Taking on The View

America is yearning for conservative leadership rooted in common sense. As conservatives, though, we need to be willing to go places we’re not expected, and share our message with those who may be open to it, but just haven’t had the right messenger. 

We can’t be afraid to stand up for our beliefs, and the truth, even if who we’re talking to disagrees. That’s the foundation of American democracy, and it's an American value that I cherish.

Earlier this week I sat down with the ladies of The View to address comments they made last week. These comments included things like… I didn’t understand what it means to be Black in America, and to be successful as a Black child in America is to be the exception, not the rule. 

I can’t begin to tell you how offensive, dangerous, and disgusting that mindset is for kids who grew up like me. 

I joined The View to tell them what I know to be true: progress in America is palpable. 

It can be measured in generations. My grandfather was born in 1921 in Salley, South Carolina. When he was on the sidewalk and a white person was coming, he had to step off and not make eye contact.

My grandfather believed then what some doubt now: in the goodness of America. Because he believed that having faith in God, faith in himself, and faith in what the future could hold for his kids, would unleash opportunities in ways that you cannot imagine.

Every kid today can look at television networks and see how much progress has been made in this country. ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, ESPN, CNN, and Fox News, all have African-American and Hispanic hosts. What I'm suggesting is that yesterday's EXCEPTION is today's RULE.

We can’t let victimhood cloud our judgment. America is the beacon in the darkness, the city on the hill. But it’s only that way because we refuse to give up. We fight to get better every day. We spend our time looking out the windshield rather than the rearview. 

It’s time we celebrate the progress we’ve made, and set our sights on how much further we can go. 

The concept of America is that we will become a more perfect union. I am proof that’s the case.