What’s old is new again: A blueprint for the GOP moving forward

I found this gem in Ed Hubbard’s site.  It’s Reagan’s view of the GOP moving forward.  Here it is…

Each age sees itself, in one way or another, as a time of change. And in the United States today it can truly be said that the election of 1976 marks an end of an era in American politics. We currently are in the midst of a reordering of the political realities that have shaped our time. We are now in the beginning of post-Watergate America. The election of 1976 served as a clear dividing line between the all-too-­familiar agony of the recent past and the unknown future.  (SAME CAN BE SAID ABOUT THE ELECTION OF 2010)

I’d like to talk to you about the problems and possibilities of this time of transition.

The principles and values that lie at the heart of conservatism are shared by the majority of the American people. … But the fact is that conservatism can and does mean different things to those who call themselves conservatives.

You know, as I do, that most experts and commentators make a distinction between what they call “social” conservatism and “economic” conservatism. The so-called social issues–law and order, abortion, busing, quota systems–are usually associated with blue­-collar, ethnic and religious groups themselves traditionally associated with the Democratic Party. The economic issues–inflation, deficit spending and big government–are usually associated with Republican Party members and independents who concentrate their attention on economic matters.

Now I am willing to accept this view of two major kinds of conservatism–or, better still, two different conservative constituencies. But at the same time let me say that the old lines that once clearly divided these two kinds of conservatism are disappearing.

…When economic and social conservatives meet today, they share one major concern and that is what a big-spending, irresponsible Congress has done to the earning power of American workers. … Let us at least see if it is possible to present a program of action based on political principle that can attract those interested in the so-called “social” issues and those interested in “economic” issues. In short, is it possible to combine the two major segments of contemporary American conservatism into one politically effective whole?

I believe these are the most important questions in American politics today. And my answer to all of them is: yes, it is possible to create a political entity that will reflect the views of the great, hitherto, unorganized conservative majority. … What I envision is not simply a melding together of the two branches of American conservatism into a temporary uneasy alliance, but the creation of a new, lasting majority.

This will mean compromise. But not a compromise of basic principle. What will emerge will be something new, something open and vital and dynamic, something the great conservative majority will recognize as its own, because at the heart of this undertaking is principled politics.

I have always been puzzled by the inability of some political and media types to understand exactly what is meant by adherence to political principle. All too often in the press and the television evening news it is treated as a call for “ideological purity”. Whatever ideology may mean–and it seems to mean a variety of things, depending upon who is using it–it always conjures [sic] up in my mind a picture of a rigid, irrational clinging to abstract theory in the face of reality. …I consider this to be the complete opposite to principled conservatism. If there is any political viewpoint in this world which is free of slavish adherence to abstraction it is American conservatism.

When a conservative states that the free market is the best mechanism ever devised by the mind of man to meet material needs, he is merely stating what a careful examination of the real world has told him, is the truth.

… When a conservative says it is bad for the government to spend more than it takes in, he is simply showing the common sense that also tells him to come in out of the rain.

… When a conservative quotes Jefferson that government that is clos­est to the people is best, it is because he knows that Jefferson risked his life, his fortune and his sacred honor to make certain that what he and his fellow patriots learned from experience was not crushed by an ideology of empire.

Conservatism is the antithesis of the kind of ideological fanatacism [sic] that has brought so much horror and destruction to the world. The common sense and the common decency of ordinary men and women, working out their own lives in their own way–this is the heart of American conservatism today. Conservative wisdom and principles are derived from willingness to learn–not just from what is going on now, but from what has happened before.

The principles of conservatism are sound because they are based on what men and women have discovered through experience in not just one generation or a dozen, but in all the combined experience of mankind. …[T]he principles we hold dear are those that have been found, through experience, to be ultimately beneficial for individuals, for families, for communities and for nations–found through the often bitter testing of pain, of sacrifice and sorrow.

Our first job is to get this message across to those who share most of our principles. … [T]oday conservatism means principles evolving from experience and a belief in change when necessary, but not just for the sake of change. … I believe that political success of the principles we believe in can best be achieved in the Republican Party. I believe the Republican Party, for a variety of reasons, can and should, provide the political mechanism through which the goals of the majority of Americans can be achieved. … [T]onight, for purpose of discussion, I’m going to refer to it by the title of the New Republican Party.

