DES MOINES — U.S. Rep. Ron Paul(R-Texas) called to abolish the Federal Reserve amid cheers and applause Monday during a meet and greet at a coffeehouse in the capital city. Paul met 65 supporters at Smokey Row, just north of downtown Des Moines, following his appearance on WHO Radio’s nationally syndicated “The Jan Mickelson Show,” and prior to a scheduled appearance later today in Fort Dodge.
“Free markets are very clear, and when you distort them, you artificially blow them up,” Paul, accompanied by his wife and an adult granddaughter, said. “And when a country lives beyond its means, it forces people to live below their means.”
While Paul did not outright criticize President Barack Obama — aside from questioning his Nobel Peace Prize — Paul chastised corporation bail-outs, saying they caused Americans to lose confidence in government.
“Welfare has been turned on its head. It was meant to help poor people. And when the recession came, who was helped? Corporations, with bail-outs. The rich people were helped,” Paul said.
“A small number of people can make a big difference. The Straw Poll is a big deal, because it is the initial stage of the next go-around,” he said, likely referring to the Iowa Caucus as the next round, which will follow this winter. “It’s important to bring people to it.”
“It’s still being considered,” Fischer said.
The cozy setting allowed the Congressman to personally meet nearly every supporter present, and speak to many for several minutes.