Ron Paul, The Military, and Why There Is Almost No in-Between
There doesn’t seem to be an in-between opinion with service members on Ron Paul. He is either loved or despised. Praised or loathed. Working in politics and being around many folks who have served and now work in politics too, I have had the opportunity to have the Ron Paul conversation on several occasions. With older veterans and service members I find that they tend to agree more with Congressman Paul’s ideas on war, foreign affairs, and military spending. With the younger generation of servicemen I see them divided on the topic. The ones who are downtrodden on Afghanistan tend to agree that we need to pull out as quickly as possible. The ones who still believe we should be in Afghanistan vehemently disagree with Paul.
Congressman Paul is an Air Force veteran and relies on his own experiences in the service to campaign to and court the military vote. Many veterans and active service members find comfort in his service and the fact that he can sympathize on what they do while they serve. Many others are taken back that a man who served in the military could come off, as they perceive, to be so anti-military.
To compare and contrast for all of you readers, I asked many friends in politics who served in the military for their opinions and thoughts. The two I chose to highlight seemed to define most clearly the differences in the Ron Paul political camps — one Pro-Paul policy, the other Anti. The Pro-Paul fan is a retired sailor in his 40s — the Anti is in his 30s and is currently serving in the navy. Each has had completely different experiences while they served in the Navy. I have made the personal decision to keep their names out of the article because of the recent issues we’ve seen play out with those in the military and how politically involved they are or aren't allowed to be as of late.
First, let’s examine the statement I gathered from my Pro-Paul friend.
"For me, its the following issues that make me a Ron Paul supporter.
(1) CONSTITUTIONAL: I think service members respect the Constitution. They take an oath to support and defend it and probably appreciate a public official who uses that document as a litmus test about what government can and can't do.
(2) FOREIGN POLICY: Ron Paul wore the uniform of this great country. He understands how severe war is and adopts a constitutional foreign policy, which by design, is supposed to be deliberative. Service members have no problem running towards the action, to defend this great nation, but I think they appreciate a leader who thinks long and hard before committing American blood and treasure to overseas engagements.
(3) PATRIOTISM: Military members are (thankfully) very patriotic. They understand that our budget trajectory will end in a default or hyperinflation. I think they appreciate a commander, who has the courage to make the hard decisions, regardless of the fallout, to do the right thing to save this great nation. Ron Paul is the only candidate with a plan to balance our budget and restore the Republic."
Now, examine the statement from the anti-Paul Friend
"I understand the simple appeal of a candidate who advocates a much higher standard for military involvement to service members stretched thin by decades of high (operations) tempo combined with drawdowns and budget cuts. The problem is that Rep. Paul is, like his supporters in and out of uniform, naive to the nature and scope of the threats we face as a nation. The only question is, is Dr. Paul unaware, or intentionally misrepresenting the national security environment for personal political gain? I think it’s the latter."
See what I mean as to how there's (almost) no in between on service members and their thoughts on Paul? The single, middle of the road exception came from another friend, A Marine. "I guess I don't have very strong thoughts on the guy. I mean I think his wanting to cut military spending is a little extreme, but at least he never dodged the draft and served his country honorably, even if he was in the Chair Force." he said in the sarcastic and joking way Marines are known to razz guys in the Air Force.
I have my own opinions on the congressman as a civilian, but this post isn’t about me or civilians and our thoughts. I will save my own opinions for another time. This piece is intended to convey the many broad and strong thoughts and opinions those who serve have on this controversial figure. And for the record, I have had the privilege of meeting Rep. Paul many times. He has always been kind and down to earth. Much more so than many other politicians I have encountered over the years. Agree with him or not, I do believe his campaign platform comes from a place of principal.
Ashley Nicole Ingram is the Chair of the Temecula Valley Young Republicans and the Executive Director of the California Young Republican Federation.
Terry
9:31 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Great discussion. I think it says a lot that Ron Paul gets more campaign donations from military than all the other GOP people combined and Obama as well.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ron-paul-military-donations-nearly-twice-those-of-his-gop-rivals-and-obama-combined-2012-02-03
He CAN win it if everyone would be willing to vote by their principles instead of being spoon fed a candidate that "everyone else is voting for".
I hope America does some soul searching (and quick) and stops watching as the TV News commits a disgusting blackout against his campaign. Why are they so scared to show how his campaign stops are drawing thousands of cheering supporters?
