Posted on 05/20/2007 5:02:49 PM PDT by Rodney King
Don't Shut Up Paul The stupid GOP effort to silence one of its candidates. By John Dickerson Posted Friday, May 18, 2007, at 5:09 PM ET
Some Republicans are angry at Ron Paul, the libertarian presidential candidate, for his forthright stance at the Republican debate earlier this week. When George W. Bush repeatedly asserts unpopular opinions in the face of withering criticism, it's seen as a sign of strength and resolve. But when Paul asserted unpopular opinions in a debate, his remarks became the grounds for derision and threats. Paul suggested that the United States' actions in the Middle East—and in Iraq in particular—might have motivated Bin Laden and the 9/11 attackers. Rudy Giuliani immediately jumped on Paul, demanding that he withdraw the comment. Now one GOP official is circulating a petition within the party to remove Paul from future debates. This is silly. Here's why:
1) Paul's argument is actually a GOP talking point: (excerpted)
2) The GOP is not supposed to be the party for sniveling ninnies: (excerpted)
3) It's a retreat into the bubble: (excerpted)
4) It's giving away the high ground: (excerpted)
(Excerpt) Read more at slate.com ...
Ron Paul Revolution bump.
A Ron Paul love-fest from Slate magazine and Al Franken’s favorite guest on Air America.
One Michigan congressman is hardly what I would call “The GOP”.
True. If Paul is so out of touch, why not leave him in to make the other party candidates look better? If the GOP doesn’t allow honest debate within its own “debates”, then essentially I am being asked to vote for a party rather than a leader in electing a President.
Unfortunately, no matter how much I despise the Democratic Party, the Republican Party hasn’t exactly distinguished itself either. Case in point is the dreadful way the Republicans handled their 12 years of Congressional control.
Let Paul speak, and let me (as a GOP registered voter) make up my own mind.
Ron Who???
This “CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN” would not have any problem at all with Ron Paul, were Ron Paul to exercise the intellectual honesty and courage to run for office as what he really is.....a LIBERTARIAN.
Since Ron Paul lacks the courage of his convictions to do so, he will never garner my respect, or my vote.
LET’S ROLL, FRED!!!!
Nobody is scared of Ron Paul.
His biggest supporters seem to be Andrew Sullivan, Pat Buchanan, 9/11 “truthers” and anti-war DUmmies.
But, I agree. Don’t shut him up. Banning him from the debates would be disgusting and censorship.
Well...Ron Paul certainly motivated Rudy Giuliani to lash out like that, providing Rudy's sinking campaign with the only boost it has had in weeks (whether you think his outburst should warrant a boost or not). I think it is fair to hold Ron Paul largely responsible for all the calls to have himself removed from the debates and the Republican race for the nomination. He should have considered the implications of his actions.
There is a certain logic to that which I can respect. There is, however, a few practical problem with that:
1. It is unilateral disarmement. That is, liberals will still run as Republicans, and socialists will still run as democrats. (Actually, some socialists run as republicans, too).
That being said, I would like to see a parliamentary system whereby everyone would vote for the candidate and party they actually preferred, without handing the government over to the enemy because GOP/Conservative/Constitution/(and probably libertarian) would form a coalition government.
Ron Paul will be eliminated from contention as his poll numbers remain at 2%, and subsequent debates don’t invite him.
I don’t fear Ron Paul. I disagree with many things he’ said, and the stances he has on issues.
Sadly, his followers (which I call “Paulies”) seem to have something extra in their Kool-aid. Those people are the ones that worry me.
Ron's turning at about 1 RPC (revolution per century).
Have a bumper sticker.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
True, but I have no doubt you are aware of the wide ranging calls in the GOP establishment to have him removed from the debates.
I haven’t seen them.
Ron Paul had his info wrong. Go back and see what Bin Ladin said was his reason. If you can’t get your history right,Ron, sit down.
Maybe the fear comes from understanding that Ron Paul can actually earn the support of a large segment of the voting population on both sides of the “divide and conquer” line.
A solid 25% to 30% of the voters will vote the “I am unable to think for myself” party line....another 30+% are idealogical independents, (you remember the ones who did not vote for republicans in ‘06)and they might be described as being fed up with the out of control spending, lies, waste, earmarks and corruption that has dominated both parties for the last 2 decades.
They just might support a candidate who wants smaller more accountable and honest government at a drastically reduced price..........................
They just might support Ron Paul.....................
and that terrifies the republicans.
The first rule of Presidental Debates is the avoidance of debatable issues.
And your evidence is an article from Slate?
What’s next? The Nation? Oops, a “paulbearer” article was already posted from there.
Ping me when you post from Mother Jones.
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