He's Not My Favorite Son
I am not a big fan of Arizona's John McCain. I beyond my problems with the McCain-Feingold disaster, I have always suspected him of being a big-government populist, willing to intervene on any issue in the boardroom or the bedroom. Matt Welch has taken the time to try to decode McCain, and comes to a similar conclusion.
Also, from listening to him I don't get the impression that he's all that intelligent.
Flying jets in the military does take a little more in the brain department than the average Joe, but no, he's not particularly intelligent in the larger sense.
I've learned to accept a certain amount of politics as usual simply because human nature is what it is, and a person just isn't going to rise that far in politics without a certain amount of compromise. But, but. . . big but here, the McCain-Feingold issue is a tragic miscarriage of justice, a stain on the republic, an egregious strike at my individual rights. This isn't simply a tax credit/cut/hike or giving in on one small thing to get something else approved.
McCain/Feingold is dark and sinister like something out of an Ayn Rand novel.
Maybe the question should be asked is if an elected official can be small gov't anymore. If he/she goes to the senate demanding pay cuts and more work for congress, then he/she will be hung out to dry. It seems McCain is just playing politics, and I don't agree with it either...
Does anyone know of any politicians who want small gov't? And have been around for more than 1 term? Maybe we never will since people have figured out they can elect selfishly elect themselves welfare. I about puked when a relative (who claims to be conservative) said that he would vote for someone who is going to give him benefits for himself and family!!!?!?!?!
Jeff Flake is genuine in his (small L) libertarian ideals, i.e. small govt, etc. But he's pretty much maxed out in reaching Congress. I hope he stays around so he can remain a thorn in the side, instead of falling on his idealistic sword and bowing out in some Quixotic nod to term limits.
Also Ron Paul. But 2 out of 435 won't have much effect.