Brandon Turbeville
April 7, 2015
With the 2016 Presidential elections fast approaching, a number of names have been tossed around as potential candidates for the highest office in the land. One of these names that has been given more and more attention from the Republican party, mainstream media, and especially the alternative media is Rand Paul, the Republican Senator from Kentucky and son of the Texas Congressman Ron Paul.
It is not surprising that Paul is receiving so much attention for his expected 2016 campaign from the Republican Party. Paul, of course, is a Republican. In fact, it may even be safe to say that Rand Paul is a Neo-Con.
It is also not surprising that he has received attention from the mainstream media considering the fact that he has made many “principled” stands, understood by anyone with a shred of political judgment as nothing more than publicity stunts aimed at boosting his growing political career.
Yet it is quite unfortunate, though not entirely surprising, that Rand Paul would be receiving so much attention from the alternative media and many activists that claim to be fighting for the rights of the American people. One would have hoped that the alternative media and activist community would be much more discerning than this but their track record, sadly, shows that the opposite is the case.
The source of much of Rand Paul’s support comes from the Libertarian quarters, many of whom are drawn to Rand because of his father Ron. Others are drawn to Paul because of his free-market fetishism and pro-Wall Street, pro-Corporate stance that allows money to act as the god above all else in society. Others still, are simply Republicans who experimented with Marijuana and realized that it did not turn them into an ax murderer. It is for this reason that Paul appeals to more than the more traditional grey-headed drug war pimps of the Republican party.
Regardless, it is a sad fact that Rand Paul commands so much respect in the alternative media and activist community despite his best efforts to betray their trust, their values, and even their talking points. During the contest for the Republican nomination, there is no doubt that many in the activist community that have a right-leaning perspective will see Paul as a better option than the other Republican candidates.