Rudy Giuliani paid money to talk to me
Friday, Jan 11, 2008
I’m apathetic on politics. I’m a cynic in general, but I rack it up a notch when I talk politics. Politicians are lying, stealing, thieving, conniving…ahem, sorry about that. The American public is sick of the same old stuff too.
My father-in-law was a mayor and now sits on a city council. You should know that I speak in generalizations. I just had to say that. So, I get this phone call.
Caller: May I speak to McGregor Scott? [Kudos for not saying it backwards]
Me: He’s not here. May I please take a message?
Caller: This is Linda So-and-So from the Rudy Guillani campaign, and I’m calling to ask for his support in the upcoming election.
Me: If he were here, he’d tell you that you couldn’t PAY him to vote for Guillani.
Caller: Who would be your second choice candidate?
Me: Do you mean my FIRST choice? [Not trying to smart off here] Because Giuliani is not my first choice, it seems that you’d want to know who my first choice is, not my second.
Caller: Okay.
Me: Ron Paul.
Caller: Uh. [Long pause as she realizes it’s pointless to get someone on a Ron Paul to a Giuliani. You might as well try for Hillary.] Okaaaaaaaaaaaay. [Pause. Papers rustling.] This call was paid for by the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee. [See? He paid to call me. I just wanted to use that post title.]
Click.
My introduction to Ron Paul came via this You Tube video. It’s inspiring. You should watch it, if only to understand good marketing techniques. After I watched it, I wanted to jump on a horse with my hair flying in the wind and yell, “FREEDOMMMMMMM!” I’ve since read up on him, watched him on TV, and feel comfortable with our family’s support of Ron Paul. (I understand why many nice folks don’t see things the same way, and I still love everybody. Lather, rinse, repeat.) I’d even put a bumper sticker on our van, but I don’t do bumper stickers. I’m just saying that the thought occurred to me for the first time.
It seems the Christian right is all split up on their anointed candidate. When the dust settles, I hope we’re all still speaking. The beautiful thing is that since we’ve converted practically all our friends to supporting Ron Paul in the primary, it should be pretty easy.
110 Comments
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At least you know who you are voting for!! I only know who I WON’T vote for (Hilary, Guliani etc). Politics makes me anxious. I sweat. I don’t sleep. I hate it all. I just pray that God gives me a clue before election day. I keep hearing Ron Paul and Huckabee in the conservative Christian circles…hmmm guess it is time to get all nervous and do some research…
Comment by Mrs. S (January 11, 2008 @ 6:50 pm )
Well, as a believer, I don’t think I could vote for Mr. Huckabee. Reason? He’s a Baptist minister and he’s not so sure about the whole creation thing. After all, he “wasn’t there.” AND he lied about graduating from seminary.
I’m voting for Ron Paul. Why? He loves babies.
I kid, I kid! But he really does…
Comment by Leah (January 11, 2008 @ 7:05 pm )
I’m de-lurking to say Woo-hoo!!!! :-0
Glad to see another homeschooling Ron Paul supporter!
Comment by Heather (January 11, 2008 @ 7:12 pm )
Ron Paul? Okay, because I am a Christian I will forgive you for that mistake!
Comment by Valerie (January 11, 2008 @ 7:12 pm )
I watched the SC debates last night. As I watched Ron Paul’s performance I kept thinking……”and Amy’s voting for him? Hmmmmm, I wonder if she’s actually listened to him?” Not, that he didn’t have a few good points, but overall, he just sort of seemed a bit out of it. He completely missed one major point that all of the other candidates made and jumped all over it. Everyone was a bit baffled.
I live in IN. By the time we have our primary, it’s all decided.
Comment by Amanda (January 11, 2008 @ 7:29 pm )
Amanda,
Huckabee is the most likable candidate, hand’s down. (Obama is a close second on the democrat side….that’s Obama, not Osama.
) If I were voting stage presence and not policy, I’d go for the Huckster. (A point for Huckabee on abortion and Fair Tax, though.)
I talked it up with my OB since Paul is an OB too. He said he was with him all the way except on the war, and since he thought foreign policy was the most important issue, he wasn’t voting for him.
And hey Valerie, don’t physicians stick together?
Comment by Amy Scott (January 11, 2008 @ 7:38 pm )
Oi. Still undecided.
And I am totally bummed that Guliani doesn’t like me enough to actually pay to call ME.
As to Huckabee, I’ve been trying to get him to stop e-mailing me forever! But I’m telling you, he just won’t stop. He’s like a cyber-stalker or something.
Governor President-wannabe– please stop clogging up my inbox! I don’t think you know what UNsubscribe even means!!! Aggghhh!!!
Thanks. I’ve been DYING to tell someone about that.
Okay, off to look a little closer at Ron Paul. I’ll either think you’re brilliant or think your nutso. But either way, I’ll still love ya.
Marsha
Comment by Marsha (January 11, 2008 @ 7:59 pm )
Yes, Marsha. It’s usually one or the other.
Comment by Amy Scott (January 11, 2008 @ 8:08 pm )
Er. I meant on how you feel about Ron Paul. Doh!
Personally, I’ve had tons of people think I’m nutso, but so far, no points for being brilliant.
Comment by Amy Scott (January 11, 2008 @ 8:13 pm )
Okay. Am I making sense? If not, nevermind… Argh.
Comment by Amy Scott (January 11, 2008 @ 8:14 pm )
Amy, we don’t do bumper stickers either, but the beauty of it is that you can get a magnetic bumper sticker-like sign from http://www.ronpaul2008.com to put on your vehicle. That’s how we solved that whole conundrum.
Go Ron Paul!
Comment by Alison (in OH) (January 11, 2008 @ 9:29 pm )
Yay. I like Ron Paul. Sure, he’s not perfect. But he’s leagues ahead of the other candidates in offering real solutions, not just nice rhetoric that ends up in more government bureaucracy.
I love your writing voice. I think I secretly wish I could write like you. But the thing is that in person I am just not that funny. Not even close. Are you funny in person, or just in type?
Comment by Carole (January 11, 2008 @ 9:30 pm )
Oh I’m so happy to see other christians that don’t feel like they have to support Huck just because he is a minister and “shares our values.” I am sick to death of being pandered to, being pro-life no longer cuts it. Lots of politicians are pro-life but they never do anything about it after the elections are over. I’m for RP because for the first time ever I feel like he is a man with a mission and not a man trying to be a good politician. He is an idealogist but I sure find him refreshing, and to tell you the truth, I’m getting obessed with the RP rEVOLution. I post some of his you tube videos on my blog so that the undecided don’t have to search to far.
Comment by Catrina (January 11, 2008 @ 9:46 pm )
It’s a Ron Paul r3VOLution!
This is the first time I’ve ever given a hoot about politics and I actually want to put a RP sign in my yard! I just don’t have a yard right now
Maybe if the ECONOMY WAS BETTER I’d have a yard already!
I’m not generally in love with ANY OB (love my midwife!!) but with RP, he actually respects my rights to want homebirths and nutritional supplements!
Comment by stacy (January 11, 2008 @ 11:37 pm )
We’re not bumper sticker folk either, but we’ve succumbed this time. We even got a yard sign. Not quite as bad as these folk though
Go Ron Paul!
Comment by EmilyG (January 12, 2008 @ 12:01 am )
I am a Ron Paul supporter too!!! In my (not so humble) opinion, he is the ONLY choice.
Don’t forget to vote in your primary!!
Staci
Comment by Staci (January 12, 2008 @ 12:02 am )
I don’t get the whole “abolish the Fed and reinstate the Gold Standard” part about Ron Paul. Otherwise, he seems like a good guy, but I just can’t stomach it.
