Paul Speaks to the Hearts of NH Voters
Veterans among those who show up to Town Hall forum to voice support for Texas congressman.
Just before the crowd was allowed to take their seats inside the Judd Gregg Auditorium for Monday night's Town Hall forum, Congressman Ron Paul had an understated moment with a small group of fellow veterans, all supporters of Paul for President and his interest in ending the current war.
They had come to publicly endorse Paul's candidacy. They had come, they said, because Paul is the lone voice for sensibility and has a message of truth for a world that has been fractured, in every way, by prolonged war.
Joshua Holmes, 24, of Manchester, has supported Ron Paul since 2008. He was an infantryman with the Army for two tours in Iraq. He's seen friends die in combat -- but he's lost even more friends, of late, to suicide.
"I support our troops, but there is no mission there. This is why more veterans support Ron Paul than all the other candidates put together," Holmes said.
"I was a freshman in high school when 9/11 happened. I have served two tours and am out of the military, and the war is still going on. That's not how it was in past wars. That's not how it was supposed to be," Holmes said.
Paul spent about 90 minutes in total, speaking on some of his key platforms, including his interest in dismantling the Federal Reserve, promoting a free market economy and rebuilding the country based on true liberty for all.
Questions from the audience ranged from his position on illegal immigration to the perception that he's got no heart, due to some of his Libertarian policies.
Paul responded as he's been responding, that there should be no free pass to citizenship, and that less government interference is the most compassionate way to lead a nation based on the notion of personal freedom.
And while most who stepped to the microphone professed to being die-hard Ron Paul supporters, there were a few who admittedly came to find out more about what a Paul presidency would look like.
Constituent Russell Paul of Nashua was concerned about the candidate's stand on gay marraige, and asked him if he agreed that marriage should be between one man and one woman.
Paul said he personally did believe that.
"But I don't believe we need the federal government to get us all to agree," Paul said. "I've been married to the same woman for 54 years. I don't want to convert anyone to my beliefs, or vice versa," said Paul, his words drowned out by applause from the audience.
Another question came from Andy Bridge of Amherst.
"Will a Ron Paul presidency keep me and my family safe, with forces like radical Islam looking to destroy the Christian faith?" asked Bridge.
Paul said as president his goal would be to provide a strong national defense, and he'd work toward identifying why America is not safe in the first place.
"We're told they resent us because we're free and prosperous. Well, I don't buy that," said Paul. "There are other countries free and prosperous, like Switzerland -- you don't see them worrying about someone dropping bombs."
Paul said a policy of neutrality would be a step in the right direction, and that Americans should be approaching foreign policy like a "golden rule," of doing undo others.
Afterwards, Bridge said that although Paul answered his question, he wasn't sure whether it was enough to answer his concerns, as a voter.
"What he's suggesting really requires a whole shift in my way of thinking and the position of the United States' role in government," Bridge said.
While he is not ready to endorse Paul, he said right now he's leaning in that direction.
Discussion outside the venue following the event between a group of Democrats was not altogether different.
"We aren't Ron Paul fans, but we do agree with some of what he's saying," said Ellen Barr of Nashua. "Like taking down military bases and not wanting to go into new wars. But I'm also one who feels the government should step in to help those who are vulnerable."
Barr said she supported President Obama in 2008, and has some reservations about supporting him again in 2012, which is one reason why she came out to listen to what Paul had to say on the issues.
"I would've like to see him discuss more talking points, like how do we address the problem of jobs and Social Security, instead of how we should disable them," Barr said. "As a Republican, he's a big exception, and he stands alone in that way. But because he's a big Libertarian, he has no chance of winning."
Elaine Thomas, also of Nashua, said she is concerned about Paul's no-tax policies and where they would leave those who are dependent on disability income, like her disabled son, who is in his 40s.
"It's an insurance program to me, not an entitlement. I have paid into Social Security since I was a teenager, and I stopped at the age of 71. I would like to know how someone like my son would fit into his talk of freedom, and no taxes and everyone taking care of themselves," Thomas said.
Adrian George of Nashua said he appreciates Paul's candor, but feels it's too much naive idealism.
"I'm afraid the way Ron Paul and a lot of these other Constitutional candidates approach the issues is too simplistic. I'm 57, and I've worked hard all my life. I've saved for my retirement and for my daughter's college education next year. I'm worried that if I lose my job, all my hard work and savings is wiped out," George said.
