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Thread: Rand releases statement on Rubio nomination to Secretary of State:

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    Post Rand releases statement on Rubio nomination to Secretary of State:

    Dr. Rand Paul Releases Statement on Secretary of State Nomination of Senator Marco Rubio



    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement shortly after he voted in support of the nomination of Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to be Secretary of State at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee markup. In the statement, Dr. Paul urges the Department of State to prioritize diplomacy over war.

    “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Senator Rubio on his nomination to serve as the 72nd United States Secretary of State. His experience and devotion to our country will be indispensable assets as he assumes the responsibilities of this new role. I intend to support his nomination and wish him all the best.

    “I would be remiss, however, if I did not highlight some differences in our policy preferences. It is my sincere hope that a closer examination of the consistent failures of U.S. foreign policy over the past thirty years, committed by both Republican and Democrat administrations, will lead to the adoption of more prudent policies in President Trump’s second term.

    “In the greater Middle East, strategically disastrous entanglements, including the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, and U.S. military interventions in Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Niger and elsewhere, cost the lives of thousands of Americans and trillions of taxpayer dollars. Our actions destabilized the region, empowered Iran, and motivated generations of new jihadists. Throughout my time in the Senate, I regularly sponsored bills to repeal outdated authorizations for use of military force and war power resolutions to remove U.S. troops from conflicts that were never authorized by Congress, including Syria and Niger.

    “In Europe, the Washington foreign policy establishment consistently pursues policies that needlessly antagonize Russia as an enemy of the West. NATO enlargement following the collapse of the Soviet Union and repeated U.S. promises to invite Georgia and Ukraine into the alliance unnecessarily poisoned U.S.-Russia relations and precipitated the tragic war in Ukraine.

    “I fully support President Trump’s commitment to end the needless slaughter by pursuing diplomacy over a futile effort to continue a war that Ukraine cannot win given basic battlefield realities.

    “Despite Senator Rubio’s initial backing of U.S. support for Ukraine, including his sponsorship of the Ukraine Emergency Appropriations Act of 2022 and statements that the United States should support Ukraine for as long as they are willing to fight, I am encouraged by his recent votes against additional Ukraine aid and his comments that the war must be brought to a negotiated end.

    “In Asia, I fear that increasingly bellicose rhetoric and actions have resulted in the development of a dangerous security dilemma with China. China’s extraordinary rise certainly poses unique challenges; however, America must avoid a self-fulfilling prophecy that leads to direct conflict. The United States and China need not be enemies for the sake of being enemies. After all, the United States and China were allies in the Second World War, and the establishment of relations in 1979 played a crucial role in helping the United States win the Cold War. In the age of nuclear weapons, great power wars cannot be won and therefore must not be fought. Despite our many differences, Washington and Beijing must learn to respect and live with one another. Imposing more tariffs and sanctions are unlikely to alter Beijing’s behavior in any manner favorable to the United States. Improved relations should start by highlighting potential areas of cooperation, including a free trade relationship based on mutual benefit, that can lead to peace and prosperity for both our peoples.

    “America’s misguided foreign policy over the past three decades has led us to a dangerous inflection point. By cultivating adversaries across the globe, Washington has arrayed a group of countries— China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea— to align themselves against the United States, despite not being natural allies. American officials would do well to look at these countries individually and engage with them on a bilateral basis. One must not agree with an adversary’s perspective, but our leaders should certainly seek to understand why they think the way they do.

    “I believe Senator Rubio and I fundamentally agree that the primary goal of U.S. foreign policy is to ensure the security and prosperity of the American people. President Trump’s victory was a clear sign that Americans across the country demand that their elected officials rightfully put their interests first, not those of foreign governments. I trust the opportunities afforded to Senator Rubio to shape the next four years of U.S. foreign policy reflect a commitment to reorient the Department of State to prioritize diplomacy over war, and I stand ready to offer my assistance as he prepares to represent the collective aspirations of the American people on the global stage.”
    __________________________________________________ ________________
    "A politician will do almost anything to keep their job, even become a patriot" - Hearst



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    __________________________________________________ ________________
    "A politician will do almost anything to keep their job, even become a patriot" - Hearst

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    While I have never been a fan of Rubio, I think I understand why Trump chose him for SoS. It is my guess that Trump wants the projection of strength and feels that Rubio will be well suited to that purpose. This is all about the image we project to the world. Time will tell if this is a good hire.
    Citizen of Arizona
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  5. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by Cleaner44 View Post
    While I have never been a fan of Rubio, I think I understand why Trump chose him for SoS. It is my guess that Trump wants the projection of strength and feels that Rubio will be well suited to that purpose. This is all about the image we project to the world. Time will tell if this is a good hire.
    He was chosen because Sheldon Adleson's widow gave a lot of money to Trump and told him to appoint Rubio.
    __________________________________________________ ________________
    "A politician will do almost anything to keep their job, even become a patriot" - Hearst

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    Quote Originally Posted by Matt Collins View Post
    He was chosen because Sheldon Adleson's widow gave a lot of money to Trump and told him to appoint Rubio.
    What is your source that the billionaire was paid off?
    Citizen of Arizona
    @cleaner4d4

    I am a libertarian. I am advocating everyone enjoy maximum freedom on both personal and economic issues as long as they do not bring violence unto others.

