Army Secretary’s Commencement Speech at West Point
Army Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent commencement address at West Point stands out and deserves attention. His focus was on safeguarding the lives of families.
During his speech, he pointed out a stark reality: “On the battlefield, there are no slopes, and you can’t throw pronouns at the enemy. Combat is the ultimate test, and the best Americans must pass it.” This is a reminder that, in tough situations, clarity is crucial.
He expressed strong disapproval of “woke weak leaders” who want to transform West Point, his alma mater, into a more liberal institution akin to “woke Princeton.”
Hegseth, who has received combat medals, criticized the leadership at West Point for endorsing what he called the “DEI craze” and attempting to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives, hiring professors who, in his view, championed anti-American ideologies. This perspective resonates with many concerns regarding the institution’s direction.
On July 2, 2022, I found myself on the historic grounds of West Point discussing my book, “56 Lessons of Freedom,” which defends the values of the Founding Fathers against modern critiques. After my segment, a senior West Point official approached me, sharing his worry about how the academy was shifting towards a far-left ideology and diluting its traditions. His emotions were palpable as he earnestly requested that I voice these concerns.
While I’ve tried to bring these issues to light, Secretary Hegseth has a platform to convey this message more effectively than I can.
Having had the chance to interact with him during my time on campus, I can confidently say he is profoundly dedicated to the military and the exceptional nature of our country.
In his speech, he highlighted the negative impact of DEI on military standards, asserting, “Even in your brief time in uniform, many of you have witnessed what I call the slow decline of the U.S. military. Standards have fallen, and traditions have been undermined in the name of political correctness.”
It’s crucial to underline that the issues of lowering standards and a fixation on race and gender aren’t confined to the military. These trends are apparent across various vital professions that directly affect American lives.
Take roles in law enforcement, firefighting, healthcare, aviation, or emergency services. The DEI mandates established during the Obama-Biden administration have notably compromised the quality and effectiveness of these fields.
Hegseth’s insights about DEI’s harmful effects on the military apply equally, if not more so, to these sectors, which play essential roles in daily life.
I maintain that hiring should be based on real-world experience and merit rather than “identity politics.” This is especially critical in professions like the military, police forces, and healthcare.
I believe Hegseth’s address should serve as a guiding principle across all these professions. The safety and well-being of all Americans depend on having the most qualified individuals fulfilling these necessary roles.
We need the very best to protect us, regardless of personal characteristics. It’s a matter of common sense and saving lives—something everyone should agree upon.
