Editor's Note: Dr. James M. Lindsay is a Senior Vice President at the Council on Foreign Relations and co-author of America Unbound: The Bush Revolution in Foreign Policy. Visit his blog here and follow him on Twitter.
By James M. Lindsay - Special to CNN
A common trope so far in campaign 2012 is the argument that Republicans have turned isolationist. Someone apparently forgot to tell voters in Iowa. Polls currently have Ron Paul running fourth there. Today’s Wall Street Journal reports that what’s hurting him with many Iowa Republicans is his non-interventionist foreign policies.
Dusty Juhl, a supporter of Mr. Paul in Iowa working for a libertarian-leaning group, estimated that 90% of the people he contacts raise concerns about the congressman’s foreign-policy views.
Mr. Paul illustrated the possibilities and limits of his campaign during a visit to a Warren County Republican breakfast here recently. He sent the room into broad applause when he reminded the audience that he has long called for closing the U.S. Department of Education—a pet cause of politically active home-schoolers. But the reaction was more muted when Mr. Paul switched to troop deployments.
“We spend way too much money overseas, so I’d start by bringing the troops home from around the world,” Mr. Paul said. About half the audience clapped. The other showed no visible reaction.
The reservations that Iowans have about Paul’s foreign policy views are striking. Why? Because the Midwest has historically been a stronghold of isolationist sentiment in America, and Iowa is the most Midwestern of states. (Indeed, Hollywood delights in movies in which Iowans are reluctant to go to war.) So perhaps “isolationism” doesn’t quite capture the complexity of the debate within the Republican Party on foreign policy.
Not everyone is alarmed by Paul’s foreign policy views. Conor Friedersdorf believes they are more mainstream than those his opponents espouse. Charles Krauthammer is not buying that argument. He blasts Paul for “living in the 20s [and thinking] we can have a moat around the United States and if we ignore the world, the world will ignore us.”
Paul isn’t the only GOP candidate in the news for his foreign policy views. Herman Cain used his appearance yesterday on CNN’s “State of the Union” to reiterate his opposition to President Obama’s plans to draw down troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Not surprisingly, he added that “I feel strongly that we should stand with Israel.” The Washington Times thinks that Cain’s approach to foreign policy is reminiscent of Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Les Gelb, CFR’s president emeritus, worries that Republican presidential candidates are looking backward to a “bygone world of dire military threats” rather than forward toward the new truth of world politics - economics matters. Looking back at the CNN presidential debate last week, Gelb observes:
The real shocker was how all those candidates, save for [Ron] Paul and [Jon] Huntsman, almost totally neglected the now-central economic dimension of international affairs. Only those two noted the new reality of world politics - that economic strength now matters more than military might.
The gathering eurozone crisis may force the GOP presidential hopefuls to address the topic of international economics, regardless of whether they are ready to or not.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of James M. Lindsay.
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Polls say one thing and straw polls say something else. I believe the straw polls. Ron Paul 2012!
Charles Krauthammer blasts Paul for “living in the 20s [and thinking] we can have a moat around the United States and if we ignore the world, the world will ignore us.” Indeed America under Warren Harding's Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes was not interested in the outside world. Amir Aman Ullah Khan, the head of the ruling dynasty in Afghanistan sent a delegation to Washington in 1921 and wanted to establish trade relationship with America. Only Hoover showed interests in Afghanistan, because he was a mining ingenieur.
Krauthammer also supported the stupid invasion of Iraq and is a neo- con Israel-Firster....enough is enough of these fools who have exhausted America politically, economically, and even militarily.
Krauthammer is an idiot. Not only does he completely misunderstand Paul's foreign policy, he doesn't have any credibility after being a cheerleader of the neocon disaster that was the Bush presidency.
Anybody taking the time to reading this blog would benefit by researching where the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)came from and why they were created. Do your homework on that and then re-read this blog.
its funny how almost all the comments posted, disagree with the article. yet they still try to portray this negative image of dr paul
The author's spin on this is amazing. Ron Paul is not advocating pulling out of the rest of the world and just come back here and party. The point if you ever actually LISTEN to Ron Paul is in working on our home base America right now, our budget, our economic situation, OUR OWN BORDERS not Australias or Iraqs are the ones that need protecting. I think being all spread out over the world policing others borders when our southern border is wide open makes us more vulnerable not less. Focus on building up our borders, our debt situation etc because right now we are on the brink of financial ruin. If 77 percent of our income from taxes is going to pay interest on existing debt its not looking good for us being the worlds police force.
