Rand Paul AMA full questions and answers
Let me know if there are any errors.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
lfenn: Dr. Rand - What are the barriers to real tax reform, ie. Fair Tax, and how do you plan to overcome those barriers to make it happen? My 'millennial' children and their peers are ready for a new way to do taxation, getting rid of millions of pages of documents, cryptic loopholes, and gratuitous ad-ins. Repeal the 16th Amendment!
RandPaul: Washington is run by lobbyists and special interests, and career politicians in both parties let it happen. My tax plan ends corporate welfare and all special tax breaks will be gone in exchange for one low, flat rate of 14.5 percent that every single business will pay—filled on a single page of a tax return, eliminating the over 70,000 pages of the current tax code.
I want to free up the great engine of American prosperity by lowering taxes, only spending what we take in, and bringing American businesses back from overseas. I am convinced that my vision can become a reality if we end the trillion dollar government stimulus packages—packages which have made the rich richer and the poor poorer—and replace them with tax cuts for everybody, the rich, the poor, and those in the middle.
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
DavidKelley: Dr. Paul, in regard to entitlement reform, do you believe people have a right to welfare, Medicaid, and other government benefits?
RandPaul: Wasteful spending in Washington has drained the Medicare trust funds. Obamacare has borrowed money from Medicare to cover its cost. Washington cannot continue to promise everything to everyone without a plan to pay for it.
In the current system, there are two problems. Doctors are already dropping off the Medicare payment rolls. Seniors will be left with bigger bills and fewer options. I want to put some competition back in the system, and I want to make sure seniors can choose from the best health-care plans in the country.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
MichaelAarethun: What percentage of the current Republican Congressionals are RINOS? If a minority why aren't they given the axe. If a majority why don't the rest of you form a real two party system?
RandPaul: I ran for office because I was unhappy about Washington. The more I see Washington, the more unhappy I am. Our government is dysfunctional and doesn't work. I'm a huge proponent of term limits and would throw everybody out, myself included.
We need to start fresh. We need term limits. 12 years is more than enough time in the Senate, and more than enough time in the House. The status quo remains because the same people remain, decade after decade. I think sometimes they harken back to electorate that elected them decades ago that’s not today's electorate.
The public is about a decade ahead of government. Right now, people are upset and unhappy and justifiably so. The people want us to act, not to cower in the corner while Democrats continue to spend recklessly.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
Thompsonl10: Dr. Paul. I'm a libertarian living in the bible belt of Florida. At age 19 I was charged with felony Marijuana cultivation. I'm am now 26 years old and the effects of my arrest (loss of rights, inability to get a job, inability to find housing) has been wearing me down. If you were elected president, what steps would you take to restore the liberty that has been stolen from me and thousands of others?
RandPaul: There is something wrong with a system that releases hardened violent criminals to make room in prison for someone caught smoking marijuana. As President, I’d reform our criminal justice system so that the punishment fits the crime and we keep violent offenders behind bars.
Since I was a freshman senator, I have introduced or co-sponsored more than two dozen bills designed to fix our broken criminal justice system. This problem will not be fixed overnight, just as it did not come into being overnight. It has been in the making for decades. The American people deserve a well-functioning criminal justice system, one they do not have to fear will take their assets and criminalize every bit of their conduct, but instead will do what it is supposed to do: protect them from violent criminals.
What I am proposing is faithful to the Republican principles driving me to fight for this great country: protecting civil liberties, reducing the federal deficit, promoting strong families, undoing the opportunistic laws put into place by the Washington Machine, and ending big government intrusion into our private lives.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
monstorbak: Will you be able to arrange public one-on-one debates with Bernie Sanders and/or Hillary? I've seen the Bernie Sanders petition, and I expect him to be the only democratic candidate with enough backbone to take you on. I believe that educating enough voters on liberty and free market capitalism is the only way to elect someone like you. Much of that requires destroying perceptions which can be accomplished in head-to-head debates.
RandPaul: I’m open to debating either candidate and perhaps this is already in the works…stay tuned for that.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
TheAnswerer1: Next, I am wondering if it was all planned for the (CNN) debate. Prior to the CNN debate you suggested that you were going to come at Trump with 'both barrels'.
Shortly after the start of the prime time he came at you instead. You smiled and let him attack parried and stepped away, was that your plan all along to show just how little it takes to set him off?
