#StandWithRand publicity stunt idea

[randbot16]

I think this might be an idea that COULD potentially get media coverage if done in a widespread, coordinated way, and if it is publicized on social media enough that it forces traditional media to cover the story.

I propose we remind the American people what propelled Rand Paul to the national stage and coined the hashtag #StandWithRand, by staging a nationwide reenactment of his 13 hour filibuster of CIA Director Brennan's nomination over the issue of Drones, wearing Don't Drone Me, Bro! shirts or full on Rand costume, curly locks and all, if desired. Stand in a public place where you will not be removed by Police, and recite the full transcript of his filibuster, end to end, streaming or filming and uploading to youtube. Id be more than happy to put together a landing page where we can compile and embed all videos from this stunt.

13 hours is a long time to stand and speak, but if Rand can do it, so can SHOULD we.

I think this would show enormous dedication to the idea of Liberty and opposition of Tyranny. We could do this on the anniversary of his legendary filibuster, which I believe would be Feb 27th. It would obviously be better to do it during the day, rather than through the night, for better exposure. Too late for NH, but would be historically significant and an appropriate gesture to Rand for all the sacrifices he has made to preserve freedom and liberty in the US, despite overwhelming odds against him.

Thoughts? Could we pull this off?

[ds21089]

Who would watch it? Who would cover the story? Sorry, but I dont see this gaining traction.

[randbot16]

If enough people do this at the same time, it would get a lot of traction on social media. Enough traction, and the MSM would be forced to cover it. Tell me if you stood in the town square of your home town in costume, or with signs or whatever and read this transcript for 13 hours, it wouldn't at least get picked up by the local news?

[luctor-et-emergo]

If enough people do this at the same time, it would get a lot of traction on social media. Enough traction, and the MSM would be forced to cover it. Tell me if you stood in the town square of your home town in costume, or with signs or whatever and read this transcript for 13 hours, it wouldn't at least get picked up by the local news?

No.

[randbot16]

No.

I suggest you change your sig then. :/

[Badger Paul]

"Don't Drone Me, Bro! shirts or full on Rand costume, curly locks and all, if desired."

Could I make the speech naked? I think that might gain some attention.

"Tell me if you stood in the town square of your home town in costume, or with signs or whatever and read this transcript for 13 hours, it wouldn't at least get picked up by the local news?"

No, I would be picked up by the local cops for being a public nusiance, blocking traffic, disturbing the peace and anything else they can think of. Maybe I'll do a Pay Pal to raise money to pay my fine.

[luctor-et-emergo]

I suggest you change your sig then. :/

No, just pointing out the media wouldn't report on it.


What might be interesting but outside of our control, would be Ron renouncing his endorsement of Cruz for Senate. Saying that he lost his way since and has been corrupted by the system. That might make the news. It would certainly hurt Cruz as he's actively trying to make people think Ron endorsed him for president.

[randbot16]

I can't help but feel like people would have been willing to do something like this for Ron in a heartbeat in 2012, but I guess that's just all Rand's fault for not inspiring everyone right? I honestly do feel like this would generate publicity if enough people do it, but its clear from the attitude that it would probably fall flat. Thanks for entertaining the idea anyway.

[65fastback2+2]

Its a good idea, but it needs to be something more impactful.

People walking by arent going to stop and listen for 13 hours to be educated.

[Cabal]

Its a good idea

It's really not. It's a pretty terrible idea, actually.

[randbot16]

Its a good idea, but it needs to be something more impactful.

People walking by arent going to stop and listen for 13 hours to be educated.

The idea isn't really to educate people, its to demonstrate dedication, to highlight the dedication of Rand to the rights of American people. It would have to be done in overwhelming numbers to be effective, 1000s of people would need to participate.

[randbot16]

It's really not. It's a pretty terrible idea, actually.

Ur right, definitely better to sit around whining on the internet about how its all over and that we need to get in our bunkers and wait for collapse like so many have been doing.

[65fastback2+2]

It's really not. It's a pretty terrible idea, actually.

Ya, the salvation army has a ton of people out around christmas time and they dont get any donations.

Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormon's have never converted anyone to their cause by door knocking either.

The premise is being out in public and doing something in unison to attract attention to the cause of liberty. Thats a good idea.

[ThePaleoLibertarian]

This may be the single worst idea I have ever heard.

Stand around for 13 straight hours reading a senatorial filibuster, that'll get people riled up! You totally won't look like a deranged autistic nutcase with too much free time! You'll get round the clock coverage!

Ye Gods, no wonder this movement never gets anywhere...

