Since it's Friday, I thought I'd write something on the light side. I couldn't think of anything lighter than the gravitas of the Ron Paul campaign.
Paul is a congressman from Texas who calls himself a Republican but is more of a neo-libertarian. He constantly refers to the Constitution and acts as if his interpretation is the only true interpretation. He has a rabid, small following who Google his name three times a day (this will help them find this piece: Ron Paul, Ron Paul, Ron Paul) and comment on every Web site that mentions him. If what is said is derogatory, they become venomous and launch ad hominem attacks at the writer, kind of like LaRouchians. They go to every Internet presidential poll and vote for him repeatedly and then carp that America loves the man because he won a poll they rigged.
But let's look at Ron Paul on the issues. Let's start with national security:
Note that the only one to ever call or talk about a draft is Ron Paul and Charles Rangel and Rangel did it purely for political reasons. For the record, Congress did vote. I believe Paul was serving at the time. Note also every answer has the word "Constitution" in it.Both Jefferson and Washington warned us about entangling ourselves in the affairs of other nations. Today, we have troops in 130 countries. We are spread so thin that we have too few troops defending America. And now, there are new calls for a draft of our young men and women.
We can continue to fund and fight no-win police actions around the globe, or we can refocus on securing America and bring the troops home. No war should ever be fought without a declaration of war voted upon by the Congress, as required by the Constitution.
He's against the Patriot Act, which has been used successfully in numerous cases and has proved to not be as intrusive as Paul and liberals have said.
I do agree with Paul on several issues -- immigration reform and tax relief -- but his stand on national security is one I'll never get past. We are fighting them over there and not here. We have not been attacked in the U.S. because of the WOT and Paul knows this. He just chooses to ignore it.
He's a small-time candidate who will maybe get as many votes as Ralph Nader in a good year. He has a bit of an Internet recognition thing going but ask 100 or so average Americans on the street what they think of Ron Paul and you'll get 99 blank stares and one guy who will agree with Paul (or his ghost-writing staffers) that the Israel lobby runs the U.S.
But Scott, you'll all say, "he's won every major poll after the debates on MSNBC, CNN, blah, blah, blah.."
I'll say, "so what?" These polls mean nothing. Does anyone think that Hillary or Rudy have an e-mail list that they send out information on these votes urging their supporters to vote? Of course not, because it means nothing. Look at Rasmussen or any of the other polls, at present, Ron Paul is carrying at best 3% and is not even a footnote at Real Clear Politics. In other words, his campaign is a sham.
It's nice that he has automaton supporters who bristle at every cross word said about their hero (believe me, I'm glad they're occupying themselves on the net), but that and twice as many of you might give you .0008% of the total American vote.
Bring it Ron Paul fans, vent your ire. I predict that the first comment comes within ten minutes of this being posted and it's a slam at me for either "hating the Constitution" or "supporting those who wish to create and oligarchy".
Reader Comments ( Page 5 of 7)
61. I'm a liberal. I'm leaning toward Obama. I only heard about Ron Paul three days ago, but I'm very attracted to his message. I've been researching who this guy is because I've not heard of him in the media. I didn't watch the debates, but I've watched them since on the tube.
What I'm finding is that people, such as yourself, seem to be quite afraid of his potential power. I've read nothing but bashing him for taking a stand for what he believes and the Republicans treating him as a second class citizen because he doesn't want to play their games. I've read many articles in main stream media that don't mention him, an actual candidate, but do mention Fred Thompson and he is not even an official candidate yet.
Why are you against him running? Why are you so stuck on this two party system that we have? I say let's give everyone equal air time and let the people decide what they want. What are you afraid of, that people may actually latch on to this guy? Let the people decide for themselves. If you don't think him a threat, then why all the energy to try to turn people off to him? Answer that, please.
TJG at 7:18PM on Jun 13th 2007
62. Scott, I almost did not respond,but I jus couldn't resist. I am not hateful and I will not stoop to personal attacks. I would ask that you stick to the facts. Not every answer Dr. Paul gives contains the word Constitution. However it is the Supreme Law, and the operating instructions for our Government. One should wonder why the others make little or no mention of it. Perhaps it is because they do not feel obliged to obey it.
Yes he did mention the draft. Did he lie?
As for the Patriot Act. It does not matter how succesful it is,has been or could be, it violates our rights as Americans. It is not that it has been used against us,it is enough that it can be used against us.
It sounds as though you are in favor of violating the Law if the results are favorable to your agenda.
Your opinion on the lack of attacks here because we are there, lack any proof at all. I am curious to know the logic behind the premise that, because we are fighting in Iraq no self respecting terrorist nut job will come to America and attack us.
I suppose one could make the argument that they are content to kill our troops rather than innocent Americans. Even so, given the reports we are told about how they hate us for our freedoms it would seem to make sense that they would be working very hard to hit us here at home.
You make the claim that Ron Paul "knows" we have not been attacked because we are fighting in Iraq. Telepathy? It is an opinion at best,at worst a poor attempt to justify our military actions in Iraq and of course impossible to prove,or disprove.
Then there is the obvious logic, that any Candidate that is not one of the party line guys, should be ignored so we can focus on what the real contenders have to say, even if we know it is pure BS.
After all it is not the truth that wins elections, it is money,and telling folks what they most want to hear.
ron at 11:20PM on Jun 13th 2007
63. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070614/tc_nm/fbi_patriotact_abuses_dc
More than a 1,000 Patriot Act abuses and counting. "Less instrusive" you say, Scott. You ignorant fool. You're the charade. Wipe the egg off your face and educate yourself. Join the Ron Paul Revolution!!
