Typically, I’m not one for outright mudslinging, but I do think it’s altogether fair to examine each candidate based on their records and statements. A lot of the top-tier candidates have already been berated by the media, the blogosphere, and their opponents.
So I thought I’d take a look at Ron Paul, the Champion of the Constitution. Let me start by saying that I do believe that Ron Paul is correct in claiming that title. I believe he has some good ideas for America. But I also believe that part of his record is quite dismal from a conservative perspective.
So here’s what I’m going to do. In no particular order, I’m going to list some things in Ron Paul’s record that most Americans should find the least bit troubling. I’m not going to elaborate on each one. I’m just going to let the votes and statements speak for themselves.
Ron Paul voted against the prohibition of cloning.
He voted against the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 1999, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2001 and the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004.
He voted against banning the burning of the U.S. Flag.
He voted against the Anti Terrorism Act of 2001.
He voted against the Same Sex Marriage Resolution.
He voted against the AIDS Assistance Bill.
He voted against a nationwide AMBER alert system.
He voted against the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act.
He voted against the Condemning Iraq Abuse of Prisoners Resolution.
He voted against the Reduction of Spam Bill (a.k.a. CAN-SPAM Act).
He voted against the Do-Not-Call Registry Bill.
He has expressed interest in ending the war on drugs, as well as legalizing marijuana.
In more controversial legislation, he voted against the No Child Left Behind Act and the Patriot Act. I do not intend to discuss the legitimacy of those two acts, but I felt it necessary to list them nonetheless.
If you look at Ron Paul and what he stands for, some of these things may not surprise you. He truly believes in defending the Constitution and there is nothing wrong with that. I wish more Americans would adopt that kind of philosophy.
However, I think that the things he’s voted against, compared to some of the other things he has voted for, reveals a certain degree of inconsistency. I believe that this post has been quite fair, regardless of my own personal convictions. If you want to know more, I’d urge you to check out his record on VoteSmart or at OntheIssues.org.
Posted by Braden 
