Topic: Presidential Campaign 2008
Ron Paul has already won. For Ron Paul supporters who have lost hope or lost sight of their goals. Ron Paul has already won. No, I don't need a reality check. Perhaps you do...by Owen Bran
(Libertarian)
Monday, February 11, 2008
For Ron Paul supporters who have lost hope or lost sight of their goals: Ron Paul has already won. No, I don't need a reality check. Perhaps you do...
Since the recent announcement from the Ron Paul campaign hit the press, I have seen many encouraging articles but also many discouraging ones. Of course the MSM has spun this as "Ron Paul gives up" even though that is not the case. However, many have fallen for it. Some even suggest Paulites should throw their support behind another candidate. What purpose would this serve? The other candidates are merely involved in a popularity contest and bankrupt of any real substance. Remember, this is not about Ron Paul or any one candidate. He is only the messenger. He'll tell you that himself. This is about our freedom.
This movement has already achieved far more than Paul originally envisioned. If he was a "fringe" candidate as he is so often labeled, why have so many worked around the clock to silence him or at least make him appear irrelevant? The answers are obvious. No, Ron Paul will not win any popularity contests for his good looks or articulate speaking ability but what he has been saying is finally hitting home with many Americans.
Again, it's the message and truth tends to resonate when given a chance to be heard. Paul has outlasted eight other candidates, some with more money, certainly many with more name recognition, and all with more media coverage. This movement has grown into a large outspoken group that can and will influence policy change as we go forward. With or without Ron Paul as president. The only thing that could stop this movement is division. It must remain united.
Ron Paul has provided a vehicle that has not been available in the past. He has catalyzed a diverse group that would not have come together for any other cause. Ron Paul may not win the GOP nomination but if you look at where he started, he has achieved far more than all the other candidates combined. This movement is not divided by party lines. It is not arguing who is the lesser of two evils or who is more electable. It's path has not been paved by corporations or the media. It is grounded on Constitutional principle with a vision for the future and it is slowly but steadily GROWING. Let us not waste this rare opportunity...
From my perspective, vigorous continued support for Ron Paul is the only way to continue to grow this freedom movement. Jumping ship now only shows a lack of conviction. Yes, I have heard many appealing ideas concerning new political parties, third party runs, etc. All of this is good and should be addressed in due time but for now, Ron Paul supporters should get the most mileage out of the vehicle Paul's candidacy has provided... And be thankful for it.
This is my first article. Your thoughts and recommendations are welcome... Thanks
Did you like this article? If you did, Thumb It! 181 thumbs so far
2008 Owen Bran, all rights reserved.
Published: Monday, February 11, 2008
Last modified: Monday, February 11, 2008
The views expressed in this
article are those of Owen Bran only and do not represent
the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Owen Bran is
solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an
employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
Thank you for that...you are speaking truth and we must not be divided and continue onward. I think what we already have in place with the Ron Paul MeetUp groups is a great way to unite everyone and organize. We can go by the name Ron Paul or give ourselves a new name....maybe the Freedom Party? Any suggestions? But his run is not over yet and he still has a shot at the White House in January.
"Paul has outlasted eight other candidates, some with more money, certainly many with more name recognition, and all with more media coverage."
Only because he has refused to concede. He has indeed beaten a couple of candidates who had better name recognition (Giulani) but to say he has "outlasted" someone because he stuck with it when he had no chance at winning is a little ridiculous.
"This movement has grown into a large outspoken group that can and will dictate policy change as we go forward."
I don't want an group that represents the fringe minority dictating policy in my country. You guys vastly overestimate the size of your movement.
Just wanted to say you did a fine job with your first article. Your point is clear. It's not just about this election, It's about the future of our country. We must remain resolute in our convictions.
I am an Independent, except for recently when I registered Republican to vote fore Ron Paul. I plan to go back.
Last election year (2006) I voted for four people from four different parties in my state. I am opposed to political parties in principle, not just because of their principles. But at the same time, organization is important.
So what about an new "party" that is no party in the traditional sense. Why don't "We the People" organize into a group... why not call it We the People. I don't think www.wethepeople.com is taken.
Posted By: Neil McLaughlin
Date: 2008-02-11 18:19:28
That's the spirit! (Sorry for the old cliche). This movement has grown by a factor of 10 in the past year, and we now have about 5% of the vote. If we can repeat that growth rate, we will have over 50% by next year. Keep up the good work everyone!
I've never had any intention of voting for anyone other than Ron Paul. No other candidate even comes close to offering what Ron Paul offers, so no other candidate comes close to gaining my support. Sure Obama talks about ending the War in Iraq, but he doesn't offer any other spending cuts to pay for the largest spending budget proposal of all the candidates. Yea maybe if I'm left with a tight race between McCain and Obama for the general election I'll consider throwing my vote for Obama. Nah, my conscience just won't allow me to participate in choosing Presidential alternatives rather than a candidate with solutions.
That's what they said about Perot, Buchanan, Nader and Dean. Ron Paul's kooky views are only surpassed in kookiness by the guy's crackpot speaking style, always whining about the Constitution on every public debate. Five years from now when you hear the words "Ron Paul," people will think you are ordering a drink.
That felt good to read that, but I've never thought of throwing in any towel. This is a movement that is worth its weight in gold and I'm humbled and proud to be a part of it. Beyond Dr. Paul, I'll shout this message everyday of my life, if that's what it will take. I hope it'll be sooner though because time is of the essence to be sure. But anyhow, great article.
Great first article, keep them coming. The support for our candidate is still growing. THe future of our country needs Ron PAul and we owe it to him to help secure his Congressional seat. Lets mobilize like we have done before and get this thing moving!!!!
Excellent first article, indeed! Certainly helps to focus our sights on both the steps to take towards our common goal and the current vehicle, that is Ron Paul's Campaign, of spreading the truth and knowledge about Freedom that is the continuing of the American Revolution in a non-violent way.
May we fight these socialistic and near fascist ideals maturely, and in the time of need look to each other as we push through the name calling and outright ignorant/malevolent lies.
Hey Gil --
Whining about the Constitution? Are you serious?
Dr. Paul has always strictly adhered to the Constitution.
Is the Constitution filled with "kooky" ideas?
Why should he not "whine" about the Constitution? After all, our Constitution has been undermined by....???
Once again, Gil -- this country was founded upon --
The Constitution of the United States of America.
There is nothing "kooky" about that, my friend.
As we have seen time after time, from Clinton I to Obama, and even with Huckabee to a certain degree, style beats substance in the short run. That was even true with the "folksy" style of Bush II against Gore. With decent, or in some cases, saturation coverage of a few of the candidates, style can readily be amplified well beyond the power of message. There are still too many TV deadheads and deadtree readers (but they'll be disappearing before long).
Considering the TV/deadtree blackouts and the lack of charismatic campaigning from Paul, I think Paul has done quite well to reach a vibrant and strong core of supporters. These people have been affected and enlightened in many ways. Once the artifice of the establishment magicians is exposed, it's difficult to sell the same tricks again--and the establishmentarians know it.
The messages of Ron Paul's campaign are going to rattle around in a lot of brains for some time to come. Like taking medicine, the first dose is always the toughest to swallow. There are many challenges headed for the U.S., and people may be searching before too long for any medicine that will relieve the pain.
Since first becoming aware of Ron Paul in October 2007, I instantly became an "obsessed" Ron Paul supporter. He hasn't yet quit, nor will he, and neither will I.
But I have since become obsessed with something else, which also happens to explain why he seemed to have such a poor showing in the primaries.
It's called VOTE FRAUD. I don't think anyone needs any more proof that the Diebold machines are a sick joke that we are forced to vote on. The question is, what do we do about it? How do we get rid of these?
You must contact your Secretary of State and demand that your state decertify these machines! In both Ohio and Georgia, the Secretary of State of each ran on the platform that they would get rid of these machines. (A year and a half later, still not done)
Otherwise, the election has already been predetermined. And Ron Paul won't have a ghost of a chance. Do something now!
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...
Please go to this site and vote for Dr. Paul. It's a site about having an open GOP convention. You will have to write in his name at the bottom of the posted listed. Thanks to all. http://www.opengopconvention.com/
Understanding Dr Paul's message is not just understanding the mess the U.S. is currently involved in but it is also knowing how we can get out of this empirialistic lifestyle. Once you grasp this very simple to understand message ,then there is no going back and to consider supporting another candidate who is a mere puppet for this empire would be another step toward dismantling what this Country was founded on.
Ron Paul is short on delegates, but certainly has won the hearts and minds of millions. I think you will see his influence take root in the 2010 election, when more folks in their 20s & 30s start running for Congress on a slate of smaller government, greater personal freedoms, no IRS. I think this was the goal all along. It got my attention. I'm too old and fat to run for Congress. Maybe my kids....
I would rather be a fringe radical than a guilty bystander conceding to mutual bankruptcy. Everyone must read 'Rich Dad's Prophecy', by Robert Kiyosaki. Most of us will experience the full brunt of real economic devastation within our lifetimes. At least during the great depression we were still an agrarian society, where people still knew how to grow food. Today we are one of the most urbanized countries on earth. What do you think will happen when people can't feed themselves? Blood in the streets! You naysayers read that book and tell me this wont happen! Now is not the time for revolution, but when the time comes I will be the first to take up arms against the unwitting loyalists.
Want to comment on this
article? Leave your comment here. Your email address is
required to track your comment. However, we will neither
publish your email address nor distribute it to other
organizations or persons. The only reason we might use
it would be if we needed to contact you regarding your
comment. All comments are subject to our
terms of use policy.
2008 Owen Bran, all rights reserved.