Jack Kemp passed away last night of cancer. He was 73 years of age. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8031283.stm
In the 80's when I was more ideologically minded and politically involved I was inspired by Jack Kemp. He was a rare conservative voice that spoke with passion and conviction to people of all political persuasions. People may have disagreed with him-but everyone respected him.
He was a"bleeding heart conservative" with a "street fighting conviction". He knew his stuff about economics and true conservative principles. He believed that power should be concentrated at the most local level first-the Individual-the Neighborhood-the County-the State-The Federal Government. This is called Federalism.
Jack Kemp took this idea to the inner cities. Conservatives were wary and Liberals were threatened. Enterprise zones reflect Federalism at it's best. It said to Joe, the owner of an Auto Shop, stay in the neighborhood and we will give you huge tax breaks and work with law enforcement to clean up crime. Enterprise zones gave every incentive for the local business owner to stay and not leave due to oppressive tax burdens. The local neighborhood would keep people employed and not return to a crime ridden blighted inner city. Pretty cool idea where you give the locals control of their destiny-free them up and they will thrive. But when we have politicians on both sides of the aisle more interested in their power -we the people are jacked up.
I no longer am an ideologue and politicians on both sides are more interested in their own power. Jack Kemp was the real deal. We will miss this tough and compassionate man. A rarity among the political power class today...
Jack Kemp R.I.P
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