PDA

View Full Version : What's a Ron Paul Democrat for Congress?




RonRules
02-12-2008, 06:48 PM
OK, give me 60 seconds to make a point:

The Republicans are going to get a severe beating in November. That will not only affect the Presidential race, but Congress as well.

Several Ron Paul supporters have announced a run for Congress and that's great and we should encourage them.

But, why not DOUBLE DOWN ?

Here's what I mean: Ron Paul will not run as a 3rd party because he feels it's better to change the Republican party back to it's roots rather than to run Liberterian or whatever. Ron Paul is right and we should totally support him.

However, nobody is working on fixing the Democratic party. NOBODY.

We need to seriously start searching for candidates that can do this. Here's what a Ron Paul Democrat would "look like"

1) On the war, he/she would pull troops out of 50 countries within 2 years. He would reduce the effort in Iraq and proportionally pull out from the middle east by at least 50% in the first term of office.

2) On debt & taxes, he would absolutely swear to have a fully balanced budget within 2 years, including war costs and of course not raise taxes.

3) On health care, he would encourage health savings accounts and prevent insurance companies from rejecting patients.

4) Spending saved on overseas troop pullout would be used to strengthen national security and prevent border crossings.

5) On illegal immigration, he would deport illegals that have committed crimes and fine the rest. People with US born children would not be deported.

6) Privacy and personal liberties would be like Ron Paul.

7) The candidate would be pro-choice.

8) Social security would be guaranteed to existing users, but new entrants would have the choice to invest privately.

9) Federal Education dept would be dismantled with all proceeds and staff going to the states. Same for dept of energy except for research.

10) EPA would be mostly dismantled except for research and setting guidelines.

11) NASA would be cut back to encourage private space ventures.

So, remember folks, the above list is for DEMOCRAT voters. I believe most Demorcats would find this list acceptable.


Here's a good example of someone I consider as a "Ron Paul Democrat". Hal is a true patriot, fiscally conservative that will get the job done efficiently. I happen to know this guy personally:
http://bidlack2008.com/


Now, go ahead and comment!

RonRules
02-12-2008, 06:53 PM
Look at Hal Bidlack's plank on Fiscal Responsibility

Getting Government’s House in Order

"Hal strongly believes it is wrong to tax generations through reckless spending. We simply cannot afford to provide every service, and Congress must make hard choices. Certain programs, such as care of wounded veterans, must be fully funded, but we must elect a government willing to make tough calls. Hal believes because this problem has developed over years, it will take years to correct. There are no quick fixes, but Hal is deeply committed to playing a key role in real solutions to real problems."

Hard to disagree with that, but he's a Democrat.

pinkmandy
02-12-2008, 06:56 PM
Education is a big issue (see all the people in our country voting for McCain to get us out of the war or Obama for "change"?)...getting rid of the federal mandates on education is REALLY important.

FreeTraveler
02-12-2008, 06:58 PM
The things that Dr. Paul espouses are contrary to the Democrat's platform of a cradle-to-grave nanny state.

Flash
02-12-2008, 06:58 PM
Sounds like a good idea. You should also post this in the "Federal / State / Local Candidates " section so that this guy will get a few donations.

klamath
02-12-2008, 07:05 PM
The things that Dr. Paul espouses are contrary to the Democrat's platform of a cradle-to-grave nanny state.
The democratic party platform can be changed as well as the Republican platform though it might be harder to do.

theczar1776
02-12-2008, 07:08 PM
the democratic party does not agree with our philosophy, i don't think it can be fixed

RonRules
02-12-2008, 07:14 PM
the democratic party does not agree with our philosophy, i don't think it can be fixed

I'm not asking to change the Democratic party completely, but just STEER it back to a more centrist position.

Look at Hal Bidlack's platform. That's no Obama I'll tell you.

klamath
02-12-2008, 07:16 PM
OK, give me 60 seconds to make a point:

The Republicans are going to get a severe beating in November. That will not only affect the Presidential race, but Congress as well.

Several Ron Paul supporters have announced a run for Congress and that's great and we should encourage them.

But, why not DOUBLE DOWN ?

Here's what I mean: Ron Paul will not run as a 3rd party because he feels it's better to change the Republican party back to it's roots rather than to run Liberterian or whatever. Ron Paul is right and we should totally support him.

