By Tori Banks, student news writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University's Dialogue on Public Issues hosted U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R, Ky.) Monday, Nov. 21 discussing with CU's John Chowning his views and priorities as a United States Senator as well as his vision for the United States.

In the interview with Chowning, vice president for church and external relations and executive assistant to the president, Paul expressed first and foremost that he loves what he does. When asked what his favorite aspect of serving is, Paul said he really enjoys debating and that he strives to bring a new perspective to individuals when he debates.

Paul spent much time discussing the economic condition of the United States and how he feels may be best to combat the issue of our deteriorating economy.

He expressed that he believes the U.S. needs to take action immediately or we may find ourselves in the same condition that Europe is battling as they face the European debt crisis.

“We are spending more than we bring in,” Paul said. “The U.S. becomes $40,000 more in debt every second. Cuts are important. We can't keep spending at the rate that we are now.”

Paul said he believes the U.S.'s best option would be a complete freeze in the budget.

“Most in Washington consider a freeze to be too drastic,” Paul said.

He pointed out, in Washington, a freeze is seen as a $9 trillion cut, but what most don't realize is that this would take place over the process of 10 years. He expressed that if anything, a freeze is not drastic enough.
Paul said he thinks tax rates should be lowered to get the United States economy moving again. He said historically this approach was successful in both the Kennedy and Reagan administrations when unemployment was cut in half.

In response to the issue of health care and his views on President Barack Obama's health care system, Paul said, “I fear disaster. We need more competition. Competition works, and we need competition in the health care system.”

Paul suggested the age for those receiving Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid assistance from the government is going to have to increase, over time, in order for the system to continue to work, but, he said, this increase needs to come gradually.

When asked about his beliefs on the war on terror, Paul said we should ask ourselves: “Did we meet our objectives?”

Paul said he believes the U.S. did in fact meet their objectives in the war on terror and that he has made a proposal in Congress to officially end the war in Iraq.

Paul also said he feels as though the decision to go to war should be reverted back to Congress, not the president.

“If we go to war, it should be the decision of Congress,” Paul said.

Paul is the son of Ron Paul, United States Representative from Texas who is a candidate for the Republican nomination for president.

“He offers a new perspective that is attracting young voters,” Paul said. He said his father has been attracting large crowds and that he has high hopes for his campaign.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.