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Video: Watch the full CNN/Arizona Republican debate

The four remaining GOP hopefuls gathered in Arizona on Wednesday night for the final debate prior to the Arizona and Michigan primaries coming up on February 28. This debate was sponsored by CNN and the Republican Party of Arizona. It was held at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona.

Original Air Time: Wednesday, February 22 at 8pm ET on CNN

Participants: Gingrich, Romney, Santorum, Paul

Alternate full debate video link: ElectAd.com

Report from Fox News:

The Republican presidential candidates head back on the campaign trail Thursday after a debate in Phoenix, Ariz. that, while fiery at times, ultimately changed little in the race for the 2012 presidential nomination.

The debate, which took place one week before a flurry of voting begins with contests in Michigan and Arizona, saw Mitt Romney reaffirm his genteel but biting attack style. His main target was Rick Santorum, who faced a host of questions from his rival aimed at cutting short the would-be path of an emerging frontrunner.

Romney went on offense from the start against Santorum's record of spending while in the U.S. Senate, accusing him of raising the debt ceiling five times, funding Planned Parenthood and expanding the Department of Education.

In a searing first shot the Republican presidential primary frontrunner said during Santorum's watch, spending grew 80 percent of the federal government.

But in a quick retort, Santorum, seated next to Romney one week before they and candidates Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul hear from voters in Arizona and Michigan, said that while he was in office in Washington, the debt as a percentage of GDP went down from 68 percent to 64 percent.

No doubt that Santorum took a beating from both Mitt Romney and Ron Paul. Gingrich gave an endearing performance but I am not sure that will be enough to reignite his campaign.

Ron Paul actually seemed to come out looking the best after last night and it was due in part to letting the other candidates talk themselves into corners. Paul hammered Santorum on spending and it was a little uncomfortable watching Santorum attempt to justify certain earmarks over other earmarks.

Probably the two who benefited the most from Wednesday night were Mitt Romney and Ron Paul. The attacks on Romney have been played out time and time again in these debates so we didn't hear anything new. Santorum and Gingrich delivered the standard lines against Romney's Massachusetts health care law but those critiques have been heard time and time again.


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214 comments to Video: Watch the full CNN/Arizona Republican debate

    • Surfisher

      Ron Paul supporters — the Ron Paul Fan Site is back on…so post there, too!

      http://www.ronpaul.com/

      • B Anderson

        RON PAUL SUPPORTERS… Surfisher wants you to go to his posted web page. Please go there… and don't come back.

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMpBBRUCMd8&feature=player_embedded

        • Darryl

          B Anderson

          Are you by any chance a full-fledged, dyed-in-the-wool, Constitution hating, warmongering, Israel dominated Neo-Con? Just asking…

          Why don't you move to Israel and you can "protect" them all you want. Maybe they'll even let you push their Red Button if you froth-at-the-mouth while you're "screaming" how much you hate Ron Paul and all the Muslims.

          • 2_amazed

            Sorry, Darryl, I've had a lot of respect for many comments you have shared, but this is not one of them. I think you are above that.

          • Darryl

            2_amazed

            Perhaps. But I just get so "frustrated" when these Neo-Con, wag-the-fricken-dog War-Lovers get support from the "duped" and ignorant American People. They KNOW nothing will change, but they keep supporting them anyway.

          • 2_amazed

            Darryl, I can understand your being frustrated when you think people don't get it. But I think the reality is ALL of US CARE about this nation and the direction it is heading. It does us no good to tear each other apart because we share different points of view. Our nation is at a crossroads and if we don't want to end up in a wreck, we're gonna have to stick together and look for common ground. The two party system has certainly created an US against Them culture in our country. We certainly don't need to have in our own party. If we care about the country, then lets find common ground and move forward to reclaim our constitutional liberty. :-)

          • B Anderson

            Darryl
            I am a creation of God, just as you are. I know Whose I am.

  • Darryl

    Neo-Cons HATE this Song! I can just see the Romney, Gingrich and Santorum Supporters "cringing"!

    Song: "END THIS WAR!" by Golden State

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE30TH6Y7cI

    END THIS WAR!

    END THIS WAR!

    END THIS WAR!

    I can be sure of this
    Memories are fading fast
    A fragile heart of glass
    That shattered once before
    The walls start to break and crack
    Nothing is built to last
    Cuz Patience are running thin
    But I know we can't give up

    If we make the choice
    To walk out the door
    And let all we have
    Become nothing more
    Can we look at ourselves
    And resist this
    Moment in time together

    Its not impossible
    That we can End This War
    Just let your heart explode
    Not too late for a miracle
    It's not impossible

    I know we can resist
    So many shots that missed
    My heart can take a hit
    Cause I know I can't let go

    If we make the choice
    To walk out the door
    And let all we have
    Become nothing more
    Can we look at ourselves
    And resist this
    Moment in time together

    Its not impossible
    That we can End This War
    Just let your heart explode
    Not too late for a miracle
    It's not impossible

    No more fighting
    No more crying
    No more hurting
    No deserting
    No more lying
    No more sighing
    I'm still trying
    Arms wide open

    END THIS WAR!

    END THIS WAR!

