Thread: Ron Paul on the Issues

POLITICO: Santorum could be ineligible for 18 Ohio delegates

Submitted by 4lv2liveinlove0 on Fri, 03/02/2012 - 22:09 Delegates


Report: - POLITICO.com

longer article http://www.cleveland.com/open/index....igger_ohi.html


POLITICO: Santorum could be ineligible for 18 Ohio delegates | Ron Paul 2012 | Peace . Gold . Liberty

Letter of Warning to the GOP

Submitted by KingDiz on Fri, 03/02/2012 - 04:31
Ron Paul 2012

** I'd like to preface this to the Daily Paul crowd by saying that this was written directly to neo-cons who don't actually realize that they're neo-cons and that while some here might not relate to my opinions or share my journey to enlightenment, I feel that many will. **

I'm sick of my only option being which establishment candidate can you stomach the most? How many times will we have to say "I don't really like any of them, but..." and vote right down party line. I'm 29. I voted for the "compassionate conservative" Bush in 2000 because he was the republican. I defended the hell out of him and voted for him again in 2004, obviously, because he was the republican. Same in '08. I naively wanted Romney, but voted McCain (like there is any difference) so I could help the team win.

I listened to Rush and Levin and Glenn. I watched Foxnews and only Foxnews, regularly. I’d brag about how “I don’t watch the mainstream media” unable to see the irony that Fox has more viewers than every other cable news channel combined. I would go to Drudge multiple times daily and keep up with only the news cycle that he peddled. I was informed. I knew I was informed. Liberals know nothing, liberals hate and are destroying this country, liberals don't care about patriotism OR the constitution OR freedom, blah, blah, blah. While that's true, they don't. I was never looking at the other side of the same coin. Why hadn’t they informed me of the path of destruction, debt, and disregard for our Constitution that the “conservative” majority Congress and Bush had actively been undertaking for the last two decades? Why don’t they ever talk about how deficit spending really started under Reagan, ramped up with Clinton, and then exploded with Bush? And why wasn’t I smart enough to see through it?

The reason is that the "conservative" party was hijacked long before many of us were ever born and we've never gotten a chance to truly appreciate or learn about what REAL conservatism is. We get accustomed to getting our news from comfortable sources. Sources that reinforce our beliefs, regardless of whether or not they are right. Here’s something everyone should know: Ron Paul is the last remnant of what, for the majority of our nation's history, was considered conservative.

You hear Rush or Levin say "neo-cons" and immediately you think of the David Frums or David Brooks or Bill Kristols. But in reality, they don’t even realize that they should be looking in the mirror. It’s every program on Fox; it’s all the talk radio personalities "conservatives" adore as these brilliant beacons of truth and knowledge. Hannity is one of the most vocal with his, "I'm not a republican, I'm a conservative." Whether its self-delusion or just ignorance, I couldn't tell you. Do I think these guys lack intelligence? Absolutely not. They have accrued a lifetime of knowledge and on many subjects, they are spot on. The problem is that very often they are not right and their influence is so pervasive that many people blindly follow them regardless. Myself included for a long time.

My awakening came just last spring when I got into an argument over our foreign policy. I rattled off all the talking points I had come to know as truth. "The world needs us to keep them safe. They might act like they hate us, but we'll see who they call when they need help. The terrorists attacked us for our freedom, our ideals, our culture, etc." It wasn't until I decided to open a book to better educate myself on why I believed, what I believed, that I realized how misinformed I had been. Have you ever said, "I like Ron Paul, except for his foreign policy?" I did too, frequently. If you ask the average GOP voter to describe RP's foreign policy in one word the most frequent responses would be "crazy" “dangerous” or "isolationist."

