Ron Paul for President?

After my last post on the 2008 presidential contenders there were a few comments made about another option for the office of President, congressman Ron Paul.

Here in my area I see a lot of signs, bumper stickers, etc promoting Congressman Paul for President. But to be honest, I really knew very little about him. Who exactly is Ron Paul and would he make a good choice for president? So I decided to let my fingers do the walking and see what Mr Paul was about. Here's some of what I found out.

Before seeking a public office Mr Paul attended and graduated from Duke University School of Medicine. He served his country in the US Air Force as flight surgeon. In the late 60's he began his medical practice in Brazoria County Texas, where he specialized in obstetrics/gynecology and delivered over 4000 babies.

He became a congressman in the 70's thru the early 80's and served on the House Banking committee where he was an advocate for sound monetary policy and a very outspoken critic of the federal reserves inflationary measures. His firm views on limited government were not considered popular in Washington.

Through out his career he has been an unwavering advocate of pro-life and family value issues. He has also consistently voted to lower or abolish federal taxes and spending regulation. He believes in and has actively promoted the return of the government to the proper constitutional levels.

In 1984 he voluntarily gave up his house seat to return to the private sector to practice medicine, then returned to congress in 1997. He now serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Through out his life and Congressional career Mr Paul has remained consistent in his beliefs and works tirelessly toward the reduction of government, a return to constitutional principals, lower taxes, free markets and a return to sound monetary policies. His consistent voting record proves this and has prompted some of his colleagues to state : "Ron Paul personifies the Founding Father's ideal of the citizen-statesman. He makes it clear that his principles will never be compromised, and they never are.” and “There are few people in public life who, through thick and thin, rain or shine, stick to their principles. Ron Paul is one of those few.”

That seems high praise from ones own peers wouldn't you say? So now I have to ask myself why isn't this man someone who's been taken more seriously as a presidential contender? But in asking that question I suppose I already know the answer..... Considering his above strong ideals and beliefs he doesn't seem like a man who would be controlled or swayed for party's sake. And in the real world if you want the backing of the larger parties you have to be willing to not only bend but kiss a little butt while you're down there.

The following is a brief overview of Congressman Paul's record while in office.
He has never voted to raise taxes.
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
He has never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership.
He has never voted to raise congressional pay.
He has never taken a government-paid junket.
He has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.
He voted against the Patriot Act.
He voted against regulating the Internet.
He voted against the Iraq war.
He does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program.
He returns a portion of his annual congressional office budget to the U.S. treasury every year.
Congressman Paul introduces numerous pieces of substantive legislation each year, probably more than any single member of Congress.

I have to say what Ive learned about this man so far I really like him. Now I have to decide if my vote is better used to block Obama,who I'm absolutely sure I do not want to run our country or do I want to vote for a man who I can actually admire and believe in as president?