TOO BIG TO FAIL?

Nancy Pelosi is a Superwoman.  As Speaker of the House, the formidable Ms. Pelosi wielded her power to get a much-debated national health-care bill; under her watch financial reform passed both houses and now awaits a final vote; and, given the catastrophic Gulf oil spill, an energy reform bill is likely in the next few months. 

Is there no end to what this woman can do?  There just may be – his name is John Dennis. 

The health-care bill has been so unpopular nationally that it’s exploded the ranks of the anti-big government Tea Party, and has gotten a republican elected to the senate in the very “blue” state of Massachusetts.  In San Francisco’s best neighborhoods there are rumblings of fear and anger over financial reform from those in the banking/finance industries who feel they are already over-regulated and are being scapegoated.  In the less tony neighborhoods, people worry that energy reform could mean higher home energy bills in an already tough economic climate.  And, the anti-war people are not happy that Ms. Pelosi voted to continue funding the war in Afghanistan--a war she opposed under George Bush.  As Ms. Pelosi continues to check items off her “to do” list, approval ratings for Congress continue to plummet.

Mr. Obama and Ms. Pelosi have brought big government back—big time. It’s growing at an alarming rate and voters have voiced their disapproval by booting incumbents from Utah to Pennsylvania.  California’s Eighth Congressional District, however, is very liberal and has had quite a love affair with Ms. Pelosi—is it possible that she too is vulnerable?

I had the opportunity to sit down and discuss some key issues with John Dennis, the man that will most likely face Ms. Pelosi in November and I’m happy to report that he is completely sane.  Mr. Dennis was well informed, articulate, and exhibited no sign of the grandiose rhetoric that one might expect from a novice politician with the temerity to challenge a popular grand dame. 

Mr. Dennis’ small government and free market libertarian leanings are antithetical to Ms. Pelosi’s big government, liberal policies. 

On health-care, Mr. Dennis feels the current bill should be scraped, saying:  “it’s a mess,” and indicating that allowing insurance companies to compete across state lines would be a good place to start the fix.  He likes the idea of health savings accounts and believes out-of-pocket medical expenses, as well as premiums paid by individuals, should be tax deductible.  In a bold move he says he is for ending tobacco and corn subsidies.  He jokingly pointed out that his stance on corn subsidies precluded him from ever running for president.  When you consider that smoking and obesity are responsible for well over fifty percent of health-care cost, it’s amazing to think that the government would encourage these problems with subsidies.

Breaking with traditional republicans, Mr. Dennis is for ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  He was however, very adamant that a “strong national defense” is essential.  His website states:  “I do not believe that our troops should be forced to be policemen of the world.  Our troops, first and foremost, should protect Americans where they live—in America.”  (With Al-Qaeda in over sixty countries and with more and more attempted attacks taking place within our borders, maybe America is exactly where our troops should be.)  When I asked Mr. Dennis if he was an isolationist, he countered that he was a non-interventionist.  Isolationist implied economic isolation and he is all for trade.

On the hot topic of illegal immigration, Mr. Dennis is for securing the borders but would like to see America get back to the “guest worker” program that benefited our country for years.  He feels strongly that any path to citizenship should start outside our borders.  Being from humble beginnings, and a product of the world of tough public housing, Mr. Dennis seems truly sympathetic to people who are willing to work hard to make a better life for themselves.  He told me that he started working when he was seven, shining shoes, and that if he got elected, this same spirit would help him stick to his principles--finding another job doesn't faze him, so pandering to special interest to get re-elected is not part of his plan.   

Mr. Dennis denounces torture and warrantless wiretaps which should please San Francisco voters.  He puts his faith in the Constitution and free markets and not in big government--ideals that could attract campaign contributions from disgruntled Americans coast to coast.  He avoided taking a swing at Mr. Obama on his handling of the Gulf oil spill proving he is no ordinary republican.  Deficits are soaring and the most liberal of San Francisco democrats are starting to get worried.   If Ms. Pelosi is vincible, John Dennis may very well be her kryptonite.   

For more information on Mr. Dennis, visit his website at:  www.johndennis2010.com