Is Rand Paul Channeling Jefferson Smith?

I don't know how many times I had the debate with Republicans in 2010.  "How can you support Rand Paul?" they asked me.  "He's too polarizing!"  "His father's a kook!"  "What we need in Washington is cooperation and compromise."  "He won't work with the established senators."  "He's one of those nutty Tea Partiers!" "He's a loose cannon!"

My reply?  It was the very fact that he was polarizing that drew me to him.  I was drawn to his clear picture of our country's financial issues and his defense of personal liberty.  Was he risky?  Yes.  Was he polarizing?  Yes.  Was he unlikely to compromise?  Yes.  Was he influenced by his so-called "kooky" father?  Yes.  Those characteristics were exactly what I was looking for.  Someone has to face facts and become our national political prophet, preaching the truths we don't want to hear and pointing out the impending fiscal judgment fast approaching if we don't mend our ways.  Someone has to look at current political actions and anticipate our loss of constitutional freedoms if we don't turn from our current course of action.

Last night, Rand Paul became that prophet.  The filibuster was a stroke of political genius as Charles Krauthammer was quick to point out.  My favorite movie of all time has long been Mr. Smith Goes to Washington starring Jimmy Stewart as Jefferson Smith.  Though dated in its cultural setting, the movie is timeless as an illustration of how our federal government works.  It was inspiring in its hope that one man could do the right thing and that he could make a difference if he did.  Last night, Rand Paul proved that such a  filibuster could be more than Hollywood fancy.

I have no illusions that Rand Paul is immune from the same temptations as any other celebrity as he gains influence.  He is still a human, and few can handle the kind of adulation he's starting to experience.  Let's face it, he's still a politician.   In the words of Ronald Reagan, "It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first."  In spite of my reservations, I am optimistic about Rand Paul.  For once, I am thrilled to see a Senator take an unbendingly principled stand to place defending the constitution above personal gain.  In the end, he may get both.

Was last night a political ploy to pave the way for a 2016 run for president?  I don't know, and frankly at this point, I don't care.  I'm just glad he's stirring things up and creating some discomfort in Washington.  That's what it's going to take to see any real change.  Will this be enough?  I don't think so, but at least it's a starting point.  I'm encouraged to see Rand Paul channeling my favorite movie character of all time, Jefferson Smith, as he challenges the status quo.  May his tribe increase.