reddit.com Interviews Ron Paul (Part 2 of 5)

[MrROTD]

His point is that the question of evolution is not important for a presidents job, he's a libertarian he believes in keeping that stuff out of politics. I'm an athiest but Paul makes sense about the issue. I believe in evolution but I think it isn't gradual, an organism mutates from dna damage and if the result is better than the original, the new mutated organism carries on to breed and pass on the new dna. It's just a theory and I admit I don't know the answer

[ranskye1]

water tends to move. water containing elements.. Under this situation, with metals and propulsion, magnetic fields being present or created and combined with the chemical bonding and releasing properties of minerals etc you get electrical currents and shit happened. Life is a furtherance of this effect. Having said that, I would vote for Ron Paul in a heartbeat. His stance is people have a right to their belief rather than forcing anything. science is not blocked by government either.

[DarthPickley]

yeah the biggest problem with Ron Paul: not understanding the importance of Science.

If you did away with science funding, I doubt that you would find many investors who would be willing to work for the interests of scientists.

In science people often play the "we will be overcome by china" etc. part, but really, I think we should be taking large amounts of military funding and replacing it with domestic science funding. Science is NOT full of corruption or greed. It is good.

[MrROTD]

@DarthPickley the government is there to administrate the country not do science experiments or force religion on peopole, thats what he's saying, understanding science? he's a medical doctor that takes some knowlege of science.

[guineapigyt]

Best evidence the government can't manage anything - they run the post office. LOL

Ron Paul 2012 - r3VOLution!

[keelorenz]

Listening to Ron Paul talk about evolution is like listening to me talk about quantum physics. And I work in advertising.

[keelorenz]

He has trouble completing coherent sentences. They often go like: 1-2-3-1-5-2-4.

[jonafreeman]

I thought atheists were supposed to be "open-minded" and bent on individual research to draw their own conclusions. dig into the rest of what this guy has to say.

the fact that you're basing your vote on how he answers this question shows that you have no concern for the good of the country and you're only concerned with flaunting your own ego at this guy. basing your vote on that one thing would be like voting for romney just because he's a mormon. show me that rationale, logical ones.

[jonafreeman]

of all people to scrutinize and judge over evolution/religious beliefs. seriously what's the deal. I'm surprised he's even taken the time to answer all of these questions, directly to redditors. who else do you see doing that? he's actually trying to support and accommodate everyone's ability to freely discuss and do whatever they want with their research and beliefs and views, and redditor douches just sit there and judge whether he's "smart" or "ignorant" on just that.

re-watch 4:20 to 4:30.

[gonadcancervictim]

Yeah hundreds of thousands of people getting murdered in my name on the other side of the planet and making even more enemies is semantics compared to the big issues like wether someone believes in evolution.

[madichelp0]

I think it's fairly obvious that he is just trying to avoid being associated with atheism, so the conservative christians doesn't get more ammunition against him.

[Sp1kerPistol]

I think it's paramount that a president believes in evolution, or it would be like having a president believing in fairies - and going to war because he believes fairies are going to take over the world.

[Sp1kerPistol]

He seems unaware that the jet engine/jet fighter is NOT an american invention, but European.

[RllngStn818]

I believe in evolution. It Is not an EXACT science. The most important thing that he is saying is that the government should not be dictating your education.

[666789443]

I agree with dr paul. I'm surprised he was willing to take the time to do this.

[binbomsj]

Ron Paul doesn't know how to pronounce "encompassing"?

[Madfoot713]

5:05 There is nothing wrong with saying "I don't know".

[BadMannerKorea]

@Madfoot713

Is the Earth flat? "I don't know". Does the Earth rotate around the Sun? "I don't know". Nothing wrong with that right?

Saying I don't know to obvious questions makes you seem uneducated and ignorant.

[Madfoot713]

@BadMannerKorea The nature of our existence is not a simple question with obvious answers.

