On Becoming a Ron Paul Partisan
Looks like I'm one of many vocal supporters of Ron Paul for President. After reading a note from Patrick M Byrne, CEO of the very successful internet sales firm, Overstock.com, as part of a blog on his firm's site wrote the following:
Dear Customer,
Because Overstock advertises on Fox channels, Overstock has been receiving calls and email messages about Fox News decision to exclude Dr. Ron Paul from the upcoming January 6 forum in New Hampshire, a decision that seems especially rank given the fact that in yesterdays Iowa Caucus Dr. Paul out-polled Mayor Giuliani by a factor of 2.5:1. I always enjoy hearing from our customers, particularly those who display political commitment of any flavor, and I thank them for their calls and emails.
In October Dr. Paul came to Utah, and he and I visited for an hour in my office. After that meeting, I gave him the largest donation I could under federal law: it is rare to meet a politician who understands the Constitution, and rarer still to meet one who thinks it binds the government meaningfully (I would give Dr. Paul more were there not now a federal blackout on free speech known as "McCain-Feingold"). In a television interview last week I stated that, while for the first time in my life I felt there are several candidates qualified to be president, my #1 choice would be Dr. Paul.
That said, I believe that pulling Overstocks advertising from Fox would represent an inappropriate conflation of my personal politics with my corporate responsibilities: thus, fellow supporters of Dr. Paul, my answer to you is, "no." However, I have contacted Fox and told them that, as a major advertiser, I believe it is unconscionable of them to exclude Dr. Paul from participating in this forum on January 6, thus denying our polity the opportunity to make an informed choice.
Respectfully,
Patrick M. Byrne, Ph.D.
CEO, Overstock.com
After reading this, I've decided to a) take a second look at the possibility of making purchases from that form, and b) write the following to Fox Senior Political Producer Producer Marty Ryan:
Dear Mr Ryan,
It disturbs me greatly that Fox News has decided to take a hand in the 2008 Presidential elections by eliminating one of the more viable Republican candidates from the upcoming debate. Dr Ron Paul is the only candidate who is aware of the US Constitution and who often expresses support for the document. He has a record in Congress of consistently voting in accordance with its tenets--a record few, if any other congresspeople can approach.
Your commentators, Messrs Hannity and O'Reilly, to name two, seem to stand in opposition to this same document by their habit of referring to Dr Paul as "wacko," "nutcase," and many other derogatory references, liberally mixed with ignoring this candidate at moments when it would clearly be proper to include him.
Fox enjoys a position at the forefront of cable news stations in the US, and deservedly so. It seems a shame to put that leadership at risk for a mistaken political stance, inconsistent with Fox's stated mission: "We Report, You decide."
Sad to see the beginning of the downhill slide of a great organization.
Yours in truth,
Col. Hogan
Stalag California
I don't have anything against the organizer of a political debate deciding whom should attend but, as I said, Fox News positions itself as a "fair and balanced" news outlet, and Ron Paul has tens of millions of pots in which to piss. He did get a score of 10% in the Hawkeye Cauci. I'll be surprised if he doesn't do better than that in New Hampshire.
Remember, VOTE FOR NO INCUMBENT!
Col. Hogan
Stalag California
2 comments:
Col., I do think it's a huge injustice that just because the powers that be don't like a particular candidate they can muscle him out like that. It really makes me wonder why on earth they hate him so much. I read something a couple of weeks ago that there was a rumor of someone wanting to take him out. Not sure of its veracity but it was interesting and something to keep on the back burner.
What I do like about Ron Paul is his commitment to small government. This alone should make him appealing but he really seems to have his enemies for some reason.
Aurora,
Yes, I honestly don't think Paul will ever be President, but he deserves a fair chance to run, like anyone else. We have to remember that, with the exceptions of those under the age of 35 and those not born within the borders of any of the various United States, anyone is qualified to be President. He'd need to drum up the support of millions, but he's welcome to try.
News organizations have the complete right to ignore those who have no chance, but their screed should be rational and consistent, for them to be taken seriously as capable of comment. Ron Paul has amassed a great deal of support and has received more in campaign donations than any other Republican candidate.
More than enough to be taken seriously.
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