Conservatives have to realize...
Our country was sliding deeper into the cesspool of socialism from the late '50's on. The "Great Society" was a pivotal point. We became even more socialist. Nixon/Kissenger and the china trip helped it along. (although in retrosect I think that was a >fairly< wise move.
Nixon's removal and the Ford administration began moving power from the execuvtive to the legislative and judical branches of government.
Carter increased our slide into socialism.
THANK GOD FOR RONALD REAGAN!
The Gipper along with conservatives both pubbie and rat threw out the anchor. The slide into socialism wasn't stopped but for once we had ground...a goal...the shining city on the hill...that conservatives of all persuasions could aim for.
The Clinton years almost undid that.
Then came W. Not exactly a consrevative but he grabbed onto the line RR tossed out. He slowed the pace. He's not exactly the in your face kinda consrvative I would like to see, but overall he's done a good job in slowing socialism.
I disagree with W on many points...immigration, NAFTA/CAFTA, eonaomy, ... and tons of other stuff.
But overall - especially considering 9-11, NOLA and TONS of other stuff - he's doing a decent job in keeping us from the evils of socialism.
AS conservatives we have to work from the bottom up. I believe that's the constitutional way.
W is no conservative...he's helped slow things but is no RR.
WE have to look ahead...WAY AHEAD...way past when I'm gone...the late teens early '20's. That's what conservatives should be aiming for.
Sadly I think most don't quite get it.
BTW, Thanks for the soapbox.
prisoner6
You are right about needing to look ahead. We need to come up with a new, long-term plan.