Although Sarah Palin was the object of nearly every attendee’s attention, she wasn’t the only internationally known speaker at the 2010 Bakersfield Business Conference.
From former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich to Chairman of Republican National Committee Michael Steele to a few national heroes, the attendees of the Bakersfield Businesses Conference had a day full of political and social commentary.
Gingrich spoke on the ills of modern day American politics.
“Money isn’t the problem, politicians are,” said Gingrich, who went on to say the United States’ economic woes were the fault of too much government regulation, high taxes and government bailouts.
Crystal Lei, an attendee at the conference, said, “I’m not a Republican. I wouldn’t want to put a title on myself, but there were some points in his speech that were good.”
Gingrich’s stance wasn’t just shared by the crowd but by many of his contemporaries during the Bakersfield Business Conference.
Steele spent his time addressing many of the same issues as Gingrich and other speakers, but he took time out to answer questions from the crowd.
“I don’t need Obama to care for me, therefore, I don’t need Obama-care,” said Steele when asked about his views on entitlement programs.
The crowd and Steele’s discussion led to him emphasizing the importance of keeping current tax cuts in place, the impact of small business owners on the U.S. economy and criticism of policies introduced by President Barack Obama, specifically Wall Street reform.
Former governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney talked about America’s pioneering spirit and exceptionalism.
“They [the founding fathers] said, ‘No. We’re not going to be taking the course of security. We instead are going to let American people choose the dreams in their hearts and follow their own fates,’ and by virtue of that choice this country became the world’s place for opportunity,” said Romney.
“Washington, and in some respects to both parties, over the last couple of decades, Washington, has grown so big and is taxing so much that they’re smothering that spirit, and we must not let them do it.”
The guests applauded the speakers several times throughout their speeches and were enthusiastic about the event.
“I’m loving it. All of them are great. All of them are fantastic. I’m not disappointed by any of them,” said Sahib Mujahid, a first-time visitor to the conference.
Not every speaker discussed politics, Voyager flight pilot Dick Rutan, Medal of Honor recipient Peter Lemon and U.S. Airways pilot Captain Chesley Burnett Sullenberg III arrived as special guests after Sarah Palin’s speech, sharing their experiences that have made them known as American heroes.
While the tone of their speeches differed, they all focused on the benefits of serving the military, the importance of sacrifice of others and that they felt Americans should stand together in times of war and peace.
Their speeches were met with applause from thousands of guests.