Johncjackson
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No.
Would You Argue That Ron Paul is the Greatest Political Figure in American History?
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S.Shorland
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He's certainly had more effect on american political history than some presidents,even before becoming one.He will be a historical figure of note especially because he was so against the 'crazy' orthodoxy of his time so that he stood out more.He should not have been anything special but due to how far america had slipped from its founding principles of individual liberty,he was.That's why I suggested the 'chalk face' idea although flowers are cheaper and easier to do for the current situation.Something visible from a highway or railway line that is rooted in the land to celebrate the man.I would certainly contribute to a statue but they are cold and dusty whereas something rooted in the land has a greater emotional impact and conveys the feeling with which it was created.
The term "greatest" is a little bit vague, here; "greatest" is often taken to mean "most significant" or "most accomplished," in which case I'm afraid Dr. Paul would not even be in the running at this point, though I do expect his impact on history will eventually pan out to have been far greater over time than was immediately apparent.
I do, however, consider Ron Paul the best political figure in the history of the United States; I believe he possesses the strongest combination of philosophical soundness, consistency, integrity, perserverance, and sheer moral strength in the face of adversity ever seen in an elected politician, at least at the federal level. There are other political figures whom I admire immensely, but none who have the kind of spotless record Ron Paul has amassed.
Thomas Jefferson was a greater genius and more significant and accomplished figure than Ron Paul, but he did not have quite the philosophical consistency Dr. Paul does, sometimes bent under pressure, and had significant personal failings (see his continued slave ownership) which detract from his legacy. I do believe that Grover Cleveland had integrity on a par with that of Ron Paul himself, but was not quite as philosophically libertarian and did fail to veto the Interstate Commerce Act, allow the continuation of discriminatory policies against Asian immigration, and voice opposition to women's suffrage after his presidency- and in terms of personal scandal (something of which Ron Paul has been exceptionally clean) he did have an illegitimate child with a woman of ill-repute. Robert Taft did wonderful work for many years in the Senate, but he has some significant blotches on his record, as with his support for the institution of the disastrous Social Security system. Barry Goldwater was rather too warlike for my tastes. Even Rand Paul did a bit of lying and backpedaling on his principles in order to win his election to the Senate.
I do, however, consider Ron Paul the best political figure in the history of the United States; I believe he possesses the strongest combination of philosophical soundness, consistency, integrity, perserverance, and sheer moral strength in the face of adversity ever seen in an elected politician, at least at the federal level. There are other political figures whom I admire immensely, but none who have the kind of spotless record Ron Paul has amassed.
Thomas Jefferson was a greater genius and more significant and accomplished figure than Ron Paul, but he did not have quite the philosophical consistency Dr. Paul does, sometimes bent under pressure, and had significant personal failings (see his continued slave ownership) which detract from his legacy. I do believe that Grover Cleveland had integrity on a par with that of Ron Paul himself, but was not quite as philosophically libertarian and did fail to veto the Interstate Commerce Act, allow the continuation of discriminatory policies against Asian immigration, and voice opposition to women's suffrage after his presidency- and in terms of personal scandal (something of which Ron Paul has been exceptionally clean) he did have an illegitimate child with a woman of ill-repute. Robert Taft did wonderful work for many years in the Senate, but he has some significant blotches on his record, as with his support for the institution of the disastrous Social Security system. Barry Goldwater was rather too warlike for my tastes. Even Rand Paul did a bit of lying and backpedaling on his principles in order to win his election to the Senate.
Philhelm
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History books tend to have a complete list of American Presidents at the back, so Ron Paul will most likely be mentioned in our history books.
No. Ron just like the rest of us is simply living in a very bad period of American history. Naturally, the "greatest" political figure implies one being a strict adherer to the US Constitution. However, Ron might squeak into the top 25 as of 2011 which would be a very illustrious list indeed.
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Here's a great poster of Larry McDonald, complete with the quote from Ron Paul:
"He was the most principled man in Congress."
http://www.zazzle.com/we_poster-228960012392696056
"He was the most principled man in Congress."
http://www.zazzle.com/we_poster-228960012392696056
Anyone that thinks Andrew Jackson was great should read some of Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn's work. Yes, Jackson opposed the Central Bank. But he was also a committed democrat. Rothbard erred when he writes about "Jacksonian libertarians" imo.
John Randolph is probably the greatest political figure in American history. John C. Calhoun was also great. And so were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, of course (both of which were pretty terrible Presidents). Grover Cleveland, John Tyler, and Martin van Buren were fairly good Presidents. Many of the Founders were great.
Ron Paul is definitely high on the list. But greatest? Maybe, maybe not.
John Randolph is probably the greatest political figure in American history. John C. Calhoun was also great. And so were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, of course (both of which were pretty terrible Presidents). Grover Cleveland, John Tyler, and Martin van Buren were fairly good Presidents. Many of the Founders were great.
Ron Paul is definitely high on the list. But greatest? Maybe, maybe not.
Freedom 4 all
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He probably would deny it if we asked him, but I think he is, absolutely. Jefferson, Franklin, Jackson and all those people were great men, but they were not without their flaws (owning slaves, trail of tears etc). Also, they lived in a time where the terms "liberty" and "freedom" actually meant those things, and desiring and protecting liberty was far more mainstream in American culture. To live as a truly principled libertarian in a statist time period where the words "liberty" and "freedom" are used primarily for military propaganda is what puts Ron over the top in my opinion.
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