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Jewish World Review Oct. 29, 2013/ 25 Mar-Cheshvan, 5774 Hey GOP: Put on a happy face By Cal Thomas
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
"Bye Bye Birdie" is an old musical that survives in high school productions and in some people's memory bank. It debuted on A problem Republicans have had since the "glory days" of Polls indicate that a growing number of us are tired of President Obama's nonstop TV appearances and his view that government is our nanny and will take care of everyone, except the rich and successful, who must be punished for being rich and successful with higher taxes and more regulations. Americans are aware of the problems. They want to be told how they can best be solved. They also remember there was a time when we did better. This was the true spirit of
"As we came to the decade of the '80s, we faced the worst crisis in our postwar history. In the '70s were years of rising problems and falling confidence. There was a feeling government had grown beyond the consent of the governed. Families felt helpless in the face of mounting inflation and the indignity of taxes that reduced reward for hard work, thrift, and risk-taking. All this was overlaid by an ever-growing web of rules and regulations. "On the international scene, we had an uncomfortable feeling that we'd lost the respect of friend and foe. Some questioned whether we had the will to defend peace and freedom." Then came the pivot. Having reminded voters of the problem, Reagan reached deep into America's soul, tapping into a blocked vein of optimism: "But America is too great for small dreams. There was a hunger in the land for a spiritual revival, if you will, a crusade for renewal. The American people said: 'Let us look to the future with confidence, both at home and abroad. Let us give freedom a chance.'
"Americans were ready to make a new beginning...." Too great for small dreams. What an inspirational line. Reagan believed the strength of America was not in This is what too many Republicans seem to have forgotten. They debate the size and cost of government, but ignore the one thing that will reduce that size and cost more than anything else: self-reliance. To paraphrase that famous line from Kennedy's inaugural address: Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for yourself. Liberty isn't just a word that ought to be applied to governmental structures. Liberty is mainly individual: liberty from debt; liberty from dependence on others; liberty to make personal choices and not be dictated to by government. Got it, "Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy, It's not your style; You'll look so good that you'll be glad Ya' decided to smile!" An added benefit is that Democrats will wonder what you're up to.
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JWR contributor Cal Thomas is co-author with Bob Beckel, a liberal Democratic Party strategist, of "Common Ground: How to Stop the Partisan War That is Destroying America". Comment by clicking here.
© 2011, Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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