More on McCain's "Time for Action"

Not only do I admire McCain for traveling into rural Alabama, where it is almost impossible to garner much support, but I totally agree with it and have long encouraged Republicans to reach out to those who don't normally vote Republican (like the black community). It may seem especially a waste of time in an election year where a black man is running for President. But just garnering votes shouldn't be the main concern of someone running for President. As McCain said yesterday, he is running for President of all the people, not just the ones who vote for him.

Republicans should follow in his footsteps. I have always said that our message of self reliance, free markets, less taxes, and less regulation and a deep belief in our Democracy and the sanctity of life and marriage is a message that resounds in everyone, no matter what color or creed.

The poor need to be lifted up, not to be held up for life, but to be able to stand on their own feet. We take away dignity when we take away a person's self reliance. There are, of course, those who cannot make it on their own. The elderly poor and the disabled and others, and there should certainly be a safety net for them. But our net today isn't a safety net, it's net that tangles and captures the poor in a never ending struggle in which they are never freed.

McCain spoke to those who may never vote for him, but he will, as he said, still be their President and his coming to speak to them reminds that he cares for them. This is important. Republicans could do well to emulate McCain.