Last week we started talking about libertarian politics. This week we finish our exploration of libertarian politics and start talking more directly about contemporary democracy in America.
A great way to transition between libertarianism and contemporary American politics is with the US Presidential candidate Republican Senator Ron Paul. As I mentioned in class, Ron Paul is not completely libertarian insofar as he takes more socially conservative positions in regards to abortion, which means that he favors government intervention in an individual women's right to have an abortion by the repeal of Woe v. Wade and the legal definition of life as beginning at conception. Ron Paul is a libertarian oriented US Presidential candidate running for the Republican Party.
Some of the policies that Sen. Ron Paul advocates for and may try enact if he is elected US President are:
You can read more specifically about Ron Paul's positions as a US Presidential candidate here. In general, he would repeal Woe v. Wade (which would make abortion illegal), close or at least limit the influence of the Environmental Protection Agency, pull troops out of Afghanistan and Iraq and limit global military deployments, push toward a more privatized healthcare system, cut taxes on individuals and businesses, limit the influence of unions, support homeschooling, strengthen border security and exert more governmental power over immigration.
What do you think?
I want you to think about Ron Paul's political positions and how they relate to the Libertarian Party. Note that the Libertarian Party does not endorse Ron Paul -- they recognize a number of lesser known candidates. Ron Paul has some different views compared to the Libertarian Party on important issues. Some commentators have even said that Ron Paul is not libertarian enough [see also here].
How does Ron Paul measure up to Libertarian ideals? Does Ron Paul and the Libertarian Party share any views or are all of them different? Would you say that Ron Paul is an authentic Libertarian or more of a Republican? Would someone like Ron Paul be a positive influence or a negative influence on the direction of American politics?
I think Ron Paul is the biggest voice for the Libertarian Party. Its easy to see that he does have views that go against what a pure Libertarian may want. Paul does want to limit government in some areas of people's lives. He also wants some government in personal matters like abortion. It does make sense because liberals are okay with anything that doesn't hurt others and he sees abortion as hurting someone else. I see Ron Paul as more Libertarian than Republican. I think Paul would be a positive influence because it would bring new ideas and methods to our country. We need something different if we are going to move forward as a nation.
ReplyDeleteCorbin Clark
PSCI 100.3
MWF 11-12
I agree with Corbin, I do feel that he is more of a Liberitarian. I feel that the positions listed above if he was elected President would have positive influences on all Americans, and possibly an eye opener for a lot of us. I personallly agree with a lot of the positions above especially with making abortion illegal. I think he would be a good leader for America.
ReplyDeleteTiffany Didawick
PSCI 100.04
I would say that overall he is much more Libertarian than anything else. I also think that he would be a good influence on the country because he seems to be in the middle of both the main parties. This would allow him to please both parties while also getting important things accomplished.
ReplyDeleteBrendan Darby
PSCI 100
T TH
I think Paul is much more of a Liberatarian. His views are much more libertarian than anything else. However, I really like him. He would be a great change to the United States because some of his views sway the other way. Having a president that understands and respects the other sides views will certainly be a bonus for us.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Shank
PSCI 100
(Tues/thurs)
12:25-1:40
I would say that he is overall liberitarian, I also think that he would be a good influence for the United States because he seems to see both sides and not just stricktly one sides views. He wants to limit government and have control over some things such as abortion. I am very against abortion and believe that this would be a good thing to enact on. Liberals believe that you have the right to control your property and your body, however having an abortion would be hurting the unborn inside of you and that is not okay! I believe that his views are strong and would help make the United States a better country.
ReplyDeleteJenna Hoffman
PSCI 100.3
MWF 11:10-12
I think that Ron Paul is overall more Republican due to the fact that he goes against one of the main policies of a Libertarian government, the right to control over your own body. He does share a lot of the same views as a Libertarian, but due to some drastic differences I do not believe he can be categorized under the Libertarian Party.
