Des Moines, Iowa (CNN) - Texas Rep. Ron Paul has distanced himself from a series of controversial newsletters from the 1980s and 1990s that bore his name and included inflammatory and racially charged language.
As the newsletters burst into view, first during his 2008 presidential bid and again in recent weeks after he climbed to the front of the Republican race in Iowa, Paul has blamed the writings on ghostwriters. He said he was not aware of the "bad stuff," as he described it.
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But one of Paul's own books, published solely under his name, contains several passages that could be problematic as he attempts to push his libertarian message into the political mainstream.
In his 1987 manifesto "Freedom Under Siege: The U.S. Constitution after 200-Plus Years," Paul wrote that AIDS patients were victims of their own lifestyle, questioned the rights of minorities and argued that people who are sexually harassed at work should quit their jobs.
The slim, 157-page volume was published ahead of Paul's 1988 Libertarian Party presidential bid and touches on many of the themes he continues to hammer on the stump.
Returning again and again to the of concept of "liberty," he hails the virtues of the gold standard, attacks the Federal Reserve and defends the rights of gun-owners.
But the book, re-issued in 2007 during Paul's last presidential bid with a cover photograph of an ominous SWAT Team, has so far escaped scrutiny amid the latest furor over his newsletters.
In one section of the book, Paul criticized people suffering from AIDS or other contagious diseases for demanding health insurance coverage.
"The individual suffering from AIDS certainly is a victim - frequently a victim of his own lifestyle - but this same individual victimizes innocent citizens by forcing them to pay for his care," Paul wrote.
In another chapter on the rights of individuals outside of government – the central theme of Paul's libertarian philosophy - he sharply criticized the "absurdity" of politicians who try to bestow differing rights on various social and ethnic groups.
It's dangerous to craft a separate set of rights for groups like Hispanics, African-Americans, children, employees and the homeless, Paul wrote.
"Until all these terms are dropped and we recognize that only an individual has rights the solution to the mess in which we find ourselves will not be found," Paul explained.
"Every year new groups organize to demand their 'rights,'" he continued. "White people who organize and expect the same attention as other groups are quickly and viciously condemned as dangerous bigots. Hispanic, black, and Jewish caucuses can exist in the U.S. Congress, but not a white caucus, demonstrating the absurdity of this approach for achieving rights for everyone."
Paul also defended the rights of an individual to "control property and run his or her business as he or she chooses," without interference from "the social do-gooder."
In a passage first flagged by the Houston Chronicle in 2007, Paul then claimed that sexual harassment should not be a violation of one's employment rights.
"Employee rights are said to be valid when employers pressure employees into sexual activity," Paul wrote. "Why don't they quit once the so-called harassment starts? Obviously the morals of the harasser cannot be defended, but how can the harassee escape some responsibility for the problem? Seeking protection under civil rights legislation is hardly acceptable."
Paul's campaign manager Jesse Benton defended the book and said the candidate "has been speaking out for decades that rights do not come from belonging to a group."
"Rights come because we are all individuals, endowed by our creator, and Americans must look beyond race or creed and recognize that we all deserving of the same Liberty," Benton told CNN in an email. "This truth is a tenant of natural law and the only way we will achieve a color blind and truly free society."
Also see:
Nearly half of Iowa ads attack Gingrich
Romney and Paul battle for top spot in new Iowa poll
From CNN Politics
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....but this isn't at all like the 'bad stuff' in the newsletters, right? Riiiiiight....
I pray that Ron Paul is never elected President. He and his son Rand Paul are two of a kind. It really irritates me that part of my tax money has been paid for 30 years to this racist man and he will retire January 2013 and taxpayers will still pay him about $115,000.00 per year plus health care, until his death.
I don't see anything wrong with what he said. Frequently (Not the majority) of the time, HIV is spread via lifestyle and it is wrong for anyone to EXPECT anyone else to pay for them.
And he is spot on with his analysis of special interest groups that get special rights.
I guess when you have no dirt on someone you need to really strech to have something to talk about besides the issues. And you really don't want to discuss the issues with Paul because who wants to look stupid for not agreeing.
sounds like some things were taken out of context. Plus all MSM is biased toward and fear Ron Paul anyway (because he doesn't cater to them – he isn't corrupt).
When you get to the heart of the matter is he STILL the only person that actually save this country from collapse. He's the only shot we have at getting Obama out of office.
Go Ron Paull win Iowa.
It's a (slightly) less than tactful statement – but not a departure from the truth.
The same statement can easily be applied to people who end up with lung cancer as the result of smoking (is it a hateful statement in this example?).
I agree with those comments and think they are spot on.
This will only HELP Ron Paul WIN in 2012!!!!!
Really..... People are trying to criticize Paul for these writings??? Not only are they not racist, it is the basic philosophy of accountability and equality.
"Recently an alcoholic who developed cirrhosis of the liver demanded a liver transplant, in the name of "equal rights." The state welfare program assumed the obligation to provide care for the man, but insisted he quit his alcoholic ways. The man refused, and the state held up on his liver transplant. For this reason he sued the state, demanding his rights."
I guess I don't see anything wrong with some of the statements in the book.
Similar arguments are why we should support a pyramid ponzi in the form of social security, knowing it won'd cover people unless twice as many citizens put in money into the system every twenty years.
On racial issues he says everyone should be treated equally. That's the only non-racists stance. Taking a stance of "you're black so you need more help then the rest of us" is actually an insult to the abilities of black people.
On AIDS/diseases, the point is that while you have problems and it'd be nice to get help, that doesn't suddenly mean other people's time and money is owed to you. That's a very dangerous precedent to set.
Ron Paul says some great things once in a while, but he is unelectable, and for good reasons.
His basic philosophy seems to boil down to "might equals right". This guy would throw the rape victim into jail for tempting the rapist. Of course, he would also throw the rapist in jail and tell us that they "both bear some responsibility".
To save money, he would put them in the same cell.
Yeah, because taking personal responsibility for your actions is such a horrible thing.
"Until all these terms are dropped and we recognize that only an individual has rights the solution to the mess in which we find ourselves will not be found," Paul explained.
One of the problems with "group rights" is that you are considered privileged and outside the realm of consideration and empathy if you are not a member of "the group." Worse yet, instead of your being considered a unique individual, the concept of "group rights" stereotypes you, based upon characteristics that you share with other members of "the group." The concept of "Group rights" requires special privileges and considerations for members of "the group," while withholding them from people outside "the group."
Our government was founded upon INDIVIDUAL rights, the concept that each of us deserves "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" simply because each of us is a unique being.
The concept of "group rights" is stereotypical, discriminatory, divisive, and blatantly unAmerican.
LOL Grasping at straws here Peter Hamby? Your desperation is obvious, yes.
Shame on you, CNN. How can it possibly be argued that (unless transferred from the womb) contracting HIV can not in part be contributed to one's lifestyle. Many people remain abstinant until they are married. This is a lifestyle. This prevents HIV. I am not part of that lifestyle, but I know many who thoughtlessly screw around with dozens and dozens of people. This is a lifestyle, and is more risky.
Why are you trying to make it sound like he is a racist and/or lying?
An individual = a minority of 1
@Seattle Sue
Please check your facts... If you had done any research into Ron Paul's ideology or record you would know that he has always refused to participate in the congressional pension system and has cited it as being "immoral." In fact he has been a staunch supporter of your very sentiment and even tried introducing legislation that would decrease congressional pay at the same rate as inflation.
Seattle Sue, maybe in his heart RP is racist, who's to say? But the point is you can't legislate to certain groups. And not to worry, Ron Paul opted out of the lucrative congressional retirement plan (he's also never voted for a pay raise his entire career) so your tax dollars are safe to go to social welfare recipients.
@Seattle Sue, actually Ron Paul has chosen not to receive a federal pension. So he won't be receiving $115K per year after he's done with Congress. Try to find that type of honesty amongst any other Congressmen or women.
Trying to spin his comments as critical of minority rights is ridiculous. His support of equal rights for all is the most consistent of anyone running. Read the Declaration of Independence. Equal protection under the law.
Wow, You guys sure seem to make BS out of thin air, I hope Ron Paul knows he's dealing with some sick freaks in the Media
Message to the MSM-GAME OVER
In other words, you're trying to sling mud, but you're just getting yourself filthy.
"Every year new groups organize to demand their 'rights," and this is exactly right. The US doesn't just give people their rights, people have to organize and demand them. And some of these people are successful and end up with more rights than the rest of us, and that is what Paul is pointing out. It's a ridiculous, piecemeal approach to obtaining rights that everyone should have to begin with.
I agree with all that he said here. I am hispaic, but believe that we do not need help to succeed. We are a race that need not be on the Government's teet. I do believe rights do not come from belonging to a group. I have followed Paul for years and know he is not a racist. Most hispanics I know support Paul. We working hispanics are tired of paying for non-working minorities. Getting a felony is not right of passage for minorities and then you can't get a job. Stop embarrassing the rest of us. Ron Paul please relieve of us this tax burden and corparate inflation!. I want more of the money I earn from two jobs. Day (customer service) / night Martial Arts instructor.
Search for a video by typing "compassion of paul"
...and your problem with those passages are? You cannot and will not accept truth over a "la la land" outlook.
"Paul has blamed the writings on ghostwriters" - WHEN are these GOP candidates going to take PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for their actions. They keep denying their past actions or trying to blame them on somebody else, rather than taking personal responsibility for them. "Ghostwriters?" Really Paul? "Ghostwriters" write things on YOUR behalf. YOU are responsible for what they end up publishing if you give them the right to publish under your name. Com'on GOP, take some PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for all your anti-social behavior.
Hey Seattle Sue,
Ron Paul has disavowed taking a pension from the federal government after retiring so you don't have to worry about paying him after he retires. Any other politician ever done that?
as i thought,not as smart as your average doctor
Seattle Sue, it might make you feel better if you knew that Ron Paul is one of only a few congressmen that returns tens of thousands of dollars of his congressional office allowance every year to the treasury.
He also sponsored a bill to lower the congressional pay to around 40,000 to reflect the national average salary.
He also refuses many of the government benefits, like their retirement program that you are worried about.
Give Freedom a chance. Ron Paul is the only candidate who wants to stop all wars, increase your personal freedoms and privacy, and decrease the power of the president. These are not opinions, just facts. Ron Paul 2012!
@SeattleSue – You do realize he is not taking part in any congressional pension after he retires, right? Oh right.. You didnt know that because you dont know anything about the man.
Also – He isnt saying certain groups shouldnt have rights, he is saying we all, as individuals have the same rights as the next person. Stop taking this out of context.
Ron Paul is an economic disaster and a social menace just waiting to happen. People hear "legalize marijuana" and stop there, never delving into his crazy notion of economics and his overt racism and bigotries. Thirty years ago, a person like Ron or Rand Paul would have been pariahs at best. Americans have been so drowned in selfservative idiocies since Reagan, they hardly can tell walking-around crazy when it's running for president. Ron Paul is just one more example of "conservative" lunacy, in the same clown car with the likes of Perry, Bachmann, et al. Any one of those as the selfservative nominee would be the best thing that ever happened to the Democrats.
Spiffy
"Yeah, because taking personal responsibility for your actions is such a horrible thing."
December 30, 2011 12:30 pm at 12:30 pm |
Yeah, because "every man for himself" is such a great way to get anything done.
I am for Obama 2012 but there is nothing wrong with what he says. Personal accountability is required but there is a role for govt also.
@Seattle Sue, I like where you explained why he shouldn't be elected. Just proves you know very little about Dr. Paul or you're simply just stupid. When he is the president, he will make only $35k/year, and that's a fact. Look what $300k+/year has got us for the past 3 years
i like paul!
@Seattle Sue, Dr. Paul has refused to accept the lucrative pension paid out to congress after they serve and also gives a portion of his pay check back to the treasury every year.
Maybe people won't take issue with all of the things he said, but will take issue in the way that he said them.
Unfortunately, some of the things he's said seem to be NUTS. I retract much of the earlier respect I'd once voiced for Ron Paul. In my opinion, Huntsman now seems to be the only rational GOP Presidential candidate.
One day soon, our reckless economic and military ignorance will be called an act of war. Who will come save us from ourselves? Will they say they are defending their strategic interests? What if they say they are protecting the freedoms of humanity?
What if sound money and jobs are only possible when we aren't sending $5 billion out of this country every day?
What if Christianity teaches peace and not preventative wars and aggression?
Ron Paul & Jon Huntsman 2012.
Watch people try to explain it away....
If you're going to slander your betters, I'd suggest not providing the actual quotes.
Getting scared MSM (main stream media)? Keep trying to hate on Ron Paul. You can't keep pulling the wool over everyones eyes forever! Ron Paul 2012!
These quotes make no sense to people who do not value liberty and individual responsibility. These people do not deserve Ron Paul for President. I think Ron Paul would be the best President this country has had in decades.
In my mind this validates that Ron Paul is NOT a racist. What he is saying is that ALL of us should have EQUAL rights. If a person cannot understand the logic of these philosophical arguments maybe they shouldn't be allowed to vote in the first place. There should probably be an IQ test for voting. Only an dimwit would derive a racist tenet from these quotes.
Seems like more media bias.
@ Seattle Sue,
If you knew anything about Dr. Paul you would see how stupid your comment makes you look. Dr. Paul gives $100,000 of his salary back to the government, yearly. Dr. Paul does not use his health benefits because he feels he can pay his own way on his medical bills.
The more you slander Ron Paul the more people look him up and support him. When you call hima racist, blacks laugh at your ignorance. So, thank you for the good work, keep it up and stay desperate.
Here's the problem with what Paul is saying about minorities: on the one hand he's claiming that everyone should be treated equally in our society, but on the other hand he's also saying that there shouldn't be interference from "social do-gooders" when problems with equality are identified. How could you possibly provide equal treatment in society if you also claim you should never do anything about it when it's been identified? It's a ridiculous point of view.
And the point of this article is what? These are views Paul has been stating for the past two decades. If I wasn't going to be voting for him before, I sure as hell would be after reading this.
Individuals need to take responsibility for their actions – check. The government needs to stop catering to minorities and special interests – check.
I don't know at what point Americans became so delusional and began thinking it was the government's job to take care of them, because it isn't. Work hard and you'll get what you deserve, it's as simple as that.
But what about the homeless, what about the disadvantaged, so on and so forth? Here's an idea: stop expecting the government to take of them, and do it yourself. Treat others the way you want to be treated. If you see someone in need, help them. Stop expecting Uncle Sam to make a difference, and make a difference yourself.
@Seattle Sue – Ron Paul has REJECTED his federal pension on the grounds that it is Immoral for public servants to collect a pension.
I don’t necessarily agree with everything he says and I may or may not vote for him come election day, but I will say I respect the man for speaking his mind, and telling us what he thinks rather then saying what the voters want to hear like the other candidates do to get votes.
Libtards go away, you're making a fool of yourselves...
When you give someone special rights just because they fit into a certain category that leaves you being racist to all the people outside of that category. That's no worse than not giving people rights because they aren't in a certain category. Ron Paul wants us to treat everyone equally regardless. Everyone gets treated the same, no special rights for anyone. The MSM has angered so many people by calling RP a racist. Many many minorities have openly given an account of their personal encounters with RP after these accusations to prove that these statements are false, yet you continue to ignore them. Why? Because this is the only dirt you think you have on him. It works only slightly. I could say that my neighbor was racist just to say it and ten mindless people would believe it just because it's more interesting than believing the truth BUT anyone who is even a half decent person would use their own minds and seek the proof before spreading the lie. All of you so called journalists who can only spread lies to your mindless followers will never amount to anything because you will only be as strong as your weakest link. You are catering to idiots and therefore you will never be more than a big one yourself.
Yes, it's true. AIDS is can be result of one's chosen lifestyle, but not always. Still, what concerns me about the comment is that their lifestyle didn't create AIDS, it only spreads it. There has been no cure for any disease since the cure for polio. Why? Because it would stop the flow of money into those who are doing the research thereby eliminating a need for AIDS research. There will never be a cure for cancer, AIDS or any other disease that has become the sole life support of research scientists. Who wants to work themselves out of a job??
When people of a specific race group together and start saying they aren't being treated fairly, suddenly it becomes "us vs them." And that just fuels the fire to more "group" ways of thinking and assessing the problem. There are people of all nationalities not being treated fairly, why can't they all band together instead? Because "whites" have it easier than us. Do you understand now?
Every person is different, and when you start saying they lost their jobs because of their race, we lose sight of the individual values each person holds, and the real problem is overlooked because we're too afraid to judge them now for fear of being racists. Fear being the word here, preventing a true course of action.
Paul supporters are brave by nature, something which most attribute as stupidity. It's also stupid to charge into mortars and a rain of fire, but when it comes to fighting for your country's freedom, the heroics and the necessities far outweigh the personal consequences. Demonize Paul supporters, call us arrogant and stupid. We're fighting for you and your individual rights, and we will continue to whether you like it or not.
You guys are trying to hard to derail this movement, its kinda cute : )
I agree that multiple things have been taken out of context. It sounds like he wasn't really criticizing minority rights, and I agree that special interest groups shouldn't get special consideration.
That being said, I disagree with his stance on workplace harassment. Clearly he is out of touch with "normal people" if his response is that harasees simply quit their jobs. Most of us, myself included, have been victims of some type of workplace harassment or bullying. Unfortunately, a hostile economy means we may have to endure more hostile workplaces if we don't want to go broke.
"Until all these terms are dropped and we recognize that only an individual has rights the solution to the mess in which we find ourselves will not be found," Paul explained.
As with most things, he is right.
So what he's writing is Paul is pro financial security, anti socialized health care, and anti affirmative action? Given Hamby's establishment past he has much praise for the good congressman!
So what in the book is racist? As a Native American, I couldn't agree mnore with Dr. Paul!
amazing! paul has it all wrong. his "special interest" groups do not form to get special or extra rights. they are in existance to insure that their members enjoy the same rights as wasp's enjoy. whites don't need special groups to protect them from "the man." they are the man.
The racial remarks are some of the worse things that I have heard coming from a politician since the 1960s.
Ron Paul is a CAREER POLITICIAN!
He has a base that he caters to in order to maintain his political JOB and make money doing speeches and selling books.
None of the things he wants could ever be implemented in a democratic government system. But he will continue to sell these silly fantasies of his knowing full well he will never have to take responsibility and ownership of them because they would never pass Congress.
Ron Paul would be worst than Sarah Bachmann as President.
Btw, I actually read the book!
Not very smart folks, not very smart.
