“Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.”

Something along those lines is attributed to Thomas Paine.  It is a quote all Americans should remember and hold dear.  If we all agreed on everything, how could we ever improve?  A person should never be always in a majority nor always in a minority.  If you know anyone who is, you should question their integrity.  The three most important things one can do as a citizen for our country is first, take an interest in her politics and the ramifications, both short term and long term.  Second, listen to a variety of viewpoints and keep an open mind.  Third, exercise your 1st Amendment right and speak of your own views.  Always concentrate on what is right and do not get caught up in who is right.  None of us is as smart as all of us.  (I think that last line is an advertisement slogan for some product, but the message rings true).

It is important that people we respect and like sometimes come down on opposing sides of an issue.  Even when the opposition seems based only on semantics.  It is important that some make a stand on certain ideals.  That is why it is important for Ron Paul and his Libertarian views to be heard in the debates.  Would I vote for him?  Not in the Republican Primary, heck no!  But against Barack Obama.  You can bet your last high-taxed dollar I would.

The  Cut, Cap, and Balance plan that was recently passed by the Gang of 234 in the House is one I endorse.  But, I applaud Michele Bachmann for her vote against it based on the fact that she felt it did not go far enough.  We need leaders who strive for greater than what is, at the end, achieved.  Without these types of high aspirations, we would end up settling for something less.  We also need leaders involved who are willing and able to compromise.  Recognize the battles that can be fought and won now, and which battles need to be fought later when the timing is better.  It is the Tea Party ideals that are developing these leaders.  Michele Bachmann.  Marco Rubio.  Paul Ryan.  Allen West.  These, just to name a few.

It is good that these Tea Party leaders are not always in agreement with each other.  Let them have a robust and fierce debate.  Let each of their ideas be vetted by their peers and may the best ideas persevere through to the national scene to show the American people that true conservative values are on the floor of debate, and will not be lightly compromised.