Ron Paul’s Statement to the Nation
The coverage of the presidential election is designed to be a grand distraction. This is not new, but this year, it’s more so than ever.
Pretending that a true difference exists between the two major candidates is a charade of great proportion. Many who help to perpetuate this myth are frequently unaware of what they are doing and believe that significant differences actually do exist. Indeed, on small points there is the appearance of a difference. The real issues, however, are buried in a barrage of miscellaneous nonsense and endless pontifications by robotic pundits hired to perpetuate the myth of a campaign of substance.
The truth is that our two-party system offers no real choice. The real goal of the campaign is to distract people from considering the real issues.
Influential forces, the media, the government, the privileged corporations and moneyed interests see to it that both parties’ candidates are acceptable, regardless of the outcome, since they will still be in charge. It’s been that way for a long time. George Wallace was not the first to recognize that there’s “not a dime’s worth of difference” between the two parties. There is, though, a difference between the two major candidates and the candidates on third-party tickets and those running as independents.
The two parties and their candidates have no real disagreements on foreign policy, monetary policy, privacy issues, or the welfare state. They both are willing to abuse the Rule of Law and ignore constitutional restraint on Executive Powers. Neither major party champions free markets and private-property ownership.
Those candidates who represent actual change or disagreement with the status quo are held in check by the two major parties in power, making it very difficult to compete in the pretend democratic process. This is done by making it difficult for third-party candidates to get on the ballots, enter into the debates, raise money, avoid being marginalized, or get fair or actual coverage. A rare celebrity or a wealthy individual can, to a degree, overcome these difficulties.
The system we have today allows a President to be elected by as little as 32% of the American people, with half of those merely voting for the “lesser of two evils”. Therefore, as little as 16% actually vote for a president. No wonder when things go wrong, anger explodes. A recent poll shows that 60% of the American people are not happy with the two major candidates this year.
This system is driven by the conviction that only a major party candidate can win. Voters become convinced that any other vote is a “wasted” vote. It’s time for that conclusion to be challenged and to recognize that the only way not to waste one’s vote is to reject the two establishment candidates and join the majority, once called silent, and allow the voices of the people to be heard.
We cannot expect withdrawal of troops from Iraq or the Middle East with either of the two major candidates. Expect continued involvement in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Georgia. Neither hints of a non-interventionist foreign policy. Do not expect to hear the rejection of the policy of supporting the American world empire. There will be no emphasis on protecting privacy and civil liberties and the constant surveillance of the American people. Do not expect any serious attempt to curtail the rapidly expanding national debt. And certainly, there will be no hint of addressing the Federal Reserve System and its cozy relationship with big banks and international corporations and the politicians.
There is only one way that these issues can get the attention they deserve: the silent majority must become the vocal majority.
This message can be sent to our leaders by not participating in the Great Distraction – the quadrennial campaign and election of an American President without a choice. Just think of how much of an edge a Vice President has in this process, and he or she is picked by a single person – the party’s nominee. This was never intended by the Constitution.
Since a principled non-voter sends a message, we must count them and recognize the message they are sending as well. The non-voters need to hold their own “election” by starting a “League of Non-voters” and explain their principled reasons for opting out of this charade of the presidential elective process. They just might get a bigger membership than anyone would guess.
Write-in votes should not be discouraged, but the electoral officials must be held accountable and make sure the votes are counted. But one must not be naïve and believe that under today’s circumstances one has a chance of accomplishing much by a write-in campaign.
The strongest message can be sent by rejecting the two-party system, which in reality is a one-party system with no possible chance for the changes to occur which are necessary to solve our economic and foreign policy problems. This can be accomplished by voting for one of the non-establishment principled candidates – Baldwin, Barr, McKinney, Nader, and possibly others. (listed alphabetically)
Yes, these individuals do have strong philosophic disagreements on various issues, but they all stand for challenging the status quo – those special interest who control our federal government. And because of this, on the big issues of war, civil liberties, deficits, and the Federal Reserve they have much in common. People will waste their vote in voting for the lesser of two evils. That can’t be stopped overnight, but for us to have an impact we must maximize the total votes of those rejecting the two major candidates.