    END THIS WAR!

    Its not impossible (End This War)
    That we can End This War (End This War)
    Just let your heart explode (End This War)
    Not too late for a miracle (End This War)
    It's not impossible (End This War)

    I've seen the levy break
    I've seen a lover take
    I've felt the warm sun
    It's there for everyone
    I've seen some troubled times
    But its not too late for a miracle
    Its not impossible

  • Judi Phillips

    Ron Paul stands alone in my eyes. Why is the media ignoring Ron Paul>>>>Because THEY ARE FRIGHTENED OF HIM! He actually stands a chance of winning!!

    Take it from a fence poster(i.e., Libertartian), I'll jump to your side if you vote Ron Paul!

  • Darryl

    Ron Paul Political Rap Song "Stand Up" by Mark Jankins

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDqX0rO4iQI

    Intro:

    A lot of people don't realize that we're at the precipice of an intellectual war; where knowledge and wisdom is our ammunition, truth and understanding is our strategy, and peace and liberty is our goal.

    Chorus:

    We used to say the pledge of allegiance,
    It said liberty and justice for all.
    But ever since the departure of Clinton,
    I've been witnessing my countries downfall.
    I don't really know where we're going,
    And this election's too close to call.
    But if you ask me about how I'm voting,
    I gotta stand up for Ron Paul, Ron Paul, Ron Paul.
    It's time to stand up for Ron Paul, Ron Paul, Ron Paul.
    Come on and stand up for Ron Paul.

    Verse 1:

    It all started in the Monica Lewinski days,
    Newt Gingrich was screamin impeachment
    But he's doing the same thing.
    Cheatin on his 2nd wife with his 3rd wife
    Claiming to be a man of God
    But can't even live a moral life.
    Now that's hypocrisy, way too prevalent in DC
    He ain't even fit to be the VP
    Think you better switch your vote to RP
    Yep, that's Ron Paul, Champion of the Constitution
    America's 1 solution, to rid the white house of pollution
    We've been on the wrong path for way too long,
    Thought we'd recover from the Bush era when Obama came along
    I know, I voted on him to but I admit I was wrong
    But now it's time to move on, and get this country back strong
    But first things first, we gotta balance the budget
    We're 16 trillion in debt, and that #'s only growin
    We're spending more than we're making
    And fighting wars we can't afford
    Foreign aid to other countries, time to cut that umbilical cord!

    Chorus

    Verse 2:

    Attention Folks! The lamestream media's at it again.
    Look out for Hannity, O'Reilly, and CNN
    They want to tell you that a vote for Ron Paul don't count
    They want to choke out his message, with a media blackout
    Oh no, Hell no! We can't let that happen!
    That's why we're all over the internet, and I'm up here rappin
    Supporters down at the capitol, hold signs at town lake
    Spreadin the message of liberty, for America's sake
    But it's your choice; so pick heaven or hell
    Pick good or evil; pick right or wrong; pick weak or strong
    Pick yin or yang; pick Thomas Jefferson or Sadam Hussein
    The choice is obvious to me, but it's up to you to decide
    Don't base it on the media's lop sided view they provide
    They're spreading lies, misinformation, and deception
    Paid for by private groups that want to rig the elections, WAKE UP!

    Chorus

    Verse 3:

    Barack Obama, I thought it was time for a change
    Barack Obama, your plan is looking kinda strange
    Barack Obama, I know who you are
    But charisma can only get you so far
    This country needs a leader! Not another crooked politician
    Ron Paul's got the balls to stand up to the opposition
    That's the establishment, challenge the status quo
    Brrrrrack, you got us up sh** creek without a paddle bro
    Open up your eyes and your mind, and think for yourself
    You can't continue wars and expect economic health
    You can't have poor work ethic and expect to obtain wealth
    You can't change the world if you can't change yourself
    It's time to take back your righteous mind
    Give liberty a chance for the sake of mankind
    But enough of me, I'ma let the good doctor speak
    And let the choice be yours…… Godspeed

    Ron Paul "What If" speech

    Chorus

    Ron Paul "What If" speech continued.

  • Darryl

    Political Folk Song "Ron Paul Free" by Carolyn Karger

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wdmP8PRThQ

    Every day
    Somebody wakes up awake
    From the farm lands of Iowa
    To the freeways of L.A.
    Every day
    You hear the people say
    We've had enough and
    We're too tough to take this
    Sitting down -

    Ron Paul
    He's the one we want
    Ron Paul
    To take those lies apart
    They told us
    One too many times…
    Ron Paul
    He's the one we want
    Ron Paul
    It takes a patriot's heart
    To make sure
    That this will always be
    The land of the Free…

    Every day
    Somebody wakes up awake
    From the warm sands of Florida
    To the campuses, where they pay to play
    Every day
    They do a double take
    Who's this man who speaks the truth to the
    Powers that be and the MSM?

