Msg from Jonathan Bydlak -- willing to answer questions

[JonathanBydlak]

As some of you may know, I am no longer officially with the Ron Paul campaign as of March 14th. It's been my observation that at times there has been a disconnect in communication between the campaign and grassroots supporters, and so I thought that now that I am no longer with the campaign, I can do the most good by taking some time to answer any questions that people may have regarding the campaign. I'd like to do everything I can to unite everyone dedicated to the ideals of liberty, and to clarify any misperceptions that may have existed or still exist amongst all of us.

That said, I am not speaking in the capacity as a representative of the campaign, and nothing I say should be taken as such. I'm not here to speak negatively of any members of official staff, grassroots supporters, or anyone else who has given a great deal of time, money, and effort helping Ron Paul earn the Republican nomination. But I am perfectly willing to share parts of my experience working on the campaign, as well as answer any questions that people may have about campaign-related issues, past or present. I know that at times some supporters have been critical of me personally, and I welcome any comments to that regard, so long as they are civil and substantive.

To share one comment up front... I never cease to be amazed by the effort and dedication of people both inside and outside of the campaign to Ron Paul, and all of the ideas by which we are united. It's been a source of frustration for me at times to see us tearing at each other, because while there's a place for constructive criticism, in my opinion we'd be much better off focusing on how to defeat other candidates and further this great movement we've started. After all, while we may have our differences or sources of discontent, we're all working for the same goal.

So that said, let me be as much of a resource to you as I can!

Jonathan

 

[OptionsTrader]

Thanks Jonathan. I hope some agent provocateurs don't hijack this thread and start a flame war and cause trouble.

I thank you for your hard work.

 

[Zera]

Two things:

1. Why were you let go? (You don't have to answer it if you don't feel comfortable doing so.)

2. How aware is Paul of our efforts in getting all of our supporters to become delegates? Does he believe we have a chance?

 

[Melissa]

Hi and weclome to the forums they may be a bit fiesty here but almost all here love freedom and liberty so they are on the same page, they just all have many ways of getting there

 

[Banana]

No questions here, but wanted to say *Thank You* for the work and courage to come over here to help us sort out the hubris.

 

[mavtek]

I'd just like to say you seemed to have done a respectful job at your position. There's not much 1 man can do. To speak of hindsight is to only slight those who worked very hard. We have all learned a great deal from this campaign.

I have learned to not wait for instruction or help, just do.

 

[OptionsTrader]

Does the campaign still have the capacity to take in money and run this ad on television? The video is creating a lot of excitement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3MLTvYBQy0

http://www.HighTidePromo.com

 

[IPSecure]

Why the disconnect between Headquarters and GrassRoots?

I Mean: "What Is Going On Here"?

 

[NerveShocker]

Well since it appears you have plenty of questions to answer already I just want to thank you for your contribution. It's like G. Edward Griffen said the people at the top are the ones that they always try to discredit and damage.

 

[amy31416]

Welcome and I'm very interested to hear what you have to say.

 

[Kotin]

is there a plan b?

an indie run? a Ron Paul endorsed Candidate? anything?

 

[JonathanBydlak]

Two things:

1. Why were you let go? (You don't have to answer it if you don't feel comfortable doing so.)

2. How aware is Paul of our efforts in getting all of our supporters to become delegates? Does he believe we have a chance?

I'd be happy to answer both of these questions.

First, as you know, the campaign is trying to stay lean and keep costs as low as possible. Whether people decide to give to the campaign at this point will have little to do with any actions of a "fundraising director." But regardless of what happens from this point forward in the campaign, I encourage everyone to continue giving. There are great things that will come out of this campaign, and the funds that people give really do make it all possible. Every individual will have to decide for himself or herself what the best way to spend their money is, and that may not be giving to he "official campaign." But know that a lot of smart people are working very hard to use donations as efficiently as we know how.

As for me personally, I believe that I gave all I could to the campaign, and it was time for me to move on to other things.

Second, Dr. Paul is very aware of the efforts going on to get as many delegates as possible. I don't believe he would be staying the race if he did not believe that these were worthwhile goals. I can't really speak to the degree that Dr. Paul thinks it is realistic to win the nomination, as the only commentary I've heard from him on this matter is the same thing that you all have heard in his YouTube videos. But I'd add this comment, regardless of what Dr. Paul thinks: Talking to people first-hand is the most effective way of influencing people possible. Whether that takes place on the floor of the convention, or in a conversation with your neighbor over your fence, it's extremely worthwhile. So I wouldn't place so much emphasis on what Dr. Paul or the campaign is doing... if you truly believe in this movement, then you owe it to yourself and everyone else to get the word out -- continuously -- in any way that you can. That may be through serving as delegates to the convention, or it may be calling up your uncle who doesn't quite "get" what we're about just yet. As Dr. Paul said, revolutions do not happen overnight.

