Three 1967 College Republicans, including originator of the now-defunct 11th Commandment
By Mark Rhoads -
The "Eleventh Commandment" was a phrase used by President Ronald Reagan during his 1966 primary campaign for Governor of California. The commandment was "Thou Shalt Not Speak Ill of a Fellow Republican," and it was invented by California Republican Party Chairman Dr. Gaylord Parkinson on Sept. 25, 1965.
As governor, Reagan continued the 11th Commandment as official policy for the state party and he often preached the virtues of the commandment during his years as president.
The picture above right shows Dr. Parkinson at left with Paul Caprio of Family-PAC (center) and me (right) when we were College Republicans in 1967.
Dr. Parkinson was widely admired among national GOP leaders for many reasons, including the 11th Commandment.
I don't know exactly who killed the 11th Commandment or when, but I do think that Parkinson and Reagan would be horrified at the personal insults in the crossfire among GOP presidential candidates this year.
The childish name-calling is unworthy of adults, let alone aspirants for the highest office in the Free World.
