Follow-up from Romney Blogger
First of all. I was blown away by the involvement over here. Definitely the most active political forum I've been to. I also want to thank those who responded with reason and tact to my post--even those that were critical.
I tried to respond to as many of the comments as possible, but after 5 hours and the list growing bigger, I had to call it a night and check back today. Again--too much to keep up with, but I did want to make another general post to give just a little more perspective on why I'm here, and why I take the particular approach I do. This is mostly in response to those who can't accept the fact that I still would support Romney after having my "eyes opened" to Ron Paul. I think there is some wisdom to be found in how to approach others about the Revolution!
First of all, I do not apologize for supporting Romney and I would do it again, but it's not because I don't believe in this cause.
About 15 years ago, I became aware that all was not right with America. I read books, I talked to people with first-hand knowlege, and I observed very carefully the world I lived in. This new knowlege gave me power and my first impression was to use that power to "convince" my friends, family, and anyone else I encountered.
Being a religious person, I found that this power was actually becoming a deteriment to my personal and spiritual character--and weakened my ability to advance the cause of liberty. I had to make a decision. I could try to convince everyone to see things my way, or pick my battles and try to help others first open their minds, and then make the transition to the new insights I had gained. I chose the latter and I have found that by living amongst the mainstream, I am much more effective in planting seeds and nurturing a "conversion"--so to speak.
As a result, my extended family are now open to seeing the world as it really is. They see the flaws in our two-party system, and if circumstances required, they would be fighting on the right side of the battle. The battles I'm referring to here are more than just the political one we are currently engaged in.
While this has become my path, I can't tell anyone else how to fight this battle. Perhaps you are more effective taking the issue head-on with no excuses, and no backing down. Some will only respond to that kind of approach. Mitt Romney's supporters however will not respond to that approach.
The Revolution needs some of us "mainstreamers" to help convert other "mainstreamers" who don't know any better. It would be a lot easier if we didn't have to warn them to watch out for the "no-excuses" crowd, but I realize that comes with the territory and we just have to be more accepting all around.
Mitt Romney said in 1994 that he would be a better advocate of gay rights than Ted Kennedy. He didn't say he was more in favor of gay rights than Ted, only that as a conservative, he would be more credible among conservatives when advocating non-discrimination against gays. This same principle applies no matter who is trying to persuade hearts and minds, and no matter the cause.
To all the RP supporters here--you are on the right side of the battle and you know it. With this understanding, comes responsibility. When deciding how you plan to share this knowlege with the ignorant masses, consider that your approach is almost as important as your message!
God Bless!
Romney Supporter 7/06 - 2/08
Ron Paul Supporter 2/09 - TBD
welcome again
glad you stayed beyond the initial barrage amigo
your eloquence, honesty, and self-examination is admirable.
please continue to contribute as much as you are able.
.
.
WHY WHEN I CLICK ON YOUR USER NAME
IT'S SAYS "NOT FOUND"? SO WHERE ARE YOU???????????????
Chill out Tex.
Chill out Tex. Problems happen with websites.
I think you have a lot to offer and I am very happy
to have you here. Thank you for all of your insight!! I, for one, really appreciate it.
I found it quite offensive how the media attacked Romney
on the Massachusetts Gay Rights legislation.
Really it was about private insurance and some things corporations already do. The government has no business in.
Every Romney Supporter I've ever talked to has been a stand up person.
I take your "correction" and accept it. I'm guilty of the wrong approach far to often.
"To all the RP supporters here--you are on the right side of the battle and you know it. With this understanding, comes responsibility. When deciding how you plan to share this knowlege with the ignorant masses, consider that your approach is almost as important as your message!"
Truer words were never said
" When deciding how you plan to share this knowlege with the ignorant masses, consider that your approach is almost as important as your message!"
Sometimes I feel like the dorm Mom here, because had I advocated the same thing over and over, and was called names for it, trashed, fought, reported, etc etc. I have studied the situation and I'm not new to it, have followed Dr. Paul for YEARS, and have been active in trying to turn things around locally as well (because that is where attitudes begin) and so I don't think I'm just talking off the top of my head. That said, it is tough to counter the media who for example, is now saying there are only two people in the race when there are three, I imagine so Mitt's supporters won't defect to Ron's camp. This is why I think we need to work on defeating this perception as well as reaching out to Romney's people as the only other TRUE conservative alternative.
That is, if you want to STOP McCain and Huckabee.
