CEASE FIRE: A plea for civility within the Liberty Movement (On Barr, Baldwin, and moving forward in a mature fashion)
(PREFACE: I've been a Ron Paul fan for years. I've supported his candidacy since he announced an exploratory committee. I'm an assistant organizer of two local Ron Paul meetups, a precinct captain, and a long-time member on this site. With all that said, if the radical "Ron Paul or nothing" wackos want to attack me as a plant, have at it. I have to get this off my chest.)
In recent weeks I've been dismayed at the way many strong supporters of Ron Paul are undermining the future of the movement he helped reignite.
Paul's exit from the race (for the GOP nomination, at least) has been a foregone conclusion for months. While I hoped Paul would seek the Libertarian Party nod (I was even crossing my fingers that he'd show up at the last minute as I watched on C-SPAN), it wasn't meant to be.
With no Ron Paul to vote for, we are left with millions of energetic supporters and several options come November. Calling for "unity" in the traditional sense isn't really an option here, as a legitimate case can be made for several courses of action.
Short of unity, I'd like to ask for a few things from the die-hards:
1. Lay off your fellow Ron Paul supporters who are thinking of voting for Bob Barr, Chuck Baldwin, no one, writing in Ron Paul, etc.
2. Feel free to make a logical, respectful case for (or against) any of these options. But when you're doing so, please bear in mind #1 and understand that your fellow supporters may disagree with you without being "neo-con plants" or "trolls."
3. Understand that this is a big year and the Liberty Movement should try to make a big impact. Accordingly, we shouldn't be attacking each other. We need to stay together, even if we vote different ways, and organize for the future. Angry attacks against fellow Paulites will only hurt this movement and our chances of being a political force now and in the future.
Why am I doing this? Well, there are several obvious reasons. First, let's look at the various options:
A. Bob Barr. Bob Barr introduced Ron Paul at CPAC. They are friends. They aren't clones, but Bob Barr is not the enemy. Bob Barr is an imperfect candidate. Guess what: so is Ron Paul. If you aren't planning on voting for Barr, that's fine. But we should spend our time attacking Obama and McCain, not fellow travelers.
B. Chuck Baldwin. Another acceptable choice, and another friend of Ron Paul and the campaign. Baldwin has "flip-flopped" less (granted, he has no real track record so it's easier to avoid flip-flops), but is also much less known. There are pros and cons to voting for Baldwin. See #A above for how we shouldn't be tearing down Baldwin, even if our personal choice is for another option.
C. Writing In Ron Paul. If we could get millions to do this, it might get noticed. But in many states, write-ins aren't even counted. I have respect for those who won't settle on a "lesser" candidate, so I won't attack those folks. But those folks should also return the favor and understand that no candidate is perfect and those looking at Barr or Baldwin shouldn't be brutally attacked.
D. Not voting. See #C above. If this is your choice, so be it. Many voluntaryists lean this way anyway. While I personally think we should make our strength known, we should respect people's tactical choice. And those "purists" should respect the choices of those who compromise on a Barr or Baldwin.
At the end of the day, we can't expect perfect unity. But we can insist on civility. Those within the movement who are so disruptive as to rudely slam and attempt to derail the likes of Barr or Baldwin are a detriment to the Liberty Movement. Much like the aggressive conspiracy theorists, truthers, racists, etc., they're people who give us a bad image and are hurting us.
This movement is going to last. It's going to go on. And we're going to find out who the true, long-term friends of the movement are by their actions. A little internal, reasoned discussion over the internal future of the movement is appropriate. Those who are divisive and draw unwelcome attention to the movement aren't.
I hope everyone who supports Ron Paul on these forums (and beyond) will think of the long-term vitality of this movement and work toward civility (and some semblance of unity) so we can have maximum impact.
Thanks for reading.




















I think we should let people
fight all they want it is good practice for when the time comes and we are in the streets yelling and screams for justice. Peace
Prepare & Share the Message of Freedom through Positive-Peaceful-Activism.
Not Bob, Not Baldwin, RON PAUL IN SAINT PAUL!
Guys,
The plan is still in progress. The Delegates will receive their DVDs and Saint Paul will be Painted Ron Paul. Ron Paul will OWN Saint Paul, so we might yet get the nomination, these discussions about Bar and Bald, are a bit premature.
If you haven't seen it, go to "Paint Saint Paul RON PAUL" and see why the Convention will BELONG to Ron Paul. http://www.dailypaul.com/node/50462
"it is good for the establishment to adopt liberty ideology, but it is not good for those who have already adopted liberty to fall to the feet of the establishment." ~ Annica2
.
.
www.dvds4delegates.com
As Far As "Civility" Goes...
if the people in DC do not act on the Congressional Hearings that took place yesterday http://tinyurl.com/629hog I think the only alternative is to storm the GOP Convention and grab Shrub and have the trial right there...hows that for civility?
