JVO
02-06-2007, 05:39 PM
So last night I watched Rudy make his official declaration for the Republican nomination for the Office of President of the U.S. (which was kind of a bummer because it was on at the same time as Heroes, which I missed). I have never been more impressed with an initial interview from a Presidential hopeful. He clearly and simply stated his position on every single topic that was raised. He really spoke much more like an analyst dissecting a nominee than an actual nominee himself. He stated that he realized that he was too liberal for some conservatives and too conservative for some liberals, but regardless of whether his opinion is popular he is always going to be honest with his viewpoints. He also stated that his opinions on several issues change as America changes and that too often politicians cling to their views despite the fact that the world is changing around them. He actually stated that he would rather have somebody vote against him for the right reasons, then for him for the wrong ones. When I heard this I very nearly shat myself with glee. I have never ever heard a politician say something so right and so needed. Contrasting this to Sen. Clinton, who never answers a question, and every response is a maze of political jargon and ass kissery to every potential voter in America, I have deemed Rudy to be the anti Hillary.
Things that I agree with Rudy on:
Pro Woman's right to choose
Pro environment and business regulations
Pro 2nd Amendment (plus he acknowledged that gun legislation is the job of local and state governments along with courts, and that the Fed Gov't should stay out...Which I completely agree with) He also acknowledged that increased hand guns mean increased crime, but this exchange is worth it if it means the protection of a civilian's rights under the Constitution.
Pro School Vouchers: He said that when he became mayor of New York City, he was as against School Vouchers as any Republican in the country, but after seeing how the school system works (or doesn't work); he believes that vouchers are the only way that we can give all children an education worthy of America. I completely agree with this too!
Anti Gay Marriage, but Pro Domestic Partnerships which would be recognized by the government as being exactly the same as a marriage.
Pro integration of illegal aliens who are already in America. All illegals can stay in America as long as they go to citizenship classes, learn English, don’t commit crimes, and pay their taxes. He is in favor of a technological fence on the border with Mexico and greatly liberalizing the number of Mexicans who can immigrate to America.
Now for the Bad News:
Rudy is 100% in favor of continuing the war in Iraq. He believes that if America were to back out now, it would be the biggest mistake America has made since our forefathers refused to emancipate the slaves during the Constitutional Convention. For the last 6 years he has basically done nothing but study the Middle East and its leadership, and he believes that top government officials, and top clergy in the Islamic Church in Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Afghanistan spend a considerable amount of time plotting for the downfall of America. He believes that if we were to leave Iraq, that within 10 years a nuclear bomb would be set off in NYC or Washington D.C and probably more than one. He is 100% committed to staying in Iraq for as long as it takes to establish a stable democracy. And although he didn’t say it, I am sure that he would be in favor of a preemptive strike against Iran if they fail to stop their nuclear program, and I am sure he would not hesitate to declare war on any Middle Eastern Country who he felt threatened or will in the future threaten the U.S. even if this means institution of the draft. At one point he said something to the affect of; “Right now the Middle Eastern Governments, Religions, and People have declared war against the U.S. and if you do not recognize this fact, you are either not paying attention or have no idea what you are talking about.” He went on to say that if we back out of Iraq, it will lead to 50 of the hardest and worst years in American history.
Honestly I agree with much of that. My only problem is that I think it is impossible for us to establish a working democracy in Iraq, and the longer we stay the more hatred we will receive from our enemies. He clearly does not feel this way.
I still don’t think I will vote for him, but I must say I have never been more impressed with the knowledge, earnestness, and commitment to view points of a nominee for President. If nothing else, it will at least be refreshing to have a candidate who is not afraid to say exactly what he thinks, even if it means he will lose votes in the process.
Things that I agree with Rudy on:
Pro Woman's right to choose
Pro environment and business regulations
Pro 2nd Amendment (plus he acknowledged that gun legislation is the job of local and state governments along with courts, and that the Fed Gov't should stay out...Which I completely agree with) He also acknowledged that increased hand guns mean increased crime, but this exchange is worth it if it means the protection of a civilian's rights under the Constitution.
Pro School Vouchers: He said that when he became mayor of New York City, he was as against School Vouchers as any Republican in the country, but after seeing how the school system works (or doesn't work); he believes that vouchers are the only way that we can give all children an education worthy of America. I completely agree with this too!
Anti Gay Marriage, but Pro Domestic Partnerships which would be recognized by the government as being exactly the same as a marriage.
Pro integration of illegal aliens who are already in America. All illegals can stay in America as long as they go to citizenship classes, learn English, don’t commit crimes, and pay their taxes. He is in favor of a technological fence on the border with Mexico and greatly liberalizing the number of Mexicans who can immigrate to America.
Now for the Bad News:
Rudy is 100% in favor of continuing the war in Iraq. He believes that if America were to back out now, it would be the biggest mistake America has made since our forefathers refused to emancipate the slaves during the Constitutional Convention. For the last 6 years he has basically done nothing but study the Middle East and its leadership, and he believes that top government officials, and top clergy in the Islamic Church in Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Afghanistan spend a considerable amount of time plotting for the downfall of America. He believes that if we were to leave Iraq, that within 10 years a nuclear bomb would be set off in NYC or Washington D.C and probably more than one. He is 100% committed to staying in Iraq for as long as it takes to establish a stable democracy. And although he didn’t say it, I am sure that he would be in favor of a preemptive strike against Iran if they fail to stop their nuclear program, and I am sure he would not hesitate to declare war on any Middle Eastern Country who he felt threatened or will in the future threaten the U.S. even if this means institution of the draft. At one point he said something to the affect of; “Right now the Middle Eastern Governments, Religions, and People have declared war against the U.S. and if you do not recognize this fact, you are either not paying attention or have no idea what you are talking about.” He went on to say that if we back out of Iraq, it will lead to 50 of the hardest and worst years in American history.
Honestly I agree with much of that. My only problem is that I think it is impossible for us to establish a working democracy in Iraq, and the longer we stay the more hatred we will receive from our enemies. He clearly does not feel this way.
I still don’t think I will vote for him, but I must say I have never been more impressed with the knowledge, earnestness, and commitment to view points of a nominee for President. If nothing else, it will at least be refreshing to have a candidate who is not afraid to say exactly what he thinks, even if it means he will lose votes in the process.