Sen. Ted Cruz encourages student engagement during final Convocation before election

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Marine Veteran Tim Lee delivered a strong message at Liberty University’s final Convocation before the 2020 presidential election: never take American freedoms for granted.

In the virtual event, Cruz reminded students, many of whom will cast their ballots for the first time this year, about his father’s flight from communist Cuba during the rise of dictator Fidel Castro. He said that his father, although deeply affected by communism, fortunately had a place to seek refuge — the United States.

“(My father’s) journey to America for freedom has always inspired me,” Cruz said. “… It’s easy to take for granted the incredible freedoms we have as Americans. Most of human history, these rights haven’t existed. If you look at the history of humanity, most if it has been a history of oppression. And America has been this, as Ronald Reagan used to say, a ‘shining city on a hill.’ The only way to defend (these freedoms) is for us to actively defend them.”

Cruz said that the heart of communism is destroying allegiance to anything other than the state, and that it has led to incredible struggles.

“Communism has historically produced suffering, pain, misery, and death,” he said. “Free speech, religious liberty, the right to live your life, pursue your education, and to pursue your career … virtually every one of our rights is hanging in the balance right now. If you want to preserve your freedoms, getting out and voting your values is integral to do so. … I think every one of us has a biblical responsibility to be engaged in fighting to defend our values. If we don’t fulfill that responsibility, then we bear part of the blame for the consequences of what happens in this country.”

Lee, who lost both legs fighting for American freedoms, echoed this message from a veteran’s perspective.

“Voting is a privilege,” he said. “We take it for granted sometimes. … People are paying the price and sacrificing (for our freedoms). I want to encourage the students to stand in line and cast a vote. I don’t think that’s too much to ask of somebody.”

Lee is a longtime member of Liberty’s Board of Trustees.

Senior Vice President for Spiritual Development David Nasser reminded students how to take advantage of this fundamental privilege.

Students who have registered to vote at Liberty’s voting precinct can vote in the Montview Ballroom. Liberty has prepared to adhere to all COVID safety guidelines of social distancing.

“Make sure you’re a good steward of what God has given you as an American,” Nasser said. “If you can cast your vote, make that your priority. … Make your voice heard. Make your vote count.”