Emerging From the Shadow of ‘Black Hawk Down’

In early 1996, I was preparing to assume leadership of a combat engineer platoon in the Army’s 10^th Mountain Division at Ft. Drum, NY. At the time, Ft. Drum soldiers were the most frequently deployed in the Army—with the most notable of these being to Mogadishu, Somalia in an operation now referred to as “Black Hawk Down.”

The platoon I was slated to take over had recently completed several division-wide exercises to evaluate their combat readiness and—unfortunately for me—was rated among the lowest at Ft. Drum. They had a serious morale and discipline problem and lacked the confidence and faith in one another that is absolutely necessary in a combat-ready platoon. Fixing these issues would ONLY come about through solid, focused leadership and undaunted determination to succeed in making these soldiers ready for battle. My peers said it couldn’t be done. My senior officers were skeptical and had largely given up on this platoon. My subordinates were sick of making up for the deficiencies of the soldiers I was about to take over. However, in the span of 9 months, and after relieving a dangerous and non-performing platoon sergeant, promoting several other junior non-commissioned officers within the unit, instilling discipline while nurturing morale, and getting to know each one of my soldiers personally—so I could motivate each one of them individually—my platoon was re-evaluated and rated among the very top of the 10^th Mountain Division. It was quite an accomplishment—and one that led to my chain of command recommending me for promotion ahead of my peers.

In reality, however, the decision to turn this platoon around was simple. Sure, there were 48 and 72 hour stints where none of us slept, and training and re-training on the rifle range, the demolition range, the gas chamber, etc., was difficult, and the extra hours of PT with the soldiers who needed it was time consuming…but really, because the task of making my platoon combat ready so they could fight and win America’s wars—and return home to their wives and kids alive—was so important, there was only one clear path to take. I had to lead, follow, or get out of the way…and I led.

The State of our Border Security: Non-Mission Capable

Putting this in perspective, the state of our nation’s borders and our illegal immigration problem right now is very similar to the platoon I took command of in 1996. In both instances, neglect and lack of focus on key issues caused problems that were exacerbated to the point that the damage was nearly irreparable. In both cases, solving the problem involved a choice with very serious consequences for our nation. In both situations, those who had the opportunity to make a difference had to lead, follow, or get out of the way…

…and in the case of illegal immigration, we’re still waiting for our elected officials to decide what they want to do. This is unacceptable.

Illegal immigration is a plague that has divided Americans and eroded American Exceptionalism. It undermines our sovereignty and heightens our national security risk. It stresses our judicial, education, and health care systems and, as a result, our economy—our nation—has paid a serious price.

We know that in order to fix this problem, we need to seal the borders, eliminate the thought of amnesty and end the anchor baby program. We have to purge incentives (like housing and tuition assistance) and punish employers who hire illegal immigrants. We need to document, tax, and fine those who are here illegally and document and deport those who are here illegally and committing crimes. Finally, we need to make it easier to immigrate legally and melt into the fabric of this great nation. These ideas aren’t new, nor are they anything that each of us doesn’t already know. The reason we’re still discussing them as “ideas” and not “the solution,” however, is because there is no will…no desire…no leadership in Washington to make this happen. In the meantime, our country continues to suffer because of it.

Will taking the steps necessary to end the problem of illegal immigration be simple? Of course not…but given the alternatives, we don’t really have a choice other than to get serious about illegal immigration. Think of it this way: when my soldiers were in Mogadishu, did they have a choice as to whether or not they should rescue the downed pilots and crew of the Black Hawks? No…Americans were in peril so they had to lead, follow, or get out of the way. They led. That’s what we expect of those who serve this country—whether it’s in uniform or public office, it doesn’t matter—the public entrusts their health and welfare to those who serve…and now more than ever, we need elected officials to lead, follow, or get out of the way…and I choose to lead.

It’s Our Time; It’s Our Duty.

In order to solve illegal immigration we first have to WANT to solve it.  Unfortunately, we have a short list of action-oriented leaders who are willing to do this…and an inversely proportional long list of pro-illegal immigration advocates who are winning this battle and are tearing our country apart. What would Thomas Jefferson or John Adams or George Washington say about this? Given all that they sacrificed for us, would our Founding Fathers extend a political olive branch to a faction of society that threatened all that they fought for—all that they risked…for us? Of course not! They’d lead their beloved country through the challenge and would expect us to do the same.

