Leaving the GOP

[jkaufmann]

Being born into the Republican family, raised under the presidency of Ronald Reagan, and being active military under Clinton's administration gives me a biased view for supporting the Republican Party.

But what exactly am I supporting? What idea am I really behind?

Entering into my 30s, working in the civilian sector, getting married, having a child, and thinking about the future is causing me some real heartburn with the direction of the GOP in general.

The views of my Ideology through my life's experiences are forming and taking hold. I thought they were Republican views, but my original foundation is dissolving and trying to maintain it with support of the Republican Party is destructive to my psyche.

Is it time my particular views, which I now can define as closer to Libertarian then Republican, break with the Republican mainstream?

I would have voted democrat this election, but then came this maverick tornado in Ron Paul. Maybe I thought this is how Republicans should be?

My conclusion for this answer, for me and me alone, is becoming a "No". I am realizing that the similar effect of Libertarianism and Republican views have come to a crossroads. Yes, Ron is trying to "take back" the party, but his views in the Republican mainstream are not the majority. Even the social conservatives are at a crossroads with the Republican mainstream, but I think they are making more noise then activism. And their views of social conservatism are really not in line with my own. I am a social conservative in truth that I dislike abortion, and do not want my daughter to be raised without moral values stemming from a Christian upbringing. The difference takes hold when it comes to forcing my views on others. I cannot conceive of moral laws being passed to suppress any minority views just because someone else didn't agree. As long as it passes the litmus test of not hurting someone else, then leave them alone.

I am all for small local self government, and the ability for a community of like minded individuals to come together. I believe they have the right to live how they wish. If a neighborhood does not want vacuum salesman to perform solicitation in their area, they have the right to pass charter against this activity. But the punishment has to fit the crime.

When it comes to Federal monopolization of law there is no right to tell ALL how to live beyond a contract of a Bill of Rights. This is for the smaller community to decide. This allows minorities to not be ruled by the tyranny of a majority.

The Republican mainstream does not want someone with my views among them. So be it. They have the right, in a sense as any community has a right, to end my membership so to speak.

I will vote for Ron this election, although I am fortunate that I have an open primary in my state of GA. After this election though, if I still retain any political activism vs. my previous apathy, then my financial, moral, emotional, and ideological support will no longer be with the Republican Party.

I would think it would be the Libertarian party, but I am not sure. But I know this: a party platform with the general ideological foundation in Ron Paul's ideals will get my support. Actively. What I know now, is that it is not the Republican party any more. I would like to hope, that whatever small base of libertarian and paleo-conservatives left in the Republican Party follows suit. Yes, this could mean the death of the Republican Party and many years of Democratic Party majority in all forms of government. But death is never pretty. Birth or rebirth however, always is.

My one last hope as my views die in the political majority.. I take out the Republican Party with me.

[LibertyEagle]

I think there is very little difference between the power structure at the top of the Republican and Democrat parties anymore. They've almost merged. Their rhetoric remains a little different, but in action, there is very little difference.

[walt]

I think there is very little difference between the power structure at the top of the Republican and Democrat parties anymore. They've almost merged. Their rhetoric remains a little different, but in action, there is very little difference.

There is one party Money and it has two seperate brand divisions. :mad:

[speciallyblend]

Being born into the Republican family, raised under the presidency of Ronald Regan, and being active military under Clinton's administration gives me a biased view for supporting the Republican Party.

But what exactly am I supporting? What idea am I really behind?

Entering into my 30s, working in the civilian sector, getting married, having a child, and thinking about the future is causing me some real heartburn with the direction of the GOP in general.

The views of my Ideology through my life's experiences are forming and taking hold. I thought they were Republican views, but my original foundation is dissolving and trying to maintain it with support of the Republican Party is destructive to my psyche.

Is it time my particular views, which I now can define as closer to Libertarian then Republican, break with the Republican mainstream?

I would have voted democrat this election, but then came this maverick tornado in Ron Paul. Maybe I thought this is how Republicans should be?

