Uncategorized

Ron Paul: What The 2014 Elections Meant

IS “REPUBLICAN CONTROL” REALLY GOING TO PUT AN END TO FAILED POLICIES? By RON PAUL || Did the election last week really mean that much?  I took to my Twitter account on Tuesday to point out that the change in control of the Senate from Democrat to Republican actually means…

IS “REPUBLICAN CONTROL” REALLY GOING TO PUT AN END TO FAILED POLICIES?

ron paul is in and outBy RON PAUL || Did the election last week really mean that much?  I took to my Twitter account on Tuesday to point out that the change in control of the Senate from Democrat to Republican actually means very little, despite efforts by politicians and the mainstream media to convince us otherwise.  Yes, power shifted, I wrote.  But the philosophy on Capitol Hill changed very little. The warfare/welfare state is still alive and well in Washington.

Some were critical of my comment that, “Republican control of the Senate equals expanded neo-con wars in Syria and Iraq. Boots on the ground are coming!”

But unfortunately my fears were confirmed even sooner than I thought.  Shortly after the vote, President Barack Obama announced that he would double the number of U.S. troops on the ground in Iraq and request another $5.6 billion to fight his war in the Middle East.

The President also said on Wednesday that he would seek a new authorization for the use of force in Iraq and Syria.  He said that a new authorization was needed to reflect, “not just our strategy over the next two or three months, but our strategy going forward.”

That sounds like boots on the ground in an endless war.

Senate Democrats had been competing with Republicans over who would push a more aggressive foreign policy.  This may explain their miserable showing on Tuesday: it is likely the honest, antiwar progressives just stayed home on election night.  But with the Republican victory bringing to leadership the most hawkish of the neoconservatives like John McCain, the only fight over the President’s request to re-invade Iraq will be Republican demands that he send in even more soldiers and weapons!

Likewise, the incoming Republicans in the Senate have expressed a foolhardy desire to continue resurrecting the Cold War.  They demand that Russia be further sanctioned even as the original reason for the sanctions – claims that Russia was behind the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH-17 – has been shown to be false.  They want to send weapons to the U.S.-backed government in Ukraine even through it will result in more civilians killed in east Ukraine.  Their dangerous Russia policy may even turn the new Cold War into a hot war, which would be catastrophic.

On the domestic front, I do not hold out much hope that the next Congress will give more than lip service to reducing spending.  What is more likely is Republicans will support dramatic increases in welfare spending as long warfare spending is increased by an equivalent, or greater, amount.  That is what is called “compromise” in Washington.

One positive development from Tuesday is the slightly improved chance for a roll-call vote on “Audit the Fed.”  Most of the Senators who are likely to assume leadership roles next year are co-sponsors of the bill.  However, special interests that benefit from Fed secrecy are very influential in both parties, so it will be up to the people to continue to pressure Congress for a Senate vote.

Elsewhere, there may also be some rollbacks and reforms of some of the worst parts of Obamacare, but a full repeal of the bill is unlikely.  This is not just because there are still not the votes to override an inevitable veto.  The insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies that benefit from Obamacare are equally influential in both parties and have very deep pockets.

I ended my comments on election night by pointing out that while it may have been an important election, it was not most important ever.  Ideas are what really count.  And that is where we are winning!

Ron Paul is a former U.S. Congressman from Texas and the leader of the pro-liberty, pro-free market movement in the United States. His weekly column – reprinted with permission – can be found here.

Related posts

Uncategorized

Woman is elected president of the world

John
Uncategorized

Man eats a hamburger from 1937

John
Uncategorized

Murdaugh Retrial Hearing: Interview With Bill Young

Will Folks

52 comments

The Colonel November 10, 2014 at 8:43 am

Here, let me summarize Ol”RonBo’s article for you:

Ron Paul: What The 2014 Elections Meant

The 2014 election results mean I’m even more irrelevant today than I was last Monday (if that’s possible).

Reply
Turd Ferguson November 10, 2014 at 9:07 am

BAHAHAHA!!! I can’t upvote this enough!!!

Reply
RogueElephant November 10, 2014 at 9:25 am

Good shot Col.

Reply
diamond jim:elections have con November 10, 2014 at 9:38 am

I am beginning to think you get it. :-)

Reply
The Inquisition November 10, 2014 at 9:40 am

How often do you find yourself responding to irrelevant people?

Reply
The Colonel November 10, 2014 at 9:46 am

On FitsNews? Daily…

Reply
Silvio Dante November 10, 2014 at 9:54 am

And the Colonel is now 2 for 2 for the day

Reply
The Inquisition November 10, 2014 at 9:56 am

You must have a lot of time on your hands.

