Why so much concern with Ron Paul?

[think]

34. Isn't is better to have at least one Republican candidate who wants to cut military spending?

Last edited Thu Dec 22, 2011, 12:27 PM - Edit history (1)

Or would America be better off if all the people voting Republican were just exposed to the views of candidates that want us to go to war with Iran and increase military spending?

Ron Paul's main sphere of influence is on those people who will vote Republican not Democrat. If you've watched him in the Republican presidential debates he is civil and does not resort to the heavy trash talking. How quaint it is to see a civilized Republican politician after the last decade of neo con hate propaganda. Sure Ron Paul's a Republican so he's not who you are going to vote for. But if I'm stuck with a room full of Republicans I could only hope I'd be stuck with some as civil as RP.

Just imagine a room full of Michelle Bachmann and Gingrich bots. Oh my! Comments like "Obama is un American!" "Obama holds Kenyan, anti colonial views." These people are blatantly intolerant of Obama and liberal points of view. RP takes his jabs at Obama too but he sticks mostly to issues rather than the shallow hate rhetoric like the rest of the neo con wrecking crew.

I am trying not to hate everyone I disagree with and be more tolerant. American politics has boiled down to incessant name calling and ridiculing of an opponent and that is a sad commentary on the state of our democracy and our ability to interact intelligently as a country.

I am as guilty as anyone for stooping to this level but after spending much time debating Republicans online I have begun to realize that it is better to stick to my issues rather than retaliate as the other side had nothing to respond with but name calling and hate speech. I hate to admit it but I kind of enjoy it watching them melt down as they run out of names to call me while I stick to the facts and ignore their insults.

I understand most people here think RP is nuts and I respect your point of view. I understand Ron Paul does NOT reflect Democratic values on many or most issues and that he has a very idealistic view on the world that people consider crazy. Yet RP is promoting many issues that are important to liberals and I like seeing Republicans exposed to and embracing these ideals!

As for myself I chose to agree with RP on issues that make sense and focus on our common interests rather than the issues on which we disagree. I don't foresee Ron Paul winning the Republican nomination but one never knows. If by some crazy chance he does win I'm sure it will make it easier for Obama to move further to the left on military spending which would be very encouraging in my eyes. I understand why Obama is a centrist but he knows which way the wind blows. So if the most improbable of events does occur and RP would get nominated Obama knows how to shift his position and remain consistent with his issues and values.

On social issues Obama would mop up on RP as he has nothing to offer there so I don't see RP as a threat to an Obama presidency. I'm not looking forward to a Newt challenge to Obama because of the effect on public discourse or a Mit challenge to Obama as I think he is far more dangerous to his presidency than RP ever could be.

Call me an optimist but I like to find things I can like in all people if possible. It's easy to make enemies and vilify our opposition but this does nothing to help America move forward.

Next time you meet a Ron Paul fan try not to them treat like a clueless imbecile because he or she likes some of RPs views. Try to treat them like they may be a future Democrat that's just not seeing ALL the issues. You never know...

Here's to a better 2012 for ALL people.

Happy holidays too!