Michael Stafford's call-to-action for a new politics based on solidarity, civic virtue, and the common good. With a fresh take on issues like immigration reform, environmental stewardship, income inequality, and our public discourse, Stafford reminds us that the solutions to America's problems can only be found working cooperatively together. A needed message of hope in trying times. Advance praise for An Upward Calling: "Michael Stafford's essays are eloquent, insightful commentaries on the stewardship ethic of traditional conservatism. His book is a refreshing counter-narrative to the bombastic egotism and impious lack of restraint that masquerades as conservatism today." - Jim DiPeso, Republicans for Environmental Protection "Instead of attacking what conservatism is not, An Upward Calling affirms what conservatism is by tracing its legacy and suggesting its future in crisp, inventive language that engenders trust, and inspires deeper study." - Eric Byler, Coffee Party USA "Michael's is a voice that needs to be heard in American politics, a voice that respectfully and soundly calls for common sense, decency, and real plans of action for our society. This is a must read for anyone who is interested in becoming a more engaged member of society." - Ken Grant, former Communications Director of the Delaware Republican Party "Writing in the elevating, enlightening tradition of great Catholic thinkers like Moynihan, Buckley, Novak and Weigel, Stafford lays a new marker down for the next generation of patriotic, public service-minded faithful, challenging us all to be true to the 'Upward Calling' that we are born to aspire. His call for a compassionate, socially responsible, conservatism is particularly needed in our nation today." - Michael Fleming, former Delaware Republican Party officer About the Author: Michael Stafford is a nationally syndicated political columnist through Cagle Cartoons. His writing has been featured on numerous blogs including FrumForum, Coffee Party USA, The Cagle Post, and TommyWonk, as well as in The Dialog (the newspaper for the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware). He is also a regular contributor to Town Square Delaware. Politically, Mr. Stafford formerly served on both the Delaware State Republican Committee and on the New Castle County Republican Committee. He remains active in politics as the Delaware Coordinator for Republicans for Environmental Protection. Mr. Stafford earned his Juris Doctorate from Duke University School of Law and practices law in Wilmington, Delaware.