The Spiritual r3VOLution Inspired by Ron Paul
Yesterday I said that my involvement in Ron Paul's campaign began as a political quest, but it has grown into a spiritual one. Spiritual questions are fundamental, eternal, and can only be answered by each individual. Who am I? Why am I here? What is this whole thing – life, the universe, everything - about? What happens to me when I die?
Not wanting to ask these difficult questions, most of us keep ourselves distracted nearly every waking hour. The media-entertainment complex takes advantage of our fear and desire to be distracted by offering up an endless loop of amusements: Cell-phones, video games, iPods, Blackberries (so you’re never out of touch, lest you have a silent moment – God forbid – to think, ponder or reflect upon your life!), movies, gossip, and of course "news." One of the biggest distractions of all is our political system, which has devolved into a system to divide and conquer Americans by appealing to our base, tribal natures and turn otherwise friendly neighbors against one another by focusing on differences rather than similarities.
The two parties may talk slightly differently and have different “platforms,” but by their actions and the fruits of their labors, they reveal themselves to be the same. They choose the most minor (but divisive) molehills to blow into the most outrageous mountains. Members of each party then claim those mountains as their own, climb atop them and fling stones and arrows at the other side. It accomplishes nothing but ego gratification for the participants and a tremendous, draining, emotional distraction for the spectators in the peanut gallery who think they have nothing better to do but propagate the same arguments they see on TV within their personal circle of friends, colleagues and family. Serious questions and debate get thrown under the bus.
*
But one thing to remember about this place – this place we all find ourselves together – is that no one gets out of here alive. We all share the exact same destiny, and that destiny is death. You’ll rarely have anyone on TV remind you of that – the whole point of the idiot box it to distract you from the ultimate destiny that you’re moving closer towards with each passing day.
To quote the Flaming Lips,
do you realize?
that everyone
you know
someday
will die?
Scary, isn’t it? So it is no wonder we distract ourselves with all manner of false concerns, blowing molehills into mountains, getting angry and emotional about all manner of trivia that at the end of your life won’t amount anything. You know the drill – just look at your life. Most people tiptoe through life on their way to death, not wanting to offend people, not wanting to get yelled at, not wanting hurt other people’s feelings, not wanting to get their own feelings hurt. It is a constant state of fear, and in order to avoid facing that fear, they “go along to get along.”
Some people might say it is depressing to talk about death. But understanding that there is no way to avoid your destiny can bring a new clarity of purpose to your life. You have only one life to live, what do you choose do with it?
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Ron Paul sees with clarity the purpose of his life, but it was not until I experienced the cutthroat world of real politics at the RNC that I developed an entirely new level of respect for him. It takes courage to endure what Dr. Paul has endured. He is a human being, just like you. But how many of us have ever stopped to think how would it feel to stand alone in Congress, time and time again? How would it feel to face the laughter, ridicule, and mockery that he faced during the presidential debates? Would you be able to go toe-to-toe with Giuliani and patiently, kindly, and lovingly explain the roots of terrorism as a packed theatre crowd mocks you?
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A word on love
One of the things that kept me sane on the plane ride home from Minneapolis was a book that my friend Brad, fellow MA alternate and all around good guy gave me to read, called The Servant
What a blunt instrument the English language is, having only one word to cover so many distinct concepts!
When Jesus speaks of ‘love’ in the New Testament, he speaks of agapé, the love of behavior and choice, not of feeling. In this sense, to love your neighbor or your enemy (agapé) means to show them the same patience, kindness, humility, respect, selflessness, forgiveness, and honesty – regardless of whether you agree with them or not. Just as Dr. Paul does. He treats everyone – friends and opponents alike – with the same patience, kindness, humility, respect, forgiveness and honesty that constitute agapé love.
If I learned nothing more last week in Minneapolis, I learned this. All of this is more than just about electing presidents, and whether or not you’re going to join or leave the Republican Party. After the big vote, one of the MA delegates was telling me the story of what happened, through tears of sorrow and pain: “Before we came to Minneapolis, I never had any idea that all of this would happen – that it would all come down to this!”
