Topic: Ron Paul
Ron Paul-Endorsed Money Bomb a Dud? Where's the love? Love of Liberty, that is? Have you donated yet, or have you just given up?by creator
(libertarian)
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Yesterday I had a wake-up call. I think I was under the delusion that the Freedom Movement was still alive and well, but I'm starting to wonder: Now that Ron Paul is no longer actively campaigning for president, have we all just gone back to sleep in our cups? Have we "taken the fifth" -- of Scotch -- and tried to drown our sorrows?
The Fourth of July Freedom Slate '08 Money Bomb was supposed to raise millions for liberty-minded candidates across the country, but less than $20 thousand was raised yesterday. What happened?
The amazing thing is that this money bomb was organized by the same people that brought you the November 5th and December 16th money bombs, which garnered more than four and six million dollars respectively in those single-day events.
Furthermore, Ron Paul himself has endorsed Break The Matrix, Trevor Lyman's New Media organization that is behind the money bomb. Of their efforts, Paul had this to say in a recent email:
"I look forward to their success. Our message is too important not to spread." - Ron Paul
This message went out to some 100,000 people on the Campaign for Liberty mailing list - yet the results of this money bomb were less than 1/3rd of one percent of the "big bomb" on December 16th, a mere half a year ago. Have we just given up, gone back to "business as usual?"
Here is my summary analysis of what's happened:
Typical American's attention span in the "TV Age"
Adrenalin depletion - we're just tired!
Basic survival - we're working our buns off to just "get by"
Ron Paul is no longer actively campaigning for President
We're discouraged with existing presidential candidates
But, wait, aren't our goals still the same? All of the reasons to work for Liberty are still there, and more valid than ever! Don't forget:
Ron Paul's economic predictions are all coming true
Renegade government growth continues unabated
An increase in police-state tactics has anyone aware very concerned
Mass brainwashing by the mainstream media continues
There are more "Freedom Candidates" running than ever!
The drums of "endless war" are beating louder than ever
Our children and grandchildren need hope! Don't we want them to grow up in a free country?
Ron Paul is still an icon for leadership; are we listening to him?
So, do what you can! It is better to do a little bit on a daily basis, than to sit on your hands and give up. Whether or not you have a "local candidate" on the Freedom Slate, you can give a little more for Liberty, can't you?
Especially if you don't have a candidate: why not give a little bit to the ones at the bottom of the list? They've no doubt stepped out of their "comfort zones" to run for congress or the senate; let's not leave them thinking they've made a serious mistake!
In our local area, we have Mike Benoit running for congress. He campaigned tirelessly for Ron Paul during the active stages of the Paul campaign. It's only proper that San Diego should rally behind Mike Benoit now in his personal campaign for liberty.
Note that Mike Benoit is running as a Libertarian; I point this out because, while Dr. Paul refused to leave the Republican party (arguably a wise strategic decision,) all Americans that care about Liberty as a concept and as a goal need to realize that partisan politics is a zero-sum game. The brilliant folks at Downsize DC have figured that out. I encourge you in the strongest terms to join Downsize DC and learn how to force our "representatives" in Washington, regardless of political party, to truly represent us!
Now for a little good news: Break the Matrix and Freedom Slate have recognized the fact that Fourth of July is a vast, widely celebrated national holiday and that ALL of us were probably as busy as the proverbial one-armed paper-hanger. And so, they have EXTENDED the money bomb for our convenience, through the end of the day on Monday. Won't you, therefore, please go donate a few bucks today? How about right now?
Let's make an effort to put real Liberty-minded folks into office. They will appreciate it. Their constituents will appreciate it. I will appreciate it. Your children and grandchildren will thank you. Dig into your pockets -- dig deep! -- Give today!
The views expressed in this
article are those of creator only and do not represent
the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. creator 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.
I told my listeners on the radio to be carefule where they put their money. Break the Matrix was syphoning 10% of the donations off Freedomslate to line their pockets. Crooks.
Yes, the economy is bad, very bad. Still, everyone's got five bucks...
Yes, I've considered that everyone's "tapped out" in the donation department. See Response #1. Also see some of the "Income Tax" article references at the bottom of the page - America is LONG overdue for a "tax rebellion."
