Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) spoke on the Senate floor about his proposed Budget resolution. Stay Connected Forbes on Facebook: forbes Forbes Video on Twitter: / forbes Forbes Video on Instagram: / forbes More From Forbes: forbes.com
You are aware that his home state is, consistently, among the biggest benefactors of federal tax money, are you not? He's talking out of his ass to pander to a wildly stupid Republican base.
I agree. ☝🏻 A lot of them have business ties to China. Starting with Mitch McConnell with his wife Elaine Chao. She is the daughter of a CCP businessman. I recommend “Stealth War” by Brigadier Gen Robert Spaulding. Excellent book to read. Also recommend “The Devil & Karl Marx” by Paul Kengor
When I first graduated from university I worked in an office furniture and supplies retail store. We loved August and September. Why?? Because all the federal government agencies and the military would come into the store and basically clean us out. They had to spend every last penny in their budgets so that it would not be reduced the next year. They would buy stuff they really didn’t need just to spend the money. That is the attitude of most of the federal government employees.
@@DragonmasterCire Rand Paul would have to be POTUS. He could then cut out all the "Big Government," start on term limits/ending career politicians and getting money out of Lobbying. He has always said he "wants a government so small you can barely see it." #StandWithRand
We just have to believe, and pray, and raise awareness so people can write to their senators, start movements, and show them that that is what we want.
My favorite part is the 0% income tax below $51k and a 25% on anything over that. Mathematically, it creates the progressive income tax system without any of the tax bracket nonsense.
They need to become unemployed! Replace them with people who will love this country and do what is necessary to return our country to a Constitutionally-sized Federal government.
@@johnbuchman4854 Isn't that just amazing.. Here's a chance to right the country, get a balanced budget and we are talking TRILLIONS..fucking boggling to the mind..and they (govt) is asking us to suck it up..butter cup..deal with high prices..etc..I like the idea of them being unemployed..let the govt employees' suck it up for a bit.. this is one of the reasons they hated trump..he basically said, "fix your budgets.." and they refused to..imagine having extra cash to spend, because you meet your budget and had surplus..not..the other way around..
The problem is the vast majority of the budget is spent on programs like Social Security and Medicare. Would you support ending those programs or dramatically cutting them back? Today the average Medicare beneficiary gets three times more medical services from the program than they paid in Medicare taxes throughout their life. How is that sustainable?
@@alaplex100 The government could also stop wasting money, and then we would have enough for everything. Corporations pay taxes, granted less than before, but they still do. I'm for raising corporate taxes back to previous levels. But don't fool yourself in thinking that will solve our problems. Even if you taxed 100% of income for everyone over $500,000, that would raise the GDP by 5% for one year. This government would then spend over that. So no matter what is presented, the government would just spend it all. Balance the budget, hold them accountable, and only then would everyone pay their fair share.
I wish we could have Rand as Pres. Even the poll at CPAC showed that few would support him though. They want popular people who are more "reasonable". It's like high school and we're voting for a prom king (hell just look at AOC???). It's disgusting, because I know he would effect real change - and instantly fire Fauci. :)
@@Buttlather How often can you claim bankruptcy? Every 8 years, or 6 if you paid off your debt. I don't know about you but doing it once is a hit to my ego, let alone after every second presidential election... Life basically becomes a prison since no one will help you acquire a vehicle to get to work or sometimes even open a bank account. Living on cash is an eye opener, and should be how everyone is tought in highschool. Live Within Your Own Means. Credit score is just a construct of a system that wants you to tow the line. If you want a house, car, start a business, you need it (or a truck full of cash, or private lender at high interest).
@@mrkang4080 Ben Sasse said that Trump spent "like a drunken. sailor," so you've got a point. But, Biden and Pelosi spent like a ship full of drunken sailors: 2 trillion dollars worth of unnecessary deficit spending. So they took a bad inflationary situation (supply problems / new Cold War) and made it way worse by printing that much money and clamping down on oil, hence worsening things on the supply side. We are all going to be a lot poorer--well, almost all.
Absolutely! The ship is heading for disaster, it's coming. No other nation would or even could bail us out. A lot of jumping out the windows when it comes for sure. Senator Rand Paul is a Prophet in a country run by Jezebel's and Ahab's.
