Shortly after Barack Obama was elected as our President, I said to my wife "I hope he succeeds." I didn't say this because I voted for him (I actually voted for someone else). I didn't say this because I believed in his vision. I said this for no other reason than I had seen how far our political pendulum had swung from George W. Bush to President Obama, and I was afraid of where it would swing if he failed. While it is understandable for people frustrated with a crumbling economy to look for a different set of ideas or a new approach, the ideas held by President Obama are among the most liberal of any politician in our government.
Now, four years later, the GOP primaries are giving a glimpse into the volatility in our political system. The Iowa primary is still up for grabs between three men who have their eyes focused on the White House. Mitt Romney is the most central of these and his views are pretty conservative. The other two candidates competing with Mr. Romney are Ron Paul and Rick Santorum.
First, let's talk about Mr. Paul. It's hard to say it any other way than he's crazy. He would have America be an isolationist state, legalize not only marijuana but also heroin, cocaine, and any other controlled substance, and try to abolish the Federal Reserve. He would also get rid of FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the list goes on. The idea that someone with these viewpoints has a legitimate chance at winning a primary shows how far we could go in 2012.
Now for Mr. Santorum. Let's start with the fact that he has voted against multiple bills and amendments to bills that require background checks for individuals who want to purchase firearms. He's also supported auditing the Fed, which would basically put political pressure on an appointed organization which is supposed to be non-partisan. He's also stated that the reason social security is failing is because one third of Americans that should be in this generation aren't alive because one out of three pregnancies end in abortion. One of his solutions - stop funding pro-choice groups like planned parenthood. Also, in an interview with Meet the Press he said he believes "that any doctor who performs an abortion would be criminally charged for doing so." I don't think he could overturn Roe v Wade, but again just the fact that he is being considered for the candidacy with these views show how far right the GOP has swung.
In his "Discourses on Titus Livi", Machiavelli talks about how governments are cyclical. Monarchies lead to Tyrants. This leads to an Aristocracy which eventually becomes an Oligarchy. That is replaced by a Democracy which degrades into Anarchy. The question for the United States to answer is this: will we allow our democracy to fall into anarchy, or can we curb the acceleration in our political pendulum? If tonight's primary in Iowa is any indication, things aren't looking good.
Now, four years later, the GOP primaries are giving a glimpse into the volatility in our political system. The Iowa primary is still up for grabs between three men who have their eyes focused on the White House. Mitt Romney is the most central of these and his views are pretty conservative. The other two candidates competing with Mr. Romney are Ron Paul and Rick Santorum.
First, let's talk about Mr. Paul. It's hard to say it any other way than he's crazy. He would have America be an isolationist state, legalize not only marijuana but also heroin, cocaine, and any other controlled substance, and try to abolish the Federal Reserve. He would also get rid of FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the list goes on. The idea that someone with these viewpoints has a legitimate chance at winning a primary shows how far we could go in 2012.
Now for Mr. Santorum. Let's start with the fact that he has voted against multiple bills and amendments to bills that require background checks for individuals who want to purchase firearms. He's also supported auditing the Fed, which would basically put political pressure on an appointed organization which is supposed to be non-partisan. He's also stated that the reason social security is failing is because one third of Americans that should be in this generation aren't alive because one out of three pregnancies end in abortion. One of his solutions - stop funding pro-choice groups like planned parenthood. Also, in an interview with Meet the Press he said he believes "that any doctor who performs an abortion would be criminally charged for doing so." I don't think he could overturn Roe v Wade, but again just the fact that he is being considered for the candidacy with these views show how far right the GOP has swung.
In his "Discourses on Titus Livi", Machiavelli talks about how governments are cyclical. Monarchies lead to Tyrants. This leads to an Aristocracy which eventually becomes an Oligarchy. That is replaced by a Democracy which degrades into Anarchy. The question for the United States to answer is this: will we allow our democracy to fall into anarchy, or can we curb the acceleration in our political pendulum? If tonight's primary in Iowa is any indication, things aren't looking good.
Another well written post, good job.
ReplyDeleteI believe the unrest we've been seeing lately with groups ranging from the tea party to occupy is that our political parties are feeding us "tote the line" candidates. You would be hard pressed to argue that we would be in a different position today if McCain was elected instead. You hit the nail on the head, people were excited about change, and instead they got the same, that's what has them pissed. I agree we are heading towards anarchy, but I think it will be caused by electing another puppet (or keeping the one we have). People are craving someone that will actually get things done, even if he is a little..."crazy."