There is too much at stake to settle for electing a republican just to unseat a democrat…or for sending someone to Washington who can balance a checkbook and has created jobs in the private sector but doesn’t understand that what we need now—what we owe future generations—is hard-core, serious, Constitutionally-based leadership. The kind that won’t flinch or have to consider the political fallout when a hard decision is necessary to get America back on track…the kind that doesn’t think twice about taking the harder right over the easier wrong…the kind that will not look the other way on an issue like illegal immigration and stand on the side of American citizens to save American Exceptionalism.

At West Point, I studied the greatest leaders in history…and studied with the leaders who will shape the direction our world takes in the future. In every instance, whether past, present, or future, quality leadership was defined by what it contributed—not by how hard someone tried or a great speech they gave. It was action-oriented. It was results-oriented. It was selfless and totally “big-picture” oriented. Whether it was leading a broken platoon back to excellence or standing up to defend American Exceptionalism from the scourge of illegal immigration, leadership is about weighing the consequences and making the right choice…

…and it’s time to choose now.

This is our time; it’s our duty. In solving illegal immigration—or any other issue we face as Americans—we need those we elect to office to lead, follow, or get out of the way. What has the current political class done for us on this issue? What have they contributed? How can we look at the lack of leadership on an issue like illegal immigration and possibly consider those in Washington—or those who desire to go to Washington but don’t know what it means to lead—successful? Regardless of what people have said they’ve done in the past, illegal immigration is a bigger issue now than ever. Washington has failed us. “Establishment thinking” has failed us…and Americans continue to pay the price. It’s time to send people to Washington who will unapologetically lead, inspire others to follow, and move those who only aim to obstruct out of the way.

If you’re still not sold on the idea that leadership is absolutely essential in solving the crisis of illegal immigration, consider this: illegal immigrants are currently winning the battle of sensibilities in our country. How is it possible that the elected leaders of the United States of America let illegal immigrants dictate the terms upon which they get to come to our nation, partake in the American Dream, participate in the lifestyle that our forefathers built and passed on to us then demand to fly their nation’s flag and be treated equally as legal citizens under the law? This is a direct assault on American Exceptionalism, and the ONLY antidote to this affliction is effective leadership—effective leadership that has been missing from Washington D.C. for years.

Where have all the leaders gone? What happened to the pride of being an American among our elected officials? We are a special nation and a blessed people….and when it comes to protecting this nation that I love and solving her problems (like illegal immigration), every fiber of who I am…every cell that makes me breathe…looks at all that’s at stake and unapologetically chooses to lead.

Join our efforts to bring leadership and accountability to Washington! Help us eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse! Donate to Dave Westlake for U.S. Senate by clicking here.

Getting Slapped in the Face by the Olive Branch in Your Hand

In The Mentality of Conservatism; The Conscience of America, I proposed that conservatism in government—particularly on the federal level—is no longer an option for us if we are to keep our Republic. Rather, conservatism is the necessary solution to so many of the issues that habitually and consistently plague American Exceptionalism—like government infringement, excessive taxes, fraud, waste, and abuse—all of which stem from prevailing liberal or progressive mindsets in Washington.

So, if we know conservatism works, why is it not the standard rather than the exception? Why is the conservative mentality not mainstream and permanently part of the American government psyche?

Simple. Republicans who think that “extending an olive branch across the aisle” is more important than standing for what they know is right have put conservatism on a political leper colony and made this all-important mindset something that most are afraid to touch—let alone embrace—and bring into mainstream political circles. We’ve found out that “reaching across the aisle,” when it comes to defending a conservative principle seldom amounts to anything other than a compromise—and while conservatism is strong, bold, and, in many respects is the very essence of Americanism, it is simultaneously fragile and easily damaged by compromise. Unless we’re extending our arms toward the left to jointly battle the evil triplets of fraud, waste, and abuse, Republicans should no longer be surprised that seeking cooperation from across the aisle in hopes of advancing conservative principles will always lead to us being slapped in the face with the very olive branch being offered.

Trying to Hit a Target We Can’t See

For those of us interested in solidifying a conservative mindset in Washington, however, we need two essential elements: 1. an unshakable vision that defines what the end state should look like, and 2. a modern day Elliot Ness and a band of conservative Untouchables who are willing to carry our ideology forward and not be moved off task by special interests, political correctness, or any other diversion that has successfully derailed previous efforts to reduce the size of government and eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse.

