Severely lacking

Ron Paul has been nothing if not consistent in his views from the 1970s to the present. I don't have an issue with his views (there are many I agree with), although I think I'd call him a dreamer. Ron Paul's views, for me, do not adversely affect this book. What does is the lack of organization and context. This book is a collection of speeches Paul has given during his time in Congress on several topics. Among them are Lebanon, the Middle East, the gold standard, Russia and others. I bought this book based on that alone because I am studying history and foreign policy (the latter spanning the last 30-40 years) and this book seemed to be exactly what I needed. Unfortunately, too much was lacking.

Another reviewer complained that the table of contents is lacking in that it organizes the book year by year with nothing else and also complained that there was no index. I fully agree with that reviewer on both counts. I also think that a context needs to be provided for many of these speeches. The speeches are presented in chronological order. So you can have one speech on Lebanon, another speech on the gold standard and a third speech on any number of topics all in the same chapter. What would have been nice is if this book put those speeches into context. On their own they're eloquent and that's nice and all, but those of us that weren't around in 1982 or following politics at that time (I was 2 for God's sake!), we may have no idea what he's talking about or arguing against (there were several topics that I was/am woefully unfamiliar with). A short rundown (say 2-4 pages...even 5) before each speech would have been great. What's the speech about? How did this issue come about? What happened afterward? How did this speech influence (if at all) Congress's decision? I was left with more questions than answers after finishing this book.

If you're someone like me who is a newbie to the arena of foreign policy and is looking to know more about it and its history over the latter half of the 20th century, look elsewhere (America and the World: Conversations on the Future of American Foreign Policy by David Ignasius, Zbigniew Brzezinski and Brent Scowcroft is a GREAT place to start). But if you're an older individual who has been following politics closely all this time, perhaps you'd enjoy it. Maybe I'll enjoy it when I've familiarized myself with so many of the issues Ron Paul spoke for/against in this book. Until then, it's a dust collector and an unhelpful one at that.

Proof that Ron Paul is the only sensible politician on foreign policy

This book is actually just a collection of Ron's speeches in the house. And while it doesn't make for smooth reading I am still giving it 5 stars for the message it conveys. This book chronicles Ron's 30 years in the house of representatives. Starting in 1976 with the death of Mao Tse-Tung, and ending 2006 with Dr. Paul discusssing the importance of a dialogue with Iran. This book shows how right Ron Paul has always been on foreign policy much to the chagrin of the neo-cons. Ron consistantly argues his case for non-inteventionism, and what the consequences of intervention will be. He is almost prophetic on foreign policy (just like he is on the economy). He states the current crises and why they happened, and what will happen if Congress continues bad policy. Then he is proven right when the consequences come to fruition exactly as Ron stated. That is pretty much the gist of the whole book. Ron Paul is right and all the opposition is wrong for 30 years. Even on the many occasions when Ron was the only "no" vote in the Congress.

If you really want to get a grasp of what a sound foreign policy looks like then read Ron's speeches in this book.

A great collection

This is a great collection of House speeches on Foreign Policies given by Dr. Paul.

The Corporation

Absolutelly amazing... Here is my advice. Read this book and the following;

The Case Against Barack Obama, The Road to Serfdom-The Definitive Edition, The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America, and the following videos; Why We Fight, the Corporation, and The Pianist.

Now research all the information for your self, make shure you start in a position of neutrality, and lastly welcome to reality:)

A Foreign Policy of Freedom

Whereas many authors write in a forward-looking sense of things which may transpire as a result of current events, this book is almost wholly made up of letters read into the Congressional Record--some as long as 30 years ago--by Congressman Ron Paul. Dr. Paul's command of subject, deep and fundamental knowledge of geopolitics and human nature, and the incredible and uncanny degree of near-clairvoyance that he seems to possess in crafting relevant and accurate predictions make it one of the most enlightening books I've ever read. As such, it should be required reading for all High School and College Social Studies and History classes.