A Message From Ron Paul 1/28/08

Hello friends and colleagues. What encouraging excitement we see as the campaign trail blazes on. Our message is spreading fast and I truly believe we will be victorious in the end. I thank you all for your continued efforts and support.

There were a couple of points from one of the last week’s press conferences (held 1/24/08) that I would like to clarify, with hopes of avoiding any confusions or criticisms that may arise.

In reference to a question regarding the No Child Left Behind Act and my views surrounding the Federal education system, I mistakenly used the term “Board of Education” as opposed to the Department of Education. As president I would abolish the Department of Education and similar institutions, which then would channel all powers and decisions to the Boards of Education or equivalent bodies within each schooling district, within each state. This verbal mishap may seem minor, but it is necessary that my stance on federally mandated education standards is clear. We do not need to have Washington telling us how our children should be raised, educated or assimilated. It is developing the close-knit relationships between parents, teachers and students that facilitate appropriate and accurate teaching methods. The power should be in the hands of those who know their communities best.

Another comment I made responding to a question about my plans for illegal immigration also deserves further clarification. An essential part of my six point plan to combat illegal immigration is denying birthright citizenship to children birthed within U.S. boarders whose parents have arrived illegally. As it stands now, any child born in the U.S. is granted citizenship, and for those whose families are here legitimately, this is a complete necessity. However, for many this is extra incentive to try and enter our country illegally, or in many ways, to use the miracle of having a child as an automatic green card. These problems must be addressed and approached with stern yet understanding measures. “Fixing” the illegal immigration problem in the United States requires strict philosophical and legislative reassessments and we must be sure to cover all angles that could potentially weaken our national progress.

I hope that this announcement clarifies any confusion arising from last Thursday’s conference and that if questions do still persist, we are able to address those accordingly. I thank you and wish you all a wonderful week ahead. See you at the polls!

Ron Paul