Liberty Maven

A few months ago I wrote an article entitled “10 Common Criticisms of Ron Paul“. It listed 10 criticisms based on the issues his campaign faced at that time. The majority of the issues were actually issues and not misguided attacks. Lately, Ron Paul critics have turned to attacking Ron Paul in areas completely outside of his positions. These recent attacks do nothing more than show desperation within those who oppose him, as he continues to rise in the polls. One could even make the case that these attacks are motivated by fear with a little jealousy mixed in.

Apparently, it is most heinous of Ron Paul to refuse to denounce getting a $500 donation from a Neo-Nazi group leader. Maybe I’ll be labeled as a Nazi by saying this, but Ron Paul should neither denounce this donation nor return it. Allow me to explain why.

To put it simply, Ron Paul believes in liberty. I’m talking about pure liberty. He lives it. If he were to denounce or return a donation to his campaign (any donation) it would be against his principles. So he must live with accepting donations from those who may hold beliefs that Ron Paul himself does not hold.

At first thought critics may say that this is a cop out. I ask you to dig a little deeper for a change and realize that he’s not taking the easy way out like so many politicians have done and will do before him. The easy thing to do is to give in to the politically correct among us and return the money and denounce it. If he does, I will lose some respect for him. Why?

He is a champion of the Constitution and the first amendment. Yes, believe it or not, the first amendment protects those with opinions, no matter their content or morality. Ron Paul believes the first amendment is an absolute.

The First Amendment is worthless if it does not protect unpopular, controversial expression. It is precisely when the sensibilities of many Americans are offended that the First Amendment is needed most. Many of our cherished religious, political, and legal traditions are rooted in once-radical ideas. It’s a short step from regulating words and images to regulating thoughts and ideas.
–Ron Paul from Congressional Indecency, March 15th, 2004

Indeed, if Ron Paul’s campaign were to return the donation, he could be attacked for “flip-flopping” even if the political winds urge him to do so. It is true that Ron Paul attracts many anti-establishment supporters. He should never have to apologize for anyone that chooses to support him. It seems he never will. Good for him.

Furthermore, I defy anyone to find a Ron Paul position that is in alignment with the positions of Nazism. If someone can manage to do that, I may consider the attacks to be based on reality. As it is now, the attacks are fantasy manufactured by those who preposterously disagree with the message of freedom and liberty.