Ron Paul may not seem like the brightest out there but surely he can't be as horrible a crook as Newt Gingrich
Ron Paul is educating Americans who need help understanding the rest of the world. Most politicians agree with the generals who call for "boots on the ground" in what 130 countries now with 900 US bases? This type of bullying behavior does nothing for the standing of the US, and if anything weakens the defence of the US since it creates so much animosity towards the US. Ron Paul's foreign policy is based upon sending peace and goodwill toward all nations with trade and negotiations. This contrasts with the present policy of either paying countries to serve our interests, or else bombing them if they don't serve our interests. We need more from the likes of Ron Paul to educate the public and to stop listening to those with a vested interest in creating more wars.
Under you and Ron Paul we would all be slaughtered sheep for the middle east.
Can't be slaughtered if we're not there. What an idiot...
clueless....just freaking clueless...........
don't be ridiculous. they don't even have weapons that can reach us.
Couldnt have said it any better Brian.
Your man forgets the lessons of the 20 th century.
Nice try on your hit piece on Ron Paul, we aren't buying it.
We need a politician that has shown he will do what he says he will do.
Ron Paul has the record to show he is the walk he talks.
I will be voting for Ron Paul.
It's fine, He obviously doesn't even know what "isolationism" means. You can't expect him to write anything worth reading if he can't even look up a simple word in the dictionary
BINGO......................
Foreign policy is not a problem for Ron Paul, rather, it is a problem for the uneducated masses.
Pff yea, tell me about it. If people just actually took the time to learn things on their own, rather than listening to Bill O'Retard, they would discover all the truths out there.
Don't be a coward, sacrificing Israel on Islam's blood altar of genocide will not appease OR pacify islam and islamic terrorists who operate worldwide,
Don't be a coward, Stand with Israel.
Israel has 300 nukes. Why do they need US protection as well?
Amen!
Cowardice is attacking a nation that doesn't threaten you.
The United States has a long history of overthrowing democracies in the Middle East, propping up dictators, and extracting resources. Israel can do what it wants, but Israel is Israel's problems, not the United States Air Force, Navy, or Army's problem.
If you love Israel so much, join the IDF but don't bother to apply for citizenship unless you're Jewish, because you won't get it.
Well said. Bravo
So, after 64 years of knocking their enemies about the head and shoulders, the Israelis are now incapable of defending themselves?
So the responses to me are (paraphrased): 1. Israel has defended itself before against overwhelming odds, they can do it again and again.
2. They have nukes, let them use them
3. Why should the US military assist our allies against enemies who seek their destruction and genocide.
hide behind patriotism, hide behind economics, hide as much as you want, 3 cowards... of different colors, but all with the same pattern of stripes. Cowardice is Cowardice, no matter your excuse.
...so i take it you'll be heading over to the military recruiters office in the morning? Or are you content with others cashing the check your mouth is writing?
Easy for you to say, you are not over there fighting the war. non-veterans like you only want to send our troops to war. You want to go fight for israel. Get your ass on a plane and go. How about, for every moron who wants to "stand with Israel" we send them over and bring a soldier home. Then these warmongering idiots can put their money where their mouth is.
We have trade agreements and share intelligence with Israel, but they're not a member of NATO. It's not that I have a problem with Israel, but I'm sure as hell not taking marching orders from the religious right. If you believe they are some sacred race chosen by God and want to defend them, knock yourself out. We have similar partnerships with South Korea and other countries. Do we jump head first into their wars too?
The ONLY coward I see, are the Israelis HIDING behind American might. Live and let live. ENOUGH id ENOUGH already.
A non-interventionist foreign policy is really only a problem for the Israel-first media cartels that control the discourse of this nation. Poll away. Americans are waking up as to what is happening to their country.
The only waking-up americans need to do is waking up to what islam and sharia means to the USA, and the destruction of our democracy that comes with islam and sharia.
Europe is waking up, and eventually you will wake up too, and realize that Israel is facing the same challenge we face, and abandoning them in their fight against our shared enemies does not make us safer.
paranoia at its finest....stop watching too much fox news...only 2% of population in the US are Muslims and according to u is going take over and bring sharia..lol u need to wake up and get educated.
where was your since of urgency when the muslims in Sudan were killing thousands of Christans. Why is Isreal held so much higher than the tradgadies we have watched in the last decade? You didn't know about Sudan because you were not told! Now, who told you Isreal was in danger?
