I Ask Ron Paul: Mises, Hayek, or Rothbard?
Ron Paul, candidate for president in 2012 and one of the very few politicians I have ever legitimately liked, made a campaign stop in St. Cloud, Minnesota today. Thanks to a generous invitation from a friend of mine, I was able to join a small group of supporters and actually meet Dr. Paul.
I have been following his career in Congress for a long time, and I know he is the only national politician paying any attention to the Austrian school of economics.
If I asked any other politician “Mises, Hayek, or Rothbard?” I am sure I would be greeted with a blank stare. Ron Paul on the other hand would likely have something interesting to say. So I have always wanted to ask him, just to see how he would handle it.
Today I got that chance.
Paul’s response: “Mises.” (Yes! I’ve always been a Mises man myself.)
But he went on:
“Mises, but Rothbard was the one I knew the best. I also had lunch with Hayek once. Of course, in terms of approach to communication and connecting with the common person, I have always liked Leonard Read.”
Well, I’d say he’s wrapped up my vote.
The Solution is the Problem 
I like Leonard Read, I really do. But the man must be careful some of the language he uses. I saw him equate people who believe in welfare as being childish and it really bothered me. This was a couple weeks ago.
I’ve not encountered Leonard Read – I’m going to go read some of his stuff now.
But how can you defend welfare? It’s bribery with stolen money, plain and simple!