I think on the issue of taxes, Keyes should be talking more about traditional tax reform and not scaring people by suggesting a complete overhaul of the current system. That is not gonna get him many votes in Illinois, or throughout most of America.
>>>>Keyes is speaking about issues he supports.
That's always been Keyes` problem. He doesn't play well in many places across the nation. In Illinois, his policy agenda isn't in the mainstream. Most of America finds his policy agenda to extreme. He can't get elected being stubborn.
To be fair, Alan has not played up the fundamental tax reform issue.
He was asked a question, and he answered it.
By the way, President Bush and Speaker Haster BOTH have made statements supporting replacing the income tax with a national sales tax. If that makes a person "out of the mainstream," I'd say it's good company.
Does a good leader simply tell the people what he thinks they want to hear? Or does he try to explain to them why other ideas are sometimes better? The Republican Revolution of 1994 wasn’t accomplished by people sitting around wringing their hands over how their “extreme” policy agenda might not play well across the nation.
No, but maybe getting elected isn't the most important thing [gasp!!]. Maybe standing for the TRUTH is.
What we have witnessed here tonight is a true statesman, not a d*mned politician. We've witnessed brilliant character and the courage to speak the unvarnished truth, not a cheap sellout -- "playing the course" saying all the PC things just to get into office (and then "doing nothing" but playing it safe once elected just to get reelected -- ala nearly all incumbent pubbies).
Maybe Alan Keyes' "stubbornness" will prevent his short-term electoral success, but he provides a shining example that should encourage us not to compromise what is right for what seems convenient. Keyes is putting all his chips on the right Horse -- and if and when God wants Alan Keyes in office, nothing will keep him from such a victory - IMO.
Abraham Lincoln didn't win popularity overnight either -- but his "stubbornness" paid off eventually -- and thankfully.