The real shocker as Ron Paul Paul has been expressing for many a moon, "economic strength matters more than military strength" per your article. Truly listen to what this man is saying. Please do not try to distort. It is certainly NOT a problem with Dr. Paul.
This one's making the rounds. I've already read it twice on other news outlets.
CNN would be wise not to pick up stories like this. It makes them look woefully out of touch.
Thanks for bringing this up. It seems that the CFR has gone to on the offense versus Ron Paul. Hmmm.
He is a man of peace. Just what we need at this time. It's time to STOP this warmongering and live with one another in peace and harmony. There is NOTING but misery in wars, and only the warmongers win, not the people of the world. Say no to wars and say NO to Israel wanting to drag America yet in to another war. This time WW3.
No. You need foot soldiers and money to keep those foot soldiers motivated for you. Obama, Romney, Gingrich, Perry all have ties to interest groups, grassroots organization who could deliver those foot soldiers more or less. Anyway I think he only runs to create a conversation which I think is healthy.
Nope. He's in it to win it. And win it he will. When all the manipulated polls and slanted media coverage is said and done, you'll see how it plays out. Dr. Paul is the ONLY anti-war candidate. Unlike Obama, who lied his way into office.
Actually Pbama sd specifically that he wagainst stupid wars. He felt Iraq as a stupid war for no reason except to buy ushie brownie points as a "war President" He always said the War in Afghanistan was in his view a justified war because of 9/11 and the Taliban notturning over AlQuaeda fighters. There was no lie. You might agree with his point of view or disagree with it, but he never said he was against all wars.
Rom Paul dosn't have a chance. He is percieved by most Americans as a crackpot with faddish notions. He comes across more like Maer, it is always about him and his "brilliance". His followers come across as cult followers believing everything the man says with no critical thinking skills of their own. They agree with everything the man says, there is no degree of difference. I find it both interesting nd alarming. I have never agreed with any candidate totally. It is always a process of weiging this point against tat point. With Paul follower tere seems to be only one side to any discussion, what Ron Paul has stated. More a cult of personality.
Current US foreign policy is destroying the United States economically, and morally.
It's not a problem for Paul, it's a problem for all of us.
What a bunch of nonsense...
Why would this blogger use the term "isolationist" and "non-interventionist" in the same paragraph other than to distinguish between the two?
This is precisely why they created "blogs" – so the writers with zero talent for either writing or journalistic integrity could still participate in the blatant smearing of a true Statesman.
Lol I don't believe that for a second!
The people I meet are scared to their bones of the other candidates and their vision of a pro-torture, police state America bent on war.
This article will go unnoticed. It's getting tougher and tougher to find such hit pieces on Ron Paul. This type of content will become the fringe in no time. Good luck to you and your "blog"
This is just false. The whole premise of the article = incorrect.
POLLS SHOW RON PAUL EITHER IN FIRST PLACE OR TIED FOR FIRST IN IOWA.
Check the Bloomberg poll that was released that showed him in a statistical tie for first – http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-15/romney-two-way-race-is-now-four-way-republican-dead-heat-in-iowa-caucuses.html
And the TeleResearch poll (which factors in independents and Democrats voting Republican this year)... and ranks Paul in first with 25% – http://www.revolutionpac.com/2011/11/new-iowa-poll-places-ron-paul-firmly-in-first-with-25/
Mr Lindsay, please edit this article to display the facts. It is EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY misleading to say that he is in fourth place. Ron Paul has as good of a shot as Romney and Gingrich in Iowa, if not a better one.
Or, don't edit it, at your own risk: you'll seem like a complete and utter retard when Paul wins or comes in a VERY close 2nd in Iowa. Just wait about a month or so...
Ron Paul is clear and consistent. He's going to win Iowa and that will really shake things up!
http://www.whatthehellbook.com/the-book/
Wow, are you ever way-off. Spending trillions on wars is what this election is all about - people are against it, and that's why Paul will win in Iowa.
The truth is that ONE side can start and maintain a war while BOTH sides are necessary to make peace. Wars will happen even if Paul and his supporeters will declare that they do not want them. The question is how will the US respond to the wars started by others. For example, if the US will stop supporting Israel the Arab states and Iran will start another war against it and Israel will have no other option but to defend itself turning the aggressors and some of the largest oil fields on the planet into radioactive desert. As a result, the world will be thrown into a crisis of epic proportions that will end our civilization as we know it. Will Ron Paul be willing to face THIS alternative to preventing Iran and the Arabs from starting another war?