"This is how real people think. This is what we fear, but you don't hear them addressing that. People didn't cause these problems with our economy, but none of them are discussing how corporate power is ruining this country," George said.
He expects to vote for Obama in 2012, despite wishing there were an alternative that made more sense.
"I was skeptical of Obama, too. I didn't think he'd go this far to the right. So I guess I'll go back to the polls holding my nose," George said.
This was the second in a series of Town Hall-style events presented by We the People Freedom Forum, a Nashua-based organization headed by Republican activist Jennifer Horn, that promotes the Constitution.
Derek Holt
9:17 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The questions raised toward the end of this article by Ms. George & Ms. Thomas are good ones; unfortunately a candidate can't always discuss every issue in depth at these brief meetings. However, I recommend anyone interested in these issues to read Ron Paul's most recent book, "Liberty Defined." He discusses there these issues and others more in depth in a very intelligent and sensible way.
As far as there being "no chance of winning" for Dr. Paul, I, for one, am getting very tired of this narrative, which is spoon-fed to us by a band of pundits who would do anything to keep Dr. Paul out of the spot-light. As American citizens, it's WE who decide who can or can't be elected. The media should not decide for us, and we should leave off regurgitating their propaganda. No serious candidate (and by now, I think we can safely call Dr. Paul a serious candidate) should be written off as "unelectable." If people care enough to listen to the man, then he can be elected, as Paul has shown 12 times in Congress. We make that decision.
Thomas Walker
9:26 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Amazing, I just wrote a comment about the same issue before I read yours. It seems we have the same feel for the news.
Tucker Thomas
6:23 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
In 2008 when people said he had no chance of winning-I believed them. However I do not believe this notion applies to 2012. For every 1 person that says he has no chance of winning to me, 10 people tell me they are going to vote for him and believe he can win in 2012. For people that think Ron Paul has no chance of winning ask yourself how a guy with no business experience, and hardly any national exposure before 2008, became President during economic calamity. Then compare Ron Paul's experiences to Obama and even Bush and tell me why the former two Presidents are better than Ron Paul. Good Luck!
Tracy Alexander
9:18 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Carol, this article is a classic example of how media skews public opinion. You start by sounding like an unbiased reporter, then shift into dropping subtle memes that were obviously leading readers to follow you like a pied piper, then go blatant by burying the entire last half of this piece in biased negatives against the subject. FYI: Americans are sick of this kind of political mind-f*ing. We can see right through you and the tired old tactics being used. So, heads up, we're taking our country back despite you and you are totally free to waste yourself on any globalist loser you choose, just don't try to fool us into doing the same.
While the media pounds on this idea of Ron Paul being unelectable, Ron Paul is winning, despite the blatant blacklisting and chronyism being done by mainstream media, Wall Street and the GOP. Clean it up, Carol, or find yourself left in the dust with the rest of those who just don't get it. The giant has awoken and we're pissed at discovering that liberty and justice FOR ALL have been under siege while we were sleeping. The lullaby will no longer put us back to sleep.
Thomas Walker
9:22 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Google news has started repeating that Ron Paul can't win. This is not a good prophecy for Ron Paul. Now would be a good time for his campaign to boost. I wonder how sensitive they are to timing.
Marvin Cooley
12:27 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Comments like that by the media convince me that Ron Paul is on the verge of winning it all. These people in the media don't want Ron Paul and are going to do their best to help the pretty boys. They don't want him from their liberal neoconservative view point. It does not matter because the best advertising is word of mouth and there is a lot of that going on. Ignoring Ron Paul helps because it is easy to point to the media as against him. Intelligent people know how the media prevaricates and they will vote against the media and the establishment. It is happening now.
Jeffrey Ten Grotenhuis II
4:57 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Those who don't vote for Ron Paul because they think he can't win operate under the flawed assumption that the more popular the candidate, the better he will be for the country. Popularity has never proven to be a good measure of quality.
Thomas Walker
9:54 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Another thing: Ron Pauls philosphy will mean a reversal of what has got the US into this mess. It seems a lot of people expect trouble free solutions to in depth problems. An ever increasing gap between the wealthy and the poor constantly makes it harder for the unfortunate to climb out of their "cast". Secondly, too much government intervention takes away responsibility from the people who gradually fall into a slumber. True welfare and help should come from the people, not the government. Wouldn't you help your neighbor if you were their only hope? America is already great regarding charity and voluntary work.
Thirdly, information and knowledge is key in a free society. That we have thanks to the internet. A common misconception is to look at history and state that something has been tried and failed, but available information has never been present like it is today. Knowledge and enlightenment is what gives people their power and drives society forward.
