Thinking About Ron Paul

Okay, I'll admit that I've been a little (not much) intrigued by Ron Paul's candidacy. He makes some interesting arguments concerning the constitution. But overall, I have a strong sense that the guy, should he win the presidency, would be unable to govern. After all, he is way out of the mainstream of both parties. Where would his support for legislation come from?

But beyond that, he claims to be a strict constructionist as regards the US Constitution. He has talked about withdrawing our troops not just from Iraq, but from ALL foreign outposts. So, we wait until we are attacked or invaded? Furthermore, do we want that much military personnel and manpower on our shores?

But it also seems that Ron Paul's strict interpretation of the Constitution is a little problematic. Take for example West Virginia. Ever study the history of how that state was formed? In short, during the Civil War folks in the western part of the state of Virginia were the true "hillbillies" who were staunch Unionists. After Virginia has seceded, Lincoln decided to stick his thumb in the eye of Virginia and encouraged the western part of that state to secede from the Confederacy. Now, remember that Lincoln had stated any number of times that secession was not a right of the states. Further, he had also stated that Virginia was still a US state. Now, read Article IV, Sec. 3 of the US Constitution. Will Dr. Paul demand the dissolution of the state of West Virginia? If he is true to his word regarding the constitution, I wonder how he can recognize the State of West Virginia.

But I also point this out to say that the Constitution is not a suicide pact. During times of national emergency we sometimes end up doing things that a strict adherence to the constitution would not allow. I don't think that Dr. Paul would adhere to that idea. And that is what makes him dangerous in my book. When we are attacked by terrorists and not a foreign army, it is not a time to hold a constitutional convention. At times, the preservation of this country supersedes the constitution.