Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Discuss Presidential or Prime Minister elections for all countries here.
Post Reply
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

Ron Paul's glorious drive for freedom



By Bill Steigerwald

TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Sunday, December 30, 2007



It won't matter how high Ron Paul finishes in the Iowa caucuses this Thursday or in the New Hampshire primary Jan. 8 or anywhere else.

He's already won his prize.



Despite the fact that his ideas are exactly what America needs, the Pittsburgh-raised libertarian and 10-term Texas congressman isn't going to become the Republican presidential nominee.



In Iowa, he's been averaging about 6 percent in polls, though a Dec. 20-23 poll by the American Research Group shows him hitting double digits for the first time at 10 percent. In New Hampshire, he's been hovering around 7 percent or 8 percent.



The actual vote totals may turn out higher. But he and everyone else who hasn't lost his grip on political reality has always known that America's future doesn't include a President Ron Paul, Dormont High School Class of '53.

Yet Paul -- arguably the closest thing to a libertarian America's voters have seen since Grover Cleveland -- has already succeeded beyond his and any liberty-lover's wildest dreams.



In April, shortly after he announced he'd run for president, Paul told the Trib that his goal -- besides winning, of course -- was to make an impact on the race and to spread his ideas about maximizing freedom, limiting the federal government and practicing nonintervention overseas.



Though his presence at the debates has shown what a bunch of unprincipled, flip-flopping, war-loving, faux conservatives Messrs. Romney, Giuliani, Huckabee and McCain are, Paul's political impact on the primaries has been minimal -- so far.



The "Paulistas" who are fomenting and funding "The Ron Paul Revolution" in the virtual streets of the Internet complain that the mainstream media have ignored Paul. But it's not true.



He could be the most widely publicized libertarian politician in U.S. history. He and his "radical" ideas have been publicized, praised or treated with respect by everyone from the constitutionally impaired Tim Russert to Jay Leno, Stephen Colbert and Tucker Carlson.



Carlson -- perhaps Paul's biggest fan on TV -- recently traveled the campaign trail with Paul in Nevada and wrote about it for The New Republic.



Carlson observed the same humble, charisma-free candidate I saw late last June when Paul came to Pittsburgh to visit his old house in Green Tree as part of a "Today" show series on "Candidate's Cribs." Paul, as debate-watchers know, is the anti-Mitt Romney. But Carlson notes, correctly, that Paul's seriousness and lack of political slickness is a large part of his appeal.



"His fans don't read his awkwardness as a social phobia, but as a sign of authenticity. Paul never outshines his message, which is unchanging: Let adults make their own choices; liberty works. For a unified theory of everything, it's pretty simple. And Paul sincerely believes it."



Paul has shocked the political establishment by attracting a zealous Web-connected army of young people and raising $20 million, almost exclusively over the Internet.



He isn't going to become president and he isn't going to convert the sleeping masses, the liberal media or even his own lost party to the tenets of libertarianism.



But sometimes winning the election isn't what matters in the long run. Ideas do.



Remember Barry Goldwater? His crushing defeat in 1964 reinvigorated conservatism and spawned the Reagan Revolution. In a country still cruising down the road to socialism, Ron Paul's success in selling freedom is a sign of hope.

Patrick
Posts: 111
Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 6:32 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Patrick »

Even though I don't support Ron Paul, it's good to someone stepping out of the box politically. I would love to see a break from the two party system in the US.
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

One columnist likened him to Reagan, saying they share many of the same views. I can dig up the link if you like.
User avatar
Sheryl
Posts: 8498
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 3:08 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Sheryl »

I had seen discussions about him at another forum, so I went to his website and started reading. I really like his views on several matters. I also watched him in the Iowa debates, and it struck me how he was there to debate and discuss his issues, unlike the others who seemed to be polished rocks, spewing what they thought people wanted to hear.

I don't think he'll be elected president, but maybe he'll help create a change in politics. :)
"Girls are crazy! I'm not ever getting married, I can make my own sandwiches!"

my son
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

Point-by-point support for Ron Paul



User avatar
Sheryl
Posts: 8498
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 3:08 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Sheryl »

:wah: I've been sitting here watching Ron Paul videos too.

Here's a great one from the Republican debate in November. Ron and John McCain but heads over bringing the troops home.

"Girls are crazy! I'm not ever getting married, I can make my own sandwiches!"

my son
User avatar
Sheryl
Posts: 8498
Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 3:08 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Sheryl »

one more..

"Girls are crazy! I'm not ever getting married, I can make my own sandwiches!"

my son
User avatar
Bryn Mawr
Posts: 16113
Joined: Mon Feb 27, 2006 4:54 pm

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Bryn Mawr »

Accountable;754486 wrote: Point-by-point support for Ron Paul






Sounds wonderful - bulk up your national defence as far as you like as long as you're pulling your offensive interest back at the same time.

