Rand Paul didn’t make the cut for the Republican debate scheduled for tomorrow night.

He says it’s because he has a unique voice:

“I am the one voice saying we shouldn’t make the sand glow. I am the one voice saying we shouldn’t be collecting all — the government shouldn’t be collecting all your records, and I’m the one voice saying we shouldn’t lock up every kid for marijuana,” he said.

I, for one, am disappointed Rand will not be in the debate tomorrow. I find many of his zingers cringeworthy (he’s not good at the one-liners), but he consistently brings thoughtful responses to the issues. Most of the others (from both parties) bring broad stroke, steamroller, or platitude type answers. To me it’s clear that Rand does his own research, formulates his own opinions, and doesn’t rely on staffers or others to gin up talking points. Whatever he thinks, it comes from him and not from a poll or a consensus. I don’t agree with him on a lot of things, but I do agree he has a unique voice, and I think it comes from an honest place, which is a very trustworthy characteristic. I can reliably guess what his position would be on the issues – I can’t do that with other politicians.

Freedom of speech is not only about the right to express ourselves, it’s also about the right to hear what others have to say. I might not agree, but I always want to hear Rand’s take on the issues.