Ron Paul officially announces!

It's official! Please visit the
Ron Paul 2012 Campaign website
and sign up for updates!

Ron Paul expected to announce 2012 Presidental run

Rep. Ron Paul set to make announcement in Iowa
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2011/04/ron-paul-president-announcement-/1

Upcoming supporter produced documentary about Ron Paul

www.forlibertymovie.com

As the 2007-08 presidential campaign cycle offered up the usual slate of Washington insiders, Ron Paul, an obscure Congressman from Texas brought an alternative voice that challenged the political establishment.

Advocating a philosophy of sound money, a non-interventionist foreign policy, strict Constitutionalism, and individual liberty, Dr. Paul inspired a unique grassroots movement unmatched in American history - the repercussions of which continue to reverberate today and into the future of the American psyche.

For Liberty: How the Ron Paul Revolution Watered the Withered Tree of Liberty follows this historic campaign from the perspective of grassroots activists, and showcases the unique, often bizarre, yet groundbreaking projects they undertook as they brushed aside traditional campaign methodology.

For Liberty is currently in production and scheduled for a mid-September, 2009 release on 16:9 widescreen DVD.

For more about the documentary, including movie trailers, visit: www.forlibertymovie.com

Third Party Ticket [w/video]

Recently Ron Paul gave an historic press conference asking for voters to consider voting for third party candidates. Here's a great video clip from it:



In his press conference he made three major points:

1. A large number of people do not want a McCain or Obama presidency - collectively we are a political force.

2. All four of his suggested third party candidates have 4 positions in common; bring the U.S. troops home; protect our civil liberties, investigate the Federal Reserve and balance the federal budget.

3. Any of the four candidates would be better than Obama or McCain as president of the United States.

Currently, our large group of disenfranchised voters is not focused on one candidate to rally behind. So... What should we do?

One idea is currently being developed at Third Party Ticket

Obama & McCain miss Texas filing deadline - Barr files suit

Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party's nominee for president, has filed a lawsuit in Texas demanding Senators John McCain and Barack Obama be removed from the ballot after they missed the official filing deadline.

A 2006 Texas Supreme Court decision ruled that state laws "does not allow political parties or candidates to ignore statutory deadlines."

Bruce adds:

...Yeah, we'll see how far this suit gets. Because my friends, "might now makes right," and "we are now a nation of men, not of laws."

The Republic Is Dead, "Long Live" The Empire.

I, for one, welcome our new socialist overlords. ;)

Great , funny video about the Republicrats

As we watch "the middle of the end" of Wall Street this week, console yourself with a few laughs from this BreakTheMatrix video about the Republicrat party...



Please share far & wide...

The r3VOLution hits a new gear

With the approaching GOP convention and associated events there has never been a better time to advance the message of freedom, prosperity and peace. Listed below are some happenings to be a part of:


Rally for the Republic - The Campaign for Liberty's $1 million event is coming, August 31st - September 2nd. This is going to be a mega event of a lifetime for the freedom movement to shine. Everyone needs to be there, get your tickets today at:
http://rally.campaignforliberty.com
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=53


Walk for freedom - On August 11, 2008, latter day Paul Revere's will step forward and take the Message of Freedom directly to the people of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Displaying undaunted commitment to the restoration of Constitutional government in America, these patriots of the 2nd American Revolution will traverse 280 miles in 21 days to arrive in Minneapolis for Ron Paul's Campaign for Liberty convention on September 2nd. Already, dozens of patriots have signed up to Walk the Walk. Pledge to walk or make a donation.
http://walk4freedom.org
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=110


DVD's for Delegates - This project is producing and distributing a series of four educational DVDs to the roughly 4,600 Delegates and Alternates to the 2008 Republican National Convention before they get to Saint Paul in September. Their mission is to wake up these National Delegates to the awesome responsibility they have, to do more than just hold a scripted convention, a show for the media. Volunteers and donations are needed.
http://www.dvds4delegates.com


Rally For The Republic Sponsorship - Help RonPaulForums.com members make a $1000 donation to the Campaign For Liberty. Your donation will have many benefits. The sponsorship will highlight the forums at the Rally For The Republic, we will have a booth to sell Liberty Straw Poll tickets from, and the CFL will get to spend that money promoting Ron Paul's message. Donate to keep up the discussion and sharing of ideas!
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=147967


Ron Stock '08 - During the Rally for the Republic, an organic dairy farmer just 1 hour from downtown with over 60 acres is letting freedom lovers camp there. There will be a bus or shuttle to get everyone up to the rally. There are arrangements for some speakers, music and an organic market to get veggies and meats and cheeses right there.
http://www.ronstock08.com
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=147304


Operation St. Paul - The American Liberty Coalition PAC is raising money to blanket St. Paul in advertising during the GOP Convention:
http://www.alcpac.com/opstpaul.html
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=147482


