10 Ways a Ron Paul Presidency Would Help Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at 1:50pm by admin
By Laura Milligan
We’re almost exactly one year away from the actual 2008 presidential election, and candidates on all sides are gearing up for another intense, whirlwind season of campaigning and fundraising that will hopefully be rewarded with a spot in the White House. Americans are also stepping up to the plate, paying more attention to the candidates and agonizing which ones affect their lives the most. Entrepreneurs, for example, are looking for a president who will allow them optimum freedom to conduct their businesses the way they know best.
Republican candidate Ron Paul has been toted as the conservative Constitutionalist, a former doctor and longtime Congressman whose purist ideals have led him to pledge a scaled-back presence of the Federal government if he is elected president. How would this philosophy help entrepreneurs? While we’re not officially endorsing Dr. Ron Paul for president, we think these 10 issues would give entrepreneurs and their businesses an extra boost. Read on to find out how.
- Ron Paul’s Tax Plan: One of Ron Paul’s most appealing points is his proposed tax plan. He opposes raising taxes and even plans to abolish the individual income tax and the federal income tax. Besides eliminating the debate over how much people in varying economic levels must pay in taxes, most Americans would obviously find themselves with a significant higher salary each year. With the extra cash flow, entrepreneurs would also have the ability to hire more employees, increase company spending on supplies, technology, and other resources, and improve their businesses overall.
- Social Security for Americans Only Act: Ron Pauls’ Social Security revolution is one practice that would allow him to reduce taxes. According to Dr. Paul, “today['s]…system is broke and broken.” Instead of pumping more American dollars into the Social Security system, Dr. Paul plans to limit the benefits given to Americans only, and not illegal aliens. This plan saves Americans money by decreasing the amount of dollars spent on Social Security benefits as a whole. In addition, Dr. Paul also intends to make Social Security optional for workers by “cut[ting] payroll taxes and” allowing them “the opportunity to seek better returns in the private market.” As payroll taxes are cut, employers no longer have to match a portion of the taxes taken out of each of their employees’ paychecks.
- New Health Plan: In an effort to decrease government spending, Dr. Paul proposes a new health plan that eliminates many federal government-sponsored programs and plans like universal health care. As the “national leader in preserving Health Freedom,” Dr. Paul promotes a weaker FDA and the individiual’s right to choose what vitamins and foods he or she consumes. If the government stops spending Americans’ money on health care programs, entrepreneurs would notice a hefty salary increase.
- Support of Hard Money: Inflation could very well be every entrepreneur’s worst nightmare. Business owners are forced to raise prices on all of their products as a result of paying more for basic goods and supplies, and consumers quake at the thought of overspending and instead keep their wallets tightly shut. To combat inflation, Ron Paul supports the idea of hard money, or money backed by gold and silver. If the United States operated on a hard money system, the Federal Reserve wouldn’t be able to print extra money, and Ron Paul beleives that inflation would disappear.
- Against the Iraq War: Ron Paul is the only 2008 Republican candidate who voted against the war in Iraq. As an anti-interventionist, Dr. Paul would like to see the U.S. begin pulling out of Iraq and cut military spending. Entrepreneurs would enjoy improved relations with overseas business partners and contacts, debatedly lower gas prices that can dominate a small business’ budget, and slighter taxes that would otherwise be used to support the war.
- Believes in Free Trade: A free trading system would benefit entrepreneurs immensely. Business owners would be able to maintain contacts, persue trades, maximize profits and access capital resources without interference from the government, which could impose tariffs, boycotts, or other regulations.
- Opposes Welfare for Illegal Aliens: Just as Ron Paul plans to eliminate Social Security benefits for illegal aliens, he hopes to save Americans money by abolishing welfare benefits for illegal aliens. Dr. Paul believes in protecting Americans first and foremost, including financially. Limiting government-sponsored welfare programs cuts government spending, thus saving both struggling and booming businesses money.
- Plan to Minimize the Role of the Federal Government: Ron Paul believes that states are more qualified and better-equipped to deal with supposedly localized issues like education and health care than the federal government. In addition to cutbacks in social funding, Paul also supports the liquidation of organizations like the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security in order to drastically decrease spending and put more money into other, more deserving projects and into the pockets of American citizens.
- Supports a Free Internet: If there’s one technological resource that entrepreneurs value above all others, it’s probably the Internet. The Internet makes fundraising, networking, and reaching out to new customers excruciatingly easy, and Ron Paul recognizes its necessity. Dr. Paul’s own campaign has benefited from the Internet, and in an interview with PBS‘ The News Hour, he discusses how he has reached out to millions of younger voters through MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and other member-driven sites. Perhaps his profitable experiences have led him to support the idea of a free Internet, an unregulated, uniterrupted Web community of individuals who socialize, conduct business, and earn their livelihood online.
