Social Issue Myths
- MYTH: Ron Paul is fanatically prolife and wants to ban abortion nationwide.
RELATED MYTH: Ron Paul isn't prolife because he doesn't want to ban abortion nationwide. - As an obstetrician, Ron Paul delivered over 4,000 babies; his experiences have given him very prolife views.
- He believes that the Constitution does not give the federal government the power to ban or regulate abortion.
- He believes that the people of each state should decide for themselves how to regulate abortion, so as President he will ask Congress to remove jurisdiction over abortion from federal courts.
- He believes prolife taxpayers should not have their taxes used to fund abortion, so as President he will ask Congress to ensure that the federal government does not fund or subsidize abortion.
- MYTH: Ron Paul would ban gay marriage.
- MYTH: Ron Paul is too old to be President.
- Paul, only a year older than John McCain, was not only an honor student but an athlete in high school; he ran the 100-yard dash in 9.8 seconds in a decade when that was statistically quite fast.
- Paul challenged the other GOP Presidential Candidates stating, "I've offered to ride a bicycle for twenty miles in Houston when the temperature is one-hundred . . . [then] we'll decide who is the youngest."
- Paul is in fact not "retiring" from Congress due to his age, but rather due to his belief that it is unconstitutional to run for Congress and the Presidency at the same time.
- MYTH: Ron Paul is a racist as his newsletters show.
- Ron Paul has never said or written anything remotely racist in almost 40 years of public life.
- Ron Paul opposes the drug war and the death penalty, which disproportionately affect minorities
- The smear regarding decades-old newsletters has been investigated and dismissed; The New York Sun says Ron Paul "has never voiced views that we would call racist or anti-Semitic."
- President of the Austin NAACP, Nelson Linder, who has known Paul for 20 years "unequivocally dismissed charges that the Congressman was a racist in light of recent smear attempts."
- According to Business Insider, some speculate that political commentator Lew Rockwell may have been responsible for the newsletters without Paul's knowledge, but this is without proof.
- Paul has stated he has no knowledge of who wrote the newsletters, although some
- MYTH: Ron Paul supports the white supremacist group Stormfront.
- Ron Paul cannot check the personal views of all his many donors.
- A Stormfront member donated to Ron Paul in 2008 and Ron Paul refused to return the money.
- Ron Paul would rather spend donated money to promote the message of freedom and tolerance, than return it and thereby allow Stormfront members to spend it in ugly ways.
- NEW! MYTH: Ron Paul would abolish Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid if elected President.
- Ron Paul has pledged to honor "our promise to seniors and veterans" and not cut Social Security.
- The Paul Campaign responded to false accusations, stating that "when anyone attempts to address these problems, they are immediately accused of 'ending,' 'slashing' or 'getting rid of' such programs." The campaign explained that Paul is not suggesting this for anyone currently reliant on these programs.
- Paul's "Plan to Restore America" does not cut Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid while still cutting $1 trillion from the national deficit. It transitions these programs to other sectors of government to make them more financially solvent.
- Paul's "Plan to Restore America" additionally has an "opt-out" option for Social Security for those under 25.
- The Paul Campaign responded to false accusations, stating that "when anyone attempts to address these problems, they are immediately accused of 'ending,' 'slashing' or 'getting rid of' such programs." The campaign explained that Paul is not suggesting this for anyone currently reliant on these programs.
- NEW!MYTH: Ron Paul will legalize prostitution and supports a free-for-all society by legalizing drugs.
- Ron Paul persistently defends the Constitution and the Tenth Amendment--the amendment protecting states rights, and believes prostitution and drug use is a states' rights issue not enumerated to the federal government under the Constitution.
- There is actually no federal law prohibiting prostitution today, but it is illegal via most states' laws.
- While Paul supports ending the War on Drugs, the Congress would only be legally capable of ending the federal mandate on drug use and possession; states would still retain their laws prohibiting drug use and possession.
- There is actually no federal law prohibiting prostitution today, but it is illegal via most states' laws.
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FACT: Ron Paul is prolife but he will not (and as President does not have the power to) ban abortion nationwide.