Tell me I'm not the first to
Tell me I'm not the first to say this, but we need more people like you to talk at future caucuses! A former Romney supporter stating why, given the current options, he/she now chooses to support Paul. Not trying to force the RP message down people's throats. Not disrespecting other candidates, viewpoints, or opinions. Just clearly, genuinely, articulately sharing himself/herself. I think that would go a long way to opening people's hearts and minds and letting them decide for themselves. Can we make this happen?
Swiftboating McCain before Hillary does
I have only recently investigated (really stumbled on) the website for Vietnam veterans against McCain. Though evidence seems to support that McCain did collude with the Communists, the more egregious of his actions occurred while as a Senator he did all he could to prevent the familes of POWs/MIAs from recieving any information for the pentagon regarding their missing loved ones. If I could find this info, Hillary and Bill sure can. I suggest that we swiftboat McCain before he gets close enough to the white house for the Clintons to take "swift" action and produce for the public the 32 tapes of McCain telling the troops in the 60's that America was "bombing schools, hospitals and churches".
freedom fighter
Thanks for your insight.
Thanks for your insight. For what it is worth, Romney was my second choice.
Would but there be the luxury of time.
Alas, tis fleeting and I fear not. Else, I too might take your approach.
Seriously, I think when next we get the chance to defend the Constitution, 2011-2012 election cycle, it will be too late.
Very good post...
I just put this post up as a new thread, so people could see how to approach would-be supporters properly...
I used to be big into network marketing or multi-level marketing. You know... the "pyramid schemes" that use word-of-mouth marketing... where a few people tell a few people.. and so on. Even though it is a viable way to build a business, and there are many, many multi-Billion dollar companies that have been built this way, many people don't understand it and think that it is a scam. I worked for Excel Communications, Inc., which at the time was the 4th largest long distance company in the U.S. doing over $4 billion annually, and they never spent a dime on traditional advertising.
In building the business with Excel, I learned a lot about human nature. They taught us that in building our business...
#1 Don't bad-mouth the competition. - It only makes you look bad. To go around screaming, "but they are in the CFR!" about another person's choice for president doesn't help your cause. It just pisses them off.
#2 Don't call it a "pyramid scheme". - Yelling "conspiracy" all the time puts you into a category of being a "kook". That transfers over to the campaign and ends up hurting it more than helping it. While most of Americans believe further investigation into 911 is warranted, most of them DO NOT believe the WTC was brought down by explosives. Saying that only turns them off to the message.
#3 Just because most people should see the light... doesn't mean they will. - The Excel business made sense to me... you switch your long distance to Excel and get paid for using the phone. Get others to do the same... and so on. This allows you to build a large business of people getting paid to do what they already do... talk on the phone. Simple and lucrative and it makes sense... BUT... so many people have lost money in "airplane schemes", ponzi schemes, and even legitimate networking companies... that you have to be gentle and not try and push people in. Campaigning works the same way.
#4 No hype! - No matter how much you believe, you shouldn't jump up and down and scream and yell and get all bent out of shape. Many people made millions in Excel... but we were taught NOT to talk about that. That was unrealistic for most people. Just like the government planting bombs in the WTC without getting caught is unrealistic for most people. Over-hyping, exaggerating... only makes them turn off to the message.
See... if you want Ron Paul to get elected... you have to play the game. The goal is votes.
The way to win people over to the cause is to use the 3 F's : "Feel, Felt, Found"
Feel - "I know how you feel."
Felt - "I used to feel the same way."
Found - "Until I found out."
For example: "Yeah, John. I know how you feel. I used to feel the same way. I used to think that Ron Paul was just an angry old man. But then I got to reading some of his speeches, and I found out that there's a lot more corruption and misuse in our government than I ever realized."
Another example: "Yeah, I heard about those racist newsletters too. I wonder about that myself. Then I looked on Ron Paul's website and read what he says about those newsletters, and I realized that he didn't say those awful things. Someone else did, and his name was also on the newsletters. That was a long time ago too. He has since disassociated himself from those people. I found out that he is a big advocate for individual rights, etc., etc...."
See...this type of conversation takes away the "you're wrong and I'm right" feeling that so many conspiracy theorists come across with. Look at the posts on this very thread. Now, I realize, the original poster started it, by calling people "idiots", but stooping to their level doesn't help matters. I know how the poster feels. The conspiracy theorists have hurt our campaign because they act like they can't believe that anyone could be duped by the situation. But most of America is duped and you have to realize that. Using the 3 F's is a great way to educate people and ACTUALLY GET THEM TO LISTEN.
My 2 cents.
Agree 100% with you....
Thanks both of you for your time and experience - hope other hear your message here - it is powerful.
Did you get the letter?
to support McCain. How are you going to convince others to go with RP.
Do you mean this letter that says nothing of the sort?
