An Unlikely Revolution - Chronicle of the Campaign
Posted July 30th, 2008 by abstrusezincate
Before we go forward to the important work ahead in the continuing fight for liberty, I thought it important that we take a breath and look at what we've accomplished. It continues to be an amazing journey, and though one campaign is ending, the battle continues.
After my time of being actively involved with the campaign ended, I sat down and penned a book about the experience. It's about two hundred pages, and I've posted An Unlikely Revolution at my website for you to read. If you were involved in any grassroots group, or a meetup, I think you'll enjoy it because it'll remind you of how much we really achieved.
My name is Tom Kawczynski and some of you might remember that I worked as the PA State Coordinator for a while for the campaign, and I actually used to blog here regularly offering advice on how to effectively use your groups to better result. I haven't had a chance to post here in a long while since I've been working on a number of different projects, including one to help provide educational materials regarding liberty that takes up much of my time.
I chose to release this now because I also think we need to consider what we have done successfully and where we have struggled as new organizations come into being. Although everyone wants the same eventual end goals, we need to be smart and effective if we are going to accomplish those. There are many conversations to be had, both now and at Minneapolis, and those will determine the direction of so much of what we intend.
In my blog, I talk about that in several places (though I warn you in advance, I write about many other things besides politics), and my own contention that I think we need to be careful to maintain our independence, as the Republican label and the desire to network may compromise our true goals. That is another conversation for another day, but it is one worth having.
If you want, please take a look at the book and let me know your feedback. I think more people need to be writing to help others understand what this movement has been about, why it matters, and so America knows we aren't going away.
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thanks
Thank you for everyone who had kind words. I really appreciate that, and I really had fun working with you all. I've been enjoying not having to work so hard, but I hope we can find future campaigns where this experience will help.
Neal is a really great guy, and he was always very kind toward me. I wish we would have had more of a chance to work together.
Thank you Tom
We really liked it back when you were the head of the grassroots in PA. We thought you were a great leader and organizer.
Dave G. - Harrisburg Campaign for Liberty.
Enlightening
"
I haven't read the entire book yet - I started at the part where I had the greatest interest and involvement - which was the Philadelphia Rally fiasco. As a travel agent and meeting planner, I got involved working with Neal after making a call to Campaign HQ about a completely different matter and casually inquiring as to the status of the PHL Rally, and before I knew what was happening, I was speaking directly to Neal. I was sitting beside him for the entire afternoon as the PHL group were enroute to Washington to plead their case. I made a 2 hour drive at the last minute to assist him in obtaining a new venue (if it were necessary). I was advised that a change was necessary due to the excessive costs for Independence Mall. Neal is among one of the nicest and most honest young men I have ever met (I also include you on that list, Tom). Unfortunately, I was totally unaware of the problems in PHIL, and did not know what was happening. I am so very sorry you were treated so badly by the campaign. From the time I first met you at the Pittsburgh Rally more than a year ago, I have known you to be a true and trusted leader. It is my hope that you pursue a career in leadership in our state. You have an excellent reputation with all who have come in contact with you. I personally wish you the very best that life has to offer.
Donna Rode - Greater Harrisburg Ron Paul Meet-up Group #183
Nothing is as it appears; everything is smoke and mirrors"
Hey, I'm a burger too! (Go Stillars!)
Tom, I enjoyed your book. There are two unique things about the Ron Paul movement. First, we enjoy a passionate camaraderie in the most important cause of our lifetime. Second, we're truly in unchartered waters.
My personal belief is that we are better off working through the "system" as long as it is practical. The beauty of truth and logic is that it is the common denominator that transcends conventional thinking.
BTW, I'm driving to the Rally from Pittsburgh and would be interested in having someone help with the driving (13 hours I think).
Thanks Tom!
I really enjoyed the book and appreciate everything you did. I felt many times like I was reading a book about my own experiences with the campaign. Ron Paul is a great statesman and his message is right on target, but the campaign that backed him up manytimes was his biggest problem. They could not make the connection between the man, the message and the grassroots complete and I believe Ron Paul never really had the desire to succeed and to occupy the oval office. Thus, the campaign apparently at his direction became and is continuing on the path of only delivering "a message". A grand message indeed.
But unfortunately our nation needs a leader in the whitehouse and that's certainly not what we're going to get.
The grassroots were convinced, rightly so, that he could have won! He never was convinced of that and it showed in the decisions and people he put in place inside the campaign. I'm convinced now more than ever before that in fact had he actually won the campaign he could never have put the right people in place to assemble a successful administration as president.
Once again, unfortunately, many people have been chasing false hope! What a let down.
Been waiting for this...
Tom,
You were one of the first people who I met over a year ago through the Ron Paul movement. You were always a good guy to call for advice and wisdom. You pulled off one of the first large rallies for Dr. Paul in Pennsylvania. I can't wait to get a copy of your book. I wish you all the best.
For Liberty,
Jim McDaniel
PS. We'll have to get together for beers sometime when I'm back in the burgh'.
Greater Harrisburg, PA :: Ron Paul's Campaign for Liberty
http://RonPaul.Meetup.com...
Glad you enjoyed it...
Jim,
Next time you're down here, we'll definitely need to do that! I had a great time last time I was up there, and you should look at what I'm doing with SELF. If you look under the links on that site, you can see what I'm planning with the education thing.
Anyway, it was fun to write, and I've been sitting on this a while. But, I like writing and I hope to keep doing so.
Send me an e-mail if you have a group you want me to link to, and I'll add you to the roll.
-Tom
Thank you for your dedication,
Ginny ...also in PA
thanks
Ginny, thanks. I am just happy to have experienced it, and I hope you enjoy reading it. For anyone from PA, it might answer a few questions you would have, especially regarding the whole deal with that big rally in Philadelphia.
Im from The The BURGHHHHH
Pittsburgh that is haha but living in phoenix arizona and I say this past year and a half has been some of the ost enlightening in my life , if not the most , that goes with saying i turned 19 earlier this month , but I feel this will shape a huge part of what i will do in the future ....
So much important growth in knowledge and truth has come out of Ron Paul and everyone involved in his campaign , I hope this will be shared for generations to come , for people 50 years from now to realize we fought against the establishment and we cut em open , allowing the viral infection of truth and peace take over the beast of lies and deception ....
peace and love
RP '08
i am very touched by your post
thanks so much for sharing your reply as it has inspired me.
~peace
As am
I, thanks for your service.