The rebel forces of Paul -- Ron Paul -- organize to resist John McCain

As far as Sen. John McCain is concerned, the Republican presidential nomination is a done deal and he's working on uniting the party behind him. But thousands of Republicans -- particularly supporters of Texas Rep. Ron Paul -- aren't buying that.

In the Pennsylvania primary, more than 215,000 Republicans cast ballots for Paul or former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who quit campaigning weeks ago. Together, they captured 27% of the Republican vote.

That was tame compared with the uproar last weekend at Nevada's Republican Party Convention. Or before that in Missouri.

About 600 well-organized Paul supporters overwhelmed McCain's forces, as The Ticket reported earlier this week, and engineered a rule change that permitted national convention delegates to be nominated from the floor, wresting the task from party establishment leaders.

That evening, party leaders unexpectedly adjourned the session, saying the proceedings would take too long to finish that night.

But tongues were set wagging about whether the adjournment was a maneuver to save McCain from the embarrassment of being swamped by Paul delegates.

Eric Herzik, a political scientist at the University of Nevada, Reno, said the disruption reflected, among other things, that McCain had "yet to capture the hearts and minds of Nevada Republicans." Previously, Paul forces had elected about one-third of the delegates to the Missouri state Republcan convention.

As the 72-year-old Paul, who is unopposed in the November election for his 11th House term, suggested to his dedicated troops earlier this year in a video, they should prepare for for the long haul.

And buy his new book, which has promptly soared to the top of Amazon.com's bestseller list.

All of which suggests there might be some drama or at least confrontations in St. Paul at the GOP's national convention in September after all.

-- Maeve Reston

                                                                                                                                Photo Credit: AP

Comments

[Paul]

Hey people, leave "Keith" alone.

He either just will never understand freedom, or he is a plant, maybe a Pentagon E-spook, working to turn the discussion negative.

Either way, it's a waste of time, and drags things down.

Please stay on the positive, move forward, and ignore people like that.

Thank you.

[Gabriel from Mo]

I am not sure why anyone is responding to this argumentative and unprecedentedly pretentious ignorant know nothing name kieth.

His comment is obviously either an uneducated one or just a ploy to destroy any important and or productive conversation taking place.

Ignore kieth!

He makes references to pot then relates them to cocaine and crack and then turns them into the reason himself and others shouldn't support Ron Paul. Com' on people utterly ridiculous don't even respond to him.

I am proud to say I am not a pot smoker and I am also proud to say that I admire any pot smoker willing to become politically active and push for a visionary candidate such a s Ron Paul.

God Bless all of you pot smokers that is if any of you actually are pot smokers.

[andrew]

good article...

when is the march?

(to the white house)

[Brian Lynch]

Our nation was once a shining beacon of freedom in the world. Something to be aspired to. Now, we are hated around the globe. Our deeds have become wicked and the source of much suffering. I say "OUR deeds" because there in lies the catch to a democracy. We elect our leaders and from that day forth, they do as they choose without fear of reprisal or judgment from those who elected them and in the end, who's left holding the bag? Why, we are of course. And why shouldn't it be so? After all, it was we who chose them. Who's to blame for their misdeeds, if not us? I've listened to all the candidates in this debate and there is only one who speaks to the truth that is in my heart.....Ron Paul. I've lived long enough now to understand the depths of ambition that brings about the wickedness in man and I fear for our great nation. I listen to McCain, Clinton and Obama, the calculated coolness that pervades their every word as if the woes of our nation were merely obstacles to be negotiated in there race for power.........and I fear.

[BooToo]

Everyone is getting hung up on the marijuana issue instead of looking at the big picture. Ron Paul is basically calling for Americans to stop relying on big government to solve their problems. One of his main points is for personal responsibility and for politicians to stop leading us into a deeper hole.

Personally, I agree with most of what he has to say.

[Martin]

On election day I will be writing in Mr. Paul's name as my vote for President. No one is going to tell me that I have to choose between the Dem or Rep nominee on the ticket. My choice is Ron Paul regardless of what media outlets tell me. Hopefully everyone who wants Mr. Paul to the be the leader of this country will do the same and show the elitist Democrats & Republicans that no ammount of money will buy them the White House.

[JK]

I love how educated people, such as Keith, who was quick to point out his 3 degrees from major universities, are so clearly UNINFORMED on the very issue he spoke out against. It scares me to think that anyone who's taken the time to educate themselves with 3 degrees can be such a close-minded boob. I'd say the educaton system has failed Keith miserably because any rational, clear thinking adult can see that the current system of drug policies in this country DO NOT WORK.

[Amy]

wow...now isn't that bit interesting? 27%? The people are speaking, and it's about time they were heard! Go Ron Paul!

