Giuliani: Freedom means submitting to authority

Actually - no.

Rudy is out of line with the founding fathers. Their intent was not to make a strong government to secure freedom - we need a balanced government and balanced laws - not strong. In fact, if you remember your history correctly the first time the federal government was created it was very weak because the founding fathers knew a strong centralized government was teatering on the verge of monarchy. They were finally forced to set up a system of delicate checks and balances to ensure no one part of government could become inflated with power.

Unfortunately, in the past few years we have started to erode this balance by increasing the power of the executive.

Mary - Thank you for the history lesson, but if I remember my history correctly the Constitution pretty clearly layed out the structure and function of government. The founders saw the federal government role as one for establishing trade and providing for the defense of these United States. Are we on the same page so far?

For the last 200 plus years all three branches of the federal government have expanded their reach and most state governments appear happy they have. The state government in Maine is certainly happy considering all the federal dollars they receive to prop up their regime.

The people of our country have abetted this increase in power to the centralized government. If we are still in agreement, what changes do you want to see happen? I'd like some specifics (no rhetoric please), and how will Ron Paul make this all happen?