Ron Paul Crosses the Christmas Candidate

There is no debating that the most manipulative campaign advertisement of a holiday season that in Iowa and New Hampshire offers no respite from the pleadings of politicians is that of the supremely cynical Mike Huckabee.

Appearing beneath a glowing cross and proclaiming "what really matters is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ," the former governor of Arkansas stakes his claim as the Christmas candidate.

But Ron Paul is having none of it.

As he has throughout the campaign, the congressman from Texas is refusing to let Huckabee turn the Calvary cross into a campaign symbol.

"It reminds me of what Sinclair Lewis once said. He says, 'when fascism comes to this country, it will be wrapped in the flag, carrying a cross.' Now I don't know whether that's a fair assessment or not, but you wonder about using a cross, like he (Huckabee) is the only Christian or implying that subtly," Paul explained in a pre-Christmas interview. "So, I don't think I would ever use anything like that."

Whether Huckabee is a standard-issue fascist or some sort of new-order theocratic fascist remains to be determined. But Paul, with his libertarian's eye for the autocratic tendencies of his Republican foes, has well reminded us that the candidate who claims Christmas bears false witness with regard to the holiday and himself.

Comments (38)

1. Well Ron Paul's principal backers, the John Birch Society, does indeed wrap their anti-New-World-Order rhetoric in the cross and the American flag.

   The fact that Huckabee is being "more overt" in his appeal to theocratic Christians just means he is a little more ambitious than Ron Paul, and the Republican poll numbers demonstrate this.

   Courting Christian voters who think "Christ is the only way" and therefore "all" of us need to convert to Jesus or we will all burn in hell is a dangerous game the Republicans are playing. These fascist Christians may want to re-live the Crusades, but America and the world cannot afford any more Crusaders, and our entanglements in Iraq and Afghanistan clearly demonstrate this.

   Intolerance simply breeds more intolerance, and refusing to acknowledge and accept the right of those to pursue other religious traditions, or no religion at all, only leads to those with different views not accepting you.

   Posted by Metteyya at 12/25/2007 @ 04:52am

2. His principle backers are just regular people who love Liberty, not boogeymen John Birchers(!). You can go see all of them, more than 100,000 donors. Dr. Paul had not seen the Huckabee ad when they asked him to comment. Have you seen these news people with their bizarre, agressive, twisting questions? Can you imagine responding to them again and again, on camera, most of them hostile, trying to trip you up? Dr. Paul doesn't work from prepared speeches, and staff approved talking points. He delivers everything off the cuff. His campaign is a remarkable achievement. I never understand the hostility. He's so adorable and lovable. And his positions are directly traceable to a well regarded philosophical foundation: Austrian economics and the Founders--threatening to some, kooky to others. He's trying to protect your Liberty.

   Posted by stillwell at 12/25/2007 @ 07:13am

3. Lewis ref, Dr Paul?....wonder what Huckabee thought of "Elmer Gantry"?

   Posted by Mask at 12/25/2007 @ 08:53am

4. Posted by STILLWELL 12/25/2007 @ 07:13am

   hey mask,

   here they come!

   Posted by frosty zoom at 12/25/2007 @ 09:03am

5. the good, the bad, and the huckleberry. [youtube.com]

   how hypocritical can someone who calls himself a preacher be?

   Posted by frosty zoom at 12/25/2007 @ 09:16am

6. preacher = hypocrite?

   Posted by stillwell at 12/25/2007 @ 09:23am

7. hey look. watch the ad. it's not a cross, "they are only shelves!" [youtube.com]

   wow. i bet the "lights" on the christmas tree behind him are actually mind control orbs.

   maybe i should stop watching the ad. naw, one more time won't hurt....................

   "the earth is 6,000 years old. the sun revolves around arkansas. jesus endorses mike...................................."

   Posted by frosty zoom at 12/25/2007 @ 09:25am

8. preacher = hypocrite?

   Posted by STILLWELL 12/25/2007 @ 09:23am

   not necessarily. i recently attended a christmas service where the pastor made not so subtle references on the impossibility of achieving peace through war and torture.

   however, using religion to sell your"self" is crass.

   Posted by frosty zoom at 12/25/2007 @ 09:29am

9. yes, crass...is polite

   Posted by stillwell at 12/25/2007 @ 09:33am

10. eebakcuh ekim laer ehT [youtube.com]

    Posted by frosty zoom at 12/25/2007 @ 09:40am

11. Hi METTEYYA, I think the story of this election so far is how powerful the John Birch Society has become. And how much money they have. I mean, they've raised almost $19 million for Ron Paul this quarter from almost 130,000 people. I donated to Dr. Paul and don't remember joining the JBS. Maybe they're controlling my mind...

