My story
Tell us who you are?
My name is Jon and I am a 27 year old Florida-native. I have a master's degree in Industrial Engineering and work in the defense/aerospace industry to find ways to reduce waste and inefficiency. My current job is at Boeing at Cecil Field in Jacksonville. I enjoy music, motorcycling, traveling, philosophy, camping, and now supporting Dr. Ron Paul's campaign.
Why you got involved?
For many years I have been interested in (and some would say obsessed with) finding better ways to do things. When I look at what the federal government has become though, I see so much inefficiency and waste that it bothers me greatly. I know there is a better way to run government than buying $2,000 hammers and $700 nails. I believe that Dr. Ron Paul is currently our only hope we have to come in and "clean house" by restoring the federal government to more of its Constitutional roots.
Also, I am concerned with government corruption and lack of representation. I have visited a lot of the U.S. (33 states so far) and have a strong admiration of the people and the principles we have. We truly are a great nation. I get very bothered though when I think about how disconnected DC has become from the people of this nation. Many elected representatives in DC are simply self-serving and greedy with power, and each year it only seems to be getting worse. For example, warrant-less domestic wiretapping, imprisonment of U.S. citizens without due process, wars without Congressional declarations, blurring of Church and State, etc. are all very bad things that have happened lately but would not have happened if the Constitution and Bill of Rights were being followed.
How you got involved?
I've been a member of the Libertarian Party since 2000, and am now strongly behind the Ron Paul campaign for many of the same reasons. I had heard about Ron Paul a few years ago, and knew that he was a straight-forward U.S. House Representative from Texas who defended the Constitution, but I didn't know until a few months ago that he was running for President. I was so excited when I found out that I had to get involved in his campaign.
After following the first series of debates, I joined the Jacksonville Ron Paul meetup group and became one of the co-organizers. I am now letting as many people know about Ron Paul as I can. I have also sent many emails to people and organizations where he has been ignored or excluded, such as the Iowa Presidential Forum, media coverage of the NH Straw Poll, 2nd Qtr. fundraising results, etc.
Issues that are most important to you?
Reducing government size, inefficiency and waste. Eliminating government incursions on our personal and economic liberties. Stopping preemptive strike doctrine. Promoting free trade, practicing capitalism and preventing corporatism. Repealing ineffective and unconstitutional laws. Restoring the Constitution and Bill of Rights. And last but not least, getting Ron Paul into the White House next year.
