Here we go again, not ignoring Ron Paul

Don't worry about the Ron Paul people -- they'll find something to complain about in these last glorious days before the reality of the actual primary/caucus voting starts, even though it can't be about being ignored by the big media anymore.

The 72-year-old, 10-term Republican representative from Texas with the libertarian ideas has been on just about every conceivable broadcast outlet in recent times. He's getting so much attention he's now starting to be criticized for some things, including accepting funds from and not returning them to some white supremacists.

That's what raising $18 million in the still unfinished fourth quarter ($6+ million of it in one day) will do to your political obscurity. That and the online and local meet-up group work by thousands of fervent fans who profess to be newcomers to the political process, so inspired are they by the ob-gyn who represents the Galveston area and his strict constitutionalist ideals and the simple clarity of his goal to return government to its strict constitutional boundaries. No more Department of Education, for instance, or many other federal departments.

Paul is on a roll, up in some polls, down significantly in others, which Paul people don't care anything about because they say they don't believe in polls because nobody's going to tell them how to vote, even though polls aren't orders for anybody, they only reveal how a few hundred people say they're going to vote at that moment in time.

Because everybody Ron Paul supporters say they talk to either already are or immediately become Ron Paul supporters, they believe the Ron Paul Revolution will sweep the country sometime shortly into the New Year, starting perhaps in New Hampshire where they have so many yard signs and the license plates say "Live Free or Die." Also, the new Ron Paul blimp is flying around there.

Anyway, today was Ron Paul's turn to be waterboarded by Tim Russert on NBC's "Meet the Press." As one sign of how the Iraq war surge's recent success has made it a non-issue, Russert didn't even ask him about his stand (Paul's the lone GOP candidate who opposes the war, saying it creates much more trouble than it's worth and that maintaining an empire always bankrupts the colonial power).

Paul wants to bring home all American troops abroad to save money and avoid making ....

enemies. Russert asked him how many U.S. troops there are abroad. Paul didn't know. Russert told him 572,000. "And you'd bring them all home?"

"As quickly as possible. We -- they will not serve our interests to be overseas. They get us into trouble. And we can defend ourselves without troops in Germany, troops in Japan. How do they help our national defense? Doesn't make any sense to me. Troops in Korea since I've been in high school?"

Russert asked, "So if Iran invaded Israel, what do we do?"

Paul replied, "They're not going to. That's like saying, 'Iran is going to invade Mars.' "

Russert asked if Paul would cut off aid to Israel. "Absolutely," he said. "But remember the Arabs would get cut off too and the Arabs get three times as much aid altogether as Israel. But why, why make Israel so dependent?"

Russert asked if Paul wanted to abolish the IRS and income tax. "That's a good idea," he said. "I like that idea." He said the U.S. got along fine without an income tax until 1913.

Russert asked if he knew how much lost government revenue that would be. "A lot," said Paul. "Over a trillion dollars," said Russert. "That's good," said Paul. He suggested cutting spending would save a lot of money, reducing federal departments, not being involved overseas as we are.

Russert asked him about the apparent inconsistency of being against federal involvement, yet regularly inserting dozens of earmarks into legislation representing billions of federal dollars going to his district. Paul said there was no inconsistency because he always voted against the earmarks he'd inserted, although they usually passed.

"If you were true to your philosophy," Russert said, "you would say, 'No pork spending for my district.' "

"No, no, that's not it," replied Paul. "They steal our money. That's like saying people shouldn't take Social Security money."

Russert asked about term limits. Paul said he'd voted for them many times. Russert noted he'd been in Congress more than 18 years. Paul said he hadn't agreed to any voluntary term limits, but he supported them.

Russert asked about many other things including whether defeat in the GOP primaries might cause Paul to launch a third-party effort. "I have no intention to do that," Paul responded. But he would not guarantee it, just said he was 99.9% sure but didn't like absolutist statements.

Paul supporters will say anything that sounds critical or dumb about their candidate was taken out of context. So you can read the entire interview transcript here and view the entire video here.

