Can you feel the Spin?

I got the feeling that all the questions directed towards Paul were in the line of "How can you be a Republican?"

Isn't this the Republican party - the party of conservatives?

How can you, on the one hand say "I believe all life is sacred" and on the other hand say "We need to kill more people to make the world SAFER?"

We're not any safer - it's foolish. It's a toxic response to fear. What makes America great isn't fear - it's Crossing the Patomac. It's the battle of Midway, the War of 1812, and the defeat of Hitler.

The Iraq War has nothing to do with those wars - they're not even in the class. It's an unreasoned response, based on lies. It's not a Just War, in any reasonable discussion. That's not to say Iraq was a haven of peace - but our tactics of an all-out war are only leading to a larger threat of growing terrorism. Our own CIA has recently come to the same conclusion.

I supported Bush when we attacked Afghanistan - it was the right thing to do. But where are we headed now?

The only thing that makes us as a People safe is our liberty and freedom. The more we vote against these two inalienable rights the less safe we become. We are safer because we demonstrate to the world that WE THE PEOPLE will die for these ideals. Not just the Army, but all of the Republic. And that means sacrifice.

It's the American way. We may have to die for freedom, but our famlies and children will reap the benefits.

Which brings us about to Islamic Fundamentalism. We can't ignore this - but at the same time a War in Iraq is not the solution. We can't win this battle on foreign soil. And in all honesty I believe the only way to win is to stand for Freedom, respond to threats and attacks, and most of all leave Iraq.

We should leave Iraq because there is no principle reason to continue. We have no further obligation to the people of Iraq, because we have already won their chance for freedom. The operation is complete. Sadaam is gone. Let them win their own freedom now.

And lest we forget - we did not win the Cold war by winning in Vietnam, nor North Korea. We won by sharing our freedom and liberty foremost to the Soviet people. We won by having a strong defence, and extremely prudent use of our offence.

All people respond to freedom and liberty with joy. All people respond to war with hatred and revenge. You can't defeat human nature.

Lastly, Dr. Paul is right - our foreign policy is one (of many) of the causes for 9/11. That doesn't make it any better - but let's at least be honest. Osama stated these same reasons in his 1997 Fatwa against the USA.

Be a Real Conservative.

More Presidential Fielding...

Wow it appears that Ron Paul won the Internet vote following the "Reagan Derby" as they called it. I'm not sure how that translates into the "real vote" as real people don't go voting on the Internet me thinks.

I think Rudy bombed out... I don't "personally" like Giuliani, though I do respect his past work in New York.

Mitt Romney was very, very polished. As far as the calm and collected vote goes - he won hands down. I think there's more tough questions ahead as he goes forward. Plus he gets some waffle points on the abortion issue.

My second favorite - Brownback - didn't stand out. I respect him for his unabashed stance on morality, but he seemed a clone in respect to his platform.

I also watched the Dem debate - and I was much more interested and enjoyed the debate enormously.

Obama was... surprisingly disappointing. He seemed nervous and didn't seem to connect. I did enjoy it when he debated Gravel - but it was almost comedy.

Gravel was the funnest - I appreciated his candor on many issues - even though they were far, far left.

Clinton was... bright. Oh, not because of her answers - but because that string of pearls seemed to saturate the whole TV screen. I still can't see why people love her so much.

I connected most with Richardson - perhaps because of his Southern background. He was friendly and showed some authority on the issues. Unfortunately I disagreed with most of his stances.

Dennis Kucinich was the most interesting of the Dems. He most impressed me with his candor and constitutional comments. He comes off a bit as a psychotherapist, though.

I think the biggest influence - outside of the mainstream candidates - is a call to return or enforce a real constitutional government from some of the "second-tier" candidates.

I'm undecided on the "just get out of Iraq" argument, to be honest. What good can come out of our presence there. Would the world regard us as weak or wise?

Who to choose for my next Prez... (Everybody's doing it)

Well, so far I'm leaning towards Ron Paul, that re-founding father from South Texas. What I think:

The Good:

• Firstly, this man is an unwavering Constitutionalists - even when it comes to sticky issues. Regardless of the popularity of the vote. This may make him unpopular in normal times - but these are not normal times at all.
• Actually believes that Liberty, above all else, is the essential American component.
• The war in Iraq was sold to us with false information.. His solution is to pull out, yesterday. I don't think the solution is that simple - but what are the chances of a successful outcome in Iraq? Simply leaving really is a viable choice.
  
• His platform states: The biggest threat to your privacy is the government.
  
• The political disconnect in America is growing. It's no longer just apathy - but anger.
  

The Bad:

• Has a certain "Ross Perot" attitude - it's very appealing to reformist, but may turn off voters. I think it will be an asset in 2008 - people are looking for change.
  
• Is easily attacked on issues such as the UN, NAFTA, security, poverty welfare, and other soft and social issues. People on the dole are not going to like him one bit. Nobody wants to pay the fair price for a happy life if the medeocre life is free.
  

What do you think?