Debate Daze
Charlie Earl
After
sipping the Dom Perignon and enjoying a fine Havana, many patriots and their
Republican acquaintances are basking in the afterglow of a total beat down
during Wednesday’s Denver debate. Governor Romney treated the President like a
rented mule as he pounded him all over the arena. The Governor was on message
and politely aggressive while the President seemed confused and dispirited.
More than 70 million viewers tuned in for the Romney romp, but were they
informed….or merely impressed?
Concurrent
with the debate, Libertarian Gary Johnson had an on-line event wherein he
responded to the questions and the answers of the two old party candidates. The
bad news is that the system was overloaded, thus denying access to some
citizens. The good news which is not so good is that Gary Johnson 2012 picked
up 7 thousand new Twitter followers. Seven thousand is like spittle in the
ocean when compared to 70 million. It was an innovative effort by Governor
Johnson but was a pale imitation of the big show….unfortunately.
Romney’s
performance was targeted, informative and relentless. Obama’s was reminiscent
of an empty-minded zombie. As one who detests Obama’s big-government socialist
agenda, I was pleased with the outcome. However, I suspect that a Romney
victory on November 6th may be initially beneficial in the short
term for our nation and our liberty, but marginally so for the long term. I
watched the debate, and I carefully read the transcript. Here’s why I’m
somewhat sanguine and cautious about our Nation’s future. Romney said, “I’m not
looking to cut massive taxes and to reduce the revenues going to the
government.” Why not?
Yes, we have
a spending problem. It is a direct result of a government that is too large and
operates outside the confines of its constitutional limitations. Why continue
feeding the beast? By not reducing revenues, Romney is guaranteeing that
agencies, departments, bureaus and fiefdoms will battle for each and every
crumb of taxpayer funds. Weak-willed Members of Congress will struggle mightily
to raise additional monies (new taxes) for their favorite projects. By taking
gross tax revenues off the table, Governor Romney has limited his options and
defined the battlefield for his opponents. Additionally, the apparent guilt of
the Governor led him to assert that he would continue to tax the wealthy at a
higher rate. This is class warfare…the GOP version.
Romney’s
statement that he would measure the value of a subsidy or program by
determining whether or not it justified borrowing funds from China has an
authentic ring, but is specious. Why not use a constitutional standard rather
than a fiscal one? In addition he promised to “toss” many programs back to the
states for them to administer in ways that are best for them. He justified that
by claiming to want the Tenth Amendment to work, however if those programs are
mandated or required, the only benefit for the respective states will be in the
implementation. If mandated, the new required federal programs will place
additional burdens on the “sovereign” state governments. It appears at first
blush that an aggressive nullification effort may be just as important under a
Romney administration as it is under Obama.
Romney also
stated that he wishes to “means test” Medicare benefits….probably by
manipulating premiums and co-pays. Obama may have professed a desire to spread
the wealth around, but Romney, too, has accepted the flawed premise. The
Governor also flatly stated that he is “not going to cut education funding.” He
forgot to identify the enumerated power in the Constitution that underlies his
pledge.
Finally….Romney
did state that he saw the role of government “to promote and protect principles
of (the Constitution and Declaration of Independence).” He also stated that
government should protect life and liberty. These statements are good. They are
sound. They are laudable, but they conflict with his early words and his
governance in Massachusetts.
If a true
principled constitutionalist cannot be elected, and the contest is between just
Governor Romney and President Obama, I hope Romney wins. I will, however, cross
my fingers, hold my breath and battle every big-government overreach he
supports or proposes. I must go now and don my armor. I strongly suspect that I
will need it.
Charlie Earl
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