Letter to the GOP - Over 10,000 Ron Paul supporters have signed a letter to the GOP stating the reasons they will not vote for presumptive nominee John McCain. They feel that McCain can not beat Obama in the presidential race, and if McCain is the nominee, they will be voting for somebody other than McCain for president. You can add your name to the list here:
http://www.lettertogop.com
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=147407


Liberty Straw Poll - Join us on September 17th, Constitution Day, for an exciting new event that will change the landscape of candidate fund raising: the inaugural Liberty Straw Poll where a group of Congressional candidates will compete for your vote during the Liberty Straw Poll Debate.
The straw poll winners will receive the total value of purchased tickets as their prize, thereby concentrating the reward, heightening the intensity, and recognizing the winners as leaders among liberty supporters. Get your ticket today at:
http://www.libertystrawpoll.com
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=56


Remember Nueces - Several Texas grassroots activists including the delegate patriots in Nueces County have decided to CONTINUE TO FIGHT the abuses that occurred at the Nueces County Convention and were perpetuated by the Texas Republican Party at the State Convention. To that end, funds are being raised to pursue legal action that will seek, among other things, a ruling that the votes held in the Nueces SD and CD Caucuses were invalid since in both cases the illegitimate delegation from Nueces was the majority vote.
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=147485


Strangebedfollows - A unique and diverse left--right coalition has come together to put a stop to the eradication of civil liberties in America. On August 8, 2008 there will be a moneybomb on behalf of constitutional rights and civil liberties in America. Pledge today at:
http://www.accountabilitynowpac.com


To all the forum members, a video tribute to you and what you have done can be seen here- thank you for everything!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6L9bQnmrAqk
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=148190

Make History: Join Us in Minneapolis in September!

This is going to be a September to remember!

As the Republican National Convention gears up to nominate a candidate at odds with so many of the party's traditional principles, and who promises us four more years of war, inflation, and financial ruin, we'll be holding our Rally for the Republic in neighboring Minneapolis.

On September 2nd, at the University of Minnesota's Williams Arena, the message of freedom and the Constitution will be shouted from the rooftops. We'll hear from top-notch speakers, musicians, and organizations who share our message. (We've already revealed a few of them, with many more to be announced in the coming weeks.) We'll stand up for the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and respect for the Constitution that were once the hallmarks of the Republican Party.

And we'll have a great time.

Our program in the Twin Cities will be unforgettable. With your help, this can be the biggest event the freedom movement has ever seen.

At the rally we'll also officially launch the Campaign for Liberty , complete with a multimedia presentation introducing the organization and laying out our short- and long-term goals. We'll also hold workshops on how to organize and win in your precinct, district, and state. There are no shortcuts: this is the kind of knowledge we need if we are to translate great ideas into electoral victories.

But that's not all: we also have exciting events planned for September 1st, the day the GOP convention opens. First, Ron Paul will hold a book signing for his #1 New York Times bestseller, The Revolution: A Manifesto, at 1:00pm at a Borders bookstore on the outskirts of St. Paul (866 Rosedale Center, Roseville, Minn.). That night, as a thank-you to all those who worked so hard on the campaign, we are pleased to announce the Ron Paul Nation Celebration , a free concert by musicians who supported Ron Paul.

Next week we will debut a new website dedicated exclusively to our events in Minnesota, including logistical support, information on performers, a working schedule, and promotional items to download and distribute. We'll let you know as soon as it's up and running.

In short, please come to Minneapolis if you possibly can. Urge your friends and family to do the same. Be a part of the grand culmination of Ron Paul's historic campaign, and the official launch of his new one, the Campaign for Liberty. There is no better or more dramatic way to declare that we are here to stay, that Dr. Paul's support was no flash in the pan.

Ron Paul has made incalculable contributions to the cause of freedom, and inspired millions with his message. Will you join us in standing beside him in September, at a critical watershed for the freedom movement?

In liberty,

The Campaign for Liberty Team

P.S. With the two major-party nominees rattling sabers at Iran and making phony promises with money that doesn't exist, our message of peace and freedom needs a high-profile boost more than ever. Come to Minneapolis, and let's make it happen!

P.P.S. We want to reach 100,000 members of the Campaign for Liberty by September. Can you lend a hand by signing up one friend or family member by the end of the week?

A Letter From Ron Paul

Dear Supporter,

These past 17 months have been among the most exciting and eventful of my life. Together you and I delivered a message of freedom the likes of which American politics had not seen in decades. I wasn’t sure the country was ready for it. But it was a message, I discovered, that many Americans had been waiting for a long time to hear.

I have been blessed with the most informed, well read, and enthusiastic supporters of any presidential campaign. Your extraordinary efforts in organizing and fundraising grabbed the attention of millions of Americans and shocked just about everyone in politics and the media. I still cannot get over all the fantastic work you did.