RandPaul: Clearly my attacks on Trump's big government authoritarian Democratic party membership have hit a nerve with Mr. Trump. He's a fake conservative!
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
tronc: You are an inspiration to us libertarian medical students ^.^ (we are very few though haha).
RandPaul: Thank you! We have chapters across 300 universities - Students for Rand. You should join!
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
chuck_s: Dr. Paul, much of what candidates say about "day 1" is impossible and unrealistic. They speak as though they are taking the office of dictator instead of president. I know they must mean what they will take on first in their presidency, but they mislead the public for what is realistic. What will be your realistic first priority in office as our chief executive and leader?
RandPaul: I believe that every American has a constitutionally guaranteed right to privacy which must be protected. We need to collect more information on terrorists and less on innocent Americans. I have fought for several years now to end the invasive and illegal spying of the NSA on ordinary Americans. As president, on Day One, I will immediately end this unconstitutional surveillance!
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
Cadeh: Dr. Rand, what are your thoughts on reversing gun control? If you become President, do you have any plans to try and repeal import bans on foreign firearms companies? Do you have plans to try and repeal gum control acts from the last century?
Thank you for your time
RandPaul: As President, I vow to uphold our entire Bill of Rights, including our right to bear arms. I will not support any proposed gun control law which would limit the right to gun ownership by those who are responsible, law-abiding citizens. Overzealous laws are making it tough for men and women who seek to lawfully protect themselves. In the White House, I will remain vigilant in the fight against infringements on our Second Amendment rights.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
chuck_s: I want to know more about you as a normal guy. So this may be lighthearted. dont give me a super political answer, just be normal. How can you open up to us and tell us more about Rand Paul the person, not Rand the Dr. or Rand the senator....all of which we love...but more about Rand the person in private life. I'll give you some softballs: favorite food? or favorite sport? Music? I will support you to the general election even if i have to write your name in....but I think it would go a long way for the general public to see a side of you like that.
RandPaul: I love Italian food! Spaghetti with extra mushrooms.
I listen to all kinds of music from Rush to Country music.
When I do have down time, I enjoy mowing my grass on my lawnmower. Enjoy gardening too.
I also enjoy reading, love a good Ayn Rand novel! Anyone here ever read Ayn Rand?
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
AaronDay: Dr. Paul, Do you really think that gay marriage is a sign of a "moral crisis" in America?
RandPaul: I don’t want my guns or my marriage registered in Washington. Our Founders got married at the courthouse. I think marriage is a local issue and should’ve remained a local issue. The Constitution is silent on the question of marriage because marriage has always been a local issue. Perhaps the time has come to examine whether or not governmental recognition of marriage is a good idea, for either party.
My position is I think the most responsible of any candidate running. There are deeply held beliefs on both sides of this debate. By taking the government out of the business of marriage, we allow free adults to choose how they want to live their lives. A priest should not be forced to marry a gay couple any more than a gay couple should be forced to marry someone they do not want to.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
rockymountainpirate: Dr. Paul. At the CNN debate, you were the only one to mention the Constitution. In your opinion, can our stolen Constitutional rights ever be restored? If yes, how.
RandPaul: We can have freedom and security and the Bill of Rights and the Constitution all at the same time. We have set up a privileged class in Washington and Americans are sick and tired of it. These elites say, "Trust us, we won't violate your privacy.”
The Constitution is clear. Politicians should not collect this information without a warrant. Warrants must be specific to the individual and there must be probable cause before a government is allowed to search any American's documents.
Warrantless searches of American’s phone and computer records are un-American and a threat to our civil liberties. I say, that your phone records are yours. I say the phone records of law-abiding citizens -- are none of their damn business! As President--on day one--I will immediately end this unconstitutional surveillance!
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
jbrenner: This is what you need to emphasize at the debates.
RandPaul: I sure will try but its hard to get much time with so many on stage.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
bigL: Dr. Paul,
Thank you for all that you do to ensure our freedom, rights and liberties are protected as laid out in the constitution. My question... young people everywhere are starting to clue into politics more and more so how do you plan on addressing issues that matter to us?
Issue#1, higher education and student debt
RandPaul: I would reduce the cost of tuition by stopping the government from making billions in profit each year off of student loans! There is no reason that the federal government should be capitalizing off of our hardworking students and families. If we want our children to be able to afford college, the government will need to get out of the student loan business and it will need to get out now!