Right now, we have neither of these. Our efforts are like trying to hit a target we can’t see. Without a clearly focused vision, we’re shooting in the dark toward an area where we believe our target to be; without the right leadership, we have no chance of ever illuminating it. Worse yet, this present situation leaves us relying on hope that some current band of GOP hopefuls will step up and unabashedly clear the minefield of “politics as usual” so America can boldly move forward to new heights of clarity and exceptionalism. Unfortunately, as E Pluribus Unum points out, this oftentimes results in disappointment.

My Vision, My Goal

Liberals and Progressives have built a rosy vision around big-government, socialistic programs. Everything’s equal. No one is without health care. No one is hungry. No one is poor. No one has to work too hard, and no one exploits the efforts of anyone else. If it weren’t unrealistic and totally unsustainable, it really would sound great—for a little while, anyway. Then, when the laws of economics and nature take over and we find that the natural state of societal equilibrium will always be found in how well we manage the state of disequilibrium—and that the harder government tries to control this, the less control it actually has—the tenets of socialism once again succumb to the same fate that history has consistently chosen for it: complete failure.

My vision for the conservative movement in the United States, on the other hand, is realistic and is wholly sustainable. It’s based on the principles of liberty espoused by John Adams, the faith in self-determination that was tirelessly argued by Thomas Jefferson, the uniquely American confidence expressed by Andrew Jackson (“One man with courage makes a majority.”), and the limitless dreams of the human spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is the core of what conservatism stands for…and it’s the foundation from which we built a great nation.

My goal—our goal—is to resurrect conservatism…dare I say “Americanism”…from these tenets and once again make this the way we are, not just the way we were.

Bringing Conservatism Into the Light

The dilemma we face with respect to making this vision a reality is that “conservatism” has been stained by the mediocrity of “olive branch politics.” Americans haven’t seen—or experienced—REAL conservatism in at least a generation…if not more. When GOP lawmakers—the proclaimed vanguards of conservative principles—sacrifice conservatism at the altar of bigger government with the misguided hopes of bringing the left to “our side,” the American public is burdened with the consequences. This, in turn, sets a precedent that transcends generations, framing the “conservatives” in American politics as spineless, wishy-washy compromisers…

…and there’s nothing sexy about that.

The fact is, however, that when we show America—when we demonstrate to the world—the strength outlined in the vision of conservatism mentioned above, it will be widely embraced here at home and reverently respected across the globe. Done properly—that is, in accordance with the core principles of true conservatism and with leaders willing to fight the battles worth fighting—it will be unflappable in the face of social, economic, and ideological threats, and it will eternally remain the single greatest tool in guaranteeing the long-term growth of American Exceptionalism.

And what of the olive branch? I suggest we cut the tree down, remove the stump, and plant the seed of real conservative leadership in its place.

It’s our time to deliver this message. It’s our moment to lead. I’m ready to go…who’s with me?

Conservatism Isn’t an Option…It’s the Solution

The “R” Behind Your Name Just Isn’t Enough Anymore

The Republican Party used to stand exclusively for the principles of smaller government, lower taxes, more individual liberty, opportunity for all, and a strong national defense. To its credit, the party is trying to recapture dominance in these areas…I think. But make no mistake: the Republican Party of today is not ignited by the same torch that lit the Reagan Revolution in 1980. Unfortunately, simply punching the ballot card for a candidate with an “R” behind their name isn’t enough anymore. However, we can go a long way toward correcting that matter in November.

Making November Work

If we’re going to make a difference this election cycle—I mean make a REAL difference, the kind that’s an improvement, not just a change—then we need to shift our collective mindset as it pertains to the political landscape in America.

I know, I know… You’ve heard this before, right?

Well, here’s the deal. Up until now, such a “shift” was something that defied our understanding. It didn’t seem possible, let alone necessary. Changing—or even challenging—the “establishment” political powers has been as daunting and nearly as risky for an office-seeking patriot as it was to be associated with the original “Sons of Liberty” in Colonial times. Sure, it was the right thing to do—but you just might be metaphorically tarred-and-feathered for doing so. You simply did not question the political power brokers…

…but that was then. Before Doug Hoffman. Before Marco Rubio. Before Pat Toomey. Before Rand Paul. Before Sharron Angle. Yes, a lot has happened since the fall of 2008. Now real GOP mavericks—those committed to bringing the Republican Party back to its conservative roots—are stepping forward. And not a second too early.