How did Israel get the bomb? We gave it to them. If Israel even threatens to use it on the oil fields that the whole world needs, I say we unleash the whole might of the USA on AIPAC's PRECIOUS (said like Golem in the Lord of the Rings), as fast as possible and not wait and turn Israel into a glass mirror in the desert! At least the leeching of We, The American Taxpayer by this racist apartheid state would end once and for all!!
Israel gained their nuclear capability from France, not the USA. The USA has supplied them with vast amounts of other weapon systems however.
If people knew and understood the philosophical consistency and intellectual depth of Ron Paul and studied the books of the people from whom he draws his principles, the election would be over and America would be saved. Although Dr. Paul is sometimes accused of being a Randian, this is a lie. While he mentions her, and what libertarian wouldn't, he actually draws his beliefs from John Locke, Ludwig Von Mises, Murray Rothbard, Hans Hermann Hoppe, Carl Menger, F.A. Hayek, Randolph Bourne, Lew Rockwell and others of the Austrian school. It is an American shame that most people are ignorant of the arguments these individuals have made for liberty and free markets. Their writings are kept from the American people and our educational establishment so the media can be left to frame debate. This censorship and media filtering is a form of thought control. The ruling class knows it is better off if Americans are divided and spend their time arguing about gay marriage and flag lapel pins. Americans, I beg you. Please educate yourself and discover the questions that need to be asked. Learn how genius economists, statesmen and philosophers have advanced the arguments for liberty and free markets. Read how they have answered questions regarding liberty, peace and prosperity after having made the study of economics, history, war, government, philosophy, religion and liberty a lifetime endeavor. When people understand that all other politicians are statists, except for Ron Paul who champions the individual, their choice for who to elect as president will be made clear. Anyone questioning Dr. Paul's foreign policy credentials ought to read his book, "A Foreign Policy of Freedom: Peace, Commerce and Honest Friendship" or his numerous other books that explain how the U.S. got into the mess it is in and how it can get out. There are no "tell all gossip books" by Ron Paul. He is a statemen, economist, historian, philosopher, doctor and scholar.
Reblogged this on The Political Jar.
As for the Eurozone crisis, it's not about the Euro but the European Banks. For example, in Italy, the citizen doesn't have high debt levels but their banks. Let the banks bite the bullet, and growth will return.
Foreign policy is a strong suit for Ron Paul. Live and let live is the best foreign policy. Fighting Afghanistan is a joke, colossal waste of money. Afghans live in the stone age. They're a nuisance and threat to Pakistan but not the US. (Killing Pakistan soldiers – laying the seed of a mutiny in their ranks – doesn't help the Pak-Afghan situation) If the US feels threatened by the Afghans, one should sack the entire national security apparatus. It's like Tyson being scared of Mickey Mouse. Shouldn't the US be focusing on beating China in growth, Germany in industrial productivity, Russia in natural resources harvesting, everyone in trading with the world's emerging markets, or spending trillions on fighting useless wars?
Considering that the 9/11 terrorists came from Afghanistan claiming that Afghanistan is "not a threat to the US" is storage, to say the least.
@Thinker23 – Most of the 9/11 hi-jackers were Saudi. Get a clue and change your name. Clearly not much of a thinker...
@Pat: The 9/11 hijackers were trained in Afghanistan.
The history of Afghanisatan is internecine killing. Their historical pastime is killing each other. The only time they get to do it to others is when someone picks a fight with them. If they're left alone, they'll peter out much quicker than paying them so much attention. Unless you want to use the Afghans to set fire to the whole region, then by all means continue with the current policy.
right on
Ron Paul!!!!!!!!
The problem with that, Sal, is that they didn't leave us alone. They left a great big hole in Lower Manhattan where the World Trade Center used to be. And they killed a lot of innocent American men, women and children.
I'm all for leaving people alone, but in this case, we tried it once and it didn't work.
There were no Afghans involved in 9/11. Just because their soil was used by others to train on doesn't implicate them… the responsible groups are long gone from Afghanistan ... we are just swatting at the air there.
With the exception of Ron Paul, the GOP candidates are out of sync with what Americans want when it comes to foreign policy. Sure, there are many Republicans who have bought into the neo-con, preemptive war stance. That being said, the majority of Americans would NOT vote for someone like Newt Gingrich a globalist neocon. Selecting a pro-big government "Republican" to go up against Obama is a losing strategy and the inside-the-beltway career "Republicans" will only have themselves to blame for the lose. Personally, I feel that there is very little difference between Obama and Newt Gingrich; the rhetoric is different but the policies will most likely be the same.
