Posted on 12/26/2007 9:00:51 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Fred Thompson is the unlikely candidate. Perfectly content with his status as a former senator and Hollywood actor, Thompson says he happy in his private life.
But despite the pitfalls of the rough and tumble world of politics, the Republican says Washington, D.C. needs a consistent conservative to lead the United States into a new direction.
Thompson is unapologetic on his views and is a straight-shooter.
These are clearly challenging times. I dont think weve fully come to terms with the kind of world we live in, he told members of the Courier editorial board recently.
Indeed, Thompson believes work must continue in Iraq despite growing concerns American troops should return home.
We have to finish what were doing, he said, adding the United States must continue the fight there and in Afghanistan.
Thompson said the United States can no longer ignore the instability in Afghanistan and in nearby Pakistan because of issues ranging from the Taliban to the countrys economic dependence on the opium trade.
When it comes to domestic issues, Thompson again admits there are no simple answers.
On energy concerns, he believes in a balanced approach to energy security that increases domestic supplies, reduces demand for oil and gas, and promotes alternative fuels and other diverse energy sources.
He also seeks an energy policy that invests in the advanced technologies of tomorrow and places more emphasis on conservation and energy efficiency.
But the answers are not readily available.
Oil independence, in the near future, is not to be had, Thompson concedes, adding he thinks Americans are willing to trade some discomfort to get some honesty.
On economic issues, Thompson is blunt. The time is now to reform the American economy.
He says the country needs market-based approaches to reform that guarantee benefits for those who need them and embrace personal responsibility and cost-effectiveness without raising taxes.
Thompson said it is a moral imperative that requires action now and he wants a full account of the governments fiscal books for all to see and understand.
The man from Tennessee is no-nonsense, speaks plainly and believes action is needed now, not later.
Theres very little credibility coming out of D.C. to deal with these problems, so I think theres an opportunity for someone who is willing to speak the truth, he said.
Fred Thompson will do just that.
Rudyrudyrudyrudy Mittmittmitmitt ( bump in the road spike Huckaboom ) & now McCainmccainmccain...
I think there is slobbering involved as well.
I used to listen to Hugh Hewitt all the time. Now, I am embarrassed for him.
Ditto.
Ottumwa has a huge illegal immigration problem due to Cargill’s hog packing plant (Excel). I think the natives have finally had enough. I used to live in the area and still have farm ground nearby. Whenever I travel through there on a Friday night its nothing but cops and illegals.
Ditto that.
ditto
Congratulations.
The Democrats have the edge on farm subsidies. Until there is a movement at the highest government levels that means Americans will no longer spend the least in the world for their food, it will not change.
Fred is Conservative in the race (besides Hunter). All others have to run from past records and move right to get elected. They do not believe in self governance, they all, minus Hunter believe in a large government that gets into everyones business to one degree or another except Fred.
Republicans have a choice, it will be interesting to see if they take it. If we choose the big government Compassionate Conservative path, we will lose everything Reagan and Newt built as a party and will become a minority in Congress for years to come. We must offer an alternative to the socialism the Dems offer and socialism light the Republicans offer. If the choice comes down to who will give you more freebies we will lose.
The “discomfort” to which he refers is the honesty and reality that energy independence is not achievable. It’s the simple truth. Your post was weak. Try another time.
Not to pump him, but I can't hold my nose any longer for Candidates, Other than Hunter, the rest of them make Bob Dole look good.
Go here: http://www.fred08.com/
Gitty Up
Waterloo must run a close 2nd then!
The media is so predictable. IF there are two surges (Thompson?, McCain) which one will be covered, and which one won’t be?
Just like eliminating income taxes and the IRS is not to be had. And protection of marriage and human life amendments are not to be had. And deportations of millions of foreign invaders is not to be had. And Thompson's victory is not to be had.
Near term, little CAN be done regarding energy - that is the simple truth. It takes a long time to turn around that aircraft carrier - developing more efficient cars that the public will buy, building more efficient homes and buildings, building hundreds of nuke plants, developing and building electric or hydrogen vehicles that are cost-effective, etc.
Fred is just being honest in saying that there's not much that can be done in the short term. Turning down the thermostat in a large house, or going 60 MPH instead of 70 MPH in a Chevy Suburban can only do so much.
Regarding the other matters, Thompson understands that turning things on a dime for a nation of 300 million souls is just not practical - you have to convince people, then implement policies in a manner calculated to cause the least amount of disruption to people's lives and the economy. That's the adult thing to do, and Fred is clearly the adult candidate here - he understands that change is needed (unlike the others, who are mainly status quo candidates), and how it must be accomplished.
Go Fred!
Given the weird voting done in caucuses, how many will have thompson as their “second choice.”
IOW how many ballots will be recast differently in the second ballot?
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