Liberty is Bigger Than Any One Candidate

September 11, 2008 by Leave a Comment

Yesterday, Ron Paul held a press conference in which he announced four 3rd party candidates (Bob Barr-Libertarian, Chuck Baldwin-Constitution Party, Ralph Nader, Cynthia McKinney-Green Party) had signed onto a platform of issues on which they are all in agreement.  The issues center on the Iraq War, protecting civil liberties, balancing the budget, and auditing/reviewing the Federal Reserve.  It is no coincidence that the Republicans and Democrats are not amused.  They would rather argue about lipstick on a pig, and other trivial issues.

The system is rigged on Presidential Debates, whereby these 3rd party candidates are not allowed to participate and share alternative views on issues.  This cheats voters out of the opportunity to see a true debate.  If four 3rd party candidates with extremely divergent world views can all agree on these issues of Liberty, and democratic process, why would the Democrats and Republicans be opposed?  Because they don’t want to lose power.  Power over principle is the governing philosophy that has me upset at the Republicans right now.  That is why I must vote for a 3rd Party candidate this year.

This is a difficult decision for me.  McCain has sensed something is wrong, since the Republicans have, at best, been lukewarm toward his campaign.  That is until he picked a Vice Presidential candidate with some leanings toward pro-liberty views.  He has managed to fire up a substantial part of his base.  While I feel better about his turning to a pro-liberty running mate, I am still unable to vote Republican with McCain at the top of the ticket.

Make no mistake, I have been and continue to be a Republican.  I support Ron Paul’s efforts to reform the party from within.  However, when it comes to this Presidential election cycle, a message needs to be sent to the heads of the Democratic and Republican parties that reform and open debate of issues must be allowed to occur.  A vote for one of these 3rd party candidates will send a strong message.  With any luck, the two parties will pay attention and allow for a true discussion of issues.

For detail on the issues the 3rd parties have agreed on, follow this link to the Campaign For Liberty

Filed under 2008 Election, Ron Paul Tagged with , , , , , , , ,

“Big Red One” Merchandise To Be Sold at Sears

September 11, 2008 by Leave a Comment

Surviving Word War II vets will probably be surprised that their Big Red One combat patch has been licensed by the US Army for a clothing line.  The First Infantry Division is the oldest division of the US Army and has seen continuous service since 1917.  In Word War II, it was one of two divisions that stormed Omaha Beach on D-Day.  Now, Sears has inked a deal with the Department of Defense to launch a line of clothing centered around the Big Red One insignia.  Revenue from this venture will most likely be put towards ongoing recruiting efforts.

This is an interesting turn of events.  As a child, I can remember some controversy over surplus Army field jackets being worn by civilians, with the patches still on them.  Many in the military will not like this new approach to turning their service insignia into a merchandising brand.  On the other hand, in this new age of an all-volunteer force (of which I was a part for a time), the military must look for ways to promote itself in the youth culture from which it draws its recruits.

Personally, I don’t really care if they put the logo on merchandise or not.  From Saving Private Ryan, to Band of Brothers, and other movies, video games, etc., Hollywood has been cashing in on military history quite a bit.  Why shouldn’t the military be able to do the same?  Having said that, some of the bingo players at the VFW might not like it.  The rank and file troops who were not told this was coming will be caught off guard also.  In our brand identity obsessed culture, it was bound to happen sooner or later.

See the story at Politico: Army, Sears clothing deal irks lawmakers

and Military.com Sears to Sell Army-Approved Clothing

Filed under Uncategorized Tagged with , , , , ,

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