The Revolution: A Manifesto by Ron Paul
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Book Reviews of The Revolution: A Manifesto
Book Review: Manifesto of Libertarian Resurgance
Summary: 5 Stars
I believe that the 2008 election will be particularly memorable because of Paul. I further believe that this candidacy may well serve as a catalyst for Libertarian resurgence. For that reason alone the book is worth acquiring. Its publication is as prescient in these vaguely fascist times in the same way that Goldwater's "Conscience of a Conservative was during earlier vaguely social-democratic times.
Thankfully this is not simply a campaign tract. This is a well-written and concise book that applies the tenets of modern, unapologetic libertarianism to the issues of the day. Paul addresses the standard issues: foreign policy (non-interventionist), human rights (adamantly for), abortion (adamantly against - but willing to let the states decide), the death penalty (he'd abolish federal capital punishment), Social Security (against), and the welfare state (stifles initiative and voluntary charity); which are the usual fodder in a campaign.
However, Paul addresses each if these issues with a passion that is remarkable in an election-year. He is not merely against the War in Iraq: he is appalled at its illegality and the cowardice of a legislature that acquiesced in a non-declared ware against a non-belligerent. He makes no bones about it - remarkable for a man who is very likely to take his seat within that self-same legislature within a few months. It is not a matter of doing things differently in order to achieve the same outcome, perhaps more humanely or rationally. Paul detests the outcome itself and is forthright in saying so. Likewise with the War on Drugs; Likewise with taxation. There is passion here that approaches the prophetic.
He also addresses Money, which, oddly, rarely figures into the political dialogue, (at least not since Williams Jennings Bryan) yet arguably is the one issue that impacts us all. Whether or not one agrees with his Hard Money stance or his antagonism to the Federal Reserve, he has at least forced a discussion that is long overdue. Vladimir Ilyich Lenin warned that "The surest way to destroy a nation is to debauch its currency". Ron Paul would surely stand in solidarity with Lenin on at least that score. As commodity prices rise across the board and the dollar becomes an international joke - why is Ron Paul the only one speaking about money policy?
Ron Paul has been dismissed as something of a crank - kind of a Ralph Nader of the Right. Like Ralph Nader, Paul is no more interested in pandering to mainstream Republicans than Nader is to Democrats. The difference is that Nader has always been a gadfly. Except for about 20 minutes in 1972, the Democratic Party has never been particularly welcoming of radicals from the Left. (Palmer Raids, HUAC, blacklisting...all Democratic initiatives.)
Paul's book, on the other hand is well within an established tradition of extreme individualism: radicalism on the Right.
He relates that, ironically enough for a party descended from Whigs, the GOP has been an historic home for Jeffersonians and the descendents of the Anti-Federalists for most of the last century. In that sense, unlike Nader and the Democrats, Paul stands squarely within the legacy of the old GOP.
This is demonstrated not only by Paul's book. Readers would to well to supplement Revolution: A Manifesto with Brian Doherty's
Radicals for Capitalism: A Freewheeling History of the Modern American Libertarian Movement,an informative, (and surprisingly entertaining) history of Libertarianism, as well as Justin Raimondo's Reclaiming the American Right: The Lost Legacy of the Conservative Movement, which tracks the non-interventionist , anti-war spirit of older American Conservatism.
These volumes, along with Paul's book portray a conservative legacy that is far older than the current George W. Bush/John McCain brand of National Greatness. So old in fact that the People's Weekly World, that redoubtable publication of Communist Party USA joked: "There is absolutely no argument that Dr. Paul would make the best president of the United States that the 16th century could offer."
One might reply that when we see not only the Constitution, but the Magna Carta under assault by a praetorian guard of theofascists, perhaps a progressive circa 1500 would not be so bad.
Thankfully the CPUSA is about 200 years off insofar as Paul is concerned. Dr. Paul is almost singularly responsible for bringing our uniquely American brand of Revolution...circa 1776...to the attention of a 2008 electorate. In the current climate, this is revolutionary.
Hence, regardless of one's political temperment, Revolution: A Manifesto deserves a reading.
