For whatever they actually mean, here are the Iowa Straw Poll results:
1. Mitt Romney –32 percent
2. Mike Huckabee – 18 percent
3. Sam Brownback – 15 percent
4. Tom Tancredo – 14 percent
5. Ron Paul – 9 percent
6. Tommy Thompson — 7 percent
7. Fred Thompson – 1 percent
8. Rudolph W. Giuliani – 1 percent
9. Duncan Hunter – 1 percent
10. John McCain (less than 1 percent)
11. John Cox (less than 1 percent)
Considering the fact that the guy who spent the most money is the one who came out on top, which actually closely mirrors the political process in general, the results are not terribly surprising. I am excited, though, – and, again, for whatever importance the straw poll actually has – that Ron Paul came in 5th. For someone with very little name recognition, doesn’t have near the money as the “front-runners,” and who is being completely ignored by the mainstream media, 5th place is a pretty good show.
From The Liberty Papers: “Ron Paul’s speech was one of the best, content wise, of the straw poll. He earned a lot of respect today from GOP conservative voters by deemphasizing his anti-war rhetoric and instead touching on small government and values issues.”
That, my friends, is exactly how Dr. Paul is earning supporters every day. I’m thrilled at the number of people I’m hearing talking about Ron Paul – he’s the buzz among many of my old College Republican friends; people at church are talking about him; I’m seeing yard signs popping up all over Jonesborough. So keep spreading the word!
August 14, 2007 at 12:42 pm
I have Paul’s book on Foreign Policy on my Amazon wish list, that’s as close as I’ve come to reading any of his works. I certainly will though when time allows.
Do you read Liberty?
August 14, 2007 at 2:09 pm
I just happened to come across the Liberty Papers when browsing the net for Ron Paul stuff.
August 15, 2007 at 1:21 pm
I happenned to read Mr. Paul’s platform. I agree in general with his stance on this hideous war. I am a little vexed as to his Pro-Life views. Is he stating that becasue he never had to perform an abortion to save a mothers life then such situations are not in fact occurring? Seems a little narrow minded to me, if in fact that is his stance. Furthermore, I can certaintly respect his views on this issue, but nowhere do I see any policy proposals to combat unwanted pregnancy, deal with the millions of children who will be born to unwanting mothers if his ban is achieved, nor does he give a view on what type of punishment a woman would be subjected to if she is caught receiving an abortion. I wonder, how many children has Mr. Paul adopted. Seems to me that those vehemently opposed to this practice have a responsibility to to adopt since that seems to be their mantra on alternatives. Practice what you preach is what I was always taught.
August 15, 2007 at 8:02 pm
Chris, I would like to respectfully reply to your post. With a bit more research into Dr. Paul, you would find clear answers to your questions. He is personally very opposed abortion. However, he does NOT feel like it is something the federal government should be involved with one way or the other. He says that it is a “very complicated issue, and the more complicated the issue, the more the states and local governments should deal with it.” That is a loose quote of him from my memory. You can find Youtube videos or audio interviews of him on the net where he says this. Of course, he bases this thought process on the constitution, which is where he bases ALL of his political views….down the line, period, without exception.
As for practicing what you preach…well, I sure would like to know if there is a politician ANYWHERE that does that more than Dr. Paul!! Do a bit more research, and I think you’ll see what I mean. Here are a couple examples to whet your appetite: he has been a member of Congress for 10 terms, and he has opted to not take the lucrative pension plan the Congressmen have available to them; and when he was a Dr., he did not accept Medicare / Medicaid payment for his services (because he disagrees morally with the idea of the government taking money from one person to give to another….which is what taxes and entitlement / social programs basically do), instead he treated his patients for reduced rates or even free! Wouldn’t you call that practicing what you preach publicly and politically in your personal life? I assure you there are more examples from where those come from. I agree with you that living the way you talk should be a test for a true leader and statesman, and Ron Paul passes that test with FLYING COLORS!!!
August 18, 2007 at 11:25 pm
http://ronpaul2008.typepad.com/ron_paul_2008/2007/08/index.html
Ron Paul came in 3rd in an Illinois poll, and he came in first in an Alabama and New Hampshire poll.
August 22, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Robbie,
What a cop out. Let the states deal with complicated issues?????????? The Federal Government shouldn’t be involved one way or the other??????? The U.S. Supreme court ruled on this matter making it a federal issue. Obvioulsy you and I differ on how one interprets the constitution. I for one believe that the framers knew quite well that the doucment itself would be added to and thus in that wisdom one could logically believe that they intended the constitution to be a living document.
Furthermore, you fail to answer my original question as it pertains to those who vehemently oppose abortion. I would assume you do. How many children have you adopted Robbie? What alternatives has Dr. Paul (as you so reverently refer to him) given to us for abortion? Of those alternatives, how many does he himself practice? Also, if it is morally wrong for government to take from one person to give to another then Dr. Paul would obviously be in favor of ending veterans benefits along with other social programs? As a supporter would you agree? What I believe everyone fails to see here is that government is necessary, sometimes a necessary evil, but necessary nonetheless. Just for fun, sit and think about governemnt regulations and programs that you yourself benefit from daily. Hint* there are plenty and you use them daily when you use products, drink water, etc.. If you can’t think of any I will respond accordingly.