January 24
My speculation was correct. Half the people had moved and at least a quarter of the people I telephoned did not speak English well enough to say anything to me other than that they did not speak English.
Phone banking my precinct is as done as it’s gonna get. I am, after all, using my father’s good name as I’m doing what I’m doing. Perhaps, a little further from home would be better for him.
Therefore, I’ll take on a few other precincts north of here. Last night was a success in terms of meeting with two of my friends who are Ron Paul supporters. They are both VERY talented guys. They are, as a result, in demand at work. If I could get them to focus a little more on Ron Paul, this campaign would have two terrific assets on their hands. Others realize this too, even the head of the Chicago meetup group has asked the three of us to be assistant organizers.
Our meeting was a good meeting, we hung out, talked Ron Paul, talked ideas about how the three of us could be effective, and listened in on the Statewide Ron Paul conference call.
The campaign is now short of county leaders throughout Illinois and short of precinct leaders. Ron Paul is getting the attention of some smaller newspapers because of his very successful fundraising from last quarter. Perhaps related, or perhaps unrelated, I still can’t understand why the other candidates would essentially gang up on Ron Paul in Louisiana, do they all recognize him as that big of a threat?
In Illinois, some smaller groups all over the state have been taking out some effective local newspaper ads. That has been good. One group has been baking cookies and handing them out at the Downer’s Grove commuter rail station.
Illinois is not currently a focus of any GOP campaign for Super Tuesday, including Ron Paul’s campaign. He will not be running commercials here it looks like. He is one of the only candidates who will be able to even run commercials at all, anywhere on Super Tuesday, as pointed out in Vijay’s letter about the MLK money bomb.
That money bomb, was not as big as the others, but none the less, a success. I would like to thank the folks in the group who participated. More importantly, I would like to congratulate the folks in the group who participated, for realizing and continuing to put their money behind, the fact that this campaign is far from dead, and this election is far from decided. Furthermore, Ron Paul’s message of freedom has been infectious here in the US. We are doing something right now that will create a much larger movement, rhetoric that Ben and I and others have been speaking for months now.
Already, Ron Paul supporters are running for Congress, so that Ron Paul as a president will have a few friendly faces in Congress, and so that their local districts will hear the same message of freedom and prosperity in a more personal way, from a politician they can be face to face with regularly. The fact that people are running for Congress, inspired by Ron Paul is meaningful as it shows a high level dedication to this message. How many people will those people inspire to run next time? How many seated politicians will take the time to learn monetary policy as a result of this campaign, to take time to reflect the purpose of their oath of office, to take time to reflect who their bosses are? Maybe no one, but in that case, Washington is a lot more hard headed (and hard hearted perhaps) than we realize.
I want to mention again Benjamin Franklin’s thought about the American Revolution. It happened from 1760-1775. It was a complete change in the minds of the people, bringing them from obedient colonists, to people who sought release from the empire. What followed was a bloody rebellion. If the revolution happens quickly enough, the bloody rebellion gets to be avoided. I do believe we are in the midst of a Second American Revolution.
-Allan
(writing from Blue Island, IL)
Thursday, January 24, 2008
January 23
Hey folks. I’m back in Illinois and getting my proverbial back yard in order for Ron Paul. This afternoon, I will be calling my neighbors in my precinct looking for Ron Paul supporters. My speculation is that 25 % of people will not speak English and that 50% of people will have already moved from the previous election. I do not say that with judgment, only as speculation on the problems that I may encounter. Therefore, step 1 will be how do I say in Spanish. “I am calling on behalf of presidential candidate Ron Paul. I am a neighbor of yours and would like to ask you for his vote on February 5. Are you registered to vote? Thank you very much.”
- Allan
(in Blue Island, IL)
- Allan
(in Blue Island, IL)
The word from Florida
Sent in by Kelly, an American of Slovak descent, who will be coming to visit us and our meetup group in June with war stories from Florida. - Allan
Hi Allan,
The grassroots effort here is very enthusiastic but also green. We put out tons of signs in this county and do a lot of sign waves. Paul, the local meetup leader owns a furniture store that is doubling as a grassroots headquarters.
We have a local computer programer Mark who organized a website to get walk sheets for canvassing our individual precincts. Then the RonPaul2008.com website came up with a program to do this nationwide a week later. Mark also paired up with a gal who has a telemarketing business and she let a bunch of us use her auto dialer computer phone systems.
