But the 76-year-old Texas Republican congressman's tiny-government ideals have become increasingly relevant [4] to the national debate. And despite some eye-rolling by television anchors, [5] there's been plenty of substantive coverage of Paul's ideals and track record. Here's our guide to some of the best reading on Ron Paul.
Paul, an obstetrician who has delivered an estimated 4,000 babies, [7] is a pro-life Libertarian who believes that much of the federal government is unconstitutional. (His son, Kentucky Republican Rand Paul [8], is a U.S. s [9]enator [9] and Tea Party favorite [10].)
Ron Paul's 2012 campaign website [11] summarizes his policy views, which include abolishing the Federal Reserve [12] and the IRS, eliminating income and capital-gains taxes [11] and refusing to raise the debt ceiling [13].
On principle, Paul supports ending federal bans on marijuana [14], heroin, cocaine [15] and prostitution [16], although he says he’s never used marijuana himself [16], and is so conservative in his personal life that he does not travel alone with women [17]. He says on his website that he avoids discussing his Christian faith publicly [18] because he wants “to avoid any appearance of exploiting it for political gain.”
As a doctor, he would not accept Medicaid or Medicare funds [19], reportedly treating patients for free instead. (He has argued [20] that Medicare and Medicaid are unconstitutional [21].) He does not believe members of Congress should receive pensions, so he has opted out of receiving his own [22].
As an Atlantic profile explains, Paul’s views are defined by his affinity to Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises [23], who opposed central banking and argued that most problems with the economy result from government interference. Paul believes that the United States should return to the gold standard, and describes Aug. 15, 1971, when President Nixon ordered that U.S. dollars no longer be backed by gold [24], as a watershed moment that inspired him to begin his career in politics.
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The basics:
The best place to start is a 2001 Texas Monthly profile [6] by Sam Gwynne, who explains why Paul remained such a viable Republican congressional candidate despite his refusal to toe the party line.Paul, an obstetrician who has delivered an estimated 4,000 babies, [7] is a pro-life Libertarian who believes that much of the federal government is unconstitutional. (His son, Kentucky Republican Rand Paul [8], is a U.S. s [9]enator [9] and Tea Party favorite [10].)
Ron Paul's 2012 campaign website [11] summarizes his policy views, which include abolishing the Federal Reserve [12] and the IRS, eliminating income and capital-gains taxes [11] and refusing to raise the debt ceiling [13].
On principle, Paul supports ending federal bans on marijuana [14], heroin, cocaine [15] and prostitution [16], although he says he’s never used marijuana himself [16], and is so conservative in his personal life that he does not travel alone with women [17]. He says on his website that he avoids discussing his Christian faith publicly [18] because he wants “to avoid any appearance of exploiting it for political gain.”
As a doctor, he would not accept Medicaid or Medicare funds [19], reportedly treating patients for free instead. (He has argued [20] that Medicare and Medicaid are unconstitutional [21].) He does not believe members of Congress should receive pensions, so he has opted out of receiving his own [22].
As an Atlantic profile explains, Paul’s views are defined by his affinity to Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises [23], who opposed central banking and argued that most problems with the economy result from government interference. Paul believes that the United States should return to the gold standard, and describes Aug. 15, 1971, when President Nixon ordered that U.S. dollars no longer be backed by gold [24], as a watershed moment that inspired him to begin his career in politics.
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2 comments:
The status quo doesn't want Ron Paul for a president. That's all the more reason to get him into office.
I don't think the GOP wants him either due to a few liberal views. He's not left enough or right enough.
He does deserve to be taken more serious by the media, what are they afraid of?
When I first listened to some of his positions, I thought he was a fringe candidate. Then I listened to him EXPLAIN his positions and he did so with logic, reasoning, and irrefutable FACTS. This man is the real deal. Just for standing up to the Federal Reserve and IRS is enough for me. Stopping us from invading every tinpot third world cesspool in order to keep the rich weapons makers wealthy is just a plus. Think for a moment --- with all the big money people he is scaring, is it ANY wonder that he is being deliberately marginalized & ignored by the media (controlled by the same big money people and their friends)? Listen to what this man says and you, too, will be voting for him.
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