Something of great significance has just occurred in our country’s history.

With the primary season now over, the presidential campaign is at an end. But the larger campaign for freedom is just getting started. Therefore, I am happy to announce the official launch of the Ron Paul Campaign for Liberty.

The work of the Campaign for Liberty will take many forms. We will educate our fellow Americans in freedom, sound money, non-interventionism, and free markets. We’ll have our own commentaries and videos on the news of the day. I’ll work with friends I respect to design materials for homeschoolers.

Politically, we’ll expand the great work of our precinct leader program. We’ll make our presence felt at every level of government, where just a few people with our level of enthusiasm can make a world of difference. We’ll keep an eye on Congress and lobby against legislation that threatens us. We’ll identify and support political candidates who champion our great ideas against the empty suits the party establishments offer the public.

We will be a permanent presence on the American political landscape. That I promise you. We’re not about to let all this good work die. To the contrary, with your help we’re going to make it grow – by leaps and bounds.

This is the most ambitious venture of my political career, and I think it can achieve great things. But I can’t do this alone. I need you to help me. I need your energy, your creativity, your ideas, and your dedication.

People frustrated with our political system often wonder what they can do. I have founded this organization to answer that question, to give people the opportunity to do something that really makes a difference in the fight for freedom. Please join me by becoming a member of the Campaign for Liberty. Our goal is 100,000 members by September. Can we reach it?

Our campaign netted 1.1 million votes in the primaries of a shrinking Republican Party. Millions more support us. I need you to help me reach them – and to keep making new converts to the cause. What a force we can be, if only we rise to the occasion.

Now what about the Republican Convention in St. Paul? Our delegates will attend, of course, and I expect our contingent to have a visible presence there. Without disruption, we will do whatever we can to influence the party and its platform, and return the GOP to its limited-government roots. This is very important.

This brings me to my second announcement. I invite you to join us at Williams Arena at the University of Minnesota on Tuesday, September 2nd, for a grand rally. We intend to draw over 11,000 people. We’ll have live music and entertainment, and special guests. I’ll address you all as well. A massive rally will generate still more interest in our ideas. And what a great time it will be.

Remember that it was Senator Robert Taft, who shared our views, who was called Mr. Republican. But we are not merely the Republican Party’s past. If the enthusiasm of young people for our campaign is any indication, we are also its future.

Right now I will need your patience and input as we develop our program and assemble just the right team of individuals. But it is my intention to launch the Campaign for Liberty in its full capacity at our rally in Minneapolis this September.

Over the past week we’ve learned that the Democratic presidential nominee, supposedly an antiwar candidate, is committed to the same rhetoric, the same propaganda, and the same aggressive intentions toward Iran as the Bush administration. As usual, the major parties refuse to offer Americans a real choice.

The Campaign for Liberty will lay the groundwork for a different America, the kind of America you and I, and millions of our fellow countrymen, want to inhabit.

“Dr. Paul cured my apathy,” a popular campaign sign read. Others said our campaign cured their cynicism. We have now reached a moment of great moral decision: will we let ourselves retreat into apathy and cynicism once again, or will we dig in for the long haul and fight all the harder? Will we retire from the scene quietly, or will we give the establishment the fight of its life?

“In the final analysis,” I wrote in my new book The Revolution: A Manifesto, “the last line of defense in support of freedom and the Constitution consists of the people themselves. If the people want to be free, if they want to lift themselves out from underneath a state apparatus that threatens their liberties, squanders their resources on needless wars, destroys the value of their dollar, and spews forth endless propaganda about how indispensable it is and how lost we would all be without it, there is no force that can stop them.”

The time has come to act on these words. May future generations look back on our work and say that these were men and women who, in a moment of great crisis, stood up to the politicians, the opinion-molders, and the establishment, and saved their country.

Join us, and be a part of it.

For liberty,

Ron Paul

Ron Paul coming to Branson May 30th

Fellow Ozarkers:

If you're on Ron Paul's national email list, then you probably have received a letter from Ron Paul stating that he will be at the Branson Rally on May 30th.

The rally will be held at the Tri-Lakes Center in Branson, Missouri. This facility seats over two thousand and is eleven minutes from the Chateau on the Lake where the Republican convention will be held.

Seating will begin at six o'clock p.m. and Dr. Paul's speech will commence at 6:30 p.m.

After his speech, Dr. Paul will be on hand, to meet and greet folks, and sign copies of his new bestseller.

Organizers are hoping for a big turnout from Ron Paul supporters. This will send a strong message to the State Republicans that support for Ron Paul and his message is still strong in Missouri.

Paul Bingham
Barry County Republican State Delegate.
Seventh District National Alternate Candidate.

---------------------------------------------------------

Additional info from Bruce...
For those who haven't seen it, here is an excerpt from Ron Paul's email announcement:

I want to thank you for all of your hard work during my campaign. I've heard of the obstacles that you have faced in your efforts to represent Missouri at the Republican National Convention, and I deeply appreciate your perseverance and endurance. Your participation in the electoral process is critical not only for the future of the Republican Party and our movement, but for that of our nation.

Our Founders overcame all manner of roadblocks on their way to independence, and I am confident that you will emerge from these challenges even more prepared to reclaim our Party and our Republic.

If you are a delegate or alternate, challenged or unchallenged, I urge you to see your efforts through and make every effort to attend the Missouri State Republican Convention on May 30th and 31st in Branson. In fact, I believe it's so important, that I will be joining you in Branson on the evening of the 30th for a pre-convention rally.

Be sure to check your email for more information in the coming days.

Thank you again for all the sacrifices you've made. I look forward to meeting you in Branson.

For Liberty,
Ron Paul

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Ron Paul calls Missouri!
You can hear Ron Paul's message to Missouri supporters, and I expect you'll also see a lot of very familiar faces in this video by CharityAngel:

Revolution March - "Ozarks Express" update

Bureaucracy is an evil thing, a ravenous consumer of productivity and resources, and a destroyer of hope.

For over 6 weeks, the Washington D.C. parks and recreation division permit department has held the "Ron Paul Revolution March" in limbo.

The public response has been predictable: Outrage, but little action. Some are suggesting that permits be dammed, we all show up on June 21st "unorganized" and sans papers. Others are suggesting that such "lawless" behavior would be counter-productive and Ron Paul would likely not participate in such an event.

The bureaucrats think that people in this situation will get their hackles up, turn on each other like wild animals, and the whole idea will eventually fall apart. Are they right? Time will tell.

Still others are suggesting that the "Tax Day" / "Freedom Rally" - which was planned (and issued permits) many. many months ago - long before Ron Paul suggested the whole "Grand March" - is the best thing going right now.

For more details about the current situation:

Ron Paul Forums: March on Washington
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=89

Revolution March
http://www.revolutionmarch.com
http://www.ronpaulmarch.com

Tax Day / Freedom Rally
http://www.freedomrally.info
http://www.grannywarriors.com/rally.htm


I don't know how many thousands of people are planning on attending any of these events, but I do believe that as of now, far too few are likely to attend to gain any real attention. The anti-war protests in D.C. last January drew about a half-million persons, yet the Elitist MainStream Media gave it little more than a passing glance - as that protest apparently didn't suit their agenda at the time.

Due to the successful delay tactics and fracturing of support, it is extremely unlikely we will see anything close to 500,000 people attending any of the currently scheduled events. (I do hope I'm wrong, but I really don't believe that I am.) You can rest assured that the evil MSM will mention nothing good about a "relatively small" (under a million participants) protest march that is connected with Ron Paul. The best thing about the idea for such a single big "million person march" was that it would have helped buoy up support among the Ron Paul Revolutionaries... But now even that possible result has been diminished.

This past month, I ran a Pledgebank.com pledge that if at least 10 other people signed up for the pledge to share a chartered bus to Ron Paul's "Grand March" - I'd arrange the trip and go with them.

The deadline just passed... Sunday at midnight. Only 7 people pledged, falling 3 short of the goal.

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to those of you reading this who did sign up. Taking the pledge was no small gesture and showed courage and commitment. Thank You.

And to the hundred or so others that knew about the pledge, but decided not to take it, I do understand your myriad of different points about why you declined, and that's OK too. No hard feelings, we all have our reasons.

My question is: What are YOU going to do now?

Will you give up all hope - throw up your hands - accept a fiat dollar that has lost 96% of its value in the past century - accept $4.00/gal. fuel while the fat oil cats grow even fatter - accept "REAL ID" and carry your papers with you at all times - maybe even plant some of those RFID's that started out for the NAIS cattle program into your own body (you know, for YOUR protection!) - will you give up any and all essential liberties for the temporary illusion of security?

Or will you do something - anything - to rage against the machine, draw a line in the Ozark gravel and say to the Elitist Balrogs: "This Line You Shall NOT Pass!"

The "Ozark Express" was an idea. But as with all ideas, if it doesn't suit the time and the need, it should be modified, or cast aside in exchange for something better.

There are currently plenty of good and worthy efforts underway to continue the rEVOLution. Some liberty-loving and constitutionally-knowledgeable people from our Meetup groups are running for local office, and that is a good and noble effort that could benefit from your volunteer support. Some are working to reform the Republican party from within, while others are bypassing the political process and devising other more direct actions to effect change. What you choose to do is up to you, but don't let it be said that you did nothing.

And along those lines, I don't wish to discourage anyone from going to any of the various national rallies/marches/protests, if that is what you'd like to do and you see some benefit to it that I have overlooked.

If any of you wish to take up the task of organizing such a trip yourself, contact me and I'll pass along the research and contacts that I spent many hours collecting. Who knows, I may even go with you, but I'm not making any more promises. I intend to focus my efforts on actions that have more immediate and tangible results.

But that's just what I'm doing. How about you?

Letter to the Editor (& Voters)

After this morning's fiasco at the GOP caucus in McDonald county, I've decided to write a "letter to the editor." Since I wrote it in a self-depreciating, humorous style someone might actually print it. they like that sort of thing.

(And, for the record... If you are concerned that "me" personally making such negative remarks about this are damaging "our" chances to work within the party... Let me assure you that it was made quite clear that "they" regard "us" as "the enemy" and no amount of sucking-up would change their minds, even if we wanted to.)

While it is worthwhile to "keep your friends close and your enemies closer." - It is best that we all personally recognize the enemy for who they are, and not delude ourselves into thinking they may become our friends.

With that in mind, enjoy the editorial...

---------

Dear editors of the Press and McDonald County voters,

(Caution: Place tongue firmly in cheek before proceeding...)

Yee-haw! We sure have some great representative democracy 'round these parts. Especially, it seems, in the Republicrat party.

Why, y'all should'a seen it, it was a sight to behold at the recent county caucus of registered Elephants. (The "Gamey Olde Partie" as they are affectionately known.) Probably the biggest turnout for them in living memory, a full house packed the courtroom, each and every one in attendance eagerly anticipating some participation in their local party's decision-making process. Not.

But wait... Turns out that the Missouri State Elephants sent out an urgent missive to their registered party hacks (um... I mean "senior party members"):

Beware the Ron Paul Republicans!

The word is out that they might actually attend and try to interject some of their freedom & liberty-lovin' pro-property rights nonsense into the sacred tomb of our party platform. (Even though it is just symbolic - after all, the "platform" is just a pretty thing that elected party thugs can point to with pride, whilst they go ahead and do whatever the heck they feel like doing anyway.)

Yep, the word got out just in time so the hardcore party loyalists (affectionately known as the "know-nothings") could round up enough warm bodies to drag out of bed and away from the cartoons on the tube Saturday morning, to sit for a few minutes and raise their hand when told to.

Yes, it was quite the contingent of the "Barely-Legal Republican Girls Gone Mild" this year. (Perhaps coerced to attend and cooperate under threat of losing the use of daddy's Gold Card this summer? I suppose we'll never know.)

And along with those compliant new recruits (they aren't considered "newcomers" if they are willing to play ball); there were bleary-eyed scruffy looking spouses aplenty, who by their expressions clearly resented missing their morning coffee clutch with their pals to attend this shindig. But all that matters to the party faithful is they did manage to get together just enough patriotic Elephantine rubber-stampers to drown out any trouble them pesky liberty-loving Ron Paul supporters might have caused.

Good for them.

Hear that bell tolling in the distance? That's the death knell of the dominance of Lincoln's Party in ol' Mac county. Democrats, rejoice! You may actually be able to take advantage of your so-called opposition party's mistake of alienating nearly half of its constituency, and win your boys and girls some more seats next time around.

That is, unless enough people have come to my conclusion:

A pox on both your houses!

There's not a dime's bit of difference between the Donkeys and the Elephants, and fortunately, more voters are waking up to that fact every time around. Look at the poll numbers for independents, climbing higher every election cycle whenever there is a choice to be found. Expect that trend to continue sharply upward.

This latest party circus was highlighted for myself personally when I had enough of the rubber-stamping of the party hacks (um... I mean "loyalists"), and moved that the written suggested amendments to the party platform be read, rather than just tucked away in circular file #13 never to be seen again. (All such amendments were suggested by that obnoxious intellectual-constitution-quotin' Ron Paul crowd anyway, as no true believer in the heavenly-granted supremacy and divinely-inspired wisdom of the State GOP would dare question their perfectly written platform.)

But the crowd had already enjoyed enough of that dreadfully long meeting. Gosh, they must have been there for a whole 40 minutes already, and their hindquarters musta been all sore and itchy by then. We certainly don't want to waste up to 5 more precious minutes to hear what about a third of the audience had proposed. They're just the "newcomers" anyway.

Definition: "Newcomers" means "infiltrators" in party hackspeak. After all, these "new" people had only been voting Republican for most (if not all) of their lives, what do they know?

So even that small, symbolic gesture was defeated by the Pachyderm party-loyalist majority. Not that it made any difference, but I was cheered by the fact that I'd managed to at least elicit a single win for "Nay" that day. Too many "Ayes" had me dizzy from all the bobblehead votes that preceded it.

