Actually, I thought that your post was excellent. I also think that Ron Paul let his (arguably) Constitutionally-based anti-war stance be co-opted -- to an "at least troubling" extent -- by the anti-military, Anti-American Left. That may have been more of an oversight than an intentional indulgence, but it was a mistake which turned off a lot of Conservatives and not a few libertarians.
Contrast that with the way that Rand Paul preaches the message, declaring that he believes that National Defense should be the single largest component of the Federal Budget. The largest percentage of a much smaller Federal Budget, true; but at least he's emphasizing the priority that National Defense should enjoy within the very few things that the Pauls believe that the Federal Government is supposed to do. Rand is stronger on his advocacy of this position, and presents his argument better, than Ron has ever done. (Unfortunately).
Thanks — I was hoping someone understood where I was coming from! :) I admit to not knowing much about Rand, but he sounds more to my liking... Hopefully, he has been watching and is able to learn from what I see at least are mistakes his father has made in the past, and then ultimately succeed where he has failed. I’ll be looking into him, and watching with hopeful, but tempered expectations. :)