Yesterday, I publicly endorsed Rick Santorum for President of the United States.  Anytime a "public" figure endorses a candidate, that person opens him- or herself up to criticism and second-guessing.  I have already had friend and nonfriends alike let me know their feelings, but I made my decision to endorse because of my conscience.  I think it important to let people know how one feels about certain topics, particularly when those topics are of interest to many.  Senator Santorum may not win the nomination, but he comes closest to meeting the criteria I outlined for our next leader.  Regardless of the outcome, he would be far superior to the person who occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue right now.

Last week, I posted my assessment of the Sioux City debate on here and on my facebook page.  The rage of Ron Paul backers has been palpable, though I do not clearly understand why.  I think his ideas on fiscal matters are nearly the same as mine.  However, his worldview and his notions on foreign policy leave me cold.  I made that assessment because I know a little bit about foreign affairs and his views are not coincident with mine in any way.

I do not mind aggressive disagreement, but those who post should have the decency to at least keep ad hominem attacks out of the dialogue.  They should also have the courage to at least some identifying data on their facebook pages.  Also, there is clearly an orchestrated effort to find then attack those who disagree with Dr. Paul.  The idea that I would get facebook posts from people all over the country tells me that talk show hosts are identified, placed under electronic surveillance, then aggressively confronted when anything is posted that runs contrary to their views.  These are the tactics of the left, not the right, in this country, so one has to wonder exactly what the dominant demographic might be for those who ascribe to Dr. Pauls views.

As best I can tell, most of the people who are support Congressman Paul are male, white, under 35, little education beyond high school, marginally employed and feeling put upon by a government they think has failed them.  On this final point, i quite agree.  To me, there seems to be little difference between these young people and those who are part of the #occupy movement.  The demographic is the same, and it seems many of the grievances are similar.  At the base seems to be a virulent anti-war mentality that fits nicely into the Paul worldview.

As the presidential race proceeds, we should remind ourselves from time to time who is backing whom.  The supporter may say as much about the candidate as it might about the positions the candidate takes.  I find it fascinating and will continue to enjoy the lively exchanges I have had over the past few days.  Know one thing, however.  No amount of threatening, bullying, insulting or spamming is going to suppress my continuing expression of opinion.