Every time you libel and slander Ron Paul, people look him up, and he gains support. Every time you tote the asinine assertion that he "can't" win, people look him up, and he gains support. When you ignore him, people wonder why, look him up, and he gains more support. When you call him a racist, black Americans laugh at your ignorance.
Ron Paul’s governing stance is, has always been, and will always be, individual liberty for all Americans, period.
What is disturbing at this point, is not that you continue to unapologetically persist with your outrageous lies and mischaracterizations, because that is predictable; but rather your inability to see just how badly this irreversibly damages your credibility.
So please, keep up the good work and stay desperate, we thank you for aiding in the Ron Paul Revolution.
Thankfully he will never win the presidency.
I have been saying for months that this man is crazy. He also cannot react without anger to any question that bothers him. This is who we want interacting with world leaders? Oh, wait. He doesn't think we should get involved in world affairs. He is dangerous, and his son is nuts. The apple fell not far...
What a load these comments are AIDS is a life style choice??? What about a ciggarette smoking lung cancer person. My god get over this bS! And what the heck does on spot mean? Obviously a poor choice and that individual has not got a clue. As far as the vote goes in Iowa, it means vertially Nothing! Look at what it really is and the meaning it has , has nothing to do with delegate selection. As for Paul he is one hell of a grumpy old man!
There were only 2 comments when I wrote mine. I critisized the media for smear compain against Ron Paul. My comments were taken away-to "mold the public opinion". What Democracy ?
1st, pls visit the Elizabeth Glasser Pediatric Aids Foundation website to better understand the fact that not all AIDS patients suffer as the result of lifestyle choice.
Second, in the beginning of the crisis no one knew how the disease was transmitted. If I drink a glass of water today and fine out tommorow that water causes cancer, am I failing to take personal responsibility if I submit an insurance claim?
Seattle Sue,
Please take the time to do some research before repeating what you see on the news. Ron Paul is not a racist, every action he has ever done 30 years of public life proves it. Also, he has declined his pension plan because he believes it to be too lucrative. Again, do some research before you sound off. Thanks.
CNN, why don't you post how Romney erased the hard drives when he left office as Governor of Massachusetts? How about his destruction of several companies in order to enrich himself? There's a lot there. What is he hiding? As you rip apart Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich, where is your outrage at Romney? I guess you will attack Santorum next.
@Seattle sue, because demanding everyone be treated equally makes him a racist...right
Spiffy Said:
Yeah, because taking personal responsibility for your actions is such a horrible thing. – December 30, 2011 12:30 pm at 12:30 pm |
Unfortunately Spiffy, that is the current mindset.
So what was wrong with what was in this book??? Oh yeah the way he said it....
Seattle Sue,
He also has declined to receive the congressional health benefits. Unbelievalbe!
My god – these people are reaching back decades to find inconsistencies, when with the other candidates you can reach back only a matter of months to find them glaringly swaying back and forth on the important issues of today. Thanks CNN. I'm going to head out and put a Ron Paul sticker on my car because of this ignorance. Ron Paul 2012!
The news is such a joke...those statements are perfectly acceptable. Yes, if you go around sleeping with shady people and don't wear a condom you might get some bumps, or itches. Since, when common sense not PC?
Good grief – these people are reaching back decades to find inconsistencies, when with the other candidates you can reach back only a matter of months to find them glaringly swaying back and forth on the important issues of today. Thanks CNN. I'm going to head out and put a Ron Paul sticker on my car because of this ignorance. Ron Paul 2012.
If you dont have any dirt to dig up you have bring something to talk about, right CNN?!
None of the passages are problematic. All of them are important positions which needs to be discussed –
HIV -there is nothing wrong in what he stated! In fact it will be a good topic for discussion. I suppose this is the primary reason why universal healthcare is being opposed!
This faux pa should be enough to reject Paul as a serious presidential candidate if Tea Party and social conservative voters are truly concerned about character and moral values.
Sorry to say this, but CNN is really getting irritating with their endless smear campaign against Ron Paul. They will not rest until they bury him and the sad thing is that many Americans buy into all this nonsense like brainless sheep. Just look at how CNN dishonestly edited the Gloria Borger interview to make RP look bad. Now they pick up a book that is actually telling the truth based on sound logic and they engage in argumentum ad hominem without actually addressing his arguments and showing WHY they are wrong. This may be the last time I am coming to this website or watching their biased political reporting on TV.
I cannot help but be cynical about CNN. Who owns them? Who is giving the orders from above? They completely resemble the corrupt Fox News in having an agenda. No wonder Jon Stewart has trashed CNN and Fox News time and time again. He has more sense than them combined.
Good grief – these people are reaching back decades to find inconsistencies, when with the other candidates you can reach back only a matter of months to find them glaringly swaying back and forth on the important issues of today. Thanks to the media, I'm going to head out and put a Ron Paul sticker on my car because of this ignorance. Ron Paul 2012.
I don't understand why CNN keeps posting negative stuff about Ron Paul. Everyone knows the main stream media wants to brain wash the American sheeple into voting for the best candidate that suits the main stream media's needs, not the sheeps.
Yo' moron, if you have signed YOUR name to something, you cannot later "disavow" it or worse yet, "say you never read" it. You signed it, YOU own it. End of discussion, period, stop!
Your name should only be attached to things you believe in, OR you have absolutely NO ethical standards.
With those attributes you could ONLY have gotten into Congress via Texass, you certainly will never be President!
How can this be construed as racist???
The majority of the human herd is so brainwashed by the media it is sickening. Who could have forseen that heading into the year 2012 the average American seems to think they need to be protected from themselves and given what they want just because. Sans a huge infectious outbreak or a nucular bomb this country will continue to grow in population while the living conditions deteriorate until eventually big government will have no choice but to become more and more in line with socialism to stop people from killing eachother for their fresh drinking water. This, of course, is all only my opinion.
Ron Paul is a kook with some valid ideas. He starts off saying the right things, then veers off into lunatic territory with
statements like we should dismantle FEMA and let disaster victims fend for themselves or hope a church comes to
their rescue.
I'm not voting for him and neither will most of the country. Come debate time with Obama, he will come across as
the nutty old uncle. Besides, the 1% wants Romney as the nominee.
So much hate is being casted at the good Doctor, Ron Paul is showing us the light, and yet the mainstream media continue to thow feces at him.
When it all collapses and the money wont talk, you all will crawl back to him.
He could win the primary with these comments (thought not likely) but never the general election. Obama would easily , very easily win at least 40 states. I have no doubt he is praying for a Paul nominee (or Gingrich).
Contd – hit the post button early!
-Special interest group – Spot on. You cant justify groupings only for certain set of people and not for others.
-harassment – this is the only one that may bring differing opinion. But its a good point to discuss in the open rather than bury it under the carpet.
How were those bad things? He was pushing for equal rights in the book..great comments.
"White people who organize and expect the same attention as other groups are quickly and viciously condemned as dangerous bigots. Hispanic, black, and Jewish caucuses can exist in the U.S. Congress, but not a white caucus, demonstrating the absurdity of this approach for achieving rights for everyone."
- This actually sounds the opposite of racist. Doubt people will actually take the time to read what he wrote in context though...news headlines with removed quotes must tell the whole truth...right?
The reaching continues...
There isn't a thing objectionable there, if you understand the context. But, hey. Let's keep bashing the only candidate who will bring the troops home, work to end the drug war, work to secure the reserve value of our dollar, restore Habeas Corpus, etc.
Jeez, you establishment types are shaking like leaves. You can cool it, now. You're not impacting Paul's supporters in th least. Thanks.
I can subscribe to many of Paul's ideas of personal responsibility and libertarianism. But there is a price to pay, and that price is Israel. Of course many people don't care about Israel, and certainly do not believe Israel should get any more support from the US. Fine. I can live with that.
Ron Paul detests Israel (and probably most Jews). I can live with that too. But I respectfully remind Dr. Paul that Israel will do what it takes to survive, even if that means making a glass paved parking lot of Tehran, Mecca and Medina, and also contaminating the crops of all Northern African farmlands for a century. And if Israel doesn't survive, then neither will most Muslim countries around it. Never again means exactly that. If the price is a semi-Armageddon, then...sobeit.
That is the lesson that Dr. Paul needs to learn about Israel, even though he detests it.
sanjosemike
The overwhelming majority of those who are HIV+/AIDS become so due to their lifestyle. It takes, on average, hundreds of exposures to HIV before one actually contracts the virus. With very few exceptions (in terms of percentage of those with HIV/AIDS), only the very promiscuous or frequent IV drug users will contract HIV. Its an absolute shame when one contracts the illness through blood transfusion or some other rare method – especially so when its a child. But HIV/AIDS is almost entirely a lifestyle disease.
The level to which we have promoted minority "rights" does, in fact, infringe on individual rights. Do you not have a right to determine who you interact with? Not anymore. And remember, "racism" is decided not by disparate TREATMENT, but by disparate IMPACT. If a city police department gives everyone the same test, the test is graded fairly, and is 100% relevant to the job; but blacks do not do as well as whites and Asians, the test is deemed to be (somehow) "racist." In other words, blacks MUST be passed, even when they are treated fairly and can't compete on merit.
Go PAUL! Win Iowa...We need you. You are the only hope for a full democrat victory in 2012
No one's buying the smear campaign CNN. The Gloria Borger interview was enough for all of us to see where you stand.
Personal responsiblity apparently is the new enemy, along with Ron Paul.