The big problem with Florida is the Winner of the primary gets 100% of the votes, and I can tell from canvassing we are not going to take 1st place. For this reason I think the official campaign is not making a big effort in Florida, and I don't blame them. They need delegates and I think they are focusing more on other Super Tuesday states that allocate their delegates proportionately.
We have two televised debates in the next week. NBC in Boca Raton Florida is tomorrow. You may be able to get to see it on their website. The RonPaulBlimp is back in the state over the next 5 days too, so that's always great exposure.
I just want to see the good doctor continue to get his message out by being at these debates. This will continue to educate the non-internet Americans about the big scary issues facing the US.
The first step in fixing a problem is to acknowledge that it exists. I love hearing Ron talk about Fiat Currencies and Blowback in these debates. It's worth every cent I've donated just for that.
Well, that's the update from the frontlines. I'll update you on my trip plans soon after the election.
Warm Regards,
Kelly
Hi Allan,
The grassroots effort here is very enthusiastic but also green. We put out tons of signs in this county and do a lot of sign waves. Paul, the local meetup leader owns a furniture store that is doubling as a grassroots headquarters.
We have a local computer programer Mark who organized a website to get walk sheets for canvassing our individual precincts. Then the RonPaul2008.com website came up with a program to do this nationwide a week later. Mark also paired up with a gal who has a telemarketing business and she let a bunch of us use her auto dialer computer phone systems.
The big problem with Florida is the Winner of the primary gets 100% of the votes, and I can tell from canvassing we are not going to take 1st place. For this reason I think the official campaign is not making a big effort in Florida, and I don't blame them. They need delegates and I think they are focusing more on other Super Tuesday states that allocate their delegates proportionately.
We have two televised debates in the next week. NBC in Boca Raton Florida is tomorrow. You may be able to get to see it on their website. The RonPaulBlimp is back in the state over the next 5 days too, so that's always great exposure.
I just want to see the good doctor continue to get his message out by being at these debates. This will continue to educate the non-internet Americans about the big scary issues facing the US.
The first step in fixing a problem is to acknowledge that it exists. I love hearing Ron talk about Fiat Currencies and Blowback in these debates. It's worth every cent I've donated just for that.
Well, that's the update from the frontlines. I'll update you on my trip plans soon after the election.
Warm Regards,
Kelly
The NH Recount
These two posts from the NH recount are GREAT! - Allan
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=5591
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=5586
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=5591
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=5586
Ron Paul took Second in Louisiana - Read me Second !
Checkout how the other campaigns ganged up on Ron Paul. How interesting. What is going on here? - Allan
http://www.ballot-access.org/2008/01/23/louisiana-republican-caucus/
Louisiana Republican Caucus
January 23rd, 2008
Although Louisiana holds a presidential primary on February 9, the Republican Party chooses its delegates to the national convention with a two-step caucus/convention system. The first round was held on January 22, when approximately 10,000 Louisiana Republicans turned out to vote in eleven different cities for delegate to the state convention. Each U.S. House district chose 15 delegates.
It appears that Ron Paul supporters outnumbered the supporters of any of his opponents. But since this was predicted, the supporters of Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, and Mitt Romney, cooperated to set up a “fusion” slate of unpledged candidates for Delegate. The “fusion” slate, labeled the “Pro-Life/Pro-Family” slate, beat the Ron Paul slate in each of the 7 U.S. House districts. Formally, the “fusion” slate billed itself as an “uncommitted” slate, and no one really knows how many supporters of each presidential candidate are on the fusion slate, except the campaigns themselves.
http://www.ballot-access.org/2008/01/23/louisiana-republican-caucus/
Louisiana Republican Caucus
January 23rd, 2008
Although Louisiana holds a presidential primary on February 9, the Republican Party chooses its delegates to the national convention with a two-step caucus/convention system. The first round was held on January 22, when approximately 10,000 Louisiana Republicans turned out to vote in eleven different cities for delegate to the state convention. Each U.S. House district chose 15 delegates.
It appears that Ron Paul supporters outnumbered the supporters of any of his opponents. But since this was predicted, the supporters of Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, and Mitt Romney, cooperated to set up a “fusion” slate of unpledged candidates for Delegate. The “fusion” slate, labeled the “Pro-Life/Pro-Family” slate, beat the Ron Paul slate in each of the 7 U.S. House districts. Formally, the “fusion” slate billed itself as an “uncommitted” slate, and no one really knows how many supporters of each presidential candidate are on the fusion slate, except the campaigns themselves.
