Ron Paulites SPEAK OUT !

Some of you may recall an item we published a week ago tonight on Ron Paul. It was a brilliantly written spoof alleging to expose the massive nationwide conspiracy behind the campaign of the 72-year-old libertarian ob-gyn who's been elected to the House of Representatives 10 times from Texas.

The blog item was tied to publication of a revealing feature by The Times' James Rainey on a particular group of Southern California Paul supporters and their earnest campaign efforts.

Although Paul's vociferous, heartfelt, defensive and offensive supporters, who patrol the Internet at all hours and will be on this item within minutes of its posting, will cite encouraging bookmakers' odds from somewhere, the political reality is that Dr. Paul, as they reverently call him, has, let's call it, realistically a very longshot chance of actually winning the Republican presidential nomination.

So what? It's a fascinating grassroots political story in which a widely diverse collection of dissatisfied Americans have spontaneously congregated via the Internet and some 1,200 meet-up groups to organize and proselytize for their man. It really is grass-roots democracy in action, never mind the outcome. In some TV appearances Paul seems almost bewildered by the wildfire support.

But it's there, as evidenced by growing fundraising numbers that totaled a near-record one day $4.2 million last month. And Paul supporters aim to break Hillary Clinton's one-day record of $6.2 million come Dec. 16, which is the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party and probably as good a day as any for rebels to try to make news for their candidate. A counter on Paul's website puts the quarter's fundraising at nearly $10.8 million.

But the point of this item is to examine some of the comments submitted here in recent days by Paul boosters and opponents (yes, there are some willing to say so). Hundreds of readers -- 60+ pages of printouts -- shared their opinions, most of them printable. They reveal an eclectic mix of people, who identify themselves as lawyers, Democrats, housewives, first-time voters, young, old, suspicious of established institutions like the dreaded MSM (mainstream media) who resent being portrayed as fringe fanatics.

"Yikes!" one wrote, "you let everyone know that we are mostly normal people with a sense of concern for the direction of the nation." Trevor Winton wrote, "We are ordinary citizens who seriously want our country back." There are many enemies to the Paul Nation -- an overblown federal government... 

that curbs freedoms with the Patriot Act, usurps state powers, the IRS, big banks, the Federal Reserve, a military-industrial complex that makes money involving the country in costly foreign entanglements like Iraq. Many Paul supporters admit they do not agree with him on everything -- say, a return to the gold standard or the perceived threat to American sovereignty of a proposed super-highway across Texas. Paul supporters find it hard to believe that others don't see that threat.

They're not bothered by Paul's suggestion that the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks by bombing Iraq. They like his plain-spokenness, states' rights and America-first attitude. "The choice for America," one reader wrote, "is simply, follow the Constitution and the rule of law, get the Govt out of your bedroom, and your wallets and live your life as you see fit."

Many Paulites see no difference between the two major parties. "I'm a 46-year-old SAG actor and US Navy veteran," wrote Bruno Amato. "I haven't voted since 1980, when I voted for Ronald Reagan, and never donated to a campaign, but I have contributed and will continue and I will definitely be voting for Ron Paul."

They don't trust the polls, which show Paul's support up from 1% to the 8% range, because, they say, many Paul supporters have no land phones. (The L.A. Times Poll does factor in cellphones, by the way.)  "The supporters of Ron Paul have brought me faith in America again," Chris said. "It is a wonderful, energizing feeling. Hope is powerful. Our power when we work together is stronger than any defense contractor or lobbying groups."

"Ron Paul is the only candidate out there who really wants to take the country in a totally new direction," Heather Czerniak wrote. "Forget about policing the world and sending our kids to die for someone else's freedom."

"I can't wait to see what happens in New Hampshire!" Chris Foster said.

A lot of other people -- Paulites or not -- feel the same.

(UPDATE: Extreme Mortman now takes all this Top of the Ticket interest into account too.)

-- Andrew Malcolm

Comments

[UK HOPE]

Hi from the UK.

I hope for the worlds sake that the people of America wake up to whats going on and vote for Ron Paul. America will be a country that people will be very jealous of if he wins. Unlike the hatred caused by the current government.

This revolution has changed alot of people's views of America. The government does NOT represent the people.

Its such a shame the media wont report fairly on Ron Paul and his supporters. It just shows how deep the corruption goes. It doesn't take much researching to see whats really going on. I just hope enough people can open there eyes without the mass media doing it for them.

