Ron Paul: Scaling Back, Still Down With GOP

Ron Paul, in a statement today, announces he's scaling back his presidential campaign in recognition of the impossibility of a brokered convention, will fight strongly to retain his congressional seat ("If I were to lose the primary for my congressional seat, all our opponents would react with glee, and pretend it was a rejection of our ideas. I cannot and will not let that happen"), and will still definitely not do a third party run (which disappoints me, for one). He also reveals he's a secret Trotskyist. (Well, at least in the sense that he hopes his movement will become a "permanent revolution" within the GOP.)

My February reason cover story on the Ron Paul movement.

Comments

Lamar | February 9, 2008, 12:17am | #

I'm pretty sure many of us donated to his campaign under the impression that he wouldn't scale back his campaign. After all, we knew he wouldn't win. This sort of defeats the purpose of an "ideas" candidate....you know, the scaling back of the ideas and whatnot.

As far as this permanent revolution business goes, for a man who is so against immigration, his rhetoric sounds a lot like "Institutional Revolutionary Party."

Dodsworth | February 9, 2008, 12:32am | #

Ron Paul worked extremely hard in this campaign and may have put his Congressional seat in peril as a result. As I several time contributer, I think he has done more than enough and deserves our thanks. I hope that I have that much energy and enthusiasm when I am his age.

Still, the opporunity to run a libertarian third party is so great this year, that somebody needs to do it. Can't someone bribe, flatter, strong-arm Gary Johnson into doing the job? Is anyone trying?

sixstring | February 9, 2008, 12:37am | #

I am glad that Ron Paul is NOT pursuing a third party path. That would marginalize everything he's done so far. Sure, I'd love to pull the lever for him in November, but what chance did he have in these times? Fact is, by staying in the race and hammering home the conservative and sometimes libertarian positions he holds, some people are listening. Huck may have delusions of being the VP, but Ron Paul will continue to voice the message of freedom, of the Constitution, of limiting the scope of Federal interference in our daily lives and at the workplace. It's always been about the message and not the man.

Jon | February 9, 2008, 12:38am | #

He scaled back his campaign because he no longer needs to campaign in the half of the states that the primaries are over. That and he is probably assuming that the money will slow down and he wants it to last until all the primaries are over. I agree with his decision I just don't know if I would have made it public as it hurts his chances of getting any more media coverage (not that he was getting much anyways)

Click 'n' Learn | February 9, 2008, 12:43am | #

Ron Paul has a ceiling of support.

The only way he could do better than he's done until now is if his opponents do worse. If they're considered less viable, Ron Paul will be considered more viable.

The way you make McCain less viable is by videotaping his responses to real questions and then uploading them to Youtube and other sites. If you show that he's not qualified, and hundreds of thousands of people see it, Ron Paul's chances will greatly improve.

And, here's a line of questioning that McCain will have trouble with.

Don't wait for Reason to start suggesting doing the above or for the MSM to ask the real questions. You need to do it yourself.

James Anderson Merritt | February 9, 2008, 12:49am | #

"Still down with GOP." Indeed. If you're with the GOP these days, you're definitely down and sinking lower day by day.

Good luck to Dr. Paul in retaining his Congressional seat. I hope he will be able to pursue a serious Presidential campaign until September, though. The job of getting the message out -- already paid for by the donations of money and volunteer effort of the rEVOLutionaries -- is clearly far from over.

t. j. | February 9, 2008, 12:55am | #

did pj o' rourke like ron paul? i just saw him on maher ealrier and it popped in my mind...

anyway...well, this is sad. i mean....how great would it have been a ron paul presidency? sure some of his ideas are so unpopular with mainstream america that he'd never have had a second term. the soccer moms of america would have demanded his impeachment the moment he made any efforts to end the drug war.

Thomas | February 9, 2008, 1:05am | #

Gary Johnson might be a good LP candidate for President, but he might also be a good GOP candidate for Senator or Rep, perhaps running as part of the "No" Gang or something.

Mr. Blather | February 9, 2008, 1:06am | #

Well, from the point of view of the reason hit squad, this must be considered "mission accomplished". I imagine they're sharing champagne with the survivors of the '72 Dolphins. After all, if Paul had won the presidency, where would they be?

Now they have at least 8 more years to lament how there aren't enough libertarians in politics and to complain about big government getting even bigger.

wmb | February 9, 2008, 1:11am | #

I'm just glad the LP is safe for the invasion of the liberty snatchers -- that is those fake libertarians who hate immigrants. We don't need the kind of people Paul has been attracting in the libertarian movement. No Rockwellian racists anymore.

So now what will Paul do with the millions he raised? He didn't put into a serious campaign. He sat on it, enriching his campaign treasury but not spending it on a single serious campaign. He took in millions then never actually bothered to run a real campaign. Could it be just one big fund raising exercise all along. Even after he spends on his congression race he'll have millions left to spend. He can donate that to a 501(c)3. Anyone wondering if the money will go to Paul's foundation or to his friend, Rockwell?

Nolan | February 9, 2008, 2:00am | #

I was always under the impression he would give it the ole college try, but was really after the money for a Senate run.

Btw, I've seen some of the candidates considering running against RP for his seat, and can't stand them.

Oh and another thing, RP is supposed to have some sort of rally this Sunday in Lake Jackson if anyone wants to come. I'll be working. (so come to chili's when you get out!)

http://ronpaul.meetup.com/14/calendar/7271330/

Brent | February 9, 2008, 2:58am | #

wmb,

You and those who hate Ron Paul are ignorant as hell. Paul's main problem with immigration is welfare, and last I checked libertarians weren't too fond of welfare checks. And you call him a racist? Ignore the fact that everyone, from the Austin NAACP to gay journalist who have known Paul predating those articles to this point, deny that he is a racist or homophobic or antisemite (which really confuses me due to his list of heroes including many Jews).

He is cutting back on the HQ, and anyone who has worked with HQ know they were the problem the whole time. Looks like he will be doing more of a l

Brent | February 9, 2008, 3:02am | #

He is cutting back on the HQ, and anyone who has worked with HQ know they were the problem the whole time. Looks like he will be doing more of a laissez faire approach to campaigning.

I already know there are Romney supporters who are looking at Ron Paul right now after his CPAC speech, and in a dream world he'd end up getting Romney's delegates and go on to win states and the nomination. But I live in a world with bias media, stupid people (my teacher voting for Mitt Romney cause "he is antiwar and wants out in 6 months", or people like wmb who don't know what Paul's campaign has done for the libertarian cause.), and some horrid campaign staff.

Rhys | February 9, 2008, 3:09am | #

I'm one of the people who was in the GOP well before I knew who Dr. Paul was. That being said, I'm am thrilled he brought the idea of liberty and small government back to the GOP. If he runs third party, all that change will leave with him. No deal... I want this to be long term. I'm not trying to stroke his ego by forcing him into thinking third party is even a chance. He's ran that way before and knows it's not possible. He already has more votes from the primary season being half over than he got in the entire 1988 election.