Ron Paul took second in Louisiana
No one is talking about it here, but this post at LAGOP.com inidicates that Ron Paul is the second place vote getting in Louisiana's delegate count so far. - Allan
Republican Party of Louisiana Chairman Roger F. Villere, Jr. today announced the preliminary results of delegate elections held at GOP caucuses across the state on Tuesday evening.
More than 10,000 Republican voters met at 11 locations around Louisiana to choose delegates to the 2008 Louisiana Republican Convention, which will elect nearly all of Louisiana’s delegates to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
"Preliminary results show that a majority of the 105 state convention delegates who have been elected ran on a statewide pro-life uncommitted slate," Villere said. "I congratulate the candidates and supporters of this group on their victory and look forward to working with them to keep our Party platform pro-life at the state and national conventions," he said.
Delegate candidates endorsed by US Senator John McCain (R-AZ) appear to have won more state convention delegate positions than any other presidential slate at the Louisiana Caucuses.
"I offer my congratulations Senator John McCain on his success in the Louisiana caucuses,"" Villere said. "Senator McCain is an American hero and this is further evidence that he enjoys strong support in Louisiana and throughout the South," he said.
Supporters of Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) appear to have captured the next highest number of delegate positions.
"I applaud the supporters of Congressman Paul for their enthusiasm and superior organizational ability," Villere said. "Our Party needs the infusion of new activists who have both political skill and a passion for protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us by the Constitution," he said. "I left the caucus with a renewed commitment to promote our core Republican principles of limited government and individual freedom, thanks to the zeal displayed by Congressman Paul’s Louisiana supporters," Villere said.
In addition to the uncommitted delegates and McCain and Paul supporters, Governor Mitt Romney appears to have won a handful of state convention delegates.
"Governor Romney and his team have worked hard for over a year in Louisiana to build a strong organization," Villere said. "The Governor has been to Louisiana more than any other GOP candidate, including one trip specifically to appear at a state party fundraising dinner," he said. "Governor Romney has shown a commitment to Louisiana that is second to none and the strong support he has here is an indication that Louisiana Republicans are excited about his candidacy," Villere said.
Results from Louisiana's Republican caucuses and the informal designation of a "winning slate" are preliminary for two reasons. First, about 500 individuals who attended the event were not shown to be registered Republicans on voter rolls. These individuals were allowed to cast "provisional ballots," which are not included in the current candidate tallies on the Party's website, www.lagop.com. State Party staffers are currently working with Registrars of Voters across the state to confirm with certainty the eligibility of each candidate. Party rules allow anyone registered as Republican as of November 30, 2007 to have voted last evening. The ballots of those who are found eligible will be added to totals and the outcomes of some races in Districts 1,2,4,5 and 6 could possibly be affected.
Second, candidates for delegate in Louisiana historically have run on one or another slate, but not on multiple slates. This year, however, many candidates ran on more than one slate. There was significant overlap, for example, between the McCain and Pro-Life slates. So determination of which slate won is not as clear-cut. But it certainly appears that the order was: Uncommitted Pro-Life, McCain, Paul, Romney, others.
Identification of candidates with the various slates is not an official Party function and such analysis is provided solely as a courtesy to members of the press and as a response to the numerous inquiries received by the Party regarding this topic.
Results of provisional ballot analysis will be updated regularly on the Party's website until a final count is reached.
Chairman Villere wishes to thank everyone who participated in the 2008 Louisiana Caucuses.
Republican Party of Louisiana Chairman Roger F. Villere, Jr. today announced the preliminary results of delegate elections held at GOP caucuses across the state on Tuesday evening.
More than 10,000 Republican voters met at 11 locations around Louisiana to choose delegates to the 2008 Louisiana Republican Convention, which will elect nearly all of Louisiana’s delegates to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
"Preliminary results show that a majority of the 105 state convention delegates who have been elected ran on a statewide pro-life uncommitted slate," Villere said. "I congratulate the candidates and supporters of this group on their victory and look forward to working with them to keep our Party platform pro-life at the state and national conventions," he said.
Delegate candidates endorsed by US Senator John McCain (R-AZ) appear to have won more state convention delegate positions than any other presidential slate at the Louisiana Caucuses.
"I offer my congratulations Senator John McCain on his success in the Louisiana caucuses,"" Villere said. "Senator McCain is an American hero and this is further evidence that he enjoys strong support in Louisiana and throughout the South," he said.
Supporters of Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) appear to have captured the next highest number of delegate positions.