My conclusion for this answer, for me and me alone, is becoming a "No". I am realizing that the similar effect of Libertarianism and Republican views have come to a crossroads. Yes, Ron is trying to "take back" the party, but his views in the Republican mainstream are not the majority. Even the social conservatives are at a crossroads with the Republican mainstream, but I think they are making more noise then activism. And their views of social conservatism are really not in line with my own. I am a social conservative in truth that I dislike abortion, and do not want my daughter to be raised without moral values stemming from a Christian upbringing. The difference takes hold when it comes to forcing my views on others. I cannot conceive of moral laws being passed to suppress any minority views just because someone else didn't agree. As long as it passes the litmus test of not hurting someone else, then leave them alone.

I am all for small local self government, and the ability for a community of like minded individuals to come together. I believe they have the right to live how they wish. If a neighborhood does not want vacuum salesman to perform solicitation in their area, they have the right to pass charter against this activity. But the punishment has to fit the crime.

When it comes to Federal monopolization of law there is no right to tell ALL how to live beyond a contract of a Bill of Rights. This is for the smaller community to decide. This allows minorities to not be ruled by the tyranny of a majority.

The Republican mainstream does not want someone with my views among them. So be it. They have the right, in a sense as any community has a right, to end my membership so to speak.

I will vote for Ron this election, although I am fortunate that I have an open primary in my state of GA. After this election though, if I still retain any political activism vs. my previous apathy, then my financial, moral, emotional, and ideological support will no longer be with the Republican Party.

I would think it would be the Libertarian party, but I am not sure. But I know this: a party platform with the general ideological foundation in Ron Paul's ideals will get my support. Actively. What I know now, is that it is not the Republican party any more. I would like to hope, that whatever small base of libertarian and paleo-conservatives left in the Republican Party follows suit. Yes, this could mean the death of the Republican Party and many years of Democratic Party majority in all forms of government. But death is never pretty. Birth or rebirth however, always is.

My one last hope as my views die in the political majority.. I take out the Republican Party with me.

This is truly our weapon to use,since the republican party needs to understand,they will be dead in the water without Ron Paul.Me and my wifes republican votes are hanging by a thread.We need to let the GOP understand reality.They will lose without RON PAUL:)

Ron Pauling IT 2008

[jkaufmann]

After the Redstate ban, which I am prefectly comfortable with, just led me to this realization.

I wrote this by "Stream of consciousnous" and not really paying attention to making much sese. My only point is that I wish to leave the GOP, they don't want me, and If they die as a majority Party without my support, leaving the Democrats to be in charge, then so be it.

Anyone a good writer? -- I think this idea, if others are likeminded, would benefit to be written to a blog or editorial for exposure.

My whole family thinks this way now, after being Republicans all their life. I just want someone to know it.

The current administration is completely Insane.

[speciallyblend]

I'm with you kaufmann.I also look at it this way redstate is a hillary supporter,by banning Ron Paul,it shows they love hillary;)

[klamath]

I really have to agree. I myself will not be voting anymore if RP doesn't make it unless another man of RP's integrity and beliefs appears. I passionately supported Ronald Reagan and thought if we had a total Republican government I would see the issues that I thought the Republicans stood for addressed.
Less federal control
Balanced budgets
Treating all people as individuals
Lower symplified taxes
No fighting wars because our defense was such a deterrent.

Can anyone tell me that is what happened while they were in power?

I love how the republican leadership puts out this big front against some new federal program the Democrats want but once it is enacted you are called extreme by the same Republican leadership if you suggest repealing it?

[jkaufmann]

I love how the republican leadership puts out this big front against some new federal program the Democrats want but once it is enacted you are called extreme by the same Republican leadership if you suggest repealing it?

I was thinking about this the other day.. once a social program like medicaid / social security finaly make it through the house and executive branches and becomes law, it is never re-questioned and any nay-saying by anyone is only qualified to be printed on toilet paper.

Our nation's lawmakers are way too shortsighted, in general

[cujothekitten]

Welcome to the libertarian umbrella if you decide to switch. Another party you may be interested in is the constitution party. Many of their members are much more religious than libertarians so you might find a nice fit there as well.

[parke]

I come from a military family. Dad career Army, mother Air Force. You better bet they always voted Republican.

What the GOP doesnt get is that they are turning their back on us. We are no longer Republican enough??? Since when? Im now a liberal because I support Dr. Paul? WTF????

