Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, addressed a crowd of nearly 2,000 on Hayden Lawn Friday, encouraging college students to engage in political activism.

Paul’s speech covered issues ranging from the war in Iraq to the war on drugs and his book “The Revolution: A Manifesto,” while stressing the importance of young voters in today’s political arena.

“It’s time we bring our troops home and mind our own business,” Paul said. “Young people are getting dumped on because they will be the ones who have to pay for it in the end.”

State Press Television
By Derek Quizon

The event was hosted by ASU Young Americans for Liberty and College Republicans at ASU. Young Americans for Liberty founder and psychology senior Tyler Miller said he supports Paul because of his commitment to his causes, such as his commitment to smaller government.

“It seems to me that his ideas flow from his commitment to liberty, and he doesn’t waver when his ideas are unpopular,” Miller said. “When I started listening to him, he seemed honest. I’m skeptical of any politician but when Dr. Paul seemed honest, I investigated and his voting record matched his actions.”

Barry Goldwater Jr., a supporter during Paul’s campaign for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, introduced Paul to the crowd. The congressman’s speech ignited excitement in the crowd, especially when he addressed the purpose of the Central Intelligence Agency.

“We have a CIA. In truth, as a free society we don’t need a CIA,” Paul said. “And we certainly don’t need a CIA running secret wars.”

However, not all attendees were Paul supporters. Graphic design freshman Brian Thoi said he went to the event because he thinks Paul supporters are silly.

“I think his ideas are hokey, and he spouts a lot of impractical policies,” Thoi said. “I think the reason he has a following is because he is one of the few politicians on the right that is working to gain support of college students.”

Thoi said he felt Paul’s campaign is the closest to President Barack Obama’s campaign in its targeting of the youth vote.

Paul said he was not currently planning to run in the 2012 presidential election, but was not closed off to the possibility, something Thoi finds troubling.

“Ron Paul is a mobilizing figure,” he said. “I don’t think I’m concerned because he’s not a major political force, but I am a little worried because he seems to be somewhat succeeding.”

Ten minutes with Ron Paul, State Press Television
By Derek Quizon

Business sustainability freshman Jon Farber said he attended the speech because he likes Paul and feels that he stands out among other politicians.

“He has a great tax plan and he wants to legalize marijuana,” he said. “He was my first choice for a presidential candidate.”

Paul said he wanted to come speak at ASU because he feels college students are open to new ideas.

“You’re the ones who are going to be responsible for this country in a few years,” he said. “I think [you] are the ones who realize the system isn’t working, and are willing to work to fix it.”

Reach the reporter at sheydt@asu.edu.