In advance of YBF’s visit to Ronald Reagan’s Ranch and the Reagan Presidential Library this weekend, Californian conservative leader Rose Corona explains why Ronald Reagan still matters to conservatives on both sides of the Atlantic. 

As the summer of 2012 quickly approaches, the struggle to determine the candidate for the Republican ticket continues to rage and has become hotter than Texas in mid-August. And as confused and seemingly undecided as the voters seem to be in primaries and caucuses, there is one undeclared candidate who would win the 2012 American presidential election against Barack Obama: His name is Ronald Reagan.

At least you would think so. He is always right there, the unannounced debater, the silent speaker, the Conservative Republican with the strongest, longest record. There is an echo heard after each primary debate, “We need another Ronald Reagan.” This isn’t just wishful thinking. It is the prescription for success, a mantle of leadership. His name is invoked by every Republican candidate: “I’m a Reagan Republican” or “I’m a Reagan Conservative.” Entire movements, like the sprawling and unfolding Tea Party, embrace him. He was become a national icon, right up there with Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln. One recent poll found that Americans think Reagan was our country’s greatest president. Some want his face on Mount Rushmore. His name is already on hundreds of buildings, highways, parks, schools and at least one airport and an aircraft carrier. He may be more popular now, and certainly more respected, than when his presidency ended in 1989. Continue reading →