As the respective Republican and Democratic primary races began this year, I found myself more closely aligned with Ron Paul than any other candidate.
His no nonsense, libertarian views resonated with me and I was willing to tolerate his “peace” message. (Also known as “Get out of Iraq now.”)
I was able to tolerate it based on several factors:
- I essentially agree with him on the ill effects our foreign policy has had in the past. It is quite likely that Al Qaeda did not attack us “because of our freedom”.
- I also essentially agree that invading Iraq was a mistake.
While his foreign policy seemed overly simplistic and isolationist, I kept listening. I even donated twice to his campaign fund. I assumed that there was more depth to it. I assumed that his plan was more complex than “Step 1. Leave. Step 2. See step 1.”
Unfortunately, I was incorrect.
Ron Paul gets a lot right. He gets the role of government right. He gets personal responsiblity right. He gets the constitution.
However, simply leaving Iraq would be a bigger crime at this point than our unwarranted invasion. Often times when you create a problem, the responsiblity to fix it becomes rightfully yours. It might be easier to simply reverse direction, but it isn’t the moral thing to do. (The Bay of Pigs comes to mind.)
All of this considered, I began to distance myself from his campaign.
The other thing I realized in all of this is that the stereotypes about Ron Paul supporters are that way…because Ron Paul supporters are that way. They claim not to be a radical fringe movement, even as they use the word “neo-con” as if it is a universally accepted term.
Don’t get me wrong: It is inspiring to see people dedicated to a cause and excercising their right of political expression, but I can’t committ to this movement.
I have many friends who are still avid fans. I encourage them to continue their support. Ron Paul is a good man and an above average politician. I will not be voting for him in the primaries though, as it stands.
Who am I going to support?
I’m not sure. Indeed all Republican candidates are dissappointing this year. I’ll keep you posted.
Thoughtfully,
Clifton
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