Defend yourself at all times but stay out of other countries.

I support it wholeheartedly.
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

I have benefitted tremendously on a personal and professional level because of my country's policy of moving in and never leaving, but the time for containment is over. There is no enemy to contain in the old sense. Besides, we can strike anywhere on earth from Shreveport, Louisiana, if (God forbid) the need ever arises.
RedGlitter
Posts: 15777
Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by RedGlitter »

I was doing some reading up on Ron Paul and I read that he wants to eliminate the Department of Education as it is now and give parents more decision in what their kids learn.

Accountable, I wanted to ask you as a teacher, what do you think about this? Do you think the Dept. of Education does a good job or would you be in favor of tossing it? Do you think if it were eliminated that it would be a good thing or a mistake?
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

RedGlitter;754655 wrote: I was doing some reading up on Ron Paul and I read that he wants to eliminate the Department of Education as it is now and give parents more decision in what their kids learn.



Accountable, I wanted to ask you as a teacher, what do you think about this? Do you think the Dept. of Education does a good job or would you be in favor of tossing it? Do you think if it were eliminated that it would be a good thing or a mistake?
Clint & I had a similar discussion a long time ago, but I wasn't able to find it. The federal Dept of Education is unconstitutional. Most of the federal departments overextend federal responsibility. the 10th Amendment states "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."



Most people hear "education" and think "Oh sure, education is very important. Everybody should have an education." We forget that there is no such thing as "an" education because it's not a quantifiable thing. Ever try to get two educations?



All children should be educated, but in what? There can be no blanket answer for all children beyond the three R's, and even then we have to answer the question "to what degree?" These questions are the responsibility of parents to answer. It's in society's best interest to have productive citizens, which means they need optimum education and training for them to reach their best potential. States and corporations can best serve these ends by providing free assessments to determine a child's interests, skills, and talents to the parents so that they can make well-informed decisions. States and corporations should then provide and pay for as wide and varied an education system possible so that parents can act on those decisions.



The likely result:

Parents will have happier children

Corporations will have properly educated & motivated employees

Society will have productive citizens.
RedGlitter
Posts: 15777
Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by RedGlitter »

Acc, thank you for a really interesting reply. I didn't know the DoE was unconstitutional. Knew nothing about that but what you wrote makes sense. :)
double helix
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:32 pm

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by double helix »

I understand that this is a thread for Ron Paul. I saw the Republican debate last night on Fox news channel. My first question was, "who is this idiot!?" I had never heard of him until the debate! My second question was, "who is this idiot?"

He didn't do so well in th debate. He wandered off on tirades, got his facts reversed. I just wasn't impressed. Sorry.
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

To each his own, DH, but I suggest you pay closer attention if you never heard of Ron Paul.
double helix
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:32 pm

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by double helix »

rjwould;757182 wrote: His "tirade" was a valid argument, the problem is the moderators were obviously opposed to him being there.

What the republicans are ignoring is the fact that if he was to make it past the primaries, I believe there would an enormous amount of support for him from independents and libertarians, who are a large contingent of young, disinfected voters.

I have had the pleasure of exchanging views with some of them on other forums. They are smart and dedicated to their principles. I have to disagree. I believe Ron Paul is passionate and believes in his rhetoric, however this man is afraid of failing and will make illogical and emotion based decisions. He needs to be on Adderall, for attention deficit disorder, I will bet you money on it, as the primaries move forward Ron Paul will become more erratic. McCain will pull ahead and (whats that actor/candidate Repub , whats his name?) will be too evasive in his campaign platform and fall to second place.

Hillary and Obama will LOSE big time in the next three primaries. Don't know who will be the dem candidate but, doesn't matter anyway. We will have a repubilican president for the next eight years.:D So says Madam Helix, and I'ma sticking to my predictions.:wah:
RedGlitter
Posts: 15777
Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by RedGlitter »

I just recently started studying up on Paul, knowing nothing of him previously and wondering who the "Ron Paul 2008" in Sheryl's signature was.

I immediately liked what I read on his website regarding education and a few other things and I watched him in part of the debate. (missed half the debate I'm sad to say) I'l be honest, when I heard him speak, I thought he came off as a bit wimpy and milquetoast. However I still liked what he said and I didn't immediately discredit him just because he has a soft voice. Perhaps after the last 8 years of chestbeating Bush rhetoric, we need a softer voice representing us, to make us a bit more palatable to the world? I would hate to see a good candidate get shot down the pike because he stammered a little or was softspoken. We stand to lose so much.
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

double helix;757411 wrote: I have to disagree. I believe Ron Paul is passionate and believes in his rhetoric, however this man is afraid of failing and will make illogical and emotion based decisions. He needs to be on Adderall, for attention deficit disorder, I will bet you money on it, as the primaries move forward Ron Paul will become more erratic.
And you're basing all this, including a drug prescription, on a single debate you barely even paid attention to??



