What are some of ron pauls weaknesses?

Answer 1

He seeks a return to the gold standard. The rigidity of the gold standard made it next to impossible for money markets to recover during the Great Depression, which is why much of the world abandoned it. Additionally, going back to the gold standard would give a worldwide conglomerate of gold miners control over money markets much in the same manner as what OPEC has on oil supplies and prices.

He seeks to end the federal reserve. Most people who support this have no idea how it would impact them. Interest rates on loans are largely based on assessed risk. The fed reduces that risk, allowing lower interest rates on loans. This is particularly important when it comes to loans for small businesses and student loans. If the fed were ended, interest rates on loans would increase exponentially, creating hardships both for small businesses and for students who aren't fortunate to come from a rich enough family which can pay university costs in full up front.

He would also seek to end any kind of federal aid whatsoever, such as FAFSA or federal student loans. So, for those students who don't have thousands upon thousands of Dollars handy, a college education would become even more difficult to achieve.

He says he wants to end the war on drugs. His followers seem to think this means he would legalise them. On the contrary, he's expressed that it would be a state-level matter. Thus, all he would is break up on war on drugs into 50 smaller wars on drugs.

One that really gets under my skin, being a combat veteran - his supporters like to claim that he's all for the troops. They cite donations he's received from military members, and his claims of non-intervention. However, you have to consider that the average age of a soldier is 19 - sorry, but it's not exactly the most rational and forward-thinking demographic out there. Additionally, several measures have been passed since 11 September which increased benefits to veterans. Among these benefits are increased emphasis on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder counseling, physical rehabilitation for wounded vets, job placement services for veterans, services to help veterans transition into civilian life, and a more substantial G.I. Bill. At a time when the suicide rate for veterans is over twice that of the remaining population, and unemployment for post-9/11 veterans is higher than both the national average and the average for veterans of wars prior to 9/11, it should be easy to understand why these services are crucial. Ron Paul has voted against every single one of them. Consistently.