|
Ron Paul's many faces
"Vote Ron Paul 2008 - the only REAL anti-war candidate," say Paul's disciples, hungry for a politician with a consistent position on the Iraq war.
A presidential candidate who opposes the Iraq war, the Patriot Act, the death penalty, and the war on drugs, and one who understands the relationship between the U.S.-Middle East policy and al-Qaida - what more could the left ask for? A lot. Or a different candidate altogether. The U.S. House representative's devoted followers speak the truth: He is the only presidential candidate who has opposed the war on Iraq from the start and also opposes a hypothetical war with Iran (sorry, Sen. Obama). But beyond Paul's "troops out now" position lies the reason why he is running as a Republican, albeit a libertarian-leaning one. The same Ron Paul who opposes foreign interventionism also opposes all forms of foreign aid. The same Ron Paul who supports gay rights opposes the right of a woman to choose an abortion. The same Ron Paul who wants to abolish the Department of Homeland Security also wants to abolish the Department of Education. Paul wants to demilitarize Iraq while re-militarizing the U.S.-Mexico border. Libertarians of Paul's ilk have always fit somewhere between the Republican/Democrat duopoly in American politics. For every policy position that appears to endear him to liberals, such as his opposition to the death penalty, there is an equally attractive position to conservatives, such as his opposition to affirmative action. Part of his appeal certainly comes from his consistency in his ideals and his resistance to the influence of corporate money that so embroils the remainder of his colleagues. Indeed, he has the largest percentage of individual donors contributing to his campaign of any presidential candidate. Paul has also benefited from a burgeoning grassroots Internet campaign. His YouTube channel has more subscribers than the next-closest candidates from either party. The betting Web site www.gambling911.com recently slashed Paul's odds of winning from 200-1 to 15-1. Paul may still be a longshot, but his condemnations of the Bush Administration's war of lies endear him to citizens disaffected with Republicans and Democrats alike. The Texan strives to present all information fairly, accurately and completely.
If we have made an error, let us know about it here, or email managingeditor@dailytexanonline.com. |
Be sure to include your name, major, and classification. Submissions without this information are subject to deletion.
By clicking Post, you give The Daily Texan the right to publish your comments in any form, including online and in print in The Firing Line. Please limit your comments to 300 words. The Daily Texan reserves the right to edit all comments for brevity, clarity and liability.
You may also send Firing Lines to the editor at firingline@dailytexanonline.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 130
Sean Edwards
posted 6/06/07 @ 3:31 AM CST
Personal income tax was enacted during World War 2 as a temporary measure. Why does the writer of this article pretend that it is crazy to do away with the IRS?
Chuck
posted 6/06/07 @ 3:49 AM CST
I am a registered Republican and voted for GWB both times. I feel he has abandoned the party on many conservative fronts (preventative war, federalizing education, large spending increases). (Continued…)
Milosh
posted 6/06/07 @ 3:56 AM CST
The American government is just that. A government for (and ONLY for) the people of America. Its primary, nay only function is to serve the interests of its representatives. (Continued…)
mmunters
posted 6/06/07 @ 4:11 AM CST
"Disregarding his massive underdog status, which will most likely preclude him from winning the Republican nomination, a Ron Paul presidency is the last thing Americans need. (Continued…)
Ryan
posted 6/06/07 @ 4:19 AM CST
This is an absolute distortion of Ron Paul's stance on abortion.
"The same Ron Paul who supports gay rights opposes the right of a woman to choose an abortion. (Continued…)
Danielle Reed
posted 6/06/07 @ 4:22 AM CST
This article adds absolutely no value whatsoever. When have you EVER had a candidate that can fill both opinions of both parties and appease everyone? Oh that's right no one. (Continued…)
Craig Fink
posted 6/06/07 @ 5:07 AM CST
In my opinion, Ron Paul is the only candidate that would return our Country to a Constitutional form of government. If elected, instead of being call "Dr. (Continued…)
leo epp
posted 6/06/07 @ 5:20 AM CST
a vote for RUDY MCROMNEY, is a vote for global corporate flunkies. i noticed texas gov. RICK PERRY was called to secret BILDERBERG meeting in istanbul turkey. (Continued…)
Largess
posted 6/06/07 @ 6:17 AM CST
You totally miss the point. You strain to point out that Ron Paul doesn't really fit as either a republican or a democrat like this is a bad thing. His views are totally consistent with liberty & the constitution, not necessarily consistent with a particular party line. (Continued…)
daddym2000
posted 6/06/07 @ 6:21 AM CST
Articles like these that reek of bias only serve to wake people up to what has happened to journalism in this country....no longer fair and impartial, but more akin to propaganda. (Continued…)
Post a Comment