GOP Presidential Candidates – Principled or ‘Political Animals’? – Jeff Knox Discusses Their Views On Gun Rights, Economy, and Constitution
Jeff Knox has a thoughtful article on the various GOP Presidential candidates. ‘Political animals’, what a name.
. . . Among the Republican candidates we see plenty of narcissism with very little principled commitment to constitutional ideals. Gingrich, Romney, and Perry, while they display some differences on policy matters, are, above all, political animals running to be President and have demonstrated a willingness to shift their policies and agenda as needed to advance their political ambitions. Bachman and Santorum likewise show strong narcissistic aspirations, but with a bit more consistency regarding “social conservative” issues. Their dedication to those issues however, suggest a willingness to place the Constitution behind their own religious and social preferences – acceptable on a personal level, but not in an official capacity.
Of all of the candidates, the only one who could be characterized as being agenda-driven for restoration of the Founders’ Constitutional principles, and with personal ambition being a secondary, or even tertiary issue, is Ron Paul. Paul has a long and consistent record of unwavering support for, and defense of, the Second Amendment and the Constitution. The problem with Paul however, is that his agenda is perceived as too aggressive and there is significant doubt as to his ability to be able to put all of the pieces together to make it work. A president has only limited power and even if Paul exercised that power to its utmost, there is much to his agenda that would require support from the Congress – support that he simply would not get. As President, Paul would face constant resistance and undermining from not only Democrats, but from Republicans as well, along with opposition from the media and, perhaps most significantly, federal bureaucrats. Another challenge for Paul would be finding qualified people to serve in his cabinet who agree with his agenda and have the knowledge and experience necessary to be effective. . .
There are some interesting reader comments about the logic Jeff expresses here. We want to restore our country to the Constitution, defend gun rights, etc., but, but, but, but. . . Sorry, I just don’t share that view. Why even talk about the gun rights issues and then vote for someone else who doesn’t and won’t defend the gun rights of America’s millions of law-abiding gun owners?
Please click through to the article and read more here.