Questions for Hillary - Kyl/Lieberman Amendment

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Readers Respond to Medved Open Letter

Dear Congressman Paul:

Your Presidential campaign has drawn the enthusiastic support of an imposing collection of Neo-Nazis, White Supremacists, Holocaust Deniers, 9/11 “Truthers” and other paranoid and discredited conspiracists.

read here:
http://michaelmedved.townhall.com/blog/g/77711671-de32-47da-a721-8f606d586ad0

Responses:

What about the others Mr. Medved?

I would like to respectfully as possible disagree with your positions concerning the $500 unsolicited donation to Congressman Ron Paul. Why is this BIG news? Is a candidate responsible for the views of all of their supporters? If we dive into the contributions to other candidates, I'm sure we can find this type of scum in all of the others' pools. The Congressman has already voiced his opposition to the 9/11 truthers; on your show…

I agree that this individual may be a nut-case and a hate-monger, but should you be held responsible for the views of each and every one of your supporters, readers, or listeners like-wise? As a long time Conservative, I find this quite distracting. We should be arguing policy. We should be concerned with candidates' Conservative credentials.

If this item causes such uproar, why are you not writing an open letter to Rudy Giuliani addressing his employment of an accused child molesting priest as well?

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=3753385&page=1

Personally, I find that a little more disturbing.

If we are to require such a high moral standards and constant support policing of Congressman Paul, why not every other candidate? I would hope that once this issue is addressed you will find it in your heart to question the support and employment practices of other Republican candidates.

Real People Support Ron Paul

My wife and I are a mixed race couple. We are both well educated and well paid professionals (a scientist and an engineer). We are both active in our community and support numerous charitable agencies. We are both Republicans. I am also an Army Reserve officer.

We are hardly "lunatic fringe."

We support Ron Paul for President, as do many other regular folks.

To paint that all Ron Paul supporters as insane radicals because there are a few nuts who support Ron Paul is as intellectually vacant as calling all Republicans racist because David Duke was once a Republican.

Mr. Medved is either unintelligent disingenuous- I'll let you folks decide which...

I am so happy!

This letter is wonderful news for Ron Paul because it represents acknowledgment! Jesus said to turn the other cheek. I think that many people misunderstand the reasoning behind this. Many people believe that this type of action was advocated by Jesus because he was able to display pure forgiveness. This is part of it. The other part of it is that by turning the other cheek is proof that the actions of the aggressor are irrelevant - and by extension, they are irrelevant.

Ron Paul's candidacy is hurt the most by its marginalization. Michael Medved has proven tonight that Ron Paul is not irrelevant. Pretty soon America is going to know that Ron Paul is not irrelevant. Then we can have an honest debate. A debate that Ron Paul will dominate by ruthlessly driving to the truth. These accusations are irrelevant - a smoke screen that aims to distract from the truth.

Ron Paul is my candidate because he will ignore any distractions while attaching himself to the one truth that cannot be withstood. He will bore a hole, single mindedly through any obfuscation, clearing a path large enough for all of us to follow, lifting the debate to its proper position above the bickering of politics as usual. He will be our President, we will restore our republic, and only America will remain.

Your Open Letter to Ron Paul, Mr. Medved

Michael - I have watched and listened to you for many years, and lately have been much disappointed in you.

I am a Jewish, strongly pro-Israel supporter of Dr. Paul. I've known him on and off for about 20 years, and he is a man of great integrity. I've never heard him utter a racist comment, even in private.

I have donated money and my oldest child to Israel. I simply love the place. On the other hand, I do not believe that my love for Israel or my world view justifies one dime of anyone else's tax money going to Israel, or any other foreign country. And am I appalled by some of Dr. Paul's supporters? Yes. In fact, I think many of them are actually trying to discredit him by their support. If you understand what a Nazi is, it means National Socialist. There is no candidate less socialist than Ron Paul. At least not in my over fifty years.

The American Free Press? I doubt Ron has ever seen it. They publish his articles; he does not endorse theirs, or likely even know their agenda. In fact, someone handed me that rag at a meetup the other night, and the only worthwhile thing in it was a Ron Paul opinion piece.

Should Ron disavow support and give back the money of these people? I don't think so. They'll just use it to do bad stuff. Better it gets Ron elected.

Here's the deal. Only fringe types like Alex Jones have ever given Ron Paul the time of day. The mainstream media wouldn't even take notice of him. And now that you have, in your own non-journalistic way, you expect him to drop the people who gave him a venue all these years. Shame on you for lying about him and talking over his message. And if he now ran away from those, like Alex Jones, who I have never even listened to, then I would think less of him.

What?

Michael,
How can you even write something like this? This is a scurrilous, baseless attack if there ever was one. You think Paul should apologize because some extremists have decided to support him? I'm sure some nuts and racists supported Bush (just as some supported every President in the past)- these Presidents don't have to publicly disown such contingents. Extreme elements will latch onto candidates and causes for any number of reasons. If your interest is to debate the issues honestly, then where do you disagree with Paul? Let’s have a frank discussion about those specific points.

There is something about Paul that scares the elites. Their response is not academic or even intellectual, it is visceral- it seeks to censor and to vilify. I'm not ready to buck the party, but this censorship and refusal to discuss the issues with candor is disturbing to say the least. Given the relentless attack by elites, whitewashing by the MSM, its not clear Paul can come out on top. Paul isn't my worry. His treatment by conservatives is - it says far more about the state of the GOP and our ability to accept internal reform. Too bad; if things don't bend, they break. It may be back into the political wilderness for the next 40 years- just as it was before 1994.

Ron Paul

Ron Paul has the problem that Romney has. There are many misconceptions about Ron Paul and his positions/image. It is hard to deal with those directly as they can take you off of message. On the other hand Medved is raising rumors that Ron Paul may need to address more vigorously.

I am not aware of Ron Paul making any personal or religious attacks on Romney (unlike Brownback and McCain). Further, Ron Paul takes votes away from Rudy and McCain especially in NH where Ron Paul may run 3rd. Therefore, as long as Ron Paul and his folks don't make personal attacks against Romney I am very willing to live and let live.

If he disagrees with Romney on issues such as bombing Iran that is fair game. If he starts mistaking Romney's religious beliefs that requires an answer. I would suggest that the Romney folks be nice to the Ron Paul people. Ron Paul is one of the few candidates who is not gunning for Romney on a personal level.

It would seem this Piece has Misfired

While Medved has clearly written a piece intended to smear one of the last truly good men involved in our government, the result has clearly backfired.

It would seem more people see through the veiled smears than Mr. Medved would have hoped for. This type of attack is nothing new, and Dr. King had to deal with this type of attack daily. Dr. King was also supported by the Black Panthers.

The adage we should all remember "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". It is clear that Town-Hall along with Medved have chosen to attempt to make Dr. Paul an enemy, as has Dr. Paul's own government, party and the media as a whole.

Mr. Medved has clearly forgotten that it is not Dr. Paul who must speak for those who support him; it is the job of those that support him to speak for themselves. Mr. Medved you are a supporter of Islamo-fascism awareness week, does this not make you a bigot? Does one need awareness of a specific type of fascism? A much more educational experience can be attained if you simply concentrate on the real issue which is fascism itself.

Fascism needs no bounding with religion as it often has nothing to do with Religion. Hitler claimed to be a Christian while nothing he did was Christ like. Osama Bin Laden claims to be a Muslim, but Jihad was not founded in the Koran.

