The American Spectator

Reader Mail

Ready or Not

2.9.07 @ 12:01AM

(Page 3 of 6)

Are we supposed to support Rudy, and once more have Ms. Clinton elected to high political office?
-- Paul Milenkovic
Madison, Wisconsin

Once again Bob Tyrrell, with his keen political and analytical mind, has demonstrated why he is way ahead of the popular political curve. He has cut through the political blather and has told us why Rudy Giuliani is perhaps our best chance to run a candidate that is squarely within the tradition of Ronald Reagan. I know, I can hear some TAS readers asking how can I say that, given some of Giuliani's more "liberal" positions. Well, quite frankly, part of our problem as Republicans and conservatives, is to establish what precisely the gold standard that Ronald Reagan set for us was.

For instance, just yesterday, Roger Hedgecock, substituting for Rush, while analyzing Giuliani's conservative bona fides, made a flippant comment about Giuliani's several wives, as a disqualifier. I would like to remind Mr. Hedgecock that Reagan was also divorced. In addition, as president, he presided over an amnesty program for illegal aliens, a matter near and dear to Hedgecock, as well as tax increases. Reader Michael Tomlinson has, on several occasions, brilliantly articulated these points for us.... In fact, I would hope that TAS would offer Mr. Tomlinson, when primary season nears, space to once again set the record straight for us as to what exactly the Reagan legacy was. Once we're all on the same page as to what precisely we acknowledge about Reagan, we can move forward in choosing a candidate and not snag ourselves on petty thorns.

As for me, let me simply say that Giuliani passes the "smell test." By that I mean, as a former elected official, I've seem many folks whose only purpose in life is to seek political power, at all costs. The current Democrat field is testimony to those who cannot fathom a country without them in control. You can smell their lust for power on them. Giuliani has always shown me that he believes life exists beyond politics and that life does not begin or end with obtaining the presidency. Unlike John Kerry, even if Giuliani doesn't succeed in his quest, he'll not spend the rest of his life in abject misery.

I find this assuring, for as the old adage goes, if you want something that badly, you probably shouldn't have it. Simply put, Giuliani is not only well grounded; he reeks of natural leadership ability. Some folks have it, most don't. As to the issues, I've read most of Giuliani's comments, as he starts the primary circuit. What he has said about judges and other hot button issues, is exactly what a conservative candidate should be saying. On judges, he even uttered the political touchy "strict construction" test, as opposed to the more chic and fashionable "original intent". Finally let me say, that, unlike many of the current crop of candidates, both Democrat and Republican, Giuliani is a politician who still has a healthy respect for the people and what the Constitution says about who is supposed to serve whom. You certainly can't say that about most of the elitists currently in the mix. So, let the debate begin.
-- A. DiPentima

I will vote for Rudy Giuliani if he is nominated by the Republicans.

Come to think of it, I will vote for any Republican if Hillary Clinton is nominated by the Democrat(ic) Party.

I will not vote for a third party candidate, ala Ross Perot, which brought us Bill Clinton.
-- Nelson Ward
Cowles, New Mexico

I like Giuliani's robust and principled foreign policy, and, living in NYC during his administration I appreciate the great job he did for the city, but, as a Republican with strong beliefs in Milton Friedman economics, I'm not sure where Giuliani stands in those areas. Also, apart from economics, Giuliani doesn't support traditional marriage, favors even more restrictive gun control, etc.

I think every conservative is going to have to do a hard balancing act supporting Giuliani. I wouldn't expect him to alter his beliefs to seek the nomination, but I sure would like him to really clarify all these economic, moral, and social issues.
-- Ronald Ribman

Well, I'm not. Mr. Giuliani is on the wrong side of two issues that are, in my mind, "trump issues." First, he is in favor of Amnesty for illegal aliens. Second, he favors continuing our vicious slaughter of innocent life in and just outside the womb. Either of those would cause me to stay home in the event of his candidacy. Combined, they would cause me to picket in front of my polling place against him.
-- Keith Kunzler
Arnold, Missouri

STRONG GRASP
Re: Yale Kramer's Grasping the Nettle:

Once again, Dr. Kramer demonstrates the ability to think clearly and the courage to speak freely.

Kudos for publishing another Kramer article.
-- Elaine Helberg
Boca Raton, Florida

I just finished reading Yale Kramer's article, "Grasping the Nettle." While he makes some good points regarding the reasons for the degeneration of the situation in Iraq that has culminated in its current state, he fails to grasp the "strategic" significance of Iraq.

Letter to the Editor

topics:
Taxes, Foreign Policy, Education, Trade, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Mainstream Media, Economics, Business, Entitlements, Islam, Abortion, Books, Constitution, Law, Founding Fathers, Military, Iraq, Iran, Israel, United Nations, NATO, Africa, Fascism, Oil, Unions