What makes it more disgusting is the fact all the front runners dont amount to squat. They are big government liberals with a R next to their name. Romney.. Cmon.. he introduced a health care system in MA that nobody likes, flips on the abortion issue and handles his money like a kid with a big inheritance. I wont start on Rudy.. it should be obvious why the Christian Right wont vote for him.

So where does it leave life long Republicans?

[jkaufmann]

I come from a military family. Dad career Army, mother Air Force. You better bet they always voted Republican.

What the GOP doesnt get is that they are turning their back on us. We are no longer Republican enough??? Since when? Im now a liberal because I support Dr. Paul? WTF????

What makes it more disgusting is the fact all the front runners dont amount to squat. They are big government liberals with a R next to their name. Romney.. Cmon.. he introduced a health care system in MA that nobody likes, flips on the abortion issue and handles his money like a kid with a big inheritance. I wont start on Rudy.. it should be obvious why the Christian Right wont vote for him.

So where does it leave life long Republicans?

I don't mind liberal philosphy. I think there should always be room in a society for progressive thought to have a voice.

Where it grates me is in the current mainstream where forced socialism at the federal level is currently the progressive thought pattern. There are many other issues where progressive thought can debate and do good in society. Remember, at one time Free-Market ideas were progressively radical.

I think there is too much labeling on what is "Liberal" and what is "Conseravtive". We should just get back to defining them with strict, but basic definitions.

Conservative meaning restraint.
Progressive meaining change.
Liberal meaning open, or free.

Every issue today might state it is conservative or liberal, but I think they are really partisan labels for parties. I could spin the 2nd Amendment as a liberal idea, in freedom to defend oneself.

Your last question of "So where does it leave life long Republicans?" -- I answered that question for me, and me alone. It is to leave, and not be Republican anymore. Retain your values, and change the label. I can't answer this question for you -- you have to decide it for yourself.

[klamath]

You would think that a party that won the presidency by only 237 votes in 2000 and 137,000 in '04 wouldn't want to alienate at least a million long time Republican Voters?

[jkaufmann]

Welcome to the libertarian umbrella if you decide to switch. Another party you may be interested in is the constitution party. Many of their members are much more religious than libertarians so you might find a nice fit there as well.

I like the libertarian ideas. The Libertarian party perhaps. While I like the community of church and/or Christian values, I am not really religous to a large extent. All I know is there is a God, and I am not he. My sensibility to reason doesn't allow me to take a strict interpretation to scripture.

The Constitution Party to me, seems to define its ideology directly from the Constitution(opinion). Something doesn't sit well with me on that. Not sure why. Written words I beleive, should come from an Ideological platform, but cannot become the platform. Make sense? Probably not.

My best choice would be a fusion between these two parties. Can you make that happen? :)

[bomybomy]

My dad swore to me that beating Hillary was the all in all, and we better unite behind whoever the GOP candidate is.

Truth is, if the party nominates a Rudy or one of the others, I hope they lose, that maybe their death might bring a revival of sensibilty to our policies.

My vote will not be "wasted" on a 3rd party or by staying home - it will be a carefully calculated vote in order to bring the GOP leaders to its senses for the next election.

That is, if America still has notehr 4 years....

[squirrelbrewer]

I voted Democrat the first time I was able to vote in a presidential election in 92. Since then it's been Libertarian. But I never supported the Libertarians with my money or my time like I have for Paul. In fact, I kinda felt guilty the first time I sent Paul a donation back in May, so I also sent a small contribution to the national Libertarian Party. If Ron doesn't get the nomination, I wonder if the LP will see an increase in support? I haven't checked the Constitution Party out much at all. It'd be nice to see a freedom movement that's not splintered. I've always payed attention to politics and felt like I've always been on the sidelines. It feels good to be involved this time around and hopefully that will continue.

[jkaufmann]

... If Ron doesn't get the nomination, I wonder if the LP will see an increase in support? I haven't checked the Constitution Party out much at all. It'd be nice to see a freedom movement that's not splintered. ...

I have been thinking about this more and more. I hope these forums and other nesting grounds for RP support gets united in this way. Why can't we start now?

Slogan: Ron Paul, or no more GOP.

[steph3n]

I don't think the LP is the way honestly, far too much infighting, unless they are willing to accept that and not get into shouting matches over it continually, there will be no winning efforts from the LP.

