Interesting commentary.
unspun, I value your opinions and would be interested in what you have to say on what Rebekah brings up, as these are some concerns I have with Huckabee (commutations, stance on illegals, and, from what I’ve read before, a liberal bent on the issues).
I am less concerned with foreign policy, in general, because I think that is the least worrisome. There are people who know these things and can be relied upon for their expertise. Bush himself had no previous experience in foreign policy and that is, at least, one area where I won’t fault him (except for his “foreign policy” concerning Canada and Mexico and wanting to pander to Mexico).
I read with interest all the tax increases mentioned by another poster, and to which you responded. Until I read more on that, I cannot accept or dismiss either the charges leveled or the reasons to justify. (More reading ahead for me, it appears.)
1. I'd like to see more of a historian's analysis of the movement of the "social safety net" burden from the feds to the states, too. But I know it has occured (and we may be in for another dump-off, soon) and that state budgets all over the place have exploded. I'm just not familiar with states outside of my two.
2. Yes, I think Mike Huckabee has potential weaknesses in people-pleasing and perhaps even a bit of narcissism -- what politician doesn't, in his/her own way?
3. I think a part of Huckabee's thing is a "third way" approach, opposite of the New Democrats. However, I doubt that will hurt America any more than an intransigent Republican (who would likely give up the White House). Even if a Coolidge-type were elected, I think the backlash would be too strong and he would be a one-termer, followed by a problem Democrat reign of power. And speaking of the Coolidge analogy, I think we're headed for a big global recession, Pat Robertson or not and a Huckabee might even be able to keep the White House during one. (BTW, I think this will put some kybosh-sp? on globalism.)
4. Yes, I do hold out that Huckabee could use his persuasive prowess to teach Americans (think public school and state university kids - or think of Barna research) something of our principles -- based on the principles of the Declaration (and you know upon what that is based). I don't see how Fred Thompson or Duncan Hunter can gain the "cred" to help to lead America out of our culture of degradation and death.
5. Justices, justices, justices.
6. Justices.
Now, give me some credit for not forcing a Biblical 7th point -- even though I am a Baptist preachers' kid -- and even though I don't believe I have to make that a disclaimer. ;-`
Nic,
Please take a look at this open letter from an Arkansan that has made its way all over the internet, including on Hugh Hewitt’s blog:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1947524/posts
It was written by a personal friend of mine.