Calling the Goldwater - Reagan Republicans

“A few people advising this administration, a small number of people called the neoconservatives hijacked our foreign policy. They’re responsible, not the American people.”- Ron Paul to Mike Huckabee

FMNN is reporting the possibility of a formal endorsement for Ron Paul by Barry Goldwater Jr.

The Goldwater name of course, for many, brings to mind the 1960's conservative / libertarian "revolution" that set the stage for the Reagan revolution and the Republican revolution. The later really culminated in 1994 with the taking of the congress. Ceding to power lust however the Republican's eventually sold their souls to the big government leanings of the Bush White House. Today, government is bigger and badder than ever leaving many of us longing for the small government days of the Clinton administration!

While the Goldwater / Reagan conservatives have been a bit slow comimg around to Ron Paul, those like Pat Buchanan, who remain fairly true to their Goldwater / Reagan roots, most recently seem to give him a nod of approval if not a formal endorsement. A Goldwater endorsement would surely be a further step in this direction.

Paul's recent statement about the small group of "neo-conservatives" high jacking US foreign policy is exactly the subject of Buchanan's book "Where the Right Went Wrong". Ron Paul's congressional speech "Neo-Conned" (transcript, see video below), now an internet classic, trumpets the same message as did his most recent exchange with Mike Huckabee in New Hampshire. Both Buchanan and Paul name names in their respective chronicles of the Neo-conservatives. The late Irving Kristol (father of Bill Kristol) of course tops both lists.

Buchanan opens chapter two of his book with the following two quotes underscoring the Point Ron Paul made in New Hampshire.

As Buchanan points out, these Neo-conservatives were never really conservative and certainly not in the fiscal sense. The Republican party was a convenient host for them not an ideological home. If the Republican party is to avoid the permanent adoption of a platform which stands in strict opposition to the Reagan / Goldwater rhetoric of the 60's, 70's and 80's, it must be freed from the grip of the Neo-conservatives.

As Radley Balko pointed out back in February when the campaign was still in the exploratory phase (and before the phenomenon that would come to be known as known as the Ron Paul Revolution), Dr. Paul's entrance into the race makes this gut check time for small government Republicans. Ron Paul truly represents their last stand.

I attended a fund raiser in Paradise Valley, AZ back in march where
Barry Jr. did in fact have some kind words to say regarding Dr. Paul.
The campaign was just getting legs at the time, but even then there was
a sense that a groundswell was beginning.   This short video, an invitation to those Goldwater / Regan conservatives who might sense that the Republicans have in fact lost there way, was made at that time.

I am a life long Republican. I support Ron Paul for the principles he defends not the Party who's nomination he seeks. Party has become ratehr  un-important to me, but for those Republicans who rank party as a priority, I suggest this:

If the Republican party does not correct it's course, it will all but die. The fake patriotism, fear mongering through the "terrorist threat" and fiscal insanity are wearing thin. Even the old stand by of morality is quickly becoming out of reach for a party plagued with corruption and scandal.

“I will offer a choice, not an echo” - Barry Goldwater

On the other hand, the GOP stands to benefit by absorbing increasingly large numbers of young voters. Voters who will be voting for decades to come. These voters have responded to Ron Paul's message of individual liberty and constitutionally limited government. Think of what the Goldwater movement did for the Republican party in the long term. Do you really want to reject that opportunity? And for what? To save face by defending an ill-advised foreign policy foisted upon you by a handful of ex-lefties?

The choice is clear. More of the same and a continually decaying party with "Rudy McRhomson" or a triumphant return to the constitution and to the themes extolled by Reagan and Goldwater. A true message of Freedom against which Hillary does not stand a chance or tired rhetoric from Republican dead-enders reminiscent of the Dole campaign.

Honestey in government, respect for all life, sound monetary and fiscal policy, sane foreign policy, respect for the rights of the states and freedom of the individual... to say nothing of what is quickly becoming the most enthusiastic grass roots support ever seen... there is only one candidate offering this.