That was after words booktvs Signature Program in which authors of the latest nonfiction books are interviewed by journalists, Public Policy makers and others familiar with their material. After words airs every weekend on booktv at 10 p. M. On saturday, 12 p. M. And 9 p. M. On sunday and 12 a. M. On a date. You can also watch online. Go to booktv. Org and click on after words on the series and topics list on the upper right side of the page. Australian activist nick adams argues the u. S. Will continue to dominate the economic [inaudible] [cheering] do you know how to throw a party or do you know how to throw a party . Its great to be back in alabama. It is good to be back. Thank you so much. Please, everyone have a seat. Thank you. I want to thank you for having me here today and each and every single one of you for coming here. Its great to be in a room so full of patrons. [applause] we are here at a crucial time in American History because the truth is that we are in the fight of our lives. America today is weaker than it has ever been, and as a result it is a much more dangerous place. Individualism, patriotism, liberty, the unique properties of American Life and culture are all that diminished levels. For the first time any of us can remember, america appears to be becoming irrelevant in world affairs. But this is america. Its time to stop the pity parties and start up our parties. [applause] its time to fight back. Its time to save america. Its time to be leaving breakthroughs and turnarounds and miracles. Ladies and gentlemen, for as long as i can remember ive wanted to change the world one heart at a time. I want to change history. I want to leave a Lasting Legacy. I want to keep america number one. I want to see an american renaissance, but i cant do it myself. I need your help to do it. This is still the country people cross oceans to get to. Still the place that sees people empty their life savings to be a part of. Still a nation that has people so the shirt on their back just to feel the american wind of freedom and opportunity. Still the country of the dreamer, america the great, america the beautiful. [applause] some people are born birmingham for america. Arnold schwarzenegger was one of them. I was the same way. God planted a dream in my heart to minister to americans. To be a modernday paul revere and other alexis de tocqueville, to warn americans about the perils of the future and to explain to americans what makes them exceptional. And for the last four years is over a dozen trucks traveling from the other side of the world, we have miraculously carried out what i believe i was put on earth to do. And with gods hand firmly on my ministry and our righteous cause, we have achieved beyond all expectations. [applause] we have done things that no one thought were possible. But in america, anything is possible. [applause] i must tell you, my american credentials were solid from the start. The first word i ever uttered, my mother tells me rather sheepishly, was coke as in cocacola, the great iconic american brands. [laughter] that was my first word to come and they have had some trouble shutting me up ever since. [laughter] and with a father that looks strikingly alike to archie bunker from all in the family, and shares most of his views as well, i suppose it was a fait accompli. And if that were not enough, my mother who german, first met my father in europe and heard him speaking in english, well i guess one accent was as good as another, so she asked him if he was an american. [laughter] at the age of eight, i told my parents and anybody that would listen that i was going to go to america and speak to people. They thought i was nuts. By the time i reached age ten i have revised my plans and boldly declared i am going to go to america and become famous. They still thought i was nuts. Not much has changed. [laughter] i remember one cold afternoon in january, in the year 2,000 standing on the Westminster Bridge in one and with my, i was 15 tickets t15. To give you some context the London League had been the final stop in an extensive multi country, multi city european tour. It cost my parents a small fortune. It had taken us from the mountains of southern germany to the breathtaking cities of venice, florence and rome to the majestic paris, to the likes of switzerland into the villages of austria. I had seen everything from the Leaning Tower of pisa to the colosseum to the eiffel tower to buckingham palace. It truly was the trip of a lifetime. As we stood on the bridge overlooking the magnificent palace of westminster, home to the houses of the british parliament, my father asked me so, nick, did you enjoy your trip . Without even a moments hesitation i said yes, dad, i really did, but i want to go to america. [laughter] and i will never forget my fathers crestfallen face how ungrateful i was. But i couldnt help it. I was captive to america somehow, excited by its player, attracted by its opportunity, inspired by its story, captured by its hope to rate im often asked to explain my love for america and its struggle i cant answer without rambling until one day it just became clear. I love america because it is confident, competitive, courageous, faithful, idealistic, innovative, inspirational, charitable and optimistic. [applause] is everything as a nation that i wish to be as a person. In interviews im often challenged to offer a personal answer to what american exceptionalism means