[freeeee]

"By the end of the 20th century, majority opinion had become the determining factor in all that government does. The rule of law was cast aside, leaving the Constitution a shell of what it once was..."

"Today the concepts of rights and property ownership are completely arbitrary. Congress, the courts, presidents and bureaucrats arbitrarily "legislate" on a daily basis, seeking only the endorsement of the majority. Although the republic was designed to protect the minority against the dictates of the majority, today we find the reverse. The republic is no longer recognizable."

"Once it becomes acceptable to change the rules by majority vote, there are no longer any limits on the power of the government. When the Constitution can be subverted by mere legislative votes, executive orders or judicial decrees, constitutional restraints on the government are eliminated. This process was rare in the early years of our history, but now it is routine."

"Once a nation becomes a democracy, the whole purpose of government changes. Instead of the government's goal being that of guaranteeing liberty, equal justice, private property, and voluntary exchange, the government embarks on the impossible task of achieving economic equality, micromanaging the economy, and protecting citizens from themselves and all their activities. The destruction of the wealth-building process, which is inherent in a free society, is never anticipated. Once it's realized that it has been undermined, it is too late to easily reverse the attacks against limited government and personal liberty."

"Do we hear the pundits talk of constitutional restraints on the Congress and the administration? No, all we ever hear are reassurances that the majority supports the President; therefore it must be all right."

"...the goals of pure democracy and that of a constitutional republic are incompatible."

freeee writes: small-d democrats, for your enlightenment, I introduce to you a small-r republican.

[freeeee]

Voice of sanity bump

[Flashman_at_the_charge]

Can one imagine what it might be like if a true worldwide democracy existed and the United Nations were controlled by a worldwide, one man/one vote philosophy? The masses of China and India could vote themselves whatever they needed from the more prosperous western countries. How long would a world system last based on this absurdity? Yet this is the principle that we’re working so hard to impose on ourselves and others around the world.

He's spot on with this.

[mrsmith]

He should have gone more into the effects of the 17th amnement since the appointment of Senators was considered by Madison and others as a great bulwark against democracy- it also was a limit on foreign adventuring.

"Since World War II, we have failed to follow the Constitution in taking this country to war"
Sadly, this is just a lie- the only significant example of this is the Korea War.
"Even the most serious decision, such as going to war, is done while ignoring the Constitution and without a vote of the people's representatives in the Congress. "
Another bald faced lie.
I don't understand why he goes to such a length to lie- is it an irresistable imperative in every politician?

But on the 'big picture' Ron Paul is right.

'Overall kudos' to him!
I wish we heard many of his points from other politicians.

[weikel]

Megabump.

[BureaucratusMaximus]

WOW...thanks for posting this.

[GhostofWCooper]

I'm surprised Mr. Paul is surviving in the congress. The long knives must surely come after him at some point. Noone can speak "truth to power" and get away with it forever. He must be running a squeaky clean office as well as a personal life. All in all, a helluva guy!
Thanks for posting this, it is very refreshing just reading the truth for a change!

[philman_36]

Eloquent, but too late to do any good.

[Zviadist]

Constitution bump...

[madfly]

Ron Paul ping

[ArneFufkin]

We have liberty. We have prosperity. We have security.

Ron Paul isn't much of a philospher king, but I DO love his frozen fish sticks!

[Plutarch]

Sorry, Mr. Franklin...

At the time of the Consitutional Convention, Franklin was referred to as "Dr. Franklin", as he had been awarded multiple doctorate degrees.

[Constitution Scholar]

Ron Paul Speech BTTT. Already read it...

[Cacique]

ping

[Chancellor Palpatine]

Snore.

[AdamSelene235]

Bump!

Noticed you were making a number of pro-democracy statements. Thought this might make for interesting reading.

[gitmo]

Eventually the solution will be found with the passage of the Liberty Amendment. Once there is serious debate on this amendment, we will know that the American people are considering the restoration of our constitutional republic and the protection of individual liberty.

Here is a link to the Liberty Amendment: Click here

And a quote from the link:

The amendment will not only prohibit the federal government from participating in activities not specifically authorized in the Constitution, essentially strengthening the existing Ninth and Tenth Amendments, but will repeal the 16th Amendment. The 16th allowed for the collection of income taxes.

Sounds like an attempt to return to the original intent of the Constitution.