"I applaud the supporters of Congressman Paul for their enthusiasm and superior organizational ability," Villere said. "Our Party needs the infusion of new activists who have both political skill and a passion for protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us by the Constitution," he said. "I left the caucus with a renewed commitment to promote our core Republican principles of limited government and individual freedom, thanks to the zeal displayed by Congressman Paul’s Louisiana supporters," Villere said.
In addition to the uncommitted delegates and McCain and Paul supporters, Governor Mitt Romney appears to have won a handful of state convention delegates.
"Governor Romney and his team have worked hard for over a year in Louisiana to build a strong organization," Villere said. "The Governor has been to Louisiana more than any other GOP candidate, including one trip specifically to appear at a state party fundraising dinner," he said. "Governor Romney has shown a commitment to Louisiana that is second to none and the strong support he has here is an indication that Louisiana Republicans are excited about his candidacy," Villere said.
Results from Louisiana's Republican caucuses and the informal designation of a "winning slate" are preliminary for two reasons. First, about 500 individuals who attended the event were not shown to be registered Republicans on voter rolls. These individuals were allowed to cast "provisional ballots," which are not included in the current candidate tallies on the Party's website, www.lagop.com. State Party staffers are currently working with Registrars of Voters across the state to confirm with certainty the eligibility of each candidate. Party rules allow anyone registered as Republican as of November 30, 2007 to have voted last evening. The ballots of those who are found eligible will be added to totals and the outcomes of some races in Districts 1,2,4,5 and 6 could possibly be affected.
Second, candidates for delegate in Louisiana historically have run on one or another slate, but not on multiple slates. This year, however, many candidates ran on more than one slate. There was significant overlap, for example, between the McCain and Pro-Life slates. So determination of which slate won is not as clear-cut. But it certainly appears that the order was: Uncommitted Pro-Life, McCain, Paul, Romney, others.
Identification of candidates with the various slates is not an official Party function and such analysis is provided solely as a courtesy to members of the press and as a response to the numerous inquiries received by the Party regarding this topic.
Results of provisional ballot analysis will be updated regularly on the Party's website until a final count is reached.
Chairman Villere wishes to thank everyone who participated in the 2008 Louisiana Caucuses.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A pair of videos
I'm back in Chicago. I just stumbled upon this. This is a video of what we were doing here in Chicago on New Year's Eve Day. - Allan
This video is pretty good. In Fox's rebroadcast of the debates, word has it that Ron Paul's answer to this question was cut out.
\
This video is pretty good. In Fox's rebroadcast of the debates, word has it that Ron Paul's answer to this question was cut out.
\
Monday, January 21, 2008
A Letter from Vijay Boyapati
Below is an important and inspiring message from Vijay Boyapati, founder and champion of the grassroots organization Operation Live Free or Die. He is the one who left a good job at google to organize for Ron Paul. Please give it a read it and spread it far and wide!
Allan
------------------------------------------
My name is Vijay Boyapati, I'm Director of Operation Live Free or Die ( http://operationlivefreeordie.com/). Some of you may remember me from the interview with Dr Paul at Google (skip to 42:31 in the interview - that's me).
I'm writing to you because we're at a turning point in Ron's campaign. In the short history of this Revolution we're in the best position we've ever been in. I don't mean to sound hyperbolic and nor am I exaggerating. Consider these facts:
- Two Republican Presidential candidates (Tancredo and Hunter) have dropped out of the race for want of both money and support. Besides Ron, Tancredo and Hunter were the only candidates truly strong on fixing illegal immigration. Illegal immigration is a huge issue for many voters, and Ron is now the only candidate left with a sterling record on the issue.
- Fred Thompson has had no successes in any states and finished a distant third in South Carolina where he needed a strong result. He has little money and no grassroots support. It's very likely that he'll drop out of the race in the near future.
- While both Huckabee and McCain have won some states, neither has established a clear lead. Neither has significant financial resources, and both will struggle to advertise in the super Tuesday states.
- Rudy Giuliani has chosen a very risky strategy of focusing his efforts on Florida, and has done abysmally in every other state. If he doesn't post a victory in Florida his campaign will essentially be dead.
All the while, Dr Paul has has built an enormous war-chest that will allow him to be among the very few candidates who can afford to advertise in a significant way in the huge super Tuesday states (California, Illinois, New York etc).
http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20080120/cm_thenation/45272954
Further, only a small fraction of the total delegates necessary for the party nomination have been decided. The Republican race is still wide open. We still have a terrific opportunity to shock the media and the country with a strong showing.
This is not the time for despair. It is not the time for complacency.
