Power vs. Principle

I had an interesting conversation with a gentleman this week as I was knocking doors of registered republicans to urge them to vote on Tuesday, June 26th for Dan Liljenquist.  Initially he said he was inclined to vote for Hatch because it was all about Hatch's power. " We need his power and influence to get things done in Washington," he said.  I've thought a lot about his comment these past two days and realized that this "power" is what this election between Hatch and Liljenquist is all about.
 
Hatch has been accumulating "power and influence" for 36 years.  This power enabled him to assemble a war chest of money well over $10 million dollars, the majority of which came from special interest groups outside of Utah, to convince the Utah voters that we need his influence and power and without it we are doomed.  Only with his help can Mitt Romney "fix" Washington.

On the other hand, Dan Liljenquist's motives for running are just the opposite. He has a goal of shifting power from Washington and returning it to the states and  to the people where, under the Constitution of the United States, it belongs. I am supporting Dan because I'm sick and tired of Washington's continual power grab--the constant encroachment of rules, regulations and taxes which are stripping the individual of personal freedoms and individual responsibility and enslaving not only us, but our children and grandchildren, with mountains of debt.  Hatch is part of the system that got us into this mess and he has supported and created programs and appointments that are eroding our liberties.

I have been more than annoyed the past two days as I have watched the disappearance of most of the 80+ signs I have posted for Dan. Interestingly enough, only Dan's signs are missing.  Those of other political candidates remain intact. It seems to be extremely important to Hatch's campaign that he retain his power.  Why else would a 78 year old man who has been in Washington 36 years but originally campaigned on the premise - "What do you do with a man who has been a senator for 18 years? Bring him home" be running for office again? Indeed, it is all about the power.  And he's not willing to give it up.  Power corrupts.  You leave someone in Washington too long and he becomes tainted with his own importance and the cronyism that pervades that culture.  Unfortunately such is the case with Senator Hatch.

I believe Dan has the commitment and ability to make a difference in the culture of Washington. He will join other fresh, young senators who are willing give up their "elite" benefits and again empower the states and the citizens to make more of their own decisions regarding education, employment, health care, retirement, etc. He is a principled warrior for liberty.  I believe it's "Time for Dan".  Bring back our power. Send Senator Hatch home!

Power vs. Principle - you decide on Tuesday, June 26, 2012.  P.S.  After our enlightening discussion, the gentlemen who precipitated my contemplation, decided to VOTE FOR DAN!