Paul certainly COULD sign laws that would harm abortion rights, he does have influence over the issue. Even in the case of constitutional amendments, the president can and will trade favors to influence the outcome. We're talking about making someone one of the most powerful men on Earth.
Slavery (and corporate personhood) are valid comparisons with regards to legal personhood being determined at the federal level. It's easy for us rich folks to just waltz across state borders, but for pregnant women facing social stigma and possible poverty, even local prohibition is a huge disincentive to abort. Slaves could run away too, but I'd rather we focus on this topic rather than play the analogy game all week.
So my question to you guys, if I may repeat - what level of government should be responsible for
A. deciding legal personhood, and
B. protecting human rights?
Great! And my comment was just me being honest - not a personal attack at all. I do believe anyone who says that they aren't voting for Paul just because of his views on abortion are either not well informed about Ron Paul and the state of the world, or they're being dishonest and trying to smear him with an appeal to emotions.
Ron Paul will not pass any federal laws that "hurt abortion rights" - there aren't really any "abortion rights", by the way. He would at most work to overturn Roe-vs-Wade, but only in the constitutionally allowed way that the president can. That's only to remove the federal governments interference with state court rulings. The federal government doesn't interfere with differing state laws on murder and manslaughter, so I don't know why anyone would object to this if they believe in limiting federal power to its constitutionally defined boundaries. The abortion issue is definitely one with grey areas for everyone except those who believe the right to life starts at the instant of conception, which I don't. One thing we don't need is federal abortion police, and the federal government definitely has no place using tax money to fund abortion clinics (even if you LOVE abortion.)
We have huge problems in this country right now. Worst case for the abortion issue is that a handful of states outlaw it. Worst case for our economic/foreign policy problems, along with the encroachment of our civil rights, is so much worse, and so much more immediate. We're in severe trouble right now and there's only one guy who we can trust to actually do what he says in the running. How can we trust Ron Paul? He's got an impeccable record, and has always voted on his principles. These other jokers are just more of the same bullshit politicians we've had for years.