I agree with MOST of their ideas, but not all, I just don't feel it is a productive way forward to continually bicker and fight, you have to stand on the common ground and gain more ground, IN LIBERTY!

[Kregener]

Good luck with all that then!

[jkaufmann]

Can a new party emerge? Capture the newly envigorated youth on campuses, as well as ostresized libertarian leaning republicans, paleo-conservatives, and non-socialist democrats? As well as your constitutionaly oriented people.

What would the name of this New Party be?

The Liberty party? (maybe)
Freedom party? (ich)
Paulian Party? (ugh)
Constitutional-Libertarian Party? (Too defining)

or......

American Party ...... (hmm)

[bgky4paul]

This thread topic and all the comments here really speak to my soul. I have always been a Republican, and I was raised that you always vote. Yet the older I get, the less excited I have been about the prospect. I told someone a few months ago that I would have loved to have gone into politics and worked on a campaign, but all the politicians are so dirty I just could not stomach the prospect. I also realized that it was impossible for me to tell people that I was a Christian and a registered Republican without people making many untrue assumptions about me. I discovered Dr. Paul a few weeks ago, and a light just went on inside me. For the first time, I placed a sign in my yard. For the first time, I have donated to a campaign. For the first time, I have talked to my friends and family about why they should consider supporting a particular candidate. For the first time, I joined a group that actively campaigns for a candidate. For the first time, I stood on a steet corner and waved a sign for a candidate. For the first time, I feel truly emotional about an election. For the first time, I am proud to stand behind a candidate, because he stands up for me.

As far as I am concerned, the Ron Paul presidency is our last chance to save the Republican Party. If Dr. Paul is not elected, then I will be forced to leave the GOP. I cannot in good conscience remain in the party of FoxNews, Redstate.com, the Patriot Act, and the so-called "War on Terror."

[parke]

This thread topic and all the comments here really speak to my soul. I have always been a Republican, and I was raised that you always vote. Yet the older I get, the less excited I have been about the prospect. I told someone a few months ago that I would have loved to have gone into politics and worked on a campaign, but all the politicians are so dirty I just could not stomach the prospect. I also realized that it was impossible for me to tell people that I was a Christian and a registered Republican without people making many untrue assumptions about me. I discovered Dr. Paul a few weeks ago, and a light just went on inside me. For the first time, I placed a sign in my yard. For the first time, I have donated to a campaign. For the first time, I have talked to my friends and family about why they should consider supporting a particular candidate. For the first time, I joined a group that actively campaigns for a candidate. For the first time, I stood on a steet corner and waved a sign for a candidate. For the first time, I feel truly emotional about an election. For the first time, I am proud to stand behind a candidate, because he stands up for me.

As far as I am concerned, the Ron Paul presidency is our last chance to save the Republican Party. If Dr. Paul is not elected, then I will be forced to leave the GOP. I cannot in good conscience remain in the party of FoxNews, Redstate.com, the Patriot Act, and the so-called "War on Terror."

Amen to that. I cant stomach anymore corruption.

[jkaufmann]

Amen to that. I cant stomach anymore corruption.

Amen. Now lets make it so.

[glts]

People people people, it makes absolutely NO difference in what party these ringers are from. They are all, except a few, plants by the powers that be (New World Order). The ONLY and I mean ONLY reason Ron Paul has been a break out is because of the internet. They didn't count on that one. The media is locked down pretty tight but the internet got away from them. I'm sure by the next election they will have thought of ways to lock that down too. When people argue over democrats vs republicans it absolutely delights the NWO. And why shouldn't it they picked everyone that is running in both parties. If you don't believe it look at the mainstream media news. That alone should tell you that only the CHOSEN are promoted and given adequate airtime. The zombies of America that believe the crap the media spews will vote who they are told to vote for. The NWO aways want to pit the Republicans against the Democrats that way people think they actually have a choice. But we are all sheep being led to the slaughter. GET THIS THROUGH YOUR HEADS PEOPLE THERE IS ONLY ONE PARTY THE NEW WORLD ORDER PARTY!!

