Matt Collins
02-21-2010, 08:06 PM
Sent out on the Ron Paul Memphis (157) Meetup:
CPAC was a long, unending parade of neocons, although there were many true freedom oriented groups in the booths. I found groups promoting justice for our criminal system, a group promoting oil and gas exploration, groups proposing overhauling our tax system, educational groups, youth groups, freedom groups, gun groups, Constitutional groups, etc. CFL had an entire row of booths, including YAL. That row was packed! There were people crowding around CFL row during the entire show. By far it was the most popular area.
Met many activists from the Ron Paul campaign from around the country. Seemed like 70% of the CFL people were college age or in their 20's. Think a statistic said that the average age at CPAC was something like 25 yo. I spent time handing out flyers for events like Gary Johnson's speech and the War on Terror/Limited Government lecture.
The premiere event at CPAC for me was Ron Paul's speech on Friday. Surprising that they allowed two Virginia activists to announce Dr. Paul, but it was entirely appropriate as an acknowledgement of the grassroots nature of his appeal. The ballroom was packed! Very few seats were empty. I got there 1 hour early to secure seating. Many chants of "End the Fed" rang out before and during Ron's speech. I thought Ron sounded agitated. His speech was forceful, and provided an overview of true Conservatism. Ron covered a good bit of Conservative history, delving into how the Republicans have thwarted efforts to stifle dissent and wantonly create wars. Ron didn't miss a chance to say how this country got into financial trouble, and the Federal Reserve received its due blame. The contrast between Conservatism and NeoConservatism was intentional, as Ron realizes that many in the audience don't even know the distinction.
A few people shook their heads and some left during the speech, but there was loud cheering and many stood during Dr. Paul's highlights.
After the event, Ron Paul was signing books, and Michael Steele came over to shake Ron's hand. He even held up a copy of "End the Fed" for the cameras. Remarkable!
I received two video interviews, one from a freelancer who contributes to Daily Kos, the democratic blogspot.
Jim Azzola
jazzola1@yahoo.com
CPAC was a long, unending parade of neocons, although there were many true freedom oriented groups in the booths. I found groups promoting justice for our criminal system, a group promoting oil and gas exploration, groups proposing overhauling our tax system, educational groups, youth groups, freedom groups, gun groups, Constitutional groups, etc. CFL had an entire row of booths, including YAL. That row was packed! There were people crowding around CFL row during the entire show. By far it was the most popular area.
Met many activists from the Ron Paul campaign from around the country. Seemed like 70% of the CFL people were college age or in their 20's. Think a statistic said that the average age at CPAC was something like 25 yo. I spent time handing out flyers for events like Gary Johnson's speech and the War on Terror/Limited Government lecture.
The premiere event at CPAC for me was Ron Paul's speech on Friday. Surprising that they allowed two Virginia activists to announce Dr. Paul, but it was entirely appropriate as an acknowledgement of the grassroots nature of his appeal. The ballroom was packed! Very few seats were empty. I got there 1 hour early to secure seating. Many chants of "End the Fed" rang out before and during Ron's speech. I thought Ron sounded agitated. His speech was forceful, and provided an overview of true Conservatism. Ron covered a good bit of Conservative history, delving into how the Republicans have thwarted efforts to stifle dissent and wantonly create wars. Ron didn't miss a chance to say how this country got into financial trouble, and the Federal Reserve received its due blame. The contrast between Conservatism and NeoConservatism was intentional, as Ron realizes that many in the audience don't even know the distinction.
A few people shook their heads and some left during the speech, but there was loud cheering and many stood during Dr. Paul's highlights.
After the event, Ron Paul was signing books, and Michael Steele came over to shake Ron's hand. He even held up a copy of "End the Fed" for the cameras. Remarkable!
I received two video interviews, one from a freelancer who contributes to Daily Kos, the democratic blogspot.
Jim Azzola
jazzola1@yahoo.com