This running blog is a love letter to America and is the place to tell the world who you are (age, political background, what you do, where you are from, etc.) and why you are supporting Dr. Ron Paul!
Tell all your friends and everyone you meet to come to this website*:
www.aLoveLetterToAmerica.com
Our goal is to get 1 million people to tell the world why they support Dr. Ron Paul!
To read or add comments, click on the word “Responses” above. Enjoy!
*Alternate website is www.WhoAreRonPaulSupporters.com
I’m an small business owner who owns a website store and I want Huckabee to know that his policy on the so called “fair tax” would ruin the internet. The internet is the last place for free markets and free speech. As soon as the fair tax puts a sales tax at the federal level all hope will be lost. That is why I support Ron Paul.
Sent by Jared | 10:20 AM ET | 12-18-2007
I am 27. I grew up in the rural Appalachia, now living in the northeast as a full time student working on my doctorate in chemistry, registered Democrat and love Dr. Paul???s message.
Sent by Matthew | 10:30 AM ET | 12-18-2007
I don’t think I fit the profile. 47 year old, male, married, two children and a computer programmer. Never involved in politics until someone introduced me to Rep. Ron Paul’s message.
Sent by zmeister | 10:52 AM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 23 year old Draftsman from the midwest. I am a fiscal conservative, and social liberal… in other words, your prototypical libertarian. I believe the government should stay out of my bedroom, out of my media, and keep their hands off my paycheck. I’ve never bothered voting before, because I couldn’t stand to give my moral approval to any of the politicians I’ve encountered thus far. I will be voting in the primary, and then (if Paul wins the nomination) in the general. I wouldn’t vote for anyone else.
Sent by Melissa | 11:02 AM ET | 12-18-2007
I supported Ron Paul during his first campaign and am proud to have made the maximum legal donation to him this time around. I’m male, HS teacher, 54, married 33 years, with 4 grown children. My spouse (an RN) and kids are also Paul supporters.
Sent by Steve Dasbach | 11:31 AM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 40 year old software engineer with a wife and two kids and normal suburban lifestyle. We are Catholics.
I have long had a libertarian philosophy in politics and in life. My Christian morality demands that the poor be helped as a result of an individual using his free will to make the virtuous choice to help. All forms of government welfare destroy choice and virtue and are a source of evil in our society. We have to start the weaning process so that virtuous individual giving can take the place of government “charity”.
My morality also demands peace, except in the case of clear self-defense.
Because of these and many other reasons, Dr. Ron Paul has my complete support.
Sent by LibertyMar | 11:57 AM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 33 year old teacher.
The reason I’d vote for Ron Paul is that he’s right about one key issue: the government can not afford, and nor should it try to afford, to be doing all that it attempts to do.
Cutting government spending means CUTTING government programs. I’ve not heard of another politician willing to admit this simple fact.
Sent by Bill | 11:58 AM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 29-year-old Marine Corps veteran and currently a student finishing my Master’s Degree in urban planning and will also be voting for Ron Paul.
In my eyes, he is not a Libertarian, but rather a Republican in the truest sense of the word!
Sent by Dan | 12:13 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am:
a native North Carolinian
a recent transplant to New York City
a photographer
a Christian
age 24
a former Republican
a former Independent
a former Democrat
an NPR listener
a NY Times reader
After moving to New York I decided to register Republican so I can support Ron Paul in the primary.
While I am not crazy about all of his opinions, I do think he is the best candidate, not to mention the most down-to-earth, honest, real candidate.
Sent by Isaac | 12:46 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 39 year old Network Tech, married have a house and a dog. Ron Paul is the first candidate I’ve ever donated to. I’ve never voted in a primary but you can rest assured I’ll be voting this time.
Oh, and NPR should research the history of attack pieces the Houston Chronicle publishes against Dr. Paul before they go to them. The Chronicle is shameless when it comes to smearing the good Doctors name.
Sent by Frank | 1:03 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m forty, married with children. I come to Paul from the States Rights camp. I live in a liberal State and no longer feel that an over reaching central government is the most efficient or responsive for the differences across the many States.
Sent by Cascadian | 1:11 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 34 year old software manager from San Jose, CA. I’ve always voted libertarian in the elections, even though I realistically knew the candidates couldn’t win. Ron Paul, however, actually has a chance to win. Not strictly libertarian, but a big step in the right direction. I’ve never voted in a primary, but switched parties from libertarian to republican to do so for Ron Paul. Also, I have never donated to a candidate before, but yesterday gave a small donation to his cause. I want to do everything I can to help this man win the presidency.
Sent by Brett | 1:17 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 46 yr old small business owner who will be voting for Dr. Paul in the primary and also the general election. If he doesn’t win the primary and does not run as a third party I will write him in in the general election. Reason – (1)best man to reunite the country (Rep, Dem & Ind.) (2)because he believes that our leaders should uphold their oath and follow the Constitution.
Sent by David | 1:24 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am 36 years old in North-Central Florida. I am a registered life-long Democrat who grew up with parents in the trade unions. I like Ron Paul for many reasons, but mostly because of his stances that buck traditional republican/democrat roles. This is a real man voting logically. Go Ron!
Sent by Bill | 1:28 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 37 year old business owner in Florida. My family is very Republican. I just got sick of both parties selling their influence to the highest bidder. Vote Ron Paul!
Sent by robert | 1:30 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 35 year old transplant from NC living In Atlanta. I work in the education field for a Fortune 13 company, have been an Independant and will register Republican to vote for Ron Paul.
Sent by Mike | 1:51 PM ET | 12-18-2007
People are getting sick-and-tired of the same old song-and-dance from their politicians. That’s why Ron Paul is moving up in fundraising, polls, and every other measure of popularity. Unlike everyone else running, Republican and Democrat, He’s the real deal. His authenticity and honest surpasses all the others. See this YouTube video from the new, international award-winning feature film, “Song of the Dead.” It features horror movie icon, Reggie Bannister, as president of the U.S. — and it’s a hilarious satire on the president, the MSM, and the war on terror. The filmmaker, Chip Gubera, is giving a share of the profits from the film to the Ron Paul campaign.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qQmkkoxSKYw
Sent by mketcher | 1:54 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m from Texas, from Tom Delay’s district, have a Ron Paul sign in my yard, and donate regularly with my big business coworkers and friends.
Sent by John-Ross Cromer | 1:55 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 25 year old hispanic male working to pay the bills in San Marcos, Texas. I believe that as long as our gov’t brings to the American people all the facts on any issue, that the people are smart enough to decide the right course of action. Ron Paul is the only one running (on either side) willing to go after all the facts and then present them to us.
Sent by Gabe Ochoa | 1:55 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a truck driver in El Paso, Tx. I voted for Ron paul in 1988 and will do so again. There is a crisis of economic ignorance in this country, but Dr. Paul is the only candidate that seems to recognize this. He has studied the Austrian greats like Hayek and Von Mises, but his views are not incompatible with the more modern Chicago school of thought best expressed by Nobel winner Milton Friedman. Simply put, prosperity requires freedom. Dr. Paul knows this and so do those of us who support him.
Sent by Joe Allen | 2:02 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 34 year old computer programmer living in Utah. My wife and I have four children. Although I work with computers my college career was largely humanities, literature, and languages. I’m applying to Law School for this next year.
I am an avid listener of NPR on my commute to and from work. I also appreciate the podcasts. I read the NYT, WaPo, and other mainstream papers regularly. I am an active Mormon and think Mitt Romney seems like a nice family guy but he is (as basically all the other candidates are) dead wrong on foreign policy.
I support Ron Paul because he stands against the abuses and excesses of Empire exactly as our Founding Fathers did. He speaks genuinely and resolutely of freedom, equality, respect, and liberty for *all* people. I believe his vision and action to be the most effective against the new American slavery of Chinese sweatshops, abused Immigrant populations, and the oh-so-politely-termed ‘collateral damage’ [innocent civilians murdered] of our endless military adventurism abroad.
That is why I am voting Ron Paul. Hope and Liberty!
Sent by Doug Bayless | 2:04 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 57 Year old housewife in Michigan who wishes to thank Dr.Paul’s district in Texas for sending Dr.Paul back to Congress. I just learned about Dr. Paul in May and thrilled that I will get to vote for him.
Sent by Sandra | 2:11 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I joined the Army in the early months of 2001; my patriotism led me to the recruiter???s office. I had grown up in awe of my grandfathers and their stories of World War II, and their reminiscing became my dreams. When I got to basic training I did not talk about missing home like the other recruits around me, I felt at home in ways I never had before.
The weeks after 9/11 found me in Kosovo, part of C co 3/7 Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, patrolling the border with Macedonia as part of our duties. We had ammunition to defend ourselves with and the authority to apprehend anyone crossing the border illegally. I will get back to why these details are important later.
Fast forward to 2003, I am rolling across the desert in the back of a Bradley fighting vehicle, part of the spearhead into Iraq. Other than those first three weeks of ???Shock and Awe??? what I remember most about Iraq was the people. Crowds of kids wanting to know about Michael Jackson and Britney Spears, open-minded adults wanted to know about our social freedoms, and ninety some percent of Iraqis just wanted to raise their families in peace and did not hesitate to tell us. I really fell in love with the Iraqi people. My platoon and I played soccer with some of those crowds of kids, we had dinner and shared food with families in their homes, we even went to a few house parties, and my lieutenant and I spent one very memorable afternoon swimming in an irrigation ditch with five young women. It is all of them I think of when anyone tells me we need to turn the Middle East into a sheet of glass or that all Muslims are our enemies.
I remember thinking on this briefly when I was there, but more so since I???ve returned, usually when I???m day dreaming behind the wheel of my van, but what we were doing when we were doing our jobs, patrolling the streets, conducting road blocks vehicle searches, bodily searching individuals, and searching houses, couldn???t be helping our long range plans for winning hearts and minds. I really have to wonder, how long would it take me to move from a position of thanks for my despotic government being removed to feeling like I lived in a conquered and occupied country if I saw foreign troops on the streets of my hometown Tallahassee everyday? Add to this our having bases and troops in Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia, ( I may have missed a few, we have approximately 700 bases in 130 countries ) some of them for decades, our Navy of their coast, our fighter jets in their sky???s , the CIA in business with monarchs, dictators and thugs, and our State Department treating their leaders like irresponsible children, it???s no wonder moderate Muslims takes to the streets shouting ??? Death to America??? and a minority takes action against us. I would expect we would be doing the same thing if say, China had bases on our soil, and her Navy patrolled our coastline and Chinese fighter jets streaked across our sky. In short, this is all hard to admit, but our actions do have consequences.
Fast forward again to the present day, I am out of active duty, and in the Army Reserves. (I wanted to stay active duty, but my wife said I would be single, so we had a compromise.)To be honest the reserves has bored me to tears and I haven???t felt like I???m giving anything back to my country, so I looked into getting attached to a National Guard unit on our border with Mexico for a tour or two. However, when I learned they don???t have the authority to apprehend illegal border crossers and can only call up our overworked and overstretched border patrol when they spot illegal activity, I got myself in trouble again by thinking – about what I had done in Kosovo and about what I knew our military had done to our own people in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina ( disarmed law abiding civilians only trying to protect themselves when the police had failed to do so) . To add insult to injury, our Guardsmen and women on our own border don???t have ammunition and have on several documented occasions actually had to retreat when facing fire from Mexican paramilitary groups. Now why would I want to sign up for that? To be witness to the violation of America???s sovereignty? No one in the Executive branch of our government is doing anything about it, and it makes me wonder why I am even in the Army at all.
Why are we the worlds policeman when our own country is being openly violated? Why are we borrowing money hand over fist from nations not exactly our friends, just to spend it on our out of control foreign policy? I am starting to feel like the powers that be do not have America???s interests in mind at all. It???s starting to feel like our ruin is their objective. From our factories closing and moving overseas, to the plunging value of our dollar, America is crumbling. Yet I love her far to much to watch her fall apart.
This is why I am taking my personal revolution and joining forces with Dr. Ron Paul???s revolution. His ???bring all the troops home??? non-intervention foreign policy and plans to put America first again are just what we need at this time in our history. I don???t expect you to agree with everything he says, but I do hope we can all put our differences aside and join him in seeing that ALL the troops come home, the Republic is restored and America saved. Thank you and God Bless.
Zakery Carter
Sent by Zak Carter | 2:15 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Ron Paul 2008: Hope for America
I am a 28-year-old female college graduate. I was discouraged about this election until I found out about Ron Paul, because all of the other candidates (on both sides) are distasteful and repugnant to me. Ron Paul embodies the spirit of America, both as she was founded and as she needs to be now. If you believe in the message of liberty and justice for all, then vote for Ron Paul!
P.S. I am a real person. Yes, I get my news from the Internet, not a printed newspaper. By using the Internet I am able to read a variety of perspectives from different mainstream newspapers, individual voices as well as alternative news sources. A wide range of sources enhances knowledge and understanding, rather than depending on one source.
Sent by Maxine | 2:16 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 38 year old married man with three children all from the same woman (who is studying to be a nurse). I gross $100k a year, yet I’m still struggling to make ends meet. Something’s not right, and Ron Paul knows what it is…That’s why he’s getting our support, money and vote.
The last man to run FOR THE PEOPLE is now on the $20 bill.
Ron Paul will be our next President.
Sent by tre dizzle | 2:18 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 31 year old law student and former computer programmer. I’ve liked Ron Paul since I got interested in politics in my mid 20s.
The internet makes it a lot easier to keep track of which candidates are switching their stories from week to week (hi rudy! hi hillary! hi mitt! we see you!). Ron Paul is honest and well informed and I trust him to make good decisions for the country.
I only trust the other candidates to do and say what they think will help their political careers. That has meant selling our rights up river in the name of patriotism and national security and buying votes with our tax money. Ron Paul signals an end to that calculus.
Sent by Jim W | 2:22 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 55 yr old small business owner. Mother of two, grandmother of two. Agree 100% with RP on foreign policy and blowback, and domestic solutions, as well. Maxed out donor. Husband, 56 YO attorney is maxed out donor. Daughter (28) and her husband (33) are fervent supporters, as well.
Sent by Liz Viering | 2:22 PM ET | 12-18-2007
45 year old single mother (5 boys, 3 of whom are old enough to vote — all 3 RP supporters — cuz I said so!
) IT Director, lifelong Conservative Christian Republican. RP supporter since 9-07! Go Ron Paul!
Sent by Louise | 2:23 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m an actor in NYC. I re-registered Republican (was previously non-affiliated) for the primaries and Paul.
We have the rare opportunity to support a true statesman in every sense of the word. Anyone who doesn’t needs to examine their principles.
Sent by Oscar DeGrouch | 2:30 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 30 y.o. Bio-med student with an M.S. in Exercise Science. I was researching Buddhism and became a Buddhist and a Christian on the day that I realized that Jesus was a Buddha. My non-interventionism spread to economics when I started reading Rothbard, von Mises, Hayek, and Hoppe. I discovered that there is no difference between economic and moral freedom, and that the only moral form of government is pure federalism, which was destroyed in this country by Lincoln when he invaded the seceeding Conferderate States of America. I am a philosopher, economist, and a Republican.
Sent by rhys | 2:30 PM ET | 12-18-2007
My wife and I are both 29 years old living in Utah and are first time voters who hold both paties in discontent. Ron Paul is a man of principles and will tell you what he stands for. We both registered Republican to vote for him in the primaries. We are fed up with the main stream media pushing bias garbage. This movement is more than just Ron Paul, but liberty and freedom itself.
Sent by Joe Banks | 2:31 PM ET | 12-18-2007
74 years old. Retired and watching inflation flare up. gas now three times start of Bush term and graduating upwards. Food prices going up. War has been a ridiculous fraud on the American People and we need to cut our spending in this wastful endeavor. Ron Paul does earmarks but only after he votes against the underlying bill. He has answered this critiques many times so it would be worth while to go to google and key in Ron Paul. There are speeches, weekly letters and all types of historical voting etc. You can get a great picture of what Dr. Paul is all about and if you are like us come away a big fan
Sent by Tom | 2:31 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a Berkeley, CA local, a lesbian, a pro-gun home defense specialist, and interested in personal liberty on all counts. That’s why I’m supporting Ron Paul. Whether he agrees with my personal lifestyle or not, I KNOW he will defend my individual right to freedom.
Sent by Tacy Traverso | 2:36 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a married 31 year old Texan who voted (sadly) for Bush twice. The first time precisely because he was saying things in the Foreign Policy arena that Dr. Paul is saying. The 2nd time because, i like many, we’re convinced I was hated because I was free. I’ve since changed my view on that notion. I have an active duty brother whom i do not want sent back to war. My father was a career officer in the Army and he has recently decided that he is for Ron Paul as well. I own an independent record label and am an entreprenuer and musician.
Sent by Lee Brooks | 2:37 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 28 year old male, married Network Administrator awaiting the birth of my first child. I see Ron Paul as the hope to start a change to make my country a better place for that child. I want a country that doesn’t force it’s views with one hand while preaching freedom with the other.
Sent by Michael | 2:39 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am 62 and a former teacher. I am for Ron Paul because he wants to get rid of the Dept of Ed and make the Federal govt be responsible for only what was stated in the Constitution. I am for no Death Tax and No Capital gains tax. My husband and I have worked and saved for our own retirement. We have taken investment risks on our own and should be able to spend the little we have as we wish or give it away as we wish.The politicians are quick to give raises to themselves and to those getting entitlements-what about encouraging those who save for themselves. They forget we vote!
Sent by nancy adams | 2:42 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a bit disappointed in the amount of spin coming from usually unbiased NPR, but I’ll add my profile to your little list so can acuse of all of being fringe elements of society.
Male, 35, married, no children, homeowner, post graduate degree, engineer, New Orleans, LA.
Until recently I was registered independent, although I normally voted Republican. I’m now registered Republican and have given $200 to Ron Paul’s campaign. He is the last chance to take back our government from career politicians beholden to special interests.
Sent by James Orleans | 2:45 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 30-year-old married father of five, working as a systems integrator for a defense contractor. I’ve been a Reagan conservative my whole life, but since I was able to vote 1996, I’ve been had to hold my nose to vote Republican (Bush, Dole) and voted Constitution in 2000 and 2004. I’m glad to be able to support a candidate and still be able to look at myself in the mirror
Sent by Tom Albrecht | 2:46 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Independent computer consultant, married, daughter, had best $ year in 2006. Found out that federal deductions phase out after $200K. I paid $52K federal income tax for 2006!
I paid everything off, have cash in bank for about 4-5 years, so I’M NOT WORKING ANYMORE TO PAY UNREASONABLE INCOME TAX TO FUND SENDING AMERICANS TO DIE IN IRAQ.
I am sending $ to Dr. Ron Paul, paid for a plate at a private lunch, and am spreading the message every day to real people in person (outside the internet).
Sent by john | 2:47 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Ron Paul 2008
I support the Constitution. The way it was intened to be. Not passed over and used only when it benifitted the Right or the left. It is time to go back to it. Real money, getting the fedral government out of our lives, stopping agressive non declared wars and traditional values. Government is supposd to protect our freedom not to be our rulers. Vote this election for our forefaters views. Vote Ron Paul 2008
Sent by Ron Aldof | 2:48 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’ve been a Christian most of my life.
I’m 28.
I’m married.
I live in Seattle.
I’ll be a father in March, 2008.
I write screenplays for business training.
I’ve been a republican for ten years.
I voted Libertarian in the general election 4 years ago, 2 years ago, and 1 year ago. Ron Paul’s vision for this country marks my return to the Republican party.
Sent by Nathan Key | 2:50 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a truth seeker who believes in freedom, equal rights, and justice. I like having the facts, and I strongly support Ron Paul because he is the only Presidential candidate who “tells it as it truly is.”
I have voted for two decades now, but this is the first time I have ever felt so strongly about a candidate that I tell my friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. about Ron Paul’s great ideas. I am 46 years old.
Sent by Paul Ashcroft | 2:50 PM ET | 12-18-2007
40 years old
not married
Female
single mom
Masters in Special Education
Disaffected? YES
Dislikes MSM? YES
Wants to leave son with a better America? YES
Loves Ron Paul’s message? YES
Donates to Ron Paul? YES
Sent by VAT | 2:50 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Im a 32 year old male from NYC. I’m a libertarian registered republican who believes in 2nd ammendment rights and fiscal responsibility yet is liberal on social issues and feels that our foreign policy is destroying our civil liberties and economy. I believe in states rights. I’m tired of compasionate conservatism and nanny state liberalsm.
Sent by SteveNYC | 2:51 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 31 year old mechanical engineer.
I am voting for Ron Paul because he is an honest, good, and consistent man. Furthermore he understands that it is morally wrong to tell someone “you are not entitled to %100 of the fruits of your labor because I don’t trust that you would help the needy so I’m taking what we need at gunpoint”
BTW, Ron Paul votes for the earmarks in commitee but then votes against the bill as a whole. Please hire a fact checker.
Sent by William_B | 2:54 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 44 year old married mother of 3 who is supporting Ron Paul even though I don’t agree with him about everything for the simply reason that he is ONLY candidate who actually believes in something and sticks to it no matter what.
Ron Paul is the anti-flipflop.
Sent by Elizabeth | 2:56 PM ET | 12-18-2007
23 Years Old
married
male
college educated
tired of ridiculous government spending? YES
terrified of America going the way of Rome? YES
looking for a truly honest, un-bribable politician? YES
Sent by James | 2:58 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m no internet junkie – but I love Ron Paul! It boggles my mind that he’s considered a fringe candidate!
Sent by Abe S | 3:00 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 46 year old female from NC, registered Republican as of today (previously Unaffiliated). I changed my affiliation just to vote for Dr. Paul in the primary. I get most of my news from my local paper, CNN and the internet. I am a small business owner, and an accountant. I have never voted in a presidential election because there was never a candidate that I could, in good faith, vote for. Dr. Paul has changed that. This is the man who can protect our rights and bring this country back to the Constitution. This is the man who will bring honesty back to our government. I am voting for Ron Paul because he truly is the only hope for America.
Sent by Betsy Smith | 3:08 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am:
Married
a Cape Codder (MA)
an IT Consultant
an Atheist
31 years old
a former Independent
an NPR listener
The only thing that connect RP supports are a love of freedom, an understanding of the Constitution, and an Internet connection.
BTW, I’m disappointment with NPR on their political coverage…you guys are starting to sound like the MSM.
Sent by Ian | 3:11 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Who am I? 43 year old, college graduate, married for 22 years, business development manager. I’m a current member of the Libertarian Party. Wife is a GOPer and my 20 year old son is a Libertarian too.
I support Dr. Paul due to his staunch advocacy of the US Constitution. Because he has unwavering philosophical underpinnings to his political thought, he is the opposite of a ‘freewheeling firebrand’ as you depict.
He voted against the Head Start initiative because the Constitution makes NO reference anywhere to funding education at a Federal level. He voted to impeach Clinton, not because of his sexual indescretions – or to violate his privacy – but because he was guilty of perjury. He lied under oath. He will always vote against anything that destroys 2nd Amendment rights (mandatory trigger lock). I haven’t heard of him abusing earmarks, but instead see of him always on the list of ‘Taxpayers Best Friend’.
Sent by John S. | 3:26 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am A 24yr old, male, college student from Virginia
Sent by Hunter Kerns | 3:27 PM ET | 12-18-2007
female
30 yr old
married
completed grad school
NPR member
Freelance industrial designer
liberal
from urban north east
Ron Paul supporter
Sent by Emily | 3:29 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m:
27 yr. old female
Married
1 child (age 1 1/2)
Educator
South Dakota
Christian
Registered Republican
I’ve only been aware of Dr. Ron Paul for a couple of months. I’ve never fully researched political candidates before (I have now!) and Ron Paul follows the beliefs of our founding fathers. We the people are loosing our freedoms very quickly, and it’s time to get them back
Sent by Sara | 3:36 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 33 year old engineer. I am married with one child. I have lived in North Carolina my entire life. I have always considered myself to be fiscally conservative and socially liberal.
I had heard of Ron Paul, but knew little of him until the first debate when he gave his now infamous ‘blowback’ response. I went to his website, read where he stood on the issues, and have been a Paulite ever since.
I agree with him on most of his positions, but disagree on a few. However, I feel he is a man of principle. In this day and age, that is a rare thing to say about a politician.
These are firsts for me (and I think thousands of others)
I donated to his campaign.
I told my family and friends about him. (My mom is also a big Ron Paul supporter now.)
I attended a political rally.
“Dr. Paul cured my apathy.”
Sent by Paul R | 3:38 PM ET | 12-18-2007
In my view, any American who doesn’t support Ron Paul deserves to chafe under intrusive federal government and its legions of overpaid bureacrats. It is time to take America back from the undeserving and tyrannical politicans who have been in control for the last century.
Sent by Tom Mathers | 3:39 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m:
27 yr. old female
Married
1 child (age 1 1/2)
Educator
South Dakota
Christian
Registered Republican
I’ve only been aware of Dr. Ron Paul for a couple of months. I’ve never fully researched political candidates before (I have now!) and Ron Paul follows the beliefs of our founding fathers. We the people are loosing our freedoms very quickly, and it’s time to get them back
Sent by Sara | 3:36 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m:
a conservative republican who votes
an Army veteran
29 year’s old
married
living and working in Manhattan
a Ron Paul supporter
Sent by Ken A | 3:52 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 22 year old Business/Law student and I am a Ron Paul supporter. He’s the only candidate who has made a bold attempt to remedy our current economic position and restore credit and faith in the American Dollar. I believe that in the globalized world, America has to hold onto its economic prowess and develop it, not squander it. Ron Paul understands this and that’s why he has my support.
Sent by Ryan | 3:55 PM ET | 12-18-2007
-female hispanic PhD student
-42 years old
-previously registered as democrat or independent
-NOW: I have registered as a republican so i can vote for Ron Paul in the California primary on Feb 5.
REJECT Stepford politicians with big business in their pockets!
Let’s go back to taking care of ourselves and our communities, instead of letting the government into our homes and our bank accounts.
End Iraq war now!
google news brought me here today, but i gave up on NPR about two years ago: too much like MSM…
Sent by asha | 4:01 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Male, married with 3 kids. 35 years old, work as a computer security admin at a major bank. Voted democratic, then Perot and Nader in the past. NPR member of my Seattle radio station. Grew up in a small town, lived in the city for past 17 years. Conservative Christian, attend church weekly. I support Dr. Paul because of his honesty and his support of the constitution – we need big change in our country right now. I’ve been able to sell Dr. Paul to my democrtic leaning parents and my 86 grandpa and my conservative, missionary father in law.
Sent by Tolli | 4:04 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 45 yr old male and a digital artist at an animation studio in Dallas. I never cared about politics and have never known a politician who impressed me much…until I heard about Ron Paul, back in 2004. Dr. Paul, as they say, cured my apathy. I avoid mainstream media, or at least take it with a grain of salt, due to the unbridled bias, spin and distortion so widely present in our country’s mainstream media outlets. I get my news primarily through independent sources on the internet and through documentary films, since so much of the information I feel is most relevant is largely avoided by television’s talking heads. Ron Paul delivers a message that is long overdue in its delivery and he delivers it with honor and integrity, virtues which are now frighteningly scarce in Washington and corporate America. Hillary may be bought and paid for by the power elite, yet I will still cast my vote for Dr. Paul, because it is the right thing to do. If he loses, may God have mercy on our doomed nation.
Sent by Hollan Holmes | 4:05 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 39-year-old non-religious, upper-middle-class small business owner. I’ve respected the libertarian principles of the founders for years and feel that they are all the more applicable in our dangerous world. Concentrated power is more dangerous and corrupting than anything, and that is why it so important to support Paul – the only candidate that will work every day to restore a rational balance between federal, state, and (most importantly) individual power.
We are not isolationists – in either a national sense or a community sense. We are people who love others and want everyone to have the freedom to voluntarily interact with others on their own terms.
Free individuals make the only workable communities.
Sent by Paul from NC | 4:05 PM ET | 12-18-2007
49 y/o married,white female business administrator who makes $150000+ anually. Changed my voter registration to Republican so I can vote for Dr. Paul. Tired of the same old mediocre leadership of our country. Don’t agree with all of Dr. Paul’s views but at least he tells the truth, understands that you shouldn’t spend more $ than you have, and values liberty and our Constitution. I would like to feel proud to be an American again.
Sent by Carrie | 4:07 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 29 year old Systems Administrator from Kentucky with a Computer Science degree from UK. I’m single and not any particular religion. I was a registered Democrat but switched to Republican so I could vote in the primaries for Ron Paul.
I’m concerned that well financed special interests will lobby for more laws eroding freedom, that we will lose our sovereignty to foreign governments like the UN, that socialization of necessary services will bankrupt the lower and middle classes, and that our fiat money system is headed toward collapse making this country weak.
