Paul rails against government, promotes liberty in speech at Bethel

Ron Paul began and ended his speech welcoming people to "the revolution."

Ron Paul speaking at Bethel University Saturday. Photo by Jeff Cagle

Speaking to a packed audience at Bethel University in Arden Hills Saturday, Paul spent 40 minutes connecting the U.S. economy, foreign policy, and liberty to chastise what he labeled "big, intrusive government." The audience, which consisted mainly of college-age students, cheered on as Paul railed against government spending and the Federal Reserve in the run-up to the Minnesota caucuses, which will take place on Tuesday.

"This election is changing the tone and this is the first time the Federal Reserve has become an issue in this campaign," he said.

This is Paul's third time running for President of the United States. He ran as the Libertarian Party's nominee in 1988 and unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination in 2008. He is currently behind Republican frontrunner Mitt Romney, along with Newt Gingrich, and Rick Santorum.

Instead chastising President Barack Obama and his Republican rivals, Paul's message focused on attacking the government and policies that have been implemented. He believes the government has spent too much, gotten in too many wars, and is taking away people's civil liberties.

"Authoritarianism is not humanitarianism. It doesn't work," he said.

Paul believes cutting $1 trillion to the federal budget and doing an audit of the Federal Reserve is a first step to get the country moving financially. Another step would be to bring the troops home from Afghanistan and compared U.S. military actions similar to the Soviet Union's when they invaded the country during the Cold War.

"I wonder if that could happen to us if we don't wise up soon," he said.

Finally, Paul said people need to continue fighting for liberty through "volunteerism, not force" and become more sophisticated, virtuous and self-reliant.

"We need to put up the pieces and then improve upon them," he said.

Prior to his appearance at Bethel, Paul participated in two townhall forums in Rochester and Chanhassen. Adam Baker, president of the Bethel College Republicans, said the group put out a request to all the candidates in November asking them to speak on campus. Paul's campaign was the only one to accept the invitation.

Paul will return to Minnesota Monday with campaign stops in St. Cloud and at the Minneapolis Convention Center.