ReplyDeletePSCI 100.03
It's totally hard to give up some ethics that we grew up with. With most of our lives influenced by religion and other factors, it would be hard to totally stick with just one idealism. A normal citizen despite being a democrat or republican would not agree with all of the policies of their favorable party wants to implement. as for the case of Ron Paul, in my opinion, him calling himself a libertarian is true in some aspects but he wouldn't truly represent a true libertarian that would want to maximize freedom and minimizing the government. His ideology leans towards the republican view.
ReplyDeleteWe can't just blame Ron Paul for rejecting the idea of the legality for abortion, his roots might have influenced his opinion but he had a considerable experience in being a doctor which might had reinforced his stand on this topic. which i don't find bad either, supporting pro-life doesn't really make him more or less of a person.
On the good side, I see his views as a positive influence over the country as we're letting the government hold too much control over it's people.
^from REU
ReplyDeletePSCI 100 - MWF 11:10 - 12:00
Leslie Uri Acuesta
Ron Paul would very different for this country. This may not be a bad idea for this nation. No doubt we need to do something different for out country to get back on track to where we have been in the past. Something has to be done, the only thing saving the U.S right now is that U.S dollar is still the world currency, if that ever changes, which I think it will sooner than we think, this country will go into a deep, deep depression. I think Ron Paul may be someone to actually help this country move forward.
ReplyDeleteBrian Wilt
PSCI 12:25-1:50
As others have suggested, Ron Paul, in my opinion would not be a bad thing for the country. We need something new to make changes where they are needed. It just doesn't seem like some things that are occurring right now or should be occurring are doing enough to help our nation, so again, try some new changes. I also view Ron Paul as a Libertarian with a twist of republican. He is not a pure libertarian like others are, he does want to make changes that will limit govts power in peoples personal lives, yet he still wants them to be able to have input/stop things like mentioned before, abortion. So, he will make changes to our govt that will push us in the libertarian direction but not to a crazy extreme of libertarianism.
ReplyDeleteBrianne Fisher
TR 12:25-1:40
Paul is very much as "pure" a libertarian as the American people are going to accept. He offers the views of the liberal side but has them toned down a little bit so conform with popular views. Im not sure if he will end up sticking to his liberal guns though or end up bending to the will of Washington
ReplyDeleteAbbie McMullen
MWF 11:10-12
I think Ron Paul is more Libertarian than Republican, although I do not think he is a completely authentic Libertarian. I think he would be a good influence on the United States because he is not one-sided. I think it is very important for our leaders to be able to see the benefit of different political parties because, although they butt heads often, there are plus sides to all views. Because Ron Paul is not strictly Libertarian, some of his views do differ from the libertarian party.
ReplyDeleteI think Ron Paul is a republican with a libertarian type of view. Generally, republicans want to limit the government's involvement as much as possible, similar to the view of libertarians. One example of this is tax cuts.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Lundstrom
polysci 100:04
TR12:25-1:40
I agree with Amanda, on labeling him as a republican with a libertarian type of view. He does have libertarian views on some things but I don't see how he can be considered mostly libertarian when he is completely anti-abortion, which goes against the belief of ones body being your own to do as you please with.
ReplyDeleteAlexandra Kezman
polysci 100
TR 12:25-1:40
There is no way Ron Paul could be Republican. Republicans are completely for military expansion. If he wants to pull troops out of countires like Iraq and Afganistan then he is completely going against the republican parties veiw. Same with border security. Abortion is a very touchy subject so Im not even going to mention that. All of his major veiw are more of a liberal stance. Chad Watson PCSI 100:04
ReplyDeleteRon Paul has Libritarian views, but I do not believe he is more Libritarian than anything else. Some of his main points go against libriatarians views like abortion should be an individuals decision and is a private matter. I like alot of his points,but think others need to be revised like limiting environmental protection, other than that i think the overall idea of him is nice and could benefit the country.