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[Dave]

Andrew, I guess all the economists that endorse Ron Paul are fools. How about all the military folks that gave him money? How about my wife, (a doctor), or the thousands of other professionals who are smart enough to know our freedom is being taken piece by piece. We are trying to stop the path America is obviously walking down. For ourselves, for our children. This is not about Ron Paul, Andrew. He knows this. You know this. Help us.

[Jack Wagner]

Andrew Malcolm,

you're a no talent hack.

Merry Christmas

[Charlotte]

What attracts people to Ron Paul is that he begins from large first principles (liberty, the constitution) and then fashions his views of particular issues by consulting the larger principles involved. For all the irony and downright sarcasm that Paul's critics muster, the critics don't mention that the particulars of Paul's platform aren't his greatest appeal. In reality, the fact that he genuinely believes in a set of fundamental, starting principles is what distinguishes him from every other presidential candidate because every other candidate presents his or her positions not according to principle but according to what the candidate perceives will appeal to voters at this time. With Ron Paul, one need only know the large premises to know his positions on a diversity of issues. With the others, foundational principles don't matter, and the platforms are a hodgepodge of "hot button" promises, arrived at primarily by the hope of raising money and being elected.

The hostility to Paul in pieces like this results from the resentment that mainstream politicians and media feel toward Paul. Paul isn't playing by the rules of political engagement. He really believes what he espouses. Paul's presence sheds light on the cynical, power-driven values of the political establishment. The same establishment resents being told that they really don't believe in anything but power. This reality of mainstream politics, while true, is off limits according to a "gentleman's agreement" of the political arena. By calling out the establishment on this point, Paul is breaking the accepted rules of engagement.

[senglert]

Andrew,
I appreciate your coverage of and commentary on Ron Paul.
I think it you also be wise for you and the media to begin covering the issue of debt in this country: government debt, consumer debt, corporate debt—a mountain of debt that no candidate other than Ron Paul seems to be particuarly concerned about.
Why is the United States borrowing billions of dollars from the Communist Chinese to "make the world safe for democracy?"
That's a flashing red light; it's time to stop to avoid a crash if we can!

[Ken Batt]

Andrew, I have read a couple of your Paul articles and the same thing comes through as very transparent. You dislike Ron Paul and it shows in your writing. That is why it is hard to take you seriously about anything you write concerning Paul. You have candidates who cannot take stands on issues and who don't even understand monetary policy, but you are going to attack Ron Paul because he cannot supply the exact amount of troops that are overseas. Do you honestly think Tim Russert knew this??? He had somebody research it and look it up for him. It also is changing constantly, so what really is the point of knowing the exact amount all of the time?? Same thing applies to your claim that Paul should know the exact dollar amount the elimination of the IRS would cost. Frankly 1 trillion seems to be a pretty round number wouldn't you say?? Seems like an estimate to me. Unlike you I will disclose my bias. I am a Ron Paul supporter as you can already tell.

[R L]

Thanks for the article other than the condecending start it was a nice read.

[Cleaner44]

All in all I would say this is a good and fair article. I think the thing that makes Ron Paul's stances seem strange to some people is that the Republican name has been hijacked. Neo-Cons have been passing themselves off as Republicans when they are truly Fascists. Now many Americans don't know a real Republican when they see one, Ron Paul. Luckily we are waking up to the threat to our liberties and this nation is turning its back on the Fascists. Ron Paul is the only candidate capable of defeating the Democrats so the Fascist Neo-Cons will be out either way.
Go Ron Paul!

[Mark]

A presidential candidate is calling for the reversal of a 50+ year old polciy that has placed US troops in 130 foreign countries, cost tens of thousands of Americans their lives, cost hundreds of billions of dollars, has made the US a pariah in world affairs, is a violation of the constitution, and the best his critics can come up with is a clerical question about how many troops are stationed on foreign soil?

When is Ron Paul’s opposition going to get serious?

[Georgann Marks]

These hit pieces make me send money to Dr. Paul. I hate what the press did to Howard Dean. Now they are doing it to Ron Paul.

