The "Ron Paul revolution" has hit Ames. Thousands of Ron Paul supporters cheered as the Texas congressman took the stage.

As he took to the stage his mostly younger supporters turned the Hilton Coliseum into a scene more resembling a rock concert than a political rally. Supporters charged the stage, and were extremely vocal during the congressman's speech.

Focusing on personal freedom, Paul stressed the need to eliminate "big government" in favor of protecting life and personal liberties.

"Our campaign is all about freedom, prosperity, and peace," Paul said. "You can't have freedom without life," he continued, a statement of his anti-abortion beliefs. "That horrible ruling of Roe V. Wade must be overturned."

Turning his attention away from abortion issues, Paul compared the intentions of the founding fathers to the current foreign policy era. He claimed that if the founders of America were alive today, they would be shocked by how the nation carries itself, domestically and internationally. The congressman proclaimed that America was never intended to be major police force in the world.

"We have let our defense slip, we are overstretched, and we are weakened," said Paul. "The founders would be amazed by what we put up with."

Issuing a statement on education reform, Paul claimed that securing the right to choose between competing schools is a valuable freedom that has been lost in modern times.

"Liberty means we have freedom of choice," said Paul. "One of the most important freedoms we have is the right to choose between education systems."

After every pause, his supporters in the front loudly chanted his name and jumped up and down yelling. After discussing his belief of how the federal reserve system is unconstitutional, Paul closed with a final proclamation about the necessity of freedom in the future of government.

"Above all, we need faith in ourselves and knowledge of how freedom works," said Paul. "Join us in this great campaign for freedom and liberty.

By Eric Johnson