Isn't the problem with returning to the gold standard that the US government does not have sufficient gold reserves (or ability to obtain sufficient gold reserves) to not lose massive amounts of money from doing so? I don't know a lot about it, but that's what I heard as an explanation for why going back to the gold standard would be insane. So while it was probably a bad idea to have abandoned the gold standard, having done so, it would make matters worse to try and go back to it.
Also IIRC, Ron Paul has substantial holdings in gold. The US government returning to the gold standard would obviously give a big boost to the value of gold, which would cause Paul's personal fortune to skyrocket. While you can argue that his investments in gold are simply a case of him living up to his beliefs, I think it only fair that we question the motives of a man who would, as President,take a course of action that could bankrupt the country while personally enriching himself. You would criticize such an act from any other politician; Ron Paul should not get a pass.
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[NO BARKLEY NO PEACE]