
Heritage member Spike Bowman wants his children to have “the same opportunities to grow, develop and to serve their nation that I had.”
Like many Heritage Foundation members, Marion “Spike” Bowman spent most of his career in public service, working to save and improve the lives of the American people. His career in national security and international law included stints in the Navy and other government agencies. He has participated in the investigation and prosecution of virtually every major spy of the past 25 years, including the Walker, Whitworth and Pollard cases.
Bowman’s professional involvement in intelligence work confirmed his belief in conservative principles. Each assignment allowed him “to witness firsthand the fact that we still live in a very dangerous world.”
Bowman believes, like many Heritage members, that the size of the federal government is of paramount concern. “I strongly believe the national debt is directly related to the well-being of the nation and to the quality of life that my children and grandchildren will experience,” he says.
Unsurprisingly, Bowman also worries about the underfunding of our military forces. “We cannot afford to have a hollow military force. We need to have a national understanding that a strong military force is the best recipe for world peace that we could have. For example, the projection of force, for good purposes, of an aircraft carrier is one of the best foreign policy implements that we have.”
Today, Bowman teaches four graduate level classes in international law and security issues. He uses Heritage research, studies and reports to help guide his students about the conservative perspective on international security matters.
For Bowman, one of the great things about being an American is the blessing of liberty. Most importantly, he wants his three children to be able to have “the same opportunities to grow, develop and to serve their nation that I had.”
In your opinion, what’s the greatest part about being an American?
Martha Platis - March 26, 2011
One nation under God. I am 79 years old and over the years our country has changed in many ways. Up until recently I have had faith that the changes were for the better. Lately I fear that we are loosing our way. We still have the constitution and laws that will let us turn it around and return to some clearer thinking and less partisanship. We the people have to make our views known and not leave our future to the politicians. It is time to stand up and pay attention before it is to late. If we do, “That is the greatest part of being a part of the United States of America. We are free, if we feel that our government is not doing a good joy, We Can Change the way it is being run.