Saddling graduates with thousands of dollars in student loan debt without accountability is irresponsible on the part of the federal government. My proposal would help reduce the long-term debt that recent graduates face from taking out more than they can afford in student loans and paying high interest rates on top of it. I would give them the option of making tuition or loan payments more affordable, which would make college more accessible. This would apply to both rich and poor as long as they earn a paycheck and have a tax return at some point in their life, due to the lifetime carry forward provision.
While increased enrollment is one of the reasons for the increasing cost of college, it is not the only reason. The more important factor is increasing government intervention. As public funding and regulations have increased, so too has cost of college attendance. To put it into perspective, the public investment in higher education in America today is 10 times higher than it was in 1960. Military spending, for example, is only 1.8 times higher than 1960 levels, adjusted for inflation.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
ObjectiveAnalyst: Senator Paul,
Welcome to the gulch. I am a big supporter and respect your adherence to the Constitution. However, I have seen some troubling reports on your position regarding anthropogenic climate change. What is your position and what do you propose?
Respectfully,
O.A.
RandPaul: I do believe humans have some impact on the atmosphere, but it’s unclear how much. We shouldn’t destroy the economy over unknowns.
I'm against pollution and think we should minimize pollution. In general, it’s time we have an energy approach that’s about reducing carbon in a cost effective manner, and not massive payouts to campaign donors. The last eight years of climate policy has been nothing more than a payout to liberal campaign donors.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
ZebulonCarlander: Senator Paul,
What would you say are the biggest national security threats facing the United States and how would you as President respond to them?
Thank you!
Zebulon Carlander
RandPaul: There are many threats that we face: Russia; China; our national debt; Iran; North Korea; and terrorism, to name a few. The greater threat is that we are seeing the return of great power competition and the increasing potential for miscalculation. It has been over a century since the world faced such a multipolar power world. And it continues to get worse as smaller countries develop weapons of mass destruction.
We spent the last decade trying to solve our security problems by reinventing governments in countries that have distinctly different cultures. We have failed in this. Despite the valiant effort and tactical and operational success of our military, these adventures have been at best strategically neutral and at worst losses.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
ZebulonCarlander: Senator Paul,
One of the most - if not the most - important duties of a President of the United States (POTUS) is the role of Commander in Chief (CINC). If you were elected POTUS/CINC, what would be your doctrine/principles in regard to the deployment and usage of the U.S. military?
Thank you!
Zebulon Carlander
RandPaul: I would do whatever it takes to keep America safe. I follow Ronald Reagan’s doctrine of “peace through strength.” America should have the greatest military in the world that defends our interests, but does not intervene unnecessarily.
The goal of our foreign policy should be in pursuing U.S. national interests and keeping our nation and people safe and secure.
If there is a true threat, I support military action to defend our national interest and the interests of close allies. Military force should only be used when there is a clear plan for success.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
dbhalling: Dr. Paul,
I know you support the REINS Act, however in my opinion it is not strong enough. I have proposed a Regulatory Bill of Rights (RBoR) that gives citizens the power (standing) to challenge agencies and regulations in court. The RBoB allows private citizens to challenge regulations based on them being ineffective or much less efficient at accomplishing the stated goal and holds any contradictory regulations/rulings (between agencies or within an agency) automatically void until the contradiction is fixed. How could anyone be against the idea that regulations should be effective and efficient? I am an attorney and as you probably know the Bill of Rights basically does not apply to regulatory actions. The RBoB like much of our environmental laws allows private citizens who win in court to receive compensation.
Could you have someone on your staff look at my proposed Regulatory Bill of Rights? http://hallingblog.com/2010/12/02/reg...
BTW your book Government Bullies forms the backdrop for our third novel in the Hank Rangar serise, which we (my wife and I) are presently writing.
RandPaul: Not only do I support the REINS Act, its actually my bill in the US Senate. I will definitely look at your proposal.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
richrobinson: Hi Dr. Paul.
How willing are you to use Executive Orders to accomplish you're campaign promises and has the President over stepped his authority with his use of Executive Orders?
RandPaul: I will use Executive Orders to reverse so much of what this President has used them to enact. I am the only one running in this race who wants to return more power to the states and not accumulate more for the presidency.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
randpaulmemes: Dr. Paul,
I think your tax plan and eliminating the IRS is one of your best attributes. Not that I dont love almost everything else you stand for, but the IRS and taxes speak to every American whether rich or poor.
