Rand Paul 2010 | U.S. Senate » Uncategorized

Defense cuts are essential for deficit reduction

RyanH — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 22:50:39 +0000

As our country’s economic crisis continues, many progressives and conservatives alike are deeply concerned about skyrocketing deficits. Sharing this concern myself, I urge Congress to cut defense spending. I believe that large cuts in defense spending are indispensable if we hope to return to balanced budgets any time in the foreseeable future.

According to an October letter to the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform co-written by Congressmen Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Ron Paul (R-Texas), “The Department of Defense currently takes up almost 56 percent of all discretionary federal spending, and accounts for nearly 65 percent of the increase in national discretionary spending levels since 2001.” Clearly, defense spending is the largest cause of our deficits.

Furthermore, a significant portion of this spending is no longer in the interest of our national security. Much of the current defense spending is attributable to the continuation of the Cold War policy of defending foreign countries, many of which are now far wealthier than they were immediately following World War II. As the Frank-Paul letter states, “Years after the Soviet threat has disappeared, we continue to provide European and Asian nations with military protection through our nuclear umbrella and the troops stationed in our overseas military bases. Given the relative wealth of these countries, we should examine the extent of this burden that we continue to shoulder on our own dime.” Thus, Congress can generate substantial savings simply by terminating outdated policies.

Unfortunately, these cuts may not occur due to resistance from neoconservative Republicans. That’s right – many of the same people who made deficit reduction a signature issue on the campaign trail are unwilling to even consider cutting the largest source of our deficits.

According to The Santa Clarita Valley Signal, Congressman Buck McKeon (R-Calif.) has worked to pass “a National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 that is not weighed down by the current majority’s social agenda items.” In other words, McKeon believes that the trillions of dollars that the Democratic Congress spent on schemes such as the bailouts and the stimulus package should not preclude reckless defense spending. He is willing to continue irresponsible spending on the schemes of the military-industrial complex, letting our children and grandchildren foot the bill.

Senator-Elect Mike Lee’s Address to the Federalist Society

RyanH — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:10:04 +0000

Irish Relief Fleeting as `Day of Reckoning’ Nears

RyanH — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 19:34:09 +0000

Borrowing costs for Europe’s most indebted nations are at record highs as Ireland’s capitulation in accepting a bailout of its banking industry stokes concern that other countries also will have to seek aid.

The average yield for 10-year debt from Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Italy reached 7.57 percent today, a euro- era record. The average premium investors demand to hold those securities instead of German bunds widened to as much as 492 basis points, the highest level of 2010. The average cost of insuring against default by the five nations using credit- default swaps reached a record 517 basis points on Nov. 23.

“It’s no longer taboo to speak about a restructuring,” said Johannes Jooste, a portfolio strategist at Bank of America Corp.’s Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management in London, which oversees about $1.4 trillion for clients. “The fact that bond yields continue to rise and put pressure on countries that have to fund from the market makes investors less and less confident, and it’s bringing forward the day of reckoning.”

The Nov. 22 relief rally after Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen conceded that the nation needed financial support proved transient. Irish 10-year bond yields fell 4 basis points, before jumping 104 basis points as of 3:13 p.m. in London today, exceeding 9 percent for the first time since 1995. The euro’s respite was more fleeting; the bailout inspired a 0.8 percent gain for the currency before it slumped to a two-month low. It fell 0.9 percent to $1.3247 today.

Coburn to McCain: Cutting defense is not “isolationist”

RyanH — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:44:28 +0000

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) Tuesday rejected the assertion by Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) that calls for cuts in defense spending represent the rise of “protectionism and isolationism” within the Republican party.

At a conference Monday at the Foreign Policy Initiative, a conservative think tank, McCain said that he was worried about divisions within the Republican Party on the issue of defense spending.

“I worry a lot,” McCain said. “Because throughout the history of the Republican Party in modern times, there’s been, obviously, as we know, two wings: The isolationist wing, manifested before World War II and at other times; and the internationalist side. And so I think there are going to be some tensions within our party.”

McCain then singled out Senator-elect Rand Paul (R-KY) as an example of the party’s isolationist wing. While McCain said he “respects” Paul, he criticized him for openly calling for trimming the defense budget. “Already he has talked about withdrawals from, or cuts in defense, et cetera. And a number of others are… So I worry a lot about the rise of protectionism and isolationism in the Republican Party.”

Rand Paul Campaign Releases New Ad, “Stamp of Approval”

Gary — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 19:48:43 +0000

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Dr. Rand Paul’s U.S. Senate Campaign has released a new ad, a contrast piece about his opponent Jack Conway.

The 30 second spot began airing on broadcast and cable stations statewide yesterday.

See the ad here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOHjiGAdATg

Big Day of Saturday Events for Rand

Jesse — Sat, 15 May 2010 17:06:47 +0000

Today is the last Saturday for Dr. Paul to earn votes before Tuesday’s election, and Rand is setting a brisk pace as he pushes toward victory.

Dr. Paul started the day off with a great event in Louisville where he received another wonderful reception and plenty of media attention.

Right now, Rand is on the road and will arrive shortly at his Northern Kentucky Campaign Headquarters located at 8184 Mall Road in Florence. Lots of supporters are expected to turn out.

At 4:00 pm, Dr. Paul will head to the Parkette Drive-In, located at 1230 East New Circle Road in Lexington for a final meeting with area voters.

Finally, Rand will wrap his busy day at the Scott County Lincoln Day Dinner.

A schedule like this is a lot of work, but Dr. Paul is deeply inspired by all of the tremendous support he has received from concerned Kentuckians and will not let up as we all head to a big win on Tuesday!

Rand on radio Sunday

admin — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:31:41 +0000

Rand Paul will be a guest on Louisville’s WHAS 840 AM Joe Elliott Show this morning for an hour starting at 10 am ET.

Rand’s winning campaign based on balanced budgets, term limits and strong national defense has turned the national spotlight on Kentucky.

A Rand Paul victory on May 18 will be the first electoral victory for the Tea Party movement and represent a big step toward restoring adherence to the U.S. Constitution.

Rand leads in all independent polls.

Rand on campus

admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:13:45 +0000

Rand Paul will speak at the University of Louisville campus this morning at 11:30am and the public is invited. He will be at the Shumaker Research Building until 12:15. Please come and bring friends! Related posts:Rand speaks to students Save the date in Louisville! Rand Paul speaks to Louisville Tea Party Related posts:

Rand Paul Victory Party

admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:16:41 +0000

Rand Paul’s Victory Party will be held following the close of polls. It is open to everyone. This will be a great event and will serve to celebrate the transition from the primary to the general.

If you can, please come to the Bowling Green Headquarters at 1019 State Street, earlier in the day and help us Get Out The Vote!

If you need a hotel room please contact Hometown Suites in Bowling Green: http://www.htshotel.com/

When – Tuesday, May 18 7:00 PM – Wed May 19 5:00 AM

Location: Bowling Green Country Club

Address: 251 Beech Bend Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Map: Click Here

More details to be announced soon.