Susie Moore, Redstate: Attending my daughter’s college graduation
While freedom has long been a critical feature of the American experiment, the extent to which we can actually lay claim to it has been called into serious question in recent years. Repeatedly, we’ve seen instances of government overreach, most notably during the COVID pandemic, when lockdowns and mandates were all the rage and censorship was sexy (at least in the eyes of some).
There was a stretch of time where everything felt constricted and subdued, and a future featuring freedom seemed elusive. That cloud has lifted some, but it still feels as though it’s lurking in the background.
This past weekend, I was witness to some reassuring signs that America is, indeed, still a free country. I had the pleasure of attending my daughter’s college graduation. In addition to being an enjoyable celebration of her accomplishments, two things really stood out to me:
- There wasn’t a masked face to be found – not at the ceremony in a crowded arena, not in the grocery store or restaurants, not in the bars.
- Listening to live music on Saturday, while the crowd was lively throughout, it was at its liveliest when the band played Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.”
A bar full of celebrating, drinking, flirting 20-somethings jumped up and down and shouted out the lyrics at the top of their lungs. Times may be tough, and it may feel like we’re faltering, but most of the kids are alright — and something tells me we will be, too.
- 8th Circuit Drops Major Missouri Redistricting Ruling: New Map Must Be Used in NovemberSusie Moore, RedState BIG news out of the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals late Monday as a three-judge panel (in a 2-1 vote) has now affirmed a district court temporary restraining order regarding the ongoing dispute over Missouri’s congressional redistricting… Read more: 8th Circuit Drops Major Missouri Redistricting Ruling: New Map Must Be Used in November
- PHOTOS: Tim and Chris LIVE at the Augusta, MO Chamber of CommerceOn Friday, September 18th, The Tim Jones and Chris Arps Show broadcast live from the Augusta, Missouri Chamber of Commerce building, which also triples as The Wandering Owl Gift Shop and The Visitor’s Center. Check out the photos from the… Read more: PHOTOS: Tim and Chris LIVE at the Augusta, MO Chamber of Commerce
- Nick Shirley at the Leadership for America Dinner: Fri. Sept. 25th at the St. Charles Conv. Ctr.BUY TICKETS Friday, September 25, 2026St. Charles Convention CenterTickets must be purchased online before the event.General Admission Dinner Tickets: Start at $100Dress: Business CasualDoors Open: 5:00pmProgram Begins: 5:45pm NICK SHIRLEYIndependent Investigative JournalistNick Shirley has become one of the most recognizable… Read more: Nick Shirley at the Leadership for America Dinner: Fri. Sept. 25th at the St. Charles Conv. Ctr.
- Free tickets and book: Yeonmi Park, Oct 20 at LindenwoodMORE INFORMATION AND RSVP Join Lindenwood University’s Hammond Institute for Free Enterprise and Young America’s Foundation for an inspiring conversation. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, hear Yeonmi Park – author, speaker, and human rights activist – share how she… Read more: Free tickets and book: Yeonmi Park, Oct 20 at Lindenwood
- Documentary screening with The Washington Guard: Oct. 1stREGISTER HERE The Washington Guard Proudly presents a screening of the documentary Shielded by Power: Whistleblowers VS. the Big Guy. Featuring interviews with Gary Shapley, Joseph Ziegler, Miranda Devine, and John Solomon. There will be a live Q&A with whistleblower… Read more: Documentary screening with The Washington Guard: Oct. 1st