Our current system is not working for the best interest of the people anymore. It's time to take a chance and vote for the only candidate who will truly challenge it. Nothing is certain in life.
Kenneth Karolchik-Griffin
10:21 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
bottom line if the gop does not nominate Ron Paul 2012. Then the gop will elect obama/bush 2012 bendover. Obama supporters should love perry,cain and romney if the gop does not nominate Ron Paul! Obama/Bush 2012 6 undeclared wars no thank you!! I will be supporting Ron Paul 2012 and my wife and family who voted for obama will be voting Ron Paul. like i said if the gop does not nominate Ron Paul 2012. The gop will elect obama/bush 2012 bendover!!
Autonomy4ALL
10:38 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
"People didn't cause these problems with our economy..." George said.
Sure they did! With their stupid way of voting that they're about to do again! Vote for a salesman, suffer through four years, repeat.
I'm sorry to tell you Mr. George but yes, oh yes, you're the problem. You are the one being unrealistic, not Dr. Paul.
Jeffrey Ten Grotenhuis II
4:57 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Agree. It's always the people's fault when they let the government take away their rights.
Bob
10:38 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I like Ron Paul because he sticks to his guns and the issues, no matter how unpopular they may be. He is a true statesman.
Eddy Mann
10:43 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Thankfully Ron Paul finally realized he can't run on a "I'm going to eliminate the entire government in one term" platform - he needs to focus on the next-step, not the long-term goal. People aren't scared of a step in the right direction, they are scared of a jump off a cliff.
Rework Oh Ryan
11:37 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
How does anyone question someone who has repeatedly predicted the continuing decay of our country, and his positions. Ron Paul predicted the financial crisis back in 2003. Ron Paul predicted the terrorist attacks back in 1998. Google it. Those 2 facts alone are enough to secure my vote.
NotSwayed
11:49 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I tell you that I voted for obama and still like him, but Ron Paul is the real deal. After a friend of mine directed me to Paul's web site ( because I like to really get into the candidates message) I wish I had voted for him last time, if only I had taken the time to understand his message. I am quite confused though because what I read and what people all around me are saying does not matchup? People are for Ron Paul and the more people understand not just hear what Ron Paul is trying to convey in short moments of time he has, the more people feel in their hearts that this is the right guy for the job. By the way my grandfather told me he sounds just like what true Republicans were about if that means anything to all you old guys. Always put the power in peoples hands not GOV. or Big Business or Lobbists ETC....
Carmen
2:36 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I hope you are registered Republican so you can vote for him! Grandpa too!
lovecookie
3:43 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Hi NotSwayed, the main reason Ron Paul is getting negative media attention is because he is a huge threat to the status-quo of endless wars and tanking economy, which means less for us but more $$$ for the banks and corporations. And it's these banks and corporations who own and control the media.
Before, Dr. Paul was being ignored. Despite the media's best efforts, he now has gotten a LOT of attention and people who are sick and tired of what is going on in this country are starting to listen to Dr. Paul, and agree with his common sense approach to the issues. However, now that he is in the limelight, he is purposely getting taken out of context to misrepresent his issues, and for those who buy into all the BS the media feeds us without doing their own research, they won't like him. But it is up to us Americans to do our own research and make up our own minds as to who we want for President. Why should the media decide for us?
And I'm so happy to hear that your family is on board with Ron Paul. Let's hope the People win this race, not the special interests!
Ron Capri
12:00 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
i'm very tired of hearing 'can't win'. That's rubbish. Ron Paul is a challenge because he asks the voter to re-think reality.
Once the dollar goes, these domestic worries will be no longer a threat. It will be way too late.
Voters have a hard time imagining the future in Ron Paul's reality. I know. But why should they understand when we've had decades of mind-numbing brainwash from economists who do not understand economics, and politicians who are happy to leave it that way.
Jeffrey Ten Grotenhuis II
4:55 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Those who don't vote for Ron Paul because they think he can't win operate under the flawed assumption that the more popular the candidate, the better he will be for the country. Popularity has never proven to be a good measure of quality.
John Bowery
12:18 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I can appreciate the concerns of the voters expressed toward the end of the article. I also have a son who will most likely depend on charity throughout his life.
