People Decide Whether There Should Be More Or Less Government Involvement

By Joan Reinbold
Even though Dr. Paul was a presidential candidate, there was another aspect to his being a candidate. He shared the message of lower taxes, a foreign policy that is non-interventionist but not isolationist, domestic security, the rights of individuals, the economy stabilized, and government as called for by the Constitution. It is a message of going back to basics and having the country be as it started out.

Dr. Paul is not out to reinvent government. He points out that government as we now know it is not how the United States was set up to be run. He asks questions concerning issues but too often his solution filled messages are blocked.

As a physician he has an analytical ability, thirst for knowledge, and understanding of human nature. His political opinion is based on being well informed and from hard won experience in government. Combined with integrity and persistence you find a statesman seldom seen in the political arena. He is someone you can trust and people are excited about his message.

He has brought about cooperation between distinct groups throughout the country with his message. The same message that has been a part of his long term political and medical careers: individual rights and liberty.

People talk in terms of their apathy being healed. There is greater involvement in politics at the local and national level. Perhaps as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, physician, friend, and Congressional Representative he is also just someone who cares enough to want to make this world a better place.

There is a story that's been around from about the time Dr. Paul started in public office. It is a reminder and perhaps an encouragement for people to voice their opinions and take action to find solutions to the world's many problems.

The story is called Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr with illustrations by Ronald Himler. It is based upon a real child.

The real life Japanese girl was Sadako Sasaki who lived a short life from January 7, 1943 to October 25, 1955. She was two years old, living near Misasa Bridge in Hiroshima, Japan, when an atomic bomb dropped on the city exploded about one mile from her home. It was August 6, 1945. She developed what was called "an atomic bomb disease" ten years later. This is better known as leukemia. She was hospitalized on 21 February 1955.

Her friend Chizuko Hamamoto visited her in the hospital on August 13th and made her an origami paper crane. Chizuko told Sadako about the Japanese saying that if a person folded 1,000 cranes then their wish would be granted. Sadako did fold the 1,000 cranes by the end of August and even more. For paper she would use paper from medicine wrappers and even asked other patients to for the paper used to wrap get well presents. Chizuko also gave her paper from school. Her family was with her when Sadako died on the morning of October 25, 1955. A collection of her letters was published by her friends and classmates after she died. Their goal was to build a memorial to Sadako and all of the children who died from "atomic bomb disease". The statue was unveiled in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in 1958. The plaque at the base reads:

This is our cry.
This is our prayer.
Peace in the world.

Dr. Paul is a leader who has been consistent in being knowledgeable, using common sense, and courage in the face of opposition. He wants the best for everyone. He doesn't give up. Perhaps with history continuing to repeat itself, taking a look at this voice of reason will result in a new path for people to follow so that there will be peace in the world.

Is Dr. Paul a modern day hero? Do we need a hero in this age of instant communications? From ancient mythology to modern day the hero/heroine stood up to fight against wrong. They have faced challenges, failed or not, but kept going. They fight for individuals and have a moral standard that results in trust by others.

But then heroes/heroines are not liked by everyone. They stir up controversy. They are hated or liked but may be respected for doing something. We're all heroes/heroines in the waiting. Our heroic action could happen when something bothers us just once too often or something is too extreme.

His point of view is to return control of issues to the local level, to an individual level. The local level of dealing with a concern allows for a unique perspective. This view is based upon local values and understanding from an individual's perspective and involvement. A home voice empowers people to become involved.