Santorum Supporter - Visits Ron Paul Rally @ Ft. Worth Texas - Shares His Reaction

[ajmurray125]

Bronxboy,

At the risk of giving too much away, I'll just say that my mention of Strauss was deliberate. It was a subtle attempt to say to those who had adopted parts of his philosophy (either knowing or unknowingly) that it's okay to see things in a new light. I know some have misinterpreted my purpose, which is understandable since I didn't take time to explain it. (Hell, I had no way of guessing the post would be read by more than a few Facebook friends. I didn't really put that much time into it.) Regarding your question on the Noble Lie, no I do not agree with Strauss on that matter, but since he lifted it from Machiavelli it can hardly be considered an original thought. I think it's intellectually lazy to rely on any one political philosopher to shape one's worldview. I don't fully agree with any of them, save Christ. But I do take the parts of many that make sense to me personally. One of the reasons Strauss came to mind after seeing Ron Paul was when he spoke on the importance of morality in our society. Strauss believed in the importance of religion in tempering the baser instincts of man, that without the belief in a higher authority than government man would be ungovernable. Not far removed from John Adams, who said our Constitution was intended for a moral and religious people and was inadequate to the government of any other. So I can agree with Strauss on religion and disagree on the principle of a Noble Lie.

Much the same, my brief comment on foreign policy was not intended to denigrate (or even fully understand) Paul's policies. I notice that has been commented on most frequently here. Rather than being a critique of Paul's stance (I was very careful to state that the purpose of the piece was not to analyze Mr. Paul's specific policies), my intent was to say to others who come from my background and perspective, that I share your concern, but it's okay because the greater threat is internal. I'm saying if I can shed those concerns, you can too. Sometimes you have to ease people into these things. It's a different way of thinking for many and they'll resist if you club them over the head with it.

I, of course, had no way of knowing that a simple Facebook post would set off such a brushfire. It was not meant to be the be-all and end-all of what I believe, but it's out there now and like it or not it defines me. Whatever, I'm in with both feet now.

 

[nobody's_hero]

Bronxboy,

At the risk of giving too much away, I'll just say that my mention of Strauss was deliberate. It was a subtle attempt to say to those who had adopted parts of his philosophy (either knowing or unknowingly) that it's okay to see things in a new light. I know some have misinterpreted my purpose, which is understandable since I didn't take time to explain it. (Hell, I had no way of guessing the post would be read by more than a few Facebook friends. I didn't really put that much time into it.) Regarding your question on the Noble Lie, no I do not agree with Strauss on that matter, but since he lifted it from Machiavelli it can hardly be considered an original thought. I think it's intellectually lazy to rely on any one political philosopher to shape one's worldview. I don't fully agree with any of them, save Christ. But I do take the parts of many that make sense to me personally. One of the reasons Strauss came to mind after seeing Ron Paul was when he spoke on the importance of morality in our society. Strauss believed in the importance of religion in tempering the baser instincts of man, that without the belief in a higher authority than government man would be ungovernable. Not far removed from John Adams, who said our Constitution was intended for a moral and religious people and was inadequate to the government of any other. So I can agree with Strauss on religion and disagree on the principle of a Noble Lie.

Much the same, my brief comment on foreign policy was not intended to denigrate (or even fully understand) Paul's policies. I notice that has been commented on most frequently here. Rather than being a critique of Paul's stance (I was very careful to state that the purpose of the piece was not to analyze Mr. Paul's specific policies), my intent was to say to others who come from my background and perspective, that I share your concern, but it's okay because the greater threat is internal. I'm saying if I can shed those concerns, you can too. Sometimes you have to ease people into these things. It's a different way of thinking for many and they'll resist if you club them over the head with it.

I, of course, had no way of knowing that a simple Facebook post would set off such a brushfire. It was not meant to be the be-all and end-all of what I believe, but it's out there now and like it or not it defines me. Whatever, I'm in with both feet now.

Mr. Murray,

I hope you know I have school work to do, but I can't stop reading your commentary. The part about 'internal debates' resonated with me.

I'd like to say that I wasn't born this way. I had to have those same debates. It took many long hours of meditation, and perhaps even prayer (though, admittedly, I am not devout. I'm what you might call one of those 'sailor-mouthed believers'. Yet, I've found myself calling upon some spiritual guidance for this country more now than ever before), and having to question much of everything I'd been told, to arrive at different answers than the ones I'd been given. It is very emancipating.

Then again, what I've come to realize is that I was, in fact, born this way. We're all born free; we only lose it when we give it up. The dialogue of the establishment is that freedom is somehow limited, and it's something scarce to be fought over, rather than fought for. That's why you see so many republicans and democrats going at each other's throats. In that sense, I firmly believe the system is designed to divide-and-conquer.