Good luck America
Vote Ron Paul

[Marvin Lavertue]

I think a better description of Dr. Paul's (I do refer to him this way as a sign of respect, "The Good Doctor" if you please) stand on the 9/11 attacks would be that those in our government who have decided to occupy and wage silent war on the Middle East for 10+ years gave these people little choice but to strike back. I think he would argue (and has argued) that if China sent troops into our troubled country to "help" US see the way, and started building massive bases here in OUR country (as though they intended to stay a while, occupy), that there might be a few "True Patriots" who would take exception to this type of holier than thou bullying. I mean, come on, who the hell do these people in the government think they are. Who asked them to play God with the millions of lives in these foreign lands? What kind of ego does it take to ..... OK , next
Where do the pollsters get there calling lists? Are thy calling the "never voted or donated before" crowd? Are they calling the "I was a Democrat/Independent but am now going to convert and vote for Dr. Paul" crowd? Are they calling the "I'm a Republican, but haven't had a good reason to vote in recent elections, but now have a good reason to vote for Dr. Paul" crowd. OR are they only calling the "I voted in the last primary/Presidential election because I'm a good drone/Republican" crowd. And If the last is the case, then I'd say we're doing pretty good having woken up 1-8% of the drones.
Still a decent article, just pointing out a few differences in perception, Thanx.
M.

[Bo]

A "brilliantly written spoof."
Is that what the Times calls a badly written article when they are called on it?

Your political writers are comedy writers. Obviously you couldn't get a good one , they are all on strike.

[Mark Leclerc]

Dear Andrew,

I, like the many hundreds responding here, have very busy lives to lead. I resent being categorized as an internet mole, waiting to pounce on the media in defense of Ron Paul. At the same time I recognize that so many in our country finally feel that it's worth their time and inconvenience to finally stand up as say "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

Watching the media's prepackaged "presidential race" makes us sick to a tipping point. As we all witness yet ANOTHER trillion dollar scam and bailout occuring on Wall St. and in Washington while feeling the vice of inflation crushing our lives; we watch the "mainstream candidates" attempting to use "issues" to divert and divide our attention away from the cause... The fraud codified through the Federal Reserve Act and creation of the IRS has been exposed. We as a nation of common citizens are now awake and united are coming to SHUT DOWN THE FED AND IRS.
Please, anyone!!! Watch "Money as Debt", "Freedom to Fascism", etc. Read about the REAL history behind the controlling class and how they've taken up residence in our countries' institutions... then you may begin to see Ron Paul supporters not as noisy inconveniences, but as patriotic citizens from ALL walks of life uniting to FINALLY expose and end the corruption, get our troops out of harm's way and return to the respectful guidance of this nations' founding fathers.

Mark Leclerc
Registered NH voter

[Freedomexplo]

As an Australian I'm a little perplexed by this article. I don't really know who Ron Paul is, but if like the people say here, that he has raised more money, has 50 times more meet.up groups, signs and support at straw polls and has a better record at straw polls head-to-head with any other candidate, why would you take a "phone poll" of what you call "likely voters" as fact of Ron Pauls 3rd tier status when it's been proven here by following just one of the links posted that his name is left off many of those very polls?.

This to me screams of a form of popularized propaganda, and the writer here seems to be smug and proud of his false assertions, and I'm quite sure is the type of insecure personality that would read the comment section. It's clear you are not interested in true and factual reporting. before you criticize Ron supporters read what they say, they just wanted to be treated fairly, not special. It seems he gets blacked-out by the Media, and when they do talk about him it's full of misconceptions "he can't win" and down right smears and lies, and then the journos complain when Ron Paul followers point out those lies. I guess Ron Paul supporters can't win, just the way you want it to be. It's obvious now

So what have you got to say for yourself? I bet you feel pretty stupid, the Ron Paul supporters have shut you down here, your integrity as a writer -someone who is supposed to be balanced, un bias is gone. You are a part of the problem and everything the founders warned America about.

Go Ron Paul, anyone the Media hates must be a man of honor of the highest order.

[Tracker]

Can't wait to see the look on the faces of the "frontrunners" when RP wins primary after primary.

