Most of us like to think that our views
represent the innermost beliefs of the majority of our fellow citizens. Recent
polls may show a ridiculous preference for a position we despise, our candidates
may lose at election time, and the radio may broadcast music or talk that we
abhor. But we know that all this is ephemeral: Deep in their hearts, the
majority agree with us about what is right and good. And if they don't say so or
act accordingly just now, the trend is moving in our direction. Let those who
think differently tremble at the verdict of an awakened nation.

To their credit, the Republican leaders in Congress have had a highly

strategic view of the uses of policy in consolidating political power. Newt

Gingrich and his colleagues set themselves a clear agenda and they have stuck

to it, conscious that their first priority, more important than any single

piece of legislation, has been to demonstrate the capacity to govern and to

make good on their word. They have put issues first that united them and

deferred those that divided them. Rather than repeal liberal policies one by