I love the guy. He is so genuine. I don't have to agree with him on everything. I know he is honest and not on the take from a foreign government.

Another $25 today.

[pat miller]

I guess we are just "Ron Paul" people and not Americans like everyone else

[Mark Cormick]

How many other candidates would know the income to the government from the income tax? How many others would know how many troops we have in other countries? Russert fired questions at Ron Paul as quickly as he could speak without stopping to allow a response until Dr. Paul interrupted him several times. I once counted four comments or questions from Russert without him taking a breath or allowing Paul to respond. Does he do that with anyone else? If the pollsters really wanted to determine the support for a candidate, they would take some polls by placing their people at shopping malls or parks or sporting events and other places that real people go to and ask people about whom they supported. Obviously, it is easier and cheaper to use automated questioning systems that don't even allow the choice of all the candidates. Then they announce the results without even explaining the methods they use and the fact that the respondents can only pick from a list that doesn't include all the candidates. A total fraud. In most polls they only want responses from people who have landline phones and who have voted in primaries before. This misses all new voters and completely misses the support for a candidate who has set fire to his supporters in a manner that hasn't been seen before in an election cycle.

[Owen Adams]

I happen to share Dr. Paul's point of view. Strong central government is dangerous and will evolve sooner or later into totalitarianism. Fascism is probably the most common manifestation of totalitarianism and often rises when the insecurity of the citizens is exploited by the government itself. The trend toward an more powerful central government in our country began with the Civil War. It was, as Dr. Paul pointed out, a war that should have never been fought. Our forefathers recognized how dangerous government can be and warned us to that effect. Experiences in other countries have proven the wisdom of our founding fathers. I believe it is a true statement that throughout history, the number of citizens murdered by their own governments far exceeds the number of those who have died as a result of all wars.

As for foreign policy what is there not to understand about what he is saying? It is as simple as "you mess with me, I'll mess with you." Dr. Paul is not retreating from the world, he is merely recognizing their right to make decisions for their own countries without interference from us. They must then be responsible for the outcome of those decisions. That is the nature of true freedom.

Here is one of those famous Thomas Jefferson statements on the danger of government that I think is worth pondering if you are still unconvinced by Ron Paul's point of view: "In questions of power...let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution."

[USAF Vet Dan]

Mr. Malcolm, you said, "As one sign of how the Iraq war surge's recent success has made it a non-issue..." Tell that to the families of the following soldiers who lost their lives last month in Iraq. I'll make sure post monthly updates for you from this point on as it seems as if you and the rest of the main stream media are the only ones making Iraq a "non-issue" these days.

41 Total Casualties / November, 2007

01 Master Sgt. Thomas A. Crowell 36 01 November 2007 Det. 301, Scott AFB, Ill, assigned to Balad AB Air Force Office of Special Investigations Killed Nov. 1 while performing combat operations in the vicinity of Balad Air Base, Iraq / DoD Release: Died Nov. 1 near Balad Air Base, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an IED

02 Staff Sgt. David A. Wieger 28 01 November 2007 Det. 303, Travis AFB, assigned to Balad AB Air Force Office of Special Investigations Killed Nov. 1 while performing combat operations in the vicinity of Balad Air Base, Iraq / DoD Release: Died Nov. 1 near Balad Air Base, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an IED

03 Nathan J. Schuldheiss 27 01 November 2007 Det. 204, Offutt AFB, assigned to Balad AB Air Force Office of Special Investigations Killed Nov. 1 while performing combat operations in the vicinity of Balad Air Base, Iraq / DoD Release: Died Nov. 1 near Balad Air Base, Iraq, of wounds suffered from an IED

04 U/I pending notification of next-of-kin 01 November 2007 MND-Center Killed when patrol was struck by an IED south of Baghdad Nov. 1

05 U/I pending notification of next-of-kin 01 November 2007 MND-Center Killed when patrol was struck by an IED south of Baghdad Nov. 1

