In his speech, "A Time for Choosing," Reagan made a case for conservative ideals and values. Although the speech was delivered nearly 40 years ago, it is timeless. The words are as pertinent now as when they were first delivered.

Since his election, I have also seen President George W. Bush as being rather Reaganesque in his beliefs. His manner of speech is lacking some of Reagan’s polish, but it leaves nothing wanting in its message. The words are plain, clear, and forceful.

However, as Reagan saw the election of Goldwater as a time for choosing, so do I see the present circumstances as another time for choosing. Does President Bush keep his campaign promise to reject campaign fiancee legislation or does he choose to reject the principles of freedom upon which he has earned a nation’s respect.

"I am going to talk of controversial things," Reagan said. "I make no apologies for this."

Great men are like that. They do not shy away from controversy. They do not become great, however, by choosing to be controversial. They become great by doing the right thing--and that is controversial!

"Yet any time you and I question the schemes of the do-gooders," Reagan said, "we’re denounced as being opposed to their humanitarian goals."

The McCain-Feingold-Shays-Meehan bill will not eliminate the "special interests." It will protect the "best interests" of these small men who routinely attack great documents like the Constitution. The legislation is a defecation on freedom. The willingness to veto this blatant assault on the Constitution would not win the president any praise from the media. However, the accolades of the media are not worth the surrender of principle or the concessions of liberty. It would earn him the respect of conservatives and place him on the stage with other brave Americans who have also been faced with unpopular choices.

If he vetoes campaign finance legislation, President Bush will not lose a single vote. The same cannot be said if he signs it into law. Many of his supporters will feel as betrayed as those who read his father’s lips. But the political consequences are not legitimate reasons upon which a choice should be made. The legislation should be stopped because it is wrong.

"Freedom has never been so fragile," Reagan stated, "so close to slipping from our grasp."

Many of the bill’s opponents say that campaign finance legislation will be struck down by the Supreme Court. Therefore, they believe Bush should merely let the bill become law. But this is a time for choosing.

Do we dare leave this decision to the courts? Do we place our liberties in the hands of nine individuals in black robes? And how can a president declare war on the international enemies of freedom when he chooses to let the domestic threats slide?

Greatness does not choose to yield the road when tyranny is on the march. Where would America be if the "Minutemen" had chosen to step aside at Concord Bridge? Perhaps somebody might have stopped the British further up the road. But greatness requires--it demands that you choose! Moreover, we remember the Minutemen these many years later because they did not yield the way.

"If some among you fear taking a stand because you are afraid of reprisals," Reagan said, "recognize that you are just feeding the crocodile hoping he’ll eat you last."

In these uncertain times when mediocre men are often considered extraordinary, it is rare when men of courage and principle step from the shadows of obscurity. President Bush is once again called upon to be that man.

"You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of earth," Reagan said. "If we fail, at least our children and our children’s children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done."

Now is once again a time for choosing. President Bush, who has grandly displayed his courage and extraordinary leadership many times in the last few months, is called upon to do it once again. He can choose to sign the legislation or he can stand tall in the face of tyranny and confront who would impose it upon others.

Now is the time to choose.