Last week there was a lot of buzz about a teenage conservative who made a splash when he spoke at a conference and became the darling of the conservative – and liberal – media. The liberal media especially propped him up as a parlor trick. Conservatives were amused by his earnestness. Liberals were amused by the stereotype of the conservative nerd in a little suit and tie.
At the old age of 17, he has since declared that he is no longer a conservative and is embarrassed by his political past. Unfortunately, this led to many on the right declaring that it was wrong to promote him and that students have no business being promoted by conservative organizations. I think this is a mistake. Exhibit B in the case for encouraging student activists: Lila Rose.
In 2004, at the age of 15, Rose started Live Action, a youth-oriented organization dedicated to eradicating abortion and promoting a culture of life. She set her sights on Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest provider of abortions, and secretly recorded several visits to their clinics. At age 18, she went to a local Planned Parenthood and posed as a 15 year-old who was pregnant by her 23 year-old boyfriend. Workers are required by law to report any instance of statutory rape. Instead, a Planned Parenthood worker suggested she lie about her age in order to go through with the abortion.
In a visit to another clinic, Rose posed as a 13 year-old who was impregnated by a 31 year-old man. Even though the clinic worker said she was supposed to report to Child Protective Services, she eventually said, “Okay, I didn't hear the age. I don't want to know the age. It could be reported as rape. And that's child abuse.” In a place where abortion is the biggest commodity, it’s no surprise that other evils are dismissed. At Planned Parenthood, if a girl is raped and no one makes a sound, it didn’t exist.
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Rose has spoken at many pro-life events and won numerous awards for her activism. Her newest project is Protect Our Girls, an effort to ban sex-selection abortion in America. Her activism and mission to end abortion should be an inspiration to student and adult activists alike. The conservative movement should do all they can to encourage other students like Lila Rose.
1. If there were a television channel that showed only one movie over and over, what movie should it be?
The Prince of Egypt. Kid and adult friendly.
2. What’s one of your favorite movie quotes?
"Every man dies, but not every man really lives." —Mel Gibson as William Wallace in Braveheart
3. In A Clockwork Orange, Malcolm McDowell is strapped in with his eyes propped open and forced to watch images until he was "cured." If you could give President Obama, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Leader Harry Reid the "Clockwork Orange treatment," what movie would you make them watch?
The Passion of the Christ.
4. What pop culture souvenir do you own that people would be surprised to learn that you cherish?
A James Dean poster.
5. What's your current “guilty pleasure” non-news television show?
I Love Lucy? No really, I don't watch TV. I don't even have one.
6. What’s the best present you ever received as a child?
A memory box full of letters, candy and special mementos from a friend.
7. What was the first rock concert you ever attended and where did you sit and who went with you?
My brother's band, in one of those hole-in-the-wall venues. Check them out here.
8. What advice do you remember your mother or father giving you? Did you take it?
Of course my parents have given me lots of great advice, but what I never forget is their example. I try to follow it every day, but learning how to love and live as selflessly as they do will take a lifetime
9. If Republicans and Democrats had theme songs for 2012 what would they be?
Obama – “Why Don't You Love mMe” by Beyonce Romney – “Never Say Never” by Justin Beiber
If Americans were going to sing a song about Obama, this is what we would sing: “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye.
If Americans were going to sing a song about Romney, this is what we would sing: Are you Strong Enough to Be My Man” by Sheryl Crow.
10. What books are on your summer reading list?
"Crossing the Threshold of Hope." And this is not a book by or about Obama. The book is written by one of my heroes, Blessed Pope John Paul II, and is his passionate and frank discussions on a number of timeless questions of the heart.
11. How has a teacher changed your life?
My literature teacher Jean Cherniss encouraged me that I could accomplish anything, including writing books, which I am working on now.
12. Tell me about the moment you decided to enter the political arena.
I never really planned to "enter the political arena". When I was 9 I found out about abortion. I was heart-broken and knew then I wanted to do something about. I just knew I couldn't be silent or stand by.
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