    Ron Paul
    He's the one we want
    Ron Paul
    To take those lies apart
    They told us
    One too many times…
    Ron Paul
    And the time is now
    Ron Paul
    Because we know how to ensure
    That this will always be
    The land of the Free
    We want to be FREE

    We don't want war
    We don't want pain
    We don't want bloodshed
    We don't want shame

    We don't want debts
    We don't want chains
    We don't want theft
    We don't want to be slaves

    We don't want crowns
    We don't want kings
    We don't want pawns
    Telling us what to think

    We don't want hope
    We don't want change
    We don't want lies
    Or more of the same

    We are the people
    Born to liberty -

    We want to be FREE! (Ron Paul)
    We want to be FREE! (Ron Paul)
    We want to be FREE! (Ron Paul)
    We want to be FREE! (Ron Paul)…

    Every day
    Somebody wakes up awake
    From sea to shining sea and the
    Purple mountains majesty….

  • B Anderson

    We will be glad when we are free of Ron Paul's followers! They are the ones more mislead that he is.

  • 2_amazed

    B Anderson, Carmen, Simple Truth, Buckeye, Francis, MichaelReg, Nate-I think you might appreciate this website: http://www.constitutionreclaimed.com/OfficialTrailer.html, this is an excellent series!

    And no, it is NOT in anyway a Ron Paul website.

    I think there is common ground between both sides, wish more of that could come across. Ron Paul supporters make good points about his Constitutional knowledge and all, but sometimes the way they present their ideas certainly makes it hard to hear their POV. Personally, I will vote for whoever gets the nomination. No one's perfect and I think we'll have a better chance of reclaiming our Constitutional government with anyone OTHER THAN President Obama.

  • UNDECIDED still

    I went back and watched all the debates here…
    Dr. Paul is the ONLY person who actually EVER answers the questions. Not only does he answer, he's the only one who answers intelligently.

    Mitt Romney, I swear, NEVER answers the questions… the guy fricken monologues! Like he has this script memorized! It doesn't even matter what questions are asked, he just starts rambling! Sure, he's smart, successful, etc… But the guy is doing CLASSIC bureaucratic, political nonsense! He's Bill Clinton all over again. Bill was a master at this technique.

    Newt kind-of answers. Rick seems like Mitt's puppy dog or something. Seems to me like he's trying to impress Mitt. Maybe he's looking for a job after he loses.

    Ron Paul seems like he's the only person who is answering consistently. I've watched probably hundreds of TV spots on each candidate, and Dr. Paul is the only one with an actual message. It's like he sees what is fundamentally wrong. I can feel it in my bones when he speaks. He's TOTALLY unorthodox, and has this haphazard, whiny voice… but what he says cuts through all the B.S.!

    I used to think it was good when candidates fought for what I believed in, moved to put in place legislation that supported my beliefs, vetoed bills that antagonized my persuasion; but NOW… here comes Ron Paul, saying, "You have it all wrong!" The government doesn't need to create more laws, more red-tape, more control… what it needs to do is GO AWAY!

    I like it… I like it a lot!

  • B Anderson

    2_amazed
    Thanks for your post. Ron Paul's ideas on the constitution are quite extreme. He forgets that the constitution allows laws to be made and changed. Through the 250 years of our history there have been several attempts to keep in touch with the times. Even thought I do not agree with many of the laws, and some appear to be contrary to the constitution, we all must abide by them. Ron Paul will never be able to correct even one “mistake” of the legislation that opposes the constitution. He does not have a persuasive personality. Some of our laws seem to be unfair. Why do we need to drive on the right side of the road? Maybe I like to drive on the left. So isn’t it unconstitutional to require me to ride on the right? If it were a state rights thing, some states could have you drive on the right, some on the left, or some other section of the road. No, it is for the good of the masses. Ron Paul and his followers do not seem to grasp that concept. That, and his isolation ideals are the reason I will not support him. However, even he would be better that Obama.

    Obama blatantly opposes the rights of individuals, religious based organizations, and our right to life. People have the right to purchase contraceptives for their lifestyle. However I have a different lifestyle. I should not be forced to support and pay for other’s elective lifestyle. The pill, when used as contraceptive, is not a health item. It is known to cause blood clots in women. Why has it become a health item to be paid by insurance or taxpayers? Since when is becoming pregnant unhealthy? I thought it was a natural body function. I think that is wrong for people and religious organizations to be forced to pay for them. Like alcohol, it is an item of choice. It is legal. I am not forced to pay for someone’s choice of drink. However I can see where NightQuil relieves cold symptoms, and could be covered under health care. The pill, also has uses for health care of regulating female body cycles. I could be covered for that, but not for elective purposes.

    People think it is weird that I support abortion. However, I have a different take on the subject. The couple that wish not to have a baby, really are saying that they do not want to support the child after it is born. That is fine with me. As soon as the baby is born, the parents have the right to be aborted. The child can be adopted by someone who will love and care for it. That way, the couple have the fun of sex, and don’t have to face the consequences of raising the child.

    • Surfisher

      B Anderson —

      Lol… some more of your sciolistic prattle?

      Seen any terrorists under your bed lately…?

      You never answered how (under Ron Paul) those darn Muslims in the hundreds of millions are going to get here to wage war against us on our soil.

      What was it again —- building thousands of rowboats or dinghies….?

      • 2_amazed

        I'm sorry, Surfisher, but is this kind of comment really necessary?

        • Surfisher

          2_amazed —

          No — you are correct.

