Don’t Centralize Me Bro!
Submitted by Michael Nystrom on Wed, 11/21/2007 - 13:36Is the Ron Paul Revolution a fad or a movement?
by Michael Sternberg
The Dr. Ron Paul official campaign seems to be inadvertently promoting the rationality of decentralization through its daily activities. The recent Las Vegas rally was an astounding success; this despite the fact that the campaign placed an ad in the major local paper with the wrong time and location posted. Fortunately, his grassroots supporters are well organized, and they quickly assembled to come up with, and put into action a plan to solve the problem. It didn’t hurt that Ron Paul people by their very nature are proactive individuals, and many figured out all on their own where to be and when to be there.
The current fundraising controversy (the email from the campaign
fundraising director urging supporters to donate now rather than waiting for TEA PARTY ’07 – www.teaparty07.com, and the subsequent posts in the online forums continue to shine a light on the many Ron Paul supporters that just don’t get it. An appreciable amount believe that they should just trust the campaign staff (i.e. succumb unquestionably to authority/expertise); after all, they know how to run things better than supporters.
While many folks insist the good doctor has cured their apathy, I am forced to wonder if, in their eyes, Ron Paul is just the next dear leader. Are they going to go back to their old lives after the election results are in, or will they form and join organizations to help retire the IRS? Will they go back to full-time entertainment, or will they show up in the thousands to protest government abuse of civil liberties? When the media lies, will they turn the channel, or will they bombard the outlet and offender with emails, phone calls, and visits? Is the Ron Paul Revolution a fad or a movement?
I will have to wait some time for answers to my questions. Thankfully it will be an exciting wait! For in the age of political correctness, credit reports, and corporate media, the Ron Paul Revolution has at least cured my boredom. And it has shown the creativity, power, and large-scale functionality of a highly decentralized effort.
Michael Sternberg
Well written...
Thanks for the post. You bring up some good points. My opinion on each of them.
The Campaign Staff:
I think Dr. Paul probably hired the wrong people, but he likely hired them when he didn't expect to have a lot of money. I don't think they have made enough mistakes to warrant any kind of concern or fear that they'll "blow it" for him. They have good and bad days.
The Supporters:
Ron Paul supporters have become my favorite group in the whole world. I love you guys. I've never felt more at home. =) I think that we're really showing what people can do when they join together under a single banner and cause. I also believe that any mistakes made by the campaign staff will be made up for by the zeal of the RP Revolution. We're going to be alright. :)
The Future:
Many people have been defiant in the past, and I don't foresee that dying out until it is snuffed out by tyranny. Even then it may live on in the shadows, so to speak. But overall, I feel that Ron Paul has awoken many to the great struggle we are facing today, and I don't believe everyone will simply lay down after he is elected, when there is still so much to be done.
More Reasons for Decentralization
Funny:
Digg.com Dumps the Daily Paul and Pizza Hut Runs Out of Dough
by Michael Sternberg
“We’re committed to giving every piece of content on the web an equal shot at being the next big thing.” So says the last sentence in the About Us section on digg.com. It would seem, however, that the Daily Paul (www.dailypaul.com) has found its niche - the honor of being excluded from the popular “democratic” website...
http://michaelsternberg.blogspot.com/2007/11/diggcom-dumps-d...
Digg.com Dumps the Daily Paul?
It seems Digg is blocking the Daily Paul domain. Here is a workaround for this article; Diggs and comments are appreciated:
http://digg.com/political_opinion/Don_t_Centralize_Me_Bro
Digg's decision, and this specific solution are ironic considering the topic of this article. It should add nicely to the discussion about decentralization.
A Nation of Sheep
Video of Judge Napolitano discussing his new book (A Nation of Sheep) on Fox News:
http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewrw/archives/017200.html
P.S. At the end of the video it says, "Thanks for watching Tommy Decentralized."
14 Million Service Sector Workers @ $5 ea. = $70,000,000
Ron Paul has supplied us with an ARSENAL of weapons to win the hearts and minds of millions of voters from every socio-economic corner.
