The Media: “Ron Paul? Who???”
Jon Stewart was talking about this several weeks ago on The Daily Show. Ron Paul had come in second in a poll in Iowa, and almost every newscast went on and on about the winner — Michele Bachman — and the candidates who came in third and fourth. Not a word about Ron Paul.
This past Saturday, Ron Paul won the straw poll at the annual
First of all — WTF??? How did a convention of Salem Witch-hunting snake-handlers end up voting for a Libertarian??? Unlike the two-faced schizoid Republican Party, Ron Paul actually means it when he says “limited government.” He’s against the wars on: 1) Iraq, 2) Afghanistan and 3) drugs; and he doesn’t hump the Bible. What were these people thinking???
Anyway, besides the straw poll votes in Iowa and at the Values Voter Summit, Ron Paul has also won similar polls conducted by the California GOP and the Conservative Political Action Conference. And yet he remains invisible to everyone except his diehard supporters.
I personally don’t want a Libertarian for president, but it’s refreshing to see somebody who actually means what he says. You won’t find Ron Paul yelling “Small Government” while quietly working to ban abortion, increase the prison sentence for drug use, deciding which sovereign nation to invade next…
This is probably why so many “Freedom”-shouting Republicans hate him.
Labels: Ron Paul, Ron Paul Conservative Political Action Conference, Ron Paul straw poll, Values Voter Summit
posted by Tom Harper @ 1:53 PM
45 Comments:
The Fact that the Republicans have embraced the Libertarians and vice verse says that the Libertarians have moved to far to the right over the years. Decades ago I remember when the Libertarians were definitely independent.
I maintain that Conservatives and Liberals got along better back then because many of them embraced Libertarian Ideals.
I also think that as you say Tom, Ron Raul is being used. Just scream about smaller government and things will be fine!
Erik
There are far too few Libertarians these days; the vast majority (including Mr. Paul) are libberCONS. Paul thinks that forcing insurers to cover contraception makes "a mockery of Christian faith," after all. Not to mention his undisguised racism.
Keep him.
Libertarians have always been farther to the right than conservatives. They want an even smaller government.
More important to conservatives is Constitutional Government, which means that the main job is self-defense and enforcement of the Constitution as written.
Libs n Cons got along better before because cons were not too concerned about losing rights and now Libs want to control us more and more every day.
If it is the Libs that want to "control us more and more every day", why is it the republicans who keep trying to pass legislation to limit the things that individuals can do?
Anybody who seeks power also seeks to control, it seems. To suggest that only the left wing wants "more and more control every day" is foolish. The party with all the theocrats also wants to control things, just in a different (and possibly more brutal) way.
Pick your poison, Jeannie.
The one I pick is one that includes level playing fields in education and the workplace, the wealthiest .1 percent paying as much of a percentage of their wages in taxes as I do, and works to insure we have clean air, clean water and safe foods. And that doesn't really sound like a poison to me.
How does the right wing hope to insure those things I mentioned? The answer is simple, they don't. Because the party that is religious enough to decry evolution loves social Darwinism. Go figure.
Erik: I don't think most Republicans agree with the Libertarian philosophy; they just like their "limited government" slogans. A lot of rightwingers hate Ron Paul because he's against the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
JR: I don't want him either. But I like the fact that so many rightwing bloggers hate him.
Jeannie: "Libs want to control us more and more every day." You mean like banning abortion, cracking down on the homosexual agenda (whatever that is), increasing penalties for minor drug use, invading other countries? Yes, now that you mention it -- oh wait, it's the Republicans who are pushing for all this "control."
But as long as corporate conglomerates can do whatever they want when they want, you "limited government" types will be as happy as clams.
Jerry: I guess as long as Republicans scream "Freedom!" and "limited government" while they're legislating us into a straitjacket, that makes it OK.
Snave: I like your poison better than Jeannie's.
"...the party that is religious enough to decry evolution loves social Darwinism." Very well put. Sad but true.
Viewed against a Republican background, Ron Paul can be interesting and in some ways appealing. He usually makes a good point or two. But examine him on his own, and he's about as out of bounds as the rest of them. A bit less hypocritical, but still no go.
Libs n Cons got along better before because cons were not too concerned about losing rights and now Libs want to control us more and more every day.
Stupidest thing I've read all day, and I've read a lot of stupid.
Everyone wants smaller government unless it's about to chop their pet cause.
Where do I start.
Banning abortion, if killing a human being is an outcome of choice, then what is wrong with banning?
There is not cracking down on Homo agenda, just keep the definition of marriage the same.
