Topic: Ron Paul
The Economy Debate is Diverting Attention from Paul's Foreign Policy Ron Paul's foreign policy expertise needs to remain central to his campaign. Any candidate can lower taxes, but Paul knows foreign policy.by R.K. Chase
(Libertarian)
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Presidential discourse has shifted recently from the war and healthcare to the economy, which seems to benefit the GOP's tax cut position. However the federal government's capacity to affect the economy is limited compared to private market forces. Of course there are good arguments both ways as to the degree of impact government policy plays in avoiding recession, but by engaging in these arguments we shift our attention away from the roles government is designed to fill. The President's ability to change foreign policy is undeniable.
Recently Mitt Romney dismissed Ron Paul's warning against acting over-aggressively toward Iran following the speedboat incident by saying, "I think Congressman Paul should not be reading as many of Ahmadinejad's press releases." It is odd that the media and the Republican Party in general find this to be an acceptable response, and no attention has been given to Romney's inablility to address the issue in the weeks since the debate.
Well, that is not entirely accurate. The progressive and highly democratic blog, crooksandliars.com, took notice of Romney's cop-out. Even though the website leans toward Edwards, they give a surprise compliment to Paul's ability to calmly and rationally analyze the situation. Ron Paul understands that foreign policy involves more than an aggressive military, and he takes the time to understand what other nations are communicating. We all saw Reagan and Rumsfeld shake Sadaam Hussein's hand, yet the Bush Whitehouse was able to vilify him in the eyes of Americans. This is problematic to say the least.
"Yee-haw!" is not a foreign policy. This switch to the economy in the coverage of the Presidential primaries is providing a distraction from the foreign policy debate and allowing candidates like Romney, and of course Giuliani, to get away with their intellectual absenteeism regarding the role of the Presidency.
Furthermore, it is obvious that our foreign policy is in no way benefiting the economy. There are only a select group of people getting rich in the last eight years - the oil companies and the military-industrial complex. Hundreds of bureaucrats from the Department of Homeland Security and other "terror protection agencies" have taken lucrative jobs in the private sector with companies that produce the bombs and rebuild the bridges (with our tax dollars.) The war is a gaping money pit draining the economy. So by letting the candidates appear on FOXnews (and also during the Fox coverage of the Super Bowl!!!) and talk about tax cuts, the media is effectively distracting voters from the real issues at hand. Issues which require knowledge not only of the economy, but also knowledge of Ahmadinejad's press releases.
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I am not sure I agree entirely. I think these two issues go hand in hand. Together they are the perfect match for Ron Paul's message. As long as he doesn't have to talk about pro-life and other "soft" topics he will do alright.
If you want your future articles to be seen by even more Ron Paul supporters and others following the Ron Paul message you yourself can easily post a link to your articles from www.WhatTheySayAboutRonPaul.com.
Foreign policy expertise? I am an ardent Paul supporter, but the "expertise" you describe is really an extension of an overlying philosophy of less government. The real Revolution of Dr. Paul is increasing the general awareness that one cannot look at individual areas like "the Economy" and "Foreign policy" in a vaccuum. They are all interrelated by one's understanding of the role of government.
The foreign policy issue was important, and it will be important again, not least after the Convention when the Republicans will need to appeal to Democrats and independents. For now, though, Paul has to increase his appeal to Republicans., not least to business Republicans. The sudden focus on the economy gives him an opportunity to do that, and it looks like he's taking advantage. By:
1) Releasing his own economic stimulus plan, the most radical of all (with BTW the largest tax cut in U.S. history), the comprehensive economic revitalization plan; online at: http://www.RonPaul2008.com/Prosperity
2) Appointing Don Luskin and Peter Schiff as Economic Advisors
3) Not least, embarrassing McCain with an economic question in the Florida debate (BTW, anyone notice the familiar smirk on McCain's face - he looked so sure Paul would ask him about "100 years in Iraq, and was all prepared - and how quickly it disappeared 8)
Paul has increased his credibility with that part of the Republican party tremendously in just 3 days, all perfectly timed for the melee of Super Duper Tuesday.
He's also done well with the pro-lifers. and even gave an interview to an evangelical paper this week. He's done his best to put his Republican bona fides front and center this week, and IMO he should continue to do that through SDT.
Ron Paul is also the ranking member of some finance committee also. He knows his stuff about the economy. Besides, you can't talk about the economy without including foreign policy.