[BadMannerKorea]

@Madfoot713

Ron Paul wasn't discussing the nature of our existence when he said "I don't know", he was discussing evolution. The answers become obvious once evidence is presented while using the scientific method. When you say "I don't know", despite the evidence, you're either ignorant or delusional. Take your pick.

Also, you have said nothing worthwhile, and at this point, you are a troll.

[Madfoot713]

@BadMannerKorea Do you have a degree in biology? If not, shut the fuck up.

[Madfoot713]

@BadMannerKorea I answered you pretty clearly and you're calling me a troll. I don't think you even understand what that word means.

[BadMannerKorea]

@Madfoot713

I'm done debating with a person who supports Ron Paul's delusion or ignorance. It's a good thing he won't become president.

I don't know who you are, or what you believe, but at this point, it seems like you don't support evolution. I suggest that you go to a local science museum, or go to the science section in the library and read some books, it'll do you some good.

[Madfoot713]

@BadMannerKorea >it seems like you don't support evolution

derrrrrrp

[PaternusHentai]

what a fucking retard

[suchperson]

guys, get over the evolution thing. how does his belief about that have anything to with anything? it's not even his field. he's not gonna impose his views on anyone. no-one is getting put in prison for believing evolution.

[MeteorPhoenix1127]

@suchperson How can his judgment as a President be trusted if he can't accept reality? I wouldn't elect someone who believes the earth is flat because that person would make stupid decisions when it comes to, say, the Navy.

[Madfoot713]

@MeteorPhoenix1127 You're seriously comparing a Flat Earth to evolutionary science? I mean jesus christ. I don't think me being a high school graduate means I can debate this issue with an MD, and I DEFINITELY don't think someone's knowledge of biology will influence their monetary and foreign policies.

[MeteorPhoenix1127]

@Madfoot713 Yes, I am. Evolution is the cornerstone of all Biology, so denying it at this point is on par with denying that the Earth is round. Do you know about physics and geology more than you know about Biology? Because for some reason, you seem to think the Earth being round is more obvious than evolution.

I think his inability to accept such a simple fact in the face of overwhelming evidence proves he's not presidential material. If policy x or y is wrong, I need him to change his mind.

[Madfoot713]

@MeteorPhoenix1127 Inability? More like apathy.

[BadMannerKorea]

@Madfoot713

You can have all the apathy you'd like towards something, but it doesn't excuse you from the facts. He admits that he doesn't believe in evolution, that much is clear.

As for you Madfoot713, the only thing I've seen you do in this discussion is tell people to shut the fuck up, respond with 3-5 words, and say "derrrrrrp". You haven't given any reason why we should vote for this guy, and why you think it's alright to believe in things despite the evidence. Looks like you lose.

[Madfoot713]

@BadMannerKorea " the only thing[...]and say "derrrrrrp""

lolwut? you accused me of not believing in evolution because I'm a libertarian. How do I dignify that with a serious response.

"You haven't[...]vote for this guy"

His educated stances on foreign policy and monetary policy. In other words, on /shit that actually matters/, Ron Paul is the best guy in the race.

[Madfoot713]

@Madfoot713 "why you think[...]despite the evidence"

Lack of belief =/= proactive belief in nonexistence. Not to mention, RP actually does believe in evolution ~_~.

[BadMannerKorea]

@Madfoot713

Now I know why you don't say much, because you have no clue what you're talking about. YouTube "Ron Paul: I don't believe in evolution", and then listen to him tell you that he doesn't.

I'd really like to know how old are you, because I can't tell if you're a kid, an unintelligent person, or a troll. Regardless, if you're old enough to vote, you shouldn't be allowed, stupid people shouldn't elect our leaders.

[BadMannerKorea]

@Madfoot713

I highly doubt you even know what his stances are regarding foreign policy and monetary policy are, I mean, you thought Ron Paul believed in evolution. The funny thing is, the above video...has Ron Paul saying there is no evidence for evolution. You obviously didn't watch the video though, it's okay, you're a trollololol.