Rhys | February 9, 2008, 3:14am | #

Brent, your teacher is a perfect example for why we need competition in education. You get these government teachers who are intellectually bankrupt and would never make it in the private realm. Good thing government is there to subsidise retarded public education or the sheeple might wake up.

buzzy^ | February 9, 2008, 3:43am | #

dang! i had to register republican to vote for ron paul in the new hampshire primary. crud the fat cats had squeezed out the NH lib party.

not that i have anything aginst von mises, except his theory of finance has been superseeded by the 'time theory of value'.

but i'm still an anarchist and prefer the works of joshiah warren. that's the real deal on lassez fare/lassez passer.

if ron paul is tooling with trotsky, i wonder where marx and gilbert (von mises cousin) fit into all this.....

light & love buzz kimball

Ayn_Randian | February 9, 2008, 3:48am | #

Paul's main problem with immigration is welfare

"Ultimately, we had to destroy liberties in order to save them."

Ron Paul...wow. He's an ass.

Anita Dickens-Hyde | February 9, 2008, 4:11am | #

"Still down with GOP"?

That makes sense, actually. Libertarians who vote Republican are down with the GOP in the sense that Monica went down with Bill Clinton.

Erich | February 9, 2008, 4:17am | #

I think he's doing the right thing. If the Republicans lose the presidency to the Democrats, I want them losing it all by themselves, and not blaming a Ron Paul Independent run (like they did with Ross Perot in 92/96) for eating away at their votes. If he does make an Independent run, he's got my vote.

hale | February 9, 2008, 4:41am | #

Erich,

I had always assumed that was the reason he'd explicitly refused to run as an independent; a wise move but also a clever one, in Odyssean fashion. It was one of my favorite things about his campaign.

As a spoiler he'd be the Ralph Nader of the right: hated as an egomaniac and universally a joke. In Texas, though, he's doing very well; a lot of people I know endorse him emotionally and don't seem particularly aware that his views are regarded as outlandish, which is the sort of card the libertarian movement hasn't drawn a whole lot of in the past.

I liked the idea someone brought up of a Senate run. I think he'd have decent odds.

Brad | February 9, 2008, 5:07am | #

I don't see why Paul thinks that he has to remain a Republican to retain his Congressional seat. Afterall, he is extremely popular in his home district (his most fervent supporters have said that all along).

Why not hold a press conference condemning the GOP for becoming Socialist? Then, he could join the Libertarian party and campaign for both Congress and the White House as their candidate. He has the money (afterall, he hasn't spent any of it) and he has the potential to win the White House as a 3rd party ticket (if Clinton-McCain is the race for president, there will be alot of people unhappy with the nominees of the major parties who would support Paul on the LP ticket).

DavidS | February 9, 2008, 5:21am | #

Why not hold a press conference condemning the GOP for becoming Socialist?

Yeah that would really help persuade people that he'd lost his marbles.

he has the potential to win the White House as a 3rd party ticket

You sound like that Iraqi information minister.

tsoldrin | February 9, 2008, 5:48am | #

This is for the best. A 3rd party run... he'd have done slightly better than he did with republicans, but even doubling his percentage wouldn't be enough, especially as he'd be hitting against sore loser laws in some states as well. Anyhow, 3rd parties are nothing but a vanity in this country. You would need to stitch together ALL of the third parties to even be noticed and you'd still lose.

Gary A | February 9, 2008, 7:15am | #

Yea Reason Mag you did great, you wrote about the news letter so much Paul gave up. Yup I guess now he will do a Howard Dean and tell us to suport McCain. Like I better be dead before I suport that Horse.

GO OBAMA Sorry Paul

BakedPenguin | February 9, 2008, 7:35am | #

Gary - I don't think Paul would endorse McCain.

T'Mershi Duween | February 9, 2008, 8:17am | #

Now is not the time to announce a 3rd party run.

Paul oughta bring up the possibility in early summer, and then announce 2 days before the GOP convention. In a broadsides on the party, run a campaign pointing out how the GOP has lost its way on the conservative front, and doubled its efforts on the crypto fascist control freakery front, in a sick attempt to compensate at the polls. How they peddle fear because, in their estimation, the USA needs defense spending more than it needs anything resembling peace, much less a balanced budget.

Make the bitches in the GOP wish that they'd made the effort to keep Paul in the fold. If he trashes the GOP but good, maybe they'll send the Scoop Jackson neocons packing back to the democratic party and the GOP can get back to fiscal conservatism and a respect for liberty instead of shitbird fearmongers who spend like drunken sailors.

jan | February 9, 2008, 8:17am | #

The movement is far from over..
It is just a matter of time.
The message of peace liberty and prosperity is still spreading. People are just now waking up!

Just a matter of time for everyone to realize that our country needs to return to some basics (the constitution).
People need answers about why our Government is going down hill morally and financially..search and you will find out why..and there you'll find Ron Paul with an answer.

James Ard | February 9, 2008, 8:35am | #

If someone will send me ten bucks I'll go vote for Paul in today's LA primary. If you send me twenty, I'll start a hawks for Paul PAC.

Dr Ward Ciac II | February 9, 2008, 8:50am | #

Who in the world would vote for Juan McWar once they actually know what he stands for:
* has the most campaign contributions from media (i.e. news) companies and Wall Street bankers
* had to get a loan floated for his 4th quarter (campaign deficit spending).
* grew up with the privilege of an admiral father and grandfather on navy bases.
* graduated 894th out of 899 at the Naval Academy and lost five jets!
* military donors McCain: $79,597; 413 donors, Paul: $286,764; 1349 donors.
* one of the Charles Keating 5; cost the taxpayer $30 billion dollars and the subsequent failure of the savings and loan business.
* co-author of the McCain-Feingold act to "reform" campaign finance, i.e. protect the Media and Military Industrial Complex anointed against challengers.
* wants amnesty for illegal aliens and hires 'Mexico First' people.
* almost became a Democrat when he didn't get the Republican nod in 2000.
* flip flopped and was against military interventionism in 1994 (Haiti) and 1993 (Somalia):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPyKpcivQYQ
* committed adultery and left his first wife after she was in an auto accident and became disabled.
* current wife the prospective First Lady adultered with him, was addicted to prescription narcotics and stole hard drugs from a medical charity that she ran.
* was stupefied when asked an economics question by Ron Paul:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcdLO3jKkPo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu-tg1kQ8dk&feature=related
* will sing Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran at public gatherings in exchange for campaign donations.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 8:53am | #

We are getting bombarded here in his District with TV ads. I shit you all not. If you watch CNN, Fox News, or MSNBC, you will catch the same Ron Paul ad on every single commercial break. It's the same ad: red, white and blue flag flying in the background, "Ron Paul is a champion of conservative values, or patriotism, supporting our troops... has delivered over 400 babies... has always voted to protect the taxpayer..."