[Cabal]

Ur right, definitely better to sit around whining on the internet about how its all over and that we need to get in our bunkers and wait for collapse like so many have been doing.

False dichotomy much?

The premise is being out in public and doing something in unison to attract attention to the cause of liberty. Thats a good idea.

No, the premise is expecting volunteers to stand around for 13 hours droning aimlessly from a script and expecting that to be at all productive, helpful, or useful. This scarcely even qualifies as an idea, let alone anything that might be regarded as "good."

[randbot16]

One senator standing and speaking for our rights got LOADS of media coverage, but 1000s of people paying homage to that will just fall flat. That's what I am hearing. Loud and clear, from smart people with loads of great ideas for promoting the cause of liberty, so I must be wrong... Again, thanks for hearing me out and offering valuable constructive feedback. Always a pleasure brainstorming with "Libertarians", sorry "PaleoLibertarian NeoReactionary Anarcho-*cough*hipster*cough*-Feudalists". I can't compete with that buzzword soup, so I will take my ball and go home now.

[65fastback2+2]

False dichotomy much?



No, the premise is expecting volunteers to stand around for 13 hours droning aimlessly from a script and expecting that to be at all productive, helpful, or useful. This scarcely even qualifies as an idea, let alone anything that might be regarded as "good."

Keep your head in the sand then if you want. The exact idea needs refinement, but the PREMISE (not the conclusion) is good.

Might want to review what the word premise means.

[randbot16]

No, the premise is expecting volunteers to stand around for 13 hours droning aimlessly from a script and expecting that to be at all productive, helpful, or useful. This scarcely even qualifies as an idea, let alone anything that might be regarded as "good."

Definitely open to suggestions for something more interesting. You're still not getting the idea using the symbolic nature of the filibuster. Its not even about what you say for 13 hours, its the fact that you feel so strongly about something that you would test yourself emotionally and physically to stand for that long for it. Anywho. Again, if you have an idea than you could pencil into a smaller block of your busy schedule, do share.

I do think Rand needs some of that Ron Paul supporter mojo, people ready to stand up and shout the message of liberty to the world and make some kind of splash. We need to be louder than the media to beat the false narrative that people don't give a $#@! about liberty anymore. I mean, maybe they don't, and maybe this is proof of that.

[Cabal]

Might want to review what the word premise means.

You people are so $#@!ing insufferable sometimes, honestly.



The premises were

If we

staging a nationwide reenactment of his 13 hour filibuster of CIA Director Brennan's nomination over the issue of Drones, wearing Don't Drone Me, Bro! shirts or full on Rand costume, curly locks and all, if desired. Stand in a public place where you will not be removed by Police, and recite the full transcript of his filibuster, end to end, streaming or filming and uploading to youtube.

and

if done in a widespread, coordinated way, and if it is publicized on social media enough

then the conclusion will be

get media coverage

[Makes Interesting Points]

A public filibuster in the streets that protests the masses' ignorance to their loss of freedom, just like Rand protested the government's ignorance with his fillibuster? I like it. However, I would prefer doing the NSA filibuster. The NSA is the perfect issue to convert other conservatives on. It's something that only Rand effectively opposes, and if you can convince a conservative that the NSA is morally wrong (it's not that hard and I've already done this to several), then all roads point to Rand for the solution. What I would rather do than just straight up read Paul's filibuster for an entire day, is transform its transcript into a recruitment message for other conservatives to support Rand. We could all collaborate on this with a Google Drive document. Our speech could make the case that freedom IS a moral issue, alongside the traditional conservative values of being pro-life etc.. We could also group the dangerous slippery slope of "freedom-killing socialism" with the slippery slope of the NSA taking our freedom away. That would get establishment conservatives to realize that Rand is actually the most conservative candidate, based on the definition of what a real conservative is. Instead of one 12 hour speech, we could write like 4-7 speeches that are each 2 hours. The speeches would be composed of perhaps 70% of Rand filibuster transcript and 30% our writing. Then we could go stand at select locations for 2 hours at a certain time each day for a week plus. Not everyone participating would have to say the speeches. We could have hip music playing and people with Rand outfits and sunglasses nodding their head to it. We could say a different one of our prepared speeches each day. People would get to know the time slot and location, and we'd make the news. We could turn it into a nation-wide phenomenon/meme if all our events had a lot in common, such as - they all take place at 8pm GMT at Wendy's' across the nation (just an example location lol). Or maybe they could all take place near a chain business that has a CEO who supports Rand Paul, such as Whole Foods, in case the CEO wants to get involved (long shot, but still).

