I just watched a replay of this week’s Republican debate, specifically, the segment where Newt Gingrich responds to Juan Williams. Juan’s question was designed to show that Newt was insensitive to minorities and the poor because of previous statements that suggest America’s youth should work as janitors to gain experience and learn work ethics. If you missed the exchange, you can watch the video here. Next, I checked out how the Left viewed the exchange by going to the major blogs; predictable opinions were encountered I am sorry to report.
The concept of learning good work ethics as part of a successful life path should not be a debatable, but the forces of politics have divided the country in understanding even this basic concept. Since the debate, the Left has turned a conversation about giving youth a chance to learn life skills into a racial attack. Is there really a misunderstanding, or are they so embarrassed by their views that the only response is to play the race card? Personally, I think it is the latter.
This is where decades of incremental cultural indoctrination has brought our country. The main point of Newt’s response was teaching basic skills and reinforcing personal responsibility at a young age gives everyone a strong foundation to build their lives upon. But here is where it gets dangerous for the Left since they loose their influence as the concept of personal responsibility is strengthened. There is no place for an overbearing government in a country where people have learned to be responsible for themselves.
An epic battle is being waged now for the direction of the country; a battle that will be fully played out in the 2012 election cycle. Class and race warfare are the weapons of the liberals and the response to this whole episode is just a preview of what you can expect to be played out in the summer and fall. Here is the problem that the Left has: years of cultural indoctrination has taken its toll on the ethics, morals, and the spirit of Americans. They have divided us, weakened us, and have almost won the battle. But citizens are waking up and emerging from the fog. We saw it with the Tea Party last year, and it was evident as Newt woke up a crowd with the message of personal responsibility and self sufficiency. The left has convinced a significant portion of the country that their only hope for the future is a new government program to solve their problems. A messenger that can articulate a different hope threatens all that they have worked decades to achieve. For the Left to win control of the White House and Congress this year, positive messages must be discounted and the messengers destroyed. Every label imaginable will be placed upon conservative candidates with a message and plan that seeks to diminish the role of government in people’s lives.
Newt had the courage to stand up to a difficult question and redefine the argument. But, this is not about one candidate; every conservative candidate should join the refrain to defend this position because it brings attention to a core American value. It is easy to throw around the term ‘American Exceptionalism’, but it takes courage to explain it and defend the ideal. What Newt started was a conversation about returning to the basics that made us exceptional as a nation; personal responsibility, work ethic, ambition and incentive, unlimited opportunities, and the freedom to reach for a dream. These are positive messages that must be understood by all in this country if our direction is to be turned around.
Watch how this plays out over the next several months. Advisers to all conservative candidates should see this as a winning message for their candidates, if they have the courage to explain it. If the theme is carried forward, the Left will be put in a position of explaining to voters why building character and work ethics at an early age is bad for the youth, poor or rich. We are so close to reaching and influencing the culturally indoctrinated in this country; a goal that can be achieved if candidates will have the courage to look past the cheap political attacks and labels, and have the courage to explain how our country became exceptional, and what is required to regain that status.
The conversation started with work ethics, but the underlying issue to be debated is the core values of Americans in the future; personal responsibility or dependence on government. 2012 will be the last opportunity to halt the cultural cancer that has infected our nation since we are standing at the point of no return. We either have the courage to defend our core values, or cower under the threat of labels and concede the cultural fight to the Left.
American Exceptionalism requires courage and sacrifice; unfortunately, these are values that are understood today less than work ethics. Understand who destroyed these values, and why they have worked so patiently for decades to achieve this goal. Then, make the decision for yourself if you will have the courage to defend the argument or accept defeat.
by Jack Woodward 1/19/2012
