Ron Paul's Cross of Gold
Submitted by IMCNAMARA2012 on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 12:48I am a college student in Maine, and I am excited to hear about mustering support in the state's caucus. In 1896, WIlliam Jennings Bryan made a speech at the Democratic National Convention denouncing the gold standard. This would come to be known as the Cross of Gold Speech. Of course back then, it was to transfer to a system of of bimetallism, or "free silver", (Adding silver as legal tender was the proposed solution to inflation after the Civil War) but this, though, is not the point I am trying to make. The reason I highlight this certain historical event is because of one passionate, emotive, well-written speech, Democratic Candidate WIlliam Jennings Bryan that captivated the entire party. The current mind-set at the time was that gold was the way. In fact, prior to him speaking, no one had even defended the transfer to silver. At the conclusion of his speech, the convention rushed the staged, hoisted Bryan up, and declared him the Democratic candidate. Bryan was the Dark horse of that race, and who does that name be applied to in the 2012 election. The power of ONE speech is unappreciated, and although Congressman Paul is passionate in what he is saying, and of course his message is crucially important, does the typical apathetic voter get lost and confused in the jargon? There is consistent shock bouncing around this forum in complete awe and disgust at why everyone is not voting for Ron Paul. Although Justly so, can we blame people for being ignorant or having a lack of knowledge?
The difference between supporters of Ron Paul and the other Republican candidates is of their reasons for voting. When the typical voter is asked why they like Santorum, Romney, or Gingrich, they say "I don't know, I just like him", "I trust him", "I feel like he's strong". No answer really has any substance. If you ask a Ron Paul supporter, they will most definitely not say it’s because of his looks. All of the Paul supporters would talk about his policies and his rational and logical solutions to the problems our country faces today. I'm not here to discuss why Paul's policies are superior, I am here to bring up the notion that maybe concepts don't always claim elections. Come on, it’s common knowledge that Warren Harding was elected in 1920 just because he was a "Handsome Man". It took the death of Harding for soft spoken and unelectable Calvin Cooliage to take office (who Ron Paul is often compared to, and sometimes defends himself) Now it must be known, I am not in favor of Ron Paul now just selling out and pandering to the people, but there is a line. In fact, Paul’s honesty, integrity, and consistency come into play in a ONE on ONE election, specifically the general election. Why do you think this man has been such a long serving congressman from Texas as a Libertarian leaning Republican? On the same note, there is something about the man’s humility and humble nature on stage that sets him apart from other candidates. He chuckles, and it feels like hes having a conversation with the audience. A time has come where I want to see the fire from 1988 shown in a Morton Downey jr interview (link at bottom) in Paul’s speaking. He was arguing against an entire room of irrational spectators and yet he remained strong. He showed his strength that was present in the 2008 debates as well as the current debates. Now, I’m not arguing that Ron Paul should have his own Howard Dean moment with “I have a Scream Speech”, but I do want to see his passion that obviously is in his core. He should make a statement to make a speech. People want to see a leader who not only has sound concepts, but who appears presidential. (As crazy as it sounds, society is generally superficial) Going with that, people say they vote for Romney just because he “looks like a president”. I want to see Ron Paul make use of this limelight he now has, and display his presidential qualities.
Ron Paul is the Dark Horse of this race, just as William Jennings Bryan was. Although it is ironic that Jennings Bryan was speaking to deface the gold standard, the message of delivery should not be lost. (McKInley ended up winning election and putting the United States on the Gold standard in 1900 AS A REPUBLICAN) Again, although the above speech is an incredible one to the Ron Paul supporter, how is it to the typical voter? I wanted to know people’s thoughts, and I only propose this notion to maybe clear up confusion in lack of turn out for Dr. Paul. I don’t know about anyone else, but I wait patiently for ONE passionate, fiery, perfectly paced and presented speech that will win over the hearts and minds of the masses: Ron Paul’s Cross of Gold.