to me. Hard to when youve written extensively on it, but this is my answer. Its individualism, not collectivism. Its patriotism, not relativism. Its optimism, not pessimism. [applause] its women to the government, not limited to government, not ministate. [applause] god, not government. [applause] its faith, not secularism. Its life, not death. Its equality of opportunity not that outcome. Its goodness, not moral equivalence. Its bee being bold, not land, e not meek. Its choosing extraordinary over mediocre. Thats america. [applause] i will tell you what else i get asked and they will never forget the first time that it was asked of me. It was in harrisburg pennsylvania a hostile Television Reporter was covering one of my speeches. The moment we have gone on camera, the ambush happened. What is in us early and care about america, what do you care, she sneered. Lucky enough thalucky enough thy first rodeo. I knew the game into the left. I spent eight years dealing with the media bias and distortion while in public office. I shall check because what is good for america is good for the world. [applause] a weak america is a weak world. A Strong America is a strong world. Everyone in the world should care about and work towards america staying on top. [applause] well, that shut her up. [laughter] crickets. I dont think i got a Christmas Card this year. But ladies and gentlemen coming out witcome atwetumpka its tru. The worlds fortunes are with america and i dont want to leave you in a world where america isnt running the show. Keeping america strong saving it from a European Future to my mind that is the great moral imperative of our time. [applause] i want americans to understand what is at stake for them. And for people around the world if they choose to continue to drift from the virtues and the values of traditional america. And i want them to know what allowed them to become the greatest country in the world and stay there for so long. And what changed to bring them to where they are today. I dont. I couldnt possibly. But i believe i offer he any prospective, one that might be helpful. Sometimes it takes someone on the outside to remind you what you are like. And i could be reading your future. And im here to tell you about it. And what you can expect should you proceed with the fundamental transformation of america. And i will talk to but also bring to the table. I offer truth. I introduce cold, factual reality to a discussion covered by andy and driven by agendas at a benefit for america. All that you ever hear is that america is at fault. The default position has become american guilt, and its absolute garbage. [applause] its baloney to use an american term. The media academic code have a lot to answer for. It is a disgrace to have professors parading as wardens incarcerating lines and having a Mainstream Media carries water for the left. [applause] intellectual integrity and moral courage must be returned it to americas schools and newsrooms. [applause] thats why a make a point of speaking it as the high schools and coaches as possible. [applause] because we must recapture our classrooms. [applause] american exceptionalism is not an accident, nor did it happen by chance. It happened because america fostered a state that allowed its citizens the widest latitude for creativity and innovation. It reworded success without government approvals and bureaucratic interference. It embraced religious faith, aspirations and risks. And for those reasons, the people of america have been the most enterprising, market oriented individualistic and diverse taxation and regulation to have ever walked gods green earth. [applause] and i will tell you Something Else that you wont hear. And i speak i believe for the silent international majority. America wins the respect in the world when it displays who it is and not what selfappointed cultural dietitians would want it to become. [applause] i do not believe for one single solitary second that americas best days are behind her. American decline is not inevitable. And to those that say that america should manage its decline gracefully, they should be called brother of delicately but they can do with their opinion. [applause] because as they say in these parts, that dog dont hunt. [applause] yes. America is falling behind, but only in fulfilling its own potential. Take it from me, there is no other country in the world even close to america. The american model has offered and continues to offer a greater chance for dignity, hope and happiness for more people than any other system of government has offered its time. If that were the case they wouldnt be dealing with illegal immigration problem that you have right now. [applause] as they say about the american war veterans, and were wounded, but not conquered. [applause] you might not realize, but there are americans all over the world doing great things for america, doing so much to keep their country, to keep the improbable American Experience alive. I have been blessed to have been able to travel the world in my 29 years and continually struck by american works. In december, 2011 and january 2012, i spent an extended time in england and caught up from a friend of South Carolina who had come to study abroad at Oxford University through a summit ministries. The oxford studies a standard abroad program combining the unique worldview approach of some of the ministries with the academic strengths of oxford england. It