But the social safety net is an illusion. Social Security is not and never was "insurance". Like most federal government programs it depends on deficit financing which is unsustainable in the long run. Ron Paul seems to lack compassion only because he is telling us the truth instead of the soothing lies that we have heard for decades. We can face the truth now, elect Ron Paul and start on our road to recovery; or we can bury our head in the sand and vote for someone who will lead us off the edge of the cliff blind-folded.
Billy Tennery
1:47 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Something else to remember. Ron Paul has stated many times that it will be a process to remove all these programs, policies, and laws. He does not seek, nor does he think, it is a good idea to dismantle them overnight. Many cases will, in fact, require Congress to get involved making the case take even longer. It will be a road that needs to be traveled, not a light switch to be flipped.
Kurt Hoffman
1:55 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I am a former democrat that has learned from every word I can get from Ron Paul. I'm not holding my nose and voting for someone who will continue the all to familiar destruction of the true foundation of peace. That is freedom, from which all good is derived. If I can admit all of my mistakes, you can too. People, I ask you to join me in supporting this wonderful and humble, yet gallant man. Dr Ron Paul is the only one who can straighten out Obama and everyone else, politely and peacefully. It is going to hurt far worse without him. Ron Paul 2012 or else! :)
Jeffrey Ten Grotenhuis II
4:53 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
"We aren't Ron Paul fans, but we do agree with some of what he's saying," said Ellen Barr of Nashua. "Like taking down military bases and not wanting to go into new wars. But I'm also one who feels the government should step in to help those who are vulnerable."
Guess where the money comes form to provide government relief? From us! If people want to help (which they do, as we've seen with Haiti and Japan), they can do so through private charities and by physically going to the place and helping, but unnecessarily expanding the size of the government is always a bad idea because it creates inefficient bureaucracies and it gives the government more power (power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely).
Jeffrey Ten Grotenhuis II
5:01 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Those who don't vote for Ron Paul because they think he can't win operate under the flawed assumption that the more popular the candidate, the better he will be for the country. Popularity has never proven to be a good measure of quality.
A vote for any other candidate is a vote for War, the Patriot Act, a continued erosion of the Constitution, entitlements (thus more illegal immigration), inflation through the Federal Reserve, and bigger government. Why is there even consideration for other candidates?
Julian Alien
6:53 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Disability is a part of the S.S. program that Ron said he would not make it disappear overnight.If anything he would save it by fixing the economy and balancing the budget.He wants to give people the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution to opt out of the program because right now we do not have that freedom,even though we are supposed to.It is all about freedom folks.If you are afraid of that,live in another Country with slightly less freedom for awhile and then you can be sure of your choice.I know what I want,Ron Paul 2012.
David Craig
7:58 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
6th Amendment to the Constitution: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district where in the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense. Note: President Obama needs to explain to the American people why this American citizen (al-Awlaki) was never charged with any crime, never brought to justice before his peers and under what law did he authorize his execution.
dianna
12:40 pm on Wednesday, October 5, 2011
THIS ONCE GREAT COUNTRY NEEDS A TRUE AMERICAN AT THE HELM FOR PRESIDENT.....RON PAUL IS THAT AMERICAN! DO NOT RELY ON OUR MSM TO MAKE ANY DECISIONS FOR YOU, ESPECIALLY WHO THEY WANT YOU TO VOTE FOR!
stan
2:40 pm on Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Whomever you like as a candidate THEY WILL FAIL if they believe in Keynesian economics... and ALL expect Paul do. There is NO fix except to get rid of the Fed and their Keynesian policies which amount to theft through devaluation of the dollar.
Example: let's say $1 = 1 oz. of gold... Keynesians believe they can cut that dollar in half and that they can get 2 oz. of gold. WTF! you got beat up in kindergarten if you tried that and yet the world has excepted this premise while the FED has cut that dollar into TRILLIONS of pieces. The world is now waking up and they're going to be VERY pissed off about it. Fix this or we FAIL.
lovecookie
2:45 pm on Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Stan - do you mean "All EXCEPT Paul do?"
Louis Nardozi
7:51 pm on Thursday, October 6, 2011
He's been right all this time, while we elected the taller guy or the guy with better hair or the guy who is better at saying nothing. Nothing can bring back the millions of dead our policies have condemned, but we DO have a shot at redemption. Just stop. Stop with the status quo, put aside your fear of not being in the 'in' crowd and vote for Ron Paul. You can always say you voted for someone else. But, if the lives of those people mean anything to you, do what you can to help. Donate. Volunteer. Blog. Tell your friends. I tell mine I'm voting for an $8000 tax break (what I might pay in income tax).