Libertarians of the Year
Radley Balko chooses the Libertarian Heros of 2003.It is a somewhat surprising list as it contains the name of Harold Ford, Jr. Anyone familiar with the Tennessee Ford family will be shocked to see this name spoken highly of.
The Fords ran Memphis for many years, but have branched out to Nashville and Washington of late. One Ford was given a pass after shooting at a trucker on I-40, the major artery between Nashville and Memphis. Another was given a pass after threatening utilities workers with a shotgun as they attempted to perform repairs on the easement of a Ford property. The list of Ford indiscretions is long.
But Harold Ford does seem to be cut from different cloth. Seem is the operative word.
He speaks impressively, both in person and during television interviews. He is soft-spoken and gives reasoned, thoughtful responses.
However, his inclusion on the list is due to his rhetoric. The author says, "If his voting record ever aligns with his rhetoric, he could emerge as an important voice of reason in a party too consumed with class warfare and entitlement culture."
That is a mighty big if.
Harold Ford reminds me of a snake oil salesman -- or perhaps just a snake. A particularly slimy and venomous one, at that.
In speaking to TFA members (this year? Perhaps last year) he said that he had never joined the NRA because he had never been "invited" to do so.
Neither have I, but I joined nevertheless.
Harold Ford is one to watch. His name was mentioned as a candidate for House Minority Leader when it was up for grabs (Pelosi beat him out). His name will become nationally known in the next ten years. He is young and puts a good face on the party.
He frightens me because I don't trust him any further than I can chuck a feather under water.
Blog post #2096 in category
Politics
posted 1 January 04
Truly superior bloggers that reference Libertarians of the Year:
» Ford Theater
from Signifying Nothing:
Robert Prather approvingly notes Radley Balko’s praise of Tennessee representative Harold Ford Jr. as one of his Libertarian Heroes of 2003. Quoth Balko: Ford makes this list more for his rhetoric and his potential than his actual voting record. ... [Read More]
Tracked on January 5, 2004 7:03 PM