I have not "deeply investigated" the Break The Matrix fundraising mechanism details; however, a cursory look indicates that there is a completely voluntary, "fee for service" relationship between them and the candidates. This is basic "free market economics" and should be encouraged! Furthermore, I suspect it helps in part to counter oppressive anti-free-speech campaign finance laws a-la McCain/Feingold. I don't see the justification in applying terms like "siphoning" or "crooks" in this circumstance. Additionally, Break the Matrix, American Liberty TV, and other "for profit" organizations have come into existence to promote the cause of Liberty, and I would think that any funding "siphoned" off by these "crooks" will go a long ways towards breaking the stranglehold of the REAL CROOKS in mainstream media and in Washington DC.
Endorsement by Ron Paul himself seems a good enough reason for me to donate... I personally donated to the Mike Benoit campaign because I have met, stood alongside, and know Mike - and I kicked in more than $5 because by the grace of God I could - but again, see Reason #1.
Finally - If the 100,000 folks on the Campaign for Liberty mailing list each kicked in five bucks, we'd be half a million dollars closer to having some real Liberty Congressmen and Senators who would be supporters of Ron Paul and his efforts.
Posted By: No Name Supplied
Date: 2008-07-05 14:25:58
These things have to reach critical mass. Once a thing looks like it's going to be big, more people jump on. Maybe a bigger factor though, is that the RP money bombs were sure to draw media attention if they were big. Freedomslate could raise a few million and it would still garner negligible media. Bob Barr has his "bomb" on the 2nd too. It didn't do great (though he met his goal), but I chose to put my donation there.
if Ron Paul launched a 3rd party instead, the money would be immense. Taking the majorities of the LP and CP and all Paulites and a chunk of Republicans and Greens would make a difference. This plan won't work, it's too scattered. A third party had to be formed.
I've already decided to vote for John McCain because at least the vote will matter in defeating Obamanation.
Critical mass is fine; but we have to be our own "critical mass" we must REPLACE media, not seek it's attention. We must network via the internet and act in concert in our own common interests.
One of the largest of those common interests is to dismantle the federal leviathan that our government has become (why I urge you to join Downsize DC.) We must also realize that partisan politics is not working, it's working against us.
While it's true that a Ron Paul presidency would go a LONG WAYS towards restoring Liberty in America, in it's absence we MUST get away from this notion that electing someone to office is the answer. Virtually all elections are rigged, and it doesn't really much matter which of the "mainstream candidates" you elect to office.
In other words, your vote for John McCain is pretty much identical to a vote for Barack Obama - in the final outcome, it won't matter a whit.
I donated to BJ Lawson's campaign here in North Carolina last week, before I heard about this latest money bomb. Not to make excuses, but that's mine!
Besides, I'm for personal participation and not just financially at this point. Blame it on President Bush's post 9-11 call for all good citizens to come to the aid of their country and "go shopping" (and leave the driving to us).
Whats with the McSame adds on this page. I gave to Barr and Lawson. Trevor can go fly his blimp around. I thought the freedom slate web site was kind of weak and they did nada to promote it.
Posted By: Kevin Houston
Date: 2008-07-06 04:02:55
I am not a vote to be traded. Just because I support Ron Paul don't think that I can be induced to support and vote for anyone else just because they claim to be "Conservative", nor just because Ron Paul endorses them personally. Each candidate is going to have to earn my support the hard way.
Here's my problem with so-called "Ron Paul" Republicans (or Democrats for that matter):
How can I trust them?
George W Bush said he would have a "humble foreign policy"
George H. W. Bush said "No New Taxes"
Reagan said he would reduce federal spending.
Clinton's lies were so numerous that one hardly knows where to begin.
Numerous Congress-critters (on both sides of the aisle) have said one thing to get elected, and done another in office.
Ron Paul built a 10 term, 30 year record of votes (despite pressure, despite back-stabbing by his own party) proving that he understands and loves the Constitution.
For me, it's a matter of trust.
I couldn't really afford to donate to Ron Paul either, but it was a solid chance with a solid candidate. I don't see that in liberty slate. I see low chances with unproven candidates.
I may vote for Bob Barr or Chuck Baldwin. But I probably will not contribute more than a token amount to either. The one I will contribute to is the one who is the best at getting their message out with the funds they have. So far that is Bob Barr, but Chuck Baldwin knows his way around the blogoshpere, so that could change.
