Thread: Ron Paul on the Issues

$1,546,319.69 VICTORY LIES AHEAD

http://ronpaul-2012.org/mbpledge_sc.html?pid=0110

Ron Paul - Three of a Kind - YouTube

Ron Paul Supporters in South Carolina: We Do What We Feel Is Right in Our Heart - YouTube

Ron Paul Shines in SC Debate, Despite Fox News Antics

---

Though Fox News moderators turned the once-honored SC Republican Debate into a three-ring circus, Congressman Ron Paul stays above the fray and comes out on top in Twitter poll.
by Jake Morphonios
(libertarian)
Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The South Carolina Republican Presidential Debate has a special place in my heart. Back in the 2000 election cycle, I was working for candidate Steve Forbes as a North Carolina state campaign manager. It was my opportunity to act as an escort and personal driver for Mr. Forbes during the debate in our sister state of South Carolina. While Mr. Forbes was prepping for his performance, I spoke with all the other candidates behind the scenes: John McCain, Gary Bauer, Orrin Hatch, George W. Bush and Alan Keyes. After the debate was over, I took Mr. Forbes to surprise thousands of independent distributors who were gathered for an Amway convention. The entire evening was memorable.
South Carolina had been my home, off and on, throughout my life. Being the third state in the nation to host a presidential contest was a big honor for us, and our televised presidential debate was the cherry on top. On Monday night, as I watched this year’s SC debate, my heart sank. Fox News took a special tradition and spat upon it to muster cheap ratings. The five remaining Republican presidential hopefuls from the 2012 Republican primary gathered in Myrtle Beach, SC for the Fox News/WSJ Debate. The hour and a half long farce was an insult to the candidates, as well as to the people of South Carolina.
Fox News moderators immediately called on Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum and gave them opportunities to attack frontrunner Mitt Romney. The three candidates sparred over SuperPac advertising, television commercials, and statements that each has made against each other. Sparks flew, with one-liners and sharp retorts drawing boisterous jeers from the audience. The debate became a free-for-all – more a school-yard taunting match than a discussion of ideas and substance.
Meanwhile, Texas Congressman Ron Paul refrained from joining in the mud-slinging and waited for the moderators to address a question to him. He waited a long time.
In the first 40 minutes of the debate, Fox News moderators only directed a single question to Ron Paul. During one commercial break, the effort to ignore Paul was so obvious that it was the topic of discussion by a Fox political panel, including analysts Doug Shoen, Pat Caddell, Ed Rollins and Harris Faulkner. Rollins, commented, “I thought Paul placed second in New Hampshire and was effectively second in Iowa – but they’ve got him standing way over on the side.”
Following the commercial break, an additional question was finally directed to Congressman Paul – though Paul had to begin his response by correcting the moderator, Bret Baier, for grossly distorting his position and effectively calling Paul a terrorist-sympathizer. The debate team was orchestrating a circus atmosphere and they knew that Paul was there to discuss substance, rather than participate in the political equivalent of professional wrestling entertainment. They tried to draw him in to the spectacle, but Paul would not take the bait.
Instead, Ron Paul used his few opportunities to speak clearly on real issues, such as eliminating taxes, protecting against inflation, the difference between defense and military spending and the constitutional role of the federal government. The response of the liberal debate moderators, including Juan Williams, was to get Paul off the microphone as quickly as possible and get back to cheap entertainment. If you want an answer to a serious question, you go to Ron Paul. But if you want to get the audience to whistle and hollar, give the microphone to Newt Gingrich and let him hurl self-righteous insults in whatever direction the mood strikes him.
Even the post-debate commentary was biased against Ron Paul. All throughout the event, Twitter users were encouraged to tweet about how well the candidates were answering their questions. Fox News tracked these results and graphed them to show who was answering questions directly and who was dodging. While a passing comment was made that Paul had given the most honest answers, he was conspicuously left off the graph by Fox reporter John Roberts.
Nearly an hour later, Fox had been flooded with such discontented messages over the collective effort to discount Ron Paul that John Roberts was brought back to re-explain the Twitter voting tallies. He went through each debate topic and displayed the Twitter results. In every category, Ron Paul not only won – but he won by significant margins. Roberts was noticeably uncomfortable having to go through the exercise and was flippant in his mention of Paul’s success. His attitude did not go unnoticed by the Fox political panel. After Roberts again made light of Paul's performance, Harris Faulkner said, “But John, let’s be clear. These charts show that Ron Paul was the big winner.” Roberts snapped back, “Harris, I’ll just say – “We report, you decide”. The testy exchange was bizarre. The fact, however, is that Fox was guilty, again, of reporting in a very biased way against Ron Paul and his supporters. It's hard for an audience to make an informed decision when the facts are distorted in a biased fashion.
In every respect, this debate was a joke. It was clear that the moderators were not looking to provide viewers with substance, but rather, sick entertainment. The objective was to turn candidates against each other like pit bulls in an underground dog fighting ring. Throughout the debate, an element of the audience hissed, booed and screamed as the candidates spoke. Analyst Pat Caddell said the South Carolina audience was “off-putting, snarky and nasty.”
During the post-debate analysis, one viewer sent in a question to the panel asking, “Can the Republican nominee win the presidency without Ron Paul or his supporters?” Ed Rollins replied emphatically, “No.” It was a sentiment echoed by the other panelists. There are far too many committed Paul supporters who are angry at having their opinions ignored by the MSM and the Republican establishment - as was so clearly demonstrated that very night by Fox News. Paul supporters are highly motivated and are a powerful force that can and will have a monumental impact on this election, one way or another.
After Paul’s excellent debate performance, it is clear that he is only gaining greater power as a candidate. Each day, it is being more widely reported that the Republican nomination has come down to a two man race between Mitt Romney and Ron Paul – even if Fox News reporters can’t accept this truth. As Ed Rollins correctly pointed out, “Paul and Romney are the only ones with the money to keep on going.”
Today, CNN released poll results showing that Ron Paul is tied with Mitt Romney in a head to head match up with President Obama. The results are no surprise to ardent Paul supporters who have dug in and look forward to the long campaign ahead. With supporters like these, one way or another - Ron Paul is going to win this election.

