In an age of political division and increasing government overreach, few voices have emerged as clearly and passionately as Francis Cook. As the founder of the Part Time Patriot Project and Vice Chairman of the Colure County Republican Party, Cook’s mission is to educate everyday Americans on the power they hold in their hands through civic engagement and the understanding of their rights. Drawing on his personal political journey and a deep love for America’s founding documents, Francis Cook is committed to empowering citizens to reclaim their role in shaping the government.
This article explores Francis Cook’s path into politics, his educational initiatives, and his vision for a country where citizens are active participants in the political process rather than passive recipients of government services.
Francis Cook’s Journey into Politics
Cook’s political interest sparked at an early age. Like many young adults, he found himself drawn into the political process during a pivotal election year. At 18, during the 2000 presidential election, Francis Cook witnessed George W. Bush and Al Gore battle for the presidency, but it was the exclusion of third-party candidate Ralph Nader from the presidential debates that ignited his passion.
“I was really intrigued,” Francis recalls. “Why was this guy not allowed into the presidential debates?” This question led him to explore the political landscape, but it wasn’t until years later, in 2007, that he truly dove headfirst into politics.
After moving to Naples, Florida, Francis Cook’s political awareness deepened when he came across a group of people advocating for Ron Paul’s 2008 presidential campaign. Paul, a Republican known for his strong stance against the Iraq War, became a figure Cook admired for his principles and integrity. Inspired by Paul’s dedication to liberty and small government, Cook became involved in the local Republican Party and joined the Tea Party Movement, which rallied against high taxes and government overreach.
It was at the Rally for the Republic, a three-day event organized by Ron Paul in St. Paul, Minnesota, that Cook’s political education reached a new level. Through speeches from influential figures like Tucker Carlson and Jesse Ventura, Francis Cook learned about the political process—from elections to legislative action—and the importance of active civic participation. This experience was transformative, shaping Cook’s approach to politics and citizen involvement for years to come.
The Part Time Patriot Project: Educating Citizens
Armed with his newfound political knowledge, Francis Cook set out to share what he had learned with others. In 2020, he founded the Part Time Patriot Project, an initiative designed to educate Americans on their rights and the political process. Cook’s goal was simple: to empower people to reclaim their role as active participants in government.
One of the key components of the Part Time Patriot Project is a webinar titled The American Citizen’s Guide to Make America Free Again. Offered for just $17.76, the webinar is designed to give citizens a foundational understanding of American history, the country’s governing documents, and the role of government in protecting individual liberties.
“The more people understand the principles this country was founded on, the more they can protect their rights and influence government,” Francis Cook says. “I want to make this information accessible to everyone.”
The webinar focuses on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights—documents that Francis believes every American should not only read but deeply understand. These texts, written centuries ago, remain vital tools for safeguarding freedom, and Francis Cook argues that they are just as relevant today as they were at the time of their creation.
The Importance of Understanding America’s Founding Documents
At the heart of Cook’s teachings is a deep respect for the founding documents of the United States. He believes that these texts offer a blueprint for protecting freedom and limiting the power of government. For those seeking to understand politics and their role as citizens, Francis Cook points to three key documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
The Declaration of Independence (1776)
The Declaration of Independence is where it all began for the United States. Francis emphasizes the importance of understanding the core principles outlined in this document—especially the idea that rights are inherent and come from a higher power, not from the government.
“Our rights come from our Creator,” Francis Cook explains. “The government’s job is to protect those rights, not to grant them.” The Declaration also introduces the principle of consent, meaning that government derives its powers from the governed. Cook often reminds his audience that when the government oversteps, it is the duty of the people to alter or abolish it, as stated in the Declaration of Independence.
The Constitution (1787)
The Constitution is the framework that outlines how the U.S. government should operate. For Francis Cook, understanding the Constitution is essential for every citizen, as it defines the limits of government power.
“The Constitution doesn’t grant us rights—it restricts government power,” Francis clarifies. “It’s up to us, the people, to understand those limitations and to hold the government accountable when it overreaches.”
Francis Cook teaches that a proper understanding of the Constitution is crucial for recognizing when the government exceeds the powers it was granted by the people. This document, in Cook’s view, serves as a safeguard against tyranny.
The Bill of Rights (1791)
The Bill of Rights is often the most cited part of the Constitution, as it specifically enumerates many of the rights that citizens hold dear, such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and the right to due process.
“These rights are not gifts from the government,” Francis Cook explains. “They are protections we demand from the government.” He emphasizes that the Ninth and Tenth Amendments are particularly important, as they ensure that any rights not explicitly listed still belong to the people, and any powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states or the citizens.
Civic Engagement and Political Involvement
Francis Cook’s message to Americans is clear: understanding your rights is only the beginning. Once you are informed, it’s your responsibility to get involved in the political process and make a difference, particularly at the local level.
The Role of Local Government
“Local activism has a national impact,” Cook says, quoting General Michael Flynn. This belief underpins much of Francis Cook’s work with the Part Time Patriot Project. He argues that citizens often place too much focus on national politics, neglecting the power they hold at the local level.
Francis offers several examples of local activism in his own community of Collier County, Florida. Through grassroots organizing, Francis Cook and his allies successfully removed fluoride from the county’s water supply and passed a Health Freedom Bill of Rights, ensuring that the county would not comply with mask or vaccine mandates.
Francis Cook’s success at the local level demonstrates the power that informed and organized citizens can have when they engage with their government.
The Two Seasons of Politics
Cook explains that politics operates in two distinct seasons: the election season and the legislative season. Voting, he argues, is just the beginning of civic engagement. Once elections are over, citizens must stay involved by holding elected officials accountable and participating in the legislative process.
“Voting is important, but it’s not enough,” Francis Cook says. “We need to make sure that the people we elect are following through on their promises, and if they’re not, we need to replace them.”
The Challenges of Dependency on Government
One of the key messages Francis delivers is the danger of growing dependence on government services. He argues that many Americans have come to view the government as their provider, expecting it to solve problems that are better addressed by individuals or local communities.
“When the government gives you something, it first has to take it from someone else,” Francis Cook explains. He points out that government handouts, even when well-intentioned, come at a cost—either through taxes or by printing money, which devalues the currency and leads to inflation.
To protect freedom, Cook argues that Americans must reject dependency on government and embrace personal responsibility. He believes that the country was founded on the principle of individual liberty, and that this principle is being eroded as more people rely on government assistance.
Voting and the Informed Citizen
One of Cook’s core beliefs is that an informed voter is essential to a functioning democracy. He encourages citizens to research candidates thoroughly and avoid voting based solely on party affiliation. Francis Cook argues that many voters enter the voting booth with little knowledge of the candidates or their policies, which can lead to poor choices.
“Don’t just vote based on what you’ve always done,” Francis advises. “Do the research, attend public forums, ask questions, and get to know the candidates before you cast your vote.”
He also stresses that if citizens don’t know enough about a candidate or issue, it’s better to abstain from voting rather than cast an uninformed vote.
Francis Cook’s Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Francis is eager to continue spreading his message of civic engagement and political education across the country. He is available for speaking engagements, seminars, and workshops, where he teaches communities how to use their state constitutions and local governments to protect their rights.
Francis Cook’s ultimate goal is to create a national movement of informed citizens who are actively involved in their local governments. He believes that the key to a healthy democracy lies in local activism and personal responsibility.
Conclusion
Francis Cook’s work is a testament to the power of knowledge and civic engagement. Through his efforts with the Part Time Patriot Project, he has shown that ordinary citizens can have an extraordinary impact on their government—if they are willing to educate themselves and take action.
“Freedom is a state of mind,” Francis says, “and the more you know about your rights, the more free you will be.”
In a world where political apathy is widespread, Francis Cook stands as a reminder that true freedom requires active participation and a commitment to personal responsibility.