I’ve donated $400 to Ron Paul in the hopes that he will remove the laws that are preventing people from governing themselves. I want to make the choice as to how my money is spent and who gets it. I’m tired of lying politicians scaring people into giving away their freedom for the illusion of safety. I want what everyone of us wanted when we were teenagers; to be responsible for myself and free to make my own decisions. I want to live my life the way I want to not how people who don’t know me want me to.
Sent by Tom Snyder | 4:08 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 62 year old mathematican/computer engineer. I’ve been a libertarian for 40 years, since reading Rand, von Mises, and Rothbard. I was slightly involved in John Hospers’ first Libertarian Party presidential campaign in 1972. After six years or so I got burned out and figured I wouldn’t live long enough to see anything like this. When Dr. Paul ran in 1988, I heard him during a 10-minute radio interview only once, and I don’t recall any radio or TV ads, though it has been a long time and I may not remember if there had been a small number of them. When I read back in March that he was running again, I just chuckled. I figured he would kick up a little more dust this time around, being a Republican, but this is just astonishing! Where the heck have all these libertarians come from? I don’t believe I ever attended a libertarian political gathering that had more than 20 or so people in attendance, and most of them were fellow male computer nerds. Maybe I should get back into this.
Sent by SteveF | 4:14 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Man of God
23 Male
Kentucky
I am a Ron Paul supporter because he speaks truth.
Sent by Aaron K | 4:18 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m happy to see that the word is getting out that those of us who support Ron Paul are not a bunch of kids living in our mothers’ basements! I am
Female
48 years old
Married for 27 years
Daughter in the Army
Business Owner
Live in Washington state
College educated
I’ve voted primarily Republican over the years, though the last two elections I voted Libertarian. My main reason for supporting RP (donated $250 already and will do so again) is because he understands monetary policy and how it’s crushing the country as it is currently manipulated. He also understands the real reason we are being targeted for terrorism. I would love to see mainstream Americans look around and see that we’re not a bunch of kooks or internet addicts. We are real people with very real concerns who love our country but have completely lost faith in our government. Go Ron Paul 2008!!
Sent by Lisa | 4:19 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Male
28 yr old
Single
Bachelor’s Degree
Moved from Florida to DC to work for a Government Contractor in the Technology field.
Donated to a presidential campaign for the first time ever – Ron Paul’s campaign.
Usually Republican, but don’t necessarily vote the party line. I’m disappointed in the Republicans of late for promising smaller government but expanding it. I’m somewhat undecided about the Iraq war…I think it was good to get rid of Hussein, however the way we did it was not the right way. Economically, I agree with Congressman Paul. I think the free market has a lot of benefits, and we don’t need government controlling every part of our lives.
I think Paul is very honest, and isn’t your typical politician. Most politicians – on both sides of the aisle – will say ANYTHING to get and stay elected.
Frankly, I’m tired of the two party system, where people “root” for their team. No matter what happens people love their party and despise the other.
Go Ron Paul!! He is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise fairly corrupt system.
Sent by Earl | 4:24 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I”m 52 and a stay-at-home homeschooling dad. I haven’t voted for president since 1980 and lost hope in voting until Ron Paul entered this race. I’m against America as world policeman and the endless taxing and spending of conventional politicians. I see the nearly $10 trillion national debt as a disaster looming. The small government rhetoric of Republicans is now so threadbare as to leave the emperor with no clothes at all. I want big changes. I trust Dr. Paul to fight the good fight if elected.
Sent by Nicolas | 4:26 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 65 year old retired public school administrator.
I have been an elementary teacher,elementary school Principal, high school Principal, District Director of Technology, and School District Director of Curriculum.
Female
Conservative
Catholic
I was a Texas resident until October of this year. I am currently living in Tulsa, OK.
I support Ron Paul. His record shows he actually says what he means and means what he says. How refreshing. I believe he is a man of conscience.
Sent by Mary Harris | 4:36 PM ET | 12-18-2007
28 College educated male in Baton Rouge, La. I am faculty at Louisiana State University. I don’t believe in conspiracy theories. I’m taking part in the first real revolution since the 1960s. Even if Paul loses, he wins. Join the RPR.
Sent by foramerica | 4:40 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Wow! Look at all these young techies supporting Ron Paul from their mother’s basements
I am a 51 year old mother of 3 minor children, a college graduate and on my 3rd career (golf course superintendent, at home mom, Realtor) and I live in Virginia.
I was formerly fairly apathetic about politics but finding out about Ron Paul some 10 years ago was one of the things that helped cure my apathy. I could not believe that there was anyone in congress who was that principled and honest!
I consider myself a “small l” libertarian or minarchist, if I must have a label. But I prefer Freedom Fighter or Lover of Liberty and someone who reveres the constitutional principles on which this great country was founded.
Beyond that, Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate on either side of the aisle who understands and speaks to the financial crisis this country is in. You want compassion? Ron Paul understands what inflation is doing to the poor and middle class and he’s trying to fix it.
All of y’all in the msm are missing the real story of Ron Paul however. It really isn’t the man, it’s the message of Freedom that brings people together.
You ought to be asking why, for example, the meetup group of nearly 300 members that I organize, ranges in age from 17 to 76 and the people are from every background imaginable. You ought to ask why anyone would completely cover their car with Ron Paul bumper stickers, as a young man in my group has done. You ought to ask why the electricity is nearly palpable when several Ron Paul supporters get together, even if they’ve never met before. You ought to ask why people would stand out on street corners in all kinds of weather holding home-made signs supporting their man.
There are human interest stories in this campaign, the likes of which will never be seen again in my lifetime.
But that’s ok. Like it’s been said, “the revolution will not be televised”. Can’t wait to see the looks of shock when we crawl across hot coals to vote for Ron Paul!
Sent by Terri Kurowski | 4:49 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I support Ron Paul because I believe in the Constitution.
Sent by rob | 4:55 PM ET | 12-18-2007
46 Male
Former Marine
CCIE network engineer
Father of 4
America is now paying for the sins of apathy and large living. Ok, we’ll pay as the dollar collapses and jobs dry up and blow away to China and Mexico.
The true political paradigm is not left=socialism and right=fascism, fascism and socialism are both on the left. Government control=left Freedom=right. Ron Paul is right.
Sent by Rich in KC | 4:58 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m 36 lives in Kirkland, WA. I immigrated to this country from Taiwan when I was 12. Works as a computer programmer and make over $100,00 a year. I voted for Bush in 2000 and 3rd party protest vote in 2004. Never need politically active, never donated to a campaign, never voted in a primary.
After learning about Ron Paul, I was really impressed by his knowledge on monetary policy and his non-intervention makes total sense. There are a generation of people who know nothing but American aggression, how is this support to make us safer?
He has my vote and support. Not because he is go great (although the is probably the most honest man in congress), but his message of freedom, peace, and prosperity will endure for years to come.
Sent by Peter | 4:59 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 33 year old Software Engineer. I’m voting for Ron Paul because my values are most closely aligned with his and because he’s the only candidate with a clear record of honesty. The other main reason I am voting for Dr. Paul is because he is the only candidate determined to turn this country around fiscally. The mainstream Democrats and Republicans are both out of control spenders causing us to take on enormous amounts of debt. At our current rate of spending we’ll soon find our dollars worthless and it’ll be tough just to keep up with interest on the national debt.
Sent by Mark | 5:00 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am
26 years old
a student finishing my teaching certification
a holder of two bachelor’s degrees
a home owner
a fiance
a Catholic
a Midwesterner
a Ron Paul supporter!
a real person!
I think Ron’s campaign is more honest than any of the other candidates. Ron seems to be the most independent, unapologizing, and unwavering of the current 2008 candidates.
Sent by CMT | 5:04 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m 37, male, and a first generation Irish-American. I stay home with my two preschool-aged daughters in politically purple Montgomery County, PA. My wife is a professional and lifelong Democrat.
I have many views which are not consistent with Ron Paul’s platform. I’m pro-choice. As the son of immigrants, I believe the most vital elements in the public’s anti-immigration stance are, as they have always been, xenophobia and racism. I don’t think that a secret, supra-governmental cabal is trying to pave a job-stealing “North American superhighway” from Mexico to Canada.
And yet, I am supporting him, because I think the libertarian ideals encoded in the Constitution are the litmus test against which all new legislation and expansion of government should be measured. Dr. Paul is the only credible candidate in my voting lifetime who even claims to share that view. I am supporting him out of desperation. If I have to crowd into the tent with a few people wearing tin-foil hats, so be it.
Sent by David | 5:05 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 28yr old mortgage wholesaler with a BA in economics. I have studied monetary policy for the past five years and was drawn to Paul as he was the only member of the House Financial Committee to question the practices of the Fed. Their easy money policy of the earlier part of the decade helped to fuel to exspantion of credit in the mortgage and revolving credit markets, resulting in many delinquicies we now see today. Their subsequent raising of rates resulted in a contraction of mortgage credit that has led to many to being stranded in their current situation with no available financing for reprieve. Low overnight and discount funds rates due nothing but encourage inflation and hurt those who save. The ability to control these rates is the ability to control the money supply and inflation, which is why there needs to be more transparency within the Federal Reserve.
More importantly I was drawn to Dr. Paul’s foreign policy. I voted for Bush in 2000 based on his “no nation building” platform. I was tired of Clinton’s involvement in Bosnia. I did not vote in 2004 because there was no canidate I felt supported my values.
The democrats elected into office in 2006 have let the american public down. The neo-con establishment of the republican party has infiltrated our system and purposely misled the american public in order to line their pockets and keep us in a constant state of fear. Because they know, there is no better way to control a population. It’s time to kick these bastards out of Washington and replace them with the good Dr. and those he see’s fit to place in his cabinet.
Sent by Josh | 5:06 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a married 33 year old stay-at-home homeschooling mother of 2. Despite the fact that my husband and I have always been extremely interested and well informed in politics, we have never found a candidate worthy of our votes, and have never contributed financially to any campaign before. My husband and I support Ron Paul because we want the federal government out of our lives. We don’t need anyone telling us what we must teach our children or what toxins we must inject into them. We are extremely concerned with the current economy, we do not believe the U.S. should be fighting costly unnecessary wars. We are tired of being fed nothing but lies at every turn. We are not wealthy by any means but we recognize that you cannot put a price tag on freedom and have donated the maximum allowed. We have been campaigning, recruiting, voting, canvassing, letter writing, rallying, sign holding and anything else we can manage to do to help others wake up from their apathetic MSM induced slumber. Our children’s futures depend on it. Go Ron Paul!
Sent by Lane | 5:17 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 27 year old software developer from Seattle, WA, a defender in freedom, and a supporter of Ron Paul.
Sent by BAN | 5:18 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m 24 year old Political science grad who used to be Democrat until they betrayed us for war profits after the 06 election. I have registered Republican and am going to vote in Kentucky’s primary even though I know that in this political system Kentucky doesn’t mean anything.
Sent by Dave Brown | 5:26 PM ET | 12-18-2007
27 year old
Male
Atheist
Dr. Paul supporter from NYC.
I have been a registered Independent since I turned 18 and am now registered GOP to vote for Paul. I’ve been fiercely liberal in what I perceive as my social views and am equally conservative when it comes to my fiscal ones. However, I don’t feel that libertarianism is for me. I am anti-war, anti-big government and very pro-personal freedom and responsibility. I do not agree with everything Paul stands for but since a vote for any other candidate is a vote for the same military-industrial corporate system (yes, that includes all the Democrats as well as Republicans) I have no choice but to vote for him if I am to vote with my conscience. I recently joined the GOP in fear of America becoming any more of a nanny-state than it has already. I have my own mind and as an adult can make my own decisions on what is good for me. I do NOT need a government bureaucracy to tell me what I can and cannot do for or to myself.
P.S. I found your article from 12/18 a bit biased as are most sources with corporate funding (or donations) when Ron Paul is mentioned.
Sent by Anthony | 5:28 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I support Ron Paul and have contributed $ 100 to his campaign. Never donated to a candidate before in my life.
Male
49 years old
Married
Structural Engineering Draftsman and Web Designer
Lifelong Student of New Thought and Metaphysics / Active in Church Small Group Ministries
My political philosophy of self-reliance meshes well with my eclectic spirituality.
People worry about the consequences of some of Paul’s views if he becomes President (i.e. “anti-choice,” education cuts, etc.). It’s as if they thought the whole country would suddenly turn hard core Libertarian. I don’t think there’s any chance of the whole country suddenly assuming Libertarain views. Then again, Paine’s Common Sense was read by virtually every literate colonist in the first six months of 1776 (if I am not mistaken).
Maybe the best that will come out of this movement is a resurgence of Constitutional Literacy and some curtailing of the incursions on personal and economic liberty.
I want to take this opportunity to say God Bless (or if you’re an atheist, my warmest regards) ALL my fellow American citizens regardless of political or other persuasion.
Let us create a nation of mutual respect, peace, and brotherhood, with or without government’s help. Amen.
Sent by pmh | 5:29 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Dr. Paul tries to get the money back that mandatory federal taxes have taken out of his district. Besides, he ends up voting no on the majority of the final bills where the earmarks reside on constitutional grounds. In any event, its not as simple as portrayed in the article.
He wants to change things at a higher level, like try to keep the money where it belongs, at the state and local level. Until that happens, he has to operate within the current law.
If he did not get some federal money back for local projects, this article would never have been written, because he would have been voted out after his first term way back in the 70s. I will leave it to you to consider the bizarre, back-to-the-future like implications of this.
Demagoguery does not suit NPR.
Sent by Tron Denver | 5:36 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 71 year old retired engineer, a Kentucky native and just recently changed my registration to Ron Paul Republican. He is (in my view) the only candidate that offers hope for America. Never before contributed to a political candidate until Ron Paul and will continue to contribute to his campaign as long as I am able.
Sent by William P Cox | 5:37 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 23 year old student and am in the Nevada Army National Guard. I served in Iraq as an infantryman from Jan 2004 to Feb 2005. I am volunteering to go back as infantry in August so I can go with my brother-in-law. The MAJORITY of the men I serve with are, and always have been, against this “war”. Tons of them are for Ron Paul. I know personally over 20 soldiers who will be caucusing for Ron Paul here in Nevada, and I also personally know 30 plus soldiers from around the globe who donated to him on December the 16th.
Sent by Justin Cole Crowe | 5:48 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 34-year old, married, agnostic male from the liberal hotbed of New Jersey, a lifelong progressive Democrat from a working class family, now living in northern Virginia with my wife.
I vote regularly, do my jury duty with a smile, but am otherwise not terribly engaged with civics and politics. Prior to this election cycle, I never donated to a campaign.
I’ve held a career in libraries for nearly a decade, working as a systems administrator and software engineer, both in academia and in government.
I have earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and am highly interested in political philosophy. The idea of socialism appeals to me as much as that of anarchism, and which way I sway depends on how cynical of a mood I’m in, but I do believe strongly in principles of classical liberalism and in a republican (small r) system of government.
In the past four presidential elections I voted for Clinton, Clinton, Gore, and Kerry, and have consistently voted the (Democratic) party line for local, state, and national elections.
Only recently did I become aware of Ron Paul’s campaign. Prior to that, I was unenthused by the Democratic candidates — none of them appeal to me terribly much, and I will admit that my votes for Gore and Kerry were primarily cast to keep Bush out of office, not out of any love for the Dems.
After hearing of Ron Paul’s unique message of individual liberty and non-interventionism, I’ve been eager to donate to Paul’s campaign, to gather signatures to get him on the ballot, to attend Republican events (such as the state straw poll), and otherwise to spread his message to all who will listen.
Many have said that Ron Paul cured their apathy; Ron Paul cured my cynicism.
Sent by Michael | 5:55 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 40 year old female
I am a doctor(and homeopath)though not currently practicing much
I am a farmer (cows, sheep, chickens, vegetables)
I have 4 children
I homeschool my children
I am a former Independent
I do not have a TV
I live in rural NY
I am against the NAIS, RFID chips in my animals or family, vaccinating my children unnecessarily, rules against my food like not being able to buy raw milk, or, in PA not being able to buy milk labelled “hormone free”. I am sick of paying the IRS a large portion of my income, then watching someone on public aid making the same bad choices over and over. I don’t want to live in “one country, under surveillance” even though my life is boring and not worth watching. I am willing to accept the personal responsibility that comes with downsizing the federal government and that includes providing charity to my less fortunate neighbors, which I already practice to the extent of my ability. I am tired of big corporations running our country and am ready for someone who tells the truth. I am Catholic, but my husband considers himself a heathen and he is also a doctor and a Ron Paul supporter.
Sent by Sarah | 5:56 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a kentucky college student working as a nurse aid. I’m studying economics and paramedicine, that my intrests mimic Mr. Pauls is pure coincidence, but I believe the underlying respect and moral responsibility to do what you can for the community is something we might share.
Sent by ezra dike | 6:00 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I clicked on the interview link thinking that it was Dr. Paul who would be speaking. I don’t care what Bennett had to say, no offense.
As for the “ear marks”. Dr. Paul is in favor of them so that the people can see how much waste there is coming out of Washington DC. Then he votes against the bill.
Sent by mnjrupp | 6:02 PM ET | 12-18-2007
My wife and I are Republicans living in New Hampshire. We are common folk, have a baby boy, and are not internet saavy. WE are Ron Paul supporters. The question astounds me. It appears that Ron Paul supporters are simply Americans who do not control the media. When we meet with friends from all walks of life, most are Ron Paul supporters. Ron Paul has a strong internet following? Garbage. Ron Paul has a strong following – end of story – and his supporters have only one free place to gather and exchange ideas; the internet. Internet support doesn’t “translate” into real world support. Internet IS real world support speaking its voice in the only available medium. Acting like it is challenging to find out who Dr. Paul’s supporters are is absurd. We’re all Ron Paul supporters. Just listen to the sounds below you instead of the sounds above.
Sent by James Carrigan | 6:03 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 30 year old Cabinetmaker from Portsmouth Va. I’ve never really been politically active before I found out about Ron Paul. After hearing his speech on the floor 5/22/07 I did some research and reread the document he draws his positions from. Since then most of my time and all of my money have gone to see this man in office. After that I’ll work to unseat all the members of Congress in the Commonwealth that have seem to have forgotten the Constitution as well.
Sent by Jon Boisseau | 6:07 PM ET | 12-18-2007
23 Male Collage Student Married, baby in July.
Sent by John | 6:10 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a single male small business owner with no children. I am an agnostic. I want leadership that promotes truth, honesty and progress. I am also a former Air Force member who loves the United States and the Constitution and who does not wish to see either destroyed. I do not support the Globalist agenda.
Sent by Anthony Lilja | 6:27 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 24 year old graduate student at Columbia University, studying computer science. I only mention the school to provide a contrary example to those who believe the school is full of liberal caricatures – hell, the campus even has “Google Ron Paul” scrawled here and there in chalk.
I registered Republican just to vote for him in the primaries. I like Obama too (which I know is totally contradictory, given their positions), but in the end concluded that this nation needs more a president who will act against the 60 year old trend of government expansion, rather than someone who will use broad government power with good intentions.
As a side note, there appears to be a disproportionate amount of support from computer scientists, which is curious. I believe he is the largest Republican recipient of donations @ Google (and he gave a great talk there recently as well).
Go Ron Paul!
Sent by Yom | 6:33 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 39 year old male American, and proud to be so. I was born and raised in North Carolina, near the Virginia border. I have a BA in English from Chowan College, and am an avid student of political and literary history of the US. I started being interested in Ron Paul when I heard him speak on US monetary policy. This is a very interesting topic from which one might learn a great deal by listening to Ron Paul.
Sent by Barry S Wilson | 6:42 PM ET | 12-18-2007
33-yr old female. Web designer in Western Maine. Graduated Berkeley (and it’s not all about ending the war on drugs for me
We need a Ron Paul foreign policy for economic and national security reasons.
Sent by Stephanie | 6:42 PM ET | 12-18-2007
60 year-old small business owner. Sick & tired of the Clinton/Bush imperialism. I am disgusted by the Republican Party’s big spending. I’m more of a Robert A. Taft and Barry Goldwater Republican. I am not a fan of any candidate except Ron Paul!!
Sent by Steve | 6:43 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I LIVE IN RURAL AMERICA,A SMALL TOWN IN COLORADO. AFTER BEING LIED TO FOR SO LONG BY OUR GOVERNMENT, THE PRESS,ET ALL, I FIND DR. PAULS VIEWS NOT ONLY REFRESHING, BUT DOWNRIGHT PATRIOTIC. A VOTE FOR ANY OTHER CANDIDATE IS A VOTE FOR THE GLOBALISTS, CFR, NAFTA, BILDERBERGS ECT….A VOTE FOR ANY OTHER THAN DR. PAUL IS ANTI-CONSTITUTION AND THEREFORE ANTI-AMERICAN.
Sent by LANCE | 6:49 PM ET | 12-18-2007
im just a 19 year old who is sick of all the hurt in the world caused by our government, that is spoused to help us….im sick of the government selling us out
Sent by josh | 6:49 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 36 year old graphic designer from Spokane, Washington. Catholic. A little bit liberal and a little bit conservative.
I’ve never heard a politician speak who didn’t sound like they were trying to sell something. And then came Ron Paul. I think he’s a great man, and I hope he gets the GOP nomination.
Sent by mistertwilight | 6:50 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Why is NPR smearing Ron Paul?
You must be kidding or naive!
Where would NPR get its funding in a Paul Administration? Where in the US Constitution is funding of public media mentioned. If Paul gets in, NPR is out. That’s why they hate the good doctor!
Sent by Steve Donahue | 6:56 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 27 year old female. I am an interior designer, registered Libertarian. I grew up in Houston, TX. I fully support Dr. Ron Paul.
Sent by Lara Wheeler | 7:05 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 20 year old college student (Go Purdue!) in the USAF.
I come from a farming background in Kentucky, however my family is middle class.
Sent by John Smith | 7:06 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a mother of three and a grandmother of three. My father was career military. My husband and son were submariners in the USN. I live in Virginia, but I’ve in 5 other states. I am a Daughter of the American Revolution. I voted for Reagan. I voted for the pre 9-11 Bush and voted for him again for the Justice appointments. I believe Ron Paul more accurately reflects my beliefs. I think that he will do a better job on the economy and have a better foreign policy. I believe, like him, that we need to end the entitlement programs for ILLEGAL aliens.
I’m not a kook, violent, an internet geek, 20, male, disaffected or any other adjective that the media keeps calling me. Everyday I am more angry at the arrogance of the media. But, I should be happy because it makes me fight for him all the more.
The biggest reason why I support Dr. Paul is to save the future of this country for my grandkids. I want them to live free in a self governing Nation. Their ancestors fought and died to secure Liberty and Dr. Paul can restore it.
Sent by Alice | 7:08 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 38 year old self-employed, married professional living in Seattle, WA. I have been registered as an Independent all my life, however will be voting in the upcoming election Republican so I may vote for both Ron Paul & Dino Rossi. Something has to be done about “business as usual, plasticized politics” – it seems like too much power mongering these days and 30 second sound bites. Ron Paul offers a refreshing view on politics – one that is open to people across the country actively participating in the campaign process no matter their individual views, simply we all would like back the freedoms we have lost under the current and former leadership of our nation.
Sent by Jake | 7:35 PM ET | 12-18-2007
My names is James, i’m 25 and from Sydney, Australia.
My goal is to get ONE American person to change their vote to a Ron Paul vote. This would mean I did my part.
I have also made my donation, so I can be a bigger part of the process.
Sent by pehpsi | 7:36 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 53 year old male who voted for Dr. Paul in 1988. I work as an accountant. My parents are Goldwater Republicans who believed that Democrats get us into wars and Republicans get us out of them. (This was generally true up until Nixon.) A long time ago Republicans were the fiscally responsible party. (Now neither party shows any fiscal restraint.) I, like my parents stopped voting for Republicans years ago, but Ron Paul has brought me back to the GOP.
The media and their pollsters will be very surprised when the votes are counted. Two weeks ago, I discovered there was no Precinct Committee Officer in my precinct. I called up the county Republican Chairman and volunteered and was appointed. After that I discovered a Ron Paul meet up group in my town. We are organized and committed to the ideals of small government and federalism, a gold backed currency free from the FED, and an end to the imperialistic, militaristic, foreign policy that has been in place since LBJ.
No other candidate, Republican or Democrat, has over 100,000 supporters donating money and 20,000 just signed on in December. We will be at the caucuses (I’ll make sure the one at my house is packed with Paul supporters) and we will be at the primaries. The ideals of the American Revolution are once again being presented to the American people and they like what they hear.
There is no stopping the Ron Paul R3volution.
Sent by Bill in Washington state | 7:42 PM ET | 12-18-2007
39, software developer, and a Ron Paul Republican.
Sent by JimS | 7:44 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a Modeling & Simulation Apprentice at Northrop Grumman Newport News, our nation’s second largest defense contractor. I am voting for Dr. Paul in the Republican Primary for reasons too numerous to list here. If I had to pick the strongest reason, it would be that Dr. Paul is the only candidate who stands up for our Constitution whether it’s popular to do so or not.
Sent by Daniel J. Deibler | 7:46 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 33 year old man born and raised in Los Angeles California. I now live in Walnut a small suburb near L.A. I am an online banking tech for a small Credit Union. On the contrary, I???m not some nut job like CNN or fox news would like everyone to think who likes Ron Paul must be. I love our country but am angry with the way our government has run it to the ground. From our warmongering foreign policies, which might I add only benefit special interest(Halliburton ,Lockheed /martin ,Arbusto Oil??????ect) not the people, to our loss of sovereignty and our weak economy.
I’m also
.Christian
.former democrat (voted for Kerry in 04)
.NRA member
.Hiker
.Married for 12yrs.
.one child
.don’t smoke
.sometimes I???ll peal back a few cold ones.
I Think Ron Paul is the most honest politician I’ve seen so far.
Honest politician…I use to think that was an oxymoron.
Sent by Joe | 7:57 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a Constitutional Loyalist. This means that I understand the Bill of Rights is not negotiable, and that supporting it is what makes one an American. Based on his voting record and positions on the issues, it’s obvious to me (and almost everyone I know) that Ron Paul is the only American running in either party.
Sent by Rod Miller-Boyer | 7:58 PM ET | 12-18-2007
The beauty of Ron Paul and his campaign is that it’s completely authentic. He is not being marketed to us. We are sick of being bombarded by corporate messages trying to manipulate us and sell us on a product or a candidate. George Bush was *sold* to the American people by brilliant marketing executives using images of a down-home, christian, small gov’t, neighborly guy. Anyone who actually looked beneath the surface saw where he was really coming from. Luckily people learn from their mistakes though, I believe this is why Dr Paul is so appealing. Americans are hungry for honesty. They don’t want a candidate who’s marketed to them as “authentic” and “honest”. We like that Ron Paul is human. We don’t want truthiness, we want the real thing.
Sent by Emily | 8:05 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Dear Matt Martinez,
May I suggest taking a chance and be the first to report on this for what it really is? As I said, there are some pretty incredible human interest stories in this Ron Paul campaign. Ordinary people have done some extraordinary things. You don’t have to look far to find a story.
But if you don’t want to dig deeper, just look at the fund raising. The grassroots raised a record $6 million in 1 day and they’re all individuals, not the special interests that ALL other campaigns. Look at the number of donors, look at the average amount of donations. Look at the fact that Ron Paul will not accept matching funds even though he meets the requirements to get them.
I could go on and on but I’ll close with this: although there’s NO WAY I think Ron Paul will lose, this Freedom movement isn’t going away. This is just the beginning…
Take a chance on us, NPR; be the first to report on the 2nd American rEVOLution!
Sent by Terri Kurowski | 8:08 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m an ex-republican turned libertarian. I see my self as a very typical American.Works an ordinary job and keeps an eye out for my family and friends. I see the US entering Stage 7 of the seven stages of Empire and worry about the future for our children (both mine and the countries).
I like Dr.Paul’s message of getting the government out of our lives. We are becoming an oligarchy and need to stop this trend.
Sent by max | 8:11 PM ET | 12-18-2007
19 year old male from Illinois (Chicago area) I was completely apathetic towards politics because every politician I looked at just danced around questions or refused to answer them. I have yet to see Ron Paul do either of those things.
Sent by Mike F. | 8:17 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 51 yr. old widow. I have no children. I spend alot of time in chat on the internet and heard the message of Ron Paul rebirthing the constitution.
That was the shot in the arm I needed.
Sent by Gigi Garroutte | 8:21 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 27 year old graduate student at Stanford University studying electrical engineering. I grew up in Spokane, Washington. I’ve been following politics for many years. First, I got fed up with the Republicans and cable news. Then, I got fed up with the Democrats and NPR. I was an avid NPR listener until about a year ago when I realized that it is just as biased as anything on television (yes folks, NPR is mainstream media). Now I view it with about as much credibility as Fox News. Turn off your television and radio! Wake up and vote for Ron Paul!
