I hesitated to use that word... no doubt for the same reasons... :)

Agree completely.

Not picking on you but the word coexist makes me shudder. Reminds me of what I see on the back of progressives vehicles. LOL

Well said OA!

Hello edweaver,
Exactly right. It is that limited scope of powers that the Constitution was formed for, that enabled us to live and let live... to believe, or not... to coexist in a civil society. Unfortunately, that is not good enough for the progressives and statists that wish us to be collectively uniform. We are not automatons; we have disparate visions of what is a good life because we are individuals.

Cruz has demonstrated a respect for the Constitution. It is that limited government we were "guaranteed" by virtue of that document, that I can live with.

I do not expect an objectivist utopia, but I cannot tolerate a statist's one.

Regards,
O.A.

Thanks for all the well wishes, but I'm in politics by choice trying to fight the crony capitalism Ayn railed against. It is tough, but I don't compromise and I work with the candidates that I choose and walk away from those who don't hold my objectivist views.

Well stated OA. I've studied and listened to Cruz. I do believe he will not force his religious beliefs on anyone but will protect everyone's individual right to believe as they feel best. That's exactly what our Constitution was mean to protect. :)

Hello 23skidoo,
My condolences and admiration... :) It must be quite frustrating at times. Cruz would make a fine president as long as he keeps his religious beliefs a personal matter. We have endured worse. I believe the establishment RINOs will do all they can to derail his campaign.
Cool collectible!
Respectfully,
O.A.

23S: You are fortunate to have had a closer encounter. A view from the inside. Interesting. Most of us can never get past all the hype.

Hard to square objectivists as believing in god and religion. When I hear Cruz talk "god", I hear pandering (what Trump just tried to do and alienated everybody). What my liberal (willfully ignorant) friends and I, an anti-theist, hear is religion being shoved down their collective throats and it scares the hell out of them (and me) ... they all think they're Pilgrims escaping religious persecution. That is the problem that Reagan birthed when he crafted the troika of the religious right, economic conservatives, and patriotic blue collar Democrats to win the election. Be careful what you pray for. [pun intended]

Good question, RR... aside from making generalizations, as I both do and warn others to be careful of...

Liberals/Democrats tend to support personal freedom while believing that Government is Best at making lots of Economic decisions for Everyone, while Conservatives/Republicans tend to support Economic freedoms but, at their root, source all Personal Decisions (and subsequent rules and laws) should be based on Biblical Sources.

That's why I can't, in good faith and with clear conscience, vote for either one, other than to search for the "Lesser Of Two Weevils."

It's been that way for me since, when... Nixon?

As I've said with ironic font, "The next Presidential Litmus Test will be that of "Female"; only after That might a Jew sit at the Big Desk, and ONLY after THAT will there be an Atheist in the WH.

Ethics, morals, belief in freedoms, character? Voters haven't considered those things in decades.

And yes, THEY are NOT US. We think and believe Differently. But they outnumber us a few jillion to one.

I read his book, got it from my sister. This guy is amazingly smart, principled, and does what he says he'll do.

Very Cool!

Cool...I watched Ted's interview on GB yesterday and I have to tell you that I am convinced he's our man for President...Profound honesty, discipline and self control; and above all, our constitution is in his blood.

He signed that at a public event, but I have had lunch with just him and his campaign manager. He is a good man who I believe would do the right thing.

yes, and we all know what else is in the bucket. -- j
.

now, that is a collector's copy! . he would be a fine person
in the oval office -- no BS. -- j
.

I hope you had the opportunity to talk with him, most knowledgeable folks would walk away after 5 minutes knowing he was exactly the person to do what`s possible to reverse course Constitutionally, while speaking plainly about the realities the next president - and America, must endure. At private events, he treats the servers the same as millionaire donors, that speaks volumes.

I have to ask...just what is it that bothers you so, about "appeasing" the religious right? I'm not picking on anyone, but I've been able to happily survive a 36+ year marriage, where she is a devout Christian and I, an agnostic. So far, our choice of belief (or not) has not cause a terrible rift in our relationship.
Just what is it that worries folks about the religious beliefs of Presidential candidates?

I understand.
If that's the case, I hope you find others, to work with you.

Even better if he were to become President...there's something even the grandkids could be impressed with!

The powers that be. The ones who really run stuff.

I'm sure the establishment wants nothing to do with him. TPTB?? Should I know what that means? :)

I'll see how he does in the debates and poles. I can't imagine the rinos wanting him. Truth be told I think TPTB have already made their choice and it's now just a matter of where to dig.

I am currently reading Ted Cruz's book, "A Time For Truth". I highly recommend people read it. I'm not sure that he is going to go off to appease the religious right but believe he will protect the rights of believers and non believers alike. At least that is my take on Cruz but please don't take my word for it. Pick up a copy and make your own judgment. :)

Yes, the autograph is nice, but I'm really attached to that particular book. It has traveled all over the nation with me.