Thread: Ron Paul on the Issues

“The GOP had better listen to what these Ron Paul supporters are saying”

Writes The Washington Times William Kelly:

If there is one thing you should never count out in politics, its Ron Paul; make that two things, if you count his supporters.

Even now, Paul, a Texas Congressman, is again closing the gap in the New Hampshire primary. A Suffolk University/7 News poll published on Saturday had Romney at 35%, down from 40% two days before. Paul rose to 20% from 17. 15% are undecided.

Republican presidential frontrunners may come and go, beaten into submission by the mainstream media spotlight or Romney Super Pac ad spots, but the two intense political factions – smaller government constitutionalists and foreign policy non-interventionists – that make up Ron Paul’s support are of the sort that “never say die.”

So what is Ron Paul’s secret to inspiring his supporters? “Freedom is popular,” shrugs Scott Davis, an Illinois coordinator for Ron Paul.

And it truly is…

Something has happened this election cycle that is different than the rest. The recognition of Ron Paul and his supporters as a powerful political segment has finally gone mainstream…

Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin issued a sharp scolding of her own to the GOP establishment Tuesday night:

The GOP had better not marginalize Ron Paul and his supporters after this [Iowa Caucus] because Ron Paul and his supporters understand that a lot of Americans are war weary and we are broke. He [Paul] has reached these constituencies that are concerned about the solvency of the U.S, and he has proposed solutions with his austerity measures that he would like to see implemented so the GOP had better listen to what these Ron Paul supporters are saying and had better work with them.

Savvy politicians like Palin understand Paul’s philosophy has struck a chord with a segment of difficult-to-reach voters. However, Paul has done more than reach them. He has inspired them and activated them…

In a different way, President Reagan also attracted blue collar Democrats to the Republican Party in the 1980s. Inspired by his sunny pro-American optimism and tough anti-communist platform, Reagan transformed conservatism and made it a powerful populist brand under the Republican banner…

Ron Paul and his supporters are also attempting to transform the Republican brand. “The important thing is that I have challenged the status quo, the corruption in Washington, and as a doctor I know that the patient, in this case the country, is responding and now has a good chance of recovery. This is very, very pleasing to me,” said Paul in an interview with Newsmax last week.

Win or lose in Tuesday’s New Hampshire primary, Ron Paul and his supporters will continue to be seen and heard this election. This is democracy-at-work – whether the GOP leadership likes it or not.

http://www.ronpaul2012.com/2012/01/0...rs-are-saying/

Ron Paul New Hampshire Team Salutes 10 More ‘Veterans for Ron Paul’

Granite State heroes hail from Belknap, Cheshire, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, and Stratford counties

CONCORD, NH – The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today the names of 10 New Hampshire residents joining the active “Veterans for Ron Paul” nationwide coalition.

Support for the Ron Paul 2012 campaign in the ‘Live Free or Die’ state continues to benefit from the backing of veterans such as those speaking out today. Reasons for Dr. Paul’s substantial support from voters who are veterans include his dedication to veterans while in Congress, highlighted in an ad here, and the fact that he is himself a veteran, serving as an Air Force flight surgeon.

Representing six counties, information about each veteran is provided in the following statements.

Belknap County
Sanbornton resident David G. Parenteau served for 20 years in the U.S. Army, seeing action in West Germany, East Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. He was injured in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, and was awarded several medals. David offered, “I like Congressman Paul’s conservative-constitutional thinking. He’s a veteran and did not look for excuses not to serve. He’s not a flip-flopper.”

Cheshire County
CDR Michael Goldschmidt, USNR (Ret.), resides in Swanzey. CDR Goldschmidt voiced his support for Congressman Paul saying, “As a veteran who served 22 years, I take my oath to the Constitution seriously. I cannot give any candidate my vote that does not do the same. Dr. Paul consistently uses the Constitution as his guide when voting or acting on matters of state. Politics comes second, the Constitution comes first.”

Matt Primrose, who served in the Army, lives in Winchester. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. “After serving eight years with multiple combat deployments – Bosnia, Afghanistan, and two tours in Iraq – it is time to bring the troops home. Ron Paul will do this, and at the same time address the real issues of this country, our national debt being one of many. I stand beside Ron Paul, and couldn’t be happier to give him my vote this Tuesday,” said Primrose.

