The Ron Paul candidacy has consistently surprised me (and I've followed Ron for years). All of my sisters are on board, a fair chunk of my friends and I even had a random older lady follow my car to find out where I got my bumpersticker! The fundraising has been amazing. I remember when we were excited about $1 million in a week, and then November 5th we raised $4.2 million in one flipping day. And look out for Dec 16th.
All that being said, I still know it is a long shot that Ron will get elected. So, I ask, is there a point to all of this if he does end up losing?
Some say the mainstream candidates will adopt some of his positions. I find this unlikely. But there are some other, crucial advantages:
First is the educational factor. Many "newbs" are drawn to Paul's war position, or his civil rights stance, or his fearlessness and straight forward talk. Then they learn about his other positions. They have probably never even heard someone question the Fed. They didn't realize that our "free market" is actually more of a corporatocracy, with large corporations shaping legislation for their personal advantage. They come for the war and stay for the variety of unconventional but compelling ideas.
Second is the organization factor. We now all know each other. Friendships, mailing lists, groups, and trust has been developed. When someone similar comes along in the future, we will be ready to go.
Finally, and I think most importantly, is Paul's opinions are very much "on record". If the dire predictions of Paul and his supporters do come true and the American Empire flunders and falls, when it is time to rebuild EVERYONE will (or at least should) know who predicted it. If the dollar collapses and we plunge into depression. If our government goes bankrupt from fighting overseas wars we do not need to be in. If we head even further down the police state path.
All these things were predicted now. Even if you are a doubter, or think Ron and his supporters are nut jobs, remember the predictions. If they are right, we will welcome you to the freedom movement with open arms.
Yes I support and belive deeply in ron paul and his positions. But many of my fellow country man and women sadly do not. They are afraid of change, the feds, the terrorist, the police, the shadows on the walls. We are a feminised people hurded into groups with fear. It appears we do not deserve a constitution. The free and the brave deserve that. I will vote r.p. and organize, but the left and right are strong and entrenched in there positions. I always seem to ask were did this all go wrong. Answer is at the top, with a plan. And if you doubt that follow the money. When people get power some abuse that power. This plan is almost in place. Ron Paul and the supporters were the last breath of freedom air and possibilites before the end of our constituional republic is over. I have been voting science I was 18 years old. At least 20 years ago I coined the phrase in line at the voting both. And I directed this phrase to people my age, the young folks that over the years did not think it was important to vote. I would tell them, Quote: If you do not want to vote,learn how to shoot striaght. It seems to mean more these days than it did in the 1980's.
Posted by: steve | December 27, 2007 at 06:56 AM
I believe the Internet age will usher in the rEVOLution and Ron Paul will be remembered as the candidate to spark this movement of power back to the people. Over time, as technology evolves and connectivity permeates every facet of our lives to readily enable our communications, we will learn to trust the opinions of those we believe more so than corporate-owned media companies.
Posted by: Mike | March 30, 2008 at 09:33 AM