HuffPo top headline - Ron Paul: 'I'm Trying To Save The Republican Party'

[BlackTerrel]

Not to be a parrot but good article shitty comments sums it up.

Still I think many more people read articles than comments - so this is a good thing.

 

[BlackTerrel]

Fear? Well, fear that a person like Dr. Paul gets into office, certainly.

Those people commenting reflect how a large percentage of Americans think. Particularly, since it *is* Huffpo, liberal Americans, but still.

I don't actually see many libertarians debate with conservatives or liberals. I mean, I don't see many liberals and conservatives debate much either (most forums become a kind of inhospitable echo-chamber where either liberals or conservatives dominate and think all who see things differently are 'trolls', 'insane', and 'out of touch with reality'), but I still think it'd be interesting.

I've noticed that as well and I don't think it's healthy for us as a country. People stuck only hearing the viewpoints they agree with leads to a fracturing of society and for many a myopic world view.

I still remember in 2008 having friends shocked that McCain could win roughly half the vote when "I've never met a McCain voter in my life". That's usually a sign of the person making that comment.

 

[Blue]

HuffPo comments always make me laugh.
LiberalLand seems like a more suitable name for that site.

 

[MoneyWhereMyMouthIs2]

I'm really not sure how people here think liberals can like libertarian ideas.

"Liberals" generally support social freedom, such as keeping govt out of bedrooms and keeping religion out of govt. Libertarian ideals have common ground with both "liberals" and "conservatives." Although, I can hardly tell the difference anymore. It's pretty much us against the totalitarian war party.

 

[Ivash]

"Liberals" generally support social freedom, such as keeping govt out of bedrooms and keeping religion out of govt. Libertarian ideals have common ground with both "liberals" and "conservatives." Although, I can hardly tell the difference anymore. It's pretty much us against the totalitarian war party.

Some common ground, sure, but not enough to win their support. Many see government as a potential force for good when it comes to social or economic conditions. Most here fundementally disagree with that.

 

[sailingaway]

Some common ground, sure, but not enough to win their support. Many see government as a potential force for good when it comes to social or economic conditions. Most here fundementally disagree with that.

there are a lot of progressives who support Ron because of his commitment to civil liberties and against wars of aggression. If those are their priorities, Ron is the only game in town. What's her face, Jane someone from Salon apparently volunteered for Ron's campaign somewhere, Robin Koerner of HuffPo started Blue Republicans and is now to the point where he is writing lyrics to songs for music videos to Ron (see below). It is quite sincere.

 

[Ivash]

there are a lot of progressives who support Ron because of his commitment to civil liberties and against wars of aggression. If those are their priorities, Ron is the only game in town. What's her face, Jane someone from Salon apparently volunteered for Ron's campaign somewhere, Robin Koerner of HuffPo started Blue Republicans and is now to the point where he is writing lyrics to songs for music videos to Ron (see below). It is quite sincere.

I'm sure. But still many (almost certainly most) hold economic or social concerns to be more 'dear' to them.

If I asked you to support a candidate who was legitimetly against wars and civil liberties, yet supported government intrusion into the private sector as well as certain types of regulations would you be able to support him?

 

[sailingaway]

I'm sure. But still many (almost certainly most) hold economic or social concerns to be more 'dear' to them.

I said if those are their priorities. those to whom welfare (not 'social') is more important may feel differently. But a big slice are drawn to Ron over the alternatives, even when they have reservations on some issues. And even those concerned about entitlements who actually LOOK at Ron's budget see his priorities prioritize that much more than do the others, including Obama by cutting first overseas, and cutting administration and corporate subsidies first, leaving social security for example, alone entirely and block granting welfare to the states.

 

[Ivash]

I said if those are their priorities. those to whom welfare (not 'social') is more important may feel differently. But a big slice are drawn to Ron over the alternatives, even when they have reservations on some issues. And even those concerned about entitlements who actually LOOK at Ron's budget see his priorities prioritize that much more than do the others, including Obama by cutting first overseas, and cutting administration and corporate subsidies first, leaving social security for example, alone entirely and block granting welfare to the states.

To them, welfare is part of a wider 'social concern'. And many would also disagree with cutting administration budgets. And these are just two disagreements which they have with libertarians. Unions, subsidies for certain types of products, regulations, health care(!), and many others show other areas of discontent.