If our world is to exist even in it's incredibly non perfect form we must all learn that free will along with a certain rational must be attained. It is this "free will" which makes us human, yet at the same time makes us irrational. Luckily we are the intelligent ones who will one day make this World of bigotry and hate Unify toward the cause of Liberty. We have so little hope left, but we at least have one who leads us in this hope.

Ron Paul Treated Unfairly at the CNBC Debate - Proof From the Transcript

Some of the lower tiered candidates and their supporters have complained about the presidential debates thus far -- complaining that they favor those that are higher in the polls.

The justification given for this is that the voters are to see those candidates with a legitimate shot at winning the nomination, something that is measured by polling data and fundraising numbers. So before we get into the polling data and the fundraising numbers, let's see how much each of the candidates were allowed to speak.

Our methodology for this is actually quite fool-proof. We take a transcript of the debate and parse each of the words spoken at the debate and count who spoke how many words.

This is what we got.

http://www.usaelectionpolls.com/2008/articles/ron....

An Open Letter to the Ron Paul Faithful

Dear folks,

You guys are good. Real good. You are truly a force on World Wide Web and I tip my hat to you.

That's based on my first hand experience of your work regarding our CNBC Republican candidate debate. After the debate, we put up a poll on our Web site asking who readers thought won the debate. You guys flooded it.

Now these Internet polls are admittedly unscientific and subject to hacking. In the end, they are really just a way to engage the reader and take a quick temperature reading of your audience. Nothing more and nothing less. The cyber equivalent of asking the room for a show of hands on a certain question.

So there was our after-debate poll. The numbers grew ... 7,000-plus votes after a couple of hours ... and Ron Paul was at 75%.

Now Paul is a fine gentleman with some substantial backing and, by the way, was a dynamic presence throughout the debate , but I haven't seen him pull those kind of numbers in any "legit" poll. Our poll was either hacked or the target of a campaign. So we took the poll down.

The next day, our email basket was flooded with Ron Paul support messages. And the computer logs showed the poll had been hit with traffic from Ron Paul chat sites. I learned other Internet polls that night had been hit in similar fashion. Congratulations. You folks are obviously well-organized and feel strongly about your candidate and I can't help but admire that.

But you also ruined the purpose of the poll. It was no longer an honest "show of hands" -- it suddenly was a platform for beating the Ron Paul drum. That certainly wasn't our intention and certainly doesn't serve our readers ... at least those who aren't already in the Ron Paul camp.

Some of you Ron Paul fans take issue with my decision to take the poll down. Fine. When a well-organized and committed "few" can throw the results of a system meant to reflect the sentiments of "the many," I get a little worried. I'd take it down again.

Sincerely,

Allen Wastler
Managing Editor, CNBC.com

-----Response-----

Mr. Wastler,

We are good. We are real good. You do have one thing wrong though. We’re not just a force on the World Wide Web.

Regarding the results of your poll; we flooded it, with votes. However, your organization and the rest of the television media fail to realize is that we flood other events as well.

"…but I haven't seen him pull those kind of numbers in any "legit" poll."

Congressman Paul has consistently placed in the top three of numerous straw polls, and those involve one thing; live in-the-flesh participation. You can view the results here (http://www.ronpaul2008.com/straw-po...) if fact checking doesn’t require too much effort from your end.

"Now these Internet polls are admittedly unscientific and subject to hacking. In the end, they are really just a way to engage the reader and take a quick temperature reading of your audience. Nothing more and nothing less. The cyber equivalent of asking the room for a show of hands on a certain question."

If these Internet polls are meaningless, and “unscientific,” why pull them down? Why would your organization feel the need to ignore those of us who 1) watched your program 2) watched your commercials and 3) participated in your “show of hands” ceremony? I find it rather odd, and slightly offensive that someone in your position turns around and attacks the consumer. Frankly sir, that’s just bad business. Instead of blaming those of who took the time to “consume” your product, how about CNBC figure out how your organization could best “supply” the information that we are “demanding.”

"So there was our after-debate poll. The numbers grew ... 7,000-plus votes after a couple of hours ... and Ron Paul was at 75%."

After your debate, a rally was held in which 2500-plus real people showed up. Were you there? Where was CNBC or any of the other NBC affiliates? Why is it so hard to believe a candidate can gather such a number of people in one location, and receive 7000-plus votes in an online poll? Think about it sir. Attendance at a rally requires people to actually get off their couch, drive to a location, stand around outside, and listen to a man speak. An online poll requires the click of a mouse. It’s not our fault, as supporters or consumers that other candidates can’t get their base of support to show up, let alone click a button.

"The next day, our email basked was flooded with Ron Paul support messages."

Perhaps we are real!

"Some of you Ron Paul fans take issue with my decision to take the poll down. Fine. When a well-organized and committed "few" can throw the results of a system meant to reflect the sentiments of "the many," I get a little worried. I'd take it down again."

You refuse to look at the facts sir, and you contradict yourself. If we are an organized “few,” how is it your basket was flooded with e-mail? Why do you insist that we are throwing the results when we simply did what was asked of us and voted? Are you asking us not participate Mr. Wastler? Would you rather we not consume your product?

I am one man. I raised my hand one time, but I’ll think twice before offering it up just to have someone cut it off.

Very Important Petition!!!

The following is a petition asking for the endorsement of Congressman Ron Paul as President by James Dobson. For those of you who do not know, Dr. Dobson is a highly influential leader among Christian Conservatives. He has made news recently after refusing to support Rudy Giuliani's nomination, and has threatened to endorse a third party. Dr. Dobson has also spoken out against Fred Thompson.

You may not agree with all of Dr. Dobson's principles, but the "evangelical" base of the Republican party is huge and very active. Please consider signing the following petition...

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/pauldobson/index.html

Real-time Fund Raising!!!

A "top-tier" Conservative?

Think!

Student Tasered For Asking Question At Forum

If you haven't done so, it is important for you to watch the Tucker show that aired 9/17/07. You can find the two most pressing segments here:

Madatory Health-care:
http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm...

Student tasered for asking question:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCBc...

They hit on everything from Hillary's health-care plan, to the true justification for the Iraq War, and Willie Geist dicusses a student who gets tasered for asking John Kerry a question at a Q&A forum! Not a fan of Tucker's point of view on War, but the whole show was very informative. Any citizen worried about the direction of their country should watch these two segments and take notes.

Wasted Lives And Killing Time

I can't help but notice the arguments that are being made to keep our military engauged in Iraq, or to move this failing war into Iran. We have went from "Saddam's talking to al Qaeda," to (no one mentioned we sold them to Iraq so they could kick Iran's ass) "WMDs," to "liberating a repressed people." Now the arguments for considering action against Iran are "they sponsor terrorism," to "they're developing a nuke," to "well... even if they couldn't use it against us they'll put it in a suit-case." Anyone here fail to realize that most of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudi, or that over half of the suicide bombers in Iraq come from that country.

On the issue of suit-case bombs...

If we are so worried about suitcase bombs, why are we not taking action to keep them from our shores. And no... I am not talking about bombing every individual that has ever prayed to Allah.

