Supporters/Media Await Congressman Ron Paul’s Status With Bated Breath
December 14, 2007
By Carl Fiser
(Long Island, N.Y.) “How is Ron Paul doing?” is the question of the day. Presidential candidate Ron Paul started off his campaign slowly, but it has gained strength and momentum with time. But from where in the woodwork is the strength and support coming? Is the support really even there? Is it still just a vociferous 50,000 on the internet? Are the traditional polls reported on by the major news networks correct? Could he still be in the single digits despite the clamor? Is Ron Paul’s Presidential campaign in need of resuscitation? Come on already, people! Is this not one of the oddest, contradictory things you’ve ever witnessed? Something is going on, and I want to get to the bottom of it!
Here, we have a man running for President of the United States. He’s seems like a decent, upstanding family man, served in the military, is a medical doctor and a ten-term representative in Congress. He’s not running for President like Donald Trump was running for President. He’s not Howard Stern or Al Sharpton. He’s not some quick-quipping novelty from Texas who is just out there on a soap box to tell us what’s wrong with our country. When he goes on the radio, the telephones light up like a Christmas tree - so I am told. When he appears on television, ratings soar - relatively speaking. One would think that such a star, such a ratings booster, would get the ol’ invite more often. I’ve seen video of people holding Ron Paul signs up around Hillary and Romney and Giuliani and McCain, at functions that were supposed to be theirs. Every so often, on my way home, some man holds up a Ron Paul sign to passing cars on Merrick Road . The other day, I saw a handmade banner hanging over a bridge on the Wantagh Parkway that read “Google Ron Paul If You Love America”. We’re still a year from the election! Are these people nuts, or are they excited for a logical reason? Are they a small, vociferous swath, or are they a pervasive presence?
So, I’ve been asking my family and friends here on Long Island what they think of Ron Paul. More than half hadn’t heard of him. So, I’m thinking, maybe the polls are right. If less than half of my family and friends recognized the name Ron Paul, then it’s possible that less than half of those being polled would know him enough to vote for him in a poll. Putting this into numbers, let’s say that 1 out of every 4 people recognize his name as a candidate. Of that 25%, perhaps 1 out of every 4 people would vote for him in an election. Now we’re talking about 6.25%, and maybe that’s why he’s polling in the single digits. Some of you disagree. Some of you suggest that the polls are skewed because they are designed to marginalize Ron Paul.
All conjecture aside, now that I think I’ve shown cause for the poll numbers, let’s get to the meat of this article. Why do only 1 in 4 Americans recognize the name Ron Paul? Rep. Paul is a serious contender, and I feel that all Americans should know their choices. What? Wait. You question whether he is a contender at all? But I just explained above that he is as serious as any of the other candidates. On top of that, he has this grassroots effort to get a blimp in the air with his name all over it. He’s a top money-raiser, too, with $5 million last quarter, $11.4 million so far this quarter and some big internet fundraiser happening on December 16th to commemorate the Boston Tea Party. He’s leading the Republican pack where the dollars are concerned. Anyway, this contender should be getting more press - at least as much as his peers - and that’s the point of me writing to you today. As a journalist, I don’t give a hoot if Ron Paul wins or loses, but I demand that the choice of Americans not be impaired or diverted by media outlets. It is unethical and un-American, not to mention dangerous, for the press to have undue influence over who Americans choose to serve them in public office. Of course, I know that it happens all the time. I am not blind to that fact. But, regardless of whether those at a particular network or periodical love, hate or are indifferent toward a candidate, the candidate should still get fair coverage and fair time.
This candidate I speak of, Ron Paul, has been excepted from polls, excepted from coverage and been given fewer questions at debates. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Stop telling me that it’s not happening! He has been laughed at, ridiculed and deflated. While other candidates are treated respectfully, like contenders, in interviews, Dr. Paul is not. “What’s success for you in this campaign?” “To win,” Ron Paul answered. “That’s not going to happen,” replied George Stephanopoulos on This Week With George Stephanopoulis - 7/8/07. “You probably are not going to win, and you know that, right?” Joy Behar, The View, 12/4/07. “I think we both know that the Republican Party is not going to give you the nomination,” was part of a question asked by Mark Strauss and aired to Ron Paul at CNN’s debate on 11/28/07. Additionally, he is asked either or both of the following questions whenever televised: (1) Which of your Republican opponents would you endorse for office, and (2) Are you going to run as an independent? Are my peers trying to convince Americans that a vote for Ron Paul is a wasted vote? That’s what it sounds like to me.
Some of you may remember me as the writer who penned “Ron Paul Bears Empty Pot For Americans” in which I compared the Congressman to a character in a story who was rewarded for his truthfulness. Many questioned the title, as many will probably question the title of this article, but such titles are necessary, necessary to break the word of his candidacy through to you. In fact, many times, when you read a seemingly negative title or seemingly negative words about Ron Paul, keep in mind that it may be the only way to get Ron Paul’s name out in public and shave down some of the imbalance. One of the most obvious examples of this was when a writer named Ken Layne wrote a story that was featured on AOL’s home page on the morning of December 7th. He used words of ridicule both for Ron Paul supporters and their plan to launch a Ron Paul blimp, but in so doing, that writer greatly raised awareness that there was a deadline that very night by which $200,000 had to be raised in order for the blimp idea to fly. In fact, Mr. Layne most probably helped to save the blimp idea. There are people - hidden people - all over the place, at all levels, doing their best to ensure that Americans get a fair shake at this election process. Some of them not only want to ensure even coverage of the candidates but also are closet Ron Paul fans. For one reason or another, though, they cannot say so.
Before I conclude this interactive article, I’d like briefly to comment on the comments I received to the “Empty Pot” article. In the hours shortly after publication, I received so many accolades, I feared that I had only reached those who already knew and loved Ron Paul. Although I appreciated the sentiments, I viewed the article as a failure. However, in the ensuing days, I saw more and more comments from people who had not been familiar with the name Ron Paul. Some of those newcomers disagreed with the “Paul system” of adhering strictly to the Constitution. Some were enthralled with his concepts, and still others promised to research him more thoroughly. Also, there are two particular groups of comments that I wish to address, and it may seem like I’m being partial, but I’m willing to take that risk.
Some comments intimated and others downright shouted that Ron Paul has been an impotent legislator and therefore would make an impotent President. In response, I must point out that a congressman is just 1 of 435 representatives in the House. The House of Representatives is half of the Legislative Branch of the Federal Government. The Legislature is 1 of 3 branches. That gives any given congressman .00038 worth of a say in Washington. Now, if that congressman were elected President, he or she would then account for one-third of the Federal Government. Not only would his or her exposure be 1,000 times greater, but arguably, his or her mathematical influence is increased to .33333, and that’s 877 times more of a say than a single congressman. Therefore, the assertion that the insurmountable stone walls a congressman encounters in Congress will necessarily make him an ineffective President holds no water. The second group of comments made attempt to argue that Ron Paul would never beat Hillary Clinton because he does not have enough name recognition. Well, if it’s not obvious to you that anybody who gets the Republican Party’s nomination will be catapulted into a household name, then you don’t know much about the world.
In conclusion, we need answers. I know that those who will read this article are familiar with the opportunity to make comments at the end, but I propose that this be a first of its kind. This article is incomplete, and I am asking not that you merely comment on the article, but that you finish it with your comments. I want to read and learn. Just as I’ve shared my unique perspective on who recognizes Ron Paul in my neck of the woods called Long Island, I’d like you to share what you think his recognition level is in your area. Am I way off base with anything I’ve said? I need real answers from real people across the country because the signals out there are conflicting. I await the truth of the situation with bated breath.
Posted by News LI Editor · Filed Under Politics
Have a press release or local story you would like us to review? Let us know about it!
| You can Bookmark & Share this page by clicking here: |
|
More Long Island News
-
Long Island Exchange is the leading resource on Long Island New York for news and business. Find Long Island news, check local weather, real estate, classifieds, and auto dealer listings for Long Island.
News Comments for this Article
202 Responses to “Supporters/Media Await Congressman Ron Paul’s Status With Bated Breath”
Got something to say? Be sure you've read and understand our (Terms of Service)
You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. More...
Great article, Carl; you’ve summed up the unspoken tension surrounding Ron Paul beautifully.
Uncommitted journalists may say things like, “it’s going to be an exciting election cycle!” But it’s not true, really: Ron Paul bates breath, while the other candidates deprive it.
That’s why I yawn so hideously during the 95% percent of any debate this season where Ron Paul is forced to stand behind an idle microphone.
- Posted by: Klutometis
I have found that in San Francisco CA most people know the name. Among the youth it seems half and half. Either they’ve never heard of him, because they they’ve never heard of any candidate and they don’t care about politics… or they’re out there passing out fliers and waving signs with me.
The only people I’ve met who know of Paul and don’t support him fall into two camps. Those who have been misinformed about his position on some pet issue by a slanderous media. Or those who truly and openly profess to want more regulation and bigger government.
- Posted by: David Barker
Thank you for your article. As ever, the challenge for Dr. Paul is one of exposure, and your article helps.
For me, Dr. Paul’s campaign represents the hope that our public discourse, and indeed our very lives, might once again become focused on the timeless principles upon which our nation was founded. All students of history know that empires fall when they become bloated, decadent and over-extended. In my view, Dr. Paul’s campaign represents what is perhaps our last best chance to break our gaze away from Brittney’s crotch, to tune out the droning punditocracy, and to finally and once again address the abiding gift of our birthright as Americans…LIBERTY. The fact that Dr. Paul’s positions are widely viewed as radical is a blistering indictment of the depths to which we’ve fallen. Wake up, sheeple!
- Posted by: M_arcus
People are constantly clammoring about chenge, yet ignore the opportunity for change when it knocks. The media, by contrast, seems enthraled with perpetuating this rigged game and keeping any new voices silent. It isn’t the candidate, it is the message. Obama is clearly a newcomer to the political arena, but what has he brought in terms of new ideas? Nothing.
What is most puzzling of all is how Republicans can get excited about any of the neocon clones running against Dr. Paul. All are unapologetic war mongers and not a one can defeat Hillary.
As to Dr. Paul’s polling numbers, an obvious truth is being ignored. This campaign appeals most to the politically apathetic, and the anti-war voters. People who haven’t voted in many years, registered independents and Democrats who can vote in open primary states are not being polled about the GOP primaries, yet these are exactly the people who can usher in a victory.
Yes, the media is ignoring the Paul campaign, and when they aren’t they are marginalizing it with lies and half truths. But that isn’t the whole story.
People, too are ignoring the swelling desire for freedom. In their hearts they love the tax-and-spend nanny state, the mountains of regulation, the absurd wastefullness of government. If not, they would be embracing the opposite while they still have the chance.
- Posted by: Artus Register
If Ron Paul does not have much in the way of name recognition, one must turn to the larger media outlets and ask them why. The same may be said, incidentally, for Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich - they don’t receive much attention either; but they do not have the towering grassroots support that Paul has.
The answer may not be a comfortable one: that the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), with its vast and pervasive influence in the media, industry and finance, tends to favor those candidates who are CFR members. These include Clinton, Obama, Edwards, Biden, Dodd, Giuliani, Romney, Thompson and possibly Huckabee.
Since the early 1920’s the CFR has steered U.S. policy on a number of initiatives: our involvement in the U.N, in NATO, GATT, the WTO, NAFDA and the likely merger with Canada and Mexico into the North American Union. The agenda is ultimately a global government, and the end of U.S. sovereignty. In a recent YouTube/CNN debate, Ron Paul was asked about this, and he confirmed that the CFR was a “conspiracy of ideas” - to which no one objected. But he went futher; that Paul–alone among the republicans—opposes any program or institution that would rid the U.S. of its sovereignty.
What needs to be clearly stated: the heads of CNN, FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, the New York Times, and other major dailies, are all members of the CFR. This includes Rupert Murdoch, George Stephanopolous, Diane Sawyer, Chris Wallace, Wolf Blitzer and about 4,500 more. It is an elite organization, to which one must be invited. At its head is David Rockefeller. He states, on page 405 of his Memoirs, that not only is he in favor of a global government (which would eradicate the U.S. and its status as a sovereign nation) but that he is “proud of it.” His father, John D. Rockefeller, helped to establish the CFR during the Wilson administration. Rockefeller also helped establish the Federal Reserve Bank - a privately owned institution.
The question has never been put to the American public if the dissolution of the Republic is something they might consider. It is a fair and good question. No one knows what the consequences might be, but it would seem a sad and unfair end to our nice country if it came to pass. This is what Ron Paul has consistently opposed. I support him in this opposition. I like the U.S. just fine. It is a wonderful country with - at the moment - a lousy government.
- Posted by: Russ Mason
Wonderful article. Really just great. About time someone in the media acknowledge that the MSM is completely biased towards Paul and want to suppress the choices we have. The worst part is I keep seeing polls shown on the MSM that would have candidates with LOWER polling than Paul, and Paul not shown at all. Bill O’Reilly has a poll with only 4 candidates. It’s atrocious.
Thanks again
- Posted by: Brian
Everyone should know: The “wasted vote” argument is mathematically meritless.
The argument goes, “Vote for Paul and Hillary will win! Don’t vote for Paul so that Rudy Rompson has a chance of winning.” The first fallacy is not realizing that Rudy Rompson IS A CLONE OF HILLARY. There is no benefit to any other Republican nominee.
The second fallacy is not realizing that, even if Rudy Rompson were only “the lesser of two evils”, so-called “strategic voting” for him does not increase the odds of getting what you want! It is only in theory that if all Ronpaulicans were persuaded to vote neocon, the neocon would win. In reality, “strategic voting” blocs are overpowered by the common person’s good sense in voting for WHO YOU WANT.
Elections are simply bloodless battles. When multiple armies are being mustered to see which is larger, WHO would be so disloyal as to abandon a sworn leader to defect to an army which is NOT demonstrably larger NOR more likely to win? Who would dare follow the lying siren song of the media if it means betraying your conscience?
It is provably impossible for any election with more than two choices (i.e., any real election) to be fair in all respects. This is war. Follow your leader. Captain Ron Paul, U.S. Air Force. As of today, he’s commander-in-chief of Ron Paul One, the blimp whose inaugural flight began 8:59 EST today.
- Posted by: Helena Handbasket
Another great article…
I am a Canadian who spends every day on the internet spreading Ron Paul’s message of peace personal liberties and return to the Constitutional foundation.
Since childhood growing up in Communist Poland my hero was Thomas Paine.Today I have a new hero a man in whose defense I would gladly take a bullet in the head.
Here are a few websites to learn more about Ron.
www.ronpaul2008.com
www.dailypaul.com
www.ronpaullibrary.org
www.teaparty07.com
- Posted by: Tom
I don’t think the majority of Americans even realize that there is an election being held in a couple months. Most people don’t think about president till somewhere around October of election year .. well after the party has anointed their “lesser of two evils”. I have this opinion because I was one of them. I never realized how important Primary elections are. Neither did my family or most my friends. We all just figure that the most we could do was pick between the presented Democrat and Republican. We never really thought hard enough to realize we could make a difference about who the Republican or Democrat would be.
Fortunately, some people knew what was going on and plastered a Ron Paul REVOLution poster around the corner from my office. I “Googled” him and realized for the first time that not all politics are bad. That if people cared and were educated enough we could fix this country and return it to what it was meant to be.
It’s true what they say “Ron Paul cured my apathy”. I will vote in every Primary from this day forward and I will do my best to keep my friends and family involved and educated as well.
Americans have gotten lazy. They don’t realize what is wrong, let alone how to fix it. Education is the key and hope for this nation.
- Posted by: Travis
I personally meet a lot of people who either haven’t heard of him or have only heard the MSM view of him as crazy…I am doing my part to tell everyone I can. My tagline is “You don’t have to agree with Ron Paul and what he believes, because his core belief is in majority rule - not dictatorship” I have a lot of fellow friends (mostly those of alternative lifestyles) that will cringe when I say Republican, but when I explain that just because he is pro-life, doesn’t mean that he believes that should be the law…it’s all about freedom and liberty…I have even recruited quite a few of my in-laws in Michigan….now that’s a powerful message !
- Posted by: Anne Webster
Interesting article and I think you do make some good points. I would like to take this “out-of-box” for a second. Most people that are going to vote know who Ron Paul is. Most people that follow politics know who Ron Paul is. If they have watched the debates or followed any of the Republican events, they have at some point heard Ron Paul speak and know where he stands. I doubt most people of which can’t even identify all candidates within at least one party is going to go out and cast a vote, because if they do not have the motivation or care to research the candidates and what they stand for why would they take out some time to go cast a vote for one of those candidates? With that being said, the Ron Paul supporters WILL show up and vote because they understand the importance of this election. Snow, hurricanes, tornados, eathquakes, the Paul supports WILL be there…perhaps not all of them, but the majority of them. Can we say that about any other candidates? Nope. This is going to be a battle within the Republican party for the time being, and needles to say, Paul has the strongest and most dedicated supporters. That is whats going to make the difference when it comes down to it…dedication to the candidates and voter turnout. Paul has that advantage, take a look at the straw polls for example. This factor can not be measured into the traditional polls that is viewed by the MSM, which is why his single-digit polling numbers simply won’t matter. He has a lot of surprises coming and unfortunately many just won’t get it. Look how the MSM battles with it now, they simply can’t comprehend his support and the amount of money he has raised and have to manifest excuses for it. This is going to be interesting to watch….
- Posted by: RP2008
I live in Seoul, Korea and just returned home from a Ron Paul 2008 Meetup Group meeting and there were 9 Americans attending (and 1 South African citizen). Our Meetup Group has 35 members including Americans in Korea too far from Seoul to attend regularly. We participated in a Straw Poll held by Republicans Abroad Korea in late Novemeber and Ron Paul won with 50% of the vote. We are now writing letters to voters in Iowa and South Carolina. No other US Presidential candidate has a volunteer group in Korea. The support for Ron Paul for President is real and growing.
- Posted by: George Whitfield
Mr. Fiser too bad most media does not prize fair, balanced, responsible, journalism you sir would have your pick of employment if that was the case. Thank you for your coverage.
- Posted by: Sk00L
Thanks for a great analysis. The major media outlets are owned and controlled by the same cabal of elites that owns and controls the top levels of the Republican and Democratic parties. They’re not going to allow hardly any coverage of a candidate who is actually sticking up for the little guy and wants to dismantle the criminal syndicate that has controlled our country for so many decades. Too bad there are not more journalists like you who desire to present all options to the people and then let them decide for themselves.
- Posted by: Dirk
“As a journalist, I don’t give a hoot if Ron Paul wins or loses, but I demand that the choice of Americans not be impaired or diverted by media outlets. It is unethical and un-American, not to mention dangerous, for the press to have undue influence over who Americans choose to serve them in public office.”
Thank you. Thank you very much. Truer words have never been spoken. The presidential election truly is mostly a popularity contest with the leaders for each party being those with the most name recognition not necessarily those with the best platform and ideas. This is perpetuated by the media. I refuse to let the media choose or influence my choice for my. Do your homework and choose the best candidate. For me it’s Ron Paul.
- Posted by: TerdFerguson
First off, excellent article.
However, I think your deduction of Ron Paul’s polling numbers is probably a little inaccurate. I think he is probably registering between 6 - 8% of people who voted Republican in the last election, and have land-lind phones.
I think he has at least that much support from individuals who have never voted, or do not have land-lines, or who were registered Democrats or Independents last election. So, to assume he only garners mid to upper single digits I think is a little on the low side.
I, like you, find it fascinating that he registers seemingly so low in the polls, yet he has more visible supporters than any of the other candidates - Republican or Democrat. Something just doesn’t add up. He wins the majority of the straw polls, most online polls, has more supporters show up at his rallies, debates, etc… than other candidates, and as you pointed out, his supporters show up at other candidate’s functions.
I live in Alabama, we have our primary on Super Tuesday, but so far there are no political advertisements, signs, etc… Except when you drive around town you see Ron Paul signs, people passing out literature, cars decorated with “Google Ron Paul” and “Who is Ron Paul?” so again, something doesn’t add up. I’ve yet to see one Huckabee, Giuliani, Clinton, Obama, etc.. sign. They may have name recognition, but as far as I can tell they have no ground support.
How many people actually vote in the primaries anyway? Huckabee may be polling in the 20%, but will all those 20% go out and vote? I have to believe that anyone supporting Ron Paul will make it to the voting booth no matter what. So it’s not really how many people “say” they will vote for you, it’s how many will actually go out and vote for you.
If you support Ron Paul, I believe you have taken the time to research his views and have a strong reason for supporting him. In fact, you have to. As you pointed out, he doesn’t get the media attention he deserves - and if anything, the attention he does get is usually slanted against him. So, unlike a Huckabee or Romney where you hear a 15 second sound bite in a debate and think “hey, i like that guy, he’s a Christian… or he’s a smooth talker” in order to support Paul you have to do your own research. And I think that’s why his followers are so passionate. They actually understand the issues. They realize what he is saying and how much sense it makes and how the other candidates are just playing the political game. Once you do take the time to understand what Dr Paul is saying, and then you hear the other candidates speak on the issues, it only solidifies your belief in the man.
He speaks the truth, which is a rarity in today’s political world, but he also has solutions for the problems. Other candidates talk about not raising taxes and cutting spending, but they never give anything solid on how they would do it.
I have to believe that if the media would give Dr Paul the attention he deserves that he would be the front-runner by far. I know I’m biased, but his message is simple. If you like freedom then you’ll like him. Once you understand the financial crisis we’re in, his message rings loud and clear. We can’t continue down the road we’re on, we are headed for a financial disaster. No other candidate has even addressed this - either they have no idea how to fix it, or they don’t understand enough about it to even realize there is a problem.
Dr Paul understands the issues, has the knowledge to fix the problems, he just needs some help from the media to get his message out. My complaint with that, isn’t that Ron Paul is being done wrong, it’s that the American people are being done wrong. By not letting his message be heard, how can anyone make an informed decision?
It’s a shame our media elects our president. It’s also a shame that most people spend more time watching sports and sitcoms than they do keeping up with our presidential election.
- Posted by: S Hall
wow. finally someone in the media gets it. the passion we feel for Ron can only be compared to a woman that falls in love with a man and none of her family and friends support the decision yet she loves him even more for it.
we dont want the arranged marriage the media is trying to push on us. we’ve come to love liberty and honesty and for those of us who’ve seen what Ron Paul has to offer we could only walk down the aisle and make a commitment to one candidate.
Thank you so much for this article.
- Posted by: CanadaGirlsLoveRon
Thanks for the proper coverage. You are right about everything you stated, but I wish comments about the “CFR” and other conspiracy groups would stop. It is obvious that there are people who believe a one-world government would be an amazing place. What would be wrong with it? Not much, but for America we would be marginalized and they don’t like that.
