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Reagan Day Dinner a huge success
President Ronald Reagan once said, "To sit back hoping that someday, some way, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat you last - but eat you he will." Chisago County Republicans gathered at Wild Mountain on Sept. 14 for the first annual Reagan Day Dinner, to begin the effort of taking back state government from tax and spend Democrats who never seem to get enough to eat.
The sold out crowd was treated to an inspiring speech from keynote speaker and KTLK talk show host Jason Lewis. And who better to talk about government spending and the economy? Lewis has a Masters degree in political science and a Bachelors degree in business. An editorial writer who has been published in newspapers from coast to coast, Lewis is an advocate of small, efficient government, and is the founder of Minnesota's Tax Cut Coalition.
Lewis described attempts to raise taxes in the last legislative session as some of the most brazen in memory. A $2 billion surplus apparently wasn't enough, and the Democrat majority supported another $5 billion in tax increases.
State spending over the long haul has resulted in Minnesota being one of the highest taxed states in the country, with one of the worst small business climates anywhere. In 2008 voters have a chance to turn the tide on wasteful spending and high taxes, and begin the process of making their state government responsible and accountable.
Also present were State Republican Party Chairman Ron Carey, Representative Rob Eastlund, House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, representatives of both Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and Senator Norm Coleman. Having attended similar events around the state lately, Carey was greatly impressed by the Chisago County turnout. He told those in attendance that their presence was an inspirational message he would spread around the state. Likewise, Seifert and Eastlund were also overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of the large crowd.
Former Representative Pete Nelson emceed the sold out event, which was hosted by the Taylors Falls Republicans. Jim Stein had the honor of presenting Pastor George Cable of Lindstrom with the Distinguished Service Award, which was a very touching moment.
Another very important topic of discussion was the need to replace the tax and spend liberal Representative Jeremy Kalin, who, in his short tenure has voted in support of the public funding of abortion, in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, as well as income tax and gas tax increases.
The Reagan Day Dinner marks the kick off of the 2008 campaign for Chisago County Republicans. Not only was enthusiasm high by the end of the program, Chisago County GOP coffers were well replenished for the upcoming campaign.
To find out more about the event, the Chisago County GOP, or Representative Jeremy Kalin's voting record, go to http://www.chisagogop.blogspot.com/. Local authors will keep you apprised of what is going on in state government and provide you with the facts you need to know heading into 2008.
It's time to stop feeding the crocodile.