We all share the exact same destiny. Most of the events that occur in your life are out of your control. The actions of other people are out of your control. Life’s best laid plans can all be shot to hell by some random, completely unpredictable event that blindsides you a Tuesday afternoon. Through all of this, the only thing that we have full control over is who we are going to be through all of it. They may laugh, jeer and ridicule you, but they cannot take away what you believe in and what you stand for. Only you can give that away.
Above everything, this is what Ron Paul has taught me. Not with words, but by demonstrating it with his own actions and his own life.
rv 3 revolution !!!!
MICHAEL, this is great post . THANKS .YOU have a GREAT site.
says
Here is something special!
That is the most profound post I have ever read on the Daily Paul. The depth and insight transforms the perspective from the trivial to the eternal.
Your re-assessment of RP makes me appreciate both you and he more than ever. Bless you for bringing such wisdom back from the gates of hell.
Thanks
DP
Amen! Reading this post was
Amen! Reading this post was again, a very welcome learning experience!
Only didn't quite got this sentence "do unto others as they would have them do unto you, regardless of how you feel about them personally".
Isn't it more like, "do unto others as you want them do unto you?"
my two cents
Gen 1:1 - Luke 6:49
"But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
32 "But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
It is not easy I know but that is what we should all strive for. I read your account of the RNC. It touched me deeply. I know you have been enlightened to something bigger than yourself. I too do not know how Ron Paul could do what he has done for so long. I could tell from your description of the events that you had been overwhelmed by just a small sample of what this man has gone through for 30 years. I know it was a humbling experience for you. The reason I know is I felt it also at the missouri state convention. I found myself shaking hands with people and people talking about issues that to me seemed pure evil. I had many moment where I was talking and shaking hands but really I was almost in another world kind of like in the movies when someone is half in and out of concsiousness (like a haze). I remember hearing myself very clearly in my mind saying, "how does he do this how does he listen to them and just smile and keep on going". I was thinking how discouraged a person must feel to be around these people for a whole day of work and to watch them in their evil activities knowing you cannot stop them. Manny I really do believe this man knows God. I think he has to have a very good relationship with him. I think he is the real deal and a blessing from God. If not how could he do it. I know you know what I mean you've looked the beast in the eyes. It actually sucks the strength right out of you. His integrity is amazing. Peace bro your post have so much heart to them since you got back form the RNC. It's amazing what this man has done to all of us.
I personally spoke with Dr. Paul ~
~
I saw the merry band of walkers and jumped out of the Ronvoy van. Hang on , I yelled to my fellow travelers... I want to take photos, and I'll catch up with you at the Federal Reserve Building . With that I ran to catch up with the parade of walkers. I further hurried until I could reach Dr. Paul, who had joined the last leg of the Walk for Freedom. I can't believe I did it... but I impulsively went up...and hugged him!
Then I was fortunate enough to be able to walk next to Dr. Paul for about five minutes and ask him several questions...one which was exceedingly important. Our 12-person Los Angeles Ronvoy was aching to do something revolutionary. I conveyed that message to the good doctor...I told him that after his speech, if he told the entire Rally for the Republic crowd that we were going to go march down to the RNC Convention and demand to be heard...everyone would enthusiastically follow him in a heartbeat.
His reaction? He seemed underwhelmed at the thought of this.
[I am guessing that he wanted to protect us since there was such a heavy plastic handcuffed-laden police presence around the CFR endorsed-chosen one's coronation building. The wicked witch monkeys from the Wizard of Oz were even willing to be happy henchmen...]
But...I pressed on with Dr. Paul...you have recently been mentioning that there will probably be a time when we will need to show civil disobedience...when should that time occur?
He answered...if they try to start another unconstitutional war...or wars...and start a draft.
I wanted something more immediate, but Dr. Paul picks the best times to do battle.
~
Re Barr: another supporter and I asked him about who to vote for. Now, he plays his cards close to the vest and is hard to read but I got that it would be okay to vote for Ron Paul if he could be written in and that the vote would (hopefully) be counted...but if it would not, vote for someone else.