06 2nd Lt. Tracy Lynn Alger 30 01 November 2007 3rd Bn, 187th Infantry, 3rd BCT, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) DoD Release: Died Nov 1 in Shubayshen, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near her vehicle

07 U/I pending notification of next-of-kin 03 November 2007 MND-North Died in an explosion in Salah ad Din province, Nov. 3

08 Pfc. Dwane A. Covert Jr. 20 03 November 2007 104th Transportation Co., 13th Corps Support Sustainment Bn, 3rd Infantry Division DoD Release: Died in Al-Sahra, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident

09 Staff Sgt. Carletta S. Davis 34 05 November 2007 10th Brigade Support Bn, 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) Killed as a result of an explosion near their vehicle while conducting combat operations in the Kirkuk province / DoD Release: Died Nov. 5, in Tal Al-Dahab, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near their Humvee during combat operations

10 Staff Sgt. John D. Linde 30 05 November 2007 1st Brigade Special Troops Bn, 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) Killed as a result of an explosion near their vehicle while conducting combat operations in the Kirkuk province / DoD Release: Died Nov. 5, in Tal Al-Dahab, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near their Humvee during combat operations

11 Sgt. Derek T. Stenroos 24 05 November 2007 1st Brigade Special Troops Bn, 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) Killed as a result of an explosion near their vehicle while conducting combat operations in the Kirkuk province / DoD Release: Died Nov. 5, in Tal Al-Dahab, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near their Humvee during combat operations

12 Pfc. Adam J. Muller 21 05 November 2007 1st Brigade Special Troops Bn, 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) Killed as a result of an explosion near their vehicle while conducting combat operations in the Kirkuk province / DoD Release: Died Nov. 5, in Tal Al-Dahab, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated near their Humvee during combat operations

13 Sgt. Daniel J. Shaw 23 05 November 2007 1st Bn, 9th Infantry, 2nd BCT, 2nd Infantry Division, assigned to MNF-West Killed Nov. 5 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province / DoD Release: Died Nov. 5 in Taji, Iraq

14 Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin R. Bewley 27 05 November 2007 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 Killed as a result of injuries sustained from an explosion while conducting operations in Salah ad Din Province / DoD Release: Died Nov. 5 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting operations in Salah ad Din province, Iraq

15 Spc. Christine M. Ndururi 21 06 November 2007 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment DoD Release: Died Nov. 6 in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, from a non-combat related illness

16 Sgt. Lui Tumanuvao 29 07 November 2007 1st Bn, 30th Infantry, 2nd BCT, MND-Center Killed as a result of wounds suffered when the dismounted patrol the Soldier was part of encountered an improvised explosive device south of Baghdad Nov. 7 / DoD Release: Died Nov. 7 in Arab Jabour, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he was struck by an IED during combat operations

17 Capt. Benjamin D. Tiffner 31 07 November 2007 1st Bn, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) DoD Release: Died Nov. 7 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he was struck by an IED

18 Spc. Jermaine D. Franklin 22 09 November 2007 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry, 1st BCT, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), MND-North Killed as a result of injuries sustained from an explosion while conducting operations in Diyala Province, Nov. 9 / DoD Release: Died Nov. 9, in Jisr Naft, Iraq, of wounds sustained from an IED

19 Sgt. Joseph M. Vanek 22 09 November 2007 2nd Bn, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division DoD Release: Died Nov. 12 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire

20 Spc. Ashley Sietsema 20 12 November 2007 708th Medical Co., 108th Medical Bn, 108th Sustainment BDE, Illinois National Guard DoD Release: Died Nov. 12 in Kuwait City, Kuwait, of injuries suffered in a vehicle accident

21 Sgt. Christopher R. Kruse 23 13 November 2007 2nd Bn, 23rd Infantry, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd Infantry Division, MND-North Died as a result of an explosion while conducting operations in Diyala Province, Nov. 13 / DoD Release: Died Nov. 13 in Mukhisa, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated during dismounted combat operations