Book Review: The Conscience of a Constitutionalist
Summary: 5 Stars
THE REVOLUTION: A MANIFESTO
by Dr. Ron Paul
If you've been following Ron Paul's candidacy, you probably already own some of his books. You may have donated money or time to his campaigns, or even had a chance to see him speak in person. But since he's not the "presumptive nominee", you may be wondering, "is it necessary to read more of this man's ideas"? The answer is yes.
The reason for this is simple: Ron Paul is the most visible proponent of authentic constitutionalism in the U.S. political arena at this moment. The book contains chapters on the issues that Paul is well known for, including noninterventionist foreign policy, "sound money" and the defense of civil liberties. The core of these positions is a deep understanding of the U.S. Constitution. As Dr. Paul correctly notes, the debate about the role of government has mutated over the years into a squabble between various groups for government favors. This pits all the groups against each other, but what's even worse about it is that it weakens our own sense of individualism and expands the role of government into our lives. The Presidential race doesn't dominate the content, and this book will certainly be read and recommended by pro-freedom Americans long after the November 2008.
The concepts that Dr. Paul advocates have been called "radical". Certainly they stand in bold contrast to D.C. conventional wisdom of all the administrations during my lifetime. Therefore one would expect a book like 'The Revolution' to be emotionally charged and aggressive or cranky. Fortunately this is not the case. The words in this book are written in a style that is informative but easy to understand. Dr. Paul demonstrates that he is considered an outsider for holding ideas that used to be held as conventional wisdom by freedom-loving Americans. As such, they aren't his own ideas, but those of a great tradition in U.S. political thought. You will read decades-old quotes from economists that seem just as timely today as when they were first spoken. You will also encounter some of Dr. Paul's inspirations, and hear anecdotes about his time in congress and his medical career. Although he isn't afraid to criticize negative tendencies in the political class, the book is refreshing in it's optimism and appeals to human dignity. What has been done with this book is very difficult, especially considering some of the ridiculous accusations leveled at the Paul campaign.
During the course of the presidential race, Dr. Paul has been criticized by some Republicans for "not being conservative enough". In particular, these issues are NAFTA-style trade, the drug war, foreign policy, "pork spending" and his states' rights position on abortion. He addresses these debates in this book, and makes it clear that his positions are more in step with the Founders than any of his critics. But even in these segments, Dr. Paul rarely mentions his opponents by name, and the tone isn't hostile or bitter. I believe that this is because his priority isn't in making people tear each other down, but instead to return our focus back to the values of respect for life, liberty and private property. The reality is that Ron Paul has talked about all these issues for years, and has been principled and consistent in his political career. This book contains the words of a man that we should listen to, partly because he is better informed than most, but especially because he speaks truth to power.
"During my public life, I have earned the nickname Dr. No, a reference to my previous occupation as a physician combined with my willingness to stand against the entire Congress if necessary to vote no on some proposed measure. As a matter of fact, I don't especially care for this nickname, since it may give people the impression that I am a contrarian for its own sake, and for some reason I simply relish saying no. In those no votes, as in all my congressional votes, I have thought of myself as saying yes to the Constitution and to freedom."
-Dr. Ron Paul
Book Review: The Time is Now
Summary: 5 Stars
It absolutely thrills me to see that this very important piece of literature is currently the best-selling book on Amazon.com. It gives me hope that a real revolution for the values we once stood for is possible, and that is in fact at our doorstep.
The time is now. Without a doubt in my heart, I firmly believe it is time to finally make a stand and prove once more to the world what truly makes America the last best hope for all of mankind. It is time once more that we set an example and bestow to the world the truths of freedom and the inherent greatness that comes with that God-given blessing. Like we did in 1776, it will happen again, and a revolt in the name of freedom must start, and it must start now.
