Ron Paul

Ron Paul 2023

Ron Paul (cropped).jpg Paul in 2011

Ronald Ernest Paul (born August 20, 1935) is an American physician, author, and retired politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 22nd congressional district from 1979 to 1985 and for the 14th district from 1997 to 2013. He is a three-time candidate for President of the United States, running as the Libertarian Party nominee in 1988 and as a candidate in the Republican Party primaries in 2008 and 2012.

Early life and education

Ron Paul was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Howard Caspar Paul and Margaret Paul. He attended Dormont High School and later graduated from Gettysburg College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1957. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Duke University School of Medicine in 1961.

Medical career

After completing his medical degree, Paul served as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1965 and in the United States Air National Guard from 1965 to 1968. He then began his practice as an obstetrician-gynecologist in Lake Jackson, Texas, where he delivered over 4,000 babies.

Political career

U.S. House of Representatives

Ron Paul first served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1985, representing Texas's 22nd congressional district. He returned to Congress in 1997, representing Texas's 14th congressional district until his retirement in 2013. During his tenure, Paul was known for his libertarian views and advocacy for limited government, individual liberties, and a non-interventionist foreign policy.

Presidential campaigns

Ron Paul ran for President of the United States three times. In 1988, he was the Libertarian Party nominee. He later sought the Republican Party nomination in 2008 and 2012. His campaigns were noted for their grassroots support and emphasis on constitutionalism, sound money, and civil liberties.

Political positions

Ron Paul is known for his libertarian philosophy, advocating for limited government, free market economics, and a non-interventionist foreign policy. He has been a vocal critic of the Federal Reserve System and has called for its abolition. Paul also supports drug policy reform, privacy rights, and Second Amendment rights.

Personal life

Ron Paul is married to Carol Wells, and they have five children, including Rand Paul, who is also a U.S. Senator from Kentucky. Paul is an author of several books on libertarian philosophy and economics.

Legacy

Ron Paul is considered a significant figure in the libertarian movement and has influenced many with his advocacy for individual liberty and limited government. His ideas continue to resonate with a broad audience, particularly among younger generations.

See also

• Libertarianism in the United States
• Rand Paul
• Federal Reserve System
• United States presidential election, 1988
• United States presidential election, 2008
• United States presidential election, 2012