By now, everyone’s heard one perspective or another concerning the rollercoaster ride that was the 2011 Conservative Political Action Conference. With the absence of many major conservative groups (now referred to as the ‘social conservatives’), brought the inclusion of several libertarian brands, and the expected pandering by some of this year’s speakers followed. However, with all the ups and downs, there were a couple of vital messages to take away from CPAC this year. No, they had nothing to do with the disrespectful Ron Paul libertarian-types, who, among an array of questionable behavior, hijack the straw poll year after year. No, it wasn’t about the inclusion of groups like GOProud either, who, as Kevin McCullough wrote in an opinion piece, were used “largely as an attempt to silence groups who would speak in strong support of traditional moral values.” And no, it even had little to do with Mitch Daniels’ speech, who mixed good intentions with a call to set ‘purity’ aside and speak beyond the base, as though conservatives are to write off principle? I’m not too keen on Ann’s insistence that Chris Christie should be a presidential nominee either. No, those were all the WRONG MESSAGES for a conference meant to highlight conservatism, because they all seem to be lacking in the ‘principled’ department.
The vital messages to take away from CPAC 2011 came from two gentlemen who literally embody the American influence that we celebrate this month. Yes, I’m referring to Black History Month. No, these gentlemen are not the usual considerations that your liberal public school educator may normally extoll during this month’s observance of historical black contributions. Nonetheless, these two individuals are men of substance, men of moral character, and men who quite to the contrary of some liberal educators, love this country, love its founding, and honor its moral traditions and values.
Earlier in the conference, came a powerful conservative message from a principled gentleman and presidential contender by the name of Herman Cain:
Herman Cain to Obama at CPAC: "U.S. Will Not Become U.S. of Europe on our Watch"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9ZDkacOveF0
And closing this years conference, perhaps to the chagrin of both libertarians and establishment Republicans alike, came a profound speech of ‘presidential’ proportions from Florida’s Freshman Congressmen, Retired Lt. Col. Allen West.
“Allen West’s keynote speech for CPAC 2011” posted by The Right Scoop
http://www.therightscoop.com/allen-wests-keynote-speech-for-cpac-2011
I’ve heard Congressman West speak before, but this delivery spoke to my conscience in a manner that encouraged me to put him on my short list of presidential hopefuls!
Among the mixed bag of attendees and speakers, there included others who I’d consider true conservatives as well. Perhaps these two gentlemen personally had such a penetrating message, because they’re in such stark contrast to a president who embodies the liberal stereotype of whom a black man is supposed to be in our society (a.k.a. “a liberal”), and who we’re constantly discouraged not to disagree with for fear of being labeled “racist!” Cain and West don’t subscribe to that card. They are principled conservatives who GET what it means to be ‘American’, unapologetic and unhyphenated!
