Ron Paul clarifies Jim Crow stance

Texas Rep. Ron Paul says he supports the abolishment of Jim Crow laws despite comments he inserted into the Congressional Record in 2004 that the Civil Rights Act “increased racial tensions while decreasing individual liberty.”

Appearing Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union,” the GOP presidential contender said his remarks were targeted at how government “undermines the concept of liberty.”

“The principle of private property has been undermined, and it was started back then,” Paul said. “But they can’t twist that and say I favored Jim Crow laws.”

He said the government has stoked racial tensions with discriminatory policies, citing the court system, drug laws and drafts during wartime.