Posted on 02/11/2024 2:38:11 PM PST by RandFan
EXCLUSIVE — “Should the American government spend taxpayer dollars to ensure the safety of Ukrainians while neglecting the safety of Americans?”
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) posed this question during an exclusive interview last week. The same day, Paul and his Senate colleagues debated about funding aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel. Paul’s question is at the core of the argument against continuing to give money to foreign countries. America is $30 trillion in debt. Is it fair for the American taxpayer to borrow money against our children’s futures solely to protect the borders of European countries while neglecting our own?
By a vote of 67-32, the Senate voted on February 8 to begin debate on a $95 billion aid package to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. This action, however, eliminated any consideration of voting on a bill about border security. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) shut down discussion on the proposed border bill to push through the bill giving money to Ukraine.
However, Sen. Paul is an astute, savvy legislator and fierce defender of how the country spends taxpayer money. It is a role he takes very seriously, unlike seemingly everyone else in the nation’s capital. He is committed to utilizing Senate rules that permit appropriate debate and consideration of the bill. It is something Congress should have been doing all along.
“I expect to be very unpopular around here during the next few days,” Paul told me on Thursday. “I don’t see any reason to pay for the security of other nations’ borders while ours is so insecure. So I will do what I can to have the Senate follow the rules allowed for debate and the passage of this legislation.”
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonexaminer.com ...
Click Excerpt for more
I remember libertarians were for open borders.
“ Libertarians do not support classifying undocumented immigrants as criminals. Our current immigration system is an embarrassment. People who would like to follow the legal procedures are unable to because these procedures are so complex and expensive and lengthy. If Americans want immigrants to enter through legal channels, we need to make those channels fair, reasonable, and accessible.”
https://www.lp.org/issues/immigration/
Trump defends America’s borders, and he is part of an international NATO team defending the West’s interests against the Russia/Iran/Hamas alliance terror-machine and China’s imperialism.
Trump will continue to defend Ukraine as he spectacularly did when he was president.
Here are 40 points the Trump Administration did in support for Ukraine and to resist Russia’s agressions against America’s interests:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
It’s all official and verified, the TRUMP administration did this:
Arming Ukraine: The U.S. provided lethal military aid, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, to support Ukraine in countering Russian-backed separatists.
Rejection of Russia’s Annexation of Crimea: Trump’s administration consistently rejected Russia’s annexation of Crimea and supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Support for European Allies: The Trump administration reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Eastern European countries against potential Russian aggression.
Withdrawal from INF Treaty: The U.S. under Trump officially withdrew from the INF Treaty, citing Russia’s violations.
Imposition of Sanctions: The Trump administration imposed several rounds of sanctions on Russia for actions like election interference, annexation of Crimea, and human rights abuses.
Expulsion of Russian Diplomats: In response to the Skripal poisoning in the UK, the U.S. expelled 60 Russian diplomats and closed the Russian consulate in Seattle.
Increased NATO Military Spending: Trump pressured NATO allies to increase defense spending to enhance the alliance’s capabilities against potential Russian aggression.
Condemnation of Nord Stream 2: Trump criticized the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project between Russia and Germany, expressing concerns over energy dependence and geopolitical leverage.
Accusations of Russian Cyberattacks: Trump’s administration publicly accused Russia of cyberattacks, including election interference and targeting critical infrastructure.
Suspension of INF Treaty Compliance: Before formally withdrawing from the INF Treaty, the U.S. suspended obligations under the treaty in response to Russia’s alleged violations.
Support for the Three Seas Initiative: The Trump administration expressed support for the Three Seas Initiative, promoting cooperation among Central and Eastern European countries to reduce dependence on Russian energy.
Presence in the Black Sea: The U.S. increased its naval presence in the Black Sea region to support allies and counter potential Russian aggression.
Magnitsky Act Enforcement: The Trump administration continued to enforce the Magnitsky Act, imposing sanctions on Russian officials accused of human rights abuses and corruption.
Expansion of U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas Exports: Trump aimed to increase U.S. LNG exports to Europe to decrease European reliance on Russian gas.
Sanctions on Russian Oligarchs: The U.S. imposed sanctions on Russian oligarchs with close ties to the Kremlin.
Support for Georgia and Moldova: The Trump administration reaffirmed support for Georgia and Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
U.S. Cyber Command Actions: The U.S. Cyber Command took actions to disrupt Russian cyber operations.
Energy Diplomacy in Eastern Europe: Trump pursued energy diplomacy to promote energy diversification in Eastern Europe, reducing reliance on Russian gas.
U.S. Troop Deployment to Poland: The U.S. announced the deployment of 1,000 troops to Poland to counter Russian aggression.
Opposition to Russia’s Syria Policy: The U.S. opposed Russia’s military intervention in Syria and supported the opposition to President Bashar al-Assad.
Russian Private Military Companies Sanctions: The U.S. imposed sanctions on Russian private military companies, including Wagner Group.
Support for Belarusian Democracy: The Trump administration supported pro-democracy efforts in Belarus following disputed elections and protests.
