DetainThis
columnist: Dan Alba

Topic: Ron Paul
Ron Paul Fraud-Smashing, Made Easy

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Part I: Huckabee Fascism

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by Dan Alba
(libertarian)
Friday, December 21, 2007

In what I guess is a supposed response to the new harmless Huckabee television ad. Drudge is now highlighting Ron Paul's thoughts on patriotic Americans (I have had an American flag flying in my studio since the day of 9/11) who also happen to be born-again Christians...

"Ron Paul: 'When fascism comes it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross'..."

Way to reach out to the fly-over country Congressman. Why don't you accuse us of holding weekly Bible "burnings"... you mean "studies."

Well, Huckabee pretty much IS a Peronist
Was Juan Peron a fascist? Huck combines authoritarian tendencies with protectionism and a taste for expansion of the welfare state. Sounds like a Peronist to me.

And since he's seeking the Presidency with a cross in one hand and a flag in the other, it does pretty much sound like he's fulfilling the requirements of the Sinclair Lewis quote.

Rather than having knee-jerk reactions, people need to analyze the substance of this quote in the context of present-day events and rhetoric.

Out of context
He quoted Sinclair on the issue of using religion for political reasons. He didn't accuse anyone of anything and specifically tried to make that apparent. But of course you still chopped it up.

Gross Oversimplification
Do not confuse patriotism and nationalism. Do not confuse Christianity with those who would use Christ for political gain. The Roman Empire was allegedly Christian but the Christian religion suffered greatly under Rome because when Christianity becomes the status quo then it doesn't cost anything to be a Christian. In fact it is politically advantageous to claim that one is a Christian. Nazi Germany was allegedly based in Christianity but we all know that they were not adhering to the principles outlined by Christ. Please take the effort to actually understand the context of what he said and not react in such a knee-jerk fashion.

Hanging flags doesn't make you a patriot
Anyone can hang a flag. What really makes you a patriot? Paul was right to use that quote. Paul is a patriot.

Let's define our terms
Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology (generally tied to a mass movement) that considers individual and social interests subordinate to the interests of the state or party. Fascists seek to forge a type of national unity, usually based on (but not limited to) ethnic, cultural, racial, and religious attributes. - Wikipedia

I'm a conservative Christian who is taking seminary classes. The problem with Mike Huckabee is a confusion and conflation of church and state. I'm all for doing the right thing and worshipping Christ. The problem is that Mr. Huckabee has confused law and gospel. When he should be just (Dumond etc.) he exercises grace. Where he should be gracious (national ban on smoking) he exercises justice. I don't want a pastor in chief. My pastor is great. I want someone who understands the Constitution and doesn't trot out Jesus to win votes. Haven't we learned with George Bush?

Ron Paul has served our country for 20 years and understands and has voted for the Constitution without wavering. He is a committed Christian as well who believes the Bible as inerrant. He however is a patriot-not a nationalist. He will allow the church to be the church while keeping the State reigned in by the Constitution.

We are living in an age of fascism in America and we don't understand our history, theology, or political science well enough to notice it.

May God grant us repentance, reformation, and revival in our land.

Flag Waving
notice how KMC hypes his own patriotism by invoking the same old tired "I have a flag" rhetoric? A flag in your office or where-ever does not immediately conform patriot status on you.

That's the kind of "Big money RNC George Bush Buy a flag patriotism" that is ruining this country.

Flag wavers are like people who believe in carbon credits; as long as I have a flag I can smear people with impunity.

Real patriots don't need to boast about trivial non-issues.But smear merchant that KMC is this is how he deals with people with views different from his own.

Flying the Flag since 9-11?
What flag did you fly before 9-11? Why did it take 9-11 for you to hang an American flag and call yourself a "Patriot"? Nine 11 represents whats WRONG with America. Ron Paul represents what's RIGHT that remains in America.

Typical of Fox and KMC too when it comes to distorting something by omission.

He was asked about that new Huckabee ad with what appears to be a cross in the background. There are others who have also been critical of this commercial.

