8:44 am ET
May 20, 2010

Elections 2010

Rand Paul Taking Heat for Civil Rights Act Comments

    • There is an easy solution to defeating Rand Paul in the general election: every American who supports the Civil Rights Act and the government's right to put an end to racial discrimination should tell every corporation that if their PAC donates to Rand Paul's campaign then they will be subject to a boycott. These issues were settled 50 years ago with the blood, sweat and tears of thousands. We have no need to revisit them. Shut off the bigot's source of money and you shut out the bigot from being elected.

    • When you get right down to brass tacks, I understand why the question posed to Rand Paul is revelant over thirty years following the civil rights act. A free-market economy should leave it up to business owners to decide who may patron its premises. In some states, women have been asked to leave shopping malls because of what the businesses deemed as inappropriate attire. But in return for excluding a group of people, the businesses lose them as paying customers. The customers are free to go elsewhere and spend their money at alternative venues.

      I believe free-market philosophy is how Rand Paul approached this interview question. I do not think the left is going to bring down Rand Paul by accusing him of racism when there are no grounds for such accusations. Both Rand and his father seem to have integrity, and people of any color can see that.

    • Who's the real bigot here, Paul or Maddow ?

    • The restaurant owner owns the business. The government protects the freedoms of the business owners and the patrons.


      It would sound like he is quite correct on this front.

    • I think there is an even easier solution to defeating Rand Paul, and that is his opponent earning more votes. I think Bells comments represent exactly what Mr. Paul is discussing. Americans keep telling other Americans how to live, spend their own money, run their own business, whereas Mr. Paul is suggesting that perhaps that line has been crossed too often and too deeply. The issue of civil rights has been settled and has taken root in our modern day culture, however as a philosophical question, it is valid and calling Mr. Paul a bigot for raising a valid question is quite frankly, pretty low road. I support Rand Paul even though I am a Virginia citizen, his campaign I believe, will make the status quo shift for the better.

    • Rand Paul has publicly stated that he's opposed to racism. End of story. The left can try to spin his objections to certain aspects of the Civil Rights Act all they want, but Paul's supporters will recognize that for what it is.

    • "....academic answers to fairly obvious yes-or-no questions shouldn’t be this complicated."

      That really explains so much. Academic answers by nature are complicated.

    • To Anonymous:
      If I take your argument to a case where let's say that a restaurant owner decides that he will not allow a cerain section of population (which is 5% of total population) in his restaurant. According to your free market argument, he will loose 5% of his business as the customers (which are only 5% of the population) may try to go somewhere else. And by doing that he may hurt his profits by a mere 5% which may be actally acceptable trade-off for him given his racial beliefs. Alternatively, it may actually be more profitable to him if the other 95% population (who believes in segragation) starts dining more often in this restaurant as they don't see the 5% minority around this restaurant at all. So free markets may lead to profit maximazation, sure. But whether it is the right thing to do depends on a person's perspective or belief. If most (some majority) people "think" that the treatment of this 5% population in this way is unfair, then the restaurant may suffer loss and may change his ways. But if most people in the population think that this is fair then free markets would not ensure that this 5% minority gets to go to the restaurant of their liking.

    • I have to side with Paul on this issue. As a writer, I work from home... My home is my business, and I won't allow Republicans or tea-baggers on my property. I have a right to throw the trash out and keep it out.

    • What an idiot? If he saw it as a ploy, how is it that he still played right into it. He could easily said in some cases, as in racism, the government has the right to intervene. If a University is private, would it still have the right to accept only white students? He has made this much more difficult than it had to be. Free market philosophy is always flawed. Sure the customer has a right to take his business elsewhere, but that assumes there are better choices. Just like with cell phone companies, if they all decide to make you pay 12,000 times what it cost them to send a text message, what are you going to do?

    • To Maddow, WSJ, and the like: There's a black man in the White House, for crying out loud. This is a non-issue. GET OVER IT!

    • " There is an easy solution to defeating Rand Paul in the general election: every American who supports the Civil Rights Act and the government’s right to put an end to racial discrimination should tell every corporation that if their PAC donates to Rand Paul’s campaign then they will be subject to a boycott. These issues were settled 50 years ago with the blood, sweat and tears of thousands. We have no need to revisit them. Shut off the bigot’s source of money and you shut out the bigot from being elected. "

      Bells, he clearly isn't a bigot, watch the interview. Beyond that, there is a very simple reason your approach won't work: per opensecrets over 99% of his contributions are from small donors. He is the epitome of 'anti special interest'. Which is one real reason there is such a huge push on this point, IMHO.

    • This is the real face of the Tea Party. A backwards-looking party that aims to return this country to the most uncivilized periods of its history. It is in reality the Redneck party: They hate education, science, equality, diversity and they are still living in the Old South.

    • @It depends:

      If 95% of the population supports racism we are in a bad situation no matter what. The very first thing that will happen is repeal of CRA. Your example is not a real world example. In reality 95% abhor racism and will leave the establishment.

