I don't even know how to put it into words.... But I'll try....

[Sematary]

I haven't been around for awhile (as some of the old hands will attest), but I have been paying attention and reading my google alerts and watching the progress and in some cases, the lack thereof. I'm so proud of the supporters who have fought tooth and nail for national delegates and rules changes, etc... etc... you do us all proud.
Now onto the reason for my post...

After watching the results of the PA vote, I'm confused by Republicans in general. Not JUST confused but truly and completely baffled. Here, they had a choice to truly make a difference, to send a message - to tell the party elite that enough is enough and they voted for John McCain anyway. Is the goddammed war so freaking important to the rank and file Republican that they can't see that they have betrayed the very beliefs for which they became republicans?

Are they so afraid of what "might" happen in the future that they are willing to destroy the country to offer them false hope of protection from potential terrorist attack? What is WRONG with these people?

There was a CLEAR choice to be made - more of the same, or a new (old) direction - one which is bound to the beliefs the party was founded on - smaller, constitutional government, lower taxes, etc...

I am at a loss to explain how outraged and how disappointed I am in our fellow citizens. When the house of cards comes tumbling down - who will they turn to and will they look in the mirror and blame themselves for their own short sightedness? Probably not. If past experience is any indication - they'll blame the Democrats.

 

[billv]

I agree. What is left of the rank and file members of the Republican party just fall in line. There is no independent thought anymore. They are neocons through and through.

 

[brandon]

Is the goddammed war so freaking important to the rank and file Republican that they can't see that they have betrayed the very beliefs for which they became republicans?

No, The problem is 99% of them dont know why they are republicans or what McCain stands for. A huge percentage of them are against the war and vote for McCain anyway. Many of them could not even pass a elementary civics test.

The people we are up against are not smart or educated. They are not acting logically. They are acting on emotion, which has been installed in them through thier family and the media.

Our mistake is we try to debate issues and construct logical arguments. This does not work.

If we could play a feel good symphony composed by Dr. America while showing these people a slide show of white americans doing physical labor,, and wrap it up by saying "Vote for America, Vote for Ron Paul."... then they would vote for us.

 

[Kotin]

their loyalty is used against them and their patriotism is challenged if they don't fall in line.

all too many of them do what they are told.

and feel threatened by Constitutionalists, they are blinded and see us as enemies.

even though we seek to bring back what they claim to be defending, the very definition of a Republican.


strange times.

 

[Karakia]

I think a lot of Americans get the wrong Message from Ron Paul; that he's Anti-war. Someone described Ron Paul's idea to me of pulling out of Iraq as "burying our heads in the sand." In my humble opinion, there could be a stronger emphasis on the fact that though he does not like war, and he doesn't want America to police the world, Ron Paul is not Anti-war.

 

[brandon]

Ron Paul is not Anti-war.

I think Kurt Vonnegut expressed this sentiment well in his book slaughterhouse five. It is a semi-autobiographical account of his time as a POW in dresden.



"- You know what I say to people when I hear they're writing an anti-war book?? I say, "why don't you write an anti-glacier book instead?""

 

[Hook]

No, The problem is 99% of them dont know why they are republicans or what McCain stands for. A huge percentage of them are against the war and vote for McCain anyway. Many of them could not even pass a elementary civics test.

The people we are up against are not smart or educated. They are not acting logically. They are acting on emotion, which has been installed in them through thier family and the media.

Our mistake is we try to debate issues and construct logical arguments. This does not work.

If we could play a feel good symphony composed by Dr. America while showing these people a slide show of white americans doing physical labor,, and wrap it up by saying "Vote for America, Vote for Ron Paul."... then they would vote for us.

Agreed. And most have never even heard of Dr. Paul.

60% of the population votes for whoever has the most "face time". That makes it difficult when you can't get any love from the media.

 

[Dave39168]

He is not anti-war alltogether, He is anti-war in iraq though. People don't understand that Dr. Paul is VERY PRO-NATIONAL DEFENSE. and that this current war heavily undermines our defense.

