A Common Man’s Analysis

by Col. Bob Pappas, USMC, Retired

Oh, well, so much for one’s predictions for Iowa, one can predict and come close but still be off by a fraction, in fact by eight votes. We’ll see how New Hampshire develops.

Here’s a bit of 20-20 “retro spectroscope.” Two weeks ago Rick Santorum was in the single digits in Iowa, but because he worked his tail off since last summer doing everything he could on a small budget to convince the good people of Iowa that he would be the best conservative candidate, and given other factors, he won. I have always liked the Senator because of his pro-life and other positions with which I agree. I am delighted that the grandson of a legal immigrant has emerged as a frontrunner. But, here’s the downside, he’s too conservative (as am I) and mark this on your calendar, “the secular media will crucify him just like it did Bachman, Cain, and attempt at Gingrich.”

Consider this: less than three weeks ago Newt Gingrich was at 40% in Iowa, but because the Romney and Paul campaigns lacked comparative substance in relation to Gingrich’s message, they made a decision to pour a reported 6 million dollars into negative ads targeted at Speaker Gingrich. Had Paul and Romney had the integrity to fight on the merits and not run or supported ads that poisoned the election, Gingrich would have emerged the winner going away.  In the alternative, had the Speaker elected to go negative, he could have won, but the political and economic costs would have been debilitating to all concerned and Obama would emerge the winner. So, Romney and Paul achieved a pyrrhic victory over Gingrich which resulted in the meteoric rise and effective victory by Santorum, and in the process soundly repudiated the disreputable tactic they employed. Talk about a backfire! Maybe they will have the sense not to do that again, I doubt it but one can hope.

Two recent emails bear comment: “How could you support a moral leper?” and the other, “Why do you hate Romney?” To which the answers in order are: “I don’t” and, “I don’t.” First, I believe in forgiveness and redemption.  Just as Jesus cleansed the lepers, and me, He freely does the same for any who seek His forgiveness: to be specific, 1st John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Is Newt penitent of his wrongdoing, has he confessed his sins? I have observed him to openly confess and repent of his past on a number of occasions when the question was put to him. From what I can see, despite his earlier spiritual foibles he is on the right track, so how can any true Christian believer condemn him? The last time I checked, the only perfect man was crucified two thousand years ago. Second, I don’t hate Romney (or Paul), I strongly dislike the fact that the media is trying to tell us who is anointed, and therefore that everyone should get in step. We will when it’s time, and now is not the time.

I support the one who has a proven record of conservative accomplishment, who delivered a Republican majority for the first time on forty years, who balanced the Federal Budget, who dismantled welfare (since effectively restored by Obama), and who significantly reduced the growth of the National Debt. Did he along the way step on toes? Did he make mistakes? No doubt he did, but did that era experience the continued unprecedented economic prosperity that began during the Reagan Administration because of Newt’s leadership? Damn right it did! To his credit, Clinton was cunning enough to tap into it. 

So, for those who are open to winning for America there is one who has the vision and ability to not only to win but restore and build on America’s greatness.  I urge you to set aside Newt’s past and abandon the temptation of malice; believe what a true Christian claim’s to believe, personal redemption; and support the one who has proven performance, intellectual prowess, and unmatched debating and leadership skills.  Does he have warts? Show me one who doesn’t!

Do I like Rich Santorum? Absolutely! Do I like Romney? Except for his manifest tacit admission of inferiority and weakness in the competition of ideas and vision, yes.  Do I like Ron Paul? Yes, same as Romney. To be absolutely clear, I will support anyone of them over Obama. But despite their attacks, the strongest of the litter on the merits is Newt Gingrich, and I stand with him.

Semper Fidelis


Copyright ©  January 4th, 2012, by Robert L. Pappas. With proper attribution, this essay may be quoted and redistributed, except it may not be used in conjunction with any advertisement without the author’s expressed written permission.