1997 Ron Paul 53:3
Mr. PAUL.
Mr. Chairman, I have no false illusions about the amendment, but I think it is very important to talk about these issues, because I do believe that I am on the right track when it comes to what is authorized in the Constitution and, also, what is very popular with a lot of Americans. I think that is important. People have a hard time when they see money going to programs like this, they have a great deal of trouble accepting it.
1997 Ron Paul 53:4
The end of this will come, not because I say so or not because my amendment will pass, but all great nations finally fall when they get too stretched out financially and in their foreign policy and in their military, and we are vulnerable to that. We have great deficits, bigger than are admitted, and we are on a course. We have not really attacked the budget, we are not cutting back.
1997 Ron Paul 53:5
It was suggested earlier that this was just a small amount. Well, every bill is just a small amount when we look at a $1.7 trillion budget; so it is a small amount, but it continues to add up. Eventually great nations fall when they overextend. I fear for that, I fear for America, because I believe we are on the wrong track.
1997 Ron Paul 53:6
I do not believe we should be the policeman of the world. I do not believe the programs have been all that successful, and we should do our very best to debate this. If nothing else, maybe some of the reforms will do some good if we do not have my way now. But someday we will, because we are going to run out of money.
Note:
1997 Ron Paul Chapter 53
The audio failed in the C-Span clip corresponding to this chapter.