What? This man is trying his ass off to do it. We should collectively Thank him for standing up to the Idiocracy and madness that's been running this country into the grounds for decades now. WE THE PEOPLE need more Representatives who stand for the people, not the system. Save the need for apologies for those who think this American is an obstacle to their perverted reality. Maybe,the ones that should apologize, are the people that have not done their duty as a Citizen (Their BOSS) and told their Reps where they put the foot down. I am by no means saying you have or haven't. I'm not attacking you, only debating the subject. 👍☮️
Name one time in american history the budgets were actually balanced? I believe there were only 3, obv since you probably dont know them they were not some magical times sent from heaven. If they were Fox and Breitbart would be shoving down Republicans throats as a huge talking point. Im for less debt sure but Ron Paul is not saving anyone from anything.Didnt he hold up the vote for weapons to Ukraine so he could grand stand? I think it was about a week . I wonder how many Ukranian died so he could look good on Fox News?
@@thryce82 never said he is absolutely gonna fix it.. ending the overspending is a big step towards getting the rest under control. None the less he's got points we can use to do better for sure. I'm all for a better solution. Starting with an Article 5 Convention of States. But until the 'last' 14 needed out of 34. That leaves 20 signed on (well one really really close in that 20). So until that happens, We are stuck with the least bad seed of the bad seeds. Who knows maybe he will surprise the hell out of us. 🙄🙄
In the late 80's and 90's Charleston lost it's Navy Base. Everyone was scared the economy would tank. Within 10 years the economy exploded due to innovation and industry. Getting off the Govt tit is the best thing America can do.
Momma possum carries her babies so long. Governmen needs to focus on military, ssc what it was intended for non doctor developed disease, infrastructure. Our infrastructure, is falling apart. Trying to revamp a new power structure in a state micro development. The cash inbounds to much, federal going round and round with no accountability.
Oh, they pass a so-called 'budget' every year. It just dosent stay within the confines of the taxes collected. It's called deficit spending. That's why we have a $30 trillion debt. We need to have a surplus, pay off our national debt, then have a rainy day fund and reduce taxes. Eventually having a balanced budget with no debt. It should be a constitutional amendment requiring it.
Literally shed a tear at this. So cogent. So rational. Speaking the absolute and frankly dead simple truth: Debt causes inflation. Stop digging the hole. Save all American livelihoods. A politician finally said it. Finally.
His father before him also advocated for a balanced budget his whole career. We need more politicians with values like the Paul family, but the only values our politicians have is greed. Sad.
@Drick taking out a loan once or a few times isn’t a big deal, as long as you pay them off. When you take out loan after loan after loan and plunge yourself into crippling, inescapable debt, that’s a problem.
How many people own their home? How powerful would the US be if it didn't invest in itself? If your household could name your interest rate (including 0%) you wouldn't bother, in fact you would be foolish not to invest. Every company in the stock market is a debtor to its investors.
@@brianjensvold1882 in America? Exactly 0. If you're not paying the loan you're paying property tax. Of you don't pay the property tax you won't be living in that home for long.
@@brianjensvold1882 There's a difference between responsible spending within the appropriate, constitutional limits of the federal government and just throwing money at anything that sounds good.
The federal reserve system as a central currency does not allow the US to run a balanced budget. In order to balance the budget, the federal reserve system would need to be reformed in order to function as a central currency instead of providing liquidity. Prices are best when they are stable. Deflation reduces economic activity; Inflation reduces future investment. In an average year, the economy will increase its productive capacity from 1~2%. If the amount of currency in circulation does not increase by 1~2%, there will be deflation. The federal reserve system has no means of adding currency to the economy without one of its member banks tanking on debt. Usually, the member bank to take on this debt is the Federal Government shown by the average deficit. This is also why nearly all of the national debt is owed to the Federal Reserve or other central currencies valuing their own currency.
It's about time someone starts doing something to get Our Country on a BUDGET,AND PUT A " STOP " TO ALL THE OUT OF CONTROL SPENDING. If this doesn't happen USA will not exist!!!!!!!
He puts out a magazine every year when it is time to balance the budget. It's called "the Festvis Report", wasteful government spending. He outlines ridiculous things taxpayers pay for, like lizards on treadmills, a toilet flushing study and so much more that's completely outrageous. Why are we paying for this? It you want to "play scientist", use your own money and time.
