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The Revolution: A Manifesto

4.21 of 5 stars 4.21 · rating details · 3,837 ratings · 535 reviews

This Much Is True: You Have Been Lied To

· The government is expanding.
· Taxes are increasing.
· More senseless wars are being planned.
· Inflation is ballooning.
· Our basic freedoms are disappearing.

The Founding Fathers didn't want any of this. In fact, they said so quite clearly in the Constitution of the United States of America. Unfortunately, that beautiful, ingenious, a...more

Hardcover, 173 pages

Published April 30th 2008 by Grand Central Publishing

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Nov 06, 2012 Mariel rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: an object at rest tends to remain at rest

Recommended to Mariel by: an object in motion tends to remain in motion with the same speed and in the same direction

"Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." - George Washington

The Revolution is what our founding fathers did. Give me liberty. Freedom isn't free. If you give it up it will not be yours by right any longer. The constitution was written in mind of those who would twist it to give themselves more power. Checks and balances. It was protection for the people against a government that would exist only to serve itself, defea...more

18 likes · like · see review

Apr 24, 2008 Aaron rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: politics

Whether you agree or disagree with Ron Paul's views, this book serves as an important political primer on the real issues facing America today: civil liberties, the economy, the failing dollar, foreign policy.... issues mostly ignored by a national media obsessed with superficial catch-phrases and meaningless scandals. Primarily a concise collection of the views and ideas expressed during Ron Paul's 2008 Presidential campaign, this book also contains an extended reading list for "a free and pros...more

18 likes · like · see review

Aug 27, 2008 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE interested in politics or confused about their position on issues

I spoke too soon. I guess I should have trusted Ryan. This book was wonderful. I felt Ron Paul is a much better writer than speaker. I really enjoyed learning about the purpose of the constitution. I agree with the philosophy of smaller government and more liberty and independence for the people. His economics chapter was my favorite. Great reminder that we don't work for the government, the government works for us. Taxes- great reminder that if we completely got rid of taxes, the FED budget wou...more

10 likes · like · see review

Nov 17, 2008 Breck rated it 3 of 5 stars

I think most conservatives are fans of Ron Paul that simply don't know it yet. As the Republican party has changed over the last several years we have lost sight of what it means to be a conservative. Conservative once meant being an advocate of small fed gov't, less intervention, with a reliance on sound fiscal policy. The new conservatives/Republicans have lost that tradition as they spend more than ever and seek to grow the power of the federal gov't.

I think the problem with Ron Paul is he h...more

6 likes · like · see review

Oct 20, 2008 Thomas rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Before I read this book I would have said Ron Paul is one politician that I think I can identify most with, so this was not by any means a book that was difficult for me to read. I often found myself nodding in agreement - one of the few actions you can take while reading by yourself without looking like a "doofus."

There is a good exert from Ron Paul's call to action chapter (also titled "The Revolution") that I think sums up my view of this book (and what it represents) pretty well. It goes lik...more

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Jun 30, 2008 Darcie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was a fascinating eye-opener for me. I started reading it because I was curious as to Ron Paul's core beliefs. He was ridiculed and pushed aside during the republican debates that I watched, so I became curious as to why they would not let him be heard. His ideas are in fact nothing new to the American tradition. It's just that we have gone so far astray from constitutional government that these ideas now seem revolutionary. Small government, non-interventionist foreign policy, fiscal...more

8 likes · like · see review

Jul 25, 2008 Claire marked it as to-read

Five minutes of reading this at random has, three or four times now, proved more informative about the economic workings of our country than any number of months keeping up with headline news. It's also remarkably sane and intelligent. Take this quote, for instance:

Abolishing the income tax on individuals would cut government revenue by about 40 percent. I have heard the breathless claims about how radical that is--and compared to the trivial changes we are accustomed to seeing in government, I...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jan 24, 2011 Ryan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

What I like about this book is not that it is the absolute best, most clear-cut argument for smaller government and many other ideals held by Libertarians. What I like about it is that it is a very readable book that I could recommend to friends of mine who want to get a better perspective about where I'm coming from. He uses enough current examples to take the book beyond the world of political theory and shows how a libertarian perspective can solve real problems confronting us now. He gets in...more

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 28, 2008 Ryan rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: People who are sick of the status quo

If you are familiar with Dr. Paul, you already know where he stands on the issues. This book goes and discusses his stance and why he feels the country today has turned its back on the Constitution and is no longer based upon the Founders philosophies.
This book is a simple read, only 176 pages and has a great recommended reading list at the end. Anyone who is interested in the beliefs of Dr. Paul and the Libertarian/Constitution parties platforms would be well advised to read this book.

