Sen. Rand Paul: My filibuster was just the beginning

[formerlurker]

Sen. Rand Paul: My filibuster was just the beginning



^snip^

At about 6:30 p.m., something extraordinary happened. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), who has been recovering from a stroke, came to the floor to give me something. I was not allowed to drink anything but water or eat anything but the candy left in our Senate desks. But he brought me an apple and a thermos full of tea — the same sustenance Jimmy Stewart brought to the Senate floor in the movie “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” That was a moment I will never forget.

Then something unexpected happened. House conservatives started appearing in the back of the chamber to show their support. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tex.), who stayed for five hours, offered me his boots when I complained that I had not worn my most comfortable shoes. My good friend Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky came over. And then came the conservative cavalry of Reps. Justin Amash (Mich.), Ron DeSantis (Fla.), Doug LaMalfa (Calif.), Garland “Andy” Barr (Ky.), Trey Radel (Fla.), Michael Burgess (Tex.), Jim Bridenstine (Okla.), Raul R. Labrador (Idaho), Keith Rothfus (Pa.), Paul Gosar (Ariz.), Steve Daines (Mont.), Bill Huizenga (Mich.), Richard Hudson (N.C.) and David Schweikert (Ariz.).

Over the evening I had the support of Republican Sens. John Barrasso (Wyo.), Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Saxby Chambliss (Ga.), John Cornyn (Tex.), John Thune (S.D.), Pat Toomey (Pa.) and Ron Johnson (Wis.). And Sens. Cruz, Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) used the opportunity to make their first speaking appearances on the Senate floor. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) came at the end to speak, but after midnight, I had said enough.

^snip^

I hope my efforts help spur a national debate about the limits of executive power and the scope of every American’s natural right to be free. “Due process” is not just a phrase that can be ignored at the whim of the president; it is a right that belongs to every citizen in this great nation.

I believe the support I received this past week shows that Americans are looking for someone to really stand up and fight for them. And I’m prepared to do just that.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/sen-rand-paul-my-filibuster-was-just-the-beginning/2013/03/08/6352d8a8-881b-11e2-9d71-f0feafdd1394_story_1.html


If Rand Paul is going to be the guy to stomp on the roof for us then God bless, Godspeed and Rand, you earned my support.

 

[Shooterman]

I supported him in 2010 when he ran for the Senate. Sent him a little money. I think he is the real deal.

[Freeper]

We can be as bad as the DUmmies sometimes.
The DUmmies tend to pick a hero of the day and then decide that this person should be the next President, like Fauxahontas. Then we laugh at and mock them.

Then our side turns around and does the same thing, recently is has been Dr Ben Carson, who is a fine guy, but other than what he said in his speech to Barry we don't know much about all his political beliefs, now it's Rand Paul. We know he was probably raised with his father's views, and while one can't hold a father's views against a son, you have to take into consideration how many of those views may have been passed on.

For all I know Rand may be trying to sound different from his father, he could be just as bad, or he could be nothing like his father. What I need is proof of how he really is.

Pretty speeches and filibusters do not impress me, it's the voting record that matters. It deeply concerns me that his understanding of the Constitution is that the president should always get his picks for appointments. It worries me that he doesn't view his vote as a responsibility to keep the President in check when he appoints someone, especially when his pick could be very harmful to the USA.

I don't know if he voted no on Brennan because he knew he would catch hell if he turned around and voted yes, or if he voted no on principle. He will be watched by myself and I'm sure everyone else on this board, if he proves himself to be at least somewhat trustworthy then I may support him, if not I won't.

I now also have some concerns over Rubio, he voted yes for Brennan and since he is my senator his votes matter even more to me, since he is supposed to reflect the interests of my state, and I was one voice who helped him be hired in the first place.

[formerlurker]

We can be as bad as the DUmmies sometimes.
The DUmmies tend to pick a hero of the day and then decide that this person should be the next President, like Fauxahontas. Then we laugh at and mock them.

I never said he should be president.   I said he gained my support for doing what no one else is - and that's roof stomping.    The key parts of the article I highlighted were to show the support he received in the Senate and House.  

Someone has to make some damn noise.

Then our side turns around and does the same thing, recently is has been Dr Ben Carson, who is a fine guy, but other than what he said in his speech to Barry we don't know much about all his political beliefs, now it's Rand Paul. We know he was probably raised with his father's views, and while one can't hold a father's views against a son, you have to take into consideration how many of those views may have been passed on.

For all I know Rand may be trying to sound different from his father, he could be just as bad, or he could be nothing like his father. What I need is proof of how he really is.

Pretty speeches and filibusters do not impress me, it's the voting record that matters. It deeply concerns me that his understanding of the Constitution is that the president should always get his picks for appointments. It worries me that he doesn't view his vote as a responsibility to keep the President in check when he appoints someone, especially when his pick could be very harmful to the USA.

I don't know if he voted no on Brennan because he knew he would catch hell if he turned around and voted yes, or if he voted no on principle. He will be watched by myself and I'm sure everyone else on this board, if he proves himself to be at least somewhat trustworthy then I may support him, if not I won't.

I now also have some concerns over Rubio, he voted yes for Brennan and since he is my senator his votes matter even more to me, since he is supposed to reflect the interests of my state, and I was one voice who helped him be hired in the first place.

The votes come after the noise.    It's has to start somewhere.

[Freeper]

I never said he should be president.   I said he gained my support for doing what no one else is - and that's roof stomping.    The key parts of the article I highlighted were to show the support he received in the Senate and House.  

Someone has to make some damn noise.

The votes come after the noise.    It's has to start somewhere.

It wasn't directed at you, it was directed at all the comments I have seen here and at facebook, and how Rand is the hero of the day. I see the same cult like following that I see from the DUmmies. All it takes is one event and people seem to go gaga over someone. I think it's a sad state of affairs that one event where people think a politician is taking a stand is all it takes to whip up people in a frenzy. I realize the reason is because it is so rare that any of them do it, so a lot of the blame lies on the politicians.

The reality is what Rand did is not going to make a difference, within 2 weeks everything he did and said will be in the dust bin of history, and everyone will be focused on the crisis of the day that the preezy is campaigning on.

[Splashdown]

Freeper, you nailed it. No reason to make him a messiah. But as I've said before, we're so starved for a guy with real testicles, that any time someone does stand up, we cheer.

[Dori]

Freeper, you nailed it. No reason to make him a messiah. But as I've said before, we're so starved for a guy with real testicles, that any time someone does stand up, we cheer.

Agreed.  I know very little about Rand Paul.  But I will start watching him closer, now that he has my attention.  I liked what he did for numerous reasons. 

[Conservative Libertarian]

Agreed.  I know very little about Rand Paul.  But I will start watching him closer, now that he has my attention.  I liked what he did for numerous reasons. 

I'm in the same boat.

[jtyangel]

The same can be true of a number of people. Hell people ride the dead horse that is Sarah Palin over and over again and she will never be president.

I tend to not jump to conclusions on anybody. I do however admire someone who is saying loudly what many of us have wanted to hear. Even of he can only manage to turn the ear to get EVERYOnE to listen then he has earned his place on history.  There are many decent and loud men who stood up for something who never became prez or were qualified for it. The still get due for making people stand up and pay attention.

[J P Sousa]

Freeper, you nailed it. No reason to make him a messiah. But as I've said before, we're so starved for a guy with real testicles, that any time someone does stand up, we cheer.

THIS.
.

[Eupher]

Freeper, you nailed it. No reason to make him a messiah. But as I've said before, we're so starved for a guy with real testicles, that any time someone does stand up, we cheer.

h5, Splash. Great comment.

Dr. Nutz Jr. *sigh*

The New Messiah (according to many). One speech, one overly-inflated bladder, one pair of sore feet.

wow. 

[Freeper]

The same can be true of a number of people. Hell people ride the dead horse that is Sarah Palin over and over again and she will never be president.

I tend to not jump to conclusions on anybody. I do however admire someone who is saying loudly what many of us have wanted to hear. Even of he can only manage to turn the ear to get EVERYOnE to listen then he has earned his place on history.  There are many decent and loud men who stood up for something who never became prez or were qualified for it. The still get due for making people stand up and pay attention.

What pisses me off about Sarah Palin is the media and the left made the decision for us that she would never make it as a candidate.
When the left goes on attack we never circle the wagons like they do. I mean look at Joe Biden, if he was a repuke he would have never made it past the senate, the media would have been on his ass, and every time he said something embarrassing his fellow republicans (in this scenario where he is one) would be tripping each other trying to be the first to condemn him.

I'm not saying that we should blindly support everyone with a R next to their name, but I would like to see for once the GOP protect their own members. Even though I'm not all rah rah rah over the filibuster I am irked that McCain and Graham sounded like the dems criticizing him. We don't need the democrats to blast our own party we do that to ourselves.

[rich_t]

It seems to me that McLame and the rest of the good OLD boys club, don't like the younger generation that threaten to upset their little apple cart.

McLame needs to sit down, shut up and do the country a favor and retire.  As each year passes I am seeing less and less difference between those in charge of the GOP and DEM parties.

I do know that the GOP leadership no longer seems to give a damn about actual conservatives.  They are FAR too willing to throw conservative voters under the bus with their incessant attempt to appeal to moderates and liberals, just to get reelected.  IMO.

There is a reason why 3 million plus fewer conservatives voted in 2012 as in 2008.

[Ptarmigan]

Freeper nails it right on. I agree with what Rand Paul says. However, I do not see them or any politician a messiah. This applies to Paul.

[Freeper]

It seems to me that McLame and the rest of the good OLD boys club, don't like the younger generation that threaten to upset their little apple cart.

McLame needs to sit down, shut up and do the country a favor and retire.  As each year passes I am seeing less and less difference between those in charge of the GOP and DEM parties.

