Ron Paul on Obamacare It's Monstrous: Scrap It

Former Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul has a frank prescription for the health care plan making its way through Congress: Scrap it.

"I think it's monstrous," Paul said.

"I don't think it will improve medical care in this country. I think it's very, very costly and we don't have any money. And they don't have any way of paying for it."

The libertarian GOP congressman and physician was in East Grand Rapids today for a private reception for what was touted as a "conservative comeback luncheon."

Paul is skeptical of estimates that peg the 10-year cost of the plan backed by President Barack Obama at $1 trillion. He puts it much higher.

He noted that cost estimates for Medicaid and Medicare are often below the mark.

"On average, it's two or three times more expensive than they say. This is going to be incredibly expensive."

Paul has introduced a bill that would provide tax credits and medical savings as a means of expanding health insurance coverage.

Paul believes Republicans must return to core principles if they are to resurrect themselves from their losses in 2008, an election that saw the Democratic Party seize the White House and both houses of Congress.

To Paul, that means less government, at home and abroad.

"They are going to have to earn that trust back. They should be more concerned about personal liberties. They shouldn't be the great defenders of government secrecy and torture..."

"The young people aren't supporting Republicans. The worst group for the Republicans is (age) 15 to 25. If they can't appeal to that group, what kind of future is there for the party?"

Paul, who opposed the Iraq war, asserts the United States should pull its troops out of Afghanistan in addition getting out of Iraq.

"I'd come home, from all of it, the sooner the better. The greatest incentive for the recruitment of al-Qaida and the Taliban is occupation. The sooner we realize that and come home, the better."

E-mail Ted Roelofs: troelofs@grpress.com