It not the time to abandon the American Revolution. Now is the time for our greatest effort in the glorious cause of human freedom.
So I ask each of you to help us deliver a third huge fund-raising day for Dr Paul on January 21st (this Monday) by promoting this effort as much as possible in your meetup group:
http://freeatlast2008.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAWClI8zsH4
The money we raise will allow Dr Paul to dominate the air-waves in the days leading up to super-Tuesday.
Together we'll show that ours is a national movement. That freedom is not forgotten in our beloved Republic. And that we will not stop the fight until our Government acknowledges our urgent entreaty: we demand liberty and justice for all Americans.
sincerely,
Vijay Boyapati, Director of Operation Live Free or Die.
http://freeatlast2008.com
http://operationlivefreeordie.com/news.html
http://operationlivefreeordie.com/blog.html
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Shenanigans
Tomorrow is the Nevada caucus. The Nevada Republican party has decided that anyone may show up to any polling place and provided that they sign an affidavit that they are a registered Republican, they may vote in that primary. That method will be used to determine the numbers released to the media. More correct numbers will be determined in the future. I can assure you that the more correct numbers will not be reported by the media in the future.
Today, I spoke to some Kucinich staffers as I was about to sit down for lunch. They told me that there are legitimate claims for voter fraud in New Hampshire. One of the staffers said that in New Hampshire recount “Vote counts are increasing for every person except for Hillary.”
Allan
Today, I spoke to some Kucinich staffers as I was about to sit down for lunch. They told me that there are legitimate claims for voter fraud in New Hampshire. One of the staffers said that in New Hampshire recount “Vote counts are increasing for every person except for Hillary.”
Allan
End the Fed
We are sitting in the Las Vegas office, waiting for our packets to be ready for tomorrow. It's too late to make phone calls. A few of us who were in New Hampshire are sitting here and watching a few videos. One of the guys here pointed out to me that he and I started the "End the Fed" chant on this video. It was a good crowd, and a great speech.
We've worked hard this week and tomorrow is the day of reckoning. I feel like there is so much more that I would like to do, but I cannot identify other time in my schedule where that could have fit. This morning, I was even up at 6 am doing a blanket drop - just leaving brochures in people's doors before I came in at 9 am to start making phone calls.
Tomorrow I am going to help organize 46 PRECINCTS!! This will absolutely be a handful. I am going to write a little newsletter for my precinct coordinators before I head out of the office tonight. This whole caucus thing is a brilliant idea. I am really very excited to be so close to this very grassroots process. Primaries are weak, caucuses draw out the true believers, the dedicated, the opinionated. What an excellent experience this will be. I will be so excited to hear the stories as people leave their precincts.
Wishing you a good night.
Allan
(in Las Vegas)
We've worked hard this week and tomorrow is the day of reckoning. I feel like there is so much more that I would like to do, but I cannot identify other time in my schedule where that could have fit. This morning, I was even up at 6 am doing a blanket drop - just leaving brochures in people's doors before I came in at 9 am to start making phone calls.
Tomorrow I am going to help organize 46 PRECINCTS!! This will absolutely be a handful. I am going to write a little newsletter for my precinct coordinators before I head out of the office tonight. This whole caucus thing is a brilliant idea. I am really very excited to be so close to this very grassroots process. Primaries are weak, caucuses draw out the true believers, the dedicated, the opinionated. What an excellent experience this will be. I will be so excited to hear the stories as people leave their precincts.
Wishing you a good night.
Allan
(in Las Vegas)
16 Jan - a good conversation
January 16
I headed out to canvass after sending out a few emails in the morning. On the way, a scholar on the Constitution called me, a man who I am trying to organize a project with. He is part of the group that is seeking to organize the distribution of copies of the US Constitution. This man, is impressive when he speaks about the Costitution, and I was quite honored to have received a phone call from him. We talked about a few important matters of logistics for about 10 or 15 minutes, and then I got to hear some impressive ideas from him.
1. His mother is a Slovakia fanatic and their ancestors came from Slovakia. He refers to some of the framers, however, as his “philosophical ancestors,” a well-phrased comment, and something I personally agree with.
2. I asked him about his dream for the Constitution Bomb project. He told me that his dream is to bring about a second American revolution. Automatically, my mind went to some intimidating thoughts – it’s easier to speak about Revolution than to hear another person speak about Revolution.