[Madfoot713]

@BadMannerKorea "My personal view is that recognizing the validity of the evolutionary process does not support atheism nor should it diminish one's view about God and the universe." - Ron Paul, Liberty Defined, (derp)

[BadMannerKorea]

@Madfoot713

He's making a distinction between evolution and a belief in a God, that's all he's doing. He's saying if you believe in evolution it doesn't mean you're an atheist, and that it doesn't mean you shouldn't believe in God. In fact, I agree with him, but where in that statement does he say "I support evolution and I believe in a God"? He doesn't. I told you, rewatch the above video and Youtube the video I told you earlier, he straight up tells you he doesn't support evolution.

[BadMannerKorea]

@Madfoot713

You should try again, I mean, the more you try the more hilarious your responses become. Honestly, I'm still under the assumption you're a kid. You fail at basic reading comprehension, and your responses indicate your immaturity. The sad part is, I'm apparently arguing with a child.

[Madfoot713]

@BadMannerKorea You sound very buttjelly.

[Madfoot713]

@BadMannerKorea What do you have against children and the mentally handicapped? That's a very bigoted comment you made there.

[waksibra]

@suchperson I agree, except it is his field: he's a medical doctor, hence a biologist. He should know better.

[skinfitz]

@suchperson He's not going to 'impose his views on anyone'? So what do you call it when a president changes a law?

[sllimretrac]

@AUSM92 Evolution is a natural phenomenon. Natural selection as a mechanism by which evolution occurs is very well supported. Modern evolutionary theory is certainly not a "fact" in the strictest sense of the word, but it is well-supported, although itwill undoubtedly undergo change in response to future research.

[DaDoctaBoom]

@AUSM92 So is the Theory of Gravity not a fact? Is Germ Theory not a fact? Is Atomic Theory not a fact? Are you a supporter of Intelligent Falling/Exorcism/Gelatin Theory being taught at public schools?

[DaDoctaBoom]

Biased against evolution... Check

Wants to De-Fund Public Education... Check

This man has no understanding regarding the fact that Libertarianism Idealism relies entirely, completely, and utterly upon an informed Public. An uninformed Public makes for a Free Market which does not work.

[ILLhumanati]

@AUSM92 Just because we do not understand all the mechanisms involved. Does not mean it isnt a fact. That argument can be used about gravity. Which doesn't cope well with quantum physics. However, we can launch rockets to planets with great accuracy using what we do know about gravity. Just like scientists and Dr.s like Ron use the new antibiotics. Because the old ones no longer work due to the evolution of germs over time.

[belljesse]

Wow, this is an impressive display of unconditional ignorance. He has shown himself to be unable to even understand the basis of the question on evolution, an idea which underpins his chosen professional field of study. How can anyone expect him to understand economics? Mr. Paul exposes his feeble and small mind that is every time he opens his mouth. He his only hope at the presidency is that the American electorate is as weak minded as he is.

[meatwadisprez77]

I'm both a fan of Reddit and Ron Paul. I gotta say, these questions are beyond awful. Why are people asking questions about science? He's a politician. Ask about the government, the economy, regulation in the market, you know, questions that pertain to his job. Instead, I keep hearing questions like "What are your beliefs on evolution?" I don't honestly care, because he's not writing my science book.

[ILLhumanati]

I <3 RP. However, he is a medical doctor, and should know that evolution is a fact. It was taught to him in college all those years back. Religion has poisoned the water hole.

[datronz]

At least he admits there are "billions of years of changes" instead of 6,000 years...kinda.

[zxcv73]

He's not saying that evolution is true of false, like we'd like him to, he just saying he doesn't really care, and it's not important to him. He's not a scientist, he wants to fix what he can and let others fix what they can. He says, Evolution? Eh... Economy? Oh I can help fix that. If you think evolution is such a huge deal, talk to someone else. Elephants pretty much don't have tusks in Africa anymore, kind of proves evolution to me, but others want more proof. So be it.