When Barr's name was brought up by another, I saw ZERO enthusiasm registered on Dr. Paul's part!
If you cannot write in Ron Paul, I say choose Chuck Baldwin. He is Dr. Paul's soulmate and a great partner in Liberty. IMHO, he can be trusted.
_____________
Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost. ~ John Quincy Adams
_★
Wow Wiz
You guys were having just way to much fun!
Thanks Wiz I trust your
Thanks Wiz I trust your insight
that means a lot...
~
thank you SO much, krmaya!
~
I wanted Michael Nystrom to read my account, since I unfortunately missed getting to meet him in St. Paul...didn't have time to visit that local tavern where dailypaulers were gathering.
Being with the Ronvoy means you have to stick more with the group and can't venture off that much. er...I sometimes got into a bit of trouble since I'm so used to working solo!
Thank you for the story, wiz
Sorry, I am still full of anger about Barr and his folks. It reaffirmed me to read that Ron Paul seemed to be sceptic about him already. And today Bob Barr finally let Ron Paul down by not appearing at the press conference. Seems now he and his people are up to wreck the movement.
Dr. Paul cured my apathy
Ron Paul was right
you have every right to be angry, colognepaulist
~
we have our radar out and the true patriots can smell a phony a mile away.
That's why we are madly in love with the doc, and have respect for Baldwin and Kucinich.
Barr always seemed like a Ron Paul wannabe...like a creepy stalker in a Lifetime channel flick...who wants to steal your identity and lifestyle.
Pirate Barr...I'll just adapt his platform, and they will send me all their gold...Avast me hearties!
~
Brilliant analysis by Treg...I think I will bump this thread...
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/54965
Wayne Allen Root = Sociopath, Bob Barr = Little Napoleon, My Days at Freedom Fest
I agree with you again!
I somehow like Baldwin too. His speech on the Washington march was great. He has charisma and his heart on the right spot.
Dr. Paul cured my apathy
Ron Paul was right
Wow, wiz, great story!
However, I think Carol is his soulmate -- Chuck can be his BFF.
; D
___________
Lisa C.
**This space is available.**
Ron Paul "Sign Wave Across the USA" -- November 5th!
ha!
~
guess dr. paul can have two...
I always thought of Dennis Kucinich as his Congresssional BFF
Thanks for a great post, Michael.
For me, the progression was the reverse, i.e. from spirituality to libertarianism. A member of the "spiritual" wing of the "60s generation", after surviving the Haight/Ashbury and some years of psychedelic experimentation I turned to the study and practice the Buddha's teaching at a California Zen Center.
I was in my tenth year there in 1981 when one day, by a kind of fated accident, I happened to hear from a friend that the income tax is voluntary. At first, of course, I scoffed; but a nasty letter from the IR&S spurred me to investigate... and my mind was blown, as I began a process of education that eventually resulted in learning that nearly everything I had been taught and told, and believed, during my entire life, about politics, economics, history and similar subjects, was totally false: a gigantic fabric of lies, and not at all by accident.
Until then I had been your common, garden-variety California left-liberal lite-socialist: peacenik (went to Canada in 1967 to escape the last stupid, unConstitutional war), environmentally-concerned, etc. But as I began to study libertarianism, I realized that my approach to these concerns (which I still hold) was in diametric opposition to my spiritual beliefs and practices. As a Buddhist, my spiritual life was (and is) based on the principle of absolute personal responsibility (and the absolute personal freedom to fulfill that responsibility); but then, I realized, I would go out in the world and support, and vote for, leftist political ideas which completely contradict and subvert that principle.
Thus for me, the discovery of libertarianism (in particular the Non-Aggression Pledge, which distills the whole subject into one simple principle) enabled me to bring my worldly, political life into harmony with my spiritual life and practice -- though it has rather isolated me from my spiritual community, who somehow seem not to have figured it out. (I know of only one other declared libertarian Buddhist -- or Buddhist libertarian, for that matter -- despite the natural and perfect affinity between the two.)
