The one thing that bothered me is something that has been bothering me for quite some time now... I'm talking about the misuse of the statement "The Constitution is not a suicide pact..." Media pundits use that phrase to imply that giving up rights in the name of security is unavoidable, distorting its original intent. Historically, that phrase (or derivations thereof) was used by judges and politicians in DEFENSE of Constitutional rights and to show that those rights CAN be upheld without committing national suicide, not as an excuse to abridge them. Dr. Paul touched on that, saying he'd "rather be free AND alive", but I'd love to see him correct the pundits on the misuse of the phrase and not skirt around the issue..
It's true, the Constitution is not a suicide pact. In times of National EMERGENCY, times where an IMMINENT threat needs to be URGENTLY addressed, some temporary curtailment of Constitutional rights might possibly be warranted. We are not (yet) in such a time. There is no emergency, there is no imminent threat, there is no urgency. They say this "war" could go on for another 10, 20 or even more years, yet we've already grown accustomed the the snafu at the airports, we've accepted (or are told to accept) "free-speech zones", warrantless wiretaps and many other things that would be repugnant to the founders.
Like I said, I'd love to hear Dr. Paul's take on this. I've never blogged before, but maybe I should in order to give him some ammo... Would that be an appropriate subject to submit here?
Submitted by FreeOregon on Fri, 06/15/2007 - 20:15.
Government is the Ultimate Protection Racket.
Saying "The Contitution is not a suicide pact" is code for I'll protect you, and you pay me to do so.
It's no different from what the mafia says when it comes to your shop and demands "protection money."
Franz Oppenheimer, the German anthropologist, wrote "The State" in 1922. As he puts it, the State was born in blood and conquest. The conquerors lived off the efforts of the conquered through taxation, and in return provided "protection."
Write it on the front and back of **every** envelope you send between now and election day. RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT. And write it by hand, don't just buy a stamp or sticker. Handwriting will get noticed more.
Also, add it in your email signature with a link to his homepage- www.ronpaul2008.com
Ron Paul did a good job on Colbert, considering these types of shows usually have hosts that are more interested in hearing themselves speak. I like how Paul has a great sense of humor and can think on his feet -- unlike that dimwit who's currently occupying the White House.
One criticism though. Ron Paul needs to be careful when he talks about eliminating federal programs. Most Americans do not understand the Libertarian preference for small and local, so when Paul talks about eliminating government departments of Education, Health, EPA. etc., he needs to clarify right away that he advocates bringing these functions back to local municipalities, where local voters can exert more control and oversight of these types of functions.
Ron Paul will completely turn people off if he makes them think that he advocates creating a vacuum of services that Americans have come to depend on.
This interview gave Ron Paul a chance to shine. The next president clearly showed his ability to handle objections, Colbert's straight faced sarcasm worked to show strengths in Ron Paul's platform and character. Colbert's reference to the Colbert bump in elections reveals Colbert's favor in the midst of his straight faced confrontation. Great interview. Colbert is definitely off the wall with his humor. Ron looks comfortable placed between the American Eagle, and the Globe on the Top Shelf. Ron will have the same types of figures in the Oval Office when he becomes President. When Ron Paul is in the Oval Office, he is going to have a regal eagle, and a much larger globe.
Submitted by R_Harris_OKC on Fri, 06/15/2007 - 08:49.
R Harris
Maybe it is just me, but I thought Ron came off looking kind of goofy. The "raise your hand" segment was somewhat juvenile in my opinion.
I really think a candidate for President of the United States should come across a little more professional than he did. Is everything now considered nothing more than a light hearted joke to people?
What would you have had him do then, say "No, Stephen, I think that's silly..."? Keep in mind Colbert is comedy, IMO he was poking fun at Wolfie and the "raise your hand if" session at the Democratic debate.
Alan - Colbert is making fun of Bush, Hannity, O'Reilly, etc. When he makes cracks like "I'm for small government, unless it's something that the President wants", he's purposefully making fun of those guys. Notice that Ron Paul got the applause for opposing the war, Patriot Act, etc, while Colbert got laughed at for his pro-Bush comments. He really slammed the neo-cons with irony, and contrast to Ron Paul, IMO.
I agree that it would have been nice for Ron Paul to get to explain why he would get rid of those departments (esp education, since people don't understand that education is a local, not a federal thing).
I'm not a regular watcher of Colbert, but I did notice the tongue in cheek remarks. You know, the thing about Ron Paul is that everyone pretty well agrees with his agenda, as evidenced by the audiences' reactions. I can't imagine anyone with RED BLOOD in their vains that can't support someone who staunchly stands up for the Constitution. It's a crying shame that our media is so controlled by those who care less about honesty. To quote Bob Dylan, "money doesn't talk, it swears!"