Of course you're going to see CFR chuckleheads writing smear pieces on Ron Paul suggesting he's "isolationist." The CFR is all about new world order. Gingrich is CFR. Gingrich is a last desperate attempt to block RP as all others have failed. Also, CFR doesn't trust Romney as a flip-flopping Mormon, so this is their best hope. Check out infowars.com. http://www.infowars.com/newt-gingrich-mr-new-world-order/
Just think. When the GOP regain power, they will start a war with Iran (totally unfunded of course). Then they will draft all the poor people to fight(die) in the war (just like the GOP wants) and give "no bid" contracts to the rich people. Killing two birds with one stone!!! Then we can use Iran's oil to pay for the war. And when the war is over, Iran will sell us cheap oil!!! Just like Iraq........Oh wait........Never mind.
Why would anyone start a TOTALLY UNFOUNDED WAR???
His Foreign Policy is a Policy of PEACE and STRENGTHENING OUR DEFENSE. He IS against our "Policing of the World", which costs the Government billions-trillions of dollars it cannot afford. If Romney, Gringrich, Cain, or Obama are elected in 2012, we are headed towards World War 3. And you'll have yourself to blame for putting out an article that misrepresents peace for isolationism. Ron Paul believes in peaceful negotiation first, and IF and ONLY IF war is necessary, he believes there should be a Declaration of War, Congress should approve it, we fight, we win, and we bring our troops home.
RON PAUL LIVING IN THE 20's ? What the Hell are you talking about
Sir, have you followed Ron Paul ? and Sir did you READ what happned in Pakistan ? Maybe you should write and article that Ron Paul is right about our interventions in Foreign Lands.
Ron Paul has said over&over&over&over how inicent people and friendly fire causes the rise against America. IS this what you want ? people around the world hating us or would you rather have them saying that America stands for peace. You should be supporting RON PAUL !!!!!
Can we get and article about the good of one who seeks Peace......RON PAUL 2012
Anybody taking the time to reading this blog would benefit by researching where the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)came from and how they were created. Do your homework on that and then re-read this blog.
silly arguments from lindsey...while economics of course matter, what matters most is who you support and how you manage that appropriation of foreign aid...the good "Dr". Paul SEEMS to obssess about israel and use the cover of "foreign aid" to cover his butt...its totally transparent. His whole notion of FP is to radical right republicans what populism and class warfare is to radical left wing democrats. Its pandering based on known falsehoods and KNOWINGLY and cynically using young naive young kids to make it seem plausible.
paul is a dangerous freak of a man....his legions of zombie followers are either also dangerous OR naive. Its one or the other.
Both Mitt and Newt are far and away more understanding of true american FP needs.
The jerk who posted the above is only showing just how easily he has been brainwashed by both the right-wing media and the politicians in Washington. The main problem for Ron Paul is the ignorance of the general public. Unfortunately, like the jerk above, most people have been brainwashed into a right-wing state of mind!
Well said... sadly, there are a lot of ignorant people that will just believe anything the main stream media says...
So when those politicians say that they'll consider a nuclear strike on a country that isn't currently a threat and might some day be a threat, that's the foreign policy America needs? Kill thousands of people because their country could one day be a threat? What would America say if China said they would consider a future nuclear strike on us since we're a potential threat? You people are the ones who need your heads examined. While I love my country, I'm not the naive one who believes we can do no wrong.
FP, full penetration policy. walk it and water.
Are Ru Paul and Ron Paul one and the same?
Things that make me go hmmmmmmmmm.......
Dr. James M. Lindsay is a Senior Vice President at the Council on Foreign Relations! Really, do you expect us to believe anything the Council on Foreign Relations has to say... What's next, are you going to want us to take banking advice from the Bilderberg Group... haha, do you people think all American are THAT STUPID!
Do a quick google search and investigate what the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) really stand for – NWO anyone...?
is there anything wrong with someone who wants peace and who is against war? is it too much to ask ?
There is nothing wrong with anyone who is for peace and against the war. There is EVERYTHING wrong with those proposing to IGNORE the enemies who are going to start a war or who already started it.
But they wouldn't want to go to war if we weren't over there bothering them.
If you ask me Ron Paul is strong on all issues, his foreign policy views are A#1 and it's a damn shame that no one in this country takes his views seriously. I believe when it comes to foreign policy Americans love getting their heads on the chopping block. We are going to end up threatening the wrong 2 main nations . So please use common sense and vote
Ron Paul 2012
I'm not American. Jus want to say u are lucky we have the internet today. Every time they try to mudsling Ron Paul they create a campaign platform for his supporters. Just look around the net. I don't see anyone supporting any of the other candidates except from the mainstream media. And even when they do. No one comments supporting them.