I can't imagine it's effective, since they're playing it over, and over, and over, and over again.

You all want to know where all your money that you donated to the Ron Paul for President Campaign has gone too? Television advertising on Houston-area TV.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 9:00am | #

Brad, what makes you think Ron Paul is "extremely popular" in his home district? Are you kidding me?

Victoria Conservative Republicans can't stand him. They've been suspicious of him from the beginning. They've never come around to supporting him.

Metro-Houston Moderate/Establishment Republicans hate him.

Galveston liberals don't know who he is, since that's a new part of the District, and those who do know him, despise him.

The only support base he has is in Ft. Bend, Matagorda, Wharton and Brazoria Counties. But even here in Brazoria, his own longtime friend, and Brazoria County GOP Chair Yvonne Dewey is actively campaigning for Paul's opponent Chris Peden.

Yes, the Pro-Life/Religious Rightists in Wharton, and Ft. Bend still admire Ron Paul. But that's countered by the mainline Republicans from Metro-Houston/Friendswood, who can't stand him. And they're much larger in number.

The only thing that will save Ron Paul is that McCain is the Nominee. If Romney stayed in the race, you'd see a massive turn-out in the GOP primary. Now, that turn-out will be down dramatically. And in a low turn-out race, Paul should do well against Peden.

Paul's Pro-Life/Religious Right supporters will turn-out no matter what.

But if for some reason the turn-out is higher than expected, Paul could be in trouble.

John C. Randolph | February 9, 2008, 9:01am | #

graduated 894th out of 899 at the Naval Academy and lost five jets!

So, does that make him a Vietnamese ace?

-jcr

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 9:03am | #

Also, a strange fact: There's a Libertarian Party candidate on the ballot against Ron Paul for the Fall Election. His name is Eugene Flynn. Flynn is pissed off at Paul for being a Close the Borders Anti-Immigration candidate. He's running on that issue alone.

What's really ironic, is that Flynn is an Attorey in DALLAS!!! He doesn't even live in the Houston area.

John C. Randolph | February 9, 2008, 9:04am | #

Brad, what makes you think Ron Paul is "extremely popular" in his home district?

I'm going to go way out on a limb here, and suggest that winning ten elections there has something to do with it.

You said something about running against him, didn't you? How's that plan working out?

-jcr

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 9:05am | #

Erich, the Libertarian Party will have a good nominee this time. Wayne Root is the frontrunner. He's likely to get 2 million votes, maybe as much as 3 to 5 million. The beauty of him running, is that the GOP can still blame the LP and Root for the coming loss in November. If Root pulls a few million out of the GOP column, McCain is toast.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 9:07am | #

Randolph, I said something about putting my name on the ballot if nobody else stepped forward. Someone did. Weeks later. Friendswood Vice-Mayor and City Councilman Chris Peden. Peden is a Pro-Property Rights/Pro-Tax Cuts libertarian-conservative.

Chris and I met for lunch, and right then and there, I decided to endorse him and not run myself.

Got a problem with that?

capitelitist | February 9, 2008, 9:09am | #

lassez fare

Love it.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 9:10am | #

You think Ron Paul is so popular in his District?

Cynthia Sinatra who had the worst last-minute hobbled together campaign I've seen from any candidate in my lifetime, still managed to pull 26% agaist him in the GOP primary last time around.

Now Peden is running a professional campaign. Plus, he's respected as an elected official in one of the District's larger cities bordering Houston.

It's going to be tough for him to win. But I wouldn't be surprised if he busts 40% against Paul.

Imagine that against an entrenched incumbent. A big rejection of Paul's fringe extremism, and a sure sign that Paul should step aside for 2010.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 9:13am | #

This is hilarious. Brent above is excited cause "Romney supporters are coming around to supporting Ron Paul."

I'm confused Brent. How is it that Romney supporters before he dropped out were "Fascist, Authoritarian, Flip-Flopping scumbags." And now all of a sudden they're "libertarian-leaning" potential Ron Paul supporters?

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 9:14am | #

Nolan, you work at Chile's in Lake Jackson?

Are you a bartender or a waiter or host? Maybe I'll stop by for a beer.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 9:21am | #

wmb, you ask "what will Ron Paul do with all those millions he raised" now that he's ending his campaign.

Well, there's precendence. Just look at Paul's past two other Presidential runs.

In 1988, there was a very mysterious last day election day scandal in the Ron Paul for President Campaign. The local Police, Attorneys and Accountants stormed the Ron Paul for President HQ near NASA in South Houston, and arrested Campaign Manager Nadia Hayes for embezzlement.

Contributors who had give Paul's Campaign, by some estimates about $5 million, wondered why there was no TV commercials in October as promised.

They pinned it all on Nadia. But insiders strongly suspected something else was at work.

Then there was the 1992 GOP Exploratory Comm. effort for Paul, which eventually morphed into the Pat Buchanan for President Campaign. About $100,000 was raised for that effort. Campaign Chair Burt Blumert made vagues promises of a "PAC to support Ron Paul style candidates" after Paul endorsed Buchanan, but nothing ever materialized. And no accounting was ever made to the donors.

This can all be verified in old issues of the now defunct newspaper American Libertarian. There's an excellent article on the Nadia Hayes scandal - 6 pages long - in the November, 1988 issue of AL.

Lost_In_Translation | February 9, 2008, 9:23am | #

Donderooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!

Pablo Escobar | February 9, 2008, 9:26am | #

Man, this Eric Dondero guy just can't get over the fact that he's a failure and will never have as much impact or success in spreading ideas as his former employer Ron Paul.

Anyway, back to the topic.

"Now they have at least 8 more years to lament how there aren't enough libertarians in politics and to complain about big government getting even bigger."

I think the Reason crowd is actually pretty good. It's the Cato crowd, especially David Boaz, that has been too willing to eat up the media smears about Ron Paul.

Zombie Wolf | February 9, 2008, 9:35am | #

If Don Quixote were a meth head...

Nobody's as high on Dondero as Dondero. The man's a legend in his own mind.

squarooticus | February 9, 2008, 10:03am | #

Eric, the question you must ask yourself is: "Is anyone listening to me anymore?" Given your incredibly poor record of predictions during this campaign, I can't imagine why.

Dave W. | February 9, 2008, 10:04am | #

The Ron Paul campaign was / is a very good thing. I think it will have positive long-term implications, unlike Perot or Nader or John Anderson.

Even more than his libretarian message, I think he showed that you don't have to act like a politician to make people want to vote for you. Refreshing honesty. The way the Democrats torched and then co-opted Howard Dean made honesty and not-playing-politician seem like futile strategies in presidential level politics. The Ron Paul candidacy has undone some of that damage, I think.

A Modern Libertarian | February 9, 2008, 10:10am | #

I will react with glee if the racist old fuck is defeated and forgotten. He has done great damage to the libertarian movement.

Dave W. | February 9, 2008, 10:15am | #

C'mon now, Mr. Welch.

Mr. Nice Guy | February 9, 2008, 10:19am | #

Dave-I think Perot had some effect, though it only lasted for two terms. Perot pushed Clinton to take deficet reduction seriously, and to his credit Clinton did fairly good on that.

Could Paul make any candidate move on one of his signal issues? I'm not sure, as some of his unique positions will sound flaky to most Americans (federal reserve=evil) while others are represented by major party candidates in seemingly sufficient ways (ending the war)....

I submit maybe he could make people talk about the WOD a bit more...

rdkraus | February 9, 2008, 10:29am | #

I'm very thankful for Ron's efforts in this campaign. It's likely that, whatever he decides to do, I'll support his decision. He made it possible for millions of people to be exposed to libertarian ideas, who otherwise would not have. That's how you spread your message. He already accomplished much more than most of us dreamed back when he first began.

A lot of his supporters got caught up in some wishful thinking about his chances. I never did. It was just a question of how effective he could be at putting out the libertarian message. He did a great job, overall.

Alone, he did more to spread libertarian ideas than a couple of years worth of Reason, Cato, etc (and I'm a supporter of them too).

Warren | February 9, 2008, 10:51am | #

THANK YOU RON PAUL

I've been involved in libertarian politics all my adult life. Ron Paul has been one of our best friends for decades. This campaign has been a great success. It remains to be seen where all his support goes from here.

Ron Paul without question the most libertarian congressman in a century, maybe two. He's done wonderful service for our country and our cause. As a multiple donor to his 08 campaign, I don't care what he did/does with my money. As far as I'm concerned he already earned it. The groundswell of support he mustered has been the most encouraging thing I've seen in politics at the federal level. So once again,

THANK YOU RON PAUL

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 10:57am | #

...instead of shitbird fearmongers who spend like drunken sailors.

This sailor is offended by that base stereotypical characterization. When a sailor gets inebriated he always reserves enough money to tip the B-girl in the morning, and grab a taxi back to the ship. The GOP hasn't displayed that much "fiscal conservatism" for a long time.

yoshi | February 9, 2008, 10:59am | #

Did Ron Paul ever -scale- up his campaign? I'm being serious. The only times I run into the information about RP are from zealots e-mailing and spamming message boards (ya know idiots like Eric Dondero). But besides occasional appearance at college campuses - I never took the guy seriously because he never appeared serious about the campaign.

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 11:01am | #

This post is just to parrot Warren's last.

SQUAWK!

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 11:05am | #

He outlasted Fred, Rudy, and Mitt.

I say that isn't too bad at all.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 11:06am | #

BTW who do the border fence/no "amnesty" people go to now? The two remaining candidates are pro-"amnesty" according to the far right.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 11:08am | #

Man, this Eric Dondero guy just can't get over the fact that he's a failure and will never have as much impact or success in spreading ideas as his former employer Ron Paul.

And so who the fuck are you? I've never run into you out on the petitioning trail for the Libertarian Party or the libertarian movement. Never heard of you before.

Who the fuck died and made you boss?

What makes you think you're suddenly King of the Libertarians, able to decide who is and who is not a "Real Libertarian."

Hey buster, I've got 22 years of hardcore libertarian activism under my belt. I've been called "America's Greatest Libertarian Political Activist." (See my site for just a tiny taste of some of the quotes praising me at www.libertarianrepublican.blogspot.com.)

Don' you fucking dare try to tell me who is and who is not a "real libertarian."

I'll compare libertarian resumes with you any day of the week.

Bring it on mother-fucker. Bring it on...

Willikers | February 9, 2008, 11:11am | #

Randolph, I said something about putting my name on the ballot if nobody else stepped forward. Someone did. Weeks later. Friendswood Vice-Mayor and City Councilman Chris Peden. Peden is a Pro-Property Rights/Pro-Tax Cuts libertarian-conservative.

So is Dondero bullshitting today, or here:

http://www.reason.com/blog/show/120230.html

Or both? Eric Dondero, all bullshit, all the time.

JP | February 9, 2008, 11:15am | #

For anyone who doubts the huge positve impact that Ron Paul has had, look at me: I'm a former neocon Bush supporter--didn't even know what a libertarian was. But now I have given Paul the max and subscribed to Reason.

Also, I'm an officer at the US Naval Academy--neocon central and many teachers are CFR members--and my fellow officers talk about Ron Paul! We love him--You hear his name in the hallways.

He IS changing America--and I'll march with him wherever he goes.

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 11:20am | #

JP -

For you.

J sub D, FCCM, USN, Ret.

JP | February 9, 2008, 11:26am | #

J sub D,

My day just got better--I might even make a poster out of that.

Jaybird | February 9, 2008, 11:30am | #

"I'll compare libertarian resumes with you any day of the week."

I just checked my resume and I don't have "Endorsed Giuliani" on it.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 11:32am | #

Did anyone hear Mitt Romney say in his CPAC speech that the United States is the only nation in the world that never took any land from a defeated nation?

I think the Mexicans and Fillipinos would like a word with him.

Dodsworth | February 9, 2008, 11:34am | #

Dondi just needs to go to Mexico and blow off some steam. Those who criticize Paul for dropping a third party bid in February are a strange goup. He has always said that he didn't want to do it. Besides, he is dropping now, thus giving us months to find another third party candidate. Would the naysayers be happier if he had dropped in September?

As to Wayne Root, let's hope that Dondero's support kills off any hope for that warmonger as it did Rudy and Mitt. The LP would be killing itself if it ran a pro-war candidate. I'd rather vote for Obama.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 11:37am | #

Don't mention Obama around Dondi, Dodsworth. He thinks hes the Islamofascist ManchurianCandidate.

Al Federber | February 9, 2008, 11:44am | #

To hear Dondero tell it, he's very responsible for Ron Paul being where he is today.

I suppose if Dondero had a conscience, he'd be eaten up with guilt about helping a man he loathes rise to a position of influence. But Dondero doesn't seem to have a conscience -- just a gawping need to attract attention to himself.

Dodsworth | February 9, 2008, 11:48am | #

Cesar: If Dondi thinks Obama is evil, I might have take back all the bad things I ever said about him - Obama that is.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 11:51am | #

Someone is posting under my name above. Obviously that last post was a spoof.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 11:53am | #

Hey Doc! Why does it burn when I pee?

Dodsworth | February 9, 2008, 11:54am | #

Obama would be good for the Muslim American community. He would also be good against Israel. Israel is the number one sponge on the US taxpayer. With a somewhat Muslim like Obama in the White House, we will be able to defeat the Israelis and their lackeys in the US Congress.