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 21, 2009 Steve rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read this book at my brother's request after he went to hear Ron Paul speak a while back. I agreed with almost all of the problems he presented in the book, but needless to say, my liberal leanings had some problems with some of the solutions he presented. Abolishing income tax, smaller government, more states rights are not the answers I don't think. While I agreed with most of the civil liberties chapter, I don't think that homeschooling is a "right" people have. He presented his arguments a...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 29, 2011 Budd rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction

The Revolution: A Manifesto
The Revolution: A Manifesto
Ron Paul

It isn't hard to see why people flocked to the message of Ron Paul after reading this book. It was an informative and a very educational book that I feel strengthened that little voice in my head that says, "America isn't taking the right path." Paul is unapologetic in his love for the constitution. While I am sure for every example that Paul has put forward about why the document should still be relevant there are probably those that...more The Revolution: A Manifesto
The Revolution: A Manifesto
Ron Paul

It isn't hard to see why people flocked to the message of Ron Paul after reading this book. It was an informative and a very educational book that I feel strengthened that little voice in my head that says, "America isn't taking the right path." Paul is unapologetic in his love for the constitution. While I am sure for every example that Paul has put forward about why the document should still be relevant there are probably those that have an example of how it won't work, I think that Paul's examples speak to people and he is at least a change from business as usual in Washington.

This books message is simple. The Government needs to scale itself back and leave people alone. Leave people alone conduction business in this country, leave the markets alone so that they can actually be free (something they are far from), and leave people in other countries alone to practice their own form of government. These are beleifs that I have had for a very long time and beliefs that neocons have criticized me for or pretended to have for themselves. This book destroys the myth that the Republican Party is conservative and, I think, correctly states that most conservatives/repulicans yearn for true constitutional government.

It was an amazing book, but at the same time scary. Paul shows the reader examples of how the constitution is blatently ignored. While all three branches have gotten out of control, the executive branch has been on a century long power grab. The economy was discussed and Paul presents his reasoning about what is wrong with it. While you may not agree with the gold standard theory, you will be hard pressed to disagree with his opinion of the federal reserve.

This book is highly recommended to anyone looking for change. Ron Paul isn't delusional and doesn't think his ideas can be implemented overnight or even in one term, but he does think we need to correct our path and start heading in those directions. (less)

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Nov 02, 2011 Chris Hitsman rated it 4 of 5 stars

A poignant well researched book, Ron Paul's book presents his opinion on many differing global economic and domestic social issues. The first chapter describes what Paul is proposing, and makes it clear that these are his opinions, and that he will support said opinions with gathered facts. The next five chapters each dive into a specific topic respectively. In chapter two, Paul states that we must move towards a non-interventionist foreign policy. Not only will it bring the alarming amount of t...more

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Sep 30, 2008 Ryan rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Republicans and Democrats

This is a short read that I highly recommend to anyone wanting a fresh take on what ails our country.

Ron Paul argues that, in practice, Republican and Democratic politicians aren't that different - they are both "Big Government" parties. The "changes" they propose are rarely dramatic (except for spending increases).

One recurring theme of this book is that the federal government has been trampling the Constitution so badly and for so long, that we've grown accustomed to it. We've learned to plac...more

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Feb 23, 2009 Charles rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Americans desiring freedom, peace, and prosperity.

Shelves: political

Editorial Review from book jacket:
"The real truth about Liberty. This book takes a wrecking ball to the political establishment. Senator Goldwater would have loved it -- it's The Conscience of a Conservative for the 21st century." (Barry M. Goldwater, Jr., former member of Congress )

This Much Is True: You Have Been Lied To.

