Think for yourself
Posted September 6th, 2008 by Sm
output
This is a movement of individual liberty yet I constantly hear people ask: "who will Dr. Paul endorse?". Or worse: "what are the marching orders?"
Not to judge or be critical, we are all so used to be being told what to do, buy or how to act that we've lost our own ability to think for ourselves.
Don't wait for someone to tell you how to vote or act - you know what to do. You're on this web site so you have the information to make your own decisions.
Luckily, We've found each other and know that we're not alone in this fight for freedom. A year ago, we thought we were pretty much alone in our knowledge of the FED and CFR. Now we know better. There are lots of us.
Dr. Paul has fought alone for many years and has managed to bring us together recently. He's done enough, don't expect him to carry the burden further - it's time for us to step up.
Yes a group needs a leader, but one man can't be expected to do it all forever. Time for you and I to step up.
Don't keep waiting for the good Doctor to tell you what to do -he already has!
Think for yourself, unite with like-minded people, convert misguided folks and ACT on what you know.
Think for yourself.
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Nothing will change unless
Nothing will change unless we close ranks around a third party candidate with ballot access in all 50 states. The establishment has a lock on the process. It really doesn't matter whether Obama or McCain wins the election. It's the LOSER that will be greatly analyzed. It's the votes that were lost that will matter most, not the votes that were won. If the same 1.2 million people who voted for Ron Paul would now unite behind a third party candidate -- ANY THIRD PART CANDIDATE -- you'd see a very different dynamic in place than what we currently have.
Staying UNITED is the Answer!
You seem to think that those who are wanting RP to make an endorsement or call to action don't know how to think for themselves, but you would be wrong in thinking so.
We realize that a great deal of our strength comes from our unity behind Ron Paul. In order to succeed in our goals we must find a way to remain united.
Look at the 1992 election with Perot getting nearly 20% of the vote. Maybe 15% more and he would have been President.
So what if by election day we as a whole had 35-40% of the voters, but those votes were split between Barr and Baldwin? We lose! But, if we united behind one of them then we would win.
Keeping us from being united in our efforts really only benefits the status quo.
Many RP supporters have been frustrated and alienated
because their voices haven't been heard. This can be resolved through better, more efficient organization. If the C4L is being run by the same people that ran RP's campaign, prepare for a long, dark winter. One of the top issues facing us now is the November presidential election. Many stances are being taken and all have validity. However, this brings up the question: How are Liberty-minded voters suppose to travel to the polls?
With a shotgun or with a rifle? Without a unified front we run the risk of a diluted, inefficient effort again. Therefore, it's time for leadership to once more step up. Let's hope a clear direction is established by next Wednesday, the 10th.
Love (consciousness) is in everything including the void.
I think the November
I think the November election should be low on everybody's list of concerns! I mean really, when you have only the choice between evil and the lesser of two evils, what power is there in the vote from a liberty minded individual?
Yeah, there is voting for a third party candidate but let's be honest, it's much more symbolic than effectual and we all know that! While it is necessary for some to vote like that so they can honestly say "it's not my fault, I voted ___" it still does nothing to help the situation that we must still deal with, which is a pretty fucking hairy one!
I mean, voting is at the bottom end of our "democratic" responsibilities, it's the least anyone can do. But most people think that voting is at the top of the food chain! We know that is not true at all, so what am I suggesting?
I suggest, and this is my own humble opinion, that instead of worrying about which screwhead we're gonna vote for, we start learning within our own local freedom coalitions how to effectively involve the local community in some sort of empowering, decision making process. That might even mean putting some of our freedom issues aside, but if we start by in some way, to some degree, creating opportunities for our local communities to become more involved with each other, more self-aware, with an increased amount of open, honest dialogue throughout, then we will be setting the foundation of a beautiful network of empowerment that hasn't been witnessed since Ben Franklin gave the answer: "A Republic, if you can keep it."
We need to be the spearheads of a new way of looking at how people gain power for themselves and have noticeable influence on the course of events. If our movement wholeheartedly embraced something so paradigm-shifting as that, we will be known in very high regard, and then naturally our ideals will have spread the entire time throughout our local communities simply through the act of putting our "first principles" aside and instead taking up the helm and steering our neighbors to an awareness of not only their personal power, but their inter-personal power which is the greatest power we can witness if we are coming from a place that holds the individual in the highest regard!
Two points here:
One: Each and every election is critical to the life of our Republic. Without personal involvement, nothing positive happens. That's responsibility. It's a must. And all successful revolutions need focused efforts to ensure victories or at least momentum maintenance. When we put our voting eggs in one basket, we make that election a win-win affair by gaining 3rd party credibility and believability with the mass voters. This is one way to enlighten the voters on the Freedom message, without which, they are left with MSM propaganda. We mustn't shirk our responsibility. After each election, we get smarter by examining what worked and what do not. It's a continuing learning curve, but we need to participate rather than spectate.
