The “Ron Paul Revolution” came to Louisiana on Monday in preparation for the statewide Republican Caucus on Tuesday. Ron Paul, 2008 Republican presidential candidate, came to Louisiana to talk about his views and policies. Paul visited three cities – Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans – during his single-day campaign. Matt Chancey, Southeast regional coordinator for Paul’s campaign, said they first heard Paul was coming to Louisiana on Friday night. The campaign released a statement Saturday afternoon with information on Paul’s location and times. More than 1,000 people came to see Paul during his Baton Rouge visit. Paul’s speech at the Bellemont on Airline Highway included many topics he has voiced to the public. One of Paul’s policies that was welcomed was his stance on a non-interventionist foreign policy. Paul said the U.S. Constitution is designed to restrain the government, not the people. “We as a people … have been willing to sacrifice our freedoms for safety and security, and it’s gotten a lot worse since 9/11,” Paul said. “I am convinced that it is never necessary to give up any freedoms to be secure.” Paul has been known to oppose giving countries financial aid. He said in recent years the government has given $10 billion to Pervez Musharraf, president of Pakistan. Paul said he was supposed to be “our guy” in stopping Osama Bin Laden. “[Musharraf] didn’t earn his $10 billion, so this is a pretty lousy investment,” Paul said. Paul said he has been told many times that he has removed apathy from some people. “Ron Paul brings about a lot of change,” said Amanda Setoudeh, a student at Southern University. “A lot of his views people don’t really expect from a Republican.” Two people stood out among the thousand Ron Paul supporters. Leah Sharp and Bob Mackel, University alumni, stood in the back of the room holding up Mitt Romney signs. Romney is another 2008 Republican presidential candidate. “I like to let my voice be heard no matter where I am,” Sharp said. Mackel said Romney is the best person to run the country because he has more executive experience. Hill said the two Romney supporters do not bother him. He said he considers them to be noble for coming to a “seemingly hostile environment.”
—-Contact J.J. Alcantara at [email protected]