My Thoughts On The Republican Candidates

To be totally honest I believe that Newt Gingrich should withdraw his attempt at the nomination. He is quite smart, but I think he is not Presidential material. I think he has some life issues that are not completely resolved, he is too quick tempered and lacks the ability to lead and inspire others. Paul has some very good points on domestic issues, but lacks a world view that keeps The U.S. engaged against present and potential adversaries. And, unfortunately, Paul will not fair well in this materialistic, image oriented society with those that have no understanding of the foundation and principles that our country was and is founded on. Perry has wasted his chance by being ill prepared in earlier engagements. These basic mistakes have cost him and made him fodder for others amusement. Huntsman is seen as a Romney junior and would gain traction only if Romney was not running. Santorum has good sound principles and seems to stand behind his statements, but has been vilified as a right wing extremist and one of those damn "Christians" that think they are more virtuous than others. He and Marco Rubio would be on a short list as VP. This leaves Romney. Though I am not a Romney supporter, I think there is a 75% chance that Romney wins the Republican Nomination. Will Romney win the Presidency? I am not sure. There are differences between Romney and Obama. Romney has worked for others and ran businesses. He has caught a lot of heat for Bain Capital. No matter what you think of his stint with them, he did what he was charged to do, make money for the company and it's investors. For better or worse, that was where his loyalties were to be and why he had a job. It will all comes down to the Electoral College and which party controls the bulk of the Governorship and State Legislatures. It looks as if there will be 104 electoral votes that are to be had. Unlike the Reagan era, the shifting demographics make a Republican landslide a rarity going forward.

The Hypocrisy Of The Left

It is true that hypocrisy knows no bounds. The inauguration of President Obama was a celebrity gala event. Estimates of the events planned for the newly sworn in President was reported to be in the $150 million to $170 million range. This would be the most expensive inauguration in history, nearly 4 times the amount spent for President George Bush's second term. Celebrities from all over descended on Washington D.C. to take in the festivities. It was widely reported in the press that Dulles had to shut down one runway in order to accommodate parking for the large influx of private jets flying celebs in for the gala event (not to mention the cost to the environment for this additional air travel).

I don't fault those that want to partake in this historical event that is the Presidential Inauguration. What I do think is hypocritical is the amount of money wasted. Granted, most of the money spent for the celebration dinners and dances came from contributions, but the point lies in the fact that this money could have been spent elsewhere. President Obama could have insisted that the inauguration committee keep the ceremonies simple and cost effective. If these people truly believed in helping their fellow citizen, they would have pledged the money to feeding and clothing the needy or contribute to the funding of children medical initiatives. Instead, the money was used to party and continue in the ways of excess. So goes the hypocrisy of the left.