… The New Republican Party I envision will not, and can not, be one limited to the country club-big business image that, for reasons, both fair and unfair, it is burdened with today. The New Republican Party I am speaking about is going to have room for the man and woman in the factories, for the farmer, for the cop on the beat and the millions of Americans who may never have thought of joining our party before–but whose interests coincide with those represented by principled Republicanism. And let one thing be made clear; if we are to attract more working men and women of this country, we will do so not simply by “making room” for them, but by making certain they have a say in what goes on in the party.

… The New Republican Party I envision is still going to be the party of Lincoln and that means we are going to have to come to grips with what I consider to be a major failing of the party: its failure to attract the majority of black voters. … [T]he time has come for Republicans to say to black voters; look, we offer principles that black Americans can, and do, support. We believe in jobs, real jobs; we believe in education that is really education; we believe in treating all Americans as individuals and not as stereotypes–and we believe that the long-range interest of black America lies in looking at what each major party has to offer. And then deciding on the merits. (Change Black to Hispanic).

… The New Republican Party I envision is one that will ener­getically seek out the best candidates for every elective office, candidates who not only agree with, but understand, and are willing to fight for a sound, honest economy, for the interests of American families and neighborhoods and communities and a strong national de­fense. And these candidates must be able to communicate those principles to the American people in language they understand.

…Our candidates must be willing to communicate with every level of society, every group and sub-group because the principles we espouse are universal and cut across traditional lines. In every Congressional district there should be a search made for young men and women who share these principles and they should be brought into positions of leadership in the local Republican Party groups.

… [W]hat will be the basis of this New Republican Party? To what set of values and principles can our candidates appeal? Where can Americans who want to know where we stand look for guidance? … Tonight I want to offer to you my own version of what such a declaration might look like.

…We, the members of the New Republican Party believe that the preservation and enhancement of the values that strengthen and protect individual freedom, family life, communities and neighborhoods and the liberty of our beloved nation, should be at the heart of any legislative or political program presented to the American people. Toward that end, we, therefore, commit ourselves to the following pro­positions and offer them to each American believing that the New Republican Party, based on such principles, will serve the interest of all the American people.

We believe that liberty can be measured by how much freedom Americans have to make their own decisions — even their own mistakes. …Government must protect constitutional rights, deal with other governments, protect citizens from aggressors, assure equal opportunity, and be compassionate in caring for those citizens who are unable to care for themselves.

Our federal system of local-state-national government is designed to sort out on what level these actions should be taken. … As a general rule, however, we believe that government action should be taken first by the government that resides as close to you as possible.

We also believe that Americans, often acting through voluntary organizations, should have the opportunity to solve many of the social problems of their communities. This spirit of freely helping others is uniquely American and should be encouraged in every way by government.

Families must continue to be the foundation of our nation.

Families–not government programs–are the best way to make sure our children are properly nurtured, our elderly are cared for, our cultural and spiritual heritages are perpetuated, our laws are observed and our values are preserved.

Thus it is imperative that our government’s programs, actions, officials and social welfare institutions never be allowed to jeo­pardize the family.

…Every dollar spent by government is a dollar earned by individ­uals, Government must always ask: Are your dollars being wisely spent? Can we afford it? Is it not better for the country to leave your dollars in your pocket?

Elected officials, their appointees, and government workers are expected to perform their public acts with honesty, openness, diligence, and special integrity.

Government must work for the goal of justice and the elimi­nation of unfair practices, but no government has yet designed a more productive economic system or one which benefits as many people than the American market system.

The beauty of our land is our legacy to our children. It must be protected by us so that they can pass it on intact to their children.

The United States must always stand for peace and liberty in the world and the rights of the individual.

… With these basic principles as foundation, the New Republican Party pledges to work for freedom, justice and prosperity for the individual, the family and the nation.

… My friends, the time has come to start acting to bring about the great conservative majority party we know is waiting to be created.

And just to set the record straight, let me say this about our friends who are now Republicans but who do not identify themselves as conservatives:

I want the record to show that I do not view the new re­vitalized Republican Party as one based on a principle of exclusion. After all, you do not get to be a majority party by searching for groups you won’t associate or work with. If we truly believe in our principles, we should sit down and talk. Talk with anyone, anywhere, at any time if it means talking about the principles of the Republican Party. Conservatism is not a narrow ideology nor is it the exclusive property of conservative activists.

