by Colonel Bob Pappas, USMC, Retired
For a number of years, FOX News was under contract with Newt Gingrich for political analysis and commentary. Once he announced his candidacy for President the contract was timely and properly terminated. What is notable is FOX turned on Newt following his announcement. One has to keep in mind that FOX is in business, specifically, the “ratings” business; because “ratings” equate to viewership, viewership equates to advertising and that equates to income. Thus, the more they “stir the proverbial pot,” in this case turning on one of their own, they can say they are “Fair and Balanced” and continue to ride the top of the cable news charts.
The emphasis here is on “Fair and Balanced,” since it is clear that the other cable networks are “in the tank” for Obama. Those networks evidently believe they must be “in the tank” or would be labeled as: “racist turncoats, Judas, Benedict Arnold” or any number of other generally denigrating terms. Therefore, as the giant among pinheaded, pigmy cable networks, FOX is obliged by its slogan to make certain it does not become an advocate for a specific candidate, left or right. In my not-so-humble opinion, in the process they could afford to be a little less vicious and a little more balanced toward Newt.
Interestingly, the Republican Primary Race seems to be an exception to the “Fair and Balanced” slogan. Any fair-minded person can deduce that FOX is actively advancing Romney as its candidate of choice. I like Romney, and if elected he would be the first Mormon President and would bring both business and governance experience to the White House, neither with which is Obama endowed. If Romney is the nominee, he will have my undivided, wholehearted support in his run for Presidency. But, it is noteworthy that in a recent TV interview on “Hannity” (a conservative show on FOX Cable Channel), Democrat Willie Brown, former Mayor of San Francisco opined that the candidate Democrats fear most is Newt Gingrich. Interestingly, Willie’s assessment didn’t get much air time or debate. Nancy Pelosi’s not-so-veiled threat to release what she implies would be damning information about Newt’s not-so-brilliant foibles while Speaker is another illustration of who Democrats really fear, their attacks on Romney are a diversionary tactic; and I know “little bit” about diversionary tactics.
There is no doubt that Newt is the intellectual giant among the candidates. While most struggle to put a cogent sentence together although they are doing better, Newt is eloquent, free flowing, and is master of virtually every subject brought forward. He so outclasses them that the other candidates are beginning to “beg off” the debate circuit because with every debate Newt gains more ground with voters.
When asked to rank them, only one stands out and the rest “also ran.” The one is without hesitation, Newt Gingrich. But some retort, “what about his baggage?” Over the years since his departure from the House in ‘99 I have quizzed hundreds of conservatives and to a person, man or woman, they would vote for Newt over any other candidate. (In the interest of full disclosure is notable that responses to my endorsement of Newt run about 25% opposed many of whom are obviously Democrats, 75% in favor, likely including some Democrats.) But also to a man or woman they lament and fear his “baggage,” but would vote for him given a chance; and that chance they will have. His personal foibles as a younger man are well known; but unlike many, he had the integrity to openly admit and repent of his wrongdoing, seek forgiveness of those wronged and of God and then walk, within the limits of humanity and abundance of God’s grace, a consistently righteous life. It baffles one that some people who profess to be Christian deny the very the hallmark of the Christian faith, “to forgive,” an act/characteristic without which one cannot be forgiven. Their retort is “Yes, but look at his history,” and mine in return is, “Do you, or do you not believe in the ability of God to transform a human life?” (I for one, bear witness to God’s forgiveness and transforming power.)
“But what of his oft-times contradictory positions?” Newt Gingrich has likely contributed more to the body of political thought than any one person including Jefferson, not all of which is entirely consistent; and likely would eclipse him qualitatively given that he will be more self-disciplined going forward. Second, with the exception of the salient achievements of Presidents such as, Teddy and Franklin Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, and Reagan, Newt has done more to advance “American Exceptionalism” than any politician in the 20th or 21st Centuries. His record of writing, speaking and political achievement, even when including his personal and political foibles, is unparalleled in U.S History. Those Republican politicians who oppose him do so because they fear greatness, even their own. They fear that the light of Newt’s achievements totally eclipses their own lackluster performance, their diminutive legislative record and dismal political leadership. Newt’s “light” is central to their jealously and resentment, so they vainly tear at him to feel better about themselves.
“He has made mistakes.” True! But is there anyone who has not? An English proverb states: “People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.” But are his mistakes fatal? (Remember Bill Clinton.) Some argue that they are, but again, “People who live, etc.” But, Newt’s campaign is not about just “beating Obama,” it is about restoring the Constitution, setting the country on solid economic, national security foundation, and the best social and moral track to national unity. In short, “back to the basics.” No one is better equipped to lead the way, given his breadth of experience and brainpower than Newt.
“How about amnesty for illegal immigrants?” To set the record straight, the actual number of illegal immigrants is in question with estimates varying between 10 and 12 million, and as high as 15 million. Newt’s proposal applies to illegal immigrants who have been in the country for 25 or so years (there are definitely not ten million in that category), who are paying taxes and who are established their neighborhoods and churches. His proposal for those would provide a path to legal residency without any prospect of citizenship; and, it would grant citizenship to those who perform full length, honorable service in the Armed Forces. He would deport all others, which by any measure would be in the millions. (If one wonders where I stand on illegal immigration, check out the following link: http://gulf1.com/Columns/Pappas.html and read the essay titled, Racism, Illegal Immigration and Totally Changing America.)
“But, where does he stand on abortion?” Newt is a pro-life Catholic who also opposes Planned Parenthood.
“Well, how about jobs and the economy?” Newt would create a salutary environment for business activity by reducing or eliminating inhibiting taxes, reigning in suffocating union work rules, setting aside crushing Federal Regulations thus liberating and unleashing the nation’s powerful creative imagination and economic genius; and, when combined with entrepreneurship and sound business acumen America would reopen for business and experience explosive economic growth. And that, dear reader is the best hope for all Americans; even Democrats.
To their credit, they try but no other candidate comes close; Newt Gingrich is the candidate who is best equipped to lead the way. Readers are encouraged to visit the campaign website at http://www.newt.org/ to learn more and how to help.
Semper Fidelis
Copyright © December 6th, 2011 by Robert L. Pappas. With proper attribution, this essay may be quoted and redistributed. It may not be used in any way, in conjunction with any advertisement without the author’s expressed written permission.
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