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Mob Mentality in the Ron Paul Revolution?

One wonders about the reading skills of some the commenters at our website. Repeatedly, it has been asserted that I want to hurt Ron Paul.

Your attempts to slander Dr. Paul are sophmoric at best, and abhorrent at worst.

Any serious review of our site would lead to conclusion that The Free Liberal has been supportive of Dr. Paul over the years. Remember, I defended Ron Paul when the racist articles were thrust into the spotlight.

Tom Knapp has a very amusing satire of Ron Paul supporters' willingness to shout "smear" at anyone who doesn't worship at the alter of Ron Paul's immaculate conception.

While I consider Ron Paul to be an honorable man, with a great record of standing up for liberty in the Congress where he often must rise alone against the steamroller of statism, there are many things about the Ron Paul movement which we could do without: including the racism, anti-semitism, conspiracy theorizing, and threatening violence against Ron Paul critics such as Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity.

This behavior smacks of partisan hackery, and people interested in liberty should not be partisan hacks. They should not engage in a mob mentality. They should think for themselves and recognize that teamism and mass hatred are the tools used to undermine liberty and respect for others.

To paraphrase the wisdom of JRR Tolkien, we cannot use the tools of the "enemy" without becoming that which we abhor.

/KDR

Posted by Kevin D. Rollins on January 11, 2008 01:16 PM |

Comments

As the DNC said in ‘96 ‘It is the economy stupid’.

Our Nation produces 13.1 trillion dollars of wealth each year, and of that the government takes 2.4 trillion dollars and spends 2.6 trillion dollars. Since the government spends more than it takes, it has developed a debt, which is currently 10 trillion dollars. We have promised to make future expenditures above and beyond what we are currently spending, to an amount of 58 trillion dollars between 2017 and 2040. This works out to an average of 2.5 trillion dollars a year. In addition to this, 4 trillion dollars of the debt will also need to be paid back without any additional sources of revenue, although existing taxation can be increased.

To put this in perspective, imagine that you work for a company that earns $131,000 of annual revenue, they pay you $23,000 a year, and your budget is $26,000 for the year. At the same time you have $64,000 on the credit cards and $46,000 that you have borrowed from your 401k, and just signed a 30 year mortgage for your parent’s house for $580,000, but the property is condemned. And this is all okay because you have $6.59 in the bank. Your parents are going to give you $1,000 a year until 2017, and then they need you to start paying them back.

We have established significant control over air travel, but our boarders are open, illegal immigration is not under control, our ports are not secure, and our visa system has not been updated. If the government thought that terrorism is a serious problem, they haven’t done anything to stop it, yet they have stripped our rights and liberties under the banner of terrorism since October of 2001. Although we haven’t plugged any of the holes in our system, there hasn’t been a terrorist attack on U.S. soil for over 6 years. The government spending and the economy will destroy this nation in less than 33 years.

I believe that Ron Paul is the only candidate from either the Republican or Democratic parties that will even attempt to fix this.

(Numbers have been obtained from the CIA Fact book.)

Posted by: Jason Robinson | January 11, 2008 01:32 PM

Ask me, these scum-bags are getting off easy. Used to was you got tarred and feathered, then run out of town (or worse) for being a lying, slanderous traitor.

Posted by: Fritz | January 11, 2008 01:46 PM

Are you stating that you are to be insulated from your own assertions??? It's okay to slander those who support Dr. Paul, and anyone who defends him or their own views are "moblike partisan hacks." Your premise is implausible. Mr. Beck has accused those who support Dr. Paul with treason. The penalty for treason is DEATH. I'm sorry if I don't follow your assertion that Ron Paul supporters are extremist in this sense. Since when has "Liberal" has had anything to do with liberty? Last I saw liberals were the ones who dictated what you would be permitted to do. Since when has advocating personal liberty and freedom invited you to be submitted to character assasination. I feel for anybody who takes this site seriously. Clearly, here, baseless drivel is the order of the day.

Posted by: rw3 | January 11, 2008 01:49 PM

Please explain the supposed partnership between the Bin Ladens and the Bushes in the Carslyle Group! Report whether it is or has been real!

Posted by: Dave C | January 11, 2008 02:08 PM

While I agree that the "Newsletters" were written in a provocative style (and I believe it true that staffers were the likely source), how does a liberal thinker (that word has been sufficiently killed), which you propose to be, fall into the "group-think", politically-correct aghast and stereotypical claims of "racism, anti-semitism, conspiracy theorizing" slamming?

