Let me finish with the appeal of Rand Paul.
I can see why people from both parties are going after this guy even on the very day he announces for president: he’s a danger to conventional politics in this country. He’s willing to challenge government intrusion in our lives, willing to challenge America’s intrusion into foreign countries, especially that sad, tragic mission we call “nation building.”
On an electoral level I think those who put down Senator Paul should observe his ability to win elections. He beat Tray Grayson — who Mitch McConnell was pushing — for the senate nomination in Kentucky. Then he killed Jack Conway by a dozen points in the November election. So he’s got appeal.
But is he a true libertarian? Does he truly oppose government getting excessively into what should be individual decision-making? He’s against NSA surveillance, drones, but not so quick. On social issues, we see him buying into the conservative Republican line.
Here’s where it’s tricky: he didn’t like the 1964 civil rights bill because it denied the rights of people to do business with the people they want to do business. So where’s that put him on this Religious Freedom Restoration Act? Does a business have the right to deny service to a gay couple? Does it? Can the government require a business to “do” business with someone the owner doesn’t “want” to do business with? Can it, Senator? How libertarian is Rand Paul?
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