CNN has nothing better todo but call Ron Paul horrible things and constantly publishing negative articles. Look up these video on Youtube "Compassion of Dr. Ron Paul" Busted!", "Ron Paul racist rant caught on tape! OMG! OMG!", and "Do Black Americans Believe Ron Paul Is Racist?"
RON PAUL 2012
Ron Paul's philosophy boils down to the survival of the most vicious. His idea of everyone deserving what others are strong enough, or vicious enough, or devious enough, to do to them is an EXACT recapitulation of Hitler and Goebbels.
I have no problem with his message of personal responsibility, so long as it's consistent. If we stop treating HIV patients because of their lifestyle, then we must also stop treating the obese for heart disease and diabetes, smokers for cancer, drinkers for liver disease, and any personal injuries that come about from athletic activities. If he doesn't propose excluding the latter from healthcare as well.. well then it's just plain bigotry.
When I hear, 'victims of their own lifestyle' concerning AIDS, I think that he's talking about people not using contraception and/or sharing dirty needles and the like. This is an attempt at media polarization. Think about it, the article doesn't out right lie, but it excludes enough, or leads you to infer through it's phrasing that he would be criticizing an 'innocent' person, rather than just asking that this country be comprehensively responsible, and not rely on tax payers or the government to save them from themselves. Does that sound clearer?
There is nothing wrong with what Ron Paul believes, unless of course you have no confidence in your ability to take care of yourself. Each human should have the same rights, and no government should be extending more rights to a particular group.
Anyone who believes Ron Paul is for "personal responsibility" or "liberty" or "god" or "smaller govt" are just as blind as the republican and democratic candidate followers.
A president cannot wave his wand and make anything happen. He can push, threaten but only congress can do this. (And they are not doing anything for any president) Every president before is proof of this. They make these grand statements and promises to get your vote. Then, they do what the hell they want, which is usually to continue with the status quo (it works well for the rich).
All you pro-Ron Paul sheep are as embarrassing as the rest of the loonies proclaiming their "democrat" or "republican" candidate can save our country.
We are embarrassing ourselves on the world stage every darn day.
We formed the USA to get away from state mandated religion, as well as freedom and opportunity for all. We now have religion jammed down our throats and a govt. that works for the rich and corporations and opportunity for only some; so we are right back where we started.
We only have “perceived freedom”
I don't see anyone being offended by what he wrote unless they have a chip on their shoulder and have a very different view of what America should be like than the founding fathers had. Ron Paul is all about individual liberty AND individual responsibility, BUT he is not some heartless Ayn Rand clone like the liberals try to make him out to be. Just do a little research and you'll see.
I give up. I couldn't get past the filter, so I will just post my final statement.
Fear, Spin, Propaganda. These are the tools of the media. The establishment wants a Romney vs Paul matchup because either way it would insure 4 more years of the status quo.
Do not let the media choose our next President. Ron Paul 2012.
Why should the general population take "personal responsibility"
Corporations, politicians and the rich do not?
The "attacks" on Ron Paul are getting ridiculous. Everyone can see through these transparent smear attempts.
This is the man who will separate the hardworking people with independent, critical thought from the parasites & their enablers feeding 24/7 at the government trough! Go Ron Paul!!! Let's indeed return America to her former greatness!
CNN is just grasping now, trying to find ANYTHING THAT THEY CAN for the establishment. What a pathetic article, you should be reporting that he is ahead in IOWA, just like you would do with one of your establishment puppets. You don't have anything on ron paul, sorry. He continues to lead despite your complete nonsense. Wow, CNN is SHAKING at the thought of a REAL president.
There is nothing "racist" about stating that its rational to be wary of blacks. Anyone here seen the crime stats for the last several decades? Even Jesse Jackson would agree. Remember his comment about hearing footsteps behind him at night, and being relieved it wasn't a black guy?
Yeah, because this is really a level playing field for everyone these days...
just like it was back in the day with Jim Crow laws and Whites-Only signs...
Civil Rights Act? What for?
O.M.G.. Are you kidding me? You people at CNN fail so miserably. You guys keep screaming about this nonsense that he has "DISAVOWED" for 20 years +.. ( Here you go since you obviously don't know the definition of the word Disavow) http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/disavow.. This is what the news does when the person they want to win an election proves to suck so badly that no one will vote for them. They slander the one man who will stop them in their conquest to dominate the finincial market. You think I'm overstating the truth but I'm not. CNN is owned by people who directly oppose Ron Paul and his outlooks. They don't want him to win because if he does they will not be able to rape the economy like they have been doing for so long. RON PAUL WAS NOT AWARE OF IT AND HE DISAVOWED IT, LIKE HE HAS SAID A MILLION TIMES SINCE 1980... How about you guys go out and do your job for once and stop reporting lies and slander.. Seems that's all your good at now a days... News? Where? None here, that's for sure.. This is just a flat out, misleading lie.
He suggests a victim of harassment quit their job rather than stand up for themselves by either demanding their harasser be punished or fired or requiring compensation for leaving? The victim should have a right to keep both their job and dignity – not the victimizer. Solitaire's rape analogy is spot on.
I'm not sure if the intent of this article was to smear Dr. Paul's excellent character or not. After reading it confirmed just a few of the reasons why my entire family is voting for him. My family completely agrees with Ron Paul. We should be respected as individuals & yes we should be responsible for our own actions. Ron Paul is the only candidate who understands true freedom for everyone! God bless him for being truthful & caring about individual rights for EVERYONE. By the way he is NO racist in any way shape or form.
"Not only are they not racist, it is the basic philosophy of accountability and equality." Is what John said in response to this article. Really??? To say that it is alright to have white only clubs... where is the equality there? When he says that those who get aids were just reckless and no one should feel obligated to help them... he just shows his lack of compassion and what is even more frightening is that he is suppose to be a medical Doctor... rather ignorant statement. He is dangerous.
The Smear campaign is in full-swing. Ron Paul 2012,
Seems to me, folks will vote for anything and I mean anything to get Obama out of office!. Any species who voted Bush
in the Wh twice should be sent to some far off land in Siberia. Dumbness doesn't matter and I hope, deep down inside
that the reps. cut everything, social security, medicaid and everything else, even the kitchen sink. See how well grandma and grandpa likes that!
Wow, honestly this article is terrible. Nothing he says is an incorrect statement in any means. Its called accepting personal responsibility for your actions.
Will the mainstream media just get over the fact Ron Paul is the cleanest candidate and start focusing on Romney's serial flip- flopping and Gingrich's serial hypocrisy?
Seattle Sue, you don't like Paul, fine, but learn something before you bash him. You don't have to pay Paul a cent for congressional retirement because he opted out of it. Plus he gives back a portion of his congressional paycheck every year.
Victim of one's lifestyle can be extended to almost anything and where healthcare has to set a strict meaning of a normal and acceptable lifestyle. Do people who drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes and eat unhealthy foods get the same benefits? How about people who hurt themselves accidentally while skateboarding or skiing? If someone does not where a seatbelt and gets injured in a car crash, are hospitals supposed to turn him back?
So when you talk about "victims of their own lifestyle" you start to include thousands of more cases.
Scott wrote:
I guess I don't see anything wrong with some of the statements in the book.
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I guess I don't see anything wrong with some of the statements in the book, either. But, there is a lot wrong with some of the other statements. You cannot be correct some of the time. The POTUS must be correct all of the time.
C'mon Paul nutters, let's hear your spin. Should be good for a laugh.
I love how one guy complains about his tax money goes to ron and rand paul.
A. Ron gave a lot of money back
B. Look where the majority of your tax money goes.
Laughable at best.
"Rights are not gifts from one man to another, nor from one class of men to another... --Thomas Paine
I don't see much wrong in this at all. I am black and I want to be treated as an individual and not as a member of all African Americans. Ron Paul seems like the only candidate that actually cares for liberty. These news stories are just for all the people who read headlines to make their judgments. This is a great example of how broadcast news is horrible.
MEDIA you suck. Ron Paul isn't a racist. I hope he sues all of you for discrimination!!!!
Okay Paul defenders. If you agree with him on these writings then why don't you ask Paul himself to stand up and repeat all of these points during his campaign.
@Solitaire
On what basis do you say he would throw a rape victim in jail? This is an incorrect assumption based on nothing. Actually take a couple minutes to read Dr. Pauls ideas in context, not just the msm soundbite clips and you will probably find you cannot debate his views with any credible argument. Just like every other supporter of the status quo you display no understanding of political philosophy.
He's not racist. I don't think it could be any clearer. He simply believes everyone should have the same rights and that I as a tax payer am not responsible to pay the healthcare for my neighbor who does not have insurance.
And???????? I 100% agree with all of that. You are doing EXACTLY what he's talking about! PROOF!!! You just slammed yourself CNN Political Reporter Peter Hamby.
It seems that might is right, just like white. You all agree because you are still have a majority, the world is cyclical, civilizations rise and fall.When your majority is no more then you will feel the effects of your mob justice, disdain for minority rights type of thinking.
Ron Paul is 100% right. Creating certain rights for certain groups is discrimination. Thank G he is in this race to bring sanity to the insane dialog our media spews. CNN, how about reporting how Ron Paul delivered black babies for free in the 70s, or how he spoke out against racist laws in the 80s? CNN is the hateful one here, not Ron Paul.