We have yet to develop any real means of inspecting import vessels. We haven’t even started to deal with anything realted to our physical borders. Its funny how this government (D and R alike) keeps preaching that we must stay and fight in the Middle East to keep such a thing from happening. Wouldn’t the 500 billion dollars we have wasted have been better spent securing and defending this nation instead of invading a foreign country. Even more important, wouldn't the lives we have spent been better utilized cooking up some bar-b-que before the game, battling the forces of a rival softball team, or caring for the children of now single mothers.

Right now we are allowing trucks to come in from Mexico and drive freely in the US virtually unchecked. Sounds like a good way to smuggle in a bomb. Let alone the fact that it takes even more jobs out of this country. Or… one could bet the odds and set the damn thing in a cargo container and pray to Allah that it is one of the thousands that go uninspected everyday.

Perhaps, if we had taken the time to look inward and develop truly defensive strategies maybe both the immigration and security issues ruining this country could have been solved.

Important Note: When Petreaus was asked if the war in Iraq is keeping America safe he answered, "I don’t know." Apparently, from the view-point of this President, his lackey staff, and the Congress that’s a big hell yeah. But let us not forget, “We’re kickin’ ass.”

GOP Leader: "We" Will Have Paid "A Small Price" In Iraq

BLITZER: How much longer will U.S. taxpayers have to shell out $2 billion a week or $3 billion a week as some now are suggesting the cost is going to endure? The loss in blood, the Americans who are killed every month, how much longer do you think this commitment, this military commitment is going to require?

BOEHNER: I think General Petraeus outlined it pretty clearly. We’re making success. We need to firm up those successes. We need to continue our effort here because, Wolf, long term, the investment that we’re making today will be a small price if we’re able to stop al Qaeda here, if we’re able to stabilize the Middle East, it’s not only going to be a small price for the near future, but think about the future for our kids and their kids.

(source: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/horsesmouth/2007/09/gop_leader_boeh.php)

Is The Dollar About To Fail?

The US Dollar is worth .49 pence (UK), .71 Euro cents, $1.04 Canadian… Light Crude hit $80 a barrel, Gold is at $720. And if that isn’t enough… China is quietly dumping US Treasuries?

A sharp drop in foreign holdings of US Treasury bonds over the last five weeks has raised concerns that China is quietly withdrawing its funds from the United States, leaving the dollar increasingly vulnerable.

Data released by the New York Federal Reserve shows that foreign central banks have cut their stash of US Treasuries by $48bn since late July, with falls of $32bn in the last two weeks alone.
“This comes as a big surprise and it is definitely worrying,” said Hans Redeker, currency chief at BNP Paribas.

“We won’t know if China is behind this until the Treasury releases its TIC data in November, but what it does show is that world central banks are in a hurry to get out of the US. They don’t seem to be switching into other currencies, so it is possible they are moving into gold instead. Gold is now gaining momentum across all currencies and has broken through resistance at 500 euros,” he said.

China threatens ‘nuclear option’ of dollar sales

The Chinese government has begun a concerted campaign of economic threats against the United States, hinting that it may liquidate its vast holding of US treasuries if Washington imposes trade sanctions to force a yuan revaluation.

Two officials at leading Communist Party bodies have given interviews in recent days warning - for the first time - that Beijing may use its $1.33 trillion (£658bn) of foreign reserves as a political weapon to counter pressure from the US Congress.

Shifts in Chinese policy are often announced through key think tanks and academies.

Described as China’s “nuclear option” in the state media, such action could trigger a dollar crash at a time when the US currency is already breaking down through historic support levels.
It would also cause a spike in US bond yields, hammering the US housing market and perhaps tipping the economy into recession. It is estimated that China holds over $900bn in a mix of US bonds.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out… you might want to brush up on your bartering skills!

(source: http://ronpaul2008nyc.wordpress.com/2007/09/12/who-needs-an-army-when-you-hold-900bn-in-us-bonds/)

Paul holds his own on O'Reilly

So the interview has ended... What did you think?

Myself I thought O'Reilly had a few lines that were a little over-the-top but... all in all it went well.

Congressman Paul was given a chance to get his point out on a popular national program, and in the end O'Reilly didn't demagogue too much. A point to note is that Dr. Paul did get to state that he did vote to go into Afghanastan (after calling out O'Reilly on a mis-quote.) He also posed that we have yet to truly track down bin Laden. You know, the guy that attacked this country. The Congressman also made the point that we must put our actions and the actions of numerous other countries in the region into account. He cited the influence of Saudi Arabia, a point people will hpoefully notice, and this only goes to show how much the Congressman does understand this conflict. The interview, for entertainment purposes, was quite bland, yet its subdued nature could allow people to digest the information they were presented with.

No matter how much of a chance Congressman Paul had to explain his Foreign Policy bona fides, I thought there was one particular moment of the night that was quite interesting. When O'Reilly asked if Paul feared Iran, the Congressman replied that he's not, but later in the interview he stated that he is concerned. That takes fortitude. The kind of fortitude a president must have. By relaying a message of consideration and concern, without provoking fear, I believe Dr. Paul might have convinced the audience (albeit unconciously) that he has the capability of being very Presidential.

One quote of consideration: "We don't need a history lesson."

Really Bill? My personal opinion... I think that is what we need most. It gives us perspective.

2004 Bush Strategist: Public Opinion of Iraq

I think the following points made by Mr. Michael Dowd are a decent summary of the typical citizens point of view. If 70% of the public follows this line of thought, then the Congressman Paul has one helluva shot at getting into the White House should he make it through the primaries.

1. In the public's mind, the Iraq War was a mistake, and continuing the status quo is simply continuing on with a mistake. As a result, most Americans now view the situation in Iraq as a "rearview" mirror issue -- meaning that the public believes it is time to focus on the process of ending our involvement and getting out quickly. They see American troops as targets in a place we aren't wanted, and they desire a plan which achieves responsible withdrawal in the quickest and safest way.

2. The public does not see withdrawal from Iraq as a signal America doesn't support the troops. In fact, the public sees removing the troops from harm's way and having them in a place where the mission is supported, welcomed and understood as the most proper way to support our troops.

3. The public is waiting for leaders from both political parties to stand up to the president and say enough is enough. They would like this situation resolved -- and soon -- and there is no other solution acceptable to them other than bringing the troops home. The public will support leaders who would use funding decisions as a way to encourage and push the president to resolve this situation quickly.

4. The war in Iraq is now seen exclusively as a foreign policy concern, and the American public no longer supports the initiative as part of national security. This is in stark contrast to the war's beginning -- at inception, the public perceived it as directly related to fighting terrorism, and thus it was seen as a domestic policy issue connected to homeland security. Not surprisingly, the public gave it broad support. Today, this is no longer the case -- the dynamic has changed and most of the public sees no "positive" relationship between the fight against terrorism and the war in Iraq.

I hope this analysis helps bolster the leaders who are ready to stand up for the troops and for the vast majority of Americans in this country. Not only is truth on those leaders' side, but politics is as well. It is my opinion that the best leaders are those who trust the will of the public, even if that means changing direction or admitting a mistake. This is true leadership and the kind of leadership our nation has always desired.

(source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-dowd/war-in-iraq-wisdom-of-c_b_63677.html)

Ron Paul on "The O'Reilly Factor"

Congressman Ron Paul will be a guest on "The O'Reilly Factor" September 10th @ 8:00pm. Not a show that I typically care to watch anmore, but it looks like the Media is starting to notice that Ron Paul's not going away anytime soon. I encourage everyone to watch the show as I believe it should be an interesting event. One thing's for certain, O'Reilly shouldn't be able to accuse the good doctor of "bloviating."

