Boyd Matheson commemorates Constitution Day at USU

Boyd Matheson, former chief of staff for U.S. Senator Mike Lee and host of KSL podcast “Inside Sources,” spoke to USU students and faculty on Sept.19 in honor of Constitution Day.  

At this kick-off event for the USU First Amendment Club, Matheson discussed the principles of American freedom, including freedom of speech and the importance of community involvement. The night began as the crowd recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the national anthem in unison. Matheson then started his speech by thanking everyone for showing up.  

“Showing up is what our country is all about,” Matheson said. “In the end, it’s about the people.”  

Matheson said he believes people make his job as a communicator and commenter interesting. He also thinks “We the People” are the segway into more important topics.  

“I only talk about politics so we can talk about society,” Matheson said. “And we talk about society so we can talk about principles.”  

According to KSL News Radio, Matheson is best known for his principle approaches. As a writer, host, counselor and strategist, Matheson works to change policy through what KSL coins as “community-driven solutions.”  

However, Matheson thinks the key to understanding principle really comes down to understanding history. He claims history has the power to teach the same lessons over and over again — as long as Americans are willing to listen.  

“History doesn’t always repeat itself, but it usually rhymes,” Matheson said.  

Matheson explained his point by sharing short stories and anecdotes with the audience. These quips detailed the importance of learning to love learning. Matheson thinks it is what makes a difference in a society where degrees and titles can become out-of-date.  

“It’s the forever-learners that are in demand,” Matheson said.  

He thinks if students are willing to learn, they can not only ensure their jobs but their contribution to today’s fast-paced society. 

 In a world caught between left and right, Matheson believes it’s important Americans remain together. 

“We hear so much, we see so much in our social media feeds, that it is very easy to believe that we are hopelessly divided as a nation,” Matheson said.  

This is the reason he thinks coming together is essential during election season, where he claims there are people who have something to gain by getting Americans to believe they are divided.  

“That is the biggest lie on the planet,” Matheson said.  

He urged the audience to think instead about how they can be united. He discussed the value he sees in the American constitution and how it demonstrates the principles he thinks Americans should return to for answers.  

“What we decide to do together in this country is everything,” Matheson said. “It changes the world.”  

He stressed the importance of choosing community over politics, describing how everyone will have to go back to normal after the election, no matter who wins. For him, that means having a doughnut race or a BBQ with his community the morning after polling.  

These community events are what he believes will connect the next generation and help them understand the power Americans hold.  

“It’s community and culture that lead,” Matheson said. “Don’t ever underestimate the power of one voice.”  

For Matheson, nothing is too small or insignificant to be a part of what he calls the “American journey.” He urged his audience to vote, engage and think differently as the election season arrives, concluding the event by calling his audience to action.  

“Stay radically curious,” Matheson said. “Go out and make history yourself.”

Register to vote in Utah online. For more information, visit vote.Utah.gov.