Instead, as a close-minded view, it reflects an inability to see events, policies and other humans as anything other than bumper-sticker groups.

This is absolutely contradictory to the individual-rights philosophical framework which Ron Paul builds all of his actions and statements from.

I understand.... thinking beyond politically correct bumper stickers is really really hard, and doesn't help efforts to push infringing and dangerous agendas, which tribalists, collectivists and big-government persons continue to (and will always) do.

Ron Paul gets my vote.

Posted by: George | January 11, 2008 02:17 PM

wow, talk about delusions of grandeur... this blog writer could use a reality check. oh well, just drink more latte.

Posted by: bryan thompson | January 11, 2008 02:22 PM

Bravo! Well written, fair critique of what is fast becoming a movement, "the Ron Paul rEVOLution."

I am so grateful that the good Congressman has been, and continues to, awaken so many to the high ideals of freedom and liberty. Many are hearing of Hayek, Von Mises, Rothbard, Rockwell, and the Austrian theory for the first time thanks to his courageous stand.

In fairness to the "movement," let's remember that most of the young people that are flocking to his message have been thoroughly dumbed-down by a government education system designed to create unquestioning serfs. In spite of this, these young people are recognizing truth when they hear it! This is wonderful news.

Unfortunately, as in all movements, the majority will follow the excitement and not take the time to read, to learn, to understand. This explains why so many of them were such easy targets for the most recent smear campaign (TNR). Without understanding, without the ability to discern between fact and innuendo, we are swayed by any argument put forth.

Personally, I would love to see long-time libertarians cease the infighting and the finger pointing (Reason), and embrace this unique opportunity to spread the message! Of course there will be those, as outlined in your article, who will spew invectives at anyone they perceive to be against "their guy," but we need to stop responding to that much smaller segment and spend more time teaching.

Who would have imagined that in this lifetime there would be such fertile ground, eager to understand monetary and foreign policy??

Set the example. Lead. Explain. Grow!

Finally, a word to all those who are new to Dr. Paul's message:

This is the beginning of something big, and it's exciting to be a part of such change! Dr. Paul has been reading and studying these concepts for most of his life, and this is why he is consistent, and this consistency is the foundation of his honesty.

Unless you are willing to really apply yourself to reading and learning, unless you are willing to thoroughly understand these principles, NOTHING will change.

America desperately needs more men and women like Dr. Paul. For this movement to succeed, we must understand, in detail, those principles he has stood tall for, we must hold ourselves to higher standards, only then we will begin to have a REAL impact.

Peace. Liberty. Go Ron!

Posted by: Dagny | January 11, 2008 02:32 PM

A commenter asks:

Since when has "Liberal" has had anything to do with liberty?

Libertarianism is an offshoot of liberalism. You might start with Wikipedia's entry on the subject. Or you might read FA Hayek's extensive discussion of liberalism.

Another said:

Instead, as a close-minded view, it reflects an inability to see events, policies and other humans as anything other than bumper-sticker groups.

Read my piece on Teamism and Granfalloons.

It is certainly possible for people who believe in liberty to nonetheless to have behavior patterns which are very tribalistic. I recommend John Mackey's speech on Spiral Dynamics.

/KDR

Posted by: Kevin D. Rollins | January 11, 2008 02:38 PM

Ron Paul rocks...Freedom rules...liberty for life, and life for liberty! Vote for Ron Paul! He's the only one who's willing to clean up the sewage in in our political system! His record CLEARLY PROVES that he does what he says, and advocates freedom for ALL and does NOT waver, regardless of the price. Finally!!

Posted by: Dave | January 11, 2008 02:49 PM

Don't take it seriously. I get called names and I've outright stated that I'm voting for Ron Paul:

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewByAuthor.asp?authorID=2585.

Those people don't read articles thoroughly. They would condemn a judge for weighing the evidence. Anyway, thanks for sticking up for him. Keep up the good work.

Posted by: Greg | January 11, 2008 03:07 PM

As far as the economy goes. Ron Paul has CONSTANTLY hit the nail on the head. In order for the US to get money for ANYTHING, it has to BORROW it from the FED. At interest!!! Key words here being "borrow" and "at interest". Therefore, it's an absolute FACT that it is, has been, and always will be ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE for the US to ever pay it back, under this current form of our monetary system. Now what part of this do the sheep NOT understand. Seeing that virtually everything the government does consists of spending money, don't you think that this should be the first thing we tackle? The only one who seems to have a solution is Ron Paul.

