FAQs
Q: What is the Sam Adams Alliance, and what does it do?
A: The Sam Adams Alliance spreads the word about government accountability, shares best practices, and offers networking opportunities for community leaders across the country. It also publishes a quarterly magazine, e-mail newsletters, holds events, and produces the radio and Internet commentary program Common Sense with Paul Jacob.
Q: Any relation to the beer company?
A: No, but we do like beer.
Q: Why Sam Adams?
A: Sam Adams was a founding father and citizen leader who understood that real political change and the defense of basic rights begins with strong citizen networks and local action. For over ten years prior to 1776, Sam and his network of local leaders primed the ground for the American Revolution and paved the way for the rights and freedoms outlined in the Constitution.
The Sam Adams Alliance is dedicated to connecting citizens who want to restore accountable government across the country. Like our namesake, we believe that one of the most effective ways to do so begins at the state and local level.
Q: Why is local action so important?
A: As the old saying goes, “All politics is local”—but in many cities, counties, and states across the country, local governments are dominated by public employee unions, bureaucrats and special interests who continually push for bigger, less accountable government at the expense of the taxpayers and individual liberties.
State and local governments, while often overlooked, are substantial forces in politics today. The federal government currently employs 2.7 million people. Meanwhile, 16.8 million work for state and local governments. State and local spending figures are equal to federal spending figures--which is staggering, considering the federal government's coverage of entitlements, defense and other massive spending arenas.
Local action is crucial to making a national impact. We connect and support those who are working to take the first steps for positive change and greater accountability in their communities.
Q: What types of citizen action does the Sam Adams Alliance support?
Some of the groups in our network hold the government accountable by:
- protecting property owners from eminent domain abuse;
- unmasking government abuse and corruption;
- holding elected officials responsible and accountable for their actions;
- defending the rights of taxpayers and promoting fiscal responsibility;
- defending free speech, citizen initiatives, and petition rights;
- promoting government transparency;
- gathering signatures to put meaningful reforms on the ballot;
- spreading the word about government accountability.
Q: Do you have any recommended reading material so that I can learn more about what you stand for?
A: Here are some suggestions. (E-mail us if you’d like us to consider adding something to the list!)
- Samuel Adams: Father of the American Revolution, Mark Pulz
- The Declaration of Independence
- Capitalism and Freedom, Milton Friedman
- Who Rules America, Eric O’Keefe
- Economics in One Lesson, Henry Hazlitt
- The Road to Serfdom, Friedrich Hayek
- The Constitution of Liberty, Friedrich Hayek
- Free to Choose, Milton Friedman
- Socialism, Ludwig von Mises
- Cornerstone of Liberty: Property Rights in 21st Century America, Timothy Sandefur
Q: How long has the Sam Adams Alliance been around?
A: The Sam Adams Alliance formed on October 20, 2006.
Q: Does Sam Adams have local or state chapters?
A: No, there are no local or state chapters. We encourage and assist the formation of independent groups within our network.
Q: What can I do to get involved?
A: There are many ways you can get involved with the Sam Adams Alliance, including signing up for our e-mail newsletter, which will keep you posted about happenings all across the country; donating; and spreading the word to your friends.
If you would like to get involved on a more active level in your area, feel free to e-mail us at info@samadamsalliance.org.