HillsboroughCounty
With combined service in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard, John A. Jeskevicius spent 10 years in the military before settling in Manchester. Jeskevicius chose Paul for several reasons saying, “I support Dr. Paul because of his dedication to conducting the business of the country under the limitations set forth by the Constitution. He will be the greatest asset and motivator in the restoration of the Republic.” In addition John said, “I agree with Dr. Paul that getting our fiscal liabilities under control and abolishing the Federal Reserve is a paramount issue. Dr. Paul’s voting record is a testament to his defense of the limitations set by the Constitution.”

Manchester resident Joshua Holmes served for 5 years in the U.S. Army, leaving as a Specialist. He was deployed to Iraq twice, and earned the Combat Infantry Man’s Badge, and two Army Commendation Medals. Joshua was clear about why he will vote for the 12-term Congressman from Texas saying, “As a soldier who has seen combat directly, I understand that Ron Paul is absolutely right when he says that our troops should only be sent into harm’s way with a clear, achievable mission and a declaration of war as required by the Constitution. Unlike most of the other candidates, Dr. Paul served as an officer in the military and he understands the risks we take by putting on the uniform.”

Jon Forrester of Manchester served in both Iraq and Afghanistan in the U.S. Air Force as an E-4, enlisting in 2003 and ending his tour of duty in 2009. Forrester recalled, “When I first heard Dr. Paul speak, I was impressed with his honesty and strong convictions. He is a principled man who sticks to his beliefs and bravely brings up topics that are not necessarily popular, but must be discussed. I think the American people are looking for someone to lead who they can believe in, and I found that in Congressman Ron Paul.”

Merrimack County
Army veteran Matthew Perry of Hill was stationed in Germany and Fort Carson, Colorado from 1990-1993. Perry explained, “As a veteran who served honorably in the United States Army, I am supporting Ron Paul. He is the only candidate who understands that our endless wars in the Middle East are bankrupting this nation. Additionally, Dr. Paul advocates a foreign policy that follows the wisdom of both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson: maintaining a strong national defense that protects the interests and borders of the United States. Ron Paul is committed to helping those who have served and the troops returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Rockingham County
Newmarket Town Councilman Philip J. Nazzaro served in the U.S. Army from 1998-2008, attaining the rank of Captain. Said Councilman Nazzaro, “I support Dr. Ron Paul for President because he will keep this country safe, strong, and secure. He truly understands the oath of office all service members take, to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and he will work to restore it to its rightful place as the supreme law of the land.” He added, “Ron Paul will restore honor to the oath again.”

Ken Akiyama of Derry ranked as a sergeant in the Army, serving from 2003-2008. Now a small business owner, Akiyama said Dr. Paul was the first presidential candidate he has ever supported. He explained, “I was drawn to him because of his unique understanding of the problems we face and courage to address the issues at the core of our national crises. The Federal Reserve is behind our economic crisis, and our aggressive and immoral foreign policy threatens our national security.” Ken further stated, “The Constitution is at the core of our freedom. More than any election since 1776, and more than any other issue, this election is about freedom.”

Stratford County
Bill Owens, a Marine Corp sergeant who served from 1984-1988, resides in Barrington. While on active duty, he was stationed in Okinawa for a portion of his service. Bill stated, “I support Dr. Paul because of his America-first stance. He wants to bring the troops home, stop aid to foreign countries for them to use to fight against us, and he wants to cut the budget to get us back on sound financial ground. He also wants to restore the personal liberties that have been taken away since 9/11. Ron Paul would stop trying to police the world and tell other countries how to live. He would instead focus on fixing the problems we have in our own country.”

As a first basic step, those interested in joining the “Veterans for Ron Paul” nationwide coalition should visit the official page by clicking here. Those residing in New Hampshire should email New Hampshire Communications Director Kate Schackai at KateS@RonPaul2012.com.

http://www.ronpaul2012.com/2012/01/0...paul%e2%80%99/