January 05, 2008
Ron Paul at tonight's debate
Ron Paul's recitation of U.S. foreign policy and history in tonight's debate is wrong on the facts -- and more than a little bit crazy.
He says that, for the first time, the U.S. is starting wars, a result of its adoption of the doctrine of preemptive war. Paul says it's crazy that the U.S. is starting from the premise that all options are on the table.
But most importantly, Paul reiterates the meme that we -- the United States -- deserved the attacks on the World Trade Center, that we brought it on ourselves by "occupying" nations, by basing our troops in unnamed countries.
Stop and consider that for a moment: Ron Paul thinks we're responsible for the Islamic terrorists targeting us.
Paul repeats the charge that we're "occupying" -- Fred Thompson says, "Occupying?"
Paul says, "Saudi Arabia --"
Thompson (with delicious sarcasm) : Occupying? We've got bases there.
In the weird world view of Paul, the mere presence of our troops in foreign countries, at the invitation of those countries, provides a legitimate causus belli for our enemies. Ron Paul thinks we need to retreat to the borders of the Continental United States, raise the drawbridge, and everything will be hunky-dory.
Ahem.
As to his initial charge, that it's outrageous that the U.S. be willing to attack before our enemies strike the first blow, I would have thought that September 11 settled that. First, the war was declared against us a long time ago; we are therefore justified taking the fight to our enemies wherever they are.
And, in a time when nukes, chemical and biological weapons are desperately sought by terrorists and rogue regimes, the butcher's bill that comes with letting the enemy strike first is far too high for our nation, our people, to pay.
Paul's insistence that the U.S. be forced to take one on the chin before hitting back is simple-minded, wrong-headed, and very, very dangerous.
Posted by Mike Lief at January 5, 2008 07:19 PM
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Comments
McRomAbee whacked away at each other with liberal abandon.
Paul continued his wrong-headed one-note sonata.
Rudy looked great, even dominant, until the Thompson zinger about the immigration lawsuit.
A good night for McCain, Thompson and Giuliani.
A really bad night for Paul and Romney, and so-so for Huckabee (who at least sounded more knowledgeable than Obama).
I couldn't stand to watch the socialist side of the debate.
Posted by: The Little Coach at January 5, 2008 09:05 PM
I disagree as to McCain and Giuliani having a good night.
McCain lied about his support for an amnesty and basically reiterated that he's still for it; and I thought Giuliani got slammed for it, as well.
The American voters HATE illegal immigration, and the GOP base LOATHES it -- and pols that favor it.
I thing McCain and Giuliani hurt themselves tonight, badly.
Posted by: Mike Lief at January 5, 2008 09:48 PM
In my little shriveled cinder of a heart, I hope you are correct.
Posted by: The Little Coach at January 6, 2008 06:20 AM
Spot on with your analysis of why Paul is wrong on foreign policy. I wish he would see the truth - if so I'd probably vote for him.
Alan Keyes IMHO is the man to look at.
Posted by: sonarman at January 6, 2008 01:25 PM