Topic: Political Literature
Ron Paul And The Ding Dang Deelio Just some thoughts to help turn the great ship around...by Scott from Oregon
(Libertarian)
Monday, March 10, 2008
Ron Paul and The Ding Dang Deelio
Like so many others, I was broadsided by the Ron Paul candidacy and the effect was startling. I "got it" almost immediately, and I set out to help others get it too.
What the "it" was, was the ding dang deelio, the name I give to the essential truth of something, the "no bullshitting me now!" bottom line.
And the ding dang deelio is simply this-- The federal government has been granting itself powers incrementally for a long time now, and it is time to pull the reins in and reset the whole purpose of our government in Washington.
That simple realization was my ding dang deelio, and that is what I have been trying to pass along to all of those who simply aren't quite getting it yet.
Ron Paul is not the savior of America. Ron Paul is a guy who stood up and passed along ideals that we have long forgotten. Ron Paul is not the kind of president I want in the White House, but he is the kind of human being I want setting good examples in the way government should be run. Having Ron Paul back in congress makes me feel quite secure in my newfound vision for American governance. Having Ron Paul securely ensconced in his old seat in the House is my idea of a good thing not quite appreciated for what it will turn out to be.
For those of you who were so certain that logic would prevail and that Ron Paul would be our next president, I say "settle down". Things have gone along as were predictable by any and all who cared to watch with honest intent. Ron Paul was never going to break into the mainstream paradigm with his seventy plus year old personality and his repetitious speeches and his short and angry responses to debate questions asked and designed in such a way as to make him look like a kooky man. Reality wasn't going to part like the Red Sea so that the wishes of some would soon become the reality of all.
Minds change the way ships turn around. Perceptions and ideals are slow to turn, as well. The important thing to realize is that the wheel of the ship has been cranked, and the rudder has been adjusted. The important thing to realize is that the current that was once heading in one direction, has been roiled.
Ron Paul is right in that he recognizes his mathematical inevitability AND in that he recognizes the certainty in which momentum will carry his ideas forward, gathering volume and adherences and turning America back toward saner and purer practices. In other words, Ron Paul knows the ding dang deelio, and all of his supporters should be aware of this.
Try this mind experiment out if it pleases you. Imagine fifteen or twenty Ron Paulesque Congressman and Senators elected in the upcoming election cycle. Imagine another twenty or so in the cycle after that. The lesson here is, if you gave a hundred bucks and are disappointed in your return, you haven't been around long enough to figure out what your money is worth. Ron Paul stepped forward not so much to be president, but to take over the government.
Use your mouth. Carry the torch. Soldier on and on.
Epilogue--
These are just some random thoughts I have involving the Ron Paul "movement".
1) Christine Smith-- Why are you wasting your time running for President? You should be running for a seat in Congress where you have a small chance of succeeding. Running for president just to fluff out your resume does not help further anyone's cause. With Ron Paul's ideas gaining national notoriety during this election cycle, you actually had a chance at gaining a seat somewhere by getting caught up in his wake. What's the ding dang deelio?
2)Barack Obama is enjoying classical media support and is firing up the imagination of disenfranchised Americans with his sloganeering and his "inclusivity". For those Ron Paul supporters that really want to see "change" be more than just an election slogan, why not dog Obama the way Guilliani was dogged, and make Obama answer the hard questions while the cameras are rolling? Why not ask him about the Federal Reserve? Why not ask him about fiat money? Why not ask him about our troups in Okinawa and Korea? Why not press him on issues that he cares not to talk about? Every time he makes a campaign speech promise, why not yell out "WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR THAT?!?!" There really are many ways to support Ron Paul's ideas even when Ron Paul is not the focus of your attention.
3)Why has the "media" been allowed to get away with the almost criminal blackballing of Ron Paul? Where are all of the Ron Paul supporters who live near studios and broadcasting stations and towers? Why have all the Ron Paul maniacs and fanatics taken the media thumping with very little fight? Is this a revolution or a love in?
4)Which Ron Paul supporter has the cajones to defy the IRS? Are we all simply loud and boisterous sheep? Do we rejoice in tossing over fake tea barrels while we cower in the real world?
5)If the military gave so much to Ron Paul in donations, why aren't military men and women stepping up and declaring "why" they donated? Why aren't many being insubordinate and demanding military introspection and change?
6)It seems many from foreign countries look to America to be the beacon of freedom and a source for great ideals. Many caught on to the Ron Paul movement and wished the best for it, hoping it would recover the America of their fantasies and, in turn, help rectify their national governments. How can these foreigners be tapped and what good use can they be put to?
