On his final campaign stop at Des Moines University this afternoon, Ron Paul spoke to a crowd of medical professionals and supporters about the need to keep government out of health care reform.

"The cost of medical care has been out of control since the government has been involved over these many years," said Paul. "The cost can go up for many different reasons." He later stated that inflation is one of the largest factors for rising medical costs.

Although his speech generally centered around addressing health issues, Paul still made his last pitch for caucus-goers to consider basic freedom over any other issue.

"Health care isn't a right, having a house isn't a right, having a job isn't a right, not in a free country," said Paul, receiving a loud round of applause from his supporters waiving campaign signs in the back of the lecture hall. "In a free country, you have a right to your life, you have a right to your liberty, you have the right to pursue your happiness, and hopefully someday you will have the right to keep what you earn."

At the end of his speech, Paul took pre-submitted questions from members of the audience, which offered him the opportunity to reflect on how medical care has changed since his days of being a practicing physician in Texas.

"Personally, I have gone through a transition having gone to medical school in the '50s, and having very little education in something like nutrition," said Paul. "Now I am a strong advocate of health prevention."

Labels: Republicans