In lieu of the ongoing exodus of Conservatives from the original ideals of their party...states rights, less government, etc...it's time we got our own Reagan.
We need a conservative to switch sides and come over to the left, which has now become the party of less government.
We need someone like Chuck Hagle, or even McCain, (even though it is hard to forgive his words and actions during the presidential campaigns last fall.)
Here is his stump speech:
"My fellow Americans...I believe in the party of Lincoln. I believe that government should keep it's hand out of our pockets, and it's nose out of our business. I think even the most liberal of people agree that government doesn't belong everywhere in our lives. I believe that most matters should be handled by the state. The federal government should not interfere with state's issues.
I believe we as a nation should be fiscally responsible...that we should not rack up huge deficits, sinking deeper into debt with other countries.
I believe that we should not invade other nations...should not meddle in the affairs of other countries unless it is absolutely necessary.
I do not think these beliefs are unreasonable. I think that a majority of Americans would agree with me on these issues. But by maintaining these beliefs, these CONSERVATIVE beliefs, I am no longer a representative of the Republican party.
The federal government is intruding into our lives more and more everyday. From our civil liberties being diminished with legislation like the Patriot Act...to the Terri Schiavo case, in which the government is trying to interfere with a citizens right to die with dignity...government has never been more intrusive.
We are currently faced with the largest deficit in U.S. history. We are guided by a "conservative" President who has yet to veto one spending bill.
We are currently occupying a country that never attacked us. We are in a neverending so-called "War on Terror" which has somehow turned into a crusade to bring democracy to the Middle East.
So I am here before you to declare that I will no longer associate myself with the Republican party anymore. I will not suspend my beliefs just because the majority of my party has.
No, I am running as a democrat, because I believe they are truly a party of the people. They are the party that is now fighting for civil liberties, and for less government intrusion. They more closely represent my beliefs.
I did not leave the Republican party...the Republican party has left me."
The question is, would liberals be willing to ride the coattails of an ex-conservative?
I don't know, but after Bush & Co, a traditional conservative in the White House would definitely be refreshing.
The Cleveland Steamer