Just like the fair tax thing. I just can’t wrap my mind around it.
Comment by Emily C (January 12, 2008 @ 1:05 am )
We actually put the bumper sticker on our car but on the back windshield so it can be removed afterwards.:) We also have a Ron Paul yard sign. We’re from Texas and have supported him for years. Watching him be bashed on stage and ridiculed for his principaled beliefs and yet standing firm in them has raised him to a new level of respect in my eyes. I’m not a conspiracy theorist but watching the Fox debate last night sure makes me wonder. Every time he would give an answer you could hear very loud laughter over somebody’s mic. I also read that inside the hall where the debate was held they would put him on the overhead screen with McCain to show his eye-rolling as Ron Paul would talk. It was said they didn’t do that with any of the other candidates. That kind of heat and yet the man sticks to his principals! Go Ron Paul!!
Comment by Amanda (January 12, 2008 @ 1:19 am )
LOVVVEEE Ron Paul!!! Even my kids are telling random people at Costco to vote for him! I knew I liked you;)
Molly
Comment by Molly (January 12, 2008 @ 2:36 am )
By the time the primary comes to North Carolina it won’t make a difference on who I like-which is nobody to pin point right now,the candiates will have dropped out or gotten the amount of delegates to be already decided upon.
Ron Paul has good points but since we don’t homeschool we are saying that he will outlaw public schools!!So far I haven’t met anybody who doesn’t homeschool that likes him.As far as Huckabee being a former minister that was done in 1988 with Pat Roblinson and we had Bush elected!!
Comment by Tammy (January 12, 2008 @ 8:20 am )
Yeah for this post. Anything that promotes Ron Paul is awesome. He’s all for home-schooling, pro-life and getting back to the basics. We think he’s the greatest!!!
Comment by Sara (January 12, 2008 @ 8:26 am )
Just one conern…what happens when Ron Paul runs as an Independent? (Because I don’t see any way that he will win the Republican party.) It will be Ross Perot all over again. RP will take away the votes for the Republican candidate and we’ll end up with Hillary or Obama in the White House. What say you??
Comment by Michelle (January 12, 2008 @ 9:47 am )
I’m with you on the bumper sticker thing, he’s the first person who ever made me really consider doing that, and I HATE bumper stickers. But since we live in the boonies at the very end of a dead-end dirt road at the bottom of a hill… a yard sign for Ron Paul will only be visible to the cows. And they don’t vote.
I’m off to buy the magnetic one.
Comment by Dove (January 12, 2008 @ 9:47 am )
Sorry…that would be CONCERN–nice spell checking, huh?
Comment by Michelle (January 12, 2008 @ 9:48 am )
Tammy, Ron Paul wants to hand public schools back to local governments and towns. It’s not the FEDERAL government’s (read:the Dept. of Education) job to decide what each town/city does w/ their schools.
By the way, I’m a RP supporter that doesn’t homeschool. A lot of my friends don’t homeschool either and they love RP, too.
Comment by Leah (January 12, 2008 @ 9:48 am )
I think this election is one of the most difficult(at least since I started voting) I think what may make it so hard–at least for our family is that of several candidates there are a couple that have similar values as we do. Also there are things we do and don’t like about each of the candidates that we like (if that makes sense)! In other words there is not one guy out there that we can say that he exactly fits our beliefs and desires. there are a couple that come close in different ways and it’s driving us crazy to pick one!! Oh well, we will be in earnest prayer , as i’m sure everyone else here is, that God will move our hearts and use our votes to put whomever He will in office (as long as it’s not Hillary or Obama)haha
Comment by Kelli (January 12, 2008 @ 9:55 am )
by the way–I meant to say that I think this post is a great reminder of our liberties here in America–In many countries today we would be in fear to have this discussion. I’m also for the spirit of understanding and humor in this post, many times political discussions get argumentative and ugly. It’s good to see many differnt opinions displayed with no malice!!
Comment by Kelli (January 12, 2008 @ 9:58 am )
Ok i finished reading comments and I have a couple more of my own (forgive me this is the most grown up conversation I get all week
)
Amanda mentioned McCain’s eye rolling–I’ve noticed this from Guiliani as well and IMHO it just kills the respect the people have for them. I know I lost any respect I might have had for these men because of that behavior. And it wasn’t just an isolated incindent either it was continual disrespect for the other candidates.
Michelle’s comment brought up something my hubby and I were discussing it does seem like it could easily be like the time Ross Perot split the vote. anyone have insight on this?
Comment by Kelli (January 12, 2008 @ 10:08 am )
I just eliminated a entire parargraph that was probably inflammatory, so here goes: Go, Ron Paul!!
Amy, you don’t sound apathetic when it comes to Ron Paul. A few of your posts have given me information that helped me to make up my mind. I guess you could count me and my wife as official converts.
Comment by Occassional Male Reader (January 12, 2008 @ 10:29 am )
OOPS!! “an entire paragraph”
Comment by Occassional Male Reader (January 12, 2008 @ 10:31 am )
Not to be the one person here who is a total buzzkill…but I won’t vote for Ron Paul. He doesn’t have a chance. End of story.
I like him for alot of reasons, but I also disagree with him on several key issues.
Really, there is not one candidate out there I particularly like. I have not made up my mind who to vote for, but a vote for Ron Paul, at this point, seems to be a wasted vote. There is no way he’s getting the nomination.
Sorry
Now you can throw tomatoes at me and boo and hiss. I just had to say it!
Comment by Lindsey @ enjoythejourney (January 12, 2008 @ 10:33 am )
GO RON PAUL!!
I balled my eyes out when I watched that video Amy.
Voting in our primary next week in Michigan.
Comment by Elizabeth (January 12, 2008 @ 10:58 am )
Because Ron Paul is for homeschooling doesn’t mean he’s presidential. (I know that’s not what you’re saying, Amy, but I’m responding to other posts.) I’m fairly certain that more than one candidate supports homeschooling, but there are far more important issues than homeschooling (and I homeschooled all ten of my kids for some/much of their education). I read Mona Charen regularly and her column on Paul is insightful.
At the risk of incurring the wrath of your readers, I submit that I MAY write in my husband’s name just as I did in the governor’s race in CA. Please understand that my husband, a brilliant guy (yet more humble than almost anyone I know), has absolutely no interest in political office. Rather, I see him as someone who holds the same values as I do and has integrity. It is also my statement that reflects my view that there is a dearth of good candidates who don’t waffle and change their views according to polls.
I used to be passionate about politics, but came to the realization that the Gospel and the things of God are what deserves my passion and energy. That isn’t to say that I don’t follow politics (because I do), but it does mean that I trust God when it comes to elections. I don’t get exercised about it. As believers in Jesus, we are to use our energies to spread the Gospel. When hearts and lives are changed, then views are changed.
Lastly, it serves me well to remember that God is in control and whoever is elected (I don’t think my husband stands a chance!), hasn’t escaped the purview of God. He isn’t wringing His hands wondering about the outcome.
“He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning. ” Daniel 2:21
Cathy
PS Some time ago, Amy spoke to women being able to discuss issues intelligently without their emotions dictating the tone. I hope that this is an issue about which we can discuss with humility, humor and acumen, remembering first that we belong to the family of God. We will have an eternity together to discuss our views, but by then, it won’t matter!
Comment by Cathy (January 12, 2008 @ 11:21 am )
I’m with Lindsey (comment 31).
Yeah, I like RP (sort of). BUT..and this is a huge BUT…he’s not electable. Period. There’s just no way he’s getting the nomination and even if he does—there’s no way he’s getting elected. Look at Ross Perot (another RP, if you will). He was cool. I liked Ross Perot. But all the votes for him were completely wasted.