Brian at 12:48PM on Jun 14th 2007
64. Your right Scott. America is in danger all the time from terrist attacks and Ron Paul just want to let them happen. We could not never be safe here if we wasnt fighting them overf there. They hate us because we are free and have money and we need stuff like the patrit act to keep them out. And if he was president he would not have hospitals or stuff anymore and he would throw the sick people and the old people and little babys out in the streets if he was president and not give them no medicine or even blankets even.
I think Ron Paul is the Devil and so the good Lord must have sent Rudey Ghuliani to smite him here in his earthly form.
But Mr Romnee has nicer hair.
RealAmerican at 3:12PM on Jun 14th 2007
65. The Patriot Act: Targeting American Citizens-
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/october2004/091004patriotact.htm
Chris at 7:00PM on Jun 14th 2007
66. These government authority a-kissers are so pathetic. Where do these dweebites who whine ridiculously with their conspiracy theory about Ron Paul supporters "voting multiple times" at polls come from? Doesn't this guy sound like a real moron attacking people who know 9/11 was an inside job. Could you see this suy showing up at a wearechange rally and mouthing off like this. Its time for street action my friends. Stop using your energy to try to convince the terminal suckers in our society. They'll get it soon enough. Go to wearechange (org) and get involved.
Paul Kyler
paulkylerjr at yahoo
Paul Kyler at 7:12PM on Jun 14th 2007
67. You're a brainwashed, neo-con, just like the rest of our pathetic, asleep at the wheel political leaders. You must watch a lot of mindless television shows to come up with the "Bushism" philosophy that our Constitution, is a bad thing. "Just a Goddamn piece of paper", as our Dictator Bush referred. Our Forefathers were trying to keep us from becoming Britain again, but we've lost our liberties to the King. Goodbye sovereignty. Goodbye freedom. Goodbye to the once great nation of the USA. Hello to the New World Order, thanks to ignorant people like you! You must be an elitist, yourself, as only those with money and power, or plain stupidity, follow your belief that our present situation is acceptable. Shame on you!
Patti at 10:22PM on Jun 14th 2007
68. Oh look, honey...another pro-lifer for war! sick!
Patti at 11:18PM on Jun 14th 2007
69. All I can say is Ron Paul 2008
AVERAGE JOE at 3:32AM on Jun 15th 2007
70. His logic on "how would we feel if China came into our country and started telling us how to run our country" is true. Too bad logic and reality aren't the same anymore. Reality tells us we are already in this mess so we have to do something to fix it. I am not a Ron Paul fan and I won't vote for him but some of his opinions I feel are valid and I know I am tired of the status quo. I'm just not willing to go as far as support him for the Presidency.
Angie Druetta at 9:15PM on Jun 15th 2007
71. Ron Paul is the real deal. His record reflects his consistent, steadfast nature regarding the rule of law. And as for his constant mention of the Constitution, may I remind you that this document is where government derives its entire authority. Period.
Furthermore, Ron Paul is able to speak intelligently on near every issue. And his view is once again consistent with the Constitution and his voting record.
It may take some getting used to, and I'm not sure if the Neo-Republicats can stomach the notion, but for once is this country's history, we have a chance to vote to office a leader of our country based on his past, not empty promises of what he is going to do. Paul is a statesman, and an honest one to boot!
Mel Furtado at 6:24PM on Jun 16th 2007
72. Dr. Ron Paul possesses integrity, consistency, and the intellectual honesty that makes him the only worthy candidate for president in 2008. It is outrageous to me that all the republican candidates, except Dr. Paul, endorsed a preemptive strike against Iran with nuclear weapons, if felt necessary. They represent an extension of the Bush-Cheney war mongering and continue to defend a colossal mistake. Furthermore they seem to want to escalate the conflict. Dr. Paul’s staunch opposition to this stance and his compelling arguments against such flawed foreign policy and his profound insight into the reasons for the proliferation of terrorism make him the ideal person to fight the ‘ War on Terror’. He is truly the defender of the constitution and a patriot and is the only individual who can reverse the downward spiral of this great nation. It is therefore not surprising that so many Americans stand behind him and will prove that we still have a democracy and power does not rest with corrupt politicians and the corporations that finance them.
Dev Vaz at 1:47AM on Jun 17th 2007
73. Scott,
God Bless you and may you come to your senses when your child is killed for world domination. Think about what we could be doing here, in our own neighborhood. We can defend America so much more efficiently, like the Swiss defend their country. Greed has a hold on our current politics which will end, one way or another, I choose the Ron Paul way and not the Msd Max way. It will take awhile, but real intelligence could prevail.
Tom Rasor at 10:07PM on Jun 17th 2007
74. This does not shocked me at all. I fully expected Ron Paul to be attacked. He is making waves in a really big ocean, and no body likes it when the boat gets rocked a little.
I say give them hell Mr. Paul. At least somebody has a pair of balls on the hill.
Ryan D. Smith at 1:00AM on Jun 18th 2007
75. Give me a break. I stopped looking at party affiliation long ago. Both parties are corrupt. I look at the individual. What he or she stands for, their voting record, and their principles. Because of your article I researched Ron Paul, and find him to be the most honest and best candidate running. You would like me to believe that partisan hacks that support neo-conservative policies that have ruined this country are whom I'm to vote for? You guys don't get it. You never will. Some people still have morals, and don't just vote the way YOU would like us too.
Republican that dumped his party at 3:11PM on Jun 18th 2007