I'm voting Obama.

dodsworth | February 9, 2008, 11:54am | #

Obviously a hoax? With Dondi, one always has reason to wonder.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 11:55am | #

Dondero's chintzy writing style always sticks out.

dodsworth | February 9, 2008, 11:56am | #

Gee whiz, I guess Dondi and I are both being spoofed. I didn't post the above. Hey, Dondi, I wasn't the guy posting under your name so lay off if its you.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 11:57am | #

Dondi thinks just because Obama has a 100% liberal voting record that means he's opposed to libertarian values. That 100% liberal voting record includes Obama's votes against fighting our unjust Wars against Al Qaeda in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I respect Obama's affinity for the Muslim peoples of the world. A little more sensitivity to the Muslim world would go a long ways towards ending these unjust and expensive wars.

We need to listen to the objections they have, and even the protestations of Radical Muslims. Obama will do that. I'm moving in his direction.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 11:59am | #

*yawn*

Dondero you still don't sound like me. Ever heard of writer's voice? Again, your chintzy writing style shines through.

FWIW I didn't spoof you above.

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 12:01pm | #

I agree. 100% liberal voting record doesn't mean jack. Could mean Obama just supports liberal values like anti-torture. Sure, it includes tax hikes and socialized medicine. But those issues are not as important as stopping this mad George Bush War against Al Qaeda.

It was only 19 Al Qaeda members who flew those planes into the Twin Towers. Why do we have to blame the whole organization? And why do we have to galavante all over the world chasing every last Al Qaeda member?

Let them have the Middle East.

Obama's got a sane foreign policy which says leave Al Qaeda and other Muslims alone. Pull us out now!

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 12:04pm | #

Eric Dondero
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Eric Dondero
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Eric Dondero
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Eric Dondero
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Life is short, so I don't waste my valuable time reading some regular posters. For the masochistic folks on the thread, a question.
Did Dondi say anything interesting?

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 12:05pm | #

Did Dondi say anything interesting?

He attempted to spoof you, but since he failed English 101 in College he doesn't get the concept or writers voice. Thus, it was pretty obvious it was him.

Willikers | February 9, 2008, 12:05pm | #

Dondero, stop spamming this board. Nobody wants you here. Nobody wants to hear you gloat about Ron Paul dropping out.

Okay, maybe Paul wasn't the best candidate. But that doesn't give you the right to dance on his grave.

There were plenty of others predicting his demise, not just you. Go ahead, have you fun for the day. Gloat all you want today. But tomorrow don't come back here. The Ron Paul Revolution will continue in another form, and we don't want you involved.

Wally Woo Woo | February 9, 2008, 12:06pm | #

Here's more Dondi "spoofing" (scroll down)
Libertarian Comedian Eric Dondero Makes Me Laugh

The whole thing is pretty comical and shows why Dondi has really earned the name "Libertarian Comedian". He's even funnier than Greg Gutfeld, who I hear is one of the funniest men in these United States.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 12:10pm | #

It must be Dondi doing these spoofs. Bet it's even him spoofing himself.

He's just pissed off that we're all moving towards Obama. He thinks health care and taxes are important issues, but they're not, compared to stopping this mad war against Al Qaeda.

7 freaking years ago! Give this 9/11 garbage a rest already. And we don't even know if Al Qaeda did it. Lots of evidence to indicate that Cheney and Haliburton may have played a role.

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 12:10pm | #

The 12:01pm post wasn't me. If somebody thinks I'm chickenshit nough to post using their handle, or in their name, call me out on it. I'm an adult and have actually derided the practice on these pages.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 12:13pm | #

Boring, boring Dondi. If you're going to spoof someone, at least make it sound like it could possibly be them. For example, I'm not a conspiracy theorist.

Also, when I start a sentence with a number I spell the number out instead of just typing the number. Thats because I went to this place called a university where I learned how to write!

Willikers | February 9, 2008, 12:14pm | #

It's a great strategy Dondi has. Make an ass of himself on blogs and then disown them as "spoofs".

Bill Cooke | February 9, 2008, 12:14pm | #

I was sort of disappointed in that email. I was hoping for a Paul/Gravel ticket in November.

yoshi | February 9, 2008, 12:16pm | #

The Ron Paul campaign was a non-starter. To think a guy who opposed a War ovewhelmingly supported by Republicans would do well in a Republican primary, was just foolish.

McCain is a warmonger old guy under the control of the puppet masters at Haliburton.

Obama is probably our best bet now that Ron Paul has dropped out. The Democrats are far more receptive to our message. I can live with socialized health care, increased environmental restrictions and crack-downs on free speech. What I can't live with is my tax dollars goind to fund this war.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 12:18pm | #

That post above was not from me. Someone is spoofing me, and doing a rather bad job of it. Probably Dondi with his warmongering attitudes, he thinks posting under others' nicknames is fair game.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 12:20pm | #

Who wants to join me in emailing one of the folks who run this blog to suggest perma-banning Dondero for posting under other peoples names?

Anderson | February 9, 2008, 12:22pm | #

I was a big supporter of Ron Paul. Today I'm confused, depressed and honestly directionless.

Where will other Ron Paul supporters go now?

I'm leaning Libertarian Party. But I still think there's Republicans for Congress, worth supporting.

Who will be running on the Libertarian ticket? Never heard of this Root guy.

Monkey of Fear | February 9, 2008, 12:23pm | #

Does anyone know what Dondero did in the Navy? This sailor wants to know his rate, i.e., his job while on active duty.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 12:23pm | #

Monkey of Fear-

IIRC he was a storekeeper.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 12:24pm | #

The post above was not written by me. Someone is spoofing me and posting stuff under my name. I don't give a rip if you alter my name and use "Eric Dondildo" or "Donderburg" or something to that affect. Have at it. But PLEASE! do not post under my full and correct name of Eric Dondero.

Nilly | February 9, 2008, 12:25pm | #

I don't spoof anyone here unless I have no respect for them, in other words, Dondi.

The least bad option I see is Obama with a little gridlock coming from a tough GOP minority in Congress and a bunch of Democrats too weak and ineffectual to stand up to them.

the libertarian owl | February 9, 2008, 12:26pm | #

The LP simply HAS to do better than WARoot...

Steve Kubby and the rest of the usual suspects ain't gonna make a splash either.

There has to be SOMEONE out there... then get Ron Paul to endorse him/her and hopefully the grassroots will pick up the ball and run with it...

Gary Johnson would rock but that seems a lost cause... Harry Browne is regrettably dead (also a bad pick, I know, but I still love the guy)...

who... who... who....

Arlo Guthrie?

Monkey of Fear | February 9, 2008, 12:27pm | #

an sk? Interesting ... I wonder if he made chief. All of the supply/storekeeper chiefs that I know are total asswipes.

Willy Wetpants | February 9, 2008, 12:29pm | #

I'd like Dondi to categorically deny that he posted the remarks on the "Libertarian Comedian" site quoted above.