Colbert's attitude is about the same as the main street pedestrian who claims to be a conservative, wanting less government, but keeps on defending the growth of the government. Just like Limbaugh, Hannity, etc. They spout off as "true conservatives", but want more, more from the government, only handled by "republican" hands. I find it absolutely amusing how Bush & Co. are unraveling. I just hope our grassroot support for Ron will overwhelm the talking heads and their corporate sponsers. This country is in a mess because of unconstitutional actions that go unchecked.........time to do something about it!
Alan, The Colbert Report is a complete satire of the right-wing propaganda machine. He really does a hilarious job of mocking the extremists in both government and media. You should try to catch his show more often.
Submitted by Steve Dore on Thu, 06/14/2007 - 04:48.
This is just so so so excellent. I wish I had words to describe how this makes me feel. I had to play tonight and couldn't see it on TV. But here it is at 2:30 am when I get home. The next revolution will not be televised for sure and people are waking up. The internet is like a young person whose fed up and not going to take it any more. Our message is unavoidable and profound. Thank you so much for this post. I came hoping and it is here!
Is there not enough pain yet for our HOPE for America and for the wake up of our citizens? I don't know. But it doesn't really matter. It has begun. I love what's happening and so glad to be a part. Ron Paul has made a huge difference already. My life and purpose are now positive from a very negative. Amazing.
This is a great man, Dr. Ron Paul. If I didn't say anything already I'd be speechless. :-)
I'm an Australian watching Ron Paul very closely. I have been hanging out all day for this to be posted here. I knew it would. Keep posting all of Ron Paul's appearances on TV that i don't have access to here in Australia.
Submitted by bud_man_4 on Thu, 06/14/2007 - 02:13.
wish colbert would have let him explain why he wants to get rid of all those departments, but overall it was a good interview. Glad Ron got some jokes in too ;)
And ya just couldn't say he was a decent honorable person, eh?
lol
I just wish when he was speaking at the debates he was as relaxed as he was on Bill Maher, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert shows.
Time to crank it up to the next notch......how about now getting him on the Late, Late show with Craig Ferguson. He might get a bit more time to talk and still be able to show his humorous side.
The one thing that bothered me...
The one thing that bothered me is something that has been bothering me for quite some time now... I'm talking about the misuse of the statement "The Constitution is not a suicide pact..." Media pundits use that phrase to imply that giving up rights in the name of security is unavoidable, distorting its original intent. Historically, that phrase (or derivations thereof) was used by judges and politicians in DEFENSE of Constitutional rights and to show that those rights CAN be upheld without committing national suicide, not as an excuse to abridge them. Dr. Paul touched on that, saying he'd "rather be free AND alive", but I'd love to see him correct the pundits on the misuse of the phrase and not skirt around the issue..
It's true, the Constitution is not a suicide pact. In times of National EMERGENCY, times where an IMMINENT threat needs to be URGENTLY addressed, some temporary curtailment of Constitutional rights might possibly be warranted. We are not (yet) in such a time. There is no emergency, there is no imminent threat, there is no urgency. They say this "war" could go on for another 10, 20 or even more years, yet we've already grown accustomed the the snafu at the airports, we've accepted (or are told to accept) "free-speech zones", warrantless wiretaps and many other things that would be repugnant to the founders.
Like I said, I'd love to hear Dr. Paul's take on this. I've never blogged before, but maybe I should in order to give him some ammo... Would that be an appropriate subject to submit here?
--
carpe libertas
--
Son_Of_Liberty
twitter: @uptofreedom
Government- the Ultimate Protection Racket
Government is the Ultimate Protection Racket.
Saying "The Contitution is not a suicide pact" is code for I'll protect you, and you pay me to do so.
It's no different from what the mafia says when it comes to your shop and demands "protection money."
Franz Oppenheimer, the German anthropologist, wrote "The State" in 1922. As he puts it, the State was born in blood and conquest. The conquerors lived off the efforts of the conquered through taxation, and in return provided "protection."
Nothing has changed.
I can protect myself, thank you.
FreeOregon, and yourself as well.
FreeOregon
Write It On Every Envelope You Send
Write it on the front and back of **every** envelope you send between now and election day. RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT. And write it by hand, don't just buy a stamp or sticker. Handwriting will get noticed more.
Also, add it in your email signature with a link to his homepage- www.ronpaul2008.com
Good Job...But A Criticism
Ron Paul did a good job on Colbert, considering these types of shows usually have hosts that are more interested in hearing themselves speak. I like how Paul has a great sense of humor and can think on his feet -- unlike that dimwit who's currently occupying the White House.
One criticism though. Ron Paul needs to be careful when he talks about eliminating federal programs. Most Americans do not understand the Libertarian preference for small and local, so when Paul talks about eliminating government departments of Education, Health, EPA. etc., he needs to clarify right away that he advocates bringing these functions back to local municipalities, where local voters can exert more control and oversight of these types of functions.
Ron Paul will completely turn people off if he makes them think that he advocates creating a vacuum of services that Americans have come to depend on.
Just my 2 cents.
Vote at Pajamasmedia
Go vote at the www.pajamasmedia.com poll if you haven't voted yet this week.
Ahem!
