MASON CITY, Iowa --- Exclaiming "our rights come from our creator, not our government," U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, brought his conservative message to North Iowa Tuesday.

Making reference to the Old Testament, the congressman talked about how Samuel warned his people about the dangers of having a king who they wanted to take care of their needs. "Samuel told them it's not a good idea.

"We're not on the verge of having a king, but we are on the verge of having way too much dictatorship in Washington, D.C.," Paul said, receiving huge applause.

Emphasizing the need for less government control of people's lives, Paul said, "We should always believe families can opt out. Get the government out and let us take care of ourselves."

For that reason, the candidate, who is attempting to drum up support for the Iowa caucuses, said he favors home schooling and private schools as options to public schools and opposes government-mandated health programs.

"We should and can take care of ourselves. It's a moral issue as far as I'm concerned.

"You have a right to take care of your own life. You don't have a right to take care of someone else's life," said Paul.