Sent by Andrew | 8:25 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 36 year old son of Mexican migrants. A small business owner of Los Angeles area. I questioned the Iraq war, my brother is a Marine, so of course I was surprised when no WMD’s were found. I accidentally discovered him on youtube. I then became a supporter when I became educated about inflation tax and his fiscal vision.
Sent by Ralph Z | 8:30 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a Ron Paul supporter from Kentucky. I’m a railroad engineer and member of the BLE-Teamsters union. I voted for Bush twice, and that’s my fault. To me, Ron Paul represents true conservative values and is the only true statesman in the race. Who are Ron Paul supporters? We are Americans with good sense that are aware of the monetary danger this country is in now. We are supporters that are 100% likely to vote in elections.
Sent by Nick Lyons | 8:47 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 24 year old college student and political science major who is quite active in my student government. I’m also served as a United States Army Infantryman in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
There are a few reasons why I think that Ron Paul is able to raise so much cash is that the common man is sick and tired of the status quo that is so common in Washington D.C.
There are those who have looked at the field, both parties, and can’t find anyone who is REALLY different. It’s all more of the same. And we’re tired of the same. So, when we found Dr. Paul, who has actually had the same message for 30 years, we instantly said YES! this is the guy.
Although we may be scattered across the nation, the Internet shrinks the world and enables us to mobilize in a way that’s truly revolutionary.
If you’ll notice it’s small donations and large numbers of first time voters that made the Tea Party possible. No big money. No special interests. Just the average joe. THAT is Ron Paul’s base.
Sent by Christopher | 8:47 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a student, married, father with 1 little girl and another on the way..I support Ron Paul, so my children can live in the USA where they have civil liberties and personal freedom. Ron Paul will keep us away from a new world order, and he will protect our rights as citizens. He is the only politician I actually trust, he isn’t out to become president, he is out to save all the citizens of the United States, his message has shown that America still has hope, and every parent should really think about the future and realize we are losing our freedom. Military personnel should not be on our neighborhood streets. Please just question everything and research, don’t just believe something because it is on the news. Study…Study … Study…Knowledge is power, and all forms of media can be manipulated, if you haven’t researched all of the candidates, don’t vote.
Sent by Travis Cude | 8:47 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am an 18 year old male from Oklahoma who recently worked for the Giuliani campaign. After really researching the issues, I realized that Giuliani would only serve to grow our wasteful government. I now support Ron Paul.
Sent by Kyle | 8:49 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a 39 y/o Software Developer and USAF veteran in Kentucky. I enjoy listening to NPR every day, however I have been disappointed at the minimal coverage and negative slant towards Ron Paul on this excellent program. I’m a Libertarian Centrist that leans both left and right on various issues yet I feel that this left/right view is oversimplified.
I am proud to be a supporter of Ron Paul because he’s the only candidate that would return us to the Gold Standard (just compare Pre-1964 dollars to what we have now.).
He is also against the war and wants our brothers and sisters back on the homefront as do I. It’s obvious that all adminstrations since WWII have been keeping us in constant war and this war (war against “Terrorism”) is the most deceivable one to date. I find it odd that many people don’t want to recognize that Prescott Bush (W’s grandpa) was indicted be he headed a US bank that lended $3 million to the Hitler war machine. People shy away from the fact that Bush, Cheney, Kissinger and the CIA have close ties to the Bin Ladens. I could go on, but I don’t have the time and you may not have the patience.
The Council on Foreign Relations (which almost all presidential candidates are members and/or have close ties to) has been exposed by Bill Moyers (“The Secret Government”) 20 years ago and also by Edward Griffin (CFR: The Capitalist Conspiracy) 40 years ago. This is the main reason I don’t trust any of the candidates that are “politics as usual” and are CFR members. I would support Kucinich and Gravel, however Ron Paul seems to be fighting for what the founding fathers gave us and warned us of the perversions of power that has been going on for a long time in this country.
Sent by Randall | 9:06 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 34 y.o. systems engineer. I am married and I have a 6 yo kid. I have been legally living in US for over 9 years but never bothered to become citizen, but due to my admiration of Dr Paul I have started the citizenship process which will cost me over $1000. If my application is processed by November next year I will vote for Dr. Paul unequivocally. I have donated around $300 so far and will donate more to keep Dr. Paul and his ideas alive in this race. I have never donated/voted before.
Sent by google_zeitgeist_the_movie | 9:13 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m 30, have a degree in Economics, and, like others, seek a better future for the country. I fear the trajectory of US policy abroad, the effects of instability of our currency, and the deterioration of our individual rights. If you are like me, I urge you to listen to Dr. Paul and decide if you want something different for our country too.
Sent by Michael | 9:18 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 33 year old lawyer/sports agent from Annapolis, MD that was born abroad (Italy) and came to this country at a young age. Since then I have had my head buried in the sand like most of my fellow Americans, allowing this country to become vastly different (and uglier) than it was intended to be by the founders.
I am very thankful that I found Ron Paul. Dr. Paul absolutely cured my apathy. I just hope that he cures the rest of America’s apathy before it’s too late.
http://www.RonPaul2008.com
i’M A TRUE GRIT TEXAN AND I THINK RON PAUL IS THE ONLY PERSON OUT THERE TELLING THE TRUTH ABOUT THE WAY THINGS ARE, REALLY.
i WOULD HOPE OTHERS FELT THE SAME WAY.
Sent by A. WYATT MANN | 9:24 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m a former Bush Cheney supporter “twice” UGGGH!
I AM……….
49 years old
Owner of a National Marketing Company
Divorced
2 Kids
A Protestant (former Deacon)
A Conservative Republican
I love the way Congressman Dr. Ron Paul “Speaks Truth To Power”
He has my support even though I may not agree with all he says….there is enough I agree with for me to support him with my time and my treasure!
Sent by Carl | 9:39 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 56-year old grandmother from DeKalb, Illinois…I have been disgusted to vote for most of my adult life, but just hearing a short YouTube video on Ron Paul was enough to get me VERY interested….I’ve been studying ever since (these past two months)….My husband paid to have a sign made up and it’s hanging in our store window, we keep brochures to pass out on our store counter, I collected signatures for petition to allow Ron Paul in the Primary election, and we tried to put a hand-made sign on our front-yard tree but were told it was illegal in DeKalb (!?!—-also against the law in DeKalb is to put a FOR SALE sign on a vehicle parked on a side street, or have more than four garage sales per year…..These and a million other frustrations on what normal people want to do in America is what was sucking the life out of me…..Now I have so much hope, knowing there are many, many others out there who DO want their liberty —–I think it’s the media and the ignoring by our “representatives” (HA!)that make us believe we are alone in our views….I don’t feel alone anymore!!!-Sara DiNicola-
Sent by Sara DiNicola | 9:41 PM ET | 12-18-2007
My name is Adrienne and I am a 22 year old who works full time and goes to college for web development. I am married to my high school sweetheart; we’ve been married for almost 3 years and have been together as a couple for almost 7.5 years.
I am a book worm who does not have cable TV. I get my news from the Internet and radio (I do listen to NPR even though I don’t tow the liberal line.)
My husband and I come from large families (12 siblings between us) that were racked by divorces (multiple divorces) and bankruptcies. I learned early to be self-reliant and came to understand the dangers of living beyond one’s means and the error of believing in entitlements.
Ron Paul fights the disconnect in logic that plagues not only Washington, but also our current culture.
I felt alone and powerless until I realized that the world is full of people who believe the same things as I do- but are silent since they feel they are powerless. The Ron Paul revolution is about bringing hope to people who felt previously weak and marginalized. It’s about the creativity of the free market and the power of we the people. It’s an end to apathy and the start of a new era in the political process. I won’t be going back to sleep anytime soon since now I’ve realized how strong my voice actually is.
Sent by Adrienne Pass | 9:59 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am 48. My family and I live in the mountains of Samaria in Israel. Until the 2005 “Disengagement” (the governmental destruction of our towns), we lived in beautiful Gush Qatif along the Mediterranean coast. I’m a database consultant.
I haven’t voted in American elections since 1980 and haven’t been the least bit interested in them since then. Having been on Ron Paul’s mailing list in the early 1980’s, I began watching his campaign online. To my surprise, I found myself becoming a vocal supporter of Paul’s among the American expatriate community here.
For me, there are two reasons to support Ron Paul:
(a) His economic policy will make for a strong, self-reliant, prosperous America.
(b) His foreign policy will put an immediate stop to America’s meddling in the Middle East.
As you can imagine, America’s foreign policy is a subject near and dear to my heart. I know first-hand the results of a misguided, heavy-handed American foreign policy. In 2005, due to American pressure, the Israeli government destroyed every Jewish town in the beautiful coastal area of Gush Qatif and exiled its residents. The ruins of our once thriving towns were turned over to the Palestinian Authority, which has since been driven out and replaced by Hamas in a coup d’etat.
I want this never to happen again.
I believe that an America led by Ron Paul would allow us here in Israel to sort out our problems with our neighbors without foreign interference, with God’s help.
Sent by Uri De Young | 10:15 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am an entrepreneur, 36 yrs old, and a life long Republican. I can’t stand what the Republicans have become. I like my Politics, God Free, and my God, Politics free. After Terri Schivo I decided never to vote for a bible banging Republican again. I never gave a dollar to a campaign before. I gave 350$ to Ron Paul.
Sent by Tim | 10:20 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am 33, male, and a contractor in Austin, TX. Dr. Paul is the first politician I felt was deserving of my support. He speaks the truth, not the truth as he sees it.
Sent by Nathan | 10:23 PM ET | 12-18-2007
A little younger? A little bit more male??? Why do these people want to put us in a box? Can they not see from the sea of faces that we are from all races, all creeds, all walks of life. These people go and get a degree and still have no common sense.
Sent by Kat | 10:26 PM ET | 12-18-2007
31 year old systems engineer from San Jose California.
Sent by Mick Russom | 10:29 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 35 year old man who lives in Yorktown, VA, originally from Pittsburgh, PA. I have been married for 4 years to my lovely wife.
I obtained a master’s degree in community healthcare management and a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
I currently work in the managed care industry as a health services administrator contracting for the Department of Defense.
I have worked in critical care nursing, home health nursing, correctional health care administration ,and long term care risk management.
As a hard workign citizen, I expect value for my money paid in taxes. We pay way too much in taxes. We are overpaying for ineffective, unnecessary, and unconstitutional government programs and services.
Government programs need to be re-evaluated against whether or not they are constitutionally permitted.
My hard earned dollars are being devalued as a result of poor economic policy of the Federal Reserve Bank that chooses to get wealthy off of American taxpayer’s livelihood.
Our country is facing a perilous future. I fear for our children and future grandchildren who stand to inherit a nation that will be broken beyond repair in a world that does not agree with our prinicples of individual rights to liberty. We need to fix what is wrong by electing leaders who will stop hurting America through wreckless policies, regulations, and legislation.
If I am sounding the alarm, you can bet that there is a fire in the house. I am new to politics. While I have voted in past elections, I tended to go with the mainstream candidates rather than independents for fear of wasting my vote or helping my least like candidate. I felt that there was no way to beat the same old rhetoric and no way to get beyond mainstream media reporting of what they felt the issues were and who the “good” candidates were.
With the advent of the internet and better availability of information, I have come to learn that as a voter, I have been duped into participating in an electoral system that assures perpetuation of they tyranny that has plagued our federal government these past 25 years.
No longer can I sit idly back and think that I cannot make a difference. The optimism and hope, the belief in the ability to achieve the impossible are compelling me to make a stand on behalf of liberty. These are nostalgic sentiment that once made this country great.
I believe that us Ron Paul supporters can rekindle that magical force that is American pride. For too long, it has been dormant and allowed to wither into apathy. No more. Liberty loving Americans have heard the sound of the alarm and we are here to save our belove nation, starting with the grassroots campaign to elect Ron Paul to the office of the President of the United States of America.
Sent by Robert Lehman | 10:33 PM ET | 12-18-2007
The more the media tries to dismiss Ron Paul and his supporters, the more determined we become.
Ron Paul supporters are not overly passionate, they are just real. They are not sitting on the fence. They are not trying to choose from the lessor of two evils.
For years I’ve listened to the media fret and cluck over the apathy of the average American voter. Along comes a man who inspires hundreds of thousands to become involved for the first times in their lives, and the media clearly attempts to marginalize him.
It’s not working.
Sent by Dave | 10:36 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a union electricians apprentice who supports Ron Paul because I want the Constitution to return as the Law of the Land. And I do not want to saddle my decendants with the misery and stress of a unpayable and unstoppable “National Debt Freight Train”
Sent by Dan McBeth | 10:43 PM ET | 12-18-2007
22
student
democrat.
Sent by a. | 10:56 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Well since you invited us to say what we think,
There’s a difference between earmarks and big government. As jounalists who have been on the Paul trail for a while have noted, Paul votes for earmarks because it is a better way of distributing money to alloted services. If he doesn’t, then the money will be hijacked by the administering agencies. That keeps bureaucracy thin and saves the taxpayers’ dollar. So earmaking IS the smaller government solution, according to Paul.
I am assuming you didn’t know this otherwise you would have been charitable enough to add it into your article.
Please correct this
Sent by Greg Albert | 11:01 PM ET | 12-18-2007
42 years old, Married w/1 son.
Own a small business (4 years)
Project Management & Engineering background in Telecom, Finance & Defence.
Christian; but not pushy with my faith.
Well read.
Voted republican, democrat and independant.
Found Ron Paul – this man is save our country if we let him.
Sent by Les | 11:03 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 31 year old (in one hour) living in Virginia. I served 9 years in the Navy and am in college working on a degree in computer science. I work at a bank in the IT department. Ron Paul appealed to me because of his straight forward, well researched, and well documented answers. He doesn’t go with what pollsters are saying is the popular way to be at the given time (for an example of this, follow the career of Mitt Romney). The more I research Ron Paul, and the more I hear him speak, the more sure I am of the sincerity, honesty, and integrity of this great thinker of our day. He not only has the knowledge of history and economics I could only dream of having, but is able to communicate with average people at our level. He is a peace monger, and a man that would govern with the golden rule. One only needs to look at his record and hear him speak to know that he can be trusted to do what he says he will do, and this coming at a time when a majority of people feel the government can not be trusted.
Sent by Stephen Gunter | 11:05 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m 23 years old, a stay at home wife and mother in middle Tennessee. I am a conservative Christian who grew up in a missionary home in Africa. My husband is a self-employed graphic artist. We both came from homeschooling families. We are strong supporters of Ron Paul because we believe in individual responsibility, non-violence except in self-defence, state’s rights and getting rid of the national debt.
Sent by Evangeline | 11:06 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 30-year-old home owner, father of two children, and a law student. I am a veteran of the armed forces and a graduate of the University of Washington, Philosophy major.
I was raised a Reagan Republican, I voted for George Bush in the last election, and I am convinced that the Republican Party has been sold out.
Sent by Grizzle | 11:09 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I’m 20 years of age, I work as a Data Center Technician in Seattle WA. His stances on the issues aside, Ron Paul interest me because he really seems to love this country more than he loves himself. I like that.
Sent by Alex O | 11:20 PM ET | 12-18-2007
27 yr old CPA, Masters in Accounting, Fiscal and social conservative. Have never missed an election. Ron Paul has been my favorite member of congress since I was 18.
Sent by Tim | 11:25 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am 24/m in Virginia
I found out about the Ron Paul movement from different directions.
I heard about Ron Paul from Alex Jones, being a democrat, I was skeptical, I mean, I was raised to think of Republicans as liars and people who do whatever to achieve their goals.
In my mid teens I found out about the liberterian party and supported them, but this was only due to their view on drugs, which I now realize as naive, even as I now realize I like their views more and more.
Why I like Ron Paul, to be more concrete has no direct ties to any political standing. LISTEN to the guy, if you cant hear, he is telling the truth as he sees it, while that may at times differ from my views, hes the only one I heard that sounded truthful, and to his heart, instead of just campaigning, and then to look in on his record, to see the most principled voting history in my life, I cant turn that down, speaking truth is what Ive always liked, Ron Paul does it unlike, or maybe not to the ability of, any other presidential hopeful.
Oh and also, when this 08 process started, I was with Obama, and still respect the guy, but I want quick change, and with the views of Ron Paul, a change is what would come, seeing as its the TOP PRIORITY, as I believe it should be for all the primary runners.
Sent by Brooks M | 11:34 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 49 year old male from Waterford, Michigan. I own a small computer repair business AngelGeeks_com. I’ve researched the candidates and am thoroughly impressed with the record of the Honorable Dr. Ron Paul. Your attempt to smear the good doctor by suggesting that he is being hypocritical for putting things into congressional bills that will benefit his district and then not telling the people that he then goes on to vote against it is quite disingenuous at best. Why don’t you just admit that you are scared to death of him winning because it just may be your sacred cow of taxpayer funds that are received by your organization that could be at risk.
Sent by Joseph Hill | 11:39 PM ET | 12-18-2007
Fifty-something single female, employed in the arts. I got into Democrat politics at my mother’s side long before I was able to vote. I opposed the Vietnam War. But I also supported property rights, the right to self defense, and limited government, so I didn’t fit on the left.
When I heard the word “libertarian,” it was as if a light had gone on. As an activist, I knew of Ron Paul from the very beginning of his career. I don’t always agree with his positions. I’m pro-choice; he’s pro-life (though he correctly understands that abortion, like marriage, gay or straight, is simply not under the federal government’s constitutional authority).
But I know that, unlike every other politician in that stinking swamp on the Potomac, Ron Paul is a personally honest man and a man who adheres without wavering to the principles of limited government that are still, according to the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the highest law of the land. The only one.
He’s the only politician who’ll leave us free to have a future that doesn’t lead straight into some totalitarian hellhole. And frankly, I don’t care if that hellhole is “left” or “right.” I don’t want to go there; I don’t want to watch my country go there. And I agree that Ron Paul gives us the last possible hope of restoring freedom while working within the system. He is the uniter of all who have come to fear the great, crushing mass of government. None of the old factional labels matter when we’re in a fight for our lives and our futures.
Sent by Emily Salinger | 11:47 PM ET | 12-18-2007
I am a 40 year old male, I am a veteran of the first gulf war, and I own a small industrial integration company (16 employees, five of which are engineers including myself). I have been married to my wife for 11 years and we have 4 children ages 9 to 2. I have been registered as a republican for as long as I have been able to vote, today I see very little difference between the globalist big government Republicans and the globalist big government Democrats who both seem to want to spend our nation into poverty on both domestic and foreign policy programs. Ron Paul???s opinions regarding the 2nd amendment, the Constitution and personal freedom/responsibilities in general are what originally drew my interest. Dr. Paul???s blatant honesty, his understanding of the economy, his plans for a stable currency and national debt reduction, His concern for border security and protecting American sovereignty, his desire to shrink the federal government and protect privacy and personal liberty all came together to set the hook.
Thank you for writing the article Dr. Paul???s message needs to be heard by audiences outside of the internet and very few people in positions to help do that seem to be willing to.
Sent by G D | 12:01 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 37 year old married man from Des Moines, and a father of two children. I have served in the military (both active and reserve) for 18 years. I support Ron Paul because I want to live in a constitutional republic that respects the rights of citizens, not a ‘democracy’ and certainly not an empire. I want our currency to be sound and backed by something more than the ‘full faith and credit’ of a government that is 9 trillion dollars in debt. I want America to lead the world by example, not by military coercion. I want our problems to be solved by local involvement and cooperation, not by federal involvement.
Ron Paul’s stances on these issues reflect my values and beliefs, so he has my support.
Sent by Steve | 12:16 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 24 year old bartender with an engineering degree. All I’ve ever seen in politics are slimy politicians, promising bread and circuses and always delivering the same slow encroachment on our Constitutional rights. All I want is for government to get out of my wallet and my life. I don’t want its dirty money or its “help”. I’ll vote for Dr Paul in the primary and, I hope, in the general elections…but I won’t vote for any of the rest of the usual suspects.
Sent by Ian | 12:32 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a thirty year old student nurse in San Diego, CA. I am thrilled to be able to wholeheartedly support the message of a politician for the first time in my life. I have voted in every election since I turned 18, but always for the lesser of two evils. Ron Paul is just plain good. What a relief!
Im 26 years old. I am a veteran of the Iraq war. I currently work as a network administrator. I consider myself an independent voter – I never vote based on party, rather I vote on the issues.
This year, Dr. Paul will get my vote and absolute support. This guy has the most solid voting record in congress – and its nearly impossible for the other candidates to run any attack ads on him because theres no negativity on him. He has never flip flopped on the issues and he is a man of his word. He has never taken money from the lobbyists or AIPAC
This country needs a man like Ron Paul and those in the mainstream media will not be able to shut us up for that long
Sent by Omar | 12:40 AM ET | 12-19-2007
48, male from GA
Never supported a candidate before
Maxed out contributions for Dr. Paul and Hope for America.
Why talk to a political hack and a smear piece? Thought NPR was better than that. Hmmmmm
Sent by Joseph Jay Mellon | 12:41 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 34, married working as a defense contractor back from a year in Iraq now living in San Antonio. I heard about Ron Paul about 10 years ago from a Libertarian co-worker who mentioned that he was on C-SPAN and one of the callers said that they should have a Libertarian line and Ron Paul agreed. From there I saw his writings every once in a while on the Internet.
He is a gentleman and a scholar, a presidential candidate the likes of which we have not seen since Jefferson.
Sent by Bill Moore | 12:41 AM ET | 12-19-2007
30 Year old, Asian male in the NY metro area. Business background and now in medical school. Moderate-left political leanings, never voted. I was trying to decide between Obama/Clinton (the rest of the GOP were not even a consideration based on their stance on the war). Found Ron Paul on Digg and began reading about him. I’ve spent countless hours (even in face of final exams) researching Paul’s platform. I’m sold on his message of small government, fiscal responsibility, and non-interventionalism.
Sent by Norm | 12:41 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a music producer and record label owner from Michigan. I’m voting for Ron Paul because he’s saying the things that i have always believed but thought that i was alone in thinking these things. His monitary views alone are enough for me to vote for him. A man like this only comes along once in a lifetime if not less. I will vote for Ron no matter where he goes. The other Republican and Democratic candidates will NEVER get my vote. Anybody that doesn’t offer a true longterm solution to our problems in this country is not worth a vote of mine. I’m voting so my grandchildren and great grandchildren will never have to deal with the problems we have today. Watch Ron Paul closely, everytime he speaks he gets more voters even if it’s not in the main stream media. His message comes from the very root of American beliefs. He is the only REAL choice.
Sent by Cliff T. | 12:43 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 39 year old catv line technician. I have had enough of the status quo, big government needs to go.I cant find anything wrong with Dr. Paul’s positions or his record. I have donated to his campaign and I will vote for him in the Alabama primaries.
Sent by Mike | 12:44 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 17 year old who is going to be old enough to vote in the primaries (well caucuses in my state) for the very first time. If it was not for Ron Paul’s message of less government and more individual freedom, I doubt I would be involved in the early voting process at all. You can trust me when I say he has cured the apathy of many of my friends and family.
Sent by Jon Stroder | 12:45 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 23 year old engineer living in north carolina. The good doctor has appealed to my libertarian sensibilities and has convinced us that return to a sound economic policy is possible.
Sent by Jason | 12:45 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 54-year-old divorced woman. I am very concerned about the decline of the dollar and inflation, I can barely keep up with basic expenses anymore, and Dr. Paul is the only candidate talking about sound money and stopping runaway inflation and cutting government spending in a big way. I am also in full agreement with him on foreign policy. No terrorists attack neutral countries, and I’d be glad to see Dr. Paul leading us to become a neutral country that gives no aid to other nations. Last but not least, I know that Ron Paul would work on restoring the protections afforded by our Constitution and Bill of Rights, which have been usurped in recent years.
Sent by Patricia Davis | 12:46 AM ET | 12-19-2007
19 yr old, female, full time student in NH
Originally from MS and LA
Ron Paul just makes sense!
And to all those folks who want to know if young voters are actually going to vote, I registered in NH just so I could vote in the primary and I will vote for Ron Paul. From my experience, Ron Paul supporters are well informed, passionate people and they are not the type to just stay home.
I’m a photographer living in western North Carolina. I am female, twenty-three years old, and I’ve been voting for the lesser of two evils since I was old enough to vote. I first saw Ron Paul on Bill Mahr, and immediately went to the computer to look him up. I was pretty dubious at first, since they often say that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. But the more of Ron Paul’s speeches I watched, the more research I did, the more I realized that I didn’t have to be resigned to voting simply against the other guy. I could truly vote FOR someone because I believed in what they said and I knew they would stay consistent because they had the record to prove it. It’s amazing to think about all the people he’s brought together. Ron Paul’s message has inspired me in a way that really is life changing.
Sent by Hope | 12:51 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am an attorney and an owner of a publishing company and real estate company in San Diego County. I am married with one minor child.
Although I have always kept current with political news, I have never donated to a candidate, put a political bumper sticker on my car, or done any campaigning for any candidate. Until now. I have done all or this for Ron Paul.
Why? He is the only candidate that addresses one of the greatest evils in our country: the inflation tax that results from the Federal Reserve bank monetizing the national debt.
Limited government, individual liberty, free markets, peace, sound currency. That is why I support Ron Paul.
Sent by Craig L. Combs, Cardiff, CA | 12:51 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 35 year old father of two that gave up his military pension after 15 years in the military because I was tired of helping fight an unconstitutional war. I swore an oath to defend the constitution and I was violating it every day I spent in Iraq. I’m now a defense contractor and risk my job if Ron Paul is elected, but I would rather be homeless than see this nation further steal away the people’s constitutional rights for the illusion of security.
Sent by Jesse | 12:51 AM ET | 12-19-2007
30 year old non-violent Felon. Can’t vote, so I have been an activist for 8 years.
Sent by Rob Diaz | 12:54 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am female, over 40, and I live in Houston, Texas. I don’t live in my mother’s basement. I am a lawyer, and own my own home. Go, Ron Paul.
Sent by DLT | 12:57 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 29 year old woman and married. My husband and I have two daughters. We are both Ron Paul supporters. My husband is working on his PhD in Philosophy and employed as a groundskeeper to pay the bills. I am a self-employed Independent Sales Trainer, writer and stay-at-home mom. I love to cook and read.
Our oldest daughter is 6 and we are beginning to homeschool her more formally. We use a lot of alternative medicine and are in good physical shape. We are reform-of-the reform Catholics (conservative).
I have a lot of family/aquaintances who support Ron Paul with money and by telling others about him as well. Here is information about a few of them:
My father, 63, PhD Psychology, retired government employee is a Ron Paul supporter.
My mother, 64 year old social worker is a Ron Paul supporter.
*My parents are divorced and live far from eachother. They both found out about Ron Paul independently and began supporting him.
The lady I get my raw milk from is in her 40’s and a Ron Paul supporter.
Two 40 year old women at my health food store are Ron Paul supporters.
A couple who are our friends. He is in his late 20’s and is a PhD/MD student doing research. She is in her early 30’s and is finishing up her dissertation for her PhD and directs the writing center at the local art school.
I frequent the online forums and blogs and in that area the highly cisible Ron Paul supporters are frequently male. In the outside world I find that I know at least as many women who support him as men.
Sent by Katharine Memole | 12:57 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 24 year old male in the U.S. military. I’ve served 2 years total in combat zones. I’m currently stationed in Florida. I have never voted because there has been no candidate i felt had anything but themselves in mind. I support Ron Paul because he wants to take this country back to what it was always supposed to be, a constitutional Republic, by the people, for the people, and of the people. Judge a man by what he’s done, not what he says he’ll do, if politics have taught you anything, it’s that.
Sent by Thomas | 12:57 AM ET | 12-19-2007
24 year old Korean-American working in tech field with a 2 year old son.
Sent by Fei | 12:57 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 17 year old High School student who is upset with the way both parties have been handling government. It is time for change and to restore this country to the days of the founding fathers.
I have no job yet out of the small money I can manage to get I have donated over $300 to the campaign. This is a REVOLUTION!
Sent by Kutibh Chihabi | 1:00 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 30 yr old father of 3 who has never been involved in politics until I heard Ron Paul.
Sent by Joseph | 1:00 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a telecommunications engineer from Dallas. I am married with two children and another on the way. We homeschool our children because the public school system is inadequate and we can not afford private school. Ron Paul is very pro-home schooling. I also love Ron Paul’s fiscal and foreign policies.
Sent by Paul V. | 1:01 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 31 year old computer programmer from Florida. I’ve been a libertarian since college and while too young to remember when Ron ran in 1988 I had heard of him before this summer, when I decided to become an active supporter.
