Former US Congressman Lt. Col. Allen West, USA ret, who recently become a member of the STARR Board of Advisors, gave an important talk at the Center for American Values in Colorado. His speech is a passionate defense of traditional American values, rooted in West’s personal military and family experience, with a strong emphasis on parental responsibility, education reform, and active civic engagement to counter cultural shifts toward collectivism and disconnection from America’s founding principles.
STARRS President Ron Scott said this is “one of the most powerful presentations I have had the privilege to watch!!! It should go viral.”
Watch:
AI Summary
Personal Background and Influences
- Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Allen B. West shares his life story: born in 1961 in a segregated hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s boyhood home.
- He overcame racial barriers to serve 22 years in the U.S. Army (including combat in the Gulf War and Iraq War), represent Florida’s 22nd District in Congress, and become a public speaker.
- West credits his success to strong family values and mentors: his father (a WWII veteran who served despite discrimination), his disciplinarian mother (who taught “do esteemable things” instead of relying on participation trophies), and his godfather (a Tuskegee Airman).
- Junior ROTC instructors and other role models reinforced honor, integrity, patriotism, and character.
Core American Values
- The central theme is the urgent need to instill honor, integrity, patriotism, and character in the next generation.
- Rights come from God, not government (referencing the Declaration of Independence and John Locke’s natural rights).
- America was founded on rugged individualism, not collectivism; West warns against modern ideologies that prioritize government over individual responsibility.
- He stresses teaching children foundational documents (Declaration of Independence, Constitution) and connecting them to real historical events like D-Day and the Civil War.
Critique of Modern Society and Education
- Parents are too disengaged, often relying on iPads and screens, which weakens family bonds and values transmission.
- Lack of proper civics and history education leaves young people without appreciation for America’s sacrifices or founding principles.
- “Participation trophies” and victimhood culture undermine merit, self-esteem, and resilience.
- Youth are vulnerable to negative influences (gangs, harmful ideologies) without positive role models like veterans.
Call to Action
- Parents must actively teach values, challenge children to be victors rather than victims, and surround them with strong mentors.
- Veterans should get involved locally: run for school boards, serve as poll workers, and educate youth about America’s history and military sacrifices.
- West encourages a return to teaching true American history and patriotism to preserve the nation.
Q&A Highlights
- Future plans: West says he is focused on being a “humble and obedient servant to God and country.”
- Illegal immigration: Emphasizes enforcing the rule of law and criticizes sanctuary policies.
- Iran and national security: Supports strong action against state sponsors of terrorism and stresses energy security.
- Veterans’ role: Urges them to engage in local governance and mentorship to shape the next generation.
About
Lt. Colonel Allen West, USA (Ret.) is the Executive Director of the American Constitutional Conservative Rights Union and the ACRU Action Fund. He is a constitutional conservative, combat veteran, and former member of the US Congress. Col. West is the third of four generations of military servicemen in his family. During his 22-year career in the U.S. Army, Lt. Col. West served in several combat zones and received many honors, including the Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; and Valorous Unit Award. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and two Masters degrees from Kansas State University and the US Army Command and General Staff Officers Course. In November 2010, West was elected to the United States Congress representing Florida’s 22d District. As a member of the 112th Congress, West sat on the Small Business and Armed Services Committees. West is the former Executive Director of the National Center for Policy Analysis in Dallas, Texas, and a former Director of the Booker T. Washington Initiative (BTWI) for the Texas Public Policy Foundation. In July of 2020, Col. West was elected Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas by an overwhelming majority of State delegates. West is the author of three books: Guardian of the Republic: An American Ronin’s Journey to Family, Faith, and Freedom; Hold Texas, Hold the Nation: Victory or Death; and We Can Overcome: An American Black Conservative Manifesto.
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