I am having a very hard time finding an issue I don't agree with when he speaks. I know it's already been noted and I'm coming in late - but I saw him on Bill Maher last night. I was actually inspired. He seems like the real deal to me.

He's folksy enough to make me feel like I can relate - yet smart enough to make me interested in learning from him. I've always SAID that it didn't make a difference to me if a candidate was Democrat or Republican - but I honestly didn't think I would get a chance to prove it.

Ron Paul is proving it.

I have several questions I'd like to ask Ron Paul supporters:

- What is his position on universal health care and the exponentially-increasing cost of health care in America? Should the government do anything about the 42Million+ Americans who do not have health insurance? If so, what?
- What is his position on raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans (e.g. Paris Hilton) back to Clinton-era levels to help cut the federal deficit?
- What is his position on defense sepending?
- What does he propose to do about the Iraq occupation?
- What is his position on abortion rights?

Andrew

The fact that Bill Maher had him on speaks enough to me - I bet he is about the only Republican that Maher would consider entertaining on the show.

Maher is kind of maverick and has apparently had plenty of Republicans on his show in the past (I've never seen the show). I don't think his having Ron Paul on the show speaks as any kind of endorsement - but it appears Paul has gained a following with some of Maher's audience, so it makes sense to have him on the show.

Andrew

Maher has had Republicans on the show, yes, and I have seen it where it gets ... well, combative. Maher is an unabashed liberal and isn't afraid to tout as such ... the fact that Paul has made inroads with some of Maher's audience tells me that he can reach across to the moderates and some on the left. Something I definitely don't see with any other GOP candidate.

From what I know of Paul (not much) his social libertarian stances are very appealing. But when progressives look at things like health care and public education spending, I'll bet Paul won't look quite so good to them.

Andrew

That may be true as I am having a hard time finding clear positions held by Paul on those issues.

Do you know where he stands on education and healthcare, Andrew? I don't, yet.

I don't know where Paul stands on them - I'm guessing that since he's got that libertarian bent that he's not in favor of public education or health care. Perhaps I'm wrong.

Andrew

Hmm - found this:

http://www.theadvocates.org/celebrities/ron-paul.html

Paul never votes for legislation unless the proposed measure is expressly authorized by the Constitution....He has introduced bills calling for, among other things, ending gun control, getting the U.S. out of the United Nations, and abolishing the income tax.

Wait, here's more:

http://www.ontheissues.org/Ron_Paul.htm

Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
Voted YES on banning gay adoptions in DC. (Jul 1999)
Supports a Constitutional Amendment for school prayer. (May 1997)
Rated 76% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-family voting record. (Dec 2003)


I...don't think I'll be voting for Ron Paul in 2008.

Andrew

So much for reaching for those of us in the middle.

Yep...

I like Ron Paul though. IMHO, he should continue to present his ideas. I don't think he will be elected, but many of his anti-lie, anti-war points need to be addressed by whoever does get elected.

Having this discussion more or less forces real conservatives to differentiate themselves from what we see being the majority in the GOP today.

On that basis (hope for a schizm), I support Ron Paul.