Some of us may remember the old Sesame Street game with four boxes showing three kids which are essentially the same, and one which is “doing his own thing”. In this election, this seems like a perfect analogy for Ron Paul as compared to the status quo statists currently leading the GOP field, as well as Barack Obama.
Romney and Gingrich both have publicly stated their support for a Federal Individual Mandate, even though both have since tried to retract in varying ways (e.g. Romney now only supports state level mandates). I am truly amazed and confused how the tea party hasn’t run Gingrich completely out of the race given his attack on Paul Ryan’s Medicare reform proposal as “right wing social engineering”.
Certainly there are some areas of slight variation we have glossed over to highlight the intense similarity between Romney, Gingrich, and Obama. Some “shades of gray” include the obvious fact that Romney and Gingrich do not directly support the same levels of progressive redistribution of wealth which Obama clearly favors. When it comes to actual practice and policy, the rhetorical disagreements between these 3 politicians become much less noticeable.
Ron Paul continues to be the only candidate which offers a significantly different vision in support of individual liberty and free markets, and opposing the welfare and warfare state.
For a brief nostalgic moment…
This is awesome! Totally made me laugh and so true!
Very good job Tony!! Very impressive site that you have put together! Great job!