Ron Paul - 2008 Presidential Candidate
Could He Be Just What America Needs?
Ron Paul is a Republican Congressman from Texas. His Ron Paul 2008 home page declares him the "leading advocate for freedom in our nation's capital." His 2008 campaign slogan is Hope for America - Be a Part of It. Throughout his political career Ron Paul has been faithful to his belief that our government should rule according to the Constitution of the United States. If a bill oversteps the authority granted by the founding fathers, Ron Paul votes against it. In other words, he's a Libertarian at heart.
I'm all for reigning in out of control spending by our government, which is how Ron Paul votes consistently according to the research I've done. Ron Paul strongly favors reducing or eliminating many of the wasteful, ineffective federal programs currently in place. My social justice radar goes into overdrive, though, when I hear Ron Paul or any other candidate talk about reducing federal spending. That's because historically budget cuts are in the areas of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Welfare and other similar programs.
In a July 9, 2006 article by Libby Copeland, Staff Writer for the Washington Post, Ron Paul's philosophy and political agenda is summed up:
"In his legislative fantasies, the amiable Texas congressman would do away with the CIA and the Federal Reserve. He'd reinstate the gold standard. He'd get rid of the Department of Education and leave the business of schooling to local governments, because he believes that's what the Constitution intended."
Fantasies or not, the more I researched Ron Paul's literature and the news coverage about him, the more I was intrigued. Ron Paul doesn't think the government should be "bailing people out." He thinks people should be doing that for each other. Paul's contention is that religious organizations and individuals should be helping those in need due to events like Hurricane Katrina.
Paul is absolutely correct in his assertion that we should all be helping each other out. The America that would exist if Ron Paul had about 30 years to implement change would resemble the early Christian communities described in the New Testament. That's how a lifelong Democrat and radical Christian like me can consider voting for Paul.
An overview of Congressman Paul's voting record is offered on his Ron Paul 2008 home page. According to his self-report he has never voted to raise taxes or supported an unbalanced budget. He voted against regulating the Internet and voted against the Iraq war. He voted against the Patriot Act. He does not participate in the very lucrative congressional pension program and returns a portion of his annual congressional office budget to the U.S. Treasury ever year.
Ron Paul is an obstetrician by training, and his medical practice began in 1968 in Brazoria County, Texas. He's been married almost 50 years. He and his wife, Carol, have five children and 17 grandchildren.
Whether or not Ron Paul is my ideal presidential candidate in the 2008 election, he appears to be a one of those rare individuals who stands by his word, lives by his convictions, and considers the role of a public servant to serve the people who elected him. As a citizen who has already become disillusioned by a majority of candidates offered up for the 2008 Presidential election, I am pleased that Ron Paul is in the mix. If nothing else, he'll make them all squirm!
Published by Mary Moss
I work as an Administrative Assistant for an Energy Services Company. In my "free" time I'm a free lance writer, motivational speaker and Christian storyteller. My poetry and devotions book, Woman At The Wel... View profile
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11 Comments
Post a CommentI like what Ron Paul seems to be saying. I am hopeful that he will promote peace to the unborn as much as he promotes peace for the rest of our USA citizens and immigrants. Further, my wife and youngest son both a wheelchair bound due to M/S and I have serious ailments. To end assistance no matter how meager would be devistating! Those who careless about such people and matter needs to spend just one week nearly helpless to clean yourself fix your meals,pickup things off the floor dress yourself, etc., then come and tell the world that such individuals do not extra care and attention from the rest of the human race and nation. Thus, on the points of caring for the least, weakest, defenseless, and dependant members of our society, Ron Paul really concerns me. Thus, in conclusion, Ron Paul's political prowess appears to be solid, but his social concerns appear to be non-existant.
Ron Paul was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He and his wife Carol moved to Texas in 1968. I may be mistaken, but I don't believe I said Paul was a native of Texas. He currently lives in Texas and has served in Congress representing the State of Texas. Thank you for considering my commentary well-balanced. As I have not yet decided for whom I'll vote, I have tried to present a picture of the candidates that I would want to read.
I must admit that I am watching his campaign with great interest and I normally have very liberal tendencies.
GEEEEEEEEE,I'M STUPID,FIRST OF ALL BUST IS NOT A TEXAN.
I've learned so much working on my "Presidential" articles! I've decided to continue the series, and will eventually report my findings on each of the candidates for the 2008 election. Watch for Mike Huckabee soon!
I'm with Amy. I don't trust any politican. Give me a grass roots, plain old American citizen with good ideas in whom I can believe and I'm there. But right now, I wouldn't vote for anyone who has been a long-term politician. I have nothing against Mr. Paul, I just don't trust this group of people any longer and doubt that I ever will again. They lie, cheat, steal, and pull the rug out from under middle-class America every chance they get. Enough is enough is enough!
Thank You for taking the time and researching Ron Paul. I've been his biggest fan for about 5 years. He is well qualified and has done all of the research on foriegn policy, immigration, border and port security, NAFTA, GATT and is well versed on the UN and world matters. This is the conservative Christian I want running this country.
I like the way he voted, but I fear another Texan for Pres. I disagree with the government helping people. That is somewhat like a parent that brings a child into the world then tells it s/he will have to feed itself and change it's own diaper. Governments want the right to rule the citizens and along with the rights come responsibilty to provide for them. Of couse if they want to return Income Tax to corporations as it once was and not force citizens to "volunteer" to pay income taxes, then we all might have more spendable income to take care of our needs.
Luis - he may be my candidate of choice by the time its all said and done. As I stated in my article, I do believe he's just what America needs.
Wonderful article. I hate to say it but I've come to distrust most politicians. They seem to promise many wonderful things only to let us down in the long run. It would be nice to see someone actually follow through with their promises.