Talk:Rand Paul/Archive 3

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Correct: NYT article states 'Randal" not "Randy".

Correct: NYT article states 'Randal" not "Randy". 209.255.78.138 (talk) 19:44, 8 October 2010 (UTC)

The word "Randy" occurs only once in the article, citing the NYT as its source: "Although Ron Paul was a fan of Ayn Rand, her name was not the inspiration for Randal Paul's first name; he went by "Randy" as a child and "Rand" as an adult.[6]" Here is what the NYT article says: "As a teenager, he studied the Austrian economists that his father revered, as well as the iconic free-market novelist and philosopher, Ayn Rand (she was not the inspiration for Rand’s name, which is short for Randal; he was called Randy growing up)." In other words, the article accurately reflects the NYT mention of "Randy". betsythedevine (talk) 21:46, 8 October 2010 (UTC)

I was also interested to see this statement added to an early version of the bio: "His given name is Randy, but started going by Rand during his father's 1988 run for President as a Libertarian in order to invoke the memory of novelist Ayn Rand." It is not a reliable source, but it does support the inference that "Randy" was a longtime nickname. betsythedevine (talk) 12:10, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

Southern Kentucky Lions Eye Clinic

The article says "Paul also founded the Southern Kentucky Lions Eye Clinic to help provide eye surgery and exams for those with no health insurance coverage," but Google turns up no mention of such a clinic except in campaign literature for Rand Paul. The Kentucky Lions website lists no clinic by that name. According to a Kentucky Lions fact sheet, in 1995 "Clinic was established in Bowling Green called the South Central Lions Eye Clinic. Dr. Rand Paul helped establish this clinic and still is a major part of this clinic." betsythedevine (talk) 13:12, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Comment, so is the basic idea that Rand Paul got the Lions to set up a clinic in his home town, so that the Lions could pay him when he treated patients who had no insurance? betsythedevine (talk) 15:12, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

From the Medical career section of Rand Paul , "Paul founded the Southern Kentucky Lions Eye Clinic to help provide eye surgery and exams for those with no health insurance coverage, or who are living on a minimum wage.[16][17]" I ponied up $2.95 to get access to reference #16, an article from Bowling Green News which is now behind a pay wall, and here is what it says about that clinic: "Most recently – in 1995 – the group and other Lions Clubs in the region established the Southern Kentucky Eye Clinic, which provides minor eye surgeries to adults who otherwise couldn’t afford to have the work done." Rand Paul's name is mentioned elsewhere in the article, as follows: "A few years ago, the club financed operations for two Guatemalan boys who came to this country blind and left seeing, thanks to the surgeries by Noon Lions Club member Dr. Rand Paul, who heads the Southern Kentucky Eye Clinic, Nahm said." I do not think Reference #16, which does not support the claim that Paul founded the clinic, should be used as a reference here as if it supported it. Reference #17 is an AP story from January, 2008, which unequivocally states, "He founded the Southern Kentucky Lions Eye Clinic, which provides eye surgery and exams for those who otherwise couldn't afford proper care." I am changing the text and removing the non-free "reference" #16. betsythedevine (talk) 01:05, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

How Rand Paul "gained prominence"

Instead of engaging in a revert war with the author of this statement, I would like to ask others for their opinions on the talk page. The disputed sentence placed in the article summary is:

"He has gained prominence for his independent positions on many political issues, often clashing with both Republicans and Democrats."

When this article was first created, as a separate article from Ron Paul's "Marriage and family" section, on March 21, 2009, it consisted of exactly one sentence: "Rand Paul is a Kentucky opthalmologist and son of Congressman Ronald Paul."

Now I don't know what my ophthalmologist's political views are, but I am pretty sure that he will not gain "prominence" for them no matter how extreme they are. Rand Paul gained prominence because he was the son of a famous father, a fact that has somehow disappeared from the summary of his bio. It should not be. betsythedevine (talk) 12:07, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

It also seems worth pointing out that Paul's independent stance seems to be a thing of the past already. LA Times, October 10 article: "Once eager to rail against politicians of both parties, Paul now focuses primarily on the one — Obama — Republicans can agree to oppose. Once eager to promote his message, Paul now avoids the national media. References to his tea party base are fewer and farther between, as are references to some of the movement's more controversial pet issues." Courier-Journal, October 3, 2010: "In his primary victory speech, Paul emphasized the tea party and almost completely ignored the GOP, but in his speech at the fundraiser he made only a glancing reference to the movement, saying many in it voice concern about their grandchildren and the national debt...Paul told me before he spoke that his speech would be the same one he had been giving recently." betsythedevine (talk) 12:25, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

MPP is a perfectly reliable source for a direct quote

Betsy, regarding your removal of the reference I added to the article: I could understand your point if I was referencing some amateur blogspot.com blogger, but we are talking about the Marijuana Policy Project. They are the largest marijuana reform organization in the United States with 19 staffers, 29,000 members, and 100,000 e-mail subscribers. They are a credible organization with a reputation to maintain and are not going to give out fake quotes from Dr. Paul. There is not even any research or opinion contained in this source that could be questioned; they are just DIRECTLY quoting Dr. Paul on an issue they are seeking to clarify his position on. Thomas6274 (talk) 21:31, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

I will take your word for it that this particular blogger is a reliable source on this issue, accurately quoting a phone call with a staffer who works for Rand Paul. It looks to me as if your current wording fairly represents Paul's position. By the way, I not only agree with Paul that 10 - 20 year sentences are too harsh, I also agree with Conway that marijuana users should not be jailed, but if they have been acting out in such a way that they end up getting arrested, should get education and treatment, as do acting-out drinkers. betsythedevine (talk) 00:36, 27 October 2010 (UTC)