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State of the Union 2008 Money Bomb

We proudly submit this idea from the Triangle Meetup #52 in Raleigh, NC. One of our people is attempting to contact Trevor Lyman about it.

While bush is giving the State of the Union address to Congress, promoting war without end, the Patriot and Military Commission Acts, ignoring the dropping of the dollar, covering up the NAU, denying acts of torture by U.S. personnel, and all of Congress is there applauding this imperial president, these corporate politicians are making the false claim that this is what the majority of the American people want. There is only one member of Congress in that gathering who stands up for the Constitution of the United States. He is ridiculed. He is called crazy and too far out of touch. So, let us show the world with whom the hearts of the people of this republic truly stand. On that day, we will voice our unity for Constitutionally limited government with the biggest Ron Paul Money Bomb this country has ever seen.

What does everyone think? Discussion? Thank you!

Footnote:

U.S. Constitution Article I, Section III:

"Section 3. [The President] shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient"

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Ok, here is an expansion of this idea

First of all, I love this State of The Union concept. I can just feel the emotional power of people having the opportunity to confront Bush as a symbol of the established power structure that has run roughshod over the world, the American public and the Constitution. I just think this opportunity to symbolically stick it to the ruling class would have huge appeal.

I even bought StateOfTheUnion2008.net as .com was already taken and can arrange at my expense to get a web server going. I can fumble through making a simple website, but it will not be polished and will take me a few days. Any good programmers?? If I do it myself, I will just try to pattern the site after the Nov 5 and Dec 16 sites without much of the graphics. I am still uncertain if I will go forward or not, but just might.

The best idea I can come up with is to use the word "spate", definition being a sudden, almost overwhelming outpouring; a spate of angry words.

The web page would give the definition of "spate" and then offer the idea of our "Spate of the Nation" address. Have you ever wanted to just scream at the president as he gave the State of the Union address. Well, this would be an opportunity for us to give him back our "Spate of the Nation" address. If we all tried to express our ideas individually the thoughts would be lost in the crowd, but if we all contribute to Dr. Paul in mass on the State of the Union address day we will be giving our clear response. I would clearly encourage people to contribute earlier if possible, but if they wanted to vent their anger and frustration quite effectively I would encourage them to also join the spate on January 28. Of course the presentation needs to be refined.

Any comments?

The real state of the union

The real state of the union may be better than "Spate of the Nation".
Spate may upset some people but the truth will not. Bush will undoubtedly pat himself on the back, and misrepresent the real state of the union. David Walker, the Comptroller General of the US is on a " Fiscal Responsibility Tour". His goal, to inform the American people just how bad everything is.
Here's the link to his 60 minutes interview, great content for you.
http://www.youtube.com/wa...

I am paraphrasing, but Mr. Walker said," The greatest danger to the US is not someone hiding in a cave in Afghanistan or Pakistan,
it is addressing the fiscal disaster headed our way if we do not act now".
Powerful stuff! And from the head accountant of the US!

Money Bombs vs. Ron Paul's Pay Day

The law of diminishing returns in economics,the law stating that if one factor of production is increased while the others remain constant, the overall returns will relatively decrease after a certain point. I realize I will get some criticism for pointing this out, but please read my entire post first.

This is why Ron Paul's pay day may be a better way to move forward. By taking the variable out of the campaign, you actually increase production ( fund raising) . Initially the money bombs served their purpose, we proved Ron Paul's support was real. But most likely we have gotten as much mileage out of this, media wise, that is possible, with one more shot over the bow when all the candidates report third quarter fund raising later this month. Now we have to realize the campaign will most likely need $20 million a month or so between now and November.

IMHO, the risk of a money bomb not meeting expectations far exceeds its benefit. Money is money no matter when it comes in, but steady money weekly to the campaign is far more beneficial to the campaign than peaks and valleys. 100,000 supporters willing to give an average of $50 per week, would net $20 million per month or $60 million for the quarter. Donations at http://www.ronpaulspayday... range from $5 to $100, so there is something everyone can afford. With this kind of money the campaign can pay for their own phone banks, TV ads, or other special projects.

In any event, assuming we win the primaries, we still will have to beat the Democrats, maybe Bloomberg too. .So $20 million a month between now and next November is not far off the mark to build the type of war chest the campaign will need. Don't get me wrong, the money bombs are fun and exciting, however the law of diminishing returns suggests we may want to consider other options. I welcome all comments, suggestions and ideas. Perhaps we can reserve money bombs for the last week in every month to make up any shortfall?

how about...

