The 11th in the 6th

 

 

"As a young man, I had two heroes in my life - my Dad and President Reagan..."

To date, history has been very kind to the Gipper. And it should be. The man who turned around the "Carter malaise economy", the man who ended the cold war, the man who kept the world in check, the man who changed our country for the better. He showed us what "Morning in America" really meant. Many invoke the name of President Reagan, but as the saying goes, "most fall short" in matching his grace, style and acumen.

However, a legacy of his which I hold dearly is the "Eleventh Commandment". Simply put, it states "Thou shall not speak ill of another Republican". Wise words from a very wise man. And these were not just empty words to President Reagan - they were his credo. And how are we doing with his Eleventh Commandment in 2014, specifically in CD 6? Well, the Gipper might be spinning in his grave.

One of my favorite sayings goes, "Tack is telling someone to go to hell and then have that person look forward to the trip." The Gipper had another skill when he debated someone inside or outside his party. He could tell someone they were full of crap by using gentle language often dashed with his sense of humor. True, he was more gentle with those in his own party as compared to the opposition. However, he showed kindness and decorum to all Americans. Enemies of this country, not so much. They saw Reagan's teeth and muscle.

I have seen cruel and vile things said about some candidates in certain races, particularly in the race for CD 6. I really don't mind when people talk or write about one candidate's strengths or ideas over another. I completely turn off when I hear rumors, innuendos, half truths, or ancient mistakes of a candidate's youth. One candidate in the race is trying to follow the Reagan commandment, almost to a "T'". In fact, that candidate has told the staff should they say one unkind or tawdry thing about any other Republican candidate, they will be fired immediately.

My request to fellow Conservatives or Republicans is simple - focus on the issues and how to fill this open position with a Constitutional Conservative. Now that the endorsement process is over, ALL FIRE should be focused on the DFL endorsed candidate. And that includes those on social media who consider themselves Conservatives. We have good people running this year - extraordinarily good people. Not only good, but very nice human beings. Our bench strength is very strong - maybe the strongest in years. Let us remember the wise counsel left to us by the Gipper and fight the Democrats on their turf, not ours. Our battle cry remains simple - Victory in November!