Personally I am for Ron Paul, but I am a commie/socialist/oneworldorder person. I do not think we are ready for equality for everyone though. Until the government gets downsized and liberties are restored and our international approval rating is higher, increasing our government and corruption will only cause us more harm. With a massive deficit there isn’t much hope that we can build a connected world with America as a major player. Funding a military empire while our liberties are stripped at home is not the way to establish trade and negotiation with everyone.
The purpose of America forming a one world government is to spread our freedoms and love to everyone, not impose them through military force while stripping our people of liberties simultaneously. Ron Paul is more like a sidestep to avoid walking into a pit of spikes. After his term ends the next presidents would surely truck on to the world government. This sidestep is necessary and for that I support Ron Paul.
I wish the media who sees the value in a connected world would realize that this is the reason we need Ron Paul, and this is the reason they should give him coverage and represent him.
- Posted by: thomas
I think you have nailed what is going on. Up here in NH most folks I talk to have no idea who Ron Paul is. However, folks who are watching and listening and intend to vote in our primary have heard of him. And the support is pretty strong.
It will taj\ke a LOT of prime exposure for the average folks to get a real look at Ron Paul. The character of this man is something they need to know about. They need to know why his supporters are heard to say “I’d take a bullet for Ron Paul.”
And, average folks really need to know about his politics and ideas. They take time to digest and understand.
Thanks for such a fine article. A pleasure to read.
- Posted by: Rick Honer
Voters say they want honest men to run for office and yet ignore a statesman like Ron Paul. I do not understand this!! Why the media blackout on Paul? Is this really America. I feel like I am living in a Orwellian world. Yesterday I was listening to Rush Limbaugh and I heard him call Ron Paul a kook. I have been a Rush Limbaugh fan for almost 8 years and agreed on most issues but with that remark I see him for what he is, a corporate owned media whore who sits in his mansion, popping viagra and Lord knows what else….I turned off the radio and will never listen to him again. EVER. He has no credibility with me anymore! When I got home yesterday I went to the Ron Paul Tea Party site and made my pledge. I have never dontated to politician until now but I will give one hundred dollars on the 16th. I told my family not to expect gifts except homemade cookies and fudge. I feel like I am donating to the future generations, the kids and the yet to be born. I thank GOD that people like Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin stood up against tyranny and now it is this generations turn to stand up for Liberty. The Republic must be restored before this country is simply unrecognizable.
- Posted by: mary ellen
Thanks again for an article that will hopefully wake up America to what is happening right under their noses. What right does the MEDIA have to present only the candidates that THEY want to see win this election? How dare they limit our choices to whomever they like. It is Un_American and it IS a Travesty.
Couple that with the voter fraud capabilities of the Diebold Memory Cards (The tally cards) and what do we have? We don’t have a true democracy, that is for sure.
I also agree with the poster up thread who stated that everyone they have introduced Ron Paul to is now a supporter. The same scenario applies to me. I have spent a lot of time and effort to bring my friends and family on board this campaign, and if it wasn’t for those of us - active grassroots supporters, we would not be where we are today.
It’s time that the truth of what Main Stream MEDIA is doing is un-covered for what it is. Thanks again!! I’ve sent your article to everyone on my distribution list.
- Posted by: Dina
PLEASE PASS THE WORD - The Ron Paul phenomenon will be airing on PBS TONIGHT @ 8:30 PM EST.
- Posted by: Dina
Great article! Thank You!
- Posted by: Leo
I believe, with few exceptions, that Ron Paul’s name has been spread by word of mouth and the internet. The few articles and interviews written by “reporters” nearly always headline his views on the Fed, immigration, gold standard etc., with no explanation as to his philosophies or policy ideas, intimating that he will be a dictator of sorts or is a crazy conspiracy theorist.
Six months ago, my 33 yr old son asked me if I knew Ron Paul. I wracked my memory, assuming it was an old family acquaintance. I “googled” Ron Paul and I have been a supporter ever since. Living in a rural community in NC, I can vouch for the fact that his supporters are an educated, highly committed, diverse group of aware citizens. From college students to native born truckers, from musicians to lawyers, from grandmothers (Warriorgrannies.com) to Accountants. Each has his own political philosophy, not always agreeing with each other or Ron Paul but they all have one goal… to get this man elected.. to save this country. As my son said. “Ron Paul can not accomplish all his goals, but he can at least PUT THE BRAKES ON”
- Posted by: Kathy Fisher
Great article. I’m an american living in Italy. I came across Ron Paul having used the internet to find articles on subjects that mattered to me and his name kept coming up. I’ve never voted or donated to a political campaign before. I’m a full believer in Ron Paul, his honest motivations and the policies he advocates. My experience is the same as yours. It is very disheartening to me that when I speak with Americans about Ron Paul, most have not heard of him. Because I speak passionately about him, I have a pretty good hit rate in terms of getting people to look him up. Those that do sincerely, become fervent followers, but they remain few.
While we’re ranting, my pet peeve is the constant questioning of the media as to why Ron Paul has such a fervent internet following and the other candidates just don’t seem to be able to accomplish the same. I scream at my computer and television screens, “it isn’t a strategy. It’s Ron Paul’s policies (small government, non-intervention, adherence to the Constitution, etc.) and a belief that he sincerely believes what he says and will stick to these principles that has created this loyalty. The internet is simply a very effective tool for the Paul followers, like myself, to follow his progress and communicate with other like-minded people.
I hope he wins. If he doesn’t, I hope this group of people who share the Ron Paul values will find new ways to make a political impact.
- Posted by: jim cantwell
This article was beautiful.
- Posted by: Christopher
Carl, I never thanked you for the “Empty Pot” article which I thoroughly enjoyed - thanks.
Here is my take on the whole election awareness math and polls issue.
1. Typically less than half of the population (me included) takes any meaningful interest in politics and/or votes in national elections. So if you find that about half of the people you encounter actually know Dr. Paul’s name, that is really neither shocking to me nor alarming.
2. “Scientific” polls tacitly aknowledge this by seeking to question only people with a history of prior participation in elections. So far so good. The problem is that this does not allow for an unexpected influx of new participants (me included again) even if it is one of major proportions. This is exactly the condition we face today.
3. At the ballot box, what matters not is how many people knew the name of a particular candidate, but how many of those who who did also had the enthousiasm to get up and actually vote on the appointed day. While a polling technique might be developed which takes all of the above into account, I suspect that none exists today.
4. I am not convinced that all of these pollsters are malisciously supressing Ron Paul’s numbers. I suspect that in view of the above and their likely belief in the validity of what they consider “scientific method”, they are simply incapable of seeing the 600 lb gorilla standing right behind them.
Conclusion: The caucus round in Iowa and primaries in NH may wind up providing results which turn out to be very different from anything the pollsters could have possibly seen coming.
- Posted by: Robert Eschauzier
I became educated about Ron Paul on the internet and that did it for me. My eyes are now opened and I am doing everything possible to get him elected. I have never given treasure or time to a politician, but Dr. Paul is no politician, he is a statesman. The issue of our declining economy and dollar really sounded the alarm. Nobody talks about waging the war while borrowing 3 billion a day from the Red Chinese and Japanese. Also, I was unaware that every other candidate running is a member of the CFR and promoters of the North American Union. I’m for American and her soverignty and so is Congressman Paul.
- Posted by: Barbara Costello
In rural America, Ron Paul is well known and has a great deal of support. Last summer my family went on a backpacking trip in Utah and during our drive through Wyoming, we saw a huge Ron Paul sign in the middle of a small town. I even saw a recent unscientific poll that suggests that Ron Paul is leading in Alaska.
I think that the internet is doing what the MSM is not doing. Part of the reason that network news and newspaper subscriptions are dying on the vine, is that most people realize that these institutions are terribly biased an unfair.
Why is Ron Paul exciting conservatives, liberals, libertarians, progressives, and everybody in between? He follows the true intent and meaning of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution was written to limit government, not people. This means that it established an extremely free system that includes super low taxation, limited government, and a great deal of decentralization of political power (obviously not to the extent of the failed Articles of Confederation). The right to be left alone to freely associate, private property rights, and the free-market economy were enshrined with our Constitution.
Ron is also communicating a foreign policy that was advocated by the Founders. Thomas Jefferson in his inaugural address stated that we should have “Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none.” This is all that Ron is trying to say.
- Posted by: Aaron
Thank you for this article. I am 40 years old and the mother of four children. I have a degree in Political Science. I have been a registered Democrat my entire life and always voted-mainly for Democrats. Ron Paul is the first person who seems honest. I don’t have to agree with everything he stands for but at least, for the first time in my life–I don’t have to worry about a person I vote for flip-flopping to appease anyone. I am changing my party affiliation to Republican just to vote for this man. With the help of You Tube videos, I have also (so far) convinced four other family members (who actually vote in elections) to also vote for Ron Paul. I take classes at FAU in Florida and want to say thanks to the students who brought my attention to this campaign. The college students work really hard to spread the information………sadly our network media largely ignores information and instead promotes opinions. Good thing we can access the Internet for information.
- Posted by: Angela
Great article and you nailed it. Last week I wrote 100 letters to IA independent voters and am in the process of calling 150 IA registered republicans, and I talk to everyone I can about the Dr to get out his message of Liberty, Prosperity and A strong National Defense (not offense - big difference). Most people I talk with have 1) known who he is and support him already 2) haven’t heard of him and listen intently and are intrigued by his constitutional stance and long principled stand (doesn’t take his congressional pention - WOW, returns part of his office budget to the treasury every year to save me, the tax payer, some money - Jeez this guy is different) or 3) have heard of hima nd don’t understand his positions or believe one of the misguided negative hit stories that are out there, but once cleared up, if they don’t support him at least recognize him as being an honest, forthright and sincere individual.
For the media to marginalize him the way they do is simply sickening. Being from TX I’ve know about Dr. Ron for a long time and when I heard he was running for president I was excited to no end, but I almost fell into the “he’s unelectable” pitfall. Fortunately I did not become part of the apathetic problem. If all of the people that I talk to who say that he is not a viable candidate, but they like him, would give him their support there is no doubt in my mind that Dr. Paul would be the next POTUS.
And here’s just a tidbit about the state of the average Republican using my father as an example. He has voted republican his whole life and has even toyed with the idea of running for congress in MO. He now supports Ron Paul, despite disagreeing with him about Iraq. He does agree with him though about our troops in Korea, Europe etc,. The rest of Dr. Paul’s stances, he says, are what made him a Goldwater and a Reagan supporter. This is the core of the Republican party. My long time republican father says, that if Guiliani (If one can’t honor your oaths to your family, how could one honor an oath to one’s nation and countrymen) wins, he’ll vote libertarian, same with Mitt (health care statist) and I haven’t spoken with him since the Huckabee “rape and release” (that guy came to MO to do a little more raping and killing) issue broke, but knowing him he’d likely go Libertarian if he got the Nomination now as well. My father is no kook, no conpiracy theorist and is very much your average middle america, wife and kids, served in the military, Republican. But he just doesn’t see the Republican party today as representing what it once was and what he’d like it to be. I just don’t think that the media or the other Republicans in the race see or want to admit what is going on here. There is a sea change coming, dare I say r3VOLution on its way.
www.Teaparty07.com - Join the Party - end the inflation tax and as Dr. Paul urges us everyday - Let’s have some FUN!
- Posted by: leeaustex
My word!!
A journalist calling the media on their biasness.
I’m impressed!
And THANK YOU!
- Posted by: Mair, Baltimore, MD
Wow! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Thank you for an exceptionally honest article. You are truly a gentleman and a scholar ;).
I am from southern Louisiana and Ron Paul has virtually no name recognition at this time. The only responses I’ve gotten when “proselytizing” is: “Who is that?” (9/10) or “Oh, he’s a flake!” (1/10). The conservative base here is beholden to FoxNews and the Hannity ilk who seem to despise Paul and try illegitimize any recognition he gets. The rest of the MSM simply dismissed him or as you point out - puts him in the loser category immediately.
However, I spend a good deal of my free time online - in religioius forums, etc - and I’ve got to tell you - he truly has a following among us “post-modern” types. I mean after all, his message is “Christian” at its core - peace, freedom and prosperity for all. I voted Bush in ‘00 for a “humble” foreign policy (yeah right) and because he was a “compassionate conservative” (please). I voted for him again (although I almost voted Libertarian) ONLY to keep Kerry OUT. I am not a Socialist - therefor I am not a DEMOCRAT. However - a move to the “right” in voting Republican has only yielded a small step in the other direction - if any at all. The Welfare-Warfare State MUST end - either chaotically or peacefully - but it will come to a close either way.
Ron Paul is an honest man. A straight talker. He talks and walks the same game. No matter what you think about him (kook is really inappropriate seeing that he stands with Jefferson and other founding fathers on his foreign policy and decentralized govt at home), after researching his history you have to agree that he is a man of principles and is not beholden to special interests or the swayings of polls/popular interests. His 10 terms as congressman are indicative of a man whom his constiuents support - especially given that the Republican party campaigned against him for the seat.
I honestly believe that Paul will shock the status quo. I think his support is much broader and deeper than realized and IF he gets more recognition - I think you will be looking at a presidential nomination and a Republican landslide in 08. But hey - I’m just one of his “spammers”.
- Posted by: Aaron Andrus
Nice Article,
I only recently learned of Ron Paul. I believe it was his appearences on The Daily Show and The Colbert Report that interested me in finding out more. After weeks of my own research, I decided this was the man and the message for me. I have since donated, joined a meetup group and purchased 2 T-shirts. I wear them out when I play in my Dart leagues because that is where I run into a lot of people and have the opportunity to talk to them for a few minutes. The one shirt says Who is Ron Paul? and when someone reads it they always say “Who IS Ron Paul?” Over half of the people I talk to don’t even follow politics because they think that politicians and lawyers are essentially the same and don’t trust anything they say. They have resigned themselves to the fact that they have no say and no power, that the government reached some critical mass long ago that allows it to be a self serving entity and not one whose goal is oriented with the people.
I try not to go into too much depth about who Ron Paul is, I tell them he is running for president and that he stands for smaller government and is against the war. I then ask them to please google him and spend an hour researching him because they will not get an accounting of him on any television news station. Only 2 people I have talked to out of maybe 40-50 have known who he was. One already liked him. The other is a good friend of mine who is a DIE HARD democrat, who likes ron paul over any other republican, but using his own words “it is against my religion to vote Republican”. Yet he still amuses me by e-mailing back and forth comparing his candidates to Ron Paul. I think at the very least I have gotten him to look more at Obama than Hillary but I can’t tell for sure. I still have a year to sober him up though.
I guess the main point of my comment, in continuation of the article above, is that the best thing we can be doing right now is just putting the idea into peoples heads to go find out who he is. Give them enough to make them want to learn more. But refrain from getting in any arguments over policy with people. This may put them on the defensive and it may put a sour taste in their mouth and prevent them from doing thier own honest research and giving him a fair shot in thier minds.
Of course if you are very versed in politics and can hold your own in a political debate, feel free. Just for those of us who like me, can send out an unclear message and often have to backpeadal, I try to just give a few main points and the them go figure it our for themselves (that is how I did it after all)
- Posted by: Matt
I agree. Ron Paul does not get fair media coverage! He is a man that IS seriously running to be the president. C’mon…there are only a handful of Republicans running. Surely the media can report on all of them.
Instead, we are worried about Obama’s American flag pin, or Hillary’s cleavage, or Guiliani’s wife’s handbag!! The media claims they don’t report on Paul as much because he’s polling in single digits. Well, if you put him in the polls and the headlines, and quit ignoring him…perhaps he’ll be more popular!!!!
www.teaparty07.com
www.ronpaul2008.com
- Posted by: Andy
Great article … but could you change the title so the public does not think Ron Paul is dead/dying???
- Posted by: Hmmmmm...
I’ve been a Ron Paul supporter for a while now. I thouroughly enjoyed your article, and wish there were more people out their trying to ensure equality to the presidential hopefuls. The only problem that exists within the Ron Paul campaign right now is media exposure. It’s like pulling teeth to get any coverage of Ron Paul. A little blip don’t do anything, because they are likely to be ignored or missed by those that regularly use televised media as their source of information over the internet. The Ron Paul campaign needs consistent front page media exposure to ensure the jump to the top if we want to win this. Thanks for your contribution and I hope many new paul supporters find the article.
- Posted by: David
It’s the same here very few know who he is but of those who do easily half support him for president.
I try to send people here ( http://www.ronpaullibrary.org/ ) if they have questions
- Posted by: A G
Finding Ron Paul is like finding a huge diamond on a pig farm. You spend your life slogging around with spenind on pork. You have to clean up all of the stink and crap that the pork generates. What is even worse is that you have to feed the pork every day when you go to work…
And then you find a big fat diamond among the mud and pig crap. You are exicted! Finaly you can get rid of the pork and the stink all around you. You have a chance to end the way things have been your entire life.
You see, Ron Paul is a rare man. His record proves that. Don’t take my word for it, look it up for yourself. Pardon us for being excided about finding a rare gem among us. A quiet and honest man working for years and years, and you don’t even know his name till now…. You are almost ashamed that you didn’t know him…
Now you get motivated to help this man and your country to win the presidency. You have to endure the laughter and boos and disrespect during debates. You have to slog thru all of the halff-truths and sometimes outright lies in the media. Almost every article you read is by an author who didn’t do his homework like you did, and you have to comment, politely, and try to correct the misinformation. You try and try, and then you go to a republican event and you are told you are not welcome, that even though you paid your fees to get in, you just aren’t welcome here. Now you are mad…
If you are new to Ron Paul know this, he has been voted the ‘taxpayers best friend’ time and time again. He supports the 2nd ammendment 100%. He has NEVER voted to raise taxes, to raise his own pay, and he doesn’t even take the govt pension he is entitled to. He worked his way thru college and became a doctor. He didn’t let his kids take federal student loans. He is a vertran of five years as an air force flight surgeon. He is pro-life and pro-freedom, he is pro-America, he is pro-constitution. He has been married 50 years, to the same woman. He has given us his time for 10 terms as a congressman, one who is an expert on foreign relations and economics. Dr. Paul often votes alone, but he is also often the only vote for us.
Shame on us as Americans if we fail to see the value of this man in the presidential race
- Posted by: Dan Warner
Mr. Fiser,
I found your article as informative as it was “fair and balanced,” as fair and as balanced as a journalist can be with an impending disaster of an election coming up. Kudos to you for taking no sides while still trying to get the word out on candidates who are perhaps not receiving the coverage they deserve.
As a long-time political ignorant, I have to admit that , until I heard about Ron Paul, I had no interest whatsoever in the 2008 Presidential election. It just didn’t seem to matter anymore–and as a graduate student sequestered away in the ivory towers of academia, you seem to get used to hearing apathetic remarks regarding the state of this country and its future. I only registered to vote as part of the “buy one, get one free” driver’s license deal, a necessary step for establishing in-state residency status.
But in the town of Tallahassee, Florida, the scenery is awash with Ron Paul banners, flyers, and–regretfully–even Ron Paul grafitti in campus pedestrian tunnels. It seems that one cannot walk around campus or through downtown without seeing his name. After being constantly bombarded by “Ron Paul” wherever I went, I decided to look him up online. And for the first time in my life, I found a candidate that I truly wanted to see as my president.
For the last two months I have constantly scouring the news channels and websites for coverage on Ron Paul, and I keep finding a pitiful amount of information on him. This just does not seem to jive with the apparent layman attention he is receiving–sure, it’s fun to sit back and watch the money ticker go up on Ron Paul’s campaign website, but the fact that he has raised almost 12 MILLION dollars in such a short amount of time has to say something extraordinary for this man’s support group.
I truly hope to see more articles such as this one in the future. Thank you again.
- Posted by: K. Etheridge
“Some comments intimated and others downright shouted that Ron Paul has been an impotent legislator and therefore would make an impotent President. In response, I must point out that a congressman is just 1 of 435 representatives in the House.”
You’re exactly right on that point. Ron Paul, as President, would not be just 1 of 435. I might also add that the picture of Ron Paul as an “impotent legislator” is largely fallacy. At least it is, if you listen to Congressional Quarterly, who selected him as one of the “50 Most Effective Members of Congress”.
- Posted by: smtwngrl
Another VERY important factor to keep in mind is that less than 25% of eligible voting Americans elect the President (Less then 50% even vote, approximately half of those are voting Republican) vote on election day. Furthermore, only about 5% of those Republicans vote in the primaries. That is an infinitesimally small number. SO, it’s no surprise that people wouldn’t care who any of the candidates were at this point. The vast majority of people who will vote haven’t even seen one of the debates.
People like Ron Paul need to tap into this apathy and so far Ron Paul is doing a good job of that in his campaign, but as you said there is only so much you can do with corporate owned media shunning his name.
www.ronpaul2008.com
www.teaparty07.com
- Posted by: Brett
thanks for the article
- Posted by: paul smith
Carl,
That article was like a breath of fresh air. I can pass this along to others making my job of explaining Dr. Paula easier.
The bottom line is that Ron Paul wants to take our country back to the basics. For some reason the media has labeled Dr. Pauls supporters as “crazy” and “homegrown terrorists” that worries me. I’m a stay at home mother of 3 and I don’t want my kids to live in a police state one day.
Our founding fathers wrote the Constitution with our individual rights in mind, and I feel that our government has deviated evolving into a military industrial complex, turning this world into their empire. Who do they think they are?
The majority of these leaders aren’t qualified to change the oil in my car, I’m not comfortable putting the lives of my children in their hands. Unfortunately people won’t realize the seriousness of the situation until it hits them in the pockets. OUR COUNTRY IS BANKRUPT! We need a change of pace. GOD FORBID WE ELECT AN HONEST TRUSTWORTHY MAN!
- Posted by: Andrea
Although we as Americans hate the idea of a “conspiracy”; no intelligent, thinking person can escape the conclusion that the national/international military-industrial complex about which Ike warned us, has taken over our government. We have stood by like sheep and let it happen; watching our elected representatives take bribes from lobbyists and sell us out. This presidential election may be Americas last chance to return to liberty and personal freedom.
- Posted by: Bill & Demitria McDuff
First, kudos on your empty bucket article… it touched me.
I am a 54 year old small business owner who has always and faithfully toed the republican line. I am one of those who knew that something was terribly wrong in our country but just couldn’t put my finger on it. Until now.
I feel that the repub party has betrayed my loyalty and especially GW Bush. I feel he and Cheney have deliberately sold us out. Never again will I go blindly to the polls to pull the repub lever.
I watched the debate in SC when Guiliani, like a puffed up buffoon, tried to bully this small man on the stage into aplogizing and when this small statured man responded with such truth that I have never heard before,,,, I practiaclly jumped off the couch.
That set me on my path of finding out who is Ron Paul. I am still researching everything I can. I cannot get enough. This is truly a statesman for our time.
I have never been active in any political race and never donated before. I gave $100 to RP on November 5th and will give a lot more on Dec 16th. I ask everyone I talk to - have you heard of Ron Paul? Old republican stalwarts like myself are turning back to freedom and liberty.
