The 11th
Mar 16th, 2009 by MariaEvans
“But remember one thing — it came from the West, I know, but I’m still singing it — the greatest thing that’s happened for the Republican Party is, when the chips are down and the decisions are made as to who the candidates will be, then the 11th commandment prevails and everybody goes to work, and that is: Thou shalt not speak ill of another Republican.” – President Ronald Reagan, June 17, 1982
It’s time for the Republican Party to go to work.
Amen
I’m curious, and we can only theorize intentions at this point, do you think he would have people like me come to the table and actually consider my (our) views and concerns, or would he take on the shut-up-or-leave, we-only-need-your-votes method?
Of course.
You shouldn’t have to “theorize,” Smitty, weren’t you pretty much an adult when Reagan was in office, and did you feel excluded? I didn’t.
Maria, in my view you cannot have a dynamic, vibrant, big tent party by following this particular advice of RR. This restriction on free speech stifles needed open discussion of people and issues — not good for any political party.
That said, I understand the message you are trying to send. If all that is done is to criticize without coming up with solutions, then there is nothing accomplished to further the principles and policies of the party.
Oh…Maria…
First, not many people concede that I am an adult now!
Second, no, I am not as aged as you
1988 was my first election as an of-age voter.
We haven’t settled on any candidates yet except in VA. So don’t worry blast away. It will be good to remember May of next year.
I told you, Maria! Right over the phone!
What are we going to remember from May 2010?
David my point was a larger one.
Maria, why is it my cheek is ringing? Have I told you how great you are lately?
Seriously, let me put it this way. Reagan himself led a movement which wrestled the party from the people like Ford (who as Noman pointed out in a comment on another post where helping wreck America). The party had to stop being halt between two opinions. It needed a vigorous debate. It needed to grow through struggle. The party had lost 11 governorships in 1970 and 5 more in 1974. It had dropped to a mere 167 or so House seats. It couldn’t even mount a fillibuster in the Senate. It needed to refocus and that could only come through debate.
Now is the time that we need to debate with each other. We can’t let it become destructive, personal, or punative. We have to be committed to as President Reagan put it, “when the chips are down and the decisions are made as to who the candidates will be, then the 11th commandment prevails and everybody goes to work”. If Spector some how runs and survives another primary, I would support him if I were in PA. I would rather have 6 more years of Spector than 24 years of some liberal Democrat. PA has a strong conservative base. We can win there if we don’t sabatoge ourselves. The same would be true of CA. Would Carly be my choice? No, but if I were in CA I would be supporting her vigorously unless McClintock entered the race. She can beat Boxer and would be 20 times better on the issues.
I take a big picture approach. Sometimes someone like Wiecker or Jeffords is better ditched than kept. Joe Lieberman has been much better to us than Lowell Wiecker ever was. They are never any good to you anyway and are like your Brutus. That is very rare. I agree with you. I was just saying as long as we don’t use it to stiffle debate and the stuggle which needs to occur for new leadersip. It is important to remember.
Reagan lead a movement that made all Americans feel included. That’s why it worked.