ReplyDelete-Katlyn Kettering
PSCI 100.03
M.W.F 11-12
I do think that Ron Paul has many factors that would consider him a liberatarian however, the abortion issue along with several others I wouldn't consider him a complete libertarian.
ReplyDeleteAfter spending time on the Ron Paul website, I think he would make a lot of changes to the United States that need to be made. I agree that abortion should be illegal however, in the same sense he's not fighting for individual rights. I particularly like his stand on the second amendment and he does fight for individual rights on that.
As far as his similarities to the libertarian party, they stand closely to a lot of the same opinions according to the libertarian party website and ron pauls website.
I believe that while Ron Paul has beliefs as a libertarian as well as a Republican, he definitely leans more toward a libertarian.
He might be a good change for the US.
Rose Walker
PSCI T TH 12:25
Ron Paul in my opinion is a republican with a libertarian view/beliefs. Most likely republicans want to limit the government's involvement as much as they car, similar to the view of libertarians. I believe he has good aspects that would have some great influences for our country, like stated above he seems to be in the middle of both parties which gives him an advantage over a lot of others because he can understand what both parties want and where to go about accomplishing those wants/needs.
ReplyDeleteAmber Collis
PoliSci 100:03
I don't necessarily think that Ron Paul is libertarian. I agree with Amber that he has those views but isn't fully a libertarian. I think some of the things that he wants to do such as pull troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan would be amazing for the American families, strengthen security, etc. I however do not agree with his influence on abortion. I don't think the government should have anything to do with that decision.
ReplyDeleteAshley Bryant
PSCI 1225-140
I don't think that Ron Paul shares the same views as the aspects of a libertarian that we saw in last weeks blog. I believe he is more toward a Republican, yet still libertarian as well. His view on abortion for example is not that of a libertarian. They think that abortion is up to the mother; he wants it to be illegal. He is not primarily focused on citizen's rights like a libertarian. But perhaps that is what makes a person an authentic libertarian. If Ron Paul were elected president, I believe some good things could come out of it but it would be such a dramatic change for our society we wouldn't know how to handle it. In the long run, I think it would be a bad decision on America's part to vote him into office.
ReplyDeleteJessica VanFleet
TR 12:25
I believe Ron Paul is more of a libertarian than a republican even with his different views on abortion. (which makes no sense to me) Although I do not agree with his view on this matter at all, I think that he would do good in office because it gives us a better outlook on life. I think he would change our country for the better and push us in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteKyra Fox
PSCI 100,04
T.TH 12:25-1:40
If Ron Paul is elected president, doesn't he have to go through congress before he can enforce any of the listed tasks? I'm not too much into politics and this is all kind of a blur to me so I was just wondering.
ReplyDeleteAshley Wright
Psci 100.03
MWF 11-12
Ron Paul has good intentions. He is more of a republican than a libertarian. Some of his views are libertarian, beside abortion. If he was elected into office, it could be a positive, yet negative influence as well. The negative influence being his view of abortion.
ReplyDeleteTaylor Frankenberry
PSCI 100.03
mwf 11-12
I believe that Ron Paul is a good mix of Libertarian and Republican. He wants to lessen the amount of government in individual lives, but still have it in other aspects. With that being said, I do feel that he would have a positive influence if elected for president. We all can agree that we have an extremely strong government that does run most, if not all, aspects of our lives. Most of us can also agree that we don't really like it. We need a government in some degree, so if Ron Paul can keep the government but keep a good bit out of our lives, it would be a good thing.
ReplyDeleteKourtney Weld
PSCI 100.3
MWF 11-12
I feel that Ron Paul is a very strong libertarian and has a strong voice within the party. Although I do believe that some of the things he says ago against what they believe. I think that if he were to become president I would give us a huge wake up call. One that we really need. We need to try something new for a change so why not this. His views would most likely influence us in a good way.
