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.
Look in the Yellow pages under Behavioral Health Care...
Add about 50 pounds of anti-ballistic gear whenever leaving the FOB (a few times a week for me), which is particularly wonderful in the summer. Then throw in some explosions, gunfire, blast walls and concertina wire for ambience, assorted smells and lots of dust.
It's lovely. ;-)
We're exulting now because we are through with the worst of summer and the highs are only hitting around 110.
This is my fourth summer here.
I truly need my head examined. LOL
I want Ron Paul to go home, sit down, and shut up.
Look in the Yellow pages under Behavioral Health Care...
In my community, I think it would be listed under al Qaeda Headquarters.
Look in the Yellow pages under Behavioral Health Care...
In my community, I think it would be listed under al Qaeda Headquarters.
LOL, Keep you head down girl. Things could heat up to your east.
Conveniently, the Paulinati centers can perform that head examination, walk ins welcome...
Exactly, listed under “special projects...”
I sure hope they do! :-)
The people of Iran can disagree all they want. The fact remains that, as you said, "the mullahs are calling the shots." That isn't going to change no matter how much Ahmadinejad jumps up and down and rants and raves.
Agreed.
Remember, before the Supreme Court "discovered" so-called "abortion rights" never seen before in the Constitution, MOST states prohibited abortion.
That is true. I just don't see most states going back to that if Roe v Wade were to be overturned.
Wow, it took you a couple of hours to respond...
You’re not slacking are you?
BTW, I still see you did not read the thread. Paulnuts made the bumper sticker, not me...
But facts suck, I know...
I think you might be surprised. Consider the datum of the number of states who quickly moved to revise their state laws on restricting abortion with the recent Supreme Court decision limiting some aspects. I'm sure "the usual suspects" (California and a few other "deep blue" states) wouldn't change, but they already had pro-abortion laws before the original Roe v. Wade decision.
The fact remains that my point was still valid in spite of your supercilious attempt to disparage it.
{YAWN}
Ah, but think of the long-term advantage. You can now move to the South or Southwest, and never need air conditioning. :^)
LOL - Houston, Texas is my home. I'll keep the A/C when I return stateside.
Baghdad doesn't have the humidity the US Gulf Coast does. :)
bump
It is the humidity after all..
Good to know...
lol, with 538 posts this thread needed a ‘bump’? :)
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