Former Congressman David Young is vying to recapture his Third District congressional seat currently held by Democrat Cindy Axne. Young spoke Friday night at the Pottawattamie County Lincoln-Reagan Dinner and gave a passionate defense of America.
He started out by describing what capitalism is, and contrasting it with what Democrats prefer — socialism.
“It’s not just about the material gains or the pursuit of wealth,” he said. “It’s about freedom. It’s about being a republic. It’s about the entrepreneurial spirit. It’s about the sovereignty of the individual. It’s about if you try and try, and when you fail, it shouldn’t be in the hands of the government.”
Young said rights come from God, not the government.
“If I were to talk about socialism two or three years ago, you would’ve said, ‘David, what are you talking about,'” he said. “But the Left has brought socialism to the table and we’re not going to eat it. We can’t. That’s not who we are. We’re not about collectivism or equal outcomes or catering to the lowest common denominator. It’s about rising above.
“Socialists believe that your rights come from government. If they give them to you, they can take them away.”
Young recounted the events in Independence Hall in 1787. He noted that, as Benjamin Franklin was leaving, he was asked what the men came up with.
“And he said ‘A Republic, if you can keep it,'” Young said. “Are we going to keep it?
“History is riddled with countries that have risen and fallen. But there’s something very special about America.”
Young noted America is the “greatest country to ever exist in the history of the world.” Largely because of God’s hand in its founding, but also because of three big ideas — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
“Quality of life — the ability to be free, to set your own course without the government getting in the way and telling you what you can do and what you can’t. Liberty — the right to worship God freely, to protest, to property rights, the right to defend yourself. The pursuit of happiness — that you cannot be truly happy unless you feel secure.”
Prior to introducing the night’s keynote speaker, Young said it was his honor to represent the Third District in Congress. He added he was proud to show up every day and never miss a vote.
