(from the transcript)

MCSHANE: The question you have to ask yourself, as you know, in these situations is, what happens if I do nothing? What would happen if the Treasury, the Fed, the government did nothing in this case?

BARR: I think right now, doing nothing would not be advisable. As much as a Libertarian, we don’t like to see — and I don’t like to see — the government get further involved with yet another sector of the economy.

I think, because the government has caused this problem, similar to the savings and loan problem that the government caused a generation ago, it has to do something.

and this:

BARR: But the ultimate goal, I think, has to be a very firm commitment to restructure Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Does anybody who can legitimately claim to understand and carry out libertarian principles support what Barr proposes? Unless Barr’s “do something” prescription is solely to disband Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, then he doesn’t understand that whatever the government does (outside of abolishing agencies/pseudo gov’t organizations) will be contribution to the problem.

But, we do have the answer . . . Barr say’s that the goal is to “restructure” Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, not eliminate them. We have our answer as to the enormous faith Barr has in government involvement in the economy. Barr is a libertarian? . . . hardly.

Frankly on Barr’s actions(or anyone’s for that matter), which ought to rate much more heavily than words IMHO his record is absolutely terrible. Sure he’s lobbied with the MPP to “legalize” medical marijuana . . . good, but a far cry from offsetting his staunch drug warrior votes, rhetoric and bill sponsorships.

Overall, Barr’s congressional record, if properly weighted would give him a “Paul-o-Meter” rating of about 40 to 50.

I along with many people monitored Ron Paul since early 2007 and his statement of faith and his referencing the “Christian Just War Theory” are almost the only two times he brought religion into his rhetoric (unless he was specifically asked). He even said once when asked… that he doesn’t wear it on his sleeve. I’ve watched countless rally speeches by Dr. Paul. I believe I’ve seen almost every single video, listened to almost every audio interview (ronpaulaudio.com), and read many of his articles and speeches and he rarely mentions religion.

It is simply untrue to suggest that Baldwin rarely uses his religion in his rhetoric. Or to suggest Ron Paul does so all the time. Baldwin does it all the time. Ron Paul does not.

Can you provide a link or video where Baldwin specifically says that he would end the War On Drugs?

His campaign spokesman did not say he would do so when she commented on the Paul-O-Meter rating. She may have implied it, but I don’t understand why he won’t just confirm his position and say, “I support ending the War on Drugs.” He is not being forthright about it. Has he also implied that he would pardon non-violent drug offenders too (like Dr. Paul)? Or do you concede that he has not done that?

-Marc

Paul put out a “statement of faith” which was quite influential in getting catholic and baptist votes here in Louisiana. We were told, by the campaign, to cite this document to any-and-all people supporting Mike Huckabee. Ron Paul cited Just War Theory (a christian principle) on national television and such. Ron Paul is VERY upfront about his Christianity, and so is Baldwin. If Baldwin got a 4 on this, Ron Paul would get a 3.

As for Baldwin’s position on the WOD, he said he wanted to end the Federal WOD, but as president would respect the right of the states and localities to persue such things. Making sure those goods dont cross the border is definetly not supporting the War on Drugs.

The question is not “How religious the person is?” The question is does the candidate separate their Religion from Policy (and rhetoric). Baldwin clearly isn’t even close to Ron Paul on this.

You may be right on a higher score for Internet regulation, but until he specifically answers the question on regulating online gambling it should remain a 4.

Baldwin seemingly does not support ending the war on drugs. In fact his position on the WOD is to “seal the border”. That is not even close to Ron Paul’s position of ending the WOD and pardoning all non-violent drug offenders.

You can read the description/methodology of each of the criteria here:
http://libertymaven.com/2008/06/30/introducing-the-ron-paul-paul-o-meter-does-your-candidate-measure-up/1225/

You ought to like this.
“#2… Chuck says he does “support competing currencies”.

That is a response from Mary Starrett, the Baldwin campaign’s communications director, about the Gold Standard et al.

I feel that Baldwin’s scores should be higher on Internet Regulation (5) and War on Drugs (which should be at least 1 point higher, they misrepresent his position).

Barr’s scores should be lower on The Fed, Foreign Policy, and Abortion.
“# Abortion – Barr is similar to Ron Paul on abortion. He’d like to see Roe vs. Wade overturned. He wants to leave it up to the states though he is personally pro-life. Score: 5″
HAHAHAHAHAHHA.