We've been bugging out over the limited options in polls created by the MSM, and now this.
Where is Kucinich on the Democratic side?
And please don't tell us "he's not going to win" or we'll have to skin you alive and roll you in salt! :)
Good Interview
This interview gave Ron Paul a chance to shine. The next president clearly showed his ability to handle objections, Colbert's straight faced sarcasm worked to show strengths in Ron Paul's platform and character. Colbert's reference to the Colbert bump in elections reveals Colbert's favor in the midst of his straight faced confrontation. Great interview. Colbert is definitely off the wall with his humor. Ron looks comfortable placed between the American Eagle, and the Globe on the Top Shelf. Ron will have the same types of figures in the Oval Office when he becomes President. When Ron Paul is in the Oval Office, he is going to have a regal eagle, and a much larger globe.
Today is the day of my amazing good fortune!
I thought Ron looked bad
R Harris
Maybe it is just me, but I thought Ron came off looking kind of goofy. The "raise your hand" segment was somewhat juvenile in my opinion.
I really think a candidate for President of the United States should come across a little more professional than he did. Is everything now considered nothing more than a light hearted joke to people?
R Harris
What would you have had him
What would you have had him do then, say "No, Stephen, I think that's silly..."? Keep in mind Colbert is comedy, IMO he was poking fun at Wolfie and the "raise your hand if" session at the Democratic debate.
--
carpe libertas
--
Son_Of_Liberty
twitter: @uptofreedom
Such a dork
He's such a dork.... A wonderfully refreshing dork, but a dork none the less :)
Jay K (also a dork)
Alan - Colbert is making fun
Alan - Colbert is making fun of Bush, Hannity, O'Reilly, etc. When he makes cracks like "I'm for small government, unless it's something that the President wants", he's purposefully making fun of those guys. Notice that Ron Paul got the applause for opposing the war, Patriot Act, etc, while Colbert got laughed at for his pro-Bush comments. He really slammed the neo-cons with irony, and contrast to Ron Paul, IMO.
I agree that it would have been nice for Ron Paul to get to explain why he would get rid of those departments (esp education, since people don't understand that education is a local, not a federal thing).
Jim Forsythe, PhD
www.jimforsythe.com
right on
alan laney
I'm not a regular watcher of Colbert, but I did notice the tongue in cheek remarks. You know, the thing about Ron Paul is that everyone pretty well agrees with his agenda, as evidenced by the audiences' reactions. I can't imagine anyone with RED BLOOD in their vains that can't support someone who staunchly stands up for the Constitution. It's a crying shame that our media is so controlled by those who care less about honesty. To quote Bob Dylan, "money doesn't talk, it swears!"
alan laney
colbert
alan laney
Colbert's attitude is about the same as the main street pedestrian who claims to be a conservative, wanting less government, but keeps on defending the growth of the government. Just like Limbaugh, Hannity, etc. They spout off as "true conservatives", but want more, more from the government, only handled by "republican" hands. I find it absolutely amusing how Bush & Co. are unraveling. I just hope our grassroot support for Ron will overwhelm the talking heads and their corporate sponsers. This country is in a mess because of unconstitutional actions that go unchecked.........time to do something about it!
alan laney
It's satire
Alan, The Colbert Report is a complete satire of the right-wing propaganda machine. He really does a hilarious job of mocking the extremists in both government and media. You should try to catch his show more often.
Oh yes...
This is just so so so excellent. I wish I had words to describe how this makes me feel. I had to play tonight and couldn't see it on TV. But here it is at 2:30 am when I get home. The next revolution will not be televised for sure and people are waking up. The internet is like a young person whose fed up and not going to take it any more. Our message is unavoidable and profound. Thank you so much for this post. I came hoping and it is here!
Is there not enough pain yet for our HOPE for America and for the wake up of our citizens? I don't know. But it doesn't really matter. It has begun. I love what's happening and so glad to be a part. Ron Paul has made a huge difference already. My life and purpose are now positive from a very negative. Amazing.
This is a great man, Dr. Ron Paul. If I didn't say anything already I'd be speechless. :-)
SD
Put your hands up!
Ron is the greatest!
I'm an Australian watching Ron Paul very closely. I have been hanging out all day for this to be posted here. I knew it would. Keep posting all of Ron Paul's appearances on TV that i don't have access to here in Australia.
Every body put your hands up in the air!
Regards
Mijo
That was excellent
wish colbert would have let him explain why he wants to get rid of all those departments, but overall it was a good interview. Glad Ron got some jokes in too ;)
freespeechwisconsin.com
Rockstar Ron
What a mensch!
czentay ThinkInvest.blogspot.com
czentay
ThinkInvest.blogspot.com
mensch
And ya just couldn't say he was a decent honorable person, eh?
lol
I just wish when he was speaking at the debates he was as relaxed as he was on Bill Maher, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert shows.
Time to crank it up to the next notch......how about now getting him on the Late, Late show with Craig Ferguson. He might get a bit more time to talk and still be able to show his humorous side.