Presidential Candidate Ron Paul
Former Rep. Congressman from Texas and A True Libertarian
May 4, 2007
Former U.S. Representative Ron Paul (Rep. 14th District of Texas) has become the darling of libertarians, anti-war activists and Constitutional conservatives. His debate performance at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California telecast by MSNBC on May 3rd created quite a stir among fellow Presidential hopefuls, the news commentators and those watching this one-of-a-kind outspoken gentlemanly statesman.
Not only was this thin, gray-haired former Congressman fearless in his convictions, he was an early leader in MSNBC's "Rate the Debate" poll, winning 39% of the initial on-line votes for best Presidential candidate's performance. When the moderator asked Dr. Paul why he was so contrary on the war in Iraq in comparison to the other Republican candidates on the panel, Dr. Paul replied, "Why are 70 percent of the people now wanting us out of there, and why did the Republicans do so poorly last year? So I would suggest that we should look at foreign policy. I am suggesting very strongly that we should have a foreign policy of non-intervention." (MSNBC, May 3, 2007).
The irrepressible candidate with the bushy eyebrows, humble look and pleasant yet passionate voice comes across as intelligent and historically knowledgeable with a slight tendency toward colorful ties. When he speaks, people take notice and it is apparent he made his fellow debaters appear uncomfortable and for good reason. Paul was being truthful and direct, unwavering in his belief that he represents the true Republican-party founders' representation of what America wants and needs.
Born in Pennsylvania, Dr. Paul graduated from Duke University's School of Medicine. He went on to serve as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force between 1963 and 1968. As a result of this experience in the Vietnam War, Dr. Paul is a staunch advocate of getting the troops out of Iraq. He wrote a rather controversial article entitled, "We Just Marched In (So We Can Just March Out)" for a popular anti-war website. (http://antiwar.com/paul/)
His medical practice in obstetrics and gynecology brought his family to Texas. As a result of delivering hundreds of babies, he is conservatively pro-life. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives until voluntarily leaving in 1984, but returned to Congress in 1997. At that time he was part of the House Financial Oversight and Investigations Committees. He is a nondenominational Protestant.
During his appearance with comedian Bill Maher, he tells us that yes, he is a "true libertarian." (HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher" 3/30/07). People often remark that Ron Paul is one congressman who "sticks to principles" and his principles are limited Constitutional government, lower taxes, free markets and individual rights and liberties. His books include "Challenge to Liberty, the case for Gold" and "A Republic, If You Can Keep It." Illegal immigration will be one of the focus points during his upcoming debates and he has even written a spirited article entitled "Immigration and The Welfare State" dated August 9, 2005, which advocates eliminating welfare for illegal immigrants and securing our borders.
During his recent appearance with Bill Hemmer on Fox News, he explained that he wanted to run for U.S. President because, "I have this dream I'd like to save the Constitution and restore the Republic." (Fox News, 3/21/07) It is comments like these that have endeared him to those who stand on the outer margins and why he has been endorsed by "Citizens Against Government Waste" and the "Young Americans for Freedom." He also appears to have credibility among the major news agencies which helps to give him greater exposure despite the field, thus far, of 10 Presidential hopefuls.
Issues surrounding governmental regulations to prevent racism appear to be among some of Ron Paul's most controversial opinions. His article about the recent Don Imus firing after a racist remark on the air is entitled "The Government and Racism." In it Dr. Ron Paul tells us: "Let’s be perfectly clear, the federal government has no business regulating speech in any way. Furthermore, government as an institution is particularly ill-suited to combating bigotry in our society. Bigotry at its essence is a sin of the heart, and we can’t change people’s hearts by passing more laws and regulations."
He also does not approve of the CIA: "We can do without the CIA murdering leaders in other countries." However, he does feel there is room for intelligence gathering, "I just don't like secret activities where they go about getting rid of people..." Paul says. (HBO, Bill Maher, 3/30/07).
Political pundits predict that McCain and Romney are the odds on favorites among the Republican candidates, but the power of the press and the voting public cannot be taken lightly. Conservative, anti-war libertarians tired of the Republican status quo may yet find a place for Dr. Paul.
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