    Posted by tompaine2 at 12/25/2007 @ 10:15am

12. Metteyya is being silly. Here is Dr Paul's very insightful description of fascism, from the Meet the Press interview last Sunday:

    I think this country, a movement in the last 100 years, is moving toward fascism. Fascism today, the softer term, because people have different definition of fascism, is corporatism when the military industrial complex runs the show, when the--in the name of security pay--pass the Patriot Act. You don't vote for it, you know, you're not patriotic America. If you don't support the troops and you don't support--if you don't support the war you don't support the troops. It's that kind of antagonism. But we have more corporatism and more abuse of our civil liberties, more loss of our privacy, national ID cards, all this stuff coming has a fascist tone to it. And the country's moving in that direction.

    Posted by edw987 at 12/25/2007 @ 10:40am

13. Metteyya. Maybe you should do a little research before you comment. The John Birch Society has never endorsed a political candidate. They try to educate people about the candidates. And let them decide.

    Posted by Kingfisher! at 12/25/2007 @ 10:43am

14. A cursory perusal of Ron Paul's philosophy leads straight to the Randian/'Objectivism' of Ronald Reagan. Unfettered liberty to exploit, exclude and enslave the lesser Other. No EPA, no FDA, no FCC no Dept of Education, no Civil Rights protection, etc. Sure, it's nice to imagine and no CIA and no FBI. But these are replaced by Blackwater and private policing for Chase, Walmart, Disney, Haliburton, the Mormon Church, the 700 Club, etc. Of course, the rabble will have the same liberty to form their private police too; KKK, anyone? It Can't Happen Here, indeed!

    Posted by blueCedars at 12/25/2007 @ 10:59am

15. Posted by KINGFISHER! 12/25/2007 @ 10:43am

    Just go to the John Birch Society website - www.jbs.org - and it will be clear to you who they are "endorsing". They think of Ron Paul as one of their own, who is going to stop the "browning of America" and save them from the New World Order of world government and world religion.

    And back to the "burning cross", what do you think black America thinks about the "burning cross"? A pretty bad nightmare, right?

    Trying to overtly appeal to the "white power" crowd is not what America needs right now. One only needs to visit an American prison to learn that America has enough "white power" and now needs a lot more compassion and common sense.

    Posted by Metteyya at 12/25/2007 @ 11:18am

16. Posted by BLUECEDARS 12/25/2007 @ 10:59am

    libertarianism would be a great idea if everybody were nice.

    but some people are just plain greedy.

    and who's gonna take care of the air?

    will a polar bear be able to sue exxon?

    Posted by frosty zoom at 12/25/2007 @ 12:49pm

17. If you Really do believe in the invisible man in the sky...You sure as HELL better hope Ron Paul becomes our next President,for HE is the ONLY Candidate who will put a stop to the precursor to the Mark of the beast that is written about in your good book! Ron Paul will NOT allow the MANDITORY National ID card ,wich without him On May 11 -2008 - YOU will be forced to make a decision to accept or deny.If you should choose to deny this MANDITORY card you will Not be able to renew your Liscense to drive an automible (EVER AGAIN) YOU will not be allowed to board a train,or an Aeroplane,you will not be able to enter ANY federal building,YOU will not be allowed to collect ANYTHING in the way of Government assistance INCLUDING Receiving Social Security payments. YOU will not be allowed to Buy or sell ANYTHING...SOUND FAMILIAR ? ? ? DO NOT ACCEPT THE MARK OF THE BEAST. LONG LIVE RON PAUL!

    Posted by Denndogg at 12/25/2007 @ 7:10pm

18. Seriously...I hope Ron is using that "money bomb" money to PAY these "newbies".

    More blimps, Dr. Paul, more blimps!

    heheh

    Posted by Mask at 12/25/2007 @ 7:19pm

19. Posted by DENNDOGG 12/25/2007 @ 7:10pm

    isn't a license to drive an identification card?

    i guess that's just the mark of the beast puppy.

    Posted by frosty zoom at 12/25/2007 @ 7:29pm

20. Judging by the comments on this article their are those who are aware and those who are happily ignorant.

    There Is Grave Danger To The American Way Of Life And This Election Cycle Is Critical.

    COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY !!!

    Do Not Be Easily Lead By Party Ideology.