[mrc]

I'm voting for Ron Paul tomorrow in the Indiana Primary. He is the only one worth voting for - the other three are just running for 4 more years of the exact same thing. Why am I voting for Paul? Because I love this country and the principals it was founded on. I'm not willing to cave into the fear mongers and hand over my civil liberties and freedoms for a little bit of perceived security. I'm a big boy and I can take care of myself thank you very much and I don't need or want the government's help with every little decision I make in my life. As far as the whole drug thing goes, someone is missing the point - if you raise your kids right in the first place then you won't have to worry about your kids doing drugs. Drug abuse is a symptom not the source of the problem. Ron Paul wants to fix America, not just treat the symptoms like all the other candidates.

[Angelika]

"Negative - my concept of what is good and bad in this small corner of morality is based on having to bury some people I knew, some from suicide that had it's roots in drug use, others by accidental drug overdoses, some by other accidents and mishaps caused by drug use. It's also been formed by watching other friends tear apart their relationships with their spouses, their kids and destroy their careers and their health with drugs. The government has nothing to do with it. "

Keith, try to keep in mind that everyone is responsible for the paths they choose. Your friends decided to poison their bodies and minds with drugs. No one forced their hand.
Also, remember that your friends chose to engage in these activities regardless of their legality (or, in this case, lack thereof).
Don't get me wrong - I'm strongly against the use of any drug, be it so-called "recreational" marijuana or tobacco or alcohol. As I said, it's all poison. However, we cannot pass the buck by putting the responsibility of the individual in the hands of the government. It's what we've been doing for years, and it's obviously failed, and by refusing to acknowledge that fact, you are also refusing to accept the reality of it.

[Yuan]

Keep spreading the message Dr. Paul!

You guys should check out Ron Paul's new book, titled The Revolution: A Manifesto.

It's #1 on Amazon!!

protect your freedom!

[Rachel]

Keith,

Is there any candidate out there that you agree with on every single issue? I doubt it. So writing RP off over his stand on one issue is closed minded and pointless.

Not to mention, implying that all of RP's supporters are supporting him because of his stand on one issue is just as ridiculous as dismissing him over one issue.

I, personally, am 100% anti-marijuana. I have never smoked it, even once. I have seen the destructive influence it has had on friends. However, they are adults and I believe that they should be allowed to make their own decisions. Not one of them has ever caused any harm to anyone else as a result of smoking pot. My ex is a pothead and that cause issues in our relationship. But he is an adult who can choose that if he wishes. And I, as an adult , can choose to walk away from the relationship.

This is not an issue that should be legislated. The drug laws haven't worked anyway. And meanwhile, we are wasting tons of time, energy, and resources (aka tax dollars) trying to micro-manage people. The money could be much better spent elsewhere.

Point being, RP stands for your right to not be parented by the government. We are grown-ups and should be treated that way. RP is the only candidate who truly represents the American Way.

[JP]

Keith is an idiot.

[Craig]

I just wanted to say a quick thanks to the writer of this article! Thanks for covering Ron Paul! He derserves it! Also, thanks for the fair toner of the article. The only thing I'd add is that the Ron Paul supporters didn't so much "force a rule change" as they simply "made sure the rules were followed as they are written". As I understand it, the party leaders choosing the delegates were the ones not abiding by party rules in the first place.

To anyone reading this who isn't already a Ron Paul supporter, I would only ask that you research all his positions on the issues and decide for yourself. Just keep in mind that Ron Paul doesn't have such a rabid following of supporters for no reason. It's because those of us who understand his way of thinking are actually excited and fired up about it. And we're SO convinced that this guy is the best hop for America that we're doing everything we can to help the rest of you out there realize the truth as well.

To everyone reading this who is already a RP supporter...GOOD CHOICE AND KEEP ON DOING THE RIGHT THING!

Craig

[JP]

I did a little research on Keith. I stopped when I got to his idiotic comment. I now realize where his lack of support comes from

[Sarah]

I used to smoke pot but don't anymore because I now have a little boy and don't feel that it would be a responsible thing for a mother to do. I support the decriminalization of marijuana for three reasons:

1) Having the experience of using it, I can tell you that it is a nice way to relax after a hard day. For some, preferable to a drink--those being people who have alcoholism in their families who don't wish to take the chance of becoming one themselves, and people who wish to avoid the carbs. I know that someone's thinking, "Yeah, but pot gives you the munchies!" I never got the munchies because I always ate first because eating after you smoke tends to reduce your buzz.