"Way to reach out to the fly-over country Congressman. Why don't you accuse us of holding weekly Bible "burnings"... you mean "studies."

He's much too polite and in any event I doubt you can even define fascism. For me I'll accuse KMC of gross ignorance.

I agree with Lew Rockwell.com about this:
http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewrw/archives/017829.html

Film clip of Paul. Note how they cut to a break right after Paul quoted Sinclair.

http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewrw/archives/017831.html

From a Christian, he is so right on
This already happened in 2000. GW touted his Christian faith much during that campaign and I took the hook. What ensued was anything but Christian leadership.
-Unjust Wars
-Patriot Act
-Military Commission Act
-Government corruption and secrecy
Whenever a candidate is touting his faith now, I just think of them as modern day Pharisee. Paul is a Christian who actually lives out his faith rather than just showcase it. You should try reading Matthew 6 during your next bible study.

But what about the larger question: Is the public airing of Christian-oriented political themes some sort of leading indicator of fascism? If so, then virtually all of our American presidents have been "fascists." ...

The bottom line was that [Paul campaign communications director Jesse] Benton had no apologies for Paul's televised insinuation of a fusion between fascism and Christianity.

I put that question to Michael Kazin, professor of American history at Georgetown University . . . Here's Kazin: "Huckabee is no more a fascist than is Hillary Clinton - or Ron Paul. Mussolini, Hitler and Franco believed in and practiced one-man rule ... made aggressive nationalism into a militant equivalent of religion, and revered military force." And none of that, Kazin concludes, fairly describes Huckabee.

Fascism is a broad term, and it is unfair to say that someone who uses it in a sentence is making a comparison to Hitler. From Wikipedia:

"Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology (generally tied to a mass movement) that considers individual and social interests subordinate to the interests of the state or party. Fascists seek to forge a type of national unity, usually based on (but not limited to) ethnic, cultural, racial, and religious attributes"

Huckabee's statement at a recent debate that we are not "The Divided States of America" and that we must make and pay for mistakes as a single unit does fit into the description above. So does his suggestion that he would circumvent Congress in order to attack Iran. Specifically:

Moderator: "If Congress says no, what do you do?" (In relation to going to war with Iran)

Huckabee: "You do what's best for the American people and you suffer the consequences."

But it certainly doesn't make him a Hitler any more than having a mustache would.

From Dictionary.com:

"Fascism is an authoritarian political ideology that considers individual and other societal interests subordinate to the interests of the state: the following elements are usually seen as its integral parts: nationalism...statism...milita rism...corporatism...populism, collectivism, and opposition to economic and political liberalism."

Huckabee endorses continued US troop occupation in the middle east, the USA Patriot Act, "enhanced interrogation techniques", regressive redistribution of wealth through taxation and welfare both for individuals and corporate interests as well as a national smoking ban.

The word is overused in politics unfortunately, but according to the definition Mike Huckabee seems to fit.

First I think your article is simply dishonest. Second, you proved Ron Paul's point by writing this article. You assume Mike Huckabee is the Christian and Ron Paul isn't. So Mike Huckabee using his faith as a political tool worked to influence your emotions. The fact is Ron Paul is a devout Christian and his brothers are ministers. ...

Oh, and where were the books? Just a coincidence they weren't in the bookshelves? LOL

Just because Dr. Paul is reminded of that quote does not mean that he is implying that Huckabee is a fascist. Dr. Paul is stating that Huckabee is not the same as a fascist, but similar in his attempt to try and win the Republican nomination.

And I would also watch my quotes if I were you. Five minutes of research proved your quote from George Washington wrong. You should read up on http://www.religioustolerance.org/badquotes.htm , to see clearly that this "quote" was put into a speech in a paragraph that Washington never actually said. He had said the speech, but the paragraph from which the quote originates, is non-existent in any true copy of his speech.

Wikipedia also agrees with this assertion.

America's founding fathers explicitly said within the Constitution (at least I don't mock it as you do by putting quotation marks around it) that there should be a clearly defined line between Church and State. And the Constitution clearly states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."