You a gubamint worker?

Reply
The Colonel November 10, 2014 at 10:07 am

Oddly enough, yes I am – sort of.

I’m grading papers this morning and they’re so bad that I can’t handle more than 2-3 at a time. I teach a 400 level history course and one of my students wrote that “lack of training of leaders” on the Southern side is why the Union won First Manassas.

After pointing out that Beauregard and Johnston were both USMA graduates (Hell, PGT Beauregard was the commandant for a while) and that both men were gifted and very experienced combat commanders I started to address Jackson, Stuart and Bee but I just gave up, marked a giant X through her answer and gave her zero points.

bryan cochrane November 10, 2014 at 10:11 am

Talk about irrelevant.

The Colonel November 10, 2014 at 2:16 pm

And yet you read it – that was way off the rabbit trail even for me…

The Inquisition November 10, 2014 at 10:12 am

“Oddly enough, yes I am – sort of.”

Doesn’t seem odd to me at all.

diamond jim:elections have con November 10, 2014 at 10:39 am

History huh? I did some teaching myself.
Would you agree Lee was a Biblical Christian and Grant was a slobbering drunk? Lee’s surrender at Appomattox saved this nation thousands of lives as he still had a viable fighting force in the field?
Would you also agree that the Civil War was NOT about slavery and that Lincoln didn’t give a shit about the slaves? That Lincoln fought this war because the Union’s economy was threatened by the advent of the Cotton Gin in the south?
This is a TEST Col.-don’t fail! :-)

The Colonel November 10, 2014 at 10:48 am

That “slobbering drunk” managed to kick the crap out of the “Christian Gentleman” in almost every battle they (Lee and Grant) fought.

The war was about state’s rights – the major right at contention was slavery, parse it anyway that suits your preconceived notions. Had the South given up on cotton in 1861 – especially after their exports were cut 95% and focused instead on growing food, things might have been very different.

By Appomattox, The Confederacy lacked anyway to obtain war materials – Fort Fisher had fallen, the Mississippi was in Union Control. Lee’s forces were out manned, out gunned and frankly out led – many of the South’s combat commanders were dead or nearly so by that point. While the Confederacy still had a sizable Army, Lee summed his decision to surrender in his final order this way: “… After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources….”

diamond jim:elections have con November 10, 2014 at 11:07 am

I think you just agreed with me?
Next on our plate-did you know Anwar Sadat was a ‘closet’ Christian?

The Colonel November 10, 2014 at 2:34 pm

I don’t know that there is any evidence Sadat was a Christian of any kind. Apparently the idea stems from the fact that he attended a Coptic school while he was very young and that he saw a need to have positive relations with Christians (Surat Al-Baqarah 2:62 requires Muslims to live in such a way as to not cause fear to their Jew or Christian neighbors).

Sadat was a Sunni Muslim as was his wife Jenna (who also attended a Christian school)(She also taught at USC)

diamond jim:elections have con November 10, 2014 at 2:41 pm

Interesting. I had a professor that shared an ‘experience ‘ with Sadat.
I will review my notes from long ago and share what I have.

Thanks for responding ,Col.

TontoBubbaGoldstein November 10, 2014 at 8:47 pm

I teach a 400 level history course and one of my students wrote that “lack of training of leaders” on the Southern side is why the Union won First Manassas.

The Union was routed at the First Battle of Manassas.

The Colonel November 10, 2014 at 8:55 pm

And we have a winner! I wondered how long it would take for someone to notice that.

TontoBubbaGoldstein November 10, 2014 at 8:58 pm

Whew!
You had me worried there for a moment, Chief.

The Colonel November 10, 2014 at 9:05 pm

When I got to the part about “…that’s why the Union won…” I drew the big X.

Based on her complete answer she knew what she knew the facts (sort of). She just got it backwards when she wrote the answer (I only give essay and short answer tests).

M2000 November 10, 2014 at 10:27 am

This is why I have always known him as wRONg Paul.

Reply
The I November 10, 2014 at 11:06 am

Well, you did’t disagree with what he said. You disagreed with him. Whether he is relevant or irrelevant in anyone’s mind is more of an irrelevancy than what he stated. All of the signers of the US Constitution are dead. Is the US Constitution irrelevant because all the signers are dead?

Reply
The Colonel November 10, 2014 at 11:48 am

What part of “…former U.S. Congressman from Texas with absolutely no congressional achievements…” do you not understand?

