The idea that conservatives cannot connect with Americans or accomplish anything unless they change their values is “malarkey,” — Joe Biden’s favorite word — according to Allen West, director of PJ Media’s Next Generation programming.
The former Florida Congressman spoke on Thursday morning at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference, giving listeners a lesson on the fundamental role conservatism played — and will continue to play — in American history. He admitted that 2012 was a bad year for the GOP, but stressed that the movement must continue on.
“I’ll give it to you straight,” West said. “Last November we did take one on the jaw. But this movement and this fight is not determined by the punches that we take. We are defined by how quickly we pull ourselves off the mat and our perseverance.”
He stressed that the GOP must be the party of action, not “just give lip service to our principles.”
West said that big conservative theories must be put into practice, and that the GOP must prove that being pro-liberty and pro-freedom does not mean ignoring the plight of the less fortunate. But unlike liberals, West said conservatives believe compassion for the poor should come from an individual choice, not a government handout. Expressing theories and principles only goes so far, West said.
“Let’s be the party of action,” the former Congressman said. “Let’s be a group of people that look for deeds. Deeds, and not words, will paint this country red.”
West said the nation has continued through trial after trial — Civil War, World Wars, the Depression — on the backs of those willing to step up and carry the country and conservative principles onward.
“Ladies and gentleman, when Barack Obama packs his bags and beats a hasty retreat back to Chicago, we will persevere,” he said, lumping Obama’s presidency into a host of other unfortunate events in U.S. history.
The former Congressman encouraged listeners to become the next great leaders who bring the United States through this period of trial.
“The night is gone,” West closed. “The day is at hand. Cast off the works of darkness and put on the full armor of light.”
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU63tHos3Ao&w=560&h=315]