And to explain his contradictory statements also quoted above about his Congressional campaign.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 12:31pm | #

Well I know his comments about Obama being some kind of secret Al Qaeda agent were posted on his own blog, so that has to be him.

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 12:33pm | #

Does anyone know what Dondero did in the Navy? This sailor wants to know his rate, i.e., his job while on active duty.

You're gonna love this. He was a Storekeeper. That's right, a supply puke SK. You can't make this kind of stuff up.

Nilly | February 9, 2008, 12:35pm | #

Okay, I admit it. I spoofed Dondero. Posted under his name. Now can we all just end these spoof wars. And stop the counter-spoofs. Let's get on to discussing what we do now that Ron Paul is dropping out.

This is a sad day for the libertarian movement. I suggest we all back Hillary or Obama now, to stop the Bush/Cheney/McCain crazies. We never had anything in common with the Republicans any way. Just because they're good on taxes doesn't mean they're still not Fascists.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 12:39pm | #

Dondero are you even trying to argue anything? Why are you here?

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 12:41pm | #

And the puke Dondero brags on his Blog that he was on an Aircraft Carrier and a "Guided Missile Destroyer" for 4 years. As if that's supposed to impress us. And he even saw some "action" for a few months in the Persian Gulf. Apparently Saddam Hussein blew up one of the ships in Dondi's fleet. So, he wants everyone to know he's a "War Veteran."

Serving in the Military, even War Service, is no substitute for fighting to stop all Wars here at home. No wonder Dondi's a warmonger.

the libertarian owl | February 9, 2008, 12:43pm | #

who... still gives a fuck about Dondero?

who... ever did anyway (besides Dondero)?

who... ?

P Brooks | February 9, 2008, 12:47pm | #

Why are you people talking about Ron Paul? David Shuster said something mean* about the Clinton campaign. And now he's on the injured reserve list.

*one of these days, I'll learn the HTML for an actual link.

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 12:49pm | #

Back to politics.

This is an interesting summary of the difficulties our socialist Venezuelan friend is having despite record oil prices. It appears that a socialist can, to coin an old phrase, fuck up a wet dream.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 12:49pm | #

Anderson,

You ask "Who is Wayne Root." He's a Sports Oddsmaker from Las Vegas, highly successful. He's respected internationally. He wrote a few books teaching people how to gamble effectively, and also "Millionaire Republican." He's married to the former Ms. Oklahoma. He's on Fox News, ESPN, and numerous other Sports Networks weekly. He's well-known in the Sports world. Less so, in the Political world.

toddb | February 9, 2008, 12:51pm | #

I'm not voting McCain...but won't vote Dem either as some kind of anti-McCain action. Voting for one statist over another (lesser of evils) is something I have been fighting for a long time.

Ron Paul provided the first opportunity I have really had to convince Republican-voting family members and friends that ideas matter more than the R or D after a candidates name. I know that there are a number of these that will now abstain, write-in, or vote 3rd party rather than hold their nose and vote "lesser of evils".

That is the way to defeat McCain and chip away at the stranglehold of the Rs and Ds.

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 12:54pm | #

*one of these days, I'll learn the HTML for an actual link.

I found this tutorial good enough for an internet boob like myself.

The preview function allows you to do an op test on your link, thus avoiding that egg on your face thingee.

tarran | February 9, 2008, 12:58pm | #

Dondero didn't make chief.

My understanding is that he got busted down to seaman storekeeper, SKSN (E-3), from storekeeeper second class, SK2 (E-5), after he was sent to Captain's Mast for fighting. At least, that was what he claimed in an argument I had with him a long time ago. He was rather proud of it too.

P Brooks | February 9, 2008, 12:59pm | #

Apparently I was wrong- the topic is not actually Dr Paul, but his very own little boo-bird.

Maybe Speedvision is re-running tape of the Bristol rain delay from 1973. You know, interesting stuff.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 1:01pm | #

So Toddb does that mean you'll vote for Wayne Root? Or you hoping Kubby or Phillies gets it?

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 1:01pm | #

There are still too many variables in play to decide who my ballot is going for. If Obama gets the Dem nomination, doesn't adopt some incredibly stupid position, and the Michigan race is close, I'll vote for him. I will not vote for Hillary under any circumstance. McCain still might get my vote (Hillary for the Dems, close race in Michigan). If the race isn't close here, I'll cast my ballot for the Losertarian* candidate, whoever it is.

*Hey, it's not complimentary, but it is accurate.

P Brooks | February 9, 2008, 1:01pm | #

Hey, thanks J sub; I was hoping somebody might take pity on me (or themselves) and point me in the right direction.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 1:03pm | #

BTW, since I have so many fans here at the H&R Blog, I should let you know there's a new photo of yours truly up now at the Libertarian Republican Blog:

www.libertarianrepublican.blogspot.com

Me out petitioning in front of a Wal-Mart a few weeks ago.

Enjoy!

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 1:04pm | #

Your welcome, Mr Brooks.
Hit & Run, an often overlooked educational resource. ;-)

Krakatoa | February 9, 2008, 1:11pm | #

I always think Dondi's military talk makes him sound like one of these guys

Warty | February 9, 2008, 1:13pm | #

Krakatoa - I always imagine him as one of these.

toddb | February 9, 2008, 1:16pm | #

Eric,
I really don't know yet. It may be that the best way to send a direct message to the Republican Party about their big-government ways is to simply write in Ron Paul.

I have no hope for the Dems, but any party that could push the Contract with America in the last 15 years still has slim possibilities for reform.

Dibbledydoo | February 9, 2008, 1:19pm | #

I have no hope for the Dems, but any party that could push the Contract with America in the last 15 years still has slim possibilities for reform.

After the last 8 years of shit I'm not going to cut the GOP any slack because 15 years ago they ran a PR campaign whose promises they abandoned as soon as they got the chance.

Anti-Ron Paul | February 9, 2008, 1:20pm | #

Only somebody with shit for brains could have ever gotten excited about a goofy twit like Ron Paul in the first place. It doesn´t say much for libertarians that so many deluded themselves into believing he actually had a chance. Stupid fuckwits.

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 1:22pm | #

Anyway, since somebody declared this the weekend political open thread (that would be me, just now), this from the NYT Venezuela article.

This fear is reflected in a statistic that is illegal to publish in Venezuela: the black-market value of the strong bolívar, or bolívar fuerte, put into circulation at the start of the year to replace the old bolívar. Its value hovers around 5.2 to the dollar according to currency traders here, less than half at the official rate, 2.15.

In my years of international travel you could usually get a better exchange rate on the black market so that isn't too unusual. That the differential is >100% is shocking to me. The market to official exchange rate differences that I experienced was typically about +5% - +15%. Sometimes it was just at par with the official rate. Change your dollars at the bar and they'd open the paper, do the math and give you what a bank would.

This indicates a serious state of denial in the Venezuelan government and a lack of confidence by the people in their own currency as well.

