HERRING: "People look at a grid of plusses and minuses on "issues" like abortion, gun rights, and so forth, and because we believe in the grid's ability to adequately represent the candidate's point of view, many are led into thinking that they actually understand said candidate's point of view." :

ME: Fine then. Since I apparently don't have the capacity to intellectually grasp Mr. Ron Paul's nuanced political philosophy, let's just let Mr. Ron Paul himself speak about his stance on abortion... (From Ron Paul's website)

MR. RPThe right of an innocent, unborn child to life is at the heart of the American ideals of liberty. My professional and legislative record demonstrates my strong commitment to this pro-life principle.

In 40 years of medical practice, I never once considered performing an abortion, nor did I ever find abortion necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman.

In Congress, I have authored legislation that seeks to define life as beginning at conception, HR 1094.

I am also the prime sponsor of HR 300, which would negate the effect of Roe v Wade by removing the ability of federal courts to interfere with state legislation to protect life. This is a practical, direct approach to ending federal court tyranny which threatens our constitutional republic and has caused the deaths of 45 million of the unborn.

I have also authored HR 1095, which prevents federal funds to be used for so-called “population control.”

Many talk about being pro-life. I have taken direct action to restore protection for the unborn.

ME: Hmm. Okay, I think I'm beginning to get it. Mr. Ron Paul is a constitutionally based libertarian who doesn't want government interference in people's private lives or most personal decison making......except when he's not.