Well...

He may try.

(source: http://www.ronpaul2008.com/events)

Paul vs.Huckabee (The Showdown)

Congressman Ron Paul and Governor Mike Huckabee were involved in a very lively argument over foreign policy and issues directly related to the Iraq War. In a debate at the University of New Hampshire broadcast on Fox News the two went toe-to-toe during the most heated exchange of the evening. Here are a few of the reactions from The Huffington Posts Liveblog:

Glynnis (9:52:27 PM): Huckabee: whether or not we should have gone, we are there now.
Rachel (9:52:36 PM): Ron Paul is gooooooood.
Glynnis (9:53:01 PM): Ron Paul and Huckabee DEBATING
Rachel (9:53:08 PM): This is exciting!
Glynnis (9:53:13 PM): Huckabee says American honor trumps all!
Rachel (9:53:24 PM): And Ron Paul says that mistakes should be corrected!
John (9:54:06 PM): Wow, they are completely talking past each other, and Huckabee is not speaking with as much gusto, but this may be the most telling exchange we have seen in this whole debate season.
(source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-neffinger-glynnis-macnicol-and-rachel-sklar/liveblog-foxnews-gop-deb_b_63235.html)

For those of you who did not get a chance to see the event live here are the excerpts from the quarrel.
(source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295886,00.html)

[begin transcript]
WALLACE: Congressman Paul... (APPLAUSE)
Congressman Paul, your position on the war is pretty simple: Get out. What about, though, trying to minimize the bloodbath that would certainly occur if we pull out in a hurry? What about protecting the thousands of Iraqis who have staked their lives in backing the U.S.? And would you leave troops in the region to take out any al Qaeda camps that are developed after we leave?

PAUL: The people who say there will be a bloodbath are the ones who said it will be a cakewalk or it will be a slam dunk, and that it will be paid for by oil. Why believe them? They've been wrong on everything they've said.

PAUL: So why not ask the people... (APPLAUSE)
... why not ask the people who advised not to go into the region and into the war? The war has not gone well one bit. Yes, I would leave. I would leave completely. Why leave the troops in the region? It was the fact that we had troops in Saudi Arabia -- was one of the three reasons given for the attack on 9/11. So why leave them in the region? They don't want our troops on the Arabian Peninsula. We have no need for our national security to have troops on the Arabian Peninsula. And going into Iraq and Afghanistan and threatening Iran is the worst thing we can do for our national security. I am less safe, the American people are less safe for this. It's the policy that is wrong. Tactical movements and shifting troops around and taking in the 30 more and reducing by five -- totally irrelevant. We need a new foreign policy that said we ought to mind our own business, bring our troops home, defend this country, defend our borders... (APPLAUSE)

WALLACE: Congressman Paul -- and I'd like you to take 30 seconds to answer this -- you're basically saying that we should take our marching orders from Al Qaida? If they want us off the Arabian Peninsula, we should leave? (LAUGHTER)

PAUL: No. (APPLAUSE)

PAUL: I'm saying we should take our marching orders from our Constitution. We should not go to war... (APPLAUSE)

PAUL: We should not go to war without a declaration. We should not go to war when it's an aggressive war. This is an aggressive invasion. We've committed the invasion of this war. And it's illegal under international law. That's where I take my marching orders, not from any enemy. (APPLAUSE) (AUDIENCE BOOING) (CROSSTALK)

WALLACE: Senator Brownback, you want in on this. What do you have to say, sir?

BROWNBACK: I didn't hear your question, so I'm going to...

WALLACE: What do you have to say to what you heard?

BROWNBACK: Thank you. I think what we need to do now is look at the situation we have and now have a political surge taking place. This is Thomas Friedman's statement, but it is true.

BROWNBACK: You've got the military that has made a number of progressive steps, particularly in the west -- Al Anbar Province -- they've made progress. But we don't have a political solution on the ground that works in Iraq. Iraq is less a country than it is three groups held together by exterior forces. It's the Kurds in the north, the Sunni in the west, the Shia in the south, and a mixed city in Baghdad. And, yes, there are groups that are mixed around in that. I think we need to recognize that reality. We ought to now push for establishment of a Sunni state in the West. Still one country -- still one country, but separate states. That's a political solution that you can take advantage of what the military has done on the ground. That's what we need to do to move forward now.

GOLER: Senator, let me ask you, quickly, if you do that kind of less federation, how do you keep the Kurds in the north from fighting with Turkey, how do you keep the Shia from allying with Iran, and how do you keep the Sunnis from rebelling over having no oil resources?

BROWNBACK: How do you do it now? I mean, I think you're going to need a long-term U.S. presence in -- particularly in the Kurdish region in the north and the Sunni region in the west that you're going to have a long-term -- invited by those governments.

BROWNBACK: And you're going to need it to assure the Turks that the Kurds aren't going to pull out and to assure the Kurds that the Turks aren't going to come in. I think that's what you have to do in looking at the reality. And the next president needs to come in and know foreign policy and not learn it on the job. This is something we need to know going in. The world is flat. I ought to know that. Being from Kansas, I understand flat. (LAUGHTER)

WALLACE: Governor Huckabee, the latest national intelligence estimate, which was out recently, says that even if we continue the troop surge -- and we're going to put it up on the screen -- "Iraq's security will continue to improve modestly during the next six to 12 months, but levels of insurgent and sectarian violence will remain high and the Iraqi government will continue to struggle to achieve national-level political reconciliation and improved governance."

WALLACE: Governor, if that's the best we can hope, should we continue the surge?

HUCKABEE: We have to continue the surge, and let me explain why, Chris. When I was a little kid, if I went into a store with my mother, she had a simple rule for me: If I picked something off the shelf at the store and I broke it, I bought it. I learned I don't pick something off the shelf I can't afford to buy. Well, what we did in Iraq, we essentially broke it. It's our responsibility to do the best we can to try to fix it before we just turn away. Because something is a stake.

HUCKABEE: Senator McCain made a great point -- and let me make this clear: If there's anybody on this stage that understands the word honor, I've got to say Senator McCain understands that word...
(APPLAUSE)
... because he has given his country a sacrifice the rest of us don't even comprehend. And on this issue, when he says we can't leave until we've left with honor, I 100 percent agree with him because, Congressman, whether or not we should have gone to Iraq is a discussion the historians can have, but we're there. We bought it because we broke it. We've got a responsibility to the honor of this country and to the honor of every man and woman who has served in Iraq and ever served in our military to not leave them with anything less than the honor that they deserve.

PAUL: Can I respond...
(APPLAUSE)

HUME (?): Go ahead. You wanted to respond. He just addressed you. You go ahead and respond.

PAUL: The American people didn't go in. A few people advising this administration, a small number of people called the neoconservatives hijacked our foreign policy. They're responsible, not the American people. They're not responsible. We shouldn't punish them.
(APPLAUSE)

HUCKABEE: Congressman, we are one nation. We can't be divided. We have to be one nation, under god. That means if we make a mistake, we make it as a single country: the United States of America, not the divided states of America.
(APPLAUSE)

PAUL: No, when we make a mistake -- when we make a mistake, it is the obligation of the people, through their representatives, to correct the mistake, not to continue the mistake.
(APPLAUSE)

HUCKABEE: And that's what we do on the floor of the Senate.