* The government is expanding.
* Taxes are increasing.
* More senseless wars are being planned.
* Inflation is ballooning.
* Our basic freedoms are disappearing.

The Founding...more

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Jun 29, 2008 Scott rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a quick and fascinating read. Paul, glosses over some of his views on almost every subject (abortion, economy, social security etc)that is encountered today in the political sphere. MOst of his comments and political plans are straight-forward, common sensical. The major pitfall though is that that they are highly impractical. Due in large part to the fact that the system is so broke at this point and the laws that have been put into place (that undermine the core of the rights of Ameri...more

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Sep 28, 2008 Tom rated it 4 of 5 stars

Unfortunately for Ron Paul, the sound bites of his views come off as the ravings of a near lunatic... eliminate the IRS, the Federal Reserve System, the Department of Education and almost all federal government agencies. But, once you understand that those views are based upon a complete commitment to a government as designed by the constitution, they don't seem so radical.

The recent financial crisis and proposed bailout only proves Paul's point that the federal government has grown out of cont...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Kinsley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Paul asks a lot of important questions, but is not always convincing due to the brevity of the book and the scope of change he is hoping to enact. There are too many holes in the historical narrative he presents for me to believe that the causes of our nations/governments current ills are as he says. He speaks too certainly while presenting too little actual proof. That said, I'm for diversity of opinion -- which doesn't exist in the televised portion of our political atmosphere -- so I'll have...more

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Jun 30, 2008 John Rivera rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: politics

Dr. Paul rocks. This work is a nice afternoon or evening read that one can knock out in a matter of hours and yet it says pretty much all that needs to be said about our government and our times.

It would have been nice if the work had citations or footnotes in it but I also don't think this work was meant to be a text. Regardless, the suggested works in the back of this book are an excellent starting point for anyone who seriously wants to study the topics which Dr. Paul discusses in this wonder...more

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Feb 04, 2009 Sydney rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was a reluctant reader of Ron Paul. Having watched his recent run at presidential politics, I dismissed his shrill ranting as unfailingly naïve; then, once I deemed him not having a snowball’s chance at victory, I ceased to listen. At a friend’s urging/prodding/threatening, I read his book The Revolution: A Manifesto and found that Paul has a treasure trove of ideas about making American government serve the people rather than serving itself and elected representatives.

In The Revolution, Paul...more I was a reluctant reader of Ron Paul. Having watched his recent run at presidential politics, I dismissed his shrill ranting as unfailingly naïve; then, once I deemed him not having a snowball’s chance at victory, I ceased to listen. At a friend’s urging/prodding/threatening, I read his book The Revolution: A Manifesto and found that Paul has a treasure trove of ideas about making American government serve the people rather than serving itself and elected representatives.

In The Revolution, Paul makes a credible case for correcting many of the government’s past missteps. Foreign policy interventionism, foreign aid, and entitlements have, perverted the intended outcomes and, to make matters worse, achieved them by means that are a direct contradiction of articles of the U.S. Constitution. Foreign policy intervention has caused excessive military spending and unrest in countries where we have chosen to institute America-friendly but people-repressive regimes. Foreign aid is often absorbed by corrupt institutions and leaves the needy as bereft as before the money arrived. Finally, entitlements such as Social Security and Medicare have replaced charities, family and community in caring for the elderly and infirm; they are also being provided at significant cost to future generations. He provides facts and arguments that are hard to ignore, then he offers the rationale for why the political chattering classes and journalists do just that during every four year presidential election cycle.

One of Paul’s revolutionary proposals is the elimination of the income tax. While I decry the complexity of income taxes and the unfair burden I feel is imposed upon me as a taxpayer, I had never thought of income taxes as forced unpaid labor to support programs that I do not utilize or that I philosophically oppose. In concept, I love the idea and see how the elimination of government spending could offset that loss of revenue. Seems too simple to works as he describes it, and I would need to hear/read the thoughts of noteworthy economists before my wholehearted embrace of the concept. Additionally,neither Congressional will or self-interest exists to donything this radical.

