Ron Paul

[VolinArizona]

I'm still learning about politics and what not, but tonight I've learned about Ron Paul - Republican from Texas. I think he's the guy who could really mend the ridiculous fence between donkeys and elephants. I didn't watch the debate, but here's a video on Ron Paul.

YouTube - Ron Paul : Stop Dreaming

Thoughts on Ron Paul?

 

[GAVol]

I agree with a lot of Ron Paul's positions, but he comes off as a little bit of a nutjob IMO on some issues. The idea that a Libertarian is going to mend the "ridiculous fence" is a pipe dream. His opposition to the War in Iraq will appeal to some liberals right up until they check his abortion stance and Libertarian views on social programs.

 

[utvolpj]

Has some good ideas but he does come across as a bit of a nut (like GAVol said). I do wish there was a viable 3rd party candidate just to shake things up. Here are some of his views just in case more are interested:

Voted NO on allowing (gov't funded) human embryonic stem cell research. (May 2005)

Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)

Opposes the death penalty. (Jan 2007)

Voted NO on more prosecution and sentencing for juvenile crime. (Jun 1999)

Voted NO on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism. (Sep 2001)

Voted NO on subjecting federal employees to random drug tests. (Sep 1998)

Voted NO on requiring states to test students. (May 2001)

Voted YES on vouchers for private & parochial schools. (Nov 1997)

Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)

Voted NO on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)

Voted NO on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000)

Voted NO on establishing nationwide AMBER alert system for missing kids. (Apr 2003)

Voted NO on deterring foreign arms transfers to China. (Jul 2005)

Voted YES on withholding $244M in UN Back Payments until US seat restored. (May 2001)

Voted NO on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. (Feb 2002)

Voted NO on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)

Unlimited campaign contributions; with full disclosure. (Dec 2000)

Voted YES on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight. (Apr 2006)

Voted NO on federalizing rules for driver licenses to hinder terrorists. (Feb 2005)

Voted YES on zero-funding OSHA's Ergonomics Rules instead of $4.5B. (Mar 2001)

Voted NO on strengthening the Social Security Lockbox. (May 1999)

Rated 30% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record. (Dec 2003)

Voted YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends. (Dec 2005)

Voted YES on making the Bush tax cuts permanent. (Apr 2002)

Voted YES on $99 B economic stimulus: capital gains & income tax cuts. (Oct 2001)

Voted YES on Tax cut package of $958 B over 10 years. (May 2001)

Voted YES on eliminating the Estate Tax ("death tax"). (Apr 2001)

Overhaul income tax; end capital gains & inheritance tax. (Dec 2000)

Phaseout the death tax. (Mar 2001)

Voted NO on establishing "network neutrality" (non-tiered Internet). (Jun 2006)

Ron Paul on the Issues

 

[GAVol]

Then he goes and does something screwy like being the lone dissenting vote on giving the Congressional Gold Medal to the Pope and Rosa Parks because "the medals and the ceremony are too expensive."

 

[volinbham]

Voted YES on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight. (Apr 2006)

This one surprises me given his staunch position on limited government and his evangelistic focus on civil liberties.

 

[GAVol]

Paul is a tough one to figure out. He's basically a Libertarian who sold his soul to the GOP so he could win an election. His stance on limited government is very Libertarian, but then he goes Christian Conservative on some social issues and then back to Libertarian or even Liberal on foreign policy.

 

[JZVOL]

Is he related to Rupaul?

 

[GAVol]

Is he related to Rupaul?

No . . . Rudy Giuliani is the only candidate with cross dressing issues: