Now for a Real Underdog: Ron Paul, Libertarian, for President

Source: New York Times, October 17, 1988

He tells his audiences that the Federal Government has only one role: to protect liberty. And, he explains, the only rule worth following is that one must not harm another person or his property.

If elected, he says, he would abolish public schools, welfare, Social Security and farm subsidies. All drug laws should be repealed, Dr. Paul maintains, a position that drew hisses at the university.

Dr. Paul believes that America should leave the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and not contribute to other nations’ defense. He has no trouble saying which new nuclear weapons programs he would cut: all of them.

In his first year in office, Dr. Paul says, he would cut one third of the Pentagon budget, or $100 billion, and $100 billion in domestic programs. Put this money ”back into the economy,” he argues, and everyone will be better off.

Doesn’t look like much has changed in 20 years except university students now cheer repealing drug laws instead of booing and hissing.