I remember in a presidential debate one time when Robert Dole was asked if there was an issue over which he was willing to lose. Dole could not answer the question, obviously because there was no issue he felt strongly enough about to lose. Like the vast majority of legislators he had no principles. Last week I met two state legislators that are principled. The are not registered libertarians but they might as well be. I hope that the foul political process doesn’t change their thinking. I hope that when and if they see this blog they will know how much that principled leadership is appreciated and needed. They are under constant pressure to bend and compromise but do not appear to be swayed. I am not sure if I should feel hopefulness that individuals like this are involved in politics or to despise them for giving me that hope and optimism, as I have been let down many times before by the political trimmers. Has the time come for people to follow principled leadership or are the vast majority of voters still willing to sell their vote for promises of government handouts? Time will tell.
G. Keith Smith, M.D
