NYT: Ron Paul for President... of the 'Wackos'? [Birchers, Israel-Haters, etc.]

Editor and Publisher.com ^ | 07/20/07 | E&P Staff

[KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle]

NEW YORK A feature piece in this coming Sunday's New York Times Magazine on Republican candidate for president, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, portrays his followers as including a wild mix of "wackos" on both ends of the political spectrum. Paul, a libertarian, has been gaining media and public attention of late.

The cover line reads: "A Genuine Radical for President." The headline inside: "The Antiwar, Anti-Abortion, Anti-Drug-Enforcement-Administration, Anti-medicare Candidacy of Dr. Ron Paul."

The article closes with the author, Christopher Caldwell, attending a Ron Paul Meetup in Pasadena. The co-host, Connie Ruffley of United Republicans of California, admits she once was a member of the radical right John Birch Society and when she asks for a show of hands "quite a few" attendees reveal that they were or are members, too. She refers to Sen. Dianne Feinstein as "Fine-Swine" and attacks Israel, pleasing some while others "walked out."

Caldwell notes that the head of the Pasadena Meetup Group, Bill Dumas, sent a desperate letter to Paul headquarters: "We're in a difficult position of working on a campaign that draws supporters from laterally opposing points of view, and we have the added bonus of attracting every wacko fringe group in the country....We absolutely must focus on Ron's message only and put aside all other agendas, which anyone can save for the next 'Star Trek' convention or whatever."

Asked about the John Birch Society Society by the author, Paul responds, "Is that BAD? I have a lot of friends in the John Birch Society. They're generally well-educated and they understand the Constitution. I don't know how many positions they would have that I don't agree with."

The writer concludes that the "antigovernment activists of the right and the antiwar activists of the left" may have "irreconciable" differences. But "their numbers -- and anger -- are of considerable magnitude. Ron Paul will not be the next president of the United States. But his candidacy gives us a good hint about the country the next president is going to have to knit back together."

Among many other things, we learn from the article that Paul had never heard of "The Daily Show" until he was a guest and referred to the magazine GQ as "GTU." It also notes that he was the only congress member to vote against the Financial Antiterrorism Act and a medal to honor Rosa Parks, among many others tallies, based on principle, not politics. He also is praised by liberal Rep. Barney Frank as "one of the easiest" members to work with because "he bases his positions on the merits of issues."

[elkfersupper]

Any of the Republicans, even McCrazy, would be better than a white flag waving, anti-American, coward like Ron Paul

That is truly hysterical, by the literal definition.

Bookmarked.

[elkfersupper]

I'll bet you were pissed when Reagan bombed Libya eh? The Islamist loved us until Reagan bombed Libya right?

Nope.

Got a great big kick out of that.

[ChicagoHebrew]

What is it with the Birch Society that has everyone up in arms?

Because they are insane conspiracy theorists. Out of curiosity, I attended a Birch conference a few years ago. It was filled with official Birch literature claiming insane things -- like arguing that the Soviet Union just "pretended" to collapse so that the US would let its guard down and be easy to conquer in a communist uprising.

[KDD]

"just keep smiling"

[Eric Blair 2084]

No more douche bags. No more turd sandwiches.

I didn't get that episode until I saw the NJ Senate race last year. Cholera or Bubonic Plague, take your pick.

[Zionist Conspirator]

The co-host, Connie Ruffley of United Republicans of California, admits she once was a member of the radical right John Birch Society and when she asks for a show of hands "quite a few" attendees reveal that they were or are members, too. She refers to Sen. Dianne Feinstein as "Fine-Swine" and attacks Israel, pleasing some while others "walked out."

Yep, sounds like a Birchite to me! And I should know . . . I used to be one!

The Birchites are Israel-hating "chr*stian reconstructionists," and they absolutely hate and detest pro-Israel Fundamentalists! They also want absolutely nothing to do with the "chr*stian right" (other than maybe dishonestly win their votes for the anti-Israel candidates they support).