  7. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Cleaner44 View Post
    What is your source that the billionaire was paid off?
    I can't find the source for it but it was mentioned on either the Tucker or Judge Nap show where Rubio was owned by the Adelson's and they cut a deal to help fund Trump's campaign in exchange for Trump putting Rubio in as SOS.
    __________________________________________________ ________________
    "A politician will do almost anything to keep their job, even become a patriot" - Hearst

  8. #7
    Rand, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but those policy differences you have with Rubio are precisely why he was nominated for SoS.
    There is nothing to fear from globalism, free trade and a single worldwide currency, but a globalism where free trade is competitively subsidized by each nation, a continuous trade war is dictated by the WTO, and the single currency is pure fiat, fear is justified. That type of globalism is destined to collapse into economic despair, inflationism and protectionism and managed by resurgent militant nationalism.
    Ron Paul
    Congressional Record (March 13, 2001)

  9. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Cleaner44 View Post
    What is your source that the billionaire was paid off?
    That's funny. I love how you threw in the word "billionaire" like that to make it sound like this isn't how it works because Trump's allegedly a billionaire.
    There is nothing to fear from globalism, free trade and a single worldwide currency, but a globalism where free trade is competitively subsidized by each nation, a continuous trade war is dictated by the WTO, and the single currency is pure fiat, fear is justified. That type of globalism is destined to collapse into economic despair, inflationism and protectionism and managed by resurgent militant nationalism.
    Ron Paul
    Congressional Record (March 13, 2001)



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    Quote Originally Posted by Cleaner44 View Post
    While I have never been a fan of Rubio, I think I understand why Trump chose him for SoS. It is my guess that Trump wants the projection of strength and feels that Rubio will be well suited to that purpose. This is all about the image we project to the world. Time will tell if this is a good hire.
    If you asked 1,000 people what their impressions of Rubio are, zero of them would say that he projects strength.

    He is, however, a zealous interventionist in foreign policy. In fact, it may be that he compensates for the image of limp-wristedness that he projects with bellicosity. And this commitment to interventionism why he was nominated. When Trump was told whom to nominate for SoS by the people he defers to for that kind of decision, zealous commitment to foreign interventionism was one of those people's nonnegotiables.
    There is nothing to fear from globalism, free trade and a single worldwide currency, but a globalism where free trade is competitively subsidized by each nation, a continuous trade war is dictated by the WTO, and the single currency is pure fiat, fear is justified. That type of globalism is destined to collapse into economic despair, inflationism and protectionism and managed by resurgent militant nationalism.
    Ron Paul
    Congressional Record (March 13, 2001)

  12. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by Invisible Man View Post
    Rand, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but those policy differences you have with Rubio are precisely why he was nominated for SoS.
    I bet Massie would have voted against Rubio
    __________________________________________________ ________________
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    Quote Originally Posted by Invisible Man View Post
    If you asked 1,000 people what their impressions of Rubio are, zero of them would say that he projects strength.

    He is, however, a zealous interventionist in foreign policy. In fact, it may be that he compensates for the image of limp-wristedness that he projects with bellicosity. And this commitment to interventionism why he was nominated. When Trump was told whom to nominate for SoS by the people he defers to for that kind of decision, zealous commitment to foreign interventionism was one of those people's nonnegotiables.
    As I said, I am no fan of Rubio. It seems to me that he will be a representative of Trump, not the man calling the shots. Maybe I am wrong.
    Citizen of Arizona
    @cleaner4d4

    I am a libertarian. I am advocating everyone enjoy maximum freedom on both personal and economic issues as long as they do not bring violence unto others.

  14. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by Cleaner44 View Post
    As I said, I am no fan of Rubio. It seems to me that he will be a representative of Trump, not the man calling the shots. Maybe I am wrong.
    Personnel is policy
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    Quote Originally Posted by Matt Collins View Post
    Personnel is policy
    I disagree. When Trump hired John Bolton, the policy didn't become Start More Wars in the Middle East. Bolton was used as a tool and I think the same will be true of Rubio. That's my theory, but I certainly may be wrong. Maybe these next 4 years will become a new age of interventionism in the middle east on behalf of Israel.
    Citizen of Arizona
    @cleaner4d4

    I am a libertarian. I am advocating everyone enjoy maximum freedom on both personal and economic issues as long as they do not bring violence unto others.

  16. #14
    Quote Originally Posted by Cleaner44 View Post
    I disagree. When Trump hired John Bolton, the policy didn't become Start More Wars in the Middle East. Bolton was used as a tool and I think the same will be true of Rubio. That's my theory, but I certainly may be wrong. Maybe these next 4 years will become a new age of interventionism in the middle east on behalf of Israel.
    In general when an elected official hires a staff that is more centrist than they are, the staff tends to pull the official back towards the middle. Many conservative elected officials think that they need to "balance" their ideas with a more central leaning staff, or that they need to hire people with institutional knowledge. The problem is that those people will almost always poo-poo anything outside of what they consider the supposed "Overton Window." And yes, this did happen with Trump and even Reagan. They got talked out of doing things they wanted to, or at least watering down some policies, because their staff persuaded them.

