When Politics Was Fun

I feel extremely fortunate, politically speaking.  I came of age to vote in 1980.  I was already conservative both socially and economically.  I learned conservatism from the Regan Revolution. 

I learned the importance of having firm convictions and fighting for those convictions.  President Reagan did and said many things that made the political pundits around him cringe.  The famous “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” line stands out as one of those instances repeated to this day. 

I also saw the need to compromise when necessary. I learned you may still be principled and still work with those with whom you disagree.  I remember everything President Reagan gave away to achieve tax cuts.

And I learned that sometimes your party leaves you and you must go elsewhere.  In those days, many conservative Democrats changed party affiliation and joined the Reagan Revolution.

And as the years went by, I understood why those Democrats switched parties as the Republicans lost their moorings and drifted farther and farther left.  I no longer call myself a Republican.  I’m a conservative Independant.

And I now believe I understand why those Democrats switched parties.  Sarah Palin is having an amazing effect on conservatives in and out of the Republican party.  As I have learned more about her, I have become more excited about the potential future of the Republican party.

She is pricipled.  I have heard that anywhere from 80% to over 90% of Down syndrome babies are aborted.  Priciple won out over convenience in her life.

She is charismatic.  The speech she delivered at the convention was electrifying.  Given with wit and bite, it was devestating to the Democrats and stirred the Republican base.

She has made politics fun again.  It’s the 80’s and conservatism is on the rise again.  I’m hoping the Republicans see where they have erred and will return to their moorings.  In the meantime, though, at least we’ll have a fun election.

Thanks, Sarah, and keep up the good work.