What can be done to shout your tax plan from the roof tops and make sure everyone knows about it?
Laura Sanders, writing for the Wall Street Journal, recently said "More than any other presidential candidate, Jeb Bush has put forth a detailed plan that dramatically changes the landscape for individual taxpayers."
But, as we both know, this isnt true. You have been doing it for years. What can be done to make sure this important point is not missed in your campaign?
RandPaul: We keep talking about our plan at every stop on the campaign trail and I hope to be able to discuss it in details at the next debate.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
8494: Dr. Paul,
You've been very inspiring to me on the campaign trail. As a member of Clemson's Young Americans for Liberty Chapter, are you planning on more college visits to connect with millennials?
Good luck on the trail!
RandPaul: Yes - plenty more college stops in the near future!
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
Scribbles646: Will your administration commit to doing a full audit of the Federal Reserve System?
David Whitfield
@Scribbles646
RandPaul: Hell Yes!
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
lfenn: Dr. Rand - What are the barriers to real tax reform, ie. Fair Tax, and how do you plan to overcome those barriers to make it happen? My 'millennial' children and their peers are ready for a new way to do taxation, getting rid of millions of pages of documents, cryptic loopholes, and gratuitous ad-ins. Repeal the 16th Amendment!
RandPaul: Washington is run by lobbyists and special interests, and career politicians in both parties let it happen. My tax plan ends corporate welfare and all special tax breaks will be gone in exchange for one low, flat rate of 14.5 percent that every single business will pay—filled on a single page of a tax return, eliminating the over 70,000 pages of the current tax code.
I want to free up the great engine of American prosperity by lowering taxes, only spending what we take in, and bringing American businesses back from overseas. I am convinced that my vision can become a reality if we end the trillion dollar government stimulus packages—packages which have made the rich richer and the poor poorer—and replace them with tax cuts for everybody, the rich, the poor, and those in the middle.
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
DavidKelley: Dr. Paul, in regard to entitlement reform, do you believe people have a right to welfare, Medicaid, and other government benefits?
RandPaul: Wasteful spending in Washington has drained the Medicare trust funds. Obamacare has borrowed money from Medicare to cover its cost. Washington cannot continue to promise everything to everyone without a plan to pay for it.
In the current system, there are two problems. Doctors are already dropping off the Medicare payment rolls. Seniors will be left with bigger bills and fewer options. I want to put some competition back in the system, and I want to make sure seniors can choose from the best health-care plans in the country.
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
MichaelAarethun: What percentage of the current Republican Congressionals are RINOS? If a minority why aren't they given the axe. If a majority why don't the rest of you form a real two party system?
RandPaul: I ran for office because I was unhappy about Washington. The more I see Washington, the more unhappy I am. Our government is dysfunctional and doesn't work. I'm a huge proponent of term limits and would throw everybody out, myself included.
We need to start fresh. We need term limits. 12 years is more than enough time in the Senate, and more than enough time in the House. The status quo remains because the same people remain, decade after decade. I think sometimes they harken back to electorate that elected them decades ago that’s not today's electorate.
The public is about a decade ahead of government. Right now, people are upset and unhappy and justifiably so. The people want us to act, not to cower in the corner while Democrats continue to spend recklessly.
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
Thompsonl10: Dr. Paul. I'm a libertarian living in the bible belt of Florida. At age 19 I was charged with felony Marijuana cultivation. I'm am now 26 years old and the effects of my arrest (loss of rights, inability to get a job, inability to find housing) has been wearing me down. If you were elected president, what steps would you take to restore the liberty that has been stolen from me and thousands of others?
RandPaul: There is something wrong with a system that releases hardened violent criminals to make room in prison for someone caught smoking marijuana. As President, I’d reform our criminal justice system so that the punishment fits the crime and we keep violent offenders behind bars.
Since I was a freshman senator, I have introduced or co-sponsored more than two dozen bills designed to fix our broken criminal justice system. This problem will not be fixed overnight, just as it did not come into being overnight. It has been in the making for decades. The American people deserve a well-functioning criminal justice system, one they do not have to fear will take their assets and criminalize every bit of their conduct, but instead will do what it is supposed to do: protect them from violent criminals.
