Free Republic

There seems to be a false dichotomy in our political discourse, a choice between principle and pragmatism. In truth, there are three options. One can be dogmatic to the point of impotence, principled, but unrealistic. One can be willing to compromise anything for power, pragmatic without principle. Or, one can define their pragmatism within principle. The latter choice is the most desirable, for little good comes from unprincipled action, and nothing comes from impracticality.The rise of the Tea Party, and broader liberty movement, has progressed through the Gandhian phases of being first ignored, then ridiculed, and now viciously attacked. Whether...

The recent hubbub over the "revelation" of Tom Emmer's previously known and easily Googled DWI charges from 19 and 29 years ago highlight an ideological difference between Emmer and opponent Marty Seifert. The distinction was drawn by Seifert himself, in reference to a bill Emmer sponsored in 2009 which "would have delayed license revocation and other administrative sanctions for suspected drunken drivers until a conviction or guilty plea" and "would have made DWI records private data after 10 years." Seifert was quoted in the Marshall Independent, saying he would not vote for the bill.Delaying punishment until guilt is proven is...

Twin Cities activist Omar Jamal said Tuesday he has helped ensure that a suspected pirate is treated justly while in federal custody in New York. But if a Minnesota legislative leader has his way, it will be the last pirate Jamal helps. Jamal, executive director of the Somali Justice Advocacy Center in St. Paul, said that he spoke Monday with the parents of suspected pirate Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse and that he has been consulting with Muse's attorneys. He said he intended to be in court Tuesday, but Muse's public defender said his presence wouldn't be necessary. But House Minority Leader...

Sources are reporting that Rep. Marty Seifert (R Marshall) will be announced as the Minnesota Chair for the Fred Thompson campaign Thursday. Seifert is a huge pick up for Thompson as he is held as a hero for leading the charge against the DFL’s massive and oppressive tax increases last Legislative session as Republican House Minority Leader. There will be a public kickoff Thursday at the State Capital. The campaign will be holding a formal announcement at 2:00PM on Thursday November 15th, in Room 181 of the State Office Building to announce Seifert as State Chair along with Chairs and...

TV star, ex-U.S. senator wins over Fair crowd. Fred Thompson, the all-but-declared Republican presidential candidate, visited the Minnesota State Fair on Monday, but it was Fred Thompson, the star of NBC's "Law & Order" television show, who attracted throngs of fairgoers during his hourlong stop at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. The former U.S. senator from Tennessee shook hundreds of hands, posed for dozens of photos and autographed everything from T-shirts and Fair maps to bumper stickers and videotapes of his TV shows during his brief campaign stop at the Fair, the first one this year by a presidential candidate -...