Speaking with regard to the republican party in general, it seems as if mainstream republicans believe the creator gave us natural rights, but strangely, didn't make enough freedom for everyone. So, we've allowed a centralized, bloated system of government in Washington to politicize our freedom to the brink of extinction. We've been so busy fighting over freedom, that we've lost sight of what it means, and requires, to fight for it. Freedom unites people, it's true. That's why Ron Paul is able to wake up people on both sides of the political spectrum.



I also want you to realize that you may have left a chance to "win" for a chance to go down fighting for what you believe in. We're glad to have you, and your talented writing style, on board. Let's give 'em hell.

 

[Lucille]

I saw this on Doherty's roundup yesterday. It warmed my heart.

*A Texas Santorum supporter goes for Paul, explains why in a post being forwarded with joy in the Paulista world, and delivers a passionate take on the Paul rally experience. Highlights:

 

[Thor]

Much the same, my brief comment on foreign policy was not intended to denigrate (or even fully understand) Paul's policies. I notice that has been commented on most frequently here. Rather than being a critique of Paul's stance (I was very careful to state that the purpose of the piece was not to analyze Mr. Paul's specific policies), my intent was to say to others who come from my background and perspective, that I share your concern, but it's okay because the greater threat is internal. I'm saying if I can shed those concerns, you can too. Sometimes you have to ease people into these things. It's a different way of thinking for many and they'll resist if you club them over the head with it.

I, of course, had no way of knowing that a simple Facebook post would set off such a brushfire. It was not meant to be the be-all and end-all of what I believe, but it's out there now and like it or not it defines me. Whatever, I'm in with both feet now.

Thank you for sharing your revelation on your Facebook page. Good news travels fast.

Should you be so inclined, perhaps a piece you do put a little more time into is forthcoming? If not, the existing one is excellent.

And I do not want to debate foreign policy, or any policy, however, once you fully recognize and understand Dr Paul's take in internal / domestic policy, and all other policies on treating others, the foreign policy starts to slowly make sense. Give it time. And if it never does make sense or agree with you, that is fine too, because you are right, the internal / domestic issues are far greater.

Welcome!

 

[sailingaway]

Bronxboy,

At the risk of giving too much away, I'll just say that my mention of Strauss was deliberate. It was a subtle attempt to say to those who had adopted parts of his philosophy (either knowing or unknowingly) that it's okay to see things in a new light. I know some have misinterpreted my purpose, which is understandable since I didn't take time to explain it. (Hell, I had no way of guessing the post would be read by more than a few Facebook friends. I didn't really put that much time into it.) Regarding your question on the Noble Lie, no I do not agree with Strauss on that matter, but since he lifted it from Machiavelli it can hardly be considered an original thought. I think it's intellectually lazy to rely on any one political philosopher to shape one's worldview. I don't fully agree with any of them, save Christ. But I do take the parts of many that make sense to me personally. One of the reasons Strauss came to mind after seeing Ron Paul was when he spoke on the importance of morality in our society. Strauss believed in the importance of religion in tempering the baser instincts of man, that without the belief in a higher authority than government man would be ungovernable. Not far removed from John Adams, who said our Constitution was intended for a moral and religious people and was inadequate to the government of any other. So I can agree with Strauss on religion and disagree on the principle of a Noble Lie.

Much the same, my brief comment on foreign policy was not intended to denigrate (or even fully understand) Paul's policies. I notice that has been commented on most frequently here. Rather than being a critique of Paul's stance (I was very careful to state that the purpose of the piece was not to analyze Mr. Paul's specific policies), my intent was to say to others who come from my background and perspective, that I share your concern, but it's okay because the greater threat is internal. I'm saying if I can shed those concerns, you can too. Sometimes you have to ease people into these things. It's a different way of thinking for many and they'll resist if you club them over the head with it.

I, of course, had no way of knowing that a simple Facebook post would set off such a brushfire. It was not meant to be the be-all and end-all of what I believe, but it's out there now and like it or not it defines me. Whatever, I'm in with both feet now.

It was me who asked about the Noble Lie, not bronxboy, fwiw.

I appreciate your response. I see religion as a spiritual connection and direction more than a tempering influence (as a goal) although I recognize the impact it has on society at large. I'm just pretty direct. I really like what you wrote and was wondering if you were using your talents to snow us. We know we have energy, self organization skills and are to some extent a force. With Ron likely in his last election (although I'd want him elected at any age) there are a certain number of people who want to use us for their ends which is different from joining us and growing with us (and us with you) as a group.