I like the idea of doing something to counter the State of the Union speech, but let's do this one further, and better...by pledging your day. Take the day off work, and canvass somewhere. All day. Those that are 'tapped out' can technically give a full day's wages, and friendly conversation with real people will mean more than money at that late stage.

My $0.02, adjusted for inflation.

ONE LAST MONEY BOMB JUST FOR NEWCOMBERS 2/14

I still think we need to donate on a steady basis... however, after Iowa and NH, if Ron Paul does good and more people jump on the bandwagon, one more Money Bomb advertised and promoted would be good for VALENTINES DAY Feb 14 - True its *after* Super Teusday as alot of people suggest, but there are still MANY more days and primaries til the Convention and money to be spent....

This will allow all NEWCOMBERS to get on board for one last HUGE MONEY BOMB and then retire it! It would be strictly for the newcombers and give us time to circulate in the media, internet, and make videos etc. etc. etc...

We will stress the LOVE IN REVOLUTION for Ron Paul on Valentines day and nobody can spin THAT day against the good Doctor. Again, I say this will be for newcomers to our bandwagon and money will still be needed.... in fact the Ron Paul campaign can freely spend their monies knowing 2/14th will refill them....

Okay

How about instead of a money bomb, on Jan. 28 during the president's state of the union address we all call congress at once and crash the phone system like we did back in June over the amnesty bill?

http ://www.apfn.net/Messageboard/07-08-07/discussion.cgi.153.html

The idea would be for all of us to unite together and do something (legal) that would catch the attention of the whole country and ultimately allow Dr. Paul some press opportunities to challenge the state of the union lies we will all be told.

Okay then

I'm going to keep pumping this date until all the noise is drowned out.

January 17, 2008
The $100 Franklin's birthday primary SHOCKER Moneybomb

benjaminsforpaul.com
http://www.youtube.com/wa...

It's all about the benjamins baby...

How About

January 16, "Stop the Bombs" day? or "Stop the War" day?

I can't keep track of all of them either. We need to organize ONE DAY for mass donations.

Then encourage the daily/weekly donations as well.

Or there is so many caucus/primaries going on, just encourage people to donate as much as they can RIGHT NOW, don't wait for a "special day". Donate all month long as much as you can. A one month hustle for the lack of another word.

A "tag team" donation month? Tag, your turn?! Challenges to states? The Great State of Montana challenges The Great State of Oregon on Jan. 11... ? The Great State of Oregon Challenges the Great State of Maryland? on Jan 14?

Ok, I give up...

This is driving me crazy.

Why don't we suggest a money bomb date for every day in January and February? The money bombs should get people excited about donating, happen when there is a lull in the news cycle, and be timed so the use of the money and media exposure are maximized. I have honestly lost track of all the money bombs. Some people wouldn't have donated without them and they are a really great idea. I thought we settled on a freeatlast2008.com then benjaminsforpaul.com and then the carpet bomb of money. Now I have no idea. So what is it?

jan 15 - 22 Carpet bomb
jan 16 - anniversary of war declaration on iraq (did we declare war?)
jan 17 - ben franklin's bday
jan 21 - MLK day
jan 28 - state of the union
feb 14 - valentine's day

Thomas Paine — Date of

Thomas Paine — Date of Birth: 29 January 1737. Do a doubleheader on the 28th and the 29th of January. Remember, it was Thomas Paine who wrote the book[Common Sense] that woke up the grassroots to support the war for Independence that gave us this once great nation. Dr. Paul is the modern day Thomas Paine.

Voluntary Association, Mutual Cooperation.

I was hoping for consensus

not more suggestions, but add it to the list.

jan 15 - 22 Carpet bomb
jan 16 - anniversary of war declaration on iraq (did we declare war?)
jan 17 - ben franklin's birthday (best website up)
jan 21 - MLK day
jan 28 - state of the union
jan 29 - Thomas Paine birthday
feb 14 - valentine's day

Totally agree

Jan 16th, Jan 28th, Feb 14th.
I am in.

Raising a Whole Lotta Cash Doesn't get votes.

Clinton and Obama have raised $100 million each. Its all over the news right now. How many of you are gonna go vote for them based on how much cash they've raised? The message of a campaign is what garners votes. Money Bombs do little to get out the message compared to putting campaign advertising. The RP campaign needs money NOW, not on Jan 28th. It may make all the dedicated voters all giddy to see the money bomb results on the news, but people don't vote for a candidate just because they've raised a bunch of cash in one day.

The campaign needs money NOW to get out the RP's campaign message. A money bomb on the 28th is jst as good as throwing your money in the garbage, and it encourages others to hold on to thier money, and then join in throwing it in the garbage.

Why doesn't

everyone just give everything they can now? We have been largely ignored by mainstream media and we need Ron Paul television commercials all over the place. Can't everyone just MAX out their $2300? WE bitch and complain how bad it is, but then just give an average $200 per donation.

See your point, the campaign

See your point, the campaign needs to have the money to spend long before the 5th of Feb. Really what the campaign needs are 500 to 750 thousand dollar days now till the end of January.

Voluntary Association, Mutual Cooperation.

Yes I agree

But what else can we do.
The progress of the Blimp and the 20million did not do as well.
Have you any suggestions
People are more likely to take part in a goal and help see it through.

We need a Rally Point ASAP.

What else can we do????

You can go to the website, and donte as much as you can, as often as you can, AS SOON AS YOU CAN.

If you need a rally point, go to you tube and watch some BUSH videos, go read Ron Paul's web site and watch his videos, read the recent email from the campaign that they need $23 million FOR Super Tuesday. Then sit and think for a moment what happens to sheep, and then decide not to be one yourself and go donate.

Although

it could attract new supporters that the Grassroots, official campaign, and early state victories have brought into the fold to actually donate. Current non maxed out supporters ought to keep up whatever donation schedule that they can or have planned to, IMHO.

January 28th is too late to help with Feb 5th...

...unfortunately. Too bad though. I love the idea of countering Bush's State of the Union address.

No reason we can't have competing ideas and see what works

Right now we have the Friday payday idea being promoted, and if this works, it will bring in money earlier, but probably at a lower level.. There have been suggestions for MLK's birthday, which I hope goes away quickly since it might well be seen as pandering and the lead time is just too short.

Tell me what contributions were doing before Nov 5. They jumped after debates and after specific offline fund raising events. I think that major fund raisers need to be for a specific time and have a specific theme. They also need sufficient lead time.

My view is that you just are not going to get the great response like the last two money bombs without having a specific date, a theme that excites, and a sufficient lead time to get the word out.

I think by the reaction so far on this thread that some real excitement could be generated for Jan 28. I understand the Feb 5 problem, but then what other effort will likely solve that problem?

January 28, 2008: State of the Union according to Ron Paul day!

I googled "state of the union 2008" and found January 28, 2008 to be the date, which is good because it gives people a chance to recover financially from the Holiday spending season.

We need a catchy name for the money bomb. Originally the bomb idea came out of Guy Fawkes Nov 5 Gunpowder Plot as popularized by the movie, V for Vendetta. The Dec 16 bomb was appropriately called the Tea Party, but to me it did not have the same powerful psychological charge of Remember, Remember the Fifth of November. I suppose we are stuck with the "bomb" idea even though it was not appropriate for the Dec 16 effort.

If I could name the January 28, 2008 money bomb I would call it "Take your speech and shove it day", but I think while appealing to me, that might be a little too much for the less angry among us.

Some of you creative young minds need to make suggestions. Something that will capture the "throw it back in your face idea" but without being crude or offensive. Short and catchy.

Remember this is a rebellion we are involved with and simple little titles like "freedom day" are not going to cut it. Huckabee's people did not understand this and did not manage to motivate their Dec 27 copycat bomb. The November 11th and December 31st efforts likewise for Dr. Paul failed to generate enough excitement for many reasons, one of which was they were just viewed as a request for money, and did not give people the feel that they were actually firing a shot in the revolution.

I also think linking a bomb to Martin Luther King is absolutely dumb and a veiled attempt to pander to blacks. The Hitler idea is even worse, much, much worse because it is not good to be associated with things people think of as highly bad. Both of these themes would doom the bomb to failure.

Money bomb

Although it had orginally had a bad conotation to it, its success has hence put it in a more positive light. None else is trying to stop the war.
Even the media has had trouble spinning the oxymoron. So the impact has been positive. We cannot be defined by what the media will say. For one thing...they will only look for the negative.
So the Money bomb has a positive conotation than negative.
Money Bomb for Freedom, Prosperity and Peace.

we may be shooting ourselves in the foot

Come on - we couldn't top off $20M - I think the next "bomb" would not beat the Tea Party and as such would be negatively portrayed by media - let's stick with the PayDay idea - steady stream of money every Friday

In the meantime - recruit new supporters - we need a blood infusion - we need to spread our message to mainstream - that is the only way

I'd save the third and most potent money bomb for September - after we secure nomination - then many of us who are maxed out will be able to shoot again - that will be an excellent opportunity to make a $10M detonation

So far the payday idea hasn't generated much excitement

I just don't think people can relate to the payday idea. So far it doesn't look like it is working and I think the reason is that it seems more like an obligation to people than giving them something to focus their rebellious feelings on.

I think it is important to recognize what is going on here, and it is not just another political campaign. It is literally the first shot in a revolution that ultimately will become a real revolution in a decade or two. People are not motivated by taking on an additional obligation; they are motivated by being able to vent the frustrations that arise from serfdom and direct those frustrations. The real Boston Tea Party was such an action. Guy Fawkes Gunpowder Plot was such an action. Making a contribution every Friday does not have emotional charge, which is why I think it is not catching on.

A shove it in you face, State of the Union day shot at our ruler carries plenty of emotional charge. I think it would be the biggest money bomb yet; a way to scream back at Bush as he babbles away, delivering his annual pack of lies.

GREAT IDEA!!!

Excellent Idea!!! Let's all keep our money in our pockets until 7 days before Super Tuesday!!! That way it will be much to late for the campaign to make use of it and essentially gaurantee losing the Primary Elections, YOU GUYS HAVE REALLY OUTDONE YOURSELVES ON think TANKING HERE!!!

I see

your point, I commented later down though, and I still think, that all who are already supporters should continue whatever is possible for them to get them maxed out (I have a schedule that fits my budget as i'm sure all else do but I seem always to be able to fit in new organized events) as soon as possible. But early victories, media buys and grassroots efforts are going to bring in new supporters between now an then that will be motivated by a common goal. There are more primaries after 2/5. TX is 3/4... and anything leftover goes right into the kitty for the General Election...

that is not the intention

We are not sure if it is on the 28th just yet.
But something has to get going ...and going soon. Or we will loose all our funding momentum.
The Blimp couldnt raise $6,500 it needed by the evening of the 31st.
So something has to keep the light burning for us before we become stagnant.
MLK has too much contorversy to be sure footed about it. He was a communist.

The Weekly Pay Day didnt go anywhere at all.

So we have to build on what works.

http://www.youtube.com/wa...

Yes

This would be a great boost for Ron Paul media wise, those who are maxed out can do other things like keeping the blimp up and canvassing.
But another date is needed so that we dont fall short of the near 20million we hard this quater.

Thank you everyone for commenting and

just to clarify, we don't have the expertise to make the website. Just suggesting the idea. So, if people like this idea, help is needed to get it going. Is it possible?

ps - personally, the idea of Ron Paul giving a parallel speech during the president's SOTU farce while donations are pouring in to the moneybomb is giving me goosebumps just thinking about it!

Great Idea

I like this one. Maybe RP can give a speech at the same time. Once the media hears of the record money bomb, he will give interviews expressing why Bush and Congress are wrong.

I had suggested making our own date late in January to capitalize on the attention it will bring prior to Feb. 5th, but I like this idea better. The grassroots movement needs a change up from picking historical dates, and shift to a new direction as it grows. I hope there will be debate on here soon, regarding the next money bomb.

This date would give RP supporters who have not maxed out time to recover and save and also give us time to bring in more new donors. This time we can make the goal of 100,000 supporters giving $100 each to reach $10,000,000.

There will be problems with this late date though. Campaign HQ will want the funds to be in earlier, so they can fully campaign for Super Tuesday. I hope we can find a middle ground. Like actually having 100,000 supporters give $100 each on that date, but also finding a big block of supporters to donate once a week, so everyone doesn't save all the money they plan on donating for one money bomb day.

This idea can be promoted,much like Nov. 5th, as a protest donation against Bush and Congress and like Dec. 16th, a promotion of RP who has real solutions to America's problems. The average citizen can have his dissenting voice towards Washington and approval of RP heard by donating $100.