22 Cpl. Peter W. Schmidt 30 13 November 2007 2nd Bn, 23rd Infantry, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd Infantry Division, MND-North Died as a result of an explosion while conducting operations in Diyala Province, Nov. 13 / DoD Release: Died Nov. 13 in Mukhisa, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an IED detonated during dismounted combat operations

23 Pfc. Casey P. Mason 22 13 November 2007 728th MP Bn, 8th MP BDE, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, MNC-Iraq Killed during military operations near the city of Mosul / DoD Release: Died Nov.13 in Mosul, Iraq of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit using small arms fire

24 2nd Lt. Peter H. Burks 26 14 November 2007 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, MND-Baghdad Killed when an explosively formed penetrator detonated in central Baghdad Nov. 14

25 Sgt. Kenneth R. Booker 25 14 November 2007 2nd Bn, 23rd Infantry, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd Infantry Division, MND-North Killed as a result of an explosion while conducting operations in Diyala Province, Nov. 14 / DoD Release: Died Nov. 14, in Mukhisa, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an IED detonated near his vehicle

26 Spc. Derek R. Banks 24 14 November 2007 237th Engineer Co., 276th Engineer Bn, 91st Troop Command DoD Release: Died Nov. 14 in San Antonio of wounds suffered Oct. 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, when the vehicle he was in struck an IED

27 Sgt. Mason L. Lewis 26 16 November 2007 26th Brigade Support Bn, 2nd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division DoD Release: Died in Baghdad on Nov. 16, as a result of a non-combat related training accident

28 Sgt. Steven C. Ganczewski 22 16 November 2007 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment DoD Release: Died Nov. 16, in Balad, Iraq, wounds suffered from a combat-related incident

29 Staff Sgt. Alejandro Ayala 18 18 November 2007 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron DoD Release: Died Nov. 18 of injuries sustained as a result of a vehicle accident in Kuwait

30 Pfc. Marius L. Ferrero 23 18 November 2007 1st Bn, 38th Infantry, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd Infantry Division, MND-North Killed as a result of an suicide vest attack while conducting operations in Baqubah, Diyala Province, Nov. 18 / DoD Release: Died Nov. 18 when an IED detonated during a mounted patrol in Baquabah, Iraq

31 Cpl. Jason T. Lee 26 18 November 2007 1st Bn, 38th Infantry, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd Infantry Division, MND-North Killed as a result of an suicide vest attack while conducting operations in Baqubah, Diyala Province, Nov. 18 / DoD Release: Died Nov. 18 when an IED detonated during a mounted patrol in Baquabah, Iraq

32 Cpl. Christopher J. Nelson 22 18 November 2007 1st Bn, 38th Infantry, 4th Stryker BCT, 2nd Infantry Division, MND-North Killed as a result of an suicide vest attack while conducting operations in Baqubah, Diyala Province, Nov. 18 / DoD Release: Died Nov. 18 when an IED detonated during a mounted patrol in Baquabah, Iraq

33 Sgt. Alfred G. Paredez Jr. 32 20 November 2007 1st Bn, 8th Cavalry, 2nd BCT, 1st Cavalry Division, MND-Baghdad Died when an explosively-formed penetrator detonated near a combat patrol in eastern Baghdad Nov. 20 / DoD Release: Died Nov. 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an IED

34 Spc. Melvin L. Henley Jr. 26 21 November 2007 603rd Aviation Support Bn, 3rd Combat Aviation BDE, 3rd Infantry Division DoD Release: Died at Camp Striker in Baghdad on Nov. 21 of injuries suffered from non-combat related incident

35 Staff Sgt. Jonathon L. Martin 33 21 November 2007 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry, 1st BCT, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) DoD Release: Died Nov. 22 in Regensburg, Germany, of wounds suffered on Nov. 9 in Jisr Naft, Iraq, when his vehicle encountered an IED

36 Pvt. Isaac T. Cortes 26 27 November 2007 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), MND-North Killed as a result of injuries sustained from an explosion near vehicle while conducting operations in Salah ad Din province / DoD Release: Died Nov. 27 in Amerli, Iraq