[robodril1]

@zxcv73 Thank You. People who want to control you must kill God. Our rights come from "Nature or Nature's God" according to Jefferson. Those who do not believe in God are quite welcome to say our rights come from Nature, but those who want to control our rights must first dispense with God to gain control of those rights. Evolution is a proxy for this fight. Without this aspect, evolution is just an interesting debate, not a political discussion. Dr. Paul is right, again.

[MrROTD]

@robodril1 youre right about Paul, he's a great man but it sounds like you think science is done to kill God and gain control of people. Science is done to learn about our surroundings and if it disproves God along the way doesn't that tell you something? People who study the order of nature aren't worshipping and science isn't a religion.

[robodril1]

@MrROTD No, Sir. Pure science is a good expression of genuine curiosity. It is impossible to prove God doesn't exist. Anyone who tries doesn't understand the scientific theory at all. The politics of science are used to promote collectivism. That is esier to do elsewhere in the world because power has been top-down everywhere, but here,for all of history. We were founded on individual soveriegnty, as a natural, inate, individual Characturistic. MORE

[robodril1]

@MrROTD Our founders called this divine providence, or the endowment by our creator. What was understood at that time, was the actual identity of a creator was unnecessary. T. Jefferson used the prhase "Nature or Nature's God". My point is, those who would use science as a means to the political objective of a collectivist society keep being hampered by our believe we are endowed with Liberty. They must destroy that assumption before they can win. Science is not their real topic, IMHO.

[Galactu5]

For the life of me, I can't see why he is so popular. Well, considering the quality of politicians it's not so surprising.

[th3giv3r]

@Galactu5 So is it "not so surprising" or is it "for the life of [you], [you cannot] see why he is so popular"? He's not trying to be popular, he's promoting honesty, transparency, and ethical debate. Why is this concept so radical?

[Martial024]

Quit wasting his time on religious dogma. Fucking thiests, waste of time.

If god is so great quit questioning everything and live your life.

[VeohBlows]

Was a great answer by Dr. Paul. Only thing he left out was, "Just have Faith."

[KartChampion]

The Socratic axiom quote "I know nothing"

Means we should never be so conceited as to believe That our perception IS reality.

"I know nothing" means admitting we are guessing.

And by that admission - we remain teachable.

Physicist recently discovered that they don't even fully understand the nature of Gravity. something basic to science

[JohnBreadForger]

They've known that for quite a while, actually (well, a while to me). But good call. People do assume that science is reality, which it may be, but no one can know that.

No need to quote Socrates; experiments are not perfect and they only tell you about model accuracy in a certain range with a certain uncertainty. Besides, we can always just shove a model under the tested model that produces the same results for that experiment, but radically different results elsewhere. happens all the time.

[spawktalk]

@KartChampion

1. that isnt an axiom lmao

2. Its a preformative ocntradiction

3. Gravity has been up in the air for over 100 years.

4. Socrates wasn't advocating some type of Cartesian skepticism , what he had in mind was that he coudltn well define concepts such as virtue.

[jeruon]

"risk averse private sector" hahahaha Ive never seen Ron Paul so close to calling somebody a fool.

[dragas222]

Who gives a fuck about evolution for the average person it doesnt mean shit. They made such a big deal about nothing at my school people come in and pull their kids outs of school just fucking stupid. I think biology is a complete waste of time.

he said evolution needs more study alot of scientist support this and so shut your ignorant mout Mikister keep your mouth for sucking dicks not say stupid shit.

[Mikister]

This is hilarious. rightC0ast, a notorious Ron Paul supporter and the one who asked the evolution question, attempted to define evolution in such a way so that Ron Paul would agree with it. However, Ron Paul said that "there's no evidence for it."

Truly a great backfire.

[jscoppe]

@Mikister

If you look at the thread where rightC0ast asks this question, you will see much of the language came from my suggested changes to his original.

I wanted to settle this once and for all. I posed the question in a way that there could be no doubt, since there has been arguments as to whether RP understands evolution and denies it or if he just doesn't know anything about it.

