During a Republican presidential candidate debate, Newt Gingrich accused Ron Paul of being an “isolationist.” The problem is, Gingrich has it completely backward. Ron Paul has advocated that America should trade with other nations, not occupy them militarily. He warns about the cost of that military spending. That is not isolationism. It is a policy of engagement and fiscal sanity.
In Gingrich’s vision, other countries of the world view America across a military line with weapons pointed at their homes and families. Meanwhile, we ramp up military spending. Gingrich is the quintessential isolationist, not Paul. Additionally, Paul has received a significant amount of support and contributions from active military personnel. Maybe it’s time for Gingrich to start listening to the troops. He might learn a few things Paul already seems to know.
B. Louis Bacigalupi
Vancouver