Frugality and efficacy, not policy, will inform my vote.
I think I've been a bit deflated. I gave $2,300 to the RP Campaign & I feel like the rug has been pulled out from underneath my feet. I'm sad about that, and I'm tired. I have scraped a few bucks together to promote candidates in my local elections, but I feel immobilized.
The bottom line is that we are being nickled and dimed to death! I agree with the comment that there should be a singular place where we can contribute and have that money distributed based on the quality of the organization or candidate seeking the funds. I guess you could liken it to a "political united way". Needless to say, that singular collection organization would have to have an impeccable reputation and be totally transparant. (unlike the united way)
Don't fret though......the revolution movement is full of talented and imaginative individuals. This is all very new to many and when the dust settles there will be some VERY good ideas as to how we can best move forward. Everyone needs to "think outside the box"!
In my humble estimation, many people were let down by Ron when he gave up and retained the money (something close to $5MM) that was specifically earmarked for HIS continued run for the presidency.
Though I actively supported Ron (I was one of the five people Ernest Hancock brought together to start the r3volution--made and hung the first signs/video--and even, after a lengthy conversation, was the first person Ron let announce publically that he would be officially seeking the nomination), I did not and do not agree that the Republican/Democrat Party is worth saving.
I first met Ron some twenty years ago and have never had a problem with his integrity. What he failed to fully grasp was that the R3volution was/is a Libertarian (philosophical, not political) thing. Even though we appreciate him, it was ALWAYS about the message and NEVER about the man.
When he failed to keep his committment to persue the presidency after having promised to keep going as long as the enthusiasm was there--and then didn't. His credibility as to his political actions went straihght down the toilet. We who insist on being free do not and will not follow a god-head. His endorsement may well have been the kiss-of-death for the plea for funds. After all, if he'll not do what he says, wouldn't it stand to reason that the people he endorses won't either?
Some of us have been spred pretty thin and have to make choices.
Personally, I'm putting my money (what's left of it) behind Jeremy Cady, who is running for Missouri State Rep in the 138th district. I've known Mr. Cady (who has been endorsed by Ron Paul and the MO Republican Liberty Caucus) for several years now, and I can count on him to be faithful to the cause.
I appreciate all the comments here, mostly constructive and instructive...
One common thread I see is that people like to donate (when they are able!) to people and causes that they KNOW - and therefore either direct personal knowledge or a TRUSTED middleman is essential. This is why I (personally) was very happy to donate to the Mike Benoit campaign.
On the other hand, most commenters seem to be missing this point: we need to escape partisanship in politics, and return power to We the People through organizations like Downsize DC and perhaps the up-and-coming Copper Cards group.
I have donated to many of the candidates the breakthematrix site supports. I gave directly to the candidates campaigns. I am particularly encouraged by BJ Lawson www.lawsonforcongress.com.
Having a middleman syphoning funds for operational expenses decreases the money that actually makes it to the campaigns.
We do not need Trevor Lyman for us to support these candidates financially. After the blimp fiasco, Mr. Lyman has very little chance to receive any of my funds.
Support the candidates you approve of, and do so with great vigor. There is no reason to give breakthematrix a cut of the campaign money.
Ron PROMISED to stay in the race. We gave him MONEY. He BACKED OUT. He TOOK OUR MONEY and LEFT THE RACE. No matter what he uses the money for, IT ISN'T WHAT WE GAVE IT TO HIM FOR!
You want to know why more wasn't given - NOW YOU KNOW.
Posted By: Matthew Miller
Date: 2008-07-07 03:01:05
There is no doubt wew would have seen a much different outcome had Dr. Paul decided to run in a third party!
I personally donated over a thousand dollars to his campaign and I am totally pissed that he stayed with "so called" republican party he wasted time and a lot of money, for nothing.
Some misunderstanding: Ron Paul simply suspended his campaign for president and announced a far more comprehensive "campaign for liberty" to politically persue the philosophy of freedom further. He has NOT ended his bid for the presidency, though he has ended the campaign. Now, if you consider there are NO more primaries/caucuses left to campaign, there is no campaign for president left at the states. His supporters are continuing the presidential campaign. The revolutionsmarch in a few days will further envigorize the campaign for liberty.
Hopefully many of the candidates running will also be there, so that all can check them out in person. There are some good people there. With contributions, they should select where the best use of their money is, e.g. where the best chance for the candidate to win the primary and in November. Where he/she is against a GOP incumbent, like in NV, WA, it is important to give money soon, as if those people win the primary - form the incumbant - he/she almost automatically has won in November as well.
Now the Ron Paul delegates are still going to the convention and I think there are much more than 42. There is also an action delegate4congress that has had the succesfull initiative in Alaska where they sent the McCain delegates info on McCain (negative) and Paul (positive) and where some of the McCain delegates has switched over to Paul already. They want to do this in the remaining 49 states as well.
I do think it is the right decision of Dr. Paul to stay in the GOP (for now in any case), otherwise he had to give up his seat and wasted 1 million USD of donors and if he would then be a candidate of the LP - he also cannot be in all states (sore loser clause) - and does not make it, then he and his symbolism is out of congress, he does not much political power left. Now, on the other hand, if he does not get the RNC nomination (which is still possible), he can continue in congress and will be much stronger as ever given all the grass-root support and hopefully with a few colleagues. he does have a few colleagues, as you know. One rarely agree on 100% of the issues, 80% agreement is very good already.
Now, if with McCain - as expected - the GOP suffer a terrible loss in November - and the LP perform reasonably, say 3-5% or more, then it will be clear to them they have to change course, and also clear in which direction and that it is because of the war and not living up to the promises of small government etc. With such a situation, the GOP can be changed and can take the GOP back and Dr. Paul could become minority leader in congress and lead a win in 2010. One has to kick the small in number but very influential neocons out. If this is not possible over time, Dr. Paul with his friends in congress could form a new party say next year or in 2010 together with part of the LP and CP...and contest the 2010 elections.
As Dr. Paul argues, the GOP has been traditionally mostly (with a few exceptions) an anti-war and civil liberties party in the tradition of Jefferson. If the GOP loses the election, the Dems will sit witht he Iraq and economic issues and the GOP will look for "reasons" to attack the Dems, and Dr. Paul's platform is then ideal. A lot will possibly also depend on how the Ron Paul Republicans fare compared to say the "Bush/McCain Republicans". My prediction is that the ROn Paul Republicans (also L
Consider also that in the UK the Iraq war was started under the Labour Blair, with some resistence within his own party and the opposition COnservatives (comparable to the Republicans) has been even more pro-war. But it has shifted a lot recently, the Conservatives are leaning more anti-war and attacking Brown's Labor in this issue. So they had a 180% turn around and an antiwar Tory also won the London mayoral election.
Well, I'm going to chime in here in support of Dr. Paul.
I can certainly understand folks being dismayed, discouraged, even to some degree angry about exactly how this has played out at the present time.
However, I would draw the line at being judgemental. The old saying traditionally attributed to American Indians comes to mind "Walk a mile in my moccasins." Or, if you'd rather be biblical, "Judge not, lest ye be judged."
Without knowing him personally, I withhold judgement and on the contrary, I continue to have the greatest admiration and appreciation for Dr. Paul. I do think that his decision to stay with his party was a good and perhaps essential strategy. I am actually what would probably be described by many as foolish enough to believe that startling changes could occur between now and the election.
And so, I'll withhold judgement, maintain my strong support of Dr. Paul, but also continue in an even stronger belief in and work for the restoration of Liberty in America. Thank You, Ron Paul, for twenty years of true service to your country, and for galvanizing hundreds of thousands in recent days in the cause of Liberty!
I am a bit surprised at those upset with Dr. Paul for not spending all of the campaign money on this Presidential race. He's been at this a long time. He's run as a third party candidate before. I believe him when he says the best strategy for returning our government to the Constitution is to reclaim the Republican Party. I believe he did not want to waste our money on a futile attempt for immediate results. The election results clearly show that at this point in time we are a minority. But a minority with message that will ring true to more and more Americans in time, if we are succesful.
Personally, I am amazed at Dr. Paul's self-less-ness. He could have used the money for a campaign jet and 5-Star accomodations I suppose. I trust this man. He's put his life into this, and is obviously working to save our Republic not for personal glory.
