Republicans worship Ronald Reagan. Although much of it is misguided, including his failed “trickle-down economics,” also labeled “supply side economics,” and his war on the working class, his first term was productive and mostly beneficial for the American people. Although he is their ‘demagogue,’ he would be considered a moderate Democrat today. Some Republican politicians compare themselves to Reagan, but in fact are too far to the right to receive comparison.
Most of those who call themselves ‘Republicans’ support Donald Trump. That group does not include Mitt Romney, or the Bush family, but it does contain elected officials in today’s government.
Mitch McConnell’s hypocrisy was no surprise; he will likely be remembered as the most ineffective Senate Majority Leader in history; but Paul Ryan is another story.
I was disappointed when he capitulated to party leadership and offered Trump his endorsement. I believed that he was loyal to his country and had a greater sense of morality than many of his constituents.
In an article in today’s Huffington Post, by Mickey Edwards, a former Republican Representative from Oklahoma, he denounced Ryan for his decision to place the party first, ahead of the nation. He was an insider in the Reagan Administration, and admired the man for his ability to engage talented men and women who assisted him in the creation of policy in all areas of government. He had many things to say about Trump and Ryan, but this statement summed up his opinion of the 2016 election.
“I know Ronald Reagan would never have endorsed Donald Trump for the presidency. Not ever. No matter what.”
The same opinion was raised by Reagan’s daughter, Patti Davis, who was speaking for herself and her mother, Nancy Reagan.
In the last two weeks Trump has continued to not only alienate all Democrats, and most Independents, he is receiving enormous criticism from fellow Republicans.
When Trump became the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee, he also accepted the label of ‘party leader.’ It must be both disheartening and embarrassing for loyal Republicans to know that what Trump says, no matter how vile or un-American, he is the voice of the GOP.
The truth is that Mr. Edwards is correct. No individual who cares about the future of the United States of America and its people could possibly support Donald Trump. It is obvious that fear exists that the party is nearing is third consecutive loss of the presidency. The party’s offerings for 2016 were abominable as a group, and the worst of the lot emerged the winner. However, the leaders of our nation must believe that the future of our country takes priority over winning elections. The principles and ideals of our founding fathers must continue to be the bedrock of our nation’s existence.
The problem with the Republican Party for the last 16 years has been weak leadership, and a growing priority which places winning elections above all else. The sad truth is that they have failed. Using fear tactics and incurring emotional responses cannot replace honest discussion of issues important to all Americans.
Our nation is changing. It is more diverse than ever, and in a very short number of years, those who were called ‘minorities’ will be the majority. Millennials are not swayed by the failed misdirection of politicians. They have a different agenda than their parents and grandparents. They are far less racist, bigoted, homophobic, and see women as equals.
Trump is not Reagan; but neither is Ryan.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
The Truth With No Restrictions 