Opus 2015-82: Election 2016: Promises

Do I believe the promises of Ted Cruz?

Come on.  Are we all adults here?  I did not hear his speech but the promises are already flowing.  Did I hear something about doing away with the IRS?  I agree in principle.  It could be the thing to do.  But keep in mind that the government will still find ways to get our money and the solution may be worse than the disease.

Some “promises” we understand are not to be taken literally.  They exhibit principles that will be pursued.  For instance, Barak Obama promised to close Gitmo.  Has he done so?  No, that was not the real goal.  The principle behind the promise was to turn loose people who could damage America and make us a weaker nation.  On that he has been an overwhelming success. 

At best promises reflect philosophy rather than reality.  At worst, they are bread and circuses for the masses.  I take the promises of Ted Cruz with a grain of salt, just like I do other politicians. 

So listen to the promises.  Try to discern if they reflect principles that the candidate really believes in.  I look at what Ted Cruz has done.  I look at what he really believes.  I like what I see, so far.  I will keep watching, listening and remembering.

As Benjamin Franklin is reported to have said, “A republic, if we can keep it.”  It won’t be easy but liberty has never been easy.  Wake up and smell the candidates.

homo unius libri