Posted by
Ken Blair on Thursday, February 07, 2008 11:22:42 AM
There are a number of realities we must face as we go into the final push for the nominations and the general election...
1) The greatest threat to our national security is represented by radical terrorists of any ilk. While I don't doubt that either an Obama or a Clinton presidency would REACT to an attack I'm more convinced that any Republican would be more likely to take the actions necessary to PREVENT an attack.
2) The second largest threat to the nation is an economic meltdown brought about, primarily, by an influx of taxes. If you believe Romney's flips on social issues then you have to believe McCain when he says he now supports making the Bush cuts permanent and in a smaller more efficient government. His consistency on fighting earmarks supports that argument.
3) The single most important act a President can take, outside of declaring war, is appointing federal judges and Justices to the Supreme Court. Every Republican candidate has expressed that support of strict constructionism. A judge that is interpretive rather than activist is a much more desirable.
4) And as a final reality, Presidents DO NOT make law. There has been very little written to indicate that Republicans will win either the House or the Senate back. A Democratic President along with a Democratic Congress would virtually assure a gross turn of the country to a more "progressive" environment. A good friend of mine argues that the best of all possible worlds is a President of one party and a Congress of the other. Gridlock ensues and while no progress might be made, there's little danger of any harm as well.
Now what do these realities lead us to conclude. Well, if you are a true republican regardless of the staunchness of your conservative tilt, then supporting the Republican candidate is the only way to ensure the country remains safe and is NOT tilted in a way that may take years to recover from. Huckabee and Romney are both honorable men, but are they electable? While we may have issues with McCain I have to go back to my parents' refrain. "Vote for the man who will be the BEST for the COUNTRY." Given the realities I've stated above, there is little doubt that that will be the Republican nominee regardless of who it may be.