Oregon Elephant

Why I loved Reagan…and am no fan of “Reagan Conservatives”

It seems to me that one of the problems of our party is that there is an almost mythological reverence to Ronald Reagan, such that any idea that Reagan himself didn’t approve (which would include ideas he didn’t even speak on) is immediately suspect. 

I think the nature of history is that it moves forward, and while we admire George Washington (and Ronald Reagan), and certainly we can emulate principles, policies have to be built for today’s problems.  To say otherwise is to be suspicious of any new ideas, which, it seems to me, would be death for a political party.

I believe in conservative principles…limited government, reasonable levels of taxation, local control whenever possible, respect for tradition when the tradition warrants respect.  However, we have to find ways to address the problems of today.  Corporate malfeasance won’t be fixed by less taxes.  The rising costs of health care won’t be fixed by sitting back and saying “you’ve never had it so good.”  We need solutions, not slogans.

Thanks for letting a center-right Republican rant.  I’m sure some will disagree, and that’s ok too.

Bush’s approval in Feb 2001 only slightly lower than Obama’s

Here’s a graph that shows George W. Bush’s approval ratings over eight years (from the Wall Street Journal):

 

Bottom line:  Pretty interesting that his approval was in the high 50s, low 60s around February 2001…not a lot different from where Obama is now.  It will be interesting to see where Obama’s approval goes. 

Steele mercilessly mocked, his manhood doubted for his “Rushed” apology

Joe Scarborough said the other day that “Rush Limbaugh has Michael Steele’s manhood in a lockbox”.

Ouch.

Here are some other quotes from this morning’s show:

• “You know who we should put in charge of the economy? Michael Steele — if Rush Limbaugh gives him permission.”
• After asking Matt Lauer where the RNC chairman was and what time he was scheduled to appear on the show this morning, host Joe Scarborough quipped, “Did Rush not give him permission?”

 

Here’s the video:

Gordon Smith going to work for D.C. law firm – Governor run looks unlikely

It’s been reported in the Oregonian that Gordon Smith has taken a position with powerhouse D.C. law firm Covington & Burling, where he will consult on international trade and other issues.

This seems to make a run for the Governor’s seat unlikely, as the article states:

Though Smith did not rule out running for office next year, he acknowledged that taking a job in Washington D.C. could be taken as a sign that the open race for governor and a challenge of Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., are not in his plans.

"I may again hear that call someday to run for office," he said.

Steele Backs Off

Here’s the story from Politico…

Nothing like a well-publicized soap opera to make the  country trust you again… :-S.

Steele rips Rush - “incendiary”, “ugly”

Here’s the article…wow.  Now it’s ON. 

My take:  I basically agree with the thrust of what Michael Steele is saying…the problem right now is that there is a division in the Republican Party, between the more moderate, good-government, strong-on-defense Republicans (like David Brooks, Ross Douthat, McCain, etc) and the rigid conservatives (Rush, Hannity, Ann Coulter, Michelle Malkin).

The irony here is that neither will be successful without the other.  So, demonizing either side is fairly suicidal.  What this means is that while I basically agree with Steele, I think he went too far in calling Rush “ugly” and I think this will do nothing to build the party.  I do understand his frustration, though.

Here’s the video of Steele’s comments: