Letter from the Barr campaign, shooting itself in the foot again.

A former member of the Bob Barr 2008 meetup group received this email:
Dear [name withheld],

Before I move forward with an important report for today, I would like to recognize and remember the 2,819 men and women who lost their lives seven years ago. As a result of the attacks of September 11th, Americans came together, setting aside differences in order mourn our shared losses and assist our neighbors in need. May we never forget . . .

In times of crisis, strength in leadership requires boldness of character, clear direction and firm resolve. As we witnessed after the attacks of September 11th, President George W. Bush showed incredible leadership as he stood atop a fire truck amidst the rubble of the twin towers to rally America.

While the quality of leadership is rare enough, principled leaders are few and far between. Those who do appear to posses the traits necessary to lead, for reasons only known to themselves, frequently choose not to stand on principle.

Yesterday, our vice presidential candidate, Wayne Allyn Root, offered to step aside to allow Congressman Ron Paul an opportunity to serve on the presidential ticket of the Libertarian Party and move the agenda of Liberty forward.

On the surface, a simple offer was extended. In fact it was principled leadership at its finest. Wayne Allyn Root showed his deep commitment to the principles of our cause. Without hesitation or regard to the effort, time and personal funds he has committed to the issues of freedom, smaller government, less taxes and the Libertarian ticket, Wayne offered to step aside to allow another leader to step up.

I could not be more proud of his actions and selflessness. As America is hurling towards crisis on many fronts, we need principled leaders like Bob Barr and Wayne Allyn Root. We have no time to waste on anything other than spreading the message of smaller government, less taxes, and more personal freedom issues across this nation.

That brings me to my next point.

Today our campaign is being criticized by a few people for my decision to not attend a press conference sponsored by Ron Paul's political action committee. I thought I would take a minute to explain to you why I made that decision.

It became evident to me after meeting with Ron Paul's staff that this media event was not about promoting the liberty
agenda; it was about promoting a man. That's not what we're in this for.

After rumors were spread in advance of the news conference that Bob Barr was dropping from the race - just to hype the event - I became even more hesitant to attend. Those tactics were unacceptable and when asked about it, Ron Paul's staff simply smiled and said it would attract the press.

When I was provided a copy of Ron Paul's prepared remarks just hours before the start of the planned news conference it became clear to me that the message Ron Paul intended to deliver was essentially to scatter the votes for the liberty agenda to the four winds.

His remarks not only encouraged anyone listening to support any one of four candidates, he also applauded 'non-voters'. To me encouraging people not to vote is not principled leadership for the Liberty agenda. I made the decision that attending that news conference was not consistent with Bob Barr's principled leadership for the Liberty agenda.

Once I informed Ron Paul's staff of my decision I was rudely informed that my decision would have permanent ramifications, I was personally threatened and Bob Barr was politically threatened. That's a far cry from principled leadership. One thing that did occur as a result of yesterday's events is a clear separation of certain factions. Up until now, we have been dealing with two groups, those who want to advance the issues of liberty and those who have been drawn into a cult of personality.

There are those who support a specific politician and then there are those who support the liberty agenda regardless of standard-bearer.

Bob Barr, Wayne Allyn Root and the Libertarian Party stand for the issues of personal freedom and responsible government. As they have proven, both Bob and Wayne are willing to lead or follow for the advancement of our issues.

Now is their time to lead.

As we move into the final 50 days of the campaign we are in place to make a strong impact on the future of our country.

At the end of the day, the number of votes cast in support of the Liberty agenda in the General Election will influence the national political agenda of the next four years.

If we do our jobs, work hard and give us much as possible until Election Day, our voices will be heard and our agenda of smaller government, lower taxes, more personal freedom and government accountability will be on the table for years to come.

I appreciate your commitment and dedication.

Sincerely,
Russell Verney
Campaign Manager

Ok, Bush a hero? Yeah, like that's going to get you votes in this crowd. Yes Wayne Allyn Root showed some leadership but if you wanted to show some leadership as a party then why didn't you offer him the top of the ticket? Ron Paul is a far superior leader to Bob Barr now and forever. The media event was about breaking the two party duopoly that pervades all aspects of politics in the District of Corruption and not about the man but since you brought it up I feel compelled to point out that you have taken the opportunity, along with your Field Director yesterday, to try and belittle the man that this movement coalesced behind: Ron Paul. Further you are promoting your man, Barr, more than your message. As for the rumors, you have no idea where they started or by whom, you thought you'd simply act like any other politician and throw baseless accusations around. I'm not a huge fan of Paul's campaign staff as I believe they have made some critical mistakes along the way but rumors like that do attract the press and if you want to spread the message of liberty then that isn't a bad thing.

When you talk about the votes for the liberty agenda you speak of them as if you were their rightful heir, you aren't. Perhaps Mary Ruwart would have deserved the mantle but Barr's checkered past would never have entitled him to that mantle. Furthermore, it is arrogant for you to even make such an assumption or statement. Paul attracted votes from many different corners of the political spectrum including liberals who wanted the wars to end, sound money people, limited government people, and individual rights people. Although some of those votes may have come your way many would not have. Paul was smart when he picked four third parties that represented many different views but all outside of the established duopoly; he picked candidates that most of his supporters could find it in their hearts to support at least one of. And he did not applaud non-voters, he encouraged them to vote.

Now about those political ramifications, have you noticed them yet? Dissing the most tireless crusader for Liberty for over 20 years in the House of Representatives tends to have some ramifications. Have you noticed them yet? There are many that support the conservative agenda but refuse to support McCain because he is not a conservative. Is that wrong? Is that any different than not supporting Barr? That's the same argument that the other parties make; you are not distinguishing the Libertarian Party by acting like the duopoly. Now is their time to lead. Again, your sense of entitlement would be right at home in DC, something we don't want. Watching the way you moved into the final 50 days of the election has been truly entertaining from a self immolating point of view. Best of luck next time but may I again suggest a better standard-bearer.