Former Missouri Governor and U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft spoke at an event honoring veterans in Springfield. He thanked veterans and commented on social issues of the day, including freedom of speech and income inequality.
Ashcroft spoke to members of the Rotary Club of Springfield Southeast, where he thanked veterans for securing what he called the three liberties of religion, speech, and opportunity.
Ashcroft stressed free speech, telling the audience he’s concerned about “a culture that’s so offended by everything that’s said.” He also stressed what he called the “liberty to prosper,” saying the government should focus less on disparity and let individuals succeed through hard work.
“We don’t need any more equality," Ashcroft said. "What we need is prosperity, and prosperity comes when you have some capacity for disparity, which provides motivation.”
In telling the group of his admiration for the Rotary Club, Ashcroft appeared to refer to getting the COVID-19 vaccine as a “duty.”
“My father was a Rotarian through and through," he said. "He could not have been more of a Rotarian if he had been inoculated with a rotary pin at the time of his admission to grade school. Speaking of inoculations, I hope that you’ve all done your duty.”
