An interesting question arises as to which of the most recent developments will most affect Newt Gingrich’s run; ABC’s hit piece with his ex-wife two days before the South Carolina vote, or Perry’s suspension of his campaign and endorsement of Newt. My sense is that if Newt handles it right, and he seems to be, that the Perry endorsement will probably outweigh the ex-wife (no double entendre intended!). Anyone with an ex knows that they can dish the dirt (one reason I have never run for office!), and there is nothing really new in the interview.
The fact that Romney has been declared not the winner in Iowa after all actually probably hurts Romney more than it helps Santorum, and by hurting Romney, it helps Gingrich. Ron Paul hurt himself in the last debate, and if he repeats that performance he may end up in single digits. If Newt can manage to avoid being tonight’s pinata and speak substantively again, he has a very good chance of pulling out a win in South Carolina.
Apart from the Republican primaries, yesterday’s internet protest against SOPA and PIPA seem to be having an effect. Politicians are dropping their support, and public sentiment seems to be swelling against the legislation. It is an encouraging sign in that it would seem Americans are still willing to stand up for freedom in at least one aspect of their lives. Think about your life, how many things that you have or use are not in some way regulated by government? I’m certainly not saying that regulation is unnecessary, but it seems sad that we have to invent a new technology to have something unsullied by the probing fingers of government. And though we fight the good fight, does anyone doubt that eventually the internet will be heavily regulated? Abuses and cheats always breed new laws and regulations, even when there are already laws and regulations that address the issues; and the result is just new burdens and less freedom for law abiding citizens. As Gulliver was tied down by the Lilliputians tiny cords, the giant of the Engine of America can be immobilized by the myriad of burdens imposed by small minded men.
That all this misguided effort re the internet is well-intentioned does not make any of it any less dangerous. As long as we have interest groups whose immediate instinct is to use government to retaliate against real or perceived opponents, we are all going to suffer the results of the long-term unintended consequences that they did not take the time to assess or anticipate.
I’d have to check with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!