This is why I’m voting for Huck. I want my vote to count and sometimes that means you compromise. I think our country MAY be moving in the direction where we vote for someone completely different, a revolutionary vote. But I don’t think that vote will be for Ron Paul.
Also, it bothers me that RP has attracted the attention of the American neo-Nazis. That is so not OK in my book.
Comment by Elizabeth (January 12, 2008 @ 11:25 am )
I should have said the attention AND support of neo-Nazis. I don’t know if that bothers any of y’all, but when I research a candidate, I check who their supporters are.
It bothers me that RP has a liberal support base AND the nazi vote. Does it bother anyone else?
Comment by Elizabeth (January 12, 2008 @ 11:36 am )
That is one of reasons Mona Charen cited in her column, i.e., the Neo Nazi following, as to why she won’t for Ron Paul.
Comment by Cathy (January 12, 2008 @ 11:53 am )
My husband and I are Ron Paul supporters too! I wavered back and forth about whether or not to vote for him because I can see what everyone says about him not getting the nomination, but I finally decided I have to vote for who I honestly want to win. Perhaps I’m just too young and idealistic; oh well!
Comment by ashley @ twentysixcats (January 12, 2008 @ 12:21 pm )
Woo wee.
I suppose the Nazi vote would be because Dr. Paul supports constitutional freedoms. (?) If we’re looking at the support base, then Huck is out because of the liberal NEA support. I mean, I have a childhood friend who is an abortion rights supporter, but I hope that doesn’t reflect on me.
Here’s where I’m coming from. I was one of those dopes who voted for Bush in 2000 and 2004. (No offense.) I regret it. I’m tired of voting for the lesser of two evils. It will only keep happening as long as we allow it.
We live in a constitutional republic, not a democracy. We choose representives. Even if I can’t agree with Dr. Paul on everything, he is a man of principle. This is different than a man with three marriages or a man who was for abortion and is now against it. Who do you know that agrees with you 100%? I need to vote for character and principle and for the one who doesn’t pander. This makes me excited that there is a candidate with principles. How often does that happen? And so, I feel excited to throw support behind him. I’ve never been enthusiastic before.
(DID YOU WATCH THE VIDEO?!)
Cathy, It’s not about homeschooling or not homeschooling. (I reread your comment, but I still want to make the point. Thanks for bringing it up.) Homeschooling is just representative of all the issues. I want to drink raw milk without the government telling me not to. I want to preserve my right not to vaccinate, not enroll in public schools (which I’m not making a moral judgment here, just saying that I want the choice), not have the SWAT team break down my door and take my kid to the doctor (see side blog archives).
I want fiscal responsibility. Dr. Paul never voted for an unbalanced budget. I can’t personally live with an unbalanced budget, why can my government? I want less government, not more. OK, I won’t go on and on here.
Before I hit “publish” last night, I hesitated. It’s not my intention to alienate people. If I offend, I want it to be the cross that offends (per I Cor.), not my stupidity. The thing about my blog is that it is a “what’s going on with us” blog. It’s not meant to encourage folks, though that happens sometimes. There is no other mission than to just keep in touch with the folks I love.
A couple years ago, a real life friend told me that she won’t read my blog because it offends her too much. She just got angry every time she read it. I re-evaluated after that. I asked her how I hurt her, but she couldn’t say, which makes it incredibly difficult to apologize. I thought long and hard about whether or not it was worth it. My blog is just an extension of who I am and what I think. How is it that I’m “nice” in real life but I offend so much on my blog? I actually thought it was the opposite. Argh. Am I hiding the real me?
Last month, an acquaintance found my blog and told me that it was nice to get to know me so well. The written word is such a neat vehicle. It cuts through the small talk and all the formalities that one has to observe in real life.
Now, I’m not saying that I’ve offended anyone with this post (yet) or that I’m taking the dissention as such. I actually enjoy the point, counter-point stuff, as it’s the healthiest way to discuss an issue and make a conclusion. I’m just verbalizing my hesitation with blogging politics. There’s a lot of stuff I want to say, but then, I realize I don’t have enough time to handle the backlash or defend my position against every nuance. I don’t have a ton of computer time, nor do I want to get much more anyway.
Thanks for discussing nicely, hope you still love me, and hey, go watch that video.
Comment by Amy Scott (January 12, 2008 @ 12:54 pm )
I get what you’re saying, Amy.
To reiterate: I merely brought up homeschooling because that was the reason most cited by your readers. I have decided that I am more Libertarian in my views. I don’t believe this is a Christian nation, but I would like to practice my belief system without intervention or interference from the government, federal or otherwise. We have, I’m afraid, a police state mentality in the US. Under the guise of safety, our rights have been eroded. While we don’t drink raw milk, I don’t vaccinate nor do I want the food police telling me what to feed my family. It borders on insanity, but that is where my rant will stop. I will go back to my premise, i.e., that God is in control and I will trust Him.
BTW, before I hit “submit comment” in my first post, I deleted a sentence so as not to offend. This is merely my opinion–and really–who cares what I think?? After all, I, too, voted for Bush twice. (I almost think that I need to qualify that statement in order not to offend, but that’s where discussing issues with both head and heart engaged comes into play. No wonder that I don’t have my own blog!)
Comment by Cathy (January 12, 2008 @ 1:11 pm )
I live in NY. I have given up. My vote doesn’t count. I’m thinking of registering Democrat just so I can try to help Obama knock out Hilary in the primaries. That’s all I’m praying for–that Hilary doesn’t become president.
If Hilary becomes president, maybe we can all join together and secede to somewhere (probably somewhere “red”, hopefully somewhere warmer than NY) and create a new country.
Comment by ruth (January 12, 2008 @ 1:22 pm )
My impression of Ron Paul is that he is an isolationist and I wonder about his commitment to our ally, Israel. What information could you point me towards on that issue? Thank you.
Comment by Christie (January 12, 2008 @ 1:50 pm )
Ron Paul…ugh. Am I alone here in thinking he is just plain wacky? Kind of like the Ross Perot of this election.
I’ve been a fan of Huckabee before it was cool, lol. Do I expect him to be perfect? No, cause he is human, but I definitely trust him a thousand times more than Paul…something about the way that Paul darts his eyes around while talking…
Comment by Shannon (January 12, 2008 @ 2:36 pm )
Christie, I’m sure there are better links, but here is a quick Google.
Ron Paul: “I believe our founding fathers had it right when they argued for peace and commerce between nations, and against entangling political and military alliances. In other words, noninterventionism. Noninterventionism is not isolationism.”
I will wait and see who ends up as the republican nomination. It probably won’t matter much, as they all believe the government’s role is to take care of us. It would be better to have a pro-life president (for the supreme court reason), but look how that worked out for us with Bush.
None of my real life friends are vouching for me, so that would be a big, fat….NO, she’s not funny. Incredibly annoying is another matter.
Comment by Amy Scott (January 12, 2008 @ 2:47 pm )
To see what Dr. Paul says on specific issues you can go to http://www.ronpaullibrary.org and use the search if it is not on the main page. This site has all of his speeches and writings.
Comment by Sara (January 12, 2008 @ 2:54 pm )
I am loving this post and this discussion being somewhat of a ‘political junkie’.
I am completely up in the air over my vote and I really like Ron Paul except for one little ‘deal breaker’ thing. He said (and I’m paraphrasing from a sleep deprived memory) that the reason the terrorists want to kill us all is because of our presence in the Middle East. I took that to mean he thinks it’s OUR fault that the nut case terrorists have declared Jihad against us.
That bothers me. That bothers me a lot.
The sad thing is there is not one candidate excites me at all but lots of them strike fear into my heart.