The Senate voted no on the Rand Paul balance the budget bill. In fact, most of the same core group of RINO's who voted for gun restrictions and red flag laws, and also voted for the 3 Trillion Infrastructure Bill as well........... Blunt (MO), Boozman (AZ), Burr (NC), Capito (WV), Collins (ME), Cornyn (TX), Graham (SC), Inhofe (OK), McConnell (KY), Murkowski (AR), Portman (OH), Rounds (SD), Sasse (NE), Shelby (AL), Thune (SD), Tillis (NC) and Young (IN). The core group that most voted for the infrastructure trillions, Those RINO's love to spend that money running up inflation and taxes and still they have yet resolve the insolvent Social Security that will be dropped, age adjusted until you're 70, 75, 80 years old before collecting.
Thank you Rand Paul, Ron is proud of you today. This is what we get for fighting like children over the two party system, when the last several elections a democratic hasn’t won or a Republican, just the government has won
The Senate voted "NO" for balancing the budget. The gang of "no votes" were the usual RINO suspects Blunt (MO), Boozman (AZ), Burr (NC), Capito (WV), Collins (ME), Cornyn (TX), Graham (SC), Inhofe (OK), McConnell (KY), Murkowski (AR), Portman (OH), Rounds (SD), Sasse (NE), Shelby (AL), Thune (SD), Tillis (NC) and Young (IN). Most of the same core group that most voted for the infrastructure trillions, Those RINO's love to spend that money running up inflation and taxes and still they have yet resolve the insolvent Social Security that will be dropped or age adjusted until you're 70, 75, 80 years old before collecting.
I think their pay should increase 10x. Then, make law that if they make additional money on the side, that would be considered treason and punished by firing squad.
COMMON SENSE! What a refreshing thing to see coming out of DC. Thank you Senator Paul & everyone else who will work to make this a reality before the rest of our leaders completely drown us in debt.
Go Rand Paul! We will have a recession with hope for the future. But having a recession with no hope is like living with a shop acholic, or a Horder, no hope, just depression.😔
Presidents don’t pass legislation and budgets. Rand is where he needs to be but no one in the party wants to rally around him. Rand, unfortunately, is the guy crooked Republicans pedal out for a thin veneer of moral legitimacy while the rest of the party lines their pocket with corporate kick backs from the fat contracts they dole out like Halloween candy.
like what? half the military? half the CIA? reduce the politicians salary to teacher salary? remove the salt tax for the poor states like the mostly south? lets do it.
@@IPlayVideoGamesAndNothingElse those people who paid into the system and deserved their money? its like investing in to saving bonds but want their returns? is that the same government? Who takes advantage of who, is it pension plans business offer then pull the rug? is it 401k but right before you suppose to get drops by half. Is it a bloated military budget that has no use? We got enough nuclear bombs to destroy any nation many times, but let's spend another 1000 thanks that will never be used. This guy is a joke, he always was like his dad. Fairy dreams, empty rooms and speaks to little educated people who think that's how the real world works. They clap him, but actually a running joke in every corner.
@@roboteen cool why not just turn the USA into Africa? it works fine there right? no issues, they are the number nation in the world right. why not just move there and see how it works without it. As you stated no one needs it, so African nations are doing fabulous or even Afghanistan. They got none of it, they should be flourishing. Just being honest, they got none of that, how they are doing? why not people flocking to those nations, please tell me how they are doing?
"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom,must,like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it" We need band together with Rand Paul and tell the government no we do not give our consent ,to the tyrannical government agenda.
The *#Enlightentaining** Host of Messy Times* delivers some #Satoshi perspective. Our chat with *#Craig_Wright**:* ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GXQniXCcA6s.html
The Republicans won't back it either. The party leaders talk a big game but they are just as addicted to spending as the dems. Didn't you hear him say the Republicans haven't backed even a flat rate of spending or any over the lesser cuts.
The crazy thing is when my personal budget is skewed, I cut my spending! I don’t continue to buy things that I know I can live without! This country has not done that in decades! And democrats won’t ever consider it!
Republicans have, over the past half century, blown up the deficit at a rate that far surpasses Democratic administrations. But, sure, buy his bullshit.
but democrats only spend OUR MONEY, while they hang on to theirs that they made for themselves using OUR MONEY!! so thankful for the few men and women who have wisdom and really do care about Americans and doing the right thing for our country!!