Still, props to those few pro-Israel "palaeos" that have always existed: Taft, Benson, McIntire, etc.

[ChicagoHebrew]

I'm not a Paulistinian by any means. . . but it's my understanding that Paul consistently votes "no" on any foreign policy resolution (such as whether to support Israel, censor Iran, etc.) because -- as a strict constitutionalist -- he believes that foreign policy is solely the domain of the Executive Branch and that the House has no business writing or passing such resolutions. It's a principled -- and I believe correct -- opinion. In fact, most conservatives use precisely this argument when attacking the Democrats in Congress for trying to run foreign policy out of the House of Representatives.

Paul is dangerously naive on the WOT and not fit to be President. But his failure to support Israel or condemn Iran doesn't mean he's a moonbat Jew-hater or a supporter of Islamofascism.

[LightBeam]

We have a fascinating new philosophy on display here. Someone who is a known teatotaler is a “doper” because he has the wrong view on Iraq.

No, Ronsama Bin Paul is a doper because he supports legalizing dope and probably smokes it privately, too. Actions are louder than words, you might say.

Someone who was a known alcoholic and cocaine abuser is not because he is the right view on Iraq.

Key word here is "was". Our President used to live in sin, but does no longer. He's been washed by the Blood of the Lamb. He also doesn't support legalizing dope or cocaine, something that Paul would be all too happy with. Again, actions are louder than words.

Bizarre or what? Or perhaps it is simply a product of the Bush is God religion.

Bush isn't God. But God did send the President to this nation with a mission: a mission for "Such a time as this". It was God who called President Bush to office, and made him our CinC during this struggle for our very survival. Got a problem with that? Take it up with God.

[LightBeam]

At least we're being spared that strange daily thread, idolatrous in the eyes of this grandchild of Southern Baptists, that appeared to be offering up prayers to President George W. Bush, instead of for him.

Maybe if you were a Southern Baptist instead of just a "grandchild" of a few, you would be able to tell the difference between a Christian Patriot prayer for our President and a pagan prayer to a lesser deity.

[Rodney King]

No, Ronsama Bin Paul is a doper because he supports legalizing dope and probably smokes it privately, too. Actions are louder than words, you might say.

that is absurd. He is a well-known teetotaler. You

Key word here is "was". Our President used to live in sin, but does no longer.

Yes I agree, Bush should not be called an alcoholic cocaine addict. But Paul has NEVER had a drug or alcohol prolbem and you have no problem slandering him. He's been washed by the Blood of the Lamb.

I'm sure Christ approves of your slandering him.

He also doesn't support legalizing dope or cocaine, something that Paul would be all too happy with. Again, actions are louder than words.

Actions are louder than words? Yes, they are. Paul does not do drugs, W has.

Bush isn't God. But God did send the President to this nation with a mission: a mission for "Such a time as this"

heh.

. It was God who called President Bush to office, and made him our CinC during this struggle for our very survival.

Was it God who told him to say that Islam is a relgion of Peace? Was it God who told him to give $196 million to Fatah? Was it God who told him to keep the borders open so our enemies can walk right in? Is that the man God sent to protect us from Islam?

Got a problem with that? Take it up with God.

Nah, I am quite confident that God did not send this man to protect us from Islam, as I don't think God would do such a bad job picking someone.

[LightBeam]

Ron Paul is an MD and an ob/gyn. They're not known for whiffing the buds.

What about the ones who want to legalize it?

Dr. Paul is not nearly as strong an advocate for legalizing drugs as he is for decriminalizing them, in particular, imposing long prison sentences for drug users. He feels it's excessive and that it has never deterred use. He has the statistics on his side.

*sigh* Another doper defense. At the risk of turning this into a WoD thread, let me just say that in this society, we have the right of self defense. We have the right to determine what is lawful and unlawful in our communities. Rolling-paper Paul believes that people should be allowed to take any drug they want and ruin their community in the process. Look at the people who support legalization: criminals, hippies, anarchists, commies and...Ron Paul. Thats quite a crowd to be keeping company with. What does that tell you about their goals?