Terry
9:31 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
How many people heard about the active duty and veteran military service that marched from the Washington Monument to the White House this last Presidents Day? There were hundreds of them, and they were chanting "President Paul!" while they marched in formation.
This was not an impromptu demonstration either. All the major networks were notified. Not one of the 24-hour news networks thought this was worth covering, not even our "Fair and Balanced" news source that promotes all of the other GOP candidates. No, the only source of professional video coverage of this event came from RT, which is a Washington DC affiliate of a Russian news agency that is funded by the Kremlin. The ones funded by American corporations specifically avoided it. Doesn't that concern anyone?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHAnGCsSkQU&feature=player_embedded
Ironically, real journalism would reveal to American citizens that broadcast news has become a racket.
Gary Aminoff
9:31 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Good analysis, Ashley. Congressman Paul's views on the economy and domestic policy and spending are policies I can get behind and agree with. I have some concern as far as his views on foreign policy, national security and the military. Because of those concerns I can't vote for him. To me, our national security is the most important issue.
Matt Amino
11:58 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
If you're concerned about Paul's foreign policy, you may be relieved to find out that Ron Paul's foreign policy plan is the only one that increases our national defense while cutting overseas military spending.
Michael Scheuer, the former head of the CIA Bin Laden unit explains why Ron Paul's foreign policy makes the most sense here (4 min video):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muDyAurk0hM
"[Ron Paul] knows that the problems we have around the world is that both parties are interventionists."
Troy
9:31 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Unfortunately it doesn't make a damned bit of difference how servicemembers vote. Less than half of servicemembers actaully cast ballots, the majority of which are absentee ballots and are only counted when the race becomes close in their district. Sad.
I disagree with you regarding the military support for Paul. In my experience, I've not run into alot of guys (in the military) who are Paul supporters. I feel on the contrary, most servicemembers dont agree with his isolationist-ilke policies.
You can look to the numbers of how many servicemembers and veterans have donated to Paul. About $95,000 at the end of last years quarter. This would lead one to believe that most servicemembers support Paul. I dont agree with the numbers. It's very easy to make a donation to Paul, and lie about being a veteran. I wouldn't put it past some Paul supporters. Paul supporters are in fact very well informed, albeit skewed in my opinion. They would have the understanding beyond any other candidates supporters that military support for a GOP candidate goes a long way. So I wouldn't put it past them to embelish a bit, and outright lie about who is actually donating.
Also, those in the military who do actually donate to Paul would be more inclined to donate rather than another candidates supporter. The typical Paul supporter doesn't want us at war anymore. So of course those in the military who support Paul stand to benefit from his presidency, and donate to him out of desperation.
Ashley Ingram
9:47 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Terry, those are unfortunate statistics. Hopefully with any luck I will be able to encourage some voter registration efforts in the area. Every time I meet a service-member who says their vote doesn't count they get the stern mom lecture from me on why it is and why more than anyone they need to take a vested interest in the government and who represents them.
Ashley Ingram
1:29 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
*Troy.
Troy
11:22 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
I absolutely agree with you here. Servicemember's votes are very important. They, unlike most Americans, have a deep understanding of the ineffiency of government bureaucracies.
When you're giving them that much needed stern mom lecture about voting, maybe you should remind them that they've sworn an oath to The Constitution, and serving our country goes beyond picking up a rifle? My love for country got me into the service, and that same love for country got me involved in politics. I'm preaching to the choir here though, I'm sure.
What we really need, is legislation passed that would handle the absentee ballots of servicemembers differently. They should be counted along with everyone else, not just set on the side in case the race is close. Military absentee voters dont have a choice other than voting by mail.
Ray Parker
8:34 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
You are a scumbag my friend. Stop talking about things you have no real knowledge of. You think our service members are desperate? That is a pretty bold statement. I think the real problem is most are tired of being involved in a war that has no benefit to anyone except the guys financing the war. It hurts us and the countries we are in. So, to be tired of a useless, unconstitutional war, that has only served special interests... I would say that is a damn good stance. I see you have obviously never had any real experience in a war zone or you would know to end all this suffering. War is not necessary no matter what you fundamentalists believe. I can't wait until all the stupid, aging, brainwashed males of our nation die off. It is time for the new age. The age of love. and you old people can fight with each other because I'll have no part of it... Thank you.
