the unique nature of many of the problems we face. said just that last November and punished us for getting away from our core values. But contemplate this point: If the Founding Fathers had refused compromise as a point of principle, we would Reagan and Dole both saw the philosophies of the still be paying taxes to the King. parties as profoundly different. In many ways, that governed their world views. Reagan spoke constantly Reagan used to always say that he’d rather have 80% of something than nothing. Bob Dole was a master about a political banner of bold colors, not pale pastels. of compromise. Like, Reagan, he sought We live in a vastly different time to achieve his big goals while being less than when President Reagan and Majority The fact of the concerned about giving ground on the small Leader Dole represented these ideals. Some matter is that a ones; the point being compromise isn’t may think me naïve for believing we can get good or bad – it’s simply people of different great number back to them. But if we can’t, how can we viewpoints realistically understanding the fix Washington? of politicians on way politics works. Both parties are on the wrong track both sides of the 4. Politics should always be a clash and have lost sight of the true nature of our aisle have either of vastly different ideals. Our leaders can governing system as defined by the Founders. respect each other, recognize that colleagues forgotten history It’s our responsibility as Republicans to of marginal character are not rendered pure recognize this and work to fix it. There or simply never by their philosophy and be open, on some are good people on both sides – albeit with learned it. issues, to the concept of compromise; yet the dramatically different views. It’s time for two parties have a responsibility to present our leaders to incrementally move in this different points of view to the American people. direction as a style of governance, and hopefully soon. The goal of politics isn’t to devise a way to go Before it is too late. RF down the center on everything; it is to offer the voters two opposing philosophies to choose from. Both parties William B. Lacy is the Director of the Robert J. have moved away from this premise. Democrats have Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas. backed away from their traditional beliefs for fear of Previously, he served as the political director at the being labeled “liberal.” Republicans have over the last Republican National Committee, and as a strategist on few years actually embraced big government. Isn’t “big Senator Dole’s 1988 and 1996 presidential campaigns. government conservatism” an oxymoron? The voters
RIPON FORUM February/March 2007
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