    • Rand Paul is a racist pig, like his father.

    • Give me a break..
      The question was stupid and the typical demo attempt at calling someone a racist. You ever notice it is a typical ploy when they cannot find any dirt on someone, make stuff up..

      Tacky and obvious.

      Rand Paul is a good man, anyone with half a brain can see that..

      Rand Paul frightens the demo's and the good ole boys in both parties...

      Go Rand, Shake Washington up!

    • Sat is a liar his father..

    • Yes, there is an African American in the white house. But I'm certain people like you and Rand Paul didn't vote for him, so what's your point, idiot?

    • To Nikita:
      Point well taken. However, the numbers I quote are not supposed to be taken literally in today's world in the case of U.S. This was just an example to show that free markets do NOT ensure elimination of practices that many people may consider unfair or simply wrong.

      And infact was a real world example (with different percentages of course) that allowed segragation to be persistent inspite of free markets in U.S until the 1960s.

    • Scared RT? We are taking over your parties failures unfortunately..

      Besides, did any of you detractors actually read Rands response in this article? Racist? Based on the stupid question or his answer?

      Based on his answer the man is obviously not..

    • It is such a SIMPLE answer...YES or NO. In the Senate, come vote time, you have to vote YES or NO. Listening to Rand Paul last night was so frustrating because he wouldn't answer a simple question. Rand Paul sounded EXACTLY like the typical politician that he claims to be the opposite of.

    • Rand Paul is a member of the "good o Boys' club. Blacks and minorities need not apply. Like all the other "TEABAGGERS" he is a racist. All of his dirt is under the rug, but it will come out. Do you honestly think that this man is squeakly clean?

    • a bkack man on the Supreme Court who would strike down every piece of affirmative action legislation put before him if he had the chance. Madow knew what she was getting at. A hot button issue that attracts viewers. Pauls stance is an argument that has been going on for ages already. Is discrimination best ended by more discrimintation? Can you even legislate an attitude? This is the point that doesn't make good TV and so Madow doesn't want to go there. Does the government have the right to tell you how to act, or what to believe in?
      Now a better question for Paul would have been, how do you feel about Flag Burning. Guns in coffee shops is fine and everything, thats a soft ball..... but lets get to Flag Burning now, does Paul abhore that but support a persons "right" to burn the flag?

    • Rand Paul believes in individual rights, that all human beings are equal before the law, and that no man may initiate force against another. And yes, this comes at a "price", in that government, as an extension of man, may not initiate force against human beings in order to effect a change they believe appropriate. Why is this a price worth paying? Because once you accept the notion that government may initiate force to remedy some social evil, whatever that evil may be, the principle runs its course throughout the entire system until we have a fully totalitarian state. The answer to racism and other forms of inhumane conduct is not government mandate, but private moral cultivation and general enlightenment. You cannot force people to be good. As for his attempts to evade the question - he has no intention of pursuing this issue - it is the least of our concerns!

    • I voted for Paul

      I also am sincerely proud to see a black man in the White House in my lifetime

      Unfortunately he is a socialist..

      A persons color is irrelevant to me and most Paul supporters.

      I pray that a black fiscal conservative/social liberal republican becomes president in my lifetime so that it will shut you people up with your BS claims of racism..

    • ..what about BET (black entertainment television), black chamber of commerce etc?..it should not be be allowed, if you read some of these comments, racial divide is right there ..he is right, I saw his review

    • I am a strong supporter of the Teas Party and the 1964 Equal Rights Act. Rand is getting too philosophically libertarian. If the resteraunt is a private club with membership fees, they can choose their cliental. If the restaurant is public, then they need to treat everyone equally. Yes the feds got too far in many things but equal rights is AMERICAN.

    • @It depends

      Well lets assume we have at least more then 50% that abhor racism, otherwise I don't know how CRA would have passed. So if we have 50% that abhor racism we would expect that portion of the population is more then capable of defending the minority in their private lives.

      Why is it that the South still has such ugly racism more then hundred years after slavery was ended? I personally think it is a consequence of such interventions as CRA. CRA in totality is a good law and Rand said as much about it. He simply disagrees with attacking individual rights.

    • Thank you, WSJ, for posting a fair account of the exchange. The Huffington Post says that Rand proudly said he was against the Civil Rights Act, which isn't true at all. He's right that it is a philosophical question about property rights that is very tough to answer. I get Rand's point, and I hope that he clarifies his position, and proves to the general public that he isn't racist.

    • This is a classic case the politics and people running scared. The Tea Party is group of people that cannot face the fact the fact that the country is changing from a cultural, economic, social, and technological perspective. Why do you think the Tea Party uses the term "I want my country back" They are scared to death! Stop speaking in code and using politics to move a 1950's agenda. The reality is, the country and world has changed and you can't handle the truth. Please read the "The World is Flat" by W. Friedman. This will book open your mind to what is happening in our society. And take a long look how you can help rather than divide our country. Much Peace and Love

    • PS. forgot to include my real name

      I voted for Paul


      Unfortunately he is a socialist..

