Pence to the South Carolina Corps of Cadets, Charleston, SC

[mahatmakanejeeves]

REMARKS

Remarks by Vice President Pence to the South Carolina Corps of Cadets | Charleston, SC
NATIONAL SECURITY & DEFENSE

The Citadel
Charleston, South Carolina

5:02 P.M. EST

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, to Governor McMaster, First Lady Peggy McMaster, Deputy Secretary Zais, General Walters, state legislators, distinguished guests: It is great and it is an honor to be at the Military College of South Carolina, The Citadel. (Applause.)

{snip}

A proverb in the Old Book says that, “One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.” Those of you who serve, and those of you who are called perhaps someday into conflict, should approach it with the same attitude. I mean, the best decisions are made through counsel and collaboration. Have the humility to listen. It is the essence of strong leadership.

Second is “orientation to authority.” You learned it here; carry it from here. Like the centurion who told the Nazarene that he was “a man under authority,” so many of you will be men and women under authority. So I admonish you, those who will put on the uniform: Respect the unified chain of command. Submit yourself to the authorities placed above you. Trust your superiors. Trust your orders. And, through your actions, help those that are leading you to be better leaders as well.

And finally, as you’re — you’ve gone through some rigorous years of training here at The Citadel — a time of great personal discipline — I challenge each one of you: Don’t lose that. Discipline is the foundation of all accomplishment. Be an example of self-discipline to the men and women you lead, whether that’s in our armed forces or whether in private life. You’ll inspire them by your discipline without saying a word.

To lead others, you must lead yourself first. And so cultivate — cultivate self-discipline. It wasn’t just for The Citadel; it’s for a lifetime of accomplishment. Cultivate all of these virtues, carry them from here, as you’ve already begun to do in this great school. And I know, like so many generations before, the men and women gathered here will lead lives of consequence and distinction.

So, lead with integrity. Be an example to those around you. Serve with honor. Take care of all of those that are ever under your care and set a personal and professional example.

And never forget: To whom much is given, much will be required. Here at The Citadel, you have been given an exceptional education. Your parents made it possible. Your teachers and instructors have poured a strong foundation in your life. Now go stand on that foundation and build a life to the betterment of this state and this nation.

{snip}

Oh, for Gods' sake. I wish that people who insist upon quoting that passage would quote it correctly.

Luke 12:48 King James Version (KJV)

48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

[SCantiGOP]

1. The Citadel is a joke

It should be an embarrassment to the state of South Carolina. A pretend military school, with no obligations for service in the real armed forces. Most of the students are screw-ups who got kicked out of other schools and need the discipline.
Refer to the Citadel around a real military college graduate, like from West Point or the Air Force Academy, and you will likely hear a loud laugh.

The only thing that could make me madder than knowing some of my state taxes are going to support this fascist institution would be if I were British and supporting a geriatric royal family.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. I know it best from an episode of Columbo.

"Columbo" By Dawn's Early Light (TV Episode 1974) - IMDb

[SCantiGOP]

3. If you've ever read Pat Conroy

His early novel "The Lords of Discipline" is an excellent expose of how corrupt and insular the place is. Conroy graduated from there, but was estranged from the institution for most of his life.

[sinkingfeeling]

4. "Submit to authority". The motto of crazy evangelicals.