    This time around though, I think that will have less of an effect because Trump has been there, done that, been around the block, and gotten the tshirt. There is no ambiguity, wavering, second guessing, or indecisiveness on what he wants because he is no longer a neophyte. If anything he has been the victim of the deep state and has experienced first hand the worst of DC. So hopefully Rubio and the like doesn't get a say in much of anything. But we'll see. I'm skeptical.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Matt Collins View Post
    In general when an elected official hires a staff that is more centrist than they are, the staff tends to pull the official back towards the middle. Many conservative elected officials think that they need to "balance" their ideas with a more central leaning staff, or that they need to hire people with institutional knowledge. The problem is that those people will almost always poo-poo anything outside of what they consider the supposed "Overton Window." And yes, this did happen with Trump and even Reagan. They got talked out of doing things they wanted to, or at least watering down some policies, because their staff persuaded them.

    This time around though, I think that will have less of an effect because Trump has been there, done that, been around the block, and gotten the tshirt. There is no ambiguity, wavering, second guessing, or indecisiveness on what he wants because he is no longer a neophyte. If anything he has been the victim of the deep state and has experienced first hand the worst of DC. So hopefully Rubio and the like doesn't get a say in much of anything. But we'll see. I'm skeptical.
    Yes I think things seem quite different this term already. Trump seems to be doing what he wants and at a very fast pace. People are either on board with his vision or they aren't welcome to be a part of his plans.

    I like that tonight he is actually pushing the idea of Congress eliminating the income tax. I would never have dreamed that would be possible before, but now it actually seems like it could happen. It would take a lot of convincing of the house and senate, but you never know.
    Citizen of Arizona
    @cleaner4d4

    I am a libertarian. I am advocating everyone enjoy maximum freedom on both personal and economic issues as long as they do not bring violence unto others.

  18. #16
    Quote Originally Posted by Matt Collins View Post
    I can't find the source for it but it was mentioned on either the Tucker or Judge Nap show where Rubio was owned by the Adelson's and they cut a deal to help fund Trump's campaign in exchange for Trump putting Rubio in as SOS.

    Can't find the source? Tucker "mentioned" it? Judge Napolitano?

    Come now, really?

    On an orthogonal note, I would be a little more cautious about Carlson. At times he seems to have gotten a little bit full of himself.
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  20. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by Cleaner44 View Post
    Yes I think things seem quite different this term already. Trump seems to be doing what he wants and at a very fast pace. People are either on board with his vision or they aren't welcome to be a part of his plans.
    Nothing wrong with that, in sé, but it carries potentially great risk depending on whether Trump's positions are sane. Thus far, they appear to be close enough. In fact, he has thus far outperformed with respect to my expectations, which has managed to surprise me more than a little. That, by the way, is not a complaint.

    Those who are so dead-set against Trump seem to have a problem with establishing and maintaining a rational perspective. Firstly, he is a man and not a God. Short of Jesus Hisownself coming out from behind a cloud and taking over, we are unlikely to see a sudden jump to the anarchist ideal of free living in the civil context. And were we to experience that sudden shift, millions in America would die in short order because people in general are not prepared for actual freedom. And let us not forget the adage about the perfect being the enemy of the good.

    Thus far Trump is doing well. Part of me is waiting for the hammer to fall - the consequence of a lifetime living under the tyranny of the American "government".

    The shift can safely occur in a quick fashion, but not TOO quick. People, especially the gravely miseducated who have been acclimated to deep corruptions of their souls, need time to adjust to new realities. Freedom isn't all joy, squirting penises, and unicorn poo. It is responsibility, intellect, smarts, and generosity as well, a list of requirements of which far too many are in no way fond.

    I like that tonight he is actually pushing the idea of Congress eliminating the income tax. I would never have dreamed that would be possible before, but now it actually seems like it could happen. It would take a lot of convincing of the house and senate, but you never know.
    Yeah, that one took me by surprise. I never in my life would have expected to hear that issue from a sitting president's mouth.

    So for all you Trump haters here, and there seems to be more that a handful, I say relax and give the man his chance to make good. Quit expecting perfection - you ain't getting it - and see what develops. Barring his death, he is fact for the coming four years, so eating stomach lining is a self-defeating act. If he does good, give him credit for it. If he does bad, let him know. But the bile is just an utter and obscene waste of your resources.

    At this point I am just thankful that Harris didn't get her hands on things. Just imagine where we'd be now, going down by the bow and sinking fast, not unlike Titanic.

    Cheers.
    freedomisobvious.blogspot.com

    There is only one correct way: freedom. All other solutions are non-solutions.

    It appears that artificial intelligence is at least slightly superior to natural stupidity.

    Our words make us the ghosts that we are.

    Convincing the world he didn't exist was the Devil's second greatest trick; the first was convincing us that God didn't exist.



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