Thread too long; didn't read.
Ron Paul is growing on me. Why?
He follows the Austrian School of economic thought, which at the moment, I agree with most in regards to monetary and fiscal policy. To note, I have a background in Economics and I feel the Austrian School does the best at explaining why business cycles happen...and at the simplest level...because of over expansion of credit. Instead, the Keynesians believe in the notion of "shit happens", partially due to animal spirit influence on market forces. I have a difficult time believing modern Keynesians still believe that, but Keyne himself attributed business cycles to spirits. But still, a lot of economists and financial people like to say recessions are just "natural" but they don't know the cause, and frankly I don't believe it. An action has to trigger a boom or a bust, just like getting punched in the face will give me a bruise.
That alone makes me like him over any other GOP candidate. Gingrich is nuts. Man is just nuts and nuts. Romney has no backbone and is just plain awkward. Says he won't release his tax information....one month later....he releases his tax records. Cant wait to see what he'll do with our nuclear and military secrets when dealing with foreign leaders. Nukes for all!
I seriously don't even feel like voting because this presidential race has THE WORST bunch of runners I have ever seen/read about. The GOP...my god. I feel like it's American Idol mixed with some kind of sick MTV reality show. And to note, my views lean more toward the right and I voted for Obama last time.
Then again, there are a lot of people who contributed to this thread who are much more intelligent when it comes to politics and such and I could be full of crap. To be honest, I hate how our presidential election has turned into an entertainment event. The youtube debates, Obama literally skyping with potential voters, the whole debacle. Bleh. If they would just do their jobs and stop all this BS, then I wouldn't be so cynical about the entire process.
EDIT: I just read he is opposed to the federal reserve system. And you know....it is kind of helpful. I don't know what to think anymore!!!