37 Spc. Benjamin J. Garrison 25 27 November 2007 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), MND-North Killed as a result of injuries sustained from an explosion near vehicle while conducting operations in Salah ad Din province / DoD Release: Died Nov. 27 in Amerli, Iraq

38 U/I pending notification of next-of-kin 28 November 2007 MND-Baghdad Killed by small-arms fire in a western section of the Iraqi capital Nov. 28

39 Sgt. 1st Class John J. Tobiason 42 28 November 2007 847th Adjutant General Bn, 89th Regional Readiness Command DoD Release: Died Nov. 28 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from an incident

40 Cpl. Allen C. Roberts 21 28 November 2007 Marine Attack Squadron 214, MAG 13, 3rd MAW, I MEF DoD Release: Died Nov. 28 from a vehicle accident near Al Asad, Iraq

41 Cpl. Blair W. Emery 24 30 November 2007 504th MP Bn, 42nd MP BDE DoD Release: Died Nov. 30 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an IED

[Michael D]

(Just a reminder, John. This is a blog, not a newspaper. It's written by two particular people who are not reporters. Been there, done that. You're going to stumble upon some opinion here. That's why it's a blog. And that's why there's a comments section right underneath for you to leave your very own opinion. I re-checked the item and can't find any predictions in it. Perhaps you're carrying over some anger or disappointment from somewhere else. Thanks for reading.)

Exactly! This is better than any newspaper as the option of feedback is immediate. Andrew I don't understand why you can't feel for the nation and it's citizens but I respect your right to do so. I can't speak for all the negativity from RP supporters but again respect the right to do so (I do wish some would be more civil though). There are so many facets to the vexing issues of the worlds population and the irritating thing to me is that so few people seem to "get it" that we are all on this planet together. The fact that we are so uncivil as a species is mind boggling. As biological entities on earth (which is after all, all that we are) we do little to encourage the safety and well being of our host (earth). We have so much to possibly offer and yet we are so selfish. It is certainly depressing.

The tax issue to me is the most ominous as it does equate to slavery. We "must" work to fulfill our tax obligation. Anyone that says differently isn't in the "real" world. The various taxing authorities will crush you like a bug if you refuse to be a taxpayer (slave) to the system, yet when it is discussed to abolish the IRS (master) to free the taxpayer (slaves), you would think fort Sumter is being rained down upon by a nuclear holocaust. Why shouldn't the trillion dollars of our money be spent in a manner that we see fit.

Andrew, it's like me (a stranger) coming to your house with a gun and telling you I am taking money from you to build a wheelchair ramp for your neighbor because he's unable to provide for his self. You have no option I'm taking it and if you refuse I will throw you in a cell. I'm not ok with that approach.

To say (in a negative light) that Paul didn't know how many troops are abroad or how many tax dollars are stolen by the IRS is irrelevant, it's the bigger picture at stake. Does it really matter how much money I am going to take from you if I am taking it by force? Does it really matter how many troops are abroad, separated from their families, in harms way if they are all in that condition? I think not. It matters only that the situation is deplorable and Paul would like to remedy it. And I'm thinking that taking over a half a million troops out of foreign countries to protect our own borders will be a positive action world wide.

50,000 U.S. troops dieing in Korea for democracy is a positive to you Andrew? For shame. When and where did the constitution provide for the U.S. to spread democracy. We are not a democracy why should we be militarily forcing democracy on foreign countries? We are a constitutional republic and less so with every patriot act. Remember that many of the things Paul is being criticized for are things he opposed from the beginning and was the solitary voice on the matter (Dr. No). Had his voice been heard and supported at the inception of the countless unconstitutional policies introduction, we would have less bad situations in the first place. The Korean conflict (not a war but a police action) was in no way beneficial to the U.S. yet it was touted as necessary. It was in fact unconstitutional and a breach of oath and all parties responsible should have been relieved of their duties for breaking their contract with the citizens of the U.S.