PAUL: No, we've dug a hole for ourselves and we've dug a hole for our party. We're losing elections and we're going down next year if we don't change it, and it has all to do with foreign policy and we have to wake up to this fact.

HUCKABEE: Even if we lose elections, we should not lose our honor, and that is more important (inaudible) the Republican Party.
(APPLAUSE)

PAUL: We have lost over 5,000 Americans killed in -- we've lost over 5,000 Americans over there in Afghanistan, in Iraq and plus the civilians killed. How many more you want to lose? How long are you going to be there? How long -- what do we have to pay to save face? That's all we're doing, is saving face. It's time we came home.
(APPLAUSE)

HUME: Gentleman, thank you.
[end transcript]

After the debate, Fox News conducted a poll asking, Who do you think won tonight? It seems as though Fox has fixed the problems from the last poll conducted for the South Carolina debate in which they claimed Congressman Ron Paul supporters were spamming the polls. Those who attempted to vote more than once were sent the following reply:



Now that we know Fox News has fixed the “spamming” problem how do the final results look?

Ron Paul - 33%
Huckabee - 18%
Giuliani - 15%
McCain - 14%
Romney - 12%
Hunter - 2%
Tancredo - 2%
Brownback - 1%

Bringing Politics Back to the People - The Campaign of Ron Paul.

People wanted to help. They waited for orders to come from on high and yet such orders never came. Instead all they saw was a war turning sour because of the incompetence of the people in charge. Then they saw a great city destroyed by a natural disaster and saw that same government bumble the aftermath and reconstruction. That made it hard to help those who needed it and only wasted the energy of those who gave of their time and effort to help with the clean-up. So where does all that energy go when its not be used? When it’s being left to dissipate on the sidelines and all that’s left is anger and bitterness at the authorities for their incompetence and their mismanagement? Well some have decided they aren’t going to wait for “orders” anymore. Some have decided on their own that they are going try and elect a man they believe is going to change things for the better. And whether or not Ron Paul could make such changes if he was elected President or get them through Congress really doesn’t matter when you think about it. Just getting to that point will show that the nation has recaptured the do-it-yourself spirit that helped to found the country in the first place.

read more | digg story

Senator John Warner and Congressman Ron Paul

Republican Senator John Warner is beginning to put pressure on the Bush administration. He's calling for a troop reduction by the end of this year. If you are not familiar with Sen. Warner he is a former Secretary of the Navy and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Now that the tides are turning and members of the GOP are slowly but surely coming to their senses, it is time for all of us to applaud their change of heart.

If we can get the support of higher ranking members of the GOP, the Republican base should begin to follow suit. No one on the right can argue with Senator Warner's credentials, and with your support we can hopefully generate some momentum for our candidate. I would encourage everyone to send a letter, an e-mail, or even a thank you card to Mr. Warner's office and TACTFULLY let him now who you are supporting for the GOP nod in 2008, and why...

Let's all do this in a civil manner with a congratulatory tone and maybe, just maybe, we will have a better chance of getting what we want; a Ron Paul presidency!

Here are a few ways you can contact Senator John Warner:
Full-screen
Address:
Senator John Warner
225 Russell Bldg
Washington, DC 20510

Phone:
(202) 224-2023

E-Mail:
http://www.senate.gov/~warner/contact/contactme.cfm

High-profile Advocates of Self-Government

Those appearing on this list are outstanding leaders in their fields who have identified themselves as libertarians. Some supporters or sympathizers of libertarian ideas who haven't made this libertarian self-identification are listed in our "Friends of Libertarianism" section. We need these voices out in the open! Ask for their support!

read more | digg story

Novak Snubs Top-tier, Endorses Ron Paul

"When asked to rate the current field of Republican presidential candidates, Novak didn't have any kind words for the current top-tier field of Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney and John McCain..."

"However, Novak offered his own personal endorsement of Texas congressman Ron Paul. 'He's a very engaging person... I'd like to see him as president,' Novak said. 'Can you imagine him at the United Nations?'"

read more

Not So Many Friends of Fred?

Based on his fundraising performance, doubts begin to mount about whether Fred Thompson can actually run a successful campaign.

"Sources close to the presumptive campaign tell NBC News that Fred Thompson’s fundraising is down 'markedly.' One claimed it has 'slowed down big-time.' The pace is described as a consequence of the delayed announcement to enter the race."

read more

War On Terror And The Ron Paul Philosophy

“Nearly six years ago, on September 11th, 2001, a criminal act occurred in New York, New York. It was broadcast around the world…”

“A couple of days later President Bush declared a war on terror. As of this moment, it looks like a war that will never end.”

“…the terrorists could end up having more freedom than us.”

read more

Iraqi Lawmakers Missing In Action

Missing from Thursday's session of the Iraqi parliament were about half of the members, including the speaker, the former speaker and two former prime ministers. Also missing: a sense of urgency.

read more

Ron Paul... Introduce Tax Exemption For Soldiers?

It is my belief that Congressman Ron Paul would be the perfect Representative to introduce a House Resolution that exempts all military personnel (active duty, and non-active duty alike) from the Federal Income Tax.

Arguments for the resolution:
- Rewards soldiers for their service to this country, by allowing them to reap the monetary benefits of the Constitution they swore to defend.
- Stimulates local economies by providing soldiers with more “cash on hand” which in turn would be spent within their hometowns.
- Allows those who have laid their lives on the line to pursue a better lifestyle for themselves and their families by having greater sums money to invest and save.
- Increases soldier’s income without affecting the budget for defense related spending.

Just a thought…
What do you think?

Video: Explaining Iraq War In 22 Seconds

Could I please get the chance to bring my friends and my fellow countrymen home? And when they return, it would be nice to have some leadership a little more intelligent than this display.

GOP hijacked by "Chickenhawks"

Disclaimer: I have always leaned toward the conservative side of the political spectrum, and probably always will. I have friends who serve in the United States military. My Grandfather is a proud Marine, and my Father served in the Army. I appreciate and respect them more than most individuals. Personally, I do not serve in the armed forces because I disagree with the strategic vision of our current foreign policy, and believe that the conflict in which we are involved is a tragic mistake for this country.

Quite frankly, it sickens me when others champion this war vocally, but lack the fortitude to truly defend their position. If you can claim to support what is going on then sign up and relieve some of the men and women who continually lay their lives on the line by taking multiple tours of duty. I am pretty sure they’ll take any volunteers they can get.

(See video below)


In other news… If you want a good idea as to how military personnel in this country feels, look at the Second Quarter Presidential Campaign Donations.

Dollars donated to GOP candidates by branch:

Candidate	Total	Army	Navy*	Air Force	Veteran
Ron Paul	24,965	6,975	8,265	4,650	5,075
John McCain	17,475	6,925	7,905	1,795	800
Mitt Romney	3,551	2,051	0	1,500	0
Rudy Giuliani	2,320	1,450	370	250	250
Duncan Hunter	1,000	0	1,000	0	0
Mike Huckabee	750	250	0	500	0
Tom Tancredo	350	350	0	0	0
Sam Brownback	71	71	0	0	0
Tom Thompson	0	0	0	0	0

*Includes USMC

Percentage totals among both parties: :
Ron Paul 32.94%
John McCain 22.99%
Hillary Clinton 13.92%
Bill Richardson 7.03%
Barack Obama 6.85%
Mitt Romney 4.68%
Rudy Giuliani 3.06%
John Edwards 2.97%

(Source: Finance Reports for the 2007 July Quarterly)

Question to the audience:
If the citizens of this country supported a military venture by the U.S., would we ever have to talk about reinstating the draft?