I do know that the GOP leadership no longer seems to give a damn about actual conservatives.  They are FAR too willing to throw conservative voters under the bus with their incessant attempt to appeal to moderates and liberals, just to get reelected.  IMO.

There is a reason why 3 million plus fewer conservatives voted in 2012 as in 2008.

Yeah the old guard needs to go. It's time for the younger generation to piss us all off.   

[rich_t]

Yeah the old guard needs to go. It's time for the younger generation to piss us all off.   

It will at least be a change of pace.

 

[Eupher]

It seems to me that McLame and the rest of the good OLD boys club, don't like the younger generation that threaten to upset their little apple cart.

McLame needs to sit down, shut up and do the country a favor and retire.  As each year passes I am seeing less and less difference between those in charge of the GOP and DEM parties.

I do know that the GOP leadership no longer seems to give a damn about actual conservatives.  They are FAR too willing to throw conservative voters under the bus with their incessant attempt to appeal to moderates and liberals, just to get reelected.  IMO.

There is a reason why 3 million plus fewer conservatives voted in 2012 as in 2008.

 

h5.

[Ptarmigan]

Yeah the old guard needs to go. It's time for the younger generation to piss us all off.   

Agreed on that.

[jtyangel]

What pisses me off about Sarah Palin is the media and the left made the decision for us that she would never make it as a candidate.
When the left goes on attack we never circle the wagons like they do. I mean look at Joe Biden, if he was a repuke he would have never made it past the senate, the media would have been on his ass, and every time he said something embarrassing his fellow republicans (in this scenario where he is one) would be tripping each other trying to be the first to condemn him.

I'm not saying that we should blindly support everyone with a R next to their name, but I would like to see for once the GOP protect their own members. Even though I'm not all rah rah rah over the filibuster I am irked that McCain and Graham sounded like the dems criticizing him. We don't need the democrats to blast our own party we do that to ourselves.

I disagree. I never thought she was a viable candidate. She's a regional candidate and small time. I could never see her filling the shoes as President.  I'm not tainted by the left and media where she is concerned but I just didn't think she is the best we could offer, particularly when it comes to women. Just my opinion though.

[formerlurker]

I disagree. I never thought she was a viable candidate. She's a regional candidate and small time. I could never see her filling the shoes as President.  I'm not tainted by the left and media where she is concerned but I just didn't think she is the best we could offer, particularly when it comes to women. Just my opinion though.

I think if she was properly groomed she would have been unstoppable.  She has an amazing gift of connecting with her audience.   I think she is fabulous, but unfortunately she was thrown into the lions den way too soon.

[RobJohnson]

Rand Paul had been in the news quite often (well at least on Fox, lol) for a of couple weeks prior to this. His attention has been positive. The filibuster was icing on the cake.

Do I agree with everything he believes in? No. But I can say the same when it comes to 100% of our politicians.

I agree with Freeper. Many people have never given gave Rand Paul a seconds worth of attention until the filibuster. They really do not know any thing about the guy.

I was impressed when he ran his office under budget and returned 600K to the treasury.

http://rt.com/usa/rand-paul--senate-budget-241/

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2013/02/22/sen_rand_paul_calls_sequester_a_yawn_returns_600k_to_treasury.html

[Lacarnut]

I think if she was properly groomed she would have been unstoppable.  She has an amazing gift of connecting with her audience.   I think she is fabulous, but unfortunately she was thrown into the lions den way too soon.

I agree 100% ...The world must be coming to an end

For one thing, the media and the Democrats have thrown all the dirt at their disposal on/at her. 

[Freeper]

I disagree. I never thought she was a viable candidate. She's a regional candidate and small time. I could never see her filling the shoes as President.  I'm not tainted by the left and media where she is concerned but I just didn't think she is the best we could offer, particularly when it comes to women. Just my opinion though.

The reality is we have no viable candidates, every person we put up is going to have some weakness that will be exploited, the dems always get a pass.
Look at all the dumb things that 0bama and Biden said and that didn't hurt them one bit. If a repuke does as much as take a drink of water the media crucifies him.

[Conservative Libertarian]

The reality is we have no viable candidates, every person we put up is going to have some weakness that will be exploited, the dems always get a pass.
Look at all the dumb things that 0bama and Biden said and that didn't hurt them one bit. If a repuke does as much as take a drink of water the media crucifies him.

Roger that!!

[Lacarnut]

The reality is we have no viable candidates, every person we put up is going to have some weakness that will be exploited, the dems always get a pass.
Look at all the dumb things that 0bama and Biden said and that didn't hurt them one bit. If a repuke does as much as take a drink of water the media crucifies him.

The problem is that Repubs do not fight back. I say fight fire with fire. When a punk like Reid calls out Romney on his taxes and his religion, he make a pathetic response. When McCain and Graham start their name calling, Paul should get in their face and call them what they are...old tired has been RINO's and then give the press something to write about . When the media lies, Repubs do nothing. It is beyond belief that someone with a pair would take that shit from the media or a Democrat but especially one in their own party.