Important differences between Democrats and Republicans were covered in my last post, with focus on the Democrats, and following the theme of Ezra Klein of The New York Times, who claimed that Democrats are united in their belief that the government can, and should, act on behalf of the public.

In contrast, Mr. Klein characterized the Republicans quite differently, The modern Republican Party, by contrast, is built upon a loathing of the government. Many would consider that a gross overstatement, but he did touch on a recognizable theme, especially when one considers certain quotes of perhaps the most popular Republican of the last half century, Ronald Reagan (President from 1981 to 1989). Reagan produced many quotes (see here). Four representative examples follow:

• Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other. – 1965
• Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives. – 1981
• Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. (First Inaugural Address on January 20, 1981)
• The nine most terrifying words in the English language are “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help. – 1986

Just so there is no misunderstanding, I am in full agreement with Reagan’s concepts, but I believe they also are consistent with what I often reveal in this space, namely that my political base is also compatible with the views of perhaps the most popular Democrat of the last century, John F. Kennedy (President from 1961 to 1963), Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.

In my opinion, Mr. Klein of the Times overstated the Republican view of government. As I see it, most Republicans are politicians, not statesmen, as are their Democrat colleagues, but overall the Republicans have an edge in ineptness.

Some examples: Think of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, and contrast her with Republican members of the House Black Caucus. Think of the frequent changing of Republican leadership of House leadership (as opposed to the long tenure of Democrat Nancy Pelosi). Here’s one that made me smile, an incident described by Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska. When recently visiting his Nebraska congressional district, he joined a GOP meeting and told the group, “I am a Christian first, an American second, and then a Republican.”

An older gentleman immediately yelled out, “That is why we don’t like you!” Representative Bacon added, rather dryly, “I wondered what bothered him more, the Christian or the American part.”

Enough of that! I’ll cut this short because tonight is THE DEBATE between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. I dread tuning in, but of course I will. I wrote here earlier a number of times to give my views of the dismal upcoming election with then-candidates Biden and Trump (see here, here, and here). One candidate has changed, but for me the dreariness continues. Surely all voters have evaluated our present contenders and have come to a conclusion. Here’s mine: Kennedy and Reagan they are not!