He's Going the Distance, He's Going for Speed
Over at Reason.tv I've posted the latest message from the Ron Paul campaign, a video from the candidate thanking supporters and asking them to help him out for a few more months. The big news is that he wants his flock to march on Washington at some unspecified date. "I am at a point where I think we need to make a grand stand," he says, dreaming up a grand rally at some time in May or June, after basically every presidential primary.
Comments to "He's Going the Distance, He's Going for Speed":
Dilated Peoples | February 12, 2008, 12:28pm | #
I don't train for sprints, I train for marathons.sage | February 12, 2008, 12:28pm | #
OK, I've donated twice, joined the republican party, gone to the state caucus as a precinct captain, put up signs for him and I've voted for him in the primary. I'm sorry, but a march on Washington is not only pointless but for me it's out of the question.The thing to do now is support other candidates that want to be a Ron Paul Republican. Right?
Oops, that should be the county caucus, not the state. Whatever.
Click 'n' Learn | February 12, 2008, 12:31pm | #
MESSAGE TO ALL:The Comet is not yet arrived. The time for the Grand Stand has not yet arrived. We must wait, and be patient. It is not yet black Nike time. If you know of a team that is considering self-Grand Stand at this time, report them to HQ for an intervention. I repeat: The Comet is not yet arrived. Do not take black Nike action at this point.But, seriously, if you want Ron Paul to do better, videotape McCain's response to this.
Nick | February 12, 2008, 12:36pm | #
I've actually been calling for a march on Washington or even Central Park rally for media attention, this for the LP, for a couple years now. (everyone yawns)I think it needs to be done, but it would have to be inclusive, not just Ron Paul's paleos. Cosmotarians, Reasonoids, Catos, everyone. All libertarians causing a big stink and getting the message out is important and for the first time ever, needs to be coordinated and somewhat cohesive.
As far as speeches go, focus on the common ground, like capitalism and small government. In other words, Ron Paul should shut up about abortion. Something big is warranted.
I think this needs to be done with the LP as the common ending place. Otherwise we'll end up with a split between Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians and we'll accomplish nothing.
Stephan | February 12, 2008, 12:42pm | #
I too have donated to Dr. Paul's campaigns, both Presidential and Congressional. I too am a precinct captain where we won the straw poll as well as both delegates and both alternates to the county convention for Ron Paul. I am an alternate to the county convention.I WILL MARCH! The date should be June 21, 2008, the 220th anniversary of the day the US Constitution went into effect.
REVOLUTION!
You fools! This is a way for them to get us all in the same place and then vaporize us with giant death beam lasers from space! Don't be tricked!
Tom Walls | February 12, 2008, 12:55pm | #
"Ron Paul's paleos. Cosmotarians, Reasonoids, Catos, everyone..."The RP grassroots is much broader than people directly associated with thinktanks. Most of them probably never heard of Stato, Treason or the Lew Rockwell Institute.
The problem is most of them have day jobs, so it should be around July 4 or some holiday.
I know, there's no such thing as the LRI. But maybe one day.
highnumber | February 12, 2008, 12:58pm | #
Ooooo, a putsch!creech | February 12, 2008, 1:03pm | #
Let's wait until the Fall when the Big Two start outpromising each other with the goodie bags they'll rain on us. And just when is McCain going to start "building bridges" to the Ron Paul supporters? Come election day,the RP 5% will be critical.
Tom Walls | February 12, 2008, 1:08pm | #
June 21 is my birthday - I appreciate the thought. And the hotels wouldn't be sold out like around July 4th.As long as that drunk libertarian chick from Arizona doesn't show up.
Nick | February 12, 2008, 1:10pm | #
I meant it shouldn't just be Ron Paul supporters.LRI = Mises Institute
Chris in Louisville | February 12, 2008, 1:13pm | #
MARCH JUNE 21ST!Lets go PATRIOTS and lovers of FREEDOM!
I will not let MSN and big, pushy GOVERNMENT push me around.
I am in this for the LONG HAUL!
