community groups are you part of? Who do you know at your county government offices? How many people in your physical community know and respect you? And, most importantly, what kind of leader are you? Are you the one doing the work or just a keyboard warrior online? If you’re not a leader yet, start by showing up. Build genuine relationships. Leave your ego at the door. When I’m out in the field, working alongside crews, tackling missions, it’s clear that leadership is built daily, in action and trust—not from a seat behind a desk. Define Your Mission and Move Toward the Goal Leadership without a mission is empty. In my line of work—whether it’s consensus building, managing operations during firefighting and other emergencies, overseeing programs, or navigating the unpredictable realities on the ground, defining clear objectives is critical. Every day means building relationships, growing influence, and delivering results that make a difference for our community and for our children’s future. Our work is gritty. It’s not glamorous. But it’s real. It’s necessary. Our Core Values Are the Foundation We live by these values: - Courage — Standing firm even when things get tough. - Honor — Doing what’s right, even when no one is watching. - Respect — For the people we serve and those we work with. - Integrity — Being honest and accountable. - Service — Putting the community first. - Teamwork— Understanding that no leader succeeds alone. These aren’t just words on a wall; they guide every decision we make, every relationship we build. ### An Open Letter to My Son — And Every Young Man Son, real leadership and free speech isn’t handed to you, It’s earned through hard work, sacrifice, and a using it for right and just purposes. Be the leader your community needs. Step forward with courage and integrity. Serve without expectation. Build relationships that endure. The call to lead is loud. The opportunity to shape the future is yours—don’t let it pass by. Those who depend on their wealth will fall like the leaves of autumn, but the righteous will prosper like the leaves of summer. - Solomon *** Communities weaken when leadership is absent. If we don’t take responsibility for the direction of our speech, our actions, and our communities, others will. I’m doing the work every day in the trenches. If you are too, i salute you. If not, I encourage you to do the same. Show up. Step up. Lead. Are you ready?