We are all individuals and you will find many different points of view here on many subjects. We don't all feel the need to agree with eachother on everything, just that we respect each other and debate civilly which doesn't seem likely to be an issue with you. We believe bad ideas will be debunked (and sometimes laughed at) and good ideas will rise to the top.

Welcome!

 

[jbauer]

Adrian,

My wife is looking for a ghost writer. She is an exceptionaly talented horsewoman but a writer she is not. Are your services avalible for hire? My guess is you'd have to like horses to be interested.

 

[jbauer]

Also, I was very impressed by your writings. I think that the difference between a santorum supporter and a paul supporter are minimal at best. We're both out to change the world as we know it. We just slightly disagree on a few of the finer details.

 

[nobody's_hero]

We are all individuals and you will find many different points of view here on many subjects. We don't all feel the need to agree with eachother on everything, just that we respect each other and debate civilly which doesn't seem likely to be an issue with you. We believe bad ideas will be debunked (and sometimes laughed at) and good ideas will rise to the top.

Welcome!

I don't think we could, lol. You're pretty much right about the atmosphere here at Ron Paul Forums. But, I wouldn't trade it for the atmosphere at a democrat or republican convention where everyone fakes like they support the nominee for the good of the party (which means they don't want to upset anything, or they're worried what others in the party will think if they upset anything).

 

[sailingaway]

Also, I was very impressed by your writings. I think that the difference between a santorum supporter and a paul supporter are minimal at best. We're both out to change the world as we know it. We just slightly disagree on a few of the finer details.

I'm also very impressed with his writing skills.

 

[kathy88]

Adrian I've read that article 10 times and I enjoy it more every time. The way you described that event is the way most people feel being there but can't find the words. We're so glad to have such a gifted scribe among our ranks. Welcome. There's a lot of good information here. I get to experience my own Thursday at Cornell in Ithaca NY. Can't wait for that feeling. Enjoy the forums.

 

[ajmurray125]

Sailing,

I appreciate your reservation about potentially being used by someone with other motives. I would think anyone trying to snow this crowd would do so at their own peril. Keep in mind, I never expected anyone from the Ron Paul movement to even read it. It was just a Facebook post. I didn't send it anywhere.

I'll admit to being somewhat mystified by the response. As I am deeply involved in the Texas political scene, I cross paths with and am personal friends with many Ron Paul supporters. It's hard to be involved in conservative grassroots and tea party leadership and not develop those bonds. So when I started getting all these emails and text messages from strangers who said that piece brought them to tears, I asked some of these RP friends about that. I was told Ron Paulers had been margainilzed and typecast for so long it just came as an emotional release to be recognized by someone considered more mainstream. (I hope I'm relating that properly as I'm not trying to imply you are not mainstream. Once upon a time you would have been. It's the mainstream that's become the extreme.) Such is a world gone mad.

I'm trying to sort how how best I may help this cause. I think I have enough of a following in the conservative community that people might say, well, if Adrian thinks it's okay, it might be okay. I can tell you this: I know an uncountable number of Republicans and I don't know a single one who supports Mitt Romney. Not one. Since that leaves Ron and Newt - and Newt's a known (and not much admired) quantity - that means many people will take a (first) look at Ron Paul. I think I can ease them over their apprehensions, but it would require me taking a more moderated view on some issues than some RPers might like. I would only caution everyone that you've had many years head start and people are going to have to warm to the idea. I need to play this chess match out in my head. this is an opportune time for the campaign, but it needs to be played right.

 

[ajmurray125]

jbauer: Sorry, I know nothing about horses.

 

[sailingaway]

Sailing,

I appreciate your reservation about potentially being used by someone with other motives. I would think anyone trying to snow this crowd would do so at their own peril. Keep in mind, I never expected anyone from the Ron Paul movement to even read it. It was just a Facebook post. I didn't send it anywhere.

I'll admit to being somewhat mystified by the response. As I am deeply involved in the Texas political scene, I cross paths with and am personal friends with many Ron Paul supporters. It's hard to be involved in conservative grassroots and tea party leadership and not develop those bonds. So when I started getting all these emails and text messages from strangers who said that piece brought them to tears, I asked some of these RP friends about that. I was told Ron Paulers had been margainilzed and typecast for so long it just came as an emotional release to be recognized by someone considered more mainstream. (I hope I'm relating that properly as I'm not trying to imply you are not mainstream. Once upon a time you would have been. It's the mainstream that's become the extreme.) Such is a world gone mad.