He affirmed that he doesn't know anything about it, and that's fine, and that he's staying out of the debate.

[JohnBreadForger]

He said proof, very different from evidence. At least in this video.

[jetsamjetsam]

how can Ron Paul be sure that corporations won't gang up on the people and lobby the congress? Like now?

[Taors]

I don't understand the issue with evolution here. If I remember correctly, TheAmazingAtheist and others wouldn't support Ron Paul because of his views on evolution...but how is that at all relevant to a presidential campaign? I just don't get it.

Were you assuming that the new president was going to write an Executive Order decreeing that the Department of Education had to make its subsidiaries teach only evolution in Biology classes?

Don't worry about them stealing trillions of dollars...

[bobjman]

They have a profound lack of understanding about the way our American Republic is supposed to work. They look at the Bushes and the Obamas and they think that it's the governments job to enforce it's opinions on the people. That Dr. Paul advocates that the government NOT enforce any beliefs is a very difficult concept for the likes of them to comprehend.

[decmasta]

yeah, the way teachers deal with it now is fine... they just explain how scientists have been studying evolution and that we came from primates but that many people have their own beliefs on it and that you (students) are going to as well.

they just explain that the theory is being studied, because it is of course

[Apptendo]

Thunderf00t is not going to like Ron Paul's response on Evolution.

[KenMacMillan]

If I remember right, Thunderf00t was an obama shill last november. He's simply going to have to accept that it should be a non-issue in politics.

[xXJADEXx7]

LMAO "this question clearly demonstrates a poor understanding of economics" lol I love this guy and his honesty.

[KenMacMillan]

Actually there is proof that evolution exists. It's been proven for decades. All in all though, Ron Pauls personal views on evolution don't effect my opinion that he should be president one bit.

[xXJADEXx7]

agreed kenmacmillan, him not believing in evolution is really a petty non issue for me, if evolution is one of the very very few things him and I disagree on thats fine with me, I disagree with about 80 percent of what other politicians say, and 99 percent of what they do.

[ForTehNguyen]

govt didnt invent the internet, they wanted a defense network first. It was a private citizen that decided that this could be used to bring information to the regular

person on their PC.

Same thing with GPS. Private citizen had the idea that consumers would buy navigation systems and GPS devices.

[ceasey0xoogurl]

I love RP

[berlinbrown03]

If you want to give Ron Paul a coronary, just say that government does something better than the private sector.

[berlinbrown03]

Don't give Ron Paul any softball questions.

Come on reddit.

[animateclay]

Personal opinion is besides the point of Ron Pauls job in congress. So in a way, asking him about evolution is like asking Einstein what his favorite flavored ice cream is and expecting him to say strawberry.

[surGeonGG]

Hahaha. I love Ron Paul. He gets so flustered when he's being defensive and deflective. I believe Ron Paul is actually incapable of lying, his mannerism would give him away instantly. That's rare in a politician.

[vt4ps3]

Like he said, his opinion on evolution should have no bearing on how you feel about him as a representative of the people in politics.

[alixoschmann]

@vt4ps3 I love Paul, but that is completely wrong. He is an idiot for believing such nonsense, and its costing him a lot of independent votes.

[kardentyrell]

@alixoschmann indeed, so instead the independents are going to vote now for someone who will make it harder of being independent from government in their private lives.

[alixoschmann]

@kardentyrell I know quite a few people who won't go within a thousand feet of paul for his unscientific views. I'm not saying that is me in particular, although i do think it does his logic a disservice.

[kardentyrell]

@alixoschmann thats an area about religion in general, however we're evolutionary wired to be susceptible to that =p

[kardentyrell]

@alixoschmann Religion in particular does anyone's logic a disservice, but I'm not about to hold an old guys belief system against him if he's been the strongest defender of rights in the physical world.

[stealthswimmer]

how is medicine not science?

