[Hoot Gibson]

At the time Reagan compromised with Tip O'Neill, Reagan believed that the U.S. was facing an existential threat in the Soviet Union. Democrats got huge spending increases on socialist domestic programs so that Reagan could escalate the arms race during the Cold War and precipitate the economic collapse of the Soviet Union. The compromises were not the result of Reagan and O'Neill getting along. At that time, there were still some patriotic Democrats, such as Sam Nunn, who shared Reagan's commitment to win the Cold War. There were also a few liberals, such as Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who recognized and opposed policies that threatened American families by rewarding irresponsible behavior with financial rewards.

Things have changed. Liberal policies and Democrats' inability to govern competently are the top existential threat facing this country today. I generally oppose any compromise that further threaten to destroy our economy and traditional values. Liberal attacks on capitalism, law and order, and their harmful policies that imperil the mental and physical health of American children cannot be tolerated, regardless of what is offered to the Republican Party in return.