The Ron Paul Paradigm

by Karen Allport

A passionate invitation to rise to the occasion

Imagine one presidential candidate offering solutions to all the major ills of this country; someone focused on uniting us instead of dividing us. The one candidate who fits this Rx is Dr. Ron Paul, a 10-term Congressman from Texas. Dr. Paul's personal and professional history vouch for his character; his honesty and integrity provide a strong foundation for his current run for the office of President of the United States.

The Most Powerful Man in the World
Power has been defined as strength over time. Dr. Paul has a history of strength over his long career: first as an Air Force Flight Surgeon during the 1960s; then as an OB/GYN (delivering over 4,000 babies) in a small town south of Houston; most recently during his 20-year stint in congress, where he earned the nickname Dr. No for his numerous, often singular nay votes against unconstitutional legislation; and now as a candidate for president, where he can be counted on to thoughtfully and intelligently respond to a wide variety of questions on a wide variety of subjects of interest to all Americans. Possibly we should change his nickname to Dr. Know. What better choice could there be for the position of Most Powerful Man in the World than this gracious and humble law-abiding citizen?

Setting an Example
Why consider a man a paradigm? And what, exactly, IS a paradigm? The short definition (from the American Heritage Dictionary) is: an example that serves as a pattern or a model. Dr. Paul and his philosophy certainly fit that definition.

Playing By The Rules
Dr. Paul regularly reads proposed legislation prior to voting on a bill. He also determines whether the bill violates the constitution, because when he took his oath of office, he promised to "...support and defend..." the constitution. So, for starters, Dr. Paul lives up to his oath of office; a task he performs whether or not it directly benefits him or his congressional district. And he continues to be re-elected. What's he doing right? His job.

Inspiring Leadership
Dr. Paul provides leadership that inspires others to discover their individual aptitudes and abilities, and to use their creative talents to further the cause of returning our country to a law-abiding nation with sound fiscal and foreign policies.

This is yet another example of a paradigm in action: each individual doing what they can with available resources and within a loosely-defined framework, in order to support Ron Paul's candidacy.

Inspiring Change
I am inspired anew each time I hear Dr. Ron Paul speak; in YouTube video clips, on radio interviews, watching televised debates, and viewing his speeches to overflow crowds. My spirit soars when I realize Dr. Paul's positions mesh exactly with what I learned back in my ninth-grade civics class about the way our federal government was designed to work. He practices the principles put forth in the constitution—in spite of the temptations and resistance he faces. The time has come to stand up with this brave person! Follow the paradigm.

W.I.I.F.M.
A paradigm is most effective when it draws people in; providing a clear framework so people can answer the question: What's In It For Me?

Dr. Ron Paul makes a compelling offer: he plans to restore constitutional rights to their proper place.

Martha Newhouse, a long-time Democrat who recently became a Ron Paul Supporter, writes that she had become a "lazy thinker" and had gravitated to simple answers to complex questions..." Ron Paul reminded her of what she really wanted from life, from her government, and for her children. [http://www.nationalexpositor.com/index.php?news=80]

Possibly we've all become lazy -- or too busy -- simply living our lives. Or, possibly, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) have co-opted our energy and convinced many of us that we must identify with a group in order to gain rights. Individual rights, as guaranteed by the constitution? Going, going...

Spreading the Word
I suggest you can spread the word about Dr. Paul by asking people what they want in their next president and, when they respond, see how many of the items on their wish list correspond to Dr. Paul's established position on the issue; then suggest they Google Ron Paul for details.

An Invitation
Paradigms provide a blueprint, creating a framework for decision-making. The constitution is the law of the land and Dr. Ron Paul has successfully demonstrated how to apply that law in each deliberation he faces. Dr. Paul, by his very actions, invites us all to participate in our unique republic.

Please consider this a wake-up call for your dormant skills and energy.

Postscript: For Further Information
Check out what other people are doing; view historical, current and future event information at the following websites:

Great introduction to Dr. Ron Paul and his philosophy: Google's Vice President of Global Communications and Public Affairs, Elliot Schrage, interviews Dr. Ron Paul before an overflow crowd at Google HQ on 7/13/07.
http://www.youtube.com/wa...

Daily news about Dr. Ron Paul and related events:
http://www.dailypaul.com

Information about Dr. Ron Paul and his candidacy:
http://www.allronpaul.com

Lew Rockwell has devoted a whole section of his website to Dr. Ron Paul:
http://www.lewrockwell.co...

Information about Ron Paul support group events in your area:
http://eventful.com/perfo...

Dr. Ron Paul's channel on YouTube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/pr...

Dr. Ron Paul's account on MySpace.com:
http://www.myspace.com/ro...

Dr. Ron Paul's Campaign website:
http://www.ronpaul2008.co...