Personal views: Ron Paul has said that he found it troubling as an obstetrician that while some doctors work to save the lives of premature newborns, unwanted babies of the same gestational age are being discarded.1 For him life is precious whether that of a baby, a former baby who has grown up to become a soldier, or an innocent civilian in another country.1 He is concerned that "whether it is war or abortion, we conceal the reality of violent acts through linguistic contrivances meant to devalue human lives we find inconvenient."3
The Constitution: In dealing with abortion, Ron Paul thinks the US should follow the Constitution. "The federal government should not play any role in the abortion issue, according to the Constitution."2 "Even some supporters of abortion were embarrassed by Roe v Wade as a matter of constitutional law."2
State decision making (No federal court jurisdiction): Ron Paul as President would ask Congress to take away jurisdiction from the Federal Judiciary so that federal judges will no longer second-guess state decisions in this area.4 Of course, whether this occurs will be up to the Congress and its constituents. Ron Paul has said: "To those who argue that we cannot allow the states to make decisions on abortion since some will make the wrong ones, I reply that that is an excellent argument for world government--for how can we allow individual countries to decide on abortion or other moral issues, if some may make the wrong decisions? Yet the dangers of a world government surely speak for themselves."3
No taxpayer funding for abortion: To protect freedom of conscience for all Americans, President Ron Paul will ask the Congress to ban the use of federal taxpayer funds to fund abortions.4 Surely, whether or not this actually occurs would be up to the Congress. As Paul states, "Law reflects the morality of the people."3
LEARN MORE:
Watch:
1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7XZizPgP8Q
Read:
James Freedman, "Ron Paul: Roe v. Wade a 'big mistake'"
Liberty Defined by Ron Paul
2: The Revolution by Ron Paul, page 60
3: The Revolution by Ron Paul, page 61
4: Ron Paul on Abortion
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=abortion
FACT: Ron Paul is prolife but he will not (and as President does not have the power to) ban abortion nationwide.
Personal views: Ron Paul has said that he found it troubling as an obstetrician that while some doctors work to save the lives of premature newborns, unwanted babies of the same gestational age are being discarded.1 For him life is precious whether that of a baby, a former baby who has grown up to become a soldier, or an innocent civilian in another country.1 He is concerned that "whether it is war or abortion, we conceal the reality of violent acts through linguistic contrivances meant to devalue human lives we find inconvenient."3
The Constitution: In dealing with abortion, Ron Paul thinks the US should follow the Constitution. "The federal government should not play any role in the abortion issue, according to the Constitution."2 "Even some supporters of abortion were embarrassed by Roe v Wade as a matter of constitutional law."2
State decision making (No federal court jurisdiction): Ron Paul as President would ask Congress to take away jurisdiction from the Federal Judiciary so that federal judges will no longer second-guess state decisions in this area.4 Of course, whether this occurs will be up to the Congress and its constituents. Ron Paul has said: "To those who argue that we cannot allow the states to make decisions on abortion since some will make the wrong ones, I reply that that is an excellent argument for world government--for how can we allow individual countries to decide on abortion or other moral issues, if some may make the wrong decisions? Yet the dangers of a world government surely speak for themselves."3
No taxpayer funding for abortion: To protect freedom of conscience for all Americans, President Ron Paul will ask the Congress to ban the use of federal taxpayer funds to fund abortions.4 Surely, whether or not this actually occurs would be up to the Congress. As Paul states, "Law reflects the morality of the people."3
LEARN MORE:
Watch:
1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7XZizPgP8Q
Read:
James Freedman, "Ron Paul: Roe v. Wade a 'big mistake'"
Liberty Defined by Ron Paul
2: The Revolution by Ron Paul, page 60
3: The Revolution by Ron Paul, page 61
4: Ron Paul on Abortion
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=abortion
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Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=gaymariage
FACT: Dr. Paul wants government out of the private decisions of citizens altogether.
Dr. Paul has written, "Marriage is first and foremost a religious matter, not a government matter. Government is not moral and cannot make us moral. Law should reflect moral standards, of course, but morality comes from religion, from philosophy, from societal standards, from families, and from responsible individuals. We make a mistake when we look to government for moral leadership."
However, as Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution does not grant Congress the power to regulate marriage, the 10th Amendment reserves that power to the states and to the people.
As Dr. Paul continues, "Marriage and divorce laws have always been crafted by states. In an ideal world, state governments enforce marriage contracts and settle divorces, but otherwise stay out of marriage. The federal government, granted only limited, enumerated powers in the Constitution, has no role whatsoever."
In addition to the powers granted to the legislature, the Supreme Court's powers should also be Constitutionally limited.
As Dr. Paul states, "The choices are not limited to either banning gay marriage at the federal level, or giving up and accepting it as inevitable. A far better approach, rarely discussed, is for Congress to exercise its existing constitutional power to limit the jurisdiction of federal courts. Congress could statutorily remove whole issues like gay marriage from the federal judiciary, striking a blow against judicial tyranny and restoring some degree of states' rights. We seem to have forgotten that the Supreme Court is supreme only over lower federal courts; it is not supreme over the other branches of government. The judiciary is co-equal under our federal system, but too often it serves as an unelected, unaccountable legislature."