…Our task now is not to sell a philosophy, but to make the majority of Americans, who already share that philosophy, see that modern conservatism offers them a political home. We are not a cult, we are members of a majority. Let’s act and talk like it. … When we are maligned as having little thought or compassion for people, let us denounce the slander for what it is. Concern for the people is at the very heart of conservatism. Concern for the dignity of all men; that those in need shall be helped to become independent not life time recipients of a dole; concern that those who labor and produce will not be robbed of the fruit of their toil or their liberty. Concern that we shall not forfeit the dream that gave birth to this Nation — the dream that we can be as a shining city upon a hill–an “alabaster city undimmed by human tears.”

Believing in that dream, I became a Republican and because of that dream I am a conservative.


February 2010

My endorsements for the GOP primary

I received a lot of attaboys for the last set of endorsements I did, so I figure it was time to do it again.  With a little research and a lot of knowledge of my local politics, I went thru the list of the positions that I need to vote for.

U.S. Rep District 10 (Michael McCaul, Joe Petronis)

I’m endorsing Joe Petronis on this round but will endorse Michael McCaul in the overall election.  Why Petronis?  I want to send a message to McCaul that he needs to start acting like a true Republican and focus on reducing expenditures and the debt.  Petronis is part of the Tea Party movement, so it will be interesting to see what happens here.  I do like McCaul, and will certainly support him on the general, but in this primary I’m voting for Petronis.

U.S. Rep, District 29

It’s not my district so I don’t get a say, but I do like Roy Morales.  Let’s put a very conservative Hispanic for this district.  Read his pledge here: http://roymorales.com/mypledge.  Gene Green, the ultra liberal dummy that is running the district can bite it if the right candidate is chosen.  The district is 66% Hispanic, and green was nothing short of a jerk during the town halls.

Governor

We have two great candidates in this race.  I’m still undecided but leaning towards Perry.  Ideally we keep Kay in Washington and Perry in Austin.

Railroad Commissioner

There is no doubt that Victor Carrillo is the right guy for this.  He really gets the Oil & Gas industry and is the right representative for us in Austin.  I had the pleasure of working with him in the past and he is a top notch class A individual.

Justice, Supreme Court Place 3

I’m endorsing Jeff Brown on this one.

Justice, Supreme Court Place 9

Eva Guzman is by far the best candidate in this race.

1st Court of Appeals, Place 4

Evelyn Keyes was highly recommended, so I’m supporting her.

1st Court of Appeals, Place 8

Michael C. Massengale was highly recommended, so I’m supporting him.

14th Court of Appeals, Place 2

Leslie Brock Yates was highly recommended, so I’m supporting her.

180th Criminal District Court

I’m going with Marc Brown on this one.

280th Civil District Court

Lynn Bradshaw Hull was highly recommended, so I’m supporting her.

308th Family District Court

Tough call between Ramos and James Lombardino.  I’m going with Lombardino.

309th Family District Court

I’m going with Sheri Y. Dean on this one.

310th Family District Court

Lisa Millard was highly recommended, so I’m supporting her.

311th Family District Court

I’m getting more with Donna Detamore…

313th Family District Court

Your pick.  I’m going with Glenn Devlin.

County Criminal Court No. 1

Paula Goodhart was highly recommended, so I’m supporting her.

County Criminal Court No. 3

Fleming, Wood, or Hart.  Take a pick.  I’m going with Hart.

County Criminal Court No. 4

John Clinton was highly recommended, so I’m supporting him. Yes, I’m actually supporting a Clinton for once.

County Criminal Court No. 13

Rachel Ann Palmer was highly recommended, so I’m supporting her.

County Probate Court No. 1

All is right with Loyd Wright

District Clerk

Both Paul Dwight and Chris Daniel are very good.  I’m going with Daniel.

County Clerk

Stan Stanart was highly recommended, so I’m supporting him.

County Tax Assessor-Collector

Leo Vasquez has not just been great for the county, but he has also endured the attacks of the demo machine here in HC.

County Commissioner Pct. 2

I’m endorsing Olmos so that I can say Almost there with Dorothy Olmos

Justice of the Peace, Pct. 5, Place 2

George Huntoon gets my vote because I know him and he is a fine person…

Harris County Republican Party Chairman

Jared Woodfill was there when we took it in the pants in the county at the last election.  That’s why I’m endorsing Ed Hubbard.  I encourage you to look at his positions at http://www.hubbardforhcrp.com/reagan.html.  He is a Reagan Republican that can grow the party in Harris county when we are shrinking.  Go Ed Go.


February 2010