State Policy Network recently welcomed Ray Nothstine to the team as its new senior editor and writer. Ray will primarily manage SPN’s new publication, American Habits—an online platform devoted to publishing regular content that makes the intellectual and moral case for federalism and its practical applications to today’s challenges.

We sat down with Ray to learn more about his background, favorite policy issue, and what drew him to a career in the freedom movement.

How did you get involved in the freedom movement? What brought you to SPN?

Ray: Looking back, I think many of the seeds were planted when I was young. My dad is a retired Air Force pilot, so I naturally came from a patriotic worldview. He was passionate about serving his country and that influenced me. My first memory of the news was the 1984 presidential election and I’ve always been interested in political discussions. The Cold War was real for me, and I lived on Strategic Air Command (SAC) bases. I’ve lived in other countries and that gave me a deeper appreciation for America.

Fortunately, by college, I started to realize that politics is not as important as I thought it was. We must put politics in its proper place. It was reading “An Easy Burden” by the Civil Rights leader Rev. Andrew Young and a deeper reading of the Gospels that changed my life trajectory. I worked for a congressman for a short time but then attended seminary and from there I started writing for the Institute on Religion and Democracy and then went to work at the Acton Institute. I am very much interested in the deeper questions of human freedom and the intellectual ideas within conservatism.

At the same time, it became more and more obvious to me that the federal government is broken, and I shifted more to making an impact at the state level. I worked at a few state policy groups and SPN offered me an opportunity to go deeper into issues related to first principles.

What will your focus be at SPN? What are you looking forward to most in this role?

Ray: I’ll primarily be editing, writing for, and shepherding our new publication American Habits. It’s going to be a great opportunity to tell some of the stories of people that are making a real impact and improving the lives of individuals and families. It’s reminding people that federalism matters, and it’s not only an essential component of our separation of powers but can supercharge the basic principles of self-government and civic responsibility.

My hope is that even more individuals within our network will be involved with this project, whether that’s through writing for us or by helping to uncover the stories at the state and local level that we really need to tell.

What current issue or policy is nearest and dearest to your heart?

Ray: That’s difficult. There are many. I’m passionate about reigning in government spending and growth. Debt matters and it’s abhorrent what we are doing to Americans now and in the future. It’s profoundly immoral. The inability of political leaders to prioritize spending is not just a reminder of our broken federal government, but I think it says something deep about our cultural problems today and the unwillingness to sacrifice and place others above ourselves.

Tell us about one of your favorite moments at Annual Meeting?

Ray: Dancing at an off-site gathering in Colorado Springs. Unfortunately, I think there is video of it out there somewhere. I can’t really sing or dance well, but I love to do it anyways.

If you had one piece of advice for others considering a career like yours, what would it be?

Ray: Read a lot. Writing is an art, and some people are naturally better at it than others. But reading a lot of diverse content not only makes you smarter but a much more thoughtful thinker and skilled writer.

When you’re not improving the world at work, where are you likely to be found?

Ray: Right now, it’s almost always with my family. I’m married and have three young boys who keep me on my toes. We love getting outside and going to baseball games or going on trips and spending time on the water with their grandparents.

Is there a SPN resource, training, or other opportunity you think more organizations should take advantage of? 

Ray: I think the greatest value just comes from getting to know as many people at SPN as you can. There are highly intelligent people working here and something that impresses me about SPN is that I’m not seeing individuals that are out for themselves. Take every opportunity to use them as a resource.

Based on your observations, what do you think is the next big opportunity for the freedom movement? 

Ray: A return to stressing first principles. Federalism and getting the proper structures of government right is the perfect place to start.

Was there a moment or a role model that inspired you to choose work that’s dedicated to the cause of freedom and human flourishing? 

Ray: A couple of instances come to mind. When I was working at the Acton Institute, I reviewed the book “When Hell Was In Session” by Admiral Jeremiah Denton. It’s a notable account from the 1970s about his experiences as a POW for nearly eight years in North Vietnam, but I thought the book deserved renewed attention for a new generation. After I published it, Denton tracked me down and called me raving about the review. His words meant so much to me. He is the true definition of an American hero. The men who flew combat missions over North Vietnam and were tortured in the communist prison camps are heroes. They understand freedom because it was taken from them so abruptly and violently. Denton’s incredible testimony reminds us that liberty requires understanding and practicing the virtue of sacrifice. I think we’ve lost our way on a lot of that insight, and collectively we’ve lost that much-needed grit.

Another moment is just being able to spend a little bit of time with the scholar and “The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism” author Michael Novak. I’m drawn to authentic people who don’t put on airs, and while very accomplished, Novak didn’t care a bit about professional titles or worldly status. He was an encourager who primarily cared about the human person. People like that in the movement impact me the most.