Thank you for this article and may your pen continue to spread truth.
- Posted by: Larry in SC
Thanks for this great and true article. I am a very active supporter, and have never before been politically involved with anything. Name recognition is growing, and many members of my meetup group attend our local GOP meeting. I have gotten offers of help from almost every one of the meetings. I found out that my mayor supports Ron Paul- I gave him a yard sign. We still have an uphill climb, but with energy and persistence, all is possible. Name recognition will continue to grow, and it would certainly help if the Old Media sources reported without bias. We have some great things coming up: PBS is tonight, teaparty is Sunday and Glen Beck is Tuesday. This is just the beginning… The movement that Ron Paul has become leader of will never die.
- Posted by: Heidi Shurts
All I have to say is that Ron Paul has the most views on Youtube with over 6 million views. The only person that come close is Barrack with about 5 million views.
On the CNN/Youtube Debate for republicans it was treated like the lowest of tiers. I was extremely surprised because I saw that the majority of questions asked to the candidates were for Ron Paul before the debate. Not to mentioned they gave him some stupid questions.
Also, outside that location there was a lot of support for Ron Paul and not a lot of reporters reported on this. This is obviously an organized effort to suppress Ron’s message and this is scary the control the media has on the average mind and what you and I are witnessing.
- Posted by: Adrian
Thank you for this well written article!!
- Posted by: Martina
Great article as was “Empty Pot.”
I’m a Ron Paul supporter here in San Francisco. Although we have several active meet-up groups in the city, I see very little visual support for Ron (i.e. no bumper stickers, banners, & signs). My observation is that most of Ron Paul’s support on the west coast -so far- is still in the “internet phase.” It’s time we take that support to the streets.
I don’t believe in the accuracy of poll numbers, but after talking with friends & family, few have heard of Ron Paul’s name. I’m guesstimating in my circle, less than 10% know him. This has to change.
- Posted by: Scott Simpson
I live in a suburban area outside of Houston, TX. I commute to and from downtown Houston everyday. Durring my daily commute I see about 5 cars with Ron Paul bumper stickers on them. Sometimes I’ll see cars with shoepolish writting saying “Google Ron Paul”, or “Ron Paul for President.” I also see signs on overpasses hanging over major freeways saying “Google Ron Paul”, “Ron Paul for President”, and my favorite “God Bless Ron Paul.” I see Ron Paul signs on the side of rual roads outside my suburban area. I don’t see any excitement surrounding any other canidate. I might see 1 car a month with a Thompson sticker on it, but that is about it. There is a buzz around Ron Paul that is growing and is becoming ever more visible to the general public.
However, when I talked to friends and family about Dr. Paul, many didn’t know about him. Some had political apathy. They didn’t want to think about or talk about any politics. Others had seen or heard his name and had the impression that he was a fringe canidate with no chance of winning. When I talk to people about the issues this nation is facing; I try to let them know when they have a viewpoint that Dr. Paul shares. Through disscussion of issues, I have found that the people around me are begining to understand Dr. Pauls message. Some of those people have become ardent Ron Paul supporters. though, I still wonder about the rest of the nation.
By the way, great article!
- Posted by: TexMesh
I started noticing RON PAUL R3VOLution signs here in the Salt Lake Area in the spring of 2007. I didn’t know what it meant or who he was. I’d never been involved in politics and was, in retrospect, apathetic. I never voted for a Republican President. I only read my news from newspapers and watched it on the nightly news. Then, I awoke and everything changed. My brother and I discussed these ‘Revolution’ signs and this ‘Ron Paul’ guy and I researched him and the message and I (we) haven’t looked back since. So now in addition to my wife, son and daughters, my brother is also a proud and dedicated Paul supporter - and now my mom, grandmother, two or three partners in the office, and a few friends. And I do agree that name recognition is a part of the issue. And the mainstream media is a part of that problem, and intentionally so at that. Did you know his name isn’t included in many of those polls? And did you know he won a blind-bio poll that Zogby issued a press release Nov. 20, 2007? But we don’t hear about those in the MSM. My grandma and I were talking just yesterday and she doesn’t have internet and only watches TV for information. She was in tears at the way some of these pundits talk about Ron Paul. And her and her brother, who she explained never squabble long and agree on most things, well he hung up on her over their disagreements over Ron Paul. He told her, and I’ve heard this so often, that he has about as good a chance as Donald Duck to be our president. I told her that’s not true and the straw poll wins, debate wins, donations and the rumble we see and feel is proof to the contrary. I told her, like Gandhi said and I’ve heard it so often with this campaign, “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” Some still laugh, some are fighting. My grandmother and I, my brother and many of my friends will be donating to Ron Paul this Sunday…I hope it’s the day that the tea hitting the water (and a HUGE grassroots donation day) sparks off our peaceful Revolution that has rekindled the flame of Liberty. And the brushfires are burning in the minds of the men and women across this great land…
- Posted by: Brandon
It was from your first article that I became aware of Ron Paul. I am neither for or against him at this point, I have more to read. The fact that the media is so biased against this good man is somewhat telling of our “popular” media that we read and watch on TV everyday. His impeccable record as a doctor and the 20+ years as a US Congressman alone should surely earn this honest man his due. I have recently made a small donation to his campaign website and will probably give a little more on their Dec 15th “tea party” donation push, just to protest the fact of his marginalization by the media. It is an insult to the American public.
- Posted by: Michael
As someone who has always supported men like Rush Limbaugh, wrongly viewing them as the only alternative to “liberal” politicians, I am so glad to have my eyes opened to a much better alternative–freedom from politicians altogether. I encourage all “Republicans” and “conservatives” out there to write to Rush Limbaugh, Shawn Hannity, and their ilk, and let them know that they no longer represent true conservative values, and that we will not listen to them any longer. Down with the neo-cons, who are just as guilty as anyone at robbing Americans of true liberty and justice!
- Posted by: Travis
Nice article. Most people I talk with have never heard of Ron Paul. When I talk to those same people about who he is and what he stands for on all sorts of issues, they really get interested. My father-in-law has never been interested in politics and certainly never donated to any candidate, but he is now actively involved with sharing who Ron Paul is to those he knows as well as contributing financially.
I believe Ron Paul is misunderstood by many GOP hardcore regulars because they seem him voicing some similar views to what the Democrats voice on Iraq and so lump him in with that group. Does anyone truly believe the Democrats would be up in arms about this war if Bill Clinton were President? Hardly. What Ron Paul stands up and advocates takes real guts and I admire him very much and wish more people were like him.
So I think Ron Paul’s support is a slow growth machine because his positions cannot be understood in a few soundbites. I just hope there is enough time before the primaries for his message to be spread and understood.
- Posted by: Victor
Ron Paul is like the truth - you have to want to hear it, and you have to be ready for it. What makes me both sad and glad is, as it becomes more and more obvious that America is going to h@ll in a handbasket, more and more people are ready for Ron Paul’s powerful message.
- Posted by: Eric Westfall
I watched as Fox News explained Ron Paul’s victory in the Republican debates as the result of internet geeks redialing. I was nearly rendered speechless by this. Is the media owned by the front runners? Is there no truth or intelligence in the reporters covering a MAJOR debate on a MAINSTREAM channel? In fact, isn’t his underdog victory the type of story that would boost ratings in comparison to the same old coverage of the same old schtick we get from the pre-ordained front runners? Finally, why would Fox news impinge its own integrity by 1.) lying and 2.) declaring that its own phone-in system is flawed? What about Ron Paul are they trying to discredit or hide at such a price??
Too bad Diogenes and Ron Paul were not contemporaries. Diogenes could have retired his lantern.
Cathy Sarkisian
San Anselmo
California
- Posted by: cathy sarkisian
Mr. Fiser. Wonderful article. At one time I thought that maybe I was going crazy because with the way that the media has portrayed Dr. Paul it was turning me into an anti big media conspiracy theorist. Now, after your article, my faith in humanity and my sanity has been restored. Everything you said in the article is what I have been screaming for months. Every person that I know except one(who is voting for Thompson because her parents know him personally) that is going to vote, is voting for Ron Paul. Many of my friends have sent him money and have now registered to vote for the first time. He is the first candidate that I remember(I’m only 29 yrs old) who is actually “for the people,” not special interest groups and big oil. Ron Paul and you, Mr. Fiser, have restored my faith in the humanity. Keep up the good work.
- Posted by: Adam Jolly
I have been a Democrat all my life. I am now supporting Ron Paul. He speaks the truth even as others ridicule him for what he is saying. I have been startled to learn how many financial analysts support Ron Paul. They believe he is speaking the truth about our economy. The more I read comments by intelligent people, the more reason I see to support Ron Paul.
The people that I talk to are either supporting Ron Paul or seriously considering supporting him.
It is funny to remember how fund raising used to be the standard by which all candidates for president were screened by the national media. Now that Ron Paul is fund raising like crazy, the national media suddenly no longer mentions fund raising as a standard.
The national media frequently relies on its critical role in preserving first amendment freedoms. The truth is the national media is subservient to the views of its owners. The owners support globalization. The national media is rapidly becoming irrelevant and is not worthy of being viewed as a credible source of information.
Fred Thompson is sagging in the polls. John McCain and Huckabee are hurting in terms of fund raising. The truth is that Ron Paul is in great position to win the nomination of the Republican party. None of the Republican candidates have dominated the process to date. Several will drop by wayside in the weeks to come. Ron Paul will still be there. I believe that his support and his fundraiing is growing and will continue to grow.
I say let the people decide. I say that it is time for people to become informed. We have no excuse. We need to get informed now. Then let’s see who is left standing in the war of ideas.
- Posted by: Guy W. Fredel
For decades both the entrenchment Republicans and Democrats have embedded themselves into the flesh of this nation like parasitic ticks, sucking the life blood from this nation and its people. Each party has taken their respective turns at the ruination of this country, its wealth, its manufacturing, its domestic and foreign policies.
The status quo candidates in both parties are doing the only thing they can do: woo the people with the same type of empty promises that their neither intend to keep or can realistically keep. They offer no real solutions to the problems faced by this country, many of those problems have been caused by the very type politics that they are on the stage promoting now.
So, if Ron Paul is not elected, if drastic changes are not made we will continue to face the same issues, the same problems and even worse ones as the monetary system this government and their buddies at the Fed continues its march toward economic disaster.
Just listen to Bernanke, get this, will ya: “The U.S. government has a technology, called a printing press (or, today, its electronic equivalent), that allows it to produce as many U.S. dollars as it wishes at essentially no cost. By increasing the number of U.S. dollars in circulation, or even by credibly threatening to do so, the U.S. government can also reduce the value of a dollar in terms of goods and services, which is equivalent to raising the prices in dollars of those goods and services. We conclude that, under a paper-money system, a determined government can always generate higher spending and hence positive inflation.”
Now this entire system is built upon debt and the circulation of every single dollar, whether digital or physical, is not created until it is borrowed into existence, imagine that for a minute. Since it is not backed by anything but the creation of debt that means that the debt can never be paid off or reduced since it would be a contraction of the economy. The problem with the entire fiat monetary system is that it will reach a point of mathematical termination due to the weight of the ever-increasing and irreversible multiplication of the debt that creates it, soon, and very soon, the debt will begin to require more servicing than the economy can produce and still remain viable.
Think about it, everything we now know that makes up our economy and indeed, our society, is built upon a system that has an inherent terminal point. All your investments, your retirement, pensions, 401k, savings and all the government programs, everything is completely dependent upon a system that, as all fiat systems in history has proven, will collapse.
RON PAUL IS THE ONLY CANDIDATE THAT UNDERSTANDS WHAT THIS COUNTRY IS ACTUALLY FACING AND HAS A PLAN TO AVERT A TIME THAT NO ONE IN THIS COUNTRY WANTS TO FACE. The other candidates can spew out their empty and unfulfillable promoses all they want, but if Ron Paul is not elected in 2008 by 2012 we will all wish he had been!!!!
- Posted by: Republicae
Thanks Carl. Like a lot of people writing in, I was apathetic and cynical. No more. I went through my own honeymoon phase with Dr. Paul and got involved with my local meetup but have come to realize that Dr. Paul has no chance of winning. NOT because he isn’t the best candidate for the country. The powers that be will not allow it to happen. I’m not sophisticated enough to know what ruse will be used, what trap will be set, or even if God forbid, violence might be perpetrated against him, but they have too much to lose to allow the American people to elect this man to office. I am now extremely disheartened and sad but there is a ray of hope. Young people are excited about our country’s future and they have too much to lose to live in the world that is being crafted by their seniors. I believe that another candidate will rise up, a person whom nobody knows now, but a person who is being educated by watching the debacle before us, and who will lead the country in the future. After the coming Clinton or Giuliani administration, and maybe one more cycle of the same, people will truly be ready for a revolution. Like many thinking people, Dr. Paul and his supporters are simply very early to the party. It WILL happen, perhaps not in my lifetime, since I’m not young, but I hold to this fragment of hope. To all RP fans out there, don’t allow yourself to become too discouraged as this process unfolds; we will see grave injustice. Keep the passion for liberty and freedom alive. It will happen!
- Posted by: Lisa in Vancouver WA
Thank you . . Thank you . . Thank you . . If only other journalists would have the courage to step forward and make the break to put the brakes on the media for such biased reporting, everyone would have the opportunity to recognize Dr. Ron Paul’s name as a major cadidate. I would have never known of him myself had I not made a concerted effort on the internet to learn of this Great man. It’s now on my mind 24/7. Again, thank you for your courage in acknowledging what is happening to our election processes.
- Posted by: Judy Mc
It is astonishing the way this is all playing out. Ultimately it is a commentary on what our society has become…unable to comprehend common sense( or anything that wasn’t force fed in a 30 second TV clip). I have been politically apathetic for many years because I honestly believed there was no hope for our Government. I questioned monetary policy in 6th grade and was first ignored. So I researched it. As a 6th grader I could understand how are money policy would eventually destroy this country. My social studies teacher said I was just being disruptive. I questioned why is it our government can demand sanctions and bombing countries for thinking about nukes when in fact we are the only country to drop not 1 but 2 on civilian targets. Once again I was being disruptive… America is the greatest I was told. Well that seems like the answer someone would give when they don’t know the answer ! Now here we sit with people talking about universal health care. How is this even talked about when we are 8 trillion in debt. I am only a few thousand in debt and I can’t even buy food for my child. Whether you agree with Dr Paul’s positions on social programs or not the fact remains that he is the only one running with the guts to make the changes necessary to even start thinking about things of that nature. He has introduced legislation to protect social security for those who need it while the rest rape and pillage it much like the settlers did to the Native Americans (although we dont really get taught that in school either) Have I mentioned foreign policy. How is it that Americans don’t understand why we are hated. We are the bullies on the playground. If you do it our way will protect you and give you stuff if you don’t you’ll get bombed or starve. When China and Russia start doing that to us maybe we will understand. Or better still maybe America will wake up this year and elect our only hope against endless war and poverty. The brainwashing stops and the REVOLUTION begins. TAKE AMERICA BACK VOTE RON PAUL 2008 or live and die with the consequenses I just hope I am remembered as one of the “good Americans”
WAR ON TERRORISM = LOST
WAR ON DRUGS = LOST
WAR ON POVERTY = LOST
WAR=LOSS
- Posted by: Corey Cain
It’s no doubt that the name recognition for Paul is still weak, but that does not make him a weak candidate. In fact, out of about 20 people I have asked only 3 have heard of him before. But I am helping change that as are others.
Recently I asked my parents if they had heard of Ron Paul. They had no idea who he was. They were both familiar with Hilary, Rudy, Obama, but not because they are interesting in politics. However, the opposite is quite true. My mom said told me “As soon as I hear anything political I switch the channel”. It’s not surprising with voter turnout reaching all time lows that the average American is demoralized.
After watching some of the debate clips they were very impressed with Ron’s common sense responses to the questions. They will be voting in their first primary ever. Are the polls skewed? Sure. There are many variable which are not taken into account when it comes to those polls, one of which is the fact that they are calling people who are normal voters.
That’s all the feedback I have for now. Thank you for the article and the way you approached. I truly hope this trend continues.
- Posted by: Michael
Thank you! As a caucus voter here in Iowa [Madison county] I can tell you something is happening.A few of my friends and I have a pledge list of close to 40 people just here in our corner of the county for RON PAUL.In 2000 our county had 176 voters in the caucus.Thats 25%!. This is the 1st election in history that the MSM.What I call the old media is losing control.Ron Paul is winning!! And the more hes heard the more he will win because his messsage is an American message not some world message.Peace .Love ,freedom and Liberty. Thanks again.
- Posted by: Kelly bain
This is so very fascinating to witness! After reviewing any MSM exposure there appears to be some sort of conspiracy, but I hate feeding such conjecture. Still there it is, overwhelming enthusiasm for this candidate everywhere I look, and it seems a deliberate blackout.
Perhaps this physician speaks to a turbulent sentiment imbedded deep within the collective American psyche. A potentially explosive element, when ignited could radically change the direction of this nation/world. If the groups in charge of our current system of belief programing were to be aware of this potentiality it would account for the unwillingness to chance this type of rogue message. Then: THE INTERNET, what a wild card this is, I believe we are about to see some history in the making. Information at everyones fingertips via the speed of light, it almost congeals individuals to a single
to this
I speak personally when I say that for the last several decades I have felt complete apathy towards the political system in this country. Primarily because of a feeling of powerlessness caused by a
- Posted by: david
I for one am very pleased that Ron Paul is “off the radar” so far and not considered a serious threat to the “top tier” candidates. Neither was Huckabee until the last debate and once the media started to notice and crown him the “candidtate of the month”, the attacks began which only put him on the defensive and his support decreased. It is a sad situation for our country when an honest Presidential candidate who continually votes his conscious, does not accept federal money, and values constitutional law is considered to be a long-shot and a quack and those who support him are considered nuts cases. If you want answers, I suggest you head to any college campus and talk to the re-engergized youth who are holding Ron Paul for Pres signs, attend one of the hundreds of meet-up groups, or any rally where Ron Paul is speaking, if you can get through the thousands in attendence and ask any one of them why they are supporting a man who “cannot win”.
And in November of 2008, when Ron Paul is elected President, we will ALL say we told you so! Power to the People.!
- Posted by: Raven West
As a Canadian and global citizen, the only hope I see, not only for the USA but for the entire World, is that Ron Paul become the next president.
I have tried to donate money to the Ron Paul campaign but unfortunately I have to be an American to do so. If this election was open to the entire planet, I am sure Dr. Paul would win by a landslide. It seems that the majority of people around the world know more about Ron Paul than the Americans. We can blame that on the corporate controlled MSM demons. (CFR, Bildergergs etc…)
Vote well my American neighbors, the world depends on it.
- Posted by: Nathan Reed
thanks for this article! it’s great. i never thought about how having a negative title may actual draw more people in. very smart!
- Posted by: tammy
Great article from the heart. Ron Paul has shown the most integrity based on his record, has received the most support from the military, his campaign is at the top in terms of donations, he has won the most straw polls, and has won all of the debates, yet he is STILL not considered a top tier candidate by the media. The bias is extremely obvious, but we still persevere and we will win this thing.
- Posted by: Fabian Rivera
Loved this article & your previous one.
I agree that still the majority of people tune Ron Paul out because we are so used being disappointed in our available political choices. The last election - choosing between Kerry & Bush was just horrible. It’s hard to take the time to read up on the same old “big government should spend more on this and that” positions & we’ll pay for it with “more efficiency” crap. You read through the positions of about 4 guys in a party and give up in disgust before you even get to Ron Paul.
I found him one day when I heard one of his supporters on a completely non-political message board. I thought to myself “Who is this annoying guy & why does he care about stupid politics?”. So I decided to do a bit of research so I could cut him down properly & was shocked to find someone who I actually agreed with about 90% of his positions. Even what I disagreed with I figured he’d still be better than the solutions proposed by all the other guys. I was hooked - but I think it’s really hard to get people to overcome their initial disgust of politics and actually give anyone a chance.
People here still look at me like I’m a nutcase when I mention Ron Paul, but I pray that some of them will come around like I did. I live in Texas just a few miles away from RP’s congressional district & people still think he’s just some crazy person because they don’t really know anything about him except that some of his followers are a bit odd.
- Posted by: Jim
Keep in mind that most politicians get money by going to the usual fat cats, who give $2300 to multiple candidates so as to buy access to government regardless of who wins. Those fat cats aren’t going to bother giving to Paul’s campaign, because even if he wins they’re not going to get anything but constitutional government.
A good measure of the real grassroots support for candidates is the success of their various “money bombs”. The November 5th money bomb for Paul wasn’t even organized by the campaign, it was started by a few bloggers independent of the campaign. It brought in $4.3 million in one day, from 38,000 donors, with an average donation of a little over $100. After Paul’s money bomb other candidates decided to try one. Obama’s campaign had an official money bomb. Did you see it in the news? No? Well, that’s because it was too embarrassing. 72 donors contributed a total of less than $5000. Huckabee’s campaign tried a money bomb. It was more successful — it brought in, if I recall correctly, about $230,000 in a day. But taking the wind out of Huckabee’s sails was the fact that Paul raised more money on that day, even though it wasn’t supposed to be a money bomb day for Paul.
This Sunday (December 16) is the tea party, a long planned money bomb for Ron Paul. I expect he will exceed the take on November 5.
- Posted by: Bob
One of the most amazing things about Ron Paul’s grassroots support is the fact it isn’t only in the United States. It’s actually spreading around the world! There are meetup groups dedicated to Ron Paul in many countries throughout Europe, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and even one in Iraq of all places. The Strasbourg Tea Party in Europe is going to happen in unison with our Tea Party fundraiser here in the states (Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07TVBLFroSM).
One cannot understand the depth of Ron Paul’s support without watching many of the most popular videos dedicated to him (my personal favorite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG2PUZoukfA). They will be protesting the European Parliament and their lack of representation. Ron Paul’s freedom message is universal, it makes people think, it makes people want change, it makes people want to stand on street corners waving signs, it inspires us to create wonderful videos on youtube.com, and it doesn’t matter where you live.
Many people have said the same phrase, “Dr. Paul CURED my apathy.” He brings together people from all parties, all ends of the political spectrum. People are putting aside their differences on issues so they can address the most serious problems our country faces. Anti-abortion voters are teaming up with pro-abortion. Apathetic Democrats and Independents are teaming up with conservative Republicans. Ron Paul often likes to joke at rallies that even a few anarchists show up. So any poll that doesn’t take these people into account cannot capture the full spectrum of Ron’s support. We are, by and large, voters who haven’t participated in previous elections. We don’t normally vote in primaries. And the simple reason is nobody has ever given us a reason to do so.