RON PAUL 2008!!!
miche | February 12, 2008, 1:16pm | #
I was thinking of the same song when I received the video in my mail.mk | February 12, 2008, 1:17pm | #
I'm already thinking of ideas for costumes to wear to the march.I think a bunch of people should get some fake handlebar moustaches and suspenders and do a "Plainviews for Paul" group. Myself, I'm thinking of putting on full French 18th century, court of Louis 16th regalia and carrying a sign that says "Montgolfier Brothers support the Ron Paul Blimp!".
If you dress as a giant douchebag, people will think you're marching for McCain.
mk | February 12, 2008, 1:25pm | #
What if you dress as a turd sandwich?A turd sandwichgiant douche combo is a necessity for the march, seriously.
It may cause a problem with the mall security, but a gathering of the Reason crew, all carrying cosmopolitans in martini glasses would be fun.
Sorry, that should read: "If you dress as a giant douchebag, people will think you are McCain."
Liberty4all | February 12, 2008, 1:51pm | #
Reluctantly crouched at the starting line,Engines pumping and thumping in time.
The green light flashes, the flags goes up,
Churning and burning, they yearn for the cup.
They deftly maneuver and muscle for rank,
Fuel burning fast on an empty tank,
Wreckless and wild they pour thru the turns,
Their prowess is potent and secretly stern.
As they speed thru the finish the flags go down.
The fans get up, and they get out of town.
The arena is empty except for one man,
Still driving and striving as fast as he can
The sun has gone down and the moon has come up,
And long ago somebody left with the cup,
But he's driving and striving and hugging the turns,
And thinking of someone for whom he still burns.
Because he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
He's fighting and biting and riding on his horse.
He's going the distance.
No trophy, no flowers, no flash bulbs, no wine.
He's haunted by something he cannot define.
Bowel shaking earthquakes of doubt and remorse,
Assail him, impale him with monster truck force.
In his mind he's still driving, still making the grade.
She's hoping time that her memories will fade,
Cause he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
He's fighting and biting and riding on his horse.
Because he's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
He's fighting and biting and riding on his horse,
He's racing and pacing and plotting the course,
He's fighting and biting and riding on his horse!
-Cake "The Distance"
I will see y'all at the March
Jacob | February 12, 2008, 2:02pm | #
Let me be the first to say that this idea is retarded, but I’ll still support it.And for the LP guy – good luck getting on the Virginia ballot this year. I have a feeling that I’ll be needing a useless protest vote come November.
Jacob | February 12, 2008, 2:04pm | #
This will also be the scariest, most awkward march in the history of political protests. Seriously, some of the Paul people should not be let outside.Nay Sayer | February 12, 2008, 2:19pm | #
I pledge to march all the way to my refrigerator for a cold beer.Pointless spectacles like these require alcoholic beverages.
Do they have a name for it yet? May I suggest the Hundred Man March?
Ridley Walker | February 12, 2008, 2:23pm | #
Money talks, a turd sandwhich walks.We should set up a money bomb for the weekend after either the Dem or Rep candidate vows to see through one of Dr. Paul's signature issues. I got a c-note for whichever of them promises to decriminalize pot, bring the boys home soon, whatever.
Since they're all politicians, I'd say that large scale bribery might work.
Jacob | February 12, 2008, 2:26pm | #
Ridley,Now THAT’S a great idea. Marching on Washington is so 1960.
Is this legal? | February 12, 2008, 2:26pm | #
What about if we got pledges to send individual congresscritters checks for $10,000 for each vote that passes a freedom related law?picaro | February 12, 2008, 2:27pm | #
I'll be there, in spite of the nattering nabobs of negativity.Any chance to peacefully register our contempt for misrule in Washington should be taken.
Your silence gives them cover and legitimacy.