But to be serious for a moment: It says a lot when a party is too scared to even take a few short minutes to hear the opinions of many (not just a few, even if still a technical minority). Whenever you see someone, and especially a group of people, stick their fingers in their ears, close their eyes, and start chanting "blah, blah, blah" quietly to themselves - you know that "they" know "they're" wrong, and are just too afraid to hear the truth. It is the classic sign of impending doom of any organization, when the powers-that-be have their heads stuck firmly...

...In the sand.

Y'all should be ashamed of yourselves. Next time, bring your brain or stay at home.

Most sincerely,

Bruce Arnold
disgruntled republican
McDonald County, Missouri

"Truth is Treason in the Empire of Lies"

The Revolution: A Manifesto
by Ron Paul

(Hardcover due to be released April 30.
Pre-order at Amazon.com today.)

GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul's eagerly awaited new book, "The Revolution: A Manifesto" is already rising to the top of the charts in pre-release sales. The Ron Paul Revolution among millions of dedicated Americans from every age, socioeconomic, ethno-cultural background is a true political phenomenon.

From the book preface:

Every election cycle we are treated to candidates who promise us "change," and 2008 has been no different. But in the American political lexicon, "change" always means more of the same: more government, more looting of Americans, more inflation, more police-state measures, more unnecessary war, and more centralization of power.

Real change would mean something like the opposite of those things. It might even involve following our Constitution. And that's the one option Americans are never permitted to hear....

With national bankruptcy looming, politicians from both parties continue to make multi-trillion dollar promises of "free" goods from the government, and hardly a soul wonders if we can still afford to have troops in - this is not a misprint - 130 countries around the world. All of this is going to come to an end sooner or later, because financial reality is going to make itself felt in very uncomfortable ways. But instead of thinking about what this means for how we conduct our foreign and domestic affairs, our chattering classes seem incapable of speaking in anything but the emptiest platitudes, when they can be bothered to address serious issues at all. Fundamental questions like this, and countless others besides, are off the table in our mainstream media, which focuses our attention on trivialities and phony debates as we march toward oblivion.

This is the deadening consensus that crosses party lines, that dominates our major media, and that is strangling the liberty and prosperity that were once the birthright of Americans. Dissenters who tell their fellow citizens what is really going on are subject to smear campaigns that, like clockwork, are aimed at the political heretic. Truth is treason in the empire of lies.

There is an alternative to national bankruptcy, a bigger police state, trillion-dollar wars, and a government that draws ever more parasitically on the productive energies of the American people. It's called freedom. But as we've learned through hard experience, we are not going to hear a word in its favor if our political and media establishments have anything to say about it.

If we want to live in a free society, we need to break free from these artificial limitations on free debate and start asking serious questions once again. I am happy that my campaign for the presidency has finally raised some of them. But this is a long-term project that will persist far into the future. These ideas cannot be allowed to die, buried beneath the mind-numbing chorus of empty slogans and inanities that constitute official political discourse in America.

That is why I wrote this book.

~ Ron Paul

Jopin Sign Rally makes local TV news

The Southwest Missouri Ron Paul Meetup Group (Formerly Joplin Ron Paul Meetup Group) held a sign waving rally in Joplin at the intersection of Rangeline and 7th street. The local news media was there and did positive stories on Ron Paul. When you do anything, be sure to get the local media involved. They have been really good to us here in Joplin. Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a70RI5M1_f0 and bump this post often: http://www.dailypaul.com/node/30287

We are planning a 3rd sign waving event next Saturday (2-2-2008 2pm to 4pm) and have again invited the local media. They have aired stories both weekends and we hope they do again. This next time, the Joplin Globe will be there as well. We invite Rocky Comfort and Springfield to come and join us and make this the MOST awesome showing of support. Please let me know if you can make it so we can tell the media how much the local support has grown. We had 45 people the first weekend (thank you Rocky Comfort) and 25-30 people this last weekend, with many new supporters. If we could get 100 people on this intersection, what a statement we would make!! Right before February 5th this is a good way to remind people of Ron Paul and gain those who are still undecided. With all of our canvassing, calling etc this one last time to get the RP name out I believe will really help. With MSM ignoring us the local news can be a great way to advertise free!

Thanks to Richard Graves for the Update & all the great work!

Ron Paul is making steady progress

All the hard work and efforts made by Dr. Paul's many thousands of grassroots supporters is paying off with steady progress... Yet another 2nd place finish - this time in Louisiana!

From the USA Daily article:

"Paul has yet to win a primary but his second place finish in the Nevada Caucus followed by his second place in yesterday’s Louisiana Caucus has boosted his campaign. The idea of a possible brokered convention has many in the GOP taking a second look at Paul.

Paul was endorsed by Pro-Life activist ‘Jane Roe’ of Roe V. Wade, and was endorsed by former two term New Mexico governor Gary Johnson this week. Paul also has funds to compete on Super Tuesday. He raised another 1.85 million on Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday."

