After her warm welcome, Phyllis kicked off the conference on a high note by introducing a panel of Eagle leaders who told about their lobbying victories in their individual states and the challenges they encountered on both the state and federal levels. Al Santoli and Maj. Gen. John Singlaub (Ret.) followed the state leaders by updating us on current relations between the United States and China — and called for constant vigilance. Wall Street Journal's John Fund talked about the problem with vote fraud and he also shared a clip from a Barbara Streisand produced movie version of "The Reagans," featuring her husband, James Brolin as President Reagan. To the horror of our conservative audience, the scenes depicted President Reagan as a bumbling bafoon, and Nancy as a condescending and overbearing First Lady. Fund encouraged the audience to let the network know what they thought of the potential airing of such a obviously biased and historically incorrect movie about one of our most revered and popular presidents, who, by the way, is suffering from Alzheimer's.

Friday night's banquet speaker was Chief Justice Roy Moore of Alabama who eloquently presented argument about why the Ten Commandments are still relevant today. His wife, Mrs. Moore, was presented with Eagle Forum's annual "Homemaker of the Year Award," which she received with humility and grace.

A coffee reception showcasing the Eagle Forum Education Center & Library was held Saturday morning to give Eagle Council guests the wonderful opportunity to tour the Center and familiarize themselves with the work and projects Eagle Forum is involved with. After the tour, participants settled in to hear messages from policy experts including, Miss America Erika Harold and Dr. John Diggs discussing the challenges to morality in today's culture. Carolyn Graglia spoke about the assault on marriage. Historian and author, David Barton spoke at lunch about the role of conservatives in America's future. Later that afternoon, the topic of immigration was addressed by Congressmen John Hostettler (R-IN) and Tom Tancredo (R-CO). They were then joined by immigration expert Erin Anderson who gave a first-hand account of what it is like to live on the border today. Congressman Steve King of Iowa argued why it is so important that English become the ‘official' language of our country.

Host of MSNBC's Scarborough Country, and former Florida Congressman, Joe Scarborough, delighted the Eagles at the Saturday evening banquet with his speech on carving a conservative niche in the media. He explained why it is so important that conservatives continue the current trend they are on in the media. He referenced Fox News and conservative talk radio as proof that the American public is tired of listening to liberals on television and on the air to promote their idea of right and wrong.

The last day of Council included a celebration of those who have "Done the Impossible" in a diversity of ways from education to gambling to the military. Our luncheon speakers were featured a tag-team of William Federer and David Limbaugh. They discussed how liberals are trying to push Christianity out of the public square. Both Federer and Limbaugh communicated a message of hope, and encouraged Council participants to continue to stay in the trenches and fight for liberty, just as our country's founders had done.

Eagle Council XXXIII will be held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia on September 17-19, 2004. Mark your calendars!!