We are locked into a perpetual two-party system that excludes the outsider, the man with new, bold, and perhaps shocking ideas. It excludes the people who do not bow to corporate interests or to the powers-that-be in the party ruling structure. That’s why Newt Gingrich campaigned against Ron Paul and for his opponent in a recent Congressional election. Many people will say to themselves, “HEY! If the Republican leaders want him out, I want him to stay in!” He cannot be bought, sold, and paid for like other politicians. He stands on principles that are rock solid and cannot be influenced by lobbyists. Indeed, lobbyists know this, and don’t even knock on his door because they already know it’s pointless.
With so much corruption in politics today, Ron Paul is a breath of fresh air to those of us who can’t stand the endless pandering, lying for votes, and selling out to who can donate the most money to a particular campaign. No amount of campaign finance reform can make dishonest politicians suddenly become honest. And that is a major component to Ron’s appeal across the political spectrum.
We want our freedom back.
We want to preserve our prosperity for the next generation.
We want balanced budgets and sound money again.
We want to end our empire around the world so we can take care of our own.
- Posted by: Curtis
THIS IS WAR! people in this country expect all of the freedoms…they expect everything to be handed to them…it’s a general forum of unapologetic, apathetic, dumbed down laziness mixed w/ overpriced gasoline, booze, and penis pumps.
if you saw the last debate in iowa it’s obvious what was going on…RON PAUL is under the other candidates’ skin…they gang raped him by not attacking his ideas but conforming to them…trying to play the ‘honest, man for the people/constitution’ and in turn dumbing down the most amazing contrast between their stance and paul’s…HONESTY
IT WAS THE MOST REVOLTING thing i’ve seen so far in the primary run…a testament to how corrupt and unimaginative these elections/candidates really are…you may call it perception (facts can come from just a general count of quotes if you need objectivity), therefore making is a subjective story…but the media doesn’t pick up on it…the front page the next day should have read…CANDIDATES CONFORM TO HYPOCRISY
i’m at the point where my potential for apathy is even stronger after jumping into the ron paul revolution…to see him fail and watch one of these pinheads control this country for another 4 years of tyranny…it’s painful to even think about…because i know where this country/world is headed…
FINANCIAL SLAVERY
- Posted by: william charleston
Thanks so much for this wonderful article. I agree with many, that Ron Paul isn’t a politician, but in fact a statesman who’s platforms cannot be delivered in quick soundbites. It takes a bit of time and reading on an individual’s part to understand *truly* where Ron Paul is coming from. I’d say about half of my friends know who he is, and half of that group doesn’t fully understand his positions.
The misunderstandings range from, “How can you support a guy who wants NO regulation on ANYTHING?” To, “He wants to ban all abortion? No way!” Both points, are clearly wrong. Ron Paul’s desire to minimize the influence and effect of government - apart from it’s constitutional duties - and increase individual responsibility gets turned into some terrible plan that never existed in the first place, usually by far left leaning folk. And returning the abortion question to the states, is not at all the same thing as “banning abortion.” For the record, I am staunchly pro-choice, and I support Ron Paul.
Back to the poll numbers again though… I think Ron’s campaign could greatly benefit if all of us grass-rooters took those numbers at face value. What if they are real? (They aren’t) But shouldn’t we not assume that he’s doing great? We need to spread the word continually, anywhere and everywhere.
One last point: If you a are “one-worlder,” then your views are diamtetrically opposed to Ron Paul’s. National sovereignty is a major platform of his, and one that his supporters hugely agree with. The idea isn’t to shrink the U.S. Gov’t so that it can be more easily controlled by outside forces (a breathtakingly horrific thought), but to shrink the size and scope of government to increase liberty at home. Our national sovereignty is a seperate issue, and Paul’s stance on this is *crystal clear*. No UN, NAFTA, WTO, CAFTA, etc. This simply cannot be debated. Ron Paul does not support a “one world government,” because such a thing, terrible as it would be, would be a concentration of power so great, that all “well intentioned” folk who thought the idea good, would find themselves in a world of grey twilight, their liberties and freedom crushed under the boot of an omnipotent world government. Shame on you.
- Posted by: Andrew
LOOK AT YOUR COMMENTS JUST IN THE FIRST 2 HOURS THIS STORY HAS BEEN OUT!
TELL ME HE ISN’T A FRONTRUNNER
- Posted by: WC
Thanks for taking the time to write this article. The subject of politics is such a detailed matter that it will take more than one article or more than one blog reply to cover in detail. However, I do say that you did an excellent job in at least bringing Dr. Ron Paul to light.
Before ending my post, I would ask you these questions:
Your family and friends. How do they obtain their news? What source or sources do they use? What do you think about the coverage time given to each candidate running? Do you think there is bias? What is each and every supporter of our candidate choice doing to “spread the word”?
Each tool in this campaign is a link to bigger and better things. Have you ever heard of people power? You are power? You have the ability to promote and encourage!
Poor is the individual that allows corporate owned media to take away the ability to choose…….
Happy New Year and keep up the great work!
- Posted by: Mark McLain
Thank you for that fresh breath of real journalism. I am a Canadian who just got back from a 40 hour drive over three days to Iowa and back to hear and cheer for Ron Paul in person. Damn that ice-storm or I would have continued on. If anyone wants to get a real good idea of what the American people are up against try finding a radio-station that isn’t dominated by Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity or Glenn Beck and other lesser knowns. The never ending abuse of dogmatic propaganda is disgusting. So thank you for a more normal piece of writing, I still have faith that if enough Americans are exposed to what their true options are, then despite the established powers that be, the rule of law and the constitution will perseveer. Otherwise there will be a North American civil war of some kind down the road.
- Posted by: rich
Thank you Carl for your article and invitation. I would like to shed some light from
Oklahoma. I am a 70 year old senior citizen who has waited 50 years for a candidate like Dr. Ron Paul. I have seen and felt the growth of BIG government for 50 years and have hoped and prayed for someone to come along who would change the trend of big government back to what the founding fathers had intended … a LIMITED government that serves the people. I have known of Ron Paul since the 70’s. Here is a man with a message that has never changed since the 70’s. Here is a man that you can totally TRUST, who is totally HONEST, and who is not running for HIMSELF but is running for the PEOPLE.
I joined our Meetup Group out here when there were 18 people, now there are well over 300 approaching 400. We just had a huge rally at our State Capitol in Oklahoma City and I estimate that a third at the rally, like me, were senior citizens. Out here we know that Dr. Paul is not just some ‘internet thing’, it is a ‘PEOPLE thing’ whose critical mass is almost here. I can’t wait until Sunday, December 16th for the Teaparty. We will show the country the ‘critical mass’ of money by THE PEOPLE for this man who represents US!
Thank you for the invitation.
- Posted by: Bill
Ron Paul isn’t running for President!
WE THE PEOPLE, are running for President through him. He is the vehicle, we are the drivers. He is the instrument, we are the musicians. He is the campaign, but we are the grassroots that fund his campaign. He doesn’t want to be President to run our lives. He wants to empower all of us with the freedom our founding fathers intended for us. He is the most humble politician on capitol hill, and his humility inspires us to go to great effort to see him given the honor he deserves. Great power should not be won in a political campaign, it should be thrust upon that person who is most deserving of that power and will use it the least, just like the young boy who became an Emperor bearing an empty pot.
- Posted by: Curtis
You’re beautiful Carl, great article, don’t anyone hold their breath waiting for the AP to pick it up and distribute it nationwide though.
Thanks Carl Fiser and keep up the good journalism.
- Posted by: Scott Miner
thank you for your article, somthing is horribly wrong with this country when someone with ron pauls sterling voting record and sound,in my opinion unimpeachable integrity doesnt get more attention than his lets say less principaled opponents.I WATCH IN TOTAL DISBELIEF when political news like chris matthews puts up poll results and just omit ron paul on the screenshots. i used to be a loyal hardball viewer untill i witnessed his just unbeliveble blackout of ron paul WAKE UP AMERICA WE ARE BEING DUPED if they are going to such lengths to black him out he has to be on to somthing. I for one now watch so called MSM news with a lot more scuspision than 6 months ago
- Posted by: steve
Thank you, Mr. Fiser, for writing an article to answer the people’s question: “Why haven’t we heard of him?” I encounter that question daily in my canvasing. I will print your article to carry with me.
Indeed it would seem that our national TV media doesn’t wish to promote any of the “Peace” candidates, Paul, Kucinich, or Gravel. This leaves me terribly disturbed as my family favors the end the troop involvement in the Middle East….now.
Last week, with the news of Iran’s lack of a nuclear program and the shameful behavior of President Bush, my family had hoped that the DesMoines Republican Debates would be alive with a new call for Peace.
Instead we American peacemakers were insulted by “no war or immigration issues will be covered.” Wolf Blitzer added injury when he pointed to a graph indicating 21 undecided Republican voters backstage showed non-support of Dr. Paul’s bringing home the troops in the first year in office. It simply couldn’t be believed!
An even greater insult was to Mr. Kucinich, and Mr. Gravel…left out completely…while Alan Keyes(???) was allowed?
The AARP lobby should be ashamed of its sponsorship of those debates. When my Mom, aged 73, called AARP to inquire as to why the Peace candidates are being ignores she was referred to the website: www.dividedwefall.org. (again, huh?? She doesn’t even have a computer.) When my again Mom expressed dissapointment in the lack of TV coverage of the peace candidates the AARP rep politely said she was sorry….
Our Elders deserve to see the whole picture, too.
My family worries that even if Mr. Paul can gain sufficient voter interest, will the election be fair? There’s a great deal being written on the validity of our elections and the efforts to suppress the vote. PBS Special: http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/348/
PBS is airing a interview with Special tonight “Ron Paul and Internet Politics, http://www.pbs.org/now/
Much more is available on the PBS NOW site including articles on “Big Oil, Big Influence” a web-exclusive report on the influence Big Oil has over the U.S. government, including its connection to several 2008 presidential candidates.
MAYBE WE SHOULD CALL OUR LOCAL PBS STATIONS…MAYBE THEY WILL LISTEN TO US CALLING FOR PEACE.
- Posted by: Linda Inveninato
You have communicated much of my frustration. I live in a small town in Georgia and only see Ron Paul signs on lawns. My meetup group is very active in local parade and weekly events. I know many many many normal people that have fell in love with Dr. Paul’s ideas. I truly believe the main stream media is manipulating and missing the mark.
Also, if you ever see news coverage other campaign bussed-in supporters, they always have very fancy signs, banners, noisemakers etc.
Ron Paul supports organize themselves, make their own signs, demonstrate a passion never visible in any other campaign.100% of these people will vote for him in the primaries. What percentage of the other candidate supports will actually put down the tv remote, get in the car and vote in the primary? My guess is significantly less than 100%.
- Posted by: Jay Eckard
I think your article is a good assessment. There does seem to be an unwritten rule in journalism that the candidate who tries to impart truth gets little attention from mainstream media. Ron Paul puts the burden of governance on the people, telling us in effect, to keep our democracy alive we’re going to have to do some work too! I highly recommend checking out Ron Paul’s career as a scholar of foreign policy AND, as a congressman who has dedicated 30 years of his career as a lone voice on the House floor trying to save our country from the path we’ve been led down. Ron Paul recently introduced “American Freedom Agenda Act of 2007″ HR 3835. This is just one of many reasons why I support Dr. Paul.
So get busy!! You can look up Ron Paul’s congressional record on-line. Though you may not agree with everyting, you will nonetheless come to realize that Ron Paul is a man of his word. Honesty, what a refreshing change!!
As Bernie Quigley, for The Free Market News Network put it, “This is the way the world begins again; with one man willing to go alone; a man who is willing to questions the so called good models.”
- Posted by: Donna Jean Coe
The only signs you see in Garland and Richardson (just north of Dallas), Texas are for Ron Paul. Let’s hope this means pseudo-conservatism is finally dying out. Whether he wins or not, some of us will have taken a moral stand for real capitalism, and a return to the principles of the Founding Fathers.
- Posted by: Cato
Exellent article. It captures the pervasive feeling that overcomes me when I read newspapers, or watch news coverage of the debates or election: something is missing. Omitted. Nameless Because I know about Ron Paul, he is the “elephant” in the room that cannot be acknowledged except to undermine his presence to the greatest extent possible.
There are those who do not know, nor care to know, what may be passing them by. I suppose there will always be those who have to as “what happened.” Thanks to the interactive nature of the internet, something is happening. The impact from the good Doctor from Texas is larger than even he expected.
Those who know Ron Paul are growing in number. And the scripted media bias is becoming refreshingly transparent. It is rapidly losing credibility. It is being challenged.
Go Ron Paul!
- Posted by: legallyhip
I commend you for reaching out to the masses! I do believe your private poll was sKewed to the fact of a small sample, just as is with all the so called Nat’l polls and therefore inaccurate. At least you asked your participants if they had name recognition with Dr. Paul. Many of the Nat’l polls do not include Dr. Paul’s name. With that said, I think the savvy internet revolution has dawned an awakening about Dr. Paul that will surprise the Old Media and knock and sock them for the biggest wake up call in our history of the USA….the people speak via the WEB! Dr. Paul with respect to the NEW media has great name recognition. The old media is now horsess**t because all it does is spin information and pander to businesses. Good thing there is NEW media coverage competing with the OLD media. We shall soon see which media is more powerful!
- Posted by: Mike Staudacher
I just watched a youtube clip of someone’s voicemail machine playing a recent message of an automated poll asking if the elections were held today, who would you vote for. Ron Paul’s name was not even listed as an option! And then we wonder why he’s low in the polls? I know Ron Paul has support out there, I just hope that enough people will look past the major news outlets, who continue to marginalize him, and go in search of information about the Dr. It’s going to take active participation in the political process this time to get the best candidate for America.
- Posted by: Chris
Ideas are far more powerful than guns. We don’t allow our enemies to have guns, why should we allow them to have ideas?
- Joseph Stalin
- Posted by: Sanjay
Ron Paul is the only politician on the national stage that is willing to level with the American people, against the will of big business, and tell them that the federal bureaucracies that have been established counter to the Constitution are abject failures and need to be abolished; not fixed or expanded, or our nation will soon fail.
Ron Paul’s obvious unabashed, principled message has shaken the establishment to the core, billionaire fat cats, corrupt politicians and civil servants, wall street vampires, etc. are all threatened by Dr. Paul’s message of individual liberty and responsibility. He must be stopped at all costs. The establishment of greed cannot afford this message that Ron Paul has stood firm on for over thirty years, to take hold and become popular , let alone a Ron Paul Presidency. They know that every person who watches this video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWfIhFhelm8, over 1,000,000 views so far, will find their true roots and traditions, and begin to tear down the towers built of greed.
We organize and act. We don’t need instruction, help, permission, or even the recognition of the official campaign, the MSM, the government, or wall street.
We are a highly motivated, self directed army that is growing exponentially, every day.
We fully expect and welcome the establishment bias and attacks, they always backfire and result in more recruits to the cause of liberty.
Thank you Faux News!
This is just the beginning, this is much bigger than Dr. Paul.
Freedom is popular.
- Posted by: Tom D
Thank you for the article. I have never written a comment on the internet before. I am a 44 year old male in Central California. I have not been politically active, although I have voted Republican all my life. I have listened to Rush Limbaugh since he first started broadcasting here in California. Four months ago a friend told me to check out Ron Paul. I became a fan and have donated to his campaign. I am disappointed with the media and am very disappointed with Talk Radio. I have decided I can no longer listen to Rush or Shawn. Shawn will not even allow Ron Paul name to be mentioned on his show, unless you want to ridicule him. When the media was running stories every hour about the Bunny Ranch endorsing Ron Paul, a story that didn’t even deserve a mention and yet became the BIG story on Ron Paul, then I had enough. I have introduced Ron Paul to some of my neighbors and they are now fans. I am not a kook, I am not radical, I am not a racist, and neither are any of the other Ron Paul supporters I have met. The media isn’t the worst problem, my Republican Party is making a big mistake by alienating and slandering us. Ron Paul may not win, but he has awakened me and my friends and changed us forever.
- Posted by: Greg Davies
Great article. Ron Paul has brought me out of my apathetic state of being. I research daily, and am finding facts which make me cringe!! The media abuse of Ron Paul only fires me up! I have become active in his campaign and feel he has a chance for the nomination. Even if he isn’t elected he has started a fire which will continue in this country. The media is in the pockets of the big guys. Hear much about a recession…no. Ask my customers! We are hurting financially due to the money inflating policies of the Federal Reserve. Our country is in a big hurt. I don’t know whether Ron Paul can solve the problems, but at least he is honest and believes in a fast fading document…The Constitution!!
- Posted by: richard castor
I’ve considered the problem of Dr. No being elected president. Would he then be called President No? The conclusion I came to is that if he were elected it would change all of government in that the message of a smaller government which adheres to the constitution and whose function is to ensure liberty would be heard by all. It will give the country the hope it now lacks. The current Congress will hear that message and introduce legislation based on that criteria, if not because they believe the message - then because they care for their political lives. And the elections in two years will see an influx of like-minded legislators, because we have been given hope. And the people who now suffer from the malaise of hopelessness will see that relief is only a vote away. That is why this is the most important election of my life.
It may only be a dream - but it’s a good dream.
- Posted by: Mark Winn
If it wasn’t for me I don’t think any of my family would have heard of Ron Paul at all. The debates and air time do little to spread a message such as his. The message can only be understood in it’s entirety on the internet - where people have time to sit and read. As such, Paul is improving due to increases in cash which he can use to broadcast his message. Ron Paul’s low ratings have a lot more to say about the American People than him. The American People want a quick easy to understand message from a good looking speaker - that’s it. They don’t have the time for anything else. Democracy is so grand.
- Posted by: barry b.
I read your article “Ron Paul bears Empty Pot for Americans” when it first came out, as I google news articles daily about Ron Paul. Thank you for that excellent article. I teared up. I immediately ran to post the link on the Daily Paul, but some one beat me too it. I was so impressed that I retold the parable about Ling to my son as a lesson about honesty. I live in MA and heard about Ron Paul months ago from a co-worker. After a little research, I went from dissenchanted complainer to a faithful Ron Paul supporter, bent on persuading everyone I know to vote for him. Ron Paul is now the favored candidate at my job. Several of my family members are converted and plan on voting for him in the primaries. I’m even getting calls from relatives around the country to answer questions regarding his policies. The grassroots movement or Ron Paul Revolution is surging under the radar and one need only look at the comments generated on websites (like ABCnews, YouTube, or any site posting an article about Dr. Paul) to see his growing popularity. Someone, I believe it was Anderson Cooper, said the other night, that Americans like a little “romance” in politics, meaning they like to be attracted to a candidate and no other candidate is so loved by his supporters as Ron Paul. That speaks volumes! We can raise money effortlessly, turn dreams like a Blimp into reality, organize rallies nationwide without much leadtime, mobilize supporters against any naysayer and have collectively changed the way campaigns and ultimately government will be run from here on. The Revolution will not stop with Ron Paul. Our internet activism will stack the congress and the senate with sympathizers to our cause and return America to the PEOPLE on both the Federal and State levels. Stay tuned and watch the outpouring for Ron Paul on Sunday Dec 16th! We will break new records with the Tea Party Fundraiser and hold rallies nationwide, regardless of weather! Ron Paul WILL win because his message of Freedom is contagious!
- Posted by: Uniblogger
I am a Long Islander who supports Ron Paul. I didn’t read all the comments above, so I don’t know if anyone addressed this yet, but one thing which polls of “likely primary voters” isn’t able to take into account is: how many of those who say they are “likely voters” really are likely to vote? Ron Paul enthusiasts, I would guess, are far more likely to actually vote in the primaries than those who say they support Rudy, Mitt, Mike or the others. So even if he’s only showing 11% in current polls, a far higher number of those 11% are likely to actually vote than the number out of Romney’s 17%. I think a top 3 finish for Paul in the early primaries is a very good possibility, and that will tip the odds considerably.
- Posted by: David
Wow - a journalist admitted the bias! Anyway, a month ago I didn’t know much about Ron Paul except that some people on a conservative message board I frequent were talking about him. I didn’t pay attention. I didn’t like politics anymore. I didn’t like Republicans anymore (though I am one). Then I started seeing bumper stickers while driving around town. I wasn’t seeing them for any other Rep. candidates. Then one day my husband and I saw a group of sign-wavers at a prominent intersection. My husband asked “Who is Ron Paul?” And I said “Oh, I think he’s the Republican front runner.” Ha! It’s funny how your perception of reality changes when you start listening to the media. Since then I have researched him and been DELIGHTED to find out that a REAL conservative is in the running. Personally, I still think he might be the frontrunner. I minored in statistics and I’m not too interested in listening to polls.
- Posted by: Jennifer
Every president since Woodrow Wilson has been a member of the council on Foriegn Relations. It is a group of people in an organization owned by the Rockefellers, Rothschilds, J.P. Morgan Chase, Basically all the biggest banker names in the world. They also own the federal reserve bank. CFR owns the media ALL OF IT and they tailor the news to what they want you to see not what the truth is. The truth is that Ron Paul is the most important man since the Jeffersonian era to run for president. All of you NEED to do your home work. Go listen to Jordan Maxwell, David Icke, Jim Marrs… WAKE UP BECAUSE THIER ‘NEW WORLD ORDER’ IS RIGHT AT OUR DOOR STEP AND RON PAUL IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN STOP!
- Posted by: AGGOZZUR
The Ron Paul poll numbers under-report his likely primary votes for several reasons:
1. The poll-takers use land-line phone lists, and Ron Paul supporters are more likely to be young voters with cell phones and VOIP phones.
2. The “likely Republican voters” polled are likely former Bush supporters, but Ron Paul has energized many independents, and even Democrats, to switch parties just to vote for him in the primaries. I’m in this group
3. Ron Paul has cured the apathy of many conservatives and libertarians who hate Bush, and don’t like the others either. They stayed home when Bush ran, and so are not counted, but will vote for someone they respect, like Dr. Paul. I’m in this group, too.
4. “Privacy nuts”, like many Ron Paul supporters, simply won’t respond to non-anonymous telephone polls. I’m in this group, also.
All of these likely Ron Paul primary voters are simply not counted by the standard polling methods, and there’s no simple way to include them.
We’ll just have to wait for election days and see who gets the votes.
- Posted by: John Bottoms
Let the comment bomb begin!
- Posted by: Uniblogger
Thank you for the article. I have been actively supporting Ron Paul’s candidacy since May and have been just as frustrated as everyone else has about the MSM coverage.
When Cecil Rhodes mapped out his agenda for a world government in the late 19th century, he accurately predicted that the need for secret societies would disappear after about 60 years because by that time people who were supportive of that agenda would already hold key positions in government, education, labor unions and the media. The “conspiracy” is very much out in the open and we are living in that Orwellian age where war is peace and the state is benevolent.
