Why NOT Ron Paul?

I was going to write this column today, but my friend Shane Vander Hart beat me to it.

Like Shane, I am not personally a fan of Ron Paul. But I am frustrated that the GOP establishment and the media are so determined to dismiss his candidacy so quickly that they fail to ask the relevant question: what is it about Paul's message that is resonating?

When I was a legislator, both Republican and Democratic policymakers often told me that "people don't want to pay taxes but they want all the services!" That was the rationale utilized for their advocacy of an ever-expanding government.

Yes, even the Republicans justified growing government with that type of thinking. Nothing prepares a legislator for the continuous onslaught of people at the Capitol building demanding increasing spending, regulation, and programming.

Limited government Republicans justify lobbying for growth in government by arguing that a specific program or spending item needs growth. It's not that government overall needs growing, they'll tell you, just THIS area.

Of course, each Republican (along with activist Democrats) are lobbying for a DIFFERENT area of government growth. Put all the demands together and--voila!--you've got a recipe for expanding government in EVERY area.

Every legislator also enjoys the plaudits that come from the various interest groups when voting for an expansion of government in certain, specific areas. Of course, there's always the campaign cash, as well. Why does a gas tax increase always get discussed each legislative year despite overwhelming public opposition? Because the road builders have tons of campaign cash just waiting to be awarded!

So a pure message of limited government is anathema to many Republicans and Democrats. Better to ignore the wishes of the "leave-me-alone" majority and accept the accolades of the lobby groups.

I believe in the power of family, church, neighborhood, and community. I believe any expansion of government impedes the abilities of these institutions to affect positive change. But any number of factors can influence a policymaker to decide that incremental growth in government power is good. It's better to dismiss the Ron Pauls of the country quickly and without discussion.