[65fastback2+2]

You people are so $#@!ing insufferable sometimes, honestly.

The conclusion was



The premises were

I think this might be an idea that COULD potentially get media coverage

Come on now...help refine it instead of being so anti here.

[limequat]

What I see is an electorate voting on emotion. There was palpable emotion with Ron. I felt it. Obama, not me, but many others. Trump: yep anger. Bernie, uh huh idealistic fervor.

Rand is a thinker. The emotion isn't there on the part of the electorate. "Hope! Change! Revolution! Greatness!" Meanwhile, we're trying to get the valedictorian elected to homecoming king. Rand is still our last best hope. But for next time, we should take a cue from the establishment and remember that the president is a puppet for a reason. The people demand glitter, the substance must be hidden from view.

[thatpeculiarcat]

Yes, the idea is ridiculous, but your heart is the in the right place.

People can't get behind Rand. It's HARD to be enthusiastic about him. Watch/Rewatch For Liberty and ask yourself how many of those people would do all of the things they did for Ron, for Rand now. The number is not 100%, 90%, 80%...it's probably about half. We simply do not have the numbers we used to have, and 2012 really jaded a lot of us. Even if we go out and vote Rand, a majority of us won't go to a convention all day for him. It's just the way it is, and it has nothing to do with the message, but has everything to do with the messenger. Ron inspired us with everything he did, and while Rand has had his moments--very good moments at that--he has disappointed the liberty movement too many times for 100% of Ron People to go plastering signs, vandalizing property with bumper stickers, being a salesman on a highway, buying a $70,000 full page ad, using a blimp, or marching on Washington.

And the sad part is Rand could have ALL of that stuff back tomorrow if he just said, "$#@! IT!" and went full on libertarian.

[limequat]

Yes, the idea is ridiculous, but your heart is the in the right place.

People can't get behind Rand. It's HARD to be enthusiastic about him. Watch/Rewatch For Liberty and ask yourself how many of those people would do all of the things they did for Ron, for Rand now. The number is not 100%, 90%, 80%...it's probably about half. We simply do not have the numbers we used to have, and 2012 really jaded a lot of us. Even if we go out and vote Rand, a majority of us won't go to a convention all day for him. It's just the way it is, and it has nothing to do with the message, but has everything to do with the messenger. Ron inspired us with everything he did, and while Rand has had his moments--very good moments at that--he has disappointed the liberty movement too many times for 100% of Ron People to go plastering signs, vandalizing property with bumper stickers, being a salesman on a highway, buying a $70,000 full page ad, using a blimp, or marching on Washington.

And the sad part is Rand could have ALL of that stuff back tomorrow if he just said, "$#@! IT!" and went full on libertarian.

I agree with everything but the last line. I think that moment in time is gone.

[randbot16]

A public filibuster in the streets that protests the masses' ignorance to their loss of freedom, just like Rand protested the government's ignorance with his fillibuster? I like it. However, I would prefer doing the NSA filibuster. The NSA is the perfect issue to convert other conservatives on. It's something that only Rand effectively opposes, and if you can convince a conservative that the NSA is morally wrong (it's not that hard and I've already done this to several), then all roads point to Rand for the solution. What I would rather do than just straight up read Paul's filibuster for an entire day, is transform its transcript into a recruitment message for other conservatives to support Rand. We could all collaborate on this with a Google Drive document. Our speech could make the case that freedom IS a moral issue, alongside the traditional conservative values of being pro-life etc.. We could also group the dangerous slippery slope of "freedom-killing socialism" with the slippery slope of the NSA taking our freedom away. That would get establishment conservatives to realize that Rand is actually the most conservative candidate, based on the definition of what a real conservative is. Instead of one 12 hour speech, we could write like 4-7 speeches that are each 2 hours. The speeches would be composed of perhaps 70% of Rand filibuster transcript and 30% our writing. Then we could go stand at select locations for 2 hours at a certain time each day for a week plus. Not everyone participating would have to say the speeches. We could have hip music playing and people with Rand outfits and sunglasses nodding their head to it. We could say a different one of our prepared speeches each day. People would get to know the time slot and location, and we'd make the news. We could turn it into a nation-wide phenomenon/meme if all our events had a lot in common, such as - they all take place at 8pm GMT at Wendy's' across the nation (just an example location lol). Or maybe they could all take place near a chain business that has a CEO who supports Rand Paul, such as Whole Foods, in case the CEO wants to get involved (long shot, but still).