What I am proposing is faithful to the Republican principles driving me to fight for this great country: protecting civil liberties, reducing the federal deficit, promoting strong families, undoing the opportunistic laws put into place by the Washington Machine, and ending big government intrusion into our private lives.
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
monstorbak: Will you be able to arrange public one-on-one debates with Bernie Sanders and/or Hillary? I've seen the Bernie Sanders petition, and I expect him to be the only democratic candidate with enough backbone to take you on. I believe that educating enough voters on liberty and free market capitalism is the only way to elect someone like you. Much of that requires destroying perceptions which can be accomplished in head-to-head debates.
RandPaul: I’m open to debating either candidate and perhaps this is already in the works…stay tuned for that.
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
TheAnswerer1: Next, I am wondering if it was all planned for the (CNN) debate. Prior to the CNN debate you suggested that you were going to come at Trump with 'both barrels'.
Shortly after the start of the prime time he came at you instead. You smiled and let him attack parried and stepped away, was that your plan all along to show just how little it takes to set him off?
RandPaul: Clearly my attacks on Trump's big government authoritarian Democratic party membership have hit a nerve with Mr. Trump. He's a fake conservative!
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
tronc: You are an inspiration to us libertarian medical students ^.^ (we are very few though haha).
RandPaul: Thank you! We have chapters across 300 universities - Students for Rand. You should join!
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
chuck_s: Dr. Paul, much of what candidates say about "day 1" is impossible and unrealistic. They speak as though they are taking the office of dictator instead of president. I know they must mean what they will take on first in their presidency, but they mislead the public for what is realistic. What will be your realistic first priority in office as our chief executive and leader?
RandPaul: I believe that every American has a constitutionally guaranteed right to privacy which must be protected. We need to collect more information on terrorists and less on innocent Americans. I have fought for several years now to end the invasive and illegal spying of the NSA on ordinary Americans. As president, on Day One, I will immediately end this unconstitutional surveillance!
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
Cadeh: Dr. Rand, what are your thoughts on reversing gun control? If you become President, do you have any plans to try and repeal import bans on foreign firearms companies? Do you have plans to try and repeal gum control acts from the last century?
Thank you for your time
RandPaul: As President, I vow to uphold our entire Bill of Rights, including our right to bear arms. I will not support any proposed gun control law which would limit the right to gun ownership by those who are responsible, law-abiding citizens. Overzealous laws are making it tough for men and women who seek to lawfully protect themselves. In the White House, I will remain vigilant in the fight against infringements on our Second Amendment rights.
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
chuck_s: I want to know more about you as a normal guy. So this may be lighthearted. dont give me a super political answer, just be normal. How can you open up to us and tell us more about Rand Paul the person, not Rand the Dr. or Rand the senator....all of which we love...but more about Rand the person in private life. I'll give you some softballs: favorite food? or favorite sport? Music? I will support you to the general election even if i have to write your name in....but I think it would go a long way for the general public to see a side of you like that.
RandPaul: I love Italian food! Spaghetti with extra mushrooms.
I listen to all kinds of music from Rush to Country music.
When I do have down time, I enjoy mowing my grass on my lawnmower. Enjoy gardening too.
I also enjoy reading, love a good Ayn Rand novel! Anyone here ever read Ayn Rand?
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
AaronDay: Dr. Paul, Do you really think that gay marriage is a sign of a "moral crisis" in America?
RandPaul: I don’t want my guns or my marriage registered in Washington. Our Founders got married at the courthouse. I think marriage is a local issue and should’ve remained a local issue. The Constitution is silent on the question of marriage because marriage has always been a local issue. Perhaps the time has come to examine whether or not governmental recognition of marriage is a good idea, for either party.
My position is I think the most responsible of any candidate running. There are deeply held beliefs on both sides of this debate. By taking the government out of the business of marriage, we allow free adults to choose how they want to live their lives. A priest should not be forced to marry a gay couple any more than a gay couple should be forced to marry someone they do not want to.
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
rockymountainpirate: Dr. Paul. At the CNN debate, you were the only one to mention the Constitution. In your opinion, can our stolen Constitutional rights ever be restored? If yes, how.
RandPaul: We can have freedom and security and the Bill of Rights and the Constitution all at the same time. We have set up a privileged class in Washington and Americans are sick and tired of it. These elites say, "Trust us, we won't violate your privacy.”
