By David T. Beito and Scott Horton
Rather than ‘isolationist’ in foreign policy, however, Paul embraces as his own Thomas Jefferson’s stated goal of ‘peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none.’ But, unlike our third president, Paul appears bound and determined to apply these words across-the-board. His voting record shows a consistent support for free trade and legislation to redirect the military strictly to home defense rather than foreign occupation. The Democrats, by contrast, largely share the bi-partisan post-World War II consensus of spreading democracy, human rights, or ‘vital interests’ by military force.
