Rand Rants

The honorable Senator from Kentucky seems to have caught lightning in a bottle and caught the attention of many outside of the US as well. I certainly must admit that I was not a “fan” until recently and am a little bit impressed that we actually have an elected official that has chosen to represent the actual wishes of the majority of his own constituents ….. how utterly refreshing!

While the modified bill did manage to pass in the Senate today and was forwarded to the President for signature, Senator Paul managed to hold the entire Senate at bay until he got what he was after and we, the people, can feel just a bit more privacy in our everyday lives all thanks to his efforts. Part of his conversation, quoted here, speaks of the very foundation of our democracy and should be read aloud to every school age child as part of their next history lesson:

"Our founders objected to the British soldiers writing warrants," he said.
"They objected to them coming in their house and gathering their papers.
"Do you think our framers [of the constitution] would have been happy if the British government said, 'OK, we're just breaking your door down, we're just getting your papers, but we're not going to look at them?'"

While many and rightfully so, would consider this grandstanding, it’s purpose was well served. He managed to tap into an important, and often under-appreciated, strand of US politics: libertarianism. He certainly isn’t an uneducated man, in fact he is an ophthalmologist by training and profession. Considered by his constitutes a conservative Republican but with strong anti-surveillance, anti-drone while continuing to be conservative on same-sex marriage and abortion. In short, Senator Paul, while sometimes controversial, always thinks for himself. How completely refreshing!

He has a bit of a rebellious streak in him, somewhat reminding me of Mr. Edward Snowdon. It’s fair to say he certainly won’t be a Republican contender for any soon to come Presidential bid, but he will certainly be one to watch in coming years. Most rebellious attitudes seem to be aimed at empty causes but this fellow is above that. He stands to shake up the establishment and force many to sit up and pay attention.

Even if he never gets his way again, he provides a much needed voice of descent much needed in a rubber stamping congress!