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Reagan’s Four Principles and Texas’ Prosperity (Happy Birthday today, to a Great President)
Townhall ^ | 02/06/2013 | Peggy Venable

Posted on 02/06/2013 8:47:34 AM PST by SeekAndFind

Ronald Reagan was born Feb 6, 1911.

This week marks the 102nd anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s birthday. It provides a time to reflect on the leader and on his vision for America.

A former Democrat turned Republican, he had led a labor union and as an actor was an unlikely

Presidential candidate when he first ran for President in 1976 against then-President Ford. He was not the typical Republican and frankly rocked the Republican establishment.

But he eloquently articulated optimism for our country and a vision which garnered the support of voters from both parties as well as citizens who didn’t align themselves with politicians.

As we mark this anniversary, the Texas legislature is just getting started rolling up their sleeves, setting a course for the next two years in the Lone Star State.

Will Reagan’s vision be shared by state lawmakers? In a 1987 speech, Reagan spoke of four principles of economic freedom. Those four freedoms are the freedom to work, the freedom to enjoy the fruits of one's labor, the freedom to own and control one's property and the freedom to participate in a free market.

These four principles were fundamental in the building of this country, yet they have been under attack long before Reagan went into office and are all the more so today.

While our nation’s leaders are dealing with deficit spending and an ever-growing federal government, Texas, with its incorporation of Reagan’s four principles, stands in stark contrast.

Texas leaders have embraced lower taxes, less government spending, common-sense regulations, a legal system which discourages frivolous lawsuits and private property rights. These policies have helped Texas attract new residents and businesses.

That has resulted in Texas leading the nation in job creation which in turn results in greater creativity, innovation, and prosperity. Although it may seem easier to provide government assistance than to encourage the risks inherent in private enterprise, we must remember that without liberty -- especially economic liberty -- there is little prosperity.

While Ronald Reagan would likely see Texas as an example of that shining city on the hill, it is incumbent upon us to continue the policies that have created prosperity in Texas.

He did not view government as the answer to solving problems, but worked to get government out of the way and allow the private sector to thrive. In doing so, jobs are created and more citizens have the opportunity to prosper.

Prosperity can come about only when we enjoy economic freedom and that freedom leads to prosperity.

Has Texas become the nation’s example of that shining city on the hill that Ronald Reagan often referred to?

And will the Texas legislature spend these 140 days protecting economic freedom or will policy and politics get marred in efforts to make government all things to all people?

The Texas culture is one of independence and we aren’t shy about bragging. After all, it isn’t bragging if it is true.

Ronald Reagan embraced the concept of American Exceptionalism, as does Governor Perry. It is a recognition and appreciation of the unique system of government we enjoy. We do not work for government, but government works for us.

In his State of the State speech last week, Perry referred to Texas as not merely strong, but exceptional.

Gov. Perry is right. Texas is a testament to the power of freedom, to the entrepreneurial spirit unleashed from government interference. Texas embraces a "can do culture" for every citizen willing to work hard and pursue a dream.

That dream is the American Dream which Ronald Reagan so often referred. Gov. Perry laced that theme into his speech last week and it is in many of the policies that Texas leaders have embraced.

Economic freedom is the best antidote to poverty. That’s very Reaganesque. That’s also very much the Texas spirit.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Constitution/Conservatism; News/Current Events; US: Texas
KEYWORDS: prosperity; reagan; texas

1 posted on 02/06/2013 8:47:44 AM PST by SeekAndFind
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To: SeekAndFind

This stuff written by the Texas chamber of commerce?

Did it mention Texas is crawling with millions of illegals, which in the end they will own the state?


2 posted on 02/06/2013 8:59:22 AM PST by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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To: SeekAndFind

Once again GOOGLE does not feature REagan or any other conservative, republican, christian etc. On their daily marquee.

Is there a better search engine out there than GOOGLE. I get angry anytime I use them.


3 posted on 02/06/2013 9:00:15 AM PST by nikos1121
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To: nikos1121

Google it...There are lots of them...


4 posted on 02/06/2013 9:05:46 AM PST by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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To: SeekAndFind

Great article

Tweeted the link.


5 posted on 02/06/2013 9:17:00 AM PST by NEWwoman (God Bless America)
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To: nikos1121

Have you tried Bing? That’s what I use.


6 posted on 02/06/2013 9:34:38 AM PST by Newfy
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To: nikos1121

Ixquick. They dont save your searches.


7 posted on 02/06/2013 10:34:29 AM PST by 03A3 (The reset is gonna be epic.)
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To: dragnet2
TX has no state income tax, but after that our property taxes and sales tax makes TX about 23rd in the nation for cost per person in taxes. On top of that our "conservative" legislature spends hiway money on general fund programs, which is one example of how "user pays" is not part of the plan for conservatives.

We have a "small" government load but a huge state, with parks being closed and hiways in need of money, but the governor has 20 million to spend on attracting business - a slush fund...that has as many bankrupt picks as our president's record. /rant about waste and betting on conservatives - can't turn it off

8 posted on 02/06/2013 12:22:47 PM PST by q_an_a (the more laws the less justice)
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To: Newfy

Thank you for the tip. I tried the match up vs google and it was a draw...basically. I think I’m going BING from now on.


9 posted on 02/07/2013 2:36:28 AM PST by nikos1121
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To: dragnet2

?????????

I don’t think you understand. I’m talking about Goggle’s art work. It never praises anything remotely assoc with Christianity, conservativsm...etc. Xmas you’ll get santa claus... easter..and Easter Bunny....I’m switching to Bing.....


10 posted on 02/07/2013 2:40:16 AM PST by nikos1121
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To: nikos1121

Google?

The entire government is doing the same thing x1000

Come on...


11 posted on 02/07/2013 9:09:46 AM PST by dragnet2 (Diversion and evasion are tools of deceit)
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