Ron Paul on MLK Jr.

Ron Paul Statement on MLK Jr.'s Legacy of Freedom
January 20, 2008 6:47 PM

ABC News' Zachary Wolf reports: Ron Paul has mounted a PR offensive since a New Republic reporter unearthed newsletters, bearing his name from 1992, that criticized Martin Luther King Jr. as a philanderer and worse, and argued against the designation of a national holiday in his honor.

Paul disavowed the articles immediately upon the posting of The New Republic article earlier this month, and said he had nothing to do with them.

Tomorrow, organizied at http://www.freeatlast2008.com/, Paul supporters will mount their latest money bomb.

And today, Paul released a statement lauding King and arguing that Paul is the presidential candidate to carry on King's legacy.

Paul's written statement, below, calls King a "great freedom fighter," and says King would be disappointed with the current president's approach toward civil rights.

PAUL STATEMENT:

“It is especially fitting that we take the time to reflect on one man’s struggles to defend our constitutional freedoms during this primary election season. Jan. 15 was the birthday of the great freedom fighter, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and on Monday, we honor him nationwide for his sacrifice and love of liberty for all people.

“To me, the timing is more than a coincidence. The American people, regardless of color or creed, have the opportunity to choose a candidate who will uplift the ideals for which Dr. King fought -- and died.

“The fight for freedom -- the preservation of our civil rights -- is the fight of our lives. Sadly, after Dr. King’s passing, we are faced with a violation of our civil rights in the same vein as Jim Crow: The Patriot Act. I have stood against this and all unconstitutional violations of Americans' civil rights, and will continue Dr. King’s charge, as president.

“Dr. King would be disappointed in our current administration for more than its continued disregard for civil rights, as he stated: ‘a nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift, is approaching spiritual doom.’

We need to change our interventionist foreign policy, and take care of our brothers and sisters at home. Our nation is in a crisis: we are spending billions on war overseas, while those around us are suffering and losing jobs, homes, and hope. It is inexcusable; we must solve the economic crisis at home, and bring hope to America.

“Dr. King’s heroic actions should resonate with us today, as we recognize that our votes strengthen the fight for our civil rights. Liberty is the true antidote to racism, and freedom -- limited, constitutional government devoted to the protection of individual rights -- can uplift us all.”