The next Republican presidential debate will be held Sept. 27th at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. As debates go it’s not likely to change many minds, or move many polling numbers. But there’s something else afoot at the Reagan Library, and not just there.
The Reagan and a dozen other presidential libraries signed a rare joint statement supporting basic democratic values, and the need to respect those with whom we may disagree. It was a thinly veiled shot across the bow of those candidates who have a demonstrated contempt for debate, civility and the institutions of government:
Americans have a strong interest in supporting democratic movements and respect for human rights around the world because free societies elsewhere contribute to our own security and prosperity here at home. But that interest is undermined when others see our own house in disarray. The world will not wait for us to address our problems, so we must both continue to strive toward a more perfect union and help those abroad looking for U.S. leadership.
Each of us has a role to play and responsibilities to uphold. Our elected officials must lead by example and govern effectively in ways that deliver for the American people. This, in turn, will help to restore trust in public service. The rest of us must engage in civil dialogue; respect democratic institutions and rights; uphold safe, secure, and accessible elections; and contribute to local, state, or national improvement.
By signing this statement, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy undergirding this great nation, protecting our freedom, and respecting our fellow citizens. When united by these convictions, America is stronger as a country and an inspiration for others.
That any of this should have to be said at all is a sad commentary on the coarseness and crudity of our political class.
But it’s also a finger pointed at every American who supports, encourages or merely allows such crudity to become the dominant form of political discussion.
It will all seem like pearl-clutching to those who prefer candidates and elected officials who allegedly “tell it like it is.” But the reality is those pols are using people, be it for money, power, or both.
That’s hardly a new thing in politics. But it’s fast becoming the baseline of our political life. It also brings us closer to a day the late H.L. Mencken said would inevitably come:
On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
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This corrupt statement is sad. We are not a pure democracy. We are a constitutional democratic republic. In that republic, there are forces that want to drastically change our system of government, existing mostly in the Democrat Party. Unity and tolerance is impossible with these hateful rebels, who want to destroy our republic and the principles on which it stands, including freedom of speech, the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of the press, religious liberty, freedom of self defense in the right to bear arms, the right to due process, and the right to life, liberty and property.
we are a Constitutional Republic. although dems rule as if it were a Democratic Constitution where it is easier to change the Constitution be merely passing laws.
I couldn’t agree more and hope to see improvement in debate number 2. Loud and haughty doesn’t equal substance.
The article ends with the following:
H.L. Mencken said would inevitably come:
“On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron”
Unquestionably, that day is here, and worse, a senile moron. So, the question is, what is next?
“On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”
Mencken was right, and it already happened twice, 2008 and 2020. We aren’t likely to recover from either…..
Screw you. We are not playing nice anymore.
You can believe signed statements from career politicians about as much as you can believe their verbal promises.
And that’s why I’m voting for Trump in 2024.
Odd why make joint statement now & not during
Vietnam War
1960s riots
2020 riots
The Democrats are better described as politburo wannabes