I believe libertarian ideas are the best hope to reconcile America’s growing cultural gap. Instead of trying to regulate the culture with ideas like censorship, limits on educational choice, drug prohibition,
or mandatory government service, Ron Paul just wants to make us free to make our own choices in the knowledge that we must be responsible for ourselves.
Sent by Paul | 1:01 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I love Ron Paul and what he stands for…
* I am a 27 year old male
* full time web developer for a fortune 500 company
* Democrat converted to republican
* Christian
* Normally apathetic to politics but Ron Paul has changed all of that.
* Learned about Ron Paul through digg.com about 4 months ago.
* Donor to the Ron Paul Revolution.
Interesting Note:
Closest any other candidate (republician or democrat) in 2000, 2004 got to an endorsement from me was a bumper sticker. I put my hard earned money to work by giving funds to help the ron paul campaign!
Sent by Clayton | 1:01 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 21 and have been registered republican since 2003. I was sent an absentee ballot at college but didn’t vote. I was displeased with Kerry and his lack of defense spending as well as Bush and his excessive defense spending. This will be the first time I have voted in a primary, the first time I’ve voted in a general election, and the first time I’ve been able to do donate to a candidate as well. I am part of the numbers you can not measure.
Sent by Ryan, AL | 1:05 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 28 year old IT Security guy living in Japan. I have two kids and never voted before because I never liked a candidate. Until now, they have all seemed dishonest.
Sent by Carl | 1:05 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m not a banker, a lawyer, a fortune teller, or a priest. I’m a 17 year old high school student from Michigan who won’t be able to vote in the primaries, but will be able to vote in the General election. I’m just trying to spread his name around as much as I can, because I feel like he’s this country’s last hope and the leader of a new peace movement. He’s my only chance to avoid growing old and paying taxes to a bankrupt nation.
Sent by Mike | 1:06 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 21 year old male college student, born and raised in Manhattan. Although I’m going to school for a career in the sciences, I’ve been intensely interested in politics for several years. When it comes to politics, I do my homework, and this country is starting to exhibit some extremely worrisome signs. We need to go back to the some of the tried and true methods of the founders; the policies that turned this country from a few sparsely-populated colonies into the world’s freest, most prosperous, healthiest and most admired nation. At the same time, we need to get rid of the policies that have been dragging the country down the toilet for the last few years and decades.
Ron Paul is the only trustworthy (based on his congressional voting record) guy who upholds the Constitution and the timeless advice of the founders.
No, I don’t get my news from the mainstream papers and news programs. I find that the most important happenings in the political world tend not to be reported on, and when they are, it’s with a very unhealthy dose of spin. I can’t stand being told what to think while reading about something.
I live on pennies, but I’ve given $275 to Ron Paul’s campaign along with a of couple of dozen hours of volunteer campaigning and work, and I intend to give many more!
Sent by Mike F. | 1:06 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a married 26 year old female from Northwest Arkansas. I am Catholic. I homeschool my children. I believe in gun ownership. I believe that people should be free to make their own choices about healthcare for themselves and their children, without drug companies, the FDA, politicians, doctors, or anyone else telling them what to do. I am pro-life. I am against illegal immigration and amnesty. I support our troops 100%, and appreciate the many sacrifices they (and their families) make on a daily basis.
Sent by Julie | 1:07 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 31 year old male, married, no kids-yet from Savannah, GA. My comment here represents votes from my wife, mother, father, sister, plus at least 3 more people I work with. I have voted 1 time in the 2006 elections. I have never found a candidate for president worth my time until now. I have never even tried to “campaign” for anyone until now. And by the way, I have not had a landline phone for about 4 years. Go Ron Paul!
Sent by Charles Strickland | 1:08 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I want to take this opportunity to say God Bless (or if you’re an atheist, my warmest regards)
Thanks, but speaking as one of the two atheist posting here, I take no offense to “God Bless”. Just as many of my Jewish friends take no offense to “Merry Christmas”.
I only have a problem with religion being used as a political tool. Yes, that means you Huckabaloo!
Keep up the good work everyone!
Sent by Ian | 1:11 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 47 year old male owner of an Audio Video Intergration company from Bay St Louis, Mississippi. Free Spirited and hard working, I am part of the 50% of registered voters that rarely votes. A typical intelligent, creative non-voter due to apathy and disgust at the lack of meaningful choices for the majority of my life, I have been mobilized by the message of Freedom, Peace and Prosperity from Ron Paul. He inspired me to read the Constitution for the first time in my life and educate myself on the political process. I’ve been up round the clock for about a 6 weeks researching the candidates and issues. I have never been involved with any campaign or candidate…ever. Last week I signed up to head up the local meetup. Today I spent the day posting the first signs and banners for Ron Paul in my town.
Sent by Michael Rosato | 1:12 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 22 year old mechanical engineering/economics student at the Pratt School of Engineering of Duke University in Durham NC.
I have been upset with the current US government ever since 7th grade when I took my first U.S history class.
I am also a big supporter of Milton Friedman.
Andrew Camacho
Sent by Andrew Camacho | 1:12 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m Mike from southeast Louisiana. I’m 30, married, have a daughter who is almost 5 and another on the way. Both my wife and daughter love Dr. Paul. I do system administration, programming, and consulting for an large contractor, have done so for about 8 years.
I discovered I had libertarian leanings when I was about 24, and so I naturally love Ron Paul’s political philosophy.
Sent by Mike | 1:13 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 25 year old Iraq War Veteran and former Republican. I voted for Bush in 2000 when I thought he was going to be a small government conservative with a modest foreign policy and no nation building. After I returned home from the Iraq War I re-registered to vote as a Libertarian. I didn’t support the war because Iraq was never a threat to the US, Bush was spending like a drunken democrat, and I felt my civil liberties were being threatened by post-9/11 authoritarian legislation such as the Patriot Act.
Sent by hambone1982 | 1:14 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 23 and in college and live just nor.th of Dallas, Texas. I’ve always considered myself Republican even though my core beliefs track better with the Libertarian party. Ron Paul is simply the only worthy candidate running for office. He is right on the message and that is the reason I’ll be voting him even if he doesn’t get the nomination. He will at least get my vote.
Sent by Aaron | 1:14 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 28 yr old US Navy Veteran, I served in Operation Enduring Freedom(aka Operation Enduring Boredom) to those of us on ships. I am currently a full time physics student, and I work part time at an engineering firm doing rapid military technology development. While it may seem like a contradiction that I support an anti-war candidate, the real reason I work in this field is to try to help soldiers as best I can, how better then by removing them from an unjust preemptive invasion that is getting so many of them killed. Ron Paul’s humble demeanor, and his principled stances drew me to him, can you even conceive of a politician that votes no on a raise, or rejects the congressional pension plan based on his views that our tax money should not fund his retirement. Now thats a politician I love. Thank you NPR for asking, I’m an avid listener, and current donor to KQED in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Sent by George O’Quinn | 1:19 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 21 year old male college student… gay, atheist, from San Francisco. Economics major.
Sent by Robert | 1:19 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I got my master’s degree from UCLA; currently a high school science teacher.
I’m voting for Ron Paul because I’m tired of loosing 25%+ of my paycheck every month.
Having been to Department of Education conferences, I’ve seen how much $$ they waste. I fully support Dr. Paul in eliminating it.
Sent by Dorothy | 1:19 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 32 year old mother and wife. My husband is a software engineer and I am a homemaker. We love everything this man says, he’s a dream candidate. He has reminded us what our country should be like. I love his foreign policy, his economic views and his deep commitment to protect life, liberty and follow the Constitution. This is the first time in my life I have seen a man of such integrity in politics.
We live in rural Missouri, are church-going folks, we homeschool our daughter and just want the Govt. to get off our backs. We want to see an end to the IRS, the War in Iraq and the War on Drugs.
Ron Paul is a return of the voice of our Founding Fathers. Listen…..Freedom sings.
Sent by Jamie Kennedy | 1:21 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 25 year old single white male living in Nashville. I have a BS degree and I am self-employed.
Sent by Matt Collins | 1:21 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 38 year musician and guitar designer/builder from Texas. I am a fiscal conservative, and social liberal. I believe that our government has become a corporate-run enterprise that no longer cares about the law or the people. The assault on our Constitution has reached a point that is frightening, and our economy is being undermined right along with our liberty.
I used to be a Republican but haven’t called myself that for a long time. The policies championed by the GOP today more resemble the policies of governments that Republicans used to call evil – spying on citizens, kidnapping, torture, secret prisons, wars of aggression, contempt for the rule of law, secrecy, etc.
I don’t think Ron Paul is perfect, but on the most important issues facing this country, no other candidate can hold a candle to Dr. Paul.
Today, I consider myself a Ron Paul Republican.
Sent by James S. | 1:23 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a former Marine Sergeant and served in Iraq (OIF) with the 6th Engineering Support Battalion.
Sent by John Anderson | 1:25 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 28-year-old conservative Christian. My fianc?? and I are waiting until we’re married to even kiss each other. I go to four church services a week, and go door-knocking to invite people to church. I am studying political science and have a 3.91 GPA. I work 40-70 hours a week and donate time to charity, too. I don’t drink, smoke or do drugs, but like to hike, snowboard, swim, run, read, and sleep (when I can). I spend 2-4 hours a day spreading the news about Ron Paul.
Sent by Chris | 1:26 AM ET | 12-19-2007
40 year old. Married for 10 years with 3 children. College degree in music. Now work in the radio business. Atheist. Registered independent. Deeply concerned about the prosperity outlook for my children given our government’s fiscal responsibility. Also desperate that the draft never, ever be reinstated. Or any other kind of slavery.
Sent by Kurt | 1:28 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 21 year old male.
Currently Trading Futures via the CME and CBOT. Ron Paul is our last hope.
Sent by Tyler | 1:28 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 46 years of age. I have 3 children and 4 step children. My job is relatively mundane and, like many, I have my debt to worry about. I served in the military many years ago and I have two children who currently serve in the military. One of them is a Ron Paul supporter, the other is ambivalent about the entire process. I am married (for the second time) and work nights. I own two properties which are slowly making me wish that I was retired.
Sent by Bob Larkin | 1:30 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 42 year old aerospace engineer and small business owner. I like Ron Paul because he want to abolish the IRS and income tax. I think having income tax rates rise as people work harder and smarter dilutes and sometimes erases any gains they make in take home pay. This policy keeps the poor poorer. It would be a great help to the poor if when they got a raise from $8 to $10/hour they actually got to take home $2/hour more pay.
Sent by Wesley R. Lapp | 1:33 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 31 and work for my father who owns a video store in CA.
I have never been a part of either major party. After Bush got elected for the second time I had decided that my voice did not count and I did not want to be a part of the broken system.
Ron Paul has given me hope that we can return to what this country was founded on, the Constitution.
Sent by Darush | 1:35 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 20 year old Astrophysics and Middle Eastern Studies student. I was attracted to Dr. Paul upon hearing his debate response to a question concerning why 9/11 occurred – the ever-popular “why do they hate us?” refrain. As a ME Studies student, and an Arabic speaker, I understand exactly why those people did what they did. It was a terrible thing, but it wasn’t because those sickos hated our freedom and reality TV shows. Ron Paul, literally, made my jaw drop when he said bluntly that it was a result of our policies in the region over the last few decades that fueled this sort of terrorism.
Hearing Mayor Giuliani’s shock at this ‘absurd explanation,’ as well as the incredulity of the moderator, audience, and the press following the debate only galvanized my support for Dr. Paul. He is speaking truth in so many ways, I honestly thought it was a joke at first. I never thought I would be a Republican until Dr. Paul showed me what the true meaning of conservatism is.
Sent by Jason Linehan | 1:36 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 36 year old housewife. I currently live in IL but I’ve lived all over this country and in couple other ones. I have spent the past 10 years being politically apathetic because of the obvious government corruption, waste, and pandering to corporate special interest groups. I was frustrated but felt there was nothing I could do because all the candidates were pretty much the same no matter what they tried to tell us. After hearing Ron Paul speak a couple times, I felt as if I had spent the last 10 years waiting for someone just like him. Now that there is someone worthy of my vote, it’s my job to not only vote for him, but to support him on a grassroots level. Until this campaign, I never volunteered for a political candidate and I certainly never gave money to one; it never occurred to me that I’d do either, but I was wrong.
Sent by JenH | 1:39 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a USAF civil engineer serving in the middle east. I signed up to protect the Constitution, and I would be honored to serve Ron Paul because of his commitment to do the same.
Sent by Jesse Pink | 1:40 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am an A1C in the Air Force and I support Dr. Ron Paul.
Sent by Dan | 1:40 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 31 year old guy, from Miami, a small business owner. Born in Cuba, been in the USA since first grade. Graduate from a South Florida University. Voted since I was 18 but I have never cared about any politician until I heard Dr. Paul early this year, since then I’ve gotten involved in local politics, donated to a Presidential Campaign, and speak about Dr. Paul every chance I get. Friends and family will also be voting for Dr. Paul this coming January.
Sent by jorge | 1:44 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 17 year old female Catholic living abroad who was riding with the Democrats until I discovered Ron Paul, who always gives clear-cut answers and talks some sense. I studied history intensively at college level last year and am familiar enough with the Constituion to know what it stands for, and Ron Paul’s records show he has never strayed from the Founding Fathers’ principles.
Sent by Lola | 1:44 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 20 year old male college student. I was a democrat supporting Obama, but once I learned about Ron Paul I have progressively become more and more conservative.
Sent by Jon | 1:44 AM ET | 12-19-2007
30, male, Tennessee
Un-married (dating)
First time donating to a presidential candidate
First time going on a sign-waving ever
First time being a delegate
First time to have a bumper sticker for anyone
Sent by Tony | 1:44 AM ET | 12-19-2007
Hi NPR. I’m a 27 year old Graphic Artist in Eugene, Oregon. I basically listen to NPR exclusively for my news source, only visiting your website for supplement. I basically grew up with hyper-conservative Christian fundamentalist parents who’s political views continue to support the war in Iraq and the Bush administration. I however, did myself the service of reading more and more into the concept of “neo”conservative politics, which is where I stumbled onto Ron Paul. He represents a conservative revival that the current Republican majority honestly no longer hold fast to. I no longer feel like my political choices are partisan lined, but as it’s been said… “Freedom is popular.” I want to see an end to a pointless war, the end of US forced global democracy… I want to see federal leadership in financial stewardship… and I desire to feel a change to our downward-spiraling social climate. Not to mention the re-distribution of regional decision-making on law, instead of federally managed morality.
Can’t stand behind most Democratic views, and hardly want to defend the Republican views… I want to uphold Revived Conservativism.
And Ron Paul can bring us just that.
Hi Mom!
Sent by Tom Marsh | 1:46 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am trying to start my own business and as I was learning about the industry (micro-brewing beer). I quickly became aware of the Federal government???s role in supporting large corporations against State governments. Many states have had to make concessions to their own laws that were set up to help businesses succeed in their state or else be sued. So we are now seeing small wineries and breweries losing distribution markets that helped them compete against the giants. This industry is not the only one, think of the retail markets, the energy utility markets, the manufacturing plants etc. States do not have sovereign rights any more and it leaves us more open to accepting bad trade deals from foreign countries and losing more jobs to foreign workers, both here and abroad.
Ron Paul has the ability to reunite the Republican Party and help return it to its base. His r3VOLution has stirred the political interests of many individuals that had otherwise found disdain for the system. Ignored as the odd-man-out for many years in Congress, finally a small voice is being listened to. We are turning a corner, creating a whole new generation of people interested in upholding the Constitution, willing to stand for what they believe.
Sent by Leigh Nogy | 1:46 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 27, I’m a husband, a father, a veteran of the US Army, and a student. I speak 3 languages, and have literally been in multiple countries on every continent save one.
It is my observation that both parties currently running the show are rotten to the core. I was in the Army when Clinton was in office. I was sent to Kosovo because of what our country did in that region years before. So I voted for Bush in 2000, hoping he would stick to his message of no nation building. Then I voted for Kerry in 04 for obvious reasons.
I will not waste one more single vote on one more corrupted politician. And make no mistake, they are, all of them, on both sides of the isle, rotted out.
When this is over, I will continue this march, and I won’t stop until every single encumbant member of congress is replaced with strict constitutionalists, and libertarians. Period. The Political Parties are always looking to strike a cord with the American people, Well they got there wish, and their days are numbered. By the time we are finished The Federal government will be on a leash so tight They won’t be able to sneeze without we the people knowing it. They brought it on themselves.
Sent by Ken | 1:47 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 24 year old active duty military member that believes that if Ron Paul is not elected that we are on our way to financial chaos as a nation.
Sent by Matt C. | 1:48 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 34 year old male in Arkansas. I’m a stockbroker, economist, libertarian, outdoor enthusiast, freedom fighter, and former Marine. I’m supporting Dr Paul because he truly represents the values of the idealistic America we all learned about in elementary school. On top of that, he understands Austrian economics and what happens when debt gets out of control. The other candidates should probably attend classes taught by Dr. Paul about economics and history.
Sent by Cliff B | 1:48 AM ET | 12-19-2007
Male, 24 years old, atheist, unmarried, work in the tech sector, trying to make ends meet in Phoenix. I’m pretty much the stereotype the media portrays Ron Paul supporters as, even though I don’t have as much as a bumper sticker.
I think its amusing that people are trying to figure out the common thread in Ron Paul supporters. It’s so easy to see. We are all from different backgrounds, from different parts of the country, large differences in income levels and even differences in values. But its very obvious we agree on one thing.
Freedom.
Sent by Joe | 1:50 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 27 year old video editor from Fairfield County Connecticut. I have followed Dr. Paul’s writings, libertarian philosophy and American history on my own for many years. I wish the best for America and will do my part to bring the Constitution out of the closet and into everyone’s minds. Now is a most critical time in which we must reassess government’s position in our lives to determine if government is our benefactor or our beneficiary. The point of no return is coming with regard to individual liberties and I intend to, with the informing my fellow Americans, help reverse the trend toward the sacrifice of our nation and the sovereignty of the individuals from where it’s power is derived.
Sent by Thomas Olivares | 1:51 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 19 year old male white Christian open air preacher. I became a Ron Paul supporter because of his integrity and exemplary character which is missing in almost all of the other candidates. One of the main reasons I support him on almost all of his issues. The main reason I campaign for him is because he is going to repeal Roe V Wade and stop abortion either through a future sanctity of Life bill or another method. After hearing his views on the matter, I am convinced that he is the man who can once and for all stop abortion.
I had no idea just how much our government has raped the Constitution in the past few decades and especially regarding our basic civil rights. Once I learned about Ron Paul, I started researching and found out just how far we’d strayed from the principles of the rule of Law.
The fact that I can go back thirty years and find that his positions have virtually never changed is remarkable in a politician.
He is the real deal and he is going to do the things (bring the troops home, stop abortion, close the borders, independent energy, fight the financial crisis in this country, get out of the UN) that people have been waiting for the establishment to do for years and years and years.
Don’t worry America, the Doctor has gotten your call and he is STILL making house calls!
(Finally, if you think we’re just a bunch of spammers, look at the campaign’s record breaking Tea Party, we win the vast majority of the straw polls, and there are 90,000 real people on Meetup.com campaigning. Yet the media clings to unscientific opinion polls as the rule as to how much support the candidate has. It’s like they say…The Revolution will not be televised.)
Sent by Logan | 1:53 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a female over 40 from Iowa. I vote in major elections as well as small, local elections. Ron Paul represents the conservative, small government principles that I was raised on.
Sent by Deanna | 1:54 AM ET | 12-19-2007
My wife and I are software engineers from Redmond, WA. We are both 36 years old. We have two kids and we support Ron Paul.
We came to US in 1996 and have not have a chance to vote yet. Ron Paul foreign policy and small government views are extremely appealing to us.
Sent by Sergei and Maria | 1:55 AM ET | 12-19-2007
i am an 18 year old independent from texas, who fell in love with Ron Paul’s message of freedom and prosperity and peace. it is a movement and a revolution.
Sent by Luke k. | 1:55 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 29 year old father of two who does not want to leave a messed up country for those two kids like my parents left me.
I am a home designer from out west
I can talk to you about any subject from theoretical physics to hydro-dynamics.
I am a font of useless information.
I am a NPR listener though I am getting a bit purturbed about the lack of coverage that Dr. Paul is getting.
Sent by B. Young | 1:55 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m thirty one years old, have tow cats, and live near the beach. I love American and freedom. And, I’m well read and versed on current events. I’m tired of watching good people fall for old tricks and Ron Paul is an honest fella. Most importantly though, the simple concept of liberty – and the idea that we should be able to afford services on our own as opposed to relying on the state for them – has been eroded for a century now. We need to get back to our roots and work towards eliminating the need for government. Not towards throwing people out on the street or harming the poor. The poor and middle class are under siege and trapped by these systems of tax burden.
Let’s restore the dollar and make it so a family can have a parent at home if they choose to. Let’s bring choice back into schools and have the parents and the teachers decide the curriculum. Let’s get the government out of the personal decisions that infringe on personal liberty.
Let’s remember and restore freedom. Freedom is a frightening thing sometimes is it not? The idea that we can do what we want when we want as long as we do not harm another. But we must keep and hold this precious gift. We must be responsible for ourselves and for others without forcing another to be responsible in our place.
So yeah… I like Ron Paul. Because the power of charity has been replaced by the power of welfare and warfare. We need to reverse this trend before we lose it all.
Sent by Adam Zale | 1:59 AM ET | 12-19-2007
What I am a bit surprised and very disappointed about is NPR’s shameless slant to the story. They interview another reporter (from the Houston Chronicle which also opposes Paul) and dig up every petty opposition talking point, avoiding anything positive. They did not bother to interview Paul himself, anyone in his campaign, any supporter or even any neutral source. They simply interviewed another reporter who doesn’t favor him. There was absolutely no balance to the piece. It was truly worthy of Fox News.
The narrow scope and incredible bias of this piece are immediately evident when held up to the revealing light of the Internet, with its enormous array of available sources. If we choose to research them, these many sources allow us to obtain more accurate and balanced information about Ron Paul, or anyone. Sadly, it’s yet another example of how broadcast and print media are relegating themselves to history in the face of the truly unfiltered information on the net. “So why is he so strong on the Internet?” an interviewer asks. Perhaps it’s because the Internet can deliver the truth, and NPR is only willing to deliver opinions dressed up as news.
What the segment does make me wonder is: How many other pieces that NPR airs are this one-sided? Perhaps NPR is an even less credible news source than I had originally thought. I guess it’s time to either completely ignore NPR, or simply treat is as I would any other smearcast like Bill O’Reilly or Sean Hannity. How sad.
Sent by Akston | 1:59 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a working man in his 40’s. I just finished listening to NPR’s audio segment called “Ron Paul, Son of Texas” and it’s clear to me the people at NPR are no fans of Ron Paul. This is no real surprise to me. NPR often favors a more collectivist approach to political issues. I strongly disagree with the effectiveness of such socialistic solutions, but stipulate that they are often pursued with the best of intentions.
I’m a married, late 20’s, atheist / agnostic, public defender in Portland, Oregon, and I’ve been brought back to the Republican Party by Ron Paul.
Sent by Spencer | 2:01 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I never made a political donation until Ron Paul. I support traditional conservative values, including a smaller, less intrusive government, bringing our troops home, less taxes, more freedom and monetary reform.
Sent by Rick | 2:04 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I fit the profile. 48 yr old male from California. Software engineer with a wife and two teenage sons. I’m a lifelong Republican, but hate the war and the rest of the neocon agenda.
Born: 1973 in Massachusetts
Fled the Aforementioned Socialist regime in 1997 and moved to Florida.
Caught the internet boom and made a few million. Still active online.
Have traveled/lived throughout Europe.
Never attended college.
Unmarried – Same girlfriend 13 years – 10 year old daughter
Class III weapons owner.
Sent by David | 2:05 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I don’t agree with Ron Paul on every issue but I believe very strongly that he’s unique among the candidates running on either side. Unlike any other politician I’ve seen, I know he’s telling the truth and I believe him. I’ll take someone who I can trust over someone who panders any day.
Sent by Dave | 2:12 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 18 year old Arkansan finishing high school preparing for college and voting for the first time. And I’m voting for Ron Paul because he is the only candidate who will pull our troops out of Iraq and cut wasteful spending.
Sent by wesley usehce | 2:17 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a recovering neo-con; a student at William and Mary; independent minded and fiercely competitive. I had a hard time stomaching Ron Paul’s stance on the war at first but after a while, he made more and more sense. I now see the beauty of the foreign policy and domestic policy he speaks of.
Sent by Bert Mueller | 2:17 AM ET | 12-19-2007
- Native Californian
- 42 year old divorced woman
- no kids
- Internet professional
- life long democrat (pro-choice) now Ron Paul Republican
- never volunteered or donated – now I do – for Ron Paul
- early internet alternative news adopter; all things taken with a grain of salt until proven to myself
- spiritual without religion
- deep rooted work ethic and business integrity; i’ll never be rich but I have a crystal clear conscience and the love and respect of my associates, peers, friends and family
Ron Paul’s message of freedom and personal responsibility are key for me. None of us agree with him on all things but his boundless optimism in the face of the reality of where our country is headed gives me hope where it was lost. Give my individual voice strength alone and when joined with my fellows. Gives me faith back in my fellow citizens.
Freedom and freewill go hand in hand with creating our own destiny and it is up to us to make it; good or bad.
Sent by Gabrielle, Napa CA | 2:17 AM ET | 12-19-2007
Hey, everybody! I’m Dan, a 25 y/o Graphic Designer from Hampton, VA who is sick and tired of a federal government run amok. I’ve been a Libertarian since middle school, am a staunch individualist, quasi-objectivist and anti-communist and am relieved to see a politician that isn’t a crook. Seeing the main stream media write Dr. Paul off as a kook makes it apparent how corrupt they are as well. I value my freedom more than anything else, and Dr. Paul’s voting record says it all. Ron Paul puts the ‘party’ back into the Republican Party, and with a little activism the ‘republic’ too.
Ronald Reagan said that libertarianism is at the heart of Conservatism, and if the Republicans had been doing their job and living up to their principles there’d be no need for a Libertarian Party. If the Republican party is to have a future, it is the Ron Paul movement. As a Jew, it disgusts me that so many Jews are Socialists and Statists – after 3,000 years of opression from various state powers, you’d think that the lesson of big government not being good for anyone would sink in. As an American, I don’t believe in foreign aid to anyone, and it doesn’t bother me in the least when I hear Ron Paul talk about slashing foreign aid across the board. The government ought not hand out our tax dollars at whim.
Our current crop of domestic policies is insane, and Dr. Paul is the only candidate running who seems the least bit concerned with rescuing the dollar from certain doom and rescuing the people of this nation from the growing tide of totalitarianism.
No More IRS! No More Police State!
Ron Paul in 2008!!
Sent by Dan Lyons | 2:23 AM ET | 12-19-2007
NPR’s liberal bias bleeds through in the three Ron Paul votes they chose to discuss.
Sent by Jack | 2:26 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m an unmarried 28-year old father of one baby girl and a University of Washington student working toward an architecture degree. I first saw Ron Paul speak back in 2002 on CSPAN, and was perplexed that there was a Republican speaking against the war. Then being a fan of Ralph Nader, Noam Chomsky and Dennis Kucinich, he seemed but a novelty, so I paid no mind.
Through an investigation of Nietzsche’s politics for a class, I decided to revisit Hayek’s Road to Serfdom which I had read 2 yrs prior. A coin then dropped within me and over about a week my entire world view changed. Two weeks later I saw Ron Paul in an early debate and knew that this campaign was going to be a rare opportunity for real people to effect politics, so I decided I had to tell everyone I could about him. Little did I know that I was joining a movement that would soon sweep across the nation.
Not only does Ron Paul give me hope for the future and confidence that people, large numbers of people, really DO have an interest in our Constitution and are willing to engage in politics when they feel they are being told the truth, but his message and the solutions he proposes forces the unfamiliar convert into researching ideas and a perspective that fundamentally challenges accepted ideas on all issues. This is especially true if you come from the left, but also true if you were a Bush supporter or are deeply religious and consider yourself a “values voter.”
Also, since I live near major Army and Air Force bases, one of the most compelling things to me about volunteering for this grassroots campaign is meeting and working with soldiers and new veterans home from Iraq and Afghanistan who say how many soldiers are AGAINST these wars and feel betrayed and lied to by both parties. There is a reason why Ron Paul gets more military donations than any other candidate. As more of our military members learn about Ron Paul and are convinced that he has a chance at winning the primary, they will flock to him in droves.
Ron Paul is the only candidate who will end this illegal war that is increasing ill sentiment against Americans and jeopardizing our future. Ron Paul is the only Republican who can win in the general election because he’s the most sincere candidate in either party regarding the war. Ron Paul would pose a huge threat to both parties if he were to run as an independent because nearly as many of his supporters are Democrats or, more likely, former Democrats and lefties.