Ron Paul, undoubtedly the most principled and courageous public servant this nation has been blessed to have in the past fifty years has started something that the pages of history will most certainly remember. He has planted the seeds with his Presidential campaign, and it is with this book that the fresh roots of freedom have begun to reach deep into the soil. The Revolution is eye-opening and easy to understand, perfect for those who know in their soul that something is wrong with America and that it needs to be corrected but do not know how. Congressman Paul quite efficiently presents the same case for individual freedom our Founding Fathers did, and he presents it well, using his experience in Congress and his general knowledge of political philosophy to back up his argument. He makes it quite clear that really the only way to true freedom is through limited government and a halt to our country's passage down a long and dark corridor that only ends in doom. Through the abolition of the needless and corrupt Federal Reserve. Through the end of needless and tragically wasteful wars that only fulfill the elite's imperial globalist agenda. Through the use of responsible governance, and careful checks on the centralization of power which will inevitably undermine the freedom we as Americans enjoy. And with a return to the sound ideas, principles, and values that our Founding Fathers gave to us in the Constitution. These things will make this country great once more.
With that said, please buy this book. Buy more than one and give it to friends and family. It is truly through education that the roots of liberty can grow and blossom into the Second American Revolution we as Americans have a sacred duty to wage. It is in our own Declaration of Independence that this duty is entrusted, "that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
It is time we turn away from the nationalist definition of "patriot" that has been crammed down our throat by the elitists who own both the government and the mass media. A true patriot is one who is concerned with his people, not his government. One who will do whatever is necessary to ensure that what is best for his people is obtained, and if that means dissent from the tyranny and corruption from a government that deprives his people of the rights of freedom, then it must be done.
Within each of us there is a sleeping dormant fire. Instilled in us by our Founding Fathers and the articles and ideas they left to history and to us, this flame has been quietly submerged over time in the murky waters of ignored corruption and tyranny. But it has not drowned, nor will it ever. It is a part of us, as much as our hands are and as much as our hearts are. And while it can be hidden, it can be dimmed for a while; it is inextinguishable. The burning beauty of the rebellious American patriot still lives within us all and it hungers for it to be known once more. There will be a day of reckoning. There will be a day in which these bold flames of liberty will burn brightly once more for all the world to see.
Long Live the Republic! Death to the New World Order! Liberty Shall Prevail!
Let the Revolution begin.
Book Review: Ron Paul and the America Again! Project
Summary: 5 Stars
As he is so fond of saying, Dr. Paul is not the focus of this 'revolution' bearing his name. The focus is LIBERTY, as his previous book laid out so well.
The major themes of the previous book (restoring the liberty and rule of law embodied in the U.S. Constitution) are now brought forward, pulling no punches. Anyone who has listened for the past two decades and more, as Dr. Paul inveighed against imperial geopolitics on behalf of corporate giants...against blatant violation of the Constitution...against the Money Powers' manipulation of most American citizens for its own purposes...welcomes this little volume because it gives new generations a clear vision for the way ahead.
The only weakness in this book is the unfortunate irony that being a product of the era of party politics (yes, even 3rd parties play the game) Dr. Paul falls short in this manifesto of TRULY showing the way ahead for the real self-government that the framers hoped we would exercise. Yet the Ron Paul Revolution is a direct result of the internet (thus the irony). Despite the evil uses it has often been put to, we can still thank God for the Internet; but only if we make good use of it.
This Independence Day, be watching for the Ron Paul Revolutionaries at REPUBLIC Magazine and 'Restore the Republic' and their "America Again!" project in as many as 535 American towns and cities. Go to blogspot and read a REAL manifesto, built on the ideals of Congressman Ron Paul, but putting real muscle and brains into self-government under law.
In a nutshell, the project will consist of citizens reading (in public, before the cameras, in the congressman's or senator's hometown public library or city park) a succinct list of his/her violations of law, and a demand for specific, reformational legislation to stop the Federal Reserve scam...the fractional-reserve banking scam...the start-wars-on-a-whim fiasco...the police-state encroachments...the One World Government encroachments...and more.
But here's where the America Again! project will finally move beyond the politics of the 20th century, to real self-government that cannot be manipulated by politicians and media spin: the America Again! declaration demands that if the member of Congress refuses to stop violating the Constitution (violating the highest law in America is the highest crime one can commit) We the People will put them in their STATE Prison, and confiscate ALL their wealth, wherever they have it hidden to benefit their estate, family, friends, girlfriends, etc.
THAT is how you stop the shenanigans. And you reinforce the threat with real, perennial, local action by what Dr. Edwin Vieira in Constitutional Homeland Security: A Call for Americans to Revitalize the Militia of the Several States. Volume I, The Nation in Arms calls local "Citizens' Homeland Security Associations".