For me, though, my advice – for what it’s worth – is to vote! Reject the two candidates who demand perpetuation of the status quo and pick one of the alternatives that you have the greatest affinity to, based on the other issues.
A huge vote for those running on principle will be a lot more valuable by sending a message that we’ve had enough and want real change than wasting one’s vote on a supposed lesser of two evils.
—
“The argument that the two parties should represent opposed ideals and policies, one, perhaps of the Right and the other of the Left, is a foolish idea acceptable only to the doctrinaire and academic thinkers. Instead the two parties should be almost identical, so that the American people can ‘throw the rascals out’ at any election without leading to any profound or extensive shifts in policy.”
Carroll Quigley – Author of Tragedy & Hope
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All through the United States history presidents have been assassinated things for things you stand for.It is obvious what your up against.When Oklahoma had proposed sovereignty recently this was a brave step in the right direction.Now that I have said these things do I now stand in treason of the Patriot Act?
i wish you (r.paul) all the best. you’re not on the ballet in my state of n.j., so i voted for the 3rd party person. in the last 8 to 10 years between the dems/reps. and me living overseas for last 12/13yrs, looking back inside(the states), both parties disgraced us. the war(iraq/afghanistan/war on terror), the deficit (trillions of dollars and still counting), outrages gas/oil prices, the monica lewisky case, the bailouts, the dollar turning to a peso against the euro(good for the europeans going to the states), the katrina aftermath, scooter libby’s pardon, and etc. and since 92, i’ve been voting 3rd party(perot). the dems/reps. will never let that happen again, what happen in 92, a 3rd person who got in on the debates. monolopy of the 2 party system. To my fellow americans living home and abroad just go out and vote.
Just an idea from a no buddy.
Both John McCain And Obama were asked to submit proof of citizenship
only McCain complied.Obama has been fighting turning in his birth records tooth and nail and its pretty obvious he has something to hide.
A Democrat leader even filed a lawsuit to force him to submit these records and Obama is doing every thing to keep them hidden.
What if a suit was filed in every state ?
Obama would be forced to comply thus ending his candidacy leaving Ron Paul to fill the gap. Is this a dumb idea or is their no time left to try this.
I honestly believe Obama is fighting this for a reason and it would kill his chances.
The Dem. and Rep. parties have been in control of this country since 1857. There has not been a third party president for about 151 years. The control needs to be ripped from the parties in control.
If Ron Paul leaves the Republican party, he would destroy his chances of becoming president in the next election.
Some states do not even allow third Party canidates to be on the ballets.
Dear Paul, John Mc Cain, Mayor Bloomberg, Imus, George Neary and Curtis Sliwa and anyone else that can help me get the word out.
I built my house when,”THEY”, the government in the 80’s decided no one should write off more than “2″ homes.We went from being able to own as many homes as manageable to “2″. Before that,money was going into housing like crazy, prices of homes going up and people who could afford mortages were feeding the banking industry.
Then we went to “2″ homes. Just “2″. I saw the housing industry formerly building on specuation shrivel up. Years later this attempt to punish the rich from hiding income is now comeing home to haunt all of us. Hide income? It was fueling our ecomomy.
Why, is no one realizeing rather than a bailout why not go to “3″ homes or “4″ homes. Let good money and mortages start to fill the market. Let houses start to become in shorter supply and prices start to rise so people can sell there homes. Supply and demand build America and made it great.
I think it was Mitt Romeny who said we have to loosen the reins not tighten them when the ecomomy is bad.
Why did I put those people in the salutation? Because I have written to John Mc Cain, Bloomberg, and Hilary. Of course no one is paying any attemtion to me. But, if you agree with me, for the health of this economy, help me get the word out. Write these people. Call and try to get on the air. Let our voices for an economy healing itself by itself be heard.
Let us bail ourselves out, we can do it.
Go to 3 or 4 homes and we won’t need a bailout anymore!! Tax incentives not more taxes. The dollar will go up, not down. We can’t afford the dollar droping further. We can not.
Regards
Joann
A third party will never be president in this country because the Dem. and rep. run the political system.
Dear Dr. Paul,
I would vote for you in a minute if you were running. If it is not possible for you to run for President, could you run for Vice-President?
