The Reagan Comparisons

May 11, 2007 | backtothestreets

[backtothestreets]

I hear the candidates trying to compare themselves to Ronald Reagan. None measure up. I don't recall Ronald Reagan ever having to compare himself to anyone else in an attempt to gain support. Ronald Reagan was his own man.

The candidate that irks me the most is Rudi Giuliani as he tries to embrace conservative values. Reagan didn't have to try to embrace such values. He already held such values.

Ronald Reagan did not move to conservative principles and values to win votes and support. Such values were already a part of his being. Ronald Reagan did not migrate to conservatives. Americans flocked to Ronald Reagan.

Few seem to recall the years prior to the 1980 elections when Ronald Reagan had a radio program in which he would express his opinion. Well before the election cycle of 1980 began all Americans knew where Ronald Reagan stood on the issues. His following was so strong that he probably would have been drafted as the Republican candidate for president had Jerry Ford not also thrown his hat into the ring.

[backtothestreets]

Just my opinion.

[TxCopper]

Sorry, there comes a point in every conservative's life where he must come to grips with reality.

First, it was Gerry Ford. As in Gerald.

Second, the Reagan Amnesty of the 80s is one of the only reasons that we are in the position we are in regarding unfettered immigration.

As far as comparisons go, who was Reagan to compare himself to? Nixon? Theodore Roosevelt?

Don't misunderstand me. Ronald Reagan was a great president and a great man. He used core beliefs rather than what was popular to do the things he believed needed to be done. We need clear leadership and strong convictions now more than ever.

Just support Fred Thompson, when he announces, and we will have that man.

[backtothestreets]

I could easily support Fred Thompson.

Also, I do agree Ronald Reagan made a major mistake with the amnesty plan, and that it is at the core of illegal immigration today.

I’ve just tired of politicians making comparisons between themselves and Ronald Reagan. The type of leader we need will set himself apart from comparisons with his individual convictions.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

IMHO it's silly for a politician to claim to be "the next Reagan." What we want is a politician we compare to Reagan without barfing.

And it's certainly true that Reagan wasn't perfect - but it's also true that he knew what the most critical priorities were, and exactly how to address them. Any problems left over after Reagan were of far less critical nature, and a competent caretaker could have kept us in good shape for a generation afterward with no problem. But what did the country do but elect x42 to be POTUS?! He was the anti Reagan, and in eight years had reduced us to a situation where we once again have to struggle to maintain our freedom.

What we need is a solid man (or woman) who will take care that the laws be faithfully enforced, and whose priorities are those of the preamble to the Constitution. But who among the contenders sincerely wants to "secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity?" No one who today supports McCain-Feingold need apply.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

What are the issues and qualifications of the candidate we want? IMHO:

• Must be eager to have more Scalia/Thomas justices on SCOTUS.

• Must be committed to enforcing the law without fear or favor.

• Must believe in equality before the law, whether or not you own The New York Times or work for ABC News, and whether or not you are black or a woman.

• Must believe in hiring into government only those who do not need the job.

• Must believe in incentives/freedom rather than mandates/regulation.

• Must believe in assuring that every tax rate be lower than the rate which would yield the maximum revenue, and - the biggie:

• Must know how the above principles apply in practice, and be determined to follow through.