I realize it’s early in the election campaign, but I’m already throwing in my endorsement. Actually, my endorsement was given before Ron Paul even announced his candidacy. The Congressman from Texas is an oddity amongst his Republican peers, since he actually votes according to the conservative, libertarian values that those aforementioned peers merely give lip service.

So, a couple months ago, Ron Paul announced that he’s seeking the 2008 Republican nomination for President. I couldn’t be happier. I think that if Americans actually considered the platforms of the candidates, and not their party affiliation, Dr. Paul’s position on issues appeals to many people who wouldn’t consider themselves Republicans. I also think that so many conservatives are so disillusioned with the Republican party that they are ready to vote for an old-style conservative candidate.

The following story comes from the Wikipedia article linked above, and perfectly describes his position on smaller Federal government:

He has been criticized at times for his voting record, being the only dissenting vote against giving Pope John Paul II, Rosa Parks and Mother Teresa the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. According to Texas Monthly, “When he was criticized for voting against the medal [for Parks], he chided his colleagues by challenging them to personally contribute $100 to mint the medal. No one did. At the time, Paul observed, ‘It’s easier to be generous with other people’s money.’”