News & Analysis
The Ron Paul Story
In less than two years since its founding, [the Congressman Ron Paul-generated] Campaign for Liberty has shocked the political establishment and taken the fight right to the statists in Washington, D.C. The level of success you and I have achieved would have been unbelievable just a few short years ago. Before the Freedom Revolution, no one in the inside the beltway political establishment would have thought a complete audit of the Federal Reserve would ever be seriously considered. But you and I have proved them wrong. Because you and hundreds of thousands of other Americans stood up and fought back, creating a firestorm of activity and putting the Fed under greater public scrutiny than ever before. – John Tate, President, Campaign for Liberty
Dominant Social Theme: A new political dynasty is forming?
Free-Market Analysis: While we usually focus on the dominant social themes of the elite, we wanted to take the time over this weekend to comment on the Paul clan and how it has been shaking up the political establishment. We are aware of the reports circulating that Ron Paul (above left) is part of the "controlled opposition." But he was close to Murray Rothbard and labored in obscurity for decades as regards his anti-military, pro hard-money beliefs. Thus, regardless of some surprising Youtube videos, we will take this small moment to recognize the progress that the libertarian movement has made in part as a result of Ron Paul's higher profile.
It is true that for several decades there has not been much to celebrate, certainly not in America (or in Britain for that matter). Since Ronald Reagan's time (and the Gipper did seem to be a genuine libertarian conservative in many ways), the American libertarian community has lagged in popularity. Times are a-changing. In fact, this is something of a Daily Bell dominant social theme – that the Internet has become not only a force for freedom and truth-telling but that it has generated a whole penumbra of actionable socio-political results that have tended to undermine power elite fear-based promotions.
These results include the freedom-based Tea Party movement in America, the erosion of the global warming meme worldwide, and even the growing dissatisfaction with the EU over in Europe. While it is probably too early to say with certainty that libertarian Congressman Ron Paul's son, Rand Paul, is going to be the next Senator from Kentucky, it is still fairly likely (despite the smears) that Rand Paul may win, thus in one stroke politically outdo his father who is a mere, albeit effective, House Congressman. This would mean that America would truly have a new political dynasty to celebrate.
Another reason to celebrate is because of the success of the Campaign for Liberty (see excerpt above). This group has truly made undeniable strides in the two years of its existence. While its achievements for obvious reasons (to us anyway) are not made much of in the media, its influence continues to grow. Here's some more from the "update letter" excerpted above:
Here are just a few examples [of Campaign for Liberty successes]:
- In November 2009, when the Fed's friends in Congress attempted to kill Audit the Fed in the House Financial Services Committee, C4L members defeated their plans and pushed the Paul/Grayson amendment to victory by a vote of 43-26.
- Last January, Ben Bernanke was appointed to a second term as Fed chairman, but intense pressure on the Senate led to him receiving fewer votes than any other chairman in history.
- A hot-off-the-presses Rasmussen survey this May has revealed that 80% of the American people want to hold the Fed accountable by thoroughly auditing its books, proving our efforts to educate our family, friends, and neighbors are working.
But the establishment isn't going to give up easily, and much remains to be done. Throughout the rest of the year, C4L will undertake several projects to advance the liberty message.
In addition to our continuing work on Audit the Fed, we're launching a major effort to contact millions of Americans about Ron Paul's End the Mandate Act, H.R. 4995, which would repeal the newly-passed federal mandate requiring Americans to carry government-approved health insurance. As election season heats up, C4L wants to keep incumbents and candidates accountable by making sure they go on the record about issues critical to liberty with our Candidate Survey program.
In just a few months, we'll be holding our New Hampshire Regional Conference, providing more top-notch grassroots training for grassroots activists and featuring leading speakers to educate and motivate us for the road ahead. ... And we're going to continue pushing for a standalone, up or down vote on Audit the Fed, H.R. 1207 and S. 604, on the House and Senate floors.
Every day, more Americans are awakening to the failures of an out of control government, and there has never been a better chance for us to reclaim the Republic our forefathers entrusted to us.
It is always tempting to focus on the negative. (In addition hearing the rumors about Ron Paul, we have stated our belief that Rand Paul could be clearer about his libertarian tendencies ... see: "Rand Paul Disappoints.") But as mentioned above, we see positives as well. The power elite in our estimation is having increasing difficulty with its promotions.
After having had the luxury of an almost hermetic mainstream message system (via the mainstream media) for at least 50 years (post World War II), the Internet has changed the environment radically and prised open the cloistered oyster-shell of power elite plans. Thousands of articles each day track the machinations of the elite and the corruption of Western government. Millions of readers each day comment on these articles and on freedom videos. Proof positive: here at the modest little Bell we received more than four million hits last month – and we're just getting started! It is truly a new century.
Conclusion: We are well aware of course that even if Rand Paul wins his Senate seat, the chances of the mainstream media treating the Pauls with real adulation (like the Kennedys) are infinitesimal. Heck, to be honest, they are impossible. But, you know, the Pauls will roll on, rumors and all, and, likely, so will the freedom movement – which has a life of its own. It has spread, we think, beyond a single individual or institution.