Posted By: Jonathan Grubbs
Date: 2008-01-25 22:19:59
I think everyone knows where Paul stands on the war in Iraq and other international issues. I think it's important for Paul and his supporters to be very vocal about where Paul stands on all the other conservative issues, in order to attract as many conservative voters as possible.
Completely disagree. In fact, I have been WAITING for this to happen, because I know this is where Ron Paul would win. Everytime someone told me Ron Paul isn't going to win. I would always reply - wait til the economy starts crashing, then he will shine.
You guys do realize that the election isn't over on the 5th right? As the economy tanks, and as they keep doing the wrong things, it among other things will just keep proving Ron Paul right. You're gonna be seeing Ron Paul on many economic and market shows, they love to interview him on that stuff because he is so informed when it comes to the economy.
This is where Ron Paul is going to shine, count on it.
Afterall, this is THE reason Ron Paul got into politics to begin with. Oh, those other candidates are shaking in their boots, I guarentee it. They are hoping this bandaid stimulus fix lasts long enough to keep the issue from reaching the spotlight even more. Right now, they have to address it. And instead of having to answer questions, they can just say they support the package. Of course, as soon as this package fails because it's just more inflation and part of the problem in getting us here, they are sunk.
I don't dismiss your position entirely, but I don't really agree with it. Let's face it: Paul has chowed down on as many "Republicans" as possible with the the anti-war message. Those who can process the anti-war message in terms of anything other than a symbolic debate (as represented by phrases like, "smoke 'em out," "axis of evil," "war on terrorism," etc.) are either in a funk or with Paul already. The pro-war Republicans are reliving WWII and the invasion of Normandy on the "conservative" blogs. (Just visit those, for some insight.) The other factions of the anti-war people, on the left, are hanging around in Obama's camp trying to figure him out. Obama is getting away with the rhetoric now, but in time the anti-war folks are going to have to leave his camp.
So, it is good that Paul sounds like someone other than a "one-note-Johnny" on the debate floor. Just maybe, a few people from the Republican and Democratic parties will link the anti-war message and economic message together and move off the dime. They will have to receive a positive, constructive message, though--not a textbook discussion on Austrian economics. Too bad that cartooning and charts are not allowed in the debates--a few more symbolists may join up.
The next stage should be a discussion of how economics and immigration and "managed trade," NAFTA, and Empire go together. That's when Paul should start turning very aggressive; what's left of the "front-runners" will scarcely be able to handle that discussion.
Allright, I didn't read the article. I probably won't either because I'm really tired. Anyway, my comment is based entirely on the title of this article; and that comment follows.
The only thing diverting attention from Paul's foreign policy is the media. The media is also diverting attention from Paul's economic policy, for that matter. That attention is being diverted by the media to any policy, or even lack of policy, other than Ron Paul's.
I think Ron Paul's economic policy should go hand-in-hand with foriegn policy. That the mere mention of US Economics should bring images of money grotesquely spent on No-Bid contracts, Corporate Welfare, the War on "Terror", and a failing system that is neglecting veterans and citizens alike. The cure: Bringing our troops home to play the best home game ever devised in history by actually defending our borders without enchroaching on civil liberties, cutting/freezing wasteful government institutions, all while making sure the people who are still dependant on the system can either stay protected or opt out for those who are just starting into it or even already invested.
Yes, changing foriegn policy is paramount to our economic survival. It is of most importance, but let's not forget about the policies at home either.
"Any candidate can lower taxes, but Paul knows foreign policy."
To paraphrase: "not any candidate can discuss economics intelligently, but Paul knows economics." The rest of the pack (from both parties) have not a clue what Ron Paul is talking about, as exemplified by McCain's spoof the other night (he is just indicative).
Lars is right, "these two issues go hand in hand." and Ron Paul ties them together each time he speaks on one issue or the other.
And right now, economics is a prime issue; it's in the news, so it is important that Ron Paul discuss it as he explains in lay-man terms, why all the other candidates' 'stimuli' are wrong. He talks specifics, whereas the rest spout that vague nebulous politic-speak that means nothing.
If you want media for Ron Paul here is the ultimate idea. Pie with Ron Paul written on the back as it hits mcains face it will get national attention and people will know who ron is. But it does not stop there because one of you savy web designers will get ronpaulstunts.com if it is not taken and post videos. Thousands of paulites will try to outdo each other. It will be great fun. Sometimes you have to demand attention to someone the gov is afraid of. Remember when the pie guy hit Bill Gates years ago? It played on tv stations for weeks. Please someone start this, it will change everything.
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