Comment by Lady Why (January 12, 2008 @ 3:17 pm )
Have any of you taken a look at Duncan Hunter? He’s my favorite, and I’m not sure he’s even still in the race.
I didn’t know about the McCain’s rolling of eyes. I wouldn’t vote for him anyway. And Huckabee’s too liberal with “nanny” state beliefs. I agree that I just want to live my peaceful life the way I choose. And that the Federal Gov’t. has no business dealing with education issues. (another mark against Huckabee, in my book)
Love this discussion!! And hearing other God fearing women’s views!
Comment by Amanda (January 12, 2008 @ 4:15 pm )
LadyWhy- The term is “blowback” and it’s one of the reasons our own government’s 9/11 Commission cited for why 9/11 happened.
As for him being a racist, I think Ron Paul actually said it best when he said he was the anti-racist because he is for individual liberties and racism is a collectivist idea.
Like a previous poster said, check him out for yourself. Simply dismissing him as a “racist”, or a “isolationist”, or a “kook” because you heard someone call him that is not being informed.
Comment by Mammamolina (January 12, 2008 @ 4:55 pm )
To Emily re:
You owe it to yourself to watch “America: Freedom to Fascism - Director’s Authorized Version” online at video.google.com before you make a final decision about a presidential candidate. Your life savings and financial survival may well depend upon it.
Comment by Katherine (January 12, 2008 @ 4:56 pm )
Amy: I can appreciate casting a vote for someone who excites you b/c they take principled stands on issues that are important to you.
And y’got me! I only watched half the video.
The media likes to talk about how Americans are disenchanted with politics and politicians. What’s funny is, I don’t think there’s ever been a time IN HISTORY when politicians were viewed as wholesome & trustworthy.
Throw enough $$ into the equation and anyone can be bought. Usually.
I do have a soft spot for guys like Ron Paul, Ross Perot, Ralph Nader. They don’t have a snowball’s chance in you-know-where, but at least they go up against the Big, Monied Guys and put a burr in their saddles.
Lastly, I’m thankful for blogs of all kinds. Even those that “offend” me. Blogs have provided lots of us stay-at-home-moms an outlet to join in the conversation. People don’t have to get offended. They choose to. If I’m offended by someone else’s opinion, maybe I’m the one who has the problem.
Comment by Elizabeth (January 12, 2008 @ 5:25 pm )
Amy-
I’m a little confused…and it has nothing to do with politcs. Who is McGregor? I thought it was your son with the cute note and all, but then the phone call?
Can you clairfy for those (maybe only me) that are in the dark?
Thanks
Comment by Kelli (January 12, 2008 @ 5:47 pm )
Amy,
Yes, physicians do usually stick together, but just about every male OB doc I have ever known is just plain weird! (My husband and I are E.R. docs, so maybe I’m a little biased.)
As a Republican, there just doesn’t seem to be a big standout candidate for me right now. I can find big problems with all of them.
Comment by Valerie (January 12, 2008 @ 5:57 pm )
I agree with the poster above who brought up Duncan Hunter. As far as I can tell he’s still in the race and he’s getting my vote next week, Lord willing.
Huckabee is too liberal for me. Still sorting everything out about Ron Paul.
Comment by PamelaK (January 12, 2008 @ 6:23 pm )
Sorry, Kelli. That can be confusing. They are both “McGregor” but we call my husband “Greg” and my son “McGregor.”
Comment by Amy Scott (January 12, 2008 @ 8:05 pm )
Bob Dole called me once - no foolin’. That was after he lost the election and I wrote him a letter.
Comment by Holly (January 12, 2008 @ 8:31 pm )
I have gone nearly nuts in my excitement over Ron Paul! I totally know what you mean about being cynical and apathetic about politics… I was too until I watched a few RP clips on Youtube. I found out about him becuase some other fanatic wrote his name all over their van windows with a marker and I thought “somebody really likes this guy, I better find out who he is”. I wish to goodness he could win but even if he doesn’t, I am prepared to throw my vote away on principle. I don’t feel even slightly inspired to vote for anyone else.
Lady Why, I heard Ron Paul explain his comment about 9/11 perfectly on the Tonight Show (I think it was Jan 7th?). Check Youtube if you want to watch it.
Comment by tonya (January 12, 2008 @ 10:03 pm )
Hey Amy,
My husband keeps talking about Ron Paul. I had just no clue. When I played the clip on You-Tube his ears perked up, and we have had serious discussions. I love discussing these things with the people I love. I know that they love me no matter what. Thanks for getting me to do my homework.
I became an American three years ago. I love this country and care deeply about what goes on. I have seen it change though in the last 20 years (that’s when I first came here after I married my husband).
People have become calloused here and think that the government owes them. Personal accountability seems to have gotten lost (generally speaking :-). I come from a country where people don’t care a hoot about their neighbors, because the government takes care of them.
We definitely need much less government (while we have chance at it).
Thanks again for the healthy debates.
Heidi in WI
Comment by Heidi in WI (January 12, 2008 @ 11:16 pm )
I AM SO with you on this! I’m your friend. I’m voting for Ron Paul. I’m going to be on speaking terms with you - shoot - I always have been.
GO RON PAUL!!!
I pray he doesn’t get shot by some kooky Federal Reserve Illuminati. He’s playing with the big boys.
Comment by sprittibee (January 12, 2008 @ 11:56 pm )
Amy, I have to be honest: I didn’t know a thing about Ron Paul until I read this post. I watched the debate the other night and saw how disrespectful the audience was toward him, but I didn’t give him another though until tonight. My husband and I are in the same camp as many–nobody out there has won our votes, so we’ll have to do some research on RP! I’d love it if there’s somebody I can vote for in the primary I’m excited about, because I have a feeling I’m not going to feel that way in the final election.
And I’ve lurked on your blog for a couple of years–thought I’d finally say hi!
Comment by Sarah's in the Midst of IT (January 13, 2008 @ 12:04 am )
Sarah, I think that’s the case for SO many people. Those who usually don’t pay attention are finally having to perk up their ears a little bit about Ron Paul. I hope you’ll check him out!
And I hope everyone who wants to vote for him WILL vote for him, whether it’s a “wasted” vote or not. This is America and she deserves to hear from her people!
God bless our nation and our elections!
Comment by stacy (January 13, 2008 @ 12:08 am )
Hi Amy I’m a New Zealander, where we live in a true nanny state. I really don’t understand the politics of the USA (ours are very simple) but after watching the video I wondered this: if Ron Paul abolished most taxes who would care for the truly poor and desperate? Jean
Comment by Jean (January 13, 2008 @ 12:43 am )
I didn’t introduce myself in my earlier comment … sorry about that. I have lurked for awhile.
I watched the video. Love the music!
I think Ron Paul is admirable and I agree with his constitutional beliefs, except I do have concerns about not being a strong ally to Israel. If I understand his position of nonintervention correctly, and I may be attributing the same belief to him from the Thomas Jefferson quote that the US should not have allies. The reason being, I assume, is that allies draw us into wars that we don’t belong.
But I think the Bible tells us to be a friend to Israel? A true friend defends a friend in need. And how do we turn our backs on human rights atrocities? Granted, I know we do already ignore some of these horrible events, but to further ignore would be worse.
Ron Paul seems a little simplistic in foreign policy. I guess I just cannot picture how it would realistically work out to be so “noninterventionist.”
Comment by Christie (January 13, 2008 @ 12:53 am )
I’m glad so many homeschoolers are giving Ron Paul a chance! I’ve been a Ron Paul supporter since last August or so. He’s the first politician I’ve ever been really excited about! I kind of thought I might be all alone among homeschoolers in my support for him. It’s been kind of hard to tell because most homeschool oriented bloggers don’t blog about politics very often. I’ve been especially impressed with Spunky, who hasn’t thrown her support to any candidate yet, but who has given Mike Huckabee a good whuppin’ on education policy.