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Posted by Chuck on 05/29/10 10:16 AM
The message is spreading, and the Bell is helping to spread it. I personally tell all my friends to read the Bell. Even in my ranting emails to politicians like Frank and Brown (I live in MA) have links to the Bell.
The thing about Ron Paul is that he is doing everything he can to soften the inevitable blow this country is going to receive. He's not too old, just like JFK wasn't too young.
Reply from The Daily Bell
Thanks.
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Posted by Maxfan on 05/29/10 10:05 AM
I've been a Ron Paul fan for over 25 years and voted for him for president in 1988. After wallowing in obscurity and ridicule for decades, he and his(my) Libertarian views are finally being recognized as the real mainstream view. Most folks didn't know that they were actually Libertarians because the MSM made us all out to be kooks and what sheep wants to be seen as a kooky sheep? :-)
Make no mistake Dr. Paul knows the real truth about what's going on in our government, but even as far as we've come, he can't speak the real truth just yet. The People would just think that it was way too fantastic to believe.
He knows that the Income Tax is voluntary and can be nothing but, because it violates our Constitution. He knows that the 16th Amendment (income tax) was never ratified and even if it was, does not apply to 95% of Americans working for wages. I think that he probably knows that 9/11 was an inside job and so was Oklahoma City, all to push for the Elite's One World Government/Taxes/Control. But we're still not at the point where any politician can get elected telling this kind of truth..........but......we're getting there!
RUN FOR YOUR LIVES TYRANTS............THE GIG'S ABOUT UP!
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Posted by Bmayler on 05/29/10 09:57 AM
Present - past - future tense: Rand - Ron - Revolution!! YEAH!
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Posted by Bill Barnes on 05/29/10 09:51 AM
Isn't Ron Paul too old to be president?
Reply from The Daily Bell
He has not indicated that he is running again.
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Posted by Brian C on 05/29/10 09:41 AM
First we take Kentucky, then we take Washington... it has a catchy ring to it. Maybe Leonard Cohen would perform a special arrangement for the future Rand Paul Inaugural Concert followed by his tongue-in-cheek song "Democracy". Although Cohen's body of work tends to lean to the left politically, I've noted many culturally conservative elements to his writing. I think Leonard could learn to embrace libertarianism. He could be a libertarian who rejects being labeled "left" or "right".
However, it was not my intention to discuss Leonard Cohen in my feedback. Instead my intentions were to comment on Rand Paul. I agree with the Daily Bell in so far as I too would like to see Rand Paul be more open with his libertarian ideals; however, I understand his reasons for maintaining a conservative platform, as he does not want to alienate his supporters who may not agree with some of his libertarian beliefs. This to me shows that Rand has a keen political acumen. One that will serve him well in Washington.
I share the same desire as the Daily Bell, a longing that the Internet will continue to disarm the elite by providing a platform where like-minded individuals can openly exchange information and ideas. The Internet is indeed a force for freedom and is proving a powerful tool for undermining the power elite's fear-based promotions. The Rasmussen survey results in which 80% of Americans surveyed expressed a desire for the Federal Reserve to be audited shows we're making progress. I am also glad to see the May 2010 Rasmussen report reveal growing support for a repeal of the new national health care plan. Voter disapproval of the proposed national health care plan has jumped to 63%, its highest level ever. Americans are starting to realize that a nationalized health care plan will drive up the cost of health care rather than achieve its stated goal of causing those costs to go down.
As Americans become enlightened in the future and become more open to libertarian ideas, perhaps Rand Paul will be more inclined to show some of his true colours. I agree with the Daily Bell's assertion in the May 26, 2010 issue "Copycat Republicans Seek Answers", it would be nice to see the U.S. Tea Party add to its conservative platform some libertarian ideals such as putting an end to central banking and reverting back to the gold standard. Secondly, I'd like to see the Tea Party (and Rand Paul) add to their manifesto a withdrawal from foreign entanglements and thus drastically reduce military spending which would then start the dismantling of America's $1 trillion military industrial complex.
P.S. I'll conclude by leaving you with a short 5-minute speech from Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) introducing a bill called 'The War Is Making You Poor Act'. Please copy and past the following link in a separate browser window and watch the video: Click to view link
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Posted by Dave Redick on 05/29/10 09:36 AM
Sudden poularity is great, but Ron and I have been in the trenches for a few years. He started in Congress in 1976 with a focus on sound money. I ran for Congress as a Libertarian in 1982 (got 3% of the vote), then as a 'Ron Paul Republican' with Reagan in 1984, both in Dis. CA-1 and got 38%. Ron's Campaign Mgr, the late Tony Payton, was my Advisor.
I was accepted by the local Repub. leadership. I have been active in WI since moving here in 2004 and have been rejected by the local Repub. leadership as a radical. They like Bush and 'Party-first' loyalty. The lying jerk Karl Rove was the main speaker at the WI GOP convention last week. YUK!
The next three years could be revolutionary!! YEAH !
See my sites Click to view link (personal, political), and Click to view link (campaign for state ass'y)
Reply from The Daily Bell
Thanks for the update.
