Support the blimp at all costs!
Hello fellow supporters and activists. There's been quite a bit of controversy surrounding the blimp or SkyShip 600, and not just here at the DailyPaul. From the ideas inception to it's current under funded status, fellow paul supporters have been listing its merits and lack thereof.
I've personally brought up several concerns regarding the blimp, and I'm sure most have had something to say as well. Wether it was the message, the idea itself, or anything in between. My main concern was the practicality of the project in it's entirety.
There have been several DailyPaul users bringing up the point that money was being siphoned from the official campaign. Some argued the siphoning from specific events. On the other hand, some users point out that it is their money to use how they see fit, and certainly no one can disagree with that. However one would have to agree that the money supply for the Ron Paul campaign is finite, unless more supporters are brought into the fold. This is called growing the base.
My belief, as I'm approaching maxed-out status, is that growing the base is of the utmost importance. There are some great projects currently underway whose purpose is to do just that...grow the base. There is Operation Live Free or Die in New Hampshire and 30 Days to Iowa. These projects are currently under funded as well. Therefore one cannot say that they all can be funded giving the current lack of funds in all three projects.
I wrote a post earlier stating that I would not list my concerns about the blimp unless asked. I must eat my words, as I've found additional information that needs to be addressed. There are several points, which I've already made, to consider and I will list them below. Please excuse the long post as I feel this info is important.
Can we negotiate this deal?
1.) The blimp will fly for 6hrs a day. You can donate $50,000 to have the blimp in the air for 90hrs. That's 15 days of flying time, right? Wrong. $200,000 will get you 15 days. Those contributing are paying for the down-time of the blimp. The official stance is that it's acting as a billboard on the ground. The blimp will be parked at airfields. Who is going to see the blimp at an airfield? If it were parked at a major airport then I would agree that the Blimp would be seen by many. But it's not being parked at a major airport.
2.) The Blimp staff are going to protest restricted air-space, sighting first amendment rights. I believe this is overlooking the terror "climate" of the past 8 years. Yeah, fly that puppy over washington DC and see how long it takes a blimp, or what used to be, to plummet to earth from 4,000 feet. If we nixed the lawyers, then how much money would be saved?
3.) Scenario: Ron Paul supporters get the blimp in the air and get media attention, but run out of funds to keep it in the air after a month. The blimp then is rented to Huckabee's campaign and so on and so forth.
The last bit of info took some research to find, but found it is. Has anyone ever heard of The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago? If you haven't, join the club. The reason I bring up this obscure place in the world is because of it's uncanny ability to negotiate business transactions. Somehow, they were able to rent a SkyShip 600, from Airship management services, for a period of 5 months, for only $759,340 US. Dang! That's pretty good negotiating given the current "break" paul supporters are getting. So, to blimp or not to blimp. To Live Free or Die or not to do so. Iowa in 30 days? You decide fellow supporters. Below is the text from a parliament discussion from The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. As well as the link to the document referenced.
Page 632 Paragraph 2
"Having considered the available options the Skyship 600 was selected. In order to ensure that the airship was in keeping with the Ministry of National Security's specifications, a decision was taken to lease the airship from its supplier, Airship Management Services of the USA. The lease was initially for a three-month period from mid December 2005 to mid March 2006. However, to complete testing operations of the Skyship 600 the lease was extended for an additional two months. The final lease arrangement cost for the airship 600 was US $759,340"
http://www.ttparliament.org/hansard/house/2006/hh20061110.pdf
What about raising money from sponsors..
and branding the ballon a bit. Why not invite a few key brands to sponsor it - liberty friendly brands such as gold-related companies or Ron Paul friendly news sites (Free Market News, USA Daily, etc.) or whatever other company that makes sense. They could put small logos on the blimp in return. Just an idea...
Legal issues supposedly prevent this
For better or for worse, the legal structure that was set up (at least this was according to one of Katharine's posts on RP Forums) don't allow corporations to sponsor this type of political advertising. So this is a non-issue unless they can find some other legal structure, and now that they've collected a substantial part of the goal (1/3), they probably couldn't change this in either case.
That's why the donation form specifies, "I am a US individual" (as opposed to a corporation.
I was looking for the post over at RPF explaining this, but couldn't find it.
Thanks for the info.
I'll look into it. Maybe then the blimp pimps will lay-off. Thanks antiwardoc!
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
Awesome idea!!!
It'll show that companies are supportive of the political process as well as getting their name out. Supporters win because funds can be spent elsewhere in more important areas! Nice idea jbb1976!
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
This thread has
convinced me that I am going to give everything that I was going to give to the tea party, I am going to give to the blimp. Thanks, ron paul bot, and a few of your friends.