You do indeed make interesting points. A lot of good suggestions here. The Whole Foods thing. I do agree with the negative-nancies that the 13 hour filibuster may be the wrong content, and like the idea of collaborating on and crafting the message.

[65fastback2+2]

Yes, the idea is ridiculous, but your heart is the in the right place.

People can't get behind Rand. It's HARD to be enthusiastic about him. Watch/Rewatch For Liberty and ask yourself how many of those people would do all of the things they did for Ron, for Rand now. The number is not 100%, 90%, 80%...it's probably about half. We simply do not have the numbers we used to have, and 2012 really jaded a lot of us. Even if we go out and vote Rand, a majority of us won't go to a convention all day for him. It's just the way it is, and it has nothing to do with the message, but has everything to do with the messenger. Ron inspired us with everything he did, and while Rand has had his moments--very good moments at that--he has disappointed the liberty movement too many times for 100% of Ron People to go plastering signs, vandalizing property with bumper stickers, being a salesman on a highway, buying a $70,000 full page ad, using a blimp, or marching on Washington.

And the sad part is Rand could have ALL of that stuff back tomorrow if he just said, "$#@! IT!" and went full on libertarian.

I dont think its the messenger at all...either are fine.

I think its the people wore out. My own wife wont vote "It wouldnt change anything"...or many of my friends "Just gotta wait till it all crashes and we can reset".

[randbot16]

Yes, the idea is ridiculous, but your heart is the in the right place.

People can't get behind Rand. It's HARD to be enthusiastic about him. Watch/Rewatch For Liberty and ask yourself how many of those people would do all of the things they did for Ron, for Rand now. The number is not 100%, 90%, 80%...it's probably about half. We simply do not have the numbers we used to have, and 2012 really jaded a lot of us. Even if we go out and vote Rand, a majority of us won't go to a convention all day for him. It's just the way it is, and it has nothing to do with the message, but has everything to do with the messenger. Ron inspired us with everything he did, and while Rand has had his moments--very good moments at that--he has disappointed the liberty movement too many times for 100% of Ron People to go plastering signs, vandalizing property with bumper stickers, being a salesman on a highway, buying a $70,000 full page ad, using a blimp, or marching on Washington.

And the sad part is Rand could have ALL of that stuff back tomorrow if he just said, "$#@! IT!" and went full on libertarian.

I feel you. I have felt that way about Rand too. I went to one diner stop in NH for Rand this season, and after only observing Ron's campaign through the internet in '12, the huge crowds and all the enthusiasm, the gray day and low energy at the diner stop was certainly underwhelming. But meeting Rand, and knowing he's authentic reawakened my desire to promote liberty nonetheless. I have given about $700 to the campaign so far, and will continue giving even if he does poorly in NH.

I still feel like Rand has done so much to earn our support, but yeah, people are burned out, feel like their vote won't be counted, etc. The goal should still be promoting liberty, shrinking govt and ending the federal reserve, whether he wins the nomination or not. If I had to bet $$, I'd say it is going to be Rubio VS Clinton in the general and Clinton is going to win. The RNC is utterly compromised and has some backroom agreement with the DNC to offer up fall guys for the Democratic nominee to easily slay.

I don't think people supporting Ron necessarily supported the Libertarian philosophy. Trump is evidence of that. People want someone who is going to go after the establishment. Unfortunately Trump has attached a stigma of racism (probably intentionally) to the anti-establishment wing of the party which will doom it against Clinton.

[Makes Interesting Points]

I feel you. I have felt that way about Rand too. I went to one diner stop in NH for Rand this season, and after only observing Ron's campaign through the internet in '12, the huge crowds and all the enthusiasm, the gray day and low energy at the diner stop was certainly underwhelming. But meeting Rand, and knowing he's authentic reawakened my desire to promote liberty nonetheless. I have given about $700 to the campaign so far, and will continue giving even if he does poorly in NH.

I still feel like Rand has done so much to earn our support, but yeah, people are burned out, feel like their vote won't be counted, etc. The goal should still be promoting liberty, shrinking govt and ending the federal reserve, whether he wins the nomination or not. If I had to bet $$, I'd say it is going to be Rubio VS Clinton in the general and Clinton is going to win. The RNC is utterly compromised and has some backroom agreement with the DNC to offer up fall guys for the Democratic nominee to easily slay.

I don't think people supporting Ron necessarily supported the Libertarian philosophy. Trump is evidence of that. People want someone who is going to go after the establishment. Unfortunately Trump has attached a stigma of racism (probably intentionally) to the anti-establishment wing of the party which will doom it against Clinton.

