From the other side of the Atlantic and in the northern outskirts of Europe - thus, I am relying on the news, not on personal experience - I find it difficult to feel respect for Rand Paul.
My mother was member of the Swedish Parliament for 20 years, representing the Swedish conservative party (”Moderaterna”). In many ways she was a minority of one; a conservative free-marketeer, a small “l” libertarian, admirer of Mises and Hayek. In a party where a pro-EU stance was almost a religion she took a staunch anti-EU position.
She was a contrarian, and known to be able to stand up for her positions, but she knew when to object and when to acquiesce. In that way she was able to actually get things done. Not only did she become one of the parents of the new Swedish national pension system, she was also able to help to keep Sweden out of the EU common currency, the euro.
But if you only protest and protest, it is very unlikely you will get anything through. What has Rand Paul actually succeeded in doing?
Nothing other than grandstanding, and voting with the RATS...nothing. None of the Bills he has introduced since he's been in the Senate these past 14 years has ever become law.