2008 Woodie Awards
From the Right
What would Reagan do?
Dustin Gilbert
Issue date: 3/17/08 Section: Perspectives
USM's budget shortfalls are no secret. Maine's budget deficit of nearly $200 million isn't either.
As a result of these shortfalls, the students, Mainers, and taxpayers alike suffer.
The Maine economy suffers as people tighten their spending. Twenty-six academic programs are suffering. University officials and committee members are under pressure to find solutions.
The administration and the governor can try to please everyone a little or please a few a lot.
What should they do?
Well don't cry, don't lose sleep, and God forbid don't take it out on others.
Just ask: "What would Reagan do?"
Ronald Reagan was this country's last president with true conservative values and ideals. He was said to be a man with great charisma and personality. I hear radio hosts quote him and refer to him often. Why not do it here?
The relevant quote: "They say we offer simple answers to complex problems. Well, perhaps there is a simple answer-not an easy answer-but simple."
To get the answer to our USM and Maine budget problems, I'm going to use this quote. But first let's examine it.
I believe Reagan is referring to people who disagree with himself and his political peers when he says 'they.'
'Simple answers to complex problems,' now that's something that's quite interesting.
Regardless of the situation, there are always an easy solution, a hard solution, the most complicated solution, and the most simple solution.
Taking the easy way out leads to future problems that are usually worse.
The tough solution usually ticks people off when the media exposes the victims and everyone who lost on the deal. One hundred winners for every one loser is a great deal, but the liberal media makes it sound like a tragedy.
The most complicated solution needs everyone to be in complete understanding and agreement of it, and that rarely happens with any decision.
That last is the simple decision.
As a result of these shortfalls, the students, Mainers, and taxpayers alike suffer.
The Maine economy suffers as people tighten their spending. Twenty-six academic programs are suffering. University officials and committee members are under pressure to find solutions.
The administration and the governor can try to please everyone a little or please a few a lot.
What should they do?
Well don't cry, don't lose sleep, and God forbid don't take it out on others.
Just ask: "What would Reagan do?"
Ronald Reagan was this country's last president with true conservative values and ideals. He was said to be a man with great charisma and personality. I hear radio hosts quote him and refer to him often. Why not do it here?
The relevant quote: "They say we offer simple answers to complex problems. Well, perhaps there is a simple answer-not an easy answer-but simple."
To get the answer to our USM and Maine budget problems, I'm going to use this quote. But first let's examine it.
I believe Reagan is referring to people who disagree with himself and his political peers when he says 'they.'
'Simple answers to complex problems,' now that's something that's quite interesting.
Regardless of the situation, there are always an easy solution, a hard solution, the most complicated solution, and the most simple solution.
Taking the easy way out leads to future problems that are usually worse.
The tough solution usually ticks people off when the media exposes the victims and everyone who lost on the deal. One hundred winners for every one loser is a great deal, but the liberal media makes it sound like a tragedy.
The most complicated solution needs everyone to be in complete understanding and agreement of it, and that rarely happens with any decision.
That last is the simple decision.
Be the first to comment on this story