Rue Paul? NO! Ron Paul
As it has quite a few folks, just who the hekk Ron Paul is has eluded me for some time. We hear about him peripherally to Presidential campaigns, and maybe read a quote or two; usually something which shows the man to be a bigot or an American isolationist. But what's the reality?
Well, there's essentialy no doubt that he is very much the latter, but despite more than a couple of his associations having undeniably bigoted agendas, I'd have to say that the man seems quite a bit more open minded that all that.
The following NYTimes' write up provides quite a bit of background information on the trailing Republican president candidate. While reading it, I was actually surprised to find that I'd read some of this stuff about his life in years past. Most likely I'd forgotten it because, while I completely agree with his take that We Have Drifted From Our U.S. Constitution in A LOT of ways, I am decidedly far more Liberal than Libertarian. I believe it IS the Federal Government's job to protect the Health and Welfare of its people and that our society has evolved to the point where the only Possible way to do so is via a Single Payer, Government coordinated Health Care system. Where ever else Paul and I do certainly agree and disagree, that issue is perhaps the main reason he will not be getting my vote in '08.
At any rate, big-time thanks to The Culture Ghost for linking to this article. If you're wondering who Ron Paul is, give it a read and you'll have a much better idea of whether or not he's a candidate you could get behind.
Well, there's essentialy no doubt that he is very much the latter, but despite more than a couple of his associations having undeniably bigoted agendas, I'd have to say that the man seems quite a bit more open minded that all that.
The following NYTimes' write up provides quite a bit of background information on the trailing Republican president candidate. While reading it, I was actually surprised to find that I'd read some of this stuff about his life in years past. Most likely I'd forgotten it because, while I completely agree with his take that We Have Drifted From Our U.S. Constitution in A LOT of ways, I am decidedly far more Liberal than Libertarian. I believe it IS the Federal Government's job to protect the Health and Welfare of its people and that our society has evolved to the point where the only Possible way to do so is via a Single Payer, Government coordinated Health Care system. Where ever else Paul and I do certainly agree and disagree, that issue is perhaps the main reason he will not be getting my vote in '08.
At any rate, big-time thanks to The Culture Ghost for linking to this article. If you're wondering who Ron Paul is, give it a read and you'll have a much better idea of whether or not he's a candidate you could get behind.
Whatever (Ron Paul's) campaign purports to be about, the main thing it has done thus far is to serve as a clearinghouse for voters who feel unrepresented by mainstream Republicans and Democrats. The antigovernment activists of the right and the antiwar activists of the left have many differences, maybe irreconcilable ones. But they have a lot of common beliefs too, and their numbers — and anger — are of a considerable magnitude. Ron Paul will not be the next president of the United States. But his candidacy gives us a good hint about the country the next president is going to have to knit back together.
[At least his premise is Sound]
Before you write off Ron Paul based upon your admirable desire for high-quality, accessible health care, I'd check out his comments on healthcare during his interview/Q&A session at Google:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCM_wQy4YVg
As a physician, Dr. Paul knows what he's talking about. There's no question that our current system is, in many ways, the "worst of both worlds" with the toxic mix of corporate and Federal bureaucracies. But today, we're actually a lot closer to the single payer system that you crave than you might think. In fact, 2/3 of all health expenditures are paid by the Federal/State/local governments between Medicare, Medicaid, and DOD/VA systems. And the remaining 1/3 of "corporate care" insurance takes its cue regarding what it will cover & pay directly from Medicare itself.
I'm also a physician, and having seen medicine in the UK, Canada, and the US, I agree with Dr. Paul that what we need in healthcare is a resurgence of the doctor-patient relationship, and a drastic reduction in the corporate and government micromanagement that handicaps the current environment.
Regarding my personal experience in a true single-payer system, perhaps you've seen the stories about the horrors of Walter Reed and the care our wounded veterans are receiving. In training, we used to call working at the VA medical center "veterinary medicine" not out of disrespect, but out of frustration for the level of equipment and support provided in that environment.
I am very glad and thankful that the mainstream media is starting to cover Ron Paul. Still, the New York Times seems to think people who believe in the Constitution and liberty are just a bunch of Wackos.
ReplyDeleteThe real “whackos” are those in Washington starting illegal preemptive unnecessary wars, spying on the American people, and spending money they do not have. So who are the whackos?
Ron Paul believes in the “Constitution” which is incredibly rare in American government these days.
Ron Paul never voted for the Iraq War
He voted against the Patriot Act
He has never voted to raise taxes
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget
He hasn't voted to raise congressional pay
He hasn't voted to increase the power of the executive branch
He voted against regulating the Internet
He doesn't participate in the lucrative congressional pension program
Ron Paul is 1st in YouTube, Meetup, MySpace, Technorati, Alexa, Google, etc. The old media is just too slow to realize what is happening.
Ron Paul places 1st or 2nd in every straw poll, debate, and active participation survey.
Dr. Ron Paul has the most contributions from U.S. military personnel & veterans above all other candidates. So support the troops and vote Ron Paul!
Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton were doing about the same in the 'Scientific Polls' at this stage in their elections. ‘Scientific Polls’ at this stage only measure name recognition. Over the next six months Ron Paul will gain name recognition. Most people who learn about Ron Paul become major supporters.
70% of Americans want us out of Iraq and want change.
Ron Paul is only republican candidate against the war.
Ron Paul only needs about 30% vote from republicans sick of the war and abuse of powers to win in republican primaries.
Dr. Ron Paul is the man of integrity and courage that America needs at this time.
“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” John Quincy Adams
We are making history – Vote Ron Paul!