Two: You are right in thinking and acting locally. But let us start at the core, be it ourselves. Know thyself eternally internally and go outward from there. Embody that dynamic sovereign that we all are in everything we think, say, do. Be that example. Get off the grid. Grow your own food. Seek out free energy devices. Speak the Freedom message when appropriate. You will be ahead of the curve and others will follow that independent path as it resonates within them.
(consciousness) is in everything including the void.
Think of this in military
Think of this in military strategy terms. A divided and confused enemy (which is us, in the minds of the RNC) is easily conquered. We are close to being conquered simply because we are hopelessly divided over every minute detail.
In 'professional' organizations there is a clear division of labor, responsibilities are defined, goals are set & met, and anyone who doesn't meet their goal is assisted or replaced. Simple. There is also a figurehead who can at least direct activities and make sure the hierarchy is working. There is no such thing as a completely flat organization, so there has to be a 'director', or 'captain' (whatever you prefer) that is responsible to the organization so the organization can be responsible back to the 'director'. A virtuous circle of efficiency.
Without a streamlined, efficient organization we are doomed to slow, inefficient progress. The self-contained individualist does not work in combat against a larger, more powerful foe. You may argue that we are the "snipers" of this 'ground war'. OK, but snipers take marching orders also.
The Ron Paul organization has been a mess from day one, and it has limped along with a dedicated, but often confused group of supporters, thanks to this lack of a clear message from the top. Yes, leadership counts for something in this case.
My new hope is this. I support a Jesse Ventura run for president in 2012, because I believe he just might be the kind of forceful personality it will take to finally break us through to the mainstream, and if things get as bad as everyone seems to think they'll get over the next couple of years, the message of freedom will hopefully be something the public is willing to hear.
This election is over for us now and we need to look ahead.
I agree
a group needs a leader. That's why we are a Republic, not a Democracy.
Our leader can't carry us forever, we need to help him, step up and carry some of the load of leadership.
Realistically, I think
Realistically, I think Ventura will bring out many more of the wackos simply because he's a so-called "9-11 Truther" and it will REALLY be hard for him to have any credibility in '12. I mean, think about it. Yeah we do need a more forceful personality though, but I doubt Ventura will attract the right kind of people, and I like the guy so. . .who knows! A lot can change in this time until then.
If Ventura is a "Truther"
If Ventura is a so-called Truther, he's the only one that I don't have an issue over that opinion. He has far more value for all of his other qualities, namely his clear, thoughtful and forceful ability to argue his points. Qualities all of us wish Dr. Paul had. We all love Dr. Paul, but this fundamental quality reduced his stature in the eyes of all of the other competitors and in the eyes of the American people because they judge only on appearances. Ventura has the appearance of a "winner".
Anyone who thinks appearances are not important need only be reminded that an utter stranger just got a bigger viewing audience and gave a major shot of adrenalin to the black heart of the Republican party. Why? She's confident, good looking and a mother. Something clearly identifiable to the average person. She may end up being an uncontrollable nightmare for the Republicans (just like Biden might be for the Democrats), but she got them back in the spotlight in pretty short order.
Ventura is no Gov. Palin!
Ventura is no Gov. Palin! Look, I like Ventura, he's a genuine guy, it's just that he's probably a little more than MOST Americans will take seriously.
Think about it, the double whammy of his wrestling days coupled with any and all "incriminating" soundbytes from Alex Jones appearances, and the media will laugh him off their backs like water on a duck!
Just think about it man, Ventura aint got a chance in hell unless things change very drastically. . .
Voters are obviously willing
Voters are obviously willing to forgive quite a lot if the candidate just owns up and is honest with them. Palin and McCain are both the walking, talking embodiments of contradiction. Despite this, people willingly overlook these failures if they identify with the candidate or see more benefit than harm.
apply beliefs in govt
apply beliefs in govt complicity re: 9-11 to McCains platform and see how far he gets. . .
In four years, 9/11 will
In four years, 9/11 will continue to fade from our country's collective short term memory. For crying out loud, people can't even remember what nonsense came out of whose mouth in this campaign, and nearly anything can be made to look bad on an edited tape. So, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Ventura was a Navy Seal, looks impressive and can argue his point with such ferocity that he almost never fails to win his argument.
I think people are trying to
I think people are trying to get a feel of where the majority of the votes are going so that we can combine our efforts in an attempt to make certain that McCain or Obama isnt in there.
I will probably vote for Barr, unless Ron Paul gets on more of these ballots.
For the Record, Im a huge Ron Paul supporter in San Ramon, CA, not a Barr troll, as some have implied.
