Candidates for the Republican nomination all seem to have their moments, then fade. Except for Mitt Romney and Ron Paul. Romney has maintained his status because he seems "presidential" and safe, speaks well enough and has a good reputation.
But what explains Ron Paul's staying power? He doesn't project especially well, considers his candidacy "dangerous" to the status quo, speaks haltingly and is a long time member of a maligned Congress. The only possible explanation is in the power of his ideas.
The primary campaign has covered many issues: jobs, the economy, national debt and government spending for instance. But these issues are subordinate to the underlying concern of all of us: the Federal Government has exceeded its proper and legitimate constitutional role. This increase in power has led to results no longer acceptable to a free people.
Our Government in Washington D. C.:
*is dysfunctional, too big and too powerful,
*is out of touch, aloof, complex and unresponsive to most of the citizenry,
*consists of agencies (such as the Federal Reserve, NLRB and Consumer Protection Agency) that are insular, arrogant and not answerable to legitimate authority,
*issues a multitude of regulations that stifle individual initiative and freedom,
*has a tax code that is complex and has been corrupted through political and corporate manipulation to the detriment of average citizens,
*has allowed spending to get out of control leading to a $15 trillion debt, an unconscionable burden for future generations,
*has waged military actions without proper authorization of our elected representatives,
*has promulgated policies that have led to an economy in trouble, a huge loss of jobs and low economic growth,
*and by its actions, has diminished our individual liberties and opportunity for all.
It should be no surprise that these conditions have led to an angry and aroused citizenry!
Ron Paul is an advocate for a better way. His message highlights the Constitution and the basic rights of all Americans:
To the right of individuals to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,
To the individual right of private property and economic freedom and
To have a Government that is limited to the powers specified in the Constitution
and to no more!
Ron Paul's vision of the proper role of government resonates with voters because it speaks to their concerns, is clear, compelling, consistent and is based on time-honored principles.
He is a voice that should be heeded.
But what explains Ron Paul's staying power? He doesn't project especially well, considers his candidacy "dangerous" to the status quo, speaks haltingly and is a long time member of a maligned Congress. The only possible explanation is in the power of his ideas.
The primary campaign has covered many issues: jobs, the economy, national debt and government spending for instance. But these issues are subordinate to the underlying concern of all of us: the Federal Government has exceeded its proper and legitimate constitutional role. This increase in power has led to results no longer acceptable to a free people.
Our Government in Washington D. C.:
*is dysfunctional, too big and too powerful,
*is out of touch, aloof, complex and unresponsive to most of the citizenry,
*consists of agencies (such as the Federal Reserve, NLRB and Consumer Protection Agency) that are insular, arrogant and not answerable to legitimate authority,
*issues a multitude of regulations that stifle individual initiative and freedom,
*has a tax code that is complex and has been corrupted through political and corporate manipulation to the detriment of average citizens,
*has allowed spending to get out of control leading to a $15 trillion debt, an unconscionable burden for future generations,
*has waged military actions without proper authorization of our elected representatives,
*has promulgated policies that have led to an economy in trouble, a huge loss of jobs and low economic growth,
*and by its actions, has diminished our individual liberties and opportunity for all.
It should be no surprise that these conditions have led to an angry and aroused citizenry!
Ron Paul is an advocate for a better way. His message highlights the Constitution and the basic rights of all Americans:
To the right of individuals to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,
To the individual right of private property and economic freedom and
To have a Government that is limited to the powers specified in the Constitution
and to no more!
Ron Paul's vision of the proper role of government resonates with voters because it speaks to their concerns, is clear, compelling, consistent and is based on time-honored principles.
He is a voice that should be heeded.
He does have ideas that resonate with the people except he is not the person to be able to carry them out. He has a history if saying things that worry me at times. In 1993 he had a newspaper that he quoted we were going to have race wars in the city and that there was a federal homosexuality cover up on AIDS. This is when he is too far over for me. Also they say he introduced over 400 bills in congress and only 4 got to the floor and non passed. So good ideas but no way to initiate the action to do them . Maybe in this case his good is a little too good . Yes I am for smaller government (do we know the ramifications to each of us with this premise?).Consistent I am not sure Norm.
ReplyDeleteKathy
well said Norm. It is interesting to see the very consistent negative media attention Ron Paul gets. Rarely do you see anyone attack or debate his ideas, rather they label him a crackpot and focus on some of his more extreme views. It is very interesting how little people understand about being libertarian. The like to cite things Ron Paul was/would have been against because of his Libertarian views. His view are just that we dont need the goverment to provide us rights, we should have them as a function of a good and decent society. That could certainly be considered Naive, but ultimately its true. My concern is that nothing would be achieved, similar to Kathy's point. That certainly isnt a reason not to elect someone, but it is something to consider. I feel Romney would offer little if any change to the status quo financially, which clearly isnt working. Nobody wants to do the difficult things to get us back on track. It may hurt for a while, but we have more than just tomorrow to consider. I will admit that I havent spent that much time researching Ron Paul, but that is my assessment. Feel free to correct any misunderstandings. Minimally, i think his ideas should be debated and heard, if only for someone to be forced to explain why they are wrong for once.
ReplyDeleteIf only we as a people would come together and forget bickering along party lines. We often feel the same way about many central points.
ReplyDeleteThis brings me to the notion of dissent.
Dissent is a hallmark of democracy and flourishes in freedom. It is positive for those confident in their beliefs to rationally dialogue. It is only when dissent is used by those unschooled in their own beliefs and the Constitution that dissent disintegrates into ridicule and violence.
Dissenters do not look for common ground, they clamor for exclusion and restriction. Does anyone ever notice that even the President himself seeks not dialogue but rather uses ridicule? This only foments feelings of class discrimination and hatred and our total society is harmed. Where is Ghandi when we need him, or Martin Luther King Jr..the latter as we celebrate his life this week.
Ryan the people must rise to the occasion it perhaps is too much for our elected officials just this once. The silent majority lets them chip away at our freedoms and we let them. But alas we are steeped in thoughts that we can not change it. Yes we can and it should start here.
ReplyDeleteActually we do not elect with our votes . I believe the electoral college can vote against the populus. Isn't that possible?
ReplyDelete