He has a real passion though for the legalization of industrial hemp which can be used to replace paper and plastic products, can be grown on marginal lands...it's just a shame we put a stop to it because of the fear that someone might smoke some. Of course, they'd have to smoke hundreds of pounds of an industrial hemp to get high but that doesn't matter to the feds. In addition, if farmers grew the industrial kind, the pollen spread in the air would be ruinous to the high-dollar corps grown by cannabis growers, pretty much forcing them to move their operations indoor inside sealed rooms to avoid the contamination from the bad industrial hemp pollen.

This is just rehashed (pun intended) doper defense. Take it to DU where it belongs.

Dr. Paul does favor medical cannabis for certain patients.

So do other hippie dopers.

These include glaucoma patients and also chemotherapy and AIDS patients who lose their appetites from the drugs and wither away by not eating enough. Although a pharmaceutical was introduced to try to mimic real cannabis, the patients all seem to regard it as undesirable and second-rate, even those who disapprove of cannabis use prior to their illness.

Who cares? We don't legalize crimes just because the crime might benefit some people. I feel sorry for people with glaucoma and cancer (although I could care less for AIDS patients -- thats a self-inflicted disease if there ever was one), but seriously, should we just legalize anything illegal that might improve their lives? Thats commie talk. Something that Paul is pretty good at, it seems.

Also, I object to your using our President's name as a moniker. George W. Bush is our CinC and his name should be treated with respect.

[George W. Bush]

No, Ronsama Bin Paul is a doper because he supports legalizing dope and probably smokes it privately, too. Actions are louder than words, you might say.

I think he could pass any drug test. It's very very rare for doctors to self-dope.

You realize that he could write legal script for himself, don't you? Oxycontin, etc.? So you're accusations are a little juvenile. If he wanted narcotics, he can have them any time.

Key word here is "was". Our President used to live in sin, but does no longer. He's been washed by the Blood of the Lamb. He also doesn't support legalizing dope or cocaine, something that Paul would be all too happy with. Again, actions are louder than words.

Either he is or he has deceived himself into thinking he is. Anyone may be self-deceived and merely believe they have found salvation. In any event, we cannot be his judge. Nor can you guarantee his salvation. Not even if you're the Pope.

Bush isn't God. But God did send the President to this nation with a mission: a mission for "Such a time as this". It was God who called President Bush to office, and made him our CinC during this struggle for our very survival. Got a problem with that? Take it up with God.

God can appoint rulers to lead a godly people or to discipline, sometimes harshly, a wicked people. He does this to fulfill his own predetermined eternal plan, the one pattern of His creation which is inviolable and which gives rise to the fulfillment of ancient prophecy.

You have no way to know whether God has appointed Bush to lead us and protect us or to punish us and deliver us to the hands of our enemies. Or are you some kind of inspired prophet? You haven't seen the image of Mary in the cracks of a sidewalk or the broken pavement of a poorly maintained intersection have you?

[takenoprisoner]

“Yet you claim to know libertarian views on border issues and abortion?”

I find it prudent to learn about the candidates. Ron Paul is a candidate. Much has been made of his prior association with the libertarian party. You for one lead me to research more in depth with your thrashing and bashing of RP and libertarianism. Then I find that Ronald Reagan believed conservatives and libertarians were walking the same path. This generated my interest even more.

Thanks

[LightBeam]

God can appoint rulers to lead a godly people or to discipline, sometimes harshly, a wicked people. He does this to fulfill his own predetermined eternal plan, the one pattern of His creation which is inviolable and which gives rise to the fulfillment of ancient prophecy.

This is absolutely true. I agree 100%. The disagreement comes here:

You have no way to know whether God has appointed Bush to lead us and protect us or to punish us and deliver us to the hands of our enemies.