Dear Friend
If you have not heard by now, I have decided to suspend my campaign for president. This was not an easy decision for me, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support from the beginning to the point where we are today. We’ve come such a long way, and our hard work together will leave an imprint on the course of history.
As I addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) yesterday in Washington, D.C., I outlined what I know is the right course ahead for our nation – a course based on conservative principles such as individual responsibility, strong faith and values, economic strength with lower taxes and a national defense that will not retreat from the threat of evil extremism.
I disagree with Senator McCain on a number of issues, as you know. But I agree with him on doing whatever it takes to be successful in Iraq, on finding and executing Osama bin Laden, and on eliminating Al Qaeda and terror. If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding surrender to terror.
This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose. My family, my friends and, you, our supporters, have given a great deal to get me where I have a shot at becoming President. If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country.
You can be sure I will continue to stand for conservative principles. I will fight alongside you for all the things we believe in. And one of those things is that we cannot allow the next President of the United States to retreat in the face evil extremism.
It is the common task of each generation – and the burden of liberty – to preserve this country, expand its freedoms and renew its spirit so that its noble past is prologue to its glorious future.
Please stand proud today that you fought for a cause greater than yourself, and please continue to fight to preserve our ideals.
Thank you again so very much.
Mitt Romney
------------------------------------------
Romney Supporter 7/06 - 2/08
Paul Supporter 2/08 - TBD
Romney Supporter 7/06 - 2/08
Paul Supporter 2/08 - TBD
WHY WHEN I CLICK ON YOUR USER NAME
IT"S SAYS -NOT FOUND- WHY?
WHERE ARE YOU FOR ROMNEY?
Obvious reference to Ron Paul
"We cannot allow the next President to retreat in the face of evil/extremism". I believe this may reveal Romney's decision to "suspend" his campaign (another way of saying drop out). A tactic to prevent a brokered convention whereby Dr. Paul could potentially "steal away" the nomination. All of the candidates were and are aware of the potential delegate situation (the secret strategy) where RP gets the nod at the national convention. This is Romney's true reason for dropping out. The PTB (including the candidates) have and will continue to do everything possible to keep RP from ever getting that nomination.The next big question is, how does Huckabee play into the equation now? What will he do to minimize RP and keep him from the nomination? Drop out tomorrow?
ummm... small correction to Romney's letter
O.B.L is dead .... ask Bhutto about it ;)
Nice to have ya here SC =)
____ _____ _____ _____ ______ ______ _____ ___
"The time is near at hand which we must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves."
George Washington
First President of the USA.
http://digitaldiesel.net/index.php?action=forum
≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make
violent revolution inevitable."
John F. Kennedy
Could you explain
why did he suspend campaign? I don't get it. (Maybe becouse I'm foreigner)
I mean I understand he did it becouse he "loves America".
But HOW droping can help America??
Shouldn't he keep fighting BECOUSE he disagree with McCain on number of issues?
Please explain. I think you understand your guy better then others here :-)
One quick point.
For me it is not about "being a Ron Paul" supporter. It is about supporting The Constitution and The Republic. Ron Paul just happens to be the only candidate who also supports these.
Join PyraBang the peoples search engine.
hmmm food for thought...
...and well thought out...much appriciated. Now to my next mainstream victim.
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"You know how people are. They only recognize greatness when some authority confirms it." Calvin & Hobbes
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"You know how people are. They only recognize greatness when some authority confirms it." Calvin & Hobbes
I respect your thoughtful comments
And I respect and honor your right to your views. However, my opinion, and it is an opinion, and not a personal attack -- rather an observation --
you would be supporting Romney right now if he were still in the race. This says to me that your view of the world, America, our history, and our current peril are still quite different. However, I do not want to offend you or be confrontive. You have a right to your perspective and a right to voice your stance and express your opinion. I do too. And these two gentlemen, are quite different in essence, in character, integrity, and in life lived -- and just plain old consistency of values and honesty.
Very different.
Gwen Kraft
"Personal Liberty & Personal Responsibility" -- Dr. Ron Paul
"A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom." -- Bob Dylan
Gwen Kraft
"Personal Liberty & Personal Responsibility" -- Dr. Ron Paul
"A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom." -- Bob Dylan
I can appreciate your views
I believe that your perspective of Romney is similar to the rest of the worlds view of RP. They don't get presented with the details that show his life of integrity and character. Romney isn't a polished politician so he comes accross as fake--My dad used to be the same way and I always thought he was kind of a nerd for trying to hard. Romney is a little nerdy--but he's got good sincere intentions--This insight had to come from first-hand personal impressions and not from political rally's or TV, so I can't blame anyone else for their perceptions.