Bruce Fein remarked that Bush hung himself by remarks he made on TV and radio by arrogantly flouting the law, thats the ammo for immediate impeachment with no further hearings,period.
Bruce Fein Former Associate Deputy Attorney General
Reagan Admin. 1981-82 Absolutely Brilliant Man
Paper Ballots,Hand Counted At The Precinct Or Bust
http://www.dailypaul.com/152976/diebold-vs-paper-ballots
http://www.ncel.w4sp.com/
http://www.blackboxvoting.org/
http://www.votefraud.org/
http://www.hulu.com/hacking-democracy
Your comments are misplaced,
not in the sense that they are wrong but they are physically misplaced. Some of us pleaded with DPers to unite when countless hours and energy was being wasted in...
...December, when threads were dominated by fights over the Campaign's launching of a New Year's moneybomb right after December 16th's. How productive does that fight seem now?
...January & Feb, when threads were dominated by organizing wars against the media and Diebold and outing the "trolls" who didn't support those wars. How productive does the "Ron Paul really won New Hampshire" fight seem now?
...March through May, when threads were dominated by an effort to commandier the RNC for Dr. Paul, as if stealing the nomination would help and not hurt the liberty movement.
I've spent 10 hours a week for 13 years in the liberty movement, trying to BUILD our base. I've been a precinct Captain and a big donor for Ron Paul. My latest effort is here, super short videos NOT for DPers, but for us to send to sheeple. But it's DP, so a thread like this has little appeal vs Barr fights and Bilderbergs. A scant few were interested.
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/55197
- Joe P
The first 5 million supporters of Dr. Paul are 'early adopters.' The next 10 million will require a modified approach.
I don't think so Healthnutty
The Daily Paul is Dedicated to restoring Constitutional Goverment and I will do that anyway I can. If I feel like Barr is doing just that, I will promote it here, there and everywhere.
Promote this.......
http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/430062/2/i...
www.reverbnation.com/docholladaymusic
Truth is treason in an empire of lies.
Ban this "Doc" charachter?
I love the respect that "Doc" shows to other Dr. Paul supporters who he personally disagrees with on tangential issues...."Doc" has it occurred to you that you don't need to read any of the threads that mention Barr? I find some threads on this site that I do not personally agree with so I make the rational decision to ignore them. I think that you should adopt a similar approach to threads you may personally dislike.
You Ban the Doc
You might as well ban me too. TROLL.
Thanks, 2bfree..... word.
Thanks, 2bfree..... word.
"Doc" Holladay
Nashville, TN
www.reverbnation.com/docholladaymusic
Truth is treason in an empire of lies.
I'm only disrespectful to
I'm only disrespectful to those who don't merit my respect. You never answered my question: Are you the same guy as 'prefered', and 'bedr1'?
Hiding behind different screen names is cowardly and not deserving of respect.
"Doc" Holladay
Nashville, TN
www.reverbnation.com/docholladaymusic
Truth is treason in an empire of lies.
I Love These "Supporters That Jump On The Bandwagon...
5 weeks ago and try to tell people how to behave and fuck civility don't you realize that we are on the worst road to nuclear Armageddon (Iran) because of the little tyrant we have in office? Do you see the financial meltdown that is coming in the next 3-4 months and it's going to take a miracle to stave off ?
3 more banks were taken over (read failed) yesterday.When the domino effect starts you are going to shit your pants.
Leave Doc alone and to hell with supporting any Pres Candidate but Paul
Delegates Revolt at the GOP Convention, thats what you should be piping up about putting your energy into newbie....
Paper Ballots,Hand Counted At The Precinct Or Bust
http://www.dailypaul.com/152976/diebold-vs-paper-ballots
http://www.ncel.w4sp.com/
http://www.blackboxvoting.org/
http://www.votefraud.org/
http://www.hulu.com/hacking-democracy
Lets do a massive overhaul
I think that the MOST important thing in this election will be the message sent (hopefully) from a large portion of the populace that we will no longer accept the status-quo, two party system. That we have begun thinking "outside the box" that the powerbrokers have kept us in. That their game is OVER.
The race for President is only one part of the equation. The entire congress needs to be replaced in order to get rid of all of the "owned" and corrupt members who are literally selling the country down the drain to the highest bidder. This would send a HUGE message that we are on to their game and that WE are now going to be changing the rules.
SO, I think that those of us here that have awakened to the tyranny that we are living under must make, as our first priority, to - of course - vote for the candidates that we feel will stick most closely to the Constitution and Bill of Rights. This would be in congress as well as for the presidency.
But, secondly, in any positions that are "up for grabs" where neither candidate really rings our chimes, I think the battle cry must be to vote for the NON-INCUMBENT, no matter which party is involved. The point being to REPLACE the long term Washington insider with fresh blood.
If we could manage to bring in ALL NEW PEOPLE to Washington (even though some of them will not be perfect), we would be eliminating YEARS of work by the evil ones in establishing corrupt relationships, and having politicians in their pockets. They would have to begin from scratch, and in the meantime, many constitutional candidates would be in place to help guide the NEW government in the right direction.
So, in a nutshell, FIRST you vote for a GOOD candidate.... and if there are no good candidates to chose from for your congressional or senate seats, then just make it a rule to vote for the NON-INCUMBANT. Lets CLEAN HOUSE!
Thomas Jefferson: “Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever."
Viva La Revolucion!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmaTNf4YhEs
Amen
Excellent post
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Penndel Borough needs to step up and eliminate the crime they've created by not paving and maintaining Robbins Avenue
http://will86aber.wordpress.com/2008/07/19/penndel-borough-a...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We don't have time
We do not have time for all of this infighting over stupid stuff. We are all intelligent, well-informed people or we would not be here. So, if you are interested in Barr, go for it. If you are interested in Baldwin, go for it. But, don't preach it here. We are here to promote liberty and take back our country, not to promote a particular candidate. If we promote anybody, it is RON PAUL. All of this promoting this one or that one or even an opinion about 9/11 is such a waste of energy. Let's keep each other informed on world events and the ways we can make a difference. Time is so short.
Healthnut4freedom
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6
Healthnut4freedom
The lip of truth shall be established forever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment...Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are His delight. Prov 12:19,22
Were in this movement to spread the ideal of liberty...
I agree with this article. We need to keep in mind that neither Barr nor Baldwin are the enemies. We are in this fight together long after the 2008 presidential election so let's try to practice a little civility and respect for everyone's opinions. Also keep in mind, the great feature of this site is that if you disagree with a thread topic you do not need to read it...I love that feature because I've seen many topics I personally disagree with so I make the rational decision to avoid those threads while giving others the freedom to comment on the particular issue.
Allow me to offer a rebuttal
I realize that my post about the 'Barr Spammers' probably was the catalyst for creating this post, and I would like to offer a rebuttal. Your post is well thought out and well written, and I actually spent some time thinking about each of your points. I think that in an ideal world, you would be mostly correct in your views, but due to the fact that our 'enemies' (meaning the neocon establishment and their supporters) are insidious, cunning, and shrewd, it is obvious that we DON'T live in an ideal world. Unfortunately, the methods I've employed are necessary in order to reveal the true nature and motives of a few posters here at the DP whom I FULLY believe are full time employees of the neocon camp, sent here to the DP to distract, confuse, and divide the true patriots of this all important Revolution. It has been proven that these guys operate under multiple screen names, and change them regularly when they get caught, exposed, and blackballed. To prove my point, here's a couple of quotes from BillyDee (who I believe to be the same guy as bedr1, preferred, bedr1, onevoice, minichrist, JFEJ004, and others)
"I change my username every week or so. When you think I'm gone in a few days, I'll actually still be here under another name. I like keeping people on their toes. I may actually start changing it daily." Billydee
"Trust is Irrelevant".Billydee
These guys have no integrity, and the constant changing of usernames shows that plainly. If they were sincere and honest, they wouldn't need to do this. There is no need for being 'covert' and evasive when your motives are sincere. These are the same guys who have colluded in the past to delete important posts regarding 9/11 and other topics which were actually having an impact, and which are incredibly vital to the fight for liberty in which we are now involved.
So to address some of the points in your post:
I (and most other DPers ) have no problem with liberty and personal choice..... People can vote for Bob Barr, Baldwin, Santa Clause, or Satan for that matter, if they want to. What we DO have a problem with is the CONTINUOUS spamming here for a candidate (Barr) who voted for the Patriot Act, and in whom perceptive Revolutionaries have little to no trust. This site is a Ron Paul site. These guys don't respect others on this site and are constantly trying to marginalize solid positions which are presented here on crucial issues.
"I'm convinced that most people on this forum are complete idiots. There are a few intelligent people, but most are idiots or crazy." preferred
I agree that many other DPers support Barr and have a different postion than the rest of us who don't trust him. That is their right and healthy discussion and debate is a good thing. I am merely trying to expose the one or two 'members' here who are strictly working to undermine the momentum of the Ron Paul Revolution..... the ones who evade direct questions, use circular arguements, change user names every couple of days, and who 'talk to themselves' via different user names in an attempt to fool and manipulate others into believing that they have support for an indefensible position.
I also tend to disagree with you that being agressive in the search for and presentation of truth in ANY form is harmful to the movement. I understand that certain topics are contriversial (9/11 in particular), but it is those very topics which hold the key to defeating the entire neocon powerbase. If we hold back the truth in order to 'spare someone's feelings' etc, then we are just as guilty of manipulation as the neocons, MSM, etc. The revolution is based on truth, personal responsibility, and the fact that A is A.... that reality is reality and must be dealt with accordingly. When we omit important truths and edit content to make the message more 'appealing' then we compromise the very integrity which give the Revolution it's power. The thing about the truth is that no matter how ugly it is, it can't be changed, and therefore can be depended on to be a constant... an absolute.