How could a guy so spot on about economic and domestic policy be so wrong on foreign policy? To better understand this I decided to read his book The Revolution: A Manifesto and got to see his views straight from his pen, without the bias.
Consider my amazement when he tried to defend his positions by quoting from the founding fathers: Washington, Jefferson, and Adams. Wait…what? That can’t be. These same founding fathers that we hold in such high esteem shared the same foreign policy views as “crazy, isolationist” Ron Paul? It couldn’t be, yet it was staring me right in the face. If you don’t believe me, look it up for yourself. I read on. He considered himself not an isolationist, but a noninterventionist. If you’re anything like I was, you’re probably thinking, what’s the difference?

Consider this quote:

“It is easy to dismiss the noninterventionist view as the quaint aspiration of men who lived in a less complicated world, but it’s not so easy to demonstrate how current policies serve any national interest at all.

Perhaps an honest examination of the history of American interventionism in the twentieth century, from Korea to Kosovo to the Middle East, would reveal that the Founding Fathers foresaw more than we think.

Anyone who advocates the noninterventionist foreign policy of the Founding Fathers can expect to be derided as an isolationist. I myself have never been an isolationist. I favor the exact opposite of isolation: diplomacy, free trade, and freedom of travel. The real isolationists are those who impose sanctions and embargoes on countries and peoples across the globe because they disagree with the internal and foreign policies of their leaders. The real isolationists are those who choose to use force overseas to promote democracy, rather than seeking change through diplomacy, engagement, and by setting a positive example. The real isolationists are those who isolate their country in the court of world opinion by pursuing needless belligerence and war that have nothing to do with legitimate national security concerns.”

That was enlightening truth straight from the mind of Ron Paul. Have any of you ever heard his foreign policy presented like that? I hadn’t. If you have and still consider him nuts, than I’m sorry I’ve wasted your time and you can just quit reading because I doubt anything else I can say will sway you. When you understand that though and really think about it, it’s no wonder the soldiers overwhelmingly support him, receiving five times the military donations as every other candidate combined.

Unlike EVERY OTHER candidate who are all bankrolled by giant corporations and Wall Street, Ron Paul’s top 3 donors come from individuals in the US Army, US Air Force, and US Navy.

Maybe instead of throwing that yellow ribbon on the back of your car, you actually listen to and support the troops. You know those same troops who support Ron Paul. Its sad how those who rail on about the injustices and dangers of governmental intervention in our country, fail to even question when we pursue the same actions overseas.

After understanding his views and finding myself agreeing with them, I decided to consider the whole package. Here we have a candidate who went to Washington D.C. having already served a lifetime in the private sector as an OB/GYN. Spurred to action by a deep understanding of history, our Constitution and sound economic policy and foreseeing the dangers inherent in the direction the country was headed, set out to make a difference. His principles were grounded in the wisdom of the Founding Fathers and knowledge of Austrian Economics. It’s easy to be consistent when you know what you believe in and have a framework on which you base your decisions, the Constitution. He never once voted to raise taxes, never once voted for an unbalanced budget, never once voted for anything he wasn’t expressly permitted to by his oath of office to that founding document.
There’s a reason he is never attacked on his record, it’s because they can’t. It’s flawless and purely consistent. There’s a reason he was the lone no vote in congress, over and over again, on bill after bill. He didn’t have the authority. Imagine how much integrity and personal courage it took to take that stand, time and time again, all the while knowing he was going to be labeled a kook or unpatriotic because of it. Imagine the patience of this man, surrounded by the cesspool of corrupt, ignorant, opportunists in politics only for the fame and fortune, shining the beacon of individual liberty and steadfastly moving onward converting followers’ one person at a time. They say that once you become a Ron Paul supporter, you’re a supporter for life. I believe that to be true. The message of true liberty, once understood, is too powerful.

It’s because of Dr. Ron Paul that for the first time in my life I’ve donated politically, volunteered for a campaign, sought to educate myself more fully on economics, history, the Constitution, the dangers of the Federal Reserve and interventionism (foreign and domestic) and why I believe what I believe. Finally, I’ve got a candidate that I want to vote for; I’m excited to vote for and will do what I can to inspire others to vote for. That’s why myself and millions like me will be voting for Ron Paul and no one else. The GOP can once again nominate whatever puppet, establishment candidate, they’d like. And when Obama wins re-election, you can all stand around scratching your heads and pondering why, but just remember that I tried to warn you.

