Former Republican Congressman from Florida, Lt. Col.Allen West (U.S. Army Ret.) was in Knoxville, Tennessee this weekend for Homecoming. A proud University of Tennessee Knoxville graduate (Go Vols!), Colonel West came to town to watch the Vols beat West Texas, hang out with his fellow Army R.O.T.C. cadets, and speak to Knox County Republicans on Sunday.

West was invited to speak to the Knox County Republicans by a Conservative Jewish group in Knoxville (Shalom Y’all). At first, it was thought that he would just say a few words, but after seeing the enthusiastic crowd Mr. West decided to give us a “talk”.

In this day, when stentorian tones (John Kerry), styrofoam columns and god-like echos (Barack Obama) and empty, meaningless words (most politicians) are considered the hallmarks of a great speaker, it is soul satisfying to hear someone whose words have meaning and who speaks in the common vernacular. Colonel West is a true orator in the real sense of the word.

After introductions were made, Colonel West was asked to lead the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone in the room stood proudly and in strong voices recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Then, Colonel West introduced us to the mother of one his fellow Rocky Top Battalion cadets. It was her eightieth birthday and Colonel West led us all in Happy Birthday.

Colonel West began his talk by opening up his Bible. He began by reading from the Book of Joshua, 1:5-9:

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Listen to Colonel West: