Bachmann, Paul talk freedom vs. out of control government at U rally

By Joseph Lindberg

Reps. Ron Paul and Michele Bachmann fired up a crowd of 2,000 at Northrop Auditorium Friday night with a forum running the gamut from foreign policy and healthcare to the Federal Reserve and education.

The two Republican members of Congress shared a theme: federal spending is running out of control.

"You are the generation that will inherit increasing debt from out of control spending," Bachmann said, addressing the crowd filled with students. "At the rate your government is spending, your future is already spoken for."

Paul, the keynote speaker, echoed the concern, advising the audience to be wary of government spending. The libertarian also touched on the threat of expanding government.

"Government is increasing its role in all our lives, from healthcare to welfare," said Paul, who represents a Texas district in Congress. "Personal liberty is under attack, and I say the patriot sticks with the people and questions the government."

Paul also aggressively pushed his bill to audit the Fed, a bill he says will finally hold the Fed accountable for the incredible power it has in printing money — and devaluing the currency.

"The Federal Reserve is a private entity that has a monopoly on printing money — and we deserve to know what is really going on."

Bachmann praised the bill, pointing out that no audit has taken place since its creation in 1913.

"The Federal Reserve has never had the curtain pulled back," she said. "(The Federal Reserve) needs a bright light and transparency, not more secrecy."

Paul also wants to end the drug war and bring troops home from overseas.

"We're broke, we just don't have the money," he said. "The burden of debt falls on us and the next generation, and there is no proof that this kind of foreign policy is helping us."

The two also were critical of the handling of the economy, saying billions of dollars had been shelled out to companies in recent bailouts with little or no public transparency.

Supporters were ecstatic to hear Paul speak on big issues.

"He just makes sense," said Ryan Branyan, a student at the University of Minnesota. "He is speaking sensible in a time when not many people are."

Not everyone was sold on Paul or Bachmann's ideas.

"I've never seen more hypocrisy in the same room before," said Andy Pederson, another U student. "They talk about the deficit as if they aren't part of the problem."

Paul told the crowd he draws strength from the young people he meets on campuses.

"I'm optimistic when I talk to the young people, the universities ... something is stirring in the youth all over the country."