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 6 of 7)
76. Good you should be. Paul in 2008.
Your really scared of this guy! at 3:14PM on Jun 18th 2007
77. Oh please...Every candidate out there, except maybe that crazy guy from Alaska(gotta love the Dems debates)has supporters out there that feels strongly about 'their guy/gal' and they are vocal! Good for them! Beats these dimwits that sit around and whine and complain about everything but don't have enough respect for our system of govnm't to try and enact a change. The lack of Americans involvment has led to what we have now. The Scotts of the U.S. love low voter turnout. And when it starts getting sticky they come up with a Bloomberg to steal yet another election for a minority agenda. Scott, you do sound horribly as a political hack. Setting everyone up for the 'you don't love America/troops/babies/guns/meat/God/trucks/your opinion/so on and so forth. and no, I'm not a Ron Paul fan...I'm from New Mexico, he's from Texas...as the line goes,'ya know why we build ski resorts in New Mexico? To kill Texans. Too bad people in this nation wouldn't listen to us about Texans.
Bill
Iriebill at 10:47PM on Jun 20th 2007
78. Dear Scott..Hillary and Rudy don't need an e-mail list....the media gives them all the attention they want....The media still calls Ron Paul a second tier candidate and treats the undeclared candidates as if they were candidates...I hope we could go back to the paper ballot....try reading the Consttution!
Sheila at 9:40AM on Jun 25th 2007
79. Scott..The internet is the only way we can hear about Ron Paul. The media still calls him a second tier candidate while calling the undeclared candidates candidates....go figure...
Sheila at 9:53AM on Jun 25th 2007
80. Scott, you are completely feeble minded. Surely one who is well informed of the political agendas of most blood-sucking republicans will agree that now is the time for new policy. There is no need to polarize the issue of Ron Paul. It's not "us" vs. "them." It's simply a matter of changing the current state of America. There needs to be an awakening of sorts amongst Americans to realize that change is the only possible chance we've got.
Lauren at 11:53AM on Jun 27th 2007
81. Scott, Only those capable of independent thought will effect any real change. People like you find safety in numbers and only respond to repetition. You hear the lie enough times, you believe it. You speak out only to demonstrate your loyalty to the herd. It is apparent that many people are so afraid of separation from the herd that they would sooner take up arms and risk their lives for their corporate masters, than think for themselves. Hopefully truth is more powerful than lies so it won't need as many repetitions.
Kerry Shacklett at 12:03PM on Jun 27th 2007
82. Respondent (Ken) summed it up perfectly. Perhaps the reason Ron Paul has such a loyal following is that a small # of people who are informed about the truth understand his message. Fine, you don't like Mr. Paul. What other options do you have? Hillary? (Let's not even go there) Giuliani? Edwards? Obama? Everyone else is the same lie from a different source. People don't understand how truly bad the situation in America has become. Ron Paul is our best hope.
RJ at 12:28PM on Jun 27th 2007
83. Scott--I think you are full of shit. I like to keep things simple for people like you.----Ron
ronald bacon at 3:16PM on Jun 27th 2007
84. I just can't believe that anyone would believe what Scott wrote. I do support Ron Paul, even if I do not agree with all of his policies: I have a personal issues with his view on immigration. But he lives in Texas and I'm from NY, so I love immigration. I do though agree with his stand on the CIVIL WAR in Iraq and the ignorance of american neo-cons(read some books on american policy and see why vietnam failed and so will Iraq and Afghanistan(gullivers travel by stanley hoffman). The current administration has manipulated our constitution for their own purposes. Such as the patriot act( the national ID card?- where are your papers please?)And the corrupton of our own geneva war crime policies(any one for water torture). And just so you know- the draft bill is still on the table- the army and marines are at an all time low in recruitments- I smell a draft in the air. And if you think clinton or obama are going to protect you- read her book it takes a village or obama's essay on america's next foriegn policy in the july/august issue of foriegn affairs. You'll see the truth and nothing but the truth. But you must read and educate yourself to gain true knowledge of our politicians and their intentions. There is only one person who can make a difference and that is the american voter. We have a chance to end corruption, to end illegal wiretapping( which still has not proven any "true plots" against americans- sorry but 6 guys taking out Fort Dix doesn't count- let's be serious here gang- that was nothing but a propoganda stunt), and to give us back our rights as americans to live free, prosper and protect our property- even if it is from our own government. Lets change our lives, lets change the opinions about americans, let's make our country the proud and respectable country it once was and could be some day. Think about your future( do you really want to live like israel in fear everyday because they have incited so much hatered from the arab world). GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!
dotiM at 3:26PM on Jun 27th 2007
85. It's funny how scared the old folks get when someone who speaks the truth huh? Dont insult this Marine Scott. I have seen Bagdad in person, have you? I've seen f-policy in person, have you? I didnt spam any email polls, but I'm voting for NO BS Paul. Why is he glad we are busy on the net looking up Paul? Maybe because the people voting for other republicans are too old to use the net or possibly too redneck stupid to. Semper Fi.
shawn at 8:30PM on Jun 29th 2007
86. Scott, I am so sad that our country has slipped to such depths. When a man of such integrity has to be so demonized. I have never voted in a so called poll, and I support Dr. Ron Paul. You and the establishment are so afraid of this PATRIOT that you will say anything to and about him. Well let me tell you something, I and millions af Americans are sick and tired of what is going on with our so called elected officials.And this is Our way of peacably STOPPING it! SOON!
Marion at 12:53PM on Jul 1st 2007
87. It is a shame that so many Americans think only a recognised name can run this country. I am for Ron Paul because he has a fresh message of truth to tell and because I have read his voting record.
Linda at 2:11PM on Jul 1st 2007
88. Ron Paul is the ONLY honest candidate out of all of the Democrats and Republicans. Seems like this country is so used to being lied to that most don't know how to react to honesty in politics.
Dr. Paul refers to the Contstitution repeatedly, and every President since the first Bush has strayed away from the Constitution that they swoar to protect. Might I add it's getting worse EVERY PRESIDENT...Bush...blah...Clinton...bigger blah...Dubya (should be impeached)
Say what you want about Ron Paul but I say it's about time. He's got my vote.
Sean at 4:44AM on Jul 2nd 2007
89. I love Ron Paul....Romney uses spray on tan :) thats funny
Pikey at 9:02PM on Jul 6th 2007
90. Ron Paul is my only friend :)
Pikey at 9:05PM on Jul 6th 2007