I do not know anything about Chuck Baldwin. Would he be able to take your place?
Your views about going back to the Constitution are the wasy to go.
Thanks so much for all the input you have given.
Sincerely, Eileen Stanton
1. I feel as though I must make another plea seeing as how most of you feel that you can not go on without Dr. Paul. Look, the truth is the Revolution is us! Not him, 3rd parties, or other elected officials. The truth is he can do the most important work by staying in the congress, the group that legislates. He inspired many of us, but he can not be expected to be around forever. Remember that he was also inspired by someone that is no longer around. The Revolution will take years. He will not always be around. It is OUR duty to educate the ignorant, campaign for small elected offices of people who share our view, or run for office ourselves. If we start with the small offices first and build from there then in a few years we can and will achieve national success. Run for city council, mayor, state representative, or even the damn dog catcher! We know that a 3rd party candidate will not win the presidency this year. That does not mean you can not vote for one, but consider the small offices first. Build a strong foundation and the top will have the support that is needed.
2. So please people, do not bash Ron Paul for not running on a third party ticket. He said all along that he would not do it. He is an honest man. Keep in mind that his wife has been ill, and he has been busy representing us during the financial bailout.
Our country needs you more than ever, Dr. Paul. Like the others, I was and am disappointed that you wouldn’t join the party that supports you – the Libertarians. The Republicans locked you out of their convention along with all the other protesters.
But the question is this: do you want to save our country or not? We’re heading for the cliff. You see it coming, unlike most Americans. McCain & Obama will each drive us over it. But you have the ability to get into the driver’s seat and steer us away. Not Barr, not Root, not Baldwin. You. So hop in the driver’s seat NOW!
Dear Dr. Paul,
The proposed malevolent $700B rescue plan has given your campaign new life and perspective. I advise you to campaign for a write-in vote for you, not third party candidates. You are the only one that has any chance to rock the boat and wake up the crooks in Washington. The others are nominal at best and even if they had the money, which they do not, none of them can stir the pot like you can. Somehow you need to re-enter the fray – now. You have the support and you have the money. Do not miss this chance to capitalize on this “I told you so” opportunity. I am convinced that millions are hoping you will do so, and millions more will join the bandwagon once you start campaigning again.
Ron Paul said throughout his campaign that he would not run on a third party ticket if he were not elected as the Republican nominee. It is very unfair to call him a coward at this point. He is not a coward! The fact that he inspired people by taking a stand should show that well enough. He has said the same thing long ago before 98% of the people that supported him ever knew of him. He is an honest man and doing what he told his supporters. His wife is ill and just recently got out of an ICU. Maybe he is a little busy with his family. So quit whining and grab your revolutionary attitude and get to work!
Wow,somehow I missed Ron Paul and what he Stands for.I have been so dissappointed with the choices for president and was considering the lesser of two evils.How naive is that.I think I just smelt the coffee.All of these points of view are so close to my heart and revives my faith in the “American Spirit”.We are the majority and we need to stand up and be counted.If we do nothing we will wake up one day to a country we don’t even recognize. Pamela Music (Darrington,Wa.)
Hi,
NOW would be a GOOD TIME (TODAY !) for RON PAUL to make a PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT to the Media. about . . .
“What SHOULD be done aboput this Current “700 BILLION DALLAR BAIL OUT” that the Fed. RES. is trying to get Congress to Pass ! (Talking to CONGRESS TODAY )
and explain WHY we should GET RID of the DAMED PRIVATE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM ! ”
OBVIOUSLLY, The FED. is trying to GAIN MORE CONTROL for the FUTURE !
‘HAMMER HOME’ that the FED. is a “PRIVATE” Corp. !
[ Iv’e been 100% for RON . . . for DECADES !
————————————————————————–
‘Jack’ Richards (North Olmsted, OH (Clevelnd, Ohio suberb)
Ron Paul,
You seem to be the only one who understands the economics, and their mismanagement, of this nation. As one of millions of tax-paying middle-class citizens, I see my financial future drifting into a never-never land, as the current administration and its appointed lackeys perform the dance of the veils, and eventual rape of our economic future. – What can we do to elect YOU the next President of the USA? – Short of that, if the elected person were McCain, you should be named the Economic Restructuring and Rebuilding Zsar. – If the democratic ticket wins, we may all want to emigrate to another country.