However, nobody is working on fixing the Democratic party. NOBODY.

We need to seriously start searching for candidates that can do this. Here's what a Ron Paul Democrat would "look like"

1) On the war, he/she would pull troops out of 50 countries within 2 years. He would reduce the effort in Iraq and proportionally pull out from the middle east by at least 50% in the first term of office.

2) On debt & taxes, he would absolutely swear to have a fully balanced budget within 2 years, including war costs and of course not raise taxes.

3) On health care, he would encourage health savings accounts and prevent insurance companies from rejecting patients.

4) Spending saved on overseas troop pullout would be used to strengthen national security and prevent border crossings.

5) On illegal immigration, he would deport illegals that have committed crimes and fine the rest. People with US born children would not be deported.

6) Privacy and personal liberties would be like Ron Paul.

7) The candidate would be pro-choice.

8) Social security would be guaranteed to existing users, but new entrants would have the choice to invest privately.

9) Federal Education dept would be dismantled with all proceeds and staff going to the states. Same for dept of energy except for research.

10) EPA would be mostly dismantled except for research and setting guidelines.

11) NASA would be cut back to encourage private space ventures.

So, remember folks, the above list is for DEMOCRAT voters. I believe most Demorcats would find this list acceptable.


Here's a good example of someone I consider as a "Ron Paul Democrat". Hal is a true patriot, fiscally conservative that will get the job done efficiently. I happen to know this guy personally:
http://bidlack2008.com/


Now, go ahead and comment!

That would be a nice step in the right direction. There are a few points that would have to be changed though to be a real RP democrat. #7 He would have to be personally for choice but willing to turn the issue back to the states and not keep it at a federal level otherwise he would be still holding on to his pet issues he wants to at a federal level. That is what has us in the problem now. When you have 435 congressmen, each with their own consitution breaking pet issue they want to keep at a federal level you end up having every issue back at the federal level

Molly1
02-12-2008, 08:58 PM
A Ron Paul Democrat is a Democrat that looks just like Ron Paul.

Vote no on any bill that violates the Constitution.

Work to preserve liberty and freedom.

This is the way all of our representatives should look.

RonRules
02-12-2008, 09:00 PM
the democratic party does not agree with our philosophy, i don't think it can be fixed

I'm not asking to change the Democratic party completely, but just STEER it back to a more centrist position.

Look at Hal Bidlack's platform. That's no Obama I'll tell you.

P Campbell
02-12-2008, 09:21 PM
Look at Hal Bidlack's plank on Fiscal Responsibility

Getting Government’s House in Order

"Hal strongly believes it is wrong to tax generations through reckless spending. We simply cannot afford to provide every service, and Congress must make hard choices. Certain programs, such as care of wounded veterans, must be fully funded, but we must elect a government willing to make tough calls. Hal believes because this problem has developed over years, it will take years to correct. There are no quick fixes, but Hal is deeply committed to playing a key role in real solutions to real problems."

Hard to disagree with that, but he's a Democrat.

I know one quick fix; get rid of the personal income tax.

P Campbell
02-12-2008, 09:22 PM
I'm not asking to change the Democratic party completely, but just STEER it back to a more centrist position.

Look at Hal Bidlack's platform. That's no Obama I'll tell you.

I'd like to hear any candidate (especially a Dem) give me their energy policy and their stance on Real ID.

RonRules
02-12-2008, 09:23 PM
A Ron Paul Democrat is a Democrat that looks just like Ron Paul.

Vote no on any bill that violates the Constitution.

Work to preserve liberty and freedom.

This is the way all of our representatives should look.

This is Hal Bidlack's point of view on the constitution:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hal-Bidlack/10962915660

Restoring a Basic Right:
President Bush has eroded our constitutional rights to a disturbing level. As a student of the Constitution, Hal is deeply committed to restoring our government’s respect for the privacy rights of all Americans. The government cannot void our rights because a president says he can.

RonRules
02-12-2008, 09:24 PM
I'd like to hear any candidate (especially a Dem) give me their energy policy and their stance on Real ID.

