Government Bullies, by Senator Rand Paul (R, KY): on Government Reform

Rand Paul: Fund new programs by deleting existing ones

I have come to refer to them as the Beseechers. Their hands are always out. They are here to tell me why their cause/products/disease/group is by far the most--in fact possibly the ONLY--one deserving of large amounts of federal dollars, tax breaks, subsidies, or special rules and privileges.

My office demands that anyone wanting money--for any cause no matter how necessary or noble--must first explain where the money will come from. What existing program will they delete to pay for their desired program?

• If you've come for more federal money, well, guess what--we're broke.
• If you've come for a special-interest tax break, you'll get yours when everyone else does--no special favors.
• If you've come to have a rule written to stifle your competition--you'll more likely find my office hard at work repealing rules, not creating them.

Ron Paul: What we say, do, and think has become government's business

What we can say, do, or think has somehow now become the government's business. It's as if the Constitution and the Bill of Rights never even existed.

Ron Paul: More needless and harmful regulations today than ever

Tea Party members are outraged by what our government has done to private property rights and how citizens are manhandled in our airports. Millions of young Americans flocked to my campaign rallies in the last 4 years to hear the message of liberty and how important it remains as they face an uncertain future. Countless independent voters and even some liberal Democrats are increasingly fearful of a government that continues to damage individual rights and civil liberties.

It is the rising generation that gives me hope that we can turn the tide. There are more needless and harmful government regulations today than at perhaps any other time in our history. There are also more Americans willing to sit idly by and take this abuse than ever before.