3. He quoted Ben Franklin to me, who referred to the American Revolution as having happened from 1760-1775. What followed that was a bloody rebellion. Revolution is an astronomical term, and also refers to a changing of the mind, a changing of perspective, a changing of opinion. Pre-1760 colonists say themselves as proud members of the British Empire. Post 1775, the story was different. Franklin referred to the bloodshed that followed as a bloody rebellion.
The conversation sent me off with much energy for the day’s caucusing.
Allan
(in Las Vegas, Nevada)
I headed out to canvass after sending out a few emails in the morning. On the way, a scholar on the Constitution called me, a man who I am trying to organize a project with. He is part of the group that is seeking to organize the distribution of copies of the US Constitution. This man, is impressive when he speaks about the Costitution, and I was quite honored to have received a phone call from him. We talked about a few important matters of logistics for about 10 or 15 minutes, and then I got to hear some impressive ideas from him.
1. His mother is a Slovakia fanatic and their ancestors came from Slovakia. He refers to some of the framers, however, as his “philosophical ancestors,” a well-phrased comment, and something I personally agree with.
2. I asked him about his dream for the Constitution Bomb project. He told me that his dream is to bring about a second American revolution. Automatically, my mind went to some intimidating thoughts – it’s easier to speak about Revolution than to hear another person speak about Revolution.
3. He quoted Ben Franklin to me, who referred to the American Revolution as having happened from 1760-1775. What followed that was a bloody rebellion. Revolution is an astronomical term, and also refers to a changing of the mind, a changing of perspective, a changing of opinion. Pre-1760 colonists say themselves as proud members of the British Empire. Post 1775, the story was different. Franklin referred to the bloodshed that followed as a bloody rebellion.
The conversation sent me off with much energy for the day’s caucusing.
Allan
(in Las Vegas, Nevada)
FreeAtLast2008.com
This may be the last money bomb. I am going to start helping to publicize this tomorrow after the caucus. It will be something showy to show to people who noticed the showy claims of Ron Paul's racism. More importantly, it'll help keep those important commercials broadcasting in Super Tuesday states. Vijay, the google software engineer, turned Ron Paul organizer is putting this money bomb together. Good video for it too. - Allan
January 17, 2008 - 8 am
January 17, 2008 - 8 am
Just got back from breakfast. My uncle turned on Fox. Mentioned on Fox today as Republicans on the campaign trail – Romney who “pulled out” of South Carolina, Huckabee who is trying to gain ground, and McCain who is the current front runner (all commentary on candidates are Fox paraphrases). Did they stop there? No, they continued to talk about the candidates - Thomspson and Giuliani were both mentioned, and all 5 candidates shown. Did they stop there mentioning the candidates? Yes.
8:53 am
Okay WTF! ! ! ! In a story about Giuliani, there were just 6 candidates listed on Fox. Who was the sixth candidate?? Duncan Hunter.
Allan
(LV)
Just got back from breakfast. My uncle turned on Fox. Mentioned on Fox today as Republicans on the campaign trail – Romney who “pulled out” of South Carolina, Huckabee who is trying to gain ground, and McCain who is the current front runner (all commentary on candidates are Fox paraphrases). Did they stop there? No, they continued to talk about the candidates - Thomspson and Giuliani were both mentioned, and all 5 candidates shown. Did they stop there mentioning the candidates? Yes.
8:53 am
Okay WTF! ! ! ! In a story about Giuliani, there were just 6 candidates listed on Fox. Who was the sixth candidate?? Duncan Hunter.
Allan
(LV)
January 16
The day ahead
Tomorrow will bring a breakfast with a bunch of friends of my uncle’s – goal - get the hardcore McCain supporter to think twice. At the end of the day, I am to sit down with him and his wife again for dinner. I think I won’t even mention politics, but will wait and see if he raises any issues again.
It’s 10:30 pm and I just got back from headquarters. For the second night in a row, I’ve been able to sneak past the sleeping watchdog who barks at me and wakes up the whole house.
Early start tomorrow, and hopefully, I will be able to canvass one and a half precincts. That would then bring my total canvassed to three in three days. The first day, I got off to a bit of a slow start.
I miss the group energy of New Hampshire, and really do wish that I had a partner in crime to feed off of and to share energy with as I canvassed these soulless streets.
Tonight, a guy who was in New Hampshire with me and I called together for 30 minutes. Even there, I could feel that synergy. It was good stuff. The more he smooth talked, the more I smooth talked. I took his lines, he took mine, and we ended up with two pretty good improve scripts by the third or fourth call.
As I was leaving, I was told by one of the organizers of the campaign – “Every delegate you bring us is worth at least $1,000 in advertising and mailing that it would take to get that delegate to show up, at least a thousand dollars.”
