Articles » Opinion

Reynolds Rap

Reynolds Rap

Harry Reynolds  /  February 9, 2012  /  Views: 94  /   No Comments

I watched the most recent Republican presidential debate. Hopefuls Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, and Ron Paul came out swinging. As a Democrat, I enjoyed watching Republicans trample on the 11th Commandment.

Least you regard me as your sworn enemy, bound for the depths of hell, due to the fact I labor under the title of satanic Democrat, you might consider this caveat: I am a big supporter of Republicans.

These days, ask someone his party affiliation and he is as likely to reply, "I am an independent. I vote for the best candidate." This, of course, has a lofty tone, implying there is something wrong with voting for a candidate based on membership in a particular party. This is also - naive.

Imagine the chaos ensuing if the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives were independent, owing no allegiance or obligation to an organized political party.

I absolutely believe in Republicans. Somehow, it is comfortable - morally - being in close proximity to people who say, "No!" Santorum and Paul both share an affinity for the word. Romney prefers "maybe," and Gingrich embraces "appalling."

The debate was only the second of the series to draw my attention - the first being a torrent of mantras, endorsed with compliant, raised hands. There is something amusing - and totally unrealistic - about a group of men and women swearing they will not, never ever, ever, ever raise taxes if they are elected president.

The charismatic and upbeat President Ronald Reagan would not like watching fellow Republicans break the 11th. Thankfully, the debaters ignored "The Great Communicator." Bless unrelenting ambition, draped in the robe of compelling rhetoric (attributes necessary to be an effective and efficient president) for injecting fire into the debates.

The debate reeked of pageantry; it was couched in sports metaphors, and reveled in the vigorous and noisy approbation (or condemnation) of audience members. All it lacked was Hank Williams Jr. singing "Thursday Night Debate."

The moderator for the debate, CNN's eternally blase Wolf Blitzer, emerged at times, if only briefly, as interesting and intense. Getting out of "The Situation Room" did the man good.

The debate was compelling, interesting and informative. I was impressed with the performances of all four candidates.

Whoever emerges from the fiery interior of the kiln will be brick hard - a formidable contender for President Barack Obama.

Related Articles

· Massage Therapy Program Accepting Clinical Appointments
· Senior Spotlight
· Scrap Metal Drive June 22-23

reynolds, rap

Be the First to Comment »