    What is necessary is the evaluation of Honesty and Integrity in a candidate. If neither of these exist in your choice then you are being Duped; What they say is not what they will do.

    Another Evaluation Necessary is; When posed a question, is the answer Substantive or Symbolic. If there is no substance what are you evaluating.

    Emotions are for guidance and do not make good decisions alone.

    Do not pigeon hole people by labels; Racists do the same. Content of Character and Principle in Action should be the only measure of a human and a Presidential Candidate.

    GIVE UP THE MY TEAM VERSUS YOUR TEAM MENTALITY !!! If the American citizen does not abandon this view we are doomed to repeat history.

    As Things Are Now; So They Shall Not Remain.

    There are very bad things to come. If you choose to do a bit of research you will find a precarious situation in the Economy and with your Civil Liberties.

    The storm is closer than you would think.

    I Vote For Virtue; I Vote For Ron Paul !!!

    Posted by Thoughts at 12/25/2007 @ 9:06pm

21. You know, I've often said at this point, the ONLY Republican nominee that could get my vote is Ron Paul.

    But after experiencing some of his supporters on this thread...

    not so sure about even THAT far-fetched fantasy scenario.

    Posted by Mask at 12/25/2007 @ 10:00pm

22. Posted by MASK 12/25/2007 @ 10:00pm

    anarchy only works if everyone is nice

    and sane.

    Posted by frosty zoom at 12/25/2007 @ 10:14pm

23. Ron Paul doesn't want to wrap himself in both the flag and a cross? That's the pot calling the kettle black.

    Ron Paul is against abortion. Ron Paul...says capitalism ended child labor. Ron Paul says "You will have poor people. You will have people that won't have medical care." Ron Paul says "We've never had under a capitalistic society ever have…ah, have seen people starving."

    He says this stuff and you think he's CUTE? Why don't you look up some of his politics on subjects that don't involve wrapping himself up in the flag and babbling like a hyperactive pre-schooler about catch phrase politics. Freedom. Democracy. Choice. All sounds great until you read between the lines, choice in education being no student loans but full tax forgiveness...fat lot of good for a 40,000 a year education if you're only making 7,000 while working/studying. Yeah he's so cute and compassionate. I especially love how he admits his education reforms aren't fair but that's just the way the world is...so vote for Ron Paul. And don't be poor. Ever.

    Posted by exitandpanic at 12/26/2007 @ 09:43am

24. Just racking my brain trying to remember when I read your posts slamming the Rev. Al Sharpton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, or the Rev. Martin Luther King as fascists for highlighting their Christian faith in politics.

    King was very inclusive in the Civil Rights Movement, as even Jews, who are obviously non-Christian, played prominent roles in the struggle. King also traveled to India and met with the widow of Gandhi, and got much of his inspiration from Gandhi's civil disobedience, even though Gandhi was a Hindu, and obviously not a Christian as well.

    Jesse's Rainbow Coalition was also an attempt to forge a broad coalition that went well beyond Christian people.

    The fact that both of these men were inspired by the same Jesus as Huckabee, yet sought to broaden their movements to include non-Christians should be instructive to you, RIO.

    Huckabee, who is from Arkansas, is clearly aware of the history and symbolism of the "burning cross", as KKK clansman would burn crosses on the yards of black folks to terrorize them with the clear message that "Jesus won't save you from your black skin".

    The fact that Huckabee used such a racially charged symbol in a campaign ad says a lot about who he is and the "white power" voter he seeks to attract.

    Posted by Metteyya at 12/26/2007 @ 10:27am

25. So, let me get this straight: there's a shelving unit in the background of Christmas-time politcal spot that resembles a cross because of the lighting and the candidate has the unmitigated gall to mention "Christ" during this same spot. This is what has all you lefty's in a lather?

    Wow! I hope he doesn't mention the United States during a July 4th spot or, God forbid, pumkins during a Halloween commercial.

    Idiots!

    Posted by vertigoskippy at 12/26/2007 @ 11:26am

26. RIO,

    My bad, it is a glowing WHITE Cross, not a burning one.

    I don;t know if you are aware of the "white cross" history of the KKK. This was the symbol they used on their garments as you can see from the link below.

    http://kelticklankirk.com/homemade_kkk_patches_and_flags.htm

    So whether it is a burning cross or a glowing white cross, the point is the same, Huckabee, who is from the South, should know better than to use a racially charged symbol in a campaign ad.