In the context of a presidential primary Pinkerton (who worked for both Reagan and Papa Bush) feigns shock and disgust that the combatants throw barbs at their opponents?!?! Pinkerton "forgets"Bush's quip Reagan practiced "vodoo economics" or #41's Willie Horton attack ad. Huckabee-a preacher and a politician-has made gains in the polls emphasizing the former over the latter shows no qualms slinging mud at Rudy ("can a man who has been married three times be trusted to be loyal to America?") or Mitt ("don't you Mormons believe Jesus and the Devil are spiritual brothers?") That Pinkerton, Fox and the MSM go so far to discredit Dr. Paul says more about their agenda and fear the Congressman's conservative message and record are a threat to the status quo. Dr. Paul's bona fides as a fiscal and Constitutional conservative are beyond doubt. As such Paul has distinguished himself from the "rhino" front runners and earned the support of this voter.

I think you took what Paul said too personally....Fox News asked the question in a way that took the precedence of purposeful intent on the part of Huckabee to put the cross in there. This is relevant because it was clear that Paul had not seen or paid much attention to the ad and was taking Fox's word for it. I would also LOVE for Huckabee to once in awhile in his ads to actually discuss IMPORTANT, DIRE issues that would be fantastic.

And F.Y.I. the Founding Fathers were greatly for the separation of church and state and the freedom of religion. I suggest a quick read of the Constitution.

Paul is also probably more of a Christian than any of the other candidates because he's against abortion, for traditional marriage, AND supports the "Just War" theory. Faith-minded Republicans might want to keep that in mind.

Thank you Ron Paul for pointing out what a phony Mike Huckabee is. Huckabee's ads are very professional and smooth productions.

As Donnie Deutsch points out, no aspect of these things goes unnoticed. Any distracting background effects are always eliminated.

The fact that this 'created cross' is so prominent and animated is propoganda of the highest order.

It wouldn't be quite as offensive, if Huckabee hadn't denied the intent and tried to insist that it is only an innocent bookshelf.

Is it any cheaper than Huckabee implying he's more Christian than the rest of us? Or Huckabee actually saying the message really meant "...death to Paul" backwards? Personally, and I'm sure a lot of people agree, I don't think you are being fair.

Huckabee denies the cross in his message is intentional. Either he is stupid, or a bald faced liar. Care to explain that?

I agree with Benton -- why apologize to Huckabee who intimates that if one is not a Christian, one is not an American? This ideological linking of Christianity and Americanism is to be utterly rejected by anyone who might still understand what Jesus meant by giving "the things which are Caesar's to Caesar." Evidently Huckabee is more intent upon setting upon setting up a Theocracy than a Democracy. His own vicious attacks upon Romney alone should have had his "followers" look elsewhere for someone as charitable and open-minded as Jesus, who was cursed for being friendly to Pharisees and speaking to a Samaritan women (and also for praising why the "Good Samaritan" did what the all-too-religious did not do -- who actually violated the Sabbath laws in order to help a fellow human being. Huckabee should get back to Christian principles and stop manipulating them for his own political power.

I think you are missing the point. Dr. Paul is a Christian and has openly professed his personal savior is Jesus Christ. I have never seen or heard Dr. Paul try to sell his Political Ideas through his own Christianity. For Mr. Huckabee (and others) to use their religion to try to sell themselves is disingenuous and serves only to distract voters from the real issues... Undeclared wars, illegal immigration, the U.S. dollar going in the tank, excessive government spending, borrowing billions from the Chinese, loss of personal liberty, 2nd Amendment issues, etc. All the republican candidates are Christian. The problem is that we are quickly going the way of socialist Europe. Republican candidates need to start defending the Constitution of the United States. And Yes indeed, we do despise socialism, communism fascism and all forms of tyranny !

In an interview at 7:00 in the morning Paul was asked about this and told the truth, "I haven't thought about it completely, but it reminds me of what Sinclair Lewis said".

