This past spring was a time for me to reflect on the rising tide of anti-incumbency among voters in America. In this ethos which seems in some respects to parallel French history "Let them eat cake," incumbents in Washington have done little to alleviate lost jobs, a sick economy and programs smacking of incompetence and wrong priorities. Several former candidates and some present office holders are into corruption, illicit affairs, and multiple marriages in some cases flourish the way the government wants us to get rid of our automobile clunkers.
Rich and ostentatious weddings are planned sparing no expense to afford a former first daughter the most lavish event in recent memory. Nero fiddles, the nation continues in a downward spiral, wars continue to consume our youth and the proverbial beat goes on. America can do much better than this, we are still the shining city on the hill if we resolve to make major changes. The article which follows was posted in the NY Times and The Iowa Republican this past spring. Will this dream become a reality in 2012?
Dr. Phillips wrote on 29 March, 2010, 9:04 The Iowa Republican
IOWA CAUCUSES 2012, WHO WILL BE THE GOP CANDIDATE?
There have always been surprises resulting from ranking and speculating about the person who will be a future Iowa caucus GOP presidential nominee. One would expect most of those names mentioned, would surface from a background of prior political service, becoming nominees in 2012. Yet, in recent weeks, in fact the last several years we have focused our attention on some leaders who were not only politically incompetent, but lived unethical, devious and dishonest lives. Former Senator John Edwards, Governor Mark Sanford, Senator Ingle, former Governor Blagojevich, and many others have awakened us to the fact that prior political service is no guarantee of fidelity, honesty, and ultimate representation of the American people. This election cycle I believe is witnessing an anti incumbency modality hitherto not seen in recent years.
Where should Iowans look for qualified, honest, caring, public servants? Obviously, the original founders looked among themselves for servants of the people. The original fifty-five framers of our Constitution included; shippers, farmers, investors, retirees, lawyers, one minister, a college administrator, and most founders were of good reputation. They were, “give me liberty or give me death” representatives of the people. Only nine of the fifty five actually worked for government compensation.
Where will Iowans find the candidate who will work as their servant, committed totally to creating jobs, reducing taxes, promoting a strong economy based on free enterprise, constitutional liberties and our form of government? Will this future nominee be faithful to both civil and solemn oaths (like marriage) and will the candidate’s children be an asset to American society? Will the nominee stand rock solid against radical leftists, lobbyists, special interest groups, rogue nations, terrorists and ultimately swear to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United State so help him God, if elected?
How will Iowa and the nation identify a true grassroots nominee of the people, who will serve for a dollar a year, in the tradition of the late John F. Kennedy? What will lead us to this future President living and teaching traditional values, protecting small business, corporate growth, creating up to twenty million new jobs at home? Will this person come to us through public relations imaging and photo opportunities? No, this servant will be identified while walking among the people of Iowa, stating personal convictions and listening to the advice and suggestions from Iowans and the American public.
This nominee when chosen president will give 24/7 to protect and proudly lead this great country. When elected this public servant will give the nation pride and vision once again, in its history, and achievements. This candidate of the people will stand boldly in the global assembly of nations and proudly extol American individualism and achievement. As president this individual will never apologize for America or bow a knee to other heads of state. This public servant will love and serve the nation exhibiting great force of will and personal compassion while unifying citizens in a common pursuit of excellence. The candidate chosen will first be identified in the schools, homes, churches, halls, neighborhoods and hearts of Iowans through their caucus process. That is how it will happen.