Wow $700 donated by you? I got some catching up to do.

I think we should look at the reasons why we are so much more driven than the masses to support Rand. What drives me the most is that I believe he's literally THE only one who can save the country. America is acting out a tragic love story, with Rand Paul as the protagonist that is doomed to fail. Everything else besides Rand Paul is so tiny in importance right now compared to Rand Paul. The masses however, only view him as a possible preference over someone else. They don't really get why we need this guy to be president. If only we could create a narrative that demonstrates the real threat to America and that he's the only one who can stop it, like with the compiled speech idea I had. When people think that someone is America's only hope, it's a lot easier for them to have enthusiasm than if they just think someone is one possible choice. But it's hard to accurately convey why Rand Paul isn't just a preference, but necessary, without being painted as a looney conspiracy theorist; to make the argument for Rand's necessity, you have to really get into what will happen without him as president, and the masses see all future predictions besides their own as lame conspiracy theories. Between my essays on Facebook, and the stuff I've told people, I can pretty much convince anybody except socialists that Rand Paul is a necessary force. The logic is there, but it takes too much time to get large amounts of people to read/listen to it.

You know what would be cool? If someone started a mostly non-profit website where anyone regardless of political affiliation can complete tests that determine one's political smarts. People who pass the test(s) can become a "Certified Logical Voter". Then, they can get proof of their status with a shirt pin and a certificate. If this caught on, people would want to become certified for bragging rights, and to feel like a great voter. It could make voting based on logic - rather than on personality or flare - very popular in this country, rather than the incorrect "it's always better to vote than not to vote, regardless of reasons or motive" philosophy that America has today. You'd just have to make sure that the website's tests encourage people to be open-minded, and say that it's possible to be both a logical voter and open to changing one's positions. Increasing the percentage of votes that are logical votes would greatly help Rand Paul, and the next candidate like him.

[randbot16]

Wow $700 donated by you? I got some catching up to do.

I think we should look at the reasons why we are so much more driven than the masses to support Rand. What drives me the most is that I believe he's literally THE only one who can save the country. America is acting out a tragic love story, with Rand Paul as the protagonist that is doomed to fail. Everything else besides Rand Paul is so tiny in importance right now compared to Rand Paul. The masses however, only view him as a possible preference over someone else. They don't really get why we need this guy to be president. If only we could create a narrative that demonstrates the real threat to America and that he's the only one who can stop it, like with the compiled speech idea I had. When people think that someone is America's only hope, it's a lot easier for them to have enthusiasm than if they just think someone is one possible choice. But it's hard to accurately convey why Rand Paul isn't just a preference, but necessary, without being painted as a looney conspiracy theorist; to make the argument for Rand's necessity, you have to really get into what will happen without him as president, and the masses see all future predictions besides their own as lame conspiracy theories. Between my essays on Facebook, and the stuff I've told people, I can pretty much convince anybody except socialists that Rand Paul is a necessary force. The logic is there, but it takes too much time to get large amounts of people to read/listen to it.

You know what would be cool? If someone started a mostly non-profit website where anyone regardless of political affiliation can complete tests that determine one's political smarts. People who pass the test(s) can become a "Certified Logical Voter". Then, they can get proof of their status with a shirt pin and a certificate. If this caught on, people would want to become certified for bragging rights, and to feel like a great voter. It could make voting based on logic - rather than on personality or flare - very popular in this country, rather than the incorrect "it's always better to vote than not to vote, regardless of reasons or motive" philosophy that America has today. You'd just have to make sure that the website's tests encourage people to be open-minded, and say that it's possible to be both a logical voter and open to changing one's positions. Increasing the percentage of votes that are logical votes would greatly help Rand Paul, and the next candidate like him.

With Cruz shaming people for not voting by scoring their attendance, I feel he has ruined the climate for an idea like this, plus it would require marketing/advertising to drive people to the site, ALOT. Seems I generated very little enthusiasm at all with the idea. Guess we keep pushing for Rand in our own little ways.

[Libertas Aut Mortis]

I may have a more effective idea. Run for local office. Hold townhalls and rallies and spread the message of liberty far and wide. If you win, awesome, now spread that message to your peers, if you lose...perhaps you were the gadfly.

Stunts like reciting someone elses filibuster seem sophmoric. Why not get a crowd and do a townhall type meeting? Who says you even have to run for office to do that? Community action is the answer my friends. If Rand can be helped by it, awesome. However, the goal is so much more than merely winning the presidency.

We need the country.