Warning: This post is not the type I usually write. I typically don't take the time to write about things that are hard to explain or put myself out there. Laziness, I guess. So this one is long, possibly boring for some, and goes against the old advice not to talk about religion or politics. But I guess I think that advice is bogus. I just really want to explain why I support the candidate I do and assure you that I am not some radical hippie. Even if no one reads this and it’s just for the record.
I remember driving past homes with Ron Paul 2008 yard signs during the last election. I asked Jonny, “Who is this Ron Paul anyway?” Jonny answered, “Oh, just some crazy guy.”
And we continued to think that until only about two years ago when Jonny took a sudden interest in liberty and the proper role of government. This led him to conversations with an intelligent, admirable, trusted college friend who spoke of his support for Ron Paul, the so called “Champion of the Constitution,” whose internet following and financial support was completely exploding through grassroots efforts. After doing plenty of research for himself, Jonny came to understand that Congressman Paul (who is also an OB/GYN and has delivered over 4,000 babies in his medical career) is certainly not “just some crazy guy.” Consequently, I have come to learn that as well.
Talk of liberty is contagious. I started reading books, pamphlets, and speeches (President Ezra Taft Benson spoke and wrote a lot on the subject) and watching YouTube videos to learn the principles of liberty for myself. I still don’t know a whole lot, but I know enough to understand the basic problems with our big government that has strayed so far from its divinely inspired foundation. (Follow
this link to read the Principles of Liberty as defined by Campaign for Liberty. You can also learn about them from reading Cleon Skousen's
The 5,000 Year Leap.) When I hear Ron Paul speak, I know I am listening to a man who stands firm in his convictions and believes that we can return to our roots, gain back the liberties that have been stolen, and rebuild our great nation. Seriously, what he says is sincere, inspiring, and just makes so much sense.
The grassroots activists have coined Ron Paul’s campaign and movement a REVOLUTION. And that is truly what we need. Our government has gradually expanded and taken over so much of our lives. And this dependence on the government and welfare state of our country will only get worse. Most of us can recognize the serious danger in Obama’s socialist health care plan and the invasive techniques of the TSA. It’s easy to see how these things are unconstitutional and leading us in a frightening direction.
But if you understand why these examples represent an abuse of power under the principles of liberty, other things clearly make sense too. For example, I have come to understand why ending the Federal Reserve, supporting gun rights, allowing tax credits for other schooling options, ending the income tax, bringing the troops home from fighting unnecessary and unconstitutional wars, getting rid of the Department of Education (and many other big government programs), dramatically decreasing our ridiculously huge national debt, enforcing border security (especially by abolishing the welfare state), and ending the "war on drugs"* support the God-given principles of agency and liberty.
The news networks ignore and downplay Ron Paul's success and popular talk show hosts tell you outright lies about this man who I believe can actually help America
change for the better. (Sorry to borrow your slogan, Obama. But you have obviously abandoned it.) Earlier this week I listened to talk radio host Mark Levin call Ron Paul a “crackpot” and a hater of America . (Want to talk to me about why Levin said that? Please do! I back Ron Paul’s foreign policy too.) Like I said, this is what I used to think too. And then I got to know him and what he's been publicly standing for for 35 years.
I just heard him speak in person in Reno at the Liberty Political Action Conference. He’s not a radical, he’s not crazy, and he’s not unelectable. He is brave, consistent, intelligent, humble and a true patriot and statesman – unlike so many of the politicians in Washington. I know why I
am voting for Ron Paul and why I
am not voting for the other Republican candidates in the primary elections. His message is unifying and resonates with people of all races, religions, and socioeconomic standing because it is a message of liberty (
not anarchy or irresponsibility like uniformed people may tell you).
I could go on and on but I doubt many have even read this far! So I will leave the invitation open to any of you who may be interested in learning more about my presidential pick for 2012. I hardly touched on anything here. Please, just do a little research for yourself. I
really want this guy to win. (One thing you'll find common in RP supporters is that we are passionate about his message because it is true and universal.) And he has a serious chance. Despite what the Media tells you, he is a legitimate contender and has enormous support across the country. (Including the most support by the troops than any other Republican candidate.) Below is a link to a short video to get you acquainted with Congressman Ron Paul. I hope you will check it out, and find out what his message is about for yourself. Seriously, just give the guy a chance. And then call me up. I love to talk liberty.
Ron Paul: The Only One We Can Trust video:
And here are the links to Pres. Benson's Proper Role of Government speech:
Suddenly I was aware that I was walking right next to Congressman Paul, Chuck Baldwin, Vince Vaughn, John Tate, and Senator Rand Paul (who is right behind me but is too short to see.) The security guard was nice enough to ask if he was out of the way for the picture!
*Yeah, legalizing drugs is a pretty controversial topic. Let me explain a little. Of course I personally do not endorse harmful drug use, and neither does Doctor Paul. But it goes back to the rights of individuals to make their own choices. As long as we are not harming or infringing upon the rights of others, we adults should be free to act as we choose. And yes, some people will make stupid personal choices. But can we force them no to!? (Sounds like Satan's plan in the pre-mortal existence.) Think about it. Do you want the government to tell you what and how much to eat? In some states you can already be arrested for selling raw milk. Sounds ridiculous, right? But I see the drug issue in the same light. People need to have responsibility for themselves and what they do to their bodies. It's up to society to preach and teach the danger of certain behaviors. Government can only use force. We can’t force a people to be healthy and moral. It’s government’s job to protect (but not to protect us from ourselves) and society’s job to teach. Besides, we tried prohibiting alcohol. Remember how much good came out of that?