      A persons color is irrelevant to me and most Paul supporters.


    • Brian, the world has changed. We have to invest in the future. No matter what race or party. When you press the system it presses back.

    • So JPMorgan or Bank of America should be allowed to stop Jews or blacks from receiving loans?
      Or how about real-estate housing communities?
      Or like Maddow said in the interview, what if every private business owner in the town decided that they didn't want to serve non-whites?

      What an idiot!

      Welcome to the nation stage pal.

      He is an amateur like his father.

      No one is gonna trust this guy on a national stage.
      Get your story straight and focus on what is important.
      Probably too late....

      Have fun Tea Baggers!!!

    • To Nikita:
      But CRA and individual rights are in conflict in cases when the individual does not agree with CRA and does not want to allow person of color in the restaurant. In this case, one has to choose between enforcing CRA or allowing individual rights to prevail. Enforcing CRA leads to voilation of individual rights. Allowing individual rights leads to allowing racist beliefs prevail in certain cases. So which one should be choosen?

      I am curious to hear Rand's answer.

      All this philosophical talk goes away in the real world when one has to make choices (obviously hard choices). It is easy to philophisize sitting outside the realms of responsibility.

    • Conservatives in the early 1960s, and Mr. Paul today, have had legitimate concerns with the method of protecting Civil Rights, not with the idea of it. They have argued that Congress should proceed by way of the 14th Amendment, which was ratified for the very purpose of protecting blacks and other minorities from discrimination at the state level, and not by way of the Commerce Clause, which was never intended to serve such a purpose. The congressional Democrats' decision in 1964 to protect civil rights via the Commerce Clause reflected their internal divisions. There was a states rights / segregationist wing of the party and a Progressive / unlimited government / Great Society wing. The two wings could not agree on using the 14th Amendment (because the states rights wing objected), but they could agree on using the Commerce Clause (because the states rights types had already conceded that ground in heartily supporting the New Deal and various liberal social welfare programs that had no warrant in the Constitution). The problem with using the Commerce Clause is that it implicitly assumes there is NO rightful limit on federal power to intervene in the affairs of states and local communities and in the lives of private individuals and businesses. Using the Commerce Clause to achieve non-commerce-related ends effectively means you think a private business really is the public's property, not the business owner's property. Mr. Paul is right to be concerned with this rationale for the Civil Rights Amendment. He could have strengthened his comment, then, by adding that Congress could and should have relied on the 14th Amendment to protect civil rights, which would have ended discrimination by governmental agents but left discrimination by private businesses to be ended via market forces (i.e., boycotts, sit-ins, competition, and social disapproval, which would be greatly strengthened by the salutary signal sent by a 14th Amendment based civil rights act). Under a 14th Amendment-based civil rights act, the local police could no longer intervene to arrest lunch-counter protesters; the feds would step in to block discriminatory state action. Unfettered by local law enforcement, civil rights protesters would then have been able to end segregation through their strategy of peaceful protest. Instead, we got the Commerce Clause-based civil rights act, which reinforced the idea of unlimited government and led very soon to the un-American notion of creating and enforcing race-based group rights (more commonly called affirmative action). What's needed is a colorblind society, not a regime of race-based group rights. Mr. Paul seems to support both civil rights AND the limited government constitutionalism of the Founders. He should have made clear that there is in fact a way to have and protect both: 14th Amendment-based civil rights legislation.

    • The Civil Right Act of 1964 has been the law of the land for 45 years now. A black man is President of the United States. Minorities have access to the courts and frequently win lawsuits when there is clear and convincing evidence of racial descrimination. Is there still racism? Yes, of course. And sadly, there probably always will be, because humans, by nature, are always looking for ways to distinguish themselves from one another, whether by skin color, language, national origin, religious convictions, or any other way they can.
      Rand Paul disagrees with any federal legislation that oversteps the authority granted the federal government by the U.S. Constitution, regardless of how well intentioned. If you are opposed to the government telling you how to live, which he is, then his position is sensible. If you don't like it, don't vote for him. But don't stoop to intellectual dishonesty by accusing him of racism.

    • We have a very sick country we need healing. Stop trying to recreate the past.

    • What is a teabagger? Thanks.

    • The leftist campaign is basically to paint any and all Republicans as racist, white men which to them is the same as Genocidal Nazi. Simple. End of discussion. Vote in November according to your heart. Thanks.

    • Soft on racism.

    • Just because you say your not a racist, doen't meean your not a racist.. Paul os a closet racist..

    • Ok, you loony bins trying to defend this morons statement are probably the same nut jobs who count & know how many black or hispanic acquaintances you have to justify why you are not racist. Simple and to the point regardless of ones views, segregation was wrong and has always been wrong. I guess if his views to small and limited government is acceptable for his statement, slavery was ok in his and your views as well as long as the state said it was ok and the federal government stayed out of it. Get a life and catch up to the new world. Dr. Paul and his supporters are pathetic!!!!!!

