I confess to absolute astonishment that a Liberal Democrat
has taken Texas by storm. This past week, a viral video of Senate candidate
Beto O’Rourke has raised his national profile as well. In the video, O’Rourke
defends the practice of NFL players kneeling for the National Anthem stating “I
can think of nothing more American.” Needless to say, the video is being highly
praised by Liberals and condemned by Conservatives. (Judge for yourselves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAw9eXXVwfM&t=1s)
My personal opinion is that his response is typical of the
way politicians answer questions. He gives an impassioned speech about the
right of Americans to protest and in particular defends the practice of
non-violent protests. I would readily agree with most of his answer, but I
don’t agree with his assertion that people of color are being killed by law
enforcement “without accountability, and without justice.” That’s BS! You may
not agree with the outcomes, but to imply that nothing at all is being done in
these cases is nonsense.
My biggest problem with his response is that he dodges the
real question. Is it disrespectful to have your protest during the National
Anthem? I will gladly defend anyone’s right to peacefully protest, but I do
think it is disrespectful to refuse to stand and acknowledge your country’s
flag and anthem. I am offended that NFL players have chosen that as their
moment to protest and refuse to admit that it is purposeful. (Go back and read
Colin Kaepernick’s comments from his after game interview. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000691077/article/colin-kaepernick-explains-why-he-sat-during-national-anthem)
So who exactly is Beto O’Rourke? And why is he suddenly so popular?
Well, to start with, don’t let his culturally appropriated nickname fool you – he’s just another white
guy. (I wonder if he was just plain old Robert when he was working in New York
City?)
His official congressional website (https://orourke.house.gov ) provides the
following biography:
Beto O'Rourke was elected to represent the people of the 16th
District of Texas in November of 2012.
Prior to his congressional service, Beto O’Rourke served two terms on the El Paso City Council. Born and raised in El Paso, he has been deeply involved in civic, business and community efforts in his hometown.
O'Rourke is a graduate of Columbia University. He is married to Amy Sanders and they have three children together.
Prior to his congressional service, Beto O’Rourke served two terms on the El Paso City Council. Born and raised in El Paso, he has been deeply involved in civic, business and community efforts in his hometown.
O'Rourke is a graduate of Columbia University. He is married to Amy Sanders and they have three children together.
A more complete bio can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beto_O%27Rourke
As far as his popularity goes, I’m still confused. I guess
he’s younger and cooler and better looking than Ted Cruz in the eyes of many
voters. And hey, that’s what’s important, right? And he gives a good speech and
looks good on YouTube, I guess.
So how Liberal is Beto?
Here’s how he stands on the issues:
Drug Policy –
favors the legalization of marijuana and the end of the War on Drugs.
Abortion –
Pro-Choice, supports Planned Parenthood and the use of federal funds for
abortions.
LGBT Rights – considers
this to be a core civil rights issue, supports expanding these rights.
Immigration – favors
comprehensive immigration reform, supports DACA, supports full amnesty.
Health Care –
supports a single-payer legislation to achieve universal health coverage.
Gun Policy –
supports universal background checks and a complete ban on assault rifles.
(For a more complete, and non-partisan look at his stance on
a variety of issues, go to https://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/78533/beto-orourke#.W39ej1RKgdU
As you can see, he’s your average Democrat, so his real
policy is basically to vote against anything the President proposes, raise your
taxes, and open the borders. And apparently, he’s perfectly okay with you
kneeling or sitting while the National Anthem is played and our flag is being
honored. Just saying.
If you need more information on his November opponent, our
current Senator Ted Cruz, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Cruz
And just for laughs, if you want to watch Tucker Carlson
destroy Beto on DACA and his other immigration policies, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XbDbjPZdLg