- Privacy and Personal Liberty: Ron Paul’s devotionto privacy and personal liberty makes him a popular candidate among entrepreneurs. He believes that business owners deserve a reasonable allocation of privacy as they work with customers, vendors, investors, and banks to support their business endeavors.
No matter which candidate you end up supporting in the coming months, entrepreneurs have a difficult decision to make. With threats of inflation, war with Iran, and an overall economic slowdown, these 10 points are worth considering.
It will be interesting to see what comes of this election!
Happy Halloween!
Comment by Meg H. — October 31, 2007 @ 6:16 pm
The founders put alot of thought into the Constitution, and with good reason. What was true for small business 200 years ago still makes sense today. Congressman Paul seems to be the only candidate out there that makes any sense on a majority of issues. His presidency would be a definite boon to entrepreneurs in the US.
Comment by Weetis — November 1, 2007 @ 4:42 am
Excellently written and very fair.
Nice work!
Kyle
Comment by Kyle — November 1, 2007 @ 6:21 am
I don’t think the decision is hard at all. With all of the other candidates from both parties, all any entrepreneur can look forward to little besides the grim prospect of trying to break into markets and industries mired in corruption and government regulation. The road to a free and strong country is a free and strong economy unfettered by unnecessary government interference. As a person with entrepreneurial ambitions myself, I have already made an investment in my future by donating to Ron Paul, and I urge anyone with similar aspirations to do the same and help see to it that he gets elected. It’s in the best interests of everybody but the Robbers-of-State that Ron Paul is elected, and with the help of freedom-loving people, it can happen.
Comment by John — November 1, 2007 @ 11:09 am
Americans are seemingly in a maze of rules and “laws” it a puzzle how to improve one’s economic dilemma (2 bad choices) but Dr. Paul, as stated in this article, has put the puzzle together and it results in a clear picture of how to take charge of our lives. As a businesman, I see one critical flaw: a person must be willing to take charge but most are sheep and willing to critcize, be spoon-fed and want something for free. Still, Ron Paul absolutely has it right.
Comment by Lee Gunter — November 1, 2007 @ 1:23 pm
I have pledged $100 toward the Internet campaign to get 999,999 others to do the same — i.e., raise $100 million — and provide Ron Paul with the wherewithal he’ll need to fight off Romney and Guiliani, then put Hillary in her place (anywhere but the White House).
Comment by David — November 1, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
Remember, RP is not saying that he will prohibit states from covering illegal aliens, only that the Federal Government will not do so, nor make the states do so. Same as abortion, education, etc. If California wants to pass laws to cover everyone in their state, they can do so. If Nebraskans want to legalize abortion (or prohibit it), they will be free to do so. The Federal Government under Pres. Paul will no longer dictate to the states what their laws/policies must be.
Comment by Dave — November 1, 2007 @ 2:45 pm
I’m the smallest of entreprenuers (a one-person company) but even small as I am I feel the effects of many of the issues you brought up in this column and would welcome the free environment of a Ron Paul presidency.
Comment by Janet Perry — November 1, 2007 @ 2:52 pm
Ron Paul for President!
I believe that he and John Edwards are the only candidates telling the truth.
Neal Ames
Comment by Neal Ames — November 1, 2007 @ 3:41 pm
The decision is as simple as the question:
“Do you want to keep your money, enjoy your private property rights, and stop killing people overseas”
“Uhhh…yeah…”
Ron Paul 2008!!!
Donate to the cause of Liberty!
Comment by Edgar — November 1, 2007 @ 4:04 pm
Thank goodness someone is working to take the government out of the way of small business!
Comment by mike — November 1, 2007 @ 4:07 pm
Small business owner here! I support Ron Paul for all of these reasons.
Comment by Chad — November 1, 2007 @ 4:17 pm
Question about item 1, where did you get the details on Ron Paul’s tax plan? His campaign website has nothing about a plan to get rid of the income tax (just the normal political speak common to campaigns). I have been interested in this type of plan since I heard Alan Keyes mention it during his failed run for the White House.
Comment by Todd Wallentine — November 1, 2007 @ 4:39 pm
It’s good to see how Dr. Paul’s policies might work out more specifically. Growth of business large and small is immensely important and does depend on government getting out of the way and out of our pockets.
Economists cite two means to avoid recessions, but usually only the first is used, that is, the FED dictating interest rates. The longer-term means is to reduce government — regulation, taxation, spending and borrowing. The government load we struggle to carry steals the fruits of our labor and creates apathy. Dr. Paul is SO RIGHT!
Comment by s.w.gore — November 1, 2007 @ 5:40 pm
As a purveyor of dietary supplements, a Ron Paul administration would be heaven sent. Get feds totally out of the health game. Freedom of choice in all health matters.
