Ron Paul (R) Blasts War Against Iran and Defends "Her" Against Attack

[Terran1212]

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat?bid=1&pid=77004

The full speech is at:


Excerpt:

The conclusion we should derive from this is simple: It's in our best interest to pursue a foreign policy of non-intervention. A strict interpretation of the Constitution mandates it. The moral imperative of not imposing our will on others, no matter how well intentioned, is a powerful argument for minding our own business. The principle of self-determination should be respected. Strict non-intervention removes the incentives for foreign powers and corporate interests to influence our policies overseas. We can't afford the cost that intervention requires, whether through higher taxes or inflation. If the moral arguments against intervention don't suffice for some, the practical arguments should.

Intervention just doesn't work. It backfires and ultimately hurts American citizens both at home and abroad. Spreading ourselves too thin around the world actually diminishes our national security through a weakened military. As the superpower of the world, a constant interventionist policy is perceived as arrogant, and greatly undermines our ability to use diplomacy in a positive manner.

Conservatives, libertarians, constitutionalists, and many of today's liberals have all at one time or another endorsed a less interventionist foreign policy. There's no reason a coalition of these groups might not once again present the case for a pro-American, non-militant, non-interventionist foreign policy dealing with all nations. A policy of trade and peace, and a willingness to use diplomacy, is far superior to the foreign policy that has evolved over the past 60 years.

It's time for a change.

[Taxloss]

1. It is customary to refer to countries as "her".

Don't ask me why, it just is.

[Terran1212]

3. If you're showing respect it is

And I'm proud of him for respecting Iran.

[HereSince1628]

5. Obviously depends on the custom.

[nonconformist]

10. I think that comes from the idea that a country is a mother to it's people

But I could be mistaken.

[Greeby]

2. Do you think we could persuade to switch back to the Libertarian Party?

Certainly would create some media coverage, and he could give a similar speech to the ones he often gives on war and peace

[Terran1212]

4. I think he needs Republican funding but maybe not

I often wonder why people to the Left of most dems and Republicans who lean more towards the Libertarian party go to the Republican party if they are already popular enough to win the election.

[dogday]

6. Ron Paul, Someone Texans can be proud of....

He has been very out spoken against alot of things.. I am proud of him...

[Terran1212]

7. The Few The Proud

: )

[VelmaD]

9. Uh...he's not always on the side of the angels...

"proud" is a bit too positive a word for how I feel about Ron Paul. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

[lastknowngood]

8. Sounds like Ron is talking about a real third party of Americans

not dem's or repub's or libri's. Hell I vote for him.

[Ilsa]

11. No taxes, no public schools, no public-funded anything.

Except for what is expressly declared in the Constitution, such as the military. Pay a toll every few miles on the highway. That's who Ron Paul is. He's my Congressman.

[Terran1212]

12. His Peace adovocacy is good

Everything else is mental, imo.