[jkaufmann]

People people people, it makes absolutely NO difference in what party these ringers are from. They are all, except a few, plants by the powers that be (New World Order). The ONLY and I mean ONLY reason Ron Paul has been a break out is because of the internet. They didn't count on that one. The media is locked down pretty tight but the internet got away from them. I'm sure by the next election they will have thought of ways to lock that down too. When people argue over democrats vs republicans it absolutely delights the NWO. And why shouldn't it they picked everyone that is running in both parties. If you don't believe it look at the mainstream media news. That alone should tell you that only the CHOSEN are promoted and given adequate airtime. The zombies of America that believe the crap the media spews will vote who they are told to vote for. The NWO aways want to pit the Republicans against the Democrats that way people think they actually have a choice. But we are all sheep being led to the slaughter. GET THIS THROUGH YOUR HEADS PEOPLE THERE IS ONLY ONE PARTY THE NEW WORLD ORDER PARTY!!

That was enlightening. I will roll over and die now.

[ButchHowdy]

Ron himself said he doesn't like to put people into 'groups' but he was clever enough to use the dynamics behind the Republican Party to launch his campaign.

One person described our left/right dichotomy as the left and right arm of a plutocracy.

[jkaufmann]

Ron himself said he doesn't like to put people into 'groups' but he was clever enough to use the dynamics behind the Republican Party to launch his campaign.

One person described our left/right dichotomy as the left and right arm of a plutocracy.

Interesting.
Can you define for me the definition of Plutocracy (literal) and then the definition for it in this context? Not sure I am grasping it.

[winston_blade]

As good as starting your own party sounds, it is so tough. Why put yourself through extra work when all you need to do is join one of the main parties, like RP did and run with them. So what if you don't win as a republican or democrat the first time, do you really think you can win as a libertarian party nominee?

Let's not be ridiculous. We'll all want to throw a hissy fit if RP doesn't get the nomination, but the key is to stay in the republican party and change what is already there. 3rd parties are just going to be a waste of time and energy. Sorry but that's the way it is.

[literatim]

Wouldn't it be better to try and take back the GOP? Run for Congress or Senate as a constitutionalist. If we get enough political seats, we can have a major effect in the GOP and revive the constitutional view itself.

[Shooterman]

Gentlemen, and if there has been a lady or two in this thread, my apologies, I've posted very little here as mostly I read. The Forum I call home, for the most part, hates Ronettes or Paulettes, as we are called, for the simple reason, in my opinion, Ron Paul believes as many of us do, we should not be fighting in Iraq. That, my friends, is a serious drawback to getting Dr Paul elected. I believe as he does, but for a nation that has known little but war and welfare for over 150 years, it is a bitter pill for some to swallow.

I was raised as a DIM, in a DIM family, in the most DIM portion of a very DIM state ( Texas ) The mantra was 'my Grandpappy was a DIM, my pappy was a DIM, and I'll be a DIM 'till the day I die. Then along came Kennedy and Landslide Lyndon, and the corruption within the DIM Party of Texas was legendary. Then the forerunner of modern conservatism, Barry Goldwater, fought the establishment, much as Ron Paul is doing today. Of course Barry G lost in '64, but with the exception of being a strong pro military man, his and Ron Paul's philosophies were and are very close. We were beaten badly, but BG's terrible defeat eventually led us to as close as we've ever come to a conservative ( and it was lacking badly in many respects ) government with Reagan.

A slight digression, if I may. There is nothing, nor has there ever been, anything sacred about the PUB Party. It was conceived in the iniquity of The Government Heathen, Abe Lincoln, and hardened in the crucible of the Northern War of Aggression. I know I speak blasphemy to many, but that is a topic for another thread. In the last fifty years it has become a vessel to lead us to conservatism-libertarianism. It's time, as many have stated, is almost past. I for one, will weep no tears at it's demise.

I have noticed one thing, and being a realist here, ( a hopeful one but a realist nonetheless ) there is more hoping and praying for a Ron Paul victory, than I believe, will truly be attained. There are far too many that have become Big Government Statists and apologists than we can overcome. I do see the other candidates beginning to adopt some of Dr Paul's message, which can only be good. That, in itself, outside of the self satisfaction of having voted for Ron Paul will, more than likely, be about what we can best hope for.

I had never, in all my 40 something years of voting, ever donated to a campaign before. I have donated to Dr Paul's and will again if I can muster the funds and the wife's permission.:D

My plan, at present living in a state where write-ins are permitted, is to vote for Ron Paul even if he doesn't get the nomination.