Rosemarie Haines
Fellow Americans,
Remember what Ron said, “an election is an event; a
Revolution takes time”. Ron is “in this for the long haul”
so “keep the faith”! Don’t look for an excuse to “cut and
run”! There – that enough cliques for you?
\
He isn’t 70 for nothing and I’m not 77 for nothing! keep
fighting because that’s how we got our liberty and how we can
get it back!
My best and God bless America
Dr. Paul –
Only recently have I been paying attention, I have just stumbled upon you talking about our current financial crisis. The media has not given you the time, or surly I would have discovered you befor. There must be tons more out there like me – people who did not vote in the primary for you who would love to go back in time and cast a vote for Ron Paul. I just wanted to let you know that your support may be growing more than you realized and I would be hopeful for our country again if you decide to run for President.
Thank you,
Shannon
If Ron was to get enough votes, I’m sure he’d step up and be president. Hopefully you all don’t cut and run as some have used the terminology toward him. The Idea that he put his work on the line and not stay the course doesn’t make sense. Mr Paul isn’t a gambler. The jeopardy of not getting elected in any of the campaigns is not sound reasoning. He’s not in this cause for short term. He’s giving his life to a cause. Let me ask all the nay Sayers who show disrespect to a great man. Are you in this only for a season? Would you cut and run with your vote or would you squander it so we could have a lessor of two evils? If that’s you! You’re equally as disappointing if not more.
I want this to be self reflecting, it’s always easy to puke on another, while we justify our own choices of betrayal. If we usher in a big evil or a little evil, it’s still just evil.
Please, please! Don’t cut and run, Dr. Paul isn’t, He’s simple ensuring he can remain an influence no matter what happens.
Where are they getting the money to pay for all of this bailouts
Dear Paul,
You where the one that pointed the way when I was looking for the problem, you help me see the light and I thank you; and since im on a stable foundation Will try and bring more people to real “freedom of choice.” hopefully you would come back and continue fighting.
sincerely
Tony
Dear Sir
Thank you to open the eyes of millions misguided Americans.
Yes, many of us dissapointed in you for not going ahead as a independent. Personally,I think you can do many good things in the congress. The most inportant is. Try to find as many as possible good Americans,”not good dem. or good rep.” and start a third major party. Today all of this third and independent parties never going to able to do any good. All of them getting 2-3 %????
If you able to start something millions of people going to fallow you, and your new party. Sir, please think about it.
God Bless
Dear fellow Revolutionaries, Ron Paul seems “shaken” in this video. I think something has happened to him that he’s not revealing, something that scared him…we may want him as our leader but please remember, he is human just like the rest of us. Maybe America hasn’t learned the real lesson here. Most of the population has not woken up yet…they will in time. Ron Paul did a great job starting the Revolution and waking up a larger percentage of people that is creating a shockwave, but we must remember, that it’s essentially up to us. It’s not going to be a political figure-head that saves us…it’s going to be all of us realizing that we are strong as individuals who think for ourselves. THis will all build to an intense breaking point…and until we hit that breaking point, I don’t think the population will truly understand the bigger divine lesson here…strength and integrity come from each of us. We are coming to an age of non-dependence on authority figure-heads and leaders…we are coming to an age of self-reliance…because we are all leaders and we have our own power to think for ourselves and depend on ourselves. We don’t need someone to save us. Until we reach the pinnacle, where we all start revolting against the Corrupt Few, when we reach that scary place, that is when the big lesson will have been learned by us all, not to put their faith in others, but to know their own strength and divine presence. We need to experience the coming pain so we can have the knowledge that only comes from real experience. I know you don’t want to hear this…you are an avid student and seeker who stands up for what’s right…but when you look around you, does it look like people have learned their lesson yet? Does it look like they are awake yet? …or are they still talking about the latest tv show…are they still brainwashed into believing what the media says. My opinion is, the population is still in denial. YOU, reading this… YOU are the stronghold, on the planet now. We can handle it. Intense change and shift is upon us. Please hold on. Times are going to get bad. You know you can survive. And when we make it through the troubled times, we will all walk into the age of freedom that is right behind the next hill…and we will have lasting change. We need this hard-hitting lesson whether you want it to come or not, because we grow from our pain…and I think Ron Paul knows this. He knows that it’s not up to him to save us, it’s up to us learning from this painful experience, that we have our own power. I’m sorry if this message offends you who are reading this. I hope you’ll forgive me and I hope you and your family are safe in the coming turbulence. Hold onto love. Listen to your own heart. Have compassion for those around you. It’s about to get ugly.
