Ron Paul

The fourth candidate to be reviewed is Ron Paul. Congressman Paul has had a long career in both medicine and government, becoming famous for his policy of never compromising on his interpretations of the Constitution. While his extreme libertarian views have gained him a cult following over the years, this is the first election cycle where he has garnered more general support. He has been speaking and writing a ton (side note: he is the only candidate who has written a book that I have read) on the main issues, so let's cut to the chase.

#1: The Economy: This is perhaps his most famous issue, and it has many facets. First, he wants to audit and end the Federal Reserve, returning the power of the purse to Congress. Good so far. Then he wants to return the dollar to the gold standard. While this is the ideal state of any currency, the political feasibility of this action near nil. To be clear, his value is in the right place, but like so many of his views it has little support in Congress. In addition, it will be hard to convince an economically illiterate nation that we need a stronger dollar until they see effects like 1920's Germany. Truth is tough.

His tax policies are good, but have little chance of actually being put into place. I'm sure none of us would mind eliminating the income, death and capital gains tax. But the federal behemoth is not going to change overnight. The government is not going to take a 50% income reduction lying down, and we have to question the effects of a much smaller budget. When the sacred cows are lead to the slaughter house, will our aging, government-dependent population support defense spending or entitlement programs?

Finally, he refuses to allow Congress to pass an unbalanced budget. Given the mood Congress is currently in, playing chicken with their own policies, a super-majority would become a real threat. An irritable Executive combined with a pugnacious, stubborn Congress will not mix well. However noble the cause, compromise is almost universally necessary. A balanced budget is good, but not paying serviceman because of an impasse is immoral.

#2: Immigration: Here is where he will probably gain the most support. His tough no amnesty policy would deprive illegals of a way out while enforcing our laws. However, his plan to end birthright citizenship is odd, and wide open to corruption. Who will make the final decision on a child's citizenship? What criteria will be used? If two legal immigrants are in the country, does their child become a US citizen? It's pretty scary to think about the implications, when the government arbitrarily controls citizenship.

#3: National Security: Congressman Paul is often accused of having an isolationist defense policy. But the truth is that he has an isolationist defense policy. While approving a clear mission and definition of victory are key in any military campaign, so also is sending a clear message that America will not tolerate regimes that harbor our enemies. In addition, a policy of using force only when we have been attacked may be un-Constitutional. In Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, it says, "[Congress has the duty] To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations; "Therefore the United States has the duty to enforce international law, but don't depend on Paul to agree to that. As to the rest of his policies in this area, little argument can be made against them.


#4: The Constitution: Unlike most presidential candidates, Ron Paul has read the Constitution. He can quote it at will, typically within the correct context. However, when someone knows the most about an issue than anyone else in the room, it can be tempting to say that their opinion is final. So while it may appear that he supports the founders ideals, let us not forget a certain sentence in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." The pro-life community has taken this as grounds to repeal Roe v. Wade. Ron Paul has stated that abortion is an issue that states should decide, neglecting to make governmental protection of its citizens a national issue. An inconsistent position at best, a cowardly one at worst.


In conclusion, it can be safely said that Ron Paul is as opposite to Newt Gingrich as one can get in this race. While Newt will probably pass every program he wants, at the high cost of compromise, Paul will doubtlessly pass few of his aspirations, at the high cost of no compromise. Paul knows how the game is played, but prefers to read the rule book.