I usually don’t get into politics, but one man has caught my eye this year. These past elections I’ve avoided the polls altogether, as I felt there was a lack of an intelligent, informed candidate for me to cast my vote for. This year is different. Ron Paul is running. I jumped on the bandwagon, yes. But I did so after listening to his speeches and considering his positions on the issues.

So, here is my endorsement for Dr. Ron Paul, also submitted to his official web site at Ron Paul 2008:

“I, Matthew M., do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”

These words I spoke on a clear morning on June 17th, 1998. One year before I would graduate high school, I took an oath to give back to a country that has given so much to me.

My family and I moved to United States in 1987 following a bloody revolution in our native Romania against a Communist dictator. What we found in this great land was a nation of prosperity and progress.

I grew up admiring men of great honor and conviction; men like my father, who came to this country with nothing but hope and a great respect for the United States. Men who stand up for their ideals, like Dr. Paul.

Under our current leadership, we have lost our way and have become a very good example of what happens when we do not intelligently and carefully choose our President. In a time when people seem to be more interested in the next American Idol or reality show result, I am appalled that some have not even heard the name Ron Paul.

It is unfortunate that the international community has lost respect for the United States, however I am convinced Ron Paul and his policies are the way to regain that respect.

Unfortunately my submission was limited to 1500 characters, but I could have written much more. Right now it’s getting late and I should be asleep.

January 15th, 2008, I’ll be casting my vote for Ron Paul. Hopefully after careful consideration, you will too. If you haven’t considered all of the candidates, and have just been choosing the ones the mass media has shoved down your throat, take a second to listen to Dr. Ron Paul on the issues. Worst case scenario, you’ll have something to think about.