~Putting Legal Structures in place..a Short & Long-term National campaign for Freedom

[Mckarnin]

***UPDATE: The name has been chosen, "Freedom's Ground" and we are now transitioning from www.RonPaulAmbassadors.com to the "Under Construction" version of www.FreedomsGround.org . We are now Incorporated in the state of PA and have several grassroots leaders signed onto out Advisory Committee and Barry Goldwater Jr. on our Founding Board.

Join Katharine (me) April 16, 2008 from 9-11pm EST for our Web-a-Thon fundraiser on www.justin.tv/blimpette .
We'll have some nice merchandise (and a few more rare pieces of Ron Paul Blimp apparel) to give to people who donate at different levels.***

I have been thinking through where this movement is headed in the near future and in the long term and what structures we require to promote and achieve freedom for our country. When LPA had to cancel the Super Bowl ads to remain FEC compliant I determined that we need to set up a way that money for projects could be raised legally on a national level (without counting towards campaign contribution limits or individual donors being reported to the IRS). I have done the preliminary research with a respected FEC lawyer to determine what legal structures will be necessary to accomplish what I and some others feel to be the most important outreach and educational goals of our movement as well as direct television and other media ads. My lawyer is prepared to proceed further with the Federal legal as soon as I have the money to get the legal structures in place.

Please let me know your thoughts on the following in this thread, through PM and via my email, [email protected]:

-What educational (constitution, economy, federalist papers, foreign policy, etc) objectives you want to see achieved in the short and long-term.
-If there are projects you have tried to pursue but have been unable to proceed with legally or receive funding for because of the legal concerns of your potential customers.
-If you are a credentialed expert on the writings and platform of Ron Paul, the Constitution, economics, foreign policy, immigration, etc... as there will be a need for a staff of fact-checkers and scholars to make sure that all materials put out by the organization meet the most rigorous standards for accuracy and informativeness.
-If you are a talented web designer.
-Anything else you want to discuss.
-If you want to suggest a name this will be very important as it will brand us and people (most of whom have never heard Ron Paul/freedom's message) will decide whether or not to listen further or investigate based on the name. **UPDATE: We have now chosen a name.***

This organization's tent must be open and big like Ron Paul's. The organization will be non-partisan and nonsectarian. It will not just be a forum for Freedom/Ron Paul supporters to find community but will actively reach into the homes and businesses of all Americans with polished, professional and exciting educational campaigns and multimedia. I really imagine this being a very far reaching and powerful organization that will prepare hearts and minds nationally for the changes that must be made for the future of freedom. As I proceed with having the legal work done I will release more details about exactly what initiatives will and will not be possible and what restrictions and reporting (if any) will be necessary...***UPDATE: Your name, contact information and donation amounts will not be reported to the IRS with the structure we are using, donations can be unlimited and will not count towards your campaign or PAC contribution limits.*** Please feel free to ask me about particular initiatives to see if they'll be legal under this organization.

If you want to know more details or have constructive criticism of the plan please let me know. If you dislike me or are determined not to see this project succeed please state your feelings in a single post and then leave the thread uncluttered for those who have something helpful to say.

Please donate to help with our startup costs. Also, visit us at Freedom's Ground to read more about us and why we are starting this organization. Watch me Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-10pm EST on www.justin.tv/blimpette to ask questions about Freedom's Ground and to talk about freedom movement favorites like the economy, foreign policy, education, taxes and more.

Thank You!

Katharine

 

[Mckarnin]

~New Total Update~

Current total raised: $600

 

[Tarzan]

I also believe we need to become more organized and focused. A 501c4 organization will give us the power and flexibility and help achieve our goals... primarily of restoring a constitutional government.

I have chipped in and hope you will do the same. Imagine a legal organization with the ability to educate the american people as to the meaning and benefits or following our constitution. Other successful organizations have gone this route and it has worked well for them... the NRA, AARP, MoveOn.org (ugghh), Sierra Club and others. We need to do the same!

The benefits would be huge and allow for enormous flexibility in our efforts to educate people and support specific candidates... including advocacy ads... with the added benefit of NOT having to report sponsor or membership information to the FEC... or limit any donations or payments for a specific effort.

I have worked with Mckarnin (Katharine) extensively and trust her to get this organization started... I have chipped in and encourage others to do the same so we can get the legal framework in place.

To learn more and meet Katharine visit her on JustinTV at:
http://www.justin.tv/blimpette
Live feed begins at 9:30pm Eastern time
tune in to learn more and ask questions and get answers

I hope you will take part in this next step of the American Endeavor.
thanks all
.

 

[liberteebell]

bump for later

 

[Mckarnin]

~A direct link to my Chipin~

Here, instead of going through my Justin.tv you can go directly to my chipin page:
http://katharinememole.chipin.com/

I also added my phone number there. I will add it here as well: (412) 805-9543. I have spoken to many people over the last few days and would be happy to discuss this organization with you, answer your questions, hear your suggestions and address your concerns. I may have to limit individual phone calls to 10 minutes. I look forward to hearing from you. Here is my personal email address: [email protected]

 

[terryp]

Don't know if this has been brought up?