Regarding the media, their primary role is to make the masses despair by delivering bad news 24 hours a day. The average Joe just feels so defeated that he really doesn’t care much if the bankers and politicians steal his country as long as he has some beer money and the kids stay out of jail. Even though he recognizes the lies and the garbage for what it is, the world is made to appear so complicated and hopeless that he just doesn’t get involved. (Sorry if that sounded snobby - I hope you got my point …)
Now with Ron Paul in the race, the MSM is being challenged hard to acknowledge some truth about what is really going on in the world and their natural instinct is to deny the message and to change the subject. I don’t see any media conspiracy. It’s exactly how I would expect any card-carrying graduated from the Columbia School of Journalism to behave.
- Posted by: John Murphy
Awesome article Carl you are a gentleman and a scholar. The thought process you employ and your angle of attack of this subject is brilliant to say the least. You are correct we are the unappreciated and disrespected many by a very small dominate élite group within our society.
From the Trilateral commission’s own web site articles http://www.trilateral.org/projwork/tfrsums/tfr58.htm
” The Westphalian order and sovereignty is in transition. Indeed, Carl Bildt suggests that the world may be at the outset of nothing less than a Reformation. Yet time has telescoped; we are likely to see the kinds of changes that took centuries from Martin Luther until the end of the Thirty Years War taking place across mere decades today. The pervasive sense of insecurity is real, as real as the need for new responses, new institutions, and new ideas”.
For those of you who are not historians the Westphalian order is a very important Treaty of the Pyrenees, signed in 1659, ending the war between France and Spain, is also often considered part of the overall accord that began a period of peace, personal freedom, and prosperity for the known world.
These papers generated by the elites of the New World Order organizations often go unnoticed by academics, governments, media,and most importantly the larger population. A statement in the article “The pervasive sense of insecurity is real, as real as the need for new responses, new institutions, and new ideas” is really a scary statement because it begs the question, what new ideas other than freedom, peace and prosperity are needed? The statement ” The pervasive sense of insecurity is real, as real as the need for new responses, new institutions, and new ideas”. The sense of insecurity is also NO MORE REAL than the need for new responses, new institutions, and new ideas. People have be striving for Freedom for over 1,000 with the so it is not a new idea,sovereignty, peace is not a new idea, and prosperity for all is not a new idea.
The Magna Carta was the most significant early influence on the extensive historical process that led to the rule of constitutional law today. Magna Carta influenced the development of the common law and many constitutional documents, such as the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, and is considered one of the most important legal documents in the history of democracy.
The practice of freedom is new only accomplished in the last 231 years, and this new freedom is at risk, it is dying, and Dr. Ron Paul can fix it, Dr. Ron Paul can put freedom, sovereignty, and peace back to work for America, and those forces know it they will do what ever the need to do to try to stop it from happening. We have one more war to fight and it will be a world war because people are waking up all over the world and they are ready to though off the chains of the false masters, the liars, these greedy humans who gleefully watch as their fellow man starves, suffers, dies, for them and their stupid causes.
When GWB spoke of the evil doers and how they love suffering, get strength from the tears for the weak, revel in horror…these are the ones he was talking about these few against the many.
Ron Paul and his workers and followers represent enemy number one for this group, who have build a huge war machine ready to used around the world against people of all nations who will not comply to the masters of control and oppression and become slaves. For that is what the Westphalian order is, a order and agreement for freedom, sovereignty, peace, prosperity for all, no matter where they find them self in society not just a few at the top.
This war has few guns, bombs, are rockets it is a war of minds and we can win if we always remember to only believe what we know to be true and not necessary what we are told to believe. We all know Dr. Paul is the man who can lead us from bondage into freedom.
Thanks again for your wonderful article.
- Posted by: david1776
“We’re still a year from the election!” - NOT SO!!! In just a few weeks will begin the primaries and the determination of who will be the Republican candidate. By the 1st week of February the choice is made and there won’t be a fiscal concernative, peace-loving, U.S. sovereignty-protecting, Social Security payments-honoring, veteran-supporting candidate left if Ron Paul doesn’t get the nomination.
- Posted by: Jay
They know the name here because of our sign planting and waving efforts, and our chalked car windows, etc. They just don’t know much of his platform. But our meetup is trying to canvass the whole city though with voter packets to hang on doors made from voter cards and Paul information and the message that they need to register Republican by a certain date. We especially want to hit each of our precincts to flush out Paul supporters as many of us are precinct captains.
- Posted by: Nathan
Nice article Carl. The bias of mainstream media is evident; you saw it yourself. BUT, you were looking for it. Just tuning in and watching one of these ‘debates’ one might not see it. Even Hannitys despicable display of bias after the Fox debate maybe only is evident to a Paul supporter. My schooling was in PoliSci (NYT @ Old Westbury) and I’ve closely watched campaigns since the 70’s. This is the biggest grass roots support I have ever seen and the most spontaneous. It truly restores ones faith in the Founders Vision. Ron Paul stands for the things that made and make America great.
Pre-emptive war, currency backed by debt, ever shrinking freedoms, a congress that rubber stamps the will of the executive, and so much more; — this is contrary to the bluprint for our liberty: The Constitution.
Ron Paul is the only candidate who not only talks the talk but has been backing it up with ethical, moral, honest service in public life. He does not comprimise on his beliefs. Washington, Jefferson, Franklin; lovers of indidual rights, - Who do you think they would back for President?
CARL— here is a theory in answer to your question above. I postulate that Ron Pauls support is directly corrolated to the amount of news one gets from the internet. If the average American gets his news from TV only, he is less likey to know or consider Dr. Paul. As the amount of time a person spends getting news online increases, so to does the likelihood of support for Ron Paul. It would be easy to construct a poll to verify this. By implication, Ron Paul supporters are better informed and genuinely interested in the election. And, in my opinion, TRUE PATRIOTS !
- Posted by: john
i am continualy amazed at the support for ron paul even from other countries. canada, australia, new zealand, and many others. ron paul is an icon whether the mainstream media acknowledges him or not. no other presidential hopeful in history has raised money like ron paul on nov 5th, or used a blimp for advertising. i get mad when he is interviewed and the media reporter says your not going to win……do they know something we dont know officially?
i pray for the safety of ron paul and all of his family daily. i think people in high places are afraid of what ron paul has to say. their corruption is being shown. i imagine the discomfort this presents.
but we are not going away. we are gonna do this. we are gonna get RP in office!
- Posted by: Charlayne
I would just like to point out that I’m actually impressed with Ron Paul’s name recognition on Long Island. After all, certainly you’ve heard of those “man on the street” interviews that Sean Hannity has on his radio show every now and then, where he proves that Joe Average American doesn’t even know who our Vice President is….So if that many have heard of Ron Paul, I say great work, grassroots!
- Posted by: Tara
I am not an american but I am addicted to Ron Paul and his message and I support him for meany reaons:
I think the world would be better off with a Ron Paul Presidency
The media never menciones who finances most of the rebels,wars,over trowing presidencies, regional dictatorships !! The media never menciones how many innocent kids and women die because of sunctions on governments [a fraction of a fraction of a country]. Most die starving or because they are lacking basic medicines.(Example : IRAQ during the 90s look up the numbers )
The media only mencioned the value of the dollar when a super model rejects us dollar payments !!
For god sake America,If you did not get a raise this year then guess what!!
You were making much more last year and 40 % more 6 years ago. (From the world’s perspective ) Look up the charts of Canadian Dollar Vs US dollar
or Euro VS dollar from 2000 til 2007.
There is one more thing ,I do not think there is a single american that is opposed to “No income tax and replace it with nothing idea” and if that person says he is opposed to it then that person is probably paid to be against it like talk show radio hosts [ ] or is simply CRAZY !!!!!!!
Cheers
Long live Ron Paul and his message of freedom and peace
- Posted by: deepak
I am hoping for bad weather for every primary and caucus. Ron Paul supporters WILL vote, while others are likely to stay home if nature makes them work for it. Freedom fighters won’t be deterred. Ron Paul voters won’t be deterred. What do the others have to fight for? All their candidates are pretty much the same anyway.
Good article.
- Posted by: Nick
Thank you, Mr. Fiser, for being an honest journalist. I think I speak for many Ron Paul supporters when I say that we are totally disgusted with main stream media’s coverage of the primaries. Media’s job is to report the news, not censor it. Thank you for doing your job! I’m supporting Ron Paul because he is my HOPE FOR AMERICA.
- Posted by: Betsy Smith
Nice article. I was wondering if it was obvious to anyone else, that instead of using all their air time to educate Americans about each candidate, the media outlets focus all of the attention on who is “sailing ahead” in the polls, or what new strategy so-and-so has for their campaign, and how it could potentially do this and that to another candidate. That is so shameful! Let’s face it, we go to the internet to find the truth, and that’s where we all discovered Ron Paul, and we haven’t looked back.
Richmond Virginia loves Ron Paul. I see signs up everywhere. And I never EVER hesitate to slip him in to conversation with everyone I know.
He is going to make jaws drop on primary day.
- Posted by: Jennifer
Hi,
I’m from Germany, but I’ve followed the Ron Paul Phenomenon very closely for the past few months.
You’Re right the ignorance by the MSM is obvious.
WHY?
I see mainly three reasons for this:
1. The MSM were a 99.9% failure in the Iraq War run-up. They didn’t ask the necessary questions, they were happy about this war.
Ron Paul reminds them of their own failures, because he was right on Iraq and continues to be right.
2. The people in the MSM have a desire to be important. They just don’t want the people to choose someone, whom they didn’t endorse at all and who shows them, that the Internet makes them more and more obsolete.
3. Further, the MSM are corporations that have to earn money. As said, the Internet slowly makes the MSM obsolete. Thus from a short-term business approach it might make sense to ignore the candidate who - through his success - shows that the MSM themselves are becoming redundant. Just to keep it running as usual and to delay their own necessary transition as long as possible. A self-fulfilling prophecy of Hillary vs. Giuliani or something like that would be their best case.
Hope this makes sense….
- Posted by: Jules
Cheers! It’s about time the question of medi biasd was raised.
Ron Paul is larger then America. He has meetup groups WORLDWIDE. Infact on Dec 16th people are going to protest Parlement in London. They had a Ron Paul Rally in Olso Norway durring the noble peace prize ceremony.
Freedom is popular.
Ron paul also won the National Caususes even over the democrats in a landslide victory. Go see for yourself at Nationalcaucus.com/results
- Posted by: Shohadaku
Great Article! One thing that’s not taken in account for is this;
Only 5%-10% of Americans vote in the primaries usually. This election may be MUCH LOWER due to the lack of faith in the GOP base. So if we go on the low number of %5 this could actually turn out to be a landslide for Ron Paul.
I am sure that at least 75% of the Ron Paul supporters will vote in the primaries, where many of the other candidates supporters will stay home that day.
It seems like most of the voters are going to “Wait n’ See” who gets the nomination for the GOP, and that could be Paul’s ticket because most of the Paul supporters are going to actually vote.
This could turn out to be the biggest upset in US political history. The online and text message polls reflect this. That’s why Ron Paul wins all these polls because Ron Paul supporters are willing to “Do Something” about it and send in a text message or visit and online poll where as the supporters of the other GOP candidates do nothing except sit there and wait to see who wins the poll.
If the same thing is reflected in the primary vote, then Ron Paul will win this hands down.
- Posted by: Lucus Drador
The reason his name isn’t better known is because the media is owned by the Bush/Clinton dynasty and their corporate lackeys .
- Posted by: Tim
I am glad to see that the media is well represented in Carl Fiser. I wish there were more like you.
It is a sad state of affairs that in our country the mention of the Constitution is considered Radical.
I find it interesting to point out that the other Republican candidates have now adopted stands closer to what Ron Paul has been standing on from the get go. They to now invoke the word Constitution; although I sense it is pandering platitude for them.
If the media was interested in reporting rather than steering, Ron Paul would have much greater Name Recognition.
It is unfortunate that this Revolution had to be by Word Of Mouth mainly. The message is powerful enough to be carried in such a way, yet as to whether there was enough time for the exponential spread, we will have to see.
I am counting on the Apathy of American Voters. I know for a Fact, That All The Ron Paul Supporters will do what ever it takes to make it out to vote. With this apathy and the countering enthusiasm I believe that Ron Paul will have a very good chance of getting the nomination. I also fear that when he does the same forces that have discredited their own polls that he has won will spring in to action to influence the outcome.
I do not understand why people in America do not understand that We are not supposed to be Socialists.
I Vote For Virtue; I Vote For Ron Paul !!!
- Posted by: Brad
The areas 45 minutes North of Milwaukee has a low name recognition level for Ron Paul. I educate everyone I can about the good Dr. I pass out literature and bumper stickers and do whatever I can to get the word out. It may not be much in the big picture but it’s more than I see from any other candidate.
Fact of the matter is that even in these times, poeple are looking at the trees and missing the forrest. Politics is a turn off for about 1/2 the general population. Paul supporters can tap into apathy to win this nomination.
- Posted by: William B
Once again, you have surprised me with an objective article. And that’s the kind of person I am, objective. I want to look at the facts and base my own judgment, in either direction. That’s one of the reasons I don’t like Huckabee. I feel he wears his religion on his sleeve and basically is telling everyone, “You’re going to believe in what I do or else.” Dr. Paul caught my attention at the first debate, a mistake the RNC knows they made and will try not to let it happen again. What I love about the guy is this: He doesn’t pander to audiences. He says, “This is me, this is what I want to do and this is what I don’t think the government needs to be doing, regardless of my personal beliefs.” All of these candidates preaching “change in Washington” when they’ve been in the system for years and are the personification of Washington politics. But not Dr. Paul. If nothing else, he has young people excited about politics again. If you look at the passion and devoutness of his followers, I wonder, “Isn’t it time America LOVED their President again?”
- Posted by: Troy
On the subject of Ron Paul, George Mitchell’s report — and the reactions to it — caused me to wonder how professional baseball might be different if the presidential candidate from Texas withdrew from the race for the White House and replaced Bud Selig as commissioner of baseball. Yes, What if Ron Paul was Commissioner of Baseball? > After all, he is against the War on Drugs. ???
- Posted by: Bob
I found out about Ron Paul about four months ago ,luckly on a web.site..I tried hard around that time to see his name on MSM and even ask family and friends of mind,”but nothing!”!..So i started to research this man and “low and behold”,I said to myself !!(this “man is a true American hero”,so right there and then he became my new hero)..His view’s on how we should have limited Gov.,Bringing the troops home from Iraq,restoring the founder”s vision for this great nation and just giving the American people what ever Freedom we have left(”BECAUSE THE CURRENT ADDMISTRATION FAILED US”!!!!!)…
Ron Paul has a very large following ,and it growing everyday ,and because of the 4 million Dollars he raised recently,he is getting more attention now then ever before, but ironically they are still trying to keep him in the shadows!…. I just wish more people will stop miss quoting him and really study his views and what he stand’ s for..You could start by reading his book(A FORIGN POLICY OF FREEDOM”) WATCH HIS U-TUBE VIDEO’S AND TRULY LISTEN TO HIS DEBATES!!,”this is a free nation not Communist country” and all “Ron Paul want’s to do is keep it that way!!”.
- Posted by: Eric VanTuyl
great article! i hope your example helps some of your colleagues get more objective as well. for me, the ron paul campaign has been a litmus test of who to trust and who to write off. i have already divorced myself from paying attention to the msm, but now i know for sure just how worthless many of the “pundits” are. i am actively boycotting companies like cnn, fox, etc. and any advertisers i see or hear about on shows like glen beck and rush limbaugh and so on. i am also dropping my nra membership and transferring my financial support to more honest organizations like gun owners of america. this is just a few examples, point being: every individual or organization that i have supported in the past, and is participating in the character assasination and marginalization of dr. ron paul’s campaign; no longer has my interest, attention, or money. these are all better spent on the good guys. the internet is the last free press on earth, and it is putting the archaic yellow corporate whore msm out of business. which is, of course, one more reason to support ron paul: he wants to keep the internet free and uncensored.
- Posted by: w s bowen
Great article. I feel that even a casual observer can see the evident bias with which the Congressman Paul is treated. I have even noticed it on a more insidious level, for instance when he is interviewed by some pundits (Sean Hannity most notably) he is frequently called “Ron”. Not “Congressman Paul”, not “Representative Paul”, not even “Dr. Paul” but “Ron”. I found that approach to be a rather transparent way to marginalize Congressman Paul and make him seem less “presidential”. This is a military veteran, a medical doctor, and an elected official they are speaking to and they show a level of disrespect that is shockingly biased and condescending. This bias runs through every question that is asked, the tone in which those questions are asked, and the structure of those questions. It also is evident in the deceptive way Congressman Paul’s positions and debate responses are distilled into oversimplifications and distortions (his position that US foreign policy contributed to the 9/11 attacks is the most glaring example). The selection of questions for Congressman Paul at the laughable CNN YouTube debate was a rather blatant attempt to discredit him (the North American highway “conspiracy” question and the “we both know you won’t get the nomination” question). There are also very several other nuances that the media has used, referring to Congressman Paul’s ideas as “fringe” when they could as easily be called “progressive”, insisting that his performance on text polls, online polls, and nationwide straw polls are somehow all flawed while nationwide polls that frequently don’t even include him as a candidate are infallible, etc. etc. etc.
I simply do not understand the bias and the general tone with which Chris Wallace, Sean Hannity, Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper, George Stephanopoulos etc. take when speaking to a ten-term sitting Congressman (Bill O’Reilly also but he is a sociopath so his demeanor is never surprising). I also don’t see the same tone and disrespectful attitude when these same “journalists” are interviewing other candidates. Rather than discrediting the Ron Paul campaign in my eyes, this collective approach instead reveals the attitudes of an elitist media that stopped being objective a long time ago and is vested in a rabidly bi-partisan America. Progressive thinking and intelligent discourse in the mainstream media is non-existent, instead we are presented with sound bytes, talking points, and “journalists” who openly embrace one political party, attack the opposite party, and chase network ratings and book deals to profit on a divided America. I could go on but even discussing it further enrages me.
I am supporting Congressman Paul and will be donating more money to his campaign on December 16th. I am also actively telling others about him and will continue to do so throughout my Holiday vacation (as I suspect many others will as well). I think that he will surprise in Iowa and New Hampshire and this will build the momentum he needs. It is my hope that years from now historians will write of the 2008 election as an historic turning point in America , when the traditional rules changed and a Government by the people and for the people made a triumphant comeback.
- Posted by: Curtis
Bob…”On the subject of Ron Paul, George Mitchell’s report — and the reactions to it — caused me to wonder how professional baseball might be different if the presidential candidate from Texas withdrew from the race for the White House and replaced Bud Selig as commissioner of baseball. Yes, What if Ron Paul was Commissioner of Baseball? > After all, he is against the War on Drugs. ???”
The two are completely different. The War on Drugs is a massive government effort of prohibition, wasteful and, in essence, contributory to the spread of the drug trade due to it corresponding profit under such prohibition. He belives that a person OWNS his or her body and has complete responsibility for his or her actions, whether those actions are considered moral or immoral by others, not the government. However, he also believes in private property and the rights, therefore the responsibility that entails. Since baseball is a private organization with its own rules and regulations governing the game that the players voluntarily involve themselves, it is not contrary to Ron Paul’s views of the power and enforcement of private contracts.
- Posted by: Republicae
3 months in my part of So Cal no one i knew had heard of Ron Paul. Now everyone i work with knows his name, there wifes and friends know his.
Im seeing signs pop up, on side streets, freeway over passes. The meetup groups in my area started in the teens ,now some are over 100 members.
This week a Christmas tree lot when up a couple blocks away from my house, parked right in front of it is a very large truck decked out in a Ron Paul paint job.
The message is spreading, his name getting out there, and its just snowballing.
But are we running out of time?
- Posted by: Doug
Thank you for this article. I’ve been a registered Republican for almost 40 years. The last politician I actively campaigned for was Barry Goldwater in 1964. I’ve bought into the conservative Republican agenda of smaller government and less taxation. Unfortunately, I’ve been terribly letdown by my party. In my lifetime i have never met such a compelling candidate as Ron Paul. Someone who does actually speak truth to power and is not afraid to stand apart and has consistently supported the same positions for 20 years.
I am both saddened and angered by Dr. Paul’s treatment by the media. Saddened that our country has lost it’s political freedom. It is indeed a dark time when the one bright light for our future (as I perceive) is not even presented to the mass of citizens in our country. It seems that only those that have made there own personal quest have discovered the ideas, intelligence, and integrity of Dr. Paul.
- Posted by: Jim M
The media will never give Ron Paul his due. The media is controlled by the ruling elite- people like CFR memebers and alike.
- Posted by: Miguel
Hi Carl,
I am not a good writer like you and speaking my mind usually doesn’t come
out right. But some 20 years ago I quit voting because it seemed as anyone
running for office were more of the same. Almost like they had blinders on.
Couldn’t they see what was happening ?
As the years rolled by it seemed as tho things kept getting worse. Jobs
leaving the country, inflation eating us up and the government just making
new laws that squashing our freedoms more and more. The Patriot Act is
the real clincher. Nothing was making sense anymore until Ron Paul showed
up. Dr Paul is opening our eyes to what is going on and why. If it were not
for the Internet, his message would never have gotten out. Watch closely and
our government will squash that too unless someone like Ron Paul gets
elected. I apoligize for not knowing about Dr Paul sooner. He has been saying
the same things for years.
If our citizens don’t wake up and listen to what Dr Paul is saying, the rest will
be history. The USA Titanic will sink. And just like the Titanic, there aren’t enough
lifeboats to go around.
Already the others running for office are starting to talk like Dr Paul. Trouble is,
they haven’t done their homework and don’t really understand why Dr Paul is
saying what he says.
Thank the lord for Dr Ron Paul. They can laugh at him and try and put him down
but deep in their hearts they know he is right.
I hope Dr Paul is not to late. And Hope is a good thing.
Don’t let MSM hide his message.
Thanks Carl for your help.
Bill Hinkle
- Posted by: Bill Hinkle
What concerns me the most is your comments about closet Ron Paul supporters. Has our country reached the point where we can no longer voice political support for a candidate without fear of retaliation?
- Posted by: Sean
I am a Canadian and would like to offer an opinion.
You are asking all the right questions. I am going to give you my no-holds-barred analysis of what is happening here. I offer no apologies and I am not about to water any of this down.
The people have been swindled. The U.S. government has been corrupted beyond all comprehension by international corporations, banking interests and war profiteers. The press is owned and controlled by these interests. We are all involved in a series of wars that are based on lies and disinformation. Your country is being destroyed from the inside out by a fraudulent banking system. The constitution is being trampled. Your leaders advocate torture and wars of aggression.
The internet is a world wide platform of free speech and if you look for it you can find the truth here. Thousands of videos, articles and eye-witness accounts are available. Independent investigators have put the pieces together and it is clear we have all been had.
It has gotten to the point that ground level individuals who do their homework are more informed than many people in the press. The blackout of the real issues is becoming clearer. Tension is becoming high.
Those who speak the truth are derided as lunatics, while our leaders spew blatant lies and the media fails again and again to deliver on it’s responsibility.