Time grows short, my friends, as the Super Primaries are not that far off.

[jkaufmann]

As good as starting your own party sounds, it is so tough. Why put yourself through extra work when all you need to do is join one of the main parties, like RP did and run with them. So what if you don't win as a republican or democrat the first time, do you really think you can win as a libertarian party nominee?

Let's not be ridiculous. We'll all want to throw a hissy fit if RP doesn't get the nomination, but the key is to stay in the republican party and change what is already there. 3rd parties are just going to be a waste of time and energy. Sorry but that's the way it is.

I agree in a sense. If a candidate comes along within a Party, any party, and really grasps my attention I will vote for him or her.

But I refuse to give any more blind support for the Republican Party.

[jkaufmann]

...

I have noticed one thing, and being a realist here, ( a hopeful one but a realist nonetheless ) there is more hoping and praying for a Ron Paul victory, than I believe, will truly be attained.

...

My plan, at present living in a state where write-ins are permitted, is to vote for Ron Paul even if he doesn't get the nomination.

Time grows short, my friends, as the Super Primaries are not that far off.

From my favorite movie Braveheart.
"We don't have to beat them just fight them. ... "

His last sentence was : "Now Who's With Me?"

[speciallyblend]

As good as starting your own party sounds, it is so tough. Why put yourself through extra work when all you need to do is join one of the main parties, like RP did and run with them. So what if you don't win as a republican or democrat the first time, do you really think you can win as a libertarian party nominee?

Let's not be ridiculous. We'll all want to throw a hissy fit if RP doesn't get the nomination, but the key is to stay in the republican party and change what is already there. 3rd parties are just going to be a waste of time and energy. Sorry but that's the way it is.

I can tell you this,I WILL LEAVE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY,unless they nominate Ron Paul,the wasted vote is continuing to vote for the same democrats and republicans.

I will watch the GOP die ,if they continue to mock Ron Paul.



LETS PUT IT THIS WAY. You have 2 rafts(one dem and one rep) they both are going down stream,knowing there is a waterfall downstream,but they continue to tell you to paddle toward the waterfall telling you everything will be ok,when you know your gonna die going over the waterfall.

Do you accept this fate or do you tell them they are full of BS??

Well Common Sense,tells me to jump out of the boat and at least try to swim upstream or to the side of the river,instead of sitting quietly in the boat as you see your fate before your eyes.

Id rather fight then give up,and voting for democrats and typical republicans is like staying in a boat that you know is doomed to go over the waterfall.

I choose to fight and at least have a chance by jumping out of the raft and at least trying to swim upstream or to the riverbank.


Thats why i support Ron Paul,if you choose to stay in the boats,then you can be assured the goverment will take your money and your libertys.

What would you do? Stay in the boats? knowing they are going over the waterfall.

I think most would choose to get out of both of the DOOMED BOATS

REMEMBER Its Ron Paul vs Hillary vs Hillary on STEROIDS(Romney/McCain/Thompson/Rudolf) THE GOP IS DEAD IN THE WATER without Ron Paul.
We need to explain reality to the GOP. If they continue to mock Ron Paul,then they are truly hillary supporters. It's Ron Paul vs the hillarys.

RON PAULING IT 2008,2 republicans here,hanging by a thread.The ball is in the GOP court,will they screw it up,seems so.

If it wasnt for the 3rd parties in the last 20 yrs,then Ron Pauls message wouldnt be heard now.

[jkaufmann]

When Hillary Clinton gets elected.

[winston_blade]

I can tell you this,I WILL LEAVE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY,unless they nominate Ron Paul,the wasted vote is continuing to vote for the same democrats and republicans.

I will watch the GOP die ,if they continue to mock Ron Paul.



LETS PUT IT THIS WAY. You have 2 rafts(one dem and one rep) they both are going down stream,knowing there is a waterfall downstream,but they continue to tell you to paddle toward the waterfall telling you everything will be ok,when you know your gonna die going over the waterfall.

Do you accept this fate or do you tell them they are full of BS??

Well Common Sense,tells me to jump out of the boat and at least try to swim upstream or to the side of the river,instead of sitting quietly in the boat as you see your fate before your eyes.

