In reading Ron Paul’s book, Pillars of Prosperity, I was impressed by his refusal to vote for well meaning but unconstitutional legislation. For example he opposed H.R. 3591, proposing a Gold Medal for Ronald and Nancy Reagan on the grounds that it was not the proper role of the Federal Government. Furthermore, he challenged the members of Congress to each contribute $100 from their own pocket and that would more than cover the $30,000 expense associated with awarding this prestigious medal. Not a single Representative who solicited his support for the bill was willing to contribute their own money toward the award.
Talking with the good Dr. Hansen after church today, the subject of an interaction between then congressman Davy Crockett and Horatio Bunce chronicled by Edward Sylvester Ellis arose, that surprisingly I had never read about. I hurried home and googled it and was fascinated at Crockett’s response when confronted by Bunce about a well meaning but unconstitutional vote in Congress.
The thing that always impresses me about Ron Paul is the fact that he is consistent. He is not swayed by the winds of political expediency, but is guided by his heartfelt convictions as they are supported by the Constitution. Most of his colleagues and apparently Crockett’s, could very possibly be or have been well-intentioned, but we must be careful to let the rule of law guide us. You remember what the road to hell is paved with. Crockett saw his gaffe for what it was and quickly made amends. I’m fairly convinced that would not be true for the majority of politicians today.
I thought the story was a great illustration of the principled approach taken by rare politicians like Paul and precious few others.
Posted by freedomwarrior 