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Based on his grasp of history, politics and even pop culture, you would never guess that Ryan Houck was born when Ronald Reagan was seeking re-election in 1984.  But in a book he completed before his 30th birthday, Houck, who leads Consensus Communications’ media production team and provides clients with high-level strategic communications counsel, unpacks volumes of research and decades of history into an enjoyable and insightful book that shows how generational politics will shape the future of our great country.

Written from his perspective as a free-market millennial, “Will America Fail?” describes how the generation that elected and re-elected Barack Obama will ultimately lead a conservative renaissance that will usher in a new American golden age. The book is published by Post Hill Press and is available in hardcover or for download from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. As of this writing, the book is ranked 11th in Amazon’s Elections category, 36th in the National Politics category, and 50th in the Commentary and Opinion Category.

Here’s the official release, and links to the book’s video trailer and purchase page:

Will America Fail?
The Unlikely Story of How Millennials Will Spark a Conservative Renaissance and Restore American Prosperity

Will America Fail? With China rising and the Middle East ablaze, the question of “American decline” has seized the national spotlight.  In the midst of historic change, Ryan Houck—the 29 year-old co-creator of If I Wanted America to Fail and President of Free Market America—partners with Post Hill Press to deliver a groundbreaking new book with a surprising take on America’s future.

The title: Will America Fail?

Hailed by Rush Limbaugh as “brilliant” and declared a new “conservative manifesto” by Fox News’ Eric Bolling, millions tuned in to watch Houck’s last tour de force, If I Wanted America to Fail. In his new book, Houck makes the bold but painstakingly-researched prediction that America stands at the threshold of a new Golden Age—and that many members of his Millennial Generation will not only live to see it, they will inaugurate it.

As implied by the book’s powerful new trailer, Will America Fail? addresses haunting questions raised in past videos, such as: Is America, like Rome before it, destined to crumble and collapse?  Have the values of our Founders become obsolete in the Information Age?  Will the 21st Century belong to China or the United States? Is the next generation of Americans—the so-called Millennials—prepared to lead?

Unlike most political commentary on bookshelves today—much of which is rooted in the late 20th Century experiences of Watergate, Vietnam or the Reagan Revolution—Houck’s narrative style and nuanced message belong wholly to the Information Age.  Readers in their twenties and thirties will instantly discover modern ways to connect with the timeless truths of our American Experiment, while older readers will find both a new sense of optimism for our nation’s long-term future as well as a new conservative language that will appeal to their Millennial children.  A Millennial himself, Houck’s relatable style and assiduous research make Will America Fail? a truly unique addition to his genre.

Buy the book.
Watch the trailer.
View the original, If I Wanted America to Fail.

Consensus Communications congratulates the winning candidates and causes it worked with during Florida’s recent primary election.

Consensus Communications served as General Consultant for “Change 4 Kids” which led the effort to renew the half-penny sales tax for Orange County schools. The measure was passed by an overwhelming 64% of voters and will fund technology upgrades and rebuild 59 schools over the next ten years. We also produced the television and radio ads that helped secure victory. Special kudos goes to Dana Loncar, who handled General Consulting duties for Change 4 Kids.

The success of Change 4 Kids capped a trifecta of ballot initiative wins so far this cycle, including a Seminole County public information campaign for a penny sales tax to fund capital projects and a public infrastructure initiative for the Downtown South Neighborhood Improvement District in the city of Orlando.

Consensus also congratulates the following Florida candidates, for whom it developed and executed winning TV and radio campaigns:

• State Senator Thad Altman | Ad
  

• State Representative Eric Eisnaugle | Ad
  

• State Representative John Tobia | Ad
  

• Mike Miller for State Representative | Ad
  

In a national movement called #GivingTuesday, nonprofits from around the country are calling on organizations to help them raise money online. Here in Orlando, WESH has joined forces with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to raise $20,000 to help provide 80,000 meals to those in need. So in the spirit of the holiday season, Consensus has generously decided to donate $500 each to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and the Children’s Home Society of Florida.

“We’ve always been strong supporters of local organizations seeking to help the most vulnerable in our community – Second Harvest Food Bank and Children’s Home Society provide services that are especially needed in these tough economic times,” said Consensus President Tre’ Evers. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate this giving season than by supporting two groups that make such a difference in the lives of so many here in Orlando and across the state.”