A Message for Social-Progressives

There is one thing that is critical to remember about Ron Paul. While his beliefs on social issues are not considered by many progressives to be "good", he is firmly in favor of giving that power back to the states.

Many people would like to see universal healthcare, environmental reform, and some sort of safety net to help people in hard times. You have to realize, however, that these things are NEVER going to have a chance so long as we live in a police state with federal laws preventing change at the state level and bureaucracy intent on maintaining the status quo. The system is rigged... No matter which side you are on.

Every year we send hundreds of billions of dollars to the federal government and then bitch and moan when it doesn't come back to us in the form of a refund. It's time to quit sending the money out in the first place, and use it instead to fix the problems in our local communities, our schools, our hospitals, etc.

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
-John Fitzgerald Kennedy

The Paul position only helps to perpetuate this ideology.

The fact is this. The positions of his which some consider "bad" are positions which he does not attempt to dictate to the people at the Federal level. You have a closer relationship with your state. Therefore, it would be easier for you, the people, to make the changes you want.

With Ron Paul as President we will be able to affect real change where we live. Period.

Does The Pull Out Method Really Work?

A lot of people ask, "What will happen if we pull out of Iraq now?" "Has anyone thought about the consequences?" or make statements like, "We need to think about our children's future."

I would like to pose some other questions...

- Has Communism taken over the world due to us pulling out of Vietnam?
- What are the consequences of staying in Iraq?
- What happens to our children's future when this country goes bankrupt from trying to be the world's police?

Oh, and some more...

- Isn't Al Qaeda just as strong today as it was on 9/11?

And knowing the answer to that question...

- How has Iraq helped secure this nation in any way, shape, or form?

Maybe we ought to listen to the Central INTELLIGENCE Agency whose findings just happen to support a Congressman from the 14th district of Texas.

Mitt "The Cameleon" Romney

Mitt Romney, devoid of integrity... This was written by a woman named Carla Howell, who has had much experience dealing with Romney over the last several years.
(read more)

Guiliani Presidential Bid Illegal?

I find this very interesting, and tend to wonder how much research has been conducted concerning the following:

Knight of the British Empire Rudy Giuliani
- VS -
The Constitution of the United States

-----

Article I; Section 9

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince or foreign State.

That seems pretty self-explanatory. Also, the following amendment was widely published up to the 1860’s and presumably replaced illegally after the Civil War… Therefore, it would still be the law of the land. However, its official ratification has disputed.

Article XIII

If any citizen of the United States shall accept, claim, receive, or retain any title of nobility or honour, or shall without the consent of Congress, accept and retain any present, pension, office, or emolument of any kind whatever, from any emperor, king, prince, or foreign power, such person shall cease to be a citizen of the United States, and shall be incapable of holding any office of trust or profit under them, or either of them.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/7/10/155241/107

Coverage of Giuliani’s knighthood…

AMERICAN MORNING WITH PAULA ZAHN
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani Knighted by Queen Elizabeth
Aired February 13, 2002 - 07:50 ET

(excerpts)

PAULA ZAHN: “Just this morning in London former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani was knighted by Queen Elizabeth. He was given the honorary knighthood for his leadership during the crisis following the September 11 terrorist attacks.”

WALTER RODGERS: “He got a very nice medal. He can wear it only on white tie occasions and when he signs his name, it's no longer just Rudolph Giuliani, its Rudolph Giuliani, KBE, Knight of the British Empire.”

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0202/13/ltm.02.html

My Take On The Top Tier Candidates

Ask any executive in any well run business and they will tell you that leadership starts from the top. Leaders in any organization have to be willing to commit to a certain set of standards, and develop a fair and functional protocol. It is imperative for those in power to use such strength for the betterment of the whole. The problem, though, lies in the numbers. Do you have the ability to appease the masses?

This is the question at hand with politics, law, and government as well.

The United States is looking for a new leader. We are in desperate need of someone that can come in and sweep out the House. Take a look at the numbers. No one at the Federal level is safe. Not the Republicans. Not the Democrats. America has all but given up on those little spirits on her shoulders.

Anyone that follows the slightest bit of history can recall even a few events of fairly recent history in which both entities have engaged in egregious acts against our laws, our morals, and even our liberties. We can count the numerous scandals taking over the White House at this very moment. Some of which spark memories of one hundred and forty something pardons given out on the last day of the previous administration, Whitewater, or perhaps Monica Lewinsky. Go back to “Senior” and bring up the gay escort scandal, the plot to assassinate Reagan, or the Gulf War. Take a look at the ever great Ronald Reagan, and find the Iran-Contra. Johnson. Kennedy. Nixon. The list goes on and on… and such are the fruits of our governmental policies.

Where did it go wrong? How are we going to fix it?

John McCain is an honorable man, or at least was. He’s obviously a war worn veteran that served this country well, but has a tendency to sell his soul. His stance on Iraq, although somewhat understood, and recent support of a failed immigration bill are prime examples. Good man. Just isn’t cut out for the job.

Mitt Romney is that guy everyone pretended to love, but was either jealous of or couldn’t stand. He’s the H.S. Quarterback; the Frat boy that didn’t seem anymore talented than anyone else yet opened doors with a fresh look, a cheesy grin, and a charm that would stick to your skin like molasses in the summer sun.

Rudy Guiliani… Let’s not get started on him. He’s that womanizing corporatist with just a hint of authoritarianism. If you think “W” is bad, just wait ‘til this guys takes the helm.

Hillary Clinton, another authoritarian. However, she hovers around the socialist side of the line. Reminds me of that girl willing to do anything to be noticed, or… in charge. Frankly, she scares me.

Barack O’bama is the preordained messiah of all peoples downtrodden and weary, AND he believes it. Somewhat unnerving. Another point is his very short record. In an odd way he reminds me of McCain. The principles are there. The potential is there, but I can’t help thinking his inexperience makes him even more susceptible to the dark-side.

John Edwards has a few ideas. They’re definitely worth some debate, but he’s just a little too pretty for me. We need someone with responsibility fiscally, and paying for public education in another nation is not being responsible. He needs to prove he’s more concerned with balancing the check-book than redecorating the White House bathrooms.

Another Victory For Ron Paul

Another Victory For Ron Paul
by: kipload
July, 5 2007

Last night was another local victory for the Ron Paul campaign. The Louisville, KY Meet-up group gathered at multiple Independence Day celebrations throughout the metropolitan area. Members attended events held at E.P. Tom Sawyer Park, Waterfront Park, and the riverfront concert and fireworks display in New Albany, Indiana. Members were generally treated with warm regards, and were asked many questions such as: “Who’s this guy?” However, after a short explanation of Dr. Paul’s views, many changed their questioning to, “Why haven’t I heard of this guy?”

At one point, a member of the campaign, was confronted by a representative of the Waterfront Development Corporation, and was questioned about the nature of the material he was handing out.

read more about WDC here

After a short discussion, he was told abruptly that he was not allowed to hand out political material. His reply to this was quite simple.

“Come on now. Its Independence Day, and this is the United States.”