REGISTER TO VOTE NOW!
http://votesmart.org/voter_registration_resources.php

[Orlando]

Let's clarify some mistakes Andrew printed here, shall we:

ANDREW: "Many Paul supporters admit they do not agree with him on everything -- say, a return to the gold standard"

FACT: No where does Ron Paul ever mention that he wants to return to the gold standard. Wikipedia quotes Ron Paul's position on the Gold Standard as follows: "Paul says he "wouldn't exactly go back on the gold standard"[23], but would push to relegalize gold and silver as legal tender and remove the sales tax on them, so that gold-backed notes (or other types of hard money) and digital gold currencies[24] can compete on a level playing field with fiat Federal Reserve notes, allowing individuals a choice whether to use "sound money" to protect their purchasing power or to continue using fiat money.[25]"

ANDREW: "or the perceived threat to American sovereignty of a proposed super-highway across Texas."

FACT: From Alberta's Infrastructure and Transportation website you can see the planned highway for yourself: http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/2760.htm

ANDREW: "They're not bothered by Paul's suggestion that the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks by bombing Iraq."

FACT: This is not Ron Paul saying this, and he never phrased it as "the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks". He blames our foreign policy, not the US as a whole. His statement comes from our government's 9-11 Commission Report -- something Giuliani did not even read, and Andrew fails to mention about the fact that we've had military bases in their land and have been overly involved in mideast politics. http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/05/18/martin/index.html

Please research a llittle more thoroughly before you misrepresent a candidate.

[Brett]

I just wanted to express my distaste for you mischaracterizaion of Ron Pauls stance on our foreign policy and its correlation with the 9/11 attacks.

All we ask for is an accurate representation of facts from the people who are SUPPOSED to be taking care of their people.

[Brian]

"Hillary Clinton's one-day record of $6.2 million" Can you provide some evidence that Hillary is the one holding the record of one-day fundraising? It is my understanding that it is Ron Paul that is holding it. I guess from reading your article, you aren't much of a fan of facts. Like Stephen Colbert say, you like th "gut reporting" It is just amazing they hired you at the LA Times. What were your qualifications exactly on your resume? "Gut writer seeking position as a smear monger"?

[leslie]

I am a democrat and don't currently support Ron Paul's candidacy, however, I find him very refreshing. He seems to be the only candidate who does not believe that somehow Sadaam Hussein was behind the 9/11 attacks. I admire the fact that he voted against going into Iraq when it was an unpopular stance within his own party. (Those who dare speak truth to power will always be remembered as heros when the history books are written). He also understands the connection between our insatiable need for oil and that it is the real reason for the Iraq invasion.

[Nancy Murphy]

The Federal Government has gotten way too big. Ron Paul will downsize it.

[Steven]

With this being my first presidential election that I can vote in, I am so excited to vote for Ron Paul. I have followed him daily and am determined to see him win!

[Kimberly]

The media is against Ron Paul. The Washington, D.C. establishment is against Ron Paul. It's the best endorsement a candidate could ask for.

Dr. Paul has awakened a sleeping, apathetic country, and his intelligence, honesty and patriotism have reignited the flames of liberty that had almost gone out in the hearts of Americans.

I think he has a good chance to win. And if there were no chance at all, I would still vote for Ron Paul.

"It does not take a majority to prevail...but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." Samuel Adams

[Michael]

The last line in the article is misleading. The American people do care about the people of the world. What Ron Paul supporters object to is sending our military to police the world. The oath that our military takes is to defend the U.S.A., not to setup democracies in other countries. The government has no authority to use our military the way they are being used today. It is an abuse of power and furthermore puts America in a compromised position.

[David Imberti]

As I take it, there are two things that stick out in my mind:

-Saying a candidate is better because of higher poll numbers is bandwagoning.

-Discharging on the people supporting Ron Paul and trying to get a 'fallacy by association' is also a known fallacy.

In other words, I'm not looking at his poll numbers, nor his supporters, nor do I care. I like his principles, and that's what matters, that's what is fair.

[Elle Anee]

The reason Dr. Ron Paul doesn't show up in the polls is because many of the polls simply don't have his name on the list. Someone posted one of the calls s/he got on YouTube and guess what? Ron Paul wasn't on it AND it was a recorded poll, so there was no human to talk to.

These polls are fixed and please stop using the no land line thing. There is a concerted effort to prevent Ron Paul's message from reaching the American masses. We're not fools. In fact, we're the people who are awake, aware, and calling you for what you are--propagandists of the worst kind.