How do you come to the conclusion that he's afraid of failing? People like that don't have confidence to try (thus they avoid failure).



How much is the bet? I may want in on that action.
double helix
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:32 pm

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by double helix »

Jester;758061 wrote: Here! Here! I second that, man did that make me angry when Brit Hume tried to correct him or redirect him. I jumped up out of my chair and shouted at the TV! If I were in the audience then they would have had to pull me off of Brit while I was draggin his body out of the studio!

I think Ron Paul deserves to be heard right along side of the others, to censor him is crazy, he brings much to the debates. Hmm, well isn't that how a debate is done? I mean, each respondant gets a chance to answer THE SAME QUESTION, right? If you can't stay on the topic, or give an intelligent response to the question then...
double helix
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:32 pm

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by double helix »

RedGlitter;757414 wrote: I just recently started studying up on Paul, knowing nothing of him previously and wondering who the "Ron Paul 2008" in Sheryl's signature was.

I immediately liked what I read on his website regarding education and a few other things and I watched him in part of the debate. (missed half the debate I'm sad to say) I'l be honest, when I heard him speak, I thought he came off as a bit wimpy and milquetoast. However I still liked what he said and I didn't immediately discredit him just because he has a soft voice. Perhaps after the last 8 years of chestbeating Bush rhetoric, we need a softer voice representing us, to make us a bit more palatable to the world? I would hate to see a good candidate get shot down the pike because he stammered a little or was softspoken. We stand to lose so much.Contrary to some points offered in posts other than yours re: this thread, I have also done my homework on Mr RP. He has a lot of nice things to say, great ideas and dreams for this country. So do all the candidates. Isn't it all about how you present yourself, how your play to the audience, this race for the presidency? His actions in the debate I watched were the actions of someone who felt intimidated, inferior and defensive. I do not want a president that will take offense at some other country because he feels intimidated by them. Nor do I want a president that will try to constantly feel he has to explain himself because hes so unsure of where he stands. I was not impressed.
RedGlitter
Posts: 15777
Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by RedGlitter »

double helix;758221 wrote: Contrary to some points offered in posts other than yours re: this thread, I have also done my homework on Mr RP. He has a lot of nice things to say, great ideas and dreams for this country. So do all the candidates. Isn't it all about how you present yourself, how your play to the audience, this race for the presidency? His actions in the debate I watched were the actions of someone who felt intimidated, inferior and defensive. I do not want a president that will take offense at some other country because he feels intimidated by them. Nor do I want a president that will try to constantly feel he has to explain himself because hes so unsure of where he stands. I was not impressed.


Indeed it is and I think that's a shame. That may be why we keep losing out on good candidates- because we go too much on how they say things instead of what they say. We pay too much attention to appearance and not enough to substance. By "we" I mean in general and please don't think I'm trying to change your mind. You have every right to be impressed or not with anyone you choose.
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

:wah:



I just love it when prejudiced people whip out their broad brush. Your rant says far more about you than it does those you're complaining about.
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

rjwould;758267 wrote: I have no problem with what it says about me.
I spent a significant amount of my young adulthood examining my views - prejudices, opinions, fears, etc. - because I was brought up in a culture of bigotry, be it racial, religious, political, you name it. I count myself lucky because I knew that the hatred around me affected how I viewed people that I didn't really know, and so I could act on it.
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

rjwould;758429 wrote: Is that why you refer to them as parasites?
I call them parasites because the term fits. They live off the productivity and generosity of others. I don't assign any motive because each has his own. I certainly didn't make any blanket value judgments on them such as you did about conservatives. rjwould wrote: This is the kind of stuff that drives me crazy about conservatives (some in this forum are good examples), especially religious conservatives, they base their decisions and judgments on silly sh!t like voice tone rather than substance... All receivers of welfare are parasites. Most are good people who try to gain independence as soon as they can. Some never gain independence and are embarrassed of that fact. Some very few don't want independence and don't feel embarrassed. Those don't deserve respect.
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

rjwould;758450 wrote: Ya know what---thanks!!!But in all candor and honesty, I cannot respect anyone who can't show respect for others, especially those less fortunate. I don't believe in kicking others while they are down, only cowards do that.



See ya!!
Well, it's a short post. Please read it again when you cool down, and I think you'll see that we agree on that. If not, I'll be glad to fill in any blanks.
double helix
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:32 pm

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by double helix »

RedGlitter;758223 wrote: Indeed it is and I think that's a shame. That may be why we keep losing out on good candidates- because we go too much on how they say things instead of what they say. We pay too much attention to appearance and not enough to substance. By "we" I mean in general and please don't think I'm trying to change your mind. You have every right to be impressed or not with anyone you choose.I'm sorry, but a candidate can say anything you want to hear and they can say it convincinly enough to get your vote!