@@elainedefoor8599 This doesn't make any sense. When the government spends, it's always "our" money. That includes that of the politicians that pay their taxes.
Maybe we should stop paying taxes and Democrats stop stealing the tax payer money. Think about it that next time.when vote for what we want working for us.
In all my 20 years of service in the Navy, the end of the fiscal year meant we needed to put together a wish list of things we wanted to buy. It didn't matter if we needed it. If we didn't spend all available money, it meant we would get less the next year because it would be deemed we didn't need it all. Therefore, we always spent every penny by the end of the year and then would hope for more to come the next year.
@@thomasdaley2929 And I can't blame them. While there are some years where the money isn't needed, there are other years where there just isn't enough funding. It really is a mismanaged organization when it comes to funding.
rojoloco, this is how virtually every government dept. operates. I’ve heard this story over and over by so many government employees since I was little… and I’m now 49 years old, so this story has been ongoing since my childhood. Contrast this to a private business that has to spend the least amount possible to stay in business and outperform its competitors.
My friend had an idea to make voting on a bill be delayed 1 day from its presentation for every page it has. No one would bother presenting a 2000 page bill, it would take longer than their term to ever see it voted on!
@@chinoto1 hell, even every 10 pages would help a lot. They would actually have to pick one thing and vote on it instead of trying to add things like gender affirmation in an infrastructure bill
@@idres6862 You mean increasing the tax rates for corporations and the very wealthy while not increasing taxes for those earning less than $400k? I don't see the problem. With regard to the spending, Trump "Republicans" were all for Trump investing in infrastructure. He just (as with everything else) never did it. Infrastructure is both necessary and costly. Additionally, maybe have a look at the spending under Trump all while cutting taxes for people that didn't need the cut. Don't get me wrong, I (probably like most people) am not a fan of either side. But, it's undeniable that, historically, Democratic administrations have been FAR better for the American economy. It's not remotely close, either.
@Penguins fan Clearly, you haven't a clue what "best" means. By absolutely no objective metric was Trump even a remotely average president. He didn't deliver on any of his promises. Not a single one. He didn't help the working people. Heck, the "real estate developer" couldn't even have a fucking wall built. Why? Because he's horrible at real estate developing, too. Not to mention, he supported an attempted coup. But, sure, be an anti-democracy traitor if that's your thing. There are far more of us than there are of you and you all will lose in the end. If you thought losing by 7 million votes was bad, hang in there because it only gets worse. History and sanity is not on your side.
@@thomasstengel7356 "undeniable that, historically, Democratic administrations have been FAR better for the American economy". That's stupid. The usual Tax & Spend policies do indeed bring SHORT TERM economic success. But it never lasts . It always comes crashing down because it's not sustainable.
Rand Paul is the only sitting federally elected representative of the people, from any party, who actually cares about the people of the country. It's pretty disgusting to realize that there is literally only one person in government who cares.
Do you support cutting Medicare and Social Security, because any plan to balance the budget would either have to greatly cut those programs or increase taxes to make up for it.
@@bgbgbg123 I support getting rid of both. Leave it to the people to save for their retirement years. People will take saving serious or they'll sink, simple as that.
@@davidusry5048 Obviously that could not be done in one fail swoop. I've been paying in for almost 50 years. I'm smart enough to know it can't be my only income so I planned for my golden years. It doesn't mean people who paid ZERO into the program get my money! I believe there is more than enough fat we could cut without hurting paid programs.
There are checks and balances for our country.Somebody needs to fix this problem.I can't wait to see this happen. At least someone is doing something right.Thank you for standing up for the American people.
@@roboteen yeah, let's eliminate the IRS, because you know - no taxes. (and no roads, no marines, no health inspectors, no cops, no firemen.... fuck, what a stupid comment...)
@@MrTCela the best leader isn’t always the smartest, but the most resourceful. Able to use those around him to highest potential and bring the best out of them
That was one of the most well founded and logical arguments for spending reduction that I have ever heard. It's crazy that any person, Republican or Democrat, could listen to that and oppose it.
