The Republican nominee for president has practically been decided, but unfortunately John “100-more-years-in-Iraq” McCain is not the best candidate that the Republicans could have chosen. They should have gone with Rep. Ron Paul. And, while a number of primaries still remain, given their current format, neither Paul nor current runner-up Mike Huckabee will be able to overtake McCain for the nomination.

McCain’s nomination is not only a disgrace to “undecided” Americans but to more conservative Republicans as well. How in the world can you pledge your allegiance to the Republican Party and vote in for a liberal-moderate to run for office? That is almost the same as voting George Bush into office a third time.

Because Republicans are too headstrong to realize the damage they are causing to this country, Ron Paul has to run as an Independent in this year’s election. To this point, he has run a campaign that has been more successful than anyone else, Paul included, could have hoped for. By running as a Republican, Paul was able to get his message of small government and non-violence to the national forefront, and in the process won the support of voters who had never previously heard his name. He has faced tough questions from an array of moderators, and despite impropriety has been able to keep a positive attitude and continue to spread the truth.

When asked if he would run as an Independent in the past, Paul has refused to close the door, saying he was 99.99 percent sure that he would only run for president as a Republican. While one may understand Paul’s reluctance to admit defeat, the only true form of surrender would be to remove the option of voting for a candidate whom the voters actually believe in.

It is reasonable to believe that Paul is hesitant to run as an Independent because this course of action could endanger the progress he has made with Republican voters. However, as Paul has often noted, those individuals who are currently registered Republicans do not support his message anyway, and the true Republicans who share his belief of small government and non-intervention have long abandoned the party. Paul never really had a chance to win the primaries because the only people voting were those who did not support his views.

But by running as an Independent, Paul can finally allow the votes of his followers to count. They have worked together to raise more money than anyone thought possible and there is no reason why they can’t vote Paul into the White House, should he appear on the ballot in November. In addition, by continuing his campaign as an Independent — after McCain is awarded the nomination — Paul will be able to use the national stage to appeal to all registered voters and not just those who scour shady forums and watch YouTube videos.

If for nothing else, Paul can make sure McCain doesn’t win.