In all, Dr. Paul supports the liberty of free individuals to make their own personal lifestyle choices, so long as the do not violate the rights of others in the process. Dr. Paul's position is the most likely remedy to this very divisive, polarizing issue, which is too often used by both parties as a single issue talking point to score grand political points. Let's put that power back where it belongs and allow our federal government to address those few limited, pressing issues that truly affect our nation as a whole.
"Eliminate Federal Court Jurisdiction", 03/02/04 - http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul160.html
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=gaymariage
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FACT: Ron Paul is healthy and is in great shape.
Details:
Ron was a track star in high school.4 Graduating with honors from Dormont High School in 1953, Paul was the state champion in the 220-yard dash. (Street Smart Direct) Paul additionally ran the 100 yard dash in 9.8 seconds at a time when that was quite fast.65,6 A serious knee injury forced Paul to end his high school track career (he beat one athlete that went on to the Olympics) but added swimming for therapy, and soon became a member of his college's swim team.4 Ron was offered a full scholarship to run track in college but declined it, feeling he might not be able to regain his speed.4
Ron Paul is in Great Shape Today: As if Paul's history of exceptional fitness in his youth isn't enough, Paul recently stated the following: "I've offered to ride a bicycle for twenty miles in Houston when the temperature is one-hundred and the humidity is one-hundred, and I'll go twenty miles with them and we'll decide who is the youngest."1 Additionally, Paul bikes 10 miles a day and runs two miles every morning.3 When examining his health and exercise routine, something of which he jokingly calls a "compulsion,"7 it is easy to see the non-factually based accusation that Paul is too old to be President. To this day, Paul exercises through riding his bicycle, walking and swimming, and feels lucky to be as healthy as he is today to do these activities.4
Paul is Retiring from Congress because he's too Old: It is also said that Ron Paul is "retiring" from his House seat 'because of his age,' and therefore some believe this is proof that he's definitely too old for the Presidency. While this term may be semi-accurate, it has created a myth that Paul is leaving Congress because he feels he's 'getting too old.' In fact, Paul is leaving his Congressional seat based on his convictions.2 While running for the Presidency in 2008, Paul was criticized for also running for his Congressional re-election campaign at the same time - something of which he has given thought to and feels is in fact Constitutionally wrong. 2 Therefore, Paul will be leaving the House of Representatives based on his convictions and beliefs. Paul additionally stated he will always fight for the issues he believes in, whether or not he's in public office.2 Paul will leave Congress at the end of his term in 2012.
LEARN MORE:
Watch:
7: Washington Post -- Youtube
1: WMUR -- Youtube
2: Associated Press -- Youtube
Watch:
3: Daily Paul
4: Ron Paul for Congress
5: Street Smart Direct
6: Seattle Times
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=age
FACT: Ron Paul is healthy and is in great shape.
Details:
An Athlete and Honor Student in High School: Ron Paul, all of 76 - just a year older than John McCain, is actually in great shape.
Ron was a track star in high school.4 Graduating with honors from Dormont High School in 1953, Paul was the state champion in the 220-yard dash. (Street Smart Direct) Paul additionally ran the 100 yard dash in 9.8 seconds at a time when that was quite fast.65,6 A serious knee injury forced Paul to end his high school track career (he beat one athlete that went on to the Olympics) but added swimming for therapy, and soon became a member of his college's swim team.4 Ron was offered a full scholarship to run track in college but declined it, feeling he might not be able to regain his speed.4
Ron Paul is in Great Shape Today: As if Paul's history of exceptional fitness in his youth isn't enough, Paul recently stated the following: "I've offered to ride a bicycle for twenty miles in Houston when the temperature is one-hundred and the humidity is one-hundred, and I'll go twenty miles with them and we'll decide who is the youngest."1 Additionally, Paul bikes 10 miles a day and runs two miles every morning.3 When examining his health and exercise routine, something of which he jokingly calls a "compulsion,"7 it is easy to see the non-factually based accusation that Paul is too old to be President. To this day, Paul exercises through riding his bicycle, walking and swimming, and feels lucky to be as healthy as he is today to do these activities.4
Paul is Retiring from Congress because he's too Old: It is also said that Ron Paul is "retiring" from his House seat 'because of his age,' and therefore some believe this is proof that he's definitely too old for the Presidency. While this term may be semi-accurate, it has created a myth that Paul is leaving Congress because he feels he's 'getting too old.' In fact, Paul is leaving his Congressional seat based on his convictions.2 While running for the Presidency in 2008, Paul was criticized for also running for his Congressional re-election campaign at the same time - something of which he has given thought to and feels is in fact Constitutionally wrong. 2 Therefore, Paul will be leaving the House of Representatives based on his convictions and beliefs. Paul additionally stated he will always fight for the issues he believes in, whether or not he's in public office.2 Paul will leave Congress at the end of his term in 2012.
