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Originally Posted by dc_dux
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. |
DC, no, I doubt I have any information you have not seen; thanks for the clarification on your part. I suspect the "broad" sense support is closer to what uber alludes to. Sometimes we can analyze things to death but there are intangibles like public opinion and perception that defy traditional polling or quantification.
In Ron Paul's case, I think generally, he does have broad appeal, but as you have indicated, a closer examination reveals a much more complex platform. For example, I am very much in support of states' rights to begin with, but not so much in favor of abolishing the income tax (reducing yes, abolishment no). I definitely think it should be up to the state's to decide abortion, stem cells etc. At least, we the people would have a choice.
Basically, I have yet to come across the "perfect" candidate that embodies everything I believe in or agree with. That's just life, it's about compromises. The same applies to ALL the candidates. If I could have my way, I would pick and choose the aspects I like from each and combine them into one super candidate.
Ron Paul may not be perfect etc..but in my view, he is pretty darn good and has definitely intrigued a lot of people.
I do see where you are coming from in your post DC, but I was thinking more along the lines that uber mentioned.
What do you think of Ron Paul (regardless of party affiliation, just as a candidate etc)? Is there any other potential candidate you like (any party or none of course)?
Oh yeah, thanks for the link to Ron Paul's voting record DC, I will take a look at it later when I have more time.
Host, I deliberately used the term "broad" (in the broad sense of the word) precisely because I do not know of any polls etc.