RP says eggzactly what most real conservatives want to hear. I highly doubt he could pull off one-tenth of what he says he wants to do. Remember it is not the president that moves this country, even though he is the figure head, it is congress, senate and ultimately in a roundabout way, the people. Like any pesident RP would have to move his bills changing the current policy THROUGH congress.

So, like I said, anyone can bullshit you out of your vote. Its those unspoken tells you need to look for when you pick a leader.

Thats why I voted for Bush and will never vote or Hillary or Obama.
double helix
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:32 pm

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by double helix »

rjwould;758261 wrote: So, who are you supporting? I notice you haven't declared yet, why is that?

This is the kind of stuff that drives me crazy about conservatives
If I hadn't declared how would you know what I am? Conserviative or Liberal, its the BEST man for the job, right?

Well, to answer your question, I wanted to study the developments before I jumped in. I can tell you who I won't be voting for. Hillary, Obama or Edwards, Paul or Huckabee. Its between McCain and Thompson for me.
RedGlitter
Posts: 15777
Joined: Thu Dec 22, 2005 3:51 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by RedGlitter »

double helix;759079 wrote: I'm sorry, but a candidate can say anything you want to hear and they can say it convincinly enough to get your vote!


Thank you, DH. You just came full circle and proved my point. They *can* say anything they want convincingly enough, and that's why I'd rather have a regular mellow voiced candidate than a chest beating, arrogant candidate like Bush. No offense to you or anyone who voted for Bush, but I'd rather concern myself with what they say rather than how they say it.
double helix
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:32 pm

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by double helix »

RedGlitter;759081 wrote: Thank you, DH. You just came full circle and proved my point. They *can* say anything they want convincingly enough, and that's why I'd rather have a regular mellow voiced candidate than a chest beating, arrogant candidate like Bush. No offense to you or anyone who voted for Bush, but I'd rather concern myself with what they say rather than how they say it.I would rather concern myself WITH WHAT THEY DO. It's as simple as that.

Say what you want about Bush. He has done, as best he could, what he said he would in his campaign. He has put into place programs to improve our children's education via No Child Left Behind which I know hasn't really changed much, but that wasn't because his idea was bad, he as attempted to fix medicaid, medicare and an employee in a nursing home I have seen the positive changes in cash flow. He gave us the tax breaks he promised and he has keep our economy afloat in spite of being hit with 9-11 and the resulting response. Don't even try to tell me that this country's response wasn't to demand action!!! And don't even try to tell me that President Bush has wavered from his original mission statement given in his campaign.

Now, tell me how wonderful Bill Clinton was in the presidency! How about Nixon or a half a dozen others. Bush would never compromise the faith placed in his office with a blow job! Can you picture the man letting a legislative Aide give him head while talking on the phone? You haven't seen him being investigated for underhanded deals with investment brokers ones, mind you, that have since been tried and punished like Clinton's former business partners.

None of that makes me stand with this man. What makes me stand with this man is his quiet platitude. Doing what he promised, not backing down from congress and all the while working to stabilize the problems with the Middle East and secure some kind of future for our country. Like working his ranch, slow and steady. Some may not agree with him but he doesn't let that direct his steps.

I will bet you, when Bush is out of office and Britt Hume is interviewing him regarding his administration you won't see Bush get defensively angry and make a whiny puss of himself like Bill. One hundred dollars if it happens within the next five years.

I cannot see Ron Paul, political platform that he proposes and, insecurely defensive as he is, being that self-assured. I Think he would give into the pressure and sway erratically with whatever poll shows the most acceptance from the public.
double helix
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:32 pm

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by double helix »

rjwould;760646 wrote: So, since you're an employee in a health care facility, you now know all the ins and outs of the money coming in?


Thats it? Thats all you have to say? :thinking: Ok, well, it's like this. Our company does a profit sharing program every year. Since Bush pushed through his changes to the medical welfare system, our non-profit has given each of its emplyees a 500 to 700 dollar pay out each year. Thanks to changes by the current U.S. administration to the medical reimbursment program.
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

rjwould;761032 wrote: OH, you got a payoff for it so that makes it good!!OK..
:yh_rotfl You do just love the controversy don't you? You say gov't should pay, but when they do, you get all snide on us. :yh_rotfl
double helix
Posts: 257
Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:32 pm

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by double helix »

rjwould;761032 wrote: OH, you got a payoff for it so that makes it good!!OK..Uh, I think you must have fired that response off without thinking. :wah:
User avatar
Accountable
Posts: 24818
Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 8:33 am

Will 'Ron Paul Republican' Become a Phrase in the Future?

Post by Accountable »

Post Reply

Return to “Presidential Elections Campaigns”