Ron Paul Liberty Will Live On Through Rand Paul
During the presidential primaries, it appeared as if the Liberty Movement might gain some ground and indeed make a significant impact on the 2012 presidential election. If nothing else, it certainly appeared that the movement may grow enough to be a formidable political force for a long time. While some die-hard supporters of the Liberty Movement insist that it will stand the test of time, it is becoming more clear with each passing day that the movement was simply built on the hype of a fleeting moment than the commitment that would be required to help it endure for the long haul.
The strength of the Liberty Movement is predicated upon the consistent firm stance that Ron Paul has held over his congressional career. One can only commend the Texas congressman for not only saying what he believes, but also living it as a congressman. This consistency is the main reason that the Liberty Movement has gotten to where it is today. However, Ron Paul is a one of a kind citizen that is hard to find. He has lived and voted his conscience consistently. It is now all the more apparent that when Ron Paul retires, the Liberty Movement will indeed “rest in peace” with its imagined glory long forgotten as it will not even be judged worthy of mention when the history books of the next generation are written.
Any hope that the Liberty Movement would continue to be any bit of a significant presence past the 2012 election died the moment Ron Paul’s son, Republican Kentucky Senator Rand Paul endorsed Mitt Romney. While it is well understood that Rand Paul did so to protect his own personal political aspirations to perhaps one day be president, his endorsement of Mitt Romney means that he sold out whereas his father never did. It will not be easily forgotten that Rand Paul sold out. Though he will still endeavor to be president, it is most likely that Rand Paul will suffer the certain fate of defeat and will forever regret the day that he did sell out.
As someone who clearly lived the message of not selling out, Ron Paul was indeed a worthy shepherd that led his flock well. In the course of history, however, his flock pales in comparison to that of past political movements that have posed a potential threat to the two-party system of American politics. The only smidgen of hope that the Liberty Movement now has is that Ron Paul might have one last run in him for the White House. Still yet, it is doubtful that he would run at age 82 in four years. Even if he wanted to run, it is more likely that his son will be forming his own presidential campaign by then.
Although the Liberty Movement had its moment and seemed to grow big, in the course of history it really is no different than any other fringe political movement that has somewhat thrived for a rather short time. While those in the Liberty Movement will try to keep it alive well into the future, without Ron Paul as their shepherd the flock will be scattered until the next fringe political figure emerges onto the scene and grabs their attention. Until then, those in the movement, whether by their own decision or by the forces of the two-party system that rules American politics will be driven into political exile, lamenting that which could have been but never was because it never really even stood a chance.