Reading the book made me ask how could we the American electorate have allowed so many of the Federal government’s ill- conceived programs to take root and become perpetual budget line items. How did we allow legislative dithering, taxation, presidential fiat, and irresponsible budgetary behavior that does align with Constitutional intent to prosper?

I concluded that these things developed as a result of the public’s lack of intellectual curiosity about how government operates, abdication of electoral responsibility, and a collective failure to take action when we see government running afoul. Or in my case, as a government contractor, a healthy dose of self-interest.

Although Paul makes some recommendations about how to reverse these ex-constitutional programs and actions, his recommendations rely heavily upon generating popular and focused dissent, thus causing the people of this nation to rise up in revolt. I am afraid and dismayed to admit this, but I think Barack Obama’s election as President is all the revolution Americans can stomach for at least four score and I don' know how many more years.

The revolution as defined by Paul would require a diet of substantive dialogue, lessons in the content and intent of The Constitution, a healthy exercise of civic responsibility, and engagement in the political process (that involves more than chanting, “Yes we can.”). Further, it would demand American Idol-like devotion to government proceedings, like watching Congressional hearings and reading issues of the Federal Register. Unlike him, I have no hope that the public wants to do what would be required, but I wish him well.

All in all, the book has good content and is an easy read. You'll read and be better informed, even if his writing style leaves you wishing his editor had exercised the red pen more readily.
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Dec 29, 2008 Jared rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, political-thought

This is a very thought-provoking book. It makes you question the conventional political wisdom and presents very clearly how a lot of the supposed choices that are considered on Capitol Hill neglect other, perhaps better choices. It's rare to have a politician lay out why he or she votes the way he or she does on given issues. Ron Paul lays out a number of his positions and defends his beliefs. Amazingly, a lot his positions are actually carefully considered, in contrast to a lot of the other fe...more

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Feb 08, 2013 Zach rated it 4 of 5 stars

Although there are some issues I disagree with Ron Paul on, he is spot-on in regards to strictly adhering to the Constitution on all matters. Representative Ron Paul's "The Revolution" is a brief, yet very important read that brings to light just how far we've strayed from our nation's founding principles, and why the Founding Father's ideals are just as important today as they were during the Founding.

The principles stated in the book are timeless, especially considering that the sentiment behi...more

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Jan 08, 2013 Dave marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: calibre, non-fiction

EDITORIAL REVIEW: Available in paperback for the first time.This Much Is True: You Have Been Lied To. The government is expanding. Taxes are increasing. More senseless wars are being planned. Inflation is ballooning. Our basic freedoms are disappearing. The Founding Fathers didn't want any of this. In fact, they said so quite clearly in the Constitution of the United States of America. Unfortunately, that beautiful, ingenious, and revolutionary document is being ignored more and more in Washingt...more

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Nov 03, 2012 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: educational, favorites

Ron Paul has been on the mark about the political climate in America for a long time. He predicted the result of the federal reserve interference causing a false economic boom that led to the housing bubble.
His views on our military interference overseas should not be ignored. The blowback caused by our policies and the expense to our budget. If we stopped the wars we could use that money towards our social security.
The media doesn't admit the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac policies, the bailouts or...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Mark rated it 2 of 5 stars

I read this book because I really wanted to find a political party that I could relate to. The Libertarian party seemed to fit the bill. I was unfortunately incorrect. Ron Paul sounds logical, rational and to the point. His book, however, is not. It starts by presenting in very clear and concise terms Paul's stances political aspirations and his ideals all of which are important to most Libertarians. However, the book soon falls to political platitudes and vague references to political and perso...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Michael Field rated it 2 of 5 stars

It was once mentioned that anything said after the word, "but", doesn't count, that being said, I like Ron Paul, in an underdog sort of way and I find him amiable as well as charming... but, this book is a disaster. I suppose I was spoiled having my last book be "Conscience of a Liberal" by Paul Krugman. The lack of citations and footnotes is sad. The best way to make a good argument is by providing evidence, and in that sense this book fails. If "The Revolution" is intended to be an introducto...more It was once mentioned that anything said after the word, "but", doesn't count, that being said, I like Ron Paul, in an underdog sort of way and I find him amiable as well as charming... but, this book is a disaster. I suppose I was spoiled having my last book be "Conscience of a Liberal" by Paul Krugman. The lack of citations and footnotes is sad. The best way to make a good argument is by providing evidence, and in that sense this book fails. If "The Revolution" is intended to be an introductory booklet to his ideas that is one thing, however, the complete lack of evidence to back his case leads the reader into a farcical series of false equivalencies and an endless stream of empty platitudes (how many times can an author write the words: Freedom and Liberty before they become empty and undefined; read this book to find out).