Actually, we do. It's called God's Word. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14. Does the action there describe someone who actively humbles himself like President Bush? Who actively thanks and blesses the Lord like President Bush? I think so. Works are filthy rags, but "faith without works is dead". We've seen President Bush's works: a commitment to lead our nation back to its Christian roots, a righteous war against enemies of Christ, a strong stand against perverts and God-haters here at home. Our President is living out the promises of Exodus 19:5-6.

Naturally, no one can be completely sure who is regenerated or not, but his works are a strong indicator of what God has already done in his life. None of our President's good works would be possible without God's imputation of righteousness.

[George W. Bush]

What about the ones who want to legalize it?

Legalize? No. Decriminalize as in reduce it to things like mandatory treatment or community service or such, certainly. Ron Paul is not doctrinaire on this matter, unlike members of the Libertarian party. Feel free to check but I've never heard him advocate legalization. He is opposed to War On Drugs prison sentences for, say, a glaucoma patient or a cancer patient undergoing chemo. And he opposes such sentences even for hippies.

Rolling-paper Paul believes that people should be allowed to take any drug they want and ruin their community in the process.

As a medical doctor whose practice focuses on healthy infants, this is just your fantasy. You should be ashamed of yourself. He most certainly does not. Reviewing your paragraph and sentence structure actually reveals how your malicious intent evolved while writing that paragraph. I suggest others review it as it is quite revealing about how your mental gears grind together while you are writing and composing prose. And, despite your repetition, decriminalization is not the same as legalization. I begin to think you don't even grasp the legal issues.

This is just rehashed (pun intended) doper defense. Take it to DU where it belongs.s a big difference.

Let's see. You've been here 3 months. In August, I begin my eighth year. Most of those you're insulting and trolling on this thread have signup dates comparable to mine. Or older. Most of us have supported Ron Paul all along. I think we're not going to D.U.

Also, I object to your using our President's name as a moniker. George W. Bush is our CinC and his name should be treated with respect.

With all 90 days' worth of your white-lipped fury? My, my, my. You're not the first, you won't be the last. The choice was no accident and, although I might like to change it at times, every time some newbie whines about it, it makes it more worthwhile to keep it.

[KDD]

I call BS to your entire post.

[LightBeam]

Was it God who told him to say that Islam is a relgion of Peace? Was it God who told him to give $196 million to Fatah? Was it God who told him to keep the borders open so our enemies can walk right in? Is that the man God sent to protect us from Islam?

I'm not going to claim that GWB is infallible. Far from it. He has made some mistakes along the way, as you point out above. Theres a difference, however, between making mistakes but generally being on the right track and reveling in one's mistakes. Ron Paul blamed America for 9/11. Ron Paul wants to cut and run. Say what you will about our President's mistakes, they are NOTHING compared to the disaster that Paul would be.

[Rodney King]

Ron Paul blamed America for 9/11. Ron Paul wants to cut and run. Say what you will about our President's mistakes, they are NOTHING compared to the disaster that Paul would be.

Fine. I was taking issue with you, as a Christian, accusing a teetotaler of being a druggie, while simultaneously demanding that an ex-druggie not be called a druggie.

You can disagree with Paul without slandering him.

[Rodney King]

I'm not going to claim that GWB is infallible.

But, there are plenty of politicians who could prosecute the WOT while not calling Islam a religion of peace, leaving the borders open, and giving $196 million to fatah.

This suggest that either God is falliable, or, more likley, that God did not give us W to fight the WOT, as you claim.

[LightBeam]

Let's see. You've been here 3 months. In August, I begin my eighth year. Most of those you're insulting and trolling on this thread have signup dates comparable to mine. Or older. Most of us have supported Ron Paul all along. I think we're not going to D.U.

You know, it wouldn't even matter if I've been here 3 minutes and you've been here 800 years. There is already a forum for people who think dope should be legalized and we should cut and run from Iraq. It's called DU and Ron Paul would be quite welcome there.