That's probably the most coherent summary of Paul's positions that I've seen, and there wasn't much with which I disagreed.
But I'll put forth these things, that I'm not sure Ron Paul has throught through:
1. "The Fed created bubbles." Eh, they might have not popped them soon enough, but there's a wealth of opinion published in The Economist for the Fed's policies. That is that Ron Paul's comments sound right in the midst of a recession, but over 20-30 year time frames, the Fed's policies don't look so bad. I'm not sure how I feel.
2. "The US shouldn't police the world." Again, on the surface I agree. But with the UN almost totally ineffective, I don't see what choice we have. Like it or not, business is an international concern, and we have human and financial interests that need and deserve support and protection. I would like nothing else than to see international institutions work better, but we're just not there yet.
3. "Bring the troops home." Again, at this exact stage, would that make things better or worse? I think that one could construct an arguement on either side.
4. "Alternative energy will be driven by the market." I'm more liberal on this point. I think we'll have to have some government intervention. However, I'm for end use standards and/or taxation that drives the market to make the right choices. I agree with MessyBear that leaving it totally to the market might be a disaster - one that neglects environmental concerns.
5. "Back to the gold standard." No longer feasible in my opinion although I do think the Fed is printing too much money. But limited-time injections of fluidity, not possible on the gold standard, have successfully warded off subsequent depressions.
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What I like best is is more general vision for government as a standard setter and regulator, not as a driver. I think he's right on there.
And he's right about the absurd corn subsidies which are really just a political pork giveaway to the powerful voting interests of Midwest states.
Thanks for the vid, Herring. I gained some affinity for Ron Paul out of that.