Solitaire you said it perfectly:
His basic philosophy seems to boil down to "might equals right". This guy would throw the rape victim into jail for tempting the rapist. Of course, he would also throw the rapist in jail and tell us that they "both bear some responsibility".
To save money, he would put them in the same cell."
wheres the controversy? all he is sayin is ALL people have rights not groups.......As far a the aids thing......all he is saying is......EVERYONE needs to get out of the logic that everyones problems should be paid for by government....which is ludicrous esp since WE CANT AFFORD IT ANYMORE
@Seattle Sue, he didn't participate in the government retirement plan, your tax dollars won't be going there. Meanwhile you can bet the Democrat and Republican establishment will retire and kill a bunch of foreigners with your money. But you're fine with that right?
Actually, Seattle Sue, Ron Paul turned down Congressional pension, so after he's out of office, he's out of office.
To Solitaire: I am not a Ron Paul supporter, and I doubt I would ever vote for the man, but even so - your comment isn't fair. Nothing Paul has ever said, of which I'm aware, would suggest that Paul "...would throw the rape victim into jail for tempting the rapist." Criticize the man's positions if you will - I might agree with you when you do - but be fair.
"I pray that Ron Paul is never elected President. He and his son Rand Paul are two of a kind. It really irritates me that part of my tax money has been paid for 30 years to this racist man and he will retire January 2013 and taxpayers will still pay him about $115,000.00 per year plus health care, until his death."
WRONG. He has actually opted out of the Congressional pension program because he doesn't feel its right for him to get a better deal than the taxpayers. This article is a hatchet job. What was in his newsletters was disgusting and it is up the individual to decide what involvement they think Dr. Paul had in writing them. But to try to link that garbage to thepolicy positions listed in this book is a bridge too far.
Yes, most STD victims became victims from not using precautions but a reasonable portion became infected through cheating spouses or supposedly committed significant others as well as infected blood in transfusions. Paul would have done well to qualify his remarks. Whether these quotes were lifted out of a qualifying context I don't know.
this isn't real journalism - CNN is obviously biased against RP here... if you take just Ron Paul's passages from this book, they ALL make sense and agree with his philosophy - CNN's just trying to paint his philosophy as against the MAINSTREAM... I say the heck with the MAINSTREAM - mainstream is what got us into this mess. Think for yourself people and do realize that Ron Paul is this nation's last potential chance for fiscal sanity and real capitalism (as opposed to crony capitalism). Vote RP 2012!
I love how all the Paul supporters on this thread and people who defend the statements gloss right over and don't address the harassment stand Paul has. Which is if your harassed, just quit or give "it" up, but don't complain. Ron Paul would love to live in the Mad Men world where he gets to swat his secretary on the toosh when she walks by and she just giggles. You know, The good ol' days. crazy..
more absurdity everywhere.......OF course doctors should continue to treat people for all kinds of things but govt shouldnt have to pay for it because THEY CANT AFFORD IT(just like wars)
Was this meant to be a negative piece? He says the same things in the Revolution: A Manifesto. Groups do not have rights, people do. Saying one group is special when compared to another group is what brought race-based slavery to this world.
Pual is the only presidential candidate who is not a hypocretic and speaks the truce.
Typical millionaire Republican
What would CNN do without propganda?
David: "Ron Paul [says] statements like we should dismantle FEMA and let disaster victims fend for themselves or hope a church comes to their rescue."
You only show your ignorance with statements like that. Ron Paul thinks that emergency funding should reside at the State level since each state knows how much funding they need. Funding at the Federal level is just wasteful spending because of the added level of bureaucracy.
Next time, please learn Ron Paul's stances on the issues before spewing such nonsense. Thank you.
I agree with everything that Ron Paul said in that book and will be voting for him in the primary.
Groups don't have rights. Only Individuals have rights.
Exactly the reason ROMNEY 2012 makes the most sense. Paul is too old and too backwards in his opinions.
MSM shoots and misses .... again.
NEXT
@Seattle Sue: You are wrong on both points. Ron Paul is not a racist. This is a smear and an outright lie lacking any evidence or credibility. He did not write the news letters and what is presented in this article is nothing more than Ron Paul stating a version of what Dr. King said: "not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." In other words, treat people as individuals and not as members of arbitrary groups. Your other point, RP collecting $115k/yr from the government in retirement, is factually incorrect. Ron Paul opted out of the lucrative congressional pension because he is a principled man and didn't want to rip off the taxpayers.
Ron Paul seems like just another person who really doesn't care about anyone else. There are many people who need some help because they lost their job through no fault of their own or became ill through no fault of their own. I'm a teacher and often catch viruses from the children I work with. I suppose I don't deserve health coverage for that because I should choose another line of work away from the children I am dedicated to teaching! There are also people who have made mistakes but are trying to work their way back out of them. I think Paul would have little sympathy for those as well. His insistence on the gold standard is very nearsighted. All it takes is for the price of gold to tank and our economy tanks as well. Adherence to the gold standard is blamed by many well known economists for lengthening the Great Depression.
Seattle Sue wrote " will still pay him about $115,000.00 per year plus health care, until his death"
Ron Paul is one of only 2 congressmen that did not sign up for the pension pay offered to members of congress. He is the real deal. when it comes to what is and isn't the job of the tax payer.
So many get it, so few truly don't nor ever will, which is fine. If you make a choice, KNOW BEFORE HAND that there will be consequences, good and bad. You are a person, an American, Not an ethnicity, a religion, or the contents of your wallet. If that's racist, if expecting us to hold up our end as Americans is racist, then WE ALL ARE, because we all have expectations and perceptions on the other guy, that we would never place on ourselves.
Everyone is running scared of Ron Paul now that the beast feels threatened. I didn't know there were so many newsites and workers of the beast to keep average human minds at bay. Interesting. Goodness will always prevail in the end.
I am outraged that he suggests people are responsible for their own actions and that belonging to the right minority group doesn't give you rights other individuals don't have! He should repudiate his pro-liberty stances. Truly disgusting. /sarcasm This is a ridiculous article. I don't have a right to force others to provide me labor and merchandize for free, and neither does anyone else!
RonnieReagan wrote:
My god – these people are reaching back decades to find inconsistencies, when with the other candidates you can reach back only a matter of months to find them glaringly swaying back and forth on the important issues of today.
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You don't need to go back 20 years. You can go back 20 months to the spring of 2010 and listen to Ron Paul defend bigotry as freedom of speech when his son Rand got in trouble for stating that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 violated the freedom of speech.
Paul had indicated that if a store owner wants to turn away people of a certain race from entering his store, then that is the store owner's right. So, a grocery store can deny minorities food. A landlord can deny minorites housing. A hospital can deny minorities medical care. And a politician named Paul will defend the right of all of the above to do so. No wonder he is so popular with hate groups, big and small.
…before you get too excited about Dr. Ron Paul – do a little research. You really think you can solve the problems of today with taking the country way back to 1950? Come on….
Why does CNN "moderate" comments?....Inquiring minds would like to know.
Ron Paul has convictions that got stuck in the 1940-50 (the good old days as pictured by Norman Rockwell where “some” people knew their places – back in the bus and others got killed in unsafe work places). He has never been able to adjust to the present and from his son opinions, I wonder how he raised him. Mr. Paul has no direction into the future that would be feasible. He is no different than the other GOP/TP types when it comes to what he wants to achieve. Protection of the rich establishment and his specialty: explaining to the middle class and the poor why it is much better to fend for themselves and leave the money/matters to the rich! He calls that “personal responsibility” and funny, a democracy has really nothing to do with what the responsibility of an elected Government should be – like work in the interest of all people?
@Seattle Sue
Don't worry. Ron Paul has refused to participate in the congressional pension system because he finds it immoral.
"US Representative Ron Paul (R-TX) today reaffirmed his opposition to what he calls the "immoral" congressional pension system by refusing to participate in it. While serving in Congress from 1976 to 1984, Paul chose not to participate in the system, despite a taxpayer-funded pay-out which is more lucrative than any private system. He said high-dollar perks like the pension are areas that could be safely cut immediately, without hurting a single American taxpayer. "
It would be great if Ron Paul were elected POTUS. We'll get rid of all these stupid government regulations. Think of how cheap airfares will be when airlines can decide how much maintenance aircraft need, how much experience or rest their pilots need, and will be able to get rid of those pesky unions who are always complaining when the airlines tell the pilots to carry minimum fuel to save money. The free market will weed the greedy out of the business. Once an airline crashes a few jetliners, most people will quit flying them, the airline will go out of business and the executives will have to go find new investors to open a new airline with a different name.
The only people we can trust as much as Ron Paul is Corporate America. It's not like they've ever tried to take advantage of us before.
Another GOP'er preaching taking personal responsibilty, except when it comes to himself....
the only thing wrong with any of this is the attempted spin on what he is trying to convey, his actual quoted words are the truth and far from offensive!
keep trying and I will keep standing by Ron Paul!
Paul is outspoken on many issues and controversy comes with the territory. You have to admit he tells the truth even when it's not politically correct. That's why he's earned my vote, among many other reasons.
Groups don't have rights. Only Individuals have rights. This bears repeating in every forum, and under every roof!
It's another attack on Ron Paul, CNN is expecting people to view this story as something negative on his part when in fact there was probably never any racial slurs, derogatory language, or anything racially threatening in that book to begin with.