Lastly, Ron Paul is THE candidate for Democrats to fear because their special interest pandering, collectivist ideology, lip-service they pay to freedom and peace, platitudes, generalities and evasiveness would make them appear juvenile in an honest debate with a statesman such as Dr. Paul, a statesman unabashedly sincere, unafraid to speak his mind, learned in history and economics and guided by consistent, coherent philosophy that is rooted in the Classical Liberalism that culminated in this nation’s Constitution.
Sent by Pete C | 2:27 AM ET | 12-19-2007
The NPR folks need a history lesson if they think the Civil War was all about slavery.
http://www.amazon.com/Real-Lincoln-Abraham-Agenda-Unnecessary/dp/0761526463/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198049360&sr=8-1
Sent by Dave | 2:30 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 29 year old mother to two young children. I work from home as a freelance designer and I am married to an officer in the United States Navy. I registered as a Republican at age 18 and I have voted Republican in every presidential election, not to remain loyal to a party but because I truly believe in limited government and states rights. As a mother, I have become more interested in politics over the last few years as I consider the future for my children. I began to realize that the Republican party had lost its way and I had lost my way along with them. When I learned about Ron Paul last January, I was thrilled to see a true conservative running and I immediately researched him excessively. I was beyond thrilled by the logic and truth that he spoke. I decided to become active in politics for the first time in my life.
Sent by Erin Roe | 2:30 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 26-year-old Navy journalist.
Sent by Christopher | 2:38 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 35 year old male from Washington State. I am a Meetup organizer for Ron Paul. I vote on principles and not parties. Ron Paul is an independant in the truest sense of the word.
Sent by Justin Mckay | 2:38 AM ET | 12-19-2007
Jon Feucht, 25, Seattle Washington, at the University of Washington, served in the Air Force 4 years. I have never voted before, but intend to vote for Ron Paul every chance I could get, because I have been studying the issues for years, and Ron Paul fits my idea of one who gets it. I believe he could provide real changes to Washington.
Sent by Jonathan Feucht | 2:39 AM ET | 12-19-2007
Hello, I’m a 24 year old Software Engineer living and working in Prague, Czech Republic. I went to the University of Pittsburgh, and grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA. I am a Ron Paul supported.
Sent by Robert Campbell | 2:40 AM ET | 12-19-2007
In a sea of others I support Ron Paul because I am one. Ron Paul recognizes that I’m no less than the sea and that is why I support Ron Paul. Who am I? I’m a disgusted father of 2 who owns his own home (the American Dream). I’m disgusted because I’ve never felt there was a candidate worth voting for. Now there is as this candidate represents me.
Sent by Corey Fawcett | 2:40 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m an electrician in Seattle WA. I voted Republican all my life except that I had to vote for Kerry in 2004. My conscience simply wouldn’t let me vote for George W. Bush after his disastrous war.
My number one issue is an immediate withdrawal from this illegal war we are engaged in. Ron Paul is the ONLY candidate from either party who promises an IMMEDIATE withdrawal.
My number two issue is taxes and the Federal Reserve. The income tax appears to me to be unconstitutional. The Federal Reserve is also clearly unconstitutional. The Constitution grants CONGRESS, and only CONGRESS the right to coin money.
Issue #3 is the Federal Budget. Why in the world are we paying to house 20,000 troops in South Korea? How can this possibly make sense? We have to cut the ridiculous spending and then we can tinker with the necessities. But the budget deficit must end and we must start paying our debt.
Ron Paul is the only candidate who believes the common sense things that I do.
I’m voting for Ron Paul.
Sent by David Minear | 2:41 AM ET | 12-19-2007
24 year old male from Oregon. Former security guard. I have an associates degree. I am very well informed about how our country is doing. I voted for Bush in 2004 and have been regretting it ever since. Ron Paul, to me, is the only man who will actually change things. Every other candidate has status quo written all over them.
Sent by Brian Sanford | 2:41 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 21 year old male originally born in China. Just last year I was naturalized as a US citizen. Until Ron Paul, I have never been interested in any politics. But after I heard about him on the internet, I have contributed some of my hard earned money to his campaign and is an active member in my local meetup group.
I support Ron Paul because I have lived and experienced what big government is like: that of the Chinese communist government. Ron Paul has raised awareness of where USA is going, and I don’t like it one bit. I firmly believe Benjamin Franklin when he said that those who choose to give up liberty for security deserve neither.
Sent by yaoi | 2:44 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 37 male from San Jose who has not been terribly impressed by the Republicans or the Democrats. No matter who controls the House or Senate they always have excuses for not voting how their constituents might expect. I see more of the same in almost all of the candidates except Paul. This country needs a fresh start and a leader we can all live with and be proud of.
Sent by Mike | 2:44 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 29 year old gay female, media analyst from Las Vegas. I don’t agree with everything he says but I can feel the truth coming out of him. When he speaks I see and hear integrity, truth and honour. A man who says what he truly believes, regardless of the msm and ‘popular’ beliefs. That’s all I want out of a politician at this point. No catchphrases, no crap, just truth.
Sent by linda | 2:45 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 24-year-old girl who hopes that it’s not too late to save my country. I am not rich, but I’ve given all my extra money to Ron Paul because I don’t want to look back someday and think I could have helped him out more. I’m a writer, and I graduated from the University of Illinois last year. I now live in North Carolina. I even got a Ron Paul license plate that you can see in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtdaK1UPNkQ
I used to be an independent, voting for either party, but usually Democratic. My boyfriend has gotten me interested in libertarian ideas, and now I’ve become a Republican for Ron Paul, even joining my county’s executive committee. I saw Ron Paul on C-SPAN two years ago and was amazed that such a smart guy could get elected. In March of this year, a friend messaged me saying that Ron Paul was running for President, and I knew immediately who my candidate would be. I spend a lot of time doing informal things to help him out.
I feel like Ron Paul is my grandfather, and he has taught me a lot as I watched his many appearances this year. I think that he is one of the bravest people out there today, to get up in a room full of people who are hostile to him and speak the truth like he does. Few people are as brave as he is, or as smart, and I really appreciate him. That’s why I don’t mind not going out to restaurants as much and saving up my money to donate to him. I feel like he is a family member in a way, and that he is the only politician out there who really cares about people.
I also have friends in Iraq, and one going to Afghanistan for the third time, who support Ron Paul. They don’t want to spend the next few years away from their families fighting a senseless war. I feel for them, their families, and all the brave soldiers we’ve lost, and there’s no reason to stay over there when our presence simply makes it worse.
Sent by Gloria L. | 2:46 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 33 yr old SAHM, who vowed never to vote naively again. I heard of Ron Paul through nutrition & health info. Whatever your concern, Ron Paul is always introducing legislation that would leave more money in your pockets & restore your individual liberties. Ron Paul’s best quality is that he speaks the TRUTH & that’s what Americans need! I want my family to know what Freedom is.
Sent by Gennifer Johnson | 2:49 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am studying computer science, mathematics and political science and work at one of the largest companies in the US in computer security. I was disgusted towards both the republican and democratic parties’ disrespect toward the consitution. Neither seemed to represent my views but rather represented special interest and big business. I was apathetic towards politics until I met Ron Paul. Finally, a politician that uses facts to base his arguments and doesn’t lie.
Sent by Dan | 2:49 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 22 and a college student. I feel Ron Paul is the only candidate that will make America a livable place for me. I come from a lower-middle class family, scratch that to just lower class with all the taxes. This is America’s best chance to get things right. We finally have a person for life and liberty and not death and taxes. That is why I support Congressman Ron Paul’s message.
Sent by Eric F. | 2:51 AM ET | 12-19-2007
Me? I’m a 48 year old single father of 3 (with my oldest son in Afghanistan) and a life long Democrat now working full time to elect the Last hope for America Dr. Ron Paul. WE the people must end the corportocracy which seeks to ruin America.
Sent by Perry L | 2:55 AM ET | 12-19-2007
Im a 39 year old law student and former IT professional from California. I am married with a daughter. I have been waiting for this candidate since Reagan left office.
Sent by Duane | 2:56 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I just now read the linked piece and I’m wondering if you’re writing this solely to paint Ron Paul in a bad light. If you interview first and foremost people who are opposed to him, how are people who don’t know much about him supposed to get an idea of what he is saying and what the explanations behind his ideas are.
There has never been a grassroots movement like this in this country. It has been decades since a candidate with so radically novel a program as Ron Paul had even a slight chance at winning the nomination or presidency. Is this not exciting to journalists? Are journalists not interested enough in the ideas and philosophy of such a maverick not to bother to give even a cursory look into what brings a man to say the things Ron Paul does? I ask this because finally this week John Stossel and Glenn Beck to gave Ron Paul his first real opportunity which all the other top-tier candidates have had to explain themselves to the American public (and yes, Ron Paul is top-tier).
Statists beware: Win or lose, a new breed of activist has created itself and we will be maintaining and growing the movement beyond this election. We are making a list and checking it twice for all those in the media, the party and in government who stood to disenfranchise the people by either not truthfully reporting on Ron Paul, preventing us from getting involved in the local political process, or selling us and our Constitution out at every available opportunity. We are a nation of laws, and those we have trusted to protect our Liberty have, over time, been guilty of lying through their teeth while giving their oaths or being too incompetent to understand how precious freedom is and how easily it is lost. We’ve always had our vote; now we’re learning how to use our weakened dollars to change who runs parties, makes laws and reports news.
Sent by Pete | 2:56 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 28 year old 1st generation American. I work for a technology company, have some college credits, and have worked for everything that I have. I have a twin brother in the National Guard that is also a Ron Paul supporter. This is the reason I have not wasted my vote thus far.
I was always taught in school that the Republican Party was the one that would not steal from its citizens and redistribute the wealth. In the 10 years I have been eligible to vote I have not seen a candidate that practices and preaches these values with the exception of Ron Paul.
Being the child of an immigrant, my circle of friends sometimes included people in the same position. You learn how other countries view America through hearing first hand stories on how American policies have affected them. For instance our support of Israel has done nothing but incited hatred of America from the Muslim world.
I have researched all the candidates and I think that Ron Paul is the closest to true conservative Republican values; the others would be more of the same tax and spend as well as an empire building foreign policy. I do not agree on all of his positions, but the ones that I agree on are the issues that can be detrimental in the near future for America. These include the issues of fiscal responsibility, government waste, foreign policy, national sovereignty, and immigration. I think that in order to be truly free though we must ensure that every citizen must have a true sound mind and body, and for me that translate to government funded medical care and college education. Those could be provided by the state though.
Sent by Vejay Shiwprasad | 2:56 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a elementary school administrator in Washington state. I endorse Ron Paul for several reasons: 1) his integrity and moral character; 2) I am a fiscal conservative and future generations are facing a looming crisis as our national deficit increases; 3) I have a profound respect for our men and women in the military. I believe that our Congress should declare war and deliberate before sending our finest citizens into combat; 4) Our definition of personal liberties in the 21st century needs to be focused on those liberties that are explicitly guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. Government is not authorized to legislate morality, ideas, and beliefs.; 5) Federal Government is too big — I see it in my workplace daily via “No Child Left Behind” and in the IRS each April. I would encourage all Americans to take a hard look at Ron Paul. Dr. Paul has the most centrist, pro-liberty, American-made platform of any presidential candidate, as it is inspired by the U.S. Constitution. This is exactly what our country needs in my estimation.
Sent by J.M. | 2:57 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a mathematics graduate student in Illinois, never involved in politics before this.
Sent by Rob | 2:58 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 33 year old single father. My salary as a systems engineer is paid indirectly by the federal government, but if Dr. Paul can bring some fiscal sense to our nation I’ll be glad to look for another job. I have never voted republican before, and previously was a strong supporter of Dennis Kucinich. I was attracted to Ron Paul’s message of peace and personal freedom. He speaks truth to power in a corrupt system full of greedy special interests. I’m not fond of some of his policies but he has struck me as a man of consistent principles and integrity. His message is a clarion call to patriots everywhere.
Sent by Oscar McBride | 2:59 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 27 year old teamster who has never voted and live in Portland, OR. I’ve felt the system was corrupt since the time I could vote and never trusted any of the politicians running for president. I have donated for the first time ever. I’ll be voting in the primaries and in the general election for the first time also.
Sent by Kurt | 3:01 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 22 year old law and business student from Australia. I have never been to the United States.
Sent by Long | 3:02 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 23 year old homemaker. Married for almost 4 years to my wonderful husband. We have two cats that I call my children. We run our own internet based business that keeps both of us busy.
I have voted in the past, but was never enthusiastic about any candidate. I basically voted because “it’s our duty”.
I quit college after two years because I realized it was a waste of time and money.
I am voting for Ron Paul for many reasons. However, I absolutely love his stance on health freedom. He will allow parents to choose what’s best for their children and as a young woman who is interested in having children sometime in the future this is a must!
Sent by Dana | 3:04 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a veteran with six years of service. I have a tour in Iraq, a tour in Afghanistan and a Tour in Korea.
Now, at 30, I’m in the process of opening my own business and am learning the hard way how intrusive the government really is to the small business community. I’m also feeling the pinch of a recessing economy and hear Dr. Paul (and only Dr. Paul) not only discus the symptoms of our sick economy he identifies the cause and a cure for its illness.
The afore mentioned are only parts of my firm support of Dr. Paul. The number one reason for my ardent support is his message of peace. Once again he is not only identifying the symptoms he is realistically addressing the cause and a cure!
This war is needless and it is only breeding more hate.
Sent by Greg | 3:04 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 28 year old female clinician who voted for George W. in 2000 without fully understanding the issues (obviously). By the 2004 elections, I’d grown apathetic and was so disgusted by my choice of candidates that I sat out and watched the election from the sidelines figuring that I was damned if I did (vote), damned if I didn’t. I now feel that I do not have to choose the lesser of two evil candidates. I can choose Ron Paul and I can choose to help turn my country around.
Sent by Mary | 3:05 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m an American living in California. I’m deeply conerned for our future. We have over $9 trillion in debt, a war that is costing trillions, a foreign policy that causes terrorism and hatred, and the front-runners all want to continue this, or tax us into bankruptcy. I’m concerned that we will go bankrupt if we keep our troops over seas, while taxing Americans even when they’re dead. All I am is a concerned American trying to help the future of our country and children. Ron Paul is the only candidate he brings up these issues, that’s why I support him.
Sent by Adam Volia | 3:08 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’ve never voted before In my life. I’ve registered to vote for the first time In my life to vote for Dr Paul. He genuinely has the peoples and the countries Interest In heart. His belief In a smaller government plus a non Intervenist attitude towards the rest of the world has me hooked. We need to take care of our own contry Instead of pumping trillions of dollars to foriegn soils.
Sent by Dustin | 3:11 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I???m a 39 year old single father raising a 3 year old girl. I work in manufacturing and have always considered myself a Republican but never voted or donated money. I first saw Dr. Paul during the October 9th Republican debate and have been a supporter ever since. I plan on voting for him and send a small donations each time I get paid.
Sent by Michael | 3:12 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a graduate student of Economics in Alabama. I am also an anarchist. I’m not the bomb throwing kind that you see so often on television, though. I’m an academic anarchist, who belives that Dr. Paul’s message of limited government and personal liberty is a great direction for our country to move in. I believe that if we can get the ball moving in the direction of smaller government, that people will educate themselves and in the future there will be more freedom, prosperity, and possiblities.
Sent by Andrew | 3:12 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a clinical psychologist, have always been registered as a republican, and consider myself very conservative. I am a Ron Paul supporter.
Sent by Dr. P | 3:13 AM ET | 12-19-2007
My name’s Joey & I stood in line to become a U.S. citizen, immigrating from Canada. It took a lot of time, $$$, hope, support & prayers. Now after the long fight & subsequent swearing-in (as a citizen), I’m infuriated that NONE of the candiates have vowed to actually bring justice to the ILlegal immigration problem… except Ron Paul.
More importantly, the allure of becoming a citizen was being part of a rich history, fraught with blood & strife- to gain its independence from the Britain’s suppression. The heavenly-inspired Constitution enshrined the liberty, which this (once) great nation’s forefathers brilliantly sought to preserve.
In the last few years, I’ve watched this country slip into an abyss of quasi tyranny & it disgusts me to KNOW that whilst our government squanders thousands of our fellow citizens’ lives & over a trillion dollars, in the name of keeping us safe from some bogus boogeyman, who aims to supposedly kill us because we’re free… they are actually robing us of the very freedoms, which they are claiming to protect!!!
It’s the fraud of the century… the war, the malfeasant entitlement system, the war on drugs, the war on poverty, the war on this that & the other. All th wars are to provide the pretext to cast us further into debt, collapsing our dollar & having an excuse to introduce the Amero & North American Union.
Finally, onto the silver lining… Ron Paul! He’s the ONLY man with the courage & integrity to veer us from the brink of impending catastrophe. I’ve met the man & know a good man when I see one. I’ve looked him in the eyes & posed some tough questions of him. He was honest & unwaivering. I’d trust him with practically everything I hold dear.
Sent by Joey | 3:14 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 33 year old professor at Purdue University. I have always held my nose and voted for candidates whose views I only saw as less distasteful than the democrats. While I recognize Ron Paul likely won’t win the nomination, I have donated substantial money to his campaign and will continue to volunteer. This is the first time in my life that I feel like I have a candidate who is saying the things that I believe. Regardless of the outcome, it is worth my time and money to have my views articulated and heard. My hope is that this movement will continue to grow long after Ron Paul and change the debate in Washington.
Sent by Andy King | 3:18 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a twenty-five year old Registered Nurse from Northern Michigan. Why do I support Ron Paul? He’s the only candidate that endorses the only platform worth supporting: The Constitution.
Sent by Jason Armfield | 3:19 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 19 year old male college student from Washington who discovered Ron Paul while trying to find who the “lessest of evils” was in the race. To my delight, I discovered that contrary to all I had been told about voting, I would have the privelege to vote for someone who believes in honesty, integrity, the rule of law, the rights of the people and liberty. I support Ron Paul because he is the only qualified candidate for the job and the best representation of my political beliefs.
Sent by Jason | 3:21 AM ET | 12-19-2007
Speaking, an Engineer, US Army Veteran, husband and father, and a life long registered republican.
Ron Paul first caught my attention from a point of contempt.
But after doing a little research, I have come to the conclusion that he is perhaps the most honest man in the Republican party, or maybe in politics today.
As a father, I hope for my daughters future.
As a combat veteran, I wish to spare young soldiers the insanities of war. and the legacy it leaves in the soul of those effected.
As an Engineer, I know we can make better use of our resources and efforts.
As a citizen, it is my responsibility to do whatever I can to improve my community, and my country.
Although I don’t agree with Dr. Paul on some key issues, I am compelled to support him because of his obviously apparent integrity.
Please join me in supporting Patriot Ron Paul for President!
Sent by Gregory Richards | 3:22 AM ET | 12-19-2007
23 year old male, mechanical engineer. Little to no previous political history beyond having been raised to believe “democrats good, republicans bad.” I discovered Dr. Paul after his blowback exchange with Giuliani, which I found incredibly refreshing — here’s a guy who can actually give an ACADEMICALLY REASONABLE answer to a tough question. As the intellectual type, this was very appealing to me. Further research showed this to be the case with all of Dr. Paul’s positions.
I believe in Dr. Paul because he starts from first principles (the constitution, the founding fathers, and economics) and builds his arguments using logic, reason, and history. As an engineer, I use math and physics in much the same way. And just as I make mistakes when I stray from this method, so too does the federal government make mistakes when it strays from those roles mandated by the constitution.
It is simply amazing to see a politician who doesn’t constantly make appeals to emotion. He is a true civil servant; he is humble. He is a true statesman; he is wise.
Ron Paul isn’t running for president. The people are running for president through Ron Paul.
Sent by Alex | 3:22 AM ET | 12-19-2007
35 years old
Marine (formerly active)
Professional expat in Germany
Never voted in an election
Have registered Repub and will fly back to vote for RP
As an expat, I have a keen understanding of what a weak dollar means. My rent has increased over $600/month in the last couple years. I have to spend even more money just to move to a cheaper home!
I want a candidate who understands economics and is willing to do something about it. Ron Paul is the only one who even talks about the value of our money.
Everybody else is business as usual… Vote Ron Paul
Sent by Dan J | 3:23 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 22-year-old female working for Microsoft Game Studios in Seattle. I have been largely apathetic about politics in the past, though I did consider myself a libertarian after a bit of research. I’ve never voted before.
I saw Ron Paul’s name on a sign that some people were holding on a highway overpass and was curious enough to look him up when I went home. I felt drawn very strongly to his foresight, fiscal conservatism, and his sincere desire to preserve individual liberties. I very much admire that fact that while Ron Paul retains strong personal and religious convictions, he is very much averse to governmental regulation of social issues.
Sent by Whitney | 3:23 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’ve been with this movement from the beginning. I think I have a pretty good view of the macro-scale of this movement. You have no idea of how far reaching the scale of the Ron Paul movement is. It is worldwide! Do whatever you feel you must to disparage us in your old media. You are becoming irrelevant. Join us, if you want to survive. Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way!
Sent by Michael J Norton | 3:24 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a journalist in the U.S. Navy who specializes in video.
Sent by William Charleston | 3:24 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a mom of 2 young kids, Seattle-area resident, 31, married 11 years, college grad, formerly a software program manager, now working part-time from home for a large software company. I’m a devout Christian, and voted along Republican party lines my whole voting career, mostly out of concern for moral issues. I am also a health enthusiast and was introduced to Dr. Ron Paul by another doctor – Dr. Mercola. We drink raw milk and eat organic foods and realize the FDA has been much more hurtful than helpful in preserving a nourishing food supply for the US. The health angle was my first subjective experience with how poorly large government has operated. Once I read through Ron Paul’s writings at http://www.ronpaullibrary.org and watched him on YouTube, I became an avid supporter, joined a meetup group, saw him in person when he was in Seattle and have given his campaign multiple donations (my first contributions to any politician ever). The man is CONSISTENT and logical. Even though I thought leaving Iraq immediately was a bit radical at first, it becomes the logical conclusion the more you delve into it, especially from the fiscal angle. I believe Ron Paul is most compelling on the fiscal angle and will continue to support him and others like him far past election day. Who knows, I might run for local office on the same platform! Ron Paul has made me an active participant in the political process, rather than a passive bystander. Don’t be a spectator, jump on in!
Sent by Sarah | 3:27 AM ET | 12-19-2007
My name is Charles. I live in Houston. I am a 26 yr old handicapped college student who is getting his degree in Banking & Financial Institutions with a current GPA of 3.9. I will be voting in the primaries for the first time along with 17 other members of my family who also have never voted in the primaries. We have opened our eyes. We are all voting for Ron Paul. It’s time for you to wake up. We are taking this country back.
Sent by Charles | 3:28 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am an 18 year old male from Maryland who is going to school in Boulder, Colorado.
Sent by Patrick | 3:29 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 25 year old web developer and aspiring character animator living in the SF Bay Area. I grew up in Panama, but have lived in various parts of the country for about 5 years now. Ron Paul is the only man with integrity and consistency that I can see out there. I have never voted before, and refuse to do so unless I can believe in the candidate. Ron Paul is a man I can believe in.
Sent by Tony | 3:32 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 28 year old husband and father of two. I have never been involved with a political campaign before.
I am voting for Ron Paul for many reasons, the most important of which is his emphasis on the constitution. I have read what the founders said about individual liberty and am disgusted that citizens before me left us with this mess. Ron Paul is the only person running who understands what America is really suppose to be about.
Check out RonPaulDVDProject.com
Sent by Karl | 3:38 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 29 year old stay at home mom. I am planning to homeschool my child, and I feel very strongly about bringing our Troops home right away. Those two, and about a million other reasons, are why I support Dr. Ron Paul. thanks for asking.
Sent by Angela West | 3:39 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 32-year-old researcher working for a small company in Seattle. I support Mr. Paul because he is the only candidate, in my opinion, who honestly speaks his mind. He is on every level opposed to this current foreign policy, and he makes this nice and sparkling crystal clear. He doesn’t just pretend to be opposed to Bush like the Democrats, when in reality they are still part of the same evil system that attacked Serbia based upon lies fed to the American public by the corporate media. Ron Paul represents a new, American revolution, and it is my opinion that many young people in this country see that we are being fed lies. With a person who speaks his mind, you know where he is coming from and know that you can trust him.
Sent by Justin | 3:46 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 27 years old and married with no kids (yet). I served in the Air Force from 2000-2004. I am currently getting my degree in Emergency Management and I am a huge Ron Paul supporter. I will be voting for the first time ever and my vote is for Ron Paul.
Sent by Michael | 3:54 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 19-year-old female college freshman in Houston. I heard about Ron Paul during my senior year in high school and was initially surprised to find a candidate that actually says something when he talks. While I don’t agree with absolutely everything he says, a vast majority of his ideas appeal strongly to me- so that I do not consider him “the lesser of two evils”, but an active, refreshing, necessary good. If nothing else, his election to office would so deeply shake the system that we might, as a nation, break out of the twin-party media-driven spiral into complacency that seems to be nearing inevitability with sickening speed.
Sent by dtaggart | 4:04 AM ET | 12-19-2007
A quick bio:
I am a married 26 year old male living in San Diego, CA. I have a degree in Mathematics and work in IT.
I grew up going to church every Sunday, but am now agnositc. I am the son of a small business owner and an Eagle Scout. My brother is in the Army Reserves and my family for the most part is Republican.
I voted Libertarian in 2000 and did not vote in 2004. I have listened to talk radio such a Michael Medved, Bill O’Reilly and local personality Roger Hedgecock for years. Prior to the Iraq war I was the only member of my family that did not want to go in, and for the same reason I want to leave now: Being in Iraq increases the hatred towards America for a new generation of radicals.
As a side note, my 26 year old wife, a Democrat, also supports Dr. Paul and has registered to vote for the first time ever.
Sent by Joey | 4:04 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 22 year old, full time social worker for the homeless. I am also a graduate student studying psychotherapy. I am an artist, humanitarian, and vegetarian.
Sent by Jill | 4:05 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m an 18 year old male from Seattle and was drawn to Paul for his message on returning our constitution back to top priority. Our government has been severely corrupted with power and no longer abides by the constitution by any means, in fact, their main goal seems to be to subvert it at all costs.
I’m someone who refuses to get my information from a single source. I despise the mainstream media for its mass-propagandizing properties. A bias in mass media affects the thought process of all who subscribe to its supposed information.
Knowledge should be gained through multi-sourced means. Facts should have priority over opinion and be shared from varying viewpoints for the most complete understanding of our reality.
Sent by Daniel K | 4:08 AM ET | 12-19-2007
22 Year old graduate student.
Registered republican
Born and raised in the country and Ron Paul is the only candidate who can save the disgrace this country has become. I love my country and want to protect her.
Sent by Brady | 4:21 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 19-year-old college student majoring in International Business with a devout love of Political Science. Half of my family is Republican, half is Democrat, I’m a libertarian, and we all support Dr. Paul. I am also one of the grassroots organizers for Arkansas. He is the only man running who truly cares about liberty!
Sent by Corey Landon Walsh | 4:52 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 19 and an ex-Socialist, to be honest. Ron Paul’s message brought me to question my beliefs and led me to the conclusion that this man’s message–the message of freedom–makes more sense than anything I’ve ever considered.
I have never been politically active until I discovered Ron Paul.
Sent by Dustin White | 4:56 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a conservative member of the Republican party that is tired of voting for the lesser of two evils and tired of sending politicians to Washington to change things and then never seeing any change except for things getting worse.
No more dilution or negation of the Constitution, no more loss of rights.
Ron Paul, all the way!
Sent by Lynn | 4:55 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 20 years old from Michigan. I’ve never been interested in politics whatsoever before until I heard Ron Paul speak. If it wasn’t for him, I’m sure I would let this election pass by without notice. He is not the stereotypical corrupt politician, he is an honest and principled man that has an amazing message to share. The top three things that attract me to him is his war stance, economic stance and civil liberties stances.
Sent by Brian Bruman | 4:59 AM ET | 12-19-2007
33yr old white male married athiest living in wisconsin. Never voted before (didnt matter before) want the government to quit taking my money and leave me the hell alone. I’m voting Ron Paul even if I have to write him in.
Sent by Craig | 5:00 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 27 year old Captain in the Air Force. Dr Paul appeals to me because of his strict constitutionalist stance and his willingness to end the war on drugs. I will let me children know of the downsides of drugs but if others want to do things to their own body without harming me, that is perfectly fine.
Sent by Capt. Joshua Tucker | 5:08 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 27 year old new yorker, currently studying computer networking.
Sent by pavel | 5:16 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a RP supporter.
- 39, male.
- Regular voter.
- Lifelong NPR listener.
- Lifelong athiest.
- Education: post-graduate degree.
- Never voted GOP in my life.