Comment by Tom Valentine — November 1, 2007 @ 6:54 pm
USA and UK grew into mighty powers with tariffs to protect native industries. Then after achieving power they preached free trade to the poorer nations. You can tax Americans or you can tax foreign corporations. You can’t have an independent nation if key industries are sent abroad like steel and aviation.
Comment by Joe Shepherd — November 1, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
I have 3 reasons to support Dr. Paul: I am a libertarian, an entrepreneur, and my business is in the healthcare field (insurance billing and transcription). While item #3 in this excellent article would eventually lead to much less billing business for me, I don’t care - health freedom and free markets will open up dozens of other opportunities. Voting for Ron Paul should be a no-brainer for every small businessperson.
Please be aware: if you support him and your state has closed primaries, you must be a registered Republican to vote for him in your primary. If not a Republican, find out the deadline for switching parties and re-register. Winning the GOP nomination will be his biggest challenge to becoming President, *not* the general election, because he takes away the war issue from the Democrats.
Comment by Glen Litsinger — November 1, 2007 @ 7:13 pm
Please join us this November 5th for the largest one day political donation event in history.
Go to the RonPaul2008 website and donate as much as you can THIS NOVEMBER 5th!
Comment by ThisNovember5th — November 1, 2007 @ 7:52 pm
Ron Paul is one of the most transparent candidates in the history of the US. His platform is in the many articles , speeches, and policy statements that are available on the Web.
Go to The Ron Paul Library at http://www.ronpaullibrary.org/.
He has had the same message for thirty years, personal and economic liberty and follow the Constitution.
Comment by Ernie — November 1, 2007 @ 7:53 pm
Let’s show our support to Ron Paul. On November 5th an event is planned for everyone who registers on the following website: http://thisnovember5th.com to go to the Office Ron Paul campaign website http://www.ronpaul2008.com and donate 100 dollars. We’re trying to get 100,000 supporters registered to raise $10,000,000 in one day. It can happen.
http://thisnovember5th.com
Show your support! We can do it!
Comment by Josyf — November 1, 2007 @ 8:46 pm
Ron’s plan to get rid of the individual income tax and the IRS are on his website at
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/end-the-irs/
I couldn’t find it either until I googled it (So no you aren’t crazy)
Comment by Jason Bolgos — November 1, 2007 @ 9:43 pm
Sounds like 10 reason to vote for him. Why wouldn’t you want to endorse such policies? The main thing too, is that he will do what he says; it’s not just lip service. Laura: you and your website need to take the next step and ENDORSE him! Stop being on the fence…Ron Paul needs all the support he can get, so why holding you guys back?
Comment by John — November 1, 2007 @ 10:13 pm
ron paul is wright on to free up american legal citisens we don,t need hilary we had her for 8yrs
Comment by zip zipfel — November 1, 2007 @ 10:18 pm
This is a wonderful article. I’m an entrepreneur and I think working for oneself is the ultimate in freedom. Our schools teach us how to be good employees, in other words, skills that will benefit some other business owner with our hard work. Of course, there has to be employees and there always will be. But any presidential candidate that helps support Americans to become entrepreneurs and enjoy the ownership of one’s own business is A number one in my book. I support the Ron Paul all the way!
Comment by Elle — November 1, 2007 @ 11:02 pm
Todd, Ron Paul has explicitly said in many debates and interviews that he intends to abolish the IRS. He’s also introduced a bill to repeal the 16th amendment which enables the federal govt to tax individual incomes: http://www.ronpaul2008.com/articles/106/end-the-income-tax-pass-the-liberty-amendment/
But yes, the campaign website is not explicit about it.
Cheers!
Comment by MCLA — November 1, 2007 @ 11:31 pm
The first and last time I voted was in the 1976 presidential election when my favorite candidate of all time, Roger McBride, ran for office. After the 1976 election, I threw in the towel. Now the big question: should this old Rothbardian get off of his duff and get out and vote for Ron Paul in 2008? Let’s see, he’s an MD, an Austrian; a thinker; is ethical and principled, sincere, and very bright. Yes–I’m in!!!
Comment by Vaughn Kraft — November 2, 2007 @ 12:09 am
It’s really great to see that Ron Paul is getting more positive feedback. Actually, the only negative feedback are from morons like Rudy, and Shawn from that government run Fox news. I feel our country is in desperate need of this man. The corruption has grown to a point that it seems unnatural for someone to be fighting for our rights. I believe that Ron Paul will bring much needed sanity back to our country. I am a registered Republican, but have voted Democrat for too long now. Finally a real Republican….who I stand behind completely, not only for my country, myself and my business, but for my children, all of the children.