[Butterflybreakfast]

Dr. Paul did a Sagan funny...."Billions and billions of years" :)

[Oujheush]

Because "we" needed a jet plane? Um, Germany got it first Paul. Which side were you on?

[szol2005]

Aaaah.. He's clearly misses the point, ask him if he thinks pig's are pink cuz of human breading, or something in that region, don't try and be an intellectual on this topic, he's clearly missing the point cuz it's a 'hot' topic ;P Don't think it matter's do, like he said, god, no go, it's a personal choice, so keep bureaucrats out of it, and let's get along ;)

[JiveDadson]

Again Dr. Paul is wrong about evolution and the evidence. Frankly it bothers me a little, but I will continue to support him because for political purposes it does not matter. Only Liberty matters.

[leafwatch]

I don't see how saying that evolution and all questions of science should be left to the private sector can be wrong.

I agree that liberty is the issue that politicians and governments SHOULD be concerned with, not making scientific or theological decisions.

[JiveDadson]

I should have been clearer. I fully agree that politicians and government should not be making scientific and theological decisions. He is wrong in his understanding of evolution and the overwhelming evidence about it. I continue to support him because what he believes about evolution does not matter as long as he continues on the track of defending Liberty as he has done for decades.

[grumpone]

What are you talking about?? Have you actually listened. He said that believing in evolution has nothing to do with believing in a creator. Basically he believes in evolution but believes some creator started it. It's not my way of thinking, but who cares. He said that this question has nothing to do with politics and that it is a personal matter.

[spyletu]

wtf is reddit.. seriously.. worst questions ever

[Chainedorlo]

Why* ,sorry for the typo.

[banemaler]

What about the pen the government spent to develop that would write in space. Cost over a million dollars! Meanwhile the Chinese decided to just write with pencils.

[grumpone]

Russians actually and now Chinese.

[Chainedorlo]

Some of those questions were beyond foolish. Especially the one about R&D. He included GNP increases as a sign of wealth, lol!

[dieyoung]

wtf who cares about evolution? why would you waste his time with that?

[Chainedorlo]

I've noticed lot of the youth today have quite the the ego when it comes to evolution. What's the purpose of it? What is it going to accomplish? I for one believe in evolution, but the hype areound it(especially the political hype from the ego-centered youth) is beyond absurd.

[Shadyhunter04]

We don't really give a damn, except when it gets into our textbooks and schools to degrade an already crapped out educational system.

[Chainedorlo]

At least it's not a dangerous myth. It's not like the WW2 saved America myth, The Hoover Did Nothing"Myth, Civil War is justified to end slavery and it was for that purpose myth, the Civil Rights Bill of 64 was a good thing for America myth, Al-Queda is getting bigger myth, etc.

[Shadyhunter04]

It has the potential to be a dangerous myth I think, especially if the belief is accompanied by heavy religious baggage. But you're right though, those myths are pretty dangerous in comparison and they have already taken root in the minds of the masses.

It's unfortunate, but when it comes to stuff like secular humanism, it is usually joined with irrational leftist dogma in favor of the benevolent state fixing all social ills. Then of course you got neocons - worst of both worlds.

[Chainedorlo]

It might be dangerous an useful to AIPAC and the so-called "Religious Right," but I bet you can use Islamic arguments to counter those. Fighting fire with fire, you know? The real problem is in the case of public schools, though.

[SaintEntreri]

Seriously, research all you want, but it is absolutely irrelevant to government.

[Taikaru]

Ron Paul never ceases to amaze me!

[Rememberthe0511]

"should be like a hobby". Awesome.

[Shadyhunter04]

Dude, I disagree very, very strongly with him too, but you should look at his main argument about it being a non-issue. Yeah, he's wrong, but would he impose his beliefs on someone else?

[Chainedorlo]

Wwhy don't you answer my intial question?

[wcarlpdrysdale]

we love you Ron :)

[berlinbrown03]

The guy is amazing. I just sit here with a smile on my face listening to him.