Ready to face the facts: 109times.com
This article presumes that the reader / voter is a complete moron. His views are common sense. The AIDS remark was also made in a completely different social climate. AIDS was not well received at that time by most people. It was SHOCKING when Magic Johnson came forward on the issue.
While I disagree with Paul on many issues, characterizing his (essentially) attack on affirmative action as an "assault on minority rights" is ridiculous. It is a legitimate debate to have whether or not affirmative action has any place in our society at this point.
Lethalmik wrote:
Just look at how CNN dishonestly edited the Gloria Borger interview to make RP look bad. Now they pick up a book that is actually telling the truth based on sound logic and they engage in argumentum ad hominem without actually addressing his arguments and showing WHY they are wrong.
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First of all, this article does not accuse Paul of being a racist. The article reports what is in his book, and some of Paul's past remarks about the book. Second, if the article went to the lengths that you request, then article couldn't be considered news and would be on an opinion page. The MSM doesn't confuse its' audiences by mixing facts with opinions.
I hope Paul not only wins Iowa but goes all the way to super Tuesday...need something to keep this boring race interesting
Paul is flat out dangerous and delusional. People don't change.
Want to know the BIGGEST reason I would NEVER vote for Ron Paul? YOU. His followers are too angry and much to scary to join. Just read how upset they become when ANYONE mentions his name. No Paul's for me.
grasping at straws
I'm tired of people saying the Libertarian philosophy is the strongest survive. No, It may seem this way but is it not because We respect the right of consenting individuals to gather their resources into any kind of collective without the government or anyone else interfering because they do not agree. So the communists can go have their commune.
Personal liberty gives everyone the choice and freedom from persecution by others on their life decisions.
CNN is now launching smear campaign against an ideal they obviously do not understand. CNN wants bigger government more hand outs more war and is a propaganda machine, a tool of government.
Seattle Sue, Ron Paul has always said that he will not participate in the congressional retirement plan so your comment is erroneous at best.
These statements are nothing like what is written in the newsletter. CNN is a joke.
For all of you who wonder why CNN "spins" information. Jut dial into Fox news for 30 seconds. This is exactely what "personalized" media has become. it is not wonder CNN publishes its bias, it has to keep up with the outright lies of Fox news.
PS: for those of you who are concerned that CNN is smearing the name of the good dr. keep in mind, Obama has been smeared before, during and will be smeared after he is gone from office. Republicans and conservative loonies "invented" the smear tatics you are complaining about.
Wow what a terrible spin opinion piece. They try and spin these ideas as "bad", but really they're centrist ideas.
I can tell you this, when "liberty" is considered extreme, we're all boned...
"Frequently (Not the majority) of the time, HIV is spread via lifestyle and it is wrong for anyone to EXPECT anyone else to pay for them." If I told you that standard HIV treatment cuts the risk of future transmission by 60-80 percent would you still be so hostile to paying for treatment? After all, people who don't get it will live longer taxable revenue generating lives. Seems like your solution actually leaves money on the table.
Go Ron Paul. Win Iowa!
What I'm amazed at is Ron Paul a John Birch Society member,wants to make so many wild changes to our country, but did he ever get any bills he wrote through Congress...any at all...so how is he going to do anything as President?....We have a smart good President with Obama..he just deserves a second term without the Tea Party blocking his every move...The Republicans are determined to make Obama a one term President..no matter what it does to the country..
Cool, those quotes make him sound like a Founding Father.
Thanks, CNN!
Great to see all the RP apologists making excuses for the nutbag. Keep up the good work useful idiots – Love Ron & Rand.
ahahahhahhahahhaaa = today's headlines across the WWW
Public meet Gloria Borger, Gloria Borger meet press, press meet Lance Morgan(Gloria's Husband), Lance Morgan meet American Public, American Public meet BU!! SH!!T(CNN).
Annie wrote:
CNN, why don't you post how Romney erased the hard drives when he left office as Governor of Massachusetts? How about his destruction of several companies in order to enrich himself? There's a lot there. What is he hiding? As you rip apart Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich, where is your outrage at Romney? I guess you will attack Santorum next.
Annie, I have been asking the SAME thing. They constantly protect that low life Mitt Romney while they go after everyone else. I can't wait for the attacks to start coming full force AGAINST him. Watch Mitt run.
By the way, Actively funding FEMA when there are no disasters cost us Billions a year, please do take a moment and review the fabulous history of FEMA and all the wonders they have created for that cost. Give the money to the engineers to make safer buildings and improve the infrastructure. You cant take the bullets out of natures gun, but YOU CAN reinforce your bulletproof vest.
FEMA = Funds Engineers Must Attain... create more good paying private jobs, reduce disaster impact, and get government out of the business, rescind government policy to us FEMA to inter you when the fell like it..
Shame on you CNN. Do your homework. The same quotes keep being rehashed over and over. If there are so many pages of bigoted statements let's see some other quotes. This is all taken out of context, and it's no doubt a fear campaign against Ron Paul and his beliefs. It's failing and so are the establishment politicians, which is why they are running scared. Ron Paul 2012.
Groups of people should have rights. Corporations are groups of people. Therefore, corporations should have rights!! But corporations are not people, but groups of people have rights..... Uh oh... Anti-Paul head explosion in 3...2...1.
Hah! Thank you for reminding us why we SUPPORT Ron Paul!
lol at the paul fans. your rabidness is what makes him intolerable with your fantastic claims about him using catch phrases–"paul is for FREEDOM FOR ALL," "dr. paul is for WE THE PEOPLE," etc., etc., when a minimum study of his positions conclusively shows otherwise. yes, there are times when patients should take responsibility for their actions–but a study of history shows that the religious right obfuscated the truth about HIV (that condoms could protect against it) for fear that it would promote promiscuity. this EXACTLY mirrors their behavior during the great pox and what they are doing in africa even now. why don't you paul fans simply state the truth about him: he is a libertarian with socially conservative values, the former allowing him to tolerate certain aspects of society that he finds distasteful that is fiscally conservative as well instead of all this WE THE PEOPLE and PAUL WANTS TO RESTORE YOUR FREEDOM nonsense.
The scary story is that even if Ron Paul is elected, the bad guys that brought our great country to its knees outnumber him. Every American should read his books. If nothing else, study for yourself and see that our freedom is being traded for more security. We are being attacked from our own.
Nice try CNN. Is this the best you got? Maybe you'll pull something out a little deeper after he wins Iowa...
Unbelievable! I can't believe people are actually considering voting for someone that won't give special interest groups special privileges because of the color of their skin! If this nutjob becomes President, how are we going to explain the concept of 'race' to our kids? Such an reprehensible idea to take away special caucuses and groups that are based on race. Don't you see that we WANT to remain racially distinct so that we can keep the concept of race alive.
It's quite funny to watch all the Ron Paul sockpuppets try to defend this nutjob. Which begs the question: Who is nuttier, they or him?
Disclaimer–I am not responsible for anything I say here, as Ron Paul is my ghost writer.
I like Ron Paul, but huis statements about HIV and AIDS are wrong.
It i nothing like smoking and getting cancer, or drinking aqnd getting chirrosis of the liver.
It is a communicable diseasde that needs to be erradicated and it starts by slowing down its progression and infectibility. The drugs given do that...Fact.
Anyone who has HIV should be given drug treatment because it lessens everybody elses chance of contracting it.
All it takes is one time, one transfusion, one fling and you've got a disease where most people cant pay for treatment.
If Americans reject Ron Paul they are sentencing themselves to living in a country without a middle class, high inflation, a world constantly angry at the United States, and what will eventually be a totalitarian government that will allow you zero freedom.
Ron Paul is 76 years old. He does not need to work yet he is willing to spend the rest of his life (not for money or power) defending YOUR freedom and protecting YOUR money. If you reject Ron Paul he will not be the loser... You will.
Ron Paul is right. The vast majority of AIDS victims got that disease because of their lifestyle choices.
Ron Paul is right. Giving more rights to a single group of people based on their race is racist.
By the way, I meant to say, in my previous comment, that the media wants a Romney vs *Obama* matchup (not Paul) because it would insure 4 more years of the status quo.
Do not let the media choose our next President. Ron Paul 2012.
Ron Paul doesn't insist on the gold standard anymore. He has moderated his position and now advocates competing currencies (ie: freedom). This would keep everyone honest. That said, the Federal Reserve's monopoly is far more dangerous than the gold standard.
I am so happy when CNN posts these articles about Ron Paul! I was talked out of voting for him during the last election, my well-meaning father in law convinced me it would be a vote for our wretched current president if I voted for anything other than the republican nominee.
Not this time, though. I email or text every article like this to my contact list, and have convinced many many many people to vote Ron Paul in 2012. Thanks CNN for helping me open their eyes to the truth! Great job -keep it up!!!!
Stop running stupid little stories about things Ron Paul has written 20 to 30 years ago. I wasn't even born yet and I don't give a dam. People change, I want to hear what Paul has said in the last 10 years. Running these stories makes Google news look like a high school news paper. And the things you bring up about Ron Paul are so insignificant; it makes you look again like amateurs news reporters. Makes me want to vote for the guy. Grow up and cover real news!!!
Is it that Paul is somehow racist? Or is it somehow that the people interpreting what he wrote as "racist" are incapable of thinking individualistically, and can only see "groups". If being racist, is when you DON'T want to give any group political favoritism; then what is not racist? What a crazy upside down world we live in!?! Seriously, the mental gymnastics people exercise is astounding. From intellectual exceptionalism, to social exceptionalism, we truly have not left the caves. One puts forth a rational well-thought-out idea, and people just yell; "RACIST!" We are doomed.