Paul did not set out to smear Huckabee.

I normally don't do this kind of thing. But this op-ed writer is an idiot.

Personally I thought Paul's comparison was both clever and apt and it has nothing to do with Mike Huckabee being a christian. It has to do with the fact that Huck is a big government conservative who's view of executive power makes George Bush look like Thomas Jefferson.

It absolutely amazes me that where ever there is mention of Ron Paul the response to him is overwhelming! I mean positive response! How can he dominate the internet and have huge support where ever he shows up and not get the national poll numbers that should compliment these reactions. Even if it's another candidate speaking somewhere there are many Ron Paul supporters making themselves heard. Look at the comments on this site alone. At least 90% are pro RP! It's the same everywhere. If any of you on the fence don't think he will win please vote anyway. You just might surprise yourself. If you are at the voting stations take note of how the votes are going there. We don't want another election stolen by corrupt vote counting! If we watch them like hawks then they'll scurry like rats!Vote Ron Paul 2008!

Taken with Paul's habit of hyping or misinterpreting other political matters, such as his tendency to blame attacks by al Qaeda on American policies, and his dire warnings about the paper dollar and the Federal Reserve, one must seriously question his judgment.

Obviously another hit piece on Ron Paul.

Where do I begin?

You stated --"Americans would like to enjoy Christmas absent the intrusion of politics."

Oh really? then why the bleep is the Huckster who's running for president doing a political Christmas add. Yes I know he's not saying anything "political" but his mere presence because he IS running... is political... so to make that argument is simply ridiculous.

"Paul's habit of hyping or misinterpreting other political matters, such as his tendency to blame attacks by al Qaeda on American policies,"

This comes directly from the 911 commission report, how about you get a copy and read it before you say that Ron Paul is blaming... he merely reiterated their findings...


"and his dire warnings about the paper dollar and the Federal Reserve, one must seriously question his judgment."

Really? You don't agree that the dollar is worth only $.04 today?

" Problems such as illegal immigration, the war on terror, and the culture wars are grave matters"

So you would have the Huckster who supported the bill to drivers licenses for illegal immigrants as the man to take care of illegal immigration I take it?

War on Terror? Well you have me there, the Huckster sure will continue down the road of starting undeclared wars.

"Frankly, the last thing we need is a leader who sees problems where none exist, and views existing problems as impending disasters."

"See's problems where none exist?" Really, do you not think that the economy is are largest problem facing us today?

"Views existing problems as impending disasters?"

Some of them could definitely become just that. Our nation is going bankrupt, if we continue down this path, the "disaster" will happen.

I will leave the rest of your hit piece for others to comment on.

-- "Best hopes for fair and balanced journalism"

 

I didn't get offended when Mike Huckabee made those lovely little Concentration Camp and Suicide Jokes back during the summer; Just like I'm not going to get all riled up at Ron Paul's "fascism" remark.

Besides, there's some truth to Ron's remark. With Mike's charming, folksy, southern, homespun speak-easy style, he will shameless sell you such wonderful ideas as:

*Continuing to allow the DEA to arrest cancer patients who smoke medicinal marijuana under the guise of compassionate conservativism
*Continuing enforcing Democracy at gun point
*And that lovely gem at the Sept. 5th FOX News Debate: Demanding that everyone be united to continue correcting our mistake in the Middle East with honor. No dissention! If that doesn't sound like 1930s Japan, I don't know what does.

Shame on you. This is really a distortion of the truth. It is really sad to see "political Christianity" taking hold.

1. Ron Paul released a "Merry Christmas" video 6 days before Mike Huckabee. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZPCWGtIupE

2. Ron Paul was asked about "using religion as a political tool" not about Mike's Merry Christmas video.

3. You insinuate Ron Paul is not a Christian, see (http://www.ronpaul2008.com/articles/87/statement-of-faith/) Ron Paul's statement of faith.

4. Regarding the "war on Christmas", Ron Paul addressed this issue in 2003 see article (http://www.house.gov/paul/tst/tst2003/tst122903.htm) "Christmas in Secular America" by Ron Paul.