Members handed out over 300 full page flyers containing excerpts of the official Ron Paul “Issue Statements,” and many more palm sized “voting record summaries.” Earlier in afternoon, a small group formed at a busy corner of Waterfront Park and had “Break Dancing for Ron Paul.” Needless to say, this generated quite a bit of attention and questioning.

However, the most surprising events of the day were when patrons and supporters crossed paths again. One man, while holding up his flyer, shouted from across the lawn, “I agree! One hundred percent... I agree.”

Ron Paul VS. The Media

The following video sequence represents how Ron Paul will dominate the National Media.

Old School Ron Paul Video

Movin' On Up

California Republican Assembly conducts vote during annual convention

Former Senator Fred Thompson took first place in a Presidential Preference straw poll conducted by the California Republican Assembly at its annual convention this weekend. (Remember, he's still not declared...)

Thompson received 25% percent of the convention delegates’ votes, easily beating the two runners up, Congressman Duncan Hunter and Governor Mitt Romney.

Of the declared candidates, Congressman Hunter and Governor Romney each received 19% of the vote. Congressman Ron Paul finished third. With 12% of the total vote, the so-called fringe candidate finished within seven points of the top spots.

Complete straw poll results follow:

Fred Thompson (25%)
Duncan Hunter (19%)
Mitt Romney (19%)
Ron Paul (12%)
Tom Tancredo (8%)
Newt Gingrich (7%)
Rudy Guiliani (7%)
Sam Brownbeck (3%)
Mike Huckabee (0%)
Tommy Thompson (0%)

CRA is the state’s oldest and largest Republican volunteer organization. The straw poll was conducted as part of a weekend convention that featured appearances by Presidential candidates Duncan Hunter and Congressman Ron Paul.

Another Great Ron Paul Video

Ron Paul Willing To Limit His Own Power As President

The following are quotes taken from an Interview with the Muckraker Report:

“The 2002 Iraq war resolution transferred the authority and responsibility for waging war from the legislature to the executive branch, which is a total breach of the principles of the U.S. Constitution. James Madison pointed this out in 1798, that because the executive is the branch of government most interested in war, the question of war must be vested in the legislature – ‘with studied care.’”

“I voted against that resolution because I believe strongly that we should avoid getting entangled in foreign alliances and instead seek peace and trade with all nations.”

“So to answer your question, if I were president, I would do my best to follow in the footsteps of the Founders by abiding by the rules laid out in the U.S. Constitution, which means limiting the power of the executive to wage war.”

Ron Paul And Immigration

The following quote is taken from an Interview with the Muckraker Report:

"While I realize that mass deportation is unrealistic, I’m opposed to amnesty, because I believe strongly in the rule of law. I see this matter chiefly as a problem of the welfare state. The majority of illegal immigrants in this country are exceptionally hard workers, but there is a small minority receiving housing subsidies, food stamps, free medical care, and other kinds of welfare from the federal government. This alienates taxpayers and breeds suspicion of illegal immigrants, which in turn causes citizens to form vigilante groups to deal with the issue while Congress does nothing. Without a welfare state, we would know that everyone coming to America wanted to work hard; with one, however, you can’t avoid a small element of criminals and freeloaders being attracted into the country. This is why I’m in favor of securing the borders immediately. Federal entitlement programs such as Social Security are also threatened by the influx of illegal immigrants into the country. Successive administrations have supported the so-called “totalization” agreements, by which illegal immigrants would be allowed to qualify for programs like Social Security, programs that are already in dire shape and threatening financial ruin for the United States. Sending benefits abroad to immigrants who once worked here will cost the United States millions, perhaps even billions, of dollars. Anyone who hopes to receive Social Security someday should oppose amnesty and totalization proposals. The problems associated with illegal immigration cannot be solved overnight, but we cannot begin to address the issue until we take the difficult steps of securing the borders, rejecting amnesty, and reaffirming our right as a sovereign nation to control immigration without apology."

Ron Paul's Abortion-Rights Agenda

The following are quotes taken from an Interview with the Muckraker Report:

"In my medical career, I’ve delivered more than 4,000 babies, so naturally my professional experience has influenced my views on abortion. It’s my strong belief that life begins at conception, and that children in the womb are entitled to inheritance rights. More broadly, libertarians, like most Americans, respectfully come to different views on the issue based on their different personal feelings about when human life begins."

"Naturally I’m aware of the extraordinarily sensitive nature of this subject, and that people hold different views on abortion. I think we ought to return the issue to the states so that local opinions could better determine the specific regulations concerning this deeply personal issue."

Ron Paul's Opinion Of Guantanamo

The following quote is taken from an Interview with the Muckraker Report:

"Shut it down. The current rationale at Guantanamo is based on the false premise that detainees are not entitled to due process protections. I support court decisions recognizing fundamental human rights, such as habeas corpus. Again, this is an issue that flies in the face of our civic and legal traditions as outlined in the Constitution. As such, I see no purpose for continuing the facility."

Ron Paul Touches On Race Relations In The United States

The following are quotes taken from an Interview with the Muckraker Report:

“As I wrote in a recent article, I found it [the Don Imus controversy] very discouraging. The young women on the basketball team are over eighteen and can speak for themselves. I believe that introducing third parties to speak collectively for minority groups is inherently racist, since it denies the rights of minorities to speak as individual people.”

“It points to our society’s uncomfortable obsession with race today, in which people are viewed in terms of racial group identities rather than as unique individuals. The solution to this I believe is liberty, which encourages a sense of personal pride and responsibility, regardless of gender, skin color, or ethnicity. Racism is a sin of the heart, which can be solved only by mutual tolerance and respect, not by government”

Ron Paul's Opinion On Health-Care

The following quote is taken from an Interview with the Muckraker Report:

"As a practicing physician for 30 years, I find the pervasiveness of managed care very discouraging. Patients are paying more and doctors are leaving the profession in droves. It’s time to rethink the whole system. The rise of HMOs has created a harmful collusion between politicians, drug companies, and organized medicine that raises the price of healthcare by stifling competition between providers. And all this in favor of moving us towards universal healthcare! The HMOs didn’t originate in the free-market; they are the result of policy decisions that were made back in the 1970s. One problem is the 1974 ERISA law, which grants tax benefits to employers to provide healthcare, while not allowing the same kinds of incentives for the individual. This creates an unnecessary coupling between employment and healthcare that is very restrictive on patients’ ability to decide which kinds of healthcare are appropriate for them. I believe strongly that patients are better served by having an element of choice in the matter, which is why I support letting the free-market determine healthcare costs. This won’t happen, however, until we unravel the HMO web and change the tax code to allow individuals to fully deduct healthcare costs from their taxes, as employers can."

Ron Paul Addresses Widow's Concerns Regarding 9/11 Reports

The following are quotes taken from an Interview with the Muckraker Report:

9/11 Widow Monica Gabrielle made the following statement: “Addressing all these unanswered questions out there is about more than simply trying to quell conspiracy theories. It’s about making sure Americans are safe by revealing the unfettered truth about the failures. Because you can’t make recommendations on distortions, omissions, and half-truths, which is basically what the 9/11 Commission did.”

As president, would you be in favor of reopening investigation into the 9/11 attacks?

Congressman Paul: "If the 9/11 families aren’t satisfied with the results of the 9/11 Commission, than neither am I. I’m in favor of an independant investigation, provided costs are kept in check."

