The Great Compromise

Rand Paul is a die-hard constitutionalist ready to take on the difficult job of cutting the government’s size and spending habits. Libertarians are slowly becoming more and more prominent in American politics with the rise of the Tea Parties and the successful campaigning and strong followings of the father and son combo, Ron and Rand. Rand Paul has shown himself to stick to his beliefs no matter what, which many see as a refreshing trait for a politician. After his victory in the Kentucky primaries, he stated on The Rachel Maddow Show that if he were around in 1964 he would have questioned the constitutionality of the Federal government mandating private ownerships to desegregate. His point was, as libertarians believe, that the government has no right for any reason to regulate the free market. This is his first election so hopefully he is learning that if he is going to say inflammatory statements he needs to clarify them in the same breath. Many followers of libertarian ideas and political thinkers do not see Rand Paul’s comments as a sign that he is racist but as a testament to his undying faith in libertarian ideals. But the media doesn’t see that as a very fun story.

Some people (me), however; would view Rand Paul as the opposite of refreshing, but as a perfect model of all that is wrong in American politics today. Today’s politics is all about having the best sound bite on a cable channel and crying that everything your opponent says is not only wrong but will lead to the destruction of the country. All of this in the name of power. Politics is meant to be opposing parties compromising and working together for the greater good. I don’t believe that Rand Paul made his comments to be in the spotlight but I also don’t believe he subscribes to the idea that politics is about working together for the people. The Tea Party and their candidates like Rand Paul are uncompromising. It might be refreshing to some that they are so passionate about their beliefs and will defend them to no end, but we do not need more ideologues in Congress. If Rand Paul wins in November and the Republicans do not regain control of either the House or the Senate, he will be nothing but an obstructionist for at least two years, until 2012 when the Republicans will have another chance to regain power. Ideologues can only be effective when their party has the power. Can anyone see him actually compromising with a liberal on any issue when he cannot even concede that it was a good idea the Federal government intervened in private desegregation? With the Democrats in power and dictating what comes to the floor, Rand Paul is surely to vote no on everything. With one foot on the gas and the other on the brake, there is no progress. The country needs representatives able to not only present new ideas but also to be accepting of others' ideas. Rand Paul’s thoughts and ideas are extremely important for Congress to be exposed to. Diversity in ideas can only better our politics and policies; but if he is unwilling to listen, I doubt anyone will listen to him either.