Posted on 10/02/2007 8:04:06 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
Though America got where it is today by following a pattern of freedom and prosperity followed, Americans at a present political crossroads may be in danger of choosing instead a path that leads to inevitable demise, said Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson Monday in Marshalltown.
Thompson, however, advocated adhering to the country’s foundational principles and doing what is right.
“How often, when you do the right thing, it turns out to be good politics too?” he said to a full room at the Tremont on Main.
At the core of his campaign, Thompson said he stands behind a federalism based on the Declaration of Independence’s assertion that individual rights come from God, not government, and the Constitution’s separation of powers.
“I always ask myself, ‘Does government have any business doing something,’” he said.
Thompson also delved into the hot topics of the day, including illegal immigration, taxes and war.
He noted that the United States now allows twice as many immigrants as it did in the early 1990s but emphasized the need for secure borders.
“We all know the wonderful contributions we’ve received from us being a country with open borders. ... From a legal standpoint, we’re still an open and generous nation,” he said. “... But a nation that cannot or will not secure its borders will not remain a sovereign nation. ... Is it going to make it better to become more and more dependant on illegal immigration?”
On taxes, Thompson said the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 worked and that Congress should continue to offer cuts in the future. What is not working, he said, is the unfair estate tax and unrestrained government spending.
“We’re spending the money of our children and grandchildren who are not even born yet and don’t have a seat at the table,” he said.
He advocated too opening up the health care system to more freedom, choice, personal responsibility and competition rather than plans too heavily relying on employers. The result would be the same quality care at lower costs, he said.
And on the war in Iraq, he said the nation’s greatest need is not to get out as soon as possible but to show the world that America is not weak and fundamentally not divided.
“We need to send the message that we’re willing and able to do what’s necessary on any front,” he said. “... The cause was just, we were just not prepared for what we found there.”
Thompson has made unity, along with security and prosperity, a priority in his campaign for the White House.
“We have a heritage, a history of honorably sacrificing for the greater good,” he said. “We’ve shed more blood for other peoples than any other nation, and we’re proud of that.”
But being the world’s greatest nation comes with responsibility, he also said.
When did this happen? Because if it was before 9/11, a LOT of things changed that day, and I’m sure Fred’s views in many areas did as well. I know that happened to *me*, and I’m just an anonymous soccer mom!
Elect me or don’t.
Similar to George Washington
And Ronald Reagan.
I like that question much better than the 'government has a role to play' thing that has become a regular phrase in President Bush's vocabulary. I cringe every time I hear those words.
Better to ask "What has any of the candidates said about the attack on Rush?". As far as I know none of them, including Hunter, has said anything. Hunterites are touting what he said back in April about Reid, but he has said nothing on this latest blatant illegal attack on a US citizens 1st amendment rights. Neither has Fred or the rest of the so called conservatives running for office.
He strikes me as Bob Dole as well.
Wish Hunter would have asked himself that question before voting for the bloated 2005 Highway Bill...
“He strikes me as Bob Dole as well.”
I have heard that canard repeated by a number of Fred-bashers on this and other threads. It doesn’t make any sense to me. What in the world does Fred Thompson , a quintessential federalist, have in common with Bob Dole, a big government Republican who promoted every program from food stamps to ADA to FACE (Freedom of Access to Clinics Entrance Act). You want to try to associate Fred with Dole because Dole was dull and old. Fred is not dull and is 8 years younger than Dole was when he was the nominee and 4 years younger than Reagan. He has a beautiful wife and two small children. Dole was also a loser, which Fred is not. So, you said Fred struck you as Bob Dole. Why don’t you back it up with some facts, if you are able.
If that is the case, then such steadfastness to principles is a significant recommendation to the Presidency. It is not sufficient, however. My Aunt Myrtle has principles and sticks to them, and she is not Presidential material. A Presidential candidate must have more, such as talent, ability, and a record of achievement. Fred demonstrated very little Presidential type ability and leadership while in the Senate, and those that expect it to suddenly materialize now are likely to experience a succession of disappointments.
A case in point is fundraising. Given FDT's lofty Rasmussen poll numbers, and the pent up demand for a conservative savior, you'd think that FDT would need only strike his rod on the rock, and the money would flow. No, his fundraising lagged behind his rivals, who do not have FDT's untapped sources. Which ever way you turn, when FDT is called upon to perform, it turns out underwhelming. Adherence to principles gains adherents on FR, and has helped FDT's poll numbers. A campaign needs an active, resolute and able candidate to sustain itself. And FDT's campaign doesn't have one.
>>>Unity with what?<<<
Another Thompson platitude. Ask him, and it will probably have something to do with apple pie.
Sounds like a winner! /sarc
Totally.
Excellent summary bump!
That’s the new BS smear angle his detractors have cooked up.
Dobson is a moron.
It’s known as being honest with oneself.
Fred Thompson, Abraham Lincoln;
very similar statesmen.
We’re due.
Oh, I dunno.
Someone said Allison Krauss could sing directions to the post office and it would put listeners in heaven. I agree.
Did you bother to look at the time frame? Or were you content to allow the press monkeys spoon feed you their poison?
Your delusion continues.
This is a fantastic article. I’ve noticed that Fred has gotten a lot of great coverage from the local press focussing on the issues and Fred’s proposals. It is the national press that has focussed on the horserace itself and how well Fred is supposedly doing within the context of the expectations game. If Fred can figure out how to get articles and analysis like the one on this thread in front of the voters I believe he will make the sale to the American people.
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