2005 Bradley Symposium: Vision and Philanthropy

  Wednesday, February 16, 2005
  8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., breakfast served at 8:00 a.m.
  The Ritz-Carlton, 1150 22nd Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20037

Transcript and Event Documents

Available in Book Form!

- PDF of book (148 pages, 1.5 MB)

- Hard copy of book (contact Krista Shaffer at krista@hudson.org to receive a copy by mail)

- Original conference documents: commissioned essays (PDF format, 27 pages, 138 KB)

- Original event transcript (PDF format, 55 pages, 263 KB)

Event Description

Many think the key to success for conservative philanthropy is its willingness to give imaginatively and consistently, and according to a larger, coherent vision of public policy. But what is the conservative vision for American today? And how can philanthropy best promote it?

On February 16, 2005, Hudson Institute’s Bradley Center for Philanthropy and Civic Renewal brought together twenty one prominent conservative thinkers, writers, and philanthropists to discuss these essential questions. The day’s keynote address was given by White House Director of Strategic Initiatives Peter Wehner. Nearly 150 invited guests attended the event.  

Amy Kass served as moderator of the discussion, and began by pointing out the multiplicity of views evident in the papers prepared for the discussion. Kass was also struck by the radical nature of some of the proposals: "Roll back the Progressive era." "Topple the educational blob." "Seize control of the next generation of wealth." She wondered—and posed to the panelists the question Jim Piereson asked in his essay: "What really are you and your institutions working to conserve?" This was the topic of the first panel. The second, panel, with much the same group around the table, addressed the question of how philanthropy can enact a conservative vision. Finally, a keynote address was given by Peter Wehner, director of the White House Office of Strategic Initiatives, on "President Bush's Governing Philosophy."

Program

8:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast

8:30

Introduction by William Schambra, Hudson Institute
Panel Discussion: What is the Conservative Vision for America Today?

Amy Kass (moderator), Hudson Institute

10:00
Coffee Break

10:15
Panel Discussion Continues: What can philanthropy do to realize a conservative vision?

Amy Kass (moderator), Hudson Institute

12:00 p.m.
Luncheon and Keynote Speech, "President Bush's Governing Philosophy"

Introduction by Herb London, Hudson Institute

Keynote speech by Peter Wehner, The White House

1:30
Adjournment

Panelists

Stuart Butler, The Heritage Foundation

Linda Chavez, Center for Equal Opportunity

Michael Cromartie, Ethics and Public Policy Center

Barbara Elliott, Center for Renewal

Pete du Pont, Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation

Steven Hayward, American Enterprise Institute

Roger Hertog, Manhattan Institute

Heather Higgins, Randolph Foundation

Peb Jackson, Saddleback Church

Robert Kagan, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Leon Kass, American Enterprise Institute

David Keene, American Conservative Union

William Kristol, The Weekly Standard

Leonard Leo, The Federalist Society

Heather Mac Donald, Manhattan Institute

Scott McConnell, The American Conservative

Stephen Moore, Free Enterprise Fund

Grover Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform

James Piereson, John M. Olin Foundation

Robert Woodson, Sr., Center for Neighborhood Enterprise

For Further Information 

The Bradley Symposium is an annual discussion convened by Hudson Institute's Bradley Center.  Information and documents from all Bradley Symposia can be accessed via the Bradley Center's description page - click here.  To request further information on these events or the Bradley Center, please contact Hudson Institute at (202) 974-2424 or e-mail Kristen at kmcintyre@hudson.org.