Our new reality is one where fraud, waste, and abuse audaciously run rampant, our future is poorly (at best) defined, and there is an all-too-real risk of losing much of the character that makes America great. Suddenly, the “shift” we need to make is becoming much more clear…and a lot less intimidating.

A Republic, If You Can Keep It

Our form of government—a Representative Republic—was designed to cede a majority of power to the people “among the many states.” To this end, the Constitution calls for specifically limited Congressional powers. Ahh, yes…a reference to the often-overlooked preamble to the Bill of Rights and a concept that “traditional” politicians have long evaded and/or abused—precisely what Benjamin Franklin warned us about when he said that the 1787 Constitutional Convention had given us “A Republic, if you can keep it.”

We can keep it. We MUST keep it. But doing so will depend on us re-affirming our belief in (and recommitting our efforts to) one all-important concept: conservatism.

Why “conservatism” and not “liberalism” or “progressivism?” Simple. Not only is it what the Constitution demands (by way of smaller government and serious national defense), but it’s also the only approach that works with a Republic. Liberalism and progressivism, by their defining tenets, grow the size of the federal government—which is the antithesis of what our system of governance is built on. Conservatism, in contrast, is based on continually looking for ways to reduce the influence of government in Americans’ lives, a concept that has largely been lost on BOTH sides of the political aisle, in recent years.

Furthermore, the aforementioned blight of fraud, waste, and abuse—collectively the largest threat to the economic viability of our nation—flourishes in a liberal or progressive political environment. When government programs and bureaucracies are created (or grow), they require more people to join the government employment roster to staff new positions; they require more taxpayer dollars to pay for them; and they require an increasingly large portion of the budget each year. Before you know it, you’ve got Congress buying fighter jets that the Pentagon doesn’t want, a state-of-the-art airport being built in rural Pennsylvania to service [an incredible!] six flights per day, a 2,800 page healthcare bill that federalizes student loans, and—who can forget—a multi-million dollar bridge to nowhere.

If we are to keep our Republic, as Dr. Franklin forewarned, then our greatest threat is NOT from any specific political party (because members of both parties have been “asleep at the wheel”). Rather, it is the lazy and misguided mindset that someone else will take care of our irresponsibility. That mentality is dangerous…and the primary tenet of liberalism and progressivism: “Sit back, don’t worry, we’ll take care of everything for you.”

Advancing A Mindset, Not A Party

I am a Republican. But I am NOT a circa-2008, “reach across the aisle to dilute my conservative message,” “vote-for-higher-spending,” “increase-the-size-of-government” John McCain-type of Republican. I’m a “Barry Goldwater” or “Ronald Reagan,” and—speaking as an individual, which our Founding Fathers encouraged us to do—”Dave Westlake” Republican who is passionate about the greatness of this nation because I know that the people who live here make better decisions for themselves and for their families than the government can; who likewise knows that government serves us best when it serves us in the very limited capacity outlined in the Constitution. Therefore, I advance a conservative mindset—a set of ideals. Because party leadership and direction can change, but core values and guiding principles never should.

I further advance this conservative mindset because the ideals of limited government are what put our country on the path to greatness initially, and they are what need to be promoted going forward if we are to beat back the very real and looming dangers of fraud, waste, and abuse. It’s what is necessary to continue to champion the cause of liberty in this world. This mindset is the very mentality of conservatism. Ever since John Adams declared that “…the meanest and lowest of the people are—by the unalterable, indefeasible laws of God and nature—as well entitled to the benefit of the air to breathe, light to see, food to eat, and clothes to wear as the Nobles or the King,” these values have been the hope…the inspiration…the conscience of America.

Battleground: Wisconsin

Many thanks to EPU for introducing me to RedState readers last week. As noted in his article, “Meet David Westlake…the Cure for Russ Feingold,” we indeed had a great discussion that covered numerous topics, including the fact that politics ultimately comes into play in nearly every aspect of the “American Experience.”

Of particular note, we broached the greatest threat to America today—a tacit willingness to separate ourselves from American Exceptionalism. It’s the cause Conservatives are always at “war” to defend in politics—the greatness of this nation and all she embodies. Focusing on any individual—or individual component—in a campaign only perpetuates the scourge of “politics as usual”…a gateway drug for apathy…which, in turn, carries a surgeon general-approved warning of bigger government, less freedom, and more problems. Make no mistake about it, “politics as usual” is the first step down the slippery slope to disaster.

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