Representative Ron Paul spoke to a crowd of thousands of enthusiastic supporters in the UCCU Center Thursday, Oct. 18. A presentation on a jumbo screen that outlined principles supported by Paul and examples of his previous speeches lead up to the congressman’s introduction.
Erin Haskell, UVUSA Vice President of Academics, introduced Paul, pausing periodically to ask the crowd to withhold from cheering until he actually came out.
The crowd supported him with standing ovations and chants as Paul explained how he believed individuals can solve national problems. Many attendees showed their endorsement with clothing, buttons and flags. An abundance of T-shirts, hats and banners emblazoned with “Ron Paul Revolution” were seen in all sections of the center.
UVUSA introduced Paul, but he was not invited specifically by the university. Mike Rigert from University Marketing and Communications explained that the Young Presidents’ Organization contacted Dr. Bob Rasmussen, Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, and asked if the university would be interested in hosting Paul to speak on campus.
YPO is a global organization focused on the continuing education and networking for chief executives. Matt Browning of YPO was one of the day-chairs for the event. He explained that the Utah chapter of YPO brought Paul and contacted the university for a venue.
“UVU was very quick to embrace the opportunity,” said Browning. “It’s been great to speak with administration on campus.”
Paul spoke on a myriad of issues facing the nation, offering his beliefs and suggestions to resolve the problems. Paul said that the American people cannot afford to give responsibility of their lives to the government, and that many problems could be solved if individuals took responsibility for their actions.
“In a free society, the responsibility is on each and every person,” Paul said. “You can’t give the responsibility to the government, or they’ll screw it up . . . If you’re a true American, you support responsibility.”
Quoting Benjamin Franklin, Paul said, “Freedom doesn’t work if you don’t have a moral society.”
Paul spent a large portion of his speech outlining what he identified as failures of the welfare system and tax system. He said he believes people should help each other, but the government should not be the moderator of welfare.
“Get rid of the Federal Reserve and get rid if the income tax,” Paul said.
While his supporters are comparatively small in number, Paul explained that he is optimistic about the future and the attitude of the nation. He praised students and young people for their use of technology to communicate and move ideas forward. He identified self-awareness and educating others as what will be the driving force for change in the future.
“The individuals, as they improve themselves, can improve others,” Paul said.
The event was free and open to the community at large, with students receiving priority seating starting at noon.
I wish I could have been there. Every single time Ron Paul speaks, I learn more about the true principles of Liberty and what true patriot behavior looks like. I’ll be writing in Dr Paul’s name on my ballot.
Thank you guys for putting this on. You did a fantastic job!
I’m encouraged by your foresight to bring Ron Paul to speak.
I think you’ve already crossed the threshold of being TRUE young presidential type people worthy to follow.
I an writing Ron Paul in and voting for him for president. If Obama is re-elected, I don’t think our country, as we know it will be the same in four years. If Romney wins, we won’t be much better off. Then, perhaps people will realize that a Democrat, nor Republican is going to straighten this mess out. They are all owned by Wall Street, Big Pharma, Monsanto, and the Industrial military complex. We need term limits, control of lobbyists, an election based on popular vote, instead of this outdated electoral college system. We also need some sanity in this political spending where unlimited spending can buy votes. A REAL change is due
“…many problems could be solved if individuals took responsibility for their actions.”
This will never change things Dr. Paul. It is not the ‘individual’ that sets the paradigm, it is Govt., the reason you ran I believe.
Esconced in D.C., those that run our country will always abandon ‘responsibility’ at every step… with every excuse and justification imaginable
I understand your promoting limited policy change for term limits from a political standpoint and the massive intertwining of ‘Govt business’, politics has made of our ‘system’. Thus rocking the boat or promoting an idea that may destabilize our system might be scary to you, but it seems the only way to simplify and shrink Govt. is to bring back the ability to recall, in each state.. and without the ‘get all requirements done in 6 months’ scenario.
His supporters are “comparatively small in number,” huh?
Ron Paul can still draw a larger and more enthusiastic crowd than, oh, Mitt Romney!
That’s why the GOP is going to be trounced next month. They’d rather nominate a liberal and lose, than a conservative and win. Screw ’em.
California, Obama / Mitt, November contest would likely give the California winner prize to Obama but how would a 3 way Obama, Mitt & Ron write in vote count end up? RP votes in 2008 were counted.
The Goldman Sacs / Fed reserve / GMO food-fuel twins might create a fun contest with the Texas Dr. Ron Paul
Audit the Federal Reserve, Support HR 459 Paul & S 202 Paul
Is this game about D R or other? maybe it is about saving the republic. Maybe Obama and Mitt are the underdogs.
Seeing thousands of college students not only hearing him speak, but excited about what he says gives me hope for our future as a nation.
May all who are “woken up” by Ron Paul become Ron Pauls in their own family and circle of friends, waking up those who can and are willing to be woken up.
If anyone is looking for the transcript of Ron Paul’s speech at UVU, I’ve got it here:
http://wp.me/p2ML9z-38
Enjoy it!
Ah yes, more of Ron Paul’s “Let The States Decide”, and I’m sure we all know how this will end (Hint: It’s gonna end poorly).
>Quoting Benjamin Franklin, Paul said, “Freedom doesn’t work if you don’t have a moral society.”
Who’s morality? Paul’s moronic morality based on a fettered, primitive religion?
No thanks, have too much Jesus in the government as it is, and frankly I’m tired of Jesus-freaks pushing their religion and crafting legislation around it.