And the weapons sit gathering dust while we "blogg" our brains out.
We all got involved for reasons of self-interest. And that's how millions of others will come.
One example, The Tax BOMB--------BOOM! is working because we never get into "politics". Its all about helping people get what they need, through the political process. http://dailypaul.com/node/8030
Just since last weekend we have brought over a thousand new supporters into the campaign. We didn't spend a penny and we didn't have to leave home.
It was all done by email, a little telephoning and a little face-to-face.
We could stop NOW and it would continue to go out because those who have received it are running with it.
There are many other weapons sitting in the Ron Paul Library just waiting for a creative soldier to come along and "see" through the eyes of the "un-Pauled".
in the meantime . . .
Dear Mr. Sternberg:
I think I can assure you, from my gut instincts, that this movement is no "flash in the pan" phenomenon. There are two basic scenarios: (1)either RP gets elected, and the likelyhood is that the power elite promotes stalemate and division in the congress and the country, to embarrass RP and the entire movement and convince everyone that it was a big mistake to elect RP . . . or (2), RP doesn't get elected because he didn't convince enough fence sitters to elect him, or the election is rigged and the power-elite expects we will all go home and blend into the scenery and become even more apathetic; forgoing all desire to continue this grand struggle against tyranny over our lives and souls.
And perhaps, their final trump card is to produce a result similar to what happened to JFK, for those that accept that it is possible, calculating that will finally end our hopes and dreams for true freedom.
I believe, that no matter what they choose, from this point on, they will not stop the tidal wave-sunami that is about to sweep this nation and from there, the world. We will stay on course. They have already lost the war. It only requires the rest of the world to wake up to the fact. And my apathy has been cured by this Ron Paul movement, even more than the man himself; and which will not say die to the opposition, whether ignorant or deliberate. We will overcome the division that the power elite has superimposed upon us. We will "hang together" against all odds and all predictions that our differences and separateness will divide us; and we will change this country and this world! Yes. I am a believer! And I am grateful for all the brothers and sisters of all ages out there who will stand with me, as I with them, to see this great dream to realization. We will not be denied! We will be Free! And this will be the second great revolution in this nation.
I Stand With You
Let's hope that this Country wakes up because today it is impossible for me to say that I'm proud to be an American.
9/11 was an inside job .....time to get some answers..RP 2008
9/11 was an inside job .....time to get some answers..RP 2012
I Stand With You
Let's hope that this Country wakes up because today it is impossible for me to say that I'm proud to be an American.
9/11 was an inside job .....time to get some answers..RP 2008
9/11 was an inside job .....time to get some answers..RP 2012
The Official Campaign Strikes Again
WTF? Wasnt Eric Dondero fired?
" The recent Las Vegas rally was an astounding success; this despite the fact that the campaign placed an ad in the major local paper with the wrong time and location posted. Fortunately, his grassroots supporters are well organized, and they quickly assembled to come up with, and put into action a plan to solve the problem."
Decentralization is good
True lovers of liberty are a vastly disparate group. The 'herding cats' reference was a good one.
I reject "leadership" in government as a premise. Government does not "lead" in a free society. Leadership at that level connotes central planning.
I'm going to elect Ron Paul for one purpose: To get government off my back and to allow our creative energy, as individuals acting in their own self interest, to flourish.
It is simple guys
We all have found a home here in one way or the other and after all is said and done and the elections are over, it would be good for this server with our help to remain with the purpose to unite and continue the fight for freedom. If you truely believe in what our country stands for then you should be willing to march and protest in numbers. The same way they marched for slavery and a right to vote. Our you willing to plan bus rides to a picket, like they did on jena6? state by state, city by city, A revolution is not caged by a vote, it is stopped by a change. This election has turned me not into a republican or a democrate or independent but into a patriot. I do not know about you but i have had enough of this corruption in this Government. ------------------------------------------------"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote."
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote."
Is the Ron Paul Revolution a fad or a movement?
I think it's pretty obvious that Ron Paul's supporters have redefined modern politics. Everything has changed because of the transparency of the internet.
As long as the internet is unregulated, this movement will keep growing, whether Dr. Paul wins the election or not.
Actually, I think we are *starting* to redefine politics...
But we have NOT completely succeeded yet.
The other campaigns are watching and jealous -- but as Ron Paul himself says, they think it is a "technical" innovation only. (Hence the comparisons to the "Dean campaign" -- and so this is why they have and will continue to FAIL with things like the money bombs, meetups, etc. -- they seem to think it is just a matter of picking a "date with some significance" and then "setting up a web page to take pledges"... HAR! it's humorous, but also very SAD.)
The reason I say we are only *starting* to redefine politics is that even the Ron Paul "official" national campaign seems to be STILL trying (struggling?) to at least PARTIALLY run this as a top-down centralized campaign to pull in the GOP "core" base -- essentially on the exact same (but now dead) model and demographic as the Bush/Cheney (aka B.C.) campaign was run in 2000 & 2004, basically its the "Rovian" model but sans the "dirty politics" aspect that Rove was famous for.
Instead they need to run it on a free market ("After Dubya" aka A.D.) model of DEcentralization and empowerment -- they've made a good start (but mainly by force as they didn't have a choice and initially did a lot of the decentralized features like Meetup as a cost-saving measure because they didn't have the funding to do anything else) -- but they don't seem to trust it yet... hey it's new, risky, and from a campaign professional's viewpoint, pure Anarchy and Chaos, and THAT SCARES THEM, as well as being slightly "ego-bruising" (when your candidate pretty much denegrates your campaign as "not being expertly run" on national TV, well, MOST humans would be at least subtly offended -- regardless of whether you know it's mainly or even partly TRUE or not, it still "hurts.")
Yes, the RP PCC *has* cracked open the financial visibility, and when we "push" they sometimes open out other things -- like the "Store" for distributing literature, (and the recent new DL's of new slim-jims and the NH "Ron Paul Story" color brochure, etc.)
But there is still a LONG ways to go even with the Ron Paul campaign. (I *do* think they are trying to adapt, but this whole thing is just SO new, and we are "breaking all the rules" as we go along... Nov 5th was NOT supposed to be how you raise funds -- I think no-one was MORE AMAZED by that than the official campaign folks... and even THEY think it was a fluke, hence their panic that the TeaParty07 won't be able to repeat the success... so they still want to try to grab back the "steering wheel" and the "gas pedal" and try to "control" the campaign -- they do not yet realize that if they persist, all they will do is drive us into a ditch!)
Whether we can TRULY transform this into a full-blown movement is still a question in my mind... WE HAVE TO transform this into a Boots-on-the-ground and a people-in-the-party movement, moving into party positions, becoming and DOING THE WORK of delegates, running for offices locally and nationally, etc. Done right, we can COMPLETELY realign the parties, boot the neo-cons and their cadre back into the Democratic, Communist, and Fascist parties (but I'm being redundant) that they came from, and return the REPUBLICan party to its TRUE roots in the enlightenment and the Philosophy of Liberty.
But we've only taken the first few baby steps... there is a long, hard road ahead. (Keep in mind that Ron Paul has been at this for 30 YEARS... we have a LOT of work ahead of us!)
And, last but not least, there was a *slightly similar* movement a few years back that also BEGAN by centering around a single candidate, Ross Perot -- denigrate him all you want, his campaigns had built at least the rudiments of a solid 3rd party which *could* have become a major party, but which ended up [sadly] being totally destroyed by Pat Buchanan's ego-trip. Granted there are a LOT of differences between that and the Ron Paul campaign (the main one being that we are doing this INSIDE an existing major party) -- but as a movement there are a lot of similarities as well -- if we allow it to be co-opted or subverted, all will be lost.
Digg.com Dumps the Daily Paul?
It seems Digg is blocking the Daily Paul domain. Here is a workaround for this article; Diggs and comments are appreciated:
http://digg.com/political_opinion/Don_t_Centralize_Me_Bro
Digg's decision, and this specific solution are ironic considering the topic of this article. It should add nicely to the discussion about decentralization.
Divided we FALL
This is the exact call out I've been waiting for and I am particularly glad to see it came from "The Big Man On Campus" himself. The correct answer is this HAS to be a movement to have any lasting affect. To define this we must look at this as it is, one battle in a political revolution that will take many battles. Just as Ron knows and deep down inside you all know this too is that to win you must play inside the rules or within the system. My favorite line from SLC Punk which holds true here as much as it did in the movie is....
"You can do a lot more damage inside the system than you can from outside of it."
I'd say focus that energy into mounting local "like minded" individuals to run as a Libertarian-Republican for the Republican nomination for a local office, whether that office be for a Federal Senate Seat, State Senate Seat or even a Town Council Seat. In order to truly win, we need a ton of small victories as well within the Republican Party. Then and only then can we begin to change things. After all, President Paul or any President like him that may come as a result of his campaign, liken Goldwater to Reagan, will need a congress he or she can work with.
Not to "dis" on libertarians at all, but for the most part we are all like "herding cats". This is the most effective I have ever seen us be collectively and why?.... because we are attempting to work within a large group to make a change. You see my friends, this is where the logic gets flawed, that is, small groups working from outside will always remain just that, outside.... but, when we work collectively as a small group within a larger group.. we become effective, we win!!! A scientific survey and I wish I could remember where I saw it stated that, roughly as I remember, 25 % of Americans, after taking the survey, were classified as libertarians, however, where are they on election day?
Point in case m8s, this means that many people who would otherwise might be or would lean more Libertarian do exist and they exist in the Republican Party. If we divide back up into Libertarians, Constitutional or What-have-you Parties, then this does just amount to a "Fad" and nothing more. We will become divided and conquered once again. The 25 % is out there waiting to make a difference, but when pressed with the choice of One liberal who would give them nothing they want or one "conservative" who would give them some of the things they want with the somewhat ineffective third party lingering around, the choice becomes the lesser of the two evils and is why the third party has never been effective here in the states for it only weakens one of the top two which equates to some faction getting nothing they want.
If Socialist where to break up into two parties, then there would be the need for the Libertarian party, however, that doesn't seem likely. So, "We the People" need to stay in the Republican party. Prove we are not a fad for a small group can have a rather large impact within a large group if we work together towards that goal, In fact, we are already making small differences. If we keep it up, We will win!!!
My group 449, is working hard to find like minded Paulitic individuals to run in our Federal, State and local elections as Republicans... Is Yours? Cause we are about to announce our 1st candidate for a local State Representative election and are actively seeking one to run for our congressional district.
Cheers,
Your friend in liberty
Divided we fall
How many among us here can remember where the Libertarian Party came from. Disenfranchised Young Republicans, Goldwater Republicans. Nixon closing the gold window, instituting wage and price controls in 71. The Young Republicans walked out of the 72 convention and started the Libertarian Party. Time for the Libertarians to return to the fold. Time to restore the REPUBLIC and return the Republican Party to it's roots.
-------------------
The Principles of the Republican Party
We believe that the proper function of government is to do for the people those things that have to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well by individuals, and that the most effective government is government closest to the people.
We believe that good government is based on the individual and that each person�s ability, dignity, freedom and responsibility must be honored and recognized.
We believe that free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative and incentive have given this nation an economic system second to none.
We believe that sound money policy should be our goal.
We believe in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex or national origin, and we believe that persons with disabilities should be afforded equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity as well.
We believe we must retain those principles worth retaining, yet always be receptive to new ideas with an outlook broad enough to accommodate thoughtful change and varying points of view.
We believe the Americans value and should preserve their feeling of national strength and pride, and at the same time, share with people everywhere a desire for peace, freedom and the extension of human rights throughout the world.
Finally, we believe that the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.
-------------------
Strange how Dr. Paul is the only candidate to affirm the Principals of the Republican Party.
After all, We're supposed to have a Republic not a Democracy.
Voluntary Association + Mutual Cooperation + 110% Personal Responsibility = 100% Individual Liberty
Very good!
You get lemons (two parties) you make lemonade. The GOP platform is not all that bad, and with the right people, others can be brought back to seeing why the current 'party' is not abiding by it....
Personal freedoms
Free markets
Sovereignty
Non-intervention
Less government
Lower taxes
Thanks Jane
Thanks Jane,
I know your a blogger on here. So you respecting my opinion means alot :-)
All I'm trying to point out is that these third parties don't help represent a thing for they weaken a well established party. Case in point is the 1992 election which resulted in 8 years of Clinton. George Bush Sr. didn't lose that election, Ross Perot lost that election for the conservatives... Now, I'm not saying I'm a George Bush Sr. Fan, in fact there is alot I don't like about him... But we must also look at what 8 years of Clinton resulted in as well, George Bush jr. who is perhaps the most liberal person to ever call himself a Republican to grace the office of the Presidency. Bush Jr. has out spent every every president of the 20th century including Clinton, minus military spending and adjusted for inflation. I didn't run the info and find out for myself, but I trust the source.. It came from Micheal Savage's radio show, I know he's not one of us, but he's also not necessarily one of them either as he can't stand the so-called top tier either.
What I'm really trying to say is that 3 party system can never work. It has to be either a 4 or more strongly run parties or just 2. Otherwise you weaken one party at the success of another.
By the amount of Libertarians that have left the party or that have become complacent because at the very least they get a little of what they want, the Republican party has allowed this Neo-Con, dare I say liberal element take over my party or perhaps I should say the libertarian element, the Goldwater conservatives, has allowed this to happen by breaking part and becoming these so-called fringe elements/parties that really belong in the republican party letting there form of conservatism shine through. Since they are no longer present we get what we get and thats why we are where we are today.
Sorry for being so strong winded and saying it (typing it) how I see it. But Micheal is right, Are We a Fad or a movement!!! only time is to tell.
Cheers,
Your friend in Liberty
I agree..
It is not a slur against libertarian views just a smarter political tactic. Ron himself knows this having tried to run as an L, and look what happened.
Running as an R has allowed him to get this far. People should be in there cheering him on within the party and its platform, while not necessarily supporting others who desecrate that platform. They should not let their hatred of the 'GOP' blind them, for they are biting the hand that feeds.
Notice that Ron will say he disagrees with this one or that one in the party, but never that he has abandoned the true platform. He merely points out that the platform has be strayed from.
We have many dedicated and loyal supporters but they are not poltically experienced and have to learn how to campaign. I'm not saying to do or say what is politically expedient, but to work within the very thing that is helping to convey your message, even if there are some along the way who are opposed to it.
good point
I like the idea that this forum be used to out policies and people who introduce and vote for bad laws. Could you imagine how we could be looking over their shoulders and every time they tried to sneak something through, everyone here would email or call them on the carpet. WE COULD BE THE FIRST ON LINE GRASSROOTS LOBBY FOR THE CONSTITUTION. Oh, I love that. Makes me feel powerful.
Prepare & Share the Message of Freedom through Positive-Peaceful-Activism.
regardless
Americans are more aware. I was clueless before the revolution. Just the fact that millions are more aware now, makes it worth it.
DaveLamarand.com
'Once you become knowledgeable you have an obligation to do something about it!' — Ron Paul
https://www.facebook.com/dave.lamarand
Correct!
No matter what happens in the election, Dr Paul has done more for the Second Revolution than anyone to:
- Educate (people now understand the folly of the FedRes, IRS, and anti-sovereignty movements that have been undermining this country, slowly for years)
- Motivate (people want to do something about it)
- Activate (people will keep spreading the message and work from within to change things - I truly hope)
Its a movement and I'm already moving
The question - will it last after the nomination fight - is a good one. I suspect the best way to keep it moving and growing is to start now.