---

If you liked this article, give it a "thumbs up" and share it using the Facebook link below!

---

Jake Morphonios has worked as a political consultant and campaign strategist for over two decades and is the author of "Organizing a Grassroots Political Machine", used in the Steve Forbes 2000 Presidential campaign.

The Author with Ron Paul in South Carolina, 2009


Other Articles by Jake Morphonios:
The Real Dirt on Slick Rick Santorum
Exchange with Paul Nearly Ends Perry Campaign
Ron Paul Knocks Off Michelle Bachmann
The Dirty Details of Newt Gingrich's Marital Infidelity


Ron Paul Shines in SC Debate, Despite Fox News Antics

Ron Paul Receives Key Endorsements from Three South Carolina State Senators « on: Today at 09:58:51 AM »

COLUMBIA, S.C.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul received endorsements from Sen. Lee Bright (R-Spartanburg), Sen. Kevin Bryant (R-Spartanburg), and Sen. Danny Verdin (Greenville).

The consequential endorsements took place at a press conference at 10 a.m. EST at the South Carolina State House, located in Columbia.

“We’re excited and grateful to have these endorsements, as it shows South Carolina is serious about cutting spending and getting our fiscal house in order,” said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton. “South Carolinians know that real change will not come from the status quo, but only come through a President Paul in office.”

Senator Bryant is the former chairman of the Anderson County Republican Party (ACRP), a position he successfully served in for four years from 2000 to 2004. In 2004, Bryant received 64% of the vote to serve in the S.C. Senate District 3. He has been a constant voice for limited government, lower taxes, and supporting traditional family values.

Known as a fiscal and social conservative, Senator Lee Bright was elected to the South Carolina State Legislature in 2008. He diligently serves Spartanburg’s 12th District in the Senate and received the Friend of Taxpayer Award from the Spartanburg County Taxpayers Association.

Senator Verdin was elected to serve South Carolina's 9th Senate district in 2000, and is the Majority Whip for the Senate Republican Caucus. He is regarded as one of the most conservative members of the caucus along with Bryant, Bright, and State Senator Tom Davis who has also put his support behind Ron Paul's presidential campaign.


