Allot of people here say that the Mayor of a large city lacks the depth of experience needed to run a nation. But how about Ron Paul? Just as I did with his stances, we'll look at his career,
by the facts, and see just what leadership experience Dr. Paul has.
BTW, if you're wondering where that thread is, it's here:
http://www.conflictingviews.com/t2142/
so, to the Career of Ron Paul.
Well Ron Paul's first crack at leadership came when he was
president of his high school student council. That sounds silly but I want to be thorough. He undoubtedly lead students at some point so I guess that counts.
His next stride in Leadership came when he was elected
House Manager of his college fraternity; Lambda Chi Alpha of Gettysburg College.
during his senior year Paul got married, in 1957. I guess marriage was seen as a form of leadership in those days, it's before the sexual revolution and all. He does however lose points because his wife actually asked him to their first date. Hows a lack of spine and all.
Paul then considered being a
Lutheran Minister, which is odd considering his five children were baptized Episcopalian, but whatever. He decided against that position of leadership to attend the Duke School of Medicine.
His college was interrupted when he was drafted during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was a
flight surgeon while in the military. For those who aren't up to date on the workings of our fighting machine, a flight surgeon is
not a position of leadership. Even if it is an honorable way to serve, Just wanted to clear that up.
After that he
worked at a church hospital's emergency room in San Antonio. After that he found another position of leadership as he
took over the medical practice of a retiring doctor in Lake Jackson, affording him leadership over a small practice in Rural Texas.
His next change came a few years later, Paul became a
delegate to the 1974 Texas Republican convention.
After that Paul was an
unsuccessful Republican candidate for Congress from the 22nd district of Texas in 1974
When President Gerald Ford appointed Casey as head of the Federal Maritime Commission, Paul won an April 1976 special election to fill the empty seat (
Member of the House of Rep). Paul lost six months later in the general election.
Paul was also one of only four Republican Congressmen to endorse Ronald Reagan for president against Gerald Ford in 1976,[2] when
Paul led the Texas Reagan delegation at the national Republican convention.[36]
he then defeated Gammage in a 1978 rematch (
for a seat in The House) and won new terms in 1980 and 1982.
SIDE NOTE: Is Ron Paul pro gun control? In 1980, when a majority of Republicans favored President Jimmy Carter's proposal to reinstate draft registration, he pointed out the majority's views as inconsistent, stating they "
were more interested in registering their children than they were their guns".
In 1984, Paul chose to run for the
U.S. Senate instead of re-election to the House,
but lost the GOP primary to Phil Gramm.
In the 1988 presidential election, Paul defeated American Indian activist Russell Means to win the
Libertarian Party nomination for president. He ran against Bush the First, which is a bit odd considering he was such a fan of Reganomics in the late 70's and now considers himself the most like Regan among GOP hopefuls...
After the election, Paul
had a coin business,[50]
began his own think tank, the Foundation for Rational Economics and Education, published an investment newsletter,[47] and continued his medical practice until he returned to Congress.
In 1996, Paul returned to Congress after a tougher battle than he had faced in the 1970s. He's been there ever since. It's important to note that
the National Rifle Association actually supported his opponent, again raising the question about his theories on gun control.
Side Note 2: Conflict of Interest? After being elected again Paul continued to work as an obstetrician in Brazoria County, Texas, delivering many of his constituents' babies even while serving in Congress. Where does he find all this time? Well if you haven't noticed by now he isn't running anything, that's a time saver!
Well let's Tally it all up
Ron Paul, during his lifetime has served as a leader in the following roles:
President of his high school student council
House Manager of his college fraternity
Husband of his family (even though it was his wife who took the initiative to set up his first date)
Ran a Small Medical Practice In Texas
leader the Texas Reagan delegation at the national Republican convention in 1976
ran a coin business
ran something called "the Foundation for Rational Economics and Education", which he actually started. They had a newsletter
and that's about it
He's opposed Flood Insurance, a program which has not only been good for the economy by releaving private insurance companies of losses that hurt economic growth but also helps to rebuild the lives of thousands of Americans a year.
He's been a member of the house on again off again, sometimes still holding down a job as a doctor, and who doesn't have that kind of free time?
Being a member of the House is
NOT a leadership role! congress holds a 17% approval rating, who's going to give you credit for being a part of that? Beyond that congress anymore is Red Tape Central, there's no leadership to be found.
A man who brings people together? Not exactly, he spends half of his time undermining those within his whole party.
You can have your text message polls and you internet army. Judgning by the man's body of work I would barely trust him leading a Highschool Football team, let alone a country.
His body of leadership experience DOESN'T EVEN COME CLOSE to that of the mayor of NYC, let alone during a time of Crisis as large as 911
again, truth finds it's way into the side of Ron Paul. Enjoy the thorns of reality guys :cool:
Ron Paul - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
on a side note, his years of OB/GYN do explain how he's been able to MASTER the sour face!
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