offered a scholarship for church and culture preparing for christian students forward as leaders in their disciplines and professions. It is run by kevin and angela bywater, professional americans. They have five beautiful Young Children and live in a house in a tiny village just outside of oxford. And there they educate young academically successful students in a christian and pro american worldview. I have the remarkable privilege of sitting in on a couple of the sessions and getting to know the students and the bywater family and was so deeply impressed by both the intellectuals and patriotism evidence that words cannot accurately convey my sentiments. I distinctly recall leaving and thinking how many bywater families are there out there scattered all over the world into what other country is so forward thinking and passionate about producing tomorrows exceptional leaders that it has programs of running in foreign countries. In june of 2011, i was invited to keynote the natural champion in ceremony in San Antonio Texas in front of me were over a thousand coaches, competitors and parents representing almost every state in america. I believe for h. Has almost 6 million members across the country. And i had the opportunity to meet the teams of every state, for photographs and was amazed that there courtesy, confidence, inquisitiveness and just how articulate they were. The thing i remember most about that night, ladies and gentlemen, with the pledge that was recited. This is what the pledge said. I pledge my head to clear thinking, my heart to greatest loyalty, my hands to Larger Service and my health to better living. For my club, my community, my country, and my world. What a testimony to the american tradition. [applause] just exceptional, exceptional to the bone. America might be in a lot of trouble, but its important not to overlook its treasure. There are still tens of millions of americans that are being faithful to the america that we know and love. [applause] the current season in america is confusion and its time to take seriously, deeply and searching. Its our job to inform for an informed citizenry is the bulwark of democracy. I believe there is a first in america and it has to be a belief in american exceptionalism. [applause] the only people that can deliver that are Patriotic Forces with traditional values. How do we win this fight . How do we vanquish the forces that make us weak and restore american glory to read what does america have to do to come back next heres my 15point plan for an american renaissance. [laughter] onetime exercise fidelity to the constitution. The declaration of independence and founding ideals. Number two. [applause] the return as a force of nature. As any reader knows you cant expect others to believe in you if you do not believe in yourself. [applause] its time for conservatives to compete for control of the cultural institutions for the forums and see to that o defense left. [applause] from hollywood to popular music to teaching to journalism, the days of the cultural elites playing unopposed are numbered. [applause] number three of ending the culture of complaint and entitlement. We need to put out we nee weo put out of business or professional offense takers. [applause] they are designed to intimidate us to remove our confidence to make us afraid to even look at somebody the wrong way, tunic of our visceral conviction suspect. The days of promoting grievance and envy are over. [applause] standing up to the bullies. America cannot allow itself to continue to be believed by the antibullying crusade. Its time to punch the ball even those. [applause] number five, an increase of rugged individualism. Rugged individualism is not an exercise in political nostalgia. It is a genuine solution for problems facing the u. S. In the 21st century. And that it is a selfmade society. The world needs america to be a country of selfreliant worriers, not pussycats. [applause] number six, the recommitment to success. If youre not first, your last. Work harder, be the best. Thats america. That is the way that its got to stay. [applause] desired upward mobility. Upward mobility can never be replaced by downward to stability. If america does that, it shrugs its way, all the way to belgium. Taking a risk is virtuous. The next point, support israel always. [applause] defend israel to your last breath. It is a providential nation and american success in purpose is linked to israel. Supporting israel is an american value. Limit government. Nothing my friends of wetumpka will extinguish Liberty Liquor than an activist government. We turn adults and infants and everyone into victims. [applause] there is nothing more obnoxious than the government whose attitude is dont worry, we know what is best for you. [applause] limited government is an american thing. Keep it that way. We need to believe in peace through strength. The uncommon valor in america has shown against the sort of tyranny. Weakness is provocative. Conviction is the mother of success. The United States military is the greatest vehicle against evil ever and the noble fighting force i this world has ever see. [applause] [applause] usa by u. S. Military must continue to be stronger than the rest of the worlds military combined. America doesnt have to attend every argument is invited to. But it does have a special role to play as the keeper of civilization. Smashing Political Correctness. [applause] Political Correctness