RON PAUL 2012
When you get to the heart of the matter is he STILL the only person that actually save this country from collapse. He's the only shot we have at getting Obama out of office.
Another MSM rag smear on Ron Paul. Digging up old news letters? That's the best you can do? CNN is a joke and the days of your propaganda are numbered. Ron Paul 2012!
I'm not sure how Ron Paul believes that everyone will be treated equally in our society if he also believes that "social do-gooders" shouldn't be allowed to take action when problems with inequality have been identified. He's really just providing lip service to equality while also providing convenient cover for individuals who choose to ignore equal rights entirely.
RON PAUL 2012
When you get to the heart of the matter is he STILL the only person that actually save this country from collapse. He's the only shot we have at getting Obama out of office.
1
So it's OK FOR MITT ROMNEY TO SIGN A PLEDGE TO OUTLAW GAY MARRIAGE. But not for Ron Paul to sound off about not using a condom. Where is the outrage against Mitt Romney?
Oops, Ron must be polling near poor ol' Democrat wannabe Mitt! Now the media is going after Ron so Mitt will have that Republican Spot that's up for grabs. Liberal media playing the can't lose game again.
Ron Paul is going to say "I did not read it".
Shame on you, CNN. How can it possibly be argued that (unless transferred from the womb) contracting HIV can not in part be contributed to one's lifestyle. Many people remain abstinant until they are married. This is a lifestyle. This prevents HIV. I am not part of that lifestyle, but I know many who thoughtlessly screw around with dozens and dozens of people. This is a lifestyle, and is more risky.
Who cares? He won't win the GOP nomination nor will he be POTUS.
And, his supporters will say "he is not a racist".
So now you are trying to attack him because he holds libertarian positions? Nothing he said in those comments are racist or even negative. It is what virtually all libertarians believe. I am dumbfounded that this writer is so unaware of the fact libertarians believe all rights belong to individuals. How is it racist to say that a black man, white man, purple man, etc. have the same exact rights and no group can be granted no special privileges? These attacks are hilarious. Only someone who has never studied what liberty is all about or just out right hates liberty would have a problem with this great book.
Hey Paul-bots. Dr Quack is a sick man. His policies will sink the US. Let Texas deal with him.
Really makes me laugh sometimes when people will believe anything that their beloved idiot box tells them. CNN is owned by Time Warner, and they're just doing what they're told, because they're jobs are at stake. They don't care about the people, they're just making sure their pockets are lined with dollars.
"This is a smear and an outright lie lacking any evidence or credibility. He did not write the news letters..."
Actually, dimwit, there is no question that he wrote he newsletters, as he admits as much. The only question is whether h wrote certain things in them. He claims not. He's probably lying.
Paul could not be further from MLK's principles by the way.
I recommend that everyone perform these searches and then make their own decision:
Go to the "daily paul" and search: "breaking racially charged"
Go to you tube and search: "Ron Paul is winning, so Iowa doesn't matter [short+ version]" and 'TPM's Josh Marshall: On Ron Paul "He's The Candidate Who Thinks Gays Should Be Executed" '
This should prove to you how badly the corporate media is manipulating everyone. Every person in the news media following their bosses orders to smear Ron Paul should be absolutely ashamed of themselves!
Ron Paul's ideology parallels the mission of the John Birch Society, a racist, isolationist and anti-union sect of the Republican Party that was founded in the 1950s. In the early 60's the JBS was thrown out of the GOP for being too extreme. And that was when the Republican Party was doing everything it could to block the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. Ron Paul is an extremist who is playing possum. But, even in his toned-down mode, he still talks about letting people who are uninsured die and permitting states to decide if they want to enforce the Civil Rights Act or not. His most obvious connection the JBS is his view of foreign policy and US involvement in world affairs. He wants to go back to the isolationism that was being promoted by people like Charles LIndbergh back in the 1930s. The other Republican candidates may sound crazy and ignorant, but Ron Paul is the only candidate who sounds dangerous.
The country is falling apart, the economic system is failing, our military kills hundreds of thousands of innocent people, we have a higher percentage of our people in prison than any other country in the world, many of them non-violent offenders, and this is what the media chooses to focus on?
Again , smear the one you fear ..... dont let facts and figures get in the way , they can mess up a good hit piece.
Like a multi-colored, cloyingly sweet fruitcake with too many different ingredients–nuts, cherries, raisins, rum–it may look good but once one tastes it one realizes it's unpalatable. This is Ron Paul.
I read the article and really I didn`t see anything wrong about what Ron has said. Life is tough and if you want to survive from diseases such as HIV you have to change your lifestyle. What is wrong with that. It is reality. Being politically correct is fine but don`t take it to the extreme. Ron Paul can be a great president, the rest of the republican contenders are just a bunch of clown opportunists. If Ron wrote in the past something that today is seen as politically incorrect I am sure he has changed his mind. How many of us thought wrongly in the past and we regret it now. Everybody have skeletons in the closet, that is human. Those who think they don`t have any are the worst or hypocrites. Ron for president. By the way, I am not a Republican.
Peter Hamby, How can you suggest that it's right to create laws that discriminate based on one's social position and ethnicity? It's shameful!
Ron Paul said "I would like to believe if we were a free-er society that would take care of whites, blacks and everyone EQUALLY because we are all individuals". He goes on to say, "Blacks make up 14% of those who use drugs, yet 36% of those arrested are blacks, and it ends up that 63% who end up in prison are blacks and this needs to change".
He also quotes "We need to repeal the war on drugs because it does not work". The topic of this debate was "Jena6 and Racial Justice" where he spoke at "The All American Presidential Forums On PBS". Ron Paul is far from being a racist and anyone who challenges that should go look this up.
@LMC – I believe Ron Paul wants you to have the very best in healthcare, afforded to you by the state. HIs position is that the same taxes you are paying to the federal government right now for certain healthcare programs could be much more efficiently used at the state level to provide better coverage for you. He absolutely cares about YOU, and that's why he has been fighting for YOUR civil liberties, and other rights for 30+ years. As for the Gold Standard, you miss the economics in this. The reason the price of gold fluctuates today (which is artificial and arbitrary) is because the Federal Reserve prints money at will and therefore devalues the Dollar. The Federal Reserve is also the reason why we have so may booms & busts in our economy. A Gold Standard, would stabilize our economy, and the price of gold would not fluctuate in the way that you think. It would slowly increase as the population grows, to account for any inflation that occurs naturally as a result.
LMC he doesn't care how? He says be accountable for yourself.. How is that wrong? How is that not caring? if people and "state run agencies, not federal" had been accountable this whole mess of an economy would of never happened and the people going through hard times your so considerate about would not likely be going through those hard times. Don't be mad at Ron for a situation he did not create. Get on his side and help us turn the problem into a solution. You have a health care gripe with Ron?! you want Obama care?! really?! I worked for united health care and WOW.. Do you even know whats in your current health care plan? Have any idea? Or do you just pay the co-pay and deal with what you get? I'm inclined to think the latter.
Wow, I feel if people actually read this article with half a brain they'd realize that Ron Paul is dead on with everything he says. Giving special rights to certain groups of people at the federal level is ILLEGAL. It's discriminating against those groups who aren't allotted those same rights. The rights and programs the government have allowed for certain groups of people have only further divided the country. They've hurt some group while helping others. They're wrong. And completely discriminative. In my opinion, the federal government shouldn't even know what my race, ethnicity, gender, religious beliefs, or even age. If the state or local government wish to know my age, that is acceptable, but anything else, just leads to discrimination on some level.
So what is wrong here. I see logic: The primary transmission mode of AIDS is behavior. A true vision of equality: if you divide by race etc., as is common with the govenement and progressive "multi-cultural" movement, is inherently unequal relative to an individual-human universal right as discussed by Paul.
The last quote is so completly out of context as to be incomprehensible...
What is messed up is that people are so messed ideologically that they are incapable of logic and reason.
It's amazing how many of these hit pieces CNN can muster in such a short time. When they write about Paul, it's always this negative nonsense reaching back decades. Let's forget about having a discussion on the issues and attach a man's character, that's what this media seems to be saying – I'm not sure what school of journalism this comes from... What people need to understand is that these statements are politically incorrect in 2011 (accurate or not), but not nearly back then (1987!). Don't be a tool – think for yourself and stop being so sensitive, it makes you easy to manipulate. Ron Paul is the only candidate in either party that will keep us from starting another war with Iran and bothers to explain history to us. He is the only candidate that predicted the 2008 meltdown and bothers to explain economics to us. He is the candidate overwhelmingly supported by the military. He is the only candidate not sponsored by wall street and money interests (they don't even bother trying to bribe him). The media and both established parties HATE him. Connect the dots, he is the real deal. It's been so long since we've seen a president that actually represents the people that we don't even recognize one staring us in the face. Why are his supporters so passionate? Because the veil has been lifted.
I actually hope Paul wins the GOP nomination. He's the biggest idiot of all GOP candidates and would be the easiest to defeat in a general election.
This guy is nothing but a spokesperson for powerful and rich, in the name of "liberty". Yeah, rich and wealthy need a lot more liberty than the poor and underprivileged, at the expense of the liberty of the poor and underprivileged. You know what, government supposes to protect people so that everybody can have a chance to have equal liberty.
