Ron Paul's campaign ad calling for defeat of a debt-ceiling extension is a trite, minor-league and irresponsible tactic unworthy of any candidate for the presidency. If anyone of importance actually took Ron Paul's ad seriously and his position prevailed, he would cause a global crash and possibly a new depression.

After thinking about this a few days, it is sad and revealing that Ron Paul is abandoning Congress and his position as chairman of a major financial subcommittee. After years as a gadfly, Paul finally has an opportunity to make a major difference as chairman of a major subcommittee and he throws it away, preferring to remain a gadfly on the fringes.

I have always tried to be fair to Ron Paul, sometimes praising him, sometimes criticizing him. His new Hollywood-style ad calling for defeat of the debt ceiling reveals him as just another politician hustling for votes, and just another hack desperately trying to win the lunatic fringe of a lunatic faction of a party out of touch with economic sanity.

All of the Republican candidates for president look ridiculous when discussing the debt ceiling. It is a race to the bottom in a party dominated by extremists, with a third-rate flock of candidates playing amateur night at the farm, now including Ron Paul. His latest ad makes him look like a righty blogger or cranky talk-show host, not a worthy leader of a great nation.

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About author Brent Budowsky served as Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen, responsible for commerce and intelligence matters, including one of the core drafters of the CIA Identities Law. Served as Legislative Director to Congressman Bill Alexander, then Chief Deputy Whip, House of Representatives. Currently a member of the International Advisory Council of the Intelligence Summit. Left goverment in 1990 for marketing and public affairs business including major corporate entertainment and talent management. He can be reached at Brent Budowsky served as Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen, responsible for commerce and intelligence matters, including one of the core drafters of the CIA Identities Law. Served as Legislative Director to Congressman Bill Alexander, then Chief Deputy Whip, House of Representatives. Currently a member of the International Advisory Council of the Intelligence Summit. Left goverment in 1990 for marketing and public affairs business including major corporate entertainment and talent management. He can be reached at brentbbi@webtv.net