Yes, that's right...reinstating the law-abiding, local, pre-Constitutional Militias of the Several States...the ONLY way to put what George Washington called "Liberty Teeth" back into American self-government, without begging bureaucrats for anything, and without asking politicians for political favors. No, what Ron Paul falls short of doing -- but what his admirers MUST do -- is return to the model of citizenship that made this republic great.
"The Revolution: A Manifesto" is the most faithful extant restatement of the founding ideals of the U.S. Constitution. Every patriotic parent and grandparent should have the kids or grandkids read this book; it is a primer on American constitutional government, economics, geopolitical ethics, and more.
But having read it, every patriotic American should be at their city park or public library this Independence Day (and next, and the next...) for their America Again! rally. We must stop playing politics, being pulled around by the nose on every political chimera. We must return to the duties of American citizenship.
And we must thank Ron Paul for slogging along on behalf of the Constitution lo, these many years. BUY THE BOOK!!
Book Review: wise words from a true patriot
Summary: 5 Stars
Ron Paul's "The Revolution: A Manifesto" is an entirely successful presentation of the Texas congressman's political, economic and social views. An outgrowth of his surprisingly effective presidential campaign, the book ranges over a panoply of issues, delivering a vitally important message to Americans concerned about the condition of their country, especially the negative effects ( seemingly endless chicanery at home and abroad ) wrought by an expansive and suffocating centralized government. That Dr. Paul manages his task in a calm and guileless manner, negotiating the complexities inherent in his topics without recourse to hyperbole, is just one of his authorial virtues.
The title of the first chapter ( "The False Choices of American Politics" ) sheds light on the corruption of the 2-party system and the superficiality of the official line espoused by both the mainstream Right and Left. While Dr. Paul is himself certainly socially conservative ( a pro-life Christian ), he can hardly be accused of giving the Right a pass:
"Once home to distinguished intellectuals and men of letters, it now tolerates and even encourages anti-intellectualism and jingoism that would have embarrassed earlier generations of conservative thinkers."
Likewise, he is less than impressed with the liberal Left:
"Although they posture as critical thinkers, their confidence in government is inexcusably naïve, based as it is on civics-textbook platitudes that bear absolutely zero resemblance to reality"
But Congressman Paul's case is far from reliant on the simple declarative statements one expects from publicity-seeking politicians, for he proceeds from this beginning to elucidate both his criticism and his positive vision of liberty ( freedom & responsibility under the Constitution) with illuminating references: historical, economic and sociological sources are explored with an amazing amount of detail ( especially considering that this book was intended for a popular readership ). There are chapters on the foreign policy positions of the founding fathers, the U.S. Constitution, civil liberties and personal freedom, the principles of economic freedom, and the role of money ( with proper attention paid to the insidious nature of central banking ).
Dr. Paul's libertarian views, in contrast to some who hold that worldview, are refreshingly un-doctrinaire. He does not treat man in a purely atomistic fashion as "homo economicus" nor does his belief in truly free market capitalism ( as opposed to the mercantilist system under which we currently live) stem from an obsession with pecuniary gain. In fact, Paul himself states that he would favor freedom even if it didn't bring prosperity ( the fact that it does is all the better ). In his own words, set forth at the start of the book:
"My message is one of freedom and individual rights. I believe individuals have a right to life and liberty and that physical aggression should be used only defensively. We should respect each other as rational beings by trying to achieve our goals through reason and persuasion rather than threats and coercion. That, and not a desire for `economic efficiency', is the primary reason for opposing government intrusions into our lives: government is force, not reason."
It remains to be seen whether this admirably humane view will ever be embraced by a populace drawn into the entangling web of The ( welfare/warfare ) State. Perhaps the message will penetrate only to a few, a remnant which may ( despite occupying the ethical and intellectual high-ground ) never affect in their fellow citizens a change of heart. But even so, Dr. Paul will have done well, in accordance with duty to his country and to his faith.
To conclude: rarely, if ever, will one find as succinct, honest and readable an account from a politician. "The Revolution: A Manifesto" establishes what has been known for a long time; Ron Paul is a patriot in the truest sense. Americans would be wise to heed his words.