Little note here

The main purpose of raising campaign cash is for the campaign to use, not to get media coverage from how much we raise. The media coverage is a bonus, but money rased 7 days before Feb. 5th is basically useless, and THAT is what the media will be reporting.

HEADLINE "Ron Paul raises $50 Trillion Dollars, but not enough time to put it to use..."

I'm in.

I'm in.

Count me in!

Count me in!

Great Idea! Shove it where the sun don't shine is what works

The themes of the November 5, and December 16 bombs essentially were rebellion. There were plenty of people sitting around thinking of contributing, but these two theme days excited them into action.

I think a money bomb while King George is giving his little con the public speech would have super charged appeal compared to Nov 5 and Dec 16.

This is absolutely a great idea if the State of the Union address is far enough off to let the word filter through the internet, and it will be especially powerful if Ron Paul sets off a political shock wave by doing well in Iowa and NH, both of which are within the realm of possibilities.

Lets get this idea circulating.

Best Date Yet!!!

This is a day to get behind
Hopefully will steal press away from the Dubya brainwash machine.

Need to find the date and Get hold of Trevor Lyman, if not

Can someone else get it going?

Maxed out?

Our fascist leaders voted on it and we can contribute $2300.00 each year. So if you maxed in 2007............. get it. Happy New Year. bwahahaha

I think?????????????????

No, it's each election

No, it's each election cycle, not each year. You have to wait until the primaries are over. Then, you can donate to the general election fund.

Thanx

I wasn't sure.

This is

Frankly, my favorite new money bomb idea yet. The other's have been, IMO, sort of a reaction to criticism of Dr. Paul, which believe me, I react whenever I hear criticism, but the MLK bomb reaction to (racism accusations) then the add on days like Hitler goes into hiding, etc (stormfront issue). I think they're fine actually and if this does not take off I'll contribute and participate in them but this idea appeals to me more.

This idea is not a reaction to criticism, this idea is a criticism of the State of the Union which is why we need Dr. Paul.

"We the people look around and find that the State of our Union is a state of dissarray. Our government is unresponsive to the will of the people that the rule of law as set forth in our most sacred founding document, the Constitution, be followed by those we've elected.

"Our money is being stolen through a flawed banking system that flouts that same document and our brave defenders of freedom fight half way around the world against and in a third rate nation that never had the ability to threaten Americans at home.

"Therefore, we the people do hereby resolve that the State of the Republic ought to be restored and we stake our fortunes and reputations on that premise and to elect Dr. Ron E. Paul, on this the 28th of January in the year of our Lord, Two-Thousand and Eight"

This is a great idea!!!

The weak and the strong can not keep the same company!!

I will put my 150 dollars in if we can get another one going!

money bomb

That is a pretty good length of days away to promote, but I wonder if there is a more historical date (reason) for another date.

Thank you for your efforts.

The political scene as we know it today may change completely

once RP wins or comes up on top in IA and NH.

The timing is excellent. We need all the money we can get for February. It's going to be tough but we can do it!!!

JB.

100% for it!!!

Although I'm maxed out!!! How can I contribute in other ways? Let me know!!!

This needs to be advertised all over ASAP so everyone know and the media is all over it!!!

JB

What does every think?

What does every think?

Great idea and great timing!

What better way to protest the State of the Union fib-fest? Fantastic idea!

maxed out

I have a feeling we are getting a bit maxed out on the money bombs. I would much rather us all focus on the real needs of the campaign right now. Canvass your neighborhood, participate in phone banks, get out the vote, we need good old fashion work too. I am not against another money bomb and would continue to give, but lets not forget our other tasks at hand.

We need both

Money and legwork. I like the idea. Too bad we couldn't have a ticker scrolling across the tv screen at the bottom that says "Tired of all the lies? Donate for truth www.ronpaul2008.com" ;)

"If taxes are laid upon us without our having a legal representation where they are laid, we are reduced from the character of free subjects to the state of tributary slaves." ~Samuel Adams

No, no

There are already 1,600 new donors, many are not maxed out. Keep the money bombs rolling. Those maxed out, continue to canvass, phone banks, street actions, support ads, billboards and the blimp!

Double Impact

Great Idea. But it would be doubly impactful of there was a coordinated march on Washington. 10,000 Ron Paul Supporters. Of course they wouldn't let us anywhere near the event, but it would be hard to ignore.

When is the SOTU Address, anyway? Late January?