I’m a huge supporter of Ron Paul, a 2012 presidential candidate. Often, my friends don’t fully understand what Paul stands for and believes in. They call him “kooky”, “extreme”, and “crazy”, because of what they hear on the mainstream media. But in reality Paul is by far the most honest, humble, and principled of the current GOP candidates. Here are ten simple reasons Ron Paul should be our next president:

1. Ron Paul is the only candidate that can pull us out of our current economic mess. America is now 15 trillion dollars in debt; if we were to divide that debt per American citizen, it would mean that every man, woman, and child owes the government $400,000. Americans needs to wake up and realize that we cannot afford to elect another big-government, establishment politician. Ron Paul predicted the recession and acknowledges that we cannot spend money we don’t have. He has proposed to cut $1 trillion and eliminate five cabinet departments during his first year.

2. He has the most consistent voting record of any politician. Known as “Dr. No” in the US House of Representatives, Paul can be counted on to vote “no” on virtually every piece of legislation that comes before Congress. He is a man of principle who has consistently acted on his strong beliefs.

3. Our troops would come home. Ron Paul understands that all of the wars we’re involved in have depleted our budget, caused enemies abroad, and resulted in tremendous casualties. Some people call him an “isolationist”, but why is it any of our business how other countries run their governments? These views are refreshing- I never thought we’d see a Republican candidate who is against war!

4. States and local areas would do a lot of their own governing. Ron Paul believes in small government, and that issues such as abortion and gay marriage should be left up to the states.

5. Paul truly believes in freedom. Finally we have a candidate who believes that government should have no power in how you live your life, as long as you are not harming others. Freedom of expression gives the power to the people, not the government, and allows for creativity and innovation. You have the freedom to chose how you live your own life!

6. He follows the Constitution, upon which our country is based. The Constitution has a system of checks and balances and shouldn’t be messed with. But it is consistently violated by other politicians.

7. Paul opposes the war on drugs and realizes that it is unsuccessful and expensive. In a 2008 New York Times interview, Paul said: “…the federal war on drugs has proven costly and ineffective, while creating terrible violent crime. But if you question policy, you are accused of being pro-drug. That is preposterous. As a physician, father, and grandfather, I abhor drugs. I just know that there is a better way — through local laws, communities, churches, and families — to combat the very serious problem of drug abuse than a massive federal-government bureaucracy.”

8. He would make healthcare more affordable. Right now, many people cannot afford basic health insurance in the United States. Obamacare is the worst solution possible as all it does is force everyone to become a client of insurance companies, even if they don’t want or need to be. Why should we be forced to subsidize the medical care of others? Ron Paul understands that only free market competition will make healthcare affordable, forcing providers to lower their costs to remain in business.

9. We would begin to think outside the two-party system. The Democrat and Republican parties dominate voting in nearly all elections at every level of our government. As a result, politicians answer directly to establishment political parties, not the voters. Sure, Paul is running as a Republican but he is known for his strong libertarian views. Paul stays true to his own views, even if he knows they may not be popular within any particular political party; he is more than just an establishment yes man in a suit. Paul says what’s really on his mind and caters to the people not to a party.

10. He’s a genuine, lovable goofball! Mr. Obama and most of the GOP candidates are all suits. I’m so sick of the slick, big-government establishment politicians who are all about rhetoric. It’s time we put someone genuine in office. When Paul speaks, he does so with such sincerity and unlike the other candidates he does not say things simply to please an audience or political party. He is the least superficial candidate running, and puts a smile on my face when he says things like “We’re nibbling at [Romney’s] heels!” See Ron Paul’s inspiring speech after the New Hampshire primary here.

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• Ron Paul can still win the GOP nomination (thelibertarianchick.wordpress.com)
• ADMIT IT: Ron Paul’s Performance In New Hampshire Was Impressive (businessinsider.com)
• Ron Paul 2012 to GOP Rivals: Quit Your Campaign (ibtimes.com)
• Last Night Was Ron Paul’s High Point (outsidethebeltway.com)