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THE WOODLANDS — The worship space at Grace Woodlands Church was adorned with red MAGA hats on Saturday as young adults gathered to hear the major conservatives often seen on Fox News.
In the hallways a few push strollers, others slip through the crowds to tables selling shirts that say “Let the revolution begin” or “Freedom never leaves tyranny for more than a generation.” I arrived at
They attended the 4th Annual Texas Youth Summit. At this two-day conference of his, teens and young adult Texans met with politicians, ideologically aligned businesses, and political groups, listened to lectures, met in small groups, and used the final I felt empowered. says that it will be “a catalyst for winning the culture war.”
Speakers included Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Rep. Donald Trump Jr., Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, talk show host Candice Owens, and Rep. Lauren Boebert. rice field. had a pistol Tied to her feet as she spoke to Hall. As the headliners delivered their speeches, a large cross from the church’s sanctuary was illuminated behind them.
US Congressman Matt Gates also spoke, the same day The Washington Post reported that he had asked President Donald Trump for a preemptive pardon in connection with a sex trafficking investigation. Gates didn’t address the investigation on Saturday. The US Department of Justice is reportedly investigating whether the woman paid to travel across state lines for sex or had an affair with a 17-year-old girl. , he urged the youths present to fight for conservative causes.
“If you’re here with me on Saturday, it’s because you care, and it’s because you know the battle we’re fighting,” he said. are now in a country where we see our grandmothers being robbed in broad daylight in our major cities, they are raiding the homes of former presidents of the United States. It was only found in poor third world countries.”
The summit was founded by Cruz’s former political staffer Christian Collins and US Congressman Kevin Brady. Registration for the event, which was supported by donations and sponsorships from companies such as right-wing mobile operator Patriot Mobile, was free for students aged 12 to his 26. ” Adults were able to purchase tickets.
According to its website, the summit “identifies students to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, limited government, American exceptionalism, and the Judeo-Christian principles upon which this nation is based.” We aim to “know, educate and train”.
“Lefts control the education system, television networks, Hollywood and social media, and they influence young people,” the website reads. “It is vital that young people learn the principles of conservatism that have always been and will continue to make America exceptional.”
For participants, the stakes were high.
“I am very conservative and I love my country. “We’re sitting here every day, and the more we don’t do, the more we lose.” The more you try to fight back, the more you get.”
But attendees also had different opinions about what the culture wars meant.
“It’s not a literal war, but a metaphorical war of ideas,” said Collins, founder of the event. I work to educate young people with dyslexia and have the right worldview for what the left is doing when they go to college or are in high school.”
Paideia Classical School was one of the organizations that participated in the event. Across Texas, he has four campuses, three of which have opened within the last three years.
“We’re trying to create critical thinkers in our class,” said Louise Davidson, who worked at the table. I accept it as is.”
Some panels at the event urged attendees to question established research and raise conspiracy theories about COVID-19, cell phone towers and more. But above all, the event focused on the idea that liberals in and out of government are heading the country in a dangerous direction.
“When it comes to this organization, we’re a conservative nonprofit, working on issues rather than specific groups,” Collins said. “We’re really trying to work on ideas. Ideas matter to us. So if your idea seems wrong, we’ll deal with it, but we’re trying to pursue someone’s identity.” It’s not like I’m there.”
Phil Cady, an Air Force veteran who moved to Texas from California, set up a table to register voters. He said he would register anyone to vote if they asked, even if they disagreed with him.
“Some people look at MAGA and think bad things,” he said, pointing to his red “Make America Great Again” cap. “I’m a Republican, but I’m not here to support it.”
But the message from many was to do more than vote. Winning the culture war required strong political action and mobilization.
“If you’re a digital warrior, get better,” Gaetz said. “Be more efficient, be an organizer and an activist by making phone calls and knocking on doors.”
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