Topic: Politics
An Hour with Gary Wood on Blogtalk Radio Yesterday, I was a guest on the internet radio show “March of Liberty” hosted by Gary Wood. We got to touch on a number of topics near and dear to my heart, including my recent election to precinct delegate, Ron Paul, national economics, political parties, the War in Iraq, and many other things that you’ve seen here in this column.by Bob Nightingale
(libertarian)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
It's been a pleasure this past year writing regularly at the Nolan Chart website. But yesterday, I had the opportunity to express those same ideas with my voice across the blogosphere.
For years I've scanned the AM dial, trying to find news and political discourse on the radio. One of the biggest drawbacks to an AM radio broadcast is that it only lasts for a moment in time. Internet radio can be heard instantly, and then downloaded and listened to again and again. If you like a show, you can link it to your browser as a favorite. Better yet, you can capture and download the 14MB file of yesterday's show and listen to it on your MP3 player, whenever you want. I'm sure many of our politicians would hate this new media, since it fosters instant accountability for everything they say.
Gary Wood hosts a radio show called "March of Liberty" in the new media of "blog talk". I got comfortable with this format pretty quickly. However, about half way through, I realized that I didn't have the luxury of editing what was coming out of my mouth. In written form, I revise my comments carefully, checking for grammar and spelling. Since I wasn't working from a script, you get to hear exactly what I'm thinking since that's what's at the front of my noggin. You'll hear pretty much what I would say at a dinner party, with a polite host. The difference of going on the air is that I had a couple cups of coffee beforehand, instead of a glass or two of merlot.
Now that I've had a nibble at this media outlet, I look forward to doing it again. If you're a better talker than a writer, this might be for you!
You can listen to yesterday's show here: [link edited for length]. For those without speakers on their computers, read on!
Getting past the novelty of the medium, Gary was a delight to work with. After the Marine Corps rendition of "Star Spangled Banner", we got right into it. He asked where I lived and my motivation for writing here at the Nolan Chart. I explained that I lived in Michigan most of my life and decided to return here six years ago, to make this my permanent home. We moved onto my growing interest in politics, starting with my fascination in the Reform Party of the 1990s.
For those too young to remember, the Reform Party tapped into growing dissatisfaction with our government's economic policies, including the national debt, trade policies, and job protection. But as Gary pointed out, and I agreed, Third Parties, such as the Libertarian Party, eat themselves alive due to internal power struggles, at the cost of promoting their ideals. I explained that I was attracted by the "America first" agenda of the Reform Party, including tactical protectionism and repelling the threat to our sovereignty from entering into multi-national treaties. I liked many of the things that were talked about by Ross Perot and Pat Buchanan.
We moved to discussing Ron Paul's platform and how it was the best fit of my political beliefs in this election cycle. I was attracted initially by Dr. Paul's strict adherence to the Constitution and balanced budgets. I differed from Ron Paul's stance on the gold standard. But I do agree that the value of the dollar should be based on something.
After that, we discussed the Presidential election. I have no problem calling Barak Obama a socialist, yet I'm hesitant to throw my backing behind his strongest opponent, John McCain, due in part to his statements regarding the War and the economy. Ron Paul provided a clear difference from the other candidates. But his election prospects ended in February. Gary observed that it is difficult to "break through the two-party stranglehold." The Campaign for Liberty is beginning the process to turn things around. It will take a long time.
About half way through, we got back to my getting involved as a Precinct Delegate ("Running Unopposed" [link edited for length] ). The process was frightfully simple, but not well understood. Because of the way delegates to the national convention are chosen locally, the process works against a candidate like Ron Paul, and favors established big name Republicans, such as John McCain. I decided to get involved to make a difference from within.
We then turned to term limits and some of the politics within Michigan.
Then we got off topic discussing the bloat of the staff for the Vice President and the Congress, and how the government uses its staff to continue the two-party status quo. These things tend to be unconstitutional, authoritarian and socialist.
I mention that within the two parties are caucuses that can make a change. The Republican Liberty Caucus (www.rlc.org) and the Democratic Freedom Caucus ([link edited for length]) are two groups that could make a change. Unfortunately, these liberty groups are the minority in the parties.
Gary was quick to point out that that the old Republican Party platform had many of their ideals. My county's Republican Party still has those listed on its website [link edited for length]. It mentions limited government, why we have government, economic freedom, freedom of religion, the Bill of Rights, and so on. Ron Paul stayed closest to those beliefs, and perhaps was the most "Republican" of the presidential candidates. Gary nailed it that I am trying to get the Republican Party to act like Republicans.
It was Republicans getting their eye off the ball that got us into a long and expensive War in Iraq. In the process, we've sent our wealth overseas, including making it possible for the Chinese to build big stadiums for the Olympics this year. That money should have been spent here, within our own borders, to rebuild roads and levees what I call "Post Roads," referring to Article I, Section 8, Clause 7 of the Constitution ([link edited for length]).
In the closing minutes, we discussed illegal immigration, the NAFTA highway and the failure of government to enforce the borders. These problems didn't happen overnight and won't be solved overnight.
The only way these sorts of problems get solved is to get involved with your local political party, write editorials, and keep the discussion going. Gary called it "educated action". I simply say, "Quit whining!"
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The views expressed in this
article are those of Bob Nightingale only and do not represent
the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Bob Nightingale 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.
Posted By: Jake, the champion of the constitution
Date: 2008-08-14 18:31:38
Digital Bob - great to hear about and listen to your activism. It's exactly what we need more of in America today, and actually I do not mean just libertarian views. At this point, I embrace any sign of activism rather than the other 'A' -- apathy. When people care enough to debate and open themselves up to other's views, that's when I predict liberty will start marching. Keep up the good work!
Jake, you hit the nail right on the head. That's why our new mantra is 'education through conversation' which we truly believe will lead the irate, tireless minority to educated action. Digital Bob was a great guest, we're looking forward to having more from Nolan Chart on our show.
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