Ron Paul Receives Key Endorsements from Three South Carolina State Senators | EON: Enhanced Online News


Ron Paul Receives Key Endorsements from Three South Carolina State Senators

January 17, 2012, 11:12 AM
Ron Paul Picks Up Endorsements, Vows to Stay in GOP Race


By Kristina Peterson

COLUMBIA, S.C. — One day after Jon Huntsman formally suspended his campaign, Rep. Ron Paul said he has no plans to follow suit.

Mr. Paul, who has consistently trailed front-runner Mitt Romney in the polls, insisted that his campaign plays a valuable role keeping the spotlight trained on key issues, including slashing federal spending.

“To think that debating is not productive?” Mr. Paul scoffed at a press conference here. The Republican establishment might think “so-and-so’s going to win, so we better not discuss the issues anymore,” Mr. Paul said, but “I might just continue talking about cutting $1 trillion out of the budget. I think that’s legitimate.”

Mr. Paul spoke Tuesday at South Carolina’s statehouse, where he picked up the endorsement of three of the state’s conservative lawmakers days ahead of South Carolina’s GOP primary on Saturday. State Sens. Kevin Bryant, Lee Bright and Danny Verdin added their backing to that of state Sen. Tom Davis, who endorsed Mr. Paul on Sunday.

“Some would view some of these issues as extreme, but remember what hero, Barry Goldwater, said ‘extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice,’” Mr. Bryant said at the press conference. “We’re going to have to do some extreme things to turn this country around.”

Mr. Paul called the endorsements “another shot in the arm for the campaign.”

Ron Paul Picks Up Endorsements, Vows to Stay in GOP Race - Washington Wire - WSJ

Ron Paul on Religious and Moral Economic Values - YouTube

Dear Kathyet,

Did you hear Rick Santorum defending his anti-Second Amendment record in last night's debate?

He proudly stated he supported - and worked to create - anti-gun legislation to avoid something worse coming along.

Rick just doesn't seem to get it.

If our country is being driven to the edge at 80 miles an hour, you don't slow down to 75 once you get control of the car.

You slam on the brakes and turn around!

Kathyet, I've never been afraid to stand against EVERY gun grab, EVERY bailout, and EVERY attempt to undermine our national sovereignty.

Although Rick Santorum tried to deflect attention by attacking my Second Amendment record, I'm proud of my hard work on behalf of gun owners.

In fact, in 2011, I was given the "Defender of the Second Amendment Award" by Gun Owners of America. GOA's Executive Director, Larry Pratt, described me as "a leader in the fight to defend and restore the Second Amendment."

Click to donate

I've introduced legislation to:

*** Repeal the Brady Bill, which sets up virtually all the infrastructure the government needs to implement national gun registration;

*** Repeal the so-called "Assault Weapons" Ban, which banned an entire class of firearms based on little more than looking scary;

*** End U.S. membership in the anti-gun United Nations to ensure American tax dollars are not used to fund global gun control schemes like the so-called "Small Arms Treaty";

*** Repeal the dangerous "Gun-Free School Zone Act," which virtually guarantees that bloodthirsty criminals will face no opposition should they choose to go on a rampage.
And I'm not just the only remaining candidate to answer the National Association for Gun Rights' Presidential Survey 100% - I'm the only remaining candidate proud enough of my record to respond at all.

As President, you have my word that I'll lead the charge to repeal every single unconstitutional gun-grab currently on the books.

Last night's debate provided just the latest example of why my campaign achieved historic success in states as diverse as Iowa and New Hampshire and is now surging in South Carolina, while counterfeit conservatives like Rick Santorum struggle to find momentum.

Click to donate

Voters don't want Big Government invading their lives one step at a time.

They don't want someone who thinks you fight unconstitutional legislation by creating your own.

They want a proven leader who will keep government off their backs, away from their wallets, and out of their everyday lives - period!

They want a candidate who will:

*** CUT $1 trillion in federal spending his first year in office;

*** ELIMINATE five federal departments and return power to the states;

*** BALANCE our out-of-control budget in only three years;

*** FIGHT gun grabbers, Big Labor, and the reckless spenders at the Federal Reserve each time they try to ram through another powergrab;

*** MAINTAIN a fighting force that is second-to-none while refusing to surrender our national sovereignty to carry out the UN's decrees.
I will lead on principle in the White House just like I've stood firm for liberty, limited government, and the Constitution in Congress.

