Did Ron Paul convert you from a socialist to a libertarian?

[HalogenFlood]

I'm curious. We have seen documented in numerous threads in this forum individuals who once supported the Iraq war (or had a Neocon mindset) who now oppose it due to Ron's message of truth. Do we have members here who were once Democrats or had a socialist mindset that, after hearing Ron's message of free markets, Liberty, and personal responsibility, were transformed and now believe libertarian values are the way to go?

 

[Sematary]

He converted me from a libertarian minded indpendent to a libertarian minded Republican.

 

[DrNoZone]

He convinced me to support his candidacy and vote for him this election cycle, though I am traditionally an anarchist/voluntaryist who opposes voting altogether. Well, truly, it wasn't that he convinced me; I've been an RP supporter for a long time, so when I heard he was running it was a no-brainer.

 

[runderwo]

The internet converted me from a teenage anarchosocialist to an adult libertarian in the sense of Adam Smith.

Ron Paul converted me from a computer-desk potato to an activist.

 

[Kregener]

He convinced me that not ALL of Congress were:

Over 10 years ago.

 

[hard@work]

Halogen - I know quite a few people who considered themselves "socialist" until they read up on Dr. Paul and researched the issues he addresses. They would consider themselves Libertarian now. I would say ready to declare themselves Republican if we restore the party back to it's traditional values.

 

[werdd]

i learned that socialism sucks.

 

[philipsantamaria]

he reinforced my libertarianism at the federal level...

 

[Cliff]

He converted me from apathetic to hope.

I honestly believe a revolution was coming I just did not know if it would be political or with guns.

If Paul gets in I honestly believe we can do it politically. If he doesn't things could get really bad in the US.

States are already talking succession.

 

[HalogenFlood]

Halogen - I know quite a few people who considered themselves "socialist" until they read up on Dr. Paul and researched the issues he addresses. They would consider themselves Libertarian now. I would say ready to declare themselves Republican if we restore the party back to it's traditional values.

That's awesome. If Ron didn't get elected but the ultimate outcome of his efforts was the transformation of the Republican party back to it's traditional values I'd say that's still quite a victory.

 

[Paulitician]

I was very centrist before I learned about Paul. I still am, but now hold more of "right-wing" (i.e. classical liberal) position on economics and I'm more civil libertarian than before.

 

[davidkachel]

He convinced me that not ALL of Congress were:

Over 10 years ago.

Is that Ted Kennedy there at the bottom of the photo?

Damn that's a lot of rattlesnakes! (Where, How, Why? Huh?)

 

[steph3n]

That's awesome. If Ron didn't get elected but the ultimate outcome of his efforts was the transformation of the Republican party back to it's traditional values I'd say that's still quite a victory.

too many republicans are blinded to the facts.
1. we can't afford war
2. we can't afford to keep giving money to other countries
3. democrats are wrong too, because they want to continue fighting AND expand social programs
4. free market is always better at providing personal services.
5. we need to protect our country FIRST.

 

[steph3n]

Is that Ted Kennedy there at the bottom of the photo?

Damn that's a lot of rattlesnakes! (Where, How, Why? Huh?)

looks like from a west TX rattlesnake roundup.
these are really popular.

 

[hard@work]

That's awesome. If Ron didn't get elected but the ultimate outcome of his efforts was the transformation of the Republican party back to it's traditional values I'd say that's still quite a victory.

I know why you asked. I promise you your instincts are correct. He is more of a threat to the Democratic party's platforms than any candidate in history. People who believe that government programs are needed only do so because they fear corporate corruption. They are constantly fed these ideas that their tax dollars go to good causes. Ron Paul shines light right on that deception. The idea that social programs can be better administrated through the people is more than just truth, it is what our country is founded on.

Die hard socialists will be hard or impossible to convert. But we're talking outright socialist or communist thinking members of society. The idea that government is the destruction of liberty is foreign to them. They feel that if only the right people were in place things would be better. Never mind that the "right people" never happens.

There is a very good reason the democratic punditry has not truly addressed the Ron Paul candidacy. We know why Olbermann remains silent. I'm glad we were able to see his true colors.

 

[quickmike]

I have the same views on government that Ive always had since high school. The only thing that has changed is my attitude about any one party being able to claim title to those beliefs. First, I thought it was the republicans............ wrong!!
Then I thought it was the Libertarians.......... wrong again!!!!

Now Ive realized, its never going to be a party as a whole that believes in freedom. Its really the individual, reguardless of which party they belong to.

 

[steph3n]

Actually this is a good point, there are die hards, you can typically tell pretty quickly, don't get into hours long debates with them, spend your time on others

Forums, or in person, same issue holds true.
(looking in mirror at myself)

I know why you asked. I promise you your instincts are correct. He is more of a threat to the Democratic party's platforms than any candidate in history. People who believe that government programs are needed only do so because they fear corporate corruption. They are constantly fed these ideas that their tax dollars go to good causes. Ron Paul shines light right on that deception. The idea that social programs can be better administrated through the people is more than just truth, it is what our country is founded on.

Die hard socialists will be hard or impossible to convert. But we're talking outright socialist or communist thinking members of society. The idea that government is the destruction of liberty is foreign to them. They feel that if only the right people were in place things would be better. Never mind that the "right people" never happens.

There is a very good reason the democratic punditry has not truly addressed the Ron Paul candidacy. We know why Olbermann remains silent. I'm glad we were able to see his true colors.

 

[drain]

ayn rand got to me first

 

[Malakai0]

Great topic. I have been anti-war since it started. I have leaned libertarian since I first starting learning about politics (from the net ofc) since early 2000.

Ron definitely changed my mind and educated me on several issues. Before Ron I had no idea how the fed or other central banks worked, that it was private, or that it causes all the inflation. I also had no idea that the medicare/medicaid prescription program (I worked at CVS Pharmacy so this stuff was big news for me) was actually lobbied by the drug companies and that they make skyhigh profits off it.

I was also pro-universal-healthcare. A little education and history about socializing programs has changed my mind. Also the fact that we are being given the dishonest choice of corporate medicare of today or socialism of tomorrow. I didn't realize the best choice was the one they aren't giving, going back to free market medicine and getting the government OUT.

I also didn't realize that our current government has wiped their bums with the constitution.

So yes, Ron has changed me from a libertarian leaning liberal to far more libertarian.
I am also definitely now a 'constitutionalist'.
TJ and GW knew best, yo.

 

[davidkachel]

looks like from a west TX rattlesnake roundup.
these are really popular.

Geeze, I usually round 'em up with .45 caliber slugs. And never more than one or two at a time. That photo downright sends a chill up my spine!