At no point does Paul make any attempt to address the main arguments against any of his positions, nor does he make any attempt to challenge his own assumptions. In Paul's world he has the answers. All the answers. He couldn't possibly be wrong, like when he cites Ireland and Chile as being countries that epitomize economic freedom. Dare I mention Ireland's economy imploded soon after the printing of this book, or mention the CIA coo that upended a democratically elected president in Chile and replaced him with a murderous dictator that implemented laissez faire economic policies at the barrel of a gun... But all this was done for economic freedom... Is the hypocrisy evident?

In Dr. Paul's footnote-free blurb of a book we are to take it on faith that markets are self-correcting (except when the're not) and the invisible hand will magically and inevitably fix all aspects of racial discrimination and all other harmful blights on society while not being given a single bit of scientific research to back that position.

Gay Marriage was not mentioned in the book, because he opposes it. I suppose it was omitted largely because it might make him look like less of the principled revolutionary and freedom fighter for liberty he is making himself out to be.

It's not entirely Paul's fault, according to the washingtonpost, Ron Paul didn't even write most of the book but rather it was ghostwritten by libertarian scholar and supporter Tom Woods.

All in all, Paul must be forgiven for his attempts to deceive his reader since he has gone to great pains to deceive himself. If you're a supported of Ron Paul this is your cup of tea. If not, try reading science fiction or fantasy, it's more likely to be grounded in reality than anything co-written by Ron Paul.

BTW: He also doesn't believe in evolution... Just sayin'.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...(less)

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Jan 08, 2011 John Vibber rated it 4 of 5 stars

As a social liberal/fiscal conservative I wanted a clear challenge to my own thinking. I was immediately impressed by the quality of Paul's writing and the clarity of his explanations and arguments. On a number of issue I was amazed to find out how little I actually knew. A prime example of this was the Federal Reserve System. More than specific issues, Paul portrays a libertarian viewpoint that could easily be characterized as crazy if considered superficially. e.g. abolish the Fed, national su...more

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Dec 13, 2009 John rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mention the name Ron Paul and you’re met with scorn or praise. Unfortunately either reaction drips with sarcasm. He is seen as a radical, outside the pale of reasoned debate. It was not always so. His arguments would win near unanimous consent from the Founding generation. That he’s so mocked speaks volumes, not about him but about how far we have fallen.

Dr. Paul’s book touches not only on the brutality of big government but, perhaps more germane to our immediate situation, its absurdities.

Yes...more Mention the name Ron Paul and you’re met with scorn or praise. Unfortunately either reaction drips with sarcasm. He is seen as a radical, outside the pale of reasoned debate. It was not always so. His arguments would win near unanimous consent from the Founding generation. That he’s so mocked speaks volumes, not about him but about how far we have fallen.

Dr. Paul’s book touches not only on the brutality of big government but, perhaps more germane to our immediate situation, its absurdities.

Yes, those who acquire power abuse it. They instigate unnecessary wars and usurp increasing domestic control, all financed by enormous deficits. Just a cursory look at the last century shows how ambition and ideology, mixed with promises of equality or fairness, can devolve into genocidal rage. But when confronted with these realities, most scoff at the notion it can happen here. It’s as if we are immune from the wickedness intrinsic in human nature. We have been blinded by our self assurance.

Just because we’re not Stalinist Russia doesn’t mean our increasing subservience to bureaucrats has no consequences. The accompanying waste, fraud, and abuse are destroying market efficiency and our self reliance.

Paul’s book exposes this soft tyranny. He asks why our supposed republic needs over 700 military bases in 130 countries. Or why we insist on dispatching trillions of dollars in foreign aid for programs that, by every account, have failed miserably, prompting a leading African economist, Kenyan James Shikwati, to plead to the West, “For God’s sake, please just stop.”