Posted by: Jeff | January 11, 2008 03:27 PM

Ron Paul For All !!!

I have lost much faith in the intellectual ability of many who call themselves journalists/bloggers this election cycle. Many have shown that they lack any objectivity and are easily led by the bridle of emotion. Few discuss action or event. Most involve themselves with hasty generalizations that allow for ill conclusion of what Ron Paul stands for. None seem up to the task of talking about his positions; just the extrapolated ideals in derogatory presentation or how some of his supporters are Zealots.

Ron Paul has shown that he has Root Cause And Corrective Action Ability superior to his rivals. He is willing to talk with conviction about Reality and not shirk from substance on the tough issues. He does not change position in the political wind for convenience. His stands derive from the genuine want for the betterment of people world wide. He does not let Fear rule and does not succumb to Emotional Reflex.

If "News" was more about Substance Over Symbolism and less filled with emotional detritus Ron Paul would be leading this race for the White House.

Those who continue to ride the Racism Foolery have obviously not read the greater sum of Ron Paul's essays, KNOWN to be of his own hand, or listened to the bulk of his speeches on the floor of congress. Petty circumstantial evidence should not out weigh greater example of views diametrically opposed to bigotry. Refuse to be simpletons.

I vote for virtue; I vote for Ron Paul.

Posted by: Brad | January 11, 2008 04:27 PM

"While I consider Ron Paul to be an honorable man, with a great record of standing up for liberty in the Congress where he often must rise alone against the steamroller of statism, there are many things about the Ron Paul movement which we could do without: including the racism, anti-semitism, conspiracy theorizing, and threatening violence against Ron Paul critics such as Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity."

— — —

Kevin, are you now falling prey to the claims of those who seek to discredit Ron Paul?

i was kind of surprised that these allegations surfaced YET AGAIN -- even after the NY-Times retracted their unsubstantiated article on the subject -- of Ron Paul being a racist because of some old newsletter where it was claimed he made racist remarks.

however, i'm becoming SHOCKED that some who i know to generally be wise are now questioning this again!

i say judge a man by his FRUITS, not the allegations of others.

has anyone EVER heard Ron Paul say or do anything which would suggest he is racist?

seems that his political viewpoints strongly state the opposite! he calls for individual rights across the board, regardless of minority group. he has not wavered on this, even when presented with the issue of gays in the military.

regarding "conspiracy theories", whatever are you speaking about? he has all but entirely disenfranchised himself from the 911 Truth movement, with which i am sympathetic.

i realize you personally seem to take the "official story" as Gospel, but NO ONE has yet to answer me ONE question with sound validity: WHY were the videos seized from buildings surrounding the Pentagon, and WHY have they yet to have been released! if the "official story" is true, then why not release this video which would clearly show a jumbo jet crashing into the Pentagon and dispel the conspiracy theories, at least in regard to this part of 911?!?

regardless, Paul has clearly stated that he does not believe there was any type of US government involvement with the 911 tragedy.

now, if you are speaking of the Federal Reserve, you really need to drop "theory" from your allegations! 8-)

and please tell me, what Ron Paul supporters threatened Glenn Beck & Sean Hannity? ... and with what, a deadly attack with SNOWBALLS? LOL!

NO, i know you and would never claim you would try and slander Ron Paul. but just remember, most people involved in the Ron Paul Revolution who spend their time on forums stirring up trouble are NOT indicative of typical Ron Paul supporters and Americans who want more liberty and less government... they are mostly insecure cowards who would rather argue with one another about their pet philosophies than actually DO anything to help the greater liberty movement!

... of course, i'm not one of them, i'm just responding to your post because you emailed me directly about it! ;-)

peace,

8-)

bernard baruch carman
- seeker of truth / seeder of truth • www.SeedsOfTruth.org
- Born to Win supporter • www.BornToWin.net
- Ron Paul Revolution • www.RonPaul2008.com • Google Ron Paul!
- We The People supporter • www.GiveMeLiberty.org
- audio/mac specialist • infinity solutions
•••

Posted by: bernard b carman | January 11, 2008 05:01 PM

You're right. We should always encourage fair coverage, not biased coverage in our favor. We should respect others views. If we attack a bad view, that view will be cemented no matter. If we respect the person for their right to view, we can then dismantle the view respectfully.

That doesn't mean we wont get pissed from time to time. :P

Posted by: Rhys | January 12, 2008 10:59 AM

Free-for-all (frfr-ôl) -- n. A disorderly fight, argument, or competition in which everyone present participates.

from Dictionary.com



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