 

[dannno]

Is the goddammed war so freaking important to the rank and file Republican that they can't see that they have betrayed the very beliefs for which they became republicans?

Are they so afraid of what "might" happen in the future that they are willing to destroy the country to offer them false hope of protection from potential terrorist attack? What is WRONG with these people?

Apparently, yes, and I don't know.


If they only knew they have a better chance getting hit by lightning

The media will never tell them that

 

[GunnyFreedom]

As far as I am concerned, RP is an excellent warrior who recognizes that OIF is a serious misstep in combating terror, that it creates more enemies than it destroys, and that RP's policies would servr better to defeat radical Islamic terror than any of the annointed three.

 

[tangent4ronpaul]

 

[revolutionary8]

No, The problem is 99% of them dont know why they are republicans or what McCain stands for. A huge percentage of them are against the war and vote for McCain anyway. Many of them could not even pass a elementary civics test.

The people we are up against are not smart or educated. They are not acting logically. They are acting on emotion, which has been installed in them through thier family and the media.

Our mistake is we try to debate issues and construct logical arguments. This does not work.

If we could play a feel good symphony composed by Dr. America while showing these people a slide show of white americans doing physical labor,, and wrap it up by saying "Vote for America, Vote for Ron Paul."... then they would vote for us.

lol. this is so true, but I think it is more with Dems than Republicans, the GOP is hijacked, so we are left w/ Ron Paul Publicans vs. McCain/Obama/Clinton. The Dems are war mongers and they actually don't know it (as hard as that is to believe).
we need puppies.
Same with the soldier throwing the puppy off of the cliff, the whole country was in shitstorm mode- never mind the babies we are melting with white phosphorus. It's insane.
Truth is indeed stranger than fiction.

 

[syborius]

No, The problem is 99% of them dont know why they are republicans or what McCain stands for. A huge percentage of them are against the war and vote for McCain anyway. Many of them could not even pass a elementary civics test.

The people we are up against are not smart or educated. They are not acting logically. They are acting on emotion, which has been installed in them through thier family and the media.

Our mistake is we try to debate issues and construct logical arguments. This does not work.

If we could play a feel good symphony composed by Dr. America while showing these people a slide show of white americans doing physical labor,, and wrap it up by saying "Vote for America, Vote for Ron Paul."... then they would vote for us.

you are 50% right, and Diebold is 50% right for the other non-voting half..Good analysis though ; )

 

[TruthAtLast]

I think there are several categories of Republicans which makes it difficult to get a grasp on the whole thing.

Here are 16 types that I can think of (and many more that are probably combinations of these below).