    • Racism is alive and well among some tea party members and this guy is just one example. As someone who has gotten so many racist e-mails from my own family members who support this movement it has been clear to me from the beginning that many wish the old south would rise again and the United States has no place for this stupidity any more. How far we have fallen . Keep listening to the Glenns and Rushs of the media and we as a country will not stand. The haters of this country who would like nothing more than for us to continue fighting among ourselves so that when the next terrorist attack comes we will be to busy to notice. UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FALL !!!!!!!!

    • A quote from Bill Maher : " I don't want my country back , I want my country forward ."

    • No one who does business with the public can discriminate by race. That includes any business that has a door to the street, advertises in media sold to the public or offers something for sale in a public marketplace. This is not a philosophical issue, but rather one of justice and morality. Believe it or not, right wingers, they are connected.

    • Wowl! All everyone can say is "he is a racist". If you would take the time to analyize what he is saying, you would understand he is trying to uphold the constitution. It is called the Bill of Rights for a reason. He is not being racist and is obviously not promoting racism. He is saying once you start taking away certain rights, it is only a matter of time before the government is telling you what you can eat, where you can go, what you can do. It is a slippery-slope and really a dead arguement. I do not believe in segregation, but it angers me that my child cannot go to a school because there is no room because they are bussing in black kids in order to "desegregate:

    • All Tea Baggers are racist. Those who support Paul are racist. Let's get down to the real problem. The real problem is that you hate that there is a black man in the white house and you can't stand it. When you say you " want your country back " it really means you want a white man back in the white house. Let's get real.

    • Libs love playing racial "gotcha". It should be ouutlawed for being racially divisive.
      I'd rather have a nut from the Right in office than a nut from the Left.

    • Tea Party: Proudly marching backward in time.

      What about racial covenants in homes, that's a private decision. Should banks be forced to pony up to guarantee deposits up to 100k since they're privately held. Why should auto companies be mandated to furnish seat belts unless shareholders demand as much. If I own an office building, isn't my choice as to when and how the elevators are inspected. A river runs through my private property so the authorities have no right to tell me what I can and cannot dump into it.

      The tea party is bumper sticker slogans masquerading as policy.

    • Nobody was much interested about the Constitution before Obama came to power .
      The Tea Party crowd uses the Constitution as a prop ; they became all the sudden "expert" in constitutional law . If they don't like something , it must be "unconstitutional" .
      There is no other countries in the industrialized world with this morbid preoccupation about the constitutionality of everything ; it was settled years and decades ago .

    • 11:07 am May 20, 2010
      Andy A wrote:

      "Nobody was much interested about the Constitution before Obama came to power .
      The Tea Party crowd uses the Constitution as a prop ; they became all the sudden “expert” in constitutional law ."


      The tea party's passion for the constitution began on Jan. 20, 2009.

    • Rand Paul's argument about a business's freedom is as phony as you can get. Businesses have never had
      absolute freedom. If you have a restaurant, you must comply with local health regulations, for the safety of the
      population as a whole, you must register with the state to incorporate, you must collect state and local sales taxes, you must pay unemplyment tax, and the list goes on. No one with any degree of sanity, can argue that businesses have absolute freedome in the sense that Rand Paul is talking about.

    • Rand Paul is no more a racist than Barack Obama is a secret-Muslim socialist. By why let facts get in the way of a good mud slinging contest.

    • Cornhuser63.. he's talking about freedom from federal regulation. His objections to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is to the use of federal power to fight descrimination. No one bothered to ask him about state regulation of business, because it wasn't as good for race baiting.

    • He is a dogmatic caricature of an "ultra libertarian", he compared the right to allow guns in a restaurant to the right not to serve to people you do not want to serve in a restaurant.

      Rand is a moron.

    • I am surprised that Rand Paul let himself get boxed into a corner the way he did. Perhaps when he spoke to the press he must have forgotten that he was not addressing fellow Tea Baggers. Well Rand, welcome to politics. You placed your foot in your mouth, now it's time to decide to stop chewing or spit it out.

    • Seems Paul and many of us Libertarians has some of you anti-paul/libertarian people worried..


      U f'ed up enough, our turn.

    • So, Rand Paul says he's not a racist, doesn't supply any evidence one way or another. Then he says that it's ok for a restaurant to refuse to serve blacks, and it's ok for a hotel not to rent rooms to blacks, and it's ok for an apartment building not to rent to blacks, and for a school not to admit blacks. Hmmm, he claims to not be a racist, but he certainly sounds comfortable with racism. The real question is do you want someone that comfortable with racism making public policy? Do you want to live in a society that lives by his standards?

    • lou, you are wrong. Not every capitalist American is a racist. Pick another fight, this one is beyond tired. We Republicans love black men as long as they love America and what she stands for. This guy is neither black nor pro-American and that's why we despise him as much as he and you despise us. You, sir, are the bigot.