LEARN MORE:
Watch:
7: Washington Post -- Youtube
1: WMUR -- Youtube
2: Associated Press -- Youtube
Watch:
3: Daily Paul
4: Ron Paul for Congress
5: Street Smart Direct
6: Seattle Times
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=age
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FACT: Ron Paul opposes racism and favors policies that will benefit minorities.
Racism "Odious": Research shows that Paul has never stated or written anything racist in almost 40 years of public service, including his books.7,8,9 In his book, The Revolution, Ron Paul explains that racism "is a particularly odious form of collectivism."1 He further explains that "the only way that racism can be overcome is through the philosophy of individualism, which I have promoted throughout my life."1 Paul also goes on to say: "We should not think in terms of whites, blacks, Hispanics, and other such groups. That kind of thinking only divides us. The only us-versus-them thinking in which we might indulge is the people - all the people - versus the government."2
Opposition to Drug War and Death Penalty: "Paul's position on the drug war alone-which he has acknowledged disproportionately affects minorities-would do more for blacks in America than any proposal any of the other [2008] candidates currently has on the table. Paul has also recently rescinded his support for the federal death penalty, also due to its disproportionate impact on blacks."3
Smear Campaign Refuted: The New York Sun has addressed the newsletters in an editorial as follows: "[I]n the dozen or so conversations we've had with Dr. Paul over nearly 30 years, he has never voiced views that we would call racist or anti-Semitic. On the contrary, we have heard a tone altogether different."4 Ron Paul has said regarding the newsletters: "The quotations [from the newsletters] are not mine and do not represent what I believe or have ever believed. I have never uttered such words and denounce such small-minded thoughts. In fact, I have always agreed with Martin Luther King, Jr. that we should only be concerned with the content of a person's character, not the color of their skin . . . When I was out of Congress and practicing medicine full-time, a newsletter was published under my name that I did not edit. Several writers contributed to the product. For over a decade, I have publically taken moral responsibility for not paying closer attention to what went out under my name."5 Many reputable journalists subsequently investigated the issue. In addition to the New York Sun editorial cited above, see also Justin Raimondo, "Why the Beltway Libertarians Are Trying to Smear Ron Paul," Takimag.com, January 18th, 2008 and Julian Sanchez & David Weigel, "Who wrote Ron Paul's newsletters?"
Lew Rockwell: According to Business Insider, some speculate that political commentator Lew Rockwell may have been responsible for the content in Paul's newsletters.10 More research needs to be conducted before accusations are made, however.
Austin NAACP President Dismisses charges: President of the Austin NAACP Nelson Linder, who has known Paul for twenty years, publically stated he "unequivocally dismissed charges that the Congressman was a racist in light of recent smear attempts."6 He went on to state, "Dr. Paul has . . . praised Martin Luther King as his hero on many occasions spanning back 20 years."6
LEARN MORE:
Watch:
Ron Paul addresses charges of racism on CNN
Read:
1: The Revolution by Ron Paul; page 64
2: The Revolution by Ron Paul; page 66
3: Reason.com: Ron Paul
4: New York Sun: Reckoning with Ron Paul
5:Reuters: Ron Paul Statement on The New Republic Article Regarding Old Newsletters
6: NAACP President Defends Ron Paulagainst Recent Smear Attempts
7: http://paul.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1007&Itemid=60
8: http://paul.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1814&Itemid=69
9: http://www.amazon.com/Ron-Paul/e/B001I9TTX6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
10: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-12-20/politics/30537102_1_newsletters-conspiracy-theories-lew-rockwell Justin Raimondo, "Why the Beltway Libertarians Are Trying to Smear Ron Paul," Takimag.com, January 18th, 2008
Julian Sanchez & David Weigel, "Who wrote Ron Paul's Newsletters?"
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=newsletter
FACT: Ron Paul opposes racism and favors policies that will benefit minorities.
