Rewriting History

While surfing the radio dial recently, we happened upon a rant (we took our pick among about 30 rants, to be precise). The host railed against so-called moderate Republicans, whom he basically ran out of the party with good riddance. He explained that Ronald Reagan never compromised his conservative principles. Oh?

Reagan certainly knew how to compromise, and he recognized that political compromises could promote philosophical principles. Throughout his career, he also did things that would draw censure from today's purists. As governor of California, he raised taxes and signed legislation to institute the withholding of state income taxes, which he had promised never to do. He also signed a bill that legalized abortion before Roe v. Wade.

Reagan raised taxes during his presidency as well. One hike earned the designation as the biggest in history. He abandoned Reaganomics, many said. Although he never relented in his determination to win the Cold War, he changed tactics and rejected much of the approach preferred by movement conservatives. He opposed a gay-bashing referendum in California. Reagan did not support attempted purges of alleged RINOs (Republicans in name only). While seeking the GOP presidential nomination in 1976, he selected as his ticket-mate Pennsylvania's Richard Schweiker, then rated as one of the most liberal Republicans in the Senate. He named moderates and pragmatists to his Cabinet and staff.

Reagan once explained the difference between himself and certain other conservatives. They wanted to dive off the cliff with the flag flying and on fire; he wanted to accomplish something. The subtleties and complexities of the Reagan history lie beyond the grasp of bloviators. Circumstances do change, and specific Reagan policies might not apply to the challenges of today. Reagan's rich legacy relates to imagination and temperament -- which define the virtues conservatives must restore.