and powers radical islam, terror and socialism. Advocates of the agenda are as dangerous to america as the amended offer september 11. [applause] british minister Margaret Thatcher said it best when she said the world have never ceased to be dangerous but the west had ceased to be vigilant. America needs to restore character. While it may be substantially less than the places, america does have a character problem that must be arrested. It was dwight d. Eisenhower that said the spirit of man is more important than the physical strength. And the spiritual fiber of the nation than its wealth. Always the number of alexis de tocqueville america is great because america is good. If she ceases to be good, she will cease to be great. [applause] on the subject of character, i urge americans to understand and defend the sanctity of human life or conception until natural death. [applause] guard your christianity closely. It is behind everything great about america whether it is enabling charitable work or optimism. The more christianity eroded in europe, the poorer, less powerful, the weaker and less influential but became. John adams wasnt joking when he said that the constitution was designed for a religious and moral people and was wholly inadequate for any other. [applause] on matters of the economy america must remain economically massive and enabled. Capital and imagination must continue to be combine more quickly than anywhere else in the world. Taxes must always be lowered and government should be out of the way. [applause] dont spend money that you dont have. [applause] ladies and gentlemen of that is my 15point plan to reduce america reboot america and get it online again. [applause] to me, america is the hope that banishes hopelessness. I want to share with you my testimony. When i was 16 monthold i was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer. The robust oma is an extraordinarily difficult cancer to diagnose. And those children when diagnosed our already in an advanced stage where a tumor has metastasized. When a child is diagnosed with stage for neuroblastoma they foy have a 5 chance of survival. Only one in 20 children survive. They were the odds that were given to my parents. But they serve a great god. And they helped me find the strongest anniversary and when. [applause] weve already won the luxury once ive overheard my dad told my mom recently. He has too much life in him. Look at him via hes not going down. And throughout my life, i have allowed myself to be strengthened and to be inspired by the opportunity of life. And it has given me a specialpurpose. But let me share with youtrue miracle. Let me share with you how i was diagnosed. My parents took me to doctor after dr. , pediatrician after pediatrician. But no one could determine what was wrong until one night christmas eve, 1995 i was particularly sick. And my parents have no alternative but to bring me to the emergency ward at the childrens hospital. Being christmas eve, it was next to empty. There was just one overnight doctor. And he said to my parents, im not sure but i think that your son has neuroblastoma and it is in an advanced stage and you need to get him in for tests first thing tomorrow morning. And sure enough, on christmas day, 1995, my parents worst fears were confirmed. The doctors hunch was right. That doctor was a young american, fresh out of college, just getting the australian experience. So i know american exceptionalism. I have lived it. I am alive because of it and im here to tell my story. Im here to leave a Lasting Legacy to help. In a few weeks i had to south korea for a speak to her. There i will attempt to plant the seeds of an american appreciation in the hearts of South Koreans and ask them to consider america to be the model to which the nation should aspire. Our mission is clear. We need to rescue america for consistency quantification, and faithfulness for going back to the beginning by keeping the traditional family unit as your greatest treasure standing for liberty. Standing for the constitution. By having a victory mentality, not the victim mentality. [applause] we want an america where the weak become strong and the strong become great where you can still rise above the circumstances of your birth and achieve whatever it is that you want to achieve. After free demonstration is americas next greatest export. Anything is possible. Spread the word to your friends, neighbors and acquaintances. And with what starts here in wetumpka spread across families, towns, counties and states. Let the steady trickle turned into a stream and waterfall and then the ocean. [applause] let there be a patriotic flood watch is the pollutants and contaminants away. My friends at wetumpka say that life is defined by moments and that our wealth is in our memories. And i will never forget this night until the glorious day i get a phone call from god urination inspires me. You inspire me. You give me a reason to live. You are everything i thought it would be more. It is my great privilege to serve you. I believe that it has been better to die on your feet than to live on your knees. [applause] and i invite you to join me on this battle over the strongest, proudest and most prosperous america yet. We can do it and we must do and we will. Thank you ladies and gentlemen. God bless you and may god continue to bless the United States of america. [applause] thank you very much. I appreciate that so much. Thank you