Only with the complicity of Congress have we become a nation of preemptive war, secret military tribunals, torture, rejection of habeas corpus, warrantless searches, undue government secrecy, extraordinary renditions, and uncontrollable spying on the American people. The greatest danger we face is ourselves: what we are doing in the name of providing security for a people made fearful by distortions of facts. Fighting over there has nothing to do with preserving freedoms here at home. More likely the opposite is true. - Ron Paul
In perusing the archive of Ron Paul's writing at antiwar.com, I was surprised at the thoroughness and honesty of his critique of the military-industrial complex, imperialism, and attacks on civil libeties.
Among other things, he calls for immediate withdrawal from Iraq, deauthorization of the Patriot Act, and an end to presidential signing statements. He does not merely oppose these activities as bad or immoral policy, but also opposes them as unconstitutional delegations of inherent congressional and judicial powers to the executive branch of government. Paul dares to remind his party's electorate of past CIA adventures such as the overthrow of Iranian democracy in the 1953- and the blowback we reap. I would love it if Hillary or Obama or Edwards talked about blowback.
It seems to me that Paulites (of whom I am NOT one) get a very hostile reception when they post on dKos. This is a shame. I would like to see dialogue and coordination between Democratic party liberals and paleocons on antiwar and civil libertarian activities. I also believe that Paul's views have an exciting potential to affect the Republican Party in much the same way as sunlight affects a vampire. Paul can introduce the antiwar and civil libertarian viewpoint to people who by and large cannot be reached by liberals or Democrats- such as religious conservatives, nativists, and free marketeers. These folk can be persusaded to vote Libertarian or stay home rather than vote Republican. . .or even to vote Democratic as a lesser evil.
Ron Paul holds many views that are repugnant to me. In a more humane future, he and his followers will be opponents on issues pertaining to the proper role of government in addressing the medical, educational, and infrastructure needs of the people. Right now, antiwar and civil liberties activists, including those of us active in the Democratic party, should consider these people to be allies. If the pentagon's appetites are not curbed and soon, there will be no future for any of us.