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Old 07-09-2007, 03:12 AM   #22 (permalink)
dc_dux
 
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Location: Washington DC
Jorgelito....perhaps you have information that I have not seen, but I am not aware of any studies, polls, etc that suggest broad based support or a "states rights" movement when it comes to these issues of concern to many Americans.

Do you think most America wants to replace Roe with 50 state abortion laws or the Brady Bill with 50 different state gun control laws? The same applies to stem cell research, Medicare and Social Security reform, disaster planning and response, etc.

Do you believe most American want to see no federal role in medical, science and technology R&D...or no federal support for developing alternative energy resources...or very limited federal enviromental regulations?

Do you think most Americans support a NO vote on a National Amber Alert system for missing children...or no federal minimum wage...or less federal regulations on workplace safety?

These are all Ron Paul positions...all under the guise of "not authorized in the Constitution and should be left to the States". Yet there is no evidence that Americans want these (and many other issues) left to the states.

There is a place for folks like Ron Paul (and Dennis Kucinich) in the House of Representatives, where they are one voice among 435. It is refreshing and contributes to the debate when they vote against the mainstream Ds and Rs based on their respective understanding of the Constitution and the role of the federal government. They also know that their positions are far from the mainstream and will have no impact on passage or failure of most legislation.

However, these guys dont translate well to the Executive Branch. Assume a Ron Paul presidency and his "abolish the income tax" position. Would he veto student loans bills because they are dependent on revenue derived from income taxes....Would he veto the annual budget and appropriation bills (he votes against many of the appropriation bills). Not a chance because he knows the blowback that would come from Americans across the country who benefit from programs like student loan guarantees, getting their Social Security check, farm subsidies, community development programs, etc.

Sorry, he is WAY out of the mainstream and more people will recognize that as they become familiar with his positions beyond the sound bites of "abolish the income tax" and "get the federal government out of our lives"

Ron Paul's voting record in his 12 years in Congress...a very mixed record in many respects, but a very clear pattern on some issues.
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Last edited by dc_dux; 07-09-2007 at 08:33 AM.. Reason: added link to Ron Paul voting record
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