I discovered Ron Paul that same year, and immediately sent him a contribution, my first ever to a political candidate. I had the pleasure of meeting him in 1988, when he visited the city where I now live (and was then active in the Libertarian Party). I was immediately struck by his character and presence, and by his presentation of a political philosophy that would allow people of the most divergent views and lifestyles to live together in peace. And, of course, most of all by his own example of living by that philosophy. If all Christians (or even a significant number) were like Dr. Paul, I could actually see Christianity as a force for good in the world.
Some may find it odd, but when I think of Ron Paul, the person who comes closest to him in my mind is the Dalai Lama. They were born only seven weeks apart in the summer of 1935, and both exemplify a life of spiritual principle in the secular world. It is possible, though of course seldom easy. But as you point out, "No one here gets out alive," and all we can take with us is the character we have built by our actions in this life. In Buddhism this is called karma, and it determines what we experience next.
What may result in the world at large from Ron Paul's efforts remains to be seen; but for me the most important result is exemplified in your post, Michael: the opportunity he has given us all to examine what is truly most important in life. I expect he would be pleased to know that he has given you such serious food for thought.
We all die as amateurs
www.dvds4delegates.com the newest and possibly the greatest weapon the Revolution now possesses.
we only do it once.
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must. like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.-Thomas Paine
The R3volution requires action, not observation!!!!
This post was really powerful
and I just want to add that, in Christ and Christ alone, there is eternal hope beyond this life. We will all die, but our souls will live on. Apart from Christ there is eternal death, but in Him, there is eternal life. The principles Dr. Paul lives by demonstrate this and we have all see them in this man of principle and truth. The source of the goodness, honesty, and integrity that we have witnessed comes from God Himself, through Jesus. If there's anything I hope for everyone on this forum, who already are aware of so much that's going on, it's that all would realize their need to be reconciled to God through Christ. His love is agape love, it is a love that desires all to be saved through Him. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But God made The Way, Christ, by which we can all be saved. Turn from your sins and turn to Christ who will welcome you with open arms, forgiving you and giving you new life! It is good to stand for righteousness and truth on the earth, promoting justice and defending the poor, but it is most important to prepare for eternity while there is still time. There is only one way and it is Jesus. He desires that all would come to repentance and that none should perish because His love is perfect. He IS love. What good news!
It appears someone read my email and took it to heart
Nice post Michael,
This has reaffirmed for me that I should be doing all I can to get my own site up and running. Thanks for the encouragement. I'll let you know when I finally get it going. Peace be with you.
It's been spiritual for me, too
The article that got me to decide to really listen to Ron Paul started out saying something like, "if you see a Congressional vote that is 432-1, that one vote was Ron Paul" (a Foxnews.com article, ironically). That statement spoke to my own Dark Night of the Soul, a time when standing up for my convictions had me standing alone, unbelieved, and conspicuous.
The camaraderie I felt allowed me to dare address something that had been tugging on my conscience - comparing my political beliefs to the Sermon on the Mount. I became a Ron Paul supporter with my Bible opened to Matthew chs. 5, 6, and 7.
Defend Liberty!
A wise man will bear in mind
On death:
A wise man will bear in mind that there is a time of doom... Indeed, he does not know what is to happen; even when it is ont he point of happening, who can tell him? No man has authority over the lifebreath -- to hold back the lifebreath; there is no authority over the day of death. There is no mustering out from that war; wickedness is powerless to save its owner... All this I observed while men still had authority over men to treat them unjustly.
Go, eat your bread in gladness; and drink your wine in joy; for your action was long ago approved by God. Let your clothes always be freshly washed, and your head never lack ointment. Enjoy happiness with a woman you love all the fleeting days of life that have been granted to you under the sun -- all your fleeting days...
I have further observed under the sun that the race is not won by the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor is bread won by the wise, nor wealth by the intelligent, nor favor by the learned -- for death come to all.
