Liberty Maven

Ron Paul’s principles were tested recently as he voted to deny federal aid to his own disaster-struck district. Do you agree with what he did or not? I invite you to state share your opinion and why.

by Jake, the Champion of the Constitution
Originally published September 30, 2008 at http://www.nolanchart.com/article5067.html

As I wrote in my latest article “HEY! CONGRESS! Al-Qaeda does NOT have an Air Force!“, I wanted to start a discussion concerning Ron Paul’s vote on Hurricane Ike (unbelievable shots of the devastation here from the Boston Globe), where he voted to refuse $23 billion in federal disaster aid, of which roughly half would be used in Texas, including his district, which was badly damaged. The Houston Chronicle reported that the House vote passed 370-58 with 30/32 of Texas’s Representatives in support, but I was unable to locate the exact text of this bill.  (Sorry!) However, I think most would agree that at first glance it seems crazy to refuse ‘free’ money. Today’s typical American, now used to frequent federal bailouts of banks, mortgage and insurance companies and investment bankers (could you have said the same for yourself a year ago?) is that of astonishment – why would you not support your own constituents and bring home the bacon to your home district some money from DC?

First we will review Paul’s comments, then all of the feedback I’ve found from his constituents from their local newspaper, the Houston Chronicle. (source1 source2 source3 photo1 photo2)

Also, please note per the Houston Chronicle, Paul did vote for the Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 that will help individuals affected by Hurricane Ike take expanded IRS tax deductions, and allow businesses to write off demolition expenses, among other things.

Ron Paul’s Comments to the Houston Chronicle

“In several disasters that have befallen my Gulf Coast district, my constituents have told me many times that they prefer to rebuild and recover without the help of federal agencies like FEMA, which so often impose their own bureaucratic solutions on the owners of private property.” – 2005

“Is bailing out people that chose to live on the coastline a proper function of the federal government? Why do people in Arizona have to be robbed in order to support the people on the coast?” – post-Ike

Constituents and Local Politicians Against Paul

“That’s sad. That’s bad,” said Galveston’s City Manager Steve LeBlanc. [Ok, a little weak, but the Houston Chronicle did not think so.]

“I find it very distressing. He’s voting against aid for the region that he represents? I don’t find that very representative.” Galveston city council member Karen Mahoney.

“It feels kind of bad for the citizens of Galveston,” said Mareia Schreiber, a local artist?

Other Constituent Opinions

“We’ve worked hard all our lives. We take care of ourselves. I don’t need FEMA or anything else. We got insurance. There are too many people who expect the government to take care of them. But I’m not one of them.” – Gene Lossow, 65, a clerk at the Port of Galveston. The Houston Chronicle reported floodwaters soaked through his one-story ranch house, rising to 4 feet.  Lossow and his wife had just spent $90,000 renovating the home a few months ago.  Lossow stated he doesn’t vote.

Tina Rios, who was helping her elderly parents clean out their flooded home on Ibis Street, said it was too early for her to think about “political stuff.” “The only thing going on in our house is trying to save whatever we can. We had flood insurance, but not contents insurance.”

What do you think?

Rather than repeat my opinion again, I was wondering what do you think? Of course, I am particularly interested if you disagree with Paul’s decision. Either way, please support your opinion.  Would much appreciate a link to the bill Paul opposed.

For any newcomers, here is an intro to Ron Paul in the brand-new video “A Nation in Peril” from another supporter of www.CampaignForLiberty.com.

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“I want you to know that you are listening to a dream.” – Shinedown, Us Vs Them

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