That's Hal's stand on Energy Policy:

Energy Independence
A National Security Priority:
Colorado is blessed with a remarkable combination of natural resources and exceptional citizens. We as a nation must explore the full range of energy solutions to free us from dependence on foreign oil. Our dollars should be invested here, not sent to Venezuela or Saudi Arabia. Colorado-led innovation in solar, wind, geothermal, oil, gas, coal, and nuclear power can lead this nation toward true energy independence.

Fox McCloud
02-12-2008, 09:27 PM
I've often wondered how well Ron Paul would do if he were to run as a Democrat from the beginning of this Presidential race.

I know he's a Republican...it's just a "what-if" question.

I don't think you'll see any Democrats like that...but one can hope---it'd be an ultra-conservative Democrat, that's for sure.

RonRules
02-12-2008, 09:36 PM
I've often wondered how well Ron Paul would do if he were to run as a Democrat from the beginning of this Presidential race.

I know he's a Republican...it's just a "what-if" question.

I don't think you'll see any Democrats like that...but one can hope---it'd be an ultra-conservative Democrat, that's for sure.

Please DO check out Hal Bidlack in Colorado. It's a mini Ron Paul.
http://bidlack2008.com/

I've seen him in action twice at a scientific/skeptic conference. 95% of those people are non-believers. Hal is religious but he addressed this crowd in a 30 minute speech about religion that made this 50% of them weep like babies. I was there.

He can speak as well as Obama and he's a fantastic organizer.

Mini-Me
02-12-2008, 09:45 PM
The funny thing is, the only places where the parties should even differ are at the state and local levels :p

I agree strongly with Ron Rules. The establishment got to the position it's in because it hijacked both parties - to truly "recapture the ship," we must do the same. While I'm a strict Constitutionalist (i.e. libertarian) at the federal level, I'm actually a bit more flexible on "moderate nannyism" at the state and local levels (particularly on education, fire departments, police departments, etc...I'm not a downright anarchocapitalist ;)). If nannyism is restricted to local and state levels, that would at least allow for competition between localities, the freedom to move to less socialist localities, etc. Just like there are a lot of disgruntled Republicans who share Ron Paul's principled Constitutionalism, there are probably a lot of disgruntled Democrats who have some socialistic viewpoints at more local levels but share Ron Paul's principled Constitutionalism at the federal level.

I'm not suggesting we "divide our efforts" between the parties. Rather, I think these disgruntled Democrats are a somewhat untapped demographic that we might be able to reach if we have enough time (unfortunately, time is always against us - pretty soon we'll need to be implanted with RFID chips just to buy and sell things, muchless hold public office!).

So, for anyone listening in who thinks they're better suited to transforming the Democratic Party than the Republican Party:
I think the best way to entrench yourself in the Democratic party is to establish your "Democratic credentials" at the local or state level first. This will differentiate you from through-and-through libertarians. Balance fiscal conservatism and getting rid of waste and inefficiency with liberal social policies, education reform, and continued support for efficiently-run local "nanny programs" like public mental health services, etc. No red-blooded patriotic American, Republican or Democrat, wants fiscal irresponsibility and government waste, but there are definitely some disagreements as to the role of government (I still contend that these disagreements are only valid or legitimate at the state and local levels, however!). In other words, by establishing yourself as a "good, compassionate Democrat" at the state and local levels, you will be assuring your constituency that you have no intentions of eliminating their public schools and fire departments like they'd expect from a "crazy libertarian whackjob. (:rolleyes:)" After developing a good statewide reputation, you'll then have the Democratic support base you need to actually run for Congress, and you can do so under Ron Paul's Constitutionally-faithful platform. This would probably invite some taunts of "flip-flopper," but such taunts might open up a much-needed dialogue about the different roles that federal, state, and local governments play!

RonRules
02-12-2008, 10:09 PM
The funny thing is, the only places where the parties should even differ are at the state and local levels :p

I agree strongly with Ron Rules. The establishment got to the position it's in because it hijacked both parties - to truly "recapture the ship," we must do the same. While I'm a strict Constitutionalist (i.e. libertarian) at the federal level, I'm actually a bit more flexible on "moderate nannyism" at the state and local levels (particularly on education, fire departments, police departments, etc...I'm not a downright anarchocapitalist ;)). If nannyism is restricted to local and state levels, that would at least allow for competition between localities, the freedom to move to less socialist localities, etc. Just like there are a lot of disgruntled Republicans who share Ron Paul's principled Constitutionalism, there are probably a lot of disgruntled Democrats who have some socialistic viewpoints at more local levels but share Ron Paul's principled Constitutionalism at the federal level.