At some point, if we see that we will not get the GOP endorsement,
and if Dr. Paul hints at a third party run,
then I propose a mass voter registration drive to change parties.

I had looked at some of the political parties, but am not familiar with them.
However, In the interest of Dr Paul's views and his long term sacrifice,
I think it would be a great to hijack a lesser known party, or create one in honor RP.
I think it would send a huge message to have thousands and thousands voters
switch to the ______ Party an the day Dr. Paul, revealed a third party run.

My point to this is I think it would send a powerful message to the MSM, and Dr. Pau thst we are here and not going away.

 

[Mckarnin]

At some point, if we see that we will not get the GOP endorsement,
and if Dr. Paul hints at a third party run,
then I propose a mass voter registration drive to change parties.

I had looked at some of the political parties, but am not familiar with them.
However, In the interest of Dr Paul's views and his long term sacrifice,
I think it would be a great to hijack a lesser known party, or create one in honor RP.
I think it would send a huge message to have thousands and thousands voters
switch to the ______ Party an the day Dr. Paul, revealed a third party run.

My point to this is I think it would send a powerful message to the MSM, and Dr. Pau thst we are here and not going away.

This organization, as non-partisan and nonsectarian would be able to put its education and advocacy resources behind any candidate whose platform jives with the organization regardless of party affiliation. If we get this set up in the next few weeks we can advertise for Ron Paul Republican, Murray Sabrin Republican, etc... but if they switch parties we can continue to support them with advertising just like before. This organization would give us the flexibility to call the American people's attention to freedom supporting candidates, legislation and initiatives regardless or party or origin. By the same token we could call the American people's attention to freedom endangering initiatives, legislation and candidates regardless or party or origin.

This organization will not be a party. It will be a powerful national organization whose attention is focused on the continued and increased freedom of the American people as outlined in the Constitution. It will support people, legislation and initiatives that forward those goals. It will also reach out and actively educate the American people as to what freedoms they are guaranteed by the constitution, economic policy, foreign policy, etc... So, a very practical and active organization, not a snobby think tank for the intellectual elite but an organization for the people, by the people.

 

[Mckarnin]

I also believe we need to become more organized and focused. A 501c4 organization will give us the power and flexibility and help achieve our goals... primarily of restoring a constitutional government.

I have chipped in and hope you will do the same. Imagine a legal organization with the ability to educate the american people as to the meaning and benefits or following our constitution. Other successful organizations have gone this route and it has worked well for them... the NRA, AARP, MoveOn.org (ugghh), Sierra Club and others. We need to do the same!

The benefits would be huge and allow for enormous flexibility in our efforts to educate people and support specific candidates... including advocacy ads... with the added benefit of NOT having to report sponsor or membership information to the FEC... or limit any donations or payments for a specific effort.

I have worked with Mckarnin (Katharine) extensively and trust her to get this organization started... I have chipped in and encourage others to do the same so we can get the legal framework in place.

To learn more and meet Katharine visit her on JustinTV at:
http://www.justin.tv/blimpette
Live feed begins at 9:30pm Eastern time
tune in to learn more and ask questions and get answers

I hope you will take part in this next step of the American Endeavor.
thanks all
.

Thank you for your kind words of support.

Katharine

 

[ConstitutionReinstitution]

It will also reach out and actively educate the American people as to what freedoms they are guaranteed by the constitution,

The Constitution doesn't guarantee any rights or freedoms. It only recognizes them.

 

[Mckarnin]

The Constitution doesn't guarantee any rights or freedoms. It only recognizes them.

Sorry for misphrasing. I try to be respectful of semantics when posting but sometimes slip up.

K

 

[J Free]

I would NOT recommend trying to put in a completely new legal structure. Taking over the Republican Party is the key. We might not be able to do that this cycle - with all the attention and media smearing and activity. But things will quiet down in 2010 - an off-year. We will be able to completely roll over primaries, caucuses, local conventions, etc then.

There is no practical point in creating from scratch some new "group" interested in governance. There are only two groups that know how to govern and that have the skills to do so. Dems and Reps. All other parties are churches. All non-parties can only influence parties.

TAKE OVER THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. Start in your local area. And then work up - to create an effective counter to the national/DC folks. And THEN take over DC.

 

[Yom]

^J Free, I don't think this is intended to be a new party, but more like a think tank that promotes RP's message of constitutional limited government, personal freedom, and personal responsibility. It will be useful in identifying true RP Republicans for the grassroots to rally around as well.

 

[davidfarrar]

I hope you have set up a bank account and filed with the IRS as a 527.

But my main point is this, there are two important names that must be on the November 4, 2008 ballot: Dr. Paul's, of course, and you own!