Racism "Odious": Research shows that Paul has never stated or written anything racist in almost 40 years of public service, including his books.7,8,9 In his book, The Revolution, Ron Paul explains that racism "is a particularly odious form of collectivism."1 He further explains that "the only way that racism can be overcome is through the philosophy of individualism, which I have promoted throughout my life."1 Paul also goes on to say: "We should not think in terms of whites, blacks, Hispanics, and other such groups. That kind of thinking only divides us. The only us-versus-them thinking in which we might indulge is the people - all the people - versus the government."2
Opposition to Drug War and Death Penalty: "Paul's position on the drug war alone-which he has acknowledged disproportionately affects minorities-would do more for blacks in America than any proposal any of the other [2008] candidates currently has on the table. Paul has also recently rescinded his support for the federal death penalty, also due to its disproportionate impact on blacks."3
Smear Campaign Refuted: The New York Sun has addressed the newsletters in an editorial as follows: "[I]n the dozen or so conversations we've had with Dr. Paul over nearly 30 years, he has never voiced views that we would call racist or anti-Semitic. On the contrary, we have heard a tone altogether different."4 Ron Paul has said regarding the newsletters: "The quotations [from the newsletters] are not mine and do not represent what I believe or have ever believed. I have never uttered such words and denounce such small-minded thoughts. In fact, I have always agreed with Martin Luther King, Jr. that we should only be concerned with the content of a person's character, not the color of their skin . . . When I was out of Congress and practicing medicine full-time, a newsletter was published under my name that I did not edit. Several writers contributed to the product. For over a decade, I have publically taken moral responsibility for not paying closer attention to what went out under my name."5 Many reputable journalists subsequently investigated the issue. In addition to the New York Sun editorial cited above, see also Justin Raimondo, "Why the Beltway Libertarians Are Trying to Smear Ron Paul," Takimag.com, January 18th, 2008 and Julian Sanchez & David Weigel, "Who wrote Ron Paul's newsletters?"
Lew Rockwell: According to Business Insider, some speculate that political commentator Lew Rockwell may have been responsible for the content in Paul's newsletters.10 More research needs to be conducted before accusations are made, however.
Austin NAACP President Dismisses charges: President of the Austin NAACP Nelson Linder, who has known Paul for twenty years, publically stated he "unequivocally dismissed charges that the Congressman was a racist in light of recent smear attempts."6 He went on to state, "Dr. Paul has . . . praised Martin Luther King as his hero on many occasions spanning back 20 years."6
LEARN MORE:
Watch:
Ron Paul addresses charges of racism on CNN
Read:
1: The Revolution by Ron Paul; page 64
2: The Revolution by Ron Paul; page 66
3: Reason.com: Ron Paul
4: New York Sun: Reckoning with Ron Paul
5:Reuters: Ron Paul Statement on The New Republic Article Regarding Old Newsletters
6: NAACP President Defends Ron Paulagainst Recent Smear Attempts
7: http://paul.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1007&Itemid=60
8: http://paul.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1814&Itemid=69
9: http://www.amazon.com/Ron-Paul/e/B001I9TTX6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
10: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-12-20/politics/30537102_1_newsletters-conspiracy-theories-lew-rockwell Justin Raimondo, "Why the Beltway Libertarians Are Trying to Smear Ron Paul," Takimag.com, January 18th, 2008
Julian Sanchez & David Weigel, "Who wrote Ron Paul's Newsletters?"
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=newsletter
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FACT: Ron Paul has never supported or been a member of Stormfront.
Many Donors: Ron Paul receives a massive amount of donations from more individuals. During Paul's 2008 GOP Presidential Campaign bid he received support from over 130,000 individual donors.7 So far, in 2011 Paul has raised most of his money from donors who gave less than $200 each.8 To elaborate further, donors who give less than $200 to a campaign are not required to disclose their employer or occupation.9 To investigate the personal viewpoints of each donor would be impractical for any campaign, and is particularly impractical for a campaign that receives many small donations rather than fewer large donations.
Stormfront Member Donation: In late 2007, a member of Stormfront, Don Black, gave $500 to Ron Paul's Presidential Campaign. When the connection to Stormfront was identified after review of the FEC reports, the campaign was asked whether it intended to return the money. A spokesman for the Ron Paul 2008 Campaign said that the money would not be returned--for reasons to be discussed in the next paragraph.3
Better Use for the Funds: "If someone with small ideologies happens to contribute money to Ron, thinking he can influence Ron in any way, he's wasted his money," Paul spokesman Jesse Benton said. "Ron is going to take the money and try to spread the message of freedom."3 Paul's 2008 Presidential Campaign is therefore stating that to give the money back would be the equivalent of funding Stormfront--instead, it would be more reasonable to put the money to better use as opposed to putting it back in the hands of a white-supremacist organization.
LEARN MORE:
Watch:
1: Ron Paul on white supremacists
2: Ron Paul Interview with Neil Cavuto explaining Treatment of Don Black Donation (video embedded in article)
Read:
3: Ron Paul Campaign Won't Return Don Black Donation
4: New York Times retracts story re Ron Paul and White Supremacy
5: White Supremacist Claims re Paul are False
6: Small Government Campaigns Plagued by Extremist Groups
7: National Inflation Association
8: Ron Paul 2012
9: Federal Election Commission
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=storm
FACT: Ron Paul has never supported or been a member of Stormfront.