ReplyDeleteKatie Reeg
PSCI 100,04
T.TR 12:25-1:40
I believe that our country right now is in need of someone like this I really think that he could lead us to some good changes. As many have mentioned before that it seems like we talked about in class that he’s like a “twist” between libertarian and republican. Im going to examine the abortion issue because it was listed above. His Pro-Life statement seems that he want to try and do anything possible for a women not to have an abortion, a good idea he said was put up for adoption. Well as I understand what we talked about in class is the fact that a Libertarian Control Rights says that a person has full rights over there body. Ok well making them have the baby and give it up for adoption isn’t exactly a full sense of control over someone’s body’s rights. BUT all of his other policies have more of a libertarian outlook. The “twist” in his republican and libertarian policies would do this country well.
ReplyDeleteRyan Potts
T-R 12:25
After reviewing Ron Paul's views, I feel he is a combo, mix of Libertarian and Republican. He is supporting the need of safety and security, but not in such an invasive way. However, his view on abortion pushes him away from Libertarianism. Based on the situation our country is in today, a "Combo" may be a great choice to help get us back on track. With possessing both Libertarian and Republican views/standards, Ron Paul may have the potential to grab the attention of many citizens who are wanting our country to stop falling backwards and start moving forwards. In other words, Ron Paul may be a great choice in helping the United States become a better/safer country.
ReplyDeleteMegan Manuel
PSCI - 100.04 TR
I think Ron Paul is smart to support Libertarin ideas but still remain Republican. Most people agree that a Libertartian society would be impossibe to have in America so I doubt a Libertarian would ever get elected. Ron Paul knows he has to use the best of Libertarianism and leave what people wouldnt vote for. Although he is being very hypocritical with his stance on abortion.
ReplyDeleteJessica Bailey
PSCI TR 1225
I feel Ron Paul does have more of a liberatarian identity. Although they don't come out and say it. Not all democrats are going to 100 percent agree with 100 percent of the stereotypical views of democrats. Same for all other parties. Everyone has different views and we don't have a thousand different categories to put ourselves in, so we go for the one closest to our views.I feel this is exactly how Ron Paul is. Not all his beliefs will agree completely with the Liberarians. Some hide their beliefs to "fit-in" with the party. He is true to a majority of his views, that is why they won't accept him to the party I feel.
ReplyDeleteAmber Kollar
PSCI 100:03
MWF 11:10-12:00
I think Ron Paul is generally full of shit most of the time. His way of thinking for this Libertarian movement only came around in the last twenty years or so. He didn't get the Republican Nomination in 1988 to run for President so he decided to jump onto another ballot and has been their since, soaking up money and pulling votes away from Republican Candidates. He's the reason George Bush almost loss the 2000 Election in Florida.
ReplyDeleteZach Moore
PSCI 100:3
I believe Ron Paul is more republican then a Libertarian. His views on abortion and strengthen government involvement in such a personal matter would go directly against the libertarian views. Although I agree with his support on withdrawing troops, I feel some of his other views, especially those dealing with healthcare and the EPA would further damage our country.
ReplyDelete.Amanda.Etube.
..PSCI.100.03..
While I agree with some of Ron Paul’s political policies, I disagree with some of them as well. I do not and never have believed that any politician should decide whether or not a woman should be allowed to have an abortion. While I do not believe in abortion as a form of birth control, I do believe that the decision to abort should be left to the individuals that will explain themselves on their judgment day. Libertarians believe that people should have full right of their bodies; abortion is a full right over a woman’s body. Republicans oppose abortion. The other issue I disagree with is cutting 137k federal jobs and placing them “elsewhere” until retirement. Is that really possible? I think that EVERY politician has the agenda that they want Americans to “buy” into. And I also think that they have the real agenda, doing what they want regardless of the opinion or desires of those around them. I know that Ron Paul wants to cut $1 trillion dollars in spending, and in that $1 trillion are the grants that keep me at Shepherd. So, while I agree with some of his policies, for selfish reasons I don’t like that policy at all!