I'm not suggesting we "divide our efforts" between the parties. Rather, I think these disgruntled Democrats are a somewhat untapped demographic that we might be able to reach if we have enough time (unfortunately, time is always against us - pretty soon we'll need to be implanted with RFID chips just to buy and sell things, muchless hold public office!).

So, for anyone listening in who thinks they're better suited to transforming the Democratic Party than the Republican Party:
I think the best way to entrench yourself in the Democratic party is to establish your "Democratic credentials" at the local or state level first. This will differentiate you from through-and-through libertarians. Balance fiscal conservatism and getting rid of waste and inefficiency with liberal social policies, education reform, and continued support for efficiently-run local "nanny programs" like public mental health services, etc. No red-blooded patriotic American, Republican or Democrat, wants fiscal irresponsibility and government waste, but there are definitely some disagreements as to the role of government (I still contend that these disagreements are only valid or legitimate at the state and local levels, however!). In other words, by establishing yourself as a "good, compassionate Democrat" at the state and local levels, you will be assuring your constituency that you have no intentions of eliminating their public schools and fire departments like they'd expect from a "crazy libertarian whackjob. (:rolleyes:)" After developing a good statewide reputation, you'll then have the Democratic support base you need to actually run for Congress, and you can do so under Ron Paul's Constitutionally-faithful platform. This would probably invite some taunts of "flip-flopper," but such taunts might open up a much-needed dialogue about the different roles that federal, state, and local governments play!

Thanks!

I think we need to track down the Mike Gravel fans for support in this effort. BTW, I think Mike Gravel is still in the race. He definitely got the MSN blackout!

RonRules
02-13-2008, 02:53 AM
I know one quick fix; get rid of the personal income tax.

That's the type of action a Democrat would never go for, and for that matter, which most of the American population laugh at.

If you want to achieve your political goals, you have to steer the main parties in your direction, not try to change everything all at once.

That's why the Liberterian party has no influence whatsoever and never will.

thoughtbombing
02-13-2008, 04:28 AM
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=119306

listed... get in on the action!

trispear
02-13-2008, 04:57 AM
the democratic party does not agree with our philosophy, i don't think it can be fixed

Neither does the current Republican party.

I think I will check this Hal guy out.

Eponym_mi
02-13-2008, 05:11 AM
the democratic party does not agree with our philosophy, i don't think it can be fixed

The Republican party doesn't either. We're political vagrants.

Truth Warrior
02-13-2008, 05:24 AM
Writing and submitting bills is one thing. Getting them through committee hearings, passed in the House, passed in the Senate, through conference and reconciliation, and finally signed into law by the president is a whole other thing altogether.

I believe that Ron can attest to this. :)

What is a Ron Paul Democrat? An oxymoron.<IMHO> ;)

thoughtbombing
02-13-2008, 05:55 AM
What is a Ron Paul Democrat? An oxymoron.<IMHO> ;)

And a Ron Paul Republican?

Also an oxymoron, save ONE. The One and Only.

RonRules
02-13-2008, 09:52 AM
Writing and submitting bills is one thing. Getting them through committee hearings, passed in the House, passed in the Senate, through conference and reconciliation, and finally signed into law by the president is a whole other thing altogether.

I believe that Ron can attest to this. :)

What is a Ron Paul Democrat? An oxymoron.<IMHO> ;)

Remember the Reagan Democrats? They along with Reagan gave us the best prosperity in the country's history.

Yes it's kind of an oxymoron, but that's intentional. It's catching on, I'm telling you :)

RonRules
02-13-2008, 10:04 AM
Writing and submitting bills is one thing. Getting them through committee hearings, passed in the House, passed in the Senate, through conference and reconciliation, and finally signed into law by the president is a whole other thing altogether.


