Ron Paul

Ron Paul (born August 20, 1935) is an American author, physician, and retired politician who served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 22nd congressional district from 1976 to 1977 and again from 1979 to 1985, and for Texas's 14th congressional district from 1997 to 2013. He is a three-time candidate for the Presidency of the United States, running as the Libertarian nominee in 1988 and as a candidate in the Republican primaries in 2008 and 2012.

Early Life and Education

Ron Paul was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and raised in the nearby suburb of Green Tree, Pennsylvania. He attended Gettysburg College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 1957. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Duke University School of Medicine in 1961.

Medical Career

After completing his medical internship at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, Paul served as a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1965, and in the United States Air National Guard from 1965 to 1968. Following his military service, he began his medical practice in Texas, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.

Political Career

Ron Paul's political career began in the 1970s when he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He is known for his libertarian views and advocacy for limited government, individual liberties, and free-market economics. Paul has been a vocal critic of the Federal Reserve System and has called for its abolition.

Presidential Campaigns

Ron Paul ran for president three times. In 1988, he was the Libertarian Party nominee. In 2008 and 2012, he sought the Republican nomination, gaining a significant following for his anti-establishment views and emphasis on constitutional government.

Personal Life

Ron Paul is married to Carol Wells, and they have five children. His son, Rand Paul, is a United States Senator from Kentucky.

Legacy and Influence

Ron Paul is often credited with inspiring a new generation of libertarians and conservatives who value personal freedom and non-interventionist foreign policy. His influence is seen in the Tea Party movement and among various libertarian groups.

See Also

• Libertarianism in the United States
• Federal Reserve System
• Tea Party movement

External Links

• Official website
• Cato Institute profile