Politician Profile: The Brave and Beautiful Ronald Ernest Paul

Ronald Ernest "Ron" Paul was born on August 20, 1935. The landscape of American liberty would never be the same again. He is a conservative that opposes the Patriot Act, a liberal that opposes the Federal Reserve. When the United States withdraws from NATO, abolishes the federal income tax, abstains from eminent domain, exults the first amendment, supports jury nullification, takes Real IDs and shreds them up as today's government shreds the Constitution, and taxes become as scarce as Social Security funds, we will know that our country is privileged to be under the guidance of the inimitable "Dr. No"

Two of Ron Paul's many distinguishing characteristics inspire this sobriquet:

1. He is a medical doctor

2. His answer is "No"

That is, Ron Paul has earned a reputation for voting against any legislation which affords Congress a power that was not specifically enumerated in Article I Section VIII of the Constitution. Is anyone else concerned that politicians who adhere to the Constitution are rare enough that their existence merits a nickname??

Regardless, Dr. Paul is a beacon of hope for the Libertarian Party and fans of freedom in America. His political influence (however negligible) assures that at least one reasonable voice debates on the House floor, and his success despite the unconventionality of his political persuasions is a testament to the virtues of rationality and determination.

To honor Washington's finest (Except, perhaps, for George Will) , I will count down the five greatest moments of Ron Paul's political career.

5. 1984, Paul Loses Bid for U.S. Senate. Sounds like a downer, right? But the young idealist responded to defeat with one of the greatest Libertarian quotes in history,

"Special interests have replaced the concern that the Founders had for general welfare. Vote trading is seen as good politics. The errand-boy mentality is ordinary, the defender of liberty is seen as bizarre. It's difficult for one who loves true liberty and utterly detests the power of the state to come to Washington for a period of time and not leave a true cynic."

Indeed, Washington is in an abysmal state, and the institutions have clearly superseded the values they were created to protect. But Dr. Paul's adroit recognition and unintimidated honesty provide a glimmer of hope, and perhaps a spark for change.

4. 1976, Ron Paul's Political Career Takes Flight. Five years after his initial motivation to become politically active (inspired by Richard Milhouse Nixon's complete departure from the Gold Standard) and in his beloved country's 200th birth year, Dr. Paul won a special election to fill Texas' 22nd Congressional district. Boo-ya!

Paul's honesty and sensible politics triumphed over the opposition's political savvy, and despite the unparalleled political onus of the Watergate scandal's aftermath. The younger (reverse chronology humor) idealist went on to a successful term, leading Texas' Reagan Coalition in Washington.

3. 2008 The Revolution: A Manifesto Tops New York Times Nonfiction Best Sellers List. An integral component of the underappreciated genre of modern libertarian literature, The Revolution represented the tremendous enthusiasm Paul's 2008 Presidential campaign generated for advocates of liberty, free markets, and peace (please excuse any copyright infingements, Cato).

2008 was America's most wide open election in 56 years, featuring a ballot free of an incumbent President or Vice President. Consequently, the libertarian ideaology was disadvantaged by America's two party system far less than previous elections have rendered it. Paul's message hit home with a small but dedicated faction of the American electorate, and made noise as a legitimate contender for the Presidency.

2. 1988 Presidential Election. Ron Paul crosses party lines and receives nomination as Libertarian nominee. Running on a campaign platform of ending the Congressional War on Drugs, Second Amendment protection, and fiscal conservatism. Paul placed third in the popular vote garnering .5% (putting him just a few shy of Michael Dukakis). This campaign helped legitimized America's most responsible national politician and its largest third party.

1. 2008 Moneybomb. Paul's supporters are among the most passionate and dedicated in American politics. Phenomenal fundraising tactics such as the "moneybomb" which set the record for largest single day donation earned headlines and exposure for a brave and beautiful Libertarian candidate and a growing, and increasingly attractive political movement.