(I have more but my beer is empty and my dogs need dinner.)
Instead of leaving me a comment, how about adding your own questions to the list I just made?
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2008 Scott from Oregon, all rights reserved.
Published: Monday, March 10, 2008
Last modified: Monday, March 10, 2008
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Thank you. A rational, thoughtful discourse. I liked your analogy of 'turning the ship around' . That is exactly how the long term strategy should be managed. I agree that RP's role has been, and will continue to be far more effective as a source of inspiration, education and guidance on achieving the ultimate aim of turning America around - back to sanity and freedom.
Uh Oh, Radar says a front is moving in, looks like bad weather on the way... All you fair weather friends will want to run for cover now. Don't go getting yourself soiled... hurry along.
I'll see you at the convention... unless your scared of the storm.
Christine Smith is not the only Libertarian presidential candidate. Why single her out? Christine is spreading the ideas of libertarianism -- which form the core of Ron Paul's political ideology. She is on our side in this fight. Many Ron Paul supporters do not seem to understand the great debt their Movement owes to libertarianism.
Posted By: Scott fom Oregon
Date: 2008-03-10 12:38:20
Mike-- I only single her out because she is the one I know that could have a chance at winning a House seat if she wasn't out "spreading ideas". House seats and a government make-over SHOULD be the goal, here. The rest of the Libertarian presidential candidates should be after house seats, as well... Hell.. Nader, if he was ever serious, should be after a House seat...
Posted By: Ivan from Oregon
Date: 2008-03-10 20:27:22
Scott, I liked your article and gave you a thumb, but I'll argue with your implied "requirement" for a President. If you've read any of my stuff, you know I think he still has a decent chance at getting the nomination, because a tsunami of economic issues is heading our way. By RNC time in early September, many of us may be quite ready for a "stodgy old conservative" that wants to preserve our liberties and really knows what he's talking about as to how to fix the system. McInsane can't spell "economics" and neither do Yomma or Momma.
At the very least, we can swamp the Convention and have our issues heard and aired. I believe the populace will be much more receptive to the "stodgy" message by then - we will be well into the "interesting times" as told in the ancient Cinese curse.
This why I think it's very important for the whiners to get off their (_!_) and do something to further the cause. Go RP!
Posted By: Scott from Oregon
Date: 2008-03-10 22:27:57
Ivan-- I lean your way in attitude and wishful thinking. Sure. It "could" happen. And people should make every effort to "make" it happen.
DO what you are capable of doing. That's pretty much my motto. And don't give up or give in.
But also, be realistic and cunning and plan carefully and stop trying to get the top chair when so many other chairs are out there easier to quietly pick.
You want the government to change.? You have to have your idealogy become part of the government, and you do that by swamping it with like minded folk...
Posted By: Miriam from Los Angeles
Date: 2008-03-11 11:30:44
Random Thought #7)
Use the groups that we all belong to (church, synagog, sports, professional, debate club) to sponsor an activity that will teach the public something about America's founding principals on a personal level.
Organize a community picnic at a park to advertise your group to locals, but have activities that teach, e.g., a Treasure hunt wherein kids have to visit 10 stations, find a hidden box, egg, etc, and answer the question correctly to get signed off on a card. 10 signatures will get a free ice cream cone; five of more get a drink. Questions like: What does the fourth amendment guarantee? Name three people who signed the Declaration of Independance. Parents encouraged to tag along, but not answer for the kids. It would bring people together and generate discussions.
Sponsor an essay content for the local Jr. High School with similar subjects. Submit a story to local newspapers on it before and after.
Scott, I'm not sure I can add much to your list... it was very good by itself. I do have one comment about your item #5:
5)If the military gave so much to Ron Paul in donations, why aren't military men and women stepping up and declaring "why" they donated? Why aren't many being insubordinate and demanding military introspection and change?
Active duty personnel are subject to the UCMJ which prohibits them from making such declarations. Actually, I was surprised to see their endorsements on the RP Campaign web site as this is also prohibited.
On the issue of insubordination, not only are the penalties harsh, to say the least, many active duty personnel see it as their duty to follow orders (within reason). They feel that if they do less, then they are doing a dishonor to their country. I've previously written about the quandary they are in... stuck between their desire to uphold their oath to the Constitution and their commitment to serving as a "good soldier". Its a place no soldier should have to be.
If the proverbial ship ever hits the sand, however, I suspect that many military personnel will view their oath to the Constitution as taking priority over all other things. For then, the total of what is at stake will supersede fears of being court marshaled.
Thanks for bringing some common sense and clarity to "the big picture". Nice job!
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2008 Scott from Oregon, all rights reserved.