Ron Paul: Libertarian, Except When It Comes to Women’s Rights
Crazy libertarian uncle Ron Paul would seem to be a poor fit with today’s religious right-dominated Republican Party. But they’re willing to overlook his anti-war isolationism and anarcho-capitalist economic lunacy, because Uncle Paul is just as eager to control women’s bodies as the rest of the GOP: Ron Paul antes up on abortion.
Speaking for the Iowa Family Leader’s presidential lecture series in Sioux City, Paul said that he is troubled when he hears libertarians advocate for abortion rights. Describing conversations with supporters, the Texas congressman and presidential hopeful said he often here a “libertarian type of argument” along the lines of “it’s the woman’s body. She can do whatever she wants. She can have an abortion.”
“I don’t like them to use that argument – that believing in liberty means you can kill the unborn,” Paul said.
Paul contended that libertarianism and opposing abortion are not separate philosophies, but rather stem from the same belief structure.
“Life comes from our creator, not our government. Liberty comes from our creator, not from government,” he said. “Therefore, the purpose, if there is to be a purpose, for government is to protect life and liberty.”
The lecture series being put on by The Family Leader is playing host to most of the leading presidential contenders over the next few months as the social conservative group tries to solidify its supporters as a key voting bloc ahead of next year’s caucus.