A Letter to Young Paulians

Via Horace

Exclusive to STR

You've just been kicked in the teeth, and this is to convey sympathy and comfort, as well as sincere congratulations for what you've done – along with suggestions about what you might best do next.

The way you have been treated by your own Party is a scandal that will long reverberate – and was so stupid even from the Party's perspective as to leave its former chairman lost for words. You had bust guts to nominate a fine candidate who alone has a chance to beat Obama, yet you were systematically prevented, even by retroactive changes to rules, even from placing his name in nomination. That Party is just not worthy of people like you.

Your dedication to the job of getting Ron Paul nominated has been remarkable. For over 30 years I've been active in, or an observer of, American politics and have never seen the like of it. I live in New Hampshire, and at the time of its primary happened to drive along the I-89. On each of several overpasses there appeared giant signs, saying simply, starkly: RON PAUL / PEACE, RON PAUL / JUSTICE and RON PAUL / FREEDOM. There were bumper stickers for him too but the most surprising thing on that drive was that I did not see a single political sign for any other candidate! This was one example of your work, and all over the country you came from behind to support your champion and you did a first rate job – opposed every step of the way by those you were trying to help.

Ron Paul is personally remarkable too. In Congress since 1820 (according to comedian Jon Stewart), he has consistently refused ever to vote for an increase in tax or government power, and has held to his principles regardless of the advice of friends and foes alike; in so doing he has impressed many on the Left, as well as on the Right. Such disdain for compromise is unknown in Washington. It's a real shame and must greatly disappoint him that his son Rand has, in his short political career, already failed to follow his fine example. Ron may not always be right (in some respects I think he's wrong, see below) but he is always honest. In the cesspool of politics, that makes him an unique historical figure. Fifty years from now, your grandchildren will “wow” their friends by boasting: My Grandma worked for Ron Paul!

So what's next; what will you do now? Your first decision may be about what to do in November, now that there's nobody on the ballot worth voting for. You know the choices: (1) Stay home, don't vote (2) Vote for the next best, Libertarian Gary Johnson, or (3) Write in Ron Paul. I'll pick #1, but will not be surprised if you favor #3. It would be a fine thing if, when Mitt Romney has lost to Obama, the media reported that a substantial write-in vote for Ron was the main reason. The Republicans will then know why they failed, and there will be a measure of poetry in the justice.

After that, though, comes what matters most; and I offer two key recommendations.

1. Re-examine your objective

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