Sowell, Mr. Perfect, Enemy of the Good, Presidential Elections

A commentary on Thomas Sowell's "Superman vs. Warm Body"

Mr. Sowell's case for accepting the good instead of waiting for the perfect is admirable. No Republican Presidential candidate will ever embody everything that the Republican electorate is looking for

Indeed, Mr. Perry has demonstrated terrific leadership as governor of Texas for the last ten years. His state ushered in pro-growth policies; he streamlined government; he has advocated for the life of the unborn child, and he opposes other inimical socially liberal policies.

However, he has not scintillated as a master debater. He has backtracked on his views about Social Security. His policies extending in-state tuition to illegal immigrants is immoral and offensive. And yes, his executive order requiring young girls to receive vaccinations was an encroachment of the state into the lives of the citizens.

The last issue is negligible, considering that Perry will have a much more power-hungry Congress to contend with, as opposed to a somewhat more compliant state legislature (the same issue which plagued Jimmy Carter after his election in 1976).

Yet his support for illegals receiving in-state tuition is simply unacceptable! As President, he must possess the power to persuade, not just his party, not just his constituents, but the entire nation. If he hiccups in a debate, will he also fail to convey his views to the voters?

Yet because of the pragmatism required in accepting a Presidential candidate who at least measures up to 80% of the party faithful's hopes and dreams, Ron Paul is the best choice. He has remained faithful to the Spirit and the Letter of the Constitution. He has voted against tax increases, reckless spending, and federal growth at every turn. He even repudiated the actions of Ronald Reagan during his eight years as President, when the Gipper talked the fiscal conservative talk, but did not walk the walk!

Congressman Paul's foreign policy is questionable, given that the entire world should not naively assume that Iran is developing nuclear power for purely peaceful purposes. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad openly declared that he wanted to "wipe Israel off the face of the earth." Such a heinous threat must be taken seriously.

Also, Paul comes off as extensively intellectual, going out of his way to make economic policy into haphazard talking points. For example, his argument about one silver dime buying $3.50 worth of gas was a worthy argument, yet not convenient enough for a sound-bite on stage during a crowded debate.

Notwithstanding these imperfections, Ron Paul is the best candidate for the job. As the more mainstream candidates go upstream trying but failing to make their case to the American People, Congressman Paul has remained constituent, committed, and clear about his message of limited government, sound monetary policy, fiscal conservatism, and constitutional governance.

Vote for Ron Paul November 8, 2012!