https://liberland.org/en/news/532-liberland-delegation-attends-the-50th-anniversary-of-alec-in-washington-dc
Kathleen Alcorn 30 November 2023
The atmosphere was surreal in Washington, D.C. as controversy surrounding the elections for Speaker of the House took place. Through uncertainty and many empty offices, freedom quickly became the universal language spoken this past October. Liberland President, Vit Jedlicka, Vice President Bogie Wozniak, Finance Minister Navid Seberin, Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Walls, Ambassador-At-Large Richard Holson III, and U.S. Representative Kathleen Alcorn gathered together to attend the 50th Anniversary of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).
The multi-day conference included ALEC’s 50th Anniversary Gala held on October 4, 2023 within the stunning backdrop of the National Portrait Gallery. Long gowns flowed with well-informed conversations throughout each room. President Jedlicka quickly built new friendships with fellow young leaders, receiving invitations to visit and to testify on behalf of Liberland’s efforts during state legislative sessions. Speakers during the dinner included United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska) and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears (Virginia), with talk radio personality Hugh Hewitt emceeing the event. U.S. Senators, members of Congress, Governors, and state legislators were in attendance throughout the massive glass-covered courtyard. Past Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, was present as well.
ALEC prepared many highly informative and engaging daytime sessions with topics that included economics, geopolitics, education and government. Sessions were filled with key industry members as well as members of state legislative government from all over the United States. Insights into ALEC’s sessions may be found in ALEC’s publication of 50 Years of Trusted Policy Solutions.
ALEC has been a long supporter of Liberland’s efforts which began with past State Representative David Reis (Illinois). Mr. Reis served as a past board member of ALEC and was the first legislator to introduce a house resolution recognizing Liberland as a country. Mr. Reis immediately understood the importance of Liberland after meeting President Jedlicka at the 2016 ALEC conference.
Mr. Reis’ efforts for Liberland recognition are continued through other states. The Liberland delegation utilized this time to network heavily for legislative sponsorship in support of Liberland, using the original language drafted by Liberland U.S. Representative David Molineaux and Mr. Reis. Many states expressed favorable support and updates shall be provided as those bills are introduced.
The Liberland delegation spent additional time on the Hill, meeting with key staff on issues specific to foreign relations and constructive efforts that may be made to protect the safety of our residents. It was during this time that forces in neighboring Croatia increased their opposition to Liberland and its citizens through unauthorized invasions and surveillance, destroyed homes and personal property, and confiscation of personal property such as generators, communications equipment and bicycles.
The Liberland delegation is extremely grateful to Richard Hoslon III, who has championed and advocated for Liberland since its beginnings. Through Mr. Holson, Liberland has become a welcomed entity at ALEC. During the visit, ALEC CEO Lisa B. Nelson was a most gracious host to the delegation. Because of ALEC’s continued support as well as its steadfast mission that includes advocating for individual liberties, Ms. Nelson was awarded the Order of Merit 1st Class, which was presented to her by President Jedlicka.
