Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are known to adopt children from other countries. When they both visited the White House this week, Pres. Obama asked them, "Can I interest you in Biden?"--paraphrased from Jimmy Fallon
- As I've written in this blog in the past, Ron Paul has a very dedicated and passionate group of people who support him ( I don't believe I've ever seen a group of supporters so over-protective of a politician in my lifetime). There is no doubt that the vision of his presidency is attractive to many voters, especially young people and those who want a smaller government (this includes Republicans as well as Libertarians). He believes the size of the government needs to be reduced (He's actually recommended eliminating several cabinet departments). He believes in cutting spending. He's certainly no fan of the Federal Reserve because, in his opinion, the Fed is responsible for recurrent recessions. He's said in the past that he would completely eliminate income taxes (he believes that Congress has no right to impose income tax. He's long been an advocate for tax payer's rights). His foreign policy can be summed up as being non-interventionist. In short, he believes the United States should not be entangled in foreign affairs and should not be involved in any wars unless it's in defense of a direct attack on our soil. He said he would bring our troops home from Europe, South Korea and Japan. He was opposed to our interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. He would rely instead on open trade, communication and diplomacy (although he did oppose NAFTA). He opposes illegal immigration. When it comes to fighting terrorism, he's very clear. He voted to go after al-Qaeda but voted against the resolution to go into Iraq. He also believes the CIA should be abolished. He believes Congress should declare war if we get involved in any wars. He believes in the right to keep and bear arms. He is pro-life and is opposed to abortion (He's a physician trained in obstetrics and gynecology. He served as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force). All in all, much of what he believes in (and he has countless other views on foreign policy, the Fed, immigration, trade, etc.) appears attractive to many Americans. If one can say anything about Ron Paul, one can say he's been one of the few politicians in Washington D.C. who has been consistent in his political views. That's undeniable and it's refreshing. And who can not like an American who sincerely believes in the Constitution?
- But the question remains: Is his vision of the presidency---his own presidency--realistic? The short answer, in my opinion, is no. And I don't say this because much of his vision is wrong (and I disagree with many of his policies especially those on foreign policy, fighting the war on terror and national defense. I'm still not comfortable with his explanation regarding those racially insensitive newsletters that went out under his name in the 1990's. He also has a "blame America" mentality that causes me concern). I say this because much of what he would want to do would be "almost" impossible. For example, with regard to the Fed and his desire to eliminate incomes taxes, he would need congressional approval. There's almost zero chance that would happen. His desire to bring our troops home from all overseas bases---would not happen. Many of his foreign policy initiatives would never see the light of day. His promise to cut many of the federal cabinets---no chance.
- So, at the end of the day, who are we left with in Ron Paul? Some might call him a tad eccentric. I would tend to agree with that assessment. But I believe there's something more going on here. I believe we're left with a sincere man who has helped build an awareness among many Americans that serious change is needed. We're left with a politician whose elevated his stature on the American political stage. His influence cannot be denied. So much so, I believe he can leverage this to perhaps even becoming a more legitimate force in American politics. Would I like to see him as president? No. Would I like to see him continue in his role as major player in the political process? Absolutely. And if he's done anything, he's done that. And that my friends is what America is all about.
- Yesterday, Pres. Obama asked Congress to give him the power to compress six federal agencies into one. He wants to combine many of the functions of the Department of Commerce such as business and trade, the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Export-Import Bank, etc. On the surface, who would not like to see the federal government shrink many of its bureaucracies as Ron Paul suggests. I certainly would (the chart above is one example: ObamaCare). I know most Americans would support it especially if it reduced our already insane spending. The problem with this proposal, in my opinion, it's not really shrinking anything. It's just moving Departments around to great one HUMONGOUS government department. I doubt this request will go anywhere. But if it does, I guarantee you one thing: that bloated department will cost more to run. That's what always happens with anything the government runs. What the government needs to do instead is to eliminate all of the redundancies. For example, the GAO (Government Accounting Office) found that there are over 100 federal programs that deal with surface transportation, 82 monitor teacher quality and 47 manage on-the-job training programs. In addition, 15 federal agencies handle food safety. (NY Post). And those are just the tip of the iceberg.
- But then again, the Constitution did create the federal government. But I doubt the Founding Fathers had this nonsense in mind.
- As I write this and as I'm watching the Pats whipping Denver (Tebow just glanced upward), the most current poll by Reuters shows Romney with a 21 point lead in South Carolina. The state has a long history of favoring Republicans. Ron Paul and Santorum are now tied at 16%. Newt, according to this poll, is now at 12%.
- Occupy Wall Street in a nutshell. Look up.
- In case you missed the news, rating's agency Standard and Poor's downgraded six countries including France, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain. So now, our great country, is in the same company as Slovania. Any more proof we need a change at the top?
- This adds new meaning to concealed carry. Smoking Gun is reporting a North Carolina inmate hid a 10 inch revolver up his ass.
- And while I'm in the gutter, a northeastern Pennsylvania women claims she was fired from her job for wearing a prosthetic penis to work while contemplating gender reassignment. According to Pauline Davis, she said the device didn't interfere with her work. I think most MEN can attest to the fact that our penis does not get in the way of doing our jobs. Hey, she just might have a point. She? (Delaware County Daily Times)
- Allow me to leave on a upbeat note. In February, the film Act of Valor opens. It's about our great and heroic Navy Seals. What's the difference between this film and others made in Hollywood? It uses actually active duty Navy Seals. It also includes stunning combat sequences and incredible action sequences. You can see trailers by just keywording Act of Valor.
- Pats just scored again. Tebow keeps looking up.