-Veteran with 27 months on the ground in Iraq.
Troy
2:08 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
Ray... First off you're not my friend. Second, no need to call me a scumbag. Third, I have direct knowledge of these things I speak about.
I dont think our servicemembers are desparate. I do think that based on Ron Paul's policies that there are servicemembers that would donate to him out of desparation to end the high tempo deployments. Obviously Romney, Santorum or Gingrich aren't going to stop deployments. Paul will. So those that joined for the college benefits, then are shocked when they're deployed would be the types to vote for Paul.
I'm not some crazy old man. I'm 26, and have served for 9 years in the California Army National Guard. I've deployed to Iraq twice. OIF3 and 2008-2009, one year each. You want my AKO email?
Sometimes war is necessary, unfortunately. Yes, I agree, these two wars should be ended. However, I dont beleive our nation should go back to isolationism. The global economy relies too heavily on our protection. Its too bad, but somehow we ended up as the world police. Pandoras box has been opened, and now it cannot be closed. Our economy is too closely tied to the economies of other nations. We rely on global trade. Without our strong military presence, that trade would break down.
Put the name calling aside man. It's unecassary and counterproductive to a healty debate. I'm not attacking you personally, I just feel that you're jumping to conclusions and twisiting my words.
Ray Parker
2:48 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
Well obviously you don't see things the way I do. War is counterproductive to freedom everywhere. Not my name calling. It is not necessary to act the way the US does towards other countries. Our world is about to change and we will see who's ideas are counterproductive then.
Daniel Woolfolk
10:51 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Hi all, sorry for the delay in publishing comments. I forgot to check the box that allows to publish automatically and they should be good to go now.
LBV Collins
9:41 am on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Nice post, Ashley. Well written and balanced. Thanks!
Personally, I like Paul's stance on getting government out of our lives, but I am not yet convinced that his Foreign Policy views regarding our military are appropriate. (That's not to say I disagree with him... I just haven't formed a strong opinion yet.) Nonetheless, I love the fact that he is consistent and thoughtful in his views. He strikes me as a person of integrity.
Quite frankly, I think Paul best represents the GOP's views, even though Romney stands a better chance of winning the election. <sigh> Too bad.
Ashley Ingram
2:24 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Thank you! Make sure to visit more, ill be writing about politics often!
TVOR
11:31 am on Saturday, April 14, 2012
The thing that will make me vote for him over any other reason is he supports the constitution. I feel that Obummer wants to abolish the constitution as we know it. I am for smaller government as well. The federal government should scale back to only those functions required by the constitution. I agree we need to be less involved in the affairs of other countries, we spend more in aid to the citizens of other countries than we spend on our own citizens. That is totally wrong. There are military actions that are essential for reasons far too complicated to discuss here. We must root out and destroy terrorist organizations on foreign soil and prevent them from gaining a foothold on our soil. Among all of the candidates, I think Paul has the best interests of our country at heart far more than anyone else. I would love to see people like Newt Gingrich and Oliver North in his cabinet.
Ray Parker
8:40 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Terrorism does not exist beyond a small minute portion of people. Did you know you are more likely to dies from a slip in your bathtub than from terrorism? So, in response to your statement it is not necessary at all to police the world and it only makes that "terrorist" cause grow. American military forces are responsible for the deaths of more than 150,000 innocent Iraqis, and you somehow think that is justified by some small piss ant terrorist organization that probably doesnt have the capability to attack us in the US. It is just another excuse for our government to be intrusive and a bully so stop supporting it please.
Ashley Ingram
2:27 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
Ollie in a cabinet spot would be awesome TVOR! I'd love to see that man be Secretary of State. He's awesome. Newt would make for an excellent cabinet spot holder as well.
Ray Parker
8:41 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Newt gingrich is owned by special interests...probably not a good politician to look out for us lol
Terry
1:46 pm on Monday, April 16, 2012
If you support Ron Paul's bid for the White House, then now is the time he needs us the most. We can't all wait around to see if he gets enough support from others to carry on through to the convention. He is fighting AGAINST the entire main stream media black out. Buy a T-shirt or other swag if you want something other than piece of mind that you did something. The fight for freedom from government tyranny is not a spectator sport, people.
Ashley Ingram
2:15 pm on Friday, April 20, 2012
Ugh enough of the name calling Ray. GROW UP. Adults dont talk to one another this way. Civility please.