The Constitution is clear. Politicians should not collect this information without a warrant. Warrants must be specific to the individual and there must be probable cause before a government is allowed to search any American's documents.
Warrantless searches of American’s phone and computer records are un-American and a threat to our civil liberties. I say, that your phone records are yours. I say the phone records of law-abiding citizens -- are none of their damn business! As President--on day one--I will immediately end this unconstitutional surveillance!
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
jbrenner: This is what you need to emphasize at the debates.
RandPaul: I sure will try but its hard to get much time with so many on stage.
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
bigL: Dr. Paul,
Thank you for all that you do to ensure our freedom, rights and liberties are protected as laid out in the constitution. My question... young people everywhere are starting to clue into politics more and more so how do you plan on addressing issues that matter to us?
Issue#1, higher education and student debt
RandPaul: I would reduce the cost of tuition by stopping the government from making billions in profit each year off of student loans! There is no reason that the federal government should be capitalizing off of our hardworking students and families. If we want our children to be able to afford college, the government will need to get out of the student loan business and it will need to get out now!
Saddling graduates with thousands of dollars in student loan debt without accountability is irresponsible on the part of the federal government. My proposal would help reduce the long-term debt that recent graduates face from taking out more than they can afford in student loans and paying high interest rates on top of it. I would give them the option of making tuition or loan payments more affordable, which would make college more accessible. This would apply to both rich and poor as long as they earn a paycheck and have a tax return at some point in their life, due to the lifetime carry forward provision.
While increased enrollment is one of the reasons for the increasing cost of college, it is not the only reason. The more important factor is increasing government intervention. As public funding and regulations have increased, so too has cost of college attendance. To put it into perspective, the public investment in higher education in America today is 10 times higher than it was in 1960. Military spending, for example, is only 1.8 times higher than 1960 levels, adjusted for inflation.
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
ObjectiveAnalyst: Senator Paul,
Welcome to the gulch. I am a big supporter and respect your adherence to the Constitution. However, I have seen some troubling reports on your position regarding anthropogenic climate change. What is your position and what do you propose?
Respectfully,
O.A.
RandPaul: I do believe humans have some impact on the atmosphere, but it’s unclear how much. We shouldn’t destroy the economy over unknowns.
I'm against pollution and think we should minimize pollution. In general, it’s time we have an energy approach that’s about reducing carbon in a cost effective manner, and not massive payouts to campaign donors. The last eight years of climate policy has been nothing more than a payout to liberal campaign donors.
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
ZebulonCarlander: Senator Paul,
What would you say are the biggest national security threats facing the United States and how would you as President respond to them?
Thank you!
Zebulon Carlander
RandPaul: There are many threats that we face: Russia; China; our national debt; Iran; North Korea; and terrorism, to name a few. The greater threat is that we are seeing the return of great power competition and the increasing potential for miscalculation. It has been over a century since the world faced such a multipolar power world. And it continues to get worse as smaller countries develop weapons of mass destruction.
We spent the last decade trying to solve our security problems by reinventing governments in countries that have distinctly different cultures. We have failed in this. Despite the valiant effort and tactical and operational success of our military, these adventures have been at best strategically neutral and at worst losses.
- - - - - - - - -
LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
ZebulonCarlander: Senator Paul,
One of the most - if not the most - important duties of a President of the United States (POTUS) is the role of Commander in Chief (CINC). If you were elected POTUS/CINC, what would be your doctrine/principles in regard to the deployment and usage of the U.S. military?
Thank you!
Zebulon Carlander
RandPaul: I would do whatever it takes to keep America safe. I follow Ronald Reagan’s doctrine of “peace through strength.” America should have the greatest military in the world that defends our interests, but does not intervene unnecessarily.
The goal of our foreign policy should be in pursuing U.S. national interests and keeping our nation and people safe and secure.
If there is a true threat, I support military action to defend our national interest and the interests of close allies. Military force should only be used when there is a clear plan for success.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
dbhalling: Dr. Paul,
I know you support the REINS Act, however in my opinion it is not strong enough. I have proposed a Regulatory Bill of Rights (RBoR) that gives citizens the power (standing) to challenge agencies and regulations in court. The RBoB allows private citizens to challenge regulations based on them being ineffective or much less efficient at accomplishing the stated goal and holds any contradictory regulations/rulings (between agencies or within an agency) automatically void until the contradiction is fixed. How could anyone be against the idea that regulations should be effective and efficient? I am an attorney and as you probably know the Bill of Rights basically does not apply to regulatory actions. The RBoB like much of our environmental laws allows private citizens who win in court to receive compensation.
