By John F. Pilmer

Applause was generous before, and deafening after, Ted Cruz spoke to the Heritage Foundation Resource Bank 2010 audience in Miami.  No doubt was left as to which side of the aisle the former Solicitor General of Texas comes down on.  He spoke encouraging words to tea partiers, republicans, and other conservatives about the future of the movement–in spite of recent liberal victories such as nationally controlled healthcare.

Among my favorite parts of his speech was his description of “What We Need From a Conservative  Candidate” in order to win back the White House and Congress.

1) He/She must stand for principles – Cruz gave examples of victories in Texas defending the 10 Commandments monument at the state capitol, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the 2nd Ammendment (to keep & bare arms).

2) The right candidate stands for sound principles; has backbone for the fight; and motivate, inspire and connect with the people.

3) The right candidate must understand the opposition. He pointed to the current president as a “committed ideologue” in a long line of smooth talkers like FDR, JFK, and Bill Clinton. (Obama’s Actual Platform Ted Cruz 4 23 10 audio)

4) The right candidate must be prepared to demand change and settle for nothing less.

My take is that many in the audience will be doing more research on Ted Cruz. We will see him again.

www.juntocommunications.com

The recent health care debate has reminded me how far we’ve fallen from the words stated by JFK. You’ll no doubt recall those famous words, “Ask not what you’re country can do for you…” At the end of the day, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is a 100% “what can government do for me” type policy and as such simply doesn’t pass a basic litmus test for the proper role of government.

One of the key questions of the proper role of government litmus test is: “Can the problem be solved by a) individuals, b) families, c) intermediate associations, or d) a combination of the three?”

In terms of providing addressing ‘health care issues’ in America (with an emphasis on the second word of that phrase), the answer to the aforementioned question is a resounding “yes.” In sidestepping these three critical institutions of a civil and free society, Obamacare is destined to ultimately weaken our civil society and weaken our nation’s charitable nature.