Drugs- up to 70% of welfare recipients, in some areas before the recession, were tested pos for drugs.
Invade other countries to forestall and stop tyrrany, terrorism, etc.
We saw that not doing anything before WWI and WWII is what led up to those wars because tyrranical regimes try to subjugate.
I am forced to put my kids in mediocre schools that I am forced to pay for.
Jolly-read it and weep.
The state of CA tells me my truck is a "commercial truck" and I have to prove that it is not.
This is a liberal policy.
More liberal Policy-NYC is looking into requiring bicycle to be licensed and registered.
Maybe we should check those Flea Bagging protesters on Wall Street for their Licenses
Why should I ask the city permission to put a roof on my own house? ITS MY HOUSE.
Another Liberal policy.
In Yamhill county Oregon, a conservative county, you did not have to get permits if you lived in the house for 1 year after finishing the work.
“Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation requiring public schools to include the contributions of gay and lesbian people in their curriculum, making California the first state to adopt such a requirement.
I say keep sex out of it. I am a parent and would rather schools stay away from indoctrination. In certain textbooks there is more about Marilyn Monroe than Pres. Lincoln. Its about priorities.
Lisa and Jeannie in the same comment thread -- OK, teabags and tinfoil hats for everyone :)
C'mon Tom don't you have anything factual or substantive to say?
Where to start with the bullshit about kids being indoctrinated to the "ghey lifestyle" some of the replies here. The only thing in the history books that will be talked about are contributions made by people like Harvey Milk and his fight for equality for LGBT community. Nowhere will there be a gay Kama Sutra happening much to the dismay of people that are all about what "teh gheyz" do in the privacy of their own homes. For people that complain so much about the gheyz, these people are more concerned about the ick factor of sex and never stop fuckin talking about it. Won't you think of the children, is always the mantra. Oh yeah because they are totally thinking about the children when FDA loses food inspectors and we get poisoned food sources. Jesus H fuckin Christ these people piss me right the fuck off.
Now, back to Ron Paul, the Keebler Elf. He is as racist as they come and he is also very pro life, so I wouldn't be too quick in thinking he is all for limited government. He's like the rest of them, for limited government till he wants to be in the bedrooms of "teh gheyz" and all up in my uterus as a woman. Libertarians are just republicans that spark up one in a while.
Their is a great libertarian disconnect. They want very limited government power. Fine. We all want limits, but it is relative. On the other hand, they have no problem with unlimited economic/corporate power.
Corporatocracy is the result of both Right Wing Republicanism and libertarianism. They both nurture the political dominance of wealth.
SW: I agree with your take -- "a bit less hypocritical, but still no go."
JR: Notice how Lisa and Jeannie have never been seen together at the same time...
Randal: That's exactly it.
Jeannie: "Don't you have anything factual or substantive to say?"
WTF? I write a post every day; sometimes two. I can't say objectively how "substantive" that is. But if you're so full of "substance," how come you haven't written a post at your own blog since February 2009? Hmmmm?
Jess: OMG, I see you've been indoctrinated by the Homosexual Agenda :)
There was an article a couple of years ago about the conservative mindset. The 2 things most of them have in common are squeamishness and the need to control everything, to have all their ducks lined up in a row. Their whole reason for hating gays is because it sounds gross, so they need to have their "limited government" step in and put a stop to those icky goings-on.
Dave: Trouble is, these "limited government" types have no problem when the government enforces laws that benefit large corporations while screwing over the other 99%. To paraphrase a past president, "What's good for Wall Street is good for the 1% of us who count."
While I think it is gross, I don't want to control them. I just want to keep the definitions the same as always.
The "substantive" comment was about the tin hat comment ONLY. Because I never seem to get any factually substantive rebuttals.
@Tom ayup, from a very early age, I was totally immersed in teh ghey lifestyle, having an aunt that is lesbian and her partner who have been together now for almost 20yrs. My parents even allowed me to be around them without them present. Can you imagine that, they must have been really bad parents or something to let an impressionable young mind be around all that sex 24/7. They weren't really, they were just DFHs that thought no one was better than them and no one less than them.
@Jeanie, You can think it's gross all you want but you and people like you, have no business expecting everyone else to think the same way. Equality for all means just that, equality for all.
I think those that want to change the definitions of words are the ones that are forcing opinions.
Equality for all means that you have to force some to be less.
I believe in equality in opportunity not in outcome.
DD- There is a reason why the biggest businesses give to the Dems and richest politicians are Dems.