          Ridiculing his illogical mind is superfluous — he succeeds exposing it better in his own words….

          P.S. No admonishing comment on your part to him: Was this post necessary…?
          "B Anderson — February 25, 2012 at 8:24 pm — RON PAUL SUPPORTERS… Surfisher wants you to go to his posted web page. Please go there… and don't come back."

          Just wondering if you are being selective….

          P.P.S. Wish you luck in your polite engagement to compare ideas, in the hope he'll comprehend the validity of some and the disproval of others (but I think it's causa perduta — one can do just about anything, but put brains into a fool's head).

    • 2_amazed

      B Anderson, thank you for taking the time to respond and for sharing your thoughts and positions with me. I too am a Christian, and so I can identify with the concerns that you have expressed. That is why I think you’ll appreciate the website I link I posted. BTW, I like your take on abortion. :-)

      I don’t agree with all of Sen. Paul’s ideas or stands on various issues. However, one thing I can really appreciate about him is his constant bringing to the dialogue the undermining of the Constitution and the national debt. I believe those are the two most pressing challenges our nation faces at this time. I am really concerned that if we as a nation do not change direction we truly will not be able to recover. President Obama has made it very clear he will not be the person to preserve, protect or defend the Constitution. From his statements, to his usurpation from the States the right to decide on healthcare as opposed to a nationally mandated system, to his most recent unconstitutional recess appointments. And to add insult to injury that the Senate Majority Leader would threaten those who would call the President on his unconstitutional conduct is unacceptable!

      Your point is well taken about there being a limit to states rights as evidenced by the driving example. There do need to be national laws for some consistency. It obviously was necessary to adopt the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments since some states would have kept things as they were before the Civil War—not that it still didn’t take a 100 years and the Civil Rights movement to ‘finish’ the job.

      As I am sure you have noticed, violations to the Constitution have been going on for decades. When the President sends troops into war without a declaration of war from Congress, he has violated the Constitution; when the Supreme Court writes a statute which amounts to binding law on all states, that’s a violation of the Constitution; when a Presidential agency such as the EPA creates regulations which amount to laws, again, it is a violation of the Constitution. Only Congress has the authority under the Constitution to make laws which are binding on the nation. They also do not have any Constitutional authority to delegate it to anyone or any agency! Furthermore, they also have the authority and obligation to call anyone on the carpet that does violate it. If we sign a UN Treaty that proposes to direct the internal affairs of the nation, as would the UN Treaty known as the CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child) would, it would clearly violate the liberties outlined in our Constitution. Yet, it would be binding on the nation. (If you haven’t seen anything on this, check out http://www.parentalrights.org)

      I’m not 60 yet, but I’m quite near to 50 and for years I have wondered, why on earth don’t things seem to change when we get a new president, be he Republican or Democrat? It wasn’t until I watched this lecture series (www.constitutionreclaimed.com/Welcome.html) that the lights came on and the understanding took root. (I certainly never learned this in school!) We as a nation have not been constitutionally literate enough to demand change from Washington. We have allowed the politicians to be the experts in leading the nation, and it has been like the blind leading the blind! We need to have the kind of knowledge that allows us to know when the violations take place and hold our elected representatives- either presidential, or more importantly, congressional-accountable by the ballot box. I agree with you, no one president is going to turn this nation around. It’s gone on for too long and the obvious prevalence of constitutional ignorance among our political leaders is widespread—although for some I believe it is intentional violation as opposed to ignorant violation. Personally, I have come to believe the president sure can lead, but it is far more important that we have constitutionally literate and honest men and women serving as our congressional representatives.

      The lecture series gave me an abundance of hope—we can turn things around when we as a nation (or at least enough of us that will vote), educate our friends, children, and grandchildren on the principles that will keep the Constitution as the blueprint for governing our nation. We can turn it around when we enter the discourse around us, make our points known, listen to opposing points of views, and find common ground.

      If you haven’t seen the first lecture, I would so recommend you take the opportunity. :-) I’d really be interested in hearing what you think of it. Also, the one on the National Debt is excellent! If you like what you see, please let others know about it. (Unfortunately, only two of the complete lectures are on the website-there are 25 lectures in all and each is done just as well as the two available for free).

      After watching the series and better understanding the ‘hows and whys’ of the crisis we are facing as a nation I am firmly of the opinion we need to spread Constitutional knowledge so we can stand together to take back our nation from those who would destroy it from within.

    • Darryl

      2_amazed

      *sigh* Apparently, you are the one who doesn't "get it". I was sadden to read that you would support "whoever" the Candidate is that is nominated. I thought you knew better than that. I'm sure you read B Anderson's post. He's really "out there", but at least he's been honest about his feelings and where he stands. He's a Neo-Con. He's Pro-Abortion. He doesn't like Ron Paul. He could "care-less" about the Constitution. He's a Gingrich supporter. He's Pro-BIG Government. Oh. And he doesn't like Obama. Pretty strange, aye?

      Anyway, Ron Paul supporters ALREADY KNOW that nothing will change under Romney, Gingrich or Santorum. B Anderson is the classic example as to "why". He knows nothing will change in our Government either. He WANTS it that way. He criticizes Ron Paul and his supporters for even "daring to suggest" change and "mocks" Ron Paul's message about returning to a Constitutional Government.