2) All around this country, prisons are overpopulated. Here in Florida, they are strongly considering letting people out before their sentences have been completely served. They are prioritizing the release of violent offenders over drug charge convicts. Now I don't know about you, but I would prefer having my next door neighbor freed from prison and smoking bonghits behind the privacy of his own walls every night than know that there is a rapist on the streets out prowling for prey when I am out doing my grocery shopping or my teenage sister is at her softball game.

3) It should be a great source of shame to withhold marijuana from people when it has medicinal applications. I have seen a friend with anorexia shoot up from 75 pounds to 100 in a few months from taking up marijuana smoking. Pot was helping Peter McWilliams to survive with AIDS until he was caught with it and died after drowning in his own vomit. This was an inspirational writer who has made an immeasurable difference in millions of lives. Look him up, including the book "Aint Nobody's Business if You Do" on this subject.

I have focused on marijuana use because it is being talked about here at length, but it is only one facet of the support I give to Ron Paul. For the first time in my life, I am seeing a politician who actually stands for very concrete things in an endless tide of candidates and elected officials who hope their personalities will get them elected or re-elected.

[Nick]

This whole notion of Ron Paul and his drug position is so old. People were attacking him in 1988 for the same stuff. Frankly, I despise drugs and think anyone who uses them is a waste of life. Ron Paul has stated over and over again that he is very much against drug use, but is aware that he cannot control what people will put into their bodies. The Federal gov't should have learned that with the drug war. Even though it's happening, we still have a drug problem and it's because ultimately, we can't control what people will do to themselves in the privacy of their own homes. Now if we want to go further and invade their homes and violate the 4th amendment, then sure, we can do that and grow into bigger government.

Look, I'm a Christian and I find the actions of some people absolutely detestable, but I cannot legislate my morality. If people want to sell their bodies, I can't stop them using force. If people want to destroy their minds with drugs of any kind including alcohol and tobacco, I cannot stop them. If two people of the same gender want to be lifepartners, I cannot stop them. None of these people have to answer to me, but to their Creator whom has given them freewill. Far be it from the government to take that away from them, even if the action is detestable. Fact is, Ron Paul wants people to govern themselves in entirety. He is not about regulating their lives or controlling their minds. As he has stated, if we're going to outlaw drugs, at least have respect enough for the Constitution to amend it as they did during Prohibition. Anything else is illegal, including making drugs illegal.

His position on legalizing drugs sings nothing to me. I couldn't care less about that. He wants to return to sound Constitutional government and stop inflation by getting rid of the Federal Reserve and slow government spending by getting rid of the IRS. He wants to stop illegal wars (and those are illegal by our laws, since I couldn't care less what international law has to say), stop illegal immigration, stop the handouts, stop big government. Those are the things that stand out to me.

[bleep]

Kieth, I agree 100% with you. You are so right on man. This one guy I knew had a heart attack when he was 45. Poor guy was way overwieght because he ate McDonalds every day for lunch. He was so funny too. I really think McDonalds should be illegal, If only it hadn't been there, there would be no way for him to eat unhealthy and die from it.

I also had 2 friends, both were killed in car accidents. I tell you, these cars people drive are just so dangerous. I mean, it's all about these people being lazy and not wanting to ride a bicycle, or jog. I mean plus they pollute the environment, so thats a bad thing too, we should really probably make driving cars illegal. I tell you, having to bury my friends has really opened my eyes to how evil these machines are. We are slaves to them.

I personally had a relationship that was torn apart by something much worse than drugs. Halo 3, it is possibly one of the most addicting video games in the history of the world, and it's violent too. I would be running around the house pretending to sniper rifle the dog, my girlfriend, heck anything that moves. Well eventually she had enough of that, she left me over it because I could just not put it down for 2 seconds. I am writing to my senators and congressmen right now, this needs to be made illegal so I don't play it anymore.

Just think of how great a place america will be once we have made everything that must be used with RESPONSIBILITY, and made them illegal.
********************************************************
Matt, that is hilarious, simple, and effective way of explaining this issue. :):)

[Busia]

I read Keith's input, I know Keith, you didn't inhale, either, Got It! Who you voting for? Larry? Curly? or MoeCain? Like I tell my kids; anyone who has two or more brain cells that work together is part of the Ron Paul R3VOLUTION! The rest are drinking that funny koolaid that warps a person's mind. I am proud to be a part of the people for FREEDOM! Remember that, Keith?