Stormy Dragon | February 9, 2008, 1:22pm | #

I wouldn't be suprised if Paul is using the possiblity of a third party run as a bargaining chip to maintain his congressional seat. If the GOP stop trying to knock him out, he'll stay away from the general. If, on the other hand, he loses the TX-14 primary, well, he's got nothing better to do, does he?

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 1:24pm | #

Todd, write-in votes get ignored, or thrown in with the "Mickey Mouse," "Donald Duck" and "Michael Jackson" pile of crank votes each election cycle.

If you vote for the Libertarian, at least you know your vote will be counted by the Secretary of State.

Root sounds like the best LP candidate to come along since Ed Clark. The guy's worth $20 million or so. And he's much better on TV than Ron Paul.

I'd urge you to check him out.

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 1:27pm | #

Stormy Dragon -

Cynical thinking there. Not necessarily wrong, but damn, that's hardball politics.

Tom Of Finland | February 9, 2008, 1:38pm | #

It's amazing that Dondero has time to waste here yet he doesn't even update his own blog:

http://ericdondero.com/

toddb | February 9, 2008, 1:42pm | #

Dibbledydoo,
No argument with that...that's why there is no chance of a McCain vote from me. But I think Ron Paul is correct in his assessment that the only real possibility of change is through the major parties. My view is that the only (very slim) hope for libertarian/small government principals to gain ground is if the R party sees their political prospects swirling down the drain and decide to incorporate their small government rhetoric into actual policy in the hopes of assembling a working coalition (could that sentence be longer?).

javier | February 9, 2008, 1:44pm | #

dondero,

i've actually watched a lot of Root and I will definitely be voting LP next november, but Root strikes me as a car salesman type that doesn't have an intellectual defense for capitalism or liberty to save his life. He attacks people on welfare in a mocking tone while I think he should be explaining how capitalism makes everybody better off, etc.

rah62 | February 9, 2008, 1:54pm | #

Ron Paul did tremendous short-term damage to the Libertarian movement and especially the LP.

I can only hope that those rats in the LP who defected to support a Presidential candidate of another party will stay gone. So, perhaps in the long term, this will have served to make the LP more libertarian in nature, and not just full of disaffected Republicans just waiting to run off at the first opportunity.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 2:00pm | #

Javier, yes, I agree entirely. Root does have a bit of a car salesman personality. But that's PRECISELY what the Libertarian Party needs right now. Last thing they need is Dweeby Professor George Phillies or Marijuana Dude Steve Kubby.

Remember Marshall Fritz? Remember how inspirational he was? And he had the same sort of "car salesman" approach for Libertarianism. That's what the Libertarian Party so desperately needs: Someone who looks good on TV, is glitzy, and understands the importance of a seductive approach to liberty.

Bob | February 9, 2008, 2:05pm | #

Yes, libertarians, you can have Wayne Root, your very own Mitt Romney - a shallow, slick rich guy with good hair who wants to buy an office. At least Root realizes his own limitations and is only trying to grab the LP.

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 2:08pm | #

I can only hope that those rats in the LP who defected to support a Presidential candidate of another party will stay gone.

I take it that expanding the party and promoting libertarian ideas are not at the top of your priority list.
Libertarians in the House of Representatives - 0
Libertarians in the Senate - 0
Libertarian Governors - 0

Do you question why libertarian folks would support an actual congresscritter that espouses at least some of our ideals. I supported RP with my vote and with my pocketbook. I'm content with those decisions.

So, perhaps in the long term, this will have served to make the LP more libertarian in nature, ...

I believe that calls for a
DRINK!

stephen the goldberger | February 9, 2008, 2:14pm | #

Javier, yes, I agree entirely. Root does have a bit of a car salesman personality. But that's PRECISELY what the Libertarian Party needs right now. Last thing they need is Dweeby Professor George Phillies or Marijuana Dude Steve Kubby.

Remember Marshall Fritz? Remember how inspirational he was? And he had the same sort of "car salesman" approach for Libertarianism. That's what the Libertarian Party so desperately needs: Someone who looks good on TV, is glitzy, and understands the importance of a seductive approach to liberty.

I agree entirely with Dondero here. Root is charismatic and would do a wonderful job selling the libertarian message to an unaware audience. The libertarian movement needs this guy.

voxpo | February 9, 2008, 2:15pm | #

"You all want to know where all your money that you donated to the Ron Paul for President Campaign has gone too? Television advertising on Houston-area TV."

I didn't know I lived near Houston. And yet Ron Paul is on my tv.

crw | February 9, 2008, 2:16pm | #

To those of you thinking of going for Obama, ever consider splitting your ticket? You can get a pull out from Iraq AND block socialized medicine and tax hikes if you chose to vote divided government back in. At the very least, if you block the Dems from getting a supermajority in the Senate they wont be able to get anything too egregious through. If you value libertarianism at all, do not vote straight Democrat in November.

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 2:24pm | #

To those of you thinking of going for Obama, ever consider splitting your ticket? You can get a pull out from Iraq AND block socialized medicine and tax hikes if you chose to vote divided government back in.

Oh yes. Divided government looks to be the best available option now.

Bob | February 9, 2008, 2:28pm | #

Anyone think that Root might have some credibility problems when he's pushing his candidacy on a site he calls "Millionaire Republican"?

libertarian owl | February 9, 2008, 2:34pm | #

Anyone think that Root might have some credibility problems when he's pushing his candidacy on a site he calls "Millionaire Republican"?

Jeez, what a narcissistic, smarmy, shitty-ass, website. ick.

javier | February 9, 2008, 2:34pm | #

I agree entirely with Dondero here. Root is charismatic and would do a wonderful job selling the libertarian message to an unaware audience. The libertarian movement needs this guy.

I am just concerned he embodies the biggest criticisms of libertarians, making fun of well fare recipients seeming kinda libertinish. I guess a charasmatic, good looking PhD economists are hard to come by. We also have to keep in mind the intellectual battle is not a mainstream one by between the collectivist and the individualists and winning that battle or at least gaining major ground is just as important as becoming mainstream ourselves.

javier | February 9, 2008, 2:36pm | #

is not a mainstream one by but between the collectivist and the individualists

Ali | February 9, 2008, 2:45pm | #

BTW, since I have so many fans here at the H&R Blog, I should let you know there's a new photo of yours truly up now at the Libertarian Republican Blog:

www.libertarianrepublican.blogspot.com

Me out petitioning in front of a Wal-Mart a few weeks ago.

Enjoy!

Enjoy what? Your photo? That really sounds very creepy.

BakedPenguin | February 9, 2008, 2:46pm | #

Divided government looks to be the best available option now.

Divide and conga.