RonBo – “…“Republican control of the Senate equals expanded neo-con wars in Syria and Iraq. Boots on the ground are coming…

Truth – more wars have been started by Democrats

RonBo – “…What is more likely is Republicans will support dramatic increases in welfare spending as long warfare spending is increased by an equivalent, or greater, amount…”

Truth – not even the RINOs would support more welfare spending

RonBo – “…Elsewhere, there may also be some rollbacks and reforms of some of the worst parts of Obamacare, but a full repeal of the bill is unlikely….”

Truth – He may be right – depends on what Justice Roberts has for breakfast – if he has his Wheaties Obamacare may just go the way of Prohibition, if not well, that remains to be seen.

Reply
Rocky November 10, 2014 at 12:56 pm

“May jjust go the way of Prohibition” – Colonel – I respect much of what you say – but there is not way the GOP is going to face voters in 2016 responsible for taking insurance away from 25 million Americans. They just won’t. And since it was the GOPs plan to begin with, they’ll take a nibble, declare victory, rename it Affordable Middle Class Healthcare Access and slink away. They won’t go up against Humana, Blue Cross, Aetna and others. Just won’t happen.

Reply
The Colonel November 10, 2014 at 2:15 pm

25 million Americans and the ACA in the same thought?!? How about 8 million?

As for what Americans want:
40% want it improved piece by piece
39% want it repealed
15% want it left alone
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/health_care_update_archive/october_2014/fewer_voters_expect_gop_controlled_congress_to_repeal_obamacare

My though it that it is so intertwined that the “piece by piece” method may make it even worse but that’s still what we’ll get.

SCOTUS could well make the whole argument moot though. If they rule the subsidies illegal, Obamacare will enter a death spiral: rates will climb at least 100%, folks will drop out like flies (20% still haven’t paid their first payment), insurers will argue to be let out of the deal and it will all collapse like the house of cards its always been..

USAFVetDan November 10, 2014 at 3:57 pm

So Ron Paul made no “congressional achievement”? In view of the fact that all those congressional achievements have destroyed our once great nation, Ron Paul (a.k.a. Dr. No) was the best congressman this country has seen in many decades. or do you think it is wise to give a patient more of the poison that made him sick in the first place?

Reply
The Colonel November 10, 2014 at 8:03 pm

Compare Dr. No to Senator No “Jessie Helms” in what he was able to accomplish (ignore the politics for a moment, just look at accomplishments – Paul wasn’t even particularly good at constituent services)

Reply
TontoBubbaGoldstein November 10, 2014 at 8:57 pm

Compare Dr. No to Senator No “Jessie Helms” in what he was able to accomplish (ignore the politics for a moment, just look at accomplishments – Paul wasn’t even particularly good at constituent services)

Neither Charles, Jane or Nancy are considered legitimate, mainstream GOP candidates for 2016 POTUS. : )

Reply
The Colonel November 10, 2014 at 9:21 pm

I’m not sure, are you saying that’s a positive or a negative?

Gov't=Progress November 11, 2014 at 8:23 am

In The Colonel’s world, passing laws is “progress”. Sound familiar?

The Colonel November 11, 2014 at 10:56 am

No, in the Colonel’s world passing good laws, only when necessary, is progress.

All Paul ever did was vote no – he never offered any alternatives, just “no”.

Gov't=Progress November 11, 2014 at 1:29 pm

“No, in the Colonel’s world passing good laws, only when necessary, is progress.”

Do you realize that is no different from what I said?

USAFVetDan November 11, 2014 at 10:52 am

Paul would vote “no” on a bill because it included unconstitutional spending. After the bill passed in spite of his no vote, he would then fight to get his district’s share of the money back to his constituents. For his efforts, his detractors would accuse him of being a hypocrite and/or a pork-dipping politician.
His detractors always seem to be those who are constitutionally ignorant, don’t give a tinker’s damn about rule of law, find Statism to be acceptable, and see government as some kind of personal cookie jar. They also seem to be oblivious to the fact that we have allowed our Constitutional Republic to be supplanted by an Oligarchy. Ignorance and laziness are contrary to the preservation of freedom and prosperity.

Reply
9" November 11, 2014 at 6:10 am

So,Ron Paul is an old hippie living in,Asheville?

Reply
The Colonel November 11, 2014 at 6:51 am

No, but a surprising number of his supporters reek of patchouli oil…

Reply
idcydm November 10, 2014 at 9:23 am

Ron who?

Reply
FastEddy23 November 10, 2014 at 9:27 am

We witness and understand retired Congressman Paul’s stance on the Ukraine vis-a-vis the IMF/World Bank/EU/”progressive” Fascist elites’ attempted take over of the Ukrainian government and central bank. The EuroTrash taxsuckers …

We see the federal reserve’s shoddy bookkeeping and realize (again) the slimy, greedy hands of “progressive” thievery at work. Tiny Timmy and Big Benn are still manipulating that scammery, now as “advisors” to the Euro fixers … and snagging tasty commissions along the way. …

Professor Ron is not going away … Thankfully.