[Sashia]

Rebel Forces? Resist John McCain?
Well, words are wepons and although I'm surprised to find an article about Ron Paul NOT derrogitory, I surely haven't found one in any article iin print media that is indepth, or even thorough.
Isn't that what people should have the right to read about? A True picture of the candidate and what his views and voting history are?. Isn't that the obligation of the media?
Or is it to shine a light where they want us to look and only there.
I'm a 58 y/o grandmother, don't drink,don't somoke, don't go to church and have been knownto curse like a sailor. I'm college educated and in a professional field. I spend an enourmous amount of time studying our Constitution, & Bill of Rights and watching the media, which only enrages me further. I feel like Alice still in the hole. I feel like the little boy who shouts out "but he's not wearing any clothes, only to be rebuked by the crowd.
I can no longer tolerate the "group think" that pervades this country, (and that's the one who even think at all).
I have not had ONE person who supports the current "Top 3" candidates that's been able to support their candidate with any intelligent information. The point is they DON'T Know their candidates position on the issues or worse, they know but have no idea what the repercussions would be, All they know is "I'm a, ---(filli in the blanks)-----(gun owner, small business man, Catholic, Jew, Republican, Democrat, Italian, or gung ho Arab hater, pot smoker, pot hater,ad nauseum)
They are willing stick their heads in the sand, allow this country to continue on its downward spiral because they refuse to look further than their noses. The've made up their minds and that's it. Well, there were people on the Titanic who not only refused to believe they were sinking, they attacked those who tried to get them to abandon ship. We know those people are at the bottom of the deep blue sea. Don't be one of them.
Get off yur lazy butts and spend some time researching the issues, talk intelligently instead of antagonistically, get the facts ALL the facts, because half the story isn't the truth. Tell us about some in depth article you've read recently, that changed your views on SOMETHING, so we know you're not just a GNOME. If I don't know where MY candidate stands on an issue, I reasearch it. My views have changed radically in the past 2 years. At first I was for Hillary, because she was a woman of course...Then I changed my mind and went with Obama.
I thought about McCain, (but I'm a democrat who voted ALL dem. hoping to get enough people in the house and senate to stop this insanity,,,ha). I spent much more time researching and despite the mainstream's ability to keep Ron Paul's name out of the public eye, unless it was derrogitory story, I managed to find enough information to prompt me, a lifelong Democrat, to switch parties in order to vote for Ron Paul.
I think if you would do a REAL survey, you will find that there are MILLIONS of educated, informed, and politically active people voting for Ron Paul, because they know that despite some differences, he is the ONLY one who has shown the leadership, intelligence and committment to the American people and the Republic for which they stand.
BTW I don't smoke POT either, but don't care if you do, you will anyway if you want to.

[Jack McGuirk]

If Ron Paul decides to address John McCain on his claim that the federal government is not locking up sick and dying medical marijuana users, it will be a hard blow. And if Ron Paul brings up Michelle Rainey as the counter example to McCain's claim that blow could be deadly to a lot more than McCain's presidential hopes (marijuana laws?). Below are links to relevant videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAlH1oZ0NfU
John McCain denies that sick people are being arrested

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjV6cutmaxA
Michelle Rainey, suffering from Chrones disease, discusses her extradition from Canada and the front lines of the medical marijuana war.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-WPhkkPkEM
Barry Cooper: Drug Cop turned Pot Activist

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4uc98rM33M&feature=related
Marc Emery: Philosophical Freedom Fighter of the Century

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57DdviStOFo
"Walk Hard" movie trailer

[stan wright]

What do George & Ringo think?

[Joshua Earlenbaugh]

Free state fever!

RP 2008 and freedom forever!

jE

[Sidric The Viking]

Sorry for the poor finish on my last post - typing on an iPhone takes a little getting used to and I'm tired.
Just wanted to say one more thing (yes, I know I said an awful lot already!)
You have a terrific history of putting things out in the public arena and giving them a decent airing. You have media which are not yet totally under state control and you have free and fair elections ( think where Zimbabwe and Pakistan, among many others, might be if that were true for them also!).
Love what's good about your country and work on fixing what's not. Just be sure that in trying to fix things yyou don't trample others along the way in your enthusiastic fervour.
God bless and guide each of you as you vote this Autumn.
Sidric The Viking.
ps. on a trivial note: will you ever acknowledge Lief Ericsson as the true discoverer of the Americas in 1001AD?

[dddienst]

I don't do recreational drugs but the war does not work and the claim is not made in a vacuum there are other countries that handle the problem very differently and it works for them without putting a large percentage of their population in prison or crating an economic means for organized crime.

Freedom works. We are supposed to be free to pursue happiness... even in ways that are not good for us or that other people don't think are good for us. Who defined happiness as two parents working at walmart and costco to pay for a overpriced house with a white picket fence and 2.5 kids? If you choose any other type of happiness look out. It does not guarantee happiness just the free pursuit of it.

I don't drink coffee or smoke either but I don't think they should be made illegal, although they are trying hard and lookout if they pass universal healthcare!