1. Those that are born Republican. Their parents were Republicans, and their parents, and their parents. They are more loyal to the party than to ideals or even to the country. They will vote for party unity and whoever they think the majority of the Republican leadership wants.
2. Those that are ignorant. These people just DON'T KNOW any better. They don't research any of the issues. They don't really know who stands for what or often times who is even running. They see a name they know or have heard of before and go with it. These people like to vote to say they voted. They want to play make-believe as if they are actually participating in the democratic process when they don't know a damn thing. (remember the video of the guy interviewing people on the beach in Florida... enough said)
3. Those that are semi-ignorant. They may know a little about the candidates but not about the underlying issues. They don't know how the FED works or how it was created. They don't understand that the third largest expense in the Federal budget is the Interest on our National debt. They don't know that these mega companies that are in bed with the Government control the media. They don't really know about the Patriot Act 2 (has a nice name doesn't it), or the Homegrown Terrorist Act, or the Real ID, or the Social Security Surveillance Act. They don't know of the corruption in their own party and how elections are controlled by those with power. They THINK they know and maybe even have a general belief that the Government is corrupt but have NO CLUE just how bad it is or how bad it could get.
4. Those that are controlled by fear. With the word "terrorism" constantly shoved into people's heads, these people are actually WILLING to give up their freedom to feel safe (or at least the illusion of being safe).
5. Those that are brainwashed. These people can sometimes be intelligent but don't understand the real issues. They THINK they know but they only know what the media or other political personalities have told them. They think they have it all figured out but they get all of the information from MSM.
6. Those that are delusional "patriots" and want to kill everyone else in the world that doesn't bow down to American superiority. Yes, there are people like this. I know it is hard to believe but they actually WANT to be in the middle east and don't care how many innocent people die. As far as they're concerned, those people were asking for it.
7. Those that are bleeding heart "patriots". These people only have two things in their head... people dying in 9/11 and soldiers dying in Iraq. They don't care about the monetary issues or foreign policy... they're thought process never gets that far. They only know that they have to "support our troops" no matter WHAT. They don't care if it is right or wrong. They just want to say they support the troops and that people didn't die in vain. They will stay as long as it takes and win at all costs.
8. Those that are living in a bubble. These people don't know anything about anything. They think the Government is just filled with really smart people and will make the decisions that are best for everyone. Sure, maybe some people will get screwed in the process but they figure it is for the greater good. (These are like pseudo socialists).
9. Those that are disenfranchised. These are people who figure it doesn't matter who they vote for. They don't think their vote will count at all. They don't like their choices but just pick the lesser to 2 or 3 evils (if they bother to vote at all).
10. Those that think Ron Paul can't win or isn't running. These people are more open-minded and might have even been leaning towards Ron Paul early but that faded quickly as soon at things got hard. These people might not vote at all, or if they do vote they may just vote for McCain because they believe he is the only one still in the race.
11. Those that just didn't know who Ron Paul was. Hard to believe but there are still MANY MANY people that have no idea who Ron Paul is. They probably aren't even following the primaries at all. Suddenly a friend or family member called them up the day before and said "make sure you vote" and they go down to the poll and pick the only name their heard of (or the name their friend or family member told them to vote for). They don't know anything and don't really care.
12. Those that have figured that the Republican nomination is already locked so they switched to Democrat to vote for Hillary, just as Rush has been telling them to do.
13. Those that are disappointed Ron Paul "fanboys" that were never in this for the Movement. Now they are upset (and maybe a little embarrassed) that their "guy" isn't doing so well and is teased by the Media. They just want to be on the winning team.
14. Those that have heard of Ron Paul but were misinformed by the media. They got caught up in how fun it is to pick on someone because hey, everyone else is doing it. Most people don't like confrontation and sometimes it takes a lot of courage and energy to constantly try to defend your position and your candidate. Many people just support McCain because they are lazy. It is just easier to do than trying to explain to every person you come across what Ron Paul stands for, how he was mistreated, why McCain is bad for the country.... and on and on... it can be exhausting at times and you have to REALLY BELIEVE in what you're saying to maintain this type of conviction.
15. Those that might agree with Ron Paul on a few things (mostly economic issues) but feel that he is too "soft" or "weak". They like McCain's tough guy appeal, which is why they liked Bush. He tried to portray himself as a no-nonsense type of guy. People feel safer with someone like that.
16. Then there are those that are in this to make a difference in this world no matter WHAT THE COST. We are TRUE patriots. We are TRUE conservatives. And really, we are the only TRUE Republicans. The fact that out of all of these types of people listed above, our group held 16% of the popular vote in PA and have over 1 million of the popular vote nation-wide is pretty darn amazing. It makes you think what the true support really would be if we were on a level playing field.
    

 

[Conza88]

I think there are several categories of Republicans which makes it difficult to get a grasp on the whole thing.

Here are 16 types...

 

[Hoover Dog 1957]

TruthatLast your 16 points are brilliant. I would hire you in a nanosecond to be a consultant on Ron Paul's campaign. Are you running for any government position? I would vote for you in a heartbeat.