That's right, your own.

Your local Republican Party will be electing its Executive Committee members in this upcoming general election. All we have to do to carry Dr. Paul's message into Party ranks is to have RP's supporters go down to their local Board of Election and place their names on the general ballot for their jurisdiction, and be registered as a Republican, of course.

If you are particularly well organized, as you seem to be, you can also place your name on the ballot for the State Representative seat of your State Republican Party from your local party as well.

Organizing this effort through your local county Party and your State party, will probably be more effective after the election in KEEPING THE REVOLUTION ALIVE!!! than any third-party advertising effort. If you can get this message out, Ron Paul support can quickly move into the Party structure by November 5, 2008, and at their next meeting elect their own local Party Chairperson. And from the way I see how you have put this material together, you would have my vote in that regard.

 

[davidfarrar]

I couldn't agree with you more

I would NOT recommend trying to put in a completely new legal structure. Taking over the Republican Party is the key. We might not be able to do that this cycle - with all the attention and media smearing and activity. But things will quiet down in 2010 - an off-year. We will be able to completely roll over primaries, caucuses, local conventions, etc then.

There is no practical point in creating from scratch some new "group" interested in governance. There are only two groups that know how to govern and that have the skills to do so. Dems and Reps. All other parties are churches. All non-parties can only influence parties.

TAKE OVER THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. Start in your local area. And then work up - to create an effective counter to the national/DC folks. And THEN take over DC.

As I have just posted. Every serious Ron Paul supporter should already have their names on the ballot as the Republican Party's Executive Committee nominee for their jurisdiction...with just a little organizing, we could take over the Party lock-stock & barrel by November 5, 2008. But it is very, very hard getting this message out to everyone...it seems they have so little actual political experience.

 

[Mckarnin]

I would NOT recommend trying to put in a completely new legal structure. Taking over the Republican Party is the key. We might not be able to do that this cycle - with all the attention and media smearing and activity. But things will quiet down in 2010 - an off-year. We will be able to completely roll over primaries, caucuses, local conventions, etc then.

There is no practical point in creating from scratch some new "group" interested in governance. There are only two groups that know how to govern and that have the skills to do so. Dems and Reps. All other parties are churches. All non-parties can only influence parties.

TAKE OVER THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. Start in your local area. And then work up - to create an effective counter to the national/DC folks. And THEN take over DC.

Hey, it would be great if the Republican party would go back to its roots. What I am proposing is not a new party but a respected non-profit organization like the NRA, Sierra Club, Moveon.org that has the clout and the resources to take large scale action quickly. That way we can support freedom with education, ads and activism wherever we find it.

K

 

[Mckarnin]

I hope you have set up a bank account and filed with the IRS as a 527.

But my main point is this, there are two important names that must be on the November 4, 2008 ballot: Dr. Paul's, of course, and you own!

That's right, your own.

Your local Republican Party will be electing its Executive Committee members in this upcoming general election. All we have to do to carry Dr. Paul's message into Party ranks is to have RP's supporters go down to their local Board of Election and place their names on the general ballot for their jurisdiction, and be registered as a Republican, of course.

If you are particularly well organized, as you seem to be, you can also place your name on the ballot for the State Representative seat of your State Republican Party from your local party as well.

Organizing this effort through your local county Party and your State party, will probably be more effective after the election in KEEPING THE REVOLUTION ALIVE!!! than any third-party advertising effort. If you can get this message out, Ron Paul support can quickly move into the Party structure by November 5, 2008, and at their next meeting elect their own local Party Chairperson. And from the way I see how you have put this material together, you would have my vote in that regard.

Good points!

 

[Mckarnin]

^J Free, I don't think this is intended to be a new party, but more like a think tank that promotes RP's message of constitutional limited government, personal freedom, and personal responsibility. It will be useful in identifying true RP Republicans for the grassroots to rally around as well.

I am really thinking along the lines of the NRA/Sierra Club/moveon.org...education, activism, watchdog initiatives...and most importantly a national presence and high degree of legitimacy.

 

[pinkmandy]

I think this is a FANTASTIC short term and long term goal. Besides electing RP, this could be the best thing to come out of the revolution. We get paid next week, I'll contribute what I can. I'll also be happy to help out as needed. I have a B.A in Government and Politics. That's the extent of my credentials (besides our revolution and a love of politics) but if I can be used, use me.

 

[kyleAF]

Bump for the OP...


But especially BUMP for DavidFarrars post! You should set that up with the forum guys and get a thread on it!

I wish I could do that, but I am active military...

 

[Mckarnin]

I think this is a FANTASTIC short term and long term goal. Besides electing RP, this could be the best thing to come out of the revolution. We get paid next week, I'll contribute what I can. I'll also be happy to help out as needed. I have a B.A in Government and Politics. That's the extent of my credentials (besides our revolution and a love of politics) but if I can be used, use me.

Thank you very much for the encouraging words and financial support.