Letter of Warning to the GOP | Ron Paul 2012 | Peace . Gold . Liberty

BREAKING: Mitt Romney Urged Obama to Embrace the Individual Mandate

Submitted by manniman on Sat, 03/03/2012 - 00:41
Politics & Law

***This is a post by Erick Erickson from Redstate, he has been pro-Romney but I've been seeing some shifts, he keeps changing his mind it seems. Also, I don't suggest you give those wankers any traffic, that site is neocon establishment and won't even allow positive comments about Ron Paul (you get banned!), I just wanted to post this to use as ammunition against Romney.***

POST: "Had Michigan not been as close, the Democrats would have waited to spring this on us in the general election. Luckily we have it now and I hope Ohio voters are paying attention.

In July 2009, Mitt Romney wrote an op-ed in USA Today urging Barack Obama to usean individual mandate at the national level to control healthcare costs. Mitt Romney's Advice For ObamaCare: Look At RomneyCare

On the campaign trail now, Mitt Romney says the individual mandate is appropriate for Massachusetts, but not the nation. Repeatedly in debates, Romney has said he opposes a national individual mandate.

But back in 2009, as Barack Obama was formulating his healthcare vision for the country, Mitt Romney encouraged him publicly to use an individual mandate. In his op-ed, Governor Romney suggested that the federal government learn from Massachusetts how to make healthcare available for all. One of those things was “Using tax penalties, as we did, or tax credits, as others have proposed, encourages “free riders” to take responsibility for themselves rather than pass their medical costs on to others.”

Friends, if Mitt Romney is the nominee, we will be unable to fight Obama on an issue that 60% of Americans agree with us on."

BREAKING: Mitt Romney Urged Obama to Embrace the Individual Mandate | RedState

This is a complete DEAL BREAKER among all republicans, it's time for Ron Paul to go after Romney, NOW!

Romney won't be able to attack Obama on Obamacare because he supported the initiative AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL unlike what he has been saying in debates.

BREAKING: Mitt Romney Urged Obama to Embrace the Individual Mandate | Ron Paul 2012 | Peace . Gold . Liberty

If you haven't seen this damning Romney footage, PLEASE DO.

$564,760.98

https://secure.ronpaul2012.com/?sr=022512#

Santorum with Specter in 1996 to “Protect a Woman’s Right to Choose”

CSpan Video at the Page Link

The campaign released this as an “In Case You Missed It” release today and just wanted to further make sure nobody missed it. Wow. Just wow. Is there no end to the chronic flip-flopping from every Republican presidential candidate except Ron Paul? From the release:

At Senator Arlen Specter’s official presidential campaign announcement in March 1996, then-Senator Rick Santorum showed his public support and encouragement of Specter by sitting directly next to him as Specter denounced the GOP’s war on abortion. It was at this event that Specter proclaimed his total opposition to social conservatism and declared he is in fact running to make the GOP pro-choice.

Here are a few key takeaways from the 25 minute C-SPAN video, with Santorum seen nodding and applauding at Specter’s side:

3’46 mark: “In 1996, I intend to win the other house — the White House — with ten commitments to America… including a woman’s right to choose…

13’22 mark: “Even though we have this historic opportunity for these achievements, there are those in our party who would lead us down a different path — and squander this unique moment in our nation’s history — by using our political capital — to pursue a radical social agenda — that would end a woman’s right to choose…

13’48 mark: “When Pat Robertson says there is no constitutional doctrine of separation between Church and State, I say he is wrong…

14’31 mark: “When Ralph Reed says a pro-choice Republican isn’t qualified to be our President, I say the Republican Party will not be intimidated or blackmailed by those kinds of threats.I, and millions of other pro-choice Republicans, will not be disenfranchised and made second class citizens.