He is the only pro American sovreignity candidate. The rest want a NWO. vote ron paul!!!!
North Korea is isolationist.
Switzerland is non-interventionist.
Please learn and understand the difference.
North Korea is cuckoo.
Paul's idea will make our national debt dropping significantly. Paul's idea will benefit the American economy and work peace, and, Paul's idea will make quite many stupid politicians loosing jobs. Though Paul will not win, but ten years later, we all will be regretting that we missed a great opportunity to vote Paul for a great president who can balance our budget, who can lead us to success instead of bankrupting.
Thank you for your most interesting essay. I never quite heard it said before that "economic might is more important than military might". I think he should run on it. I think people misinterpret his foreign policy. The press would like to make it like he's going to put iron bars around the country and we'll be closing up shop with the rest of the walls. I'm certain that is not his foreign policy. I believe it's easier to trade with the world during peacetime than it is when everyone is at war, except for the people who make money from the War (hint..hint..the 1%) The world is changing fast and there is great danger of world destruction by war. Especially with these policies like the patriot act hanging over our heads, or using drones to kill American Citizens. The world is not looking to us for leadership in peace. They see America as Warlike.
Ask anyone if they think there should be 900 bases around the world, Ask anyone if they think the US should be telling other countries how they should be run. Ask anyone if the troops should be home. ask anyone if they think its ok to have nukes and others not. The world didnt vote for the US to be in their countries killing thier innocent citizens. Now Ask yourself this...... If any middle east government was in the states attacking with troops , Drones missiles etc.Would you then really have a reason to hate them?, That why most countries hate America. America, its government and big corporations and banks are the biggest killers and murderers on this planet. America should be leading by example and changing its foreign policy. The only one that seems to get it is that Ron Paul guy, All the others want to keep it going the way it is. America should be getting rid of the nukes and so should all the other countries that have them. But nothing gives America the rite to tell any other country they can or cant have Nukes. Every country has the rite to its own sovereignty and thats all, Thats what freedom really is. Anything else is tyrany.
How many wars can we fight in at once? What is wrong with everybody. This isn't a WWIII, we don't need to police the world, nor does the majority of the country want to. We have a modern day dungeon called Gitmo. We need a decade of reform, we have gone off the tracks and let a few peoples interests out way our own. Ron Paul at least gets where the majority is only worried about there party, and we the people are an after thought.
Ron Paul is simply much too old to become or be elected to any position in the US Government. USA needs more younger technocrats and academic intellectuals to sit in Congress. Anyone, below the age of 40 would be a welcome change for Congress, which seem fprever saturated with many jaded and self interest aging Republican Congressmen.
I disagree. The age of Ron Paul is actually advantage. He will not kiss any behinds in order to get re-ellected (he may be too old for re-ellection). He will try to leave a mark in the US history. He will not be afraid to disolve the Federal Reserve and eventually get assasinated for that. That would be the dream of every man – at 80 years of age to be assasinated by your enemies because you are still dangerous. What a honorable death. I believe Ron Paul.
When you have 50 of such oldsters running Congress, America's economic progress, innovation, creativity ... are being sacrificed for the sakes of more oil profits that are providing sustenance for these old fellows. Its ok if Congress is filled with 80 and 90 year olds – if they true technocrats like Apple, Windows, Facebook etc etc inventors and scientists. Take a good look at the present lot of Republican Congressmen and what you see is plenty of oil stains on their suits.
Ron Paul may be old in years (since when is experience a problem), but he seems like a fresh wind blowing thru American Politics, as opposed to these cloned wannabe politicians reciting the same old skipping record like a prayer.
He is the only one honest and gutsy enough not to promise these "quick, painless fixes for all that ails America only because the uncomfortable truth will diminish his approval rate.
.
Bring the troops home and stop this PC madness that results in thousands of dead US troops for nothing. Ron Paul 2012. Only the State Department wants the US Empire to continue. Americans have no interest in a US Empire. Stop the Obama War Monger Machine and vote for Ron Paul 2012.
I will vote for Ron Paul!
You will vote for baloney.
Ron Paui is a certifiable nutcase and should not be taken seriously !
Right on the nail, Rocky! Why doesn't the drive by media ever ask Ron Paul why he's always on the Alex Jones radio show talking about 9/11 being an inside job and the US military invading San Antonio in the run-up to the Iraq war?