Could you have someone on your staff look at my proposed Regulatory Bill of Rights? http://hallingblog.com/2010/12/02/reg...
BTW your book Government Bullies forms the backdrop for our third novel in the Hank Rangar serise, which we (my wife and I) are presently writing.
RandPaul: Not only do I support the REINS Act, its actually my bill in the US Senate. I will definitely look at your proposal.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
richrobinson: Hi Dr. Paul.
How willing are you to use Executive Orders to accomplish you're campaign promises and has the President over stepped his authority with his use of Executive Orders?
RandPaul: I will use Executive Orders to reverse so much of what this President has used them to enact. I am the only one running in this race who wants to return more power to the states and not accumulate more for the presidency.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
randpaulmemes: Dr. Paul,
I think your tax plan and eliminating the IRS is one of your best attributes. Not that I dont love almost everything else you stand for, but the IRS and taxes speak to every American whether rich or poor.
What can be done to shout your tax plan from the roof tops and make sure everyone knows about it?
Laura Sanders, writing for the Wall Street Journal, recently said "More than any other presidential candidate, Jeb Bush has put forth a detailed plan that dramatically changes the landscape for individual taxpayers."
But, as we both know, this isnt true. You have been doing it for years. What can be done to make sure this important point is not missed in your campaign?
RandPaul: We keep talking about our plan at every stop on the campaign trail and I hope to be able to discuss it in details at the next debate.
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
8494: Dr. Paul,
You've been very inspiring to me on the campaign trail. As a member of Clemson's Young Americans for Liberty Chapter, are you planning on more college visits to connect with millennials?
Good luck on the trail!
RandPaul: Yes - plenty more college stops in the near future!
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LINK: http://www.galtsgulchonline.com/posts...
Scribbles646: Will your administration commit to doing a full audit of the Federal Reserve System?
David Whitfield
@Scribbles646
RandPaul: Hell Yes!
lfenn: Dr. Rand - What are the barriers to real tax reform, ie. Fair Tax, and how do you plan to overcome those barriers to make it happen?
RandPaul: (almost answered)
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DavidKelley: Dr. Paul, in regard to entitlement reform, do you believe people have a right to welfare, Medicaid, and other government benefits?
RandPaul: (not answered and weasled out of it dishonorably)
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MichaelAarethun: What percentage of the current Republican Congressionals are RINOS? If a minority why aren't they given the axe. If a majority why don't the rest of you form a real two party system?
RandPaul: (not answered but made a libertarian/Objectivist compatible policy statement)
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Thompsonl10: Dr. Paul. I'm a libertarian living in the bible belt of Florida. At age 19 I was charged with felony Marijuana cultivation. (...) If you were elected president, what steps would you take to restore the liberty that has been stolen from me and thousands of others?
RandPaul: (not answered and didn't even bother with a detailed policy statement OR a policy statement that would benefit the questioner)
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monstorbak: Will you be able to arrange public one-on-one debates with Bernie Sanders and/or Hillary?
RandPaul: (answered)
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TheAnswerer1: Prior to the CNN debate you suggested that you were going to come at Trump with 'both barrels'. [H]e came at you instead. [W]as that your plan all along to show just how little it takes to set him off?
RandPaul: (not answered but sniped at Trump)
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chuck_s: Dr. Paul, much of what candidates say about "day 1" is impossible and unrealistic. What will be your realistic first priority in office as our chief executive and leader?
RandPaul: (answered)
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Cadeh: Dr. Rand, what are your thoughts on reversing gun control? [...] Do you have plans to try and repeal gum control acts from the last century?
RandPaul: (NOT answered and went into FULL WEASEL mode on a subject that requires absolute clarity and on which we would expect that he does have a very clear stance. Extremely disappointing!)
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chuck_s: I want to know more about you as a normal guy.
RandPaul: (Answered fully even though it was an unimportant question.)
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AaronDay: Dr. Paul, Do you really think that gay marriage is a sign of a "moral crisis" in America?