Go on any liberal website and try to talk to them and see how wide the gap is. Even those who do look at Dr. Paul's budget and agenda often times disagree whole heatedly with it.

 

[sailingaway]

To them, welfare is part of a wider 'social concern'. And many would also disagree with cutting administration budgets. And these are just two disagreements which they have with libertarians. Unions, subsidies for certain types of products, regulations, health care(!), and many others show other areas of discontent.

Go on any liberal website and try to talk to them and see how wide the gap is. Even those who do look at Dr. Paul's budget and agenda often times disagree whole heatedly with it.

'them' isn't who I am talking about. There are liberals like you describe, definitely. But there is a big slice who do not think that way or who put that as a lower priority at this juncture. I go on liberal websites all the time. The mushy ones are like you describe, but go to firedoglake, some of the Huffpo -- there are probably as many 'liberals' who prioritize these things as there are conservatives, imho. Finding them is just harder because they are mixed in, and often initially resistant to looking.

 

[[email protected]]

I go to huffington post to fight with all liberals on the comments section. I think its hilarious with there logic. It was nice to see a decent article on Ron Paul though.

 

[Ivash]

'them' isn't who I am talking about. There are liberals like you describe, definitely. But there is a big slice who do not think that way or who put that as a lower priority at this juncture. I go on liberal websites all the time. The mushy ones are like you describe, but go to firedoglake, some of the Huffpo -- there are probably as many 'liberals' who prioritize these things as there are conservatives, imho. Finding them is just harder because they are mixed in, and often initially resistant to looking.

I'm sure that liberals like that exist, but I guarantee you that the (mass) majority disagree with you. I could break down the numbers, but think about it: unions, a large section of minorities (that support affirmative action and, yes, welfare, among other things) big city liberals, single mothers (who also support welfare among other things), the youth (many of whom want governmental regulations on businesses), etc.

Granted, none of these are monolithic blocks, but you can't disagree that the amount of liberals who might think about supporting libertarianism today is not the majority.

 

[sailingaway]

I'm telling you what I'm seeing and hearing. The masses on BOTH 'sides' don't think critically. And 'libertarianism' is not how I define these views, per se. I look at it as Constitutionalism and civil liberties etc. The label 'libertarianism' alone alienates people, which is why those trying to marginalize Ron invariably use it.

 

[J_White]

GOP can be in denial all they want, but they are shutting down the ONLY candidate who can win against Obama.

 

[Rudeman]

There are Liberals who aren't all gung-ho about big government just like there are conservatives who aren't pro-war or don't think it's the business of the government to get involved with things like gay marriage. Unfortunately they don't know any better or feel like they have no other choice but to go with whoever is the Democratic/Republican candidate.

If social issues is the most important thing to you and you think the Democrats are the only one that agree with you then you're probably more willing to accept their other ideas, a lot of times it's because you don't know any better or you feel that's the only option. That's the way a lot of young people have been heading but it looks like Ron Paul is opening the eyes of many young people and showing them that there isn't only one way.

I guess that brings us back to the original topic of the thread of Ron Paul trying to save the Republican party, they can only stay in the past for only so long before they become marginalized. Ron Paul knows this, we know this, and I'm sure they know this (they probably wouldn't admit it). They will not change until they have to.

 

[The Free Hornet]

perhaps i should change fear to cognitive dissonance. the majority of dr pauls comments are actually liberal positions and many of the huffpo readers just ignore it simply because he has the wrong letter next to his name. the fear is that they have to confront the fact that they agree with almost everything he said in that interview, but feel more comfortable with ad hominen attacks. its shallow and pathetic.

The HuffPo posers are not "liberal" in the sense Ron Paul is liberal (civil liberties, medicinal freedom whether recreational or not, the Bill of Rights, a less intrusive government). They are socialist and things like gay marriage, ending war, or abortion are the wedge issues they use to get support not unlike what the neocons do (on the opposite side, of course). Anything to distract from reality.

 

[unknown]

Gonna co comment, they usually show up. Ron Paul is trying to save America. The GOP doesnt deserve this man.

12k comments...the fuk? Thats the most Ive ever seen on any Huffpo article.

 

[unknown]

I was referring to the comments and the delegate count on the right.

If you click on their "election dashboard", it'll make you wanna punch something.