Dakota Beacon

On a recent visit to the Reagan Presidential Library in California, I took a step back in time and experienced a reacquaintance with the man and his message. As I came face to face with him casually leaning on a column in the portico the White House, I remembered his words about being a “here today and gone tomorrow” servant of the people of America. The presidency for him was about the people; America the only place on earth where the Constitution reads: “We the people…” The following Reagan quote stopped me in my tracks as I considered the path we’ve taken since then.

“I’ve always wondered at this American marvel, the great energy of the human soul that drives people to better themselves and improve the fortunes of their families and communities.” 

His quote speaks loudly and clearly. It’s not about the government. It is about the marvel which makes America a place where this dynamic of freedom is real. In order to preserve it, we must follow the ancient script. 

The purpose of today’s column is to answer two questions: “What is this script and from whence did it come?” To say liberty is written into America’s DNA is not enough. It is the birthright of every individual created by Almighty God.

The statement in the Declaration of Independence penned by Thomas Jefferson rings true:

“All men are created equal and are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

One definition of conservative is “one willing to follow the script.”

As a conservative, I’m not confined to the boundaries set by political parties, but I take the values supported by the Founding Fathers and expressed in the founding documents as my script. Conservatives are held by certain convictions and guided by an informed conscience. From there, a political party is a place to associate with others of like mind. Reagan espoused the 80/20 rule that we agree with 80% of the platform of the party we choose.

The means by which we take fundamental beliefs and convictions and turn them into policies which become law is called the political process. In America, we dare to give this power to men and women whom we elect to act as a representative of the values and freedoms we hold dear.

“To secure these rights governments are instituted among men---deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” We believe the best way to policy which upholds the Constitution is to determine what potential representatives believe about the role of government and its place in our lives.

Several years ago, when my son was still in high school, he was writing a paper on the best president in U.S. history. After a vague answer as to why his choice was best, he referred to the website he was using as his principal resourceusa.gov. Needless to say, the whole evening turned into a discussion about the role of government that was more than he bargained for!

Gary Eminth is the former NDGOP state chairman and host of "Open Range" on BEK TV.