[Doug D]

What's really been the most frustrating for Ron Paul supporters is the media's single-mindedness in focusing on poll numbers to determine which candidates to give coverage to, treat as a serious candidate, and even give speaking time to in the debates.

Accurate or not, the polls are a very poor predictor of success in the primaries. Most people don't make up their minds about who to support until the last few weeks. Predicting who will turn out for the primaries is very tough, since turnout is so low. Many poll respondents are really undecided, but just give a response to get rid of the pollster/pest. Most of those polled barely know anything about the candidates, yet their opinions are treated as the scorecard, when no votes have been cast.

Meanwhile, the media ignores or dismisses other obvious signs that Ron Paul is a very serious contender, such as actual volunteer sign ups, crowd sizes at his unreported rallies, yard signs, straw poll victories, and the like. The media has mentioned his dominance on the Internet, but treat it as a curiosity, rather than what it really is -- a leading indicator that shows people who know more about Ron Paul become strong supporters.

[liz]

A Correction! The Ron Paul campaign revealed on Nov. 5 that Hillary's supposed one day total of $6.2 million claimed to have happened on June 30th of this year is, in fact, a lie. They checked FEC reports, and news reports, and found that she took in an aggregate amount of 6.2 million for the week, but not in one day. Though they provided detailed informationto the media that could be easily checked, no one in the mainstream media seems to have noticed, and they continue to report misinformation as if it were accurate. The bigger story, if one cared about the truth, might be why Hillary's campaign, like Romney's, felt they needed to lie about it.

[Chris Robertson]

How old are you Andrew Malcolm? Characterizing the size of our comments by saying it took "60+ pages of printouts" also leads one to believe you aren't skillied in using the internet either.

Ron Paul has the perfect message for the American people. Usually this wouldn't matter, since the media chooses our candidates. We're living in a different age sir, and there is no lock on information. The people will find the message now - and the message will bring us the country we've always wanted.

Ron Paul will be the next President.

(Since the post itself says how many Comments there are, thought it would be interesting for Ron Paul supporters and others to see how much people actually have to say about their man.)

[Karl]

We are speaking out!
The latest and greatest Ron Paul news anywhere:

http://www.ronpaulforpresident2008.com/
YEAH!

[CD]

Andrew,

Instead of pointing out all the stuff you stated so incorrectly, I'm going to go ahead and write my third comment to you in months. You are slowly changing your mind about us, aren't you? We are changing your mind aren't we? Thanks again for the article on Ron Paul. You know you love us and we love you too! This political season would have been the most boring ever without Ron Paul.

[Dorothy]

Guiliani said "are you suggesting that we invited the attack". Dr Paul answered that "they attacked us because we are over there". The 9/11 report agreed. Stop twisting things. It is more sloppy journalism like that "wipe Israel off the map" quote. That was a prediction not a threat. We are seeing now how our president ignores intelligence information and pursues the neocon agenda without regard for the truth or the best interests of our troops and our nation. The press is abetting him by distorting facts. A new broom sweeps clean. We need Ron Paul.

[JamesM76]

" They're not bothered by Paul's suggestion that the U.S. invited the 9/11 attacks by bombing Iraq. "

How can one consider themselves a NEWS outlet if they constantly distort the truth? Ron Paul never said any such thing; Rudy had been the one to say it in his ignorant understanding of Dr Paul’s comments. What Ron Paul said was that the motive of our attackers on 9/11 came from our bases in Saudi Arabia as well as the constant bombings of Iraq over a period of 10 years. This is also stated by BOTH the CIA and the 9/11 commission report. It was our American foreign policy that had fueled the flames for the 9/11 attack, not the American people.

FACT CHECK PLEASE!!!

[Matt D]

It's blatantly obvious, even for those too lazy to read the 9/11 commission report, that if you just spend 5 minutes, and look at a list of terror attacks in the world from 1950's to present it goes like

1950-1980 : Latin American pro-communist groups
1980-1991 : Attacks in lebanon against US forces and against isreal by muslims
1991-Present : Attacks against western societies that were involved in the Gulf war and have a continued presence there.

Anyone with half a brain and an ounce of logic can see the connection between middle-eastern military interaction and subsequent terror attacks.

[Thom Jenkins]

More Ron Paul spoofs...funny...who knew, they're coming out with Ron Paul cologne!