Political Profiles: Ron Paul

Age: 76
Years in Current Office: 14
Party: Republican (Libertarian)
Position: Congressman (14th)
Committees: Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, Joint Economic
District Territory: Southeast Texas






Ron Paul.  One of the most interesting figures in American politics.  No matter if you like him or not, you cannot argue with his consistency.  An anti-war protectionist, he was one of the few to vote againt the Iraq War.  Since he was first elected to office in 1976 he was argued against the Federal Reserve and advocated for a return to the gold standard.  Often controversial, in his 30 something years in American politics he has been one of the few politicians who seems to stand for something, and has stuck by it whether is was popular or not.  He has never backed down from his beliefs in individual liberty and freedom.   

To understand Ron Paul and some of his contraversial positions, you have to understand Libertarianism.  Libertarianism is a political philosophy that holds individual liberty as the basic moral principle of society.  All individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices, and infringement on this is a violation of the person's rights, and therefore wrong.  They are against paternalism, or laws that protect people from themselves.  Things such as seatbelt laws and motorcycle helmet laws.  The libertarian believes that while ignoring both provides a great risk to the individual, it is the individual's decision wether they want to make that choice are not.  They do not believe morals should be regulated so they are in favor of legalization of prostitution and drugs as well as gay rights.  Lastly, they are against redistribution of wealth or income, otherwise known as taxes and social programs.  Even if giving to the less fortunate is desirable it should be up to the individual and not regulated by the government.  Taxes infringe on the individuals right to decide what to do with their hard earned money. 

Now that we have a clear view of Libertarianism, we can understand the basis behind Ron Paul's controversial stances.  In 2004 Ron Paul spoke out against the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  He said it violated the rights of private business owners to discriminate.  While this is not the right thing to do, it is their right.  He also believes that forced integration did nothing to improve race relations.  He voted against giving Mother Teresa the Congressional Gold Medal because it was 30,000 dollars, which he felt was too expensive.  He believes that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are unconstitutional. 

Ron Paul Campaign Finance

Ron Paul Voting Record

Ron Paul Sponsored Legislation