      Common ground? Is there any Common Ground, 2_amazed? "Tyranny", under ANY Political Party, has NOTHING IN COMMON with Freedom and Liberty. You're only kidding yourself if you think that there will be any chance of "reclaiming" a Constitutional Government under ANY of the other GOP Candidates, other than Ron Paul. Their Motive, if elected President, is to take the "then" Bush Republican Policies, which are "now" Obama Democrat Policies, and make them "more Republican". In other words, NOTHING WILL CHANGE!

      It's not about "beating" Obama, like the MSM likes to report, and which YOU believe. Why? Because they're ALL THE SAME! It's about "restoring" the Government back to a Constitutional Representative Democracy where the People, and NOT Corporations - NOT Special Interests - NOT Israel - NOT Unions - NOT Wall Street - but the ONLY the People are Represented by those who we elect to Govern us.

      And WHO is the only Candidate speaking this way? Ron Paul 2012 !!!

      • 2_amazed

        Darryl, actually I do get it, we just disagree on what ‘it’ is. Yes, I did read B Anderson’s post—and I think you misunderstood his/her position on abortion. I understood that the position was anti—it was a play on words by using pro-abortion.

        The neo-Con label doesn’t sit well with me. I think when we resort to name calling to eliminate a point of view from the dialogue it just doesn’t help those of us who are truly concerned about how far our nation has strayed from the Constitution, as you and many others have expressed.

        Yes, I will vote for the person who gets the nomination. If Sen. Paul is not running, what else would I do? Not vote—perish the thought! Throwing away my opportunity to vote would be the last thing I would do. It certainly wouldn’t help in the least of stopping a president who is clearly bent on destroying our liberties and our Constitution. Besides as you argue, voting for anyone else than Sen. Paul would be maintaining the status quo, well not taking part in the general election certainly will do the same thing! You see no difference between anyone else and the GOP and Pres. Obama, but there I am willing to agree to disagree.

        I respect your point of view as I do many others. I know you are very politically savvy and probably know quite a bit about history to understand that those who wrote our Constitution argued over many points—some were violently opposed to creating such a document and then trying to actually agree on what should be in it was certainly a tedious process. But they persevered, listened to each other, presented their opposing opinions and finally came to common ground to adopt the document we now have.

        I see the point we are at now in history as much the same. We all have different ideas, and some of will violently oppose ideas presented by those they see as the opposition. But we are, I believe, united in a common goal. The goal is to get back to a Constitutional government, and I am sorry, but it will take years to really do that. We need more than just a president, because you know as I’ve said before on other blogs, the president is not King. He’ll have to work with Congress and if Congress doesn’t follow the Constitution then we’re in trouble. So I see this as a defining moment in history. Do we only align ourselves to one candidate, or do we at least get someone in there other than who we currently have and at least begin the process?

        I think this divisiveness within the party only supports Pres. Obama’s agenda and re-election. I think if we are truly concerned about liberty, then we’d better vote him out office or move to another country. I for one don’t plan on moving—my money’s tied up in this economy and my house—I can’t afford to go anywhere else! :-)

        I’ve made allusions before, but personally, I like Gov. Romney. I know most of you hate him, but I think Gov. Romney is an honest man who sincerely wants to lead this country to a brighter future. I know I may be in the minority, but I do trust his integrity. Is he perfect, no, but I don’t think any of them are. I’m not really swayed by the over-dramatizations and character assassinations about him—or any other candidate, for that matter. Just as you are not swayed by others same response to Sen. Paul.

        Question, and I am honestly asking this, how will Sen. Paul stop the special interests, Unions, corporate donations & corporate influence in politics? I agree that it certainly is a corruption in the system, but what is the plan to stop it?

        You may decide to write me off, but I will still respect your right to support whom you will and respect your thoughts and opinions without derision. I would hope you would do the same for me (and others). :-)

        Good night! :-)

        • Darryl

          2_amazed

          As we both know, the President wields most the Power coming out of the Executive Branch (against Congress) with the veto pen. Yes, vetos can be over-ridden, but this would be the beginning of the "change" that must take place in the 2 party system, of which they are BOTH in "collusion" AGAINST the American Taxpayer. The "exposure" alone, to the American People, of these "Wasteful and Crooked" Politicians that "cater" to the Special Interests would DIRECTLY come from the Bully-Pulpit at their own peril. As Ron Paul has stated if he's elected President, he'll use the "mandate" of his election and take his case DIRECTLY to the American People.

          Firstly, Government SPENDING is the MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE facing our Nation. The National Debt is now over $16 TRILLION and Growing! A Balanced Budget may be implemented years from now and President Paul does have the "Plan" to accomplish this. If Romney, Gingrich, Santorum or Obama are elected President, the BORROWING will continue and the National Debt will GROW to over $20 TRILLION 4 years from now. That's a "Mathematical Certainty", if "Actual" Spending Cuts aren't made to the Federal Budget. However, as I have previously stated in other Blogs, the "Millstone" around the Government's Neck, is the MASSIVE $16 TRILLION DEBT! In order for there to be a Balanced Budget, the Debt must be either Liquidated or Paid Down FIRST! If "Politicians" are "promising" a Balanced Budget, WITHOUT Cutting "Actual" Spending, then they are LYING to us!

