The American Spectator

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5.9.07 @ 12:01AM

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The general argument put to conservatives is that under these stressful circumstances social issues need to be put to the back burner. After all Giuliani is one of us. ("My 80 percent ally is not my 20 percent enemy.") I do not know how he came up with 80/20 ratio; by my count is it more like 50/50. Be that as it may, no one has exactly put forward an argument why social issues necessarily cannot be pursued simultaneously with the wars on terror and government excess. Instead, we are assured that only Giuliani can beat Hillary "Kali" Clinton on the basis of speculative surveys.

The caution that I have seen no one put forth is the one of historical experience: unintended/ironic consequences. At least since the civil war, prolonged conflict required the expansion of the federal government both in size and power. Once hostilities cease, the needs and necessities of the federal government should contract. The only thing is the left doesn't abate advancing its own agenda during war and sees no percentage in limited government once war is over. Thus we wind up with a more powerful and intrusive state intent on changing the cultural landscape.

In the current state of affairs, does anyone seriously doubt that those appointed to execute the laws and those in the regulatory agencies are poised to advocate broad "women's reproductive rights" and "progressive" agendas for euthanasia, multiculturalism, racial quotas, erosion of property rights, gay/lesbian "grievances," and the criminalization of conservative "insensitivities." While many council the tempering of conservative social concerns for the sake of national survival, the left will do no such thing.

While Giuliani would fight the good fight against our enemies, social conservatives cannot expect him to fight their fight. By the end of his presidency, we may well find leftwing policies cemented into place. The Republican establishment will also return to form pronouncing that the party has "moved on." Social issues will just be "old hat."

Some deal.
-- Michael Dooley
Indianapolis, Indiana

It is amusing to me how no one wants to focus on any disagreement between conservatives and Rudy unless it involves abortion, or "pro-life"/"pro-choice" issues, including stem cells. The other acceptable issue to focus on with Rudy is the whole "gay rights" issue and agenda.

While it is true that I disagree with him on these issues, they are not my issues. I would first like to know how anyone can be declared tough of terrorism, when they want to adopt and promote the George Bush amnesty for illegals program, and the huge guest worker program. Rudy, nor Bush, nor anyone else has any handle on just who is coming across our borders and in what numbers. This is NOT homeland security, people. This is merely the next step in negating the whole concept of national sovereignty.

Then there is the whole issue of 2nd Amendment issues. Rudy's whole attitude toward citizen ownership of guns and ammunition is total anathema to those of us who do not live in metropolises. He is not getting my gun unless and until he can provide me, an average citizen, with my own personal policeman that will be with me 24/7. Law enforcement is a reactive function. It doesn't do me a bit of good to have the best of cops ready to capture and punish the person that kills me. Rudy, read my lips, you don't get my gun, ever. Hey Rudy, you don't get to simply ignore those parts of the Constitution that you disagree with or find inconvenient.

Now when Rudy has absolutely, iron clad, guaranteed me that he has changed those principles of his, I will be ready to talk about his abortion and gay rights agendas to see if we can reach some workable solution.
-- Ken Shreve
New Hampshire

At least in Rudy, the Republicans have a candidate who has not sullied his reputation in the halls of Congress.

His previous conduct/stands on social issues aside, his stand on the federal budget and the global conflict with terrorists make him an attractive candidate to me.

Can he beat the Democrats' nominee? I certainly hope so, because they are a recipe for disaster in this country.
-- R. Goodson
Vero Beach, Florida

EXTRA-CONSTITUTIONALISM
Re: Doug Bandow's Selling Out the Constitution:

The attempt to achieve a desired result using extra-constitutional means isn't new. However, this ruse is a new low in political opportunism, as the contradiction is so obvious even a constitutional scholar can comprehend it. Politics in the U.S. has degenerated to the point where it is fashionable to cite the Constitution only when it conforms to one's political objectives. When the Constitution as written does not conform to one's political convenience, it is equally fashionable to ignore it or to pretend that it means something that it does not. The so-called "Living Consititution" theory has been assumed by all the political players, including republicans who have previously been somewhat less inclined to betray their oath of office.

At this juncture it is apparent that that anything goes, and the Rights of the People as stated in the Constitution remain secure only to the extent that they conform with the convenience of the ruling elite. This is a recipe for a dictatorship or a revolution.
-- Bud Hammons

PRICELESS
Re: John Tamny's Embrace the Wealth Gap

I spend rich. I just earn poor.
-- David Govett
Davis, California

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