Id rather fight then give up,and voting for democrats and typical republicans is like staying in a boat that you know is doomed to go over the waterfall.

I choose to fight and at least have a chance by jumping out of the raft and at least trying to swim upstream or to the riverbank.


Thats why i support Ron Paul,if you choose to stay in the boats,then you can be assured the goverment will take your money and your libertys.

What would you do? Stay in the boats? knowing they are going over the waterfall.

I think most would choose to get out of both of the DOOMED BOATS

REMEMBER Its Ron Paul vs Hillary vs Hillary on STEROIDS(Romney/McCain/Thompson/Rudolf) THE GOP IS DEAD IN THE WATER without Ron Paul.
We need to explain reality to the GOP. If they continue to mock Ron Paul,then they are truly hillary supporters. It's Ron Paul vs the hillarys.

RON PAULING IT 2008,2 republicans here,hanging by a thread.The ball is in the GOP court,will they screw it up,seems so.

If it wasnt for the 3rd parties in the last 20 yrs,then Ron Pauls message wouldnt be heard now.

All I can say is that Lincoln had to run a bunch of times before he was elected. This is the first time in a while that we've had a true conservative running. Let's not give up on those in-roads now. We are starting to make headway in the GOP.

Or we could all go third party and remain ineffective forever. We can change the GOP, but it will take work. I'm not saying blindly support the GOP, but lets start running good candidates on the GOP ticket.

[FreedomLover]

Here's an article you might find interesting:

http://acuf.org/principles/p_freedandtrad.asp

The 2008 Primaries are going to be a VERY interesting test in what republican faction has more pull in the GOP nomination. We have Romney (fiscal), Guiliani (social, neolib), Huckabee (socons, evangelicals), Thompson (rank and files), and Paul (libertarian, paleos).

Yep, I can already see the fireworks coming at the GOP convention next year...it's going to be an exciting time to be a republican.

[jkaufmann]

...

I'm not saying blindly support the GOP, but lets start running good candidates on the GOP ticket.

Like I said. If they run, I will vote for them regardless of the Party affiliation.

But you say "Let's" meaning "Us". Who is "Us"? I assume you mean everyone who supports the Ron Paul ideal as "Us".

Last I knew, Ron Paul was the last of "Us" in office as a Republican. Buchanon may have been from a similar mold, but didn't he run off the Republican platform as a Reform Party candidate?

I know your trying to rally support in line with "Don't give up the fight, take back the Right". But I am tired. And I am constantly reminded by GOP mainstream that I am not wanted.

I am much happier when I am not trying to convince everyone else I am right. i.e. not always trying to fit in with the "cool" kids at the back of the bus. I would rather sit down and eat with like-minded people. Life is just much more pleseant that way.

There is always compromise at hand; But the Gop compromises asked of me are just too difficult to swallow anymore.

Again, I am not even trying to convince you to do otherwise. Follow your heart. Continue to fight. My descision is mine alone. If I stand alone, so be it. I am not even asking anyone to stand with me. All I really want, is that my last cry in political death is heard, just once, and then it can fade into silence.

This last cry is now. This election. And this is just from me.

[speciallyblend]

winston,i hear where your coming from;)

[steph3n]

lt us all stop voting party, and vote for the best in any case, sadly the party throws out some of the best, so let us work to recruit the best!

[jkaufmann]

Here's an article you might find interesting:

http://acuf.org/principles/p_freedandtrad.asp

The 2008 Primaries are going to be a VERY interesting test in what republican faction has more pull in the GOP nomination. We have Romney (fiscal), Guiliani (social, neolib), Huckabee (socons, evangelicals), Thompson (rank and files), and Paul (libertarian, paleos).

Yep, I can already see the fireworks coming at the GOP convention next year...it's going to be an exciting time to be a republican.

Very interesting article. I would have to say one of the best.

[tfelice]

I'll remain a member of the GOP primarily for the ability to vote in primary elections. Our local & state races are contested in the primaries since the GOP is so strong here (about 70/30). I left for a brief time several years back to join the CP, but the primary issue is what brought me back to the GOP. As far as Congressional races the only place where folks like myself have a chance to make an impact is in the GOP, so again the primary vote is important. The chance of a LP or CP candiate winning a national seat is slim & none.