15’33 mark: “… it is not Christian, or religious, or Judeo-Christian to bring God into politics; or to advocate intolerance and promote exclusion.

15'54 mark: “I want to take abortion out of politics. I want to keep the Republican Party focused on the vital economic and foreign policy issues — and leave moral issues such as abortion to the conscience of the individual. I believe abortion is an issue to be decided by women…

16’40 mark: “I pledge to lead the fight to strip the strident anti-choice language from the Republican National platform…”

Santorum with Specter in 1996 to "Protect a Woman's Right to Choose"*|*Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign CommitteeRon Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee

Ron Paul Endorsed By NFL Player Tony Pashos

“Paul has displayed the kind of honesty, integrity, and character that nobody else can rival”

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul was endorsed today by Tony Pashos, a current Cleveland Browns offensive tackle and former First-Team All-Big Ten at the University of Illinois.

In making his public endorsement, Mr. Pashos issued the following statement:
“There is no doubt in my mind who I want for President. Ron Paul has displayed the kind of honesty, integrity, and character that nobody else can rival. I will no longer fall for a candidate’s empty promises around election time nor take the excuses I am given as to why a candidate has changed his view or voted differently than originally stated.

“Ron Paul has shown me that you can still stand by the U.S. Constitution and deliver true wealth and economic freedom, safety, and the ability to live life without asking the government for permission. No matter what the punditry and lobbyists say, Paul has stood by our nation and the Constitution time and time again, even in times when it wasn’t popular to do so.

“I endorse Ron Paul for President because he understands being a true leader isn’t a popularity contest but about being held accountable. As a nation we have had enough, and it is time to give the people their government and country back. Ron Paul is a true inspiration for us all, and he is my candidate for president.”

Mr. Pashos, the son of Greek immigrants, was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft and played college football at the University of Illinois.

Providing a strong boost to Ron Paul’s Ohio organization, such endorsements present Ron Paul as the conservative alternative to Mitt Romney. They also demonstrate that the 12-term Congressman from Texas has the only campaign organization capable of maintaining a 50-state competition with the moderate-establishment Romney.

Ron Paul Endorsed By NFL Player Tony Pashos*|*Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign CommitteeRon Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee

Ron Paul Endorsed by Vermont State Rep. Tom Burditt

“Ron Paul’s plan is to allow the individual to find his or her own success, for the individual is the most valuable commodity this nation has.”

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul received today the endorsement of Vermont state Rep. Tom Burditt. Rep. Burditt is a freshman in the Vermont House and an active Tea Party member. He represents the towns of West Rutland, Clarendon, Ira and Proctor.

In endorsing the 12-term Congressman from Texas, Rep. Burditt offered the following statement:

“Ron Paul is a defender of freedom.

“We are in a time when the government is crossing the line from regulation to oppression, and Ron Paul is the sole voice that reminds us what the founders meant when they spoke of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

“Ron Paul desires for this nation the freedom to act, the freedom to succeed, and the freedom to fail, without an over-intrusive government there to impede us, or offer us so-called help.

“Ron Paul’s plan is not to have a government that exists to coddle us and support us, or to invest in markets and industries it deems noble for the time being.

“Ron Paul’s plan is to allow the individual to find his or her own success, for the individual is the most valuable commodity this nation has.

“For this, and more, I endorse Ron Paul for the Presidency of the United States.”

Rep. Burditt is a resident of West Rutland, an independent-thinking Republican, and a small business owner whose family’s ancestral ties to the Green Mountain State have unfortunately been diluted. His past affiliations include serving as a board member of the Rutland County Pro-Business Coalition, a select board member of the Town of West Rutland, and varsity wrestling coach at Rutland High School from 1997-2001.

A political novice although engaged in business and civic activities, he ran on a platform of helping his fellow Vermonters face the challenge of hardworking Vermont families leaving the state in search of opportunity. His other main issues include job retention, curtailing the state’s high tax burden on individuals, improving educational outcomes, and establishing in the state a friendlier business jurisdiction vis a vis the region.