Koheleth 8:5-8; 9:7-9; 9:11
on Ron Paul
There was a little city, with few men in it; and to it came a great king, who invested in it and built mighty siege works in it. Present in the city was a poor wise man who might have saved it with his wisdom, but nobody thought of that poor man. So I observed: Wisdom is better than valor, but...
A poor man's wisdom is scorned
And his words are not heeded.
Words spoken softly by wise men are [to be] heeded sooner than those shouted by a lord in folly. Wisdom is more valuable than weapons of war, but a single error destroys much of value.
Koh. 9:14-16,18
And on political philosophy:
The day will come when you cry out because of the king whom you yourselves have chosen; and the Lord will not answer you on that day.
Sh'muel (1) 8:18
"Life’s best laid plans can all be shot to hell"
"... by some random, completely unpredictable event that blindsides you a Tuesday afternoon."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPLWBhNW3FM
Ron Paul for Peace!
Great post..
it was nice meeting you at the RNC! I think all of us are on some sort of spriritual journey and being at the RNC was a real test. Personally, I was unsure whether i should have even gone, and I look back sometimes wondering what the significance was. It was part of our journey, and crossing paths with you Michael, and the other RP delegates, was such an amazing experience. We were all like brothers and sisters there standing up for what we believe in.. and like you said, most of it was dealing w/ sprirituality vs. political philosophy.
I know the fealings you were talking about. At the Rally for the Republic we all felt so energized and inspired. When we went back to the RNC, it was almost depressing and the energy just felt so negative.
In the end we were there to inspire others. I think we planted many seeds in people's minds and inspired many of them. Most of them may not even be aware of it yet. I was very inspired by my fellow RP delegates. The seeds we planted will grow!
Yes
Oh my God!
All I can say is....
Amen to this..
The New American Revolution
Micheal
Remember when we talked briefly at the Rally for the Republic. What I told you about the entirety of collective human consciousness and how it creates the physical reality.
We all found ourselves here because we realize that this life is more than the car we drive, what we own, who we think we control, or what political stance we may have at a given time.
Principle.. We are learning principle. Those of us who choose to understand this will go on when this life is over to another place of learning. Others will have to keep living reality until they get it. That is why so many of us here are drawn to Ron Paul's message, because he is living that life of principle we all want to embrace in this lifetime.
But this journey of principle isn't over yet.
You are right, it's truly a spiritual journey. I'm glad you understand, and am thankful you are helping others understand.
What you and many others took from the GOP convention has moved along your understanding and learning and moved you closer to the knowledge, the truth, the light that is what many refer to as god.
What we make of this existence is what we take with us, not the physical material of this reality we amass.
Glad to have experienced part of the journey with you sir as well as all the Patriots who comprise the Freedom Movement. For man was meant to be free and independent.
-Stephen
Find out if you have a local militia - http://www.uaff.us/
Real Patriots for 9/11 truth -- http://patriotsquestion911.com/
This is very good stuf...
FOR ME TO POOP ON!
Don't take yourself too serious,
Spirituality is a frame of mind just as religion and neo-con politics are a state of mind, and socialism and liberal politics are as wel...
If you are all-so spiritual you will forgive those who POOPED on the constitution! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LEa4A3UqvU
Ron Paul for Peace!
Yes, once you reach that heightened state of reality,
you will forgive those who pooped on the constitution, since evil is nothing but mere appearance. Those who poop on principles (the constitution, eg.) know not what they do. Instead of mocking at them, why not make it a reality for them, as Michael and BigT did at the RNC.
and he Smiles.
you'll understand one day.
Find out if you have a local militia - http://www.uaff.us/
Real Patriots for 9/11 truth -- http://patriotsquestion911.com/
Truth of God & Peace
We are all trying our best
Ron Paul for Peace!
Stephen
Thank you. I am in complete agreement.
I'm glad
I am glad you shared your experience with us, you effect more people with your honesty than you can imagine.
Find out if you have a local militia - http://www.uaff.us/
Real Patriots for 9/11 truth -- http://patriotsquestion911.com/