Second Harvest Food Bank collects, stores and distributes food to more than 500 partner agencies throughout Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. According to the nonprofit, just one dollar can provide four meals to a hungry neighbor.

Children’s Home Society of Florida is the oldest and largest statewide organization devoted to helping children and families, serving 100,000 throughout the state each year.

Join Consensus in making a difference in our community by supporting these local nonprofits or others. For more information about #GivingTuesday and Second Harvest Food Bank, visit www.foodbankcentralflorida.org. To learn more about Children’s Home Society, visit www.chsfl.org.

Consensus Communications announced today that Christina Morton, APR, has joined its public relations team. Christina is an accredited and awarding-winning public relations professional. Her emphasis is in media relations, social media and community relations.

“We are excited to add Christina to our team,” said Dana Loncar, Principal with Consensus. “She is relentless in pursuing stories, responding to the press and creating winning media strategies.”

She successfully managed national media relations and community relations campaigns in key markets across the United States for First Watch Restaurants, Inc. She also helped lead the social media strategy for Moffitt Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Florida, and was part of the grand opening media relations team for Nemours Children’s Hospital in 2012.

In addition, she assisted in managing several key accounts, which included work with the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board, H&R Block and Insperity. She previously worked for Fry Hammond Barr and CBR Public Relations.

“Christina’s skills and experience in mastering social media communication tools is already benefitting our clients and we look forward to continuing to bring this important element to our strategies,” said Tre’ Evers, President of Consensus Communications.

Christina currently serves as a board member of the Orlando Regional Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). In 2013, she received a local Image Award and Award of Distinction from the Orlando Area Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) for her work with First Watch and Nemours.

Christina graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in public relations and political science.

For the eighth time in 12 years, Consensus Communications has topped the Orlando Business Journal’s ranking of the top public relations firms in Central Florida. The list, now published biennially, appeared in the publication’s Oct. 25 print edition and can be viewed online at bizjournals.com/Orlando.

“This year’s list features some of the best firms in the state, and we’re truly honored to once again be recognized as a leader in our industry,” said Consensus President Tre’ Evers. “For nearly 20 years, we have had the privilege of working with clients who are well-respected and leaders in their industries, as well as some of the top leaders in our community and the state. We would not be where we are today without them.”

Consensus represents clients in Central Florida and throughout the state – from Fortune 500 companies to local entrepreneurs – with a variety of complex needs. The firm is at the forefront of the issues shaping Central Florida and the state’s future. With an emphasis on strategic communications using a research-based approach, Consensus develops and implements plans that help companies, associations and non-profits reach their goals.

Consensus Communications, a Downtown Orlando-based full service public relations firm, announced today the promotion of its long-time Associate Dana Loncar to the position of Principal.

“Dana brings a unique background and talent to every client engagement,” said Consensus President Tre’ Evers. “Dana is a valued member of our team, and integral to her clients’ strategic communications efforts.”

Dana Loncar

Dana has more than 15 years experience in public affairs in Central Florida. Since joining Consensus she has focused on community relations, local lobbying and campaign management for a variety of clients. Dana’s public affairs clients include leading trade associations, industry groups, public/private consortiums, and Fortune 500 companies in sectors ranging from agribusiness to tourism and retail.

She is also well-known in local political circles and led incoming Senate President Andy Gardiner’s 2012 fundraising efforts, and served as General Consultant for the campaigns of Orange County School Board Chairman Bill Sublette and School Board Member Pam Gould.

In 2007, Dana represented a group of business and community leaders – known as “Let Us Vote” – who successfully passed the first citizen led ballot initiative in Orange County history to allow the voters to decide if they wanted to directly elect the School Board Chair.

Dana joined Consensus in 2006, after four years working in government affairs for Orlando Health overseeing the Government and Community Relations staff and functions for the organization on the federal, state, and local levels. During this time, Dana led Orlando Health’s effort to obtain funding for Central Florida’s only Level I Trauma Center and was successful in obtaining the first local public dollars for the trauma center – $3.2 million from four local governments.

Dana served on the Board for the Coalition for the Homeless for nine years, including Chairman in 2011.

Consensus Communications congratulates the winning candidates it worked with this election cycle.

Candidates for whom we served as General Consultant, include:

Lee Constantine won the Republican nomination for Seminole County Commission by defeating a 20-year incumbent and faces only a write-in candidate in the general election. 

Pam Gould finished first in a crowded field for an Orange County School Board seat, forcing a November run-off with the incumbent.

