Ron Paul’s Record of Accomplishment
Ron Paul's detractors continue to cast about for some argument that will stick, and must be finding themselves increasingly frustrated. Initial attempts to portray him as a fringe candidate have been discredited by his fundraising lead over the second-tier candidates, and his volunteer lead over the entire field. The latest attempt to hold back the Ron Paul phenomenon is the suggestion that he is so uncompromising in his devotion to principle that he hasn't accomplished as much in Congress as he might have, and that his ideals might hamper his effectiveness as the President.
The argument is wrong on three counts. First, Ron Paul's record of accomplishment is quite impressive in its own right. Second, most of what Congress has done in the past few decades has increased the size and scope of government, and reduced individual liberty. Not racking up those types of "accomplishments" is something to celebrate, not criticize. Finally, President Ron Paul wouldn't have to compromise his principles to accomplish a great deal, for those who love peace, liberty, and smaller government.
Ron Paul's record of accomplishment stands on its own. He graduated from Duke University medical school, served honorably in Vietnam as a US Air Force flight surgeon, and went on to a lengthy career as an obstetrician, delivering over 4,000 babies. He is the author of several books, on subjects such as liberty, foreign policy, and monetary policy. He has been elected to Congress ten times from a conservative district in Texas, often by large margins and once without any opposition, demonstrating that his constituents are quite pleased with his record.
They're not the only ones noticing. The National Taxpayer's Union has awarded Ron Paul their "Taxpayer's Friend" award for the past ten years in a row, and doesn't hesitate to explain why:
The respected magazine Human Events ranked Ron Paul first as a tax-cutter out of all 435 members of the House of Representatives in 2006, and offered very similar praise of his efforts:
Ron Paul serves on the Financial Services, Foreign Policy, and Joint Economic Committees, reflecting his expertise in those areas. He is among the more active members of Congress in terms of sponsoring new legislation, with dozens of bills each term, focusing on cutting taxes, introducing new tax credits for education and medical care, protecting American sovereignty, and promoting individual liberty.
Granted, many of Ron Paul's proposals have been ignored by his big government colleagues from both the Democratic and Republican parties. So what has been gained? He has proven to skeptical politicians that it is possible to get reelected while running on principle, without buying votes with taxpayer money. He has served as the conscience of the House, reminding his colleagues relentlessly of their duty to uphold the Constitution. He has served as a shining example to the next generation of pro-liberty Representatives who will undoubtedly follow him into Congress. And the numerous bills he has authored will be there waiting for them to enact, once a true pro-liberty majority is elected.
Americans who want peace, liberty, and smaller government can look forward to an active ally in President Ron Paul, once he is elected. A President who stubbornly stands on principle is far superior to one who is eager to compromise with those who don't share our ideals. Since he has never voted for a tax increase or a new tax, he is certain to veto any that venture across his desk. After warning us about the Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act, and the Real ID Act in Congress, President Ron Paul would finally be in a position to prevent the further loss of our Constitutional liberties.
The President has broad authority over American foreign policy, and Ron Paul could launch a new era in American diplomacy, with or without the consent of Congress. By withdrawing our troops from Iraq, and backing off from the current threatening posture toward Iran, President Paul could assure the American people that peace is at hand, and start restoring the good will America once held around the world.
Ron Paul's critics imagine a big-government Congress fighting his presidency at every turn, and hampering his progress toward smaller government and greater liberty. Undoubtedly, there would be resistance, but wouldn't it be great to see a President who stands up for the taxpayer for a change? Who actually vetoes legislation that takes away our freedoms, or consigns our children and grandchildren to a crushing burden of debt?
And don't think for a minute that it would be business as usual if Ron Paul were elected to the White House. After the shock wore off the faces of the establishment politicians, and the mainstream media furiously backtracked to explain how they could have been so mistaken, the professional politicians in Washington would begin to understand that "freedom is popular", and that many Americans want a smaller, less intrusive government, a more humble foreign policy, and the blessings of prosperity that peace and liberty bring. And if they want to get reelected, they are the ones who will have to compromise, because "Dr. No" isn't going to start now.
