J.C. Watts on why Heritage matters
June 26, 2007| By Nathaniel Ward and DeEtte Chatterton
The Heritage Foundation forms a vital part of the conservative movement, former Rep. J.C. Watts said in a wide-ranging speech to Heritage members in New York last Thursday.
Watch the video of J.C. Watts’ speech online
Policymakers need to pay close attention to the consequences of their proposed policies, instead of focusing on the needs of special interest groups, Watts told members at a luncheon sponsored by the New York Area Committee for Heritage. Unfortunately, he continued, “Washington is not very good at that. That’s why people like the Heritage Foundation are so important.”
He cited the ongoing immigration debate as one area in particular where Heritage provides leadership. “About 2 weeks ago I was trying to decipher all this stuff coming down the pipe on immigration and it dawned on me: the Heritage Foundation. I told my staff, ‘call the Heritage Foundation.’ I’ve done that many times in terms of taxes and all of the other issues.”
The new Heritage Community Committee program and similar initiatives are essential if the conservative movement is to continue its success, he added. “There is more responsibility on the Heritage Foundation to expand outside Washington, D.C.” and explain “why those fundamental values that made us who we are as a nation…still work.”
Nathaniel Ward is the Editor of MyHeritage.org—a website for members and supporters of The Heritage Foundation. DeEtte Chatterton is an intern at The Heritage Foundation.