Tim Weisheyer defeated an incumbent to win an Osceola County School Board seat.

Judge Keith White won a six-year term to continue serving as Circuit Court Judge.

Since our firm was founded, Consensus Communications has managed the development of numerous television and radio advertising campaigns for political, issue and corporate clients. This year, Consensus formally launched our own television and radio production business line.

Consensus also congratulates winning candidates whose races were supported with ads we produced:

Marco Pena is now the Republican nominee in House District 49. We produced a radio ad for the campaign, as well as a television spot for the Florida Chamber Alliance that benefitted the Marco Pena campaign.

Carey Baker defeated a 36-year incumbent for Lake County Property Appraiser to become the Republican nominee and faces a nominal write-in candidate for the general election. We were proud to produce the final television ad for the Carey Baker campaign.

Lee Constantine’s Seminole County Commission television ad was also produced by Consensus.

Consensus Communications also provides political fundraising services and continues to be the chief fundraiser for the Andy Gardiner for State Senate campaign and the Will McBride for State Senate campaign. Both of these candidates were unopposed for the Republican nomination and now face general elections opponents in November.

Consensus is honored to be a part of helping these great candidates get their message before the voters.

Consensus Communications, located in Downtown Orlando, is a full service public relations firm that specializes in high stakes communications strategy, including communications planning, media relations, crisis communications, community relations, governmental relations, ballot issues, political campaigns, marketing, new media, and integrated communications planning and management. The firm is well known throughout the state for serving at the forefront of the issues shaping Central Florida and the state’s future. For more information, visit us online at www.onmessage.com.

Overwhelming national response to FreeMarketAmerica.org launch video:

Over 1.1 Million views in five days

(Orlando, FL — April 26, 2012) On Sunday (Earth Day), Consensus client Free Market Florida partnered with DC-based Americans for Limited Government to launch Free Market America with a stinging new video entitled “If I wanted America to fail.” (http://freemarketamerica.org)  The video went viral this week, drawing more than 1.1 million views in five days, headlining The Drudge Report and picking up coverage on the hit Fox News show “The Five,” MSN, The Rush Limbaugh Show, The Blaze, Breitbart, The Washington Times, the Glenn Beck show, Neal Boortz, Fox Nation, Real Clear Politics and more.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response,” said Consensus’ Ryan Houck, executive director of Free Market America.  “And among the many tweets, emails and messages, there is one sentiment that emerges again and again: This video articulates an unspoken fear that many Americans are sharing — the fear that the country we love is in deep peril.”

Free Market Florida emerged from the 2010 “Vote No on 4” campaign having successfully defeated a Sierra Club-backed measure known as “Hometown Democracy.”  The group then tangled with EarthJustice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency before partnering with Americans for Limited Government in April to launch Free Market America — a new national voice for economic freedom.  The group’s focus is environmental issues.

“We believe that America has again met its moment — it is time to decide,” said Houck.  “Either we renew our faith in the force that helped inspire a revolution — the free market; or we condemn future Americans to walk the twilight path already paved by Europe.  We do not believe that it is too late.  On the contrary, we are filled with optimism because each and every day, more Americans are waking up.”

“If I Wanted America to Fail”

Based on Paul Harvey’s seminal essay, “If I were the devil,” Free Market America’s provocative video-letter to America rings with the same thoughtful intensity. “If I wanted America to fail” addresses the perilous side-effects of hitching our nation’s economic well-being to the bandwagon of environmental extremism.

VIDEO LINK: http://freemarketamerica.org

The video has become an Internet phenomena with over 1.1 million views in just five days, and there have been numerous requests for its publication as a guest column. The video is the launch of Free Market America, a project of Americans for Limited Government and Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy.

The script of this video is provided in its entirety below, with the request that any publication include credit its source, freemarketamerica.org.

 

If I wanted America to fail

By Ryan Houck, Free Market America

If I wanted America to fail …

To follow, not lead; to suffer, not prosper; to despair, not dream.

I would start with energy.

I’d cut off America’s supply of cheap, abundant energy. I couldn’t take it by force. So, I’d make Americans feel guilty for using the energy that heats their homes, fuels their cars, runs their businesses, and powers their economy.

I’d make cheap energy expensive, so that expensive energy would seem cheap.

I would empower unelected bureaucrats to all-but-outlaw America’s most abundant sources of energy. And after banning its use in America, I’d make it illegal for American companies to ship it overseas.

