SouthernWorldwide.com – Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s recent commencement address at West Point serves as a crucial template for safeguarding American lives.
Hegseth implored the graduating cadets to understand the unforgiving nature of the battlefield, stating, “The battlefield does not grade on a curve, and you can’t throw your pronouns at the enemy. Combat is the ultimate test, and our best Americans must ace it.”
He directly addressed the leadership at the United States Military Academy, criticizing what he termed “woke and weak leaders” for attempting to transform West Point into a “woke Princeton.”
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The combat-decorated secretary elaborated on his concerns, noting that these leaders had “embraced the DEI craze and tried to introduce diversity and inclusion studies. They hired professors who advocated for anti-American ideologies right here in these halls.”
This observation resonates deeply with the author, who has a personal connection to the warning issued by the secretary of war, West Point, and Hegseth himself.
On July 2, 2022, while at West Point for a segment on “Fox & Friends Weekend” to discuss his book “The 56 – Liberty Lessons from those who Risked all to sign The Declaration of Independence,” the author was approached by a senior officer.
This officer, in a private conversation, detailed how West Point was shifting significantly to the left, progressively dismantling standards and traditions. With visible emotion, he urged the author to help spread awareness of these changes.
While the author attempted to do so, Secretary Hegseth is now in a far better position to amplify this message, as he has so effectively demonstrated.
The author had the honor of speaking with Hegseth on multiple occasions while at West Point. It is evident that Hegseth possesses a profound dedication to the military and the exceptionalism of the nation.
His recent speech powerfully underscored this commitment by denouncing the detrimental impact DEI is having on the military.
During his commencement address, Hegseth also highlighted the observed decline within the U.S. Army, stating, “Many of you, even in your short time in uniform have endured what I call the slow slide of the U.S. Army. You’ve seen standards lowered. You’ve seen an obsession with race and gender. You’ve seen the watering down of discipline, codes weakened and traditions tossed aside in the name of political correctness, statues taken down, paintings placed in the basement.”
It is crucial to emphasize that this erosion of standards is not confined to the Army or the military; it is evident across all professions that directly impact the lives of American citizens.
These professions include our police and fire departments, the healthcare industry, the airline and transportation sectors, air traffic controllers, 911 operators, and our utility providers. These vital services have been compromised by what are described as draconian DEI mandates introduced during the Obama and Biden administrations, which have dangerously diluted their quality and effectiveness.
Hegseth’s warning about the corrosive and nation-weakening influence of DEI within the military is equally, if not more, applicable to these critical fields. These are professions that, on a daily basis, hold the lives of every American citizen in their hands.
The author firmly believes that “identity politics” should not be the basis for filling any job. Real-world experience and merit should be the sole criteria for hiring. This principle is especially paramount in professions such as the military, law enforcement, firefighting, medicine, and aviation, where “identity politics” must never play a role.
Hegseth’s West Point commencement address should serve as a model for all these occupations. The well-being, health, and very lives of all Americans depend on these careers and callings being filled by only the most qualified individuals.
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Regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, we need the absolute best to protect us. This is a common-sense and life-saving principle that every American should readily embrace.