- Never donated to a campaign in my life.
- Never put a political bumper sticker on my car.
- Never stood on the street holding a sign for a candidate before.
- Never spent hours designing my own signs in support of a candidate before.
- Never bothered my friends in an attempt to convince them to support my candidate of choice.
Because of RP, I’ve done all these things now (except for the voting part which I’ll do in my state’s primary in February).
Oh, and inverse-kudos on the story. Yet another marginalizing hack job — further proof that media and government have only their own self-promotion/preservation in mind when reporting on RP. If people want to really know about Ron Paul, his interview at Google (available on YouTube of course), covers his positions deeply.
Sent by Max in WA | 5:22 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a Veteran of the Iraq War and have also been deployed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt. Just to name a few of the places i’ve spent my time during my six and a half years in the Air Force. I support Ron Paul because of his non-interventionalist approach to foreign policy and his plan to end the Iraq and Afghanistan wars…” Just come home. ”
Sent by ricardo martinez | 5:30 AM ET | 12-19-2007
22 Year old college student. Learned about ron paul months ago and became extremely interested. Saved up and donated the max $2300 to his campaign. We need to end this war and draw down our American empire before we go bankrupt like all empires before have. I think we absolutely must return to a sound currency and throw off the shackles that the government and banking institutions have upon us.
Sent by David | 5:40 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 27, married, Christian, and currently in law school. I’ve always been a registered republican, but in 2004 I voted independent.
I support Ron Paul because I want stability in the U.S. for my kids.
Sent by jake in chicago | 5:50 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 22 year old college student. I’ve never had an interest in politics until I discovered Ron Paul on Youtube. I would agree that I am one of the people that has found a “natural outlet online.”
Sent by Charlie | 5:50 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 28-year-old female from Missouri and I have always voted GOP because they have alway promised smaller government, but Ron Paul will actually come through on his word.
Sent by Melissa | 5:53 AM ET | 12-19-2007
20 year old full-time traveler here. I’ve spent the past 2 years traveling Europe, and I’m off to Asia for the New Year. I became a Buddhist about a year ago, and Ron Paul’s message of Peace and Freedom really meshes well with my own views on life.
Sent by Edward Greve | 6:02 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 37-year old father of five, and a small business Manager, living in Oregon. A die-hard conservative all my life from a long line of veterans going back before the American Revolution, I was totally opposed to the Iraq War and became very disillusioned with the Republican “party line”. From the invasion of Iraq until I heard of Dr. Paul I was extremely disheartened and even ashamed. We must stop being the world’s policeman, stop bullying sovereign nations, stop creating enemies, and stop shoving the worst America has to offer down the world’s throat. We have to bring ALL of our troops home from all over the world, fix our multitudes of problems in our own country, and adhere to the Constitution in all things.
I’ve always voted, but this is the first time I have donated to a political campaign (repeatedly, too), and the first time I have ever volunteered to help a campaign and actually stump for a candidate.
Let’s bring back the American ideals of freedom, liberty, prosperity, and peace!
Sent by Brent A. Jacobs | 6:19 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I promised myself that i was never, EVER, going to vote again after the last two major elections……. But Ron Paul… is really something TOTALLY DIFFERENT.
Sent by tony | 6:26 AM ET | 12-19-2007
My name is Jacob Wilson and I am a white, male, college student who lives in El Paso, Texas. I am 19, Catholic, and am hoping one day to become a teacher.
Up until this year I’ve always voted democrat because I didn’t like what republicans were doing, until Congressman Paul came along and shown me what a TRUE conservative is; small government, fiscal responsibility, non-interventionism. This is the first election that I don’t feel like I am voting for the lesser of two evils; it feels like I’m voting for my future.
Like many others, Dr. Paul has cured my apathy, and I pray that others will learn more about him and his message in the future.
Sent by Jacob Wilson | 6:30 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 27 year old Air Force officer with a Masters degree. I totally reject the whole concept of political parties (It should be the best person for the job based on individual viewpoints, period) but am a small-l libertarian. I voted for Bush as an exercise in the lesser-of-two-evils mentality, which I vow never to do again. I have never felt this strongly about a condaidate, or even politics in general.
Sent by Joe | 6:33 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am an Australian expatriot who has made Tennessee my home with my wife and family. I am 33 and I am self employed as a carpet cleaner.
I support Ron Paul because he is a principled man of integrity and he is resolute in supporting the principles which made this nation great. The American people need to support these principles again or this nation will simply pass into history as a nation that once used to be free.
Sent by Scott Wilson | 6:42 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 21 and from Illinois. I have never really cared about politics much since Paul declared his run. I did vote for Bush in 04 but now realize that was a mistake because I voted the way my family did and didn’t take the time to look into the issues. I voted Democrat in the congressional election to get out of the war, but felt betrayed when nothing was done. I like Ron cause he sticks to his principles and The Constitution even if it is unpopular with the GOP. Please join us!
Sent by John | 6:50 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 37 year old, disenchanted life time republican, left the GOP after the Iraq war, and now I’ve come back because of Ron Paul. Even though I left, I still always vote straight party line in local elections. I will not vote for any candidate that is part of or backed by CFR, period. Ron Paul is the only candidate I will vote for or 3rd party if I have to.
My wife is a medical doctor at a hospital. There is a room full of doctors cheers Ron Paul on his every debate and major news coverage in the break room.
Syracuse, NY
Sent by Mark | 6:57 AM ET | 12-19-2007
Husband and wife, we are 46 years old. I have voted in every election since 1980 but never in a primary election.I am registered as an independent in NJ. I have never been remotely involved in a campaign or donated to a candidate before Dr. Paul came along.
I strongly believe that the war on drugs and the black markets it has created have hurt America deeply. I do not like the move towards internationalism which seems to be taking place behind the scenes. I believe the biggest threat to the United States is our budget problems and I also believe that the term terrorist is being used to force more controls on American citizens, with intent.
I see Ron Paul as an honest and genuine candidate, perhaps the only one in the last 25 years and this straight forward approach is something America desperately needs at this time.
Sent by Drew | 6:58 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 33 year old securities regulator from New Jersey – I’m married and have a son. My wife and I go to church a few times a week and we pay our taxes. I support Ron Paul because he stands for what Republicans USED to stand for – the ones I learned about in History class growing up.
Sent by Glenn | 6:58 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 51 year old woman and a software manager, who works for a Fortune 1000 company. I guess you could best call me a Goldwater-Republican, in that I believe in the traditional conservative principles of a limited Constitutional government, personal privacy, personal responsibility, fiscal responsibility in government, a strong national defense and individual liberty.
My first vote was for Ronald Reagan and I voted for him both times. Since then, I’ve not been too enamored with anyone running for office (besides Pat Buchanan), as they all seem to be just alike. Their words may say one thing, but their actions prove another. That is, all of them believe in growing the size and scope of the federal government.
Ron Paul is different. He actually does what he says and he has a long voting record to prove it. Paul is a small government traditional conservative…a Constitutionalist. Perhaps that is the reason why Barry Goldwater, Jr. recently endorsed Ron Paul for President.
Sent by Nancy | 6:59 AM ET | 12-19-2007
My family background – my father received the Navy Commendation medal in WWII, my grandfather was a Medic in the US Army’s Siberian Expeditionary force in WWI where many died and things got so bad that a member of congress proposed abandoning U.S. Army units in Siberia because disease was running rampant. My grandmother’s grandfather who lived in (bloody) Kansas and had a number of children at the time stepped up and joined Federal Army (as he referred to it) and saw combat during the Civil War. His grandfather served in the Revolutionary War.
For years I was a contributing member of the Republican National Committee and voted for Ronald Regan twice. I became disillusioned with where the Republican party was headed and then voted for Bill Clinton twice. As of October 25th I was still undecided and I could not find a canidate in either party I felt I could support. Then on November 5th it became the first time in over 15 years that I donated to either a campaign or political party.
My only current affiliation is that I just joined AARP. I made the decision to became a Ron Paul supporter on November 5th.
Sent by John | 7:09 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a Ron Paul Supporter
Male
Married
From Texas
an Electronics Technician
A USMC reservist 0311
Iraq OIF II veteran
Traditionally I have voted mixed republican and Libertarian.
Sent by Shawn | 7:15 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 44 year old computer programmer Ron Paul supporter. This is the first time I have ever been actively involved in a campaign, given money to a candidate or even have been excited to support. I am sick of voting between the lesser of 2 evils.
Sent by troy | 7:17 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 28 year old from Massachusetts. I have a bachelor’s degree in Communication Science/Journalism from a German university. I’ve worked for NPR in Berlin and interned at WBUR Boston. I now run an internet music business and I have fallen in love with Ron Paul’s message of liberty. I’ve seen first-hand how nasty the European Union is. Liberty is good for everybody.
Sent by Steven Chase | 7:17 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am
51 years old
Female
Transplant to SC from TX
Accountant
Registered Democrat
Voting for Ron Paul!
Sent by Ready for Change | 7:30 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a UK citizen and although I can’t contribute financially or vote for Ron Paul’s presidential campaign, I am an ardent fan. I’m 43 years old. I have never voted for any political party in the UK. Ron Paul is the first politician I’ve ever heard who actually has substance, integrity and honesty. A total breath of fresh air, a massive antidote to the mindless drivel, empty platitudes and spin of career politicians. God! I wish we had someone like him in the UK. My advice to all Americans, is look where we are now in the UK, a virtual police state run by lying, deceitful and wholly untrustworthy politicians who advance agendas totally against the wishes of the people. Look in the mirror people because if you don’t act right away by voting for Ron Paul, you will end up like us Brits, enslaved by debts we can’t repay and run by unelected bureaucrats from another country. And don’t believe the NeoCons whan they say the North American Union is off the agenda because they will sneak it up on you and steal your sovereignty before you know it.
Sent by Matt Myers | 7:34 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 37 year old Christian husband and home school father of 8 children. We live on a small farm in Iowa. Doctor Paul cured my apathy.
Now, our whole family greatly enjoys spreading the message of liberty and freedom through Constitutional government. Our older children make phone calls and pass out Ron Paul literature while the younger children help decorate, dress-up and ride in our parade floats for Ron Paul.
Sent by David | 7:38 AM ET | 12-19-2007
As Phil Donahue helped me tell the world in 1981, I am the Founder of Donors’ Offspring, Inc – and represent 5 Million artificially created geniuses. I have used my brains to support Republican Congressman Ron Paul for the past 25 years. I am 58, a grandmother, a teacher, still looking for my genius donor-father, and Volunteer Director of the Grassroots Sarcoxie MO Headquarters and past State Republican Delegate for Pat Buchanan. ALL of Pat’s supporters are Ron’s supporters! ALL of Ross Perot’s retiree supporters in CA & FL are for Dr. Paul and NO MORE IRS! See you September 1st in his “St Paul!”
Sent by Candace ? Turner | 7:49 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 20 year old previously apathetic citizen, and the good doctor cured my apathy.
Sent by Andrew Markovic | 7:49 AM ET | 12-19-2007
33 year old college professor here
specialization – composition/rhetoric
former Nader supporter, I hopped on the bash-Bush bandwagon early. Registered Democrat, Texan all my life, Buddhist and former Move-on’er. Paul has given me an outlet and avenue for my feelings of government. Look around! It’s as if he’s harnessed a tornado.
Sent by Steve | 7:50 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m an American citizen from rural Pennsylvania, but currently teaching English near Seoul, South Korea. I’m a lifelong Republican who didn’t really like any of the Republican candidates much this time–until I heard Dr. Paul’s honest and simple message in a debate a few months ago.
Sent by Matt L Sterling | 7:50 AM ET | 12-19-2007
Web developer for a large bank. I’m married with 4 kids. I voted for Bush and regret it. I’ve never donated to a campaign before, but I gave to Ron’s.
Sent by Rob | 7:51 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 56 year old independent real estate broker. I have always voted but never supported any campaign until Ron Paul. It was my intention to stop voting at all until I heard Ron Paul’s message. Educated on the issues, resonds inteligently, honesty, integrity…., How refreshing.
Wouldn’t it be nice not to be embarassed to say you were an American.
Sent by Charles Vertrees | 7:52 AM ET | 12-19-2007
Well, I am a 35-year old Christian woman with 6 children. I homeschool all but one of them (who attends public school) I live in rural Arkansas and have never been involved in politics before.
Sent by Karen | 7:52 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 51 year old Physician Assistant and a past Bush supporter in 2000 and ‘04. I am an evangelical Christian living in the Knoxville, TN area. We are in a tailspin as a country. It must be stopped, if that is even possible at this point. Ron Paul is the best man to do that out of the field of candidates in either party.
Sent by Dave Drum | 7:53 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 25 year old son of North Carolina who has been very disgusted with the lack of respect most politicians have for the Constitution and the rule of law. Ron Paul understands that the government is not above the law and that is the primary reason among many that I am switching my registration from Democrat to Republican to vote for him in the North Carolina Republican Primary.
Sent by Sherald | 7:55 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am an international development worker who lives overseas. Master’s degree and professional. Politically apathetic until Ron Paul. I like NPR very much. Secretly a Diane Reams listener when statside.
Sent by Dan Klaus | 7:56 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I immigrated to this country 10 years ago. This is the first time i supported any political candidate. I came to this country expecting freedom, liberty and right right to self-preservation. Yet everyday I feel less privileged as a citizen. Big government and unjust wars have got to stop. RP08
Sent by Joe Hsu | 7:56 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 33 year old mother of two boys. I had a serious case of apathy and pessimism when it came our politcal system. I heard Dr. Ron Paul at one of his debates, and I was cured instantaneously! It’s a miracle! LOL
Sent by Beth | 7:57 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 58 yr old divorced woman, with two grown children I raised by myself, without the help of government aid of any kind. Both my kids are college educated and are seeing their degrees wasted in the US of today.
I’ve voted Democratic all my life but have switched to vote for Ron Paul in the primaries and will not vote if he is not on the general ticket. All the other candidates come from the same camp and none are good for America’s future.
Ron Paul is the only candidate that speaks the truth about our foreign policy, our monetary system and our true tax rip off of the middle and senior income.
The media might not understand what is going on…but Ron Paul supporters know exactly what is going on and we are talking to everyone who will listen.
Sent by Roberta | 8:02 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 43 year old lifelong republican. I have two daughters and a beautiful wife. I agreed with the invasion of Afghanistan, but was TOTALLY against the Iraq war. I told my wife, when Bush was beating the war drum(with the help of MSM) that it would be a HUGE mistake. Then we started hearing about the corruption issues in the Republican party and their complete lack of fiscal responsibility. This is what propelled me for the first time in my +20 years of voting to vote all democrat. This was a very difficult decision because my position has always been the polar opposite of the socialist democrat party…..YUCK! I felt a message had to be sent to those in power in the GOP. I have always had a streak of libertarian in me I just never recognized it for what it is. Then I heard Dr. Ron Paul on one of his youtube videos and it was like an epiphany. In the +20 years of voting (I have never missed a vote) I have never donated time or money to any candidate. I have never been to a political rally. I now have donated three times to Ron Paul, I have been actively involved in promoting Ron Paul and I went to two rallies in support of Ron Paul. The republican party needs to wake up, they are losing part of their base of voters. Who knows how big are movement is, but I do believe we are big enough to influence the outcome of the general election. For myself, if Ron Paul does not get the nomination, I will write his name in. I will not vote for any other republican, unless of course they embrace Ron Paul’s position’s on foreign policy at the minimum.
The video I watched was the showdown with Rudy over our foreign policy when Dr. Ron Paul gave Rudy a reading list for the summer.
One other note, I am sick and tired of the religious right holding too much sway over the party. I am a Christian and I think that segment of the party really DUMBS us down. A perfect example would be to point out Mike Huckabee’s recent rise in the polls, I mean really is that the best candidate they can rally behind?! For Pete’s sake he is the WORST possible candidate to win. His record is a testament to my assertion.
Sent by David Pigeon | 8:09 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 28 year old previous democrat, previous libertarian in the 6 figure income level working for a major corporation. I have subscriptions to TIME, and Newsweek. I am recently engaged, and I feel I am the Anti Media labeled RP supporter liek most are. I am not a conspiracy nut that the media like to paint, I love freedom, choice, and the core American values.
Sent by David | 8:10 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a Republican, veteran, married father of 2 small kids. His 2004 House campaign was the first donation I ever made and I have donated several times to his Presidential campaign. I don’t believe in intervention overseas and big government at home. He is the only guy saying anything about it.
Sent by Jason | 8:15 AM ET | 12-19-2007
28, male, Software Engineer, Ivy League grad
Voted Nader in 2004 since not in battleground state, didn’t vote in 2000. Have voted Dem., Rep., Ind., Green, and Libertarian in local elections. I do not support George Bush for a number of reasons, but although better than Bush, I did not like Clinton either, for reasons roughly to do with honesty, integrity, and personal responsibility, or lack thereof.
I never really supported or donated to any campaign until now. I do not agree with Ron Paul on all his stances but I do on the war/imperialism and monetary policy, and two things allow me to not care about our occasional differences:
1) His philosophy does not require us to agree on everything. He values individuals and local government more than monolithic solutions.
2) He has a personal integrity that is extremely rare in modern politics. Unlike most candidates, who I develop more distaste for as I research them, Ron Paul only becomes more likable to me with more scrutiny due to his candor and thoughtful, well developed positions on most issues. He is not a great politician, but he is the “real deal.”
Sent by Will | 8:17 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 39 year old RF/Broadcast Engineer, former Republican who quite after working in Dole’s campaign. I am Christian who listens to my Christian station and NPR. I really woke up after really reading the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Magna Carta and the Federalist and Anti-federalist papers. I am not taking the “Real ID” and am free by God not Government. My rights and yours are God/Natural and Inaliable/Eternal! I will be free, by electing Ron Paul or else!
Sent by Dennis L Kerley III | 8:27 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 38 year old stay at home mom to three children. I love Ron Paul. I believe getting out of Iraq is our number one concern, and I am worried about a potential future draft for the military. God Bless our troops; I don’t want my sons drafted to fight in places we don’t belong and for issues in which I don’t believe (not necessarily speaking if Iraq here).
I also am tired of watching civil liberties disappear; you can be ANY political party (I happen to be a life-long Republican) and see that this doesn’t make any sense.
I also believe religion has no place in politics.
As an aside, I admit I voted for Bush twice.
Sent by J. Aguilar | 8:30 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 40 year old single father raising a 6 year old daughter who is, without question, the joy of my life. I served honorably for nearly 5 years in the USAF, attended the University of Southern California, and work as a software developer. I believe in truth, love, freedom of thought, the beauty of life, individual liberty, artistic creation, humanism, and value of experience. I support Ron Paul because I love my daughter.
Sent by Steven Singer | 8:33 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 24 year old POLICE OFFICER in New Orleans, LA. I have viewed politics with a weary eye until the good Doctor came along. I have been registered Republican all of my life, yet share some liberal ideas. Above all, I believe in following the Constitution as it was written. Our founding fathers knew what they were doing, obviously, because the tyranny they warned us about still persists to this day.
Sent by Kevin Diel | 8:38 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 30 year old male. I am a self-described professional student; I just finished my graduate degree in Bioengineering last year.
I have been registered as a Republican since 18. I never bothered to vote in the Presidential general elections because the Democrats own the states I have lived in, and besides neither candidate ever appealed much to me (it’s like choosing between the lesser of two evils).
When I first discovered Ron Paul, I was floored by what he was saying. It seemed so radical, radical not in the crazy sort of way, but radical in the sense that he was not following the status quo. He promotes change by going back to the Constitution and following the advice of the founding fathers.
Upon further research of Dr. Ron Paul I was astounded to find that he 1) was in Congress for 10 terms and has an impeccable voting record that follows his political ideology/philosophy, 2) doesn’t take money from lobbyists or special interest groups, 3) is what seems to be an oxymoron these days; an honest politician with integrity, 4) is a medical doctor, 5) served in the military, and 6) is a family man (married for 50+ years, 5 children, and 17 grandchildren).
The more I learn about Dr. Paul the more I love about Dr. Paul and his message of freedom.
I have never been interested in politics. I have never been active in politics. However, Ron Paul has awoken me from my slumber of apathy. I now donate to the campaign, canvass my neighborhoods, participate in meetup group activities, and will be moving to New Hampshire for a week to assist the campaign.
America is ready for change and Ron Paul is the only candidate that has the insight and foresight to deliver it.
Sent by Robert | 8:40 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 54 year Ragan Republician who has never voted for a Dem. I don’t own a TV and have worked for a major Aircraft Co. in Seattle and make about 75,000.00 a year. I’ve read Ron Paul’s writings for years on Lew Rockwell and I’ll write him in if he’s not on the ballet. No one else is acceptable to me!
Sent by George | 8:57 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 38 year old computer programmer with a Bachelor of Science degree, a beautiful wife and three awesome, responsible children.
In the past I have been a sheep following the herd, voting for the candidate which received the most media attention, thinking that my vote didn’t matter anyway, because whomever took office would be just like the rest of the other politicians who made false promises.
I first heard about Ron Paul on a sports message board that I frequent on the internet. I have been hooked ever since. He is the only candidate that, in my opinion, speaks the truth and actually believes in what he says. I particularly like his stance on foriegn policy and returning the focus to our own country.
Sent by J | 8:59 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am an 18 year old male.
I live in North Carolina
I am a Christian
I am a Republican
The only reason I registered Republican when I came of age was because I wanted to vote in the primary. I’m glad I did.
I support Ron Paul because I believe he has a good foreign policy and a good fiscal policy. He seems to be much more sincere and forthright than any candidate I’ve ever seen.
Sent by Gabriel | 9:47 AM ET | 12-19-2007
77 yo Male divorced semi-retired in Western Washington State. I have followed the Truth in Government movement for 10 years, the IRS, the Fed. jail4judges, We the People, etc. and through frustration we have all found a ralleying point-Ron Paul
Sent by Al Tavis | 9:52 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 25 year old investment advisor, I have 2 Kids and a lovley wife, I am from Arkansas. The answer is GOOD people support Ron Paul.
Sent by Chad Dilday | 9:53 AM ET | 12-19-2007
RP Supporter here. My name is Jeremy. I’m 29, live in Central Florida, and I’ve never voted before (nor have I cared to for that matter). I work for a company that manufactures and distributes implants and instruments for spinal surgeries.
I’m sick of the BS I see on TV all the time. I’m sick of seeing that the pres has %30 approval and the Congress and Senate are doing worse…and that’s it…I hear that they’re doing a lousy job and nothing more…it’s like people are content just knowing they’re being screwed over by the government. Unfortunately, I think the route this country takes will be determined by the ignorant masses that have been inundated with glossy representations of candidates and their views, news flash: sound bytes are NOT sworn testimony – that’s the beauty of this process – you can pretty much say whatever to get elected, and then totally disregard everything you promised with absolutely NO possibility of reprisal -(except of course pissing off the people who voted for you – but that only applies sometimes) SEE G.Bush, 2000 election, no nation building, humble foreign affair, etc. Did we see any of these?. America needs to wake up and realize that there are consequences for the actions we take. I am utterly baffled that people cannot seem to grasp the simple notion that we were attacked on 9-11 because we (US and UK) have been occupying the middle-east ever since we replaced Iran’s democratically elected president in ‘53 with the Shaw who would be more inclined to work with us.
I’m cautiosly optomistic abour Paul’s chances, but if he doesn’t win, I’m seriously considering leaving the country, who wants to live in the most hated country in the world anyways? Oh, and if you think we’re not hated, can you answer this for me: What color is the sky in the fantasy world you live in?
Sent by Jerm! | 9:55 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 29 yr old male in Washington state who works for a government contractor. I’m married with one child, and a conservative Christian. My 31 yr old wife also supports Dr. Paul. We voted for George W. Bush in both elections.
Sent by J | 9:55 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 30 year old network technician, life long voting Republican turned Libertarian turned Republican (so I could vote in my state’s primary). I used to drink the G.W. Kool Aid but after hearing Ron Paul, I knew the Republican party finally had someone worth voting for.
Dr. Ron Paul cured my apathy.
Sent by Mark | 9:57 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 28 year old poet in California, finishing my graduate degree. Ron Paul is the only presidential candidate I have ever trusted, and the only one I’ve heard speak coherently and consistently about real ideas.
Sent by Justin Rigamonti | 10:02 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 51, married with two kids. I’m a librarian, my wife is an RN, my daughter is a freshman in college, and my son is in the fifth grade. We are Orthodox Christians and strongly pro life.
I’ve been a libertarian/consevative since 1980 and voted for Dr. Paul in 1988. My wife and daughter are also planning on voting for him this year.
Sent by Robert E. Thornsberry | 10:05 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 23yr old university student (Political Science), and have held “traditional liberal” (ie. Locke or Thomas Jefferson) beliefs since the time I could rationally think. I play four instruments & love making music. I am not religious. I am in an “inter-racial” relationship & speak two languages.
The US government, particularly in the last century, has moved to restricting freedom & liberty, regulating and taxing personal property, undermining economic prosperity of it’s citizens, and in general moving what was the one shining beacon of intelligent governance – limited government – and moved to fascism & tyranny. Of all the candidates, Ron Paul is the only one who stands for liberty, freedom, personal choice, and intelligent government.
Sent by Aaron Bartholomew | 10:13 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a married 22 year old college student. I am studying social work and spanish. I have NEVER liked politics or read the whole Constitution before but that all changed when I heard Dr. Paul’s message. It was like a breath of fresh air and I finally understood what it meant to be an American. Since then I have been studying and working on spreading that message so that when Ron Paul does get elected we can elect others to Congress to continue this movement towards a limited, constitutional government.
Sent by Ashley Jordan | 10:16 AM ET | 12-19-2007
You folks are missing the real message. Ron Paul has your attention, but it is Ron Paul’s MESSAGE and HISTORY that drive our support. Ron Paul for President and a Citizens’ New-Congress of Constitutional respect and we will recover our lost Liberty. 2008-2010 – bring a new American epoch.
Sent by Henry Nicolle | 10:19 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 38 years old, married, no children (but an uncle many times over). I make an adequate living working for one of the largest political organizations in the United States, involved in the area of labor law reform. I am also a Registered EMT-Paramedic and volunteer my time unpaid with the county fire department. I am a lifelong Republican with a libertarian streak. I was president of my College Republican club, was a state-wide leader in the Young Republicans, and am active in politics on the local level.
I have been following Ron Paul for years and have always admired his principled conscience. I admire his message of personal liberty, limited government, return to a sound dollar, and a foreign policy of peace through strength.
I am supporting Ron Paul because I am tired of expecting to be lied to and let down by elected representatives who stomp all over the Constitution (remember campaign finance reform? Bush thought it was unconstitutional, but signed it into law anyway! Remember when Bush said, “If we don’t stop extending our troops all around the world in nation-building missions, then we’re going to have a serious problem coming down the road.”? Two years later we were “nation-building” in Iraq.) The other so-called Republican candidates aren’t any better – they want to tax us into the poor-house, spend us into oblivion, take away our hunting rifles, and regulate every aspect of our personal lives.
Those who criticize Ron Paul for his stance on Iran (free trade instead of bombs) forget that Reagan won the cold war against the USSR the same way. It was won with Levis and rock & roll, not by launching a ‘preemptive strike’.
Reagan (who used to be a Democrat) said he didn’t leave the Democratic Party, the Party left him. Well, considering the current crop of candidates, the same is true with me (except for Ron Paul).
Sent by E. Forman, Sassafras, VA | 10:20 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a FX currency trader, my husband a contractor. Our meet up group includes: teachers, veterans, housewives,chiropractors, the disabled,factory workers, computer programmers, insurance salesman- people of all walks of life. The only common factor I can find in them is that they have become informed. Ron Paul supporters are well read. They KNOW what the CFR is and its goals are not the goals of the masses. They KNOW what the Patriot Act says and does to our rights. They KNOW what the Military Commissions act does to our rights, etc. So basically we are people who are no longer brainwashed. We know what the media mogols aren’t telling us. We are people who believe in the Constitution and getting government OUT OF OUR LIFE. We see our country being sold down the river by the ruling elite. We know the media for the most part is helping the ruling elite accomplish their goals. We know from history we will cease to exist if we continue. We love our country and way of life and don’t want it destroyed. We know who the ruling elite are and that their goals and motives are undesirable for the rest of us. We fight tirelessly because we know more of the same will in time create extreme hardships for the majority. Since truth resonates truth, the sleeping giant awakens. Just like the Master of the house who arises to find that someone broke into his house and robbed him blind. The American people are waking up and going after their lying theiving government. Those crooks shall be uprooted and replaced by those who will uphold the constitution. When Ron Paul wins the nominiation other like minded will come out to run for all offices. The American people will once again have control of their government. Those new servents of the people will work to preserve their rights and protect the fruits of their labor. The American people will once again live in peace and not be stressed by potential financial ruin.
