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06/15/2004: "Conviction and Clarity"

The weeklong tribute to President Ronald Reagan has ended. The media did a splendid job of refreshing our memories with archived footage of just why this man was so loved by the American people. The turnout of ordinary people who paid their respects 16 years after he left office was impressive and moving.

There are many similarities between the Reagan Administration and the current Bush Administration and there are many differences. It would be difficult to not notice them right now. Both men have governed from their principals and strong convictions. Both men have been willing to do what is right not just what is politically expedient. A lot of the Bush Administrations economic policy has been taken right out of the Gipper’s playbook with the same result, which vindicates Reaganomics as not being “voodoo” economics.

The fundamental difference I see between the two Administrations is the role that government plays. In Reagan’s world, government was seen as the problem not the solution. In the world of the current administration, we find the meaning of “compassionate conservative” to be - the government will cure our social ills and we will spend like democrats.

One might think that by liberalizing conservativism, you would enjoy the support from both parties but it hasn’t worked out that way. It seems to anger the left more and much of the right is apoplectic over it. It’s schizophrenic politics. It moves too far away from core values.

President Bush enjoys the support of 89% of Republicans in his bid for re-election. Much of this support I am afraid is the “lesser of two evils”. While I may disagree with this President’s spending spree over the last four years, I can’t imagine it not looking miserly compared to his opponent's track record. And in all fairness to the President, his leadership in the War on Terror has earned him that support also.

It would be nice if this election could repeat the Reagan landslide second term but I don’t think schizophrenic politics will ever compete in the long run with simple conviction and clarity in the hearts of the American people that was abundant from sea to shining sea this past week.

The simple formula for continued support is stick to your convictions, make us proud, and believe in the ordinary people who make this country strong and bountiful everyday. Let us see America through your eyes, the way President Reagan did. And most importantly, tell it to us everyday between now and November with courage, conviction and clarity.

Oh and in your next term Mr. President, you need to dust off your veto power and start exercising it over the Congressional spending spree that has been rampant for far too long.