 

[NerveShocker]

is there a plan b?

an indie run? a Ron Paul endorsed Candidate? anything?

Ron Paul has endorsed several candidates, Murray Sabrin is one for example. The movement moves on this presidential run is nowhere near the end, just the beginning. Too many people have been awakened now (thanks a lot to Ron Paul) to stop now.. it can only grow.

 

[JonathanBydlak]

I'd just like to say you seemed to have done a respectful job at your position. There's not much 1 man can do. To speak of hindsight is to only slight those who worked very hard. We have all learned a great deal from this campaign.

I have learned to not wait for instruction or help, just do.

This is a great take away... we all believe in the powers of decentralization, and it makes sense to do as much as we can before being told to do so. That said, I think it's smart to remember that we should listen to instructions when they come. None of us know everything, but it's important to keep an open mind and take the advice of those who are in a position to know more.

As an example, canvassing is something of critical importance, and in my opinion, trumps the benefits of things like sign waves. I wish we had invested more into getting the word out about canvassing as soon as possible. I consider it a great failing of me personally, and everyone else who was in a position to know, that we didn't stress to supporters the importance of winning their precinct.

That said, it's still important to use the tools of the precinct leader program as much as possible. This is an ongoing process, and I encourage everyone to take the instructions the campaign has given, and run with them. We all can have a massive amount of influence in our area.

https://voters.ronpaul2008.com

 

[JonathanBydlak]

Does the campaign still have the capacity to take in money and run this ad on television? The video is creating a lot of excitement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3MLTvYBQy0

http://www.HighTidePromo.com

The campaign definitely still has the capacity to take in money, and is definitely doing so.

As far as running a particular ad, I can't really comment about the current financial situation of the campaign... your best bet to find out that answer is to look in the latest FEC reports.

One thing I would note is to make a distinction between what looks good on YouTube and what looks good on TV. I know that there has been a lot of commentary on the quality of the campaign's ads, and while some of it has definitely been warranted, much of it has not. The mindset that people take when watching TV is very different than when they are actively searching for intellectual content online. It's very difficult to make a good 30 second ad (not to mention a 1 minute ad, which often runs 3x as expensive as 30 second ads). Keep that in mind when watcing videos like this. How will your 65 year old father or grandfather react? What about the 40 year old soccer mom? And the 21 year old college student? And how will all of these people react when they see the ad in the middle of their favorite talk show, sitcom, or the nightly news?

 

[hillbilly123069]

without mentioning names, do you think anyone with....

the campaign was trying to impede it?

 

[NoxTwilight]

I don't have any specific questions although I will pay close attention to this thread and any others you participate in for your insights and I hope some guidance and suggestions. I think you will be an asset to us and hope that you will continue to share our work now and in the future.

I have a feeling that we will need people like you after the convention especially.

Welcome and thanks!

 

[amy31416]

We in the grassroots need some leadership, and regardless of your failings, we need someone who has a voice, patience, decisiveness and motivation to act. We likely won't pay you, but I'm very intrigued with what you have to offer.

This is a great take away... we all believe in the powers of decentralization, and it makes sense to do as much as we can before being told to do so. That said, I think it's smart to remember that we should listen to instructions when they come. None of us know everything, but it's important to keep an open mind and take the advice of those who are in a position to know more.

As an example, canvassing is something of critical importance, and in my opinion, trumps the benefits of things like sign waves. I wish we had invested more into getting the word out about canvassing as soon as possible. I consider it a great failing of me personally, and everyone else who was in a position to know, that we didn't stress to supporters the importance of winning their precinct.

That said, it's still important to use the tools of the precinct leader program as much as possible. This is an ongoing process, and I encourage everyone to take the instructions the campaign has given, and run with them. We all can have a massive amount of influence in our area.

https://voters.ronpaul2008.com

 

[JonathanBydlak]

Why the disconnect between Headquarters and GrassRoots?

I Mean: "What Is Going On Here"?

Well, my personal feeling is that it's a combination of things. On HQ's side, I think there's been so much that's gone on, that it's hard to communicate every decision perfectly to supporters. And of course, when you do communicate something, there ends up being another 20,000 questions that it raises.

On the grassroots side, I think there have been times when HQ has communicated things very clearly, but people have let negative perceptions get in the way of objectively assessing the advice. Everyone has their own motivations, and it's hard to trust a "distant" group of people whom many of you have never met. I think a lot of times it comes down to a belief that individuals know better than groups in positions of leadership.

I personally prescribe to that philosophy too, but I still think it's important for both sides to listen to and try to understand the feedback that the other is providing.

 

[silverhandorder]

Wow welcome I hope you stay around. Fun times.