Andrew, do you see anything positive in the message or is it all just hypocritical pandering for votes to you? I can see this as the approach of all the other candidates but I just don't see it in Paul as he appears to be the most consistent in his beliefs and most importantly in his oath to uphold the constitution. Show me ANY other candidate that has his record of doing his job and supporting his oath and I will consider changing my vote based on issues. Until then the issues don't really matter as campaign promises are rarely kept by politicians and the oath to uphold the constitution is a joke to the same bunch. They all take the oath and they all break it. Paul just seems to be candidate that breaks it the least. (As of right now I am unaware that he has ever broken it but I don't like absolutists either)

All that said, Andrew, you have a podium it's up to you to maintain it. Good job on your articles whether or not we see the intent. I for one will always appreciate the personal view you have and of course the right to express it. Good thing we have people out there trying to maintain that right.

To the rabid Ron Paul supporters, if your only input is that "Andrew is a jerk", please create a forum or blog and research and report why you think Andrew is a jerk, then link to it, and you can have a podium to maintain. We'll see how long it lasts. With the diverse crowd that RP attracts I guess I'm not too surprised by some comments, just embarrassed.

Merry Christmas all.....

RP '08'

[Ray]

Andrew, You have had articles that were definately biased, but this one was not one of those. Although you have misquoted some statements, but that's to be expected, the atricle was pretty accurate. For the most part it's fair reporting, but knowing your views on Paul, still slanted.
True, we will soon see the outcome of this revolution and then its aftermath. Personally I don't agree that everyone is swayed by Paul's message, nor have I heard that stated anywhere. I have run across many staunch non-supporters with closed minds, who don't even want to listen, mostly in their elder years. I understand that they fear they may lose their benefits and entitlements. Others still believe they fought and had friends and relatives die in wars to secure liberty and freedom for us, which is one of the biggetst lies ever perpetrated on us Americans, since we really have very few personal freedoms. And yet the last group are Hamiltonians, who still believe a stong powerful federal government is necessary, but those tides are shifting as a new era ushers itself in. FI, I will run for office locally as a Paulite in the next election. Despite of what you think of Dr. Paul, you cannot discount the movement generated by his message or better the message of freedom. Even the other candidates try to parrot this message now in order to steal some of his support.I watched every single debate and have seen it myself. Remember, very few Americans supported the revolution back in 1776, I believe the number was around 5%. Small groups of determined people have managed to change things in the past ( huge things) and will, no doubt, do so again in the future. Despite of how Ron Paul fairs in this election, rest assured, the movement will continue. In closing I find it IRONIC that Paul mentioned fascism and the military industrial complex in the interview as has been warned in Eisenhowers ( sic)farewell speech in 59. Funny how Meet the Press sponsors, such as GE, Hummer and Bayer, were not mentioned as being either recipients of defense contracts or part managed healthcare. Wouldn't that be more of a conflict of interest than Paul putiing earmarks in bills he then votes agaist trying to get maney back to his district? So I should consider that as president he would try to get some of Americans' money back to them too, no? Should make you really wonder Andrew.
In Liberty, RVK

[KT]

Hello Mr. Malcolm,

I'm a Ron Paul supporter, and I appreciate the coverage you have given him.

Since this is a blog and open to people's opinions, would you tell us yours? Which candidate do you support for president right now (Dem, Rep or other) and why?

(I always vote, of course. But I try not to root or boo during the campaign and be as profl as possible. We are equal opportunity offenders here so if you read about other candidates, you would see positive and negative on them. It's just that RP supporters only read RP items. And the supporters of others don't reply with the passion or numbers of RP's, which says a lot about his support. Happy Holidays.)

[Mark]

Yes, my knee-jerk reaction was to blast MTP. That was a full frontal assault by Tim Russert. But after watching the interview for a second time and letting everything sink in, Ron Paul did an outstanding job. If the Civil War, comments from ex-disgruntled employees, and earmarks, is the best TIm Russert could do, well, there isn't much more to say. My vote is for Ron Paul.