    Posted by Metteyya at 12/26/2007 @ 11:47am

27. Dr. Paul was asked by Fox News whether he had seen Huckabee's ad and what he thought of the fact that it had a cross in it. Dr. Paul responded by saying that he had not seen the ad, but that including a cross reminded him of the Sinclair Lewis quote. So if you have a problem with the interpretation of the bookshelves as a cross, please take that up with Fox News.

    Posted by Rock Howard at 12/26/2007 @ 12:32pm

28. Posted by LVLIBERTY1 12/26/2007 @ 2:03pm

    We don't need to wait for permission from Sharpton or Jackson to point out that Huckabee was out of line and insensitive (or maybe not) to the racial symbolism of his campaign ad.

    You saw the KKK uniforms in the link in my previous post with the white cross on their heart and on their hoods, and if you also understood the use of such symbol by white supremacist groups TODAY, I think you would get my point.

    These groups believe Jesus is for white people, as blacks cannot be saved because of the "curse of Ham" and because they "have no spirit". If you don't believe me, check out some Christian Identity websites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Identity

    And, RIO, if you think Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton represent the entire range of racial commentary in America, you really are living in the past!

    Posted by Metteyya at 12/26/2007 @ 2:26pm

29. METTEYYA sounds like a Mark Penn clone.....not saying that Obama went to an xyz school while saying exactly that.....

    Everyone here knows that you're `close' to MARKC, just with more time to post.....

    A white cross is white supremist' symbol? Guess most black churches only hang black or rainbow-colored crosses! Jesus Christ!

    Posted by Happy at 12/26/2007 @ 2:55pm

30. Posted by HAPPY 12/26/2007 @ 2:55pm

    Happy, we are not talking about a white cross on a white church building, we are talking about intentionally using it as a symbol in a campaign ad to influence voters.

    The sad fact is that there are many Christians in America that believe Jesus is for white people, and the white cross represents this view for "them".

    Posted by Metteyya at 12/26/2007 @ 3:04pm

31. Posted by METTEYYA 12/26/2007 @ 3:04pm

    You poor `sensitive' soul! LVL is right-on...if those notorious & black Rev. aren't harping, and accept Huck's ad with or without an intentional WHITE cross as background, why should anyone? I'm now a McCain supporter and frankly, as who he is, Huckabee can display every ad with Christianity as background and most folks will know that he is appealing to Christians....last I know, most southern blacks are Baptists.

    On this narrow issue, just admit you are off base! Move on!

    Posted by Happy at 12/26/2007 @ 3:15pm

32. Martin Luther King -- 3 April, 1968, at Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ, Inc. - World Headquarters)

    '... I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain! And I've looked over, and I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And so I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. My eyes have seen the Glory of the coming of the Lord!...'

    'Don't criticize what you can't understand.' - Robert Allen Zimmerman (Bob Dylan) 'Paredon!' - Ernesto 'El Carnifero' Guevara............................ ..................................... .. 'Lan Astaslem' - T-shirt, protestor at WTC rally

    Posted by HonestLiberal at 12/26/2007 @ 3:50pm

33. Sorry, HAPPY, I just saw "The Great Debaters" movie yesterday and the scene with the black man getting burned on the cross by the white supremacists is still pretty fresh in my mind.

    Posted by Metteyya at 12/26/2007 @ 3:51pm

34. Its too bad that Ron Paul, an otherwise reasonable man, sees fit to jump into the contest of who is the most Christian. All religion is superstition, delusional and harmful to those who believe in it and the society in which they live. Paul knows this but cant admit to it for fear of losing the election.

    Posted by medliberty at 12/26/2007 @ 8:55pm

35. Posted by METTEYYA 12/26/2007 @ 2:26pm

    METT...YOU believe that "the Jews who run The Media got Arsenio fired".

    "Curse of Ham" or "the guys who don't eat ham"...pick your prejudice.

    Posted by Mask at 12/26/2007 @ 10:20pm

36. Posted by RIO BRAVO 12/26/2007 @ 10:20pm

    How do you feel about ....lawn jockeys, RIO?

    heheh

    Posted by Mask at 12/26/2007 @ 10:46pm

37. "Curse of Ham" or "the guys who don't eat ham"...pick your prejudice.

    I don't condone prejudice and bigotry of any sort. I also will not give those with power a pass simply because they are associated with a people who have been oppressed.

    If the only thing an oppressed people can offer after rising to power is more oppression, then what is the point of the struggle?

    Posted by Metteyya at 12/27/2007 @ 03:41am

38. The Ron Paul Revolution is a happening thing....

    www.aLoveLetterToAmerica.com

    Posted by dmc4rp at 12/27/2007 @ 09:52am