The Spreading Cloud

Richard Fernandez,  Belmont Club on Pajama Media:

Summary:

     Fernandez is basically summarizing the problem with the left-wing right-wing paradigm.

Ronald Reagan spoke against this in his famous speech that began his political career.  It is amazing to me how few people seem to get this.

Reagan didn't seek to "work with" his opponents.  Instead, he identified what areas that Americans can agree upon, and then, enacted it with vigor.  He won big time.

Since then, the GOP has reentered its descent into the left-wing right-wing ideological war that doesn't solve any problems and doesn't do anything but increase polarization and ultimate disintegration if it is not addressed and defeated.

No, it is not the way when John McCain repudiates what he promised.  It is no better than when George H. W. Bush said "read my lips, no new taxes".  You run on something you do you damndedst to enact it.  You don't repudiate it as soon as it becomes necessary for you to back up your own words.

None of this stuff would be possible if the so-called conservatives actually followed Reagan's model.  Reagan had the left wing on the ropes.  Bush let them off, and now look at them.

No, and Limbaugh doesn't get it even though he praises Reagan.  Limbaugh is just a guy using the radio to make a lot of money.

It s not about right vs left.  It is about freedom in a civilized society.  The left-wing seeks the cultural war.  To defeat them focus on solutions.

That's what I have tried to get across on this blog.  After seven years, I just don't know anymore.