Actually it’s the other way around, lobbyists are giving them millions in exchange for favors. Like big tobacco lobbying to severely restrict the sale of vapes and vaping supplies. Or how the cotton industry paid politicians to make hemp illegal back in the day.
He introduces one every few years, but it never gets enough votes. Most of Washington doesn’t want to cut spending. They like funding their pet projects, and to do that they have to agree to fund everyone else’s pet projects. All at our expense of course.
You know with all the stuff that I've seen Rand Paul bring up the things that I've seen him fight for during this pandemic in this crooked Administration I believe he would make us a good president there's several that are coming forward.
He's run for the nomination Gabbard and Yang ran for the other nomination. None of them got many voters in the few primaries they bothered with before quitting. Doesn't mean they couldn't...but they haven't and that's on us.
Senator Paul is another great Republican. They’re so few holding office. 😩 He serves his constituents well and holds to his principles. The Republican Party would be better served by him being the Majority Leader. 👍 I don’t agree on everything with him, but he’s been a fucking superstar the last few years. 👊
Does he? He's talking about tightening your belt but his state lives off of federal tax dollars because he's horrendous at his job. He's entirely full of shit.
He serves his constituency horribly. Kentucky is far worse off for having him. But, at least Rand still can find time to whine about social programs and spending while the rest of the country continues to prop up his failed state that could not survive without the "coastal elites" footing the bill for them. That situation has only worsened during Rand's tenure. But, sure, take his word on international economic policy. He can't even help one of the fifty states economically. But, if you're dumb enough, I guess one could consider him as competent to discuss economic policies. Who doesn't go to their eye doctor for financial advice?
@@thomasstengel7356 thomas, as right as you are be careful... that's a lot of words for the people who frequent this site. you will hurt their brains...
@@thomasstengel7356 yikes 😬. Did I beat you up in high school or something, killer? 🫵🤔 I just so happen to be one of those “coastal elites” you’re whining about HIM whining about. Just not a “rich” one, monetarily anyway. ✌️ I’ve got a serviceable IQ, but I did join the Infantry of my beloved country so…economics ain’t my lane. Seems better than what YOU likely voted in power currently though, yeah? 🇺🇸🫡
The problem extends beyond Congress' inability to pass a responsible balanced budget. Each Federal Agency is requesting to expand its " budget ." Hint to agencies; there is no money, it's all debt. Not only that each, agency seems oblivious and fails to realize it is requesting enough debt be excised and levied against Americans who haven't even been born yet to pay for the insatiable appetite for spending at every government level.
It would take 5yrs just to spend less than they take in. Let that sink in. We're not even talking about paying down debt. If the Fedgov didn't spend a penny and pulled in its annual 3T, it would take a decade to pay off our debt. We went over the cliff a decade ago, we just don't know it yet.
National debts aren’t necessarily bad for the nation, though. Economists agree that running big debts is not only fiscally sustainable but also good for economic growth.
@@michael2113 Not when the interest on the debt exceeds annual revenue. Everything has its limits. We are there. "aren’t necessarily bad" does not mean always good. Soon we will be printing money to pay interest alone.
@@jeffreywillis4258 I never implied that running debts was always good. When someone says something is "not necessarily bad," they mean that there are scenarios where that thing is good and scenarios where it is bad. Of course, if interest payments exceeded revenue, the debt would be unmanageable. But we aren't even close to that. In 2021, the gov paid $393.5 billion in interest, while revenue was $4.05 trillion. The fact is that economists agree that our deficit spending/running up debts is good for the economy and therefore the nation, and we haven't gotten to the point --- we might not ever --- where we need to do something drastic like senator Paul suggests.
