Saturday, January 2, 2010

Ron Paul's ideas no longer fringe

With the economy still struggling, the lawmaker's libertarian views are getting serious attention.

Ron Paul

Ron Paul, shown in 2007, understands that historical circumstances have thrust his ideas to the fore. "An intellectual fight is going on," he says. (Orlin Wagner / Associated Press)

By Don Lee

January 2, 2010

Reporting from Washington - For three decades, Texas congressman and former presidential candidate Ron Paul's extreme brand of libertarian economics consigned him to the far fringes even among conservatives. Not a few times, his views put him on the losing end of 434-1 votes on Capitol Hill.

No longer. With the economy still struggling and political divisions deepening, Paul's ideas not only are gaining a wider audience but also are helping to shape a potentially historic battle over economic policy -- a struggle that will affect everything including jobs, growth and the nation's place in the global economy.

Already, Paul's long-derided proposal to give Congress supervisory power over the traditionally independent Federal Reserve appears to be on its way to becoming law.

His warnings on deficits and inflation are now Republican mantras. Read more.

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