The Upcoming History Making Election

I read a post on Townhall.com by Donald Kochan that I think needs to be widely read. The column is reprinted here in it's entirety.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008
"A Time for Choosing"
Posted by: Donald Kochan at 11:06 AM

With the election less than 5 months away, we truly are at a a time for choosing.

From social security to eminent domain to social planning to the other debates on the governmental role, Ronald Reagan's October 27, 1964 "A Time for Choosing" speech should still speak to us today -- one that is a historic moment in political history. It is part of Reagan's legacy, and for that it has independent worth. But it is as insightful to this election as it was then. I re-listened last night to this wisdom at these sites: Part I, then Part II, and Part III. To read it, click here for a version of the text of this historic speech.

Among his statements, Reagan explains that "No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size." Very true and in line with the scholarship in law and economics on bureacracy theory that bureaucracies tend to perpetuate themselves. A cautionary tale. Reagan continued that "government programs once launched never disappear." (this is consistent with my previous post on the New Deal, crises, and fear).

As the election emerges, the following paragraph from Reagan's 1964 speech is particularly poignant for all those that wish to choose:

"Are you willing to spend time studying the issues, making yourself aware, and then conveying that information to family and friends? Will you resist the temptation to get a government handout for your community? Realize that the doctor's fight against socialized medicine is your fight. We can't socialize the doctors without socializing the patients. Recognize that government invasion of public power is eventually an assault upon your own business. If some among you fear taking a stand because you are afraid of reprisals from customers, clients, or even government, recognize that you are just feeding the crocodile hoping he'll eat you last."

Ideological differences do, in fact, matter. Choices matter. I want to suggest that everyone listen to or read (via the links above) this speech before making that choice this election year.


The link to the article is posted below:
A Time For Choosing