Comment by Cindy (January 13, 2008 @ 8:21 am )
I’m not really sure what people are thinking we need to do in Israel but what we ARE doing now is pressuring them to give in. All Ron Paul meant in the recent debate when Israel specifically came up is that Israel would be much better protected if she could make her own decisions about her protection and we would respect them.
Anyway, Amy, Ashley at twentysixcats told me to check out this post and I am delighted to meet another supporter. I am also amazed! How did you “convert” almost everyone you know? The main selling point for me on Ron Paul was how principled he is. I mean, he wouldn’t even take a student loan for himself or kids. He truly believes what he says and what he says is freedom, so I like that! However, not all my friends seem to think principle matters. At that point, I’m really not sure where to turn the “debate.”
Comment by Nichole (January 13, 2008 @ 9:26 am )
This is my first time commenting on your blog. I am so happy to read about other homeschoolers who are voting for Ron Paul! In our house he is the only candidate. For the first time we have an opportunity to vote for someone ethical & honest. How often has this ever been the case? It’s exciting to be a part of the possibility of true change in our nation. It isn’t a wasted vote.
Comment by Becca (January 13, 2008 @ 11:11 am )
Acutally, Rudy is my first choice, and has been from the beginning. Everyone can find something in one’s personal life that is questionable and in their actions in office that is questionable. Of all the candidates, Rudy is the one who has gotten the most postive things accomplished. He’s run a government, unlike most of the other candidates, and a large government at that. I’m in the seemingly unpopular minority of supporting someone who has proven they can get stuff done and accomplish something.
Comment by Jill (January 13, 2008 @ 2:04 pm )
How does not taking out a student loan make one principled?
These candidates are not being looked at as church elders. (The standards for the Church are much higher.) I’m not saying to look for adulterers and the like, but I AM saying that these guys are sinners and unbelievers, so we shouldn’t be suprised when they act accordingly.
Comment by Cathy (January 13, 2008 @ 2:27 pm )
Make that “surprised.” I really do know how to spell it.
Comment by Cathy (January 13, 2008 @ 2:28 pm )
Ron Paul is the proof that not everyone can find something in one’s personal life that is questionable and actions in office questionable! Even his opponents can’t find anything against him; they have to attack his supporters.
About half of the candidates have run governments. Also, there is the question of “get what job done?” Some of us don’t agree with Guiliani’s goals. That doesn’t mean we don’t consider them.
Comment by Nichole (January 13, 2008 @ 2:56 pm )
You have had some interesting posts Amy.It will be interesting to how everyone fairs in the next couple primaries.Since I don’t get to vote until May it almost won’t make a difference on who I vote for,so all that is left to do is pray!!
Comment by Tammy (January 13, 2008 @ 3:27 pm )
My dh and I love Fred Thompson of all of them. I, too, am tired of voting for the lesser of evils. Holly
Comment by Holly (January 13, 2008 @ 3:43 pm )
What a great discussion. Thanks for the information all of you have provided as I am still on the fence. For those of you who voted for Bush twice, as I did, don’t regret it. Many of you have said that God puts people in office. Why is there so little faith that God put W there? I’m not saying that he’s perfect because that’s not the point. Just believe that whatever HAS happened or WILL happen, God is in control. The important thing is that we use our vote the way we believe that God wills for each of us. Part of that is being informed, which is apparently what we are all reaching for…
Comment by Gwendolyn (January 13, 2008 @ 6:32 pm )
My husband and I made our first donation to a political campaign on Nov. 5th to Ron Paul. He is the first candidate that I have ever been excited about.
We love him because he is a believer, but he doesn’t pander to Christians to get our vote. We love him because he is principled. His congressional voting record is more consistent than any politician I have ever seen. Personally, I agree with pretty much all of his positions. But, even if I didn’t, at least I know where he stands and that he will act with integrity.
As for the support of the neo-nazi’s, it doesn’t really bother me. From the libertarian perspective, they have a right to believe what they choose so long as they don’t violate the rights of anyone else. One of the things that is so amazing about RP is that he is a candidate that everyone can rally around because his positions allow us to be truly free.
As for caring for the poor and destitute, that is the job of the church and private charities. Jesus called us to care for the poor, not to pay our government to do it for us.
Comment by Kendra (January 13, 2008 @ 10:04 pm )
Amy,
Delurking after reading here for a few years! I felt like doing a little of a victory dance after reading here today! “Yes, she gets it” was what went through my mind.
First I have to say Ron Paul is NOT an isolationist, he IS a non-interventionist. Big difference. He doesn’t believe we as a nation should be involved in preventive war or should be involved in entangling alliances (UN, NATO).
Also, I think the media has done a good job of portraying Paul as ‘unelectable’. They know that people want to vote for who is going to win (a really silly idea) so they keep saying it and people keep believing and repeating it. I have heard so many people say that they like Paul but will not vote for him because he is ‘unelectable’. Well, if people didn’t have that attitude and spread it around - if instead they spread around his message of individual liberties (and abolishing the IRS=) then he would indeed be very electable. Besides, I find it unconscionable that someone would not vote for their first choice just because they thought they couldn’t win!
Also, if he were to run as an independent and ’split the vote’ and take votes from the Republicans, it is a non-issue. The Republicans have made the Government bigger than it’s ever been. The gap is narrowing between the Democratic and Republican parties. Having a president that ran on a pro-life platform (Bush) hasn’t changed policy in seven years. Although I think a Hillary presidency would be tragic - I don’t think any of the Republican’s would be much better.
Comment by sophiaellie (January 13, 2008 @ 10:15 pm )
Besides Ron Paul that is!
Comment by sophiaellie (January 13, 2008 @ 10:16 pm )
Just another Ron Paul supporter here…
Comment by Carly (January 13, 2008 @ 10:29 pm )
Alrighty, my turn to chime in with my two cents. And that’s about what it’s worth too.
We are Christian and we are homeschoolers, but not a fan of the Paulster. My hubs biggest issue with him is his stance on foreign policy and abortion. While we agree with less big government we also see a need to make some things permanent law at a nationwide level and not just statewide. We, too, feel like it will be another Ross Perot incident and then the conservative vote will be divided and we will be stuck with Hilary or Osama Obama (please help us, not Hilary). I wish it didn’t have to be that way, but it is almost a certainty.
Huckabee scares the living daylights out of me. He is wishy-washy at best in his beliefs and frankly, I think he likes to tickle our ears. He is NOT a friend of the homeschooler at all.
At this point we are looking at Fred Thompson. We are looking for another Reagan, but I’m afraid those days are long over.
I really wish it didn’t have to be lesser of the two evils, but I’m afraid it ’twill always be. I want my vote to count and the Ross Perot incident is still to fresh in my mind to put up with another Clinton for 4-8 years.
Comment by Michelle (January 13, 2008 @ 10:50 pm )
Hey, here are two cents to make four with Michelle…We are not Ron Paul supporters either. We just don’t agree with his foreign policy. Out of all of them Fred Thompson seems to be more in line with my conservative view point…as far as Huckabee is concerned..he is definately wishy-washy and slick.
I love reading all the comments…very refreshing to see nice disagreements.
Comment by Amy (January 14, 2008 @ 5:07 am )
I saw that someone else with my name (spelled the same way) commented. I never outgrew my desire for personalized things-probably because I could never find them! So it makes me happy
to see a “name twin”.
