July 17, 1980 was the resurgence of the conservative movement in America. This was the day Ronald Reagan addressed the Republican convention with his acceptance speech titled “Recapture Our Destiny.” I believe the results of the 2010 elections very much mirror the tone and mood of the American people after the malaise of the Carter years. I would implore everyone to hit the web to read this speech and judge for yourself. (Everywhere you see the name Carter, substitute it with Obama)

The American people have spoken loud and clear in the 2010 election cycle, and no louder than here in the State of Maine. I don’t think anyone would have projected a loss of the Blaine House, Maine Senate and House for the Democratic Party in Maine. The question the Political Animals are addressing this month is “where do we go from here and what is going to be the fallout of the election?”

Throughout my life I have always been told, “if we do not teach history, we are doomed to repeat it.” The amazing fact is we are repeating history with both the rejection of liberalism in America and the electorate cleansing the political landscape. Though the Republican Party was the beneficiary of this cleansing, it was not as much of an affirmation of their policies, but instead a rejection of the failed policies of the liberal Democratic Party. I say liberal because many good conservative folks of the Democratic and Republican parties have expressed the sentiment that “their parties have left them.” Yes, both the Republican and Democratic parties —  and this explains the strong rise of the tea party movement.

The amusing sideshow we are seeing and hearing is the Democratic Party telling the Republicans they need to compromise and work in a bipartisan fashion to make Maine work again. What a joke and how hypocritical! The Democrats’ idea of bipartisanship was if we agreed with them, no compromise whatsoever! So, please spare me the rhetoric that Republicans have to compromise on anything to be successful.

But I digress.

There are many issues that need to be addressed, such as jobs, energy costs, jobs, health insurance costs, jobs, regulatory reform, jobs, spending reform, jobs, tax relief, and did I mention jobs? And the list goes on.

So, how do we recapture our destiny? First we need to define what is meant by “our destiny.”

Throughout modern history, every country in the world has marveled at the United States and its citizens. The rugged individualism and entrepreneurial spirit that captures the imagination and envy of the world are what make America great. There is no doubt the world would be much different without the American way of life as a beacon to the rest of the world.

People of foreign countries will go to great lengths so they, too, may enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The freedom and opportunity available in America cannot be found nor has it been duplicated anywhere else in the world. This is one area where the progressive movement has underestimated the American people. We have stood by silently while going about our business, trusting that the politicians have been doing our biding in our best interest. The fact is, the politicians have been doing nothing but exploiting the public trust to benefit themselves.

I know my statements are going to upset some people, the politicians.  So sorry and too bad. All we need to look at is the out-of-control social programs right here in our state. Does welfare reform ring a bell? Does Dirigo health hit a nerve? Does paying some of the country’s highest utility rates for electric, oil and gas make you cringe? What about being rated dead last in the country for being “business friendly?” (More like unfriendly!) That had to be one of the last straws for the people of Maine when it was announced we dropped 10 spots, from 40th to 50th place. Was that one of the goals of the liberals to race to the bottom?

These particular issues would be on the mend right now if there were compromise and a willingness to work across the aisle. People finally realized they were being duped and sold a bill of false promises during the campaign. As we struggle to make ends meet instead of living the dream, we see the fruits of our hard work buying less and less. The politicians have a huge task ahead of them to gain back the trust of the people.

Three agenda items I think would resonate with the people of Maine and have instant results are as follows:

1.  In regard to health care, repeal guaranteed issuance and modify the “community rating.” At the same time, turn Dirigo into a high-risk pool to insure the highest risk individuals in the state.

2. Join the consortium of states that are suing the federal government over Obama Care. This consortium will allow us to purchase health insurance across state lines, which will bring competition back into the state. All research and studies have concluded this will drop premiums by $100-$200 per week for a family of four. This will also repeal the SOP tax, a percentage fee charged to health insurers on claims paid out each year,  to pay for Dirigo. This would be great for busines.

3.  The third thing is to “opt out” of the ISO New England electric grid agreement. Maine has a 50  percent surplus of electricity that goes to the ISO. We are on the same power grid as Boston and southern New England, which is why we pay some of the highest rates (.13-.18 cents a kilowatt-hour) in the country. We could be buying our power from Canada for around .04 cents a kilowatt-hour. In other words, we are subsidizing some of the largest cities in the Northeast! How crazy is that?

It is my contention if the Legislature and governor-elect were to do these three things, people and businesses would see a windfall wit in the first six months that would  go directly into their pockets. There is no amount of tax relief the Legislature could implement in that period of time that would give such needed relief.

One other item I would like to address is the early-voting issue being dragged up by Eliot Cutler. I do agree by making it easier for people to vote, we have seen several unintended consequences arise. The system we have would work more efficiently and be less susceptible to voter fraud if we followed the Maine Constitution. Article II, section 1 states; “But persons in the military, naval or marine service of the United States, or this State, shall not be considered as having obtained such established residence by being stationed in any garrison, barrack or military place, in any city, town or plantation; nor shall the residence of a student at any seminary of learning entitle the student to the right of suffrage in the city, town or plantation where such seminary is established.” In other words, people who do not have “legal presence” will not be allowed to vote in Maine. They should also, as law requires, have to provide a Maine form of identification. Loosening the laws to make voting easier for people has opened the door for abuse.

I do not believe, however, that the outcome would have changed. Mr. Cutler, you ran a great and honorable campaign, please be gracious and walk away. I had the pleasure of meeting you several times during the campaign and believe you have a lot to offer the new administration to put help Maine back on a prosperous path.

If we are to recapture our destiny, the politicians need to respect our wishes and understand the government is “we the people” and not about the next election cycle. “We the people” need to stand together, remain vigilant but patient, and hold the elected officials accountable for their votes!

That is my opinion, please send along yours! My email address is [email protected] , or on Facebbook.

Scott Lansley is a former Legislator and current selectman in Sabattus and political director for Maine Taxpayers United. He resides in Sabattus with his wife and children.