 

[Seanmc30]

I haven't been around for awhile (as some of the old hands will attest), but I have been paying attention and reading my google alerts and watching the progress and in some cases, the lack thereof. I'm so proud of the supporters who have fought tooth and nail for national delegates and rules changes, etc... etc... you do us all proud.
Now onto the reason for my post...

After watching the results of the PA vote, I'm confused by Republicans in general. Not JUST confused but truly and completely baffled. Here, they had a choice to truly make a difference, to send a message - to tell the party elite that enough is enough and they voted for John McCain anyway. Is the goddammed war so freaking important to the rank and file Republican that they can't see that they have betrayed the very beliefs for which they became republicans?

Are they so afraid of what "might" happen in the future that they are willing to destroy the country to offer them false hope of protection from potential terrorist attack? What is WRONG with these people?

There was a CLEAR choice to be made - more of the same, or a new (old) direction - one which is bound to the beliefs the party was founded on - smaller, constitutional government, lower taxes, etc...

I am at a loss to explain how outraged and how disappointed I am in our fellow citizens. When the house of cards comes tumbling down - who will they turn to and will they look in the mirror and blame themselves for their own short sightedness? Probably not. If past experience is any indication - they'll blame the Democrats.

Well, your making one critical mistake....your using reason. This country has been on a strict "Anti-reason" diet for some time now. First, and most important, the "majority" doesn't understand the country to begin with. Then the "facts" they receive about the nation and its problems are contradictory and incorrect. So solutions are presented based on the problems PERCEIVED by the people using faulty reasoning.

I used to say to myself that those people were under some kind of spell, and it was not their fault, but I don't believe that anymore. A complete lack of accountability, integrity, and values displayed by this majority can be seen at all social levels. From the lowest salesman, to the President, to the white woman accepting medic-aid for her baby because (and I qoute), "It's ok, I'm not black or Mexican."

Before education, intelligence, facts, or action, a country must have appropriate values to begin the process of reason. Americans don't, and as much as I would love to blame religion, political parties, corporation, or celebrities, I can't.

I've spent the last year searching for a way to bring Ron Paul to the people, but I finally realized I was fighting the wrong battle. I am now searching for a more suitable set of values to live by and lead with. Maybe when I find that my new goal can be finding a way to get those values to the people.

Sadly, I fear that wont be done through a politician...even one as great as RP.

 

[Working Poor]

All those 16 different types are true. But, you have to understand that the underlying issue with the war is power and control. The elitist want all the power over the people and natural resources like oil. Also overpopulation is on the agenda and what better way to control the populations growth than to have a war?....what quota are the elitist trying to meet? Find that out and you will be able to predict when the war will end...

Doesn't the Bilderburg group say that they want the population to be at 500,000,000 for the entire earth?

 

[liberteebell]

I listen to a lot of talk radio, just to hear how far off the reservation they are and to help me hone my arguments against their bilge. My experience is that the typical republicans I know simply spew what they've heard on boortz/hannity/limbaugh et. al., word for word. They have no well thought out arguments, they haven't a clue what any of the candidates truly stand for and any challenge to their way of "thinking" is shouted down, hannity style.

Even what they know of their hero, Ronald Reagan, is nowhere close to the truth.

It's pitiful.

And now, they're all about lining up behind their nominee, which they would do if the nominee were the devil incarnate, as long as there was an "R" behind his name.

I heard this great quote the other day: "Democrats fall in love; republicans fall in line". How true.

 

[wgadget]

seanmc:

"Before education, intelligence, facts, or action, a country must have appropriate values to begin the process of reason. Americans don't, and as much as I would love to blame religion, political parties, corporation, or celebrities, I can't."

Here are the rules we use in our household. I learned about them in a libertarian-leaning textbook for kids (by Richard Maybury), and I believe they are called the rules of Common Law:

1. I will do what I say I will do.
2. I will not encroach on other people or their property.

If you stop and think about it, if people would apply these two rules alone a lot of trouble could be avoided.