And foreign aid is but a microcosm of what is occurring here. Government spending is reaching levels difficult to conceptualize. A quick anecdote: the NYC public school system has around 6,000 in their central office. The city’s Catholic schools, which educate one-fifth as many students, with far better results, employ 26.

Life would not only be freer but immeasurably better with less government. Study after empirical study shows that quality of life improves quickest when liberty and free markets take hold. But the leviathan continues to grow.

Paul is often asked, “But what would you cut, aren’t these programs essential?” He says he’d get rid of the income tax, which would reduce federal government revenue by 40 percent. After the derisive laughter ceases, he explains this would lower the budget to the level it was in . . . 1997. We can’t manage with the budget we had in 1997?

Paul’s book is an important start to anyone who is serious about understanding the perils we face.
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Dec 10, 2009 Jonny99 rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You say you want a revolution? Well, you know, we’d all love to see the plan.” - John Lennon
My newly Republican brother Doug gave me this book for my birthday and the fact that I am now just getting to it in October gives you a sense of how far behind I am on my reading. The book presents the revolution as suggested by Representative Ron Paul. Paul is a long-time Congressman and frequent also-ran Presidential candidate who raised some eyebrows with a short-lived flurry of Internet donations. We...more You say you want a revolution? Well, you know, we’d all love to see the plan.” - John Lennon
My newly Republican brother Doug gave me this book for my birthday and the fact that I am now just getting to it in October gives you a sense of how far behind I am on my reading. The book presents the revolution as suggested by Representative Ron Paul. Paul is a long-time Congressman and frequent also-ran Presidential candidate who raised some eyebrows with a short-lived flurry of Internet donations. We learn late in the book the reason for the interest among younger, Internet-savvy donators; Paul advocates the repeal of at least some of U.S. drug law (at least marijuana although he may have meant other banned substances as well). Obviously, we know now that his bid for the Republican nomination never gained widespread interest. Was this a massive squandered opportunity on a national scale where one man’s ground-breaking thinking was overlooked by an overly cautious media and populace?
Here are his ideas:

A Paul is an isolationist, er, I mean non-interventionist. I’m not sure why I keep confusing the two especially since Paul takes great pains to explain the difference and why it is not just hair-splitting. Ultimately he bemoans why people don’t seem to get the distinction. In a Paul U.S. we would avoid giving foreign aid (sorry Sudan), trade with any nation without regard to politics (I am gonna play Sun City) and scrupulously avoid trade organizations (just look at how badly the whole EU thing is going). Thomas Friedman would say globalization and being involved in affairs not within our borders is as much as a choice as whether to use technology but he must be wrong because he writes for the New York Times (Paul claims the NYT has never printed anything truthful – he doesn’t say whether that includes movie times or not).

Paul favors a return to a strict interpretation of the U.S. constitution, as written, straight, no chaser. Dr. Paul’s is strictly against the “living (odd for a doctor) constitution” idea - a viewpoint that argues that the constitution must be interpreted to deal with modern questions. He sites as evidence the recent abuses by the executive branch of the government including the increasing elasticity of the reasons to use eminent domain, the rescinding of habeas corpus and the use of presidential signing statements. I think these are more circumventions rather than reinterpretations of the constitution but I see his point.

Paul seems to favor an end to health insurance. Rather you could just negotiate to pay your doctor in cash and then have catastrophic insurance for the big stuff; essentially the opposite of universal health care. I was left wondering when does catastrophic kick in? After all you can bleed to death either by cutting your carotid artery in two or by losing drop by drop in you intestines. Also, I wasn’t sure how this would help those currently unable to afford health insurance – aren’t they in the same predicament under either system?

Paul favors a return to the gold standard or making U.S. currency again redeemable into gold on demand. The concept is essentially to backstop the currency with a tangible resource, an idea the world abandoned with the Nixon administration. The advantage is stability but the disadvantage is solid restrictions on economic growth. I just wonder about the practical concern of where we would get 11 trillion dollars worth of gold.

