In our blog, read about the political and cultural issues affecting Tennesseans written from a conservative perspective. Commentaries are typically written by David Fowler, an attorney who served in the Tennessee state Senate for 12 years before joining FACT as President.
Good or Bad—A Tennessee County Promotes “Judeo-Christian Values”?
Nov 4, 2022 by David Fowler
The Sumner County (Tennessee) Commission recently voted 20 to 4 in favor of adding a preamble to its Standing Rules and Procedures stating an intent that the operation of its government be “reflective of the Judeo-Christian values inherent...
Why Has Active Christian Political Engagement Produced So Little Good?
Oct 27, 2022 by David Fowler
On July 3, 1995, as a first-term state Senator, I gave a speech to the Downtown Chattanooga Rotary Club, one for which I would now be excoriated. The speech became a front-page, above-the-fold headline story. But there is one major thing I did not th...
Final Thoughts on Amendment 1 and the Right to Work
Oct 20, 2022 by David Fowler
Thinking through and watching the debate over Amendment 1 to Tennessee’s Constitution, the so-called “Right to Work” amendment, has been a painful experience for me for two reasons. Today I share why in order that those who want to ...
Amendment 4—What is the Relationship Between Ministers and the State Legislature
Oct 13, 2022 by David Fowler
Amendment 4 on the ballot this November would remove from Tennessee’s Constitution the prohibition on any “minister of the Gospel or priest of any denomination . . . serving in either House of the Legislature.” It may seem like voti...
Amendment 1—Marxist Ideology Pointing to the Church’s Failure?
Oct 7, 2022 by David Fowler
The provocative heading about Amendment 1 to the Tennessee Constitution, the so-called “right to work” amendment, is not intended to indict anyone, but to provoke deeper reflection among those willing to consider a perspective not advance...
Is Bad News a Good Sign That a Counter-Revolution is Coming?
Sep 30, 2022 by David Fowler
I received two communications this week—one from a pastor upset over yet another drag queen show in our state and one about an over-the-top FBI raid of a Catholic pro-life advocate’s home. I see these situations as the harbingers of a cou...
Matt Walsh’s ‘Vanderbilt Bombshell’—What will the Governor or the Legislature Do?
Sep 23, 2022 by David Fowler
According to the Daily Wire, “Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Lee has called for an investigation of the Pediatric Transgender Clinic at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) after shocking videos posted by Mat...
Is Opposition to the Respect for Marriage Act Pharisaical?
Sep 16, 2022 by David Fowler
I got a call this week from the U.S.A. Today network wanting my take on the appropriate content for family life (sex education) curriculum and a different media call wanting comment on a drag queen show at a museum in Memphis. I am also getting email...
A “Threat to Democracy”? Isn’t that a Good Thing?
Sep 9, 2022 by David Fowler
Recently President Biden has come under attack by conservatives for speaking about Trump supporters, MAGA adherents, and even a solitary heckler at one of his speeches as a “threat to democracy.” But isn’t that a good thing?
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Is “Statesman” an Extinct Category in Our Day?
Sep 1, 2022 by David Fowler
Can you think of a person over the last 30 years you would consider a statesman? I would like to think I was one during my 12 years in the Tennessee Senate, but alas, something I read the other day made me realize I did not come close. See if you wou...
Commentary