yup. we have so many Federal agencies that overlap in their duties are created so presidents could reward their behind the scene supporters with jobs for their family members and other bullshit. Most of these federal agencies are unconstitutional anyways
LOL it was the reagan that expanded the govt duh gwbush that created a few more agencies to NOT protect the usa from saudis now Go outside, slave and let the Minute Men read u into the white words of the Constitution's Article 1 S 8 P1 U too can be free if u absorb the white words. and now these words from a white man.\ God hates Idiots and it was dumb non reader Paul, ,named after the russian atheist ayn, that supported tax cuts that ONLY added to the deficits. why trust a eye DR with reading grade 10 accounting laws? GAAP teaches (is taught in grade 10) the Matching Principle, and that Principle demands all revenues be matched to the same period as expenses. so No company could use after taxed profits on tax deductible expenses, unless that company wanted to pay Taxes TWICE! Look, take grade 10 accounting and grade 11 economics and learn what bankers have to know By law they need to follow GAAP. GAAP = the generally accepted accounting principles. and by duh way, a personal tax does NOT change the gross wages and there by does not change the GDP> GDP is mostly affected by changes in gross wages and it was the GOP that passed tax credits to pay for the costs of moving usa factories and all them middle class jobs overseas them middle class jobs used topay down the debt left behind by all the GOPPresidents since Hoover. Facts for the dumb white slaves 1. every single GOP President since Nixon has only had deficits. IKE was the last GOPer to pay his bills. Whereas the Bill clinton made so HUGE surpluses that them surpluses paid off all of Clinton's debts, and Carters' too and paid off a lot of reagan's debts too // 2. every single GOP president since Hoover has had at least one recession/depression, with gwbush baby having 2 recessions in less than 8 yrs that equates to massive debts. Do Not TRUST eye Drs from Texas they seem to not read the white man's words of the Constitution's Article 1 S 8 P1 and the words were written by an american NOT by some russian ayn rand. Rand Paul is not a THINKer he got infected with the Virus, then went to get checked and then went to the GYM LOL so he could infect as many other GOPers as he could ask to spot him in that Gym. some stupid slaves are just meant to help kill the other slaves so Purge and be well rid of the Non readers of the white man's words of the Constitution. God Bless the Minute Men that have used the Hoax to wipe out and kill off Luke Letlow,,herman Cain and oh that colin powell too plus over 1 million +++ other slaves none of whom were ever more important than the LIE that the hoax was only a Hoax. myop all non readers of the basic accounting rules, that the Fathers of USA wanted usa to go by, should go Outside and be read in by the Minute Men! No charges have been brought and none shall ever be the Purge is Proper and Legal show them no mercy for they do not read the white words!!
we need to stop all government spending, except for social security because people paid into that. Everything else needs to stop and all that money needs to be redirected to the debt until the debt is gone.
It always cracks me up when he lists the outrageous studies that are conducted by that science foundation and how much they cost. I just wish the government actually followed his advice.
This is a massive problem. Frankly I'd vote for him for Rand Paul for President in a minute. Sadly I question whether 'we the people' are smart enough to elect him.
we still need a better Congress in there for him to get anything done at least anything substantial. President Trump did a good job but he underestimated the corruption of the bureaucracy as he should’ve fired the head of every single agency and their staff on day one and then started to decide which ones we could cut because we just simply don’t need or they can be merged into other agencies or they’re unconstitutional
Across the board cuts! What a novel concept. Both parties need to cut spending! Military included! The problem is Rand is that he is so much smarter than the rest. He and his father were way ahead of their time.
Senator Paul is dead on but how far will his budget get? It's easy to spend someone's money than their own and that's Congress Nancy Pelosi Chuck and others. 💕🇺🇸🇺🇸 God bless America.
Every senator or congressman that votes against this should be immediately removed from their office. Of course that will never happen and they will continue to bury us into a deeper and deeper debt hole.
@@StepUPNJ Rand complains a lot about things the govt wastes money on. And there's merit in that. But the big picture is Medicare and Social Security are the main drivers of our deficit. Maybe Rand would vote to reduce them but he would get quickly replaced by voters, since ppl that use those programs vote disproportionately
@@bgbgbg123 Both Social Security and Medicare are basically Ponzi schemes but you are right they can't be eliminated. Still by following his plan we would at least be not as deep into the debt hole.
He didn't mention the lock down happened under Republicans, I also don't agree with all the money going to other countries right now or buying oil from other countries. This Admin won't agree they are on a spending spree that meets their wants not what is right for the people.
I agree in that we should never have lock down the economy. But if you remember the pressure democrats put on the former administration was intense going as far as blaming Trump for all the deaths if he didn't. Both parties suck, but democrat politicians are straight up deceitful, lying sob's. Even this Jan 6 committee, they asking all the wrong questions in order to find out why it happened.
I can’t imagine what it’s like to be Rand Paul constantly trying to explain to people they are being ruled by maniacs. And people act like he’s the crazy one. God bless Rand and Ron Paul!