We are in a race for awareness and truth to reach critical mass before this tyranny that threatens our freedom consumes us all. The informed part of the public fights against the lies of the old media amidst accusations of lunacy.
George Orwell once said that “In times of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” Well these are times of universal deceit, and we are the revolutionaries. Make no mistake about it, this is nothing less than a revolution that is happening all over the world.
We have been looking for someone to rally behind, and have found that man at last in Dr.Paul. And it is not about him, as much as it is about the universal truths of freedom, peace and inalienable human rights. These are times that try men’s souls. We, the revolutionaries, have souls of fire and righteous anger.
We are free men and women. We will fight for freedom, and for justice, and for the clarity of truth. We are here to take back our world from the hands of the corrupt, the cruel, the fools and the tyrants.
“Let it not be said that we did nothing.” - Dr.Ron Paul
Regardless of what history says of this historic time, they will never be able to say that we did nothing. Today we write history.
The revolution is now.
- Posted by: Aaron Wright
I think you are right on target.
It amazes me how many people I run into here in Los Angeles have never heard of Ron Paul. Educated people who I would expect to be paying attention to the politcal process look at me like I am from Mars when I mention Ron Paul.
Many of those people quickly become supporters once they realize that someone they know also supports him. It’s a sad reality that many people are followers when it comes to politics. Rather than spend the time to figure out what all the candidates stand for, they rely on a herd mentality. If he’s not doing well in the polls, there must be something wrong with him and conversely, if he is doing well in the polls he must be worth my consideration.
So when the media downplays his chances, it definitely becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
- Posted by: John Campbell
Wow, so many comments already! Ron Paul has the numbers!
Reason why Ron Paul is so low in polls is this:
1. He gets practically no air time in main street media.
2. Poll are made of usually only 300-1000 people answering. These people are those who voted Bush last time. Many of these people feel compelled to support the war and that way, stay loyal to the party and the president. These people are those who get their info from MSM. Many polls don’t include Paul at all, and many put him in the “other” category.
Paul get his support from much broader base, which consist ex-democrats and liberals, previously passive people and part of republican base that feels the party has let them down. Also Paul gets his support from all walks of life and especially everybody who is oppressed by the government.
Paul has got donations from over 134 323 donors. Those are the most enthusiastic folk, imagine how many “normal” not so active people there are who have heard the message and are going to vote. Remember that Paul got over 400 000 votes when he finished third place last time he run for president. Those people haven’t gone anywhere, they voted Paul then, they will vote him now.
I foresee landslide victory for Ron Paul. Teaparty is going to prove that!
btw. I’m from Finland. Revolution is world wide.
FREEDOM!
- Posted by: saitek
To answer the question of “are the polls correct?”:
- NO, theyre not. Just ask the Center for Disease Control, who no longer accepts landline-polling as an accurate method of sampling.
Remember that in 2004 USA Today reported a “record low turnout” of registered Republicans who actually came out to vote Republican (for Bush) again. Only 6.6% of registered Republicans voted Republican in the last election- this is the group from which polling companies select people to contact.
So consider what we’re looking at when the media pulls out their “likely Republican voters” polls- this is how it breaks down:
Starting with,
ALL ELIGIBLE-AGE POTENTIAL AMERICAN VOTERS
V
(of these…)
V
ALL VOTERS WHO WERE REGISTERED IN 2004
V
(of these…)
V
ALL THOSE WHO VOTED IN 2004
V
(of these…)
V
THE 6.6% OF REGISTERED REPUBLICANS WHO VOTED REPUBLICAN LAST TIME
V
(of these…)
V
THOSE AMONG THAT 6.6% WHO HAVE LANDLINE PHONES
V
(of these…)
V
THOSE AMONG THE SAMPLING SETS OF 400-800 PEOPLE CALLED
V
(of these…)
V
THOSE WHO HAVE LANDLINES AND WERE HOME WHEN THE POLLSTERS CALLED
V
(of these…)
V
**THOSE WHO FELT LIKE RESPONDING TO THE POLL**
In case my little makeshift diagram here didnt make it clear…this final group above ^ are who are represented in these cited “scientific polls.” THATS IT. This isnt rocket science, look up how this poling is done, think about who are contacted, and ask yourself if the 6.6% of Republicans who own landline phones and voted for Bush a SECOND TIME in 2004…ask yourself if it makes sense at all to assert that these accurately represent all “likely Republican voters” this time around.
It is truly staggering the numbers and demographics of people being completely ignored here and not represented at all in these polls…people who have been noted time and time again to be among Paul’s supporters and part of his larger target audience:
- Democrats (including those who have switched registration to vote for Paul)
- Republicans who didnt vote for Bush in 2004
- Independents
- Libertarians
- Greens
- College-age voters with cell phones
- High-school/College age group who just came/will come of voting age between 2004 and voting time.
It is downright dishonest to assume that in contrast to all those listed above, the 6.6% of registered Republicans who voted for Bush in 2004 and have a landline phone better respresent who will come out to vote this time. Its also grossly negligent to withold the fact that in many of these “scientific polls” Ron Paul IS NOT EVEN MENTIONED AS ONE OF THE CHOICES.
- Posted by: Julian
Great article! Finally, someone articulated all of the things that we all have been feeling for quite some time. You, sir, are doing Long Island a job.
Is this article being printed, as well? You’ll absolutely sell a lot more newspapers.
- Posted by: T. Plimpton
you’re exactly right. i found out about ron paul at the beginning of the race. i immediately got behind him. a month later i mentioned him to my mom who had not heard of him and was going to back guiliani. she switched to ron paul within 20 minutes of internet video watching. within 2 days she was donating. last month my grandma said she was voting romney. i then told her ron paul’s positions and she digested him for a few days and was soon on board. still to this day, i mention ron paul in passing with random people and most will either not have heard of him or vaguely heard of him through the signs on the roads and such, but never bothered to investiage. most people are either barak/hillary or guiliani/romney/mccain b/c that’s who you hear about and see on TV…even if you’re just flipping the channels or reading the headlines on cnn.com, they’re always about everyone except ron paul…
it’s a shame, but america will get what it deserves for being so ignorant from the press on down to the common man… a terrible president who is not ron paul
- Posted by: andy
Ron Paul is a real hero - a rare quality among politicians.
- Posted by: Daniel Morin
Great column, though I think your math is a little off.
Polls show that about 4 in 10 people *who know of him* to some degree are supportive. But, 8 in 10 *don’t even recognize his name*.
Therefore, the “scientific” polls have to show support at under 2%.
BUT: most of those polls have moved up to 4-5% nationally and even in double digits in some states (South Carolina and Florida), which means people are finally getting the message.
In an “unnamed” poll of Presidential candidates run by Pew (?), the person with Ron Paul’s biography wins!
There are many other reasons to believe in Paul:
Ron Paul CAN win: BIG
http://www.nolanchart.com/article440.html
- Posted by: Westmiller
NH loves Ron Paul!
- Posted by: NH_GOP
Until Americans confront without prejudice their number one problem in politics and media then they will continue to wonder why certain candidates don’t get air time.
The problem is the imbalance of media ownership and financial support to political parties by one section of the population. Its actually not easy to describe that section but one definition would be a section of the Jewish population who after years of constant lobbying and financial backing thave installed politicians favourable to their cause.
The cause is monetary and military aid to Israel. Ron Paul has said he will eliminate this aid.
Lets be honest Iraq was invaded because of a misguided belief it would help Israel. Wiretapping, repealing habeus corpus, torture, war on terror, preemtive strikes, bombing civilian locations, etc etc all inflicted on Americans because of Israel and to legitimize Israels disregard for human rights. Offcourse most don’t want to voice their disgust because of the fear of being unfairly labelled anti semetic.
Until the problem is recognized and rectified American’s standard of living will detiorate not to mention the often too much quoted security and safety aspect.
- Posted by: Peter Morris
Just about everyone knows about Ron Paul here in Reno. He has TV Ads he’s on the radio, the local Newspaper has done atleast three front page articles on him, and he is really popular here, I hope it spreads to the rest of the states which it is starting to do like wild fire.
- Posted by: Chazz
Your points are well taken. The lack of coverage on Ron Paul (and some other “low-polling” candidates) is totally inexcusable. This includes the debate process, where he has received little time to “debate” very complex points of view–ones that should be heard by non-Internet people. Clearly, the mainstream media complex cannot be fixed; I no longer find any use for it–and they cannot move to the Internet and try to garner attention, because their “brand” has been trashed.
There is one thing to point out that overrides the election of Ron Paul. That is, he is serving as a lightning rod for change and awareness on issues that must be understood by the public. Obviously, some of the public aren’t going to “get it” until the CHANGE happens–then, maybe, they’ll curse the media and the dissembling campaigners. More importantly, those who are “getting it” are working to build on the future, campaign for change, and work on taking down the corroded parts in this system (the media, for one). I believe that the Ron Paul campaign–regardless of the outcome–is the very beginning of fundamental movements toward this end.
- Posted by: Scott Harmon
This is the finest article I have seen regarding Ron Paul, the “lower-tier” candidates, and the ludicrous manner in which this election is being reported and manipulated. THANK YOU.
Everywhere I go here in Pennsylvania, I ONLY SEE SIGNS FOR RON PAUL. We have two houses in two parts of the state and in both counties, Ron Paul signs are everywhere. There are no signs for any other candidate. I was not even a Ron Paul fan when I noticed this. The preponderance of signs inspired me to investigate, and now I know what all the fuss is about. Ron Paul has the rarest gems amongst politicians nowadays: wisdom, prudence, integrity, consistency. It’s almost unbelievable that such a man would run for what has become the sleazy office of the Presidency.
The Ron Paul phenomenon reminds me so much of Truman’s election over Thomas Dewey in 1948. Newspapers were so intent on repeating the old standard “Dewey will win,” they were so afraid to depart from “the facts,” and they were so preoccupied with asking Dewey about his cabinet appointments that they IGNORED the roaring crowds for Truman, they ignored EVERY SINGLE SIGN that he was about to win by a landslide (303 electoral votes for Truman, 189 for Dewey).
The indicators are there that Ron Paul might just WIN, and tension is building as his popularity soars and the media continues to try and suppress him. I think we are all wondering (”with bated breath”) at what point this Revolution will explode in their faces.
- Posted by: Patty
The bottom line is this. The ‘consipracy theories’…….are in fact true.
The Federal Reserve is responsible for creating a debt based economy.
The Trilateral Commission, CFR, Bilderberg Group, and the majority of US Congress is, in fact, trying to destroy american sovreignty through the north american union.
Replacing the dollar with a global currency.
Establishing a one world government.
Destroying over 80% of the world’s population.
This is all out of the woods now, and we can’t let it happen.
I’m from Canada and i’m going to officially say for the record that I AM SCARED. TERRIFIED that this will happen. This election is the single most important in history…..ALL OF HISTORY. Why? Because the outcome of this election will dictate whether or not sovereign nations continue to exist, or whether the world becomes one giant government. Every move monitored, global enslavement.
The federal reserve MUST BE REMOVED FROM EXISTENCE!
The troops must come home (all 700 bases in 130 countries).
The Government Accountability Office should be rehashed and new policy set in place so heads can roll, and some sense of logical and fair practice can be set in place.
Lobbying should be banned from US congress.
I could go on forever, but for now, the most important thing i can say for the immediate future is to MAKE SURE THE VOTES ARE COUNTED!!!!
I’m linking you to my site, but it’s just a little blog with a video on it, i don’t make money on it or anything. But it’s a wonderful video showing how the voting system works, how’s it’s rigged, and what can be done about it. A hard physical count in front of everyone is the only way to be sure.
Here’s the link:
http://fascism4dummies.blogspot.com/
It’s the single most important thing right now….other than making sure we don’t go to war with IRAN. Both are equally important and both must be stopped!
Take care America. Canada prays for you….and for us.
- Posted by: Cory
I want to thank you for the article, “Ron Paul Bears Empty Pot For Americans” . I chose that article to email to my friends and family explaining why I was going to become an active volunteer for the Ron Paul campaign.I highly recommend it for any who have not read it already.
So why was I unaware of Ron Paul and his candidacy?
Dr. Paul did not cure my apathy. Apathy means not to care or the trait of lacking enthusiasm for or interest in things generally. I have always cared very much but felt isolated and impotent to effect change in the course of human events. I felt frustration, yes, but apathy, no. I would listen to public radio and read Google News nearly every day. I had given up on on newspapers and magazines as sources of information. Most television news shows were a sick joke. What everyone needs to understand is that the mainstream media not only ignores Ron Paul, It ignores any REAL news.
Anything that does not fit into its paradigm or threatens the status quo gets lost in the noise of trivia or is ignored completely. Only when it is forced to recognize a threat to the status quo does it resort to slander and ridicule. Is this a result of a “conspiracy”? Ultimately, it does not matter. For all practical purposes it behaves like a conspiracy. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. If you don’t find the evidence for a vast worldwide conspiracy compelling, think of it as a virtual conspiracy. In fact, I agree with Dr. Paul that it is a conspiracy of ideas and a battle of memes that we are witnessing. We should not need to witness smoke-filled rooms filled with multibillionaire bankers or intercept couriers carrying secret communiques exposing sinister plots. Just open your eyes, and look around.
- Posted by: John Bowery
Carl, you have a nice name. It’s my husband’s, and he’s a nice guy! I can tell your article was sincere & heartfelt. Let me add one thing.
“Name imprinting” is primarily what the TV Media do. It is repetition over & over & over again. For every 1 time Ron Paul was mentioned, according to CNN’s own network, John McCain was mentioned 90 times. And, that doesn’t include the stats for Giuliani or Romney either. If the opposite were true, Ron Paul would be much, much higher, if not above the rest of the pack.
The Media depends on this tactic, because they know it works. But, they feared the Americans who supported him, as they were gaining in numbers, so they couldn’t ignore entirely. So, they began to do the things you mentioned–the owners had it TOPS down to marginalize him. It’s easy to do, if peer pressure in your job moves you in that direction.
This is critical, since I believe we have an apathetic society now. Literally, MOST everyone I talk to is disgusted with ALL the politicians of BOTH sides in Washington D.C., and they aren’t kidding. They are fed up.
Here is the SHAME of it all…..here, you have thousands & thousands of actively involved AMERICANS, and NOT just supporters–AMERICANS, and here we are donating so much unbelievable personal money & time to a candidate we finally found, either by accident, or whatever, and here, you have the TV Media & Talk Radio who refuse to validate this legitimate, well-qualified Republican gentleman.
The shame of it is that we are all crying every time the Media makes fun of or attacks Ron Paul. It is a terrible sadness. It is awful to watch, I tell you. We have our good days like today, when the BLIMP was launched. We have our down days, too. But there is just something PLAIN WRONG in ridiculing & beating down the AMERICAN HUMAN SPIRIT….
And, that is EXACTLY what they have done and are still trying to do….I’m proud to say it has not worked. Gosh, do you see Romney, Giuliani, Thompson, McCain supporters out there?? Do they have supporters with UNBRIDLED ENTHUSIASM?? NO, and THAT is truly, truly a sad commentary, because it points out the true apathy of MOST AMERICANS.
However, IF Americans knew more about Ron Paul, I think you would witness more joyfulness & euphoria than we’ve seen in this country in decades. Then, all those apathetic Americans would have a faith in their future, and their children’s future! Instead, they have nothing but anxiety. They’ve lost their faith & trust in their politicians. But, Ron Paul really, really has integrity. We couldn’t believe there was anyone left like that in D.C. anymore. We were are pleasantly surprised! The reason the Media SHOULD treat this man seriously is BECAUSE of his truly unique support by so many, many Americans, support NONE of the other so-called “front runners” have. That’s the reason, Carl.
But, however this turns out, Carl, I & my Carl THANK YOU for hearing the Ron Paul “heart beats” of this nation!
- Posted by: Laura Pivonka
Dear Mr. Fiser,
Thank you for your honesty and reporting. Here in San Diego, both my wife and I have noticed more Ron Paul signage than for any other candidate. He gains support because of his message and integrity. As a veteran, I appreciate his adherence to the Oath of Office (to that piece of paper called The Constitution). He gets the military support because active duty military are the ones that literally sacrifice their lives or body parts (go to Camp Pendleton to learn about the returning wounded, amputees etc.) Nice to know the Commander in Chief that orders you to battle takes the same Oath, and actually abides by it…
R E S P E C T ! He knows economics, can describe a regressive tax, and is for a humble foreign policy WOW! I’m in.
The Constitution…. as radical as it ever was!
- Posted by: A. Plewniak
I believe that at least half of those that learn about Ron Paul will vote for him, the other half will be split between hating him completely and preferring another candidate.
- Posted by: Maria
Carl:
Sir, you have written the best article about Ron Paul and his campaign. I know we have a long way to go in raising the public’s awareness of Ron Paul’s message of Liberty and Freedom. I am still hopeful and will continue to support Ron Paul, no matter if the media tries to exclude him from this election process. Ron Paul makes sense for our country and the American people. I believe Ron Paul is the bravest and the most logical choice out of all the candidates running for President. Remember, we are still the home of the Free and the Brave. Thanks again for this awesome article. Let’s make history happen, let’s get Ron Paul elected as President in 2008.
- Posted by: Tess, California
I forgot to mention some other important things regarding the value of Ron Paul’s message….
The goosebump factor, and the tears factor.
I have been moved to tears and had more occasions of goosebumps watching and reading accounts of other Ron Paul supporters, listening to him speak etc. than I can count. It is soul stirring. Individuals have been moved to make great personal sacrifices in time and money and effort to leave something of America to the generations that will follow us. I am proud to offer the campaign my support.
- Posted by: A. Plewniak
Thank you Carl for an exceptional piece. You state the obvious: that Ron Paul is being ignored and/or marginalized in the mainstream media. This is, what I believe, is fueling his campaign. Their strategy is backfiring. The more they ridicule him, the bolder his supporters become. It’s a sort of backlash against the establishment media. Smart people, such as yourself, understand that this good and honorable man is not being give a fair shake. He is being intentionally being excluded in many polls, yet when he is included he performs relatively well. For example, Dr. Paul garnered 11% in a CNN poll in South Carolina. That should be headline news. But the MSM is still ignoring him. I wonder if they will continue to ignore him after he blows everyone out of the water with the single largest one-day fundraising political event in history that is TeaParty07. God Bless Ron Paul!
- Posted by: G Powell
Thank you for such a kind and reasoned article.
Ron Paul may stand as the last real American Statesman. Pure, honest, noble. With a message that Americans everywhere are hungry to hear.
America’s next President (one we can be PROUD of) is Dr. Ron Paul.
- Posted by: Gary Patridge
The Non-voter’s Party has won every Presidential election since1928.Non-voters don’t get polled .Ron Paul is inspiring millions of them to bcome voters.
- Posted by: O.K.Phyne
I have an enlightening anecdotal story that exemplifies your statements on the media ignoring Ron Paul and the power of his message. I am a volunteer for the Ron Paul campaign passing out fliers and knocking on doors in my home precinct. I would say that 1/2 to 2/3 of the people I encounter have not heard of, or are only vaguely familiar with Ron Paul. When I present them with literature, and talk about Dr. Paul’s ideas and proposals, I am met with about a 90% approval rate for his campaign and proposals.
But the real shocker is: I am working from voter lists of ONLY REGISTERED REPUBLICAN VOTERS! That alone discounts the idea that his support is from an ‘insurgency’ of Democrat and independents into the Republican Party. When I present Dr. Paul’s platform, the overwhelming response I get is ‘Gee… That sounds like what the Republican Party USED to stand for!’. I submit to you that the neo-cons and big government industrialists who have hijacked the Republican Party are scared to death that he would even come close to getting elected, and derail the War-Profiteering, big government gravy train they have been riding on for years! For all the talk of ‘ronald Reagan’, none of the other Republican candidates comes closer to Ronald Reagan’s ideals than Ron Paul. Not Coincidentally, he was one of the FIRST (and only) congressman to support Ronald Reagan’s 1976 Presidential bid.
I have to commend you for another incisive and poignant piece of journalism. You rise above the attack and avoidance-of-facts type of writing that (unfortunately) is so prevalent these days. Thank you for an insightful, fair and truthful article about Ron Paul. There are so very few around these days!
xtrabiggg
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
- Posted by: xtrabiggg
I’m sure it has been said already, but his supporters aren’t being measured in polls. Polls only measure republicans that voted in the last election, 1,000 or less are being polled on a land line, most polls don’t even give Ron Paul as a choice. It is always Mitt, Huck, Rudy, Fred, Mccain, or Other. That isn’t a joke. I personally have been hung up on for not giving the answer they apparently wanted.
John McCain’s campaign spokesman said it best, with a different front runner in each state, it is clear that people are undecided. Many polls show the choice “other” outweighing the candidates. He said if “other” was running they would be
the front runner. I think many of us know who “other” is.
Since I joined a Ron Paul Meetup after the debate in may? I was the 9th person, it has rose steadily to almost 200. People from all walks of life, dems, republicans, libertarians, first time voters. I personally have converted 7 of my DEMOCRAT friends and family into Ron Paul supporters. My dad would rather spit on a republican than look at them and I got him too! And I happened to see in a news article that my cousin is a Delegate for Ron Paul in his state.
There is something happening and the media and the government aren’t happy about it. People are starting to see how badly they are being screwed and are looking for someone to fix it.
Even if you don’t agree with Dr. Pauls idea’s, you have to admire a man that has the balls to stand up for what he believes in, even if he gets takes a lot of crap for it. He is honest, consistent, and transparent, and educated — and that is a rare quality in washington.
***I urge you to read his letter to congress on Sept 25, 2001. You can find it on the congress website i think. It is very obvious that he knew what would happen to this country because of iraq, outlined how to prevent it, and he said it out of sincere concern for us, the citizens, not just to make some media stand, or because he hates government, but because he knows what he is talking about. Read It.***
- Posted by: R. Smith
Thanks for the great article. It’s great to watch what is happening with the Paul campaign. I can’t wait to see the shock after New Hampshire.
- Posted by: Dustin
I found Dr. Paul a few months ago while surfing the net and reading the news else, I wouldn’t have found him at all. The MSM shamefully ignores this great statesman. After reading about him and watching some of his youtube videos, I became an instant supporter. I am a registered Democrat and will be changing my registration to Republican just for this man. I have never before been so impressed with the integrity of a politican as I am with Dr. Paul. I believe he is our one hope, our last hope and that it is our responsibility as citizens to do everything we can to ensure he is elected to the office of President of the United States of America. It is literally freedom at stake this time around. In speaking with others it is evident that many are aware of the historical significance of our time and course but have felt they could do nothing to alter our present path. We can act, we will act and we must act! I have a hunch that, though the MSM portrays Dr. Paul’s supporters as few in number, there are many more than are revealed in polls. However, even if the numbers are those that the polls show, I leave you with this quote by Margaret Mead, twentieth century anthropologist:: ” Never doubt that a small group of thoughful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
“Freedom Is Popular” Dr Ron Paul It has a way of catching on quickly!