ReplyDeletePatricia Claude
PSCI 100-03
I believe he is a middle man, and over all a libitarism. I think he will defiantly be able to please both both parties while doing whats right and what he believes in. His views on abortion are a strength to the goverment.
ReplyDeleteAlexis Kun
PSCI 100-03
Ron Paul wants to be the voice of the Libertarian Party. I think that his views on Abortion are Republican like Amanda said above. A pure Libertarian view would say that a person has their own freedom and rights over their property to do whatever they want. Libertarians believe in the least minimal government interaction which goes against Ron Paul in his abortion statements and his views on more government control on immigration. On the other hand, his views on privatizing Healthcare and limiting global military deployments do go along with most of the views of the Libertarian party. I think Ron Paul could possibly make this country a better place if he got some opinions on his policies from citizens of the United States.
ReplyDeleteTroy McNeill
PSCI 100-03
MFW 11:10-12
I agree that Ron Paul is trying to be the voice of the liberitarian party, but he is also has Republican views. Although, I think that he could have a positive impact on our government.
ReplyDeleteKirsten Dorosh
PSCI 100.03
MWF 11:10-12
It seems like, to me, Ron Paul is less Libertarian and more Rebublican. Yes, he wants to limit some of the influence of government agencies but then again, he takes more of a Republican side on stuff like abortion and border security. I think he would bring some different ideas to office if he were to be elected president, which might not be such a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteBriana Simpson
PSCI 100-04
T/R 12:25-1:40
I feel as if Paul does not represent traditional Libertarian ideals. His views of creating stronger border control and security contradict the Libertarian view of instead changing legislation. Such a move would also be more typical of a Republican rather than Libertarian candidate as it would limit freedom and grow government. In fact, a number of his stances could be said to be just as much Republican based as well as Libertarian based, such a being pro-life, lower taxes, limiting the power of the EPA (for those that live in la-la land and think this would be a good idea), as well as gun rights. I’ll be frank and note an incredible bias, but Paul appears to be bee just another Republican gimmick just as Palin and Steele are. But I feel that having a (true) Libertarian candidate might do more to end our current two party system in America and be a positive influence on the future of politics.
ReplyDeleteJohn Winterstine
PSCI 100.04
10-22-11
Ron Paul appears to lean more on the Republican ideals than the a traditional libertarian. His position on abortion goes totally against a libertarians stance. I believe his idea of pulling the troops from the Middle East will save us a ton of needed money. The limitations on the EPA is also needed, because the organization is getting beyond out of hand in regulations on business operations and we are seeing the effects now. The strengthening on our boarders really need to be more of a focus. His ideas seem right, but I understand why the libertarian party doesn't see him as a true fit.
ReplyDeleteAlex Bibby
T/H 12:25
PSCI 100:04
I agree that Ron Paul has many libertarian views, though he still has some republican views as well. I feel that he's beneficial to both parties and could have a positive influence on both. Ron Paul is different than most politicians in this aspect, and could be the change our country needs.
ReplyDeleteSara Paquet
MWF 11:10-12:00
PSCI 100.03
I personally can see Ron Paul in both aspects as a Libertarian and a Republican..which is why I don't know which he is more of...I do think he has some good points and that would help improve us as a country such as abortion..I do believe it is wrong and it should be illegal. It is hurting someone in an awful way so therefore I dont believe that is right and I fully agree with Ron Paul but I don't know if I agree with lessening our government. There are people that would take everything way out of hand if we lessened the government..People need restrictions and a lot of people need that to make sure they do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteMegan Frazer
mwf 11-12
psci 100
Ron Paul, in my personal opinion, seems to be more libertarian than Republican because he stands and supports for most of the libertarian policies, with an exception of the right to an abortion. He believes in the free market and lowering taxes as well as the property rights which I feel like are important libertarian issues that justify his current state. I feel like he would indeed be a good presidential candidate because he does somewhat create a balance between the two main political parties fighting for the control of government today. He would be a positive influence because I think he would appeal to more people in that he would have supporters from both parties and not just republicans.