As for our current perils, I probably don't see them the same way as many here because I see things from a mixed social / spiritual world-view where the victory of truth has already been determined. The test is whether we will fight the good fight. As I said before, my method of fighting is different from others, but I don't think it makes my way any better than anyone else's.
Just because we see things from a different perspective doesn't mean I don't grasp the evil that is just about to bring this nation to its knees--I just approach it a bit differently I guess.
Romney Supporter 7/06 - 2/08
Paul Supporter 2/08 - TBD
Romney Supporter 7/06 - 2/08
Paul Supporter 2/08 - TBD
Thank you for your considerate reply
I do appreciate your insights. And I come from a similar perspective regarding the resolution to truth. I have doubts about Romney's understanding of the corporatocracy and the military-industriaial-pharmaceutical complex, and the banksters -- and whether he would stand up to them. it would be great if he also had the understanding of fiscal and foreign policy of Ron Paul, and it would be great if Paul had the speaking eloquence of Romney. :-) I am glad that you are here and whatever the outcome of our present campaign -- to restore the Republic and our Bill of Rights, repeal the Patriot Act and the Military Commissions Act, and honor our Constitution -- I believe that the awakening of Americans will continue. So, let's move forward and as you say, "fight the good fight.
p.s. I still find this interview rather hard to swallow: Mitt Romney says "Ron Paul deserves to be laughed at" in 1040AM WWBA radio interview with Mark Larsen, that I heard over the air on rprradio (Check it out on YouTube) :-(
Gwen Kraft
"Personal Liberty & Personal Responsibility" -- Dr. Ron Paul
"A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom." -- Bob Dylan
Gwen Kraft
"Personal Liberty & Personal Responsibility" -- Dr. Ron Paul
"A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom." -- Bob Dylan
As an LDS myself can I ask you a favor?
Can you spread this message?
#1. Everybody should read up on those Gidianton robbers and secret combinations/
#2. What the heck is wrong with Mitt? How can a member of a faith that went through so much persecution make so many generalizations and attacks on Muslims?
Thanks and welcome aboard.
PS: The strategy is join the meetups of the states in upcomming contests and help them. The same for anyone else whose state has already been up at bat.
Also try to be a delegate or a precinct leader.
There's also Ron Paul War Room and Ron Paul Forums and so many more.
Lastly, there's a lot of disinfo targetted at new comers. We need to band together and expose it and then move on.
Keep the topic on tactics and morale boosting,
Thank you.
Not sure I have all the answers here
As someone who has spent time in the middle east, I think he's been spot on with his analysis of Radical Jihad. He doesn't generalize about the rest of the muslims--only those who try to rule through religious totalitarianism. Does that mean we bomb Iraq? No. Based upon what I have observed from Romney, I don't think he would have gone into Iraq in the first place--though he couldn't say that with a sitting GOP president.
Romney Supporter 7/06 - 2/08
Paul Supporter 2/08 - TBD
Romney Supporter 7/06 - 2/08
Paul Supporter 2/08 - TBD
A class act..
Obviously you are person of intelligence and caring for our country.
I presume you know that Mitt is a CFR member, therefore for NWO.
Thank you for your post and WELCOME to the Revolution!!
LIKE SHOOTING FISH IN A BARREL!
Drowning in debt? About to be eaten
alive by sharks? Jump in the lifeboat
right NOW! Free to join!
http://adv.justbeenpaid.com/?r=strikeforce&p=jsstripler5
Actually Mitt isn't CFR
--only his bio is on their site with the rest of the candidates. I've checked and re-checked this and he's on camera as saying the same thing. If there is other evidence out there I'd be open to checking it out.
Romney Supporter 7/06 - 2/08
Paul Supporter 2/08 - TBD
Romney Supporter 7/06 - 2/08
Paul Supporter 2/08 - TBD
Mitt and CFR
It has long been a fact the the road to the White House passes through the Council on Foreign Relations. Having learned that CFR membership can be a red flag with informed voters, candidates frequently cozy up to the council without formally joining. Examining the candidates currently in the presidential race at this time, we find the following facts:
Mitt Romney authored an article "Rising to a New Generation of Global Challenges" in the July/August 2007 issue of CFR's Foreign Affairs publication. His CFR advisers include Mitchell Reiss, V. Manuel Rocha, Steven Schrage, and Vin Weber.
Do you know Rocky Anderson, Mayor of Salt Lake City
I read his terrific article at www.alternativesmagazine.com MORAL BREAKING POINT, an Address to People of Conscience. He espouses so much of what Dr. Ron Paul talks about. It's a very passionate paper and you can feel his steadfast emotions about what he is discussing.