Libertarians are generally people who don't follow in lockstep and aren't blinded by groupthink or the cult of personality. Trying to bring libertarians (or freedom lovers, if you prefer) to a 'general consensus' on nearly anything has been compared to "herding cats". I can imagine that some may see the following gripe as ''attacking the good work of Dr. Paul'. Nonsense.
Paul is the best person we have in Congress, and I've supported him for years, and supported his run for president. Matter of fact, my dad received Dr. Paul's newsletters when I was a kid.
I don't remember The Liberty Committee newsletters, though, as being such a constant desperate, near-apocalyptic plea for caSh caSh caSh, such as the ones that the Campaign for Liberty sends regularly.
Dr. Paul recieved the largest one day donation amount in history when he was running for presdient, before the "Campaign for liberty' was formed.
Is there anyone who reads John Tate's several page screeds anymore when they are sent in the mail? A word of advice, he could save the C4L massive "vital funds" if he would simply cut the repetitive begging every newsletter. Focus more on cogent, brief newsletters outlining liberty issues instead of constant begging for funds. This has turned into an infomercial.
The 317 Congressional cosponsors were not paid a red dime for their sponsorship of the Audit the Fed bill, and Paul supporters don't need to give a group money in order to pressure their congressman or senator.
Now I am sure there will be some cranks who claim how "DARE I even consider utterring a whisper of criticism of our flawless leadership". Ha. Whatever. The truth is that most of these 4-5 page rambling letters sent out by tate are tossed in the trash without being read, even by those who originally asked to received them.
Here is a small excerpt from the latest one, with an intro from Dr. Paul:
- Please read the enclosed letter from Campaign for Liberty's President, John Tate.John and Campaign for Liberty need your advice and your help as we head into 2010. I hope you'll take a few minutes to read this letter and to continue the fight alongside me and Campaign for Liberty. In Liberty, Congressman Ron Paul
- Tate: ".....And I’m writing you today because it’s vital that as Campaign for Liberty goes forward, we receive your advice on C4L’s Confidential Member’s Directive...But the truth is, there are so many battles to fight right now, we’re being stretched thin at the most crucial time. So today, I regret to inform you -- with all the critical battles we’re facing right now -- without an IMMEDIATE influx of funds, I’m going to have to start cutting some of our most vital programs....But, believe me, there’s no easy choice... Without an IMMEDIATE and massive influx of funds... Sincerely, John Tate President. P.S. ... Without an influx of funds, your Campaign for Liberty is going to be forced to make devastating cuts (enter dramatic apocalyptic music here)
As an aside, you might enjoy the video "the Ron Paul Bumper Sticker is still on my car", a tribute to Dr. Paul and his supporters, below.
Recommended Reading:
MOLDING MINDS THROUGH GROUP MANIPULATION
By Berit Kjos September 15, 2002 NewsWithViews.com
Total government convictions for IRS 'tax crimes': 666
Successful tax attorney Dickstein gives advice to potential non-filers
Red Light camera tickets defeated in California
Why everyone should fight their traffic tickets- every time
Comments
Martin, I agree; these constant mail (and email) appeals for funds are annoying. I gave thousands to Paul's campaigns, and thousands to C4L's initial funding. Then came the annoying phone calls from C4L from low-level solicitors who sounded like they didn't even know what they were campaining for -- it took me a while to get those to stop. And I've told them to stop sending the redundant snail-mail letters, and those continue. Worse, in the latest snail mail they asked me for a *minimum* of $2300, and upwards of $15K! -- don't they understand that they need to do something more than send a form letter to get this kind of commitment? And for supporters of lesser means, they're going to have to demonstrate more creativity (and less whining) even to get a sustaining $100 commitment.
I frankly think that Jim Babka and Downsize DC do a much better (and sincere!) job on their fundraising. I fear that C4L is becoming "just another PAC" under Tate's leadership.
It isn't worth the emotion or anxiety or whatever caused you to be moved to write this. Just toss 'em.
The C4L is bigger than you and I. It is using a technique that works with a larger audience - those for whom an appeal to duty or loyalty does not fall on deaf ears. We may be more motivated by an appeal to Truth or Freedom, but we're notoriously stingy, and in the minority.
It may be that this approach irritates the typical libertarian, but inciting discontent is wasteful and inefficient to the movement. Let it go.
I doubt you'll get much Libertarian backlash from this.
I donated to Paul's campaign and, like thousands of others, spent countless hours on campaign related activities. When he ended the campaign with so much money still in the coffers, it was a slap in the face to those of us who sacrificed to try to get him elected. Adding insult to injury, most of the people who were running the Presidential campaign were soaked up into the CFL. As Dr. Paul says, when you subsidize inefficiency you get more of it. Giving the campaign staffers paid positions was an exercise in subsidizing inefficiency.
They didn't need a new organization. Ron Paul had his Liberty PAC already operational. As it stands, the CFL can't even endorse or fund liberty candidates.
As far as I can see, the only thing they do is collect money. Not mine. I started giving to Dick Armey's Freedomworks and Downsize DC instead.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!