The fact that these clowns are here all day, every day, doing nothing but attempting to detract from the truth of 9/11, the dubious nature of Bob Barr etc, shows that we have them scared. What's more, it shows that either they don't have a job, or more likely that spreading disinfo IS their job. I, for one, am not going to sit back and be 'nice' and 'tolerant' of people whose sole motivation and purpose here is to undermine the very priciples of liberty that I would give my life to defend.
So, say what you will, I refuse to sit back and be passive when it comes to those who obviously want the Revolution, 9/11 truth, and Liberty to fail. I will be as mean, aggressive, and juvinile as it takes to expose these disinfo ass clowns for what they are.
"Doc" Holladay
Nashville, TN
http://www.myspace.com/docholladaymusic
www.reverbnation.com/docholladaymusic
Truth is treason in an empire of lies.
Censor And Censure – Anathema To Free Exchange Of Ideas
You, JFEJ004, and the original poster, Parkman, each make excellent points promoting our principles, and articulate them well… then you each insist on domineering suppression, or throw Fox News style debate-ending snark, that presumes to interfere with a courteous exchange of information and ideas which is of interest to some of us on this liberty forum.
Let’s not be self indulgent. Let’s work on our ‘failure to communicate’. Let’s TRY HARDER.
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/56316#comment-570001
We can discuss ideas and expose disinformation without being “ mean, aggressive and juvenile.”
Failure To Communicate...
... leads to
CIVIL WAR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJpOqPMX93o
Revolutionary Cheezy Advise
http://dailycoffeebeans.blogspot.com/2008/06/communication.html
Amen Doc.
Would you hire someone convicted of stealing to run your business and to count your money? Barr is a traitor. Barr VOTED YES ON THE PATRIOT ACT. The Patriot Act ( ACT!!!!) killed alot of our liberties. It's too late to say I am sorry. There is no excuse for that. He cannot be trusted. Why can't people get that? So would you want Barr running your country? NO. We have to fight to get someone who is decent and principled and has enough SENSE to understand when the Constitution is being assaulted. All you trolls, agents, dis-info shills make me sick. I hope you get a kick outta selling out your country for profit and gain. It doesn't have to be this way. What you do to us, you do to yourselves as well, whether you realize it or not.
So
really, Dr. Paul would then also be supporting "traitors" when he roots for Barr? You do (conveniently?) not mention that Barr argued for the sunset clauses int eh Patriot Act, acknowledge it was his worst vote and a mistake AND worked tirelessly the past 4,5 years against the Patriot Act and rallied to get it repealed.
Some of Dr. Paul's friends like Walter Jones has not only voted for the war, but introduced the change of "french fries" to "freedom fries"< yet changed totally in the meantime...
Do you see Ron Paul jumping about Bob Barr? Do you?
Then why should we consider Barr when Ron Paul will not even endorse him.
So no way Bob Barr. You voted for the patriot act and you are still pro war and something smells...
They will not Stop
I see Barr supporters simply posting his major media appearances. Most Barr interviews mention Dr. Paul. Why not hear them. I rarely see Barr supporters attacking Baldwin for no reason. They are coming across the the much more civil ones.
You have the basic point right. The angry anti Barr ones are the people who were out front in the beginning of Pauls run giving us a bad name.
It is the boisterous, loud and in your face Ron Paul supporters
that got Ron Paul off the ground.
They created the excitement while other were trying to cool thing off by being nice. TOO NICE.
Furthermore
I will gladly accept a cease fire... if the bob barr trolls would quit spamming thier propaganda. I think that action alone would end MOST of the conflict on this site. Now i'm even getting private emails from these trolls trying to intimidate me... Puh-lease. Just get back to talking about freedom and not endorsing your candidate (Bob CIA Borring - who is severly lacking) and most people will be on your side.
Aku Soku Zan
Aku Soku Zan
maybe they will as soon as they figure out who "thier" is.
Does he or she have a first name?
You lost this battle as soon as you said...
"With all that said, if the radical "Ron Paul or nothing" wackos want to attack me as a plant, have at it."
Yawn... trolls that want sympathy. /singletear.
Aku Soku Zan
Aku Soku Zan
bump
.
www.dvds4delegates.com
well
to awake folks everywhere I would say Ron Paul/Jesse Ventura 2008............
but..........
it can still happen.
Website:
http://www.libertypoet.com/
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/LibertyPoet
"How can we justify to the unemployed and underemployed in the United States the incredible cost of maintaining a global empire?" - Dr. Ron Paul