Ali | February 9, 2008, 2:50pm | #

I would also like to say that when I was in the Houston area two weeks ago, the only political ads that I saw were for Paul. I could not see any competition. So I would take Eric's words with (many) grain(s) of salt (as I need to say that).

iowan | February 9, 2008, 2:55pm | #

Ron Paul is far from an ideal libertarian candidate. Yet, I sent money to RPs campaign. I voted for him in the Iowa caucus and will be there on March 8th at the county convention to vote for him again even though I have never believed that he would be the Republican candidate in November.

On the plus side, he raised in excess of 30 million and raised awareness of libertarian policies at the national level. And I consider his candidacy to be a raging success.

J sub D | February 9, 2008, 3:03pm | #

Divide & conga.

Ali | February 9, 2008, 3:12pm | #

iowan-

Someone in my meetup group responded to a comment by a former supporter who said "Ron Paul is gone" by saying the following:

There is a great female war hero of Afghanistan from the days when they were fighting the British. She saw that the Afghanis were being slaughtered and retreating. She decided she could not allow this to happen. She tied her veil to a stick like a flag and rushed forward, alone. The British soldiers fell upon her with their lampoons and stabbed her repeatedly. While they were doing this they got distracted. The Afghanis regrouped and charged forward and won the battle and won their freedom from the British. Never say someone is "gone." Being "gone" is sometimes more vital than being there. Look at Joan of Arc. She was burned at stake for her role in liberating France. She was definitely a goner. But she changed history.

Very inspiring thought.

Lev Strauss | February 9, 2008, 3:12pm | #

When I saw that "permanent revolution" blurb at Lew Rockwell's site and now here it annoys me. Permanent revolution in any manifestation is impossible. Religions could not do it, superpowers cannot do it, it is just plain wrong to think that Libertarianism or Paleoconservatism can achieve the same and I don't even like alluding to it.

Permanent revolution is what the Bolsheviks, Nazis, Che, the Neoconservatives, and Al Qaeda have sought or are seeking to achieve. It is impossible, never achieved and never will. The word Revolution by itself is fine, but any "revolution" that has the word permanent in front of it is nothing more than a cult.

Kolohe | February 9, 2008, 3:25pm | #

Mm, Huckster just won the KS caucus, and as many as 30 of the 36-39 delegates.

Sparky | February 9, 2008, 3:36pm | #

Wow. At politico.com he's beating McCain 61-24 (Paul has 11). I knew Kansas was one of the more sympathetic states remaining for Huck, but I didn't expect anything close to that.

SIV | February 9, 2008, 3:42pm | #

or Marijuana Dude Steve Kubby.

The LP shouldn't run anyone who uses the word "hemp" in public.

Kolohe | February 9, 2008, 3:58pm | #

Along with KS, Huck will win LA, but McCain will win WA, and steamroll thru the Potomac Primaries.

James Anderson Merritt | February 9, 2008, 4:43pm | #

Although the LP primaries don't really mean anything, I was surprised to see Christine Smith do so well in California's LP primary last week. Kubby was a distant second, and Wayne Root came in third, with slightly more than half the number of votes that Smith received.

http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/pres/lib/59.htm

I wish it were possible to combine the debate skills of Barry Hess, the walking-his-talk integrity of Steve Kubby, and the wholesome appeal and clear-thinking of Christine Smith into a single candidate. I am particularly sorry that Kubby's victories (some legal, some moral) against the criminal justice system don't inspire the respect he has earned from detractors who have made "Steve-Kubby-The-Marijuana-Dude" into a single-word epithet. Kubby's issue (as with all Libertarians) is freedom. The issue of drug prohibition is just the lens that provides focus.

Brandybuck | February 9, 2008, 5:03pm | #

Erich, the Libertarian Party will have a good nominee this time. Wayne Root is the frontrunner.

Dondero supports Root! It's the kiss of death! He's already going down in flames, because California voted for Christine Smith! I know that the LP doesn't use popular primaries, but I don't know one potential LP delegate that supports Root.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 5:05pm | #

I don't think Dondero has ever endorsed a candidate that has won an election.

He shilled for Gary Nolan, he lost.

He shilled for Aaron Russo, he lost.

He shilled for Giuliani, he lost.

He shilled for Romney, he lost.

If hes pumping up Wayne Root he'll probably lose too.

Brandybuck | February 9, 2008, 5:12pm | #

Silly Sissy | February 9, 2008, 5:12pm | #

Root is trying to grab a small party to use as a platform for pimping his gambling business. The way he still calls himself a "millionaire Republican" shows that he doesn't give a damn about libertarianism.

Brandybuck | February 9, 2008, 5:13pm | #

Does anyone know what Dondero did in the Navy? This sailor wants to know his rate, i.e., his job while on active duty.

The way I heard it, he was in charge of polishing knobs on the ship. Yessiree, heard it myself from a sailor still smiling over it.

Ali | February 9, 2008, 5:17pm | #

Help defeat Dondero et al.

http://www.defendthedistrict.com

Diddy Widdy | February 9, 2008, 5:23pm | #

Cesar, Dondi may have dropped out of the race for Dr Pauls seat this year because he realizes that having his own support would cost him the election.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 5:24pm | #

I’m an ex-Sailor. I absolutely used the services of Prostitutes overseas in the Phillipines, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, all over the world, when I was a young buck Sailor. And each time was worth every penny.

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 5:30pm | #

Lots of former naval persons are libertarians, I see.

Eric Dondero | February 9, 2008, 5:36pm | #

How f*cking dare you, asshole!!! I want a mother-f*cking retraction.

I’m a Veteran you f*cker. I served 4 years in the Navy. I have three medals and an honorable discharge to show for it.

How many years did you serve? If your a non-Vet than shut the f*ck up.

Warty | February 9, 2008, 5:51pm | #

This is a fake Dondero, Joe. The real one is more...um...subtle?

Cesar | February 9, 2008, 5:56pm | #

Dondero really did say that exact phrase about prostitutes, though.

But cut out the spoofing. It makes threads unreadable.

Kolohe | February 9, 2008, 6:04pm | #

Lots of former naval persons are libertarians, I see.

When you live in a constitutional dictatorship (for good reasons, I might add), it gives you a unique appreciation of liberty.

The Wine Commonsewer | February 9, 2008, 6:05pm | #

I don't think Dondero has ever endorsed a candidate that has won an election.

Me neither. Except Bonnie Flickenger for city council. She won but not in my town.

Kolohe | February 9, 2008, 6:06pm | #

Ha, boomer f** - SSN FTW

(but god save me from DBF folks)

Bob | February 9, 2008, 6:06pm | #

From what I can tell the Dondero spoofs are actually quotes.

BTW, a sailor buddy of mine is pissed that the wrong Jimmy Carter is under water.

J.D. | February 9, 2008, 6:16pm | #

Perhaps the name of this magazine should be changed to Idiocy.

Seriously, I've never seen such self-hating libertarians, ever.

Who even cares who's left in the race. None of them come close to supporting anything remotely resembling that of which this magazine once did.

Come November, I urge all of you to turn your tv off. because it's going to get worse. and althou