I supported Ron Paul but he quit! I feel violated as many others do in that he gave up early when he could have easily kept building support. Now all he’s running is his mouth about what has to be changed—but he’s in no position to change any of it.
Ron Paul is the only candidate that makes any sense—and I was incensed when he cut and ran. What the hell good does it do to vote for a now non-entity? It would be a vote for Obama and a quick, disastrous end to this country as we knew it. We’re in a non-reversible collapse and I fear for us all who don’t live on Wall St.
A Love Letter to Ron,
Thank You Dr. Ron Paul for making us aware of the raping of our Beloved Constitution. What is the reason for you leaving us? We are here waiting and wanting to vote you in as our President. I feel that all the work everyone has done including yourself will go for some other less qualified candidate. So they can take the credit? For? What a Waste!. I don’t understand the reason for you stepping down. This campaign is all about the Election for a Great Champion of the Constitution. Weren’t you that Man? We Want You! The Country Wants you and the People of the World Need You !!! Come back to Us and give us back the Hope .We Love You and We Will follow through. Please say you will.
A Patriot in Tears for You
[...] Paul, who got my vote in the primary election, says it best in this statement: People will waste their vote in voting for the lesser of two evils. That can’t be stopped [...]
Ron Paul should do what he says others ought to do — that is run for office on a third party ticket and give the people a choice!
Instead he has elected to drop out and deprive the voter of a real choice. We are now back to square one!
E.T. Schell
He should accept Barr’s offer of becoming his running mate on the Libertarian ticket. Root has agreed to step aside if Paul accepts the offer.
I have problems with Baldwin and the CP. The Constitution party does not embrace personal freedoms. They want to ban pornography and have problems with gambling. Desiring to control what consenting adults do in the privacy of their homes is antithetical to the concept of freedom.
Ron’s insistence on remaining in the GOP is puzzling considering the momentum his campaign generated. With both the LP and the CP considering him as their candidate, why not form a unity ticket? His message here would carry a lot more weight if he were to throw his hat into the ring to head up such a ticket. I, for one, would like to hear an explanation from Ron on why he feels it to be so important that he remain a representative in the GOP. I like his message, but he needs to walk it out himself if he expects people to follow his advice. With him remaining in the GOP, this message comes across as somewhat hollow.
Why dont you go for P- PAUL AND VP- BALDWIN? You decided not go as 3rd party so you can be a CONGRESS. What can CONGRESS do? OVER POWER? IMPOSSIBLE. I feel the whole time I had the faith in you and lost it and all waste of my time. We America NEEDS YOU MAN. I will NOT VOTE FOR MCCAIN/Palin OR OBAMA. I ll vote RON PAUL or nothing! He should have go for the third party, no question, Because many people supports you.
[...] http://www.ronpaul.com/2008-09-10/paul-baldwin-mccinney-nader-we-agree/ [...]
Ron Paul!!!! Your the Man America needs!!! YOU and BOB BARR
[...] in the race) recently held a conference and put out a statement I’d like to point out here. I quote the relevant parts below, but it’s worth reading the message itself to get the [...]
Grow some fucking balls and run on the Libertarian Ticket! You have the votes, the donations, and the registrations! Instead, you play it safe and simply go back to the Congress unopposed, what a waste. I supported you, and hoped you would be represented and could speak on the RNC, but now I am backing McCain simply b/c I like Palin and can’t stand what Obama would do for 8 years.
You have sadly disappointed me by not putting it on the line in a year you easily could get 30-40% of the vote and make a 3rd Party viable. What a waste.