Now or Never

Most of my readers are libertarians so it's not news to any of you that Rand Paul released a public endorsement of Mitt Romney for president. Forgive me if I'm not as eloquent as a Mr. Jack Hunter in explaining the endorsement and the happenings within the Liberty Movement. This particular post is about the endorsement and what it means for Rand Paul's career. This post is also about the sad amount of in-fighting our movement has been enduring over the past weeks because of this endorsement. I believe this in-fighting needs to come to an end as we approach the Republican National Convention in stride.

I'll be frank and say that there are two definite factions within the Liberty movement. I don't say this to create some sort of perceived rift. I say this because it has made itself glaringly obvious, especially on the Internet. The problem facing the movement is that there has been, continues to be, and always will be extreme fringe elements to it. This is the first group I want to talk about. A lot of Ron Paul's steam comes from online followers who may or not believe in certain theories and principles. We all know that there are a good deal of conspiracy theorists within the movement who truly never compromise. I'm not advocating compromise or condemning conspiracies, I'm only stating an opinion that to me seems obvious. We can't cheat ourselves here and say "No, I've never known a conspiracy theorist". The problem is no entirely exclusive to conspiracy theorists. It also has to do with those not willing to play politics. Rand's endorsement to these types of people seems inconceivable, even though Rand stated before the Primary that he would endorse whichever candidate became the nominee. This especially is my key point. It has been said since the beginning that whoever won, without prejudice Rand would endorse them. I've heard so many people call him some sort of Judas. If you are one of these types, let me ask you this; Do you think Rand hadn't talked to his father about this? Do you think Rand has truly turned on his own dad? I think we all know these answers and why they're important.

The second type within the movement is the more complacent "political" type. We know that Rand intended to endorse the Republican nominee in order to hug the Libertarian wing closer to the establishment. It was for credibility so that we're not continually pushed out. It was also to help advance Rand's career in the future. It's so that the establishment can look back and say "Did he stand with the party, or has he fought us the whole way?". The best way to change something is from the inside out. If we're outside, that's where we will remain. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, remember? I feel that this second type (especially those within organizations like Young Americans For Liberty and Campaign For Liberty) understand the true politics behind the decision. These organized groups are the backbone of the movement. These more established and grounded organizations have helped turn the grass seeds into grass roots. I myself have seen Young Americans For Liberty change peoples' lives and help local campaigns. The faster we understand our potential strength, the faster we can make a serious change. Sitting on the computer and angrily typing about why Rand Paul is a jerk for endorsing Mitt is not going to help this country get back on track. It's getting our people into local offices and organizing a strengthened community that is going to give the movement legitimacy. 

Ron Paul has started a movement that hasn't yet majorly changed American politics. He also can't carry on forever. Rand will be looked to as even more a leader of the Liberty Movement. We have to be sure that he'll be a respected member of Congress to ensure change. Who knows? We may be looking at a Paul presidency further down the road. But two things are for sure: we have to play within the system and we have to stick to our principles. Rand's endorsement of Mitt Romney is of little significance in the long run. In fact, Gary Johnson endorsed George W. Bush. Does anyone remember that? Not really. In 4 years are we going to be sitting around saying "Remember when Rand endorsed Mitt Romney?" or are we going to be saying "I hope Rand wins the election!"

One thing I want to drive home about this post is that in numbers we can do anything. It's about getting the votes, the donations and the volunteers. Join a Liberty organization and make the move towards a free and prosperous America. Let's lean on each other for support. Instead of looking up only to the Pauls or Justin Amash or Mike Lee or any of our other idols alone, let's look to our peers. Those big names may disappoint us sometimes, and if we only look to them then we'll lose steam. Look to your left and your right. Who's in your local C4L or YAL chapter? Or even your local GOP committee? Swarm and take over. If Ron had a vote for every time someone gave up hope and said "He'll never win" then he would be elected. Let's not give up. Let's band together and take on the establishment head-on. No more Internet warriors. No more keyboard heroes with all the answers. The Liberty Movement belongs where it started, in the grass roots. That means more boots on the ground, more organizing and yes, a whole lot of principle. Don't fall apart now, that's what Mitt and his establishment want!

Vacation

In light of my annual family vacation I will not be returning for about 8 or 9 days. I was going to write a piece on gay marriage, which I may still post. I just figured I would keep everyone updated on why I may not have anything published for almost 2 weeks. No hiatus, no disappearances. It's all explained. Nobody panic. I'll see you guys when I come back to the States!