    • artk, you do recognize that there is a difference between engaging in a behavior and condoning it, or is that too difficult a concept for you? Go race bait elsewhere.

    • He is not comfortable with racisim, but he is more uncomfortable with all our freedom being stripped away one piece of legeslation at a time.

    • Last bastion of liars of the demo party "Nothing good to say crowd" is the race card.

      Here is something more productive than racial slander and actually true.

      By the way, the demo golden boy candidate Bleumenthal from Conn. lied about being in Vietnam on MULTIPLE occasions


      Now if anyone want's to talk about a factual thing about a candidate (Liar) here you go..
      I suspect some of you won't say a word now.

      PS. I voted for Paul (and agree with the Teabag movement of small Gvmt) and I am very proud to see we have a black man in the WhiteHouse. My only regret is that he was not a fiscal conservative, nothing to do with color or anything else.

      I would vote for any race/religion/gender for a political office providing they were honest, followed the constitution and was fiscally conservative/responsible.

      More than can be said for some of you status quo team players..


    • What's the big deal, everyone know the teabaggers are racists, now we have more proof.

    • I don't think the commerce clause should be used in laws such as the Civil Rights Act. This is not racism.

    • James, everyone?
      All four of your nerdy commie friends on facebook? Can u grow dope on your facebook farm?

    • Is Rand Paul a racist? Probably not. Is he on the right side of this issue (clearly NOT a non-issue for the USA)? Probably not. Libertarianism has been hanging around the margins of mainstream American politics for some time now, but as non-libertarians learn more about it, I think there are valid questions to be raised.

      Clearly these questions needed to be asked. Paul gave his answer and now the people can make a more informed decision about who they vote for in the future. This issue had always been one of my questions about libertarianism. I am glad that myself and the rest of the nation had the opportunity to hear an answer from a national representative of the movement.

    • Only left wingers are entitled to "nuanced" social views, I guess?

      I don't see what's so controversial here. Anti-segregation and free association are two sides of the same coin. Both are goals with positive outcomes that our Constitution enshrines that government will continue to pursue to some degree. Affirmative Action is not the only reasonable answer in matters of race relations.

    • No one is born racist , it's an acquired prejudice .
      When I was a child I used to hate Jews and Gypsies for absolutely no apparent reason other than that my parents told me so . I finally outgrew this illogical way of thinking when I got on my own .

    • clearly some of you people seem to be fogged on it. A business' rights do not and should never trump an individual's rights. I have a constitutional right to own a gun, that does not give me the right to recklessly endanger someone with it. I have a license that entitles me to drive a car, that does not give me the right to recklessly endanger someone with it. The color of my skin does not preclude me from being a human entitled to human rights, those should always include being allowed to visit any public place of business. If your business is not a private club, it is a public business, and yes you are responsible for following the rules, just like all the rest of us.

    • The heart of libertarianism is the belief that Billy Joe Bob's Gas Station has the right to hang out a "no coloreds" sign but won't do that because it would be a bad business decision. Libertarianism says that decision is in the hands of good old boys like Billy Joe Bob, not the government. In other words, libertarianism is a pipe dream.

    • All politicians are putting their foot in their mouth in purpose . This is because they have to appeal to the lowest common denominator among the masses in order to try to be elected .

    • This is just the liberal press going after a Republican to help the Democrat win. Mr. Paul made a very valid point about who owns the business. As stated earlier a business owner should have the right to decide who he wants in his business. In turn we have the right to decide if we want to be a customer in a business. So if a majority of the people disagree with a business owner not allowing a certain group in his business then more than likely he will not be in business long. That is the free market system.

    • How about the 13th Amendment?
      Want to repeal that also?


    • Rand Paul is a bigot and this is why he is backtracking so quickly. Any politician who would make this kind of mistake needs to spend some time on school boards, county councils, and in state government before pretending that they have the knowledge, experience, and gravitas to make a good US Senator.

      Rand Paul is an embarrassment to Kentucky, to Republicans, to conservatives and to the United States.

    • Your delusional if you believe that a business should have rights beyond it's countries laws. This whole free market, government out of business crap is now going too far. I support the Free Market like any other honest tax paying citizen, but a businesses choices and hands are not tied by these laws. We live in a beautiful country that has over flowing talent that comes in all shapes, sizes and colors.

      Free Market or not, get your heads out of the 1950's ass and come to reason here. I can't believe the son of Ron Paul is going to such great lengths to get votes from the "Deliverance" crowd.

    • So, I suppose this make Rand Paul the Grand Wizard of the Tea Party. Holy Sheets and Tea Bags Batman!

    • He's a modern conservative Republican trying to hitch a ride on the Teabag express. He fools only those who are already fools.

    • Government over reach is government over reach. Maddow opposes prop 8, the Arizona law immigrant law, but somehow she's offended by Paul's stance on government getting involved in private business?


    • There is a crowd on this blog who is always taking the side of business , but I don't see too many taking the side of the consumers which represent 99% of the population .