Many Donors: Ron Paul receives a massive amount of donations from more individuals. During Paul's 2008 GOP Presidential Campaign bid he received support from over 130,000 individual donors.7 So far, in 2011 Paul has raised most of his money from donors who gave less than $200 each.8 To elaborate further, donors who give less than $200 to a campaign are not required to disclose their employer or occupation.9 To investigate the personal viewpoints of each donor would be impractical for any campaign, and is particularly impractical for a campaign that receives many small donations rather than fewer large donations.
Stormfront Member Donation: In late 2007, a member of Stormfront, Don Black, gave $500 to Ron Paul's Presidential Campaign. When the connection to Stormfront was identified after review of the FEC reports, the campaign was asked whether it intended to return the money. A spokesman for the Ron Paul 2008 Campaign said that the money would not be returned--for reasons to be discussed in the next paragraph.3
Better Use for the Funds: "If someone with small ideologies happens to contribute money to Ron, thinking he can influence Ron in any way, he's wasted his money," Paul spokesman Jesse Benton said. "Ron is going to take the money and try to spread the message of freedom."3 Paul's 2008 Presidential Campaign is therefore stating that to give the money back would be the equivalent of funding Stormfront--instead, it would be more reasonable to put the money to better use as opposed to putting it back in the hands of a white-supremacist organization.
LEARN MORE:
Watch:
1: Ron Paul on white supremacists
2: Ron Paul Interview with Neil Cavuto explaining Treatment of Don Black Donation (video embedded in article)
Read:
3: Ron Paul Campaign Won't Return Don Black Donation
4: New York Times retracts story re Ron Paul and White Supremacy
5: White Supremacist Claims re Paul are False
6: Small Government Campaigns Plagued by Extremist Groups
7: National Inflation Association
8: Ron Paul 2012
9: Federal Election Commission
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=storm
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Ron Paul's Promise to Senior Citizens: The twelve-term Congressman has pledged to senior citizens that he would not cut Social Security for them.1 Paul has stated he intends to honor "our promise to seniors and veterans."2 While Paul does have his arguments against the current forms of these programs, he does believe that the federal government has an obligation to defend such programs "where we have taught people to be dependent [on the federal government]."1 Paul supports cutting foreign military spending in order to increase revenue, but not defense spending; Paul differentiates greatly between spending on intervening in foreign conflicts and increasing spending at home to increase security.4 With this added revenue, Paul would support making Social Security more solvent with it.4
The Paul Campaign Responds to False Accusations: The Ron Paul 2012 Campaign released a statement in October responding to false accusations that if elected, Paul would abolish programs dealing with welfare and education. Part of the statement read: "Everyone recognizes we have major problems with Social Security and Medicare, and yet when anyone attempts to address these problems, they are immediately accused of 'ending,' 'slashing' or 'getting rid of' such programs. Ron Paul is not suggesting this for anyone currently reliant on these programs or for those who will be in the near future."3
Ron Paul on Medicare and Medicaid: While Paul does not like the concept behind Medicare and Medicaid; he thinks such responsibilities are not that of the federal government but of the states via the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution,5, 7 his recently proposed "Plan to Restore America" does not cut either in any way while still cutting $1 trillion from the deficit.5 Instead, it transitions these programs to different departments of government in order to make it more efficient and financially solvent.5 The elderly and the poor who are currently reliant on these programs would still be an obligation of the government if Paul were elected.1
Opt-Out Option for Social Security: Paul's "Plan to Restore America" would include the option for those under 25 to opt out of Social Security if they desired.3 The Orange County Register commented on Paul's plan as stating "an excellent idea to empower millions of people to control their own retirement investments while simultaneously relieving taxpayers of the mounting deficit that otherwise could bankrupt America."2
LEARN MORE:
Watch:
(Youtube) Ron Paul: "We Don't Have To Cut Medicare Or Social Security To Get Our House In Order"
Read:
1: http://qctimes.com/news/local/ron-paul-pledges-to-keep-promises-to-senior-citizens/article_4b684552-e97f-11e0-a530-001cc4c03286.html
2: http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/paul-324150-plan-candidates.html
3: http://www.ronpaul2012.com/2011/10/24/ron-paul-is-not-ending-student-loans/
4: http://www.iowastatedaily.com/opinion/article_79431382-ff3f-11e0-ac0c-001cc4c03286.html
5: http://www.wltx.com/news/national/article/156785/142/Ron-Paul-The-Truth-About-My-Student-Loan-
http://theview.abc.go.com/forum/ron-paul-treated-medicaid-and-medicare-patients-free-talk-about-saving-gov-money
7: http://www.personalliberty.com/news/ron-paul-we-need-to-respect-the-tenth-amendment-18878229/
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=programs
FACT: Ron Paul would make these programs solvent and more efficient by transitioning them to different sectors of government.
