SouthernWorldwide.com – Pete Hegseth’s recent commencement address at West Point, a speech advocating against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, is presented as a vital template for safeguarding American lives.
The address, delivered by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, urged cadets to focus on the realities of combat, stating, “The battlefield does not grade on a curve, and you can’t throw your pronouns at the enemy.” He emphasized that combat is the ultimate test, and the most capable Americans must excel.
Hegseth specifically called out the United States Military Academy, criticizing “woke and weak leaders” for attempting to transform West Point into a “woke Princeton,” which he noted was his alma mater.
The combat-decorated Secretary elaborated on these leaders’ actions, stating they “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 perspective resonates deeply with the author, who has a personal connection to Hegseth’s warning, West Point, and the Secretary himself.
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The author recounts a personal experience on the grounds of West Point on July 2, 2022. While there to discuss his book, “The 56 – Liberty Lessons from those who Risked all to sign The Declaration of Independence,” he was approached by a senior officer.
This officer, speaking privately, detailed how West Point was “going far left” and was systematically “eliminating or watering down one standard and tradition after the other.” The officer, visibly emotional, implored the author to raise awareness about the situation.
The author attempted to do so but acknowledges that Secretary Hegseth is far better positioned to amplify this message, as he recently did with his impactful speech.
The author also shared his interactions with Hegseth during that visit. He describes Hegseth as someone who deeply cares about the military and the exceptionalism of the nation, an understatement given his recent words.
Hegseth’s speech directly addressed the destructive impact of DEI on the military. He reminded the cadets that many had already witnessed “the slow slide of the U.S. Army,” characterized by lowered standards, an obsession with race and gender, weakened discipline, and the discarding of traditions in favor of political correctness. He also noted the removal of statues and the relocation of paintings.
The author stresses that this erosion of standards is not confined to the Army or the military. He argues that it is evident in “every single occupation which ultimately holds the precious lives of American citizens in its hands.”
These occupations include police and fire departments, the healthcare industry, airlines and transportation, air traffic controllers, 911 operators, and utility services. The author contends that these sectors, particularly under the Obama and Biden administrations, have become infused with “draconian DEI edicts” that have dangerously diminished their quality and effectiveness.
Hegseth’s warning about DEI’s corrosive and nation-weakening effects is deemed equally, if not more, applicable to these critical fields. These are professions where, on a daily basis, the lives of every American citizen are entrusted.
The author firmly believes that “Identity Politics” should not be the basis for filling any job. He advocates for real-world experience and merit as the sole criteria for all positions. However, he emphasizes that “Identity Politics” should never be employed when selecting personnel for our military, police, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and pilots.
Hegseth’s West Point commencement address is proposed as a model that should be adopted across all these vital 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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Ultimately, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, the nation requires “the best of the best” to ensure its protection. This is presented as a common-sense and life-saving point upon which every American should agree.
