RPFs.com chip-in gift for Ron Paul Riders (Every $3-$5 really helps!)

[Bryan]

I know there's a lot of people basically wiped out from the 5th but timeliness on this is important.


Background Info:
As everyone here should know, one of our distinguished members at RPFs.com is bicycling coast-to-coast in support of the Dr. Paul campaign. Anyone not familiar can get up to speed on this by watching the official campaign video about the ride or by visiting their web site or our sub-forum dedicated to the ride:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N31qWsJrzkY
http://www.ronpaulriders.com/
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=187

I personally feel the journey is an amazing undertaking and a true asset to the campaign in so many ways that I am glad to support it and thought it would be great for the forum to give a gift as a show of appreciation.


Chip-in details:
It has come to my attention that Michael does not have a video camera to help document the journey so putting 2+2 together I thought it would be great to see if the forum community could pull together a few dollars to get him one. I've found something that looks perfect and sells for $96 shipped- it's compact and tapeless- ideal for the application of providing the world with Youtube videos. Here's a link on the camera but I'm open to suggestion for other:

RCA EZ201 Small Wonder
http://www.amazon.com/EZ201-Wonder-Minute-Point-Camcorder/dp/B000P6J77G/

I've left the chip-in open-ended so if we get a little extra we can add in an extra memory card, but as-is, it's really fine. I'll be working to get it shipped ahead of Michael of course.

Here is the Chip-in link:
http://ronpaulforumsdotcom.chipin.com/ron-paul-riders

Chip-in doesn't let you add to your own account but I'll be adding for sure.

There are a few people that I am holding on to some money from the previous flower shower, if that's you let me know if you'd like it applied here.

BTW- this isn't a debate thread. :)

[me3]

Please stick this.

Maybe someone could whip up a banner for this thread as well to go at the top of the forums.

[JoshLowry]

Chipped in. Go Michael Go.

[sylvania]

I chipped in, though it does not appear to be showing up...hmmmm. Well, I'm sure it will soon.

I love reading his blog and hearing about all the characters he meets. Very interesting and inspiring.

[bbachtung]

Michael is friggin' awesome.

[LibertyEagle]

Chipped in.

[Bryan]

Thanks everyone. One of the chip-ins is in some check processing mode so its not showing up yet nut don't worry- it's there.

Bump for the lunch crew. :)

[mrchubbs]

Michael is a true Ron Paul Hero... and it makes him even more of one because he doesn't feel comfortable with a title like that.

I will chip-in when I get paid tomorrow.

[mamakar]

I'm Michael's mom, he called me a bit overwhelmed with the praise you shower him with. His purpose is not praise but to reach the people who do not use the internet and are disillusioned with the direction government has taken us. As his bio states he does not hesitate to tackle life head on, to say I am proud of him is an understatement, I learned long ago to give him to the Lord and let Him lead. You do honor him, if his efforts cause anyone to leave the computer and plant signs or go wherever your strength takes you, perhaps his mission and yours/ours will be electing Ron Paul in 2008. Michael and I thank you so very much for all your kindness and support.

[Bryan]

Wow! It's an honor to have you with us mamakar. It's pretty clear that Michael isn't doing this for praise or other self interest. Michael is a true testament to what makes America great and he is greatly appreciated here.

When I wrote the first post for this topic yesterday I spent over an hour trying to explain the goodness I see in the ride and as to why I support it but I ended up not able to put it in words properly- due to time constraints I gruntingly cut the whole bit and left the short note I did. I still have the scrambled paragraphs and hope to finish it when I can properly express it- I didn't imagine it would be so hard to describe the intangible elements at play, but that's what happened.

[JoshLowry]

Bump.

[blamx8]

Chipped in but it seems very slow. It only shows 2 donations but three people say they chipped in two days ago. How long does check processing mode take?

[Bryan]

Chipped in but it seems very slow. It only shows 2 donations but three people say they chipped in two days ago. How long does check processing mode take?
Excellent! Thanks! One was some eCheck and paypal said it would take 3-4 days. Credit cards and cash take in a few minutes it seems.

[Roxi]

bump... sent a little your way :D

[ronpaulhawaii]

I'm Michael's mom, he called me a bit overwhelmed with the praise you shower him with. His purpose is not praise but to reach the people who do not use the internet and are disillusioned with the direction government has taken us. As his bio states he does not hesitate to tackle life head on, to say I am proud of him is an understatement, I learned long ago to give him to the Lord and let Him lead. You do honor him, if his efforts cause anyone to leave the computer and plant signs or go wherever your strength takes you, perhaps his mission and yours/ours will be electing Ron Paul in 2008. Michael and I thank you so very much for all your kindness and support.

(emphasis added)

Wow Ma! Nice first post!

Thanks everyone for your continueing support. Boy, an easy to use vid-cam for little ol' me :)

:cool:

with much aloha,

m

[me3]

Bump

[mrchubbs]

I'm in!

See this post and ask CNN to cover this great story (http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=34389).

In case anyone missed it here are my words describing my feeling for what Michael is doing:

-----
I can not say in words how much I respect this man and his efforts. A few weeks ago two men embarked on a journey across the United States on bikes. The California fires caused one of them to drop out of the effort. The other found the determination to ride onward.

The idea was to ride across the country on bikes raising awareness about the Ron Paul candidacy for President. His journey is still quite young, but there is no doubt that he is accomplishing his goal. He rides alone, sometimes over 70 miles per day. He rides through towns, deserts, and cities. He stops to place Ron Paul signs, pass out literature, and talk to people about his candidate. Most are receptive.

As a Ron Paul supporter myself, I cannot describe the feeling I get when reading his blog. A rush of joy truly comes over me. If Ron Paul supporters were all like him the opposing candidates wouldn’t stand a chance. Let him be a lesson to you. He is truly inspiring. I haven’t notified him yet, but when he gets to Virginia I will meet him and support him. I will either ride with him or help him with whatever he needs to continue his quest.

Ron Paul Rider… you represent everything great about America.
-----

ENJOY... and Michael... Keep on Smiling, Riding and Rallying. It is contagious!

[mrchubbs]

Looks like the money has been raised. :-)

[steph3n]

This will be getting to RPR soon, I got it last night and will be delivering either tomorrow or Saturday when I meet up on the roadway.

Will get some pics when I give the camera too....
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/1774/pict1207ut3.th.jpg (http://img165.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pict1207ut3.jpg)