|
What is a "Reagan
Conservative"?
President Reagan's leadership and
principles made conservatism a viable mainstream ideology in
America. The advancement of the principles of smaller
government and lower taxes, free enterprise, pro-life/pro-family
policies and legislation, and supporting the fight on terrorism and
the men and women who serve in the Armed Services are the core
characteristics of a "Reagan Conservative".
The Core
Principles of a "Reagan Conservative":
Individual Liberty
"Reagan Conservatives" believe the Declaration of Independence is a
inspiring document which is based on the fact that "all men are
created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain
Unalienable Rights, that among them are Life, Liberty, and the
pursuit of Happiness."
Thus, the Founding Fathers intent was that God remain an important
part of American life and was influential in the creation of
America. The use of "Creator" and "a firm reliance on the protection
of divine Providence" in the Declaration of Independence clearly
supports this belief. Any actions to remove God is contrary to our
beliefs.
Judicial decisions should be based on a strict interpretation of the
Constitution and appliance of existing laws and anything otherwise
infringes on the legislative branch of government. Therefore, the
U.S. Supreme Court, in its ruling in the case of Roe v. Wade,
violated the states rights provision as outlined in the 10th
Amendment to the Constitution in accepting and ruling on the case.
We believe this decision should be returned to the states.
In addition, we believe in the traditional definition of marriage as
being between a man and a woman and its foundation of the family
unit in society. Any actions to change the definition of marriage is
contrary to our beliefs. We will always have a core principle of
Pro-Life / Pro-Family.
Economic
Opportunity
We believe that the size of government is too large, that policies
and laws should be enacted that limit the size and scope of
government. Governmental budgets should be based on zero-based
budgeting, all departments should have to provide yearly
justifications rather than receive an annual increase to their
budget.
Economic policies should be designed to encourage economic growth
and reform of the current system of taxation should include changing
to a national sales tax or consumption tax as a more fair system of
revenue generation. We will always have a core principle of smaller
government based on fiscally conservative policies.
Global
Democracy
We believe that the end of the Cold War was a direct result of the
policies of President Ronald Reagan. It had been the President's
goal to bring an end to communism and he supported peaceful efforts
to spread Democracy throughout Eastern Europe. This is the sole
reason for the end of Communism and without his cry to "Tear Down
This Wall," we would still be facing the Soviet Union as a unified
Communist nation.
We also believe that the President's negotiations with the Soviets
and a unwavering stance on the development of a Missile Defense
Shield proved to Mikhail Gorbachev that unlike Russia, America could
be offensive and defensive in any nuclear conflict. This led to the
historic agreement to destroy current stocks of nuclear weapons
which no Soviet leader had ever agreed to before. "Trust but Verify"
was a successful strategy. As President Reagan said, "We don't
mistrust each other because of these weapons we have and because we
are armed this way. We're armed this way because we mistrust each
other." By working to eliminate the mistrust, President Reagan
worked to eliminate the nuclear threat for the first time and end
the cold war.
With force used in Grenada and in the air strikes against Libya, the
world would know America would take the fight directly to the enemy.
As the global war on terror has become the new war, the Leadership
of President Reagan serves as a reminder as we fight Islamic
terrorists. By bringing the fight to their soil, we reduce the
chances of America being attacked like what happened on September
11, 2001. We will always have a core principle of fighting terrorism
abroad so that we may be safer at home.
National
Pride
We believe that prior to President Reagan taking office; there was a
general malaise due to the failed liberal policies that led to
double digit inflation, interest rates, and unemployment. Our
military had become inadequate to properly defend America. This
combined with issues escalating in the Middle East, the United
States had gained a label of being weak and without pride after the
failed hostage rescue.
By immediately recognizing the need to bolster our Military, reduce
taxes that had previously stifled the economy, and reinstitute
pro-family/pro-life policies; President Reagan restored our National
Pride. We will always have a core principle of that President
Reagan's morally and fiscally conservative policies will ultimately
be his lasting legacy. |
