CPAC: Sen. Ted Cruz’s 10 elements for GOP success

By Hannah Bleau | gargoyle@flagler.edu

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Ted Cruz opened up CPAC 2014 with what many saw as an invigorating speech for conservatives filled with a sense of urgency and a plan to gain GOP momentum going into upcoming elections.

Cruz said the Republican Party has been united only in their mutual opposition to the Democrats. According to Cruz, this alone is not enough. He said the Republican Party and conservative movement needs to stand for definitive ideas and solutions, unite around a specific cause and to stand on principle.

Many have speculated that Cruz is gearing up for a run in the 2016 presidential election.

Like Reagan, Cruz painted a picture of an America full of promise, hope, and a potentially bright future. This idea resonated, especially with young people.

Cruz also criticized the Obama administration. Students, according to Cruz, are deviating from the false narrative. He jokingly echoed a well-known phrase: hope and change.

“The Obama agenda has been horrible for young people,” Cruz said.

He presented what he said are 10 essential elements crucial for the GOP to gain ground in the upcoming elections.

“Defend the Constitution. All of it.”

Cruz said the freedom of the press needs to be upheld. He used one of the more recent controversies to illustrate the current government’s intent to influence media outlets.

“Defend the first Amendment. Defend the right to free speech- the right to a free press. For all of our friends in the media, free press means not having government monitors sitting in your newsroom,” he said.

He also shed a light on the IRS, which has been caught targeting both conservative and Christian organizations and individuals.

“The right to freedom of religion and that means among other things not having the IRS ask citizens ’tell me the content of your prayers.’”

“Abolish the IRS.”

Instead of a confusing, unfair progressive system, which hurts companies and individuals, Cruz reaffirmed the idea of a fair flat tax, which would be a simplified form that virtually anyone could fill out.

“Expand energy and create high paying jobs all over America.”

According to Cruz, dependence should not be the only option when it comes to jobs or energy.

“Expand school choice.”

Cruz stressed the education crisis in America. He said that every child deserves an equal opportunity to pursue the American dream no matter class or race.

“Repeal Dodd-Frank.”

Cruz said there’s nothing good in it. Government over-regulation of finances and big business only burdens the engine of the economy.

“We need to audit the Federal Reserve.”

The Federal Reserve needs to be held accountable, he said, adding the “unaccountable power in Washington” is “debasing our currency, driving up the costs of food and gas” which also stifles the engine of the economy.

“We need to pass a strong, balanced budget amendment.”

He said young people are burdened with trillions of dollars in debt, which increases every single day. Not only are young people having trouble finding jobs, but current generations are burdening them with trillions in debt, and this financial disaster has grown exponentially over the last 10 years.

“We need to repeal every single word of ObamaCare.”

ObamaCare has had rocky start, with no signs of improving.

“We need to stop the lawlessness.”

Cruz said leaders need to be held accountable — the President cannot simply change laws with the stroke of a pen.

“We need to end the corruption.”

He said the current generation needs to wake up and stand up for principle, because the future of America is at stake.

“What we’re doing to our kids and grandkids is morally wrong. It is an outrage. If we keep on this road they will spend their entire lives working — not to meet the needs of the future, not to meet the needs of their priorities — but instead just working to pay off the debts that their deadbeat parents and grandparents stuck them with,” he said.

Cruz said he has not lost hope in America.  He believes the country can turn around, and he is inspired, despite what he see as corruption in Washington.

“I am inspired because all across this country people are waking up,” Cruz said.

*CPAC is an annual meeting of conservatives around the country who unite to talk about conservative ideas, solutions and networks.