Newt Gingrich recently sent out a survey to republican party activists to find out what the grass roots feels are the highest priorities of the new election cycle. This is an important question. Many feel that Newt and the boys sent to Congress in 1994 have not lived up to the "Contract with America".
Indeed, Congress got a little weak in the knees regarding some issues including the reduction of government, holding the line on welfare reform, minimum wage, etc. They did however push through many reforms early on that now seem to be forgotten, the line item veto, tax breaks for families, etc. Their presence has also prevented a dire movement to the left. Imagine if we still had that gang in Congress that tried to push through the health care bill. The quality of care would have markedly declined and the cost of that care would have markedly increased.
Although many believe that the Republicans in Congress are not listening to their constituency, this is not absolutely true. Take for example the bill recently passed that would throw out the old tax system by 2003, forcing Congress to consider new, less burdensome forms of taxation.
I believe Newt is listening. He wants the Republican Renaissance to continue. He will assuredly listen to what the grass roots have to say. He needs their support in the tough political days to come whether he intends to remain Speaker of the House or he wants to run for President.
What should the 1998 Republican Agenda include? Probably all of the items on the survey are important: but the first item on the list, "reduction of big government", will accomplish all the other priorities and more. Less government means more freedom, more money in the pocket of the common man, greater efficiency in the marketplace, and better lives for all Americans.
WJRayment