One flew over the cuckoo's nest. It was Ron Paul.
We needs to go back to the 50's when a working class man could support his family of 5 while is wife stays home. GO RON PAUL!
If ron paul is a Republican nominee (God forbid) i will vote for Obama !
I guess four more years of economic malaise isn't such a bad thing to some people.
Maybe ol school thinking is what the country needs.
HE WILL LOSE 100% NOT BECAUSE HE IS WRONG...because he is good ,pure, and USA will never vote for some one who cant stand to help israel with money weapons and moral.............he is to weak in regard to iran , hizboallah, and the shiia thugs who are destroying the peace in lebanon, hamas, iraq, bahrain ....the iranians and shiia thugs evil hands must be cut.....
The thing is It just doesn't matter anymore, sooner or later Americans will realize thet they just CANNOT afford to sustain their foreign policy. Americans are brainwashed so they will keep rooting for the one who promises more wars and destruction, Ron Paul is the only one who knows the truth and realizes it unfortunately he just won't win. America your end is already here, you just don't know it yet.
Absolutely. Ron Paul is a moral coward. He would allow regimes like the Islamic Republic to acquire nuclear weapons. He would allow regimes like the Islamic Republic to oppress their people and threaten the civilized international community. He blames America for 9/11. Ron Paul is a threat to America and a threat to all freedom loving people throughout the world. Ron Paul = ultimate naive moral coward and ironically, his Paultard followers think they are so "smart".
So all that legislation that Ron Paul voted against that would slowly strip away the bill of rights makes him a threat to freedom? Iran? How moral was it when we took out Iran's elected government and installed a dictator? Where was our foreign policy morality when Saddam was gassing the Kurds? How moral was it to blockade Iraq for years contributing to the deaths of hundreds of thousands when they had ceased to be a threat? Oh, Ron Paul's stances on 9/11 come from the 9/11 commission, the CIA, and multiple respected foreign policy experts. He doesn't "blame" America. He just doesn't pander and say that our destructive foreign policy had absolutely nothing to do with people hating us enough they wanted to attack us. Provide evidence for your positions, or stop making ignorant statements.
I think US policy planners and the CIA have a problem with their ridiculous foreign policy, NOT Ron Paul.
I say it again, Ron Paul is too old and I cant expect him to change his old, dogged mindset for american foregin politices to become relevant and efreshingly better in these new global change taking place in politics everywhere.
It's the same old same, same old people, inside Congress who are forbidding American foreign politics from making more real friends – and I mean friends who are sincere ones, not the money faced allies.
Because Ron Paul has a tendency to be NOT outward looking in his foreign policies. Jaded to the core.
For example, PaKistan , Iraq and Afghanistan would never become close US allies inspite of the wasted trillions spent by US Republicans in these countries.
You say they won't be our allies in spite of the trillions we've spent over there? I say they won't become our allies exactly because of the trillions we've spent over there blowing up their people. You've just successfully argued in favor of Ron Paul.
I am not a Republican, but R. Paul is also a Nationalist, that have great ideas, but have something that I do not agree with him, and that is cero taxation to the richers, so for know, I say to him," I am so sorry, but can't vote for you at this moment" Obama is the men,maybe other time or unless you become Vice-President in which case I will support you.
We were the number one campaign donor for Barack Obama in 2008. You didn't know that Obama was the wall street choice? Vote for Obama! Vote for less freedom!
But no, vote for Mitt Romney. That's who we're betting on this time around.
Hey, writer of the article, RON PAUL is becoming increasingly popular due to his defense of YOUR RIGHTS, YOUR PROSPERITY, and the re-invigoration of the economy. His foreign policy is amazing, too.
my legs are amazing
Under Ron Paul we would all be harvesting our own crops, chopping our wood and chewing on deer hydes to make coats out of.
I bet you've never dome any research at all on Dr. Paul's views.
Sounds good to me!!!
Right. Since not being involved in perpetual wars and having military installations all over the world while propping up dictators would automatically set us back several hundred years.
yeah good maybe ull accually learn something instead of just swipeing ur credit cards and not questioning how the food got there in the first place
I think harvesting our own crops, chopping our wood and "chewing" on deer hides to make coats out of would be awesome!!
That's nice, Doug.