Visit YouTube and search Ron Paul to learn more…
I thought the election was over. Didn't Hillary win? From what I've read that's already been decided.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the "props." I'm surprised we haven't met in all this time as we seem to frequent some of the same "dives", i.e., Mccs1977, This Blog Will Self Destruct, Morning Martini, etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm beginning to think Ron Paul would make an interesting transition President...pull us back from the brink of disaster, rein in the idea of the unitary executive and undo the all curtailment of civil liberties. His election would certainly shake up the Democrats and Republicans who be forced to work together and with him in order to achieve anything.
And yes, there are certain topics with which I disagree with him, it is impossible to agree 100% with a candidate unless that candidate happens to be you. Wasn't politics once the art of the possible?
I have done alot of driving lately, up into NC and then south of me, into the REDDEST part of GA...I saw several Ron Paul signs in both places. At least he's for getting us out of Iraq and (IMHO) he's the pick of the red litter... i'm still a dem. voter, though...
ReplyDeleteUniversal health care is the only fair way to go. As I've said before, what people who oppose it are saying is, "Look, if we let the uninsured and underinsured into the club, then WE might not have it so good. F*ck that 47 million; it's every American for himself! Let those bastards die because I want my hemorrhoidectomy yesterday!"
ReplyDeleteI like Paul, but I'd have to go with Gravel as my longshot candidate. His YouTube campaign videos - not to mention his debate-rattling comments - are enough for me to lend support to his campaign. I'd vote for either of them if they ran as independents in the general election. I'm also partial to the Culture Ghost's Gus Hall candidacy...
ReplyDeleteI dont think people get isolationism in the modern context- and there's a reason for that. The world has changed and continues to change.
ReplyDeleteHe's very interesting as a candidate, I'll give him that!
Now pardon me while I go bop Agi in the head. Gravel? :)
Hey, don't try to knock too much sense into him-he supports the Dead Gus Hall Campaign ("Red and Dead").
ReplyDelete...we're actually a lot closer to the single payer system that you crave
ReplyDeleteIt's not that I "crave" it, per se. It's the only rational way to ensure the health of such a large population. There's just no immediate financial profit in such an enterprise. Well, and as with all enormous and politically Led bureaucracies, it is also bound to be slow to deal with non-standard medical/psychological necessities.
Bill-O, thanks for stopping by. I promise (myself) to check out more on Paul.
Neil, LOL! That's right! The MSM doesn't recognize the viability of candidates who don't supply instant public recognition. That'd take investigative reporting which, as we all know, simply is NOT cost-effective.
Dig it, TCG. I see and relate to your comments all o'er the place.
That last bit, "the art of the possible" is Exactly what we need to re-infuse our system with, and soon! We have totally re-entered a Gilded Age, and it's not at all a healthy Economic, much less political, evolution of our culture.
Bird, can I take it that means you're leaning towards Dennis? I think I've read you saying that before. I know he'll get my vote in the Primary, but I still get disgusted by what I see as the final general election options. Might just be Paul who sways me...
Nvisi, that "Social Darwinist" approach is one of the Two Main Things which I don't respect about Libertarianism. It's very ARIan in its approach. The other being how unrealistically it expects things to get paid for. I think the Two are essentially the same, when it comes down to it, eh.
Agi! Sometimes I'm just not sure if you're serious or not. lol! Gravel??? He's a hoot and I love his schtick, but he reminds me of Robin Williams' character of the comedian who got elected. Odd duck, but hey!, maybe that's what we need... {-;
Dig it, Lynn. "Free Trade" is one of those issues that I think is the thorniest. Mainly cuz it's a direct adjunct of Capitalism, but is inescapably intertwined with Nationalism and Regionalism. I'm like everyone else in how frustrating I find it to understand how to keep the 3 "balanced". Adapting to Constant Change takes A Lot of time, effort, money and HUMILITY. Modern Pols may have the first 3 in abundance, but lack of the last is where the works keep getting all fouled up. Nobody wants to admit when they're wrong.
Just sticking my nose in to say I have followed Ron Paul since his 1988 run for President. I like quite a bit about the man, though frankly, i won't be voting Republican for a very, very long time. I think Paul is the best thing the GOP has. Thats also why i think he likely wont get above 1 or 2% in any primary.
ReplyDeleteBainsey-
ReplyDeleteI'm still undecided. I'm waitin' for one of the dems to woo me in his/her direction...we'll see.
Glad to know it, Steve. Kinda thought so from what you've writ before. And, yeah, I kinda like what I know of the ol' guy as a person, myself. Integrity in spades, eh!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya, Bird. I keep bouncin' from one to another with whom I'd like to vote; Edwards? Kuci? Richardson? (Richardson? Seriously! Sometimes...) Hell, even Hil'ry looks better than a 'Thug more than just some of the time (potential war criminal that she is...) Obama? Hmmm... The more I learn, the LESS I like of him. Still, I do still think he'd make a good Veep for the only guy I'm pre-sold on, lock stock and barrel; Al Gore runs. Al Gore wins.
Run Al! RUN!!!
Alright, time to chill. My Tribe did seriously disappoint this afternoon. CC pitched a gem, but our bats have been mostly on vacation as of late. {sigh}
L8
I'm not up for Al running. I think he's disenchanted with politics enough to stay out of it. I've been looking at Richardson, too. I like what he has to say BUT there's just something about him that sends my chester the molester alarm off! I was leaning towards Edwards in a pretty serious way. He's impressed me with the candid way he's talked about his vote for Iraq war was a mistake, etc. and also he really impressed me with his stance on making insurance companies treat (and therefore cover) mental illnesses the same way they do physical illness. With everything I've been through this year with my insurance co and trying to get them to do the right thing for me...well, it was inspiring... I just hate to see him slip in the polls just because of a stupid haircut...
ReplyDeletei'd vote for him. it'd be nice to have real president for a change.
ReplyDelete