Loganotron

Okay, so I’m a liberal. Pretty far to the left on most scales, I’d say. I believe in taxation to support social programs that promote the common good. I believe in a strong and responsible government that advances equality and ensures social, cultural, and economic freedom for all. I philosophically disagree with those who have a more conservative view of our government’s role.

More on Neocons, the debates, and a few clips of Ron Paul on YouTube

Growing up I was surrounded by conservatives. Republicans of the Libertarian vein who just wanted the government to stay out of their lives. I never had a problem discussing politics with these folks, even as a kid. However, as I got older, I encountered a new conservatism that I could no longer understand or respect: neconservatism. George W. Bush and his posse are the stewards of the neocon movement that, imho, threatens the very ideals our democracy was founded upon. What frightens me is how so many other Republicans have sacrificed their traditional conservative principles and have fallen in lockstep with the neocon doctrine.

Over the last few weeks I’ve been watching and reading the transcripts of the Republican Presidential Debates. And I’ve been continuously alarmed. Almost all of the candidates are tacking hard to the necon-right in these debates. The candidates sanction torture, support the doctrine of preemptive war, vilify immigrants and gays, and have even gone so far as to suggest a preemptive nuclear attack on Iran!

One voice seems to stand out in contrast to the rest though: Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas). When I first heard him speak I wasn’t quite sure why I responded so well to his message. And then tonight it hit me: He’s a libertarian, a Republican of a more traditional ilk, from a time before neocons took over the party. I can’t see myself ever voting for a Republican (or even a Libertarian for that matter). But Ron Paul is at least a candidate that I can understand and respect. His message is coherent and consistent. I don’t agree with his belief that the free market and unrestricted corporate system can solve the nation’s social and economic ills. But I don’t feel like he’s trying to force his ideology down my throat either. He may not be a lead contender in the race for the Republican nomination, but I sure would enjoy seeing him win the primary. At least we would hear from a Republican candidate who has a coherent political philosophy that informs his positions on the issues.

At the 3rd Debate and on Bill Maher