Sanctions on Russian Banks: The U.S. imposed sanctions on Russian banks, including Sberbank and VTB Bank, for their roles in supporting Russian actions.
Export Controls on Technology: The U.S. tightened export controls on certain technology items to prevent their use in Russia’s military and intelligence activities.
Increased Military Aid to Eastern European Allies: The U.S. increased military aid and training to Eastern European countries, enhancing their defense capabilities.
Opposition to Russia’s Annexation of South Ossetia: The Trump administration opposed Russia’s recognition of South Ossetia’s independence from Georgia.
Support for Montenegro’s NATO Membership: The Trump administration supported Montenegro’s accession to NATO, despite Russian opposition.
Criticism of Russia’s Nuclear Weapons Development: Trump criticized Russia’s development of new nuclear weapons and delivery systems.
Support for Ukraine’s Reforms: The U.S. supported Ukraine’s reform efforts and anti-corruption measures.
Expanding the Black Sea Maritime Security Initiative: The U.S. expanded the initiative to enhance security cooperation among Black Sea countries.
Opposition to Russia’s Actions in Venezuela: The U.S. opposed Russia’s support for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during the political crisis.
U.S. Embassy Move in Israel: While not directly related to Russia, Trump’s decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem drew criticism from Russia and other countries.
Strengthening U.S. Cyber Defenses: The Trump administration worked to improve U.S. cybersecurity to counter potential Russian cyber threats.
U.S. Support for International Organizations: The U.S. supported international organizations that took actions against Russia, such as the UN and OPCW.
Criticism of Russia’s Intervention in Ukraine’s Presidential Elections: The U.S. condemned Russia’s interference in Ukraine’s elections.
Sanctions on Russian Intelligence Officers: The U.S. imposed sanctions on Russian intelligence officers involved in cyberattacks.
Refusal to Recognize Abkhazia’s Independence: The Trump administration did not recognize Abkhazia as an independent state, aligning with Georgia’s position.
Support for Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue: The U.S. supported the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, which Russia opposed due to its close ties with Serbia.
Support for Eastern Partnership Countries: The Trump administration supported the Eastern Partnership countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian pressure.
What a novel concept. Protect out borders instead of everyone else’s.
This guy says the craziest things.
Our government protecting our border!
What’s this guy thinking?
Next he’ll say something totally absurd like how masks didn’t work, or that shutting everything down because of Covid was bad idea.
PS, some sarcasm was included early on.
Ron and Rand Paul I have learned to appreciate over time. Most of the time, it turns out, that they were right all along, even if their position went against the tide.
I don’t understand the Republican Senate....Sign HR2...bring a couple Dems with you.
THANK YOU !!!!
I would feel MAGA was safe hands if Rand Paul were Trump’s VP. Behind Trump, he’s my next pick for the presidency.
How dare him!
Not a lot of Rand love, here.
I view him as the only American in the US Senate.
NATO is DEAD, or worse it’s a puppet organization of corrupt Belgians and Democrats.
America’s alphabet agencies are a menace.
Good post.
I have been to Point Roberts.
A unique place that exists only because once upon a time we were willing to fight for our border.
Fixing the southern border problem doesn’t require one single additional dollar. This meme of R.Paul’s is an utter fallacy.
It does require enforcing existing law, which the O’Biden administration purposefully refuses to do. What is RP doing about that?
NO, it is not in interest of future generations of Americans. But it is in interest of current crop of politicians.
Enforcing laws requires effort. Effective walls reduce that effort. Biden has made new doors in the walls Trump built to make it easier for illegals to cross the border.
Do us a favor and STFU. Must you post this BS on every thread.
NATO is now thriving!
Finald recently joined, Sweden is joining as well within a couple of months.
And contrary to what has been falsely said, all 31 NATO countries are paying their dues and obligations to America, in FULL. Thus America is NOT missing any payments for its expenses. Period.
Some Nato countries aren’t yet attaining 2% of their GDP when it comes to their OWN defense spending... but that’s another story. 11 NATO countries are beyond 2%, and many others are now very close to the 2% threshold.
So NATO is truly being revitalized, it’s wonderful to see.
We can thank the useful idiot Putin for this.
The massive strengthening of NATO is a “Putin collateral win” for NATO.
Do us a favor and STFU. Must you post this BS...”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Ohh.... prove me I’m wrong on a single point then.
Can you? No you can’t. Because all those 40 points have been verified, accepted as facts by everyone, and they were indeed the Trump administration’s official policies.
Since you are opposinging Trump’s pro-ukraine and anti- russia policies he put in place during his presidency, I suggest you go vote for Democrats instead.
And, apparently for Democrats and America’s bureaucracies - maybe Belgians, too!
Your evil Putin was selling natural gas to a hungry Europe that wanted energy. If you believed that the free market worked at all, you would have wanted to find a way to make that bring peace.
You sound like you simply want a scared world and full NATO coffers.
I don’t expect France to live long enough to see how this plays out, and that’s probably a plus.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.