Paul to keep donation from white supremacist

Seen on the CNN Political Ticker blog. The AP reports that Ron Paul's campaign received a donation from the owner of a white supremacist web site, "and the Texas congressman doesn't plan to return it."

"Dr. Paul stands for freedom, peace, prosperity and inalienable rights. If someone with small ideologies happens to contribute money to Ron, thinking he can influence Ron in any way, he's wasted his money," Paul spokesman Jesse Benton said. "Ron is going to take the money and try to spread the message of freedom."

"And that's $500 less that this guy has to do whatever it is that he does," Benton added.

Assuming Ron Paul is in fact not a racist, this is awesome.

It's awesome because Ron Paul knows what he stands for and doesn't think the ideas of one small-time campaign donor should define what his candidacy is about. He's right, of course.

It's awesome because Ron Paul is not afraid to say it's ridiculous to think a politician is obliged to take on the causes of the people who fund his campaign, rather than act in the interests of the people who vote for him.

It's awesome because Ron Paul knows that his base consists of people who claim not to care what you do with your money, even if it used to be their money.

Why can't more politicians behave like this? How awesome would it be if, during a debate, when one candidate drew attention to the fact that another's candidacy was endorsed by the automobile industry, the answer was, "Yes, that's a matter of public record, but I represent the American people, not the American auto industry, and I believe we should fight global warming and be less dependent on foreign oil. That's why, in my first year as President, I'm going to push for higher mandatory fuel economy standards and give tax credits to people who ride bicycles to work!"

They can't do it, because they're all elitist power-broker Republicans and softie humanitarian Democrats. Only a no-holds-barred Libertarian would expect the public to believe he construes his obligations to his campaign supporters so narrowly.

"You gave money to Ron Paul for President, you got Ron Paul running for President. You expected something else?"

It's just so Ron Paul, which is awesome.


Note: I do not support Ron Paul. In fact, I do not expect to vote for him under any circumstances.