LibertyMage
09-25-2009, 02:00 AM
Last week I attended the Campaign for Liberty Northeast Regional Conference (http://www.campaignforliberty.com/event/2009northeast.php" target="_blank) in Valley Forge. I was on the ropes for quite some time about going and signed up at what was essentially the last minute. Looking back I can't see why I hesitated for a second.
There was something I experienced at the conference that wasn't on the agenda. It was on the faces of attendees and in the hallway conversations. It was scribbled down on notepads and brought home to districts across the Northeast. I wanted to try and capture that message and bring it back for everyone to hear.
For me the week started when I reached my hotel room and checked my RSS feed for news. Peter Schiff had announced he had entered the Connecticut senate race that morning. I grabbed a coffee and made my way to the convention with a smile.
There were many quality sponsor's tables set up at the convention. The lovely Ladies of Liberty Alliance (http://www.iamlola.org/" target="_blank) was on hand and getting plenty of attention. I had a brief moment to meet Jake Towne (http://towneforcongress.com/" target="_blank), one of our boys who is running for congress in PA-15. One of my favorite groups, The Foundation for Economic Education (http://fee.org/" target="_blank), had a booth on site with a few staff members. I made sure to brag about how I had come across a copy of "The Free Market and Its Enemy (http://www.amazon.com/Free-Market-Its-Enemy/dp/B000EB87EG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253764605&sr=1-1" target="_blank)" at a used book store which was signed by Leonard Read (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Read" target="_blank). The Young Americans for Liberty (http://www.yaliberty.org/" target="_blank) were all over the convention shaking hands and distributing material. Their presence is always encouraging. The Good Doctor was flocked by admirers but I had time to have him sign my copy of End the Fed (http://www.amazon.com/End-Fed-Ron-Paul/dp/0446549193" target="_blank) and ask him a quick question.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2461/3929701046_ea1b8ef932.jpg
Jake Towne talking with attendees.
The first day ended with the Freedom Celebration. Phil Giraldi gave a great speech on the state of our foreign meddling and Mike Doherty of New Jersey spoke about bring the Liberty message to his district. Ron was introduced by his son Ronnie and was received enthusiastically. He gave a great speech covering the state of the country and the state of the movement. Several supporters waved different versions of the Gadsden on the high notes.
Day two started at breakfast with Ron where he talked about his new book and took enthusiastic questions from the attendees. When breakfast ended the training began with the fiery Mike Rothfeld and his counterpart Dimitri Kesari.
It is important to make special note of the training. One could easily notice the furious note taking of strange people that spent a beautiful Friday night in a convention hall to equip themselves for a fight. It is uplifting what our people do to support a cause they believe in. These will be the people on the ground during the next round.
After dinner, Judge Andrew Napolitano delivered an impassioned speech in which he harpooned the erosion of our civil liberties that the political duopoly has engineered, invoking several standing ovations. I thought the Judge was going to hurdle the podium on several occasions.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3933540595_ee336487cb.jpg
When the judge was done laying waste to the establishment it was time for the world premier of For Liberty. You could feel the energy of the attendees when creators Chris Rye and Corey Kealiher walked onto the stage of the viewing area. If there was any skepticism of the quality of the documentary it was surely blown away as it perfectly captured the spirit of the Ron Paul phenomenon. The documentary is an emotional roller coaster. The crowd in attendance cheered, hissed and teared up as we all relived the highs and lows of the election.
At the after party, Jordan Page laid down an acoustic cover of Pink Floyd's "The Wall" while people talked over drinks. When I asked Chris Rye if they would be willing to do it again he reported they were already kicking around new ideas. For Liberty is a steal at $20. Don't think about it. Go buy it, here (http://www.forlibertymovie.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2&zenid=2f0b9eb8d3 a0796b09beec06f0f16002" target="_blank). You won't be disappointed. These guys will be a big part of the movement going forward and will need the financial support.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/3937061486_6f893f5ecb.jpg
Rob from the PA Campaign for Liberty chapter gives an introduction before the premiere of "For Liberty."
