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SOLDIERS TO
STATESMEN, INC.
Core Values
American Exceptionalism
The Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation is guided by the principle of American exceptionalism, a worldview that asserts a distinct and qualitative difference between the United States and other nations. This perspective emphasizes the unique and inherently positive attributes of the American system, which is rooted in the ideals of liberty, egalitarianism, individualism, republicanism, populism, and laissez-faire economics. A comprehensive modern analysis of American exceptionalism can be found in the works of Peter H. Schuck and James Q. Wilson, which expand upon Alexis de Tocqueville's original concept. It is this contemporary interpretation of Tocqueville's vision that informs and supports the core values of the Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation.
Intelligent and Informed Patriotism
The Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation is rooted in pro-American ideals and advocates for the strategic and responsible pursuit of U.S. national interests. However, this support is neither blind nor reckless. Blind patriotism offers little value in addressing the complex public policy challenges facing the United States, achieving national security objectives, or honoring the sacrifices of U.S. soldiers. Instead, the Foundation is guided by a higher standard of "intelligent, informed patriotism," which emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and objective analysis in matters of national and international significance. In essence, patriotism is best cultivated by teaching individuals "how to think," rather than "what to think." This intellectual freedom is one of the core liberties that U.S. service members protect through their sacrifices. Within the framework of the Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation, intelligent, informed patriotism is grounded in empiricism, supported by objective research drawn from primary sources and raw data. Additionally, the Foundation seeks to elevate the quality of civic participation by fostering informed engagement in governance. This includes conducting rigorous public policy analysis and involving the general public in events that adhere to the Foundation’s principles of thoughtful and evidence-based discussion. Through these efforts, the Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation aims to inspire a more informed and active citizenry dedicated to upholding the ideals of the nation.
Techno-Capitalism
Technocapitalism is characterized as an evolution of market capitalism driven by technological invention and innovation, emphasizing intangible assets such as creativity and new knowledge. This environment inherently prioritizes research-intensive activities, where success is determined by the ability to maximize research efforts and achieve groundbreaking discoveries. This concept is particularly relevant to the postindustrial, knowledge-based society and the increasingly competitive global economy in which the United States operates. A glance at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s website underscores the growing importance of innovation in driving the American economy. For the Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation, technocapitalist ideals hold particular significance. The Foundation aligns with the principles of technocapitalism, especially the intersection of research intensity and technological development, as these elements mirror its focus on leveraging technological efficiency to address public policy challenges. By incorporating technocapitalism into its core values, the Foundation reinforces its commitment to innovation as a means to solve complex societal and governance issues
Economic Patriotism
From the perspective of the Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation, economic patriotism can be summarized by the principle: “profit for patriotism, not patriotism for profit.” In other words, entities should strive to maximize their own benefits in ways that either directly support or, at the very least, do not undermine the public good or the national goals and interests of the United States. This concept of economic patriotism encompasses several key themes: Investing in American Competitiveness: Economic patriotism involves investing in American institutions and firms to enhance the nation’s ability to compete in an increasingly globalized economy. Empowering American Workers: It focuses on equipping American workers with the skills necessary to secure higher levels of employment and achieve improved standards of living based on their own merits. Restoring the "Made in America" Label: Economic patriotism is exemplified by the pride associated with products labeled "Made in America," reflecting a commitment to quality and domestic manufacturing excellence. Strategic Global Engagement: It supports strategic approaches to globalization that prioritize U.S. national interests while ensuring that other nations adhere to the trade agreements they have entered into with the United States. However, economic patriotism is not about supporting policies that promote wealth redistribution, outdated production methods, or economic isolationism to shield inefficient practices. Instead, it emphasizes forward-looking, strategic solutions that align with national interests. Within the operational framework of the Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation, economic patriotism is evident in its mission to develop U.S. military veterans, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in both political leadership and economic sectors that address critical public policy challenges. These principles also extend to the Foundation's purchasing strategies and facility development. Purchasing Strategies: Whenever feasible, the Foundation prioritizes American firms, provided they meet the required standards for goods and services without compromising the Foundation's long-term operational goals. Labor Selection for Facility Construction: The Foundation incorporates economic patriotic principles by prioritizing labor pools that participated in the immediate response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Through these efforts, the Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation integrates economic patriotism into its core operations, reinforcing its commitment to national progress and resilience.
Economic Growth and Stability
Another key value upon which the Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation was established is the commitment to maximizing economic growth and stability. In a postindustrial, knowledge-based society and economy, achieving economic growth and stability is heavily dependent on research intensity and efficacy. The significant impact of research and development (R&D) on the U.S. economy is evident from the fact that, in 2011, intellectual property (IP)-intensive industries contributed over $5 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product and supported more than 40 million jobs. Additionally, R&D-intensive sectors generally provide higher-level employment opportunities within a knowledge-based economy. Furthermore, R&D often produces positive spillover effects, benefiting industries and sectors far beyond the primary area where the research was conducted. Therefore, supporting and prioritizing R&D endeavors is essential for maximizing U.S. economic growth and stability. Within the operational framework of the Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation, this emphasis on R&D is reflected in several key initiatives. First, the Foundation invests in U.S. military veterans by supporting their academic pursuits, particularly in fields related to conducting and managing R&D. Second, it provides professional assistance to veterans in navigating intellectual property rights, ensuring they can effectively protect and leverage their innovations. Lastly, the Foundation itself is designed to be highly research-intensive throughout all planned stages of development, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and advancement. By prioritizing research and development, the Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation aims to empower veterans and contribute to the broader goals of economic growth, stability, and competitiveness in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy.
Free Market Friendly Environmentalism
Environmentalism is defined as “advocacy for the preservation, restoration, or improvement of the natural environment; especially the movement to control pollution.” In simpler terms, it involves being responsible stewards of the environment in which we live. A clean environment is essential for various reasons, including enhancing U.S. competitiveness, bolstering national security, promoting economic vitality, reducing healthcare costs, and improving the overall quality of life for all Americans. Unfortunately, since the 1970s, a significant aspect of environmentalism has focused on forced austerity—essentially, reducing consumption by mandate. This approach has often led to unintended negative consequences, particularly by discouraging private sector investment in applied research and development, which in turn has negatively affected the U.S. economy and hindered long-term environmental goals. Achieving environmental goals requires contributions from both the public and private sectors. However, determining the optimal balance and defining the roles of each sector are crucial. Free-market-friendly environmentalism emphasizes this balance, ensuring public sector involvement provides positive inputs for private enterprise or at least minimizes its negative impacts. Rather than eliminating public sector participation or restricting private sector activity, this approach seeks to leverage the efficiency of capitalism, particularly in applied research and development, to achieve technological efficiency—producing more outputs with fewer inputs while reducing negative externalities such as pollution. The Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation aligns with this vision, advocating for free-market-friendly environmentalism as outlined in the intelligence report Global Trends 2025. This report highlights the potential for emerging technologies to lower infrastructure costs, enabling smaller economic actors to develop their own energy transformation projects tailored to their specific needs. The Foundation integrates these principles into its operational strategy, research programs, and the design of its facilities. The Soldiers to Statesmen Foundation facility embodies this commitment through its use of innovative and sustainable technologies. Notable examples include autonomous architectural elements like energy-efficient monolithic dome construction, which reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling by approximately two-thirds, energy reclamation systems, and alternative energy solutions such as micro-combined heat and power systems. For a detailed explanation of the specific technologies incorporated into the facility’s design and their associated returns on investment, please visit the facility section of our website. These design elements not only reflect the Foundation’s dedication to free-market-friendly environmentalism but also serve as a medium for promoting and exemplifying these principles.