Interesting:
Statement of the Hon. Ron Paul of Texas in the House of Representatives
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1650. At the same time, I rise in total support of, and with complete respect for, the work of Mother Teresa, the Missionaries of Charity organization, and each of Mother Teresa’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian efforts. I oppose the Gold Medal for Mother Teresa Act because appropriating $30,000 of taxpayer money is neither constitutional nor, in the spirit of Mother Teresa who dedicated here entire life to voluntary, charitable work, particularly humanitarian.
Because of my continuing and uncompromising opposition to appropriations not authorized within the enumerated powers of the Constitution, several of my colleagues found it amusing to question me personally as to whether, on this issue, I would maintain my resolve and commitment of the Constitution–a Constitution, which only months ago, each Member of Congress, swore to uphold. In each of these instances, I offered to do a little more than uphold my constitutional oath.
In fact, as a means of demonstrating my personal regard and enthusiasm for the work of Mother Teresa, I invited each of these colleagues to match my private, personal contribution of $100 which, if accepted by the 435 Members of the House of Representatives, would more than satisfy the $30,000 cost necessary to mint and award a gold medal to the well-deserving Mother Teresa. To me, it seemed a particularly good opportunity to demonstrate one’s genuine convictions by spending one’s own money rather than that of the taxpayers who remain free to contribute, at their own discretion, to the work of Mother Teresa and have consistently done so.
For the record, not a single Representative who solicited my support for spending taxpayer’s money, was willing to contribute their own money to demonstrate the courage of their so-called convictions and generosity.
It is, of course, very easy to be generous with other people’s money.
Where in the Constitution does it say that the government could do that. If anything, that shows that Paul was being consistent in sticking with the Constitution.
ReplyDeleteHow very telling that no one would open their own wallets to contribute a tiny sum (for them) but $30k from the taxpayers? No problem! Paul is quite right.
ReplyDeleteWhen Jefferson was running for office (I forget which one, but I think it was before President), he went on a walking tour (i.e., campaign) of the area. A nearby town had been devastated by fire, and he asked the locals if they would agree to having the Congress set aside money to help the town.
ReplyDeleteTo a man, they said, sorry, but the Constitution doesn't allow for that.
On another tack, $30k for a gold medal? I see that was at the end of 2010. At that time, gold was about $1400/oz. $30k would have bought about 21.4 oz (troy). Converting to real ounces, 23.5, or just under 1.5 pounds.
It would have made a heck of a lot more sense to take the $30k and give it to her operations.
But the Media will make sure that all we see is "Paul Voted Against Mother Teresa".
I'm no fan of Ron Paul, but M. Teresa was not a nice person, she believed in divine suffering, and the folks she "helped" learned this intimately.
ReplyDeleteTPTB-from Nashua -Reagan- moment-
ReplyDeleteplease refresh me as to what the initials represent--
I hope your CHRISTmas was peace-filled--
Will be sending folks over here today---
Carol-CS
TPTB are "The Powers That Be" first mentioned by the Apostle Paul in Romans 13:1:
ReplyDelete"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."
Totalitarian godless types like to cut off the second part of that verse to get the masses to do the Devil's bidding. John the Baptist was not fooled and called Herod out as an adulterer. The early church did not bow to the pagan gods, Daniel did not submit to authority in contradiction to the Lord.
So it is in our times evil is called good and good evil. "Be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves" Matt. 10:16
some churches still use the first of the verse-
ReplyDeletemy answer to the 'good' Christian leaders-
"Glad that our Founders did not follow the first part or we would still be under tyrannous 'royalty''-"
Sadly-because we have been 'asleep' we are now under tyranny- run by 'elected officials' -who honestly believe they are like royalty-look at nancy P...bh0-et al--
Carol-CS
Yes, we do have a real aristocracy on our hands. They surely do feel entitled and our Christian leaders have almost been entirely co-opted. Our Founders looked for every other way to avoid war. That is what one of them (atheist Thomas Paine) said, that if God existed, He would surely give them the victory for trying so hard to avoid an evil like war.
ReplyDelete