I think you need to come to the realization that it IS the man!
Why do you think its necessary to keep repeating "its not the man, its the message?" Because it IS the man! Without "the man" you will continue to have trouble raising funds.
Yes, I agree, Dr. Paul has been always very altruistic, each year giving a portion of his budget back. He may not use any of the 4,7 million or so left for himself, and would also not.
I cannot understand those that do not understand that the campaign for liberty, can still include his presidential run. He wills till hold speeches etc. He needs some support also. My thinking is that he would donate a part of the 4,7m to the candidates, say he give each an average of 100 000 USD, that would be around 1,5 or so and can use the rest for campaigns the remaining months and to build up and expand the campaign for liberty. He can only use the money for political purposes.
Awareness Has Been Raised. That is a victory in battle; not victory in war.
Prophetic accounts, once dismissed as lunacy, have become noticeable by the thick. There is no greater incentive than uncomfortable existence to increase scrutiny. There is much greater duress to come. Full cognition may find fertile ground in contempt of status quo.
Education and preparation should be all True Americans agenda. We are unsustainable in all accounts. The shift will begin out of hardship. Thanks to those who were and are so vocal about Ron Paul for providing a compass. At least there has been a semblance of revival of core to our country.
If there was not so much fear of money for food more would have been donated to noble cause.
The people who are least effected claim that we are not in as bad a shape as we are. The Man Behind The Curtain will soon be revealed and then the tipping point will occur.
It is easy to ignore the weather if you look away from the storm; The peals of thunder the only harbinger until it is upon you.
Respect your neighbor; They may be all you have left.
The problem is, so many have jumped on the 'money bomb' wagon that if you go to Daily Paul, there is never NOT a money bomb going, and there are a lot of chip ins, as well. I have donated quite a bit, and will donate to this, as well, if Dr. Paul endorsed it. I wasn't aware he had. I've been out of town and (for once) without internet access.
We need a way to weed the bombs out of the money bombs, but Dr. Paul's endorsement should do that trick.
Actually, I just went to campaign for liberty and found a chip in to pay medical expenses for Dr. Paul's campaign chairman, but no mention of the money bomb. Where did he endorse it?
The endorsement was in the form of an email from the Campaign for Liberty that I assume was sent out to those who have "signed up" for that campaign (I am one who has.)
The quotation in my article is from that email, which was signed by Ron Paul. If you would like to see a copy, send me an email and I will forward a copy to you. The email was essentially an endorsement for Break the Matrix, describing past money bombs, and thus by extension an endorsement for their current money bomb.
After donating thousands of hours and thousands of dollars for liberty, after watching friends lose their jobs working on this campaign, after watching Kent Snyder give his life for this campaign, there is NO WAY that I am going to PAY Trevor Lyman to do what most people have done better for free.
He is profiteering off of the network that WE, the grassroots, have built. Trevor did not come up with the idea for Nov. 5 or Dec. 16, he made a website. And now is trying to profit from the hard work of others. Success comes from the grassroots working together, not from someone looking to make a buck.
If you want to support good candidates, send money to them directly. They will get it all.
Go to paulcongress.com and you can see which candidates Dr. Paul has endorsed. Of course he cannot endorse candidates from any other parties, but this does not mean he would support /recommend them informally.
Many of the Ron Paul Republicans are running in districts that are traditionally Democratic, so their chances in general not so good on paper, but one has to compare the 2006 percentages with each and every state and with a strong candidate - where the Democratic opponent is not popular anymore and cannot be a "candidate for change" and was perhaps for the Iraq war, Patriot Act etc. - there should be distinct possibilities. Linda Goldthorpe for instance looks like a very strong candidate, also Collins Bailey, BJ Lawson etc. Note that in a few primaries in August, the RP candidates are running against GOP Incumbents, so if they can win the primary, they have almost already won the district in November, so their funding, like in NV and WA is urgent!
Some of them have a few youtube channnels with videos and more info on stances etc.
www.freedomslate08.com provides the info
Maybe after the Revolutionsmarch there will also be some candidates and people will be more excited to contribute.
Stefan: My point was simply to make sense of the 'dud' bomb. I was reflecting what I have heard from folks all around the country and not intending in any way to diminish Ron's contribution to the freedom movement. Ron is a genuine 'hero' for speaking the Truth in a public way.
