Customer Reviews

A Foreign Policy of Freedom: Peace, Commerce, and Honest Friendship

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Dr. Paul is currently serving his tenth term as a United States Representative. His political career as a Congressman started in the late seventies, and ever since he has continually been an outspoken opponent of the United States' policy of foreign interventionism. This book is a compilation of Dr. Paul's speeches given to the House of Representatives concerning our foreign policy.

Dr. Paul repeatedly warns the Congress of the flaws of military interventionism and the consequences America will face if we are to continue our role as the world's policeman. He reminds us that only Congress has the Constitutional authority to declare war and that its failure to retain this power has caused numerous no-win wars since the Korean Conflict. It is this flagrant abuse of the Constitution, among others, which has caused the erosion of civil liberties at home, unnecessary American and foreign casualties, an outstanding and ever-increasing national debt, and loss of America's historical moral high ground and admiration of other nations.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a better understanding as to the ramifications of America's foreign interventionism.

One might think a text that consists essentially of transcripted U.S. House floor speeches would be dry, slow reading. One would be mistaken. It is in fact highly interesting in that it reveals the sometimes stealth ways in which foreign policy is put into action. It is interesting that Rep. Paul was speaking out against even benign-seeming bills related to U.S. involvement in Iraq throughout the '90s, warning that such legislation was setting the stage for a full-fledged conflict. Ten-term Congressman Paul reveals himself to be the often lone voice in Congress for reasoned foreign policy based in the best common interests of the U.S. and respect for the sovereignty of other nations.

This book opened my eyes. Ron Paul is a real voice of reason in these troubled times. A modern day Thomas Jefferson. A champion of the Constitution (the supreme law of the land) and the Bill of Rights. What amazes me is his consistent message on Foreign Policy - a message that, after some research on my part, I found hasn't changed in 30 years. Unusual for a politician, indeed.

After 9/11, I supported the current administration's War on Terror. I believed terrorists attacked us because of both our freedom for women and prosperity. I fully supported the bombing of thousands of people and the spreading of American-style democracy overseas to people, whom upon closer inspection, clearly didn't want it. I am ashamed.

The administration knew the button to push: Fear. How could I have been so lazy as to not thoroughly research foreign policy. If I had, I would have been able to read between the lies. I would have known that inciting "Fear" in the American people to fight a war on "Extreme Fear" (terror) made no sense whatsoever. Instead, in exchange for revenge, I lost a piece of my soul.

Ron Paul opened my eyes. I had planned to vote for "America's Mayor" Rudolph Giuliani in 2008. Now I'm voting for Ron Paul.

READ THIS BOOK!!!

contrary to the silly assertion that Ron Paul's foreign policy is "isolationist", Dr. Paul demonstrates in this book how a genuine, consistent approach to foreign policy would not only save us literally HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS of dollars each year, we would also be a lot safer as a nation. If you are looking for a new approach to keeping America safe and ending income tax then you will really enjoy this book. Ron Paul's principles are never changed since he came into office in the 70's, read his speeches before congress yourself. Ron Paul is the only candidate running who will END THE WAR & Restore the Constitution!

I highly recommend this book.
The more I look into Ron Paul the more I am seeing what a historical character he is. This book is essentially a collection of statements that he has made before the house since 1976. He has been courageously speaking before the house since the beginning. But this book offers a depth into the man that goes beyond his speeches, one is able to see the far reaching foresight Dr Paul has through these statements that he has made with many predictions specifically on the war in Iraq coming true. Also he goes more into the history and philosophy of the neo-cons which by itself is worth the reading.

I didn't realize just how big of a mess this country was in until I read this book by Dr. Paul. It must be one of the most eye-opening volumes that I have read in a long time and I highly recommend it to everyone concerned about the future of the Republic.

Ron Paul may be one of the most consistent and logical statesman in Washington in United States history. He applies his theory of limited government on all levels, domestic and foreign. His basic belief is that the excessive intervention of government will often be more harmful than helpful. Oddly enough, many members of the Republican Party believe this in domestic issues yet believe in strong, long-term involvement in other countries.

Paul has years of experience and has watched the effects of United States foreign policy for years, especially in the Middle East. This is a great resource on recent history and gives insight into current events.

I voted for Ron Paul when he ran for Prez. I knew he would not win (just as I know he will not win this time) but intellectual honesty bested "throwing my vote away". The problem with a Ron Paul candidacy is the growing "single issue" voting. Few look at the entire picture and the title of this handy book - "A Foreign Policy of Freedom" says it all. To Paul (and myself) the notion of freedom is intrinsically bound with economic rights, foreign policy and the role of government.

Contrary to what is commonly believed, foreign entanglements - as opposed to wars - are not formulas for security but recipes for disaster. It is almost inevitable that we, the only super power, will be drawn into a conflict given the creeping tide of intervention. It should be remembered that in 2000, Bush ran as a NON-interventionist, scorning nation building and meddling. Oh how times have changed though I'll admit these have been tumultuous times. The idea of an American Empire requires on-going intervention at some part of the world and the attitude that we are the world's nanny. For some reason, we still pay billions to defend Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Israel, Egypt, Korea and the Saudis.

A look 10 years in the future will see a waning Mideast as alternative energies become commonplace. It is NOT true (as is pointed out) that "they" have always "hated us". In fact, they love America - our food, clothes, movies, music, speech and science. Until recently the US was popular with the masses, the heaven on Earth to which they aspired. Paul outlines philosophical reasons for opposing unrestricted intervention, reaching back to the Founding Fathers and their intentions. He also reminds us of our desperate financial situation and the cost of being Big Brother. In the process, he sets out to alter not just foreign policy but our whole attitude toward the State and what it should and should not do. That latter idea will prove the hardest to change as we are, from every corner, led in the direction of an authoritarian nanny State.

If you've ever been bothered by US foreign policy but was disturbed at the Left's embrace of dictators and terrorists (Stalin, Mao, Castro, Arafat, Chavez) this is the book for you. It explains why you opposing US foreign policy does not require praising those who do not value freedom. Run, don't walk, to your nearest bookstore and urge your friends to do so also. You are in for a revelation.

This book of speeches given over the last 30 years gives a historical context to why America is facing the situation it exists in today. Dr. Ron Paul's speeches on the house floor put his consistent struggle with a government out of control in historical context. Whether it's the funding of oppressive communist governments at the taxpayers expense, or military actions based on U.N. Resolutions, this book powerfully highlights everything that is wrong with the US foreign policy run amok, and points out a higher path to peace and prosperity.

This should be required reading for everyone: Democrats and Republicans. There is something in here for everyone on just about every page.

What an amazing revelation, someone running for President with consistency. This book is full of Ron Paul's statements before the house. A constant voice against the war, foreign policy reform, and legalizing the income tax system by getting rid of it and replacing it with "nothing". When you read Ron Paul's addresses you can almost feel his frustrations as each month he warns of wasteful government spending to the House. All the addresses are dated. Do you want to know how this country has gotten in the mess it is today, read this book. Read what Ron Paul says the week he addresses the House after 9/11.