Ron Paul on Families & Children

Republican Representative (TX-14); previously Libertarian for President

Let parents decide on mental health screening for kids

Every parent in America should be made aware of a presidential initiative called the "New Freedom Commission on Mental Health." This commission issued a report last year calling for the mandatory mental health screening of American schoolchildren, meaning millions of kids will be forced to undergo psychiatric screening whether their parents consent or not. At issue is the fundamental right of parents to decide what medical treatment is appropriate for their children.

Forced mental health screening simply has no place in a free or decent society. The government does not own you or your kids, and it has no legitimate authority to interfere in your family's intimate health matters. Psychiatric diagnoses are inherently subjective, and the drugs regularly prescribed produce serious side effects, especially in children's developing brains. The bottom line is that mental health issues are a matter for parents, children, and their doctors, not government.

Source: Weekly column, "Texas Straight Talk" Jan 31, 2005

State role on medical care for children undermines freedom

Traditionally the family has been the core unit, with parents in charge of their children until adulthood. This means they are responsible for their physical well-being, providing proper care & guidance. Permission, until recently, to treat a child medically was always granted by the parent, and without proper consent, medical personnel were considered in violation of the parents' rights if treatment were rendered. Today, permission for this treatment is given by the state to the medical profession to treat adolescents. It has gotten to the point where M.D.s are relieved of any responsibility to parents.

When the state replaces the role of the parent in giving permission for treatment, a serious flaw is introduced which is likely to undermine our free society. Since children are unable to assume responsibility for themselves, the only choices are the parents or the government. The government, through court rulings or legislation, should never be permitted to perform the role of the parent.

Source: Freedom Under Siege, by Ron Paul, p. 20-21 Dec 31, 1987

Voted NO on establishing nationwide AMBER alert system for missing kids.

Vote to adopt the conference report on the bill that would assign a national coordinator for AMBER alerts. AMBER alerts is an alert system for missing children, make available additional protections for children and set stricter punishments for sex offenders. Two-time child sex offenders would be subjected to mandatory life sentence. The measure would make it a crime to pander visual illustrations of children as child pornography. It would increase maximum sentences for a number of specified crimes against children. It would also make it a crime to take a trip to foreign countries and engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. It also would enlarge law enforcement's wiretap and electronic surveillance abilities in investigations of child pornography. Reference: Child Abduction Prevention Act; Bill S 151 ; vote number 2003-127 on Apr 10, 2003

Voted YES on reducing Marriage Tax by $399B over 10 years.

Vote to pass a bill that would reduce taxes for married people by $399.2 billion over 10 years by doubling the couples' deduction and the child tax credit. Among other provisions, the bill would allow married couples filing jointly to claim a standard deduction equal to the deduction they would receive filing singly. Reference: Bill sponsored by Weller, R-IL; Bill HR 6 ; vote number 2001-75 on Mar 29, 2001

Rated 76% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-family voting record.

Paul scores 76% by the Christian Coalition on family issues

The Christian Coalition was founded in 1989 by Dr. Pat Robertson to give Christians a voice in government. We represent millions of people of faith and enable them to have a strong, unified voice in the conversation we call democracy.

Represent the pro-family point of view before local councils, school boards, state legislatures, and Congress
Speak out in the public arena and in the media
Train leaders for effective social and political action
Inform pro-family voters about timely issues and legislation
Protest anti-Christian bigotry and defend the rights of people of faith.

Our ratings are based on the votes the organization considered most important; the numbers reflect the percentage of time the representative voted the organization's preferred position. Source: CC website 03n-CC on Dec 31, 2003

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*Other candidates on Families & Children:*		*Ron Paul on other issues:*
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Page last updated: Jul 06, 2008