If we only had the time, we could help every truly patriotic American to eventually see the truth - that Ron Paul is the best candidate for president we've had in our lifetime. But even with the current "challenges" facing us, we may yet win the endgame by helping enough people learn the truth... Even if not enough to win the nomination outright in the primaries, then perhaps by the time of the Republican conventions Ron Paul will actually be able to win a brokered convention. That means you need to get involved and find a way to become a delegate in your state GOP.

Remind voters: An Election is NOT a "Horse Race"

I've been "Shocked" & "Awed" (but mostly just disgusted) at how the Big Elitist MainStream Media has gone to unprecedented lengths to manipulate this presidential primary election.

Of course, "media" manipulation of elections is nothing new. It has been around for practically as long as elections have existed, but it is the extent and form of the current manipulation that has both caught my attention and upset my stomach this past year.

In days gone past, a person could expect a newspaper with the name of, for instance: "The Arkansas Democrat" to sing the praises of their fav-rave (D) candidates, while pointing out the brothel-dwelling booze-swilling habits of all the opposing (R) candidates. That is what "partisan journalism" was all about back then, and most people understood this and kept it all in perspective.

These days, the hapless TV-addled masses have set aside all reason and discernment, and have somehow embraced the big media lie that "all MSM journalists are NON-biased, independent observers just reporting the facts for you to decide." It is enough to make you wonder how the masses can actually be so completely gullible? (Those same herds of sheep, who all believe - secretly or openly - that they actually are "politically savvy")

One important thing that has struck me recently is how the media is all about describing the current presidential election as a "Horse Race."

There are many reasons this is done, though none of them are good journalistic reasons. And, as is the norm when the MSM is involved, it is also deceitful and inaccurate.

A horse race is much different than an election.

In a horse race, the object (for the bettors) is to pick the winner before the race is over.

In an election, the object (for the voters) is to pick the right person for the job.

It is not the job of the voter to pick who is most likely to be the eventual "winner" for any particular elected position. It is the duty of the voter to place a vote for the person best suited for the position.

However, if you listen to the Big Elitist MainStream Media too much or too carelessly, you'd think that the opposite were true. With almost no exception whatsoever, the MSM goads, manipulates, and even coerces you vote for the "winner" as they see it, in their (lack of) infinite wisdom.

"After all," they say, "Americans love a winner. YOU don't want to waste your vote on a LOSER now, do you?"

The MSM, just like the burnt-out gamblers scrounging for loose change outside the stables whilst looking for their next sucker, will be HAPPY to give you the "inside poop" so you can pick the next Trifecta.

But that is not what good journalists should do, and that is not what a good election is about. The purpose of good journalism is to give the audience the best and most accurate information about all the candidates; either without blatant bias or (better yet) disclosing the sources' actual bias clearly beforehand. The purpose of the election is to cast your vote for the person that you believe (based on all the independent research you can manage) best represents the policies you believe in.

When you speak to everyone you know in these next few weeks before the primary election (and I hope you will), please remind them of their civic duty. Their duty to vote for the best person for the job, period. Not the one most likely to win according to the MSM "bookies," but simply the right man for the job.

This year, that man is absolutely and unquestionably Ron Paul.

Concerns about Vote Counting Machines

"Those who cast the votes decide nothing.
Those who count the votes decide everything."

- quote attributed to Joesph Stalin

(Thanks to Jean Smith for bringing the following to our attention:)

I ran across this web site while looking for other info. Very interesting reading regarding voting machine fraud/result manipulation questions surrounding Ron Paul's straw poll voting results in several States.

www.watchthevote2008.com

Following is just a paragraph of one article at this web site that caught my attention since our county [McDonald] uses the optical-scan system which the "powers that be" in county gov't have assured me CAN NOT be tampered with????

RISE OF THE MACHINES
(12/13/2007)

“After one Diebold optical-scan system had been certified, a Finnish computer expert executed what’s become known as the “Hursti hack.” In May 2005, Harri Hursti showed that an optical scanner’s removable memory card could be reprogrammed to alter vote totals. Then, this August, California’s SOS released jaw-dropping findings (conducted by academic computer security experts) about the state’s machines. On Diebold touch screens, ordinary objects could disable the voter-verified printed ballots (needed for recounts). Hart’s optical-scan software could be rewritten to alter vote totals, and its touch screens’ printers could be manipulated to produce multiple records. California’s SOS has since decertified almost all e-voting machines in the state….”

________________________________________________

Additional notes from Bruce:

Speaking for myself, I believe it is madness that all votes in every election are not on paper ("hardcopy") ballots, and hand-counted in full view of the public at each and every election.

Yes, it takes a lot of time, and is labor-intensive. But if an honest voting system is not worth it, then just what on earth IS worth it?