“It’s estimated that the cost of a volunteer on a presidential campaign per day is $500.” is what one of the phone bankers in NH would say several times/day on the phone to people who would doubt the success of Ron Paul’s campaign.
If I can pull off one and a half precincts tomorrow, I will go into headquarters on Friday from early morning until late in the night, giving that extra push to get folks out to their precincts on Saturday to caucus.
Allan
(in Las Vegas)
Tomorrow will bring a breakfast with a bunch of friends of my uncle’s – goal - get the hardcore McCain supporter to think twice. At the end of the day, I am to sit down with him and his wife again for dinner. I think I won’t even mention politics, but will wait and see if he raises any issues again.
It’s 10:30 pm and I just got back from headquarters. For the second night in a row, I’ve been able to sneak past the sleeping watchdog who barks at me and wakes up the whole house.
Early start tomorrow, and hopefully, I will be able to canvass one and a half precincts. That would then bring my total canvassed to three in three days. The first day, I got off to a bit of a slow start.
I miss the group energy of New Hampshire, and really do wish that I had a partner in crime to feed off of and to share energy with as I canvassed these soulless streets.
Tonight, a guy who was in New Hampshire with me and I called together for 30 minutes. Even there, I could feel that synergy. It was good stuff. The more he smooth talked, the more I smooth talked. I took his lines, he took mine, and we ended up with two pretty good improve scripts by the third or fourth call.
As I was leaving, I was told by one of the organizers of the campaign – “Every delegate you bring us is worth at least $1,000 in advertising and mailing that it would take to get that delegate to show up, at least a thousand dollars.”
“It’s estimated that the cost of a volunteer on a presidential campaign per day is $500.” is what one of the phone bankers in NH would say several times/day on the phone to people who would doubt the success of Ron Paul’s campaign.
If I can pull off one and a half precincts tomorrow, I will go into headquarters on Friday from early morning until late in the night, giving that extra push to get folks out to their precincts on Saturday to caucus.
Allan
(in Las Vegas)
January 17 - update
A dirty tricks operation today in Nevada:
Machines are robocalling ALL registered GOP voters in New Hampshire and saying “If you support Ron Paul press 1,” and going forward from there the message says “Be sure to show up at the polls at 9:30 am on Saturday to vote in the GOP caucus fro Ron Paul.” The problem is that you should be at the caucus at 8:30 am, it should begin at 9 am and will be over by 9:30 am. A scramble now to spread the word about that not being true.
Allan
(writing from Nevada)
Machines are robocalling ALL registered GOP voters in New Hampshire and saying “If you support Ron Paul press 1,” and going forward from there the message says “Be sure to show up at the polls at 9:30 am on Saturday to vote in the GOP caucus fro Ron Paul.” The problem is that you should be at the caucus at 8:30 am, it should begin at 9 am and will be over by 9:30 am. A scramble now to spread the word about that not being true.
Allan
(writing from Nevada)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Do not be dismayed
To all of you in Europe, I just want to say, please do not be dismayed by low primary numbers. The speed with which Ron Paul’s message is spreading is simply amazing. When the media is against you – 30% is hard to obtain. On the ground, I am seeing some really amazing things happening. I too get frustrated when it doesn’t happen more quickly. We have many years of this ahead of us, but it will be filled with sweet victories!
Allan
(writing from Las Vegas)
Allan
(writing from Las Vegas)
A letter to the editor of the Las Vegas Sun
A Letter to the Editor of the Las Vegas Sun on Tonight’s Debates (sent 16 January)
I will not be voting for Dennis Kucinich, but how outraged the people of Nevada should be
1. That their Supreme Court thinks a corporation is entitled to freedom of speech under the Constitution.
2. That MSNBC, owned by GE, a military contractor, has censored Kucinich from the debates.
3. That, as a result, the only opinions being put forth in the debate are essentially “it’s inevitable that we remain in Iraq.”
4. That this method of censorship went forth without the 3 candidates boycotting the debate.
I am a regular visitor, now in Las Vegas, from Blue Island, IL.
Allan Stevo
P.S. The decision from the Sup Ct was handed down in a less than timely manner, right before the debates, allowing for no further recourse on Kucinich's part. Bastards.
- Allan
(writing from Las Vegas)
I will not be voting for Dennis Kucinich, but how outraged the people of Nevada should be
1. That their Supreme Court thinks a corporation is entitled to freedom of speech under the Constitution.
2. That MSNBC, owned by GE, a military contractor, has censored Kucinich from the debates.
3. That, as a result, the only opinions being put forth in the debate are essentially “it’s inevitable that we remain in Iraq.”
