By L.A. Williams, Correspondent
Christian Action League
GREENVILLE — Sacrifice is not usually a popular topic. Nor is it typically top of the mind for members of a political party that just swept a national election. But a willingness to sacrifice and a call for a national attitude of selflessness is imperative if conservatives are going to capitalize on their historic opportunity to reclaim America and save it from disaster.
Such was one theme of “Keeping the Momentum,” a speech delivered Thursday to the Republican Women of Pitt County by the Rev. Mark Creech. The Christian Action League’s executive director was the group’s keynote speaker at the luncheon meeting at the Greenville Hotel and Bistro.
“We always try to have excellent speakers each month, and he was really superb,” said Marsha Wyly, the organization’s treasurer elect. “What he said about the election really hit home when he talked about the changes in the state legislatures.
The Rev. Creech told the group that Republicans should respond to the November sweep by demonstrating humility and not arrogance, by welcoming accountability and by keeping tabs on elected officials and the courts at every level. He said the November election, which saw Republicans pick up more seats than in any other since 1938 and delivered to them control of both the North Carolina House and Senate, was more about voters’ desire to dismiss the Democrats than it was a rally cry for Republicans. If Republicans now fail to heed the voice of the people, he said, it won’t be long before they’re shown the door.
“The people are now demanding to be heard. They are tired of being ignored. They are fed-up with reckless spending that squanders their children’s futures. They are tired of the government involving itself in matters that essentially have nothing to do with the role of government. And they are tired of political payoffs, back room deals and corruption that serve special interests rather than their interests,” he said. “Moreover, they are tired of the radical social engineering that removes this country from its religious moorings and values.”
He reminded the GOP women that it is the job of rank-and-file citizens to stay well-informed on the issues and let elected officials know that they will be held accountable. He said that accountability must include not only national leaders, but those at the state and local levels and those who wear the robes and hold the gavels. He said when the liberal agenda hits a roadblock in the legislatures, the battle usually shifts to the courts and to county and municipal governments.
Diane Rufino, who is with the Eastern North Carolina Tea Party, said Rev. Creech’s remarks on accountability seem to resonate most with the audience.
Saving the most important point for the last of his presentation, the Rev. Creech said conservatives can only keep the momentum going if they can sell Americans on the oft-forgotten virtue of sacrifice.
“America is in an overspending and overindulgence crisis that literally threatens to undo her forever. Cut backs on the federal and state levels are no longer an option,” he said, adding that those necessary cuts will be “painful – very, very painful!”
The Rev. Creech called on leaders to set the example with “no more pay raises, no lavish state parties, no kickbacks from special interests and no legislative burdens that the people have to bear that they themselves do not have to bear as well.” He said our parents and grandparents understood the necessity of sacrifice during World War II and that the same spirit is needed again to get spending under control. He added that if sacrifice is not embraced we may be facing riots like those in Paris and Greece. If are unwilling to sacrifice voluntarily, he added, its plausible that it would be imposed upon us by dictators and despots.
Wyly said the Rev. Creech’s speech was “very well received and very much appreciated.” Rufino said, “It was probably the best presentation we’ve had all year.” “Everyone was very inspired,” said Elizabeth Weidner, the organization’s president.
If you’d like to schedule a time for the Rev. Creech to address your church, club or organization, contact the Christian Action League at (919)-787-0606.