          President Paul would implement these "Actual" Spending Cuts to the Budget. His "Plan" cuts $1 TRILLION in spending during the FIRST YEAR of his Presidency. He will "eliminate" five (5) Cabinet Departments (Energy, Commerce, HUD, Interior, and Education), saving BILLIONS of Dollars. He will ABOLISH the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and return the responsibility for security to private property owners (The Free Market Solution). He will ABOLISH corporate "subsidies" (Corporate Welfare). He will STOP ALL foreign aid, including to Israel. This will actually BENEFIT Israel because Israel's Arab neighbors receive 7 TIMES MORE than Israel receives. He will END the Foreign Wars and STOP the subsidizing of other Foreign Country's security and border control. He will also make a 10% reduction in the Federal Workforce. He will "slash" Congressional "pay and perks" and curb "excessive" Federal travel. What is MOST TELLING is that President Paul will "stand" with the American People! President Paul will take a salary of $39,336, approximately equal to the median personal income of the American worker. By doing ALL this, President Paul will return most of the Government Spending to 2006 levels.

          Although, President Paul wouldn't have the "Absolute Authority" to repeal Obamacare, as Romney and others have so falsely stated, he would have the "Power" to set the agenda on the road toward repeal. He would also set out to repeal Dodd-Frank and Sarbanes-Oxley in the same manner. He will implement the "Mandates REINS-style" approach to these repeals by requiring a thorough congressional review and authorization BEFORE implementing any new regulations issued by bureaucrats. President Paul will also "cancel" all onerous regulations previously issued by Executive Order.

          President Paul, being the Commander-in-Chief, will have the Authority to Bring the Troops Home. Yes. There's always the "danger" that a "false flag attack" may be in the works by "Special Interests", but "declaring war" would be placed "back" onto the Congress (the people) to investigate and decide.

          President Paul would also honor our "promises" to our seniors and veterans, while allowing young workers to "opt out" of these Programs. He would "Block Grant" Medicaid, Medicare, Food Stamps and other welfare programs to allow the STATES the flexibility and ingenuity they need to solve their own unique problems without harming those currently relying on the programs. (10th Amendment)

          President Paul will INSIST that Congress conduct a FULL audit of the Federal Reserve and he will DEMAND Congress to implement "Competing Currency Legislation" to strengthen the dollar and stabilize inflation (the supply of money). Whether that is returning to a Gold Standard, is yet to be determined. The FED must be audited FIRST. But it's a FACT that the "Interest" that the American Taxpayer "pays" for the use of Our OWN Money and what is used (through Borrowing) to facilitate our MASSIVE DEBT will soon overtake the Revenues collected through Taxation. Then what do we do?

          President Paul is the ONLY Candidate who "Tells the Truth" regarding the Issues facing America. He knows there will be "Pain" associated with Government Spending Cuts. However, if implemented ASAP, the "Pain" would be short-lived and NOT as Painful if we continue down-the-road to eventual "Austerity". And BELIEVE ME, President Paul"s Plan is Much Better than Austerity. Just ask the People in Greece!

          • Darryl

            2_amazed

            I forgot a VERY IMPORTANT puzzle piece to President Paul's Plan for Economic Growth and Job Creation. TAXATION.

            Ron Paul's "mantra" throughout the Debates has been: KEEPING MORE OF YOUR MONEY! However, because this has been used as a "Sound Byte" by so many "Politicians", the "Meaning" falls on deaf ears.

            As stated on his website:

            "The Power to Tax is the Power to "Destroy", which is why Ron Paul will NEVER support higher Taxes".

            Our National Debt is currently over $16 TRILLION, with the Government Spending nearly $2 TRILLION "more per year" than it collects in Taxes. The American people should NOT have to pay for Washington's reckless and out-of-control appetite for DEBT! People will analyze Greece and say that the Greek People "spent" all the money, thus should pay it back. It's FAR MORE COMPLICATED than that. First, Goldman-Sachs, who is the LARGEST CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTOR to Mitt Romney committed FRAUD by "hiding" the Greek Debt so they could be admitted to the Eurozone. Secondly, the Greek People NEVER Spent the Money! All these Bail-Outs are going DIRECTLY INTO THE POCKETS of the Bankers. The Greek People see none of that money. Thirdly, because the Bankers are so CORRUPT and GREEDY, they are DEMANDING the Natural Resources and Infrastructure "as payment" for their Debt. It's NO WONDER the Greek People are "rioting" in the streets.

            Anyway, back to the USA, it's a FACT that High taxes "stifle" innovation, "prevent" saving, "destroy" production and "crush" the middle class and the poor. This discourages the investment of Capital into the Free Market Capitalist System. Ron Paul has said over and over again: "Every American is entitled to the fruits of his labor, especially during these tough economic times."

            Lowering taxes will leave Americans MORE Money to take care of themselves and their families. It will also allow businesses greater opportunities to hire new workers, increase current salaries, and expand their companies. INVESTMENT OF "CAPITAL" IS THE KEY!