5. As far as the bookshelves/cross imagery, doesn't Mike have any books? I thought this wasn't staged.

You really need to repent. God Bless and Merry Christmas. ...

Also see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jRO3hptL4U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxofAvwRuSg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_Tf9ueTdzU

dearleighton wrote:

If this was just about the ad, I would agree Ron Paul overreacted. However, Huckabee has presented himself as the "Christian" candidate, and his surge in the polls is exactly because of that, despite questions about Huckabee’s ethical record. (If you think his surge is due to something else, please tell me.) Ron Paul was talking about how politicians can get away with anything as long as they call themselves Christians or patriots.

The idea that our consciences can be overruled by a leader who claims to speak for God and country is the same philosophy fascist dictators used to gain control. My conscience is between me and God, and I respect divine power too much to trust a politician when he claims to represent God's will. Christians should judge a candidate's ethical record and decide whether the candidate is exhibiting the "fruits of the Spirit." (Galations 5:22-23)

I believe Ron Paul shows these fruits, and I invite you to examine his record.

You can read the rest of my comments on this on my blog at leightonweese.squarespace.com 

WeBeGood wrote:

Nice Christmas video by Mike Huckabee, Christmas tree, glowing cross over his right shoulder, Huckabee backed by Christ. Nice symbology, great cinematography! Interesting what Pastor Huckabee's response was when questioned about it. Oh my, it's just a bookshelf. Symbolically turning his back on Christ.

There is nothing wrong with a cross in a Christmas video, especially by someone who claimed to be a man of the cloth. But to deny what is so blatantly obvious in the video and claim it just appeared, is random chance, unintentional?

As far as I know, what little bit of the First Amendment that is left in the Constitution, Huckabee has the right to say whatever he wants. Even if he is a candidate President.

I don't think Huckabee wins any points turning his back on Christ when questioned about the inclusion of a Cross in his Christmas video.

BTW, I like Ron Paul's remark about the video. I can imagine the only ones who don't, might be the Neo-Cons. I would have said new conservatives, but there is nothing conservative about the Neo-Cons.

Mayberry wrote:

Ron Paul received contributions from over 100,000 different people this quarter. He received $18,000,000 from those 100,000 people. His support is wide and deep. Look around your town and notice you see RP signs everywhere. Grab a cup of coffee and go to http://freeme.tv/

Non-intellectual wrote:

Note to Nathan,

I believe Ron Paul supporters who commented here were far more ACCURATE and more charitable toward you than you than you were toward Ron Paul and his remarks.

I actually have a lot of bookshelves, filled with a lot of books -- yours among them -- but I must say that I find your remarks about Ron Paul quite disappointing.

If I were choosing a Republican candidate based solely on real Conservative values, I could ONLY choose Ron Paul. I've followed his writings for around three years and agree with much of what he says, not because he's a Conservative but because his principles are born out by fact, common sense plus my own studies and observations.

Most of all, he has been uncompromising in his principles.

I don't agree with his Iraq position as it is being sold. Also, I think he puts too much faith in the average person's ability to comprehend issues which they have been indoctrinated to believe are beyond their comprehension. For these reasons, I think the presidency is beyond his reach.

For now, I'll stick with Romney -- even though I STRONGLY disagree with a couple of his positions -- because I believe he is the best choice lead this nation back from the brink of disaster. And...he CAN win.

I believe that Dr. Paul has far more valuable work to do by raising awareness at the national level. I think he would make a fine Vice President. As President of the U.S. Senate he might carry the people's message forward into policy and provide leadership to that broken institution.

Dr. Paul has my sincere thanks and admiration and I consider him a national treasure. My hope is that Ron Paul supporters will not let his legacy end with this election, regardless of the results.

Nice fraud-smashing, people — some of the finest yet.

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©2007 Dan Alba, all rights reserved. You must have written permission from the author in order to republish this work.
Published: Friday, December 21, 2007
Last modified: Friday, December 21, 2007

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