    • LOL!! Whatta rookie. He walked into that one, didn't he. If you think he looks loony now, wait until the election. The Dems will eviscerate him. IMHO the "white rage" shtick will get him the fringe. The Dems will sweep the middle. Rand Paul's worst enemy is Rand Paul.

    • What u losers cannot read?
      Racist my arse, wot a bunch o lying fools.

      This guy obviously frightens u left wing nuts..


      Your elitest white glove politics and demo party is filled with people who keep minorities down in the pits groveling to you for more gruel.

      Your sicko's
      I hope we see allot more Libertarians coming along..

    • Rand Paul hates black people and is a bigot as much as Obama hates white people and is racist..

      People who lie (regardless of what team you are on) that Obama is a Muslim or Paul is a racist are just that..


      Nuff said..




      Rand Paul a racist? Yep, as much as Obama is a Commie Muslim..

    • You mean like auto insurance?

      Or highways, schools, hospitals, armies....

      I guess when you're NAMED after Ayn Rand, it makes it tough to think clearly.

    • Again

      Guess this makes me a racist too..

    • So, let me get this straight.

      In roundabout terms, this gentleman pines for the days when businesses could refuse service to "negroes" and "coloured folk," right?

      And some of the comments here... are pining for those very same days? Oh, but you won't ever actually come out and say, "I want to run a business where blacks aren't allowed." You'll say "Oh, but that's government overstepping its bounds, it shouldn't meddle in private business..."

      Well, guess what. The purpose of government is to govern. It is clear from these comments that if the government didn't govern in this regard, that many of you would happily return to the brutal racism of the early 20th century. That's why government needs to impose these laws - because you'd all regress to savagery without them.

    • I like this comment above and was right on the money..

      Let me add

      "...grovel to you for more food FOR THEIR VOTES."

    • Tom
      U obviously cannot read and comprehend are attempting to twist it into race issue. Nor are you willing to listen, whats the point?

      I know, to trash the man for your own political reasons.

      Thats sick. Thats why America is sick. Lies..

    • Pines for the days? Thats funny Tom, add your own spin, Pine's.. I like it.

      This is from the same people that said Blumenthal mispoke about his Vietnam service..

      You people r not right.

    • Rand Paul a racist/bigot? Yep, as much as Obama is a Commie Muslim who hates whites..

      it's lunicrous and just plain evil nastiness that miserable people make stuff up like this.

    • If we want small government , does this mean that it will be run by midgets - intellectual midget thas is ?

    • Rand Paul is Sarah Palin in drag. Retarded rightwingers....

    • when talking to a stupid nation you gotta remember to talk in simple terms Rand ... oh and it helps if you don't go on worthless shows there they ask you the equivalent of "Have you stopped beating your wife yet? YES OR NO!!"

    • I could not believe that he was holding his victory party in a private, member's only club where the vast majority of people who just finished voting for him would not even be welcome. I couldn't believe that. And then on the next day I hear him making these statements about not believing in the efficacy of the Civil Rights Act. Here is a man who is answering 14th amendment questions with second amendment responses. This is absolutely appalling. And now today, he's put out a statement that limits his acceptance to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. I want to say to him that voting rights are found in the '65 civil rights act, that fair housing, which is private, in the '68 civil rights act and not until 1972 did we outlaw discrimination in the public sector. So once again, he is parsing his words, he is saying things, sending signals that I hope the vast majority of the people who voted for him would reject and I am sure that come November, they will.

    • Rand is the new face of the Republican Party? He has a hood under his mask.

    • As a committed conservative, I warned my fellow Republicans about Rand Paul and anyone connected to Ron Paul and the Campaign for Liberty. Now you see why. Rand doesn't get that the question is not about private vs. public or federal vs. local, or even about gay vs. straight. It's about racism. He doesn't get that, because he's a libertarian, not a conservative. The right answer is: "I absolutely agree with all titles of the 1964 Civil Rights Act because racial discrimination is so wrong it's a federal issue. Discrimination based on sexual behavior is not the same as racism, so yes, I would oppose a similar attempt to federally mandate that people hire those they feel are sexually immoral. That has nothing to do with the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which I support in total." So now we are saddled with this nut as our candidates in KY. Grayson would have been no superstar, but good enough. Now we may lose this seat.

    • I tried reading through these comments. Rand Paul realizes how detrimental government can be to individuals and businesses. I remember researching The Civil Rights Act for college (actually making an argument against government intervention). I remember that a big problem blacks with regards to jobs were directly related to existing laws! Some parts of the law were needed (the parts that invalidated existing Jim Crow laws).... other parts were liberals trying to tell business owners how to run their business. See, I actually read the law (and a lot of others). You left-wing idiots just read whatever the Times says... and luckily for you they already know how you should think too! No effort required (of course, what would I expect from the people that brought us welfare, social security, and unemployment compensation?)

    • not a politician but a blind ophthalmologist.

    • 5:17
      you obviously did not pass your classes and flunked out of college....