For expample, consider HR 1955. They slipped this one past us in the house. Someone here caught on and posted the names of Senate committee members. Pete Dominichi is right next door and on the committee. I e-mailed him and called his office. Today I called my representative to find out how he voted. I also checked on how he voted on the Patriot Act, REAL ID Act, and the Military Commissions Act.
We need to get active now and stay active. While most folks are busy just running their lives, the federal government is tearing our republic apart. I was one of those until I discovered Aron Russo and Ron Paul.
Now who sponsored HR 1955? Who out there knows? Let's find a meetup group in his area and help to get him thrown out of office ASAP. In fact, you all know how we got after that guy in Mich. after he wanted Dr. Paul out of the rest of the debates. We can give the sponsor of this bill and all other bills that impinge on our liberties the same treatment.
It's up to us to save the republic, from congress for starters. Just please keep this site up and running so we can all work together. Peace.
Who voted for HR 1955?
HR. 1955
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2007-993
We need to hold them accountable by voting them out in 08, or putting up someone we know who will stand for liberty to run against them.
That's why I support Ron Paul's Liberty PAC, they work to get like minded people elected. www.libertypac.net
Also staying in touch with site like this or mine
http://liberty-central.blogspot.com is a good way to know what's up.
Davy C Rockett
http://liberty-central.blogspot.com
http://screamfreedom.blogspot.com
http://cystic-fibrosis-symptom.com
http://medical-definitions.com
I'm in for the long haul...
...with beans, bullets, and a flag.
btw. make a bumper sticker of the subject title! good one.
pw
gainesville, fl
Good Post
Michael, that was a good post. It is something that all Ron Paul supporters should be thinking about. After all, there is a very small, tiny little chance that he may not get the GOP nomination :-) I would hope that we have a real movement for change and that we can keep the momentum going.
"It does not take a majority to prevail... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." Samuel Adams
“Just look at us. Everything is backwards; everything is upside down. Doctors destroy health, lawyers destroy justice, universities destroy knowledge, governments destroy freedom, the major media destroy information and religions destroy spirituality”
This is getting rediculous..
"The recent Las Vegas rally was an astounding success; this despite the fact that the campaign placed an ad in the major local paper with the wrong time and location posted"
That and the Philadelphia press conference debacle. Strike 2? I sincerely hope Paul is holding someone accountable for these issues regardless of who is making the mistakes! It's starting to feel like the shrub has taken control of the official campaign.
Personally you could replace RP with anyone that has his intelligence, qualifications, convictions, and background and I would fight for him if the message was the same. Freedom transcends any candidate or election. It's not a fad but a way of life and like any pest problem you must be willing to be inconvenienced now and then to eradicate any intrusion on our liberties.
I wish it were that easy
Personally you could replace RP with anyone that has his intelligence, qualifications, convictions, and background and I would fight for him if the message was the same
Unfortunately, I have found that men possessing those qualities come very few and far between, and among politicians, well...... Ron Paul is kind of a Saint when you think about it.
-Dave
David Burns
Simi Valley, CA
I Agree sorta...
Unfortunately, I have found that men possessing those qualities come very few and far between, and among politicians, well...... Ron Paul is kind of a Saint when you think about it.
I defiantly agree in todays political circle that integrity is near extinction but I don't look at RP as a Saint. More like a 1 in a million. I'm proud to support that 1 in a million candidate who will stand up for us. That being said, If it were you restoredhope standing up there saying the same thing with a similar background, intelligence, and integrity to spare I would just a quickly support you.
Actually, when I think about it, I could imagine supporting quite a few people from this board for Congress or even Governor. Nearly every day I read a post and think to myself " Why isn't that guy/gal running for something". I've read alot of support this guy that guy posts and I'm starting to think that I'd rather support someone fresh and new with similar views of RP for all the other offices.
How many Congressman and Senators are there?
How many intelligent people with integrity contribute here?
Just a thought :P
Restored Hope For President 2016
Go Dave!
--SOB--
--SOB--