Ron Paul's Take On Gay Marriage

The following quote is taken from an Interview with the Muckraker Report:

"Just like with abortion, I believe that marriage is an issue best decided by the states, not the federal government. I’m opposed to a federal ban on gay marriage, but it also goes both ways: I’m against the courts at the federal level pressuring the states into accepting same-sex marriage licenses. What we’re talking about in both cases is the redefinition of an ancient social institution by the federal government that’s best left to the people to decide at the local level. I have introduced legislation called the We the People Act to remove deeply personal social issues like marriage and abortion from the jurisdiction of the federal courts so the states and local governments can make the decisions, as the Constitution intends."

Ron Paul On The Environment

The following quote is taken from an Interview with the Muckraker Report:

"Global temperatures have been warming since the Little Ice Age. Studies within the respectable scientific community have shown that human beings are most likely a part of this process. As a Congressman, I’ve done a number of things to support environmentally friendly policies. I have been active in the Green Scissors campaign to cut environmentally harmful spending, I’ve opposed foreign wars for oil, and I’ve spoken out against government programs that encourage development in environmentally sensitive areas, such as flood insurance."

Other Presidential Candidates Call for Ron Paul

Presidential Candidate Calls for Ron Paul
The IdeaLog:
by Andrew Fink

Presidential Candidate Tom Tancredo is calling for Rep. Ron Paul to be included in the Iowa Presidential Forum held on June 30th in Des Moines, Iowa.

“While I don’t see eye-to-eye with Rep. Paul on all issues, he is a respected Congressman, a former presidential candidate, and a man with strong convictions and the courage to express them,” Tancredo stated, “The Republican party is better because he is one of us and he has earned the right to be in all presidential forums and debates.”

The Presidential Forum is co-sponsored by the Iowa Christian Alliance and Iowans for Tax Relief. Candidates scheduled to attend are Rep. Tom Tancredo, Sen. Sam Brownback, Rep. Duncan Hunter, Gov. Tommy Thompson, Gov. Mike Huckabee, and Gov. Mitt Romney. Invitations were also extended to Sen. John McCain, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and Gov. Jim Gilmore. Some of these candidates have raised less money than the Ron Paul campaign, and maintain a smaller base of support based on National Polls. Given Rep. Paul's voting record and position on taxation, he would seem a dream candidate for an organizations such as Iowans for Tax Relief.

The buzz on political blogs is that Iowans for Tax Relief Director, and Senior Advisor to the John McCain campaign in Iowa, Edward Failor is blocking the inclusion of Rep. Ron Paul for political purposes.

Tancredo concluded his statements with the following, “I hope the organizers of this forum will reconsider and extend him an invitation.”

For a copy of the release, please the Tancredo website at: http://teamtancredo.org/tancredo_news_press.asp

My Favorite Ron Paul Video

Why Ron Paul?

Why Ron Paul?
June 20, 2007
by Alvaro Vargas Llosa

WASHINGTON—I was dumbfounded last week when three radio stations, one in Spain and two in Latin America, asked me to explain who American presidential hopeful Ron Paul is and why his candidacy in the Republican primaries has generated such a buzz. The congressman from Texas has hardly registered in national polls but is a political celebrity in the blogosphere and on cable TV Web sites, and has been the subject of front-page stories in The Washington Post and other major news outlets. Apparently, he is making waves around the world too.

The obvious appeal of this uncharismatic, straight-talking physician is that he opposes the U.S. military presence in Iraq. In a Republican Party in which most presidential candidates compete to claim the most "macho" foreign policy credentials, Paul—who once suggested that President Bush allow private bounty hunters to pursue Osama bin Laden rather than have the U.S. invade Afghanistan—stands out.

But Paul's opposition to the war is probably not enough to explain the appeal of this 71-year old libertarian among many young people. It would have been simplistic to attribute the counterculture of the 1960s to the Vietnam War, even though opposition to that conflict gave impetus to the moral liberation we associate with that era. And it may be simplistic to attribute the current symptoms of rebellion against the party elites in the United States, of which the Ron Paul buzz seems to be an unlikely manifestation, to the disgust with the war in Iraq.

In an age in which technology has given young people the tools to exercise personal choice in ways previous generations could not dream of—for instance, by substituting customized information and group communication through the Internet for traditional media—one senses a growing revulsion against the intrusion of the authorities into people's lives. The exasperation with established institutions affects both parties, but the most blatant target is the Republican Party.

The GOP, whose discourse paradoxically stresses individual responsibility, has come to be associated with two powerful forms of intrusion: the use of force abroad and of moral bullying at home. The first is a courtesy of, but is not limited to, the neoconservatives; the second is a child of the religious right. Although the Democrats have traditionally been the big-government party, the perception today even among many Republicans is that the GOP has pushed the boundaries of authority beyond reasonable limits. The younger generations of Republicans seem to have found a spokesman in Paul, who calls for limiting the reach of government on all fronts—foreign policy, moral issues, economic activity.

Paul probably comes across as more consistent than his fellow Republican candidates because his stands fall in line with the republic the Founding Fathers envisaged. His positions—including the abolition of the income tax—are on the fringe of the political debate because of how much the country has moved away from the spirit of the 18th century. But Paul's eccentric qualities also send a stern message to the party elite.

There is no telling whether these are the initial stages of a cultural transformation or a passing fad. No one foresaw, at the end of the 18th century, the extent of the liberal reaction against theocracy in the American colonies ("liberal" in the classical, not the contemporary, sense), and yet it grew so powerful that it soon gained control of key academic institutions, including Harvard, originally founded as a training ground for orthodox Puritans. No one foresaw, two and a half centuries later, that the marginal beatniks of the 1950s would usher in the counterculture earthquake of the 1960s.

We cannot predict whether the current signs of grass-roots rebellion against the political elites will be seen a few years from now as the harbinger of something bigger. But there is enough iconoclastic sentiment out there for us to wonder if we are not in the presence of an explosion of individualism that will transform the politics of the Republican Party into something less intrusive, bringing it closer to the small-government discourse it has preached in the past.
The phrase "time will tell" is one I dislike because people often use it to evade responsibility. But culture, that Protean beast, adopts so many unpredictable forms that one can never be sure of what shape it will take next. Something, however, seems to be building—and it could be interesting.

What a Success

Ron Paul Meet-up Campaign - June 23rd

Last night was the first of many Meet-up Campaigns for Ron Paul in Louisville, Kentucky. The number of attendees was more than double what was expected!!! We took sometime to get and know each other, and tossed around many ideas concerning the nature and direction of our campaign.

Next weekend, June 30th, current members will be organizing campaign material at the Qdoba on Bardstown Rd. and Eastern Blvd., and planning events for the Forth of July week. Last night, the "Window Writing" campaign officially began. Everyone is encouraged to either write, "Who is Ron Paul?" or "RonPaul2008.com" across the rear window of their vehicle.

If you are interested in hearing more about a Presidential Candidate that emphasizes personal freedom, honestly believes in lowering taxes (in ten terms in Congress he has NEVER voted for any legislation to raise taxes), and cares about the security and sovereignty of this nation; please come out and join us.

There's no time left for excuses. You are not alone. Your vote can count. We can reclaim our country, our lives, and our futures.

(Our next Meet-up is scheduled for Saturday, June 30th at Qdoba on Bardstown Rd. and Eastern Pkwy. See you there...)