The War in Iraq:
"In the two and a half years since the President received a standing ovation from every member of the House and Senate, I have been flabbergasted at how quickly some have forgotten the words they applauded that day. Not only do these folks appear to have lost their spirit and determination, they have forgotten the spirit and determination of the American people."

Barnabas: Well, I'm one of those Thompson is flabbergasted at. I initially supported the invasion because I believed Colin Powell's words to the United Nations. With the facts I know now, I would have been against it. I don't know what the solution in Iraq is quite frankly.

Guns:
"Still, there are a lot of people who are just offended by the notion that people can carry guns around. They view everybody, or at least many of us, as potential murderers prevented only by the lack of a convenient weapon. Virginia Tech administrators overrode Virginia state law and threatened to expel or fire anybody who brings a weapon onto campus."

Barnabas: Well, I agree that a gun is only a tool neither good nor evil, only the proper or improper use of a gun is good or evil. Gun laws don't prevent mass murderers from obtaining guns, only law abiding citizens are kept from obtaining and carrying them

Immigration:
"My friends, it's also time for a little introspection. Since we all agree that improving Mexico's economy will help with the illegal-immigration problem, you might want to consider your own left-of-center policies. For example, nationalized industries are not known for enhancing economic growth. Just a thought. But here's something even more to the point that you might want to think about: What does it say about the leadership of a country when that country's economy and politics are dependent upon the exportation of its own citizens?"

Barnabas: My knowledge of economics isn't all that great, so I won't comment on Thompson's views there. Still, the real issue is can we absorb 12 million people from a foreign country with a drastically different culture than ours who have no desire for the most part to become Americanizied? Do we want 12 million people who's first act in our country was committing a felony by entering our country illegally? Can we pay the social services they will require plus all the relatives they will bring over and children they will birth while here? That 12 million Mexicans is larger than all the immigrant groups that have entered this country combined in one fell swoop. We can't absorb this huge number all at once, although I'm sympathetic with those who wish to enter our country and improve their lives, it should be done gradually, legally and they should be checked out to see if they are the types we want to be here, not the types who will fill our prisons.

Well, Thompson is a good character actor, but that doesn't make one a good President. He could be a good choice, I don't know enough yet to decide, perhaps I'll buy the book...at any rate, I'm not thrilled with any of the candidates running so far, I sympathize with the conservative maliase, I'm part of it...