Answer to the Mainstream Media's Disrespect; Take the $20 Million Matching Funds.

[dreicher]

I posited on DailyPaul before, but why not just contact each individual donor and allow them to decide if they want their funds matched (up to the $250 limit). Also, add a checkbox to the online donation form of the same...

In this manner, it has nothing to do with Ron Paul's wishes - he is only respecting the wishes of his donors and their individual choice and is THAT his underlying principle.

 

[MadViking10]

No, Ron Paul should not take the funds. These are funds where force is used to gain them. This is not what a freedom thinking individual would do.

NOBODY ever forced me to check that stupid ass box on my tax return. TAKE THE MONEY AND SHOVE IT DOWN THE SHEEPLES THROAT !!

 

[alexa doherty]

Take the money and create a news station. Hah, I wish

 

[McMaster]

Take the money and spend it swiftly.

 

[nc4rp]

taking the money would give him credibility as more of a viable candidate.

 

[kaberUSA]

Ok.

Thing is that came from OUR taxes.

Basically if Dr Paul takes the money some of your taxes went to him, instead of the war.

Take it.

Agreed

 

[SteveB-NY]

If we compromise principle on this one on the basis that the ends justify the means which principle do we sell out next?
No to matching funds.

 

[chowdy]

Ron Paul has our admiration because he firmly stands for his principles. Rejecting your beliefs and rationalizing it as "the ends justify the means"... all this is the very mindset we are fighting AGAINST.

 

[DrCap]

The end does not justify the means, we are not supporting Machiavelli's drive to "increase the state" argument.
Nevertheless I do believe it would be consistent with the moral argument since the money is taken to fight against us. And their rules allow us to take it.
Though RP probably won't take the money, last I heard.

 

[Edu]

I hate to say this, but.... TAKE IT!

 

[RobS]

I don't see the problem? It is completely voluntary... no one has to pay the tax. The people who put the money into the matching funds "bucket" did it for reasons exactly like this...

How is it unprincipled?

 

[Goldwater Conservative]

Since the money is voluntarily donated, there's not a huge philosophical problem. However, I don't see Dr. Paul doing it and the bigger problem would probably be all the restrictions he'd have to deal with when spending the money.

 

[thisisgiparti]

One problem - principle consistency. Imagine how the MSM would react if Ron Paul did take that money.

Why? That's what it's there for. It's so that all candidates have a fair shot. Ron Paul could put more effort into his campaign.

Although, if the campaign had spent more money in the first two primary states, it would not be an issue.

 

[michaelwise]

Since the money is voluntarily donated, there's not a huge philosophical problem. However, I don't see Dr. Paul doing it and the bigger problem would probably be all the restrictions he'd have to deal with when spending the money.

All the other candidates take the money to use it against us. Taking the money is all about playing fair.

 

[Nyte]

Take the money!

 

[MoneyWhereMyMouthIs2]

We lost this election because of the lack of MSM coverage and their disrespect of our candidate. What can be done about it? Take the $20 million in federal matching funds. We don't have to use it if we don't need it. We can just keep it in the bank in case we do. We could give it back if we don't need it, but have it just in case.

No thanks. Principle.

 

[Coola]

This is the first time i've even heard of this, I didn't know the govt. gives candidates 'matching funds' money lol, damn I'm slow.

 

[michaelwise]

Making a small compromise by taking the money is no big deal Ron Paul will have to make many compromises as president. This will just help him get used to it a little bit.

 

[bluemarkets]

Dr. Paul will not take this money.

Better idea --- canvass your a$$ off for the next 2 weeks to add 400,000 new patriots to the cause and have them donate $50...

 

[Corydoras]

This was discussed before and someone said that Ron Paul has already spent too much money in NH to qualify for matching funds, because of the limitations on how those funds are spent. But I don't have facts here, and with the search function turned off I can't find that thread.