The pursuit of political truth

Doug Adams says I have one issue. He is wrong and ignores my numerous campaign articles on our economy, Constitution, equal protection, federalism and environment.

Adams suggests I use marijuana. I do not. Adams evidently cannot imagine a politician advocating a position based on reason and not personal gratification. Meet Tim Baldwin, Mr. Adams.

Adams claims my position violates “sense” and “morality.” Instead of focusing on Constitutional and legal principles, which is what politicians are supposed to do, Adams resorts to name-calling and character assassination to express his position. (See also, Whitefish Pilot, May 16, where Adams calls people he disagrees with “stupid”).

I prefer James Madison’s explanation of how we should argue politics, “It is reason, alone…that ought to control and regulate the government” (Federalist Paper 49).

Adams implies he is the model Republican. Evidently, he has not read the recent changes in the Montana Republican Party platform. Concerning sexual morality, the Republicans removed the plank of criminalizing homosexuality. And directly contradicting Adams’ assertion that all “good Republicans” want marijuana criminalized, the Republican Party removed the plank of criminalizing marijuana.

Adams feels I should not be elected because he dislikes one of my positions, about which he misrepresents (I do not support “unfettered” marijuana). Adams rejects the maxim that choosing the “lesser of evils” is preferred, presuming Adams would rather support someone who is more Republican than Democrat. Is Adams going to vote for Obama because he dislikes one of Romney’s positions?

Adams ignores that the Montana Democratic Party platform also supports medical marijuana. Presumably, my Democrat opponent agrees with his party on this issue. Yet, Adams tries to convince the people to vote for my opponent even though we and our political parties hold the same position.

Further, even though I differ from my opponent on many issues (i.e. education, economy, Constitutional interpretation, individual liberty, societal unity, taxation, etc.), Adams sacrifices all of them for the sake of having his way on one.

I pity the person who accuses another as being immoral or unreasonable because they disagree. Moreover, I fear such a person if he held public office. James Madison said this, “When men exercise their reason coolly and freely on a variety of distinct questions, they inevitably fall into different opinions on some of them. When they are governed by a common passion, their opinions…will be the same” (Federalist Paper 50).

I am not afraid or offended to be proven wrong. I want to pursue political truth, not personal ideology. However, facts and convincing argument are required. Adams provides neither.

As your representative, I will use sound reason and proven Constitutional and legal principles on all issues, including individual liberty, personal responsibility, limited government, Constitutional rights, retirement, property rights, water rights, health care, taxes, economy, environment and education.

— Tim Baldwin is the Republican candidate for House District 4