Read more at Paul 4 Prez
The argument is wrong on three counts. First, Ron Paul's record of accomplishment is quite impressive in its own right. Second, most of what Congress has done in the past few decades has increased the size and scope of government, and reduced individual liberty. Not racking up those types of "accomplishments" is something to celebrate, not criticize. Finally, President Ron Paul wouldn't have to compromise his principles to accomplish a great deal, for those who love peace, liberty, and smaller government.
Ron Paul's record of accomplishment stands on its own. He graduated from Duke University medical school, served honorably in Vietnam as a US Air Force flight surgeon, and went on to a lengthy career as an obstetrician, delivering over 4,000 babies. He is the author of several books, on subjects such as liberty, foreign policy, and monetary policy. He has been elected to Congress ten times from a conservative district in Texas, often by large margins and once without any opposition, demonstrating that his constituents are quite pleased with his record.
They're not the only ones noticing. The National Taxpayer's Union has awarded Ron Paul their "Taxpayer's Friend" award for the past ten years in a row, and doesn't hesitate to explain why:
“If every member of Congress voted like Representative Paul, Americans could enjoy much lower taxes and less waste in government,” stated NTU President John Berthoud. “Overburdened taxpayers in Texas and across the nation owe Mr. Paul a debt of gratitude for his hard work on their behalf. While many Members of Congress talk about reducing the size of government, Representative Paul backed up those words with votes. This award proves that he is a consistent and effective ally in our battle to restore fiscal responsibility to Washington."
The respected magazine Human Events ranked Ron Paul first as a tax-cutter out of all 435 members of the House of Representatives in 2006, and offered very similar praise of his efforts:
“[Paul] is a co-sponsor… of a constitutional amendment to repeal the 16th amendment and end income, gift, and estate taxes. Regularly pushes for tax cuts. Sponsor of bills to allow tax credits for private school tuition, to permit tax deduction of college tuition, and to stop all taxation of Social Security benefits. Opposes all unconstitutional spending programs.”
Ron Paul serves on the Financial Services, Foreign Policy, and Joint Economic Committees, reflecting his expertise in those areas. He is among the more active members of Congress in terms of sponsoring new legislation, with dozens of bills each term, focusing on cutting taxes, introducing new tax credits for education and medical care, protecting American sovereignty, and promoting individual liberty.
Granted, many of Ron Paul's proposals have been ignored by his big government colleagues from both the Democratic and Republican parties. So what has been gained? He has proven to skeptical politicians that it is possible to get reelected while running on principle, without buying votes with taxpayer money. He has served as the conscience of the House, reminding his colleagues relentlessly of their duty to uphold the Constitution. He has served as a shining example to the next generation of pro-liberty Representatives who will undoubtedly follow him into Congress. And the numerous bills he has authored will be there waiting for them to enact, once a true pro-liberty majority is elected.
Americans who want peace, liberty, and smaller government can look forward to an active ally in President Ron Paul, once he is elected. A President who stubbornly stands on principle is far superior to one who is eager to compromise with those who don't share our ideals. Since he has never voted for a tax increase or a new tax, he is certain to veto any that venture across his desk. After warning us about the Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act, and the Real ID Act in Congress, President Ron Paul would finally be in a position to prevent the further loss of our Constitutional liberties.
The President has broad authority over American foreign policy, and Ron Paul could launch a new era in American diplomacy, with or without the consent of Congress. By withdrawing our troops from Iraq, and backing off from the current threatening posture toward Iran, President Paul could assure the American people that peace is at hand, and start restoring the good will America once held around the world.
Ron Paul's critics imagine a big-government Congress fighting his presidency at every turn, and hampering his progress toward smaller government and greater liberty. Undoubtedly, there would be resistance, but wouldn't it be great to see a President who stands up for the taxpayer for a change? Who actually vetoes legislation that takes away our freedoms, or consigns our children and grandchildren to a crushing burden of debt?
And don't think for a minute that it would be business as usual if Ron Paul were elected to the White House. After the shock wore off the faces of the establishment politicians, and the mainstream media furiously backtracked to explain how they could have been so mistaken, the professional politicians in Washington would begin to understand that "freedom is popular", and that many Americans want a smaller, less intrusive government, a more humble foreign policy, and the blessings of prosperity that peace and liberty bring. And if they want to get reelected, they are the ones who will have to compromise, because "Dr. No" isn't going to start now.