What idot would want it any other way?
Sent by M. Halvorson | 10:21 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 45 year old, single woman. I was a registered Republican from 1980 (the first election I was able to vote) until two years ago. I simply became so disgusted in what I was seeing from Washington I changed my voter registration to “Independent”. I thought the system was so corrupt as were the politicians that I didn’t know if I would ever vote again! I was bitterly disenfranchisd; very angry about the decision to go into Iraq and about the assault of our freedoms thru the Patriot Act.
I “found” Ron Paul in May 2007 and I felt like shouting: “FINALLY! Someone in Washington who actually makes sense!”
I admire his consistant principles, his boldness to say what is on his mind and heart even if it’s not what people “want” to hear. I love his “genuineness”. He makes such common sense!
I never thought I would donate to a candidate, go canvassaving for candidate, take time off work to travel to another state to participate in a rally for a candidate. I sometimes stop, laugh or cry and scratch my head in wonder “Why AM I doing this?”. But then, I remember.
In my local meetup group, most of our members are new to politics. Some have never registered to vote prior to this! Many are like myself – disenfranchised Republicans who left the party. We have a large group of Democrats who support Ron Paul. We have Libertarians and Constitution party members (I think we may have one Green party member, too).
We have a saying in our meetup group:
Dr. Ron Paul Cured My Apathy!
This is exactly how I feel!
Also, have you heard about Michael who going across the country on bicycle to spread the word of Ron Paul? Check out: http://www.ronpaulriders.com . I love to read his tales from the road every night!
Sent by Karen Sutton, Beaverton, Oregon | 10:28 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 38 year old stay at home mom from KS. I love the message of freedom, liberty, and following the Constitution. Americans need to realize they can and need to be responsible for themselves. The nanny state will lead to an elite ruling class and misery for the rest. Ron Paul has opened my eyes to a new way of looking at things and I am never going back. So far I agree with him 100%.
Sent by Jill Gabli | 10:38 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 32, married, no kids. I do Application Development for a living. I have voted in every Presidential election since I was eligible to participate. Other than that, I have not been an active participant in politics since I got out of college the first time. It was my opinion that voting for a Republican or a Democrat was voting for two sides of the same unfair coin.
Until I heard about Dr. Paul running for President this year, I considered myself a member of the Libertarian party (though I never joined up). I now consider myself a libertarian Republican, and am planning on doing what I can to pull the party back to its traditional values of limited Federal government and limited Federal restriction on our personal liberties. I now feel it is my duty to impact local politics as best I can by getting involved.
Sent by John R. Redding | 10:40 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am married, father of 3, treasurer of a regional headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and passionate about liberty. I have always voted Republican, have become very disgusted with both parties over both fiscal and personal liberty issues, and want some real changes. I support Ron Paul because he believes in and has demonstrated fiscal responsibility, a strict adherence to the Constitution, a sane foreign policy approach, upholding individual liberty, and reducing the scope of government in all aspects.
Sent by Victor Zill | 10:40 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 59 year old male, father of 5 children, grandfather of 11 wonderful grand children. I served in the U.S. Navy during Viet Nam and served in Law Enforcement after honorably discharged from the Navy. At present I am still employed in photographic sales. I am a
constitutionalist and student of history. I do not rely upon the mainstream media for true or accurate reporting of national and international news. One of the most revealing books that I have read is “Tragedy and Hope, a
history of the world in our time” by Carroll Quigley, former professor of history at the Foreign Service School, Georgetown University, as well as formerly teaching at Harvard and Princeton. If I may, I would advise people to read and think through the words penned by our first president, George Washington, in his ‘Farewell Address’and what he said regarding our
relations with ‘foreign nations’.
Sent by Ron | 10:40 AM ET | 12-19-2007
Male, Iowa, 26 yrs old, work at economic research desk.
Primary reason: Can’t support a pro-war candidate.
Sent by Will | 10:43 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a strong Ron Paul supporter.
20 Years old
In college for Business
Have always liked politics but had never read the Constitution before, but after hearing Dr. Paul’s message I went out and Googled the document and after having read it I was amazed at its beauty and intended protections of liberty. Since hearing of Ron Paul and his message of the Constitution I looked up Ron Paul’s record and found it to be the single most consistant voting record by far in the whole of Congress and through MANY years of congress. After that point I have dedicated a large amount of my time to spreading Paul’s message and the rEVOLution which symbolizes Paul’s message outside his singular run for President for the purpose of changing the overall political climate to a more Constitutional one.
Sent by Adam Hugo | 10:45 AM ET | 12-19-2007
The last four letters of American are I CAN. Americans can elect Ron Paul for President.
Sent by Bill Hanson | 10:47 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 30 year old Customer Marketing Manager working for Johnson and Johnson in Bentonville Arkansas. I am recently married. Both my Wife and I found Ron Paul on the Internet and agreed with his policy. I Voted for Bush twice and now look back and can see I didn’t think the situation through towards war. I was raised in a Republican and Christian home here in Arkansas. I watch television and enjoy politics but see how the media attempts to use Ron as a sensationalism piece versus letting us understand what he stands for. If it weren’t for the internet I wouldn’t have been able to research what Ron stands for. The debates didn’t serve as a conduit for his views. The recent Glen Beck program was one of the first to allow him to explain his points in depth. It helped win my father and many others over to Ron’s side.
Sent by Bobby Dennis | 10:50 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 23 year old student of Penn State University from Fairview, Pennsylvania. I am a former supporter of Bush and the neo-conservative ideal. I have since awaken to the realization that our country is on the wrong track. There is hope after all. I always considered myself a Constitutionalist, and it was time for me to practiced what I preached.
Sent by Patrick A Krott | 10:55 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 45 year old married mother of three teenage boys. I am an account manager for a large company out of Atlanta. I voted for Bush in 2004 (previously I did not vote except for Ross Perot on 1992). I am originally from NJ but moved to Florida in 2000. I come from a long line of republicans, most of who are now disinfranchised with the GOP. Go Ron Paul!
Sent by Jena | 10:58 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a former MARINE who served in Oif 1 and 2. I’m going to college now as an electronic media major. I’m a Chomsky reader and I’m an NPR listener too. I’ve done a little campus radio work. For me, Ron Paul is the only Decision when the choice is more Tyranny or Greater Freedom.
Sent by joshua | 10:59 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 23 year old married female, no kids. I work as a financial adviser for a large bank. I have supported Ron Paul for over 4 years and was delighted to hear he was running for President and my life is forever changed. (in a very good way!)
Sent by A.M.Smith | 10:59 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 21 year old UCLA student, originally from New Hampshire. I hadn’t heard of Ron Paul until about May of this year. I was trying to decide who to support in the upcoming election, and so I started researching all of the candidates and their positions. When I found Ron Paul, not only did I find a candidate to support, but my political interest was renewed and invigorated! I have never supported a politician this strongly before.
I would encourage more people to do a lot of research into all the candidates. It seems like everyone I know who actually seriously looks into Ron Paul ends up supporting him. My stepdad is a lawyer and my mom is a paralegal, they are supporting him. My friends are all supporting him. I think the media may be in for a surprise, because they are all actually planning on voting too.
Sent by Stephen Campbell | 11:02 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a very concerned american. Why do the majority of people forget that if we don’t remember history, we will be doomed to repeat it? Corruption has always existed in politics it seems, but the loss of liberty has lead to all fascist states. We are now losing our liberties in a very militant country operated in conjunction with an extremely large central government. It does not bode well. Let it not be said that we did nothing.
Sent by craig | 11:03 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 23 year old masters degree student, and a fairly conservative Christian. I was first drawn to Ron Paul because of his sincerity, integrity, and wisdom. Listening to his speeches has been an enlightening and empowering experience. Although I voted for Bush in 2004, I am atoning for that grave error in judgment by doing all that I can to help the Good Doctor’s campaign.
Viva la Revoluci??n!
Sent by Kyle | 11:06 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a midlife professional woman with a family with 2 young kids. I’m voting for Ron Paul in the primary AND in the general, whether he wins the primary or not! Don’t forget, you can WRITE HIM IN if somehow the power elite figure out how to mess with this election too.
Sent by Karen Fujita | 11:13 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 27 year old married college grad living in the Pacific NW. I make twice the mean yearly income for my state. While voting in the past, this is the first year that I have felt passionately towards a canidate. I like Dr. Paul because he is the only canidate that talks about the real reasons the middle class is shrinking- trade and the Federal Reserve among others. I am voting for Ron Paul is the 2008 elections.
Sent by Nick B. | 11:15 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 24 year old male, and my fiancee is 23. I work in the IT field, and she is a special education teacher.
We both used to consider ourselves liberal because of our parents, but as we got more into politics we realized that we were small government conservatives. We agree with Paul on almost every issue, and admire the mans honesty.
Sent by Mark Wagner | 11:16 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 33 year old man living in Seattle who finally woke up one afternoon and saw hope in the message of Ron Paul. I didn’t care before about politics and felt like it didn’t matter who I voted for. I felt like the system was corrupt and that the politicians would lie every time; that was until I heard Ron speak. It was as if he knew everything I was discontent about as a citizen. I was blown away and became more and more educated on the constitution and such as I heard Ron speak truth after truth. I believe he is our last great chance in America, I am no longer apathetic; the doctor has cured me…
Sent by Chris Cox | 11:33 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 59 and work for a labor union. I voted for Kennedy,Nixon,McGovern,Carter,Bush -I finally realized that each represented one side of the same coin. No matter which one I voted for, the same result occurred -I lost either economic OR personal freedom. Ron Paul represents freedom on both sides -he does not believe that government should be used to FORCE your ideas or beliefs on others, either domestically or in foreign affairs. Persuasion NOT coercion is the way to advance your ideas.
Sent by Dan Gallagher | 11:39 AM ET | 12-19-2007
30-year-old. WOMAN. I am a Sales Director (home based biz owner) for Mary Kay Cosmestics living and working in the Pacific NW. I have a 4-yr degree in Economics, and my educational background let me to the conclusion that Ron Paul is the only truly ethical candidate. I’m married w/ no children(yet), and had never involved in a political campaign until now.
Sent by CJ | 11:40 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 23-yr old investment banker. I have lived / worked in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and I was born in Egypt Presently, I’m working in the States.
I am a fiscal conservative. I believe strongly in a non-interventionist foreign policy.
I believe Ron Paul has a viable chance at shocking the nation; the polls have statistical weaknesses which may be exposed soon.
Sent by Joe | 11:41 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 25 year old male, college graduate who lives in Seattle and works for a “green” business. I found Dr. Paul to be the only voice of reason in this dysfunctional system we live in. He’s honest, forthright and he comes with no strings attached. We have strayed so far from our founding principles and the constitution that Ron is the only one who can lead us back. I am truly worried about the future of this country if we continue on the status quo. End the war. Go Ron!
Sent by Robby | 11:50 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 37 year old female, married 16 years. I am self employed. I was a registered Republican, but became disillusioned with the party and changed to Independent until I found Ron Paul. My husband is 41 and a software development executive. He is a registered Republican but has become disillusioned as well. We like Ron Paul because he is truthful and cares more about this country then he does himself. He will put his money where his mouth is (declined Congressional retirement package). We agree with most of Ron Paul???s stances on issues, but it is the process he uses to get to his positions we like the most, via the Constitution.
Ron Paul is very much like Goldwater. Notice Barry Goldwater Jr. is endorsing Ron Paul. In addition, Ron Paul will end the war in Iraq. There is no other candidate on either side that we believe will do so, with the exception of Kucinich and maybe Edwards.
Sent by Tina Arizona | 11:51 AM ET | 12-19-200
I am a real estate appraiser that was interested in understanding more about the mortgage crisis. It meant learning about this nation???s financial history. One book was written by W.M. Walbert in 1899, ???The Coming Battle???, which chronicles the ???money powers??? influences in this country before 1900. It explains how they manufactured panics, recessions, and depressions for profit and control (they still use the same formula today). They also controlled many of our Universities and influential politicians (they still do). Walbert was warning about how the ???money power??? was seeking to gain absolute control within our country. There was the panic of 1907, which influenced many Americans into supporting the creation of the FED in 1913. We had national banks before this, but with the FED came the income tax (16th Amendment in 1913) so that Americans would forever supply funds, our debt, for the ???money power???s??? endeavors worldwide???profitable wars and socialized slavery. Edward E. Kennedy wrote a book, ???The Fed and the Farmer???, which is about the Agricultural Depression of 1921 and the Great Depression. Kennedy, who became a prominent judge in America, was at the FED???s initial meeting in 1920, where the FED devised a plan to loan at lowered interest rates???then raise interest rates???which was meant to destroy the small competing banks that were loaning to the farmers???this ended up putting millions of people out of work and destroyed many of the small farms at the same time. The FED, whose policies, also allowed our recession, after the 1929 Stock Market Crash, to build into a great depression and America???s bankruptcy in 1933–current FED chairman, Ben Bernanke, admitted this in a 2002 birthday celebration for Milton Freidman, where he said he would not allow it to happen again. Ron Paul???s stance against the FED is my reason for supporting him.
Sent by Kevin | 11:53 AM ET | 12-19-2007
44, Male. Registered Democrat who never thought he’s support a Christian Republican from Texas. He’s the only candidate who would end the war immediately. Thats my issue and thats why he has my support. To support anyone else is un-American.
Sent by MarkD | 11:53 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 46 year old small business owner who sold a retail business I ran for 24 years just a few months ago and will be starting a new business in the manufacturing sector soon. I registered Libertarian at 18 and I voted for Dr. Paul in ‘88. I married for the first time in June of 2006. My wife is 33, and though she has never really followed politics, she attended the Santa Monica Tea Party rally with me last weekend and came away impressed with the spirit of the movement. She recently registered Republican to vote for Dr. Paul.
In my younger years I devoured books by Rand, von Mises, Hayek, Rothbard, etc… I entered the business world at age 22 armed with this knowledge, thinking that I had learned what I needed to succeed and hoping I would eventually live in the type of free and prosperous society that I had envisioned through these books. Alas, I became part of the “silent minority”, working diligently to keep my business alive, waiting for the views I held dear to someday take root as I was so sure they would when I was younger, but all the while watching our freedoms and liberties get slowly eroded away.
Dr. Paul not only cured my apathy, but he renewed something in me that has laid dormant for too long – HOPE – and this hope has translated into ACTION. I switched to the Republican party just last month so that I can vote for him again, and I do something every day either on my own or through my Meetup group to expose his views to new people. I’m not a religious person, but GOD BLESS YOU DR. PAUL!
Sent by Vincent Mross | 11:54 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 34 year old digital media specialist who’s been a small ‘l’ libertarian for about 12 years. I’ve been following RP since I first read about him in Reason magazine about ten years ago. I believe very strongly in individual rights on everything from privacy to marriage and association to the drug issue. I also believe that our nation’s foreign policy has been dead wrong since the end of World War Two. I disagree vehemently with Dr. Paul on abortion and the immigration issue, but frankly, this election is about issues far more essential to our nation, and what we truly are about. I believe Ron Paul is the only candidate who has any sort of grasp on the concept of the natural rights of the individual, and the spontaneous order that arises when those individuals make choices in a free society.
Sent by David Potts | 11:56 AM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 34 year old husband and father of 4 children. I am a software engineer as well as a small business owner living in CT.
Both my wife and I support Ron Paul and his message.
Sorry I am not a 19 year old spam-bot sitting in my parent’s basement donating to his campaign using a stolen credit card.
Sent by Jeff A. | 12:13 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a medical student in the Caribbean. 22 Years old, I have been interested in politics for my whole life, but really became involved in this campaign.
Sent by Kyle Varner | 12:14 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 27 year old CTO that was turned onto Ron Paul by a friend. I have since turned Dr. Paul onto many, his message spreads easily. I have never voted in the primaries before and will do so this time around.
Sent by Charles | 12:16 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 26 year old management consultant from Seattle. Always taught that republicans were the good guys when I grew up, I began to question that in my early 20s as I saw just how untrue that is. In many ways I became an objectivist after the manner of Rand, although I still consider myself a Christian as well.
Then I heard about a man named Ron Paul. I’ll spare the reader of my letter the spiel, as I can see it’s been repeated many times here, but rest assured that the message of personal liberty (and responsibility), the foreign policy that actually makes sense, and the ideas that he presents have, for the first time, made me realize that I don’t need to vote for the lesser of two evils.
Although I’m a registered republican so that I can help Ron Paul, I’m largely a man without a party. The Democrats seem to want to loot everything to give it to those who don’t produce. The Republicans don’t seem to mind my production for the most part, but want to watch me every second of the day without cause.
As a husband and father, I want to live in a nation where my daughter grows up to learn personal responsibility – and liberty. I do not want her to grow up in a world where she accepts that it is the norm to be searched everywhere she goes, or have all of her communications wiretapped without reason. I want her to grow up in a nation where she can produce to the best of her ability and enjoy the rewards of what she has produced. Where when companies make poor decisions, they lose their competitive advantage, allowing a newer, better company to rise up in their place, instead of getting a government bailout. Where the little guy like any of us could start that company with a good idea and a great work ethic.
I’ve never been so passionate about the political process as in this election.
Sent by Andrew Brown | 12:20 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a stay-at-home, reasonably liberal, mother of two in Bonney Lake, WA. I have almost always voted democrat. It has really suprised me, honestly, that I feel so strongly about a republican candidate. I am supporting Ron Paul because he is more interested in what really matters to people & doesn’t seem to participate in all of the name calling, finger pointing that EVERY other candidate plays. I am an independant voter, voting for Ron Paul in 2008!!
Sent by Paige Newell | 12:23 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 28 year old artist, who has never really gotten involved in politics until I came across Ron Paul’s campaign. He exactly fits my ideals, in regards to personal freedom and economic policy.
Sent by Laura | 12:33 PM ET | 12-19-2007
39 years old, live in AL. I’ve been luke warm for just a few candidates in previous elections but never enough to donate. This election, I’m maxed out, as well as my wife. I support Dr. Ron Paul because not only does he say the right things, not only does he believe and understands these things, he actually has proven he always does the right things. What are these right things? It’s simply following the U.S. Constitution. It provides the perfect framework on how we as Americans can have different views and come from different walks of life and yet still get along in harmony. It allows us to search our hearts for the answers on how to help the down trodden instead of the gov forced method which only breeds resentment amongst us. It allows us to chose which merchants are evil and which ones provides the goods and services we need and want, instead of the gov forced method of handing over billions of our money to their chosen ones, which coincidently is the merchants who contribute the most to the campaigns of those making those decisions. This is a fight between We The People and corrrupt power. The only way they can defeat us is if they can divide us, and the powers that be are experts in dividing us. We refuse to let that happen anymore. Ron Paul 2008.
Sent by Doug | 12:35 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 65 year old widow, mother of 5, grandmother of 14 and great-grandmother of 6. I am a full time employee of a geothermal energy company in California. I have been a loyal follower of Congressman Ron Paul for about a year now. I am a registered Republican and a Conservative Christian. This is the first time I have ever campaigned for a candidate and I am priviledged to be doing so now. It is my belief that if we do not adhere to our Constitution as written we will lose it and our freedoms with it. Dr. Paul is the only candidate running who will bring us back to basics. We are heading for a complete collapse in every area and need Dr. Paul at the helm to steer us back to the Constitution and the Rule of Law as put down by our Founding Fathers.
Sent by Sandra Blauvelt | 12:45 PM ET | 12-19-2007
33/F/WA I’m a freelance web designer, an independent, and if someone had told me a year ago I’d be backing a republican from Texas, I might’ve punched them. Paul’s the only one who’s realistic on why we were attacked, I’m tired of my taxes paying for killing people overseas.
Sent by Sarah | 12:46 PM ET | 12-19-2007
35 yr old, non-partisan divorced single-father raising 3 children, remarried 5 years later to become a proud father raising 6 children. My wife and step-children are Canadian. I served 4 years in the USMC from 1990-1994. Deployed with 1st LAI Bn, LAV-AT as a Tow Gunner in multple Kuwaiti Liberation missions. Later deployed on 6 month West Pac (Pacific Ocean duty aboard USS Fort Fisher). Post military AA Degree. Seattle/Tacoma area resident. Employed in the aerospace industry for In-Flight Entertainment systems design. My oath of service sworn to the Contitution of the USA and her people will reside with me forever. Ron Paul is the first candidate I ever cared enough about to volunteer to help. We fight to attain peace. I oppose breaking the peace to fight a never ending war without sound justification, which was officially entered into with poor intelligence information and by the desires of the executive branch instead of the direction of Congress. The honorable men and women in the armed forces will do their duty and risk their lives as ordered. It is up to us to ensure US policy is sound, just, and responsible so that their lives are preserved. God Bless America! Semper Fi!
Sent by Jason Church | 12:48 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 42 year old married father of one living in Kirkland, Washington. I studied at 3 universities, served a 2 year volunteer mission for my church when I was 20. My wife is a Ron Paul supporter as well.
He’s the only candidate we both have ever contributed money to. I learned about Ron Paul through a political periodical, I routinely read, 4 years ago.
Knowing the principles our country is founded on and knowing how far astray we are from those sound principles I was very disturbed for years. I was grateful when I knew Ron Paul, a highly experienced and principled man, was running for the presidency. Our countrie’s a mess from poor political choices plain and simple.
It’s time we exercised some good judgement and overcome the damning controls hurting our countries and it’s citizens destinies.
Ron Paul supporters are typically well read and were waiting for years for a truthful and passionate man to run for office. Ron Paul will surround himself with a like minded cabinet, a cabinet that isn’t CFR influenced like many of the Bush campaign.
We’re not the policeman of the world. What a poor, brutish concept. What a failing idea.
Sent by Craig | 12:49 PM ET | 12-19-2007
48 year old female alternative newspaper founder and former publisher, now retired. I subscribe to the Oregonian and Wall Street Journal, but usually also read the NY Times, Wash. Post, Financial Times and Economist online, in addition to many electronic (broadcast and internet only) sources of news of course.
I was a socialist until I observed the burden of payroll taxes on coworkers as a small business owner and became a Libertarian. Eight years of Bush is going to leave our country drowning in debt and on the decline. Dr. Paul is our only hope for honest principled leadership.
I have to admit that I’m surprised how far behind the MSM is on this story. I had to read blogs, the Economist and British newspapers to educate myself on the housing bubble from 2004-2006, and it looks like we will have to rely on the internet again to get news on the presidential election.
Sent by Amy Singmaster | 12:52 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 49. I have two kids. I am divorced. I am a mechanical engineer. I have been interested in space since I was in fourth grade, before we went to the moon. Making my own Model Rockets in Summer School kept me from becoming a hoodlum. It was the first time that I had a male teacher for anything. I became a summer school teacher’s assistant in the model rocketry class in the years that followed. The socialist government organization we call NASA has kept “the rest of us” out of space for nearly six decades now. NASA should be abolished and the profit motive should be employed to drive the cost of space transportation down to a reasonable level. The consequences of this change to the free market would be unimaginable. The Natural Resources available in space are literally infinite. Most near earth objects are a third dirt, a third water ice, and a third tar. Tar is a petroleum product. The mass of near earth objects is many times the mass of the earth. I am not advocating burning it for our cars! But eventually we will need it for plastics and medicine, among other things, along with the every other element, for everything. This is the only way sustainable growth is possible in the long term future. I used to work for Bigelow Aerospace. While working there, I developed a way to build space habitats out of vectran webbing that can be of virtually unlimited size. Gerry O’Neill’s Space Habitats are possible to build using these techniques. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_habitat
The NPR socialist power elite need to realize that there is no alternative in the long run. Living systems, including the entire planet earth, grow or die. There is no such thing in nature as permanent stasis. For living systems, there is only growth. The communist system consisted of people pretending to work, and the communist government pretending to pay them. Communism and Socialism are failed policies, not even the communists in China use them anymore! We are poised for the next step. We are ready for a Libertarian Revolution that will propel America into a bright growing future. Me and my kids and my friends will colonize Mars and colonize space. Space elevators, laser propulsion, fusion power, alternative energy, and many other things will end the power of the Global Elitists over us. One thing you can do today is buy Hemp clothing and use biodiesel in diesel cars. Build your own home and get your home off the grid as soon as possible. Human beings and their creative capacity, are the only true wealth on the planet. Declare your independence from the Power Elite. Stop giving them your money. End their power over you.
Sent by Tony Rusi | 12:57 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 25 year old former Democrat (weren’t we all one in college?), former law student, and accountant from Seattle. I’m tired of the economic decline and trashing of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. I want the government out of my paycheck and my personal life. I don’t pay the federal government to be my nanny/spy, I pay them to protect the citizens.
Sent by Hannah | 12:59 PM ET | 12-19-2007
a korean, 37 male, married with 2 kids, on h-visa (meaning, no voting right) working for an automotive supplier near detroit. never been interested in politics ever before.
Dr. Paul gave me a hope.
Sent by baek | 1:03 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 24 year old mother of two, in Florida. I’ve been married for almost 6 years and worked in the marketing/design industry before choosing to be home with my children. We are conservative Evangelical Christians.
I am very politically active and always have been and I have been a registered Republican since age 18. Currently, part-time wedding photography, political activism, and work for non-profit organizations seeking to educate women about childbirth, take up any left over time I have.
I feel very strongly about maintaining civil liberties for my children. Liberties in health care (alternatives), school-choice (specifically homeschooling), and maintaining a volunteer military are the platforms that concern me as a mother. As a human being, I am gravely concerned about the sinking dollar, suspension of habeus corpus, and trading our liberties for security. I am also against global occupation by US forces.
My heart aches to see the day that Ron Paul is elected President. At that point I will know that America has awakened and we will no longer allow our freedom, peace, and prosperity to be plundered.
Sent by Candice | 1:06 PM ET | 12-19-2007
Ron Paul, as I, understands the bankers objectives, as also did President Andrew Jackson. The big money owned the media to control elections. Google “Federal Reserve Fraud” IRS, Interest fluctuation. It all fits their pattern. We are being bought.
Sent by Ron Moss | 1:17 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 25 yr old Mexican/Filipino male from North County San Diego. I graduated in 2005 from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Political Science – International Relations. I have always voted Democrat but have long been disillusioned with the entire system and government. Ron Paul represents a significant change for the better. Although I do not agree with all of his domestic stances, his foreign and economic policy are what this country needs. Fix our foreign policy, the economy will follow, and then we can take care of the domestic ills this country faces.
Sent by Xavier Ramirez | 1:19 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 33 year old single father of one son age 5.
I am an entrepreneur, in insurance and travel.
I have been self employed for the last 6 years.
I am a first time contributor to any politician or their campaign, I have not maxed out, but have donated to Dr. Pauls campaign,
I was apart of the 5th of November.
I am a Christian
I see and have seen the decline of this country for the last few years. I grew up and believed I was a Republican until a few years after I graduated HS, and went on to college. I started looking at what I was being told, and how I really felt, then decided that their is more to this country than a 2 party system. I have never officially registered as an independent but consider myself to be very independent in my thinking. I have not voted in the last 3 elections the 1st time for, time constraints, I got to the voting center 2 minutes too late, the next 2 elections I saw no one I would be willing to vote for and no one I could, in all sincerity, and feel comfortable supporting, as a leader of this country.
I like Ron Pauls message about Limited government, personal responsibility, foreign policy, government spending, and basic overall freedom message. After all its not about the man its about the message. The PTB and the MSM, are doing whatever they can to discredit Mr Paul, and to hide him in the closet until “they” get who “they” want in power to continue the planned agenda. Once the federal government started interfering in the education system they had the power to teach and mold the youth of this country to believe whatever was most convenient. It all started by taking the classics out of the learning process, then the dumbing down of the children the the dependence on federal aid, and the federal government. Its time to take back this country and return it to the people, not the PTB.
Sent by Fed up and disgruntled with the PTB | 1:23 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 33 DOD contractor in Seattle working for the Navy at Bremerton, Everett and Bangor naval stations. Win or loose Ron Paul IS my president. His message represents true America. The man is a national treasure.
Sent by Josh | 1:25 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 34 year old man from the Pacific Northwest. I have always been a conservative, albeit with many beliefs that run outside of the box. I was once a Republican, but found the party’s leadership to be nothing more than corporate and/or special interest puppets. I feel strongly the same way about the Democratic party’s leadership as well. I thought I would never believe, let alone get behind a major party presidential candidate again.
I was wrong. There are still a few decent, honest and uncompromised men and women out there trying to serve our People.
Ron Paul is much more than just an honest man. He is the standard bearer of a message that our forefathers believed in as well: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
As an American, sometimes it is more important to listen to a message with your patriotic heart, instead of your desensitized and overcrowded ears.
Let Freedom Ring!
Sent by Justin Gimse | 1:30 PM ET | 12-19-2007
Female.
41.
Married.
Mother.
Traditional Catholic.
Pro-life.
Homeschooler.
Fiscal Conservative.
