Why I Am a Republican

Although I have tried very carefully in this space to avoid political topics and discussions, the recent death of our 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, has reminded why I became a Republican. The year was 1980 and even though I was only 10 years old, I remember that something about Ronald Reagan resonated within me. I grew up in southern Illinois and almost everyone I knew was Democrat - including my whole family. Our community was so Democrat that I remember that President Jimmy Carter came to our town for a political speech. And to be honest, I don't exactly remember why I liked Ronald Reagan, I just did. Maybe the hostage crisis in Iran scared me and Ronald Reagan seemed more reassuring - who knows I was only 10 years old at the time. But nonetheless, I determined at that time that I was a Republican.

Over the years I think I understand what it was that I liked about Ronald Reagan - he had character. Not that Jimmy Carter didn't have character, but Ronald Reagan was able to communicate it better. I think this was summed up in a New York Times article in today's paper (above the fold no less) that described similarities between our current president and President Reagan:

as straight-talking, ideologically driven leaders with swagger and a fixed idea of what they wanted to do with their office.

I like that. Straight talking. Ideological. A fixed idea of what they wanted to do. This past Saturday night I was watching Larry King Live (the only thing I could find on cable talking about President Bush while we sat in our hotel room in Chattanooga). They had many guests including Walter Kronkite and Mike Wallace who were talking about how President Reagan had an ability to connect with people because of his style and his humor. But thankfully columnist George Will reminded these talking heads and the audience that what set President Reagan apart from others were his convictions and ideals. He had ideas - and he believed them. He was even willing to put these on the line and confront the "evil empire". In fact, read this fascinating quote from Mikhail Gorbachev as he describes his formidable foe in the Cold War show down.

Reagan was a man of the right. But, while adhering to his convictions, with which one could agree or disagree, he was not dogmatic; he was looking for negotiations and cooperation. And this was the most important thing to me: he had the trust of the American people.

Then in this same Op-Ed piece in the NYTimes today, President Gorbachev makes this interesting observation:

I think that the main lesson of those years is the need for dialogue, which must not be broken off whatever the challenges and complications we have to face. Meeting with Ronald Reagan in subsequent years I saw that this was how he understood our legacy to the new generation of political leaders.

The personal rapport that emerged between us over the years helped me to appreciate Ronald Reagan's human qualities. A true leader, a man of his word and an optimist, he traveled the journey of his life with dignity and faced courageously the cruel disease that darkened his final years. He has earned a place in history and in people's hearts.

First and foremost I am a Christian. And even if our policital ideals may differ, I have great respect for this great president who just passed. Surely he had is faults and failures, but Ronald Reagan is why I am a Republican today.

He had unwavering ideals. He stood for what was right. He showed courage in addressing the evils of the day. But he learned to listen. He understood the necessity of dialogue and communication. He was a true leader. He was a man of his word. And he was a man of dignity.

Comments

[Jim Burchel]

AMEN!!! You said it brother... this was truly a great man worthy of any praise we can heap on
him! I too was 10 years old when he entered
office, and yet I remember his inauguration like
it was yesturday. There was just something
about him that inspired and motivated. I think
he was the nations Grandfather figure. Anyway,
thanks for your perspective, and God bless!!

[Jim Burchel]

AMEN!!! You said it brother... this was truly a great man worthy of any praise we can heap on
him! I too was 10 years old when he entered
office, and yet I remember his inauguration like
it was yesturday. There was just something
about him that inspired and motivated. I think
he was the nations Grandfather figure. Anyway,
thanks for your perspective, and God bless!!

[Jim Burchel]

AMEN!!! You said it brother... this was truly a great man worthy of any praise we can heap on
him! I too was 10 years old when he entered
office, and yet I remember his inauguration like
it was yesturday. There was just something
about him that inspired and motivated. I think
he was the nations Grandfather figure. Anyway,
thanks for your perspective, and God bless!!