            As President, Ron Paul will support a "Liberty Amendment" to the Constitution to ABOLISH Income Taxes and Death Taxes, BOTH of which are Unconstitutional. He has stated that he "will be PROUD to be the one who finally turns-off-the-lights at the IRS for good! But I don't think People "realize" what this would actually do to our Economy! Once these Taxes are ABOLISHED, the "influx" of Capital and JOBS would be unlike we've never seen before in our History. If you thought "Trickle-Down" or "Supply-Side" were good economic approaches to Recessions - then >b>THIS ALONE would create an "Economic Tsunami" of Wealth, Capital and JOBS into the United States!

            Ron Paul would also work toward repeal of the Capital Gains Taxes, which "punishes" people for success. Again, INVESTMENT OF CAPITAL IS THE "KEY" FOR JOB CREATION! Ron Paul would also work for eliminating Taxes on "Tips". Struggling college students and those working hard to support their families would be greatly benefited and receive an "immediate pay raise".

            As a US Congressman, Ron Paul has "consistently" endorsed legislation to let Americans claim more tax credits and deductions. This includes credits and deduction on educational costs, alternative energy vehicles, and health care. He also believes it is IMMORAL to tax senior citizens TWICE by requiring them to include Social Security benefits in their gross income at tax time. He believes a FIRST STEP to eliminating that requirement would be to repeal the 1993 increase in taxes on Social Security benefits. Then we must ABOLISH that tax ENTIRELY!

            Ron Paul has said that a Flat Tax or a Fair Tax would each be a "better alternative" to the Income Tax system. Congressman Paul believes we would have to "guarantee" the 16th Amendment is repealed to avoid having BOTH the Income Tax and one of these systems as an ADDITIONAL Tax.

            But there is a better way! "Restraining" Federal Spending by "enforcing" the Constitution’s STRICT LIMITS on the Federal Government’s POWER would help result in a 0% Income Tax Rate for ALL Americans! Wouldn't that be something?

            The "answer" to "Spending and Debt" is to return to a Constitutionally-Limited-Government that protects liberty – NOT one that keeps "robbing Peter to pay Paul". (no pun intended)

          • 2_amazed

            Darryl thanks, it must have taken quite some time to write your reply and I appreciate what you have shared. Unfortunately, I won't have time today to respond to anything as it is my Sabbath and I have things I need to take care of for Church, and I won't be able to burn the midnight oil again tonight. As usual, you have expressed your points quite well.

    • MIchaelReg

      I have never read so much claptrap in all my life. Some people need to get a life or at least put it to good use.

  • B Anderson

    Surfisher
    I am wondering what country you live in. Didn't you learn American history?.. were you in another country? How did you get here? (Please don't answer, we don't want to read another of your rude blogs.) Muslims built ships back in the 1700's. How did they get here for 911??? They probably bought tickets on commercial transportation. They were trained in commercial piloting in the USA. They will do anything they can to destroy any one they consider infidels. Don’t keep asking me for information. Do your own research.

    • Surfisher

      B Anderson —

      You ask me questions: "…Didn't you learn American history?.. were you in another country? How did you get here?".

      Then dictate to me not to answer… "(Please don't answer, WE don't want to read another of your rude blogs.)"

      LOL — what a nice little Nazi you'd make…and who is "we" (do you have the approval to speak for the rest, or just have split personality (thus speaking in plural…).

      • B Anderson

        Surfisher
        You have had plenty of opportunities to come up with a sensible explanation of your support of Ron Paul. You have few, so you resort to name calling. This demonstrates a lack scholarship, and forum courtesy. People who have read your blogs have developed a low opinion of you. You have caused readers who may have voted for Ron Paul, to change their mind. I guess I should thank you for that. You will come up with more name calling no doubt. It will get you nowhere.

        • Who do you think you are? Who are you to try to speak for other readers on this site? Are you holding little gossip sessions someplace where you discuss others posts on this page?

          Anybody that would change who they vote for for something as extremely important as president of the United States because they don't like some guy's online post (?!really?!?) has no actual opinion of their own anyway and will likely change their mind a dozen times before reaching the bottom of this page!

          These 'everyone else says/other people think' tactics trying add legitimacy to your statements by tring to say they're not just yours doesn't fool anyone. High school tactics.

          Speak for yourself, not for me, and if other readers share your opinions let THEM say so!

  • Surfisher

    FOX aired this show: "Illegal Everything" — well worth watching!

    Shows how Americans are breaking the law daily, without knowing it, because of the hundreds of millions of rules and regulations. And how cops are using this as an excuse to arrest anybody for just about anything!

  • Darryl

    TERRORISTS? Who are the TRUE Terrorists? Iceland knew - and they did something about them! Question: Where is the Tea Party on this? Oh yeah. I forgot. They were "hijacked" by the Republican "Establishment" after the 2010 mid-term elections.

    I'm a Conservative but we all should give a BIG Ole' "Thank You" to Neo-Cons like Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Mark Levin and others. The Bankers owe you all a Debt-of-Gratitude for "hijacking" the Tea Party Movement, while Americans will just OWE THE DEBT!