Reply
tomstickler November 10, 2014 at 10:20 am

Charles P. Pierce, of the Esquire politics blog, refers to the “five-minute rule” that applies to both political Pauls. The rule holds that what either has to say sounds pretty good until about the five-minute mark, and then it goes into the weeds with something like — in this case — audit the Fed.

Reply
TontoBubbaGoldstein November 10, 2014 at 9:05 pm

The rule holds that what either has to say sounds pretty good until about the five-minute mark,…

…which is 5 minutes longer than most politicians.

Take a listen to Obama, Clyburn, or Miss Lindsey sometimes..

Reply
GrandTango November 10, 2014 at 10:28 am

LMAO..Ron Paul and the Liberal-Tarians took just as big a beating in the elections as the Democrats. (see Kansas and Florida, Alaska)….

RonPaul did deliver Virginia’s US Senate seat to the Democrats, just like Liberal-Tarians gave Va. a Democrat governor….and that just shows how dangerous Liberal-Tarians can be.

If we are to get this nation back we’re going to have to Smash the Liberal-Tarians too. We did it in most cases, but they still secured a seat or two for the Democrats that they are in bed with. Eventually, Paul may realize he’s already screwed his son’s national career, and he needs to STFU…

Reply
diamond jim:elections have con November 10, 2014 at 11:12 am

He tried to deliver North Carolina to the Dems and Hagan and the governorship in Florida to the Dems and Crist.

Thank God for the 50% turnout in Georgia (I thought Obama said only 33% voted) or Paul may have elected Nunn and Jimmy Carter’s grandson as governor.

Going to shoot you an email on a topic and about the ‘fly’. :-)

Your blog looks great!

Reply
Hippocritter November 10, 2014 at 11:13 am

“Your blog looks great!”

Which is a fascinating observation in that both you and him spend so much time here.

Reply
diamond jim:elections have con November 10, 2014 at 11:23 am

What is wrong with enjoying BOTH blogs? Some good people on here that are thinkers. Tango may not have the commentators due to the organized, union-type boycott imposed on him however his content and articles are excellent.

I challange you liberals and even RINO’s to visit and challenge his world-view. A blog is no fun if we are all alike and just agree with each other. Doesn’t mean you abandon Fits as this forum is entertaining in its own way.

Reply
Hippocritter November 10, 2014 at 12:07 pm

“What is wrong with enjoying BOTH blogs?”

Nothing, I’m just surprised that it’s so good that you’re not spending more time there.

“Tango may not have the commentators due to the organized, union-type boycott imposed on him”

Holy Shit! That’s some real black helicopter shit you just spouted. How is “The Man” suppressing Tango in his medicaid funded trailer & website?

diamond jim:elections have con November 10, 2014 at 12:49 pm

Who is ‘The Man’? Not one person nor would it be Will or Fits.

Liberals in general. Just read posts by ‘aikencounty’ and ‘truthmonger’. They are ready to boycott eating and breathing if it doesn’t require them getting fucked out of union dues. :-)

Blowin' Bros November 10, 2014 at 12:10 pm

Ahahahaha! Who’s turn is it?? Don’t forget the reach-a-round.

diamond jim:elections have con November 10, 2014 at 12:12 pm

I see Buz is up. Gary, go fix breakfast.

USAFVetDan November 10, 2014 at 4:23 pm

As usual, you’re hopelessly stuck in the belief that there’s a dime’s worth of difference between the two fake parties. Amazing!!!

Reply
CorruptionInColumbia November 10, 2014 at 10:33 am

Just because Ron is right and he actually gets it, does that make him irrelevant?

Reply
TyroneMamaCollards November 10, 2014 at 12:36 pm

Imagine taking all that war money and giving it back to the American people in the form of a tax refund or tax break. And stop foreign aid to the bastards abroad who screw us over every day.

Reply
Mike at the Beach November 10, 2014 at 10:51 pm

“…claims that Russia was behind the downing of Malaysian Airlines flight MH-17 – has been shown to be false.”

Uh, no they haven’t. As a matter of fact other than on the kooky fringes of the Alex Jones / Infowars / tin-foil-hat world (where RP lives, and can now finally freely admit that he does) does anyone believe that. Those kooks are spreading the old “Ukranian fighters did it” conspiracy theory, which is much like the truther kooks and the “CIA took down the towers” nonsense. Luckily, RP’s approval numbers continue to drop, which renews my faith in America ( at least a little, anyway).

Reply

Leave a Comment