General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Please explain why some liberals support Ron Paul... [View all]Ratty
(2,100 posts)1. He speaks his mind, i.e., he's perceived as being "honest."
2. He is perceived as having principles and sticking to them, never compromising.
Under normal conditions these would not automatically make someone admirable. Number 1 wouldn't be the best attribute for a diplomat for example. And a president who represents all of America would benefit from a bit more tact than Mr. Paul shows. And if we call number 2 what it really is, zealotry, it suddenly becomes a whole lot less flattering. Seeing the world in black and white and refusing to acknowledge that not all problems have simple solutions - I've never understood why some people think that's a a good characteristic.
Then he goes and sprinkles his craziness with a few things certain people like to hear - legalizing drugs and ending wars - and all the sudden the blinders come on.