Prepare & Share the Message of Freedom through Positive-Peaceful-Activism.
LOL!!
The POST is the same... the posters name has changed.. and the guy he is bitching at has too...
So I thought I jump in remind ya I saw the same post yesterday... you have multiple accounts?
Your welcome.
By the way...If you scroll down a bit...I predicted you would do that.
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
LOL - The same thing crossed my mind.
The same thing crossed my mind.
Crossed your mind?
Short trip huh?
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
What is it with you guys?
You seem to have a just a little streak of authoritarianism in you. It's your way or the highway, huh? Well my tiny mind shouldn't be difficult to read on this score.
Nobody but you is talking about the hiway
Why is that??
We just want to see RON PAUL PRESIDENT...
And we want to do all we can to see that.... how bout you?
you want to see Ron Paul as president?? or do you want to see the blimp fly around? or both??
I tire of hearing how anyone that DISAGREE WITH YOU IS A SUBVERSIVE RABBLE ROUSING RENEGADE THAT IS LOOKING FOR A HIWAY
You want to STOP people from doing something
That's not the same as doing something. You don't see Blimp proponents going around telling people not to support the tea party, or not to help the volunteers in Iowa and New Hampshire. No. You want to control and direct other people's resources in the direction YOU think is appropriate. You are the DISEASE we are fighting. Obviously you do not have the power to forcibly appropriate our resources, but your intent is clear. The Shadow Knows.
Big difference
I don't see the Teaparty OR NH fiveforfreedom.com WHICH I SHOULD ADD JUST HAD THIER BIG FUND RAISING DAY YESTERDAY...
POSTING THREADS EVERY HALF HOUR WITH THE SAME POSTERS IN THEM...
like this Blimp thing is... that is what is IRRATATING..
And NO I WANT PEOPLE MONEY TO GO TO THE THING THAT MOST HELPS US GET DR. PAUL ELECTED PRESIDENT...
AS I HOPE YOU WOULD TOO..
Yep. There's a Big Difference alright
I'm not Hectoring you about what you want to do with YOUR money. I don't know and don't care.
Then leave this thread that I created!
Please go donate to the blimp. Hurry!
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
OK. Embrace your inner fascist.
but I hope you never rise to a position of power. Bye
Wolf crying wolf?
Fascism is the merger of corporation and state. The corporation is the blimp pimps and the state is this forum that Michael has so graciously "given" us. Do we wish to see that merger? Michael has sponsors that stay in the same place on the page and do not talk back or post every hour. If you were in power, we'd all be buying blimp time that we can't afford. Have you seen the donations? I hope they make it. I was an NCO in the marine corps bub. I know what I'm about. How about yourself?
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
Disease? Supporters like me are the antidote!
I spend ump-teen hours a week "supporting" the Ron Paul campaign. I'm not stopping anyone from doing anything! I AM SAYING THAT THERE ARE MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES RIGHT NOW. Like the primaries coming up in a month! Operation Live Free or Die! 30 Days to Iowa! I don't want to control resources bub, I do wish to reiterate the importance of other projects over the capitalist venture known as the blimp. We are the Antidote! Shadow? Who is the shadow...I'll go ask him since he knows. Maybe he can clue me in to how a blimp will help RP win the primaries....in January...snow....ice....whipping winds....sound familiar bub? Hello? Is the shadow still with us? I'm not trying to take your lunch money. These blimp folks are pimping that thing like clock-work!
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
I don't gotta show you squat, pal
It suffices that I am satisfied that MY money is well spent.
Please....
Spend your money where you see fit...
Just don't try and make any money off of those that want to see Ron Paul the next PRESIDENT..
Great! Enough said.
Don't take a shot at me partner, especially when I'm talking about the importance of something so very, very, important.
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
Couldn't have said it better atvdude!!!
These people are always trying to shoot the messenger! At least you and I "get it". I'm leaving this thread and replicating more paul-bots. We tried my friend. Maybe they will see the light... and support Operation Live Free or Die and 30 days to Iowa. Thanks for your insightful and encouraging posts! I'll see ya' on the battle field atvdude. Remember...constructive criticism....not name calling. Thanks again bro'!
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
Your right!!
and a PATRIOT!!
I know you are a REAL TRUE BLUE RON PAUL SUPPORTER!!!
Nice to share some time tonight... and SEE YOU AT THE INAGURATION!!!!
(I'll be the one flying over the whitehouse in a blimp!!)
ROTFFLMFAO!!
Nope. Just looking out for the rEVOLution. Wolves in sheeps...
...clothing are hard to spot. Especially when you show up in the middle of the day. These people are pimping the blimp every hour on the hour! Don't take a shot at me and expect me to lay down. It's not authoritarianism...it's called heart. Have any heart....if so....some people in NH need your help. They've donated their time...will you help those who are helping get Dr.Paul elected? Or do you want to fly on a balloon?
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
Prioritizing is the name of the game
I believe the blimp campaign is a good idea, but not the highest priority. Pros: It adds excitement to the Ron Paul campaign. It shows creativity and creativity always attracts people. Cons: The money spent on the blimp doesn't provide much information. In other words, the cost / information ratio is very low. I know the purpose is to get people to go to the Internet and 'Google' "Ron Paul", thus the word "Google" on the blimp. Google is being used as a verb here and the word is being added to the dictionary as verb. The unknown question is how many people will actually 'Google' "Ron Paul" that haven't already. My feeling is that those that would 'Google' "Ron Paul", already have, and those that haven't 'Googled' "Ron Paul" already, probably won't just because they see a blimp. So, I put the blimp as a low priority. Prioritizing the fund raising is really what it's all about. For what the blimp cost, think how many 'slim jims' could be placed into hands of people arming them with important information on where Ron Paul stands on the issues. If I was given the task of prioritizing the fund raising as it stands now for a set of guidelines to all Ron Paul supporters, it would go like this:
1) Make your first donation to the main campaign. Continue contributing to main campaign if you can throughout the campaign, until you are maxed out. Don't miss the money bomb days. Provided you are not maxed out, always give something on a money bomb day, even it is a small amount.
2) After you have made your first contribution to the main campaign, give to the PACs ("Operation Live Free Or Die" & "30 Days To Iowa", etc. Nothing is more important than putting "slim jims' into the hands of people who have never heard of Ron Paul. Max out 1 before maxing out 2.
3) If you are a person that is blessed with a lot of money and you have already maxed out 1 and 2 then give to the blimp and any other similar or future ideas.
Also, we must be good stewards of any fund raising campaign. Therefore, if we can get a cheaper blimp for a longer time, then we need to go for it. We may have to go with the current plan for N.H and Iowa due to the time crunch, but that does not prevent us from doing some comparison shopping to see if we can get a better deal for future events.
====================================================
The Ron Paul revolution is coming through your town. Either jump on board or get the hell out of the way!!!
The Ron Paul revolution is coming through your town. Either jump on board or get the hell out of the way!!!
Careful.....you'll be a troll in no time flat talking that.....
...common sense. But, I agree with you 100%.
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
Yeah!!
What he said!!
Ron Paul 2008!
Make your own Ron Paul Blimp for special events!
Buy one of several Blimp / Airship Kits available online. Stay away from the UFO style, get the one that looks like the Goodyear blimp:
http://tinyurl.com/2tmzzs or http://tinyurl.com/3cr245
If your Balloon looks like a UFO or it is silver, has writing on it and it is not white then buy the replacement (blank) white balloon:
http://tinyurl.com/3x865v - Note how the edges are curved?
Get a Helium tank from your local carbonated beverages supplier, or have it filled at one of those 'party' stores. Try to stay away from hydrogen gas for your airship unless you are working on becoming a homegrown terrorist (the horror! the horror!) - Ron Paul is all about PEACE so BEST you buy a disposable HELIUM Tank for safety:
http://tinyurl.com/3dmau7
Go to Fast Signs or Signs Now and for about $30 so they can probably cut out "Ron Paul for President" Stickers on very thin light-weight vinyl.
Final steps: Fill the Balloon with Helium THEN apply the stickers slowly & carefully. The Sign shop may be able to assist if you are inexperienced in laying vinyl. * The key to proper application of your stickers is to make sure the stickers are not too large (they should fill the center smooth area and not touch the curved area) so MEASURE CAREFULLY! *
Marketing Notes: Please get the "Ron Paul for President" slogan (perhaps with a small RonPaul2008.com underneath this) in the official campaign-style / yard sign colors & font.... That "who-is RP" slogan is soooo pre 11-05 - we should assume people now know who he is!
There - you have your very own Ron Paul dirigible!
Great idea!
Thanks for posting this! Lots of good information. Have you made one yet? It would be cool to produce one. I'll bring it up at the meetup this weekend. Thanks again.
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
"Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism."
-George Washington
Homemade mini-blimp
I made such a blimp for my business and brought it to a trade show. I tied fishing line to the head & tail of the blimp and it hovered above my booth and got a lot of attention! (The remote-control version is not suitable for flying around outside or in crowded public places - no control with those tiny fan propellers). It would be a great thing to bring to rallies and conventions - but check with the the convention rules as they may not allow supser-sized promotional balloons and you don't want to waste a perfectly good blimp!