Examples, GM dealerships, Boeing, Gibson Guitars, Solyndra, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Goldman Sachs
8 of the top 10 wealthiest members of Congress are Democrats
1. Sen. John Kerry (D)—The former Presidential candidate leads all members of Congress with a net worth of $167.55 million. He has dozens of million dollar assets, and the bulk of his wealth actually comes from his wife’s money.
2. Rep. Darrell Issa (R)—Despite the recession, the California lawmaker has continued to increase his net worth to $164.70 million. He founded Directed Electronics, a car alarm manufacturer, and he has other valuable investments.
3. Rep. Jane Harman (D)—This California Democrat has holdings in Harmon International Industries, an audio products company. In 2008, she reported a more than 50% decline in her minimum net worth, but she’s still worth $112.13 million.
4. Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D)—When you hear the Rockefeller name, you immediately associate it with wealth. This West Virginia Senator is currently worth at least $80.45 million.
5. Sen. Mark Warner (D)—Warner is the richest of the 11 freshman lawmakers. He was the co-founder of Nextel telecommunications, making him incredibly rich. His minimum net worth is estimated at $72.37 million.
6. Rep. Jarred Polis (D)—Polis is a serial entrepreneur. He first founded American Information Systems, and later sold it for more than $20 million. He then grew his family’s greeting card business, and that sold for $780 million. After that, he founded ProFlowers.com and sold it for $477 million. His net worth is estimated currently at $71 million.
7. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R)—Buchanan has many assets, including real estate, car dealerships, and investment accounts, making his net worth $49.79 million. The Florida Congressman has reported a sharp decline in net worth during the recession.
8. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D)—Lautenberg became rich from a payroll processing company he founded back in 1952. He maintains three blind trusts, and his total minimum net worth is $48.38 million.
9. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D)—The California Senator has an impressive portfolio that includes multiple trusts, real estate, and various partnerships. Her minimum net worth is estimated to be $42.94 million.
10. Rep. Harry Teague (D)—Another rookie lawmaker, Teague earned his wealth by founding an oil services firm, Teaco Energy Services. His net worth is $40.63 million.
@Jeanie, see now you are just being like Lisa with your bullshit. REALLY, REALLY equality will force some to be lesser than. That only happened in Animal Farm not in real life. To be expected though when 1984 and The Handmaid's Tale are used as instruction manuals for holy rollers and righties. My next comment will blow apart your talking points about the richie riches giving to dems.
Uh-oh you forgot some of those republicans with welath right there, it might make us think you are some kind of troll if you keep doing that. Issa as an example worth way more money than some on that list you have given. Let's not forget the Kock brothers and the infusions of cash to right leaning think tanks and foundations to benefit the republicans. Nope can't do that since it takes away from your whole, democrats are the devil and we need to be rid of them mantra. Nah, know what, fuck it, I'm not even going to waste my damn time on a troll like you, doing the necessary research to dispute this bullshit. You're on ignore for now, till you have something sensible to say.
Jess, did you graduate from high school?
@Jeanie, is that all you have.. did I graduate from high school. Come on now, you can do better than that can't you.
Animal Farm was written by an ex-Socialist because of what he saw and if you could read what I actually write I would take the time to explain it to you.
Koch, that is all you got? I'll give you 10 to every 1 of yours.
Here's another. Disney - Dems. and another - Hollywood - Dems.
Again- conservatives believe in freedom and choices. All the laws that control businesses actually help them because it makes it too expensive to compete against them.
The crash was caused by the government guaranteeing and allowing overleveraging and promoting bad loans and not overseeing the false ratings by the ratings agencies.
@J Oh yeah Hollywood peeps are really bad, unless they are Hank Williams jr or Kelsey Grammar, Chuck Norris, Patricia heaton et al then they are okay Hollywood people. Give it a rest with the usual talking points and come up with some of your own for the love of Pete why don't you.
Who said they were bad? All I am saying is that instead of making broad generalizations I try to be more specific as to whom is controlling what.
Sorry if facts are just talking points to you.
Ron Paul does make more sense in some regards than the rest of the GOP presidential field, but he's too out of sync with too much of the party to ever get nominated. I had the pleasure of educating some young folks who were getting sucked into the Ron Paul bandwagon in 2008 because he was against the wars and because he had a drug policy they liked. We talked about some of the other things he believes and supports, and we looked at his voting record. I like to think it made their choice to vote for Obama an easy one.
SW Anderson: You have a comment in my e-mail notification that never showed up on the blog. This is it:
"Tom, you might have to rename this blog Trolls Gone Wild.
"The state of CA tells me my truck is a 'commercial truck' and I have to prove that it is not.
