Pompeo

Finally met Mike Pompeo, a candidate for Tiahrt's 4th District seat, last Friday. He's a very nice fellow and articulates his ideas well. Here's the article about him. He also has the experience to back up his positions, as successful businessman, west point grad, and harvard law school grad. He does not have any elected experience, but that is probably a big benefit this election year.

He is, I would say, arch conservative when it comes to governing philosophy. Almost libertarian from the sound of it. Fed. govt. should focus strong defense and get out of the way on economics, and pretty much everything else.

That sounds good until you remember that getting out of the way led to the biggest recession in 80 years, on the economic front. He's for even more tax breaks and lower rates on businesses, including large businesses, to spur growth. And it was pretty gusty of him to say he thinks retirement age should be raised to help Social Security and portion of it privatized. This will haunt him in the general election if he gets there.

He also thinks markets should drive health care and consumers should know more about what they are buying to control costs. While I agree that consumers need to know - you can't force that. Also, as I've said before, health care is NOT a commodity that should be driven by supply and demand and the flow of capitol. That fact that we let it be subject to the whims of the private markets has created the sick, dysfunctional system that we have.