You have a very sanitized view of Paul as evidenced by the fact, you aren't even addressing his views in the source article. He uses this as his front statement to the masses, but as we both know, he goes well beyond this to positioning the US and her allies as a force for evil in the world while being apologetic to our enemies. Worse, he gives our overt enemies too much power- for example, encouraging the belief that Al Qaeda attacked us simply because 'we were there', both false in application as well as it gives AQ credence in countries where they have no authority to speak. For example, Osama did mention we have US bases in Saudi Arabia (actually just one but that is semantics). Paul giving lip service to AQ's reasoning first both rejects the history of the Islamist movements but it also gives AQ a false authority as to saying who can or can't be in the region. Our base in Saudi Arabia was there at the invitation of the Saudi government and AQ had no authority in it whatsoever.
To be frank, I see little difference between stuff like this and Paul's going to Iran's state TV and denouncing us, and Hanoi Jane.
WTF? Why are we accepting Saudi provisions and stipluations in the first place? Have we no balls? Have we no resources right here at home?
There is a substantial difference, inasmuch as Ron Paul would prefer to see the USA strong and prosperous, where Hanoi Jane would see us morph into mediocrity.
It is naive to consider the attacks on Beruit Barracks, WTC I, and WTC II as anything less than blow back for specific dabblings in places where our ideals are not accepted. Folks who cry out "looney tunes" to this proposition are weak of mind. It is not that we are trading in wrong principles, but that we have been delinquent in applying them tactfully.
I may be sanitizing Ron Paul. He has his problems, as does anyone who serves publicly. If human nature is any sign of how politics go, perversions of interpretation and repetition are troubling. We should not be dealing in innuendo and implications. The gist of Ron Paul's approach is smaller government, fairness, and a mean defense. No wonder big government types squeal like pigs at any hint of his ascendancy.
Appreciate your cordial, thorough responses, and will side with you any time in the bigger scheme of things.