Fred Thompson on Charlie Rose

By sinde on December 5th, 2007

Fred made it to Charlie Rose’s interview. Hoo-ray! At least we know that Fred’s out talking today… not that he is saying much. And, is he looking tired!

Strength, prosperity and unity. He says that’s what we need. And, I don’t think anyone would disagree on those points. It’s how we get there that is the question.

The Dollar: Fred says that 70% of the world’s transactions are done in USD, so we shouldn’t worry too much about our dollar value. Of course, he agreed that we still need to strengthen it… suggested that raising interest rates would do it. We shouldn’t over react by raising taxes. On the revenue side, Thompson suggested that he’s leans towards supply side economics. The corporate tax rate (2nd highest in industrialized world) is 35% here, only 10% in Ireland. Japan is the only country that has a higher corporate tax rate. Corporate taxes are causing businesses to relocate. OK… so that’s something to think about.

OK, so I guess I am understanding that to strengthen the country fiscally, we could raise interest rates and lower corporate taxes. I’m one of the broke ones that couldn’t borrow a cup of sugar, so I guess interest rates going up wouldn’t bother me all that much. I’m sure it could hurt lots of people, especially if credit card banks thought they could inch their rates up a little more. But, not to worry, as a corporation if Fred has his way, they will get a cut in corporate taxes. Well, hopefully some of that good fiscal policy will trickle down to the rest of us.

On illegal immigration, Fred stated that we need to get rid of sanctuary cities. Employers should be held accountable for hiring illegals. In 1996, the US Congress made sanctuary cities illegal and we must enforce the law. Fred is against amnesty, but says we can’t send the illegal immigrants back (we don’t know who they are or where they came from). So, what do we do? According to Thompson, we should enforce the borders, stop providing sanctuary, require employers to stop knowingly hiring illegals. So, what about those who are here? What are we going to do with them? Maybe I’m still not in tune with the answers on illegal immigration, and I surely don’t have an answer, but I would love for someone…. anyone…. to tell me what we are supposed to do with twelve million unemployed people, presuming the employers do their part.

On torture (waterboarding), Thompson stated that it is not our policy. I was pleased that he said that until he followed it up with an example of an exception. As he said, if it comes right down to it, the methods used will be determined by the need to torture. Let’s say people’s lives are at stake, Thompson seems to think that if information was available he would do whatever was necessary (including torture) to get the information to save lives. He doesn’t see it as a choice if it means protecting our citizens. Something to think about?

What does conservative mean to Thompson? Consistent with God’s design for man, lessons of history, too much power in too few hands is dangerous. What the hell does that mean? I shivered at the notion that he may think he knows what is consistent with God’s design for man. The lessons of history don’t work all that well…. Viet Nam… Iraq. (Some of us never learn.) And, the whole idea that too much power in too few hands is a conservative value!

So, what about gay rights and abortion? Thompson stated that they are issues derived from conservative principles. From that he came to a pro-life conclusion. He didn’t go into the gay rights issue. But, it won’t take a mental giant to guess his views on that one.

He talked about God and priniciples a lot, but doesn’t go to church too often, at least according to some media interviews. I can’t knock him for not being a Bible toting, church going conservative. That might be his saving grace.

When asked about his concerns for the country and what made him decide to run for the presidency. He responded by saying that we are bankrupting our entitlement programs. We need to spend more on the military. With the luxury of age and being happy in his life, Thompson says he can afford to be honest with the American people. He may be honest about our issues, but I would have loved to have heard more specifics on the solutions.

All in all, Fred thinks it’s time to step up and he’s ready.

Another great interview conducted by Charlie Rose. However, I don’t know that I could sleep all that well at night with Fred Thompson in the White House.