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Ping-a-ling. Onward and upward.
Posted on 08/11/2007 2:24:40 PM PDT by Jim W N
If there is one man who elicits a strong response across the gamut of GOP constituencies, it is Texas Republican congressman and presidential candidate Dr. Ron Paul. Because he is a genuine libertarian, Paul has been a gadfly to liberals and conservatives alike since his first election in Texas to the U.S. House in 1976...and deserves attention.
Contrary to Congress’ dreams of ever-increasing power, Dr. Paul’s congressional career is laced with legislation that seeks to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. During his first stint in the House (1976-1984), Paul served on the House Banking Committee, where he was an outspoken critic of the Federal Reserve policies of the era. From that time forward he has sponsored bills and voted to reduce and eliminate federal taxes, as well as federal spending and regulation.
Paul has never voted to raise taxes, never voted for an unbalanced budget, never voted to raise congressional pay, never voted for gun-ownership restrictions, and has voted against regulating the Internet. He is consistently pro family and pro life. In his own words, Paul “never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution.”
The key is the difference between the meanings of “libertarian” and “conservative.” As for Ron Paul’s status among Reagan Republicans, this is the only question that matters.
When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, conservatives and libertarians have often divergent and incompatible perspectives on the Constitution. For the libertarian, the government that governs best is the one that governs least. For the conservative (and by “conservative” I always mean “constitutional conservative”), the government that governs best is not necessarily the one that governs least, but the one that governs according to the letter of the Constitution.
(Excerpt) Read more at patriotpost.us ...
A side note (maybe worthy of another discussion, but because of its relevance, I'm including it here) about the Constitution and liberties. (I believe in political constitutional conservatism and an economic libertarianism.)
Federalism, then, is the hallmark of constitutionally limited government in our system. Under such a system, the federal government should actually be strong where it has a constitutional mandate to govern (contra libertarianism).
Within the framework of the Constitution and rule by law, however, there is great leeway as far as how strong the federal government can or should be. I don’t think the federal government should be so strong when it comes to direct taxation, for instance. We probably need a constitutional amendment to force either a flat income tax (should be 10%) or preferably, repeal the 16th Amendment to allow only a (10%?) sales tax and no income tax.
Although I think the Preamble points out the purpose of the Constitution in the general direction of liberty and protection…
• a more perfect union, • establish justice, • insure domestic tranquility, • provide for the common defense, • promote the general welfare, and • secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity
…I think it’s regrettable that a stronger statement hadn’t been included along the lines of the Declaration of Independence that clearly states that the source of our inalienable rights is God, the Creator, and we the people were delegating cetin powers to the government
• Life • Liberty • Pursuit of Happiness
Another distinction between the liberals and conservatives is I think liberals, being generally atheistic, at least politically, think man gives rights to people, whereas constitutional conservatives should know that God, not man, gives us our rights to life, liberty and pursuits.
After the event we went to a brew pub where RP showed up and we got pics..I'll post them when I get them...Thing is I had a chance to speak woth his campaign manager at some length... He struck me as someone in need of mental help, and I'm saying this as kindly as I can.
He avoided my questions...avoided eye contact, was always moving as we spoke and was CONSTANTLY rubbing his face.
I LIke RP but that encounter has pretty much turned me against him.
prisoner6
Pro-Choice NARAL gave Ron Paul a 65% voting score in 2006 and a 75% score in 2006. All other Republican candidates who held congressional office scored a 0% both years.
This is a good analysis.
Are you sure it wasn't Bill C you were talking too.
Conspiracy theorist for President! Vote Ron Paul.
Nice find, thanks for posting...
why is that?
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Actually the only “conspiracy theory” that I have seen this evening is Fox News not listing Ron Paul’s 9% showing in the Iowa Straw poll.
Senile kooks should not run for the presidency
With what conspiracy theory does he agree?
That's interesting. I just read this entry at Hit & Run, which says, "Back in my hotel working on my story, I catch the Fox News hourly update which lists the candidates in this order, by vote total: Romney, Huckabee, Brownback, Thompson, Giuliani, McCain."
Isn't that statement a LITTLE at odds with the losertarian religion????
Some pro-lifer Paul turns out to be.
Ron Paul is NOT a Republican.
In his own words, Paul “never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution.”
HOWEVER - Ron Paul WILL propose legislation for Texas Wild Shrimp - which are NOT “expressly” in the Constitution.
He will propose the earmarks, then he will vote against the earmarks just so he can make statements like that above. Bottom line however is that the earmarks he proposes pass and he therefore has a part in something he claims is not Constitutional.
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