A Ronald Reagan cake by Carlos the Cake Boss? SURE!

Of course, as I think that this week doesn't get any better-it does. From the start to the finish, my incessant day for 14 hours at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center for CPAC was a definite success today. Complete with a warm cab at 9 in the morning till exiting the conference doors with tears in my eyes from a reminiscent documentary of President Reagan, today brought a plethora of ideas and experiences.

The speakers today had a similar underlying theme, which all wanted LIBERTY; some wanting it more so than others and in different approaches and mannerisms. Of course, our next president (fingers crossed), Mitt Romney defined America as a land of opportunities with freedom, hope, and opportunity, reinforcing America as the exceptional land-reminiscent of President Reagan. Like he said, "more than rhetoric will be needed to put Americans back in a job- it'll take a NEW PRESIDENT." For me, this prediction is Romney with the ever so immaculate, John Thuno as his vice. With a strong voice and polished look, Romney stole the stage with presidential appearance and assertion of bringing America back to the exceptional land that it once was and still will be.

However, Senator Ron Paul juxtaposed the 'conservatism' movement with his radical, libertarian policies and ideals. Although I had already felt a sense of oppression from Rand Paul (libertarian/Tea Party) fans toward other Republican figures yesterday, this idea was completely reemphasized today during Ron Paul's speech. He not only called for the end to the Federal Reserve, but he denied bipartisanship, which he felt impaired our country to go forward. He called for no violence and wanted the United States to forgo it's reputation as a world conflict resolver, and engage in no foreign aid as its foreign policy. He also imagined an America which taxed it's people at 10% with ABSOLUTELY NO GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE whatsoever. If this isn't mean towards anarchy like Obama is said to be going 'toward socialism,' then what is it?

However, I fortunately got to attend a special panel discussion and Q&A session with Greg Gutfeld and Ann Coulter. Although I didn't have tickets, karma came and rewarded me with the chance to get in. The atmosphere was comical and fresh, and I loved getting to ask Ann a question and listen to her responses to others' questions as well. Soon, I got to celebrate a memorable 100th birthday celebration for our country's greatest president, Ronald Reagan. A documentary of his life showcased his impact on America with a short intermission break with indulging cake from the Cake Boss of Mr. Ronald 'Cowboy' Reagan and his Ranch. Subsequently, that followed with another film of his legacy on the world.

After 14 hours continuous hours at the conference and not leaving till the end of the day, it was utter tranquility getting into a warm cab and finally returning to a comfy bed. Of course I must express one thing for certain - President Obama is not and will never be President Reagan, no if's ands or buts.

"Greatest strength in the world is the strength in free, confident people!"
-President Ronald Reagan

--Poorvie Patel
February 11, 2011