RandPaul: (not answered but made a libertarian/Objectivist compatible policy statement. BUT, part of his statement was wrong, in my opinion. The Constition is seemingly silent on many issues that it isn't actually silent on. For instance, does equal protection under the law apply to marriage? If it does not then why does it appear to apply to so many other areas that are not specifically listed? He also could have answered the "moral crisis" question.)
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rockymountainpirate: Dr. Paul. At the CNN debate, you were the only one to mention the Constitution. In your opinion, can our stolen Constitutional rights ever be restored? If yes, how.
RandPaul: (NOT answered but he tries to make it sound like he answered it by saying he'd issue an executive order on day 1 to end unconstitutional surveilance. I'm not sure how he'll do that with an EO that's legal.)
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bigL: [Y]oung people everywhere are starting to clue into politics more and more so how do you plan on addressing issues that matter to us? Issue #1, higher education and student debt.
RandPaul: (NOT answered and rambled for a long time about the current student loan problem. His analysis was wrong; the problem isn't the "profit" the FedGov makes on the loans the problem is that subsidizing anything increases demand and increased demand leads to higher prices. In the case of college it's made much worse because gov't interferes with must more than just financing.)
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RandPaul: (NOT answered and his response was so bad it's the only one I'm going to show.) "I do believe humans have some impact on the atmosphere [sure, and if I scream in the middle of Times Square it has some effect on the noise level], but it’s unclear how much [he's trying to sound like he doesn't believe in G.W. but won't actually say it. unfortunately that's not enough for people who believe it's a scam and it will just infuriate everyone who DOES believe in it. He just pissed off both sides.]. We shouldn’t destroy the economy over unknowns [That's an obtuse way of saying that regardless of his position on G.W he thinks the world's current approach is wrong. That's not a strong enough position to take.]." (The rest... He's against pollution, good for him! Everyone's against pollution but that has nothing to do with G.W. Then he says we need to minimize carbon output "cost effectively." If we don't know the effects then why try to reduce it at any cost? Then he implies the current approach is fine except that we're paying off the wrong guys. Who should we pay off, Rand? Let's ask this question, since Rand is so worried about the Constitution, "Where in the Constitution does it give the federal gov't permission to have an energy policy or a climate policy at all.)
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ZebulonCarlander: What would you say are the biggest national security threats facing the United States and how would you as President respond to them?
RandPaul: (almost answered)
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ZebulonCarlander: One of the most - if not the most - important duties of a President of the United States (POTUS) is the role of Commander in Chief (CINC). If you were elected POTUS/CINC, what would be your doctrine/principles in regard to the deployment and usage of the U.S. military?
RandPaul: (almost answered with an unclear, hawkish response that leaves him room to take any action and still remain consistent with what he said.)
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dbhalling: I know you support the REINS Act, however in my opinion it is not strong enough. I have proposed a Regulatory Bill of Rights (RBoR) that gives citizens the power (standing) to challenge agencies and regulations in court. The RBoB allows private citizens to challenge regulations based on them being ineffective or much less efficient at accomplishing the stated goal and holds any contradictory regulations/rulings (between agencies or within an agency) automatically void until the contradiction is fixed. How could anyone be against the idea that regulations should be effective and efficient? I am an attorney and as you probably know the Bill of Rights basically does not apply to regulatory actions. The RBoB like much of our environmental laws allows private citizens who win in court to receive compensation. Could you have someone on your staff look at my proposed Regulatory Bill of Rights?
RandPaul: (answered but missed an opportunity to elaborate)
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richrobinson: How willing are you to use Executive Orders to accomplish you're campaign promises and has the President over stepped his authority with his use of Executive Orders?
RandPaul: (answered)
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randpaulmemes: I think your tax plan and eliminating the IRS is one of your best attributes. [...] What can be done to make sure this important point is not missed in your campaign?
RandPaul: (answered by saying "I don't really have a plan to publicize it. We're going to keep doing what we're doing now.)
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8494: You've been very inspiring to me on the campaign trail. As a member of Clemson's Young Americans for Liberty Chapter, are you planning on more college visits to connect with millennials?
RandPaul: (answered)
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Scribbles646: Will your administration commit to doing a full audit of the Federal Reserve System?
RandPaul: (answered enthusiastically)
However, I am curious as to how someone with an MD can say that he believes vaccinations cause mental illness. This one thing prevents me from casting my vote for you, sir.
Any chance you could walk me through why you feel this way?