The final day started with the Campaign for Liberty State meetings. As the several Maryland chapters took turns speaking, you could already see the wheels turning. There were quite a few items that the Harford chapter, one of the largest and most active chapters in the country, shared with the Maryland and Delaware teams.
Tom Woods gave a great speech on the history and philosophy of human rights which lead into the remaining training sessions of the convention.
Afterward I took part in the gold reception which Tom Woods, Peter Schiff and Daniel Hannan attended. Tom and Peter were mobbed so I only had a few moments to speak to each of them. Dan Hannan was a little more available as it seemed people didn't know what to ask him. I had a good 15 minutes to ask about life on the other side of the ocean. Mr. Hannan is one of the most engaging gentlemen I have had the chance of speaking with.
There was one personality at the gold meeting that people didn't seem to pick up on - Ronnie Paul.
Ronnie is definitely one of the most down to earth guys I have ever met. I asked him about what Ron Sr. was like outside of politics and the conversation revolved around the Paul family. He said his dad was "a normal guy who drives a tractor around the yard". He spoke about how the campaign has been hard at times and how someone from the family always travels with Ron Sr. to keep him company.
I talked about the recent CSPAN interview with Rand and how his confident demeanor contrasted with the shoot-from-the-hip style of his father. Ronnie talked about their youth and how Rand was always the sibling to work the hardest and get the best grades.
http://www.libertymage.com/skins/andreas_01/img/meronnie.jpg
Don't let him fool you, he has a beer in his hand.
The convention wrapped up with the Economic Liberty Symposium at which Tom Woods, Peter Schiff and Daniel Hannan spoke. The combination of wit, vision and eloquence was a perfect finale. I highly suggest you listen to, at the very least, the Daniel Hannan speech (http://www.campaignforliberty.com/functions/conferencetraining.php?getvid=54" target="_blank).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3941164049_8c440e9958.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3941168445_1a8f174f9b.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3941173005_f66656c379.jpg
Two days after the convention we had a rally at Dutch Ruppersberger's (D-MD2) office. He decided not to have a town hall meeting on health care (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/letters/bal-dutchletter0924,0,6063036.story" target="_blank) so we brought one to him. Afterward we had a steering committee meeting for the Baltimore Chapter of Campaign for Liberty at which I saw more organization then any meeting prior. The next day Rand Paul trounced Trey Grayson with a huge fund raising event (http://www.randpaul2010.com/2009/09/over-1-million-raised/" target="_blank) and it was announced that H.R. 1207 would have a hearing (http://www.dailypaul.com/node/107850" target="_blank).
In case I have failed to capture the message above, Dan Hannan's finale speech summarizes it perfectly:
My friends it is apt that we meet here in Valley Forge. It was hither that George Washington repaired at his lowest moment when everything seemed lost. And now you, the heirs of The Revolution, the Sons of Liberty of our day, have come here having seen last years election won by people who, contrary to the legacy of your founding fathers, saw answers in more spending and more government. In a way it is your lowest moment too.
Washington had some very black times as he looked out across the snow and contemplated the end of The Revolution. What he couldn't see, but what we know in hindsight is that (Valley Forge) was the turning point. That was the beginning of the vindication of the dream of your founders. The birth of a new republic. And what was forged here was the iron of the soul of a nation.
This train isn't slowing. This train is gaining momentum. The Democrat plans for control of the health care markets is loosing steam (http://campaignsilo.firedoglake.com/2009/09/24/rahm-emanuel-says-the-senate-cant-pass-the-public-option/" target="_blank). Republicans have been paying attention to our message (http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20090923/pl_bloomberg/adptsoiuwheu" target="_blank). There is no doubt we will have to put some Democrats to bed with a warm glass of milk in 2010 and scalp a few Republicans in 2012. However, make no mistake - we are having an impact.
The message I wanted to bring back from Valley Forge is the message of hope for the future and enthusiasm for the cause. The attendees of the convention experienced it and I'm sure those across the internet see it. I hope everyone can become involved with their local Campaign for Liberty chapters to make this movement grow over the next few years.
http://www.libertymage.com/skins/andreas_01/img/meron.jpg
There is another message I wanted to bring back. A response from a question quickly asked. A response given with a smile. A response of which it may be best to just forget for a while...