    Greece is on fire. Europe will soon follow. Iceland did something about their TRUE Enemy, but it took a lot of Courage.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1idsBYO9rQ&feature=plcp&context=C399c44bUDOEgsToPDskLcVslLpDzgO_GLRpc0NBZH

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3xgAC0WiOo&list=UUBIwq18tUFrujiPd3HLPaGw&index=2&feature=plcp

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9bbMckQUOM&feature=BFa&list=UUBIwq18tUFrujiPd3HLPaGw&lf=plcp

  • Darryl

    Cute Commercial Announcing the "Tea For Two" Social Security Themed TV AD for Ron Paul.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P68RpTWJC4&feature=player_embedded#!

  • Der

    Ron Paul is really the best, the wisest US politician, who candidates. he is completely normal, tolerant, peaceful and has conservative values. He would be really optimal president, naturally with normal government, not with Romney or Santorum or Gingrich.
    He is as the only politican proUS - nation, he will really fullfill his promises and restore USA.

    • Surfisher

      Ron Paul WILL become President in 2012 — IF, Romney becomes a Patriot, and forgoes his ego, for the Good of the People!

      Mitt Romney could become one of the greatest Statesmen in US History! He'd be the Savior of our Nation — the one that generations to come would tell their children: "Look at this statue, this is Mitt Romney, he saved America"!

      Or, he can reduce himself to just a tiny footnote…what is amazing is that his fate rests in his own hands (a very rare occurrence throughout the history of the world)!

      All Romney has to do, is to take advantage of this rarest of historical moments, and make a SINGLE DECISION!!!

      Withdraw his candidacy IN FAVOR of Ron Paul, with the following grandiose and heart-wrenching patriotic speech (to save his political skin):

      "I, Mitt Romney, will sacrifice my political goals for the Good of the People. Now I understand that only Ron Paul can save our Nation. I agree with all he stands for, therefore, I have deemed that our Nation's salvation can only be accomplished when Ron Paul is elected as President of the United States of America. Without regret, but with joy, I do the most honorable and patriotic deed I can — I withdraw myself from this election, and give my full support to Ron Paul!"

      One honest person is needed to bring these logical conclusions to Romney's PERSONAL ATTENTION (not the myopic sycophants surrounding him and stroking his ego by chanting wishful thinking as 'fact': "You gonna win Boss, you gonna win Boss….).

      Regardless how egotistical, arrogant and narcissistic Romney may be, some semblance of reasoning of what's best for him, should still remain in his skull. The instinct for self preservation dictates that even the smallest of minds will chose the path that leads to safety, not the one leading to disaster.

      An honest realist needs to talk to Romney one-on-one — and explain the following to him, so Mitt can comprehend it:

      1) If you don't win the nomination, than your political career is over (you'll become just a tiny footnote in US History as a failure).

      2) If you win the nomination, and don't defeat Obama — which is the most probable outcome (you'll become just a tiny footnote in US History as an even LARGER failure).

      Therefore, Dear Mitt, whichever gamble you take from the above, may lead to total disaster for your political career (and probably will)!

      However, here is an action you can take, Dear Mitt, that guarantees you'll become immortalized in the annals of US History — becoming the 21st Century Savior of America (surely this carrot of success will entice Romney's egotism to go for it — over the probable political beatings he'd receive otherwise)!

      All one needs to do, to assure Mitt's Historical Greatness of Sacrifice for the Good of the Nation, is to present the above to Romney's eyes alone! I urge all able to do so, to place this document in front of him!

      Send this to Mitt Romney — as an Open Letter, e-mails, etc. — the more you send, the greater the chance he'll get to read it!

  • Ally

    MITT ROMNEY FOR PRES!!!!!! WOO HOOO!

  • Darryl

    Once an American Voter's eyes are opened to the FACTS that the Republicans and the Democrats are essentially the SAME - and they see that their ONLY CHOICE is to Support Ron Paul, the whole Media Spin and Political Landscape becomes so obviously skewed.

    It's almost like being "Born Again" to where a person begins to say "I can't believe I voted for Republicans and Democrats for all these years. That's a Life I will never go back to."

  • Stop being depressed, people. There is a chance that in 2012 a Frankenstein Candidate like Gary Johnson or Ron Paul will run all the way to November. This is a candidate who would rather be forthright than President…politics will never be the same again after that.
    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=the+frankenstein+candidate

  • Zack Wilsey

    Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum reference 'the auto industry' which took bailout money. They completely ignore Ford, which took no bailout funds, and is doing just fine. I find that absolutely disgusting.

    • Surfisher

      Mitt Romney = Judas Goat

      If not aware of this olden days' meaning — here it is:

      When sheep are led to be slaughtered, they instinctively feel something is wrong. So, mill around and bleat, but won't enter the gate leading to the one waiting to smash their heads with a sledge hammer. So, a Judas goat is placed in the pen. The Judas goat is trained to associate with sheep or cattle, leading them through the gate, and passing it safely — while its own life is spared, the ones flowing get their brains bashed!

      Mitt will lead us — and at the end of the gate, Bama will wield the sledge hammer….

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