I think Republicans should not just laugh this off. During the whole economic collapse with the out of control spending and broken state budgets and irresponsible growth of big government under both parties a new appreciation for founding principles and basic libertarian conservatism. This doesn’t mean that most people would go along with Paul’s protectionism and blame America first attitude but they do go along with his ideas on the role of government and limited government and the truth is he stands fairly alone as the one stalwart who actually fearlessly talks about the need to cut spending and cut government programs. Republicans are still slow on the uptake. It isn’t just people want lower taxes, people are willing in poll after poll to accept and even desire less government. I know their is an entitlement class but the truth is the majority of people are ready and waiting for America to be restored. Those that dismiss Ron Paul as a nut do so to their own detriment. Paul offers something that America wants and the reason he does so well against Obama is because he is a clear contrast and the closest thing to a polar opposite as you can get. The only thing that has held Paul back is his stance on national security otherwise he offers a clear path to restoration of liberty in this nation. I wish more Republicans really believed even a tenth of what they say about smaller government. Paul clearly does and though I don’t think he will win the nomination he will continue to be a force and has did a lot to bring a new crop of young people into the party. That his ideas of liberty appeal to the young should be noted. Sarah Palin appeals in much the same way. The future will be shaped by those who boldly and without hesitation lift up their cause and cast it into a populist army be it the cause of liberty or the cause of tyranny in the guise of entitlements, taxes, and political correctness is the choice but the wavering unconvincing second guessing voices will not win the day.
We share similar views. I am now just getting curious about the strong reaction against him. I suspect it’s a Free Republic thing since no one actually supports anything they say with any facts. Echo chamber.
The second part of the statement is part and parcel of the first for Paul. It's not like extended military engagements don't require spending of taxpayer money or result in smaller government. Debt is debt regardless of whether it's spent on interminable welfare programs or interminable wars.
Good post.