- Posted by: Susan
A little note that might interest you Carl.
The parable you cited has an interesting cognate in a story circulating in Sufi circles. One thrust of the story seems to be similar to that in yours and it goes like this.
A Sufi master, who was soon to take up responsibilities in another provence, was, one day, surrounded by a large group of disciples. He asked them, by way of an exercise in humility and correct self-observation to take writing materials and disperse to separate locations.
They were to seek out a place where they could, unobserved, write down their shortcomings and report back to the master with the results.
Of the fifty who were instructed in this fashion, forty nine returned with their confessions written on paper and eagerly submitted them for the master’s assessment.
One student stood on the side-lines with his head bowed. When the noise subsided, the master motioned the disciple to come forward and present his work.
The devotee’s pad was blank. At this, many of his fellow disciples resented him because he appeared to be a rather haughty fellow indeed. “Nothing to confess!”, “he is a gift to Mankind this one!” they murmured.
“Silence!”, shouted their spiritual director. He asked the disciple: “Why is nothing written here?”.
The young man replied, “Master, you asked us to seek a place where we could, in secrecy, write down our shortcomings…I sought such a place again and again but abandoned the search in dispair because I found that God himself was ever present”.
The master directed his gaze to the astonished assembly, and said, “Behold, your new director”.
I find that illustrations of this nature have a way of getting information to people in a way which ‘feels’ very different from argumentation….don’t you?
- Posted by: Bob Kelly
You wrote:
“This candidate I speak of, Ron Paul, has been excepted from polls, excepted from coverage and been given fewer questions at debates. Stop telling me that it’s not happening! He has been laughed at, ridiculed and deflated. While other candidates are treated respectfully, like contenders, in interviews, Dr. Paul is not. ”
There is your story.
You are only preaching to the choir here–so I suggest you use your talents to find out WHY this is happening. Talk to your fellow reporters and those in the press—find out what the devil is going on and report it.
Do that, and you’ll either have a Pulitzer for your reporting, or it’s the end of your career.
Hmmmm….tough choice, that I’m sure many would rather ignore.
- Posted by: Nancy
Not ever been very active in politics, I changed my mind when over the last few years I have seen how this country had changed due to this administration ie: War, The Patroit Act, Military Commissions Act, NAFTA. SPP not to mention illegal immigrants…should I go on? Well I began to look at the potential cannidates, really researched them, looked up their voting records, followed the $$ then listened to them. They all sounded the same, as they always have done over my many years, full of promises, I will give you this, that…. what they mean is I will make you dependent on big government, I have seen it happen through the years. Then I heard this voice from a man. My Lord, he spoke like no other politician I had ever heard. He said some tough things but they were true. I looked up his record and indeed his whole history and found consistancy. He believed in our Constitution, he is living up to his oath of office. I can’t stay that for many others. They say the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour, well he had me. For the first time ever I believe in a politician, this man, Dr. Ron Paul will actually keep his word. No Body owns him!! I realize it cannot be fixed with a magic wand, and will be very difficult, but I believe he will do his utmost to restore this Republic to the wonderful Republic it once was. And preserve (restore) and protect our rights. God Bless Ron Paul
And you too Sir, I am not sure I ever met a journalist with an open mind and the courage to speak the truth. I have a great deal of mistrust for the massmedia, you Sir have restored a little. Thank you. Merry Christmas…I want Ron Paul in my stocking!
- Posted by: Millie
I just read the post above by A. Plewniak “The Goosebump Factor” He hit the nail on the head. Last time I saw that about a politician was………. let me see…….. JFK comes to mind.
- Posted by: Millie
Thank you sir. You are a real journalist who’s interested in news and the truth. I live in Austin and this place is crawling with Ron Paulites. But what’s interesting is that I see Ron Paul signs in some of the most remote little Texas towns in South Texas as well. It’s very encouraging. Mark my words, the MSM’s gig is up. People are going to come out of the woodworks to vote for Ron Paul. Students, Democrats, Libertarians, those who’ve never cared about politics and of course a lot of Republicans who are fed up and have been waiting all of their lives for a guy like Ron Paul to come around. I would not be shocked to see him dominate in many of the primaries. When this happens, the American public will be able to see clearly for themselves that these polls are bunk. It is a crazy thing to see so much evidence of support for this man and this message and to see such a concerted effort to ignore and minimize him. The Revolution is underway. 2008 is the year of the Grand Awakening when Main Stream America fires the Main Stream Media.
- Posted by: Mike L.
Carl
great article. your next article can now be about the thousands of posts your article received. There is no way in this whole wide world that Ron Paul is not the front runner right now. If he had 5% of the fair coverage rudy or mitt receive he would win this election in a landslide. And he still just might. Your average Joe (the people that make this country go each and every day) are so sick and tired of the way things are. RP is the only person talking sense and that we can trust. Just look at his record. Any of the other clowns will just be more of the same. We live in interesting times and the country is knee deep in the fall season. Spring is approaching and there will be a rebirth of everything that is great about this country. it’s not even about Ron Paul. It’s about the message. Liberty, Freedom, the Rule of Law and our great unique American Heritage. It’s ours and we want it back. I can’t wait for December 16th and of course November of 08. It;s now or never gentlemen. Suit up.
- Posted by: Mises
My God,
Now I have not only a Politician, but a Journalist I respect!
- Posted by: Bird
I just read the post by Laura Pivonka. It really is a shame what the old media are doing. I agree with her that every time they they make fun of Paul, or belittle him, or laugh at him they are laughing at me and most every other american. They simple matter is Ron Paul is the embodiment of an American. When the old media rejects Paul they reject, Jefferson, Paine, Washington, Madison and all of the other greats. And most importantly they reject all of us americans. When Rudy was laughing at paul during the debates i knew the jig was up. B/c they were laughing at us and our founding fathers. you cant pull that shit and expect to get away with it. The times are a changin.
- Posted by: Mises
So, I have been supporting Ron Paul for about 3 months now and have searched like many for the FEW Ron Paul interviews on MSM. I support Ron Paul fully. I have never seen such a candidate (albiet I am only 20) with such a message to bring to the table. However, I think that the MSM lack of coverage has only helped to fuel our r3VOLtion … think about it… if MSM covered Ron Paul the mass mass mass amount of sinage that we see today .. probably wouldn’t be necissary… not that his fans would be any less fired up about his message but slogans like “who is Ron Paul?” would be obsolete. I guess what I am trying to say is… Thanks kinda to the MSM for fueling our utter Hatred for you… and giving us the fuel we need to prove that Ron Paul is really a Man Of The People…. if MSM had covered his campaign as they have others… I think things would have gone over a little differently… his support base would have been from that popularity instead of the vast connections of Grass Roots support he has recieved… Now it seems like if the MSM had some “Ingenious plan” of sweeping him under the rug… it has COMPLETELY backfired….
I leave you with a quote from Braveheart
“Would you be willing to trade ALL of this… from this day to that… for ONE chance… just ONE chance.. to come back here and tell our enemies… that they may take our LIVES but they will NEVER take our FREEDOM!!!”
- Posted by: Jonathan
Hey! Cool review! Thanks for being hones.It was particularly interesting to note that there are “closet” Ron Paul Fans. Sometimes folks are inclined to hide their feelings when they are overwhlemed with an honest podium. Or rather folks are just not in the position to openly admit admiration for Ron Paul. I just hope he recieves this nomination so we could get on with this. Could you picture it…hilary vs. paul, or perhaps obama vs. paul? The latter would be alot more tough!
- Posted by: flower
Having known of Dr. Paul for years I jumped at the opportunity to help the campaign. I felt a little foolish the first time I stood on an overpass with a banner but now the tide is turning the response from passing motorists is very positive even in liberal Asheville NC. Our meetup group goes to numerous local events. we are attending GOP meetings as mostly new republicans and have repeatedly traveled to SC to hear Dr Paul in person [I have seen him 6 times] and even been on the Ron Paul float in a parade. I have donated to the campaign several times [first time ever for a candidate] and have a large yard sign illuminated with christmas lights running on an inverter in my truck back window. We have been on the local TV news twice and even have some members helping the Ron Paul blimp.Thank you for the great article PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE REVOLUTION [and you can too] Jim
- Posted by: Jim Reeves
I’ve been sending emails to my local paper begging for some Ron Paul coverage - even going so far as telling them that if nothing else it would be a guaranteed way to boost traffic on their website. I can’t even get a response from them. This is a fairly good sized paper. The blimp launched nearly in the paper’s backyard and no coverage.
You hit the nail on the head with this article. How do you feel about White House Press Secretary?
- Posted by: TJF
Everyday at work I wear a Ron Paul button and while attainding school I more than half the time wear a Ron Paul shirt. Everyday I meet someone who comments on what I’m wearing. About three people a day turn out to be Ron Paul supporters, the majority of the time people simpley ask, “who’s Ron Paul?” I live in Sacramento and there are tons of posters and signs telling you to vote Ron Paul. They wounder why they have never heard of him, yet there are so many people that seem to support him. They say they’ve never heard him on TV of anything. I try explain that he’s not properly represented in media, but they assume that if he did have such a following, then why didn’t the press cover him. I’m still not quite sure why, myself.
- Posted by: Lance White
After that open mike lunacy, I just call Rudy G. “Giggles” and the mainstream media traitors.
When Paul’s support is shown at the polls, the mainstream media will be dead; completely devoid of credibility - even to the sheople. The internet, the people’s media, will be coronated while MSM gets the “Baghdad Bob” treatment. “The American’s are fleeing!” and “Ron Paul polls at 6%.”
- Posted by: Winston Smith
Wow! You nailed it. Dr. Paul isn’t given fair air time despite the news worthy events happening in his campaign. Your intent was to gain information from around the nation regarding the Ron Paul phenomenon, so… I live in the North County section of San Diego, California. I have seen only two cars, other than my own with Ron Paul bumper stickers. No yard signs anywhere. No banners on freeway overpasses unless you drive into Orange County. I know for a fact that San Diego has about 400 members in RP meet up groups, I have never attended any. I have for the first time supported a presidential candidate by donating cash, stuffing envelopes, and passing out 500 slim jims for Ron Paul. My family, friends, and co-workers believe he is the best man for president, but think because of his lack of name recognition that they would be wasting their vote. I will stay diligent and try to convince them otherwise. Thank you Carl.
- Posted by: Kathy Middag
Ron Paul refuses to be a paid shill (like the other candidates) for corporate America and our so called ally ‘Israel’…. Ron wants to bring a modicum of prestige, liberty and freedom back to the America, we once knew, by adhering to (just a ***damn piece of paper - GWB) the Constitution or supreme law of the land….. Read the book “The Israeli Lobby and U.S. Foreign policy” and you will find all the answers you need…
- Posted by: Drtminer
The fact that Ron Paul has been excluded and made light of is due solely to the fact that he advocates what, according to the old media are “unthinkable thoughts” (as Chomsky would put it). He discusses problems and solutions to problems that are outside of the purview of the very limited discussion in Washington, and therefore he has no credibility, no viability, and and is of no interest to media. That’s the way Corporate media works.
But wait. Something is changing. Little by little he is breaking through onto television. Mostly on local channels, or shows with single personalities that can basically decide their own content. Why? Because the rules are changing. More accurately, because people are changing the rules. Ron Paul’s popularity cannot be corked in the usual manner. New and more complex reasons to ignore him are having to be dreamnt up due to his massive fundraising success, and the hundreds of thousands of donors that are behind it. Ron Paul’s campaign isn’t just changing the face of the Republican primaries, it’s showing a new way for people to interact with media, to alter and shape the content that is shown.
The 2008 Republican primary is nothing less than a showdown between old media, and new, people-generated, media.
As far as who knows about him? Here in Oregon I’d say about half of the people I talk to know who he is. Almost everyone at least recognizes his name. And everyone I talk to seems interested in his ideas and seem to genuinely want to “check him out” further after our conversation.
That’s new media power.
That’s the way out of the black hole of our current corporatocracy
- Posted by: Caleb Friz
I appreciate your article. Though you accurately pointed out the shocking extent to which Dr. Paul has been marginalized and patronized, I remain puzzled to explain it without resorting to some form of the “big corporate media” demonization. The grassroots furor surrounding the Paul campaign, of which I am a part, makes the national polling seem simply inexplicable. The notion that he has less than 8 percent support in ANY state, and yet has raised nearly $12 million this quarter and won more straw polls than anyone, is absurd. The common refrain among my fellow Paul supporters is that such polls, when they even include Dr. Paul, only poll “likely Republican voters,” a category into which many Paulites certainly do not fit. Still, one can only chalk the media’s blind-eye towards Dr. Paul to either ignorance or willful, deliberate manipulation of information, because he is, certainly, a real candidate. Ignorance seems too unlikely an option, given the fundraising and innundation of emails that major media outlets receive from people like myself. Then why? This is a question for which I am desperately bereft of an answer. What’s the motive? Why do they so studiously ignore him? I can’t wrap my little libertarian head around it.
Let’s consider another element of the Paul puzzle: the fervid support of many of those who have heard of him. Again, why? There are, of course, a number of reasons, a number of issues on which Dr. Paul appeals to a number of people, but in my opinion, it all boils down to trust. The notion that our political system is too corrupt has become a cliche, the belief that those we elect don’t serve our interests a given. People who are frustrated with the back-room deal making, the subservience to well-funded lobbyists, people to perieve that our political system has deviated dramatically from proper role(s) of government support Dr. Paul. One can so readily watch the other candidates, and see that their positions are changeable, their responses scripted, and their professed beliefs, well, not truly believed. The degree to which the other Republican candidates began to echo Dr. Paul’s points on the constitution, small government, entitlements and the deficit would have been funny if it weren’t so distressingly slimy and didn’t have such a chance of further ruining our country. They tell people what they think people want to hear, while the media strives earnestly to form what people want and expect to hear. A perfect collusion. Dr. Paul speak his mind, based on intelligent, intellectually informed perspectives and unmaleable principle. The fact that his voting record is so unbemsmirched by compromise and and pork is the evidence of the integrity that draws us to Dr. Paul. He has principles and informed positions, a combination not to be often found in politics. Finally, fueling perhaps the hottest part of the fire that is the Paul movement is the belief among many of us that our country is genuinely in jeopardy. Our economy is weak and weakening, our government is ineffectively beaurocratic and only growing, our civil liberties have been quitely swept under a rug of vaguely worded, “patriotic” laws, and our nations children being killed in a war we don’t believe was necessary.
The questions are, who really trusts the federal government to be principled with your money, who trusts the “major” candidates to be any different, and finally, after the shambolic, yellow journalism done covering this election, who really trusts the media?
No one, I hope.
- Posted by: Lorin G. Page
We are moving Ron Paul our “President”. Two the point that the media must listen and tell the truth to the people. Freedom is slowly fading away , The time is short they our moving about to inflick the people of the world to obey them. You must resist. Your fight is with your very own Leaders. Wake up the enemy is upond you. America The Ounce great light of hope? Is dimming and they dont see it. Thats why we are here to send them this urgent message. If you think that our young men & women serving are not affraid you should put yourself in there spot. They are being used and this can no longer be allowed, This whole dam thing is been a fake. Please look at the persons record not there good look’s or jokes. This Election is the most important one in your life, Because Ron Paul is the modern day George Washington.
- Posted by: WarDog4RonPaul
I’m an Australian who daily spends about 1hr reading everything i can about Ron Paul.
Let me say things simply:
I had always hated america and americans.
I had always considered americans to be ignorant, poorly educated, crass, violent, imperialistic and superficial people. I hate what america has done in the world. As an Australian i quite candidly say a big thank you to american’s for WWII, but other than that your country has a marvellously hypocritical love of invading countries, bombing them back to the stonage, creating all kinds of humanitarian, political and military disasters. (vietnam, iraq sanctions, multiple iraq wars, installing dictators like the shah of iran, propping up dictators in 3rd world countries so you can install a military base there or guarantee your oil supply ETC.) All the while speaking about human rights and how you’re such a force for good in the world! *bangs his head against the wall*
I had always considered that because democracy is a system by which people vote for a candidate thats supposedly espouses their ideals, (probably why we call it representative democracy), then american people must have really wanted such things to be andthat these actions are a product of who americans are as a people/society.
Sadly, it was I who was ignorant.
The message that Ron Paul brings is one that astounded me… how could there possibly be an american presidential candidate who wasn’t a total cretinous scumbag hellbent on world domination?? I had to read more! so i read and read and I came to realise why so many people consider america to be a great nation. Previously i thought the only people who thought this were americans themselves!
The principles and of freedom, hope, liberty, non-intervention, anti-colonialism, friendship and trade that Ron Paul speaks and that your founding father’s founded your is what makes america a great nation and what makes american’s a great people - i just think that americans have lost that and now it brings me much joy (to the point of tears) to see that you’re finding it again. Ron Paul is literally my hero.
The Prophet Mohammad once said: “The greatest Jihad is a word of truth spoken before a tyrant”.
In recent times i cannot think of a greater exemplar of this maxim than Ron Paul.
It is not only American Ron Paul supporters who consider Paul to be the “last, best hope” for the U.S.A - believe me, the rest of the world considers Ron Paul to be the only SANE choice for president and we’re all praying fervently to the various god’s we all believe in that he wins. (although i’m sure some of his non-american fans are probably atheists as well :op ).
Let me also say that as a Muslim, everything that Ron Paul says about “blowback” and that the main cause of terrorism against the US as practiced by some muslims is true (may god guide this misguided people!).
As a muslim, i can tell you quite simply that we hate:
the US’s unwavering support for israel in its occupation of muslim lands,
its blank cheque-writing to israel and providing of weapons which kill muslims,
the vetoing of any UN resolutions made against israel and any attempt its military occupation of muslim lands,
the US’s support of israel’s ridiculously disproportionate devastation of lebanon (if israel wants to bomb hizb Allah or its military installations for attacking its soldiers, thats one thing, but to bomb all the bridges, powerstations, water infrastructure and entire apartment blocks etc is a bevy of war crimes that is utterly incomprehensible)
We hate us support for the ethopian invasion of somalia. The islamic courts in Somalia - although not ideal by any means, lets be clear about that - had actually succeeded in bring a measure of security and peace to somalia for the first time about 20 years. people could walk the streets freely, aid was coming in, planes were landing at the mogadishu airport for the first time in over a decade, crime was practically non existant. The islamic courts were largely setup by the middle class business men of somalia to create stability in the country. stability makes for better business. Meanwhile the US and others were supporting a “somalia government” whose control of somalia did not extend further than the borders of the 1 small town it controlled and only controlled with the covert support of ethopian troops. To make matters worse this “transitional governmen” as it was called was comprised of the same warlords that had been devastating somalia for well over 10 years. Needless to say the Islamic Courts and their associated militia - and indeed, the somali people - objected to having christian ethopian troops in muslim somalia aiding the criminal warlord government - so there was destined to be a war of some sort. To the rescue comes the US who green lights an ethopian invasion of somalia to squash the one good thing thats happened to somalia, going so far as to provide intelligence and sattelite photographs to the ethopian military. just thought i’d give you guys a rundown, since most people probably are unaware of it. Ethopian troops still occupy somalia as we speak.
we muslims hate the US and its authoring of sanctions and embargoes which lead to the deaths of millions of muslims due to lack of food, medicine, etc (1.5 million in iraq - 500,000 of which were children) [mind you, that was also a UN security council resolution that the other 4 permanent SC members signed off on so we’re not too happy with them either!]
we hate its propping up of tin-pot dictators like Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan who boils his political opponents alive, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and his violent suppression of all political opposition, the Saudi Royal family, Pervez Musharraf - the military dictator of pakistan, etc
We hate inteference in our nations affairs and our governments and the installation of dictators upon us as evidence by the CIA lead overthrow of the democratically elected president of Iran in favour of the Shah. The CIA also had a hand in the rise of Saddam Hussein. Any political commentator worth reading will advise you that one of the main catalysts for the Shia Islamic Revolution in Iran was basically a violent backlash against the US and creation of the repressive Shah as dictator in Iran. AMERICA LITERALLY MADE IRAN THE WAY IT IS THROUGH A FEW DECADES OF BUNGLING.
We hate the fact that the US believes that it “has a place” in the middle east. The US’s place is actually on the continent of North America. We dont want your military in our countries, we dont want your warships in our waters, we dont want you interfering in our politics and we dont want you supporting dictators in our lands while you’re lecturing one and all about democracy and human rights. All we want is for you to leave us the hell alone and if you want to buy our oil, then ask nicely and pay a fair price. (consequently, oil is currently the most valuable substance on the earth as it powers whole economies, so the fact that a barrell of olive oil is more expensive then a barrel of crude is a little ironic!)
we hate you lecturing us about torture in our prisons and human rights when meanwhile you’re toturing people in guantanamo, abu ghraib, waterboarding and destroying all the evidence, your soldiers are killing innocent people and planting ak’s on them and claiming their insurgents and worst of all you’re doing these attrocities and your leaders are coming and basically saying “torture is bad, we dont do torture, but i’m not willing to say that waterboarding is torture and its not right to discuss our interrogation methods publically”. The house just passed a motion banning waterboarding. I applaud that. Lets see how quickly bush vetos it though… after all, he is “the decider”!
anyway, the list does go on, but if you tally up the above attrocities against muslims which have been perpetrated upon us by the government and military of the US, its is abundantly apparent that the US has the blood of millions of muslims on their hands. This is the reason for terrorism against the US. Terrorism is a symptom of persecution and not having any other method of dealing with it. I’m 100% sure that if the dictatorial leaders of muslim lands werent spit-filled lackey’s of the US govt and we actually had militaries that were willing to fight against the injustices put against our people, then there wouldnt be any muslims doing terrorist acts anywhere. RON PAUL IS THE ONLY US PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE THAT HAS THE BRAINS AND THE FORETHOUGHT TO RECOGNISE AND UNDERSTAND THIS. GOD BLESS HIM!
Oh yeah and i think the entire world hates the ex-alcoholic coke-sniffing dribbling retard who can barely string a coherent sentence together that you somehow managed to elect into power. Honestly.. how could you have voted for such and obvious mental midget? it beggars belief!
Anyway, Ron Paul’s philosophies and policies, and indeed those of the founding father’s are the perfect remedy for the above gripes that muslims and non-american’s have against the US. With Ron Paul at the helm the US could stand a good chance for restoring its place as a great nation. Not to mention his policies of fiscal resonsibility (aka sanity).
anyway,
I think Ron Paul will steam on ahead esp. after the blimp gets lots of publicity and the teaparty brings in the motherload. I think that there is an obvious media bias against ron paul and i agree with one of the above posters that the polls arent really indicative of the support base of ron paul. I think he’ll do quite well although i’m ever the pessimist.
this probably wont get posted because its too big and its a little irrelevant, but i kinda needed to get it off my chest. PEACE AND GO RON PAUL!!
