First Principles

You could call this post, "Fred in a Nutshell"

In 1994 when I first ran, I advocated the same common sense conservative positions that I hold today. They are based upon what I believe to be sound conservative First Principles -- reflecting the nature of man and the wisdom of the ages. They are based upon the conviction that our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution are not outdated documents that have outlived their usefulness. It is a recognition that our basic rights come from God and not from government. That government should have its power divided, not only at the federal level but between the federal government and the states. Federalism is the belief that not every problem should have a federal solution. Essentially it's about freedom. A government that is big enough to do everything for us is powerful enough to do anything to us.

Fred Thompson, announcement speech video




A few quotes from Ronald Reagan ... This was Ronald Reagan in 1981
“We've gone astray from first principles. We've lost sight of the rule that individual freedom and ingenuity are at the very core of everything that we've accomplished. Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.”

Reagan in his 1989 farewell Speech:
“As long as we remember our first principles and believe in ourselves, the future will always be ours.”

And then Reagan in 1993:
“Presidents come and go. History comes and goes, but principles endure...”

Pretty simple, isn't it.