ReplyDeleteI do not agree with Ron Paul that abortion should be up to the governtment instead of a individual womens decision. Paul does have liberatarian views but some of views are more republic. I think in retrospect he would be more benifical tot eh libral party.
ReplyDeleteKatlyn Mathai
PSCI 100
MWF 11:10-12:00
I think that Ron Paul is a Republican with many Libertarian beliefs. I would not say he is an authentic Libertarian just for the fact of the abortion action he wants to take because that goes directly against the views of a Libertarian. He does apply some types of Libertarian to his political ideas and still uses some Republican views. I would say he has a nice mix of ideas. Although I don’t believe he can call himself a full Libertarian. He could be a positive influence on the country because he seems to be open-minded and shares many different views.
ReplyDeleteSara Balog
PCSI 100-04
TR 12:25-1:40
I guess you could say Ron Paul shares some ideals of a libertarian, but not so many either. I feel like he would try and intervene with certain policies, and i do not think that libertarians intervene a whole lot. They make policies but they are made for you to decide what is bad or good. I also agree with those commentators, whoever they may be, Ron Paul is not libertarian enough to call himself one.
ReplyDeleteDylan Nick
T/R 12:25-1:40
Poly Sci 100-04
I think Ron Paul is more Republican than libertarian. True libertarians are neither republican or democrat. Libertarians share some views with republicans and some with democrats.
ReplyDeleteDwight Shilling
PSCI 100.03
He is more a Libertarian than a Republican because he wants to lessen our global military deployments and Republicans would never support that. Also, on his website he says that he would make securing our borders the top national security priority, and I have a problem with this because illegal immigrants are not threatening our safety so why would that be the top security priority. I think he would be negative for American policy because he wants to limit foreign intervention, and that intervention keeps Americans safe at home.
ReplyDeleteSteven Lesko
TR 12 25
PSCI 100-04
If he was a true Libertarian he would not be running for the office of president. It directly contradicts everything that they stand for. Libertarianism is borderline anarchy and the office of President is far from anarchy. His policies and ideals are much more Republican.
ReplyDeleteT TR 12:25
I feel that Ron Paul is a Republican that has many beliefs that are similar to Libertarian views. However, I think he is more of a Libertarian. He would be a positive influence to America because he would bring many of his positive beliefs.
ReplyDeleteTracy Ocampo
MWF 1110-12
PSCI 100.3
I believe that Ron Paul is a libertarian because of how he believes in different things that other parties believe. He might be republican for one issue, but on another, he might go against what a republican would say. This makes him a good candidate to vote for in either party.
ReplyDeleteDanny Kremen
Poli Sci 100:04
TR 12:25-1:40
I feel Ron Paul is more of a Liberal-Republican. As a woman, if I got pregnant it is my decision, NOT THE GOVERNMENT’S, decision if I want to have the baby or not. It is my body and my right. But I have never been in that position, being pregnant, so I do not know what I would personally do. But it would be within my rights if I decided to terminate or keep the pregnancy. It is my body, my right. I feel that lessening the EPA is a mistake. They have made so much progress in terms of making America a better place and healthier than years ago. But he would exert more power in terms of immigration? That doesn’t sound Libertarian to me. I feel that to be liberal is to be pro-choice on everything. Gay marriage, abortion, drugs and so forth. I do feel Ron Paul is not a true libertarian.
ReplyDeleteHope Fraser
T&Th 12:25:1:40pm
Ron Paul is the only libertarian that I have ever heard of. I dont know if he would be the best candidat for president but I do like how he takes into consideration the average persons thoughts and feelings like the war. He says that one of his goals would be to bring troops home. I do think that he is not as libretarian as some for example his policies of make tight securety boarders and he view that the govt can get involved in makeing personal decisions for citizens (like abortion).
ReplyDeleteHeather Burleson
T&TH 12;25-1;40