Secure borders advocate/anti-amnesty.
Republican since voting age, but working to reform the party.
Live in the Northwest.
I support Ron Paul, because in a nutshell, he supports the Constitution and we need him as president to restore it!
Sent by Michelle | 1:39 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 30-year-old Seattle single mom of an 18-month-old son. I’m a former “Independent” who has recently tended to vote Democrat. I listen to NPR and radio but haven’t had a TV for the past year.
I’ve been “disenfranchised” since my political awakening in high school when I started studying the Kennedy assassination. Recent events haven’t boosted my confidence in the US government, especially the 9/11 attacks, the last two elections, and our unjustified invasion of Iraq.
I believe strongly in the Republic that our founding fathers intended to create and in my duty as an American to question our leaders. I’ve considered Thomas Jefferson to be my hero and wished he were alive today – well, now his legacy is! Ron Paul is the intellectual descendant of our country’s founders and I believe as president he will do everything in his power to restore our Republic and our civil liberties. He’s the only one who has got it right. I would not vote for anyone else, party affiliation be damned.
Sent by Molly | 1:39 PM ET | 12-19-2007
33 Male, Christian, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Provider, Protector, Patriot.
While the mainstream media continues to flood us with
coverage of Clinton, Huckabee, and the rest, the only
presidential candidate who is making real news is
Congressman Ron Paul. Ron Paul’s story this election
season has been the message of liberty, prosperity,
and peace, and the people it has inspired to act for
change. Paul has been working for thirty years to
return the federal government to the limited,
constitutional republic established by our founding
fathers. He has been called ???crazy??? by hostile
reporters, but his philosophy of liberty and adherence
to the U.S. Constitution is alive in the heart of
every American patriot and in the immortal legacy of
our founders. Paul’s popularity, as well, has been
diminished in the media through the use of polls which
only draw on people who voted in the last Republican
primary and use a land-line telephone. Paul’s
supporters represent the opposite of
politics-as-usual. People of all political
backgrounds???Republicans, Democrats, Independents,
Libertarians, Greens, Constitutionalists, and even
people who have never voted before???are coming together
in independent, grassroots groups around the country
to hold government accountable to the people and to
the constitution our representatives have sworn to
uphold. As Thomas Jefferson once said, ???The price of
freedom is eternal vigilance.??? We have neglected this
responsibility for too long. Ron Paul is inspiring
Americans to stand up and take responsibility for our
own country, freedoms, and future. Paul’s supporters
are organizing and campaigning independent of any
central authority. That means this is more than just
a campaign, it is a bona fide freedom movement. On
December 16, 58,000 people donated to Ron Paul’s
campaign, for a total of $6.4 million, the largest day
of political fund raising ever. The freedom message
is spreading throughout the country. If you want a
president who speaks the truth and will actually
fulfill his oath of office, you must find out more
about Dr. Paul. America, it’s time to set ourselves free.
LIBERTY, PEACE, and PROSPERITY
Ron Paul for President 2008
Sent by Just Me | 1:40 PM ET | 12-19-2007
Dr. Paul is the spear head of the invisibale third party that has been festering in America since the early 90’s. With our population expanding the way it is there is no reason the public should have to suffer the 2 party system which grossly undervalues those who continually choose not to vote. I support Ron Paul because he is genuinely of, for and by the people who care about this country the most.
Sent by Gabriel Harrison | 1:46 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 30 y/o, married (with 1 baby girl) entreprenuer from Everett, WA. I grew up a strict Republican, but the reason was because I thought government should be smaller and taxes should be lower. The opposite has happened in the last 20 years, and I don’t know what happened to my party.
I was VERY impressed when I heard Ron Paul’s views on limited government, fiscal responsibility and especially foreign policy. He is the only candidate who is educated on our country’s history, and is educated about the reason why conflict occurs and is willing to base future policy on these lessons. What a concept! He is not corrupted by politics, and he is a true and honest voice in a government which has overreached its boundries in the past decade.
Sent by Michael | 1:48 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 53 yr old homeless male. In ‘93-94 I went through ‘Filing Enforcement’, Tax Assessement’ and IRS confiscation. I did not work in the recession of ‘90 and ‘91 and was assessed an income of $25,703.00 for a year I did not work. The paperwork came from FTB (CA) but the feds (IRS) came out to collect the money. When people in the private sector do that kind of thing, it is called a conspiracy. When the government does it, they call it ‘Enforcement’! This Ron Paul battle is the last stand. It’s do or die.
Sent by C. Al Currier | 1:50 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 36 and I’m from Cadillac, MI. I own a small skateboard shop. I am attracted to the Ron Paul movement because I have felt that the federal government has been getting too strong for too long.
Ron Paul is the only candidate that tells the truth. The truth is one that is solidly based on history. Like Rome before us we are on the verge of a fall. Ron Paul seems to be the only candidate that fully understands this fact and wants to work to put us back on the right track. It is easy to believe in Ron Paul because his campaign seems firmly rooted in common sense.
Sent by Billy Wood | 1:53 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 27 year old female, married, no kids. Before I heard about Ron Paul, I wasn’t even sure I was going to vote. (Voted for Bush twice, DOH!)
In regards to his stance on Iraq, I saw a quote the other day that I really liked. It said something like, “It’s not giving in to the bees to stop poking a stick into their hive.”
Sent by Sarah Graham | 1:56 PM ET | 12-19-2007
After reading through most of the previous comments, it is clear that Bennett Roth has no clue about who Ron Paul is or who is supporters are.
I am a 42 year old wife, mother and web developer. I live in the nation’s heartland – specifically, Kansas City, Missouri. In the past I have voted for Democrats, Republicans, and Independents but no politician has ever made me want to donate my hard-earned money or get actively involved in a campaign – not until I found out about Ron Paul, that is.
My biggest concern is the economy and national debt. If our economy tanks or our dollar crumbles, there will not be any money for any of the very expensive things the other candidates would like the Federal government to do, like universal healthcare or continued warfare.
Ron Paul is the only presidential candidates talking about economic issues in any realistic, meaningful way. Without sound currency, balanced budgets and a healthy economy none of the other issues matter in the least.
Sent by Wendy Moore | 2:02 PM ET | 12-19-2007
26 Male NYC Muslim Republican Conservative
Aside from the obvious reasons to support this man it’s sad that this country’s ways has gotten that screwed up to where a person like Ron Paul would get such support. I don’t mean that in a bad way of course but in a way where he speaks and follows by how every politician is suppose to abide by. These people take an oath to this Constitution and some how let lobbyists/special interests tangle them up into doing otherwise.
- Another thing about Ron Paul, when the man speaks, he speaks with clarity. There is nothing that you can’t understand or follow where as the next guy will distort the topic with ” The American people this or that ”
I can go on and on but I’m not about to flood this with just my look at things.
God bless him.
Sent by Ben | 2:04 PM ET | 12-19-2007
Female, 49, married, one child, homeschooling…have followed Ron Paul’s courageous stance on freedom and liberty (economic & political liberty) for 25 yrs. He never changes , he is truly a principled man of integrity, a REAL stateman. An modern-day American hero we can all be proud of.
As a family, we are doing all that we can to help support Dr. Paul’s run for the Presidency and, as of Dec. 16th, BELIEVING it can happen in spite of the MSM!!!!!!!! Go Ron, Go!!
Go to: http://www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/ and find out for yourself
Sent by RW | 2:04 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 29 year old male returning college student majoring in Ethnic, Gender, in Labor Studies at the Univ. of Washington Tacoma. I am a disabled veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
I think Ron Paul is the only candidate who isn’t just telling us what we want to hear. I don’t agree with everything he says but I will vote for him because I believe he’ll keep his promises.
Sent by Sean | 2:04 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I AM A 26 YR OLD MOTHER OF 3, AND A FULL TIME MEDICAL BILLER AND CODER. I SUPPORT RON PAUL BECAUSE I LOVE AMERICA AND FOR WHAT IT STANDS AND AM IN DISTRESS SEEING THE DIRECTION IT IS TAKING AND WE NEED A SOLUTION. RON PAUL IS THE SOLUTION
Sent by JUDITH ALVAREZ-CRAM | 2:08 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 33 year old quality engineer, raised in Nebraska and currently living in Minneapolis. I register as an independent, and the last time I voted was for Ross Perot.
One year ago I never thought I could ever be politically active again, and Ron Paul has definitely cured my apathy and even though I hate to admit it, has given me hope that I personally can change the system. He has definitely cured my apathy and I can’t wait to see where the Revolution goes next.
Sent by Patrick Waymire | 2:11 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a self-employed computer tech. I am a 26 year old male from California. I am extremely excited to vote for Ron Paul in the primaries and in the general election. I always liked the official republican stance but have not found a republican who lived up to it until now. I switched from independent to republican to support Ron Paul in the primaries. I will continue to use my money and computer skills to support Ron Paul. I am self educated, even though I went to college for the piece of paper.
Sent by Jeff | 2:12 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 44 year old conservative who despises the NeoCon agenda of policing the world. The supposed spreading of Democracy, Freedom and Liberty have become associated, in my mind, with illegal invasions and occupations. When Congressman Paul said “we shouldn’t spread Democracy through the barrel of a gun”, I knew he was the best candidate for President. I already knew he voted against the unconstitutional war and will never forget his words of dissent prior to the acts of aggression imposed upon the Iraqi people by our nation at the behest of not only the NeoCon’s, but by the Democrats who take direction from narrow special Interests and the Military Industrial Complex. I think the Patriot Act is the most unpatriotic legislation ever. Stripping away liberty for security leaves us with neither.
Ron Paul for President!
Sent by Greg Chamberlain | 2:14 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 27
Female
2 children
Former Catholic
Native to small town North Dakota
Currently living in the Suburbs of Minnesota
Never a political person, but have always voted according to “media guidelines”.
I have woke up, seen the light, and started spreading Ron Paul’s message to anyone who will listen.
Peace!
Sent by LeeAnn | 2:14 PM ET | 12-19-2007
It is as simple as this…I want my children to know the freedoms I had when I was a child, and on the path we are on now, they are more likely to become slaves to a debt their children will never be able to pay off. It is not Ron Paul so much as it is just time for our course to change. I am a 27-year old stay at home Mom who spends every day and night fighting this fight to ensure my children freedom…that is it.
Sent by Crystal Spargo | 2:15 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a Texan. And like every other Texan I know, I’m voting for Ron Paul. Texas is full of Ron Paul supporters!
Most Texans are Republicans that are tired of modern-day republicans and are excited to finally have Ron Paul, a traditional Republican, to vote for!
Sent by Tracy | 2:18 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 27 year old male, married with 2 kids. I am tired of the government bullying me and my family, and the rest of the world for that matter. I have never thought about voting, as the people running never seemed to care about how their decisions affected my life. Now I have found a Candidate that is for “WE THE PEOPLE” not they the corporations. I have given plenty of time and effort to spread his name and word. Everyone I have told are now voting for Americas only hope, RON PAUL. I will gladly place my vote for him come the time, even if I have to write it in! This is a rEVOLution of a peacefull kind. We are not crazy, we are just excited about freedom!
Sent by Thomas | 2:20 PM ET | 12-19-2007
My name is Nick I am 33yrs old and own a small Telecommunications Wiring company In Washington state. I want a small constitutionally based government that will just leave me alone. I shouldn’t have to ask the government to do anything that doesn’t INVOLVE the government.And I despise laws that are designed to protect me from myself, and think the prosecution of crimes that have no victim is reprehensible. I just want the return of freedom!!
Sent by Nick | 2:22 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 28 year old stay at home mom from California. I support Ron Paul because I am concerned about what kind of America will be there by the time my baby boy is an adult. We have spent ourselves into near bankruptcy, for what? While my husband makes good money, about 125k, our tax burden is so crippling that we are unable to afford to purchase our first home. For what? America is becoming a place where even the people who want to take care of themselves cannot, because the government is telling us we must take care of everyone else. Give me private schools, toll roads, whatever. Just leave us alone!!!
Sent by Rachel | 2:24 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 48 yr old female conservative traditional republican of 30 yrs. I have been watching for yrs the GOP getting out of control. Our rights have been eroding and I am ready for We The People to take back government control and give the power back to the people where it rightfully belongs. I support Ron Paul because he can help bring back government fiscal responsibility and adhere to our U.S. Constitutional principles.
Sent by Kate | 2:34 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 28 years old and I live in Ohio. I’ve called myself a Republican since Elementary school, and voted accordingly since I was 18.
My girlfriend is 27 years old, and originally from New York. She was raised as a Democrat, and has argued politics with me for the past 3 years we’ve been together…
…Until we were both introduced to Ron Paul. He’s the only politician we’ve both ever agreed on.
It doesn’t matter if you were raised Republican or raised Democrat, because the Constitution and the message of Freedom is taught in schools in this country at the earliest ages. As you get older, you realize things aren’t the way they told you they would be in school. Ron Paul tells you things *can* be.
Sent by Tim | 2:47 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 46-year old former founder and CEO of an investment banking and brokerage firm headquartered in Chicago. I sold my banking business interests 3 years ago and am working on a new start-up venture. I am a former Reagan Republican who has been turned off by big government Republicans and Democrats alike and I find in Paul a humble foreign policy (informed by both the founding fathers and contemporary research into the real causes of terrorism, see Pape, “Dying to Win,” U of C professor)and the only real change candidate running for president. I am also a compassionate conservative evangelical Christian. The difference is that I have met Dr. Paul and I have studied him–as I have Mike Huckabee–and I’m tired of being associated with people who will embarrass us later. If I want to know what Paul stands for, all one has to do is look at his voting record and the constitution. The debt is going up at a rate of $1 million per minute. We need either real change or a bankruptcy lawyer–fast.
Sent by Nick Betzold | 2:51 PM ET | 12-19-200
I am a 23 year old, college grad, working on Wall Street in New York. Never voted before, and never thought I’d register to vote in my lifetime. Donated money which I really couldn’t afford to pay; who knew how little of your salary you actually get to keep. I’m surprised that people in the media aren’t jumping for joy at the fact there’s a candidate running that wants to eliminate the income tax, and not replace it with another tax. That definitely seems like something your audience would be interested in. I’m grateful for the fact that I’ve never registered to vote before, because I didn’t learn about Ron Paul (from a friend in the military) until it would have been too late to switch party affiliations.
Sent by Solomon | 2:53 PM ET | 12-19-2007
Fred Soto, author of the White House Intel Report. I’m a “Clintonian Democrat” who has fallen in love with the feisty Texan. His message is strong, principles strong and I think we’re ready for a revolution ideas. You might wonder why a Democrat would support a Libertarian who is supports some issues that I am staunchly against? Well for starters, I think the biggest issue in America today is the rise and acceptance fascism in America. I believe this nation is ready for a revolution and if it takes a libertarian to kick-start the revolution, then I’m 100% behind that man. What I know, and what many Liberals who support Ron Paul also know, is that the revolution will be bigger than Paul. It’s not going to be a revolution that will be fought in the trenches, it’ll be one that is fought by America’s elite and “the people” for control over the direction of this nation. If anything I say sounds like it’s reaching or “out there”, there is a good chance that you are way behind the times. In five or ten years the revolution that is underway will be very strong and it the fight for a respectable Democratic Republic and the struggle for our liberty will not be stopped.
Sent by Fred Soto – yes, I’m a Mexican-American and damn proud | 2:54 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a thirty-four year old male from Texas who supports Ron Paul’s message of peace, prosperity, and individual liberty.
Sent by Scott Stalker | 2:54 PM ET | 12-19-2007
Hello everyone,
married, homemaker, part-time substitute school teacher with 2 kids ages 16 and 13. Struggling to make ends meet every month, sick of taxes (especially the IRS), tired of seeing my husbands hard earned money being used to fund an illegal war, pay interest on debt that we didn’t create, and basically used for a hundred things I don’t agree with.
I love guns, freedom of speech, and personal choice. I think we need to end the war on drugs and the war on terror. Americans need to wake up to what’s happening and stop the assult on our rights and liberties before it’s too late. I support Dr. Paul and pray every day that he’ll be our next president.
Sent by Vivian | 2:56 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 45 yr old male, married 2 great boys both voting age 7 small biz owner in Jax, Fl. I just got my 1st voter registration card today & a countertop voter registration display to help all the others who have suddenly had their apathy cured. Ther is no way to stop the election of Ron Paul because it is actually the American people rising to a new hope. We are tired of being told how it has to be, we want it how it should be- FREE! They finally pushed evryone too far and now the US Constitution will be enforced. I think there is some very scared people in Washington today…
Sent by WorldEarth.org | 2:59 PM ET | 12-19-2007
i am 32, a construction worker who was registered independent but changed to republican to support DR Ron Paul…. because he tells the hard truth, and votes like he says .. honesty which is hard to find … DR Paul wants to save America .. no one else is offering to do this … they are just puppets to the lobbyist
Sent by tom taylor | 3:01 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 57 year old married male software engineer with one child. I was raised in the south and currently living in the northwest. Gave up on the 2=1 party system years ago but this is my last chance to save my country, my family, my friends from economic, military, and constitutional disaster. All my spare time and money go to the Ron Paul campaign. I cannot stand by and do nothing.
Sent by Roy Trammell | 3:05 PM ET | 12-19-2007
Well I’m 33 years old Ex-Military (Army) and i have never been very active in politics untill i heard about ron paul. like most people i am sick and tired of lies and misinfomation. The goverment has grown too large and the people have grown lazy it takes a person like Dr. Paul to send a message that moves people in a way that reminds us who we are as a nation and why it’s important defend our freedoms.
Sent by Robert Varney | 3:07 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am 24 years old, male, married (to my very beautiful wife), and RP will be the first politician that I’ve ever voted for. I live in Tyler, TX, and just started listening to NPR about 2 months ago.
Dr. Paul’s message is appealing to me because of his anti-war stance, and his vow to protect our liberties. He also has a 20 year voting record to prove his integrity and commitment to his principles.
Sent by Chris Dudley | 3:13 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 29-year-old computer programmer from St. Louis, MO. Until recently I’ve never donated to a compaign and haven’t voted in the past two presidential elections. Although I’m not proud of that, the reason I haven’t been politically active is that I’ve been completely turned off by politics and disgusted with the options. Ron Paul’s message of freedom and following the Constitution has completely changed my attitude. I’ve donated twice to his campaign and plan on donating a third time this month.
Sent by Jamin Gray | 3:15 PM ET | 12-19-2007
32 year old entrepreneur living in San Francisco. Economics major in college who never learned about Austrian theory at liberal Northeast university. Discovered Austrian principles three years ago on the internet along with Ron Paul. Have been devouring everything related ever since. Books, articles, speeches, etc. When one hears the truth it is easy to recognize and impossible to ignore. If we don’t change our ways, our ways will change us. Ron Paul is the only one who understands this and has literally been speaking about this since 1974. I was a registered Independent, now a registered Republican and I have voted for both Republicans and Democrats in the past. Now I will vote for, support, and promulgate Ron Paul and the concepts of liberty and Austrian economic theory (and the politicians who do the same) until the day I die. As a member of KQED I can only hope that NPR gets with it!
Sent by Rob in SF | 3:15 PM ET | 12-19-2007
Graphic Designer, 28, North Carolina (NJ transplant), conservative background. I’ve never given money to a political campaign before and wrote in “no vote – protest” in the 2004 election.
For a moment, I was surprised that even NPR was impotently trying to smear Dr. Paul (implying he is a racist, that he is a hypocrite on government spending, saying with remarkable confidence that he will not win, etc.), but then I realized that Dr. Paul must be someone who DOES TRULY threaten the establishment, to have NPR fall into the same attack pattern as FoxNews, the Wall Street Journal, Red State and others. The masks are slipping.
Sent by Matt | 3:17 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 52 year old life-long Republican woman. I have six children and am a native Californian. I have voted in every single election since I was eighteen.
I have known about Ron Paul and his phone message for a while now. I was planning on NOT voting this election until I found out Ron Paul was running.
I’ve been waiting for a candidate like Ron Paul since I was 18. I was of the belief he/she wouldn’t materalize in my lifetime.
I have four college degrees and am in Law School. I just finished Constitutional Law and am preparing to take my final. I have studied and taken Constitutional classes before. Ron Paul is right on about the issues.
This time, maybe for the first time, WE THE PEOPLE, have a choice. It’s the media’s job to make sure everyone has this choice. Cover Ron Paul.
VOTE RON PAUL!
Sent by Donna Matrix | 3:27 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 60 year-old grandmother of two wonderful grandsons, and an internationally-known artist.
Ron Paul is the first candidate to run on a platform of truth. He actually understands and speaks to the contradictions which are destroying this nation’s economic and intellectual fabric.
I am especially delighted to see many posts by people the age of my own daughter: with all these 30-somethings making informed decisions and understanding the politics of greed v the statecraft of honesty and logic, there is actually hope for this country and the world. Maybe we will actually be able to bring the military home and set out own nation on a good course, not unlike Switzerland practices.
Sent by Marguerite | 3:29 PM ET | 12-19-2007
Vote for me, I promise to:
* pander and prostitute myself to voters, doing whatever my handlers think it takes to get me elected. Opinion polls will dictate how I feel.
* ignore you as a constituent, once I am elected (yeah, just try and call me, that’s a laugh!).
* oh, that is, unless you are rich, and able to contribute to my secret Swiss retirement fund, then I will vote the way you want.
* the Constitution, that old “piece of paper”? Ha! The more government programs I can support, the bigger my empire.
* In short, I will be part of the best government money can buy. And, the most intrusive on your personal life, too!
Sincerely, any candidate besides Ron Paul.
—
I am a computer programmer, 56. I am proud to say that I have never registered to vote. What good is a representative form of government, when no candidate represents my views? Needless to say, this is all changed. I am eagerly supporting Ron Paul.
Sent by Steve V | 3:37 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 39 year old male Software Engineer in Seattle.
I’ve been a libertarian since 1994 when I heard LP presidential candidate Harry Browne on the radio. I’d previously read and loved his book “How to Live Free in an Unfree World”, so I investigated the libertarian party.
I had previously been politically homeless (voted Democrat, Republican, Ross Perot, whatever) because being fiscally conservative and socially liberal, I didn’t really fit with the Republicans or the Democrats.
I subsequently read Ayn Rand and studied philosophy and economics with a new perspective and a renewed interest, and have been an ardent free-market liberal ever since.
Like many libertarians who have been through a few election cycles, I’ve become disaffected with the Libertarian Party, since it is too ineffectual to make any headway against our heavily entrenched two-party system.
The Ron Paul Revolution is the first time since 1996 (my first election cycle as a new starry-eyed libertarian) that I’ve felt that the free-market libertarian message has a chance to be heard. Ron may be a bit more pro-life and closed-border than me, but his message is consistently one of individual liberty and personal responsibility. This country needs to hear and to follow that message if we want to avoid economic crisis and an Orwellian future on civil liberties.
It makes me so happy to read all the enthusiastic posts from Ron Paul supporters, and to see the money he has raised, and to feel that spark of hope that there really is a possibility that he could be our next president.
Sent by Matt Edwards | 3:39 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 25 year old married female, my husband is 31 and serving in our United States Navy, we have two children. We are Protestant Christians
We want one thing – a candidate, a leader, who understands true libertarianism. We know it isn’t a feasible thought that our country will ever run as a Libertarian country but having a president who at least supports and believes in this makes us feel better about our government. He sees almost eye to eye on just about every thing that matters to us.
Being military, we need to know that we have the support of our leader and also that he will make decisions for OUR country and not everyone else’s. This will make our military know that they are not being used and that their lives are NOT expendable.
***Libertarians – STAND UP AND LET EVERYONE KNOW WE ARE UNITED AND WANT CHANGES!***
Sent by K & K | 3:40 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a Texas Resident who has been a Ron Paul supporter for 30 years. He has the integrity to vote his convictions even when it was against spending in his district. All we are saying is give freedom a chance.
Visualize liberty.
Don
Sent by Don Jacoby | 3:50 PM ET | 12-19-2007
Concert Promoter, 32 yr old male, Nashville, TN.
Registered Libertarian.
“The old left/right, Democrat/Republican, Liberal/Conservative political paradigm is breaking down. Both sides of the false paradigm have vested interests in its maintenance. Ron Paul and his message of freedom heralds the new paradigm: Constitutionalist vs. Statist.
Statists, whether of the “left” or “right” varieties believe that the Government or “State” is the solution to every problem. Constitutionalists believe in the rights of the individual and that rule of law protects the individual and society from the tyranny of the State. To quote the Gipper…”Government isn’t the solution to our problems. Government IS the problem.”
The Ron Paul Revolution is a revolution on a paradigmatic level. The body politic Americana is being radically reconfigured at this very moment and will never be the same.”
RON PAUL FOR THE WIN!
Sent by ST | 3:57 PM ET | 12-19-2007
IM A SENIOR IN HIGHSCHOOL AND ALL THE STUDENTS IN MY AREA IN TEXAS SUPPORT RON PAUL ALLL THEE WAYY !!!
Sent by Trisha | 4:00 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 32 year old father, husband and professional. I live in Oklahoma, I am a proud American, and I support Ron Paul
Sent by Tim | 4:01 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am an 18-year old conservative, and Ron Paul has shown me a new view recently to make me lean libertarian. I’m a student at a community college, and I’m very interested in politics.
Have faith in the Constitution!
Sent by Matthew Cheatham | 4:01 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 23 year old activist. Used to be a pretty stout Neo-Con, untill I learned the truth about our forgin policy and federal government, and monetery system. Ron Paul opened my eyes. He is the only man telling the truth about the way things really are in the world. Ron Paul changed my life and perspective of the world.
Sent by Ben Chew | 4:01 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 37 y/o college student who decided to go for it late in life. I have been guilty of being an apathetic American, but was cured of said apathy the first time I heard Ron Paul speak.
Since my husband and I are a one-income family (something rarely heard of in this day and age) we have very little money for anything other than bills.
This Christmas, I asked my husband to please give to the Ron Paul Tea Party instead of buying me a gift. Freedom is the greatest gift a person can receive, and it is ALL I want for Christmas this year.
We have never donated to, or actively participated in ANY campaign in our lives, and we are so proud and excited to be part of this REVOLUTION!
Sent by Robyne | 4:01 PM ET | 12-19-2007
M 24 Ohio native. Now living in NH… Want to elect a leader who will restore our constitutional rights and stop needless spending.
Sent by Colin Marcom | 4:01 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 39, a research analyst in the banking field, a California native transplanted to Utah, 1 beautiful wife, 3 great kids, a single family home with a mortgage, and an otherwise normal life.
I don’t believe 9/11 was an inside job. I’m opposed to bigotry against all people of all races and lifestyles. I believe that Jesus’ teachings about love for others and nonviolence apply to personal lives and national policy.
I’ve been listening to NPR for over 12 years now, and this was one of the most inaccurate, biased pieces I’ve ever heard. I resent the ongoing mischaracterization of Ron Paul as a nut case and closet bigot, and his supporters as “angry loners” who live in their parents’ basements.
NPR should be ashamed for airing this segment.
Sent by Mike Parker | 4:03 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a 30 yo stay home mother of three from Oregon. My husband owns and runs our own business. I have never listened to a presidential candidate EVER who’s words reflected the way I feel our government should be run. I respect him and believe in him. I have never said that about a politician ever. He speaks for the people. We the people….
Sent by Karie | 4:03 PM ET | 12-19-2007
A great article – it points out yet again the man has a brain and uses it well. This short and fairly uninformative article is a very brief look into Dr. Paul; his perspectives are not dogmatic across the board and he clearly sees and understands the different rolls one has at a state vs. federal level. Go Dr. Paul, you’ve got my vote. What happens at the state level, in a Paul administration, would be, and rightfully so, inherently different than at a federal level.
Sent by Loren B | 4:03 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m 31, native of South Carolina, transplant to France, voted for the Constitution party in the last primary, and for GW Bush twice (which I regret).
I’m conservative, christian, techy, designer guy.
I’m married with 2 kids and I’m addicted to Ron Paul. He cannot get any classier and articulate than he is. He constantly affirms my confidence in a vote for him when I watch his videos.
Sent by Neil | 4:03 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I’m a 24-year-old libertarian newspaper reporter from Illinois. I believe Dr. Paul is the most honest candidate we have had in my lifetime and genuinely believes in true freedom!
Sent by Fitzgerald M. Doubet | 4:04 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I am a single parent mom, that supports Ron Paul and his ideas. I think sir that you will find Ron Paul has a lot of different kinds of people supporting him.
Sent by Rachel | 4:04 PM ET | 12-19-200
I’m a database administrator for a college here in Ohio. I’m a Ron Paul supporter because finally there is a presidential candidate who might actually make a difference. This country needs a president with values, integrity, and willpower to say no.
Sent by Ben | 4:04 PM ET | 12-19-2007
I live in Florida and became interested in Ron Paul abo