If I wanted America to fail …

I’d use our schools to teach one generation of Americans that our factories and our cars will cause a new Ice Age, and I’d muster a straight face so I could teach the next generation that they’re causing Global Warming.

And when it’s cold out, I’d call it Climate Change instead.

I’d imply that America’s cities and factories could run on wind power and wishes. I’d teach children how to ignore the hypocrisy of condemning logging, mining and farming — while having roofs over their heads, heat in their homes and food on their tables. I would never teach children that the free market is the only force in human history to uplift the poor, establish the middle class and create lasting prosperity.

Instead, I’d demonize prosperity itself, so that they will not miss what they will never have.

If I wanted America to fail …

I would create countless new regulations and seldom cancel old ones. They would be so complicated that only bureaucrats, lawyers and lobbyists could understand them. That way small businesses with big ideas wouldn’t stand a chance – and I would never have to worry about another Thomas Edison, Henry Ford or Steve Jobs.

I would ridicule as “Flat Earthers” those who urge us to lower energy costs by increasing supply. And when the evangelists of commonsense try to remind people about the law of supply and demand, I’d enlist a sympathetic media to drown them out.

If I wanted America to fail …

I would empower unaccountable bureaucracies seated in a distant capitol to bully Americans out of their dreams and their property rights. I’d send federal agents to raid guitar factories for using the wrong kind of wood; I’d force homeowners to tear down the homes they built on their own land.

I’d make it almost impossible for farmers to farm, miners to mine, loggers to log, and builders to build.

And because I don’t believe in free markets, I’d invent false ones. I’d devise fictitious products — like carbon credits — and trade them in imaginary markets. I’d convince people that this would create jobs and be good for the economy.

If I wanted America to fail …

For every concern, I’d invent a crisis; and for every crisis, I’d invent the cause; Like shutting down entire industries and killing tens of thousands of jobs in the name of saving spotted owls. And when everyone learned the stunning irony that the owls were victims of their larger cousins — and not people — it would already be decades too late.

If I wanted America to fail …

I’d make it easier to stop commerce than start it – easier to kill jobs than create them – more fashionable to resent success than to seek it.

When industries seek to create jobs, I’d file lawsuits to stop them. And then I’d make taxpayers pay for my lawyers.

If I wanted America to fail …

I would transform the environmental agenda from a document of conservation to an economic suicide pact. I would concede entire industries to our economic rivals by imposing regulations that cost trillions. I would celebrate those who preach environmental austerity in public while indulging a lavish lifestyle in private.

I’d convince Americans that Europe has it right, and America has it wrong.

If I wanted America to fail …

I would prey on the goodness and decency of ordinary Americans.

I would only need to convince them … that all of this is for the greater good.

If I wanted America to fail, I suppose I wouldn’t change a thing.

VIDEO Link: http://freemarketamerica.org

Contacts:

For Free Market America
Consensus Communications
Jessi Blakley, APR, 407-432-3673. jessi@onmessage.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 3, 2012

(Orlando) — Jim Gray scored a landslide victory Tuesday night in his bid for the Orlando City Commission District One. Jim received 55% of the vote in a four-person race, thus avoiding a runoff.

“Jim’s victory on the first ballot is an incredible feat in Orlando City elections,” said the Campaign’s General Consultant and Consensus co-founder Tre’ Evers. “Most city elections go to a runoff the first time an individual is elected, so Jim’s first-ballot win is a convincing mandate for his agenda for a vibrant, economically strong and fiscally sound Orlando.”

Jim’s campaigned on his success in business, and his desire to bring private sector experience to City Hall. District One was represented most recently by Phil Diamond, and previously by former Mayor Glenda E. Hood. Historically, District One encompassed neighborhoods just outside of downtown and the less populated areas around the Orlando International Airport. With the rapid development of Lake Nona and the Medical City area, the population in SE Orlando has exploded and now over a third of the residents in District One reside south of the 528 (Beachline).

After graduating from high school Jim enlisted in the US Air Force where he spent three years and another three in the Air National Guard. In between active and reserve duty, Jim married his high school sweetheart Kathy. Jim obtained a degree in Finance from the University of Houston and shortly thereafter moved to the Orlando area to work for First Union and Wachovia banks. Jim is currently Vice President of Parkway Realty Services in their downtown Orlando headquarters. Jim was a youth baseball and basketball coach, a member of Florida Citrus Sports and many other community organizations.

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