"This is a liberal policy."
The U.S. has the highest poverty rate in more than 40 years.
This is a conservative policy.
“Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation requiring public schools to include the contributions of gay and lesbian people in their curriculum, making California the first state to adopt such a requirement.
"I say keep sex out of it."
You don't explain how this is to be done. If the plan is to say something like "Liberace, a great pianist and showman, was a homosexual," I think it's nonsensical. Not because there's anything wrong with mentioning an accomplished entertainer who was homosexual, but because there's no way the same textbook or lesson would say, "Clark Gable, an award-winning actor, who was heterosexual, . . ."
In any case, to note that some very accomplished people were/are gay or lesbian is not to put "sex" in the school curriculum. Sexual orientation isn't just about bedroom activities. It's about romantic attachment and relationships, with or without sexual activities."
_______________________
Good response. "Trolls Gone Wild" -- I like it.
This troll is having so much fun because I am always wondering about the control freaks and how they want to force me to do things and take away my freedoms.
And how you make things up like poverty rate policy.
A good friend of mine is a teacher at a local high school and close to half of the students don't even try, they just sit through class. This is the result of liberal policy. This is the future of government dependancy which you will force me to pay for also.
I don't think history classes need to worry about adding "romantic attachments" or relationship sexuality to an already crowded curriculum.
"A good friend of mine is a teacher at a local high school and close to half of the students don't even try, they just sit through class. This is the result of liberal policy. This is the future of government dependancy which you will force me to pay for also."
My best friend is a teacher in our old high school, I have teaching credentials and just subbed last week as a matter of fact for the first time since getting those credentails. Not one of the students I had, just sat there, most were quite into that librul education they were getting at the time. Might be "the friend" not engaging his or her students, but go ahead and blame liberal policies for that. I consider taxes a bonus for getting to live in a civilized society but that's just me and mah durty librul ways. You don't want to pay taxes might I suggest the libertarian paradise of Somalia to you, like some of yer brethren and sisthren did to me a few years back. Oh you are totally welcome, no need for thanks. Oh and this reply should answer the question posed, have I graduated high school or not I do believe. yes and I will mold the minds of the younguns too, so you better hope you don't live in an area I might take mah mad teaching skillz to a skool near u.
Im not libertarian and I think we should pay some taxes. I am against someone else forcing me to support their failing system. I am for choice except when it comes to killing the innocent. If you had read some of my other comments you would have seen how I would like to educate my kids.
There are many schools in CA that fail to graduate more than 50% of the class.
The problem with taxes is that eventually you run out of other peoples' money. A politician in Europe once said, "I pay more than 70% of my money in taxes, we shouldn't be having all these problems."
...I am against someone else forcing me to support their failing system. I am for choice except when it comes to killing the innocent...
Um, no no you are not for choice except for... You are either for choice or you are a forced birther. By your own words right up there you are a forced birther. As far as forcing me to pay for a failing system. I assume you live in a place where they have streetlights, firefighters, law enforcement and so on right. If you do, guess what, yer paying taxes for the privilege. Drive on highways uh oh tax money at work. Safe food at the supermarket you shop at, uh oh tax money at work right there.
I refused to pay my own federal taxes this year, till I got a beautifully worded love note with a penalty attached because of where my money goes. I don't like paying for wars and the military industrial complex, I don't like my monies being used to pay for oil subsidies but guess what, AYUP gotta pay the piper regardless of my dislikes for certain things.
Like I said Somalia would be a good place for you but be careful, they don't take care of teh wimminz there as well as here.
There is a reason why government hammers cost $600 and the Soviet Union failed and education and healthcare costs are so exhorbitant and rising.
And Greece is failing and then Spain...
Oh there is a reason allright that shit costs that much when you get to PRIVATIZING everything, the way you fright wingnuts want to do with everything. Go ahead though regale us with the tale of where, let's use military contractors for our test, it costs less to use say soldiers than it does killers for hire or soldiers to cook meals instead of halliburton KBR and the like. I'll be waiting. You could also use private education plans if you'd like to, since that is run by some of the nuttiest wingnuts to ever draw from the same oxygen as I do. I'll give you one family name only and then you can do the rest DeVos.
You will notice one thing about the people that come to Tom's house, we don't do well with bullshit. We can back our stuff up and it's only a ninja, google click away for most of us, that don't rely on Fox News as information.
You're funny! How old are you?
@Jeanie, what difference does my age make? Most people here know how old I am, that you don't is of no concern to me.
I'm trying to figure out your level of education. Have you ever had a Calculus class? Trig? Algebra II?
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