[Paul]

" that he would give up the Korean peninsula that more than 50,000 Americans died to keep democratic "

Oh, so I guess you think we shouldn't have left vietnam? How wonderful would it be to still have troops there?

50,000 died there who never would have if we didn't go to war to enforce U.N. resolutions and followed the foreign policy of Ron Paul and the founding fathers which means actually declaring war when we send our troops into one.

Ron Paul confuses even some of the most well-trained political junkies because they are used to dealing with politicians and not statesmen. Ron Paul is an entirely different kind of candidate, and if everyone running for president were as honest and consistant about their views we would have a real contest. Since we don't, however, there is only one choice and that is Ron Paul.

[Donkefant Dot Com]

Should the Federal Government return all of the White Supremacist TAX money also?

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KILL THE DONKEFANT

[Bill]

Andrew,

Good job on reporting the facts.
How come you never reported why did the George W. buy over 150,000 acres in Paraguay.
How come you never reported that we have upto 70,000 troops in Paraguay.
I guess Dr. Paul should have corrected Tim that is abouve 270,000 troops becasue that is not counting contractors that are fighting. No one really knows that one.
keep up the good work Andrew i am sure you kids will be proud of you.

[Bill]

Andrew,

Good job on reporting the facts.
How come you never reported why did the George W. buy over 150,000 acres in Paraguay.
How come you never reported that we have upto 70,000 troops in Paraguay.
I guess Dr. Paul should have corrected Tim that is abouve 270,000 troops becasue that is not counting contractors that are fighting. No one really knows that one.
keep up the good work Andrew i am sure you kids will be proud of you.

[Mark]

So we've finally reached the tipping point in this country whereby a man (Republican no less) who runs on a platform of fiscal responsibility and Constitutional adherehnce, peace and small government is labeled a wacko, as are his followers, by his own party, pundits, critics and the media, and is ignored by the population at large.

I would think a blog entry should be devoted to mourning how far we've come as a nation to no longer place any value in these notions, rather than to throw another shovel of dirt on the man, in hopes that he'll stay buried.

This is no longer the country I grew up with, and I guess it makes me a little sad to realize that the chances to change the course of governement for the better are diminishing as time goes by.

At least this posted as a blog entry, and not a news story, as some have been. Kudos for that.

[Tom Paine]

"The spirit of the times may alter, will alter. Our rulers will become corrupt, our people careless. A single zealot may commence persecution, and better men be his victims. It can never be too often repeated, that the time for fixing every essential right on a legal basis is while our rulers are honest and ourselves united. From the conclusion of this war (Revolutionary War) we shall be going downhill. It will not then be necessary to resort every moment to the people for support. They will be forgotten, therefore, and their rights disregarded. They will forget themselves, but in the sole faculty of making money, and will never think of uniting to effect a due respect for their rights. The shackles, therefore, which shall not be knocked off at the conclusion of this war, will remain on us long, will be made heavier and heavier, till our rights shall revive or expire in a convulsion." Thomas Jefferson

Be apart of the new Revolution! Vote for Ron Paul... and this is coming from a life-long Democrate, who is changing his party status to an Independent so I can vote for Ron Paul in the Mass. Primary

[Bob Soppes]

Anyone that thinks George H.W. Bush is a "bum" and didn't vote for George W. Bush has got my vote! And yes I agree, why the heck do we need troops in Germany, Japan and Korea? Those wars ended over 50 years ago.

[Claire]

The author of the above article, Andrew Malcolm, made very little contribution in the way of facts or opinion in the above article and responses for a man who trades in words. The article reads as rehashment of someone else's work and the responses as juvenile and uncontributive - Get Over Yourself? Really? I think that this may be good advice for Andrew Malcolm to follow.
In regards to Ron Paul, such heated animosity to a man who supposedly poses no threat and is out of his league? Dr. Paul must be be very threatening for Tim Russert to have embarked on such a calculated and relentless attempt to discredit him with so little. It seems the plan was to attack him with every grey comment he ever made n 50 years of adult life and then fail to give him any time to answer. Very skilled interviewing... ?