Comment by dditaranto — November 2, 2007 @ 12:28 am
As a small business owner the idea of paying estimated taxes has always been a real thorn… Yet, those who don’t own a business don’t understand that I’m asked to pay a esitimated tax when I would overpay or underpay. Sure the IRS is ok with overpayments but if I underpay do you know what happens? I’m hit with a fee… But what happens with this structure does not allow me to esitimate real world costs, changes etc. I have no control over shipping costs yet the price of oil changes my profits will decline and at times I have to eat the increase. Having empoyees is another matter few realize that at 30,000 annual salary is liken to a 33,500 payout. So when employees complain becuase I can only afford a 5-8% increase in wages each year they fail to realize the real cost to me.
If Ron Paul was in office I would keep more of my own money which will help me save more… I could add one new staff member or I could increase the incomes by at least $4,000 a year. If small busines can offer an increase in wages and keep more money then the world of US ecnomics receives the real benefit. A stronger dollar can emerge, the people then have more to spend and save.
It all makes since we need Ron Paul. If not we may need to leave the USA to escape the loss of liberty and increased loss of liberty under clinton.
Comment by Darel99 — November 2, 2007 @ 12:57 am
Mr Wallentine, concerning item 1, Ron Paul’s stand against the income tax.
Please visit http://www.ronpaullibrary.org then click on “taxes”. You will find no less than 86 articles and speeches to Congress going back to 1997, all consistently aimed at eliminating the income tax, estate tax and several other taxes. Please do yourself a favor and browse Ron Paul’s library.
I agree, his web site tries to ease people into his ideas, rather than just throw them in your face.
I’m glad you asked!
Comment by D Dines — November 2, 2007 @ 2:37 am
I am voting for Ron Paul for the simple fact that he is the only voice of reason and logic and cares about your Health Freedoms here in the United States, not to mention everything else he stands for!….It’s up to us to turn America around, and it is crucial that we create a stable world for our future generations. Wouldn’t it suck to be them to have to inherit all the debt, and gross mistakes from the greed and selfishness of the present and generations gone by…Have a great week, Sincerely, Born2Transform
Comment by Maureen — November 2, 2007 @ 2:55 am
Todd, I believe Alan Keyes is running again now. However my support at this time is going to RON PAUL. Any study on RON PAUL ECOnomics will show he has a long principled stance against the IRS fraud. STOP TAX FRAUD iliminate the IRS!
You can do a google video search and find a lot on RON PAUL. I have page 8 at my website dedicated to RON PAUL.
http://www.hiddentreasure.ws
Comment by hiddentreasuredotws — November 2, 2007 @ 3:38 am
For those who want more info on Ron Paul’s income tax position see:
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/articles/107/the-case-against-the-income-tax/
Comment by TS Hayes — November 2, 2007 @ 4:01 am
I’m a little confused about “free Internet” does he just mean free from control or free, cost, to use?
Comment by Bill — November 2, 2007 @ 7:20 pm
If Dr. Ron Paul is not elected, we can blame no one but ourselves for not donating to his campaign to get elected. If we feel his ideals are worth fighting for, then we individuals must support him financially. Why, because the deep pocket contributors don’t and won’t support someone who will pull the rug out from under them. Those other candidates are counting on Dr. Ron Paul failing to get enough money to support his campaign. ARE WE GOING TO LET IT HAPPEN? NO
Comment by Edd Borngesser — November 2, 2007 @ 10:07 pm
Todd Wallentine wrote:
“Question about item 1, where did you get the details on Ron Paul’s tax plan?”
Firsthand documents about Ron Paul’s stand on the income tax can be found here: http://www.ronpaullibrary.org/topic.php?id=0
Comment by Rasmus Leslau — November 3, 2007 @ 4:06 pm
What dareI99 says is so true…I’ve often thought, when I make my 941 deposit each payday, that if every employee in the US had to write their own check for those income tax withholding, Medicare, and Social Security amounts every payday, we would have a revolution in a matter of weeks!
As employers, we are made the instrument of enforcement for the State, whether we support its policies or not. I especially hate this when wages are garnished…at least half the time, the employee can show me evidence that they’ve paid the student loan or child support debt…but if you write to the government with the evidence, you get a letter threatening to fine you if you don’t comply!
Comment by Peri Dweyr — November 5, 2007 @ 6:56 pm
great points and are worth sharing when you are telling others about Ron Paul.
Comment by ron paul money bomb — December 20, 2007 @ 12:45 am
Dr. Paul has my support. The more I read the newspapers and watch the talking heads on television, the more I realize just how right he has been all along.
Comment by D. Oliver / NM — January 1, 2008 @ 5:26 pm
Every time I read a Newspaper or watch the Talking Heads on Television, I am more fully convinced that Dr. Paul has been right all along.
Comment by D. Oliver / New Mexico — January 2, 2008 @ 10:29 pm