I feel like a bit of a dope here asking this question. I’ve seen RP listed as independent and as republican–which is it? how will he be running on the Predidential ballot?
Also like I have heard others mention-I’m tired of voting for the lesser of two evils. I feel very strongly about my obligation to vote, and I don’t want to waste my vote. In the election, when the primaries are over, if it comes down to voting for Osama oops, Obama or Hillary on the Dem side and one of the Reps that I fear are closet Dems then I will do a write in vote for the candidate that I liked. I don’t neccessarily feel good about that but, neither can I vote for someone whom I feel is snookering me!
Comment by Kelli (January 14, 2008 @ 6:21 am )
#31 “but I won’t vote for Ron Paul. He doesn’t have a chance.”
#34 “he’s not electable. Period. There’s just no way he’s getting the nomination and even if he does—there’s no way he’s getting elected”
#37 “but I finally decided I have to vote for who I honestly want to win. Perhaps I’m just too young and idealistic; oh well!”
Silly me, then. I am 46(not young) and still vote for who represents me and what I believe in…okay I vote for who MOST closely represents me!
If I voted for the most electable I would be violating my conscience and God’s laws.
Sorry, that is preachy but I am disappointed in a public that needs to be on the winning side instead of the right side.
Comment by Diane Gorjanc (January 14, 2008 @ 12:08 pm )
Amen Diane - I have been looking for a way to say something like that!
Comment by sophiaellie (January 14, 2008 @ 12:39 pm )
Amy-
I am now convinced after all of these posts that I know your clone. Seriously, she could have said most of what you have said…and she has with the exact same words!! Her name is Margie. I know she’s reading, maybe she will chime in soon.
Kelli
Comment by Kelli (January 14, 2008 @ 12:52 pm )
I’m chiming in–again–with a question. While I agree with Diane in terms of voting for someone with whom she most identifies with philosophically, I fail to see how voting for someone that could win is violating God’s laws. If you have time, Diane, would you expound on that statement?
Comment by Cathy (January 14, 2008 @ 1:06 pm )
I’m still confused, and perhaps I will take a venture after work tonight to review the RP video mentioned here. I hope that will clarify some of where RP is coming from for me.
But, my thoughts on the Ron Paul thing so far are this: First, I have a sincere appreciation for his cry to return to the constitution and permit more state and individual government vs. a large federal government. This used to be a cry belonging to the Republican party, but in an attempt to seek a happy medium with everyone, the party has moved towards the middle. In doing so they have generally forsaken a lot of traditional values the party should represent.
However, what Ron Paul proposes, in my opinion, is a bit extreme.
Second, the principles RP presents are good. The policy, I believe, is flawed. And, if we’re not careful, poor policy planning can be very detrimental to the US. For example, while I believe that Israel, should be left to steer her own destiny, that has to be monitored as well. Israel is a nuclear power in her own right. She is also a volitile nation. And, while debate over whether the US has a moral obligation in being a world’s policeman, the policy of abandoning that role virtually overnight would create a vacuum. I can’t help but imagine that retracting our presence in the world would leave a vacuum that could impact our nation in a more negative fashion than our maintaining some level of control in the world we live in.
Okay, my fine print is that I also hope that I don’t offend. I am honestly voicing the belief that I have and am questioning the policies that RP appears to be putting forth.
And, has anyone mentioned Mitt Romney? What’s the consensus on him and his run? Why vote for or against him?
Comment by Alison (January 14, 2008 @ 2:28 pm )
Anyone care to comment (and maybe educate me) on Ron Paul’s racist remarks in his newsletter way back when? My husband came in the other night and said he could not believe what he was seeing on CNN’s Anderson Cooper. He recorded it later that night so I could see it for my own eyes.
To be completely upfront about this, I am 100% for Ron Paul. I am 32 years old and the last time I voted was for Dole in the 96 election. I won’t compromise my vote for the lesser of two evils or for who might win. When I started learning about Paul I got excited. Someone who knew what being an American was truly about. I even bought the yard sign, car magnet and a key chain!
I understand about Israel and why he believes the way he does. I get that, and even though I agree with him, as a Christian I WANT to support Israel. So I still wanted to vote. But I don’t believe for a moment that Ron Paul did not know what was being said in his newsletter. I just don’t. And it seemed the words came straight from him. I still have yet to find information about this. I want to believe that yes, it was a oversight and he let this particular edition go out without looking it over and someone else did indeed write those comments. As the mother of children that are interracial, I can not vote for someone who believes that it is ok to speak in such general terms - and speak so unkind - of another persons race.
If anyone has some help on this, point the way because I really, really want to still say I stand behind Ron Paul. Anyone care to share? Amy, any thoughts?
Comment by Mrs. Damian Garcia (January 14, 2008 @ 2:42 pm )
I have nooo idea what it as all about (being Irish)… it’s my husband that keeps an eye on US politics!
You make it sound interesting though!
Comment by Ruth MacCarthaing (January 14, 2008 @ 3:08 pm )
Here is a blog that has a video of Ron Paul on it… Just saw it.
http://phatmommy.com/
Comment by Ruth MacCarthaing (January 14, 2008 @ 3:13 pm )
When I was single I was on staff with several congressmen and worked on countless state and federal campaigns. However, Ron Paul is the first candidate to whom I have ever donated money. Will he win the presidency? Probably not. However, I am tired of throwing away my vote on the lesser of two evils and am happy to be joining my husband in voting on principles, not pragmatism this time.
I do encourage all of us to look less at the temporary issues and more at the underlying philosophies that each candidate believes. We can’t know what challenges will face our president over the next few years (who could have imagined 9/11?) but we can look at his past writings, speeches, and voting records to determine what he holds dear. Dr. Paul, in my view, is the only candidate who has made it clear that when he vows to uphold the Constitution, he really means it.
Comment by MrsMDM (January 14, 2008 @ 4:23 pm )
Mrs. Garcia,
I don’t know the particulars about the newsletter incident, but it is almost certain that Dr. Paul is telling the truth when he claims those were not his words. When I served on Congressional staffs, I routinely saw 19-year-old interns writing letters and articles under the Congressmen’s names, with little oversight. Not an ideal way to run an office, but trust me, it happens a lot!
If this “news” (very old newsletter, from what I understand) about Dr. Paul doesn’t fit with the other things you know about him, I would encourage you to take his word that it was a lapse in judgment about his ghostwriter, and not a reflection of his own views.
Comment by MrsMDM (January 14, 2008 @ 5:04 pm )
I’ve researched Ron Paul, and just can’t vote for him. Randy Alcorn was a big help to me in deciding this. I’ve chosen to vote for Mike Huckabee, though I am not “bowled over” by any of the candidates this time around. Ron Paul is not going to win the primary, and, even if he did, he can’t beat Hilary. I feel somewhat as if voting for Ron Paul in the primary, who will not win either the primary or the election, is taking a vote away from a candidate who could win the election, and could mess up the entire primary result. I will say that, even though I don’t support the notion of a female president (don’t hate me, I just happen to believe the Biblical principle that a woman should not have authority over a man, except in those instances in which God specifically intervened, like Deborah & Barak), if Condoleeza Rice was running against Hilary, well, I’d be on board! And, I suspect, so would most of America.
Just saying.
Comment by RD (January 14, 2008 @ 5:05 pm )
It is wonderful to hear so many smart people truly wrestling with this responsibility.
Re: ‘Electability’ and ‘wasting your vote’
This short video spoke to my heart months ago, and I will never look at voting the same way again. I offer it for your consideration: Ed Griffin examines the concept of “wasting your vote” vs. voting your principles -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw6zhIiGCvg
For those of us who seek to follow the Lord, since when did we make life decisions by following the crowd? In whom are we putting our faith? And when we attempt to assess ‘electability’, are we not leaving out the biggest variable - that ‘one on God’s side is a majority’. How do we know what God will do, when a few people stand up for what is good? Dr. Paul is only human, but people who know him, his life, and his own words say that he is truly committed to the Lord.
Remember what God did at the Red Sea…had the event been covered on Egyptian TV, what do you think the pundits would have been saying about the chances for the Israelites?
Regarding the smear of ‘racism’, I don’t know Dr. Paul personally, but racism is about seeing people as a group, rather than individuals, and Dr. Paul is all about individual liberty. The president of the NAACP, who has known Dr. Paul personally for many years, comes to his defense here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvFLSwDvBUA
Comment by Anonymous (January 14, 2008 @ 7:09 pm )
It is wonderful to hear so many smart people truly wrestling with this responsibility.
Re: ‘Electability’ and ‘wasting your vote’
This short video spoke to my heart months ago, and I keep thinking about it: Ed Griffin examines the concept of “wasting your vote” vs. voting your principles -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw6zhIiGCvg
For those of us who seek to follow the Lord, since when did we make life decisions by following the crowd? In whom are we putting our faith? And when we attempt to assess ‘electability’, are we not leaving out the biggest variable - that ‘one on God’s side is a majority’. How do we know what God will do, when a few people stand up for what is good? Dr. Paul is only human, but people who know him, his life, and his own words say that he is truly committed to the Lord.
Remember what God did at the Red Sea…had the event been covered on Egyptian TV, what do you think the pundits would have been saying about the chances for the Israelites?
Regarding the smear of ‘racism’, I don’t know Dr. Paul personally, but racism is about seeing people as a group, rather than individuals, and Dr. Paul is all about individual liberty. The president of the NAACP, who has known Dr. Paul personally for many years, comes to his defense here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvFLSwDvBUA
Comment by Katherine (January 14, 2008 @ 7:11 pm )
Mrs. Garcia, here is a link to a video on CNN of Ron Paul himself explaining what happened and repudiating what was written. Personally, I believe him that he is not a racist and that what was written were not his thoughts. I also believe it was an error in judgment that he didn’t have direct oversight over what was being published and associated with his name. That being said, I still support him because I think his assessment of the current situation in Washington is dire and I like most of the ideas he has.
Comment by sophiaellie (January 14, 2008 @ 7:26 pm )
oops, hee is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcWPNx6Q3Cg
Comment by sophiaellie (January 14, 2008 @ 7:27 pm )
Geez Amy, nothing like birthin’ babies and talkin’ politics to make your comment section go berserk. Was this a publicity stunt, or what?
Comment by Michelle (January 14, 2008 @ 8:23 pm )
I am for Duncan Hunter. “Who is that you say?” Yes. That seems to be everyone’s question. He obviously has a future in politics but not in this election. Then I am looking at Thompson. Will he stick it out through the primaries? —OH hum… I know! –My two favorites don’t have a chance! I am still hoping! When all is lost! I have to take a look at Huck, McCain and Paul. At that point it will be who can beat Hillary and Obama.– I doubt that if I get a call anyone would listen to my HO-HUMS! –Did you?
Comment by carmen (January 14, 2008 @ 8:34 pm )
Just for the record, the Republican party’s foreign policy was non interventionism and “speak softly but carry a big stick” until the Reagan-Bush era. The question is, what is conservatism? What the Republican party is now or “the tendency to prefer an existing or traditional situation to change” (Webster)? Relatively speaking, the current administration’s policy is very new considering the party’s long history. Also, noninterventionism is the socially conservative (more akin to St. Augustin’s principle of just war) position.
Ron Paul voted for Martin Luther King Jr. day to be a national holiday, has said he is a personal hero and he speaks out against collectivism. I don’t see how the words in his newsletter seem to have come directly from him; simple analysis discredits the author’s claim that he/she is Ron Paul, not to mention the signature doesn’t match.
Comment by Nichole (January 15, 2008 @ 1:05 am )
Ron Paul Statement on The New Republic Article Regarding Old Newsletters
Ron Paul on Racism
Regarding Israel, interestingly, the United States currently gives more money to Israel’s enemies combined than to Israel.
An Open Letter to the Jewish Community in Behalf of Ron Paul
~Heather
Comment by Heather (January 15, 2008 @ 12:45 pm )
RP is running as a Republican.
Here’s the skinny:
He has never voted to raise taxes.
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
He has never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership.
He has never voted to raise congressional pay.
He has never taken a government-paid junket.
He has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.
He voted against the Patriot Act.
He voted against regulating the Internet.
He voted against the Iraq war.
He does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program.
He returns a portion of his annual congressional office budget to the U.S. treasury every year.
Congressman Paul introduces numerous pieces of substantive legislation each year, probably more than any single member of Congress.
Comment by Amy Scott (January 15, 2008 @ 7:38 pm )
It’s a fundamental, philosophical issue. It all comes down to what you believe the role of government is. Is to defend our borders (provide for the common defense) etc, etc? Or is to give handouts to every Tom, Dick, and Harry? I’m usually talking to taxpayers and so it’s easy to make the conversion. If you are for keeping with the spirit and intent of the constitution, then Ron Paul is the best choice.
Comment by Amy Scott (January 15, 2008 @ 7:45 pm )
I don’t have a favorite candidate just yet so I’m not certain who I’ll be voting for in the Primaries. I know 100% I’ll be voting for whomever the Republican nominee is in the general election. I’m a 2x George Bush voter and proud of it (although not at all happy with how he handles immigration, borders, etc.) But I do believe he’s been the right man to lead our nation in times post 9/11.
That said, I’d love Ron Paul for his immigraiton domestic policies they are so congruent with the founding father’s beliefs. But he scares me on foreign policy. I kind of wish there was a candidate that had Ron’s domestic mindset and Rudy’s foreign mindset.
Comment by Marie (January 16, 2008 @ 12:36 am )
She converted us! Thanks, Amy! We were Huckaby people until we started to actually look at him. We cannot in good conscience vote for any candidate that waffles on moral issues. It is scary to vote for someone who waffles on constitutional issues. Sure, he probably won’t make it into the primaries, or beyond for that matter. However, we will use (not waste) our vote to try and bring this glutted country back to what its founders intended. We will let God handle the rest.
Comment by Another Heather (January 16, 2008 @ 5:44 am )
Ron Paul isn’t doing very well so far-hopefully he will pick up some delegates next week in South Carolina!!
Comment by Tammy (January 16, 2008 @ 6:34 am )
On the December 23 edition of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Republican candidate Ron Paul, who has finished fifth in the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary, was asked by host Tim Russert if he had any intention to run for the White House as an independent if he did not receive the party’s nomination for president. While Paul repeatedly stated that he had “no intention” of doing so, he stopped short of speaking in absolutes when pressed.
“I deserve one wiggle now and then, Tim,” he said. “I don’t like people who are such absolutists, ‘I will never do this,’ or, ‘I will win, I’m going to come in first.’ I don’t like those absolutist terms in politics.”
(the article quoted from above popped up on my yahoo alerts for Ron Paul sometime last week.)
I think we will probably end up voting Ron Paul, since I can’t see voting for any of the other candidates with a clean conscience.
That said, I think that a very sad thing about many of Ron Paul campaign supporters is how many people are saying that he is the “Hope for America” and “America’s last chance”, etc. Messianic government is NOT the answer, even if you agree with what it’s doing. Repentance and turning to Christ is the ONLY hope for America, and politics, I think, will only be substantively changed after the country and its people are substantively changed. Not that I think involvement in politics is bad– it just doesn’t seem like a very effective place to concentrate our energies right now. And it seems a very dangerous place to focus our hope on.