I spoke to a Washington lobbyist a couple of months ago that explained the process. Basically all the decisions get done through the committees (an effectively secret process) and bills only get to the floor for voting unless they are almost certain they will pass. No congress people want to be associated with losing votes (except Ron Paul), so the whole system needs an overhaul.

I would insist that c-span have cameras in the committee rooms.

Enano1983
02-13-2008, 11:53 AM
OK, give me 60 seconds to make a point:

The Republicans are going to get a severe beating in November. That will not only affect the Presidential race, but Congress as well.

Several Ron Paul supporters have announced a run for Congress and that's great and we should encourage them.

But, why not DOUBLE DOWN ?

Here's what I mean: Ron Paul will not run as a 3rd party because he feels it's better to change the Republican party back to it's roots rather than to run Liberterian or whatever. Ron Paul is right and we should totally support him.

However, nobody is working on fixing the Democratic party. NOBODY.

We need to seriously start searching for candidates that can do this. Here's what a Ron Paul Democrat would "look like"

1) On the war, he/she would pull troops out of 50 countries within 2 years. He would reduce the effort in Iraq and proportionally pull out from the middle east by at least 50% in the first term of office.

2) On debt & taxes, he would absolutely swear to have a fully balanced budget within 2 years, including war costs and of course not raise taxes.

3) On health care, he would encourage health savings accounts and prevent insurance companies from rejecting patients.

4) Spending saved on overseas troop pullout would be used to strengthen national security and prevent border crossings.

5) On illegal immigration, he would deport illegals that have committed crimes and fine the rest. People with US born children would not be deported.

6) Privacy and personal liberties would be like Ron Paul.

7) The candidate would be pro-choice.

8) Social security would be guaranteed to existing users, but new entrants would have the choice to invest privately.

9) Federal Education dept would be dismantled with all proceeds and staff going to the states. Same for dept of energy except for research.

10) EPA would be mostly dismantled except for research and setting guidelines.

11) NASA would be cut back to encourage private space ventures.

So, remember folks, the above list is for DEMOCRAT voters. I believe most Demorcats would find this list acceptable.


Here's a good example of someone I consider as a "Ron Paul Democrat". Hal is a true patriot, fiscally conservative that will get the job done efficiently. I happen to know this guy personally:
http://bidlack2008.com/


Now, go ahead and comment!

Thanks! I'm a life-long democrat who came here to support Ron Paul. This is the kind of thing I was just thinking about. I know for a fact that there are other Ron Paul Democrats on this board (you know who you are) so we should get together and mobilize in much the same way the republicans are doing.

Most of the above are things that I agree with, there are some things I would change, but I don't agree with all of Ron Paul's stances either.

But it is a great idea to "double-down", the fact that we're here means that there are aspects of RPs campaign that we find more democratic than what we're being offered by our own party, so why not promote similar ideas in our own party while avoiding the things that disgust us about the GOP?

One thing that I loved about RP was he's pro-life but would move the power to the state. Religiously I believe that life is sacred and should be protected, but I strongly believe that no one should be allowed to impose their personal views on the freedoms of others and hence have always voted against anti-abortion laws. RP's idea of being pro-life but pro-choice was one that I had never considered and fits me perfectly.

Goldwater Conservative
02-13-2008, 12:42 PM
I think a Ron Paul Democrat could emphasize a sound monetary policy like Paul has (fiat money has crippled the working class with rampant inflation), push for a drastically simpler tax code with no taxes (including payroll) on modest incomes, advocate federalism for most government programs, fight for balanced budgets, and support paying off the debt. Civil liberties and a humble foreign policy backed by a strong national defense would be a given.

MikeSmith
02-13-2008, 09:55 PM
Ron Paul Democrats are a very good idea. There is an enormous amount of Bush hatred. A lot of people will be voting D this year even if they know nothing about the candidate.

klamath
02-14-2008, 11:03 AM
Ron Paul Democrats are a very good idea. There is an enormous amount of Bush hatred. A lot of people will be voting D this year even if they know nothing about the candidate.
Yep, this is a great year to run RP Democrats. I will vote for them even as I stay a registered Republican.

RevolutionSD
02-14-2008, 06:25 PM
Mike Copass is running for congress in the 53rd district of San Diego and I would consider him a Ron Paul Democrat:

www.copassforcongress.com

I like Mike. :D