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Friday, August 5, 2011

Marco Rubio and some very wise words

Marco Rubio is a freshman senator from Florida. A conservative Republican, Rubio crushed his Democrat opponent in 2010 by a margin of 19% while the governor's race which headed the ballot in Florida was much closer. Rubio's performance may have been due to his ability to attrack his fellow Hispanics in Florida, but I think it was more than that. Rubio is one of those rare politicians who both understands the basis for his philosophy and can explain it well. Nearly all politicians can explain what they want, but most cannot explain why in meaningful terms. in 2010, you could ask Nancy Pelosi what she wanted and she would tell you Obamacare. If you ask her why, however, she would tell you that we have to apss the bill to find out what was in it. (OK, that is a bit harsh, but you get the picture.) Some politicians know why they want something, but when they try to explain it, they sound like blithering idiots. Think about asking Ron Paul a question about the federal budget. Paul wants smaller government and less intrusion on individual liberty. If you want to be totally confused, however, make an attempt to listen to him explain that. rubio can do both which makes him very special.

Earlier this week, Rubio gave a speech on the floor of the senate discussing the partisan atmosphere in Washington. He talked about the constant chatter calling for compromise and bipartisanship. You all must remember that, it is Obama's most recent mantra as well as the basic cheer chanted by the mainstream media. Rubio, however, faced the issue directly. According to Rubio, the basic issue between liberals and conservatives is not one that ought be compromised. No, the country is facing a choice between Democrats whose goal is equal outcomes for all and Republicans whose goal is qual opportunity for all. There is no middle groud here. Will the government act to see that everyone has the same things, or will it act to see that everyone has the same chance to work to achieve their goals. Will Washington redistribute wealth or encourage individuals to create new wealth? Will Washington make sure that people are all taken care of, no matter what their prior conduct, or will Washington give everyone the opportunity to save and prepare for their needs? Traditionally, the answer of America has always been equal opportunity, not equal outcomes. Equal outcomes has been the goal of Social Democrats in Europe and now of Democrats in the USA.

After making this point, Rubio pointed out again that there is no compromise possible in core beliefs. The country will have to choose one goal or the other since actions taken to achieve one will reduce the chances of the other. For example, redistribution of wealth will reduce the chance for people to create new wealth. More simply put, higher taxes and regulations will mean fewer jobs available for the general population. America will simply have to choose.

In the face of the neverending Compromise Chorus, it was a brave and incisive statement by Rubio to point out what is a basic truth. His words struck a chord with the public. Rush Limbaugh featured the Rubio speech for two days in a row on his radio program. Cable news shows on more than one network gave the speech much play. In short, Rubio made quite a splash.

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