Why I Oppose Ron Paul for the Republican Nomination

            A friend and I were talking about politics, and he stated that almost everyone who he talks with says that they like Ron Paul, but they are not supporting him because he is unelectable. I told him that I sincerely believed that those were cop out answers, and that they were just trying to avoid an argument. Because, while Ron Paul is unelectable, there is a reason Ron Paul is unelectable, and that is because most Republicans have multiple reasons why they would not consider him an acceptable candidate for President.

Unlike many of Paul’s supporters who have jumped on the bandwagon, I am able to think for myself, and so I have no need to post something written by someone else or a video that is little more than propaganda; so without further ado, here are my three primary reasons for refusing to support Ron Paul.

1. He does not support ending abortion on the Federal level

            Abortion is one of, if not the most, unjust acts that is legally allowed in America. For the purposes of this discussion, I am going to assume that most of my audience agrees with me on this point. If not, fear not, for I will be writing on this soon.

            Because I believe this about abortion, I believe it is not just an option for the American public, but it is actually a duty to use all means possible to end abortion. Ron Paul does not believe this. Though he claims that he opposes abortion, he thinks it should be left to the states to end abortion. The problem is that while there are some conservative states that would ban abortion, there are other states which would allow abortion to continue, all while the government was sleeping on the job.

            Paul claims that his position is the “Constitutional” position, but I think that is an unreasonably strict interpretation. The Constitution establishes delivering mail as a function of the government, but Paul doesn’t think that it can take care of murder? Do his supporters honestly think that there is validity to this? That the government can imprison people for making fake money, but not ending murder?

            Further, since I am writing to a Christian audience, there is a document which trumps the Constitution. There are things that are more important than a piece of paper, and life is one of those things. The Christian is always to stand for life. Anything less than full-throated support and a willingness to use all means available to end abortion is enough to disqualify a candidate in my eyes.

2. His foreign policy is simplistic

            This one is a lesser problem to me as there is some truth to what Paul says. Notice I say some truth. America has created a lot of trouble in the world through sticking its nose where it doesn’t belong. Of course, it can be argued that this was a necessary evil to prevent another world war (which was the intended purpose of Interventionism, which would technically be a success). However, whether Interventionism is right or wrong, that is not actually the question at this point. This is because the trouble has been created, and simply backing away just provides an opportunity for the enemies of the country to exact their revenge. To think that if we just go back home they will leave “us” alone seems simplistic at best.

            In addition, isolationism was the predominant American foreign policy until after the close of World War Two. Those last three words should be a pretty good clue as to why it was no longer the predominant foreign policy.

3. He is a “traitor” to the party

            When I say this, people say, “Well, that doesn’t matter if you are voting your convictions.” Well, I disagree. Why? Because I am a member of the Republican Party because they most accurately represent my political views—I obviously do not support every position the party holds, but am comfortable enough with their positions to consider myself a Republican. Ron Paul, does not. How do I know this? Because he abandoned the Republican Party in the 80’s. Now, I do not hold grudges when there is a change in how someone thinks, such as being a Democrat, and changing to the Republican Party, but that is not the same as being a member of the party, leaving and opposing the party, then coming back when you need them. In addition, Ron Paul will not rule out a third party candidacy. What does this mean? It means that while Ron Paul may be a true conservative, he is not a true Republican, but is simply using them as a tool to get what he wants. This will not do when choosing someone to become the de facto leader of the party.

While I may be able to overcome one of these reasons, or maybe even two, but if you put all three of these reasons together, Ron Paul becomes an untenable candidate for my support. He is not fully pro-life, he has a simplistic foreign policy, and he is not a Republican but wants the Republican nomination.

The (Future) Republican Comeback....Otherwise known as the "If you can't keep it in your pants, don't run as a Republican!" Plan

Well, I know I am a little late to start chiming in on this, but I have been sitting here steaming about what has been going on with Republicans lately. First, Senator John Ensign had an affair. Less than 2 weeks later, Mark Sanford, another up-and-comer admitted to an affair. This is not the way to have things happen when the party is already out, and trying to stage a comeback. Now, I understand the urges a man gets, after all I am one. However, what these folks need is a good dose of discipline. Ooooor, if you want to have an affair and still be a FISCAL conservative, go be a Libertarian! After all, a trademark of the Republicans is supposed to be family values, but we can't hang on to that and our hypocritical members at the same time. So folks, get your act together!

Congratulations President Obama

Well, congratulations are in order to Barack Obama for becoming the 44th President, and the nations first black president. While I think that it was high time for a black person to be elected President, I had wished that it would not be him. However, he won, and that is how the system works. I do hope that the Democrats observed Republicans showing how not to be a sore loser, like they have been for the last 8 years. Unlike Bush's Inaugural that was plagued by frustrated Democrats who wanted to ruin the day for him, protesters were more or less non existent for Obama. Unlike Democrats who made the election drag on for a month, Republicans conceded quickly when the results came in. Maybe Democrats will learn how to be a sport, but I doubt it. I guess the bottom line on that is just that Republicans aren't Democrats. So, congratulations President Obama.

Republican Establishment Bailout Lunacy!

John Boehner, the Republican House Leader, is now fighting to stop $25 billion from being given (loaned) to the failing auto industry. Many other Republicans are opposing this. This is absolute lunacy! These people approved $700 billion to bail out the financial organizations, who were the VERY people who got us into this mess, yet they will not allow just 25 billion of that to go to the auto industry that is collateral damage from the financial market! How did these people get into office? I am very interested in two things: politics and cars, so this is hitting close to home. If Republicans bail out the corrupt people who got us into this mess--those same people who are going to expensive resorts after being bailed out--but lets the only American car companies to go under, my support of Republicans is going to disappear. If they are going to throw the American auto industry under the bus, then they need to be thrown under the Republican bus. America does not need leaders like that.