I'm trying to sort how how best I may help this cause. I think I have enough of a following in the conservative community that people might say, well, if Adrian thinks it's okay, it might be okay. I can tell you this: I know an uncountable number of Republicans and I don't know a single one who supports Mitt Romney. Not one. Since that leaves Ron and Newt - and Newt's a known (and not much admired) quantity - that means many people will take a (first) look at Ron Paul. I think I can ease them over their apprehensions, but it would require me taking a more moderated view on some issues than some RPers might like. I would only caution everyone that you've had many years head start and people are going to have to warm to the idea. I need to play this chess match out in my head. this is an opportune time for the campaign, but it needs to be played right.

You are going to express your own take and if it is more moderated than some (not all) of us, then it is. We don't have to agree with everything, as I said. We all have our own hot button issues that make Ron 'the one' for us out of a field that doesn't otherwise address them. I have always been Republican, just pretty apathetic because red meat pandering seems insulting to me, and manipulative, so the out of the mainstream/mainstream catharsis you are relating doesn't really resonate with me, but I have only been involved since the end of Ron's prior campaign. Some who have been 'voices in the wilderness' much longer will more relate to the catharsis you describe likely, the rest of us just get pissed off at the spin and marginalization by the media. But while we vent about it when it happens (did you know Ron was in 2d place in the Rueters national GOP only poll in February with 21% of the vote?) we don't wallow in it because we have goals to achieve. We ALL certainly see winning new minds and catching attention of the likeminded or could-be-sympathetic as a huge goal though. Your being a respected voice to others makes you a particularly gratifying addition.

We don't expect you to speak in any language in particular, you will speak to your issues and concerns and you clearly share core concerns with us; plus we evolve as we learn new things, ourselves. Don't expect everyone to agree with everything you say, but we won't expect you to agree with everything we say either.

We argue a lot, but we learn from it.

 

[nobody's_hero]

Keep in mind, I never expected anyone from the Ron Paul movement to even read it. It was just a Facebook post. I didn't send it anywhere..

It's what we live for. Why wouldn't we read it? If there's one thing that inspires me more than hearing Ron Paul speak, it's hearing the responses of people who are finally listening.

I'm both angered that our country has come the point where the American people must 're learn' what liberty truly means, and at the same time, inspired with hope that they are slowly taking it upon themselves to obtain that knowledge, once again.

It is nothing short of a revolution.

P.S. Play your cards right. You are in a better position to bring more people into this never-ending quest for knowledge of freedom than most of us who have been involved forever*, because, if we are honest with ourselves, we can come off as a bit 'over-zealous', which tends to turn off people who would otherwise have listened. But, as you state, there's a reason why we act that way; we're not just out to look like a-holes.

(at least it feels like some of us have been here forever; in truth, I think I've only been involved in politics for about 4 years, and I have a deep and profound hatred for politics for what it has done to this country)

 

[nobody's_hero]

Mr. Murray,

Something else to inspire you as well:

In Georgia, we got crushed at district convention. State convention is in May, and I'm an alternate. I do not expect a different outcome, but I will walk out of there with my back straight and head held as high as it was when I walked in.

However, 'All eyes are truly on Texas', as to whether or not Republicans there will go with Romney, or Paul. May God help us if they go with Romney.

Go Lone Stars.

 

[RDM]

All,

Thank you to everyone for the kind words about my Facebook post on visiting a Ron Paul rally last week. I certainly had no idea of the reaction it would generate and didn't conceive that it would be read outside my circle of friends. Had I known, I may have spent more than 30 minutes writing it. The response has been quite overwhelming.

Sorry for being so late to the game. I know many of you have been on the front lines of the liberty movement for years now and have endured neglect, disrespect and often scorn from the mainstream. To make the mea culpa complete, I have engaged in that myself. That you have remained so dedicated through all this is a testimony to your faith and your strength. I have a lot of time to make up to get to where you are and pledge to you all my full commitment to seeing this through to final victory. We can do this (but I don't need to tell you that).

Freedom is worth fighting for.

Adrian Murray

Adrian,
First and foremost, welcome to the forum. I can't even thank you enough for your post that grabbed so many emotions and yes, brought tears to my eyes. As you've read the posts, I'm sure you see I was the one who posted your story on SodaHead. I'm glad to hear you appreciate the response it has received.

P.S. Sorry for the Pic of a fellow, I learned just days ago, is not you attached to the SodaHead post. If you're not familiar with SH, They allow you to attach a photo or pic that comes close to representing post. That pic was available and I thought a face would give it more impact. I hope you're not offended having someone else portraying you.

