Dear FSF Supporter,

 

First, and most importantly, I appreciate your past contributions in support of the Free State Foundation's work - all of which is based on the foundational free market, limited government, and rule of law principles which guide us.

 

I am writing to provide you with a brief update on the Free State Foundation's activities so far this year. And, to be candid right up front, to ask for your financial support again this year. Last year, we were successful in broadening our base of individual contributions from supporters like you, and it is important to FSF's continued growth and success that we continue to do so.

 

As you know, the April 15 tax-filing deadline is right around the corner. So, a reminder that all donations to FSF, a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, are tax-deductible is timely.

 

Based on what we already have accomplished so far - given adequate resources - I'm confident we can make 2013 our most productive and impactful year since FSF's founding seven years ago. Already this year, FSF has published 10 scholarly "Perspectives from FSF Scholars" and 37 separate policy blogs. This is ahead of last year's pace for our publications.

 

As importantly, each one of these publications, in one way or another, argues for less government intervention or control of the communications, Internet, and high-tech market segments. As you know, there are very strong pro-regulatory, pro-interventionist forces that want to see the FCC and other government regulatory bodies impose public utility regulation on Internet providers and an array of broadband providers, regardless of the competitiveness of the marketplace. Indeed, under the guise of ensuring "fairness" or "non-discrimination" or "reasonable" prices, many of the pro-interventionist forces suggest outright government ownership of the Internet and media companies.

 

Obviously, this is the wrong course for those of us who recognize the danger of giving the government even more control over our communications providers and media outlets.

 

If not absolutely THE leading free market-oriented think tank focusing on communications and Internet policy, the Free State Foundation is certainly one of the two or three leading ones. Thus, it is not surprising that Senator Marco Rubio chose FSF's Fifth Annual Telecom Policy Conference on March 21 to deliver his very first major address on communications and Internet policy.

 

And, as I said to Senator Rubio at the conclusion of his keynote: "Wow!"

 

His address was a ringing declaration of the importance of free market, First Amendment-friendly policies for securing and maintaining Internet freedom, both here at home and at abroad. Sen. Rubio denounced the FCC's "net neutrality" mandates and much of the legacy analog-age regulation that the government has refused to eliminate despite today's fast-changing, dynamic digital environment.

 

I could go on and on about the importance of Sen. Rubio's speech at FSF's conference. But I'll restrain myself, and simply urge you, if you haven't already done so, to read the text or watch the video:

 

Senator Rubio's Keynote Address at the FSF Fifth Annual Telecom Policy Conference

 

Sen. Rubio's keynote undoubtedly was a highpoint of our annual conference. But the conference was a huge success in every respect, with FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai leading an all-star lineup of prominent speakers, most of whom were senior government executives and industry officials, and nationally-known academics.

 

I know you have a good sense of what FSF has accomplished thus far - and why our work is so important. I hope you will decide right now to make a tax-deductible donation to the Free State Foundation so we can make 2013 the banner year it looks like it can be - with your continued support!

 

You can use the Donate button below to make a contribution through PayPal or your credit card, or you can send a check made payable to the Free State Foundation to:

 

The Free State Foundation

P. O. Box 60680

Potomac, MD 20859

 

 

 

I began this message with my thanks for your past contributions, and I want to end the same way: I am very grateful for your support, and for your friendship. Without it, the Free State Foundation could not be the leading free market think tank that it has become.

 

With warm regards,

 

Randy

 

Randolph J. May

President

the Free State Foundation

 

PS - Now, here's the Donate button one more time!