Ron Paul's Promise to Senior Citizens: The twelve-term Congressman has pledged to senior citizens that he would not cut Social Security for them.1 Paul has stated he intends to honor "our promise to seniors and veterans."2 While Paul does have his arguments against the current forms of these programs, he does believe that the federal government has an obligation to defend such programs "where we have taught people to be dependent [on the federal government]."1 Paul supports cutting foreign military spending in order to increase revenue, but not defense spending; Paul differentiates greatly between spending on intervening in foreign conflicts and increasing spending at home to increase security.4 With this added revenue, Paul would support making Social Security more solvent with it.4
The Paul Campaign Responds to False Accusations: The Ron Paul 2012 Campaign released a statement in October responding to false accusations that if elected, Paul would abolish programs dealing with welfare and education. Part of the statement read: "Everyone recognizes we have major problems with Social Security and Medicare, and yet when anyone attempts to address these problems, they are immediately accused of 'ending,' 'slashing' or 'getting rid of' such programs. Ron Paul is not suggesting this for anyone currently reliant on these programs or for those who will be in the near future."3
Ron Paul on Medicare and Medicaid: While Paul does not like the concept behind Medicare and Medicaid; he thinks such responsibilities are not that of the federal government but of the states via the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution,5, 7 his recently proposed "Plan to Restore America" does not cut either in any way while still cutting $1 trillion from the deficit.5 Instead, it transitions these programs to different departments of government in order to make it more efficient and financially solvent.5 The elderly and the poor who are currently reliant on these programs would still be an obligation of the government if Paul were elected.1
Opt-Out Option for Social Security: Paul's "Plan to Restore America" would include the option for those under 25 to opt out of Social Security if they desired.3 The Orange County Register commented on Paul's plan as stating "an excellent idea to empower millions of people to control their own retirement investments while simultaneously relieving taxpayers of the mounting deficit that otherwise could bankrupt America."2
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Watch:
(Youtube) Ron Paul: "We Don't Have To Cut Medicare Or Social Security To Get Our House In Order"
Read:
1: http://qctimes.com/news/local/ron-paul-pledges-to-keep-promises-to-senior-citizens/article_4b684552-e97f-11e0-a530-001cc4c03286.html
2: http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/paul-324150-plan-candidates.html
3: http://www.ronpaul2012.com/2011/10/24/ron-paul-is-not-ending-student-loans/
4: http://www.iowastatedaily.com/opinion/article_79431382-ff3f-11e0-ac0c-001cc4c03286.html
5: http://www.wltx.com/news/national/article/156785/142/Ron-Paul-The-Truth-About-My-Student-Loan-
http://theview.abc.go.com/forum/ron-paul-treated-medicaid-and-medicare-patients-free-talk-about-saving-gov-money
7: http://www.personalliberty.com/news/ron-paul-we-need-to-respect-the-tenth-amendment-18878229/
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=programs
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FACT: Paul believes prostitution and drug use to be morally wrong, but believes it to be a state issue per the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution.
Paul on the Tenth Amendment: Ron Paul has spoken many times throughout his career in support of the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.5 It states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."1 In a recent debate, Paul stated "The federal government shouldn't be involved . . . So I would say less government would be better. If you have to have regulations, let the state governments do it."1 To analyze, one may see that Paul is stating that by forcing states to enact a federal law--whether it be for prostitution or drug use, where the federal government has no enumerated power to do so by the Constitution would be an abuse of power.
The Misconception of the Legality of Prostitution: In actuality, the legality of prostitution in the United States functions today much like Paul envisions. Prostitution within each individual state is illegal via state law, but generally not under federal law with some exceptions.6,7 Federal laws prohibit the trafficking of individuals for the purposes of prostitution across state lines--particularly for purposes of sex slavery, and prohibit prostitution on federal property.6,7 It is state law that prohibits the act otherwise. 6,7 This gives each individual state the legal right to regulate it as they see fit. Therefore, prostitution today is in fact, to some extent, a state issue per United States law, and society functions normally like this every day with each state dealing with the issue per its own needs.