4. That this method of censorship went forth without the 3 candidates boycotting the debate.
I am a regular visitor, now in Las Vegas, from Blue Island, IL.
Allan Stevo
P.S. The decision from the Sup Ct was handed down in a less than timely manner, right before the debates, allowing for no further recourse on Kucinich's part. Bastards.
- Allan
(writing from Las Vegas)
January 15 - pt. 2
I’m in bed right now because one of the local organizers of the Ron Paul campaign who has shown such a tremendous amount of ability, enthusiasm, and lack of general dipshitness that I trust him, told me “There is so much that needs to get done, but it’s 9 pm and I think you really ought to just get to bed, get a good night’s rest, and be ready to hit that precinct hard in the morning. We have a lot ahead of us, but we’re done for tonight.”
I canvassed the neighborhood around my aunt and uncle’s house today. It was a good neighborhood with a handful of Ron Paul supporters. I walked the list of Republican voters. There is expected to be a 5% voter turnout on Saturday. Basically, getting 8 or 10 people from this precinct to vote will be enough to get Ron Paul to carry the precinct. I’m so very disappointed with the tremendous apathy and lack of understanding that I find in this place.
I’ve never thought favourably of Las Vegas, and perhaps that image is shading my outlook on things. I really do hope that I am proven wrong.
Today as I walked mile after mile of houses in this precinct, each house in the entire precinct with the exception of one, the exact same color. Every house, including that one, made of the exact same material. As I did that, I realized how smug some people seem to be about Petrzalka, about the horrific site that the communists created. I thought about the similarities here. This neighborhood is built with a mindset little different from Petrzalka. How fucking soulless, how fucking mindless have we become? How much further will we continue down this ruinous road?
There is the silver lining to this though, every house, every door, opened revealed a beautiful unique interior. How long before that too becomes a thing of the past? As government attacks the 4th and 5th amendments, technology eats away at our concept of privacy.
After nightfall at about 5 pm, something that brought an end to my canvassing, I headed to have a delicious meal with my aunt and uncle and then off to HQ where I made a few phone calls to Ron Paul supporters trying to get them to be delegates on Saturday. Without delegates, Ron Paul will not win Nevada. Unless you are going to be a delegate for him on Saturday or to show up to the caucus to vote for those delegates at 9 am, your support for Ron Paul is largely meaningless at this point. Those are two thoughts that I must, on the phone, get through to people who “Really love Ron Paul” but “are just too busy this weekend.”
A new day ahead. A good day to all of you.
Allan
(writing from Las Vegas)
I canvassed the neighborhood around my aunt and uncle’s house today. It was a good neighborhood with a handful of Ron Paul supporters. I walked the list of Republican voters. There is expected to be a 5% voter turnout on Saturday. Basically, getting 8 or 10 people from this precinct to vote will be enough to get Ron Paul to carry the precinct. I’m so very disappointed with the tremendous apathy and lack of understanding that I find in this place.
I’ve never thought favourably of Las Vegas, and perhaps that image is shading my outlook on things. I really do hope that I am proven wrong.
Today as I walked mile after mile of houses in this precinct, each house in the entire precinct with the exception of one, the exact same color. Every house, including that one, made of the exact same material. As I did that, I realized how smug some people seem to be about Petrzalka, about the horrific site that the communists created. I thought about the similarities here. This neighborhood is built with a mindset little different from Petrzalka. How fucking soulless, how fucking mindless have we become? How much further will we continue down this ruinous road?
There is the silver lining to this though, every house, every door, opened revealed a beautiful unique interior. How long before that too becomes a thing of the past? As government attacks the 4th and 5th amendments, technology eats away at our concept of privacy.
After nightfall at about 5 pm, something that brought an end to my canvassing, I headed to have a delicious meal with my aunt and uncle and then off to HQ where I made a few phone calls to Ron Paul supporters trying to get them to be delegates on Saturday. Without delegates, Ron Paul will not win Nevada. Unless you are going to be a delegate for him on Saturday or to show up to the caucus to vote for those delegates at 9 am, your support for Ron Paul is largely meaningless at this point. Those are two thoughts that I must, on the phone, get through to people who “Really love Ron Paul” but “are just too busy this weekend.”
A new day ahead. A good day to all of you.
Allan
(writing from Las Vegas)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
