BLS 313 Posted November 27, 2007 October 23, 2007 Ron Paul's Pastor Brother Keeps Eye on Race by Ted Roelofs Religion News Service GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- David Paul is the assistant pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church here and never was much for politics. This year, however, he feels as if he has a ringside seat. That would be thanks to his younger brother Ron, whose maverick campaign for president is upstaging many of his more staid GOP rivals. It does not surprise the pastor that Ron Paul, a 10-term Texas congressman, holds his own debating the likes of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Arizona Sen. John McCain. "I always told people that we had some pretty interesting discussions in our house," said David Paul, 73, recalling the five boys raised by Howard and Margaret Paul in Pittsburgh. "Nobody was telling us what to think or how to think. We went our own way and did different things." David Paul last saw his brother at a family reunion in August, but he continues to track his progress in every GOP debate. "We are very proud of what he has done and what he has accomplished," he said. Ron Paul, 71, has defied conventional wisdom with a populist, anti-war, libertarian message that is finding a grass-roots audience. While once-presumptive front-runner McCain is virtually broke, Paul has more than $5 million in the bank. Propelled by a lively Internet buzz, much of his money comes from thousands of small individual contributions from around the country. Paul has drawn attention largely for his feisty debate performances, where he has staked out a vocal stand against the Iraq war, domestic surveillance and the intrusions of big government. That often puts him at odds with a GOP field that can sound programmed by comparison. But Paul admitted that even he has been surprised by the velocity his campaign has gained. "We have gone so much farther and faster than I thought would have happened," he said in a phone interview. David Paul recalled that each of the boys learned early on they would have to earn their way in the world. As their father built a dairy business from scratch, they lived in a four-room house with one bedroom shared by five boys. "There were some pretty crowded conditions," he said. Their father's education ended at eighth grade. But all five boys are well-educated. Wayne, the youngest, has a master's degree in accounting. Jerrold has a doctorate in counseling. Ron, the middle brother and politician, is a former obstetrician. David, the pastor, has a bachelor of divinity degree. William, the oldest, has a doctorate in math. On a bulletin board at Trinity Lutheran, there is a newspaper clipping of a photo of the GOP candidates at a recent debate in Dearborn, Mich. An arrow points to Ron Paul with a note that reads: "Pastor David's brother." David Paul is proud, but he is enough of a realist to understand that his brother's candidacy is a long shot. Some of his stands -- he favors repeal of most federal drug laws -- put him on the political fringe. He barely registers in national polls. But on the whole, David Paul thinks his brother is on the right side where it counts. "On Iraq, I am in total agreement with him. We shouldn't have been there. We should get out of there. "If it's not in the Constitution, we shouldn't be doing it." Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonathan Wilson 0 Posted November 28, 2007 Their father's education ended at eighth grade. But all five boys are well-educated. Wayne, the youngest, has a master's degree in accounting. Jerrold has a doctorate in counseling. Ron, the middle brother and politician, is a former obstetrician. David, the pastor, has a bachelor of divinity degree. William, the oldest, has a doctorate in math. Worst article bolding ever. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryskids 5,206 Posted November 28, 2007 Worst article bolding ever. Agreed. What is the relevance? The Paul kids are edumacated? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BLS 313 Posted November 28, 2007 Considering they all grew up in one room on a dairy farm, I'd say that it has alot to do with it. Ron Paul paid for his college by delivering newspapers, running a lemonade stand and by mowing lawns. My point is only to emphasize that he's not from money, and was not born with a silver spoon. His siblings are also all very motivated, well educated folk who also had to work to get what they wanted from life. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryskids 5,206 Posted November 28, 2007 Considering they all grew up in one room on a dairy farm, I'd say that it has alot to do with it. Ron Paul paid for his college by delivering newspapers, running a lemonade stand and by mowing lawns. My point is only to emphasize that he's not from money, and was not born with a silver spoon. His siblings are also all very motivated, well educated folk who also had to work to get what they wanted from life. Your points are well taken, I appreciate people who make something out of nothing, as it is the American dream. Except for those libs who expect us to just pay people for being American citizens. That being said... having delivered papers, mowed lawns, and shoveled snow as a youf, I can tell you that that basically pays for new wiffle balls and bats, maybe an Easton aluminum bat, but that didn't put you thru college. Perhaps he had the Starbucks of lemonade stands? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VikesFan 1 Posted November 28, 2007 The price of college has risen much faster than the price of lemonade... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IndyTom 0 Posted November 28, 2007 In other news... The Paul campaign has also drawn support from antigovernment fringe groups and 9/11 conspiracy theorists. Since mid-September, a large "Ron Paul for President" banner has flashed at the bottom of white-supremacist Internet forum Stormfront.org. "Really, we haven't seen a candidate like Ron Paul in some time. The closest would have been Pat Buchanan" in 2000, says Don Black of West Palm Beach, Fla., the group's founder and a former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard, who donated $500 to Mr. Paul's campaign. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1195872088...=googlenews_wsj Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Angry White Male 0 Posted November 28, 2007 I respect taht Ron Paul and family did so well for themselves to come from so little and achieve so much, as others have said, it's the American dream. I, myself, also have done well despite meager beginnings (Dad was in retail, Mom stayed at home), to achieve (went to a Ivy caliber school, the ex wife is VERY smart and has two degrees). BUT.... that's really not gonna help him come election time. He's basically a lib in Republican clothing (RINO). Wants to surrender to the terrorists. Is supported by 9/11 conspiracy wackos. The best thing his brother the pastor can do for RuPaul is say a few prayers and hope he comes to his senses soon. Or else Rudy will just keep embarrasing him at debates. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BLS 313 Posted November 28, 2007 Indy and Angry need to get together and shoot some guns, drink PBR and watch sum wrasslin. You guys crack me up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