"Its too early to talk about that yet".
http://www.libertymage.com/
There was something I experienced at the conference that wasn't on the agenda. It was on the faces of attendees and in the hallway conversations. It was scribbled down on notepads and brought home to districts across the Northeast. I wanted to try and capture that message and bring it back for everyone to hear.
For me the week started when I reached my hotel room and checked my RSS feed for news. Peter Schiff had announced he had entered the Connecticut senate race that morning. I grabbed a coffee and made my way to the convention with a smile.
There were many quality sponsor's tables set up at the convention. The lovely Ladies of Liberty Alliance (http://www.iamlola.org/" target="_blank) was on hand and getting plenty of attention. I had a brief moment to meet Jake Towne (http://towneforcongress.com/" target="_blank), one of our boys who is running for congress in PA-15. One of my favorite groups, The Foundation for Economic Education (http://fee.org/" target="_blank), had a booth on site with a few staff members. I made sure to brag about how I had come across a copy of "The Free Market and Its Enemy (http://www.amazon.com/Free-Market-Its-Enemy/dp/B000EB87EG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253764605&sr=1-1" target="_blank)" at a used book store which was signed by Leonard Read (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Read" target="_blank). The Young Americans for Liberty (http://www.yaliberty.org/" target="_blank) were all over the convention shaking hands and distributing material. Their presence is always encouraging. The Good Doctor was flocked by admirers but I had time to have him sign my copy of End the Fed (http://www.amazon.com/End-Fed-Ron-Paul/dp/0446549193" target="_blank) and ask him a quick question.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2461/3929701046_ea1b8ef932.jpg
Jake Towne talking with attendees.
The first day ended with the Freedom Celebration. Phil Giraldi gave a great speech on the state of our foreign meddling and Mike Doherty of New Jersey spoke about bring the Liberty message to his district. Ron was introduced by his son Ronnie and was received enthusiastically. He gave a great speech covering the state of the country and the state of the movement. Several supporters waved different versions of the Gadsden on the high notes.
Day two started at breakfast with Ron where he talked about his new book and took enthusiastic questions from the attendees. When breakfast ended the training began with the fiery Mike Rothfeld and his counterpart Dimitri Kesari.
It is important to make special note of the training. One could easily notice the furious note taking of strange people that spent a beautiful Friday night in a convention hall to equip themselves for a fight. It is uplifting what our people do to support a cause they believe in. These will be the people on the ground during the next round.
After dinner, Judge Andrew Napolitano delivered an impassioned speech in which he harpooned the erosion of our civil liberties that the political duopoly has engineered, invoking several standing ovations. I thought the Judge was going to hurdle the podium on several occasions.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3933540595_ee336487cb.jpg
When the judge was done laying waste to the establishment it was time for the world premier of For Liberty. You could feel the energy of the attendees when creators Chris Rye and Corey Kealiher walked onto the stage of the viewing area. If there was any skepticism of the quality of the documentary it was surely blown away as it perfectly captured the spirit of the Ron Paul phenomenon. The documentary is an emotional roller coaster. The crowd in attendance cheered, hissed and teared up as we all relived the highs and lows of the election.
At the after party, Jordan Page laid down an acoustic cover of Pink Floyd's "The Wall" while people talked over drinks. When I asked Chris Rye if they would be willing to do it again he reported they were already kicking around new ideas. For Liberty is a steal at $20. Don't think about it. Go buy it, here (http://www.forlibertymovie.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2&zenid=2f0b9eb8d3 a0796b09beec06f0f16002" target="_blank). You won't be disappointed. These guys will be a big part of the movement going forward and will need the financial support.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/3937061486_6f893f5ecb.jpg
Rob from the PA Campaign for Liberty chapter gives an introduction before the premiere of "For Liberty."
The final day started with the Campaign for Liberty State meetings. As the several Maryland chapters took turns speaking, you could already see the wheels turning. There were quite a few items that the Harford chapter, one of the largest and most active chapters in the country, shared with the Maryland and Delaware teams.