- Posted by: Simon
First off, as someone who lived on Long Island for a few years i’m glad to hear Dr. Paul’s message has spread up there. I only was turned on to Ron Paul about 3 weeks ago to be honest. I really refused to watch anything on the elections because it was the same old crap. I figured that whoever won one either side would not change a thing, cause lets face it besides a few arbitrary issues there is no difference between a modern democrat and republican. I was jaded and turned off the whole process. But then at the end of the day i was killing time at work just surfing the net and accidentally stumbled upon a Ron Paul revolution link. I had no idea who or what he was so i clicked it. Next thing i know i was hooked. I mean how often do you see or hear of a candidate who wants to limit government?
Since then i have seen many new converts and it seems like more and more everyday. I have noticed that he is appearing more and more on TV, he was on Mad Money today, and Jim Cramer agreed with him, giving him what almost seemed like an endorsement. I think something has been brewing in the country for a long time that has become very jaded at the status quo. Ron Paul may just be the spark that we need to get this fire going and put the hands back into the people instead of the few rich at the top.
- Posted by: Alexander Osborn
Well-written Carl. Here in Nevada, awareness has increased dramatically with Ron Paul television and radio ads and his personable visits within the past weeks. It is very encouraging. As long as we each keep spreading the word, one by one, everyone will know about him. I talk about Ron Paul everywhere I go and know others who do the same. In canvassing people, many haven’t heard of Dr. Paul, but when they do, for the most part, they are eager to check him out. Thank you for being objective and taking a good look at what is happening around Ron Paul. This is an opportunity to see who has integrity in the media and who has integrity to vote their conscience. It is an amazing opportunity in which people are rising up quickly and being active, dedicated, perservering and hopeful. We finally have a chance to use and develop our character within America and for America and it is exciting and fun (and serious and risky). With the risk Dr. Paul is taking to make such a bold stand and the power he is exposing in the people, it is important that praying people sincerely and ferverently pray for his health, physical protection and the needed people and ideas and support to finish the race to and in the White House. Those who don’t find prayer necessary, don’t worry about us who are praying, just keep doing all you can do too! May his message, experience and commitment unite us for truth regardless of our differences in this country! Plots always center around tension of outcome and commitment to the cause. So, keep investigating Carl. And thanks for your thoughtfulness in presenting this special candidate. Ron Paul for President!
- Posted by: WinnerTeamPaul
Excellent commentary.
First, there is awareness–thanks to the internet. That probably addresses the boomer age Ron Paul supporters and older like myself who have lived through multiple election cycles. We realize the two party system is really one; and the speeches, rhetoric, lies and promises are intended solely to get elected. To hear Huckabee on illegal immigration; Romney on abortion or Giulliani on any issue (not to mention the cliches, platitudes and empty words of Hillary, Obama and Edwards) simply reminds me once again of the multiple betrayals of the Clinton I and present Bush dynasty. It literally sickens me. And now I am beginning to hear the 30 year committments of Ron Paul being morphed into the rhetoric of all the candidates. If it weren’t so deadly serious this election cycle, I would be laughing hysterically.
Second, it is about elitism. That somehow a vested cabal of interest groups is going to damn well do what it pleases with the protected shield of a gatekeeping corporate owned mainstream media on everything from spending the nation’s blood and treasure to being told who is intelligent and innovative. That is, in the final analysis, a call to “arms”, metaphorically of course..
Third, it is about inspiration. Ron Paul inspires because of the honesty, humility and sincerity. You don’t hear insipid self commentary about his intact family, his service to his country and his spiritual depth, his self-denial of the perks of government service. He is a public servant, and not the proverbial pension double dipper. Not even Reagan inspires this well. His entire life is an open book with all of his speeches, books, legislative record displayed on the internet. He practices transparency. He’s taken no money from that vested elite. I haven’t felt this way about a candidate since JFK—and suddenly I have realized I have with Ron Paul a JFK without the baggage of the broads, the pills and a mobbed up Joe Kennedy.
Fourth, it is about one of the most outrageous and mortal sins of public stewadship the world has come to know—the manipulation of data to garner the violence of a fundamentally good and decent superpower for probably and most likely–commercial interests. I have met friends of my daughter’s who have returned from the middle east. No one is talking about the devastation of the unjust war; the absurd rules of engagement; the death and destruction that will now stain the American historical conscience. This is not Kissinger “real politik”. This is insanity.
It is not just a debate about having an HONEST discussion with the American public so that they know “wide eyed and bushy tailed” such things as having to borrow $3 billion daily from Chinese and Japanese central banks in order to pay for the extravagance (to the enrichment of non-bid contractees); that the inflation whiplash amounts to an undeclared tax that destroys primarily the middle class; that the true cost of the war extravagance must be measured also in lost opportunity cost which inevitably doubles the budgetary outlay (1.5 trillion to literally 3 trillion); that this is not a war over security (why would open borders be acceptable at home but not in Iraq?); it is not about spreading democracy (we gave the military dictatorship in Pakistan $10 billion). How long can a 70% “service economy” disembowelled of essential manufacturing supplies and now even a net importer of food supplies continue to suffer the ravages of the money mulitplier effect and deficit financing logistics? (The stock market is telling us already—not very long.)
And even if it is about oil—since when has the US become a conquering mercantilistic military machine based upon preemptive invasion? Why not dedicate the 1.5 trillion to a Manhattan project of which Duncan Hunter spoke eloquently in the debate for development of alternative energy? Why not invade Venezuela, Mexico for oil?
As Dr. Paul points out, the very neoconning elements that sold us the war are ideological provacateurs intent upon using the UN to hide behind—-to force the abuse of America’s blood and treasure. This is the same UN that never backs the US, the same UN that wants to destroy the US’s sovereignty, and the same UN that wants the US to pay the lion’s share of a carbon tax. AND, PREDICTABLY, ONCE INTO THE WAR, IT IS THE SAME UN THAT HAS BASICALLY ABANDONED THE US.
Am I angry? No, I am pissed off.
Finally, and perhaps most important, it is about dignity. The Ron Paul candidacy is being conducted within the fundamental rule box. It is democracy in action. And somehow I sense, people with power, the power of the pen, the power over access, the power to shape public perception and opinion are fearful so they react with self-interest and not disinterested fundamental fairness. I won’t dare use the “lack of patriotism argument” so I will close with a reduction something much more mundane. Why isn’t there just one good hearted humble soul willing to stand up, lose his/her job, gamble the pension, do something honorable for the sake of preserving hope—hope in democracy, hope in the free election process?
Bless you for your safe but sane article.
G Spala
Moreno Valley, CA
- Posted by: Gerald Spala
I just read through other’s comments and I’d like to add that I’m from San Diego and I live in a small town in Oregon. I helping canvass in North Tahoe, Nevada-side because Oregon doesn’t vote until May, and my husband and family find it so important to do all we can to win the early states. So, when we came out of Oregon this November to drive to San Diego, we hadn’t seen any YouTube clips. We didn’t even know really what YouTube was (no comments please). But, we have followed Dr. Paul for 10 years as we were studying the intent of the Constitution, the breech of the rule of Law and the breech of the oaths of offices by most all branches of the federal and state governments. So, we were praying for him to run for President for almost 10 years (as well as for his health and protection). Before we left, even without YouTube in our area (because we’re on dialup), a good number of people were already Ron Paul supporters. . . pretty good! And then, I’m on the San Diego meetup and I’d love to be there because there’s something to do almost everyday with some of the 650 Ron Paul Meetup Supporters. I wanted to ask a question of someone on the Stockton meetup, so now I hear what they’re doing regularly and it is exciting to hear their enthusiasm and action. I also visited the meetup at UCLA because I did my undergrad there and have met some of the very involved students. Traveling and talking with people, I am convinced, without foul play, and enough change in party registrations, California will belong to Ron Paul. My point is to encourage all Ron Paul supporters to continue to hear what he stands for , join your local meetup and share it all the time, even if you only point people to RonPaul2008.com, YouTube or your favorite Ron Paul sites. From the smallest towns to the metropolitan cities, the support is there for our man. And I applaud you, Carl, as you continue to discover/reveal the vast amount of support there is for Dr. Ron Paul and the motive of the opposition. Grateful for all who fight for freedom and truth. Ron Paul 2008!
- Posted by: WinnerTeamPaul
Wow, this is by far one of the best articles I have read from a journalist in a long time… which makes you one of the best journalists I have ever seen. Thank you for your honest article. I wish only more had the cajones like you do! I was writing fox news yesterday asking them why do they ignore this grassroots groundbreaking story of politics?
I am an RP supporter, a 26 year old mother of 2, an international flight attendant that takes our troops to and from this AWFUL war, my ex husband and many friends and other family members have been sent there as well. I have been to the middle east on numerous occasions, (and 21 countries total) try explaining to the averagae ignorant American that Muslims aren’t crazy people that want us dead, try explaining to them the sanctions we’ve put on them, and how that would enrage people, try explaining anything about Israel and our impact on the middle east with that as well. Try explaining that the federal reserve is a crooked establishment, try explaining our dollar is constantly devalued… oh just try! Try to get people to care about this more than Britney or Paris. I debate politics with many people, and I have come to find that many people don’t have a clue about the horrible state of financial affairs or our high level of International DISAPPROVAL.
Then try to explain to them that there is an actual candidate that adresses these and many more issues… with solid approaches for solutions. Try to explain it till you are blue in the face. My face has been blue for about 3 months now… and I’ll keep it that color until I no longer have to. I wish MSM would help make that time shorter… I appreciate that you are trying to help with that too.
I’m tired of being told that I support a fringe, kooky candidate. I am tired of the implications that I am insane, and ill informed… I am tired of those assumptions and comments coming from people who haven’t researched all of the majorly important aspects of this election. (The war, the entire middle east, our unconstittuionally large government, our shrinking civil liberties, our devaluing dollar, our international disapproval rating, our national debt etc etc.) I can’t find one person that disapproves of Ron Paul when they actually take those things into consideration.
So keep writing articles like this sir… and keep helping us to fight the good fight.
- Posted by: Danielle
In my part of the country, Pennsylvania, I find that Ron Paul is not well known. You are correct when you say that the debates have been very unfair as far as amount of time ‘lower tier’ candidates get to speak, which not only gives unfair time to ‘top-tier’ candidates but makes the others look less viable. When phone polls are conducted his name is not used, it goes like this: press 1 for Romney, 2 for Guiliani, 3 for Thompson, 4 for others. Hardly fair, or ethical in my opinion.
Those who know about Ron Paul are fervent supporters because he is honest and his record is unwavering. In other words he has integrity, which I believe none of the other candidates has, either party.
- Posted by: Jose
Well, no one likes to say conspiracy, but at this point there is so much evidence. Take the recent Newsweek, cnn, msnbc poll that had Ron Paul Leading John McCain in Iowa. This poll was reported over and over in that publication and on air 100’s of times. Not once was was Ron Paul included in the reporting even though they included McCain!! That’s right. They skipped right over Ron’s 5th place finish and reported McCain’s 6th place finish as if he were in 5th.
Many of the telephone polls don’t even include Dr Paul in the choices. Higher polling begets higher polling. Now you can see why people have a hard time getting to know Ron Paul. It is obvious to anyone with eyes. Ron Paul is not to be mentioned. Disregard the fact that he is likely to be the leading fund raiser. Disregard that he has won more republican straw polls than any other candidate. Did you know he has won more than 50% of all straw polls? These polls people actually have to go to their caucus place and vote. Of the ones he has not won outright, he has come in either second or third in all but 3.
One of the second place finishes was a Florida straw poll after the St Petersburg debate. There are video’s all over the internet showing a few Mitt Romney supporters handing out handfuls of tickets to a few people and those people voting 50 or more times each. You didn’t see that in the old media either did you? Can you imagine the headlines? “Mitt Romney’s official campaign involved in vote fraud at the Florida straw poll” It would be a blockbuster article and probably end his campaign.
Yes, the old media is suppressing information about Ron Paul. It is obvious, but only if you look. If you never get any information from anyplace but television or newspapers, you will never know.
Blatant conspiracies are illegal. I wonder why there have been no investigations. Then again, I think I already know.
- Posted by: Treber
Great article. Thomas Jefferson said if he had to choose between government and a free press, he would choose a free-press. You are a great example of what the free-press should represent. Ann
- Posted by: Ann
At this time the US taxpayer is a slave to big government.
- Posted by: Dave
Everyone is talking about Ron Paul. I started talking about him in April, and I live in Pittsburgh. Everyone who knows me knows about Ron Paul. And usually their friends and family know about him. Because I could not, can not and will not stop talking about Ron Paul. I know that the media is to blame for his message being blocked. I know this and I am doing everything I can to spread the message myself. This article gives me even more hope that America will wake up to the truth and fight for our freedom. Thank you!
- Posted by: Erin
There is an obvious bias against Ron Paul. When he did “This Week With George Stephanopolis” the host said “You know you are never going to win this.” When Rudy Guliuani is interviewed the host treats him with respect, a candidate that is for gun control, abortion and has married three times is never told that he is never going to win the nomination. Yet Ron Paul is for most of the issues that conservatives agree with and is told he isn’t going to win. The bias is obvious.
- Posted by: Bo
I think Paul is tapping into the rational basis that was behind the freedom movement of centuries ago. And leaders like him must do this because we (humankind) are still trying to overcome the inertia of our older systems of government (generally tyranny), and inertia in human nature. In this light, world government interests and MSM bias can be understood as nothing sinister, but just fact–there will always be people that want to centralize power, and “news” is biased toward fear and power (if it ain’t sensational, then it ain’t really news).
For the first time in our lifetimes (it appears to me) we have a national figure who is addressing the fundamentals, and the flaws we are suffering because we still aren’t much different from our forebears. But we have a lot of recorded history which can guide us on the path to real wealth, prosperity and liberty, Paul is pointing us to history and political philosophy which are our only true guides for good decisions.
If good people don’t act, then the parochial interest of power and money, which are naturally ambitious, will, and unchecked, as history shows, will diminish wealth, prosperity and liberty in general.
- Posted by: Dan Dilworth
NEW RON PAUL 2008 POSTER MUST SEE AND PASS ALONG!
www.acmwallet.com/ronpaul
- Posted by: James Tiscione
Few points:
1. Next year, it’s estimated 90% of households in the US will have broadband internet access. Its in the 80%’s now. For Ron Paul’s internet popularity to be written off is a big mistake by the MSM.
2. If only 1 in 4 know of Ron Paul and he’s now close to 11% in national polls, that means close to 50% of people who know of him will vote for him.
The support is there. He’s going to win I think.
- Posted by: Jason
The mass media, is just plan stupid for not recognizing a great story as it is developing. How many times do we hear those around us say “Get Involved! Get Involved” and now that Ron Paul has touched millions of citizens a lot younger then me to the elegant beauty of the Constitution, we redicule the messenger? Unbelieveable. This to me is the bigges political story since the way that JFK fired the imagination of a generation 40+years ago. Ron Paul is to be applauded and congratulated for the fact that he has a message that touches so many who would otherwise not have gotten involved. All those 60’s hippies who touted the counter culture who are supporting the likes of Hillary, Gulliani or any others are a sad, sad,sad reflection of what the 60’s was all about! Go Ron! Go!
- Posted by: Dan
It’s obvious the media has it’s own sponsors and “can’t” endorse Ron Paul. Did we expect them to just give us liberty because it’s right or logical and produces the most wealth to feed the most people in the shortest possible time? Take a good look at the people who have the power. They won’t give it up easily, that’s how Bullies are.
This revolution can’t be fought with clubs. We need to be smart and apply the laws of the land on an unconstitutional government and refuse to recognize their authority over us. Let’s start with electing Ron Paul, then we’ll see… Meanwhile send in the money and write the quality I see above and hope upon hopes it works the way it’s supposed to. This is our last chance to do it right. Aaaiii! The price of Liberty
- Posted by: Paul Furlong
Mr. Fiser,
You should let your brethren in the media see your fanbase and they might choose to follow in your footsteps. ; )
When I’m asked why Ron Paul, I simply state - “I want my Constitution back.”
I think that is the best way to sum up why I am a part of this rEVOLution as I am sickened by the erosion of that “G..-d….. piece of paper” by both political parties with the mis-named patriot act, W’s signing away of Habeas Corpus, the fear-induced Military Commissions Act, and various recent executive orders that would make any historical tyrant proud.
It doesn’t have to be this way and I am proud to be in a movement that is being led by Dr. Paul and will hopefully redirect this country back on the path our Founding Fathers envisioned with ALL of our Bill of Rights restored.
- Posted by: josepH Howell Burton, PMP
What has happened to the Republican Party? Most people, it seems, simply don’t have a clue about what has happened to the Republican Party and that it has been transformed into a Party that is totally different than the Party of classical liberalism.
If you look at the Platform of the Party back in 1952 you will find it sounds much more like the Ron Paul Revolution than the RED Neo-Con Leftist Platform that is currently being promoted and rammed down the throats of the American People today.
1952 REPUBLICAN PLATFORM
“We maintain that man was not born to be ruled, but that he consented to be governed; and that the reasons that moved him thereto are few and simple. He has voluntarily submitted to government because, only by the establishment of just laws, and the power to enforce those laws, can an orderly life be maintained, full and equal opportunity for all be established, and the blessings of liberty be perpetuated.
We hold that government, and those entrusted with government, should set a high example of honesty, of justice, and unselfish devotion to the public good; that they should labor to maintain tranquillity at home and peace and friendship with all the nations of the earth.
We assert that during the last twenty years, leaders of the Government of the United States under successive Democrat Administrations, and especially under this present Administration, have failed to perform these several basic duties; but, on the contrary, that they have evaded them, flouted them, and by a long succession of vicious acts, so undermined the foundations of our Republic as to threaten its existence.
We charge that they have arrogantly deprived our citizens of precious liberties by seizing powers never granted.
We charge that they work unceasingly to achieve their goal of national socialism.
We charge that they have disrupted internal tranquillity by fostering class strife for venal political purposes.
We charge that they have choked opportunity and hampered progress by unnecessary and crushing taxation.
They claim prosperity but the appearance of economic health is created by war expenditures, waste and extravagance, planned emergencies, and war crises. They have debauched our money by cutting in half the purchasing power of our dollar.
We charge that they have weakened local self-government which is the cornerstone of the freedom of men.
We charge that they have shielded traitors to the Nation in high places, and that they have created enemies abroad where we should have friends.
We charge that they have violated our liberties by turning loose upon the country a swarm of arrogant bureaucrats and their agents who meddle intolerably in the lives and occupations of our citizens.
We charge that there has been corruption in high places, and that examples of dishonesty and dishonor have shamed the moral standards of the American people.
We charge that they have plunged us into war in Korea without the consent of our citizens through their authorized representatives in the Congress, and have carried on that war without will to victory.”
- Posted by: Republicae
Mr. Fiser,
Congratulations. You have penned on of the most reasonable journalistic inquiries into the nature of the Ron Paul campaign “phenomenon,” and therefore deserve praise for holding up a fine example of what a healthy press ought to do. This article is a worthy needle in a deplorable haystack of what can only be called a smear campaign.
If any of the so-called “top tier” canditdates had anything near the on-line support from the citizenry as Paul does, such support would be be spun as a validation of that cantidacy and of the “emerging importance of the web in politics.” This, as we well know, is nothing near the take on Paul’s support.
I find that most Paul supporters I encounter, on-line and off, are the most intelligent, informed, and engaged people who have done much research on current affairs. They are far from the portrayal heaped on them by detractors (ie: “tin-foil hat wearing, lunatic fringe, nutjob wackos”).
The enthusiastic, considerable and growing support of the Paul campaign is a reflection of what I believe is a widely held frustration with and contempt for our political status quo. Paul is simply not a member of the club. Indeed he has recognized for some time the, at best inept, and at worst, devious workings of the club. The continual agenda perpetuated by the political elite, in both parties, which undermines the freedoms and interets of the American electorate, is despised by the electorate. Due to the unprecidented networking capability of the Internet, ordinary citizens have, in real time, been able to organize around Paul, a candidate whose platform addresses the frustrations of a significant segment of the populace.
This alone, regardless of Paul’s platform or “viability” should be reason enough to be touted as a significant story in the campaign. Instead, we get a “hey, look over here!,…..pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.” approach. If Paul’s success is mentioned at all, it’s in terms of his “fringe” following, or his “quixotic” attempt of a campaign.
Something like this began with the Dean campaign in 04, but was easily quelled by a “yeh-hah” soundbite spun to imply insanity and forced upon the mostly MSM consuming electorate. The media landscape has changed, and continues to evole, considerably since that time. The success of the Paul campaign reflects this evolution.
I have done much reading of media reports on the Paul campaign, and to me, there is a very clear bias of opposition and discrediting. This implies a real concern, if not outright fear, about a Paul Presidency, which begs the most pertinent questions……..What are THEY afraid of?……and Why?
- Posted by: Sigismundo
As a fellow Long Islander, I’d like to thank you for your wonderful piece on Ron Paul.
- Posted by: zach
The world needs Ron Paul. Saudi Arabia is for Ron Paul!
- Posted by: YH
People are talking. I went to 2 Christmas parties this past weekend. One was for young republicans (you know the ones under like 45) and a random house party. At both of them I overheard people talking about Ron Paul or the government programs in respect to the constitution. In a recent article I saw that Google said searches for the term inflation far outnumber those for recession. This I take to mean that voters are educating themselves to what really causes inflation and they will find that Ron Paul is right. They will find that Allen Greenspan himself said that increasing the money supply devalues the currency.
A stores commercial once said “An educated consumer is our best customer” Well it is also true that an educated voter is Americas most patriotic citizen.
- Posted by: dddienst
[…] I found an excellent article written by Carl Fiser from the independent news publication News Long Island. It is one of the few news stories out there (not including those that come from the campaign or […]
- Posted by: Get Your Ron Paul Fix: Recent Links and Videos
thank you for the righteous article.
i am amazed and embarassed by the support that Ron Paul is getting from non-americans, overseas and non-republicans.
I have been a devout Constitutionalist my entire life and have yet to lift a finger for this statesman. This grassroots movement cannot be ignored !!!!! I don’t think we even need the msm this time.
Well, i gotta go call a couple politically apathetic friends. LIBERTY ROCKS!!!!!
- Posted by: toad
[…] Supporters/Media Await Congressman Ron Paul Status With Bated Breath […]
- Posted by: The Ron Paul Blimp Blog » Blog Archive » Ron Paul Blimp - major media link list
I live in Texas. I was passing out Ron Paul literature the day after Super Tuesday. I had several people find me later and ask questions about Ron Paul. They are still, at this late date, looking for someone to support in this presidential race. Most had never heard his name - and this in his home state. I, too, have despaired of the national media giving someone a fair shake who isn’t “a part of the establishment.” and that is very troubling. It is later than we think.
- Posted by: Beth Young