Ron Paul: Freedom from Government

Yesterday evening, January 15, 2013, Contact Committee brought former Texas Congressman Ron Paul to the Washington and Lee campus.  Having spent about 25 years in the House of Representatives and having led a handful of bids for the Republican nomination for President, Congressman Paul is known for his emphasis on freedoms, civil liberties, and as little government involvement as possible, all of which were expressed in his address to a packed Lee Chapel last night. 

            Touching on every imaginable issue facing Congress today, Congressman Paul discussed everything from abortion to war to the housing bubble in the last decade to legalization of marijuana.  Specifically in regard to the economy, he generally criticized Congress for their false understanding of economic policy.  Although he believed everyone in Congress to be Keynesian economists, Congressman Paul expressed that freedom and the free marketplace are the most important economic policies to implement and to maintain in the United States.

            Also known for his harsh criticisms of the Federal Reserve, Congressman Paul expressed last night that he thinks the Federal Reserve will end itself and that there is no need for a central bank.  He mentioned that the Federal Reserve and Chairman Ben Bernanke printed $15 billion “out of thin air,” during the recession.  This sort of leadership, Congressman Paul said, is not sustainable.

            “The last thing we need is the government getting involved,” Paul said, a sentiment that is the basis for most of his political philosophy.  In regard to banking, he thinks competition should be allowed among banks and that government should not bail them out, when they make mistakes.  Furthermore, because of the actions of Congress and the Federal Reserve, Americans are losing their purchasing power, and the middle class is hurting because of it.  The fewer government regulations there are and the smaller the role the government plays, the more prosperous our country will be.

            This political philosophy of minimal government influence was expressed in every topic he discussed.  You should be able to smoke marijuana as long as you don’t hurt anyone around you.  Everyone is allowed to have their own definition of marriage.  Less war is a “worthy goal.”

            With officials elected to Congress seemingly perpetuating the legacies of stalemate and gridlock they inherited, Congressman Paul seemed to represent an outlook that, perhaps, more politicians should adopt.  Not in his political philosophy, but in his attitude toward change of how leadership operates in Washington.

Emily Spanyer