Thanks, Havensdad. There are many, many things to like about Paul. But, my daughter has been doing some extensive reading on his writing from the eighties and she is no longer a supporter. She has been telling me of her concerns on racism, but I have no links from her right now, and have not read anything directly myself yet, so really can't comment too much. I am a bit bothered by Paul's desire to legalize heroin, and his view that outlawing abortion should be left to the states. I am a strong supporter of states' rights, but can't wrap my brain around limiting the most basic and obvious right in the world - life - to that category. I'd appreciate any thoughts you have.
As someone from his district, Paul is definitely NOT a racist. He has actually been a bit of a champion of civil rights around here...even before it was "cool" to be such. The writings that you are referring to, were not written by him, but are found in a handful of the 17 different newsletters that were being published under his name. They are not directly "Racist" but are certainly racially insensitive. As soon as Paul found out about them, he denounced them.
On the abortion issue: That is NOT his stance. Paul is a STRONG (in my opinion, the strongest) advocate of life. I have already gotten into an argument with the American Right to Life, who have apparently deliberately misrepresented his position, in order to push their pet candidates.
Paul's plan, specifically, was to define "life" as being from the moment of conception, rather than having to pass a bunch of abortion laws. This is better. Why? Because it would immediately make unborn persons in every single state, privy to the same rights and privileges as everyone else under the Constitution. Rather than a doctor being tried for "Abortion," a doctor would be tried for the same crime of murder, according to the laws of each state. However, this does NOT mean that states could legalize abortion. Far from it. They would be required, by there OWN laws, to prosecute the crime just as any other murder.
Now, what does this mean? It just means that there would be different punishment from state to state, just as there is now, with murder. In Texas, we might put you to death. In California, or New York, you might get a more lenient sentence, such as 20 years in jail. The American Right to Life has done a great disservice to our cause of life, in spreading this false propaganda about Paul, in order to prop up their own candidates.
As far as legalizing drugs; Paul believes indeed, this should be a state issue. For myself, I think it is far more unjust, to imprison young men and women and ruin their life over drug use. They have to go to prison, but liars, adulterers, etc., get to go free. We need to recognize the concept of personal accountability; legislating against personal sin, does not work. Because if we did it consistently, we would all be in jail.