How a DC event can be all-inclusive and gain much more national coverage
The buzz is happening about a march on Washington. That is fantastic!
But here's a reality check, with an idea on how to further expand on that event.
Face it, times are tough for a lot of us. Many of the RP supporters are fed up with the way things are being run because they are nearly broke, and can see the validity of RP's message because they are living the nightmare - instead of the dream.
This means that a large portion of supporters will not be able to make it to a DC event, even if they want to be there. They have obligations on a daily basis which wouldn't allow them the opportunity, or money, to participate in the march themselves.
Someone in California or Oregon, or any State at all really, who would love to be at the march in DC may not be able to afford it. There is the travel expenses to get there, the costs of food and lodging, arranging for someone to take care of things on the 'home front' (kids, pets, etc) while they are gone to the march.
Whether you like it or not, many people are in financial binds right now that do not allow them to participate in something of this importance. There are those who would say 'The movement is more important than your personal needs', which I'm sure all of us would relatively agree. But when 'reality' comes into play, personal needs are going to trump every time.
What I propose is, when a date is finally decided upon for the DC event, those who know that they aren't going to make it to DC on that date start arranging localized events for the same date.
If people arranged 'State Capital' events to happen at the same time the DC event happens, here's how it would benefit the movement as a whole:
MSM can choose to 'ignore' a march in DC. Local DC news crews might cover it, but on a 'national' level it may not get much press.
However, if there were organized events at every State capital in the nation, that would be hard to ignore.
Yes, MSM could ignore that too.. and perhaps only a few localized media outlets would cover those - but that's 50 more covered events on the same day.
Take it a step further (this would entirely depend on the number of people who could be rallied into unique locations) and do it on a County level.
I'm pretty sure every County in the country has a 'headquarters'. It might be a 'capital building' or even a county courthouse. Imagine getting a few hundred people to show up at every single one of those on the same day as the State Capital and Nation's Capital have thousands, or hundreds of thousands.
Going any more 'local' than a County would probably become risky, as the numbers who could attend the events on a city-by-city basis might dilute the event as a whole too much for any real impact.
I would guess that a large number of people in individual states, who couldn't make it to DC, would have the ability to make it to their State capital.
I'd venture to say that the vast majority of people who have no means to make it to DC or their State Capital, would have the means to make it to their County seat.
I think this has vast potential. It's a way to get almost everyone involved. Saying 'Get to DC or you aren't helping' (not that anyone has - but some troll surely will before too long) is alienating those who cannot afford - either in time or money - to get to DC.
Face it, regardless of how far ahead this event is planned... weeks or months in advance.. a large number of supporters are not going to make it.
They say that for every person who shows up at a DC rally, they actually represent a thousand.
For every person who shows up at a State rally, they actually represent a hundred.
For every person who shows up at a county rally, they actually represent a dozen.
Imagine the calculated representation this event would have if there were simultaneous events in DC, at 50 State capitals, and in everyone of the hundreds of counties across the country.
MSM would have a really hard time 'ignoring' that one.
Send a group to DC and MSM is going to say "Look at the weirdos".. and those watching it on TV will say "Yeah, who do those people think they are?".
Have mirroring groups in State capitals, and MSM is going to say "Look at the, uh, demonstrators".. and those watching will say "Yeah.. they're in every state? Uh, who do those people think they are?".
Have additional groups in every County seat, and MSM is going to say "Look at the.. ummm.. Ron Paul supporters".. and those watching will say "Wow.. they're in my County? Who is this Ron Paul person?".
On a side note - I always find it interesting that when any of the 'other' candidates have rallys MSM calls the group 'supporters', but when it's an RP group we are called 'demonstrators'.
So.. there's the idea. Don't just make this a single march on DC. Make it a national event that MSM cannot ignore - and if they do ignore it - local media will not. It might be kept off of the 'national news', but local news broadcasts reach into every home much more often - and more powerfully - than national coverage does.
When it's in 'DC', people can say "Well, thats way over there and doesn't have anything to do with where I am". But when it's in their own county - it might as well be on their street.
Take that idea for whatever it's worth. I think if this is a way to overcome the lack of coverage by MSM and take is straight into the localized news.
There may be other methods as well.. I hope people have even better ones!
CF
This is a great idea
We need to think outside the box, which as RP supporters we are very good at doing.
Also, I think we need to have Dr. Paul be present as a speaker for the rally. I'm imagining like what was done in Boston for the tea party but with Dr. Paul present.
As side on this concept -- July 4th becomes a bad date for such coordination for obvious reasons -- people in other areas of the country will be focusing on other things. It will carry less impact IMO.
Just a thought
I say we split the country into 4 quadrants and pick a city in each quadrant to have a simutaneous march. This may be more effective and allow us to have more attendance. We can have Pheonix, Seatle, DC, and Atlanta
I agree, it needs to be
I agree, it needs to be regional. Someone posted 3 locations as; D.C., Las Vegas and Chicago. The person who posted those said that Las Vegas gets a lot of tourists and that would certainly help. I tend to agree that Las Vegas is a better choice than Phoenix.
Trade with all nations; alliances with none. ~Thomas Jefferson
LeBump
i know you said National..Let's make it go Global!
I'm starting to like this Global Rally/March Idea
To add to your well thought out post.
I'd like to ad Web casting..
Multiple web cams at all events.
Including those overseas, including our brave soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan
Wireless Hot spots, if possible so people in Maine, can monitor the progess of people in Idaho, etc...
It would also be easier to get local bands to participate.
I have an idea
What if this was a march against the neo cons, and patriot act, and Fed, etc instead of just a RP march.
I think it would be much bigger and become an opportunity to share ideas with those groups that are anti establishment and just haven't come over to RP's ideas yet.
Just a thought.
Marches all over America!
I totally agree with your observations, ColdFusion. And I agree that a motto for the march on D.C., could be "FOR EVERY PERSON HERE IN D.C., THERE ARE THOUSANDS MORE AROUND THE COUNTRY WHO MARCH IN SOLIDARITY!"
I hope your message is well accepted. :)
I understand that many
I understand that many people will not be able to afford the trip to D.C. I'm in the same boat, but many local meetups can work on organizing fundraisers and carpooling and make this a reality for people who can't afford this.
Now for people who have children that can't travel or absolutely can't make it even with all the money in the world, I see no problem with organizing a local event, but what we need to be careful of is giving too many people an "easy out" from D.C.
We want as big of a turn out in D.C. as possible, and if people can tell themselves "Well, that will be pretty expensive, I'll just go to my rally in Springfield" then we will literally cut THOUSANDS out of the D.C. rally.
We'll figure it out
We'll rent a summer camp. Someone will donate a field for camping. Gun owners will provide the security. Caravans will pass through your town.
We're eating peanut butter sandwiches at home anyway. That' s no extra expense.
my two cents:
Ok, so here are the real dilemmas: (I don't consider the date to be much of a problem once HQ gets behind one over another)
1. Some/many may not be able to make it to Washington D.C.
2. Fears abound that state capitol marches wouldn't be that effective as they would be small in number.
My solution? Simple.
Protest a small number of important areas so that everyone can make it to their closest event, but focus on getting the most people possible to D.C. first and foremost. I was originally going to say 5 or 6 areas would suffice, but then I thought of an even better idea. The Federal Reserve system has major branches in 12 areas... what better cities to showcase our angst (for those of you in area 5, it'd be better to go to D.C. [Board of Governors zone] than Richmond, obviously)?
http://en.wikipedia.org/w...
Anyone else's thoughts on this? It provides a simple solution to the main two points above AND is symbolic of our monetary crisis, which I doubt many of Dr. Paul's backers would argue against.
Thread for this idea:
http://www.dailypaul.com/...
"Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower
If Elvis shows up.....
THE WORLD WILL BE THERE!
The date has not been set yet!! Not Officially by anyone But...
patriot7
Only by Tina Bopper and I think it's a troll!!! April is to soon to organize such a huge event. We are voting on dates in the poll!!
I don't know if she's a
I don't know if she's a troll, but it's irritating that she's calling out everybody on every march-related thread for discussing other possible dates. My two cents: I like the idea of one national march. As many of you have already posted, the state capitol thing -- too diluted. As far as the date is concerned, I don't care what month it is, although I think whoever organizes it should take into account that many of us will have to travel long distances to get there and take off time from work to do so, as well. Make it a weekend.
I'm sorry if I offended...I did NOT mean to
Did you see what happened? RP mentioned a march and everybody went nuts posting different dates.
I was replying to that mass hysteria being posted by everybody else with all of the vote on, debate on, poll on this date or that! OMG there were 40-50 different posters throwing out different dates.
I was pointing out that http://www.ronpaulforpres... already covered this topic so quell the chaos and confusion with a bunch of different dates.
Sorry to have offended anybody. I have just seen much chaos and confusion ruin many a great idea on this board.
I'm sure
you meant well. No prob
a date is already set at http://www.ronpaulforpresident2008.com/
April 15 2008....a date is already set....there are some people on this board trying to divert RP supporters to a different date....why I don't know....but a date is already set and posted at http://www.ronpaulforpres....
go see
Sorry I was responding to a thread on this site
Sorry but when I made my comment I was responding in a thread on this site. I didnt know I had to read every post on every Ron Paul site before I responded to a quesiton posed at THIS site. When I posted my response I think only 4 or 5 of us had replied with ideas about dates.
When someone 'in charge' sets a date I will do my best to be there.
HA! I just posted something similar - Marches across the countr
However, I LOVE your idea of doing it at the state capitals!
I just said 51 big cities - but the State Capitols would have a much greter affect by focusing on corruption at the state level as well!
To all you nay-sayers, read my post as to WHY - it hits on the three key points:
http://www.dailypaul.com/...
I may be a vegetarian, but I'll defend to the death my right to eat pork!
Heh, just posted the same as well
A major march in DC with simultaneous marches in the capitols of all the states makes the most sense. The press will try to ignore us, but how can they ignore in every state? This proposition has my vote!
see you all in DC on april 19th
Find a way to get there. Can't never could.
DONT UNDERESTIMATE US! KINDA
DONT UNDERESTIMATE US!
KINDA TROLLISH,
LOCAL EVENTS?? WAY TO TAKE AWAY THE RESPONSIBILITY PAUL REMINDED US OF!
SET UP A MONEYBOMB FOR THAT DAY TOO!
The only reason I'm even
The only reason I'm even bothering to comment on this one is the 'trollish' comment.
Why does anyone who doesn't agree with 'exactly what everyone else says' get labelled 'troll'?
Perhaps you should educate yourself on who the poster is, what they have already done, what they have contributed in the past, what they have suggested in the past and not automatically pop the 'troll' on a thread?
So lets just go ahead and 'forgive' that oversite, and discuss your idea of a money bomb.
How many RP supporters cant afford to get to DC that would like to? 1000? 5000? 100000?
What is a money bomb going to do for them? Do you think it will raise enough cash to buy them all plane tickets? Bus fare? Hotel rooms? Food? Babysitters (unless you're paying for them to bring the kids and pets too)?
A moneybomb would work if you were planning on setting up a tent city in some massive campground - so I'm not saying it's a useless endeavor - but the transportation issue is still there.
I see people reacting to my idea with suggestions that seem to sound like, "If you can't afford to go to DC, then you're not part of the program".
People suggesting that those who can't make it to DC on whatever day is picked should just stay at home, otherwise they will 'dilute' the masses that do show up in DC are sickening.
Believe me, you can make more of an impact on your neighbors by holding a 'rally' in your front yard than by travelling to DC any day.
Imagine having rally's in every neighborhood across the country. It wouldn't matter whether you turned on your TV and 'hope' the news media is covering DC, State capitals, County seats or even 'your house' that day - everyone will see it. All your neighbors will see it. No need for a single news camera to even exist if it's that widespread.
The obvious potential 'downside' to having organized rally's in DC or State capitals is that MSM is going to ignore them. If they are not ignored they'll be labelled 'fringe extremist demonstrators' at worst, and 'a small contingent of Ron Paul activists' at best.
Yes, a massive march in DC is a highly 'profitable' event - because it will show masses of like-minded people can get together. But if you're counting on the media to cover it - at least in some form of 'fair coverage' - you are fooling yourself.
To denounce an idea about having a nationwide rally, instead of only a centralized one in DC, is not only counterproductive it is without any basis of thought.
"We'll have less people in DC if they think they can get away with staying home that day".
I've got news for you - those of us with the ability and determination to make it to DC will be there. The few that use a localized form of the event that COULD HAVE afforded a DC trip either a.) needed an alternative anyway or, b.) probably were not serious about going to DC to begin with.
Some of us have given to the max already - there is no way we can make it to DC, regardless of the date that is picked. Either due to financial issues, work issues, family issues, health issues or travel issues. THOSE people should be able to assemble and stand for their beliefs as well. Saying 'If you dont go to DC you are a waste of time' is not only implied by some of the responses here, but is a slap in the face of those who's only reason they cant make it to DC is because they have already given everything they can possibly give to this cause.
This was an idea, that's all. I'm sure there will be others - as others have already been suggested. But to downplay the potential impact of a nationwide event, culminating its greatest numbers in DC, and showing support in every state and county across the nation - well, THAT is the trollish talk.
We're not all rich. We're not all 'open to travelling cross country', even if it's for the greatest cause we've run across in our lifetimes. Finances, family, employment and a number of other things can get in the way of our true desire to make it to DC. Saying that those who cant make it will HURT the overall event.. that's just too rediculous to imagine.
CF
True that people are in dire
True that people are in dire straits, but where there is a will there is a way. I think that the focus should be DC, and the reason is BECAUSE it's hard to get there. That's what makes those marches so memorable. People recognize the sacrafice, and I think that by pulling our resources together we become much stronger than doing things separately.
BS! They are NOT memorable. MLK marched around the country!
Washington DC marches are known for liberal lunatics!
Read this post - this WILL WORK:
http://www.dailypaul.com/...
We NEED real press coverage - both national AND local.
I may be a vegetarian, but I'll defend to the death my right to eat pork!
Third
This is the third time I've seen this idea presented. I think the focus should be on DC.
But I think all states could do like an advertising for DC march on a much earlier date. Let the late date be inclusive of college and kids and let the earlier date happen to pump the earlier primaries.
The march on individual states has been mentioned several times before and never has come to pass. I think coordinating that at the same time as DC really takes away from DC, but to do it earlier doesn't.
Basically our Tea Party was the "all over the nation" rally.
April 19th may be too early but...
April 22nd is the PA primary! A good showing in Harrisburg would get lots of attention. Since PA is really the birthplace of the constitution and the revolution (and Ron Paul) this would be a good message. So how about state capital rallies before the primaries are all over.
How about early rallies in state capitals, and a 2nd one say on July 4th in DC and major cities? The 2nd one could be the BIG one and anyone not able to attend could do a 2nd march on their state capital.
Just thinking out loud here... I am thinking of those of us who live in PA. Harrisburg also has lots of things to do. The WIllam Penn Museum, the capital complex, a beautiful river walk, ample lodging and good places to eat. Regardless of other mass meetings, for us being so close to the primary would be a good move to attract the press before people vote.
The biggest argument I get now is 'he has no chance', not because of his policies but because people think he has no real support. This would be a good way to show people that there are REAL numbers out there and they may be more comfortable thinking that they wont be voting alone.
I Agree 100% We NEED Pennsylvania!
I may be a vegetarian, but I'll defend to the death my right to eat pork!
Excellent points all.
Excellent points all.
Also, for whatever website is ultimately setup to organize the national event, I would suggest some sort of "registration fee" to sign-up (the "registration fee" of, say, $25 could be used for promoting the event, organizing the event, etc. That way you could probably arrive at an accurate snapshot of attendance.
"We don't have to start a brand new revolution...All we have to do is restore the original Constitution." -Ron Paul
How about a free protest???
I mean thats why we are here isn't it?
Let's keep it simple .
Set a time and date.
No registration fee, ever.
P.S. You're not in sales are you???
Another Idea
While I think these are all good thoughts, I dont not think this is a great idea. The point of a mass rally is the 'mass' part and people will opt out of traveling if they know theres another option strongly diluting the crowd. I do however see what your saying in that many people are in a bind with money. A better idea might be once we set a date, and have a ton of pledges of people going, we could maybe do some kind of fundraiser and donations to help out the people who cant afford to. Ron Pauls platform of getting rid of big government only works if we the people can pick up the slack and help out our fellow man. I dont have a lot of money, but i will be happy to try to raise some or donate some for the people that cant afford it if it will help them make it there.
No. DC or bust.
Meetups could put some money together to charter a bus. It just has to be organized and everyone has to HELP each other out. We need to help EACH other. That is what FREEDOM is!
In the world's broad fields of battle. In the bivoac of life. Be not like dumb driven cattle...be a HERO in the strife.
Charter Buses
Rallies at stops along the way, buffets planned ahead of time at the stops.
i would not go any more
i would not go any more "local" than state capitals. i fear that might even dilute the impact of the rally/march.
why don't we pick 3 locations. everyone on the east coast can make it to d.c. in less than a day (driving). maybe we also pick chicago or st louis (to accomodate the midwest) and denver or sacramento (to accomodate the rockies and west coast). with three locations we can have three huge marches. (maybe a 4th location for the south...little rock/new orleans/houston?)
every meetup needs to find a way to carpool/rent a van or bus/ get greyhound tix or whatever. this is doable! use your "stimulus check" to pay your way.
A good idea, but let's try for the bigger gathering in D.C.
It is good to be looking ahead like this. But remember just how diverse the Ron Paul revolutionaries are. We might see organized chartered buses and other caravans which could also generate news. I think it is important to concentrate on setting a date before even contemplating uncertainties. My income is seasonal, so I may or may not be able to afford the trip based solely on the date selected.
ONWARD! TO D.C.!
I Agree
One of my first thoughts was Freedom Buses--Charter buses to pick supporters up on the way. A stop in towns along the way with, of course, a rally, and perhaps supporters there providing a big pot of soup to help keep it affordable.
April 19 GATA Anybody Seen Our Gold
On weekend 18 - 20 April GATA (Gold Anti Trust Action Committe) is having a conference called GATA goes to Washington - Anybody Seen Our Gold http://www.gata.org/node/...
The amount and whereabouts of the nations gold reserves - which are in question - goes to the heart of the problems in Washington and the nation ie the printing of money out of thin air, so this is the ideal weekend ie Sat April 19 to send a massive message to Congress while at the same time bringing attention to Anybody Seen our Gold and the finances of the country. It allows 2 months to plan and spring blossoms should be in the air.
Dr Paul maybe speaking at this event as well.
April 19th is also the date,
April 19th is also the date, in 1933, when Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the U.S. was leaving the gold standard.
Dual punch on that date.. Revolution starts, Dollar off Gold. Two prime 'subjects' surrounding this campaign.
April 19 is also
The date of the first battles of the first Revolution. This would be 2 good dates to plan around.
The Best idea....
.....I've heard so far! Excellent idea!