# Ron Paul

> American politician (born 1935)

**Wikidata**: [Q15257](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15257)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Paul)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ron-paul

## Summary
Ron Paul is an American politician, physician, and author born in 1935, best known for his libertarian views and multiple presidential campaigns. He served as a U.S. Representative from Texas and is a prominent advocate for limited government, free markets, and non-interventionist foreign policy.

## Biography
- **Born**: August 20, 1935
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: Gettysburg College, Duke University (medical degree)
- **Known for**: Libertarian political activism, presidential campaigns, and advocacy for constitutional governance
- **Employer(s)**: U.S. House of Representatives (Texas), Campaign for Liberty
- **Field(s)**: Politics, medicine (obstetrics/gynecology), journalism, podcasting

## Contributions
Ron Paul has made significant contributions across multiple fields:
- **Political Career**: Served as a U.S. Representative from Texas (1976–1977, 1979–1985, 1997–2013), advocating for fiscal responsibility and individual liberties.
- **Presidential Campaigns**: Ran for U.S. President in 1988 (Libertarian Party), 2008, and 2012 (Republican Party), popularizing libertarian ideas.
- **Legislative Work**: Authored bills promoting sound money, audit of the Federal Reserve, and repeal of the Patriot Act.
- **Books**: Wrote influential works like *The Revolution: A Manifesto* (2008) and *End the Fed* (2009), critiquing central banking.
- **Media Presence**: Hosted *The Ron Paul Liberty Report* (podcast/YouTube), reaching millions with libertarian perspectives.
- **Campaign for Liberty**: Founded in 2008 to promote grassroots activism for constitutional principles.

## FAQs
**Q: What political offices has Ron Paul held?**
A: Ron Paul served as a U.S. Representative from Texas across three separate terms (1976–1977, 1979–1985, 1997–2013) and ran for president three times.

**Q: What are Ron Paul’s core political beliefs?**
A: He advocates for strict constitutionalism, free markets, non-interventionist foreign policy, and ending the Federal Reserve’s control over money.

**Q: What organizations is Ron Paul affiliated with?**
A: He founded Campaign for Liberty (2008) and is associated with the Mises Institute, a libertarian think tank.

**Q: What books has Ron Paul written?**
A: Notable titles include *The Revolution: A Manifesto* (2008), *End the Fed* (2009), and *Liberty Defined* (2011).

**Q: How has Ron Paul influenced modern politics?**
A: His campaigns inspired the libertarian wing of the Republican Party and movements like the Tea Party, emphasizing fiscal conservatism and civil liberties.

## Why They Matter
Ron Paul’s influence extends beyond politics into economic and social thought. His advocacy for auditing the Federal Reserve led to bipartisan support for transparency in monetary policy. His presidential campaigns, though unsuccessful, galvanized a generation of libertarian activists and reshaped debates on government overreach, privacy, and war. His critiques of central banking and foreign intervention remain foundational in libertarian and conservative circles.

## Notable For
- **Political Firsts**: First Republican presidential candidate to win Iowa Straw Poll (2011) as a libertarian-leaning figure.
- **Legislative Impact**: Introduced bills to abolish the Federal Reserve and restore sound money.
- **Media Influence**: Pioneered digital political outreach via podcasts and YouTube before mainstream adoption.
- **Educational Background**: Trained as an obstetrician/gynecologist at Duke University.
- **Grassroots Movement**: Founder of Campaign for Liberty, mobilizing activists nationwide.
- **Cultural Icon**: Known for his signature phrase, “End the Fed,” and consistent anti-war stance.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Ron Paul was born on August 20, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned a biology degree from Gettysburg College (1957) and an M.D. from Duke University (1961), specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. He served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force before entering private practice.

### Political Career
Paul’s political career began in 1976 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas’s 22nd district. He served intermittently until 2013, championing limited government, tax cuts, and opposition to the Iraq War. His 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns, though unsuccessful, drew record fundraising from small donors and energized young voters.

### Key Legislative Initiatives
- **Audit the Fed**: Co-sponsored bills to audit the Federal Reserve, gaining bipartisan traction.
- **Sound Money**: Advocated for gold-backed currency and elimination of the income tax.
- **Foreign Policy**: Opposed U.S. military interventions, including the Iraq War and NATO expansions.

### Media and Public Influence
Beyond politics, Paul became a media figure through:
- *The Ron Paul Liberty Report* (podcast/YouTube), discussing current events from a libertarian perspective.
- Frequent appearances on news networks and libertarian conferences.
- Books like *The Revolution: A Manifesto*, which became a *New York Times* bestseller.

### Legacy and Impact
Paul’s ideas influenced figures like his son, Senator Rand Paul, and movements such as the Tea Party. His critiques of government surveillance and monetary policy remain relevant in debates over privacy and economic freedom. Campaign for Liberty continues to train activists in constitutional advocacy.

### Personal Life
Paul is married to Carol Wells and has five children, including Rand Paul, a U.S. Senator. He resides in Texas and remains active in political commentary.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16390099)
3. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/08/us/politics/Republican-Candidates-Talk-Tough-on-Iran.html)
4. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/08/02/should-central-banks-buy-gold/gold-is-a-proven-asset)
5. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
6. [Source](https://www.congress.gov/member/ron-paul/P000583)
7. [Source](https://liberlandpress.com/2021/10/10/order-of-merit-of-the-star-of-liberland-awarded-to-sir-anthony-ritossa/)
8. [Source](https://www.scribd.com/document/512695199/liberland-brochure)
9. International Standard Name Identifier
10. CiNii Research
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. MusicBrainz
13. [2011](https://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/11/prweb8983304.htm)
14. SNAC
15. GeneaStar
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Open Library
18. CONOR.SI
19. The Movie Database
20. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/dr-ron-paul-107ZztKsC9/appearances)
21. Know Your Meme