"The only way you can possibly lose is by lying. By backing someone who doesn't support your principles.” - S. Marshall Wilson Episode Summary:How can the average US citizen get involved, and effect change in their state? This week we welcome special guest Barry Holstein to explore the essence of what it means to be an active and engaged citizen, striving to create a decent and free life for ourselves and future generations. Tune in as we delve into the importance of educating oneself in politics and civic affairs in order to empower our nation's people and equip them with the necessary tools to have a tangible impact on their state's decisions. In today's episode:How does the average US citizen live a decent and free life that we can pass on to future generations.Finding your place to effect change in your state.The truth about the 2nd Amendment.Educating yourself in politics so you can engage, and make educated choices.Political score cards: a behind the scenes look.Using score cards to understand which delegates are supporting your principles and who you should hold accountable.How different votes are weighted.Influencing your state representatives.Understanding committee votes.Getting involved in the decisions of your state.The importance of getting to know your delegate.What can we do to get the government out of people's business.Income tax and tax reductions.Having the tools to hold your representatives accountable and engage in your state politics.Connect with Barry to get local notification on the activities of your representatives! Resources:https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/amendment-2/ About Barry Holstein:Barry grew up in rural Hernshaw in eastern Kanawha County and has lived in Cross Lanes, WV, for the last 28 years. Barry graduated from the West Virginia Institute of Technology with a BS in Industrial Technology and was later honored by being named Alumnus of the Year in 2004. Barry also earned a Master’s in Human Resources Management from the University of Charleston and is currently a doctoral student in the Public Administration program at Liberty University.Barry served 21 years in the US Army and Army Reserves, retiring as an E-8, First Sergeant. During his tenure with the US Army, Barry held positions such as Drill Sergeant, Nuclear Biological & Chemical Specialist, Platoon Sergeant, Civil Affairs Operator, and First Sergeant. His time in the military also allowed him to serve in combat in Iraq, where he earned a Bronze Star service medal. His ongoing desire to serve and interest in education led to an appointment to the Bridgemont Community and Technical College Board of Governors and, most recently, BridgeValley Community and Technical College Board of Governors, where he is currently Vice Chair. Additionally, Barry is on the Board of WIN Academy (charter school), a member of the Federalist Society, and the American Enterprise Institute’s Conservative Education Reform Network (CERN).Barry’s professional career in the region has spanned nearly 30 years. It has primarily been in manufacturing operations management with great companies such as NGK Spark Plugs, Terramite, and Gestamp. However, he is currently employed in a management role within the United States Department of the Treasury.Barry’s political activism began in 2007 and has included an unsuccessful run for WV Secretary of State and Kanawha County Board of Education. Since then, Barry has focused on the legislative process and worked to push the WV legislature toward a more conservative position. The annual Top’s Views Legislative Scorecard and Report is his most notable tool in the fight for conservative values. About S. Marshall Wilson:Marshall Wilson is the husband of a formidable US Navy woman, father of nine children, and a retired combat-veteran Infantry Officer. He is a former Christian missionary from 2016-2020, he is a West Virginia Delegate (State Representative), and a 2020 candidate for West Virginia Governor.Marshall is a Ph.D. Candidate in Public Policy (National Security), and is currently an instructor for the “Military Operations” Master of Arts program at Liberty University. He holds an Executive Master of Arts in National Security Affairs from The Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC. About Todd Williams:Todd Williams is a managing partner and Director of Operations in the professional telecommunications firm Anan Communications. Todd is also the Owner of Todd Williams Photography, where for several years he has been capturing nature's beauty. In recent years, he has spent much of this time in West Virginia focused on the beauty therein. Todd has various works in both private and corporate collections. He is a juried fine arts photographer at Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia, located in Beckley. Most recently, Todd's work was published in the international book Plus One Collection. His image was chosen from over 500 photographers worldwide, for this ...
