WB: Rep. Ron Paul

Rep. Ron Paul said the answer to many of our problems is just to obey the Constitution.

Paul talked about the "pursuit of happiness" the Founders recognized. He said we need to once gain institutionalize the principle that what you work for belongs to YOU and not the government. This would involve the rejection of the income tax and repeal of the 16th Amendment.

He said we need to repeal Roe v. Wade. Paul said we could either wait for Constitional judges to be appointed to the Supreme Court, or we could remove the jurisdiction for this issue from the federal courts by passage of a law.

Paul said the sovereignty of the United States is very important to protect, but it is disappearing. He spoke of the UN and various trade agreements that undermine our sovereignty, and called for the withdrawal from them all, including the UN.

He said our leaders have been too reluctant to enforce our borders, and while the people are behind this, the leaders are going the opposite direction. He said we must eliminate incentives for illegal entry,such as automatic citizenship for children born here, and free benefits. (this received a pretty fair standing ovation)

He said his view of foreign policy is that of the Founders: mind our own business and don't get involved in the affairs of other nations. He said he isn't against war per se, but is against undeclared wars. He said it should be done in the Constitutional way, and not just to enforce UN resolutions.

He said we can't afford our entitlement policies and our foreign policies. He said we tax to the hilt, then borrow to the hilt. He said what is happening to the devaluation of the dollar is a bad sign. Paul said our economic system is based on deficit financing and borrowed money. He said our money should be based on valuable metals and not created from thin air.

Paul said we don't have to sacrifice our liberties to be safe. He said there is no reason for us ever to do this.

He said once we count on government to take care of us, we are far too willing to give up our liberties to get this protection and provision.

On education, Paul said we shouldn't have a Dept. of Education at all. But if we are going to have one, it shouldn't be done by ignoring the Constitution. He said the Constitution is to be modified slowly and according to the proper process, not ignored.

He also condemned the proposal by some that we have mandatory mental health evaluations in public schools. He said when the government gets into the business of health care, etc. there's something wrong with what happens. He said we have permitted the government to become the parents.

Paul said he believes strongly in personal liberty, and believes that we can act more responsibly on our own that the federal bureaucrats. Personal responsibility and self reliance will produce a better society, he said.

He said Republicans and conservatives are often timid to go against Democrats against their entitlement programs because we're afraid they'll say we lack compassion, etc. Paul said we should stick with the Constition, and the result will be that the free market will actually produce more prosperity.