TF | February 12, 2008, 2:30pm | #
You can't get libertarians to march, it's like herding cats. As soon as a libertarian steps up to be a leader, other libertarians knock him/her down for having the audacity to think they can lead. Anti-authoritarianism is in the DNA. Thats why the others win so many elections...their DNA allows them to get in line and be organized.Let's face it, all we can do is sit back and tell everybody else why they are wrong, and hope someday they will agree. Then, if they do change their mind and agree, we will beat them down for switching positions....we're doomed
Colin | February 12, 2008, 2:43pm | #
I read today that Paul is up to %8 in the nationall Gallup, the highest he's polled to date.Citizen Nothing | February 12, 2008, 2:49pm | #
I'm diggin' all the CAKE love on this thread...Josh Homme's Stalker | February 12, 2008, 2:53pm | #
Here, nathan. Maybe this will cure what ails you.ktc2 | February 12, 2008, 2:54pm | #
This situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody's part.The Wine Commonsewer | February 12, 2008, 3:27pm | #
I'm only showing up in DC for a rally if that guy from North Carolina is there with his smoker wagon filled with chopped BBQ.Actually, the race is over, RP did well, not as well as I'd hoped, but better than the average LP candidate has done, EVER.
Thanks Ron, for once in my life I don't feel like a WHORE IN CHURCH when people ask about the candidate I support.
I wish RP well in his campaign against Donderoo. And I don't care if he uses the money I gave him to run for CONgress down in Texas.
Mike Laursen | February 12, 2008, 3:43pm | #
Let's wait until the Fall when the Big Two start outpromising each other with the goodie bags they'll rain on us.If they promise to set up giant video screens on The Mall and hold a mass heckling of the "Big Two", I'll so be there for this thing.
Daze | February 12, 2008, 3:54pm | #
"wants his flock to march on Washington"Awesome, I'll start working on my giant puppet!
Craig | February 12, 2008, 4:25pm | #
The Philadelphia Rally in November was supposed to be the "grand stand." It drew 5,000 people, and some limited coverage on CNN. Later, CNN's Anderson Cooper downplayed Ron Paul's claim that 5,000 attended, saying it was closer to 2,000, even though the 5,000 number was widely reported.The biggest rally so far was at Liberty University last week, where over 8,000 showed up to cheer on Ron Paul. What did the media report on? 350 showing up in Wichita to chant "Mac is back" for John McCain.
ktc2 | February 12, 2008, 4:30pm | #
Sad that RP would appear at a twisted place like "Liberty" University.The Wine Commonsewer | February 12, 2008, 5:08pm | #
The biggest rally so far was at Liberty University last week, where over 8,000 showed up to cheer on Ron Paul. What did the media report on? 350 showing up in Wichita to chant "Mac is back" for John McCain.That's depressing
The day a presidential candidate sets foot on the grounds of "Liberty University" is the day they're dead to me.
ChrisO | February 12, 2008, 5:49pm | #
Hey, there's nothing wrong with preaching to the unconverted.cgee | February 12, 2008, 6:13pm | #
Cake is a lie!B | February 12, 2008, 7:34pm | #
I'm curious, will they be burning the crosses before or after the march to Washington?B | February 12, 2008, 7:38pm | #
"Sorry, that should read: "If you dress as a giant douchebag, people will think you are McCain."And if you dress in a white hood and robe, people might think you are Ron Paul, albeit a slightly less-bigoted version.
windycityatty | February 12, 2008, 8:59pm | #
Beware the summer solstice - isn't June 21st the longest day of the year? Will there be druids?I propose we persuade St. Pierre over at NORML to have some of his burning man friends erect a giant caricature of McInsane and torch the fucking thing on the mall.
If the hippy freaks dance enough and offer enough unshaved virgins to the sun god, maybe the fire will spread??
Ah, 'Cake'! G'day Michelle, how serendipitous that YOU twig my memory!!! WHy does one have to REGISTER on LibertarianLady to comment? That ain't Libertarian at all.
miche | February 13, 2008, 1:34am | #
Greggie!!! My most loved friend in Oz! I miss you, your girlie and Australia.As far as my site's registration requirement, I'll just have to figure out a way around it. You know that I started that blog quite by mistake after Hammer of Truth went down and I only maintain it out of vanity. ;o) You know my email addy- drop me a line or 14. I miss yappin' with you and there's a lot to tell.
Smooches Love!