Tom Woods gave a great speech on the history and philosophy of human rights which lead into the remaining training sessions of the convention.
Afterward I took part in the gold reception which Tom Woods, Peter Schiff and Daniel Hannan attended. Tom and Peter were mobbed so I only had a few moments to speak to each of them. Dan Hannan was a little more available as it seemed people didn't know what to ask him. I had a good 15 minutes to ask about life on the other side of the ocean. Mr. Hannan is one of the most engaging gentlemen I have had the chance of speaking with.
There was one personality at the gold meeting that people didn't seem to pick up on - Ronnie Paul.
Ronnie is definitely one of the most down to earth guys I have ever met. I asked him about what Ron Sr. was like outside of politics and the conversation revolved around the Paul family. He said his dad was "a normal guy who drives a tractor around the yard". He spoke about how the campaign has been hard at times and how someone from the family always travels with Ron Sr. to keep him company.
I talked about the recent CSPAN interview with Rand and how his confident demeanor contrasted with the shoot-from-the-hip style of his father. Ronnie talked about their youth and how Rand was always the sibling to work the hardest and get the best grades.
http://www.libertymage.com/skins/andreas_01/img/meronnie.jpg
Don't let him fool you, he has a beer in his hand.
The convention wrapped up with the Economic Liberty Symposium at which Tom Woods, Peter Schiff and Daniel Hannan spoke. The combination of wit, vision and eloquence was a perfect finale. I highly suggest you listen to, at the very least, the Daniel Hannan speech (http://www.campaignforliberty.com/functions/conferencetraining.php?getvid=54" target="_blank).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3941164049_8c440e9958.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3941168445_1a8f174f9b.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3941173005_f66656c379.jpg
Two days after the convention we had a rally at Dutch Ruppersberger's (D-MD2) office. He decided not to have a town hall meeting on health care (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/letters/bal-dutchletter0924,0,6063036.story" target="_blank) so we brought one to him. Afterward we had a steering committee meeting for the Baltimore Chapter of Campaign for Liberty at which I saw more organization then any meeting prior. The next day Rand Paul trounced Trey Grayson with a huge fund raising event (http://www.randpaul2010.com/2009/09/over-1-million-raised/" target="_blank) and it was announced that H.R. 1207 would have a hearing (http://www.dailypaul.com/node/107850" target="_blank).
In case I have failed to capture the message above, Dan Hannan's finale speech summarizes it perfectly:
My friends it is apt that we meet here in Valley Forge. It was hither that George Washington repaired at his lowest moment when everything seemed lost. And now you, the heirs of The Revolution, the Sons of Liberty of our day, have come here having seen last years election won by people who, contrary to the legacy of your founding fathers, saw answers in more spending and more government. In a way it is your lowest moment too.
Washington had some very black times as he looked out across the snow and contemplated the end of The Revolution. What he couldn't see, but what we know in hindsight is that (Valley Forge) was the turning point. That was the beginning of the vindication of the dream of your founders. The birth of a new republic. And what was forged here was the iron of the soul of a nation.
This train isn't slowing. This train is gaining momentum. The Democrat plans for control of the health care markets is loosing steam (http://campaignsilo.firedoglake.com/2009/09/24/rahm-emanuel-says-the-senate-cant-pass-the-public-option/" target="_blank). Republicans have been paying attention to our message (http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20090923/pl_bloomberg/adptsoiuwheu" target="_blank). There is no doubt we will have to put some Democrats to bed with a warm glass of milk in 2010 and scalp a few Republicans in 2012. However, make no mistake - we are having an impact.
The message I wanted to bring back from Valley Forge is the message of hope for the future and enthusiasm for the cause. The attendees of the convention experienced it and I'm sure those across the internet see it. I hope everyone can become involved with their local Campaign for Liberty chapters to make this movement grow over the next few years.
http://www.libertymage.com/skins/andreas_01/img/meron.jpg
There is another message I wanted to bring back. A response from a question quickly asked. A response given with a smile. A response of which it may be best to just forget for a while...
"Its too early to talk about that yet".
http://www.libertymage.com/