Three Cheers For Tim Pawlenty

Three cheers for Tim Pawlenty! Poker faced Tim Pawlenty opened his campaign today in a manner reminiscent of the '50's television hit show, Dragnet. "Just the facts ma'am, just the facts." While in the past I have complained to family and friends that his low keyed tone invited tedium it might be nice to have a president who makes us sleep well for a change. Promising straight talk, Mr. Pawlenty led the first sacred cow to the killing floor. It was ethanol subsidies and it was in Iowa. In his finest monotone Mr. Pawlenty simply said,
"The truth about federal energy subsidies, including federal subsidies for ethanol, is that they have to be phased out," and further,
"We simply can't afford them anymore."

One speech is not enough to win an election but if Pawlenty has the courage to face and articulate unpleasant realities and the political skill to survive the primaries he could become a formidable contrast to the hyperactive, in your face, food stamp president.