The writing is plain and passable. Paul alludes to great thinkers of the past but never delves too deeply into their ideas. None of what he says seems particularly revolutionary unless you believe the U.S. has strayed so far from its founding ideals that a return to them is revolutionary. In general, I felt Dr. Paul’s diagnoses were on the mark particularly on executive branch overreach, the Iraqi misadventure and the movement aware from founding ideals. I just felt his old-time remedies may not be sophisticated enough for a modern U.S. (less)

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Feb 21, 2010 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have always respected Ron Paul, but felt that I didn't agree with him on many issues. Now having read The Revolution, I realize that I didn't know what he believed, I only knew what people said he believed. I absolutely recommend this book to everyone--whether conservative or liberal or in the middle.

Reading the book has forced me to reconsider issues that I thought were closed in my opinion--in particular, the ineffectiveness of U.S. foreign policy and the debate about legalizing marijuana. A...more

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Mar 27, 2010 Benjamin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: politics

Yes I think I really have become one of those Ron Paul people. I like it. The thing about Ron Paul that is so great is he is actually an honest person. Very hard to find in politics today, it is evident that his opinions are his own formed from personal study and research, rather than crafted by a group of political consultants. Thats why even if you don't agree with him on everything, you can trust him because you know where he really stands. I found out about him while doing some research on t...more

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About Ron Paul

Republican United States Congressman from Lake Jackson, Texas, a physician, a bestselling author, and a former 2008 U.S. presidential candidate.
Originally from the Pittsburgh suburb of Green Tree, Pennsylvania, he studied at Duke University School of Medicine; after his 1961 graduation and a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, he became a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, serving outside the Viet...more Republican United States Congressman from Lake Jackson, Texas, a physician, a bestselling author, and a former 2008 U.S. presidential candidate.
Originally from the Pittsburgh suburb of Green Tree, Pennsylvania, he studied at Duke University School of Medicine; after his 1961 graduation and a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, he became a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, serving outside the Vietnam War zone. He later represented Texas districts in the U.S. House of Representatives (1976–1977, 1979–1985, and 1997–present). He entered the 1988 presidential election, running as the Libertarian nominee while remaining a registered Republican, and placed a distant third.

Paul has been described as conservative, Constitutionalist, and libertarian. He advocates a foreign policy of nonintervention, having voted against actions such as the Iraq War Resolution, but in favor of force against terrorists in Afghanistan. He favors withdrawal from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Nations, citing the dangers of foreign entanglements to national sovereignty. Having pledged never to raise taxes, he has long advocated ending the federal income tax, scaling back government spending, abolishing most federal agencies, and removing military bases and troops from foreign soil; he favors hard money and opposes the Federal Reserve. He also opposes the Patriot Act, the federal War on Drugs, No Child Left Behind, and gun control. Paul is strongly pro-life, and has introduced bills to negate Roe v. Wade, but affirms states' rights to regulate or ban abortion, rather than federal jurisdiction.

While Paul was a leading 2008 presidential candidate in some Republican straw polls, he saw substantially less support in landline opinion polls and in the actual primaries. Strong internet grassroots support was indicated by his popularity as a web search term, his lead in YouTube subscriptions, and, on December 16th 2007, the largest one-day fundraiser in U.S. political history, netting over $6 million in 24 hours through an independently organized effort. His book commenting on the presidential run, The Revolution: A Manifesto, became a bestseller immediately upon release and went on to be #1 on the New York Times nonfiction best sellers list.

Judge Andrew Napolitano calls him "the Thomas Jefferson of our day."

Ron Paul, the New York Post once wrote, is a politician who "cannot be bought by special interests."

"There are few people in public life who, through thick and thin, rain or shine, stick to their principles," added a congressional colleague. "Ron Paul is one of those few." (less)

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Books by Ron Paul

Liberty Defined: 50 Essential Issues That Affect Our Freedom

A Foreign Policy of Freedom: Peace, Commerce, and Honest Friendship

The Case for Gold: A Minority Report of the United States Gold Commission

Freedom Under Siege: The U.S. Constitution After 200 Years

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“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” — 110 people liked it

“Let the revolution begin.” — 34 people liked it

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