President Ronald Reagan is often revered as one of America’s greatest presidents, credited with overseeing the end of the Cold War and ushering in a period of peace and economic prosperity.
His policies are celebrated for making America safer and more prosperous. Today, Reagan holds a nearly mythical status among many Republicans and the political class.
Despite these achievements, some fail to acknowledge similar accomplishments made under former President Donald Trump, leading to a misapprehension that the modern Republican Party is vastly different from the party of the 1980s.
However, the essence of modern Republicanism remains rooted in the same ethos of personal responsibility and government accountability.
The Republican Party’s core principles, including limited government, a free-market economy, secure borders, safe cities, and peace through strength, remain unchanged.
Reagan (Credits: The Daily Beast)
While some critics argue that the party has been corrupted by anti-immigration and pro-authoritarian stances, this overlooks the need to secure the border to ensure a functioning immigration policy and maintain America’s status as a beacon of hope.
Similarly, Reagan faced a world with challenges unlike today’s, including an expansive Soviet Union, an emboldened Iran, and domestic economic problems.
Reagan’s presidency was marked by a growing mistrust of government, leading to his efforts to rein in big spending on social programs and bureaucracy.
Reagan’s actions, such as pulling the United States out of UNESCO and withholding funds from the World Health Organization, parallel Trump’s skepticism of international agencies. Both presidents were criticized for their actions but believed in putting America’s interests first.
In his farewell address, Reagan remarked that what was often labeled as “radical” was actually “right” and that what was deemed “dangerous” was “desperately needed.”
Similarly, Trump and the current Republican movement have been criticized for their actions, but they have also achieved significant policy goals in a relatively short period. While Trump may not always embody Reagan’s “happy warrior” persona, the core principles of the Republican Party remain intact.
Being a Republican today means upholding the values of personal responsibility, limited government, and a strong national defense. It’s not the GOP that has lost its way but rather a continuation of the party’s commitment to these principles.