I cannot agree with Jason, that the man was more important than the message--he's NOT. Without something of substance to say, he's just another politician.
People lost their enthusiasm and confidence in Ron for two reasons: 1) He suspended his campaign after promising to play to the end (you are mistaken if you think I am not fully aware of all of the possibilities you list and the reasoning) --thereby breaking his word, and 2) Because he arrogantly decided to spend money that was contributed specifically for HIS campaign in a way 'he' thought was a "better" use. No matter how good the cause, it wasn't/isn't his to spend in any other way than those of us who gave generously for what 'we' wanted it spent for. The time of 'political expediency' is gone.
That being said, I will readily admit that Ron is the only candidate I would/will vote 'for', since I was a kid. Only a brain-dead fool would vote for McCain...just to kep the other guy out (I wouldn't grace the 'other' character with my voice/vote either). To think that the vote tallies are even accurate is an exercise in self-delusion anyway.
I totally support the tenets of the message Ron has consistently carried and to my knowledge he has not violated it, but if supporting Ron means I must also support the wing of the Republican/Democrat Party he's in--he's lost my support (but NOT my respect).
What would have more inpact in the history of American Politics: A Ron Paul 3rd Party run in 2008 or 12 more years as a United States Congressmen?
I know I'm in th minority here, but I think Ron Paul with the exposure he has created this election season would be in a prime spot to affect American Politics. His run would be spoken of for elections to come even if he did lose. While 12 more years of Dr. No in Congress will just be ignored and ridiculed.
Posted By: this surprises you?
Date: 2008-07-07 14:12:15
Mother Hen is right on target. This bomb "bombed" because it is Orwell's Animal Farm. Trevor wants to be the "more equal" pig cashing in on the work horses. The Ron Paul Revolution is a grassfire ignited by Ron Paul and fueled by the grassroots and their ongoing fight for liberty. We have made tremendous sacrifices, have expected no payment, and have received no compensation beyond the HOPE of freedom. We will support Ron Paul and each other, but not opportunists.
The refusal to participate in this bomb is not (as you suggest) the loss of the love for liberty, but rather an exercise in informed fiscal responsibility.
I support freedom, but not necessarily everything and every canidate. We are in danger of becoming the R\'s or D\'s if we try to make this just donate because Ron Paul said so. I thought that it was now about promoting the message of freedom- and letting the people decide who is the best canidate. I am leary of this blind alligance thing.
I also agree with Jason above that Ron Paul should have eventually launched into a third party presidential bid. Sometimes I just think, why is he so adamant on staying in the GOP, but I also realize that with a Dem win this election (especially a sweep of house, senate, and presidency) that the Republicans will begin to sound more like Dr Paul (conservative), so perhaps that is the reason, he ran as a real conservative so who else can the party look to but Dr Paul.... Could be???
Thanks. I found the email. (I have more than one email address and hadn't logged into that on returning from vacation.
OK. I'll donate.
However, it did not have the 'youtube push' or any of that that the other big money bombs had ... maybe because few know the candidates well enough to get excited....
First of all, I think the "crook" statements about Tevor Lyman are very unfair and shortsighted. I'm one of the FreedomSlate08 candidates who thinks his 10% cut was more than fair. Furthermore, I believe he will put that money to more good use promoting the cause for Liberty. I think it is also shortsighted to look down one's nose at him for trying to make a career out of his work for Liberty. I, for one, respect him for having enough stones to take such a risk and enough brains to see that he can do so much more for "the cause" by devoting his full time to this effort. I support his free market approach and applaud his effort.
I fully understand that many have been tapped out. After all, we are the grass roots, not the ultra-rich elite who fund our opponents. So for those who dug even deeper, may God bless you. For those who would have liked to donate, but could not, may God bless you as well. And for those who chose not to for whatever reason, fine... I respect your decision. However, I'd like to comment on some of those reasons:
To hold a grudge against us 26 candidates because you think Ron Paul didn't campaign hard enough toward the end is moronic.
To state that you'll only support somebody like Ron Paul because he has, via his 20 years in service, proven himself... how are we to prove ourselves if we don't get some help to get elected?