Yes, it means that vote totals will usually not be available for many hours - even a full day - after the polls close. But that is actually a good thing. Exit polls and early reporting made before the close of polls can and do influence the end results (particularly in a nationwide election where time zone differences apply). For instance, when the media reports that Candidate "A" won most of the east coast states, it has the effect of discouraging people* from voting for Candidate "B" in the remainder of the states where the polls are still open.

*The sad reason this happens is too many people "don't want to take a chance that they might vote for a loser" - which is idiotic reasoning of course... You must always vote for the best candidate for the position. Always.

I know that many of the election officials and poll workers genuinely believe that electronic vote counting machines are beneficial and trustworthy, for various reasons. But speaking as someone who has over 20 years of professional experience working with electronics, computer systems and networking, I can assure you that NO electronic/computer system can ever be fully secure. Not ever. It is the nature of the "beast" that electronic methods of vote counting can always be tampered with. And no amount of security features and procedures can stop this anywhere close to 100% of the time. One of the biggest problems with electronic voting systems is this: Detecting tampering is extremely difficult, and beyond the ability of all but a scare few expert technicians. It is actually easier to tamper with a system, than it is to detect such tampering!

Any election (even one using paper ballots) can be tampered with in many ways. There has been vote fraud of one sort of another for as long as elections have been held.** But there are good and common sense ways that such fraud can be avoided.

**(I refer you back to the Stalin quote at the top of this post for one good example. If you don't trust the "vote counters" then you better find someone you do trust to "watch the counters" or watch them yourself!)

The best time-tested and proven way is: Paper ballots, placed by the voter's own hand into large opaque boxes supported by a simple table (where it can be seen that no "false bottoms or sides" could exist), carefully sealed and inventoried as they become full (but still left in full public view), and then each ballot hand-counted by trusted representatives of each campaign (and each side of every ballot issue), in the full view of the public (on a space-available basis - but all reasonable efforts should be make to allow for adequate spectator room).

Time consuming? Yes.
Labor intensive? Yes.
Fair and Trustworthy...?

Yes.

-----------------------

Any person who does not care enough about their
freedoms, liberties, and voting rights
to conduct an election properly,
simply does not deserve the
privilege to vote at all.

- quote "attributed to" Bruce Arnold on 12/30/2007

Missouri State Convention Process

FYI: From the RonPaul2008.com campaign site's new "Missouri HQ" page:
www.ronpaul2008.com/states/missouri/

Missouri State Convention Process

1. State voting strength? 58 total delegates
   1. 10 base at-large
   2. 27 re: 9 congressional districts
   3. 3 party
   4. 18 bonus
2. What are all the relevant dates?
   1. State convention/caucus: May 31st
   2. Cong. Dist. Conventions: April 19th
   3. Local conventions: March 15th Republican Caucuses meet.
   4. Primary Election Day: February 5th
3. Delegates to the national convention are bound for 1st ballot.
   1. All 58 of Missouri's delegates to the Republican National Convention are allocated to presidential contenders in the Missouri Presidential Primary.
4. What is the process for someone to become a delegate to the national conventions?
   1. Republican Party Congressional District Conventions elect the 27 district delegates. Missouri State Republican Convention elects 10 at-large and 18 bonus delegates. All national delegates will be bound by the winner of the presidential primary.
   2. Each local committee will hold a republican caucus to elect delegates to the CD and State conventions. Nominations for delegate to the CD & State conventions may be made from the floor, but you should check with the county party before hand to verify local rules.
   3. Each Congressional District Convention will elect delegates to the national convention. You will need to verify with the CD party if there is an advance filing to be a delegate to the national convention.
   4. At the State Convention, the nominating committee will present a slate of candidates to be delegates to the national convention. Any delegate to the state convention may present to the nominating committee a slate to be considered. Deadline for submitting a slate is 10:00 am May 31st. All slates must be complete or will be ruled out of order and not voted on. On the floor of the state convention all complete slates will be presented. The slate which wins the most votes will be elected. (plurality)
5. 2000 Republican Primary total vote cast 475,363
6. Copy of state leadership roster and State Party HQ Phone
   1. http://www.mogop.org/committees/wpcommitteefinder.php?qt=state

   National Committeeman Lance Beshore
   1340 Northridge Terrace
   Joplin, MO 64801
   (417) 782-3853

   National Committeewoman Ann Dickinson
   P.O. Box 26158
   Kansas City, MO 64196
   (816) 472-5244

   Chair Doug Russell
   1616 Arbour Drive
   Lebanon, MO 65536-3837
   (417) 588-1046

   Vice-Chair Susan Eckelkamp
   PO Box 330, 225 Saint Andrews Dr.
   St. Albans, MO 63073
   (636) 458-2814

   Missouri Republican State Committee
   204 East Dunklin
   Jefferson City, Missouri, 65101
   (573) 636-3146
   
   Missouri Republican Party
   PO Box 73
   Jefferson City, Missouri, 65102
   
   
   Note: the entire list is available at the above link