Ron Paul on the War on Drugs: As cited above, throughout his career Paul has supported the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution stating, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."1,5 Paul believes the War on Drugs to be a failed policy that has become too costly.9 The United States has the second largest incarceration rate in the world, and half of all arrests in America over the last twenty years are marijuana-based, with their total incarcerations costing American taxpayers more than a billion dollars per year.9,10,13 While Paul does hold this belief, he also believes in the importance of following the Constitution and the Tenth Amendment and respecting states rights, as elaborated on above.8
The Misconception of Federally Legalizing Drugs: Legalizing drugs federally would not automatically legalize them across all fifty states.11,12 While the federal government has federal drug laws, states do as well.11,12 Therefore, taking away the federal mandate on drug use and possession--as a Paul Administration could not legally and would not favor coercing states to eliminate their drug laws, would not immediately legalize drug use; states would individually have to legalize it if they deemed fit.12 Likewise with the issue of prostitution, Paul believes in handing more power back to the states.5
LEARN MORE:
Read:
1: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20073545-503544.html
2: http://www.issues2000.org/tx/Ron_Paul_Drugs.htm
3: http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/05/06/Ron_Paul_on_Prostitution_Gay_Marriage/
4: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20091529-503544.html
5: http://www.thepoliticalguide.com/rep_bios.php?rep_id=47384468&category=views&id=20110323195154
6: http://sex-crimes.laws.com/prostitution/laws-prostitution
7: http://prostitution.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000119
8: http://www.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2009/05/19/ron-paul-states-rights-to-legalize-marijuana/
9: http://www.newsmax.com/DougWead/legalize-drugs-ron-paul/2011/07/29/id/405266
10: http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/09/27/ron-paul-calls-war-on-drugs-ridiculous-on-the-daily-show-video/
11: http://norml.org/laws
12: http://libertyinternational.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/us-federal-and-state-drug-laws/
13: http://www.nowpublic.com/pot_prisoners_cost_americans_1_billion_a_year
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=prostitutionanddrugs
FACT: Paul believes prostitution and drug use to be morally wrong, but believes it to be a state issue per the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution.
Paul on the Tenth Amendment: Ron Paul has spoken many times throughout his career in support of the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.5 It states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."1 In a recent debate, Paul stated "The federal government shouldn't be involved . . . So I would say less government would be better. If you have to have regulations, let the state governments do it."1 To analyze, one may see that Paul is stating that by forcing states to enact a federal law--whether it be for prostitution or drug use, where the federal government has no enumerated power to do so by the Constitution would be an abuse of power.
The Misconception of the Legality of Prostitution: In actuality, the legality of prostitution in the United States functions today much like Paul envisions. Prostitution within each individual state is illegal via state law, but generally not under federal law with some exceptions.6,7 Federal laws prohibit the trafficking of individuals for the purposes of prostitution across state lines--particularly for purposes of sex slavery, and prohibit prostitution on federal property.6,7 It is state law that prohibits the act otherwise. 6,7 This gives each individual state the legal right to regulate it as they see fit. Therefore, prostitution today is in fact, to some extent, a state issue per United States law, and society functions normally like this every day with each state dealing with the issue per its own needs.
Ron Paul on the War on Drugs: As cited above, throughout his career Paul has supported the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution stating, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."1,5 Paul believes the War on Drugs to be a failed policy that has become too costly.9 The United States has the second largest incarceration rate in the world, and half of all arrests in America over the last twenty years are marijuana-based, with their total incarcerations costing American taxpayers more than a billion dollars per year.9,10,13 While Paul does hold this belief, he also believes in the importance of following the Constitution and the Tenth Amendment and respecting states rights, as elaborated on above.8
The Misconception of Federally Legalizing Drugs: Legalizing drugs federally would not automatically legalize them across all fifty states.11,12 While the federal government has federal drug laws, states do as well.11,12 Therefore, taking away the federal mandate on drug use and possession--as a Paul Administration could not legally and would not favor coercing states to eliminate their drug laws, would not immediately legalize drug use; states would individually have to legalize it if they deemed fit.12 Likewise with the issue of prostitution, Paul believes in handing more power back to the states.5
LEARN MORE:
Read:
1: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20073545-503544.html
2: http://www.issues2000.org/tx/Ron_Paul_Drugs.htm
3: http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/05/06/Ron_Paul_on_Prostitution_Gay_Marriage/
4: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20091529-503544.html
5: http://www.thepoliticalguide.com/rep_bios.php?rep_id=47384468&category=views&id=20110323195154
6: http://sex-crimes.laws.com/prostitution/laws-prostitution
7: http://prostitution.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000119
8: http://www.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2009/05/19/ron-paul-states-rights-to-legalize-marijuana/
9: http://www.newsmax.com/DougWead/legalize-drugs-ron-paul/2011/07/29/id/405266
10: http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/09/27/ron-paul-calls-war-on-drugs-ridiculous-on-the-daily-show-video/
11: http://norml.org/laws
12: http://libertyinternational.wordpress.com/2008/04/14/us-federal-and-state-drug-laws/
13: http://www.nowpublic.com/pot_prisoners_cost_americans_1_billion_a_year
Link to this myth:
http://ronpaulmyths.com/social-issues.php?expanddiv=prostitutionanddrugs
