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LEFT WING LOONS Title: Title: Ron Paul ... A Modern-Day --- Pat Paulsen Ron Paul: A Modern-Day Pat Paulsen By Palash R. Ghosh Subscribe to Palash's RSS feed December 20, 2011 Pat Paulsen was a nondescript comedian and satirist who gained fame in the 1960s television show “The Smothers Brothers” and who “ran for president” during every election from 1968 through 1996. Paulsen’s mock-candidacy was so brilliant that many people did not get the “joke” and actually voted him in as write-in candidate. In some primaries (both Democrat and Republican) his name actually appeared on the ballots as an “official” candidate. Sadly, Paulsen died in 1997. After the comedian’s death, Tommy Smothers commented: “[Pat Paulsen] always had this powerful sense of commitment when he ran [for president]. There was no joke about it, though there was the joke underneath it. He never let on that it’s a joke, which is amazing. Whenever I’d walk around with him, people would yell, ‘Hey, Mr. President.’” Must Read Like Father Like Son? North Korea Mourns 'Dear Leader' Automaker Saab Files for BankruptcyLike us on Facebook However, I believe Paulsen has been reincarnated… and his name is Ron Paul. Aside from having a startling physical resemblance to Paulsen, the homely, rubber-faced Paul would also appear to be a “joke” candidate -- although his rabid core supporters don’t seem to get the joke. Ron Paul has no hope of getting the presidential nomination, much less ever becoming the chief executive. His “campaigns” for president have become a once-in-every-four-year joke. His loyal supporters (who basically remind of me the mindless adherents of some cult) claim that Paul is for “freedom” and espouses so-called “libertarian” principles. From what I can ascertain, Paul’s central core belief is that the government is too large and must be substantially reduced, thereby lowering the financial burden on taxpayers. But consider what that really means – Paul wants to, among other things, eliminate the Federal Reserve, Department of Education, Department of Homeland Security, and the IRS, among many other arms of government. He seeks to drastically cut foreign aid, and withdraw from NATO and the United Nations. He opposed the government’s campaign to assassinate Osama bin Laden and generally dislikes almost any kind of foreign intervention. He was adamantly opposed to the Patriot Act and didn’t want federal money to pay for airline security (instead, he suggested that pilots should be armed). At one point, Paul suggested eliminating the income tax, then recently he proposed a flat 10 percent tax. It’s hard to pin down Paul according to ideology – he seems to adhere to no coherent political philosophy. He is, to put it simply, all things to all people. Some conservatives like Paul because he is (he claims) opposed to abortion and illegal immigration. Some liberals like him because he opposed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; and has also made statements that the federal government should not have a say over marijuana use or same-sex marriage. Thus, one has to wonder why Paul bothers running in presidential elections at all? Is it to satisfy his ego? Does he really think that some of his extremist fringe political views will actually spill over into the mainstream Republican platform? He and his supporters know he has no chance to win – but every four years they go through this bizarre, pointless, futile, and wearying exercise. And, most importantly, if Paul hates and fears the federal government so much (i.e., it’s too big, unwieldy, intrusive and powerful), then why on earth does he want to lead it as the President? I also wonder if there may be some kind of conspiracy afoot – that is, perhaps the ‘mainstream’ Republicans are using Paul as a stark contrast to their more electable candidates. It’s rather like Paul is a sideshow in a circus act and the GOP is saying: “Compared to that crackpot, our regular candidates are far more acceptable and sane.” Perhaps Paul should simply admit that he’s a joke and then I would enjoy his performance as a ‘mock-candidate.’ Then, he’d really become a real-life Pat Paulsen! To report problems or to leave feedback about this article, e-mail: p.ghosh@ibtimes.com To contact the editor, e-mail: editor@ibtimes.com
Poster Comment: modern day rip van winkle
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 3.
#1. To: BorisY (#0)
My sig says it all.
In battle armies wear distinctive uniforms to prevent them from killing each other ! It's a sad state of affairs when liberals have you backstabbing the republicans !
It's a sad state of affairs when liberals have you backstabbing the republicans ! You seem to think that there are two separate parties. There's only one. Until you can come to grips with that fact, you're just another sheep to be fleeced. Welcome to the land of the real.
#4. To: Capitalist Eric (#3)
Pretty thick egg shell you're living in !
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