Does anyone else wonder why in 30 years there's only been one Ron Paul (like) Congressman?

[RCA]

I know power corrupts, but shouldn't the Congressional liberty hopeful statistics be slightly better than .001% in 30 years? Just some food for thought while trying to see things from a broader perspective.

 

[Esoteric]

I thought about this too. I think it's just because principled libertarianism is not what traditionally wins elections. The very art of being a successful politician is being able to appease the most people and talk out of both sides of your mouth, rather than calling it as you see it. Goldwater conservatives were essentially libertarians, until about 1980 when the whole concept of "social conservatism" came into existence.

 

[pcosmar]

Perhaps because the others were killed or run out of office.

A few names come to mind.

 

[qh4dotcom]

You forgot Rand...now there are two of them

 

[treyfu]

It's the system. When you coercive organization rooted in theft and violence, those most skilled at violent thievery will rise to the top.

 

[Nastynate]

I thought Larry McDonald was pretty good. Also Rand Paul, but you do have a valid point.

 

[Wiserphil]

And Jim Traficant.

 

[brandon]

Because it's nearly impossible for an honest person to win an election.

 

[Grubb556]

Public schools teach that government is inherently good?

 

[Travlyr]

Perhaps because the others were killed or run out of office.

A few names come to mind.

This is the way I see it too. Before the Fed took over in 1913 there were several statesman in congress, but the money changers got rid of them the very next election cycle. Since then most all of them have been "hand picked" by the status quo.

 

[josh b]

It's the system. When you coercive organization rooted in theft and violence, those most skilled at violent thievery will rise to the top.

Exactly. Our system trains career douche bags.

 

[pcosmar]

Exactly. Our system trains career douche bags.

It's common to our society as a whole.(sadly) Honesty and Integrity are rare and precious.

 

[ConvertedRepublican]

I thought Larry McDonald was pretty good. Also Rand Paul, but you do have a valid point.

Thank you for mentioning McDonald. I was pretty young when the airliner he was on was shot down. He was a Democrat and a true conservative.

 

[acptulsa]

He wasn't and isn't. He just stuck the longest. Remember the old mantra:

We the unwilling, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful.

It takes a stubborn man to keep racking up those 434-1 votes.

 

[Napoleon's Shadow]

It's a mix of things to be able to do what Ron does...

1- being a professional and financially suited (so that you can afford to run and lose)
2- going after a weakened incumbent, a swing seat, or an open seat; neither of which happens often in any specific given geographic area
3- actually being of a libertarian or limited government / Constitutional philosophical foundation
4- understanding the nature of politics and not getting co-opted by the establishment by refusing to give in to pressure or "bribes"
5- able to win primary reelection without help of the establishment
6- being clean with very few or even no skeletons in one's closet


Those 5 combinations are VERY rare among those who are interested and wanting to get involved in politics

 

[LibertyEagle]

Most people like Ron Paul, Barry Goldwater or Larry McDonald, do not like big government and the people who seem to flock around it. So, they don't run for office that often. Also, if you're an honest person, you don't attract the payola from special interests that grease their way into office.

 

[AGRP]

Public schools teach that government is inherently good?

It's the system. When you coercive organization rooted in theft and violence, those most skilled at violent thievery will rise to the top.

x2

Its a systemic problem, but things are getting much better.

Who would have thought neocons would be complaining about a thriving "isolationist" strain within the Republican party?

 

[RCA]

Most of the answers seem to point towards the "system". So the next question is what to do about the "system"?

 

[Inkblots]

I thought Larry McDonald was pretty good. Also Rand Paul, but you do have a valid point.

Well, it's been nigh on 30 years since he was killed, so the point still stands. However, Ron Paul hasn't been completely alone. People like John Hostettler of Indiana, Walter Jones of NC (in recent years), and now new folks like Justin Amash have been present to stand with Ron at various points in his career.

 

[acptulsa]

Most of the answers seem to point towards the "system". So the next question is what to do about the "system"?

Fine question. How does one make society less shallow?

They seem to be doing the most in this cause by robbing us blind. Beyond that, well, the best attempt I know of is our own Constitution. Otherwise..?