 

[Lishy]

Sailing,

I appreciate your reservation about potentially being used by someone with other motives. I would think anyone trying to snow this crowd would do so at their own peril. Keep in mind, I never expected anyone from the Ron Paul movement to even read it. It was just a Facebook post. I didn't send it anywhere.

I'll admit to being somewhat mystified by the response. As I am deeply involved in the Texas political scene, I cross paths with and am personal friends with many Ron Paul supporters. It's hard to be involved in conservative grassroots and tea party leadership and not develop those bonds. So when I started getting all these emails and text messages from strangers who said that piece brought them to tears, I asked some of these RP friends about that. I was told Ron Paulers had been margainilzed and typecast for so long it just came as an emotional release to be recognized by someone considered more mainstream. (I hope I'm relating that properly as I'm not trying to imply you are not mainstream. Once upon a time you would have been. It's the mainstream that's become the extreme.) Such is a world gone mad.

I'm trying to sort how how best I may help this cause. I think I have enough of a following in the conservative community that people might say, well, if Adrian thinks it's okay, it might be okay. I can tell you this: I know an uncountable number of Republicans and I don't know a single one who supports Mitt Romney. Not one. Since that leaves Ron and Newt - and Newt's a known (and not much admired) quantity - that means many people will take a (first) look at Ron Paul. I think I can ease them over their apprehensions, but it would require me taking a more moderated view on some issues than some RPers might like. I would only caution everyone that you've had many years head start and people are going to have to warm to the idea. I need to play this chess match out in my head. this is an opportune time for the campaign, but it needs to be played right.

Glad to see you've checked out our forum!

But let's just simplify things and put it this way: Ron Paul is the only one who can beat Obama!

With crowds of 8200 people and more, why COULDN'T he? He scores better when compared to Obama than any other candidate! (Plus he's against the NDAA which every other candidate supports.. How can Americans just ignore their support for the NDAA?)

 

[sailingaway]

Adrian,
First and foremost, welcome to the forum. I can't even thank you enough for your post that grabbed so many emotions and yes, brought tears to my eyes. As you've read the posts, I'm sure you see I was the one who posted your story on SodaHead. I'm glad to hear you appreciate the response it has received.

P.S. Sorry for the Pic of a fellow, I learned just days ago, is not you attached to the SodaHead post. If you're not familiar with SH, They allow you to attach a photo or pic that comes close to representing post. That pic was available and I thought a face would give it more impact. I hope you're not offended having someone else portraying you.

lol!

so you just put up some random Joe?

 

[Tyler_Durden]

Sailing,

I appreciate your reservation about potentially being used by someone with other motives. I would think anyone trying to snow this crowd would do so at their own peril. Keep in mind, I never expected anyone from the Ron Paul movement to even read it. It was just a Facebook post. I didn't send it anywhere.

I'll admit to being somewhat mystified by the response. As I am deeply involved in the Texas political scene, I cross paths with and am personal friends with many Ron Paul supporters. It's hard to be involved in conservative grassroots and tea party leadership and not develop those bonds. So when I started getting all these emails and text messages from strangers who said that piece brought them to tears, I asked some of these RP friends about that. I was told Ron Paulers had been margainilzed and typecast for so long it just came as an emotional release to be recognized by someone considered more mainstream. (I hope I'm relating that properly as I'm not trying to imply you are not mainstream. Once upon a time you would have been. It's the mainstream that's become the extreme.) Such is a world gone mad.

I'm trying to sort how how best I may help this cause. I think I have enough of a following in the conservative community that people might say, well, if Adrian thinks it's okay, it might be okay. I can tell you this: I know an uncountable number of Republicans and I don't know a single one who supports Mitt Romney. Not one. Since that leaves Ron and Newt - and Newt's a known (and not much admired) quantity - that means many people will take a (first) look at Ron Paul. I think I can ease them over their apprehensions, but it would require me taking a more moderated view on some issues than some RPers might like. I would only caution everyone that you've had many years head start and people are going to have to warm to the idea. I need to play this chess match out in my head. this is an opportune time for the campaign, but it needs to be played right.

Very inspiring Mr. Murray, especially since it's on the local level. I've shared your post with several in Tarrant County. As you're aware, the Senate District Conventions are this Saturday. We are really hoping to OWN the delegates on the SD level. If there is any way for you to turnout friends/associates, it's not too late to have them nominated for Delegate at the State Convention in June.

By the way, I was a Bush Republican in 2001 and 2004. I discovered Ron Paul in 2006. Haven't looked back since.....

 

[RDM]

lol!

so you just put up some random Joe?

Yes, it was to protect Mr. Murry in case some rabid Romney supporter were to attack him. LOL