Just my .05 cents.
Comment by Natalie (January 16, 2008 @ 10:40 am )
I want to thank those that sent links for the “racist” comment I asked about. I really appreciate that. It has helped me understand it better. I agree with one of the people who commented when they said that it didn’t line up with Ron Paul’s character. That was what made it so difficult to believe. I only gave it thought because it did come from the newsletter and I know that I would not put my stamp on something if it did not hold my beliefs.
I also didn’t realize that this issue had been covered several times this past decade. It was “convenient” that it was brought up during the day of NH primary.
Re: the Hope for America comment. I don’t see the Hope for America motto as not believing that Christ is our Hope. God used so many people in the Bible to bring about change and in doing so, I bet hope for many people. I by no means think that Ron Paul is the beginning and end all of what our nation needs but I do believe he is the man to bring about a much needed change in our nation.
I liked Bush for going after the terrorist when they attacked us but after researching his comments about the Constitution just being a “piece of paper”, I am worried what another Bush (Huckabee) could do for our nation. We may not need to worry about who votes in the future because, if things keep going in the direction they are, we may not get to vote.
Comment by Mrs. Damian Garcia (January 16, 2008 @ 11:45 am )
you do know that ron paul is pro homosexuality right? I won’t be voting for him. besides I just don’t see him as president… ever.
Comment by Adlyn (January 19, 2008 @ 11:46 am )
Sorry, I just could not let that last comment go. Maybe Adlyn could educate us on how exactly Ron Paul is “pro-homosexuality”? As I said in my earlier comment, we’ve been following Ron Paul for years and have been listening to his speeches in public and in Congress and never once heard him saying anything to lead me to believe he is.
Comment by Mammamolina (January 27, 2008 @ 4:59 pm )
Firstly, I was a “Brownbacker.” He dropped out. Then, I liked Duncan Hunter. Predictably, he dropped out. Hmm…DH liked Ron Paul from the beginning, so I researched him. I like him. I pick him. Huckabee is just too smoozy for my liking. I don’t trust him. Plus, he’s far from being fiscally conservative. Rudy..eh..I *never* will knowingly vote for a pro-abortion guy. As for throwing my vote away, I say, “Poppycock.” The only 2 ways you can “throw away your vote” is 1) not vote and 2) not educate yourself about who you’re voting for. As for RP’s foreign policy and his comment re: 9/11…(loosens collar) Not his strong points, though he has very valid points about “entangling alliances.” Look carefully through history…Who has been our allies? Who have been our enemies? “Russia!” Ally or enemy? Osama bin Laden? Ally or enemy? I do believe we can muddy the waters from time to time.
Great discussion!
Comment by Mrs. H (January 27, 2008 @ 9:33 pm )
Amy, I thought you’d appreciate this! We are passing the following resolution at our local GOP meeting Monday night:
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WHEREAS the Republican Party is founded upon the conservative political philosophy derived from the principle that individuals are endowed not by the government, but by the Creator, with certain unalienable rights; and
WHEREAS the Constitution of the United States is designed to guarantee the unfettered exercise of those rights by strictly limiting the power of government, whose authority is derived only from the consent of the governed; and
WHEREAS the Principles of Conservatism promote Liberty, Prosperity, and Individual Freedom; and
WHEREAS the leading presidential candidate for the Republican Party, Senator John McCain, has consistently demonstrated, by his record, a public service policy counter to the philosophy and principles of conservatism and the Republican Party, as evidenced by the following facts:
1. He has a consistent pattern of shocking verbal abuse, including screaming profanities, against Senate Republican colleagues who oppose his bills in any way; and
2. He has exercised scandalously poor judgment by intervening with the federal regulators on behalf of Charles H. Keating, Jr. in the Savings and Loan Crisis of the 1980s; and
3. He has worked against the principles of the Republican Party, promoting greatly expanding federal regulatory authority in order to combat global warming in ways that would greatly burden the American economy, contrary to free market forces; and
5. He has fought the Republican Party to create the Patient’s Bill of Rights, which allowed the government to impose a set of burdensome mandates on insurance coverage; and
4. He has undermined the principles of a free market economy by voting for an amendment that would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement price controls on prescription drugs under Medicare; and
6. He has worked against the Republican Party to make a mockery of the rule of law, promoting amnesty for 20 million illegal immigrants; and
7. He has voted to subvert American Sovereignty by granting consulting rights to Mexico concerning the erection of a southern border fence; and
8. He has undermined the Constitution and opposed the Constitutional duties of the Vice President to break a tie on judicial nominations; and
9. He has worked against Conservative principles, undermining the First Amendment by abridging the free speech of citizens partaking in the political process; and
10. He has consistently led efforts undermining Second Amendment rights by promoting bills which regulate all sales at gun shows; regulations which force gun-owners to purchase trigger locks, making their firearms useless for self-defense; regulations which restrict the legitimate transfer of firearms over the internet; and regulations which extend the restrictions of the Brady bill to pawn shops and gun repair shops; and
11. He has voted to use taxpayer funds to harvest stem cells from human embryos; and
12. He has refused to take immediate and direct action to protect the life of the unborn; he opposes the repeal of Roe v. Wade; and he opposes a constitutional amendment to protect all human life; and
13. He sponsored and voted for a 282% tax increase on cigarettes that would have unconstitutionally violated the First Amendment and increased the size of the federal bureaucracy exponentially by giving the FDA unrestricted control over nicotine; and
14. He supports raising Social Security taxes; and
15. He has broken with the Republican Party in strongly opposing President Bush’s tax cuts in 2001 and 2003. He also joined leading liberal senators in offering and voting for amendments designed to undermine the tax cuts,
THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Republican Party of [our branch] opposes any effort to promote, support, or endorse Senator John McCain as the Republican nominee; and
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the Republican Party of [our branch] will only support candidates who promote the philosophy and principles of conservatism in government; who promote smaller government, fiscal discipline, and greater economic and personal freedoms; and whose records of public service are evidence of their principled beliefs.
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Not sure if you ever visit the Ron Paul Forums, but others are preparing to set up a website where individuals can print out similarly worded letters to send it in to their local GOP party along with copies of the above to pass at their local GOP meetings.
The Revolution charges forward!!!
~Heather
Comment by Heather (February 9, 2008 @ 11:43 am )
Hey, Amy. I haven’t been in the God blogosphere in a long while, but google brought me here and then I stumbled on this post. I’m also a Ron Paul suppporter, though in California, my vote never really counts. I had some of the same concerns as your readers about him, but here are some resources that helped me (no one converted me, but I was attracted to his pro-life stance, which includes being against the death penalty, so that led me research him on other issues, and ultimately my husband ended up voting for RP also):
Ron Paul’s Israel Problem (by a Baptist pastor and RP supporter)
http://www.newswithviews.com/baldwin/baldwin423.htm
http://www.christiansforronpaul.com/
http://www.chronwatch-america.com/blogs/908/The-Ron-Paul-Attraction.html
http://richvermillion.wordpress.com/2008/02/05/christian-business-daily-endorses-ron-paul-for-president/
I was hesitant (to put it mildly) at first when I read that he wanted to legalize drugs and prostitution, but in fact, it’s actually that he wants those decisions to be made by the state governments rather then the federal government, which seems to be his stance on most issues (including abortion). Hence, his “constitutionalist” position.
Comment by Marla (February 18, 2008 @ 5:57 pm )
Marla, It is so good to hear from you. I remember you! Thanks for the links and please stop in or drop a line when you get a chance. I’d love to know how you’re doing.
Comment by Amy Scott (February 18, 2008 @ 9:42 pm )