The Paul Factor

I think we have to be honest about this year's election.  Ron Paul really cannot be ignored.  His ideas on Foreign Policy are far from the mainstream or Republican or conservative thought. The idea that it's no big deal for Iran to have a nuclear bomb is not merely kooky but dangerous. Isolationism does not work for the United States and most fair minded conservatives understand that. But make no mistake, Paul has a following, and it's one of the most loyal and passionate followings of any candidate out there.  While most people are trying to decide between Gingrich and Romney which one is the most tolerable, Paul supporters waiver not.  His challenging the status quo appeals especially to young people who are tired of the same old political games in Washington. His ideas on the Federal Reserve and The Constitution appeal to many as well but his Foreign Policy stand between him and the ultimate prize this November.

As I said above, he cannot be ignored.  His monetary policies have influenced the discussion on debt, deficit and how the federal government should work. This is what, in large part, this election is about.  In the last three years our national debt has exploded to fifteen trillion and Obama just asked for another debt limit increase.  The Senate defeated the measure and to be sure we will hear myriad "the sky is falling" arguments. There are those who say deficits and debt don't matter but we are handing future generations crippling debt and taxes will be raised to pay it off with the "everyone needs to pay their fair share" argument and that it's necessary.  Why is it necessary for us to pay for the irresponsibility of the federal government?  The Founding Fathers never intended for an entitlement society for they were able to see what would happen.  Something has to change or the United States will continue to diminish in it's standing around the world.  We cannot continue to project ourselves as a Superpower if we are crushed by out of control debt. People like Ron Paul may not agree about being a Superpower but they get the danger of reckless spending and some of the other candidates would do well to pay even more attention.