McCain is ahead!!!!

According to Gallup's daily tracking poll, John McCain is now ahead by 3 points!! This is surprising from just a few days ago when he was down by 7. But, as I mentioned in my last post, more people watched the RNC than the DNC, which should (and did) result in positive movement for the GOP.

McCain nearing Obama in polls

McCain is only 2 points (on average) behind Obama! Just 4 days ago, he was behind by 7. John McCain also set a world record by having more people listen to a single political speech than any other time in American history. He had 4 million more people watching than did the Olympic Opening. The convention averaged having 4 million a night more than the Democratic Convention. And 10 million more than the average night of American Idol. So, John McCain is generating interest, which usually results in positive movement.

Go GOP!

Well my friends,
The House Republican Party is at it again: they are continuing their protest of the Democrat's refusal to deal with allowing the US to increase domestic oil production. The protest is having a one-sided debate on the unlit House floor. The protest started on Friday and had something of the flavor of a revival meeting. The protest will continue for an undetermined time. Finally I am proud of something the GOP is doing. If you support it, I would urge that you donate to the Congressional Campaign Committee at: https://www.nrcc.org/donate/default.asp?ID=3

Huckabee Won!!!

Well y'all,
Huckabee has won in Iowa. Even after Mitt Romney went REALLY negative. People say that going negative is the way to win, but it didn't tonight. Is this the start of a new era in American politics?

Iowa Straw Poll

Percentages are based on 14,302 total ballots cast.

Mitt Romney -- 4,516 votes, 31.6 percent

Mike Huckabee -- 2,587 votes, 18.1 percent

Sam Brownback -- 2,192 votes, 15.3 percent

Tom Tancredo --1,961 votes, 13.7 percent

Ron Paul -- 1,305 votes, 9.1 percent

Tommy Thompson -- 1,039 votes, 7.3 percent

Fred Thompson -- 203 votes, 1.4 percent

Rudy Giuliani -- 183 votes, 1.3 percent

Duncan Hunter -- 174 votes, 1.2 percent

John McCain -- 101 votes, 0.7 percent

John Cox -- 41 votes, 0.2 percent

Well y'all, I am a VERY, VERY happy person. Why? Because Mike Huckabee came in 2nd!!!!! This will help him build steam and raise more money, which of course will help him stay in the race longer. My apologies to Brownback, Tancredo, Paul, McCain, Giuliani, and Hunter.

The Case Against Mitt Romney

Well y'all, it is time to get after "Pretty Boy Mitt". The first issue is his rather convenient change of position on political issues. Now I can understand changing your mind, but when it is just a couple of years before you plan to run for President is just too much for me to believe.

Next, is his support of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. Not only is that an unconstitutional position, but also goes against a long time strong point of the GOP, which is protection of our gun rights.

Next, is the fact that he was Governor of Massachusetts. How can a Republican be Governor of one of the most liberal places in America (Their entire Congressional Delegation is Democratic) claim to be a true conservative?

Last, is the problem of him being a Mormon, according to NEP, Evangelical Christians cast about a third of W's vote in 2004. Without them, Senator Kerry would be President Kerry. I don't think a Mormon could excite them like Bush did.

In closing, Mitt Romney has lots of good points (I will write about them in a few weeks), I don't believe he is "The One".

The Case Against John McCain

Let me start by saying that John McCain is first of all a great American. He has sacrificed tremendously for our nation. Second, he is a good senator, and finally, he is a lousy Republican.

For starters, McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance. All that did was give more power to outside groups. A lot of Republicans believe that it is a restriction of free speech. It is not the government’s job to tell it’s citizens how they can spend their money. If you think that is buying influence, then let the voters un-elect the people who are corrupted.

Next, is the problem of him joining the Dems a few years back when they were filibustering all of Bush’s Judicial nominees, and he joined a few other GOPer’s and some Dems to eliminate the “Nuclear Option”. That really ticked of a lot of Republicans.

Next up is the problem of him rubbin’ wrong with Christians. His gaffe calling Jerry Fallwell a force of evil, I believe will still haunt him this election cycle. As I said in “The case against Rudy” NEP estimates that Christians made up about one third of George Bush’s vote. They are crucial to win an election.

Finally, there is a large amount of truth to the claims that McCain is not a true conservative, major problem.

In short, I don’t believe McCain is the man.

The Case Against Rudy Giuliani

I will be writing about the negative points of all the Republican Presidential Candidates over the next few days, or weeks. I will only talk about announced candidates; I will discuss them in descending order from Gallup Polls.

The Case against Rudy Giuliani

I have many reasons for disliking Rudy. I will start with abortion. Rudy says he personally doesn’t like them. HOWEVER, he says he will uphold a woman’s “right to choose”. (Whatever). Major problem. Being opposed to abortion is one of the key values of the Republican Party. However, Rudy says it would be ok if Roe v. Wade was upheld. Again, major problem. Yes, I do use Abortion as a litmus test.

Next, is Gay Rights. Rudy says he favors Civil Unions, and all other “rights”. This is not so much a Republican issue, as it is a Christian issue. It is estimated by the NEP that Christians cast about one third of Dubya’s votes in 2004. Without them Senator John Kerry would be President John Kerry. With gay rights and abortion, Giuliani would be unable to convince the “Religious Right” to vote for him.

Next, is Gun Control. Rudy is Anti-Gun. There are 80 million (Yes, million) gun owners in America. That is a large chunk of voters. Enough said.

Another problem is his unfaithfulness to his wife. If he was disloyal to her, nothing would keep him from being disloyal to Republicans.

Also, He was Mayor of one of the most liberal places in the U.S. I don't believe voters in the South won’t trust him.

In short, Giuliani is not the man.