Why can't we be more like Texas?

[Mitch in MI]

http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul201.html
As the 2004 national GOP convention begins Monday, we should be prepared to hear a Republican agenda that sounds more like FDR or Woodrow Wilson than Barry Goldwater or Ronald Reagan. A party that once defined itself by the fundamental conservative principle that government power should be used sparingly and judiciously, now supports a program of bigger government at home, more militarism abroad, and less respect for constitutional freedoms.

First and foremost, the Texas GOP is serious about reducing the size and scope of government. The (state) party platform calls for strict congressional adherence to the 10th amendment, and the abolition of all federal agencies not authorized under a strict interpretation of the Constitution.
--Ron Paul MD, Republican Representative from Texas.

[magooch]

Certainly, where we are with reference to the size and scope of our federal government is not where a lot of us would like to be, but the reallities of the world and the demands of the electorate are more responsible for the state of things than either party would probably wish for.

Generally, I believe the Republicans would prefer not to be as involved with social programs or world affairs as we seem to have to be and some Democrats and yes, some Republicans would probably prefer to not have to spend as much as we do on defense.  I think the best we can hope for is some restraint in all areas, but no matter what it takes, we can not afford to skimp on defense.