Just about everyone leaning Republican (as well as some not) not associated with supporting Ron Paul has gone after him hammer and tong over the contents of the newsletters published under his name during the 80s and 90s, most particularly since the publication of this New Republic article.

While the content of the article has fired up some lively discussion in the right/libertarian quadrants of opinion, as to what Ron Paul actually wrote, what Ron Paul actually believes or endorses out of this body of material, wether or not specific statements constitute racism…and on and on…

Well, whatever.

This material, and more importantly to the point, Dr. Paul’s handling of the issue, do factor in to my rejection of him as either a viable Presidential candidate, and affirm my opinion of his lack of basic competency to lead the executive branch of the United States Government.

The epitome of the reason for this rejection may be viewed here.

Basically, that sort of disjoined from the discussion, obtuse rambling might help pass the afternoon on the front porch on a lazy summer Sunday, but it clearly shows that Ron’s lights are on, but don’t really give one a good feeling that someone is home. It demonstrates a man that’s more concerned with the discussion of talking points, self chosen, going on in his head, than what’s transpiring right next to him. And the weighting of subject matter and approach - they indicate to me an individual that might eventually get there on some points, but is more likely to get lost in the fever swamps of chase your tail hypothetical discussion rather than actually accomplish anything.

Bottom line - Ron Paul is not a leader. And that is something I consider to be an overwhelmingly essential component of the portfolio of capabilities I feel necessary for an individual that will occupy the White House for at least the next four year term.

Update:

All of this is extraordinarily fanciful. I don’t mean this as a cheap line — it’s rather serious. If the man couldn’t keep a handle on his own small newsletter operation, can someone explain to me how he can possibly be “the only man in America” capable of forcing the federal government into a direction that the great mass of the American public simply does not want?

An excellent question among several.