Barry Goldwater...a useful blast from the past

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRq-gelZFgg

Photo coutesy of:  americafrom1865.blogspot.com

At the request of a self-proclaimed "Goldwater Republican" friend, I recently viewed Mr. Conservative:  Goldwater on Goldwater.  I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.  Although Senator Goldwater would probably (to paraphrase Walter Cronkite) roll over in his grave, I almost hesitatingly would categorize Goldwater as a liberal of his time and ours.  He himself pointed out that years into the future, his views might be considered as such, but who knew just how right he was?  Most "right-wing" Republicans of today would likely view Goldwater with distaste, as he was essentially pro-choice and pro-gay rights.  But what I found Senator Goldwater to be--most of all--was principled.  His views came from experience (as his own daughter had made the difficult choice to have an abortion) and from a strict interpretation of the The Constitution.  He was against gays in the military for a time, but as he grew older and wiser, had the good sense and humility to change his mind on the matter and admit such publicly on Larry King's cable TV show.  Goldwater was refreshing because he spoke his mind plainly, without reservation.  Obviously some had a problem with his rhetoric, but many also found him to be a breath of fresh air in a political world of smog--which is likely why he excited the youth vote so much.

The one thing I couldn't get past, was his stance on the 1964 Civil Rights Act.  I know that it was borne of his strict interpretation of The Constitution and state's rights, and I can see where he's coming from in that sense, but on the other hand, nothing in this life of ours is black and white--as much as we'd like to believe it is.  There are simply times when it isn't.  In the very manner in which Goldwater could change his mind on gay rights, I believe he could or should have changed it on civil rights for blacks.

All in all, Mr. Conservative:  Goldwater on Goldwater was a great documentary with a surprising amount of commentary from today's left-wingers.  I can honestly say I didn't expect that!  If you can, make the effort to watch it.  It'll certainly make you think about the Republican party of today with a sense of wonder at how they've made a complete 180, if nothing else.