Monitor Thy Neighbor

Opposition to the Patriot Act, legislation passed by Congress and signed by the President last year, is growing. Americans are beginning to understand that many precious liberties have been put in jeopardy by the government’s rush to enact new laws in the wake of September 11th. Federal law enforcement agencies now have broad authority to … Continue reading “Monitor Thy Neighbor”

Opening Cuban Markets Good for Cubans and Americans

Washington, DC: Congressman Ron Paul is working with several congressional colleagues this week to end trade restrictions that hurt Texas farmers. While the House considers several large spending bills, including a bill that funds agricultural programs, Paul and others plan to use the amendment process to block the Cuban agricultural embargo. More than 270 members … Continue reading “Opening Cuban Markets Good for Cubans and Americans”

Is America a Police State?

Most Americans believe we live in dangerous times, and I must agree. Today I want to talk about how I see those dangers and what Congress ought to do about them. Of course, the Monday-morning quarterbacks are now explaining, with political overtones, what we should have done to prevent the 9/11 tragedy. Unfortunately, in doing … Continue reading “Is America a Police State?”

Inspection or Invasion in Iraq?

I call my colleagues’ attention to a recent article by Scott Ritter, former chief UN weapons inspector in Iraq, published in the Los Angeles Times. In this article, Mr. Ritter makes a salient point that deserves careful and serious consideration in this body: how will it be possible to achieve the stated administration goal of … Continue reading “Inspection or Invasion in Iraq?”

Don’t Force Taxpayers to Fund Nation-Building in Afghanistan

I rise in opposition to this bill. The President has not asked for this piece of legislation; he does not support it. We do not anticipate that it will be passed in the other body. But there is one good part of the bill, and that is the title, "Freedom Support.” We all support freedom. … Continue reading “Don’t Force Taxpayers to Fund Nation-Building in Afghanistan”

Say No to Conscription

I hope my colleagues who believe that the current war on terrorism justifies violating the liberty of millions of young men by reinstating a military draft will consider the eloquent argument against conscription in the attached speech by Daniel Webster. Then-representative Webster delivered his remarks on the floor of the House in opposition to a … Continue reading “Say No to Conscription”

Statement in Support of a Balanced Approach to the Middle East Peace Process

The following is Congressman Paul’s remarks against the pro-Israel resolution passed overwhelmingly on Friday by Congress. This legislation could not have come at a worse time in the ongoing Middle East crisis. Just when we have seen some positive signs that the two sides may return to negotiations toward a peaceful settlement, Congress has jumped … Continue reading “Statement in Support of a Balanced Approach to the Middle East Peace Process”

The Founding Fathers Were Right About Foreign Affairs

Last week I appeared on a national television news show to discuss recent events in the Middle East. During the show I merely suggested that there are two sides to the dispute, and that the focus of American foreign policy should be the best interests of America – not Palestine or Israel. I argued that … Continue reading “The Founding Fathers Were Right About Foreign Affairs”

America’s Entangling Alliances in the Middle East

We were warned, and in the early years of our Republic, we heeded that warning. Today, though, we are entangled in everyone’s affairs throughout the world, and we are less safe as a result. The current Middle-East crisis is one that we helped create, and it is typical of how foreign intervention fails to serve … Continue reading “America’s Entangling Alliances in the Middle East”

American Foreign Policy and the Middle East Powder Keg

The situation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank territories deteriorated into virtually all-out war in the past week, with both sides escalating the rhetoric and the violence. The continued leadership of PLO Chairman Arafat seems doomed. The administration now finds itself in an uncomfortable but familiar role as peacemaker for the Middle East conflict; Presidents from … Continue reading “American Foreign Policy and the Middle East Powder Keg”