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Richard “Rich” Weber embodies the pursuit of >knowledge and thoughtful political engagement. “As I’ve aged, I’ve become more adamant about my conservative beliefs,” he reflects, tracing his evolution from a time as a more liberal youth to a dedicated supporter of the liberty movement.
Rich grew up in Bay City during World War II. “Young children during those times were heavily influenced by the atmosphere of conflict and unrest,” he recalls. But he had a strong family that shaped his traditional worldview. That grounding helped him as his views on the wider world evolved amid the social turmoil of the 1960s.
Rich’s career was as dynamic as his beliefs. Over three decades at Dow Chemical Company, including an assignment in Switzerland, he gained priceless exposure to many perspectives, which deepened his understanding of political and social issues. “I began writing about important issues after my retirement in 1995,” he explains. While letters to politicians once elicited responses, some thoughtful and some not, the rising use of email often meant his messages were lost in a sea of communication.
On the plus side, the internet led Richard to organizations like the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. “I feel like I’m putting my fingers in the dyke, trying to hold back the tide of misinformation,” he says. “The Mackinac Center gives me more fingers with which to plug the holes!”
Rich’s worldview is grounded in a nuanced understanding of history and current events. “Watching the Democratic Party shift away from its more moderate values has solidified my beliefs,” he notes. His passion for liberty is rooted in creating a better world for his wife, Joey, their children and grandchildren.
Rich values the Mackinac Center‘s rigorous research and dedication to free-market principles. “When using that research now in my communications, it offers the potential of enhancing the quality of decision-making with factual data,” he says. “In a time when lies can overwhelm reasoned discussion, the Mackinac Center stands out as a beacon for those seeking clarity.”
When asked why he supports the Mackinac Center, Rich is clear. “I believe they are vital to fostering understanding and promoting our shared values to a greater audience.” Joey Weber shares her husband’s commitment to philanthropy and plays a guiding role in the family’s charitable giving.
Rich Weber’s journey reflects a lifetime devoted to advancing liberty and thoughtful engagement. He champions the Mackinac Center as part of a greater goal to sustain informed dialogue in an ever-changing political landscape.