If you're ready for a President who will reject any scheme that strips away more of your freedoms...

If you're sick and tired of the status quo and business-as-usual...

And if you're ready to take back your God-given rights...

... then I ask for your support today to help me get my consistent conservative message out to the voters in South Carolina.

I ask for your help to contact as many people as I can to let them know they don't have to settle for a candidate who will have to spend the entire general election campaign apologizing for endorsing the same disastrous policies as Barack Obama.

Many South Carolinians are just now making their final decision on who to support, and I want to make sure their last impression of my campaign is the truth - not the establishment media's distortions.

Please, donate whatever you are able right away to help me reach these voters today and secure another historic finish this weekend in South Carolina.

For Liberty,


Ron Paul

P.S. Counterfeit conservatives like Rick Santorum may think you fight unconstitutional legislation by writing some of your own.

I think you fight against Big Government by standing on principle - EVERY time.

And judging by the reaction my campaign is receiving from voters all across the country - not to mention our incredible finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire and our surge in South Carolina - the American people are ready for a President who refuses to ever bow the knee to Big Government.

Many South Carolinians are just now making their final decision on who to support for President. And I need your help to guarantee the last impression they get of my campaign is the truth - not the establishment media's distortions.

Please, if you are able, donate whatever you can right away to ensure my campaign can reach these voters in this final week before the South Carolina primary.


Paid for by Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign Committee

Ron Paul 2012 Official Campaign Website

Romney Pays Less In Tax Than His Secretary



Submitted by Tyler Durden on 01/17/2012 10:26 -0500

First Buffet, now Mitt Romney. Via Bloomberg:

• ROMNEY SAYS HIS EFFECTIVE TAX RATE CLOSER TO 15%
• ROMNEY SPEAKS TO REPORTERS IN FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA
• ROMNEY SAYS MUCH OF HIS INCOME COMES FROM INVESTMENTS

Next thing you know he too will offer all Republicans a one for one match on all US sovereign debt repayments, and will demand that all millionaires generously hand over their income. As for us, we quietly wonder whether the account clerks at Zurich banks are sweating already?

Romney Pays Less In Tax Than His Secretary | ZeroHedge

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington - "Liberty is too Precious a thing to be buried in books" - YouTube


"Liberty is too Precious a thing to be buried in books"; Mr Smith goes to Washington:

Honesty, sincerity, selflessness, duty, integrity, political courage, these are the things missing in Washington. And until they return, we will continue to see our great Republic slip away from us, until eventually it is no better that a third rate banana republic run by tinhorn despot dictators who exploit the people for personal gain.

Do we still have politicians like the one portrayed in this movie? One's who will put their political careers on the line for something that they believe in? Or, are we just left with spineless greedy people who are only concerned with their own political futures.

I don't have much faith left in our politicians to do the right thing for our country no matter the consequence to their own future. But I do think that there are good people out there who would love to go to Washington and do what is right for our country. The problem is that they are not running for office. The likely reason for this is because they don't want to get into that cesspool that we call Washington politics.

I do not pretend to know what the answers are to all of our problems, but I do know that it has to start at the local level. We need more good people to start running for local offices. We also need to change the Primary systems so as to make them freer, where anyone can run who gets enough signatures. They should not be identified by Party affiliation, but instead, they should just be presented as preferring a certain Party or none at all, if that is what they prefer. The two top vote getters would then advance to the general election in the fall.

In this way the power of the Parties is taken away. The voter will no longer be voting for Parties, but instead they will be voting for people. 2008 was the first year that Washington State had a primary like this. The new law was voted in by the people years ago, but it was fought against in the courts by the two political Parties until it finally went to the Supreme Court where they ruled it constitutional (2-7).

The proof that this type of a Primary system is quite possibly the answer to much of our problems is that both the Republican Party, and the Democrat Party fought it tooth and nail clear up to the Supreme Court. They obviously feel that Primaries like this are a threat to their power, and they are right. Here's a link if you want to read more about it: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,338890,00.html

So there you go. I have laid it out for you, now it is up to you. If you want change then get busy, if not, then just continue to sit on your butt. Change will not happen on its own, the people must get involved.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, leader of the Boy Rangers, is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state's senior senator--presidential hopeful and childhood hero, Senator Joseph Paine. In Washington, however, Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal.