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- #141
There are certain universal truths that are true whether in the time of Alexander the Great or Constantine or medieval Europe or the 18th century or now.
One universal truth is that when something has received failing marks wherever and whenever it has been tried throughout history, it is really stupid to think that it will be any different to do it in 2010.
If you took time to listen to that Reagan speech Pilgrim posted, a whole lot can be learned re that concept.
So you're saying that since time immemorial, the conservative ideology has never failed at anything. Gotcha.
As for the Reagan speech, sure, he always said the "right" thing to bring tears to the eyes of patriotic Americans. But he was also making a pitch for war. I do wonder what happened to the model for future conservatives who would treat their employees so generously, such as the one Reagan described in the speech. (I assume he was talking about Goldwater, with this story.) I think Henry Ford also believed that a strong workforce meant strong product and strong profit, and he kept his employees happy. So much for 'modern' conservatism, however.
From the speech:
Well what of this man that they would destroyand in destroying, they would destroy that which he represents, the ideas that you and I hold dear? Is he the brash and shallow and trigger-happy man they say he is? Well I've been privileged to know him "when." I knew him long before he ever dreamed of trying for high office, and I can tell you personally I've never known a man in my life I believed so incapable of doing a dishonest or dishonorable thing.
This is a man who, in his own business before he entered politics, instituted a profit-sharing plan before unions had ever thought of it. He put in health and medical insurance for all his employees. He took 50 percent of the profits before taxes and set up a retirement program, a pension plan for all his employees. He sent monthly checks for life to an employee who was ill and couldn't work. He provides nursing care for the children of mothers who work in the stores. When Mexico was ravaged by the floods in the Rio Grande, he climbed in his airplane and flew medicine and supplies down there.
Again Maggie you dishonestly misinterpret and misstate what I say. I really REALLY wish you wouldn't do that because it gets freaking boring having to call you on it every time you do.
And yes, Reagan did praise Goldwater for his altruistic relationship with his employees. But note that it was Goldwater who took the initiative. PRIVATE BUSINESS taking the initiative. Which is the way it should be done. Government cannot do it themselves as efficiently and effectively because for one thing it doesn't give a damn about those employees--it doesn't even know them--and it will siphon most of the money off in the bureacracy before the employees ever see a dime.
Perhaps you also noted that point Reagan made in his speech?