Topic: Ron Paul
"The Pledge" In 1971, when the Libertarian Party was formed, it was under similar political circumstances to what we have today. Nixon was doing everything he could with the power of the state to suppress political activism against the Viet Nam War. by Rod Smith
(libertarian)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
In 1971, when the Libertarian Party was formed, it was under similar political circumstances to what we have today. Nixon was doing everything he could with the power of the state to suppress political activism against the Viet Nam War.Today, we have the Iraq war, with President Bush and entrenched, neoconservative, radicals in charge of the current tone and direction of public and foreign policy. Nixon had the FBI goons; Bush has his "Patriot Act".
In their great wisdom, the founders of the Libertarian Party knew that their movement would be scorned and challenged by the powers that be. It was feared that any opportunity to smear the message of liberty would be achieved through the means of painting members as "terrorists".
With that in mind, they created "The Pledge" that has lasted since the time of the party's foundation. It states:
"I do not believe in the initiation of force as a means to achieve political or social goals."
As with any movement, there will be exceptions to civility. Ron Paul's R3ovlution, in many ways, is an extension and expansion of that original cry and the wilderness for change ... the idea of achieving political power to reduce political power.
As anticipated, the few departures from this idea of nonaggression within our current endeavor have been held up by the powers that be in an attempt to reduce the beauty of the ideas that we champion.
I call upon all of us to seek our better angels on behalf of achieving a spreading the ideas of freedom. In a very real sense, people's lives here and abroad are depending on our success.
As George Washington stated:
"Government is not eloquence, nor beauty, but force ... a dangerous servant and a fearful master."
Let them talk of creating war. Let them talk of extorting more of our income. Let them talk of reducing freedom and shredding The Constitution. Let them all offer the thirsty a drink of foul water.
Let us bow our angst to the yoke of civility, and cast down our buckets where we are; may then our rivals respect the content of our character and also the measure of our resolve.
If we are then challenged on the virtues of this enduring dream ...
Let it come. I repeat, let it come.
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article are those of Rod Smith only and do not represent
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