I never like to lose. I've heard the term "Moral Victory" more times than I like to admit. But in this case it's apropos. by Bob Nightingale
(libertarian)
Monday, February 11, 2008
In this election cycle, I had a candidate that I could believe in. But then again, I at one time thought Ross Perot and Pat Buchanan had the right ideas when it came to national sovereignty, fiscal responsibility, limited government, and illegal immigration--all those things that are basic to preserving America. I believed that the government used the events of 9/11 to grab more power and infringe on personal liberties. I believe we have no business creating a new nation for the Iraqis. Besides, we can't afford it. The latest stimulus package helps the Chinese economy much more than it does ours. And Ron Paul was right on every point.
Without a sound economy, none of the other things in this campaign season matter much. I've listened to the health care proposals and shake my head. The money isn't there. I read about the $164 billion stimulus package, in addition to the current budget, which is $400 billion in the red. All that will add to the $9.2 trillion national debt. And my grandchildren will have to pay that off, someday, in Ameropesos.
I see the discussion of the economy and the causes of the recession disappearing with the eventual withdrawal of Ron Paul from the presidential race. It's soon, if in fact not already happened.
Looking at the rate of donations, I've observed that prior to most of the money bombs, donations would slow a bit, then there would be a big surge. According to ronpaulmoneybomb.com, the next big fundraiser is scheduled for President's Day, Feb 18. It will probably raise close a million dollars, if that. Those supporting Ron Paul have used this opportunity to give a big middle finger to the establishment with the power of MasterCard--and rightfully so.
Unfortunately, it takes more than money to win these races. It takes a campaign that can sway popular opinion. It takes delegates elected to a party's national convention, and then it takes another campaign for electoral college votes. Each of those steps prevents extreme or minority ideas from making it into the national discussion. Even if those ideas are the right ones for the country.
The campaign hasn't given much encouragement lately. According to a message to his supporters, he must now give attention to his "other" priority-- re-election to his seat in Congress. His "Ron Paul for Congress" website is eerily similar to his presidential one. So far, the cash ticker shows he's raised $268,000 of the $400,000 needed for re-election.
The only appearance left on his calendar at ronpaul2008.com is the presidential debate on Feb 28 on MSNBC. The campaign in pulling in its reins.
Perhaps in Congress is where Ron Paul can be most effective? In the vote on the president's stimulus package, only a few congressmen voted against it, including Ron Paul. Two others included Tom Tancredo and Duncan Hunter. John McCain voted for it. Obama, Clinton and Nelson were the only three ones in the Senate who didn't vote at all. Only a few Senate Republicans and no Senate Democrats voted against it. He needs more allies.
McCain has no clue on the economy, nor the causes of terrorism. I'm not sure if Mike Huckabee is that much better, but at least he's had executive experience running a state and attempted to cut taxes. I hadn't followed his campaign much, because I hadn't given it my preference. I figured that Thompson or Romney or Giuliani would have been the bona fide frontrunner by now. So did most analysts, six months ago.
Barack Obama had been right on the war in the beginning, but can he keep that posture going if elected? Senator Clinton's positions are as sincere as that laugh she used all day when she made her whirlwind appearances on Sunday morning news shows. Edwards nailed her on her driver's license positions--all four of them.
No, I'm not thrilled with any of the choices. I've told anyone who would listen, that if my choice comes down to choosing between McCain and Clinton, I'm probably going to write in my dog's name. She's never bit anyone, nor told me how to run my life.
I don't think America was ready for Ron Paul's full message. Most people can live with the Federal Reserve, although that is a major source of the problems. But replacing it with a government agency isn't much better, if one considers how great the government is at managing money. We are so used to green and brown paper that no one would know what to do with coins of any significant denomination. The government gets a chunk of that, before I can see my paycheck. Huckabee is still talking about eliminating the IRS, although I'm not too crazy about the substitute fair tax. Fair would be zero.
For someone who hears these ideas for the first time, they do sound radical. In an atmosphere of fear, people will gravitate to apparent safety.
Americans have gotten dependent on the idea that someone else will take care of them when they're old and sick. They even believe government cares for them better than their family or their churches. How sad. They now believe that a sick man in a cave 10,000 miles away wants them dead. They believe drugs and drug dealers are to blame for their children's ebbing morals. They even asked Congress to put a V-Chip in TV sets, to protect the children. Sorry, the answer was always simpler and cheaper. The truth is in the mirror. It was never in a politician.
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I'll be surprised if the next money bomb is anything more than a dud. How's this for an idea: Give up the run for the congressional seat for a full-tilt, no-holds-barred, run for the presidency - independent if need be. Let's be real: How much has ten terms in congress slowed down the encroachment of this monsterous entity we call the Federal Government? If you're going to fight Quixotic battles then you might as well go all the way. He ought to pass the baton to some young R Paul congressman in his district (how 'bout his grandson) and go for broke to get into the Whitehouse. Can I hear a hellyeah? Whoever is managing this campaign should be fired. What kind of stupid-ass strategy could produce so little with so much money? They should've hired a fiscal conservative to effectively spend our money.
Ron Paul has called for a march on Washington DC!!!! Everybody get ready, we're going to do it...the Ron Paul R3VOLution is taking the country back! He also suggested there might be some dirt coming out on the other candidates between now and the Convention...
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No, I'm not thrilled with any of the choices. I've told anyone who would listen, that if my choice comes down to choosing between McCain and Clinton, I'm probably going to write in my dog's name. She's never bit anyone, nor told me how to run my life.