Eric Sundwall

Congresswoman Gillibrand has suddenly seen the light with regard to fiscal responsibility. Apparently our freshman Congress person feels like proposing a balanced budget amendment as part of her valuable time in the Washington.

While Kirsten may pay lip service to the obvious problems of a 9 trillion dollar debt, little examination is placed on the area of unfunded future mandates (that tune runs over 50 trillion by some conservative estimates). On the campaign trail last year she was touting an Apollo like project for alternative Energy and promising a host of provisions for health care etc. So far she's supported subsidized agri-business (dairy compact) and wage price controls (minimum wage) and there's probably no end to the goodies list her progressive supporters demand on a daily basis. Aside from the general economic theories of debt (see after the jump), one can easily point to another 120 billion wasted in Iraq as part of an effort to placate conservative voters in the district. Will there be any future candidate willing to support lower spending, rather than a convoluted constitutional process ? Unless yours truly considers another bid (that post coming soon) it's doubtful the GOP will field such a candidate. After all, Sandy Treadwell is all about other people's money too.

Some do. They can appreciate the lacuna between a group that fights a false war and those who call for it's end. When Dr. Paul called out Rudy with principle and reason in the second GOP debate, he remained just as consistent in the third by declaring the doctrine of preemptive war unjust and immoral. As his popularity snowballs in what was the sole province of progressive netroots activism , that group (and others) is now reacting against the libertarian movement in general. While I have few doubts of the libertarian's position (especially the economic ones) and it's ultimate verity, especially in relation to "Progressivism", it's worthy to note that they are indeed reacting where once they may have been conveniently ignored or dismissed as unrealistical, extremist, the Paul candidacy.

Some don't get it. They have been hardened by the vitriolic rancor of bi-partisan rule and engage in tactics which seek to vilify and discredit the person rather than the ideas. While it may be possible to review the legislative record of an individual over the years and cherry pick issues that fit into an indignant diary or YouTube post with little regard to the possible reasons or justification. Perhaps us third and fourth tier commentators have little influence on the process which ultimately favors celebrity, money and false hype. There is a realistic eye to be cast on the online fussing about the Paul campaign. One wonders if Kent Snyder has the acumen to grow and develop the effort like Joe Trippi did for the other unknown doctor who rocked the Net in the last POTUS race, polls and plain old regular

As one of those disparaged political outsiders its very hard to watch the Red & Blue debates and feel any satisfaction or hope that my outlook will ever be reflected on any large scale. As enrollment declines in both major parties, a large poll of non-affiliated voters just wait for the inevitable choice between which side of the head they will be struck on. The other half of the American voters opt out altogether and are vilified by self-righteous followers of a system declaring their ambivalence some sort cancer on democracy.

Watching the CNN debates this last week amplified two prominent issues. The GOP seems hell bent on a fence for Mexico's border and the Dems are splitting hairs about universal health care. While neither issue will be as important as the trillion dollar war on terror, each carries its own political baggage . . .

Libertarians are slightly more enthusiastic during this bout of presidential ho-hum. By this time next year it may just be the inevitable lock step to government subsidized conventions. Former 1988 LP presidential candidate Ron Paul is shaking up the field with his anti-war, pro free market and individual liberty message. While the LP will make do with a candidate good for our average half a million votes, there still seems to be some sort of Ron Paul base which may or may not affect the GOP primaries.

Libertarian activist Rachel Mills is getting some high views on her YouTube site. Rachel gained some press back in 2003 for her participation in 'Ladies for Liberty', a sort of pinup calendar for libertarians. She's come out as a rather vocal and refreshing voice for liberty with these commentaries/skits. While I'll tow the LP line, especially in an overwhelmingly red state, it will be fun to watch passionate advocates like her succeed in the new medium. Check out her spoof with the Bard.