Mitt Romney spoke to a crowd that filled most of the Great Hall of the Memorial Union at Iowa State U. and offered ideas for strengthening the United States without making direct statements on a run for office.
Romney’s appearance is one stop on his national tour promoting his book, “No Apology: The Case for American Greatness.” Romney opened with a few jokes about being recognized in public, spoke of his vision for the nation and concluded with a brief question and answer session with the audience.
Experience in the consulting field taught the concept that businesses follow successful strategies, Romney said. He said the world is currently in a period where several options for social systems are competing to be the most successful and the winner is likely to influence global development.
Romney said the United States is a vital player in contemporary global affairs because it is the only major player that does not champion authoritarianism in the national character. “That’s why I conclude that America must remain strong,” Romney said.
Economic vitality and military strength determine the strength of a society, he said, adding that culture is the most significant factor in determining a nation’s success.
“What we have, what we sacrifice for, makes us strong,” Romney said.
Romney said the current administration and Washington politicians are enacting legislation that is squelching the American character and spirit of freedom.
In passing laws making welfare available to single parents the traditional family is weakened and corporate taxes punish innovators for creating new concepts and economic vitality, he said.
“The DNA of the American people is pioneering,” Romney said, and the current trends in Washington are smothering this innovative spirit.
Trends giving welfare to certain American communities without the requirement of work has stripped many Americans of a real understanding of hard work, Romney said.
Romney said the recent health care reforms may seem beneficial to many before the real costs begin to appear, but the regulation of the health care industry is going to stifle medical innovation and cause crippling tax increases.
American schools are failing children by not graduating top-caliber students, and cap and trade energy policies will harm businesses by making energy more expensive, Romney said.
Despite all the setbacks he cited, Romney remained hopeful.
“I’m absolutely convinced America will remain strong,” Romney said.
Romney said that liberals often underestimate the intelligence of the American people. He said that as the national deficit becomes larger than the economy, people will demand changes and the trends of taxation and government control will reverse.
As the baby boomers retire and add a tremendous additional cost to the nation’s social programs, Romney predicted more young people would become conservative and promote less government spending and more economic growth.
Romney shared a story of his father assigning him chores in his youth to teach the value of hard work, a value Romney said he believes will see the American people through this time.
“The pursuit of the difficult makes men strong,” Romney said, quoting his father.
Romney did not indicate an intention to run for higher office during his presentation, but he exited the Great Hall to a standing ovation.