I get tired of the term isolationism being thrown around like it is. While isolationism does pop up in the definition of non-interventionism, it is not the same. The article refers to our historical isolationism. That included not participating with economic endeavors of other countries. Ron Paul merely states that we should participate economically but not go to war so carelessly. He voted against the Iraq war and was outspoken against it when just about every other false conservative on that stage supported it. Why is foreign policy a concern for him? Our foreign policy has included massive loss of life fighting countries that were not a threat to us, propping up dictators, and overthrowing elected governments while claiming we stand for freedom and democracy. Why would you support that status quo?
RON PAUL is the only candidate that has the right view on Foreign Policy.
Gorge Warmonger Bush war on Saddam Hussain was a waist and illegal. Only good for Dick Cheney and his bunch of fellows Companies like Halliburton, Kellogg's, Military Contracts, Oil companies and security firms.
One flew over the cuckoo's nest.
It was Ron Paul.
I do not think Ron Paul has a Foreign problem. Unless you really think the current policy are actually working I guess. I mean if you think that there are not going to be repercussions from the 2 wars. You have no Idea. When you killed all the innocents in both of those countries. You just created hate for America by all of their relatives. I mean if anything the United States is dangerously destabilizing the Middle East. Unless you are looking to create the 2nd Persian Empire. This is so stupid. And Europe Bailout do not even get me started on the fact that it is Capitalism Bailing out Socialism by taxing Capitalist for trying to have self responsibility. Your dollar is worth what 5 cents now. And it is not backed by anything!!!! And the Bailout just happened to happen in the state of Germany which what we have like 141-149 bases. I'm tried of paying for the rest of the worlds problems. That is not why this country was founded. It is not why your forefathers fought and died for a chance for you to succeed. Not for every other person in the world. So I guess if you like Obama or the other Candidates that are in the GOP I guess pat yourself on the back for helping Europe's (your kings) retirement fund.
I mean and Gingrich is not a solution he is a problem. He is wants to get rid of the Estate tax (The Death Tax) But nobody on the news seems to point out that the ESTATE HAS TO BE WORTH $5,000,000 before it is even taxed. Which means the middle class and lower classes benefit from the Estate tax because it keeps people who are in the 1% from screwing the rest of the 99%. It's a good Tax. And if you complain about paying taxes on $5,000,000 you did not even earn you are pretty greedy. This sounds more like Camellias retirement fund tax free.
Problem for Ron Paul? I am sure of one thing... virtually ALL the security advisers/appointees (from Ivy League schools, to lobbyists think-tanks, etc.) of the US administrations since George Bush2 to the present, HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL in bringing about our present very low integrity and respect that US gets in the world today.... At least, with Ron Paul, it would probably be a fresh start....
here we go again mainstream media talking about ron paul only when they have soemthing bad to say. ok mainstream media can u stop bashing the only true patriot of the GOP
Look at this person trying to smear Ron Paul. He wants to bring our troops home, cut the spending, cut taxes, get big government out of people's lives, reign in the debt, and get get rid of the Corporate Stranglehold on American Politics. I would gladly vote for Ron Paul over Obummer or Mittneycare any day.
Ron, should you not win the election, please get your citizenship and run in Canada.....we could use a leader like you!!
Mr. Paul has a very sound foreign policy, it goes a little something like "mind your business", I support him 100%!
Ron Paul knows what he's talking about. Don't you want that in a leader for a change? I urge you to look him up on youtube, read about him. You will see that he has remained consistent and clear for decades. How many politicians can you say that about these days? Paul realizes that Iran and their hypothetical nuclear weapons aren't that much of a threat. So, why make a big deal of something that you REALLY shouldn't be worried about? That's all he's trying to say- and it makes great sense.
I have only one thing to say and that is either Ron Paul or Gingrich will be nominated but how they plan to oust the great Obama is yet to be seen
According to Wikipedia..."Isolationism is the policy or doctrine of isolating one's country from the affairs of other nations by declining to enter into alliances, foreign economic
commitments, international agreements, etc., seeking to devote the
entire efforts of one's country to its own advancement and remain at
peace by avoiding foreign entanglements and responsibilities."
On the other hand Wiki says this about non-interventionism..."is a foreign policy which holds that political rulers should avoid alliances with other nations, but still retain diplomacy,
and avoid all wars not related to direct self-defense. This is based on
the grounds that a state should not interfere in the internal politics
of another state, based upon the principles of state sovereignty and self-determination."
I hope that clears this up for the masses of writers who continue to label Ron Paul as an "Isolationist". Language is very important in journalism!
let's be real: Charles Krauthammer is Jewish... and wants US bow to Israel on everything, even if it doesn't benefit US. screw him, go Ron Paul!