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GOP Conveniently Fuzzy Memory

by harringtola | February 2, 2010 at 10:57 am

264 views | 42 Recommendations | 6 comments

What is wrong with this picture in the minds of republican's memory of Ronald Regan?

Last week in Hawaii, the Republican National Committee almost passed a resolution named after the Gipper. “Whereas President Ronald Reagan believed that the Republican Party should support and espouse conservative principles and public policies,” it declared, only candidates who complied with eight of 10 “Reaganite” principles would be eligible for party funds.

These principles include, according to the resolution; smaller government, smaller national debt, lower deficits and lower taxes, and opposition of amnesty for illegal immigrants.

Why am I questioning the memory of the elephant crowd?

if you look up the word “amnesty” in Black’s Law Dictionary, you’ll find a reference to the 1986 bill that Reagan signed, which ended up granting amnesty to 2.7 million illegal immigrants.

Additionally and even more telling are other Reagan era cross partisan developments, spearheaded by the Gipper himself for reasons that may be surprising to both or all sides of the aisle.

When Republicans lost big in the 1982 midterm elections because Democrats accused them of wanting to privatize Social Security, Reagan abandoned the idea and instead made a deal with Democrats that raised taxes and saved the program. In 1984, when his advisers told him that Americans considered him too warlike, he responded with a series of breathtakingly dovish speeches about his desire to eliminate nuclear weapons that helped ensure his landslide re-election. In 1981, he nominated the socially moderate Sandra Day O’Connor to the Supreme Court, even though Jerry Falwell and other evangelical leaders cried betrayal.

Additionally, the federal government employment grew by 61,000 and deficits and debts nearly tripled under Reagan while under Bill Clinton federal employment decreased by almost 400, 000. Reagan also raised taxes several years in a row to pay for Social Security and Medicare (government run health care) among other things.

The question now is, what really is the 'Center' of the Republican Party/GOP and what is the real agenda behind this movement?

Is it truly just being the party of 'No' or are we in for a real movement?

I am sure there will be additional attempts to move in this direction as the Republican Party base continues to push Right and hopefully the agenda will become crystal clear (through voter demand) before it is delivered upon us in an election result.

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Rory Cripps

at 15:50 on February 2nd, 2010

The wonderful thing about America's republican form of government--yes I said republican but with a small r--is that before any laws get passed there is much debate over the issues. The result is that the ideologues never fully get their way and in many cases virtually never get their way.

What's happening now in the U.S. government is a case in point of the above: A Democratic Administration, and Democratic majorities in both the senate and house. And in spite of that, health care reform legislation still hasn't been put into law.

Hugh Askew

at 16:13 on February 2nd, 2010

No, Rory. You have it all wrong.

The reason the Liberals (Progressives - if that makes you Liberals feel better) didn't pass a health care bill, is that they have absolutely no idea what they want - other than saying, "We must have health care".

In spite of filibuster-proof majorities, they were unable to convince themselves that they had a plan worth passing - and that is spite of bribing some of their own members.

The rest of what you said is acceptable - if that helps to heal the hurt you must be feeling for being wrong. ; )

Rory Cripps

at 16:39 on February 2nd, 2010

Hugh: Oh Hugh! Why do you treat me that way? I thought we were friends in spite of our glaring ideological differences! But you've gall darn gone and done it this time as that lovely Canadian, Shania Twain, sings.

Hugh Askew

at 05:09 on February 3rd, 2010

Oh Rory, can't you see?

Them Liberals (aka Progressives) can't even be bipartisan amungst themselves.

Now, now, i unnerstans they caint be one party an' be bipartisan. Thusly, i am thinkun, they is more likely bi-polar, no?

twiatedhistry (not verified)

at 18:31 on February 2nd, 2010

I admire your spinLebanon..marines sided with the Marmonites to the degree they were srtipped of peace kkeeping status. They also held flares while the IDF mowed down Palesitinains in the refugee campsUnder Reagan the disparity between rich and poor became greater than ever beforeReagan used blunt monetarism to buy himself favor and saddling the country with the legacy it has nowyou never tire about talking badly about Democrats - any more facts I can help you with?

Albert Milliron

at 19:19 on February 2nd, 2010

Conservatives like to remember President Reagan as fitting into a little box. You are right, Reagan provided Amnesty for Illegal immigrants. He also worked across party lines with then speaker Tip O'Neal. Many who say they are Reaganites would do neither.