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Posted by George on 05/29/10 09:34 AM
I can accredit Ron Paul for waking me up too. His unrelenting pounding of the Federal Reserve like Superman is something we should all take up. Its the Federal Reserve and European central banks that fund both sides of any war which they concoct so they can enrich themselves all with American blood and sacrifice.
Pres Andrew Jackson had a distaste for central banking and put the Bank of the United States, the precursor to the Federal Reserve, out of business because of how their monetary policies endangered our liberty and independence. I've been doing as much research as I can about the Federal Reserve and have found out that THEY are at the root of the majority of problems in world. The crisis's they have created where hijacked by the progressive movement so that they could impose their will on the people. That's how Woodrow Wilson and FDR got their "big break" of sorts and shoved Social Security down our collective throats. People need to get informed and as soon as enough people understand how the Fed operates, the sooner we can bring them to an end.
Read the book "The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look at the Federal Reserve". It's chocked full of facts from different sources since its birth. You will definitely have an eureka moment or two once you start reading it. After just reading about half of the book, I can understand why the Fed has been fighting so hard against the audit that Ron Paul seeks. We should be demanding it too.. So many lives could have been saved from war if it hadn't been for the Federal Reserve.
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Posted by Leslie on 05/29/10 09:11 AM
The "Great Awakening" is not just an awakening of new Freedom Lovers. Rather, Ron Paul lit a fantastic lamp that allowed those of us who were already very well awake to discover that we had numbers, and that we had strength in those numbers. Before Ron Paul and before internet support, we were in isolation and did not know that there were many hundreds of thousands, even millions who were not as blind and stupid as the media and the politicians and the elite had thought. That Light brought us hope. That hope brought us courage. And that courage has brought us ferocious strength. And that Freedom Light is now awakening others whose minds had been muddled with "public" education (see Woodrow Wilson speech on the need for public education), bad food and "entertainment". We must harden ourselves to our mission and commit our wills to the Freedom of future generations now.
Thank you Daily Bell for aiding the spread of this light. And, thank you Dr. Paul, and all of the Freedom Lovers, including my 73 year old father who was enlightening this Freedom Lover by the tender age of 5 years old.
Thank you God for this life which you have given to me to live according to your Will.
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Posted by Chris Kelly on 05/29/10 08:46 AM
When I first heard of Ron Paul, it was 2007. I was uncritical of Republicans, but supported them with an uneasiness since the day Bush announced he was going after Iraq, who had not actually provoked us into war. It was accidental that I started listening to Ron Paul---after I noticed that he bore a strong resemblance to my own father. I can say Dr. Paul has definitely given me a new view of things, for which I am very grateful.
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Posted by Denis Jaisson on 05/29/10 08:35 AM
Why should Ron Paul be part of a "controlled opposition" more than the Daily Bell is? After all, both are against any kind of regulation, let alone that against the thieves and gangsters who populate the penitentiaries, of course.
Yet both the Republicans and the Democrats - the elites in a word - either circumvented or did away with the regulations which prevented them from praying on the public.
Are Ron Paul or the Daily Bell part of a "controlled deregulating enterprise", then? Indeed why is a regulation good when it protects one's home against burglary, and bad when it prevents white collar crooks from kidnapping a whole economy, pray tell?
Reply from The Daily Bell
"Indeed why is a regulation good when it protects one's home against burglary, and bad when it prevents white collar crooks from kidnapping a whole economy, pray tell?"
What "regulation" protects one's home against burglary other than a watchman, a gate, security cameras, etc. - all of which are easily available in the private marketplace? Similarly, given the past 100 years of intensive regulatory capitalism and the creation of numerous regulators - do markets function better today or with less "manipulation" and "corruption?" We hadn't noticed.
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Posted by Dan on 05/29/10 08:24 AM
The media doesn't understand that it is not about a person but a movement. That movement is a rebirth of a core belief in the USA - LIBERTY. As central planning socialists close their grip on the populace the populace with resist, reluctantly as first and passionately in the end.
"The Revolution was effected before the War commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments of their duties and obligations ... This radical change in the principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people was the real American Revolution." John Adams
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Posted by Imhotep on 05/29/10 08:06 AM
Ron Paul is not perfect for he is just human after all. But I can say that he has changed my personal life thoroughly and influenced me toward Libertarianism. When I first heard about him, "accidentally" by wandering on the internet, I thought he was just a kooky old " racist"( I am of African descent by the way) pushing a right wing agenda against immigrants and social welfare which I supported and took for granted at the time. I was indeed a Bush basher yet a "Clintonite".
I could not detect the dialectic behind the two establishment political parties! Indeed I was a cog blaming the other group for all the wrongs in the world yet unable to see the insanity of my own world view.
The clarity of Ron Paul analysis on the government irresponsibility and crimes of war along with the welfare for the rich and the destructive work of the Federal Reserve led me to study Mises and the Austrian school; and, I have never looked by ever since.
My disdain for clowns like Reverend Al Sharpton and other " black leaders" is growing in leaps and bounds everyday for I have realizedthat these gentlemen are only looking up for themselves. A free people need no " leader" who will direct them to the mountain top and the politicians in Washington DC and their banking and corporate buddies are afraid of losing their little privileges.
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