Because ours is a just and fair society, I occasionally find myself spurred by the impulse to help "mainstream" the little flatscans, to whatever extent such an (admittedly unlikely) occurrence might conceivably be possible.
;)
Posted on 09/12/2007 7:21:50 AM PDT by presidio9
Amid a lineup of what ought to be called "big government conservatives," Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul stands out like the Lonesome End on Army's 1950s football teams.
Asked his policy on U.S. troops fighting in Iraq, the Texas congressman, now serving his 10th term, replies: "I would get them home as soon as possible."
And U.S. troops in Europe?
"I would get them home," Paul said in an interview Tuesday. "Having them stationed abroad doesn't serve our national interest, and that goes for forces in Japan and Korea.
"We should only send U.S. forces abroad when our security is directly threatened. Right now, nobody threatens our national security."
Such sentiments make Paul the odd man out in GOP debates. Other candidates have been seen smirking as he speaks.
Although described as a libertarian, the physician-politician is a throwback on stands that used to define "conservative" in America -- defense of individual liberties, a minimalist federal government and freedom from foreign entanglements.
"I call it a non-interventionist, constitutional foreign policy," he said Tuesday. "We should have a strong national defense. But we should stay out of other countries' internal affairs. Our role is not nation building, and not to be world policeman."
In Paul's view, the U.S. invasion of Iraq worked to encourage al-Qaida. "The motivation by suicide terrorists is that we have invaded territory that is not ours," he argued.
Paul will spend a hectic Friday in Seattle this week.
The events on his schedule range from a public lecture on the U.S. Constitution, set for 1:30 p.m. Friday at Seattle University's Campion Tower Ballroom, to a $2,000 private briefing scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the College Club. Then a $1,000-per-person reception at the Westin reception will be followed by a 7:30 p.m. rally in the Grand Ballroom.
If you missed the movie "Twister," the Republicans' 2008 field offers lots of blustery, changing winds. Mitt Romney has reversed past stands on abortion and gay rights. Fred Thompson is trying to explain how he gave legal advice to a pro-choice feminist group. The thrice-married Rudy Giuliani is seeking to court the religious right.
Paul is not a man for campaign conversions -- even on a week that takes him to three liberal West Coast cities.
"My message is exactly the same wherever I go," he said. "If it is a liberal city where I am speaking, I try to teach them the virtue of economic liberties. If it is a conservative religious town, I try to stress why individual liberties are important."
Paul was a lonely Republican vote against passage and reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act. He feels the landmark post-9/11 law violated the Fourth Amendment, which provides Americans with guarantees against unreasonable search and seizure of their property.
If elected, said Paul, "I would do everything I can to repeal it. ... We do not need to spy on the American people to provide for our national security."
Born in Pennsylvania, Paul served in the Air Force as a flight surgeon, and moved to Texas to practice obstetrics and gynecology near Houston. He was drawn to politics when President Nixon severed the connection between the dollar and gold in 1971.
He would radically downsize the federal government. "I don't think there is any need for the Department of Education, the Department of Energy or particularly the monstrous Department of Homeland Security," he said Tuesday.
Asked what role he sees for the federal government in education, Paul replied: "None. Nothing in the Constitution provides for a federal role."
Paul would seek to divest the federal government of its vast landholdings in the West. "I would always move in the direction of moving those lands to the states, except in special circumstances such as national parks."
The Paul campaign has taken in about $3 million as of midyear, a fraction of money raised by the Romney ($43.5 million) and Giuliani ($35.4 million) juggernauts. In the West, Paul registers among donation leaders only in Montana and Wyoming.
Yet, the physician-politician has become a hit on the Internet. He is the candidate of voters, left and right, who would otherwise fill in "None of the Above" on pollsters' questionnaires.
Paul relishes being apart from the field, especially in talking about two favorite subjects -- Iraq and individual liberties. Of Democrats, he said: "They were elected to do something last fall, and they've done nothing. They've identified themselves as the party of civil liberties, and done nothing."
Nor does Paul have any sympathy for Republican "conservatives" who stress economic liberty but see nothing wrong with a government that pushes around its citizens. "You cannot have a Supreme Court that protects economic liberties and not individual liberties," he said.
On assisted suicide, talking as a physician, Paul said: "Taking someone's life is not something I want to get involved in." Yet, he describes legalization as "a state issue."
"I don't support abortion, but I don't want to pass any federal law to regulate it," he added.
In Texas, it is possible to run simultaneously for Congress and president. Paul intends to file for re-election to his House seat.
Has he seen any other Republican candidate he could support for the White House? "So far, nobody," he replied.
Yeah, silly me, I went to bed. See I have a real job so I don’t have the luxury of staying up late that would be afforded me as a late shift Starbucks employee...
I do see that Kent supplied you with the link though.
Ah truth supported by fact, sweet the smell...
Adorable aren’t they?
No, but I bet I am on theirs.
Me: “I’d like a double espresso please”
NP: “Yes sir, would you like a large or a small...”
I'm in Rochelle.
"Paulbearers" for the rank and file and my new "Paulinati" for those special folks who are sooo much wiser than we mere mortals on global affairs and the Constitution...
Because ours is a just and fair society, I occasionally find myself spurred by the impulse to help "mainstream" the little flatscans, to whatever extent such an (admittedly unlikely) occurrence might conceivably be possible.
;)
I appreciate the offer and will consider it open if we ever get down to your area. And our offer to all you folks is open at any time.
Take care,
bcsco [Jim]
Now I see the problem.
You read at a sub-third grade level and did not know what I meant by "intent" or "Framers."
Most Americans know that the Framers are not alive at the current moment, but have been dead for 175 years or more.
Many Americans know that the original supporters and ratifiers of the Constitution argued from intent, while the original enemies of the Constitution and the opponents of its ratification argued from a dead letter analysis.
No post is worth his time if he does not agree with it. He said the same thing to another poster. Thing is he always takes the time to tell you that your post is not worth his time. A very confused fellow. But then anyone who would support a white flag waving anti-American has to be confused.
One?
There are: Ron Paul, Barack Obama, Dennis Kucinich, Mike Gravel and John Edwards in the race. There are Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Dick Durbin and your other buddies in the Congress and your good friends Cindy Sheehan and Michael Moore on the TV.
They all support that f****t cut-and-run stuff you're selling, and they all peddle that same pretend "I care about the Constitution" you're on about.
Well, I didn't take the oath, but I am embedded with those who did. I'm one of those civilian creatures.
I am particularly despised by the Code Pinkest of the Paulbearers and Paulinati because I am associated with that which they abhor, and I do it willingly and voluntarily. :)
We appreciate your service!!! ;)
You hold a place of honor among us "retards"
That was a pronouncement from a member of the PAULINATI!
Aw, shucks. {blush!} It is an honor to be working with such fine people on this mission, actually. It certainly overrides the slightly less-than-Club-Med working and living conditions. LOL
We're just doing the job Code Pinkos and MoveOn scum won't do. :)
ALL HAIL THE PAULINATI!!
At least there is sand...
And more sand...
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