    • Heh

      Rand Paul sure has upset (frightened?) the Demo and Republican good ole' boys club..
      Let the slander and mud slinging begin!

      Neo-Con Dick Chaney campaigned against Rand Paul. Thats a good sign..
      Some Demos and Socialist are firing up the (tired out) race card. Thats a good sign.

      Me thinks those Libertarian got status quo good ole boys on the run..
      And the socialist sweating..



      People who lie (regardless of what team you are on) that Obama is a Commie Muslim or Paul is a bigot are just that..


      Nuff said..

    • Liberals disgust me, and just what is so wrong with welfare, social security, and unemployment compensation? Are you one of those heartless scumbags who think people should go homeless and hungry simply because their employers tossed them out in order to give themselves a big fat raise?

      What is it about people in need that drive you types into such a sociopathic rage at them? It's like you want to them to be rounded up and killed or something.

    • Without looking in his heart, it's hard to say if Rand Paul is a racist. The problem is USA Libertarianism attracts racists like flies. Libertarians give racists pretty words to justify what they want - return to the good, old days of privately own lunch counters free of dark people. If Libertarians are fully successful, privately owned farms can finally get the government off their backs and own slaves again if they want. That's a private business decision! :)

    • "All Men are created equal.." That is all that needs to be said on the subject.

      If the federal justice system had actually worked for minorities (justice is for the rich)
      there would have been no need for the civil rights act, minorities could have sued and/or brought charges for having their constitutional rights violated.

      Instead of fixing an unfair and expensive (unfair,more expensive and broken still today) justice system that would give minority (and others) justice, Washington just created new laws (civil rights act) and left the stinking system broken.


      Grow up..

      Rand paul is no more a bigot than Obama is a Muslim Commie..

    • UUhhmm
      Before anyone trashed libertarians at least know it is what you are trashing at the risk of showing your obvious ignorance.

      Here is the Libertarian web site and their stated views on Issues. I don't think you will find anything racist and in fact quite the opposite. Don't believe me or most the dolts you here, read for yourself and make up your mind. For those who thinks they still can make a case, here is your best (factual) ammo so try it out.



    • I understand where Mr. Paul is coming from. The analogy that he draws between the second amendment and public restaurants is great. Mr. Paul and his his father are ideologues. The problem is that sometimes one's ideology blinds them in terms of ethics and (social) justice.

      I would totally support both Mr. Paul and his father (Ron Paul), however Paul Sr.'s contention that Abraham Lincoln should have purchased the slaves from their owners is short-sighted and morally abhorrent. A person is not property. Ever.

      Libertarianism is an abstract idea which most libertarians would not really want to have. Imagine no public services like water, garbage, police, fire department, C.D.C., public utilities, roads, public education, etc. If you utilize any of the following services you cannot be a libertarian without also being a hypocrite.

      I love it when Mr. Paul calls out Rachel Maddow's use of the Red Herring! Here is a taste your own logical medicine

    • Brian, these days, if you disagree with anything the Left wants, you are defacto racist, and any other -ist they can try to tar you with. It's no longer about thinking or considering or 'agree on outcome, disagree on method'...it's all about scoring emotional, non-thinking, pavlovian responses. The American people are smarter than politicians give them credit for; far smarter than the race-baiters and the rest of the reactionary bunch who keep falsehoods alive to line their pockets: sadly, the media does them a monumental disservice by not, themselves, thinking or asking questions but toadying along with the same tired mantra: react emotionally, don't dare think.

      There is nothing racists in what was said here; nothing racist in opposing the CRA itself, in point of fact. The question to racism is, itself, RACISM and not the method you would choose to use so that all citizens have the same rights and have them recognized the same way.

      As to Obama being racist, communist, or muslim: there's evidence of the first, not much for the second, and jury is still out on the third: frankly I care a lot about the first two (I detest racists of any variety, have no use for pie-in-the-sky socialists) and don't give a flying fat rat's ass what personal faith is)

    • "Paul Sr.’s contention that Abraham Lincoln should have purchased the slaves from their owners is short-sighted and morally abhorrent."

      Boy thats a bold face lie Dan. The only contention there is the one you made up. I cannot believe the level some of you sink to.

      Also Dan, above your post was a good link to Libertarian website, try reading it first, might add some credibility to your future post to at least quote facts not bs.

