Point well taken about David Duke. That’s one person who supports Ron Paul. Does that make me and the millions of Ron Paul supporters radical right-wingers? We’re probably the most anti-war people in the country. The Communist Party has endorsed Obama again for 2012; a good deal of self-proclaimed socialists and Marxists at my college continue to support Obama. Does that mean all of Obama’s supporters are Marxists? Of course not. It’s foolish to judge based on a minuscule portion of a candidate’s supporters (whether with Ron Paul or Barack Obama).

I am not saying that trade can solve all our problems, but it surely can’t be any more devastating than the interventionist policies of the U.S. Look at the relationship between Canada and the U.S.; that is a somewhat good model of how we should treat other countries: trade with them, respect them, talk with them, etc. If you want to continue this interventionist foreign policy, how do you propose we pay for it? Do you agree that we should at least bring home the 50,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany? Should other countries be allowed to open military bases in the U.S.?

There’s no need to caricature what I’m saying about people owning guns. Tyrannical governments often disarm the populace. Here’s a quote from Gandhi in his autobiography:

“Among the many misdeeds of the British rule in India, history will look upon the Act depriving a whole nation of arms as the blackest.”

Law-abiding citizens should be able to own guns. Government’s role is to enforce contracts and hold people accountable.

The income of black people was increasing at a faster rate before the 1964 Civil Rights Act than the five years after. Thomas Sowell and Walter Williams are two black economists who have done considerable research on the detrimental effects of affirmative action; I encourage you to look into their work. Also of interest will be this article from historian Thomas E. Woods, Jr.:

Discrimination Myths that Everyone Believes: http://www.lewrockwell.com/woods/woods32.html

Regarding the environment, you missed the point of what I have been saying. These detrimental environmental policies stem from the 19th century. For example, it was the subsidized government railroads in the 19th century that led to wasted resources, slaughtering Native Americans, and very detrimental environmental practices. James J. Hill, a free market railroad entrepreneur who refused any government assistance, built a transcontinental railroad from St. Louis to Washington state. Hill negotiated peacefully with Indians, had incredibly cheap fares, and his railroad continued operating through the tough economic climate of the 1890′s.

Native Americans used property rights negotiations to prevent over-hunting and over-fishing. If you’re interested in property rights protecting the environment I can provide you with more resources.

Ron Paul has faith in individual liberty. Government, over time, tends to detract individual liberty and become a monster in and of itself. Consider: are government armies or private individuals responsible for more deaths and misery in the world? Thomas Jefferson’s quote is appropriate:

“The natural progress of things is for liberty to yeild, and government to gain ground.”

“The worst evils which mankind has ever had to endure were inflicted by bad governments. The state can be and has often been in the course of history the main source of mischief and disaster.” — Ludwig von Mises

Remember, it’s not as if Ron Paul can immediately change everything. He recognizes that the change has to come directly from the people. As President he could end the wars and return the U.S. to a more sensible foreign policy. He could pardon non-violent drug users stuck in crowded prisons. He could end federal raids on raw milk and marijuana businesses. Something like withdrawing from the U.N. (and other policies that you’re likely concerned about) could only be done through the Congress. We’re looking for a Ron Paul presidency, not a Ron Paul dictatorship.

So, I guess most of the assertions made were correct, however, you explained Ron Paul’s rationale… I just don’t buy his rationale.

The free market alone can increase living standards for all Americans? What about people who are disabled because of age, disease, home life or impairment? Trade can solve our world problems? I think history proves that trade, as much as governments, created many of our world problems. Did you know that David Duke supports Ron Paul and the Tea Party? If he isn’t a right wing nut I don’t know who is. (He thinks the ideas of Ron Paul legitimize much of his Nazi agenda, would stop immigration, and increase white power. I saw his video.) People should have arms not the government? Tell that to a policeman. Affirmative action isn’t needed? It accelerated inclusion, gave millions of qualified people a chance to succeed, and brought diversity in the workplace – promoting freedom,opportunity and understanding. Property rights alone will protect our environment? We tried it in the 19th and 20th centuries and it had the reverse effect. We used up resources, polluted the heck out of the place and killed people in the process. How is it that Ron Paul has so much faith in business and the free market and none in government? Government is accountable to all the people. What is business accountable to?

I say, let’s not tear down the house to fix the plumbing! We have something good that needs repair, not replacement.

Thanks again for your thoughtful attention. I will continue to try to learn more about Ron Paul. He certainly is provocative and refreshing. He brings up a lot of things that need to be addressed. His solutions, however, are hard to swallow.