Sm I think
people are not used to critical thinking so it is easier to not. I think most people here already know what they want to do but may like to hear what Dr. Paul has to say. As people start thinking and get used to speaking and expressing their opinions they will gain confidence and rely on Dr. Paul less. We are novices at this and it will take time and patience for many of us to build a backbone to support and express our views. Many may prefer not to tell what they want to do because it is no one's business but their own.
Peace Patriot
you are right
You shouldn't tell others your personal business or ask others to tell you theirs. Unless you want to.
We all need mentors and teachers but you have to fledge/take wing at some point.
I personally see quite a bit
I personally see quite a bit of ideology bordering fundamentalism in this movement, which is unfortunate to say the least. If you don't believe me, start using the word "democracy" instead of "republic" and see how many people get real pissed off!!!
I do think that a large majority of people in this movement are free thinking, although there is a strong segment that are hardliners and not very flexible perceptually and they seem to have niched themselves into an ideological corner from which hallowed truths of patriotism and constitutional principles drown out any notion of new ideas. . .which is a sure sign of rigid beliefs and ultimately: brain death!
This is very tongue in cheek, but it touches upon a very familiar subject with me and that is one of acceptance and openness. When you are truly a "free" person, then you are very accepting of whatever other people throw at you and also very open minded to the point that even a Christian may entertain the Devil for a night in the off chance that maybe he's on to something. . .
I do come from a more psychedelic background than probably 90% of the people on here, and so it's easy for me to be able to juggle belief systems(BS) and not get dizzy, but I think that for many it is hard enough maintaining whatever revolutionary fantasies they have(that still contain the kernel of honest desire for unity) and so have very little patience for "new ideas" and even worthwhile notions that might come from sources some here would term "the enemy" or "the problem". . .
Anyway, in the vein of thinking for yourself, and questioning authority, I would first recommend you read something and everything by the author Robert Anton Wilson. Not only is he very educated, eloquent, and enlightening, but he's funny as hell! One thing this movement seems to lack is a sense of humour! Everything's so damn serious and the reality is that even in the face of impossible odds one must maintain a sense of humour! Next I would recommend you find yourself a quiet 4-5 hours alone and ingest 5+grams of psilocybin mushrooms, watching Timothy Leary's "How to operate your brain" for the first 1/2 hour or so. . .THEN come back to all of this revolutionary stuff and see how everything settles! I truly believe that while this movement is doing a good thing, it needs a much larger perspective than it currently has, and there is no better way to obtain a "larger picture" than through a solemn, intentional, psychedelic "trip"!!!
Think for yourself, Question Authority
Well...
That's thinking for yourself, but I don't think that's the action I'd take. Thinking for yourself dosen't mean leaving others out of the equation. Hallucinogens tend to replace reality with a temporary alternate reality. Tomorrow's another day, let's wake up and win.
"Hallucinogens tend to
"Hallucinogens tend to replace reality with a temporary alternate reality."
Well, I won't get into semantics here, but, what is reality? Sure, it's the things that still exist even if we don't believe in them, right? But aren't belief systems forms of reality as well? I mean, take for instance a Christian who believes that the Devil is absolutely real. They are gonna act upon that belief, whether it bares resemblance to "actual" reality or not! And so it is with any belief system. . .
I mention psychedelic experience as an example to let people know that just because they think something to be true, it does not make it so! An experience such as I suggest will place the individual face to face with their mind, and there is no escaping a total re-examination of their whole belief structure as the onset of a heavy psychedelic experience does just that!
I also mentioned this half in jest, as I'm not seriously advocating that everyone start shrooming right now, and also as a test to see just how tolerant people are of another individuals ideas. I've thrown some stuff on here that was shot down over simple words and misunderstandings, without the responders giving much thought to the underlying content involved that is relevant. . .It's interesting just to note how far people are willing to go to prove their beliefs, and then turn around and show how much they really don't adhere to them!
"Tomorrow's another day, let's wake up and win."
Any suggestions on this front, or was this just a "pat on the back, take two of these" sort of off-handed comment? Not that it matters to me, I'm just curious if you know anything I don't, that's all!
peace
I agree with you 100%! I've
I agree with you 100%!
I've been saying this for a while.
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Do you know someone who cares a lot about Israel? Send them this link that explains why Ron Paul's message is better for Israel, America, and the world. www.AmericansForIsrael.co...
And. . .
Question Authority
Amen! -----------------------
Amen!
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Do you know someone who cares a lot about Israel? Send them this link that explains why Ron Paul's message is better for Israel, America, and the world. www.AmericansForIsrael.co...
friday night bump
I've never self bumped before (blogging masturbation?) but this site is cranking tonite and the posts are scrolling off faster than you can read them. I 'm in favor of this post over a lot the troll crap that's been posted here. Nobody want's to comment?
bump ...
I cant imagine NOT thinking for myself.... but for those that have forgotten, now ya remember =)
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“Revolutions never go backward.”
Wendell Phillips