A key driver of Rep. Burditt’s entrance into the political arena was when his children moved to Seattle, Washington because of the dearth of opportunity in Vermont. His descendants came to America in 1653 and to Vermont in 1796. He is the youngest of eight siblings and the last man standing in Vermont as his siblings move to different parts of the country seeking opportunity.

Rep. Burditt is a proud lifelong resident of the state and a graduate of Rutland Senior High School. He describes himself an “extremely proud” father of two children and three grandchildren.

Ron Paul Endorsed by Vermont State Rep. Tom Burditt*|*Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign CommitteeRon Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee

"Chaos" reported in WA; Caucus Attendance Beyond Capacity-Update: Fraud Now Reported

Submitted by John P. Slevin on Sat, 03/03/2012 - 13:30Ron Paul 2012
Washington

SEE UPDATE FOUR at end of post for Fraud allegations

"Chaos!!! thurston county is total chaos! maximum occupancy at both locations hundreds if not thousands waiting to get in"
reported by Ron Paul supporter Matthew Edward Hayward

And Doug Hawks reports from the Redmond caucus: "hundreds caucusing; lots of Ron Paul supporters here"


Photo from inside Redmond caucus:

These reports are from Ron Paul supporters on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/213975035300044/

UPDATE: Some vote numbers are trickling in now on the Facebook group page above.

Ron Paul seems to be doing great, but those are small votes and very preliminary

UPDATE TWO: Washington TV reporting "high turnout"--- "standing room only" at caucuses statewide. First numbers from Wash. GOP caucus show Romney on top | KING5.com Seattle

UPDATE THREE: Seattle Times reporting robocalls "cancelling" caucuses in King County (Seattle) Local News | Washington GOP investigating caucus robocalls | Seattle Times Newspaper

UPDATE FOUR: FRAUD REPORTED!!! From the facebook page above a Ron Paul supporter claims the following: "He (a Romney supporter) was going around collecting each precinct's packet (41st Legislative District, Section B, pooled caucus held at Odle Middle School), and my dad who wore a Romney sticker was asked by them to go help count everything at some woman's house on Mercer Island. Although, they said "they didn't need him anymore" when they saw that I was going to come...I'm not accusing the King Count GOP of anything but it all seems odd."--- This is the second such report on that Facebook page of Ron Paul supporters. The other claimed that voting records were seized and destroyed on site by Romney "officials".

UPDATE FIVE: More allegations of fraud, this from Benton County Several Hundred People Turned Away-Benton County Wa | Ron Paul 2012 | Peace . Gold . Liberty

"Chaos" reported in WA; Caucus Attendance Beyond Capacity-Update: Fraud Now Reported | Ron Paul 2012 | Peace . Gold . Liberty

Why is it that the GOP seems to be loaded with just as much FRAUD as the Democratic Party... Why is that... it is wide spread and all over the country

Ron Paul Draws Crowds of 1,000-plus Voters in Washington

1,ooo-plus in Spokane and 1,200-plus in Ridgefield greet Congressman Paul on eve of caucus

BELLEVUE, Washington – 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul drew big crowds at the first two of three town hall meetings he held in Washington today, continuing his tradition of holding events with 1,000 or more attendees.

Earlier today, at noon PST, Dr. Paul attracted more than 1,000 voters to his Spokane County Town Hall Meeting at the Spokane Convention Center, located at 334 West Spokane Falls Blvd. Later, at 4:00 p.m. PST, the 12-term Congressman from Texas drew more than 1,200 people to his Clark County Town Hall Meeting at the Clark County Event Center, located at 17402 NE Delfel Road in Ridgefield.

Below please find photographs of both events.

Ron Paul speaks to more than 1,000 in Spokane.


Dr. Paul addresses 1,200-plus voters in Ridgefield.

Ron Paul Draws Crowds of 1,000-plus Voters in Washington*|*Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign CommitteeRon Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee