America First
Bottom Line Up Front: America First at the Colorado level means every decision we make, we ask: does this benefit the people of Colorado and the United States? We reject policies that sacrifice our prosperity or security to global agendas or foreign interests. We will cooperate internationally but always on terms that put our citizens first. That extends to rejecting extremist global schemes that hurt us (like if a global tax or climate accord unduly burdens Colorado’s economy – we wouldn’t slavishly comply unless it truly aligns with our interests). We’ll focus on domestic infrastructure (fix our roads, broadband, etc., before dreaming of international projects). By pursuing America First, we aim for a Colorado that is strong, self-reliant, and contributing to a stronger USA. That means jobs here, safe communities here, and a proud sense of being American. In an increasingly unstable world, doubling down on our nation’s well-being is the right course. We will make sure Colorado does its part to keep America first in freedom, in opportunity, and in hope.
a. Principled Patriotism: America First means we will prioritize the interests of the United States and its citizens – and by extension Colorado’s – in policy decisions, rather than subordinating them to international agendas or globalist ideologies. It’s a philosophy of national self-interest rightly understood. We believe a strong America (morally, ethically, economically, militarily, culturally) is not only good for Americans but ultimately for the world, because America has been a force for freedom and prosperity. Biblically, charity begins at home (1 Timothy 5:8 says one who doesn’t provide for his own household is worse than an unbeliever). Similarly, our government’s first duty is to its own people. “America First” is not about hostility to others; it’s about taking care of our nation – securing our borders, encouraging domestic industry, ensuring our foreign policy defends American lives and values – before worrying about being the world’s policeman or piggy bank.
b. Policy Applications (Federal and State): While many America First issues play out at the federal level (trade deals, immigration enforcement, foreign policy), Colorado can align with that philosophy in state policy:
1. Energy Independence: America First seeks energy independence so we aren’t beholden to foreign powers. Colorado has abundant energy (oil, natural gas, coal, uranium, as well as renewables). We should responsibly harness these resources. Under current state leadership, regulations (like SB19-181) have stifled our oil and gas sector – rigs left, jobs lost. We will reverse anti-energy policies to increase Colorado’s oil & gas output, which helps lower fuel costs for Americans and reduces reliance on OPEC/Russia. We’ll streamline permits for drilling and perhaps explore nuclear (small modular reactors) to contribute to American energy security. This also falls under Clean Affordable Energy – Nuclear & Hydrogen. Colorado can do its part to make the US energy dominant, keeping energy affordable for citizens (gasoline, heating, electricity) – an America First and Colorado-first win-win.
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2. Supply Chains and Manufacturing: The pandemic taught us dependency on foreign supply chains (China, etc.) is dangerous. We will make Colorado attractive for manufacturing reshoring. Through tax incentives, less red tape, and skilled workforce development, we want more critical industries (like pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, tech components) producing here. That aligns with America First to bring jobs back and secure supply lines. Example: encourage expansion of our steel mill in Pueblo or tech manufacturing in Colorado Springs rather than those products coming from overseas. State procurement policy can favor American-made products (within legal limits), supporting domestic producers.
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3. Trade and Agriculture: Colorado farmers and ranchers thrive when they have fair trade. We support federal efforts to negotiate better deals. At state level, we can help by promoting Colorado products abroad via our Department of Ag, but also resisting burdens on ag in name of international climate goals that cripple our competitiveness. For instance, pushback on any attempts to enforce unrealistic emissions cuts on cattle or fertilizer that overseas producers aren’t following. That’s not to say ignore environment, but global accords should not disadvantage American farmers. America First means we will fight for Colorado ag to not be sacrificed on globalism’s altar. Another facet: ensure foreign entities (especially those linked to adversarial governments like Chinese Communist Party) cannot buy up Colorado farmland or crucial assets – if possible, work with legislature to restrict or scrutinize such purchases. We want Colorado’s land feeding Americans, not controlled by foreign interests.
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4. Immigration Enforcement: While immigration is primarily federal, the effects are local. America First means a secure border and rule of law. Under the previous federal administration, we had progress on border security; the current situation is more porous. Colorado can reinforce enforcement indirectly: we can stop being a magnet by curbing “sanctuary” policies. In 2019, Colorado limited cooperation with ICE (like SB19-1124 barring law enforcement from honoring ICE detainers for nonviolent offenders). We would seek to repeal such state laws, allowing local law enforcement to coordinate with federal immigration authorities regarding criminals. We will not use state resources to enforce federal immigration law broadly (that’s feds’ job), but we won’t hinder it either. America First also suggests not giving taxpayer-funded benefits to those here illegally at expense of citizens. Colorado has been extending benefits (like in-state tuition, driver’s licenses, even healthcare coverage to undocumented – e.g., SB21-199 removed lawful presence requirement for many benefits). We will re-evaluate those. Compassion is important but so is not incentivizing illegal entry. Our priority for public services will be citizens and legal residents. For example, we oppose measures like allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections (some jurisdictions around the country have tried that – Colorado wisely amended its constitution to “only a citizen can vote”, we’ll ensure compliance with that in any home-rule city).
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5. Defense and National Guard: America First means a strong defense that doesn’t fritter away American lives in endless foreign wars with no clear interest. While foreign policy is federal, as governor, I would have a voice: I would advocate for taking care of our troops, not overextending them abroad without mission clarity. For the Colorado National Guard, I will be judicious in consenting to their federal deployment. If I believe a federal activation (especially domestically) is improper, I will explore my authority to object. Our Guard should serve our state needs first. They did invaluable service in disasters and even pandemic support. America First is also veteran-first: we will ensure state programs help vets get jobs, health care (complementing VA), and housing, because that strengthens our community and honors those who served our nation.
c. Culture and Civics: America First is not just economics or border, it’s an attitude of patriotism. We will promote civics education that teaches pride in America’s achievements and gratitude for our freedoms (while honestly addressing our mistakes). We oppose curricula that paint America as irredeemably evil or founded on oppression as core – that undercuts national unity. Instead, programs like the 1776 Unites or teaching about the Constitution’s ideals will be supported. We might institute civics tests for high school graduation to ensure baseline knowledge of our system. A populace that knows and loves their country will naturally put America First. And we’ll celebrate patriotic holidays in meaningful ways (encourage volunteerism on MLK Day, parades on Independence Day, proper observance of Memorial and Veterans Days).