Yes, the armchair patriots retreated after last Super Tuesday's results showed that Ron Paul would most likely not be the Republican nominee. The real patriots then doubled their efforts to pick up the slack for those who retreated. Ken Prazak, my campaign manager, is a good example. Not only has he thus far done a fantastic job of running my campaign, he personally collected more than 1,000 petition signatures for me. And then there're people like Mike Fogelsanger... a former Marine who, because of his battle wounds, had to leave the Corps. Even though he is trying to put two daughters through college on a trash collectors' paycheck, he donated $1,000 to my campaign... telling me he wished it could be more. He tirelessly worked to arrange speaking engagements for me, collected petition signatures... on and on and on.
Yes, nothing is perfect - including the FreedomSlate08 effort. But I take my hat off to everyone who tried to promote and support it. And even though I had rolled the dice by loaning $thousands to my campaign (money I truly cannot spare) in order to meet a petition deadline... hoping that the 7/4 money bomb would allow me to recoup that loan, I have no regrets. For I see the end of our Constitutional Republic on the horizon and will not let trivial BS stand in my way of doing everything I can to turn the tide - with or without your support.
When all is said and done, regardless of the outcome, I'll be able to look my children in their eyes and say, "I tried to leave you a better country... I did not sit idly by nor make excuses."
Posted By: Christopher D. Osborn
Date: 2008-07-07 19:56:39
I donated to the guy from MA, my home state, but I do have one complaint as far as money and the R3volution goes. We are too spread out.
There's the Libertarian Party, the We The People Foundation, rescue-us.org, Campaign for Liberty, revolutionmarch.com, the Constitution Party, Break the Matrix...
We really need some unity here if we're going to get anything done. I understand the differences beteween the Constitution and Libtertarian parties, but We The People and the Campaign for Liberty especially feel like they're overlapping eachother.On tope of that, what Break the Matrix is doing with this Freedom Slate also feels like something the CFL or WTP could have on their website rather than having yet another website.
I think if all these orginizations worked together to merge, especially WTP and CFL, we would be a much more powerful movement and we would be able to use our donation money much better.
Some here have said they don't want to delve into the unknown with their limited finances during a horrible time in the economy, yet I bet were Ron Paul himself to run as an independent, such a money bomb would garner millions of dollars as well as endless hope and excitement about his prospects. As it is now, we are left literally hanging, not really having a credible, honest candidate to vote for.
If ever there was a time for a third party or independent to make great strides in politics, it is now. The People are truly fed up. Congress has a record-low 9% approval rating!
Ron Paul is a rare gem among politicians. It IS the man.
Posted By: George Roberts
Date: 2009-08-29 11:49:47
To Whom it may Concern.
THE GOVERNMENT RUNS THE HEALTH CARE NOW FOR:
1-Native Americans
2-Social Security Medicare recipients
3-Vetrans administration eligible participants.
4- Medicaid Health care for welfare or gov. assistance program recipients
5- Government employees congress, house of representatives
The obama administration "Reform" plan is devised to take Government control of the only American Health Care System not under Government control now.
That is the system being run and paid for by the people now working and/or there employers and the Hospitals, clinics, dental, optometry, other medical facilities and doctors that are the only part left of the "free market system".
These "free market system" people and facilities and treatments are run and paid for by people and businesses that are making enough money to pay taxes and have a choice to purchase health care above that provided by a Government run plan.
Since these people and firms work and earn they can obtain and/or provide health care faster and above the quality of government run plans. It doesn't make a difference if you are 8 months or 98 years if you can pay you cant be denied the treatment.
By taking away this FREEDOM away, the current administration would put all health care and providers under government control forever.
Everyone knows that they created a crisis and:
They have already without a vote or consent of the people Nationalized banks and Automotive
industry and by “the Stimulus Plan” redistributed the wealth of America by legislation and without any accounting for the money.
Allowing these changes is a violation of the oath of office taken by all American Government public servants to "Defend the Constitution".
Our representatives have not read or have forgotten the words written in the "Preamble to the constitution". This type of “Change” is a Socialist administrations way of installing Communism.
If we allow this to continue the anti-American, anti-Christian, anti-Jewish Obama Administration will continue to take away the rest of our and your rights and freedom.
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