    • I understand COMPLETELY what Paul was trying to say. (From Wikipedia) Evelyn Beatrice Hall ... was an English (who) wrote ... : "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - - - - - > That's EXACTLY what Rand Paul was saying. - - - - I remember some Aryans wanting to march in Skokie, Illinois in the 1980's. As a Jew I found this disgusting. As an American, had I attended, I'd have probably lined the street ... and asked others TURN THEIR BACKS and let the racist ba$tards walk by. That right, to make a complete A$$ of yourself, is what people have fought and died for. As a veteran, I support the rights of others to be boorish. It's then up to the MARKETPLACE OF IDEAS to win the day by simply boycotting, as Paul suggests. - - - - - Who knows? The same MORON lunch counter owner might have refused me lunch ("dinner" in the South) because I'm a Jew. Right? - - - - The owners were a public business but not a public conveyance, not a bus or train. This means the likelihood that there were options to the Woolworth lunch counter makes Paul's point resonate with the Constitution and the LIBERTY to be a butthead. - - - - - Don't get me wrong ... it's a tightrope and Rand was being as hones as he could be. He doesn't want the Civil Rights Act overturned. - - - - Now, if institutionally the City of Greensboro failed to make an accommodation for a BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS to open up NEXT TO THE WOOLWORTH based solely on racial grounds, then THAT is a failure of government to provide EQUAL PROTECTIONS. - - - - So you have three points: (1) the right to associate (or not associate); (2) federalism vs. states rights; and (3) a responsibility of the public to express outrage and not support that business. That is, after all, what won the day in the famous Montgomery bus boycott, right?

    • I completely agree with you Rand. I really don't think that telling businesses what to do is the job of the federal government and I'm glad he has that understanding. Of course racism is terrible but so is government over stepping their boundaries. I'm sure we can find a way to have both freedom and multiculturalism.

    • "Socialism... **confuses the distinction between government and society**. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done at all...We object to a state-enforced equality. Then they say that we are against equality. And so on, and so on..."Frederic Bastiat (The Law){emphasis mine}

    • I wonder what Mr Rand Paul thinks of the Americans Disability Act. Yea or Nay Mr Paul? What say you?

    • If a privately owned business wants to discriminate then it should loose it's small business tax status and be taxed as an individual. Rand Paul is David Duke with a medical degree.

    • Wow, Rand paul has misgivings about government intrusion into private property rights. What a radical extremist view. If government uses it's power of eminent domain to tear down your store to make way for a big box competor I'm sure we can all agree it's gotta be for the greater good. And if you end up in an EPA Superfund lawsuit liable for polutants on your property, put there decades ago by a former owner in a manner that was completely legal at the time, consider your bankruptcy a contribution to civil rights.
      Since 1964 government and the courts have steadily increased their control of your property to the point that "property rights" no longer exist in any meaningful way. The current debate is not about who gets to sit at a lunch counter, as the media would have it. It's about the relentless expansion of government control over individuals. And everyone posting here needs to read the concise analysis of the debate by Dean Clancy above before they shoot their mouths off.


    • Oh a tea party won!!! Bash him!!! Bash him!!! Don't see such a big deal here.

      As for sharing the wealth - no, not doing it. If a black or other minority moved into my neighborhood I would welcome him as long as I knew he worked hard for his success as I have. If he came in under HUD's section 8, I'd curse him and have nothing to do with him.

    • For me the question is are we willing to legislate morality. For me, Racism is Wrong. Abortion is Wrong. However, one side of the aisle takes the stance that we cannot legislate against abortion from the federal level, the other side would like to legislate against abortion (and therefore force that moral judgment on the entire population). In the case of the civil rights act, we did legislate morality for business owners. It is a philosophical question - Do we want the federal government to legislate morality?

    • I think people on both sides are missing the point. Watch the full interview with Maddow and you'll see he's opposed to how the Act mandates that businesses can not discriminate among their clients. But the act's language only includes four specific categories: race, religion, gender, or ethnicity. It seems that he thinks, although abhorent in practice, ideally the law should allow business owners to refuse service to people based on these factors - i.e. he thinks that the Act restricts their freedom to run their business as they see fit. But he's missing the reason for these four specific categories - they aren't as arbitrary as carrying a gun. The writers of the act said we do not want a country where businesses can refuse to work with people based on who they are - but maintain business' right to refuse to interact with people based on how they act (i.e. wearing a shirt, smelling bad, or, as Rand points out, carrying a deadly weapon). Of course this is a limitation of a firm's freedoms, but it is still fundamentally aligned with our founding value that all men and women are created equal and must be treated as such until their actions and choices separate them.

    • Paul is politically a "dead man walking". He will lose big!

    • Re: Rand Paul's comment on the Civil Rights Act.
      Beyond the privacy issue is the unintended results of good intentions. This bill provoked the Supreme Court's broadest expansion to-date of the commerce clause of the Constitution. While we all applaud the immediate results, I for one, am not happy with the wholesale expansion of federal power that accompanied this decision. Good intentions are not enough to justify this unconstitutional destruction of states rights.

    • @BurghConservative....and what if a white person moved into your neigborhood thru HUD section 8 housing??...would you curse them the same???....think about it....

    • I do agree with Rand on this, although I wish he would use different language to get his point across, and in a sense "dumb it down" for people that insist that he's somehow racist.

    • I support Rand Paul criticism of The Civil Rights Act of 1964. As a paleoconservtaive i am oppossed to the legislation.

    • , , , ,

    • You are mistaken. Let's discuss it.

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    • What black magic is this? I feel like the future fairies from 2014 swopped down into a story from 2010 where Rand Paul clearly said he wanted the Civil Rights act repealed, and redacted.

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