Rand Paul Vs. Rick Perry – Who Cares?

The last few days saw dueling headlines - the first salvo from Rick Perry, Governor of Texas and, as it happens, a 2016 possible GOP presidential candidate – Perry wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post, blasting Paul for being an isolationist. (Washington Post). What followed was a few other aging GOP’ers joining in the “Pile on” (Politico) of Rand Paul.

Rand Paul, Kentucky Senator, and also, as happens, 2016 potential GOP presidential candidate leading in multiple polls, responded with a sense of humor, laced with heavy sarcasm vis a vis, Governor Perry’s op-ed (Newsweek)

Therefore, as the pundits call it the splitting of the factions of the Republican Party, one who’s got more sense sees it as two candidates with cheerleaders for either both or possibly other candidates, duking it out early for that first place spot on the poll charts – otherwise known as political maneuvering.

When it comes to Democrats, they do have that one thing in common – lockstep. Which can be extremely boring when going into a national election where the county is seeking leaders who will stand out from the bunch of usual tried and true’s from both parties? That’s where both Perry and Paul come in and shine with the normal folk, from both parties and those darn independents that can swing an election.

Some might call it entertaining, and nothing more. Suffice it to say, either of the two aforementioned, would lead and be capable of projecting leadership – different styles to be sure, but both acceptable. Both constitutionalists, both using the word “Liberty” a good deal, and both fiscally sound. Nothing more to see here.

Why Rand Paul and Cory Booker Collaboration Should be the Rule not the Exception

Rand Paul and Cory Booker - working together for the common good - photo veooz.com

From Politico Sentaors Rand Paul (R-KY) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) have apparently become fast friends over a collaboration on the REDEEM Act, which would change the criminal justice system and allow for a more fair response to the manner in which juvenile offenders as well as adults who have left the system are treated. One of the most striking notes in this article comes from both men who have left partisanship aside, to work for the people. In one comment under the article, it is suggested that Paul is espousing liberal ideas, however, it is quickly pointed out by another commenter that the ideals from both men are Libertarian in nature, and based on the founding fathers principles of the federal government and how it should work.

Perhaps Paul’s continued outreach and work for the people, regardless of party politics is what is making him one of the most viable 2016 candidates. It is past time that the us vs. them nonsense that proliferates in Washington, from the White House to the Senate to the Congress come to a screeching halt. Those that believe that it is possible to set aside some difference to work toward the common good are, in this opinion the only ones that should be representing the people, rather than those that would be so wedded to a party that they cannot see the forest through the trees.

Hat’s off to both men for doing what is right.

Rand Paul pulls Away in Polling – Tops GOP Charts – Hillary Trumps Lackluster Dem Field.

Forbesreporting on the last Zogby Poll, shows Rand Paul (R-KY), pulling away from the establishment candidates (Bush, Christie) by a larger margin than previously seen. Paul received 20%, while the next 2016 potentials placed at 13%. (Forbes)

Obviously it is far too early to place any bets on who might or might not have the nomination, or even be running for the nomination until after the 2014 mid-terms, that said, what stunned Forbes in their analysis of the poll data was the fact that Paul topped the charts with less “name” recognition than the other “establishment” candidates. It is not surprising given the amount of press Paul has gendered and his popularity across multiple demographics.

On the Democrat side, Clinton buries the competition, which doesn’t say much given the lackluster bunch of Democrats that are being put forth. Name recognition may be the albatross in the next two election cycles, which leaves the door wide open at this point.

An interesting tidbit: the signers of the Declaration of Independence were a rather youthful group – given that Franklin at 73 was the oldest, Washington at 43, and Jefferson a 33 were what may be considered middle age, and the youngest was 26. Occupations also varied, from ministers, to lawyers. The document suggested that the individual was a representative of the people, rather than of the government. There was an abhorrence of all things monarchial – go figure – dynasties were considered to be less than desirable.(Archives.gov)