Andrew wrote:
Exactly the reason ROMNEY 2012 makes the most sense. Paul is too old and too backwards in his opinions.
I agree Andrew but let me replace some words.
Exactly the reason OBAMA 2012 makes the most sense. Paul is too old and too backwards in his opinions.
Quoted David: Ron Paul is a kook with some valid ideas. He starts off saying the right things, then veers off into lunatic territory with statements like we should dismantle FEMA and let disaster victims fend for themselves or hope a church comes to their rescue.
Each state has a duty to their citizens to establish a national guard for the purpose of dealing with disasters. You have this mindset that these services never existed prior to such bureaucratic sinkholes like FEMA. FEMA was an invention of the Carter administration in 1978 and has grown in responsibility and power. It's danger to the American become apparent in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck the gulf of Mexico and FEMA went into action coordinating a relief effort. While FEMA spent weeks putting together a plan to distribute aid to the victims, they prevented individual organizations from mounting an aid effort. The conditions were so horrific when FEMA eventually mounted their effort that people were getting killed over bottles of water. The question remains, "Where was FEMA?". People had to fend for themselves because of FEMA.
Continued CNN smear campaign of Ron Paul. Excerpts from his book taken out of context and then spun to the flavor of the "journalist" (more like a TMZ or E! reporter). Hope American's can see through this biased character assassination by CNN.
There should be a defamation of character lawsuit filed because this continued reckless reporting needs to be brought under control.
Ron Paul's public flirtations with idiocy are legion. Check sources, check the web. There have been so many over the years that these idiocies are clearly not just individual mistakes or mis-quotes or mis-interpretations, as he and his supporters would like you to believe. These idiocies are actual policy statements and beliefs, directly from the horses mouth itself.
It does show some sign of self-awareness and embrassement that he and his supporters would now like to HIDE from all this idiocy. And Paul does also say some semi-intelligent things every once in a while. But he and his supporters like to cherry pick only these items as they try to hoodwink the rest of us by burying/ignoring the rampant idiocy that has tumbled out of Paul's mouth.
You'd have to be as dumb as a Bachmann or Perry or Santorum supporter to vote for the backward nonsense that is Ron Paul. And, God help America, there are plenty of you fools out there.
Well CNN you seize to amaze me...yet another attempt to smear paul which is a FAIL.
My lord, it must really upset you that nothing you try to attack him with sticks to him because the people know your news is propaganda BS.
Ron Paul is going to be the next president, whether your corporate elites like it or not. It's WE THE PEOPLE this year, not another Obummer.
Would ZNN use the same words they used in 1987
when do we want to stop learning new information?
Completely non-controversial.
A non story people. Move along
You cant beat this man CNN. Its just not possible like you did with Cain. Ron is legit, the Black folks cant be fooled that he is racist if one hears what he says and sees the way he votes. Just stop... seriously... you are losing any credibility you have left.
This revolting, sickening and nauseating old man doesn't represent the core decent, and classy qualities that make us AMERICANS! He's a throw back and a very UGLY one at that!
What is right with placing certain folks in a 'hands off' category? Ron Paul wants people to be responsible for themselves and not tap the state for help when they abuse themselves. We are all Americans and why do some demand/receive special treatment? Ron Paul writes what others are afraid to write. Please look at his words carefully and ask yourself are they true.
Paul needs to be held responsible for the comments in the newsletter (they were published by him, under his name) and for the comments in his book. These are the rantings of a neanderthalic lunatic, not a serious presidential candidate. He doesn't seem to hold dear the concept of the "United States" of America. Mr. Paul, how about you take a 1 year sabbatical to Somalia and see how well your ideology works in practice, and leave the presidency to the serious folks.
Sorry, not seeing anything racists, as a matter of fact I see the opposite of racism here. The Aids comments could be considered a little extreme, but they aren't hateful or inspiring of bigotry, they're just unfortunate facts. Where are you attempting to go with your story?
Run Paul Run......U will win cause U tell the truth. It hurts....but still the truth. USA really needs somebody honest enough to say it.
Oh but its all lies put out by the liberal media! RIght? Right?
If this book doesn't convince you that Ron Paul advocates a dog-eat-dog world, where the bullies rule and money trumps everything, then I don't know what will.
Romney's expensive machine is at it again. He wont stop until all the dirt comes out on any of his opponents.
Great job. I was wondering when CNN was gonna post anything positive about Ron Paul. First you ignore that he exists. Then you make fun of him and say he has no chance to win, then when the voters (WHO ARE AMERICANS) choose him. You say he doesnt matter. Ron Paul is the one candidate that stands out from the rest. Try killing him with kindness cause your really annoying a lot of hard working Americans right now with your attacks. Ive never seen anyone more pure and with better character running for President. I know I will be considered a Paulbot or some other nasty name you can come up with, but I am just a Man who wants to live in a Country that is Free and Stable. Our previous systems have made it more dangerous than ever, and continue to start trouble with countries that dont need us. Stop spreading gossip and start reporting NEWS.
Wow, I like what he's saying and no matter how you try to spin it as racist, those statements have truth and are not racist. I've listened to the man and I really like what I hear.
Regarding people with AIDS or other contagious diseases: "but this same individual victimizes innocent citizens by forcing them to pay for his care," Paul wrote."
Here's my biggest problem with Paul: He does not believe in community. It's every person for themselves. His view is utterly lacking in compassion or any sense of connection to others. "Ive got mine; screw you" should be his campaign slogan.
Oh, he and his Ron-bots like to dress this up as "individual freedom," but it sounds more like a sociopath to me.
Man, CNN is really looking desperate. They do not understand that Ron Paul gains support...he does not lose it. They said his support ceiling was 12% a while back, now they say his support ceiling is 24%. What a bunch of garbage. Dr. Paul has the establishment running scared. They want Mitt Romney to win because the know Obama can easily defeat him considering his own staff helped shape Obamacare. Does anyone else find it weird that CNN is being so nice to Romney? Come on people.
Like father, like son.
This is no surprise at all. And, Rand Paul holds much or most of the same views as his father.
Both should be run out of town on a rail!
So now what...........................yet another racist from Texass..............................WOW what a surprise.
What Ron Paul fails to realize is that these are not "special rights;" they are laws to guarantee that these groups have the same legal rights as everyone else.
And these laws wouldn't be needed if these groups WERE treated equally; but they haven't been.
Ron Paul and his ilk are incredibly self-centered and naive. That alone should be enough to make someone not vote for him.
LMC
You need to take responsibly for your immune system to keep it strong. There is much research on this. If you are catching every virus that comes into the classroom, your immune system is stressed! Do some research and take some responsibility for your health. No doctor can cure a virus anyway.
Paul is very sympathetic personally but he understands that the Federal Government cannot be mommy and daddy to everyone, it is just too expensive and not effective.
@PJ: "Romney's expensive machine is at it again. He wont stop until all the dirt comes out on any of his opponents."
Ron Paul published this book under his own name; how is that "dirt"? And if you're such a believer in freedom of speech and the press, then why do you have a problem with the contents of this book coming to light? Lastly, you're assuming Romney's camp put this out there; it could have been anyone – including anyone with enough brains to understand just how dangerous Ron Paul's views are.
He didn't say people should be judged by the content of their character, did he? Because that would be over the line!
Seattle Sue please read a little more about Ron Paul. He one of the very few that does not participate in the congressional retirement plan. Ron Paul also wants to end the federal war on drugs because for one thing is is very biased against minorites. That is not what I would call a racist stance.
@Dorel Gilad: By your reasoning, I shouldn't have to pay for any illnesses brought on by YOUR lifestyle, including your decision to not off yourself before you start costing society money.
The satement about the worker just leaving if they are being harassed needs to be looked at a little more closely. In a true free market system, if you have a boss who is harassing employees and every employee keeps leaving, then pretty soon, no one is going to be working for that person and they will be out of work. But here is the thing, in Dr Pauls ideal world, there will be plenty of jobs to go around, in fact, workers will be in such high demand, anyone who doesn't treat their employees like gold will be without them. So you have to understand where he is coming from when he makes these statements. It's like the school bully. If he picks on you and you go and run tot he teacher, he knows he has you and him getting detention is a reward, so it encourages his behavior. If you ignore him or punch him in the nose, he is going to back down and try to find another target, if his whole class turns on him, he is going to be forced to grow as a person and the whole system gains another productive member. So instead of a helpless victim and a boorish bully, you have two people who may respect eachother. People need to stop feeling so small and insignificant, you are in MY Universe, either treat me with respect or GTFO.
He's an odd old man. He has some good policies...and he has some completely unrealistic ones.
I agree with his argument on individual rights IF this were some sort of happy hand holding nation where we all sing campfire songs. The fact is that it isn't. It would make sense if we all started out at the exact same level of rights and benefits but when it comes down to it, we don't. There must be a way for people to correct injustices and binding together to do that just makes sense.
I've changed my mind. I think we should be exposed more to Dr Quack and his policies. Go Paul-bots. Let's see what this man really stands for.
Paul preaches individual liberties which are based on nonviolence and tolerance.
But it seems that truth doesn't matter in this blog.
The man is right! Many minority people take a good deed that was meant to give them a helping hand and turned it into a lifetime of laziness. This has backfired on this country and will have to stop one day -– A lesson learned for the country. Individuals, in the end, have to be responsible for their own lives -- not a government subsistence called welfare.