Get Ron Paul Elected - beat the pavement contest

[mamboni]

First, I must admit that win or lose, Ron Paul has been a spiritual shot in the arm for me. He singlehandedly has made me proud to be an American and has brought me back from the throes of apathy for anything political. And he has reminded me of my civic duty - to engage my friends, neighbors, coworkers and relatives in discussions about current events and government. And, it is my civic duty to help such an excellent and fine civil servant such as Ron Paul to be the next president of the United States.

I believe the single best way to win over a potential supporter to your candidate is by one-on-one conversation. Yes, it is time consuming and the most labor-intensive of politicking techniques. However, it is also the most time-honored and rewarding way to help the candidate of your choice. I have personally committing to talking to at least two new people per day about Ron Paul. My hope is that in time, the multiplier effect will kick in, and some of these contacts will join on with Ron and talk to others. This has the potential for geometric progression wherein in the future months, a critical mass of Ron Paul supporters could be formed, sufficient to where the MSM could no longer marginalize him.

For example, my day of work at the hospital was not as busy most - my patient work was manageable and I only had one hour meeting. In the morning, I called by corporation's billing company president, and amidst the conversation I brought up Ron Paul and the recent GOP debate. He hadn't heard of Ron (neither has anyone else I've spoken to so far!!!!!!). I urged him to learn about Ron Paul on his own. After a midday meeting, whilst discussing a clinical issue in the Cardiovascular OR with two of the perfusionists, I brought up Ron Paul - they were very receptive to his platform which I briefly summarized. In the afternoon, the Chief of Risk Management stopped by my office to drop off some documents. Amidst some friendly small talk, I brought up......Ron Paul (she was most interested!!) At 6:00 PM I rushed out of the hospital to a Medical Staff meeting/dinner. I could only stay for 30 minutes as I had to be at my son's awards ceremony at the High School by 7 PM. At the staff meeting, I brought up Ron Paul to the Chief of Surgery, an ENT, and the assistant to the COO. All were very intrigued by the fact that Ron Paul was a physician before he became a US Congressman. After a perfunctory lager and two little chicken cubes, I raced to the High School. On the way in, I ran into a fellow church goer and brought up Ron Paul. After the ceremony, I was able to work Ron Paul into the conversations with two of my son's teachers, and a neighbor.

So, in sum, on this Wednesday, May 23, I managed to inform ten people about Ron Paul. Hence, my proposal to each of you here, is for a contest, which I will call the "Beat the Pavement for Ron Paul Contest:" we will each endeavor to speak to as many people as is feasible about Ron Paul, keep a tally and report back here as to our progress. Obviously, we must rely on the honor system - I trust you. Email and other electronic contacts do not count (I assume many of you are sending periodic Emails about Ron Paul now). Telephone conversations are perfectly acceptable. I think it will be edifying and encouraging for us to share our progress and get feedback about whether people are receptive to Ron Paul's message.

When you run into someone who has heard of Ron Paul by word of mouth, that will be an indication that we are approaching critical mass of Ron Paul supporters.

Beat the Pavement for Ron Paul Contest
Standings (5/23): mamboni - 10

[G-khan]

Good job mamboni it is exactly what you are doing that will give him a chance... IMO

[Silver Moon Rising]

Excellent job mamboni!

I introduced four people today to Ron Paul.

First was a friend who was thinking about supporting Fred Thompson. I showed them the 2008 SelectSmart.com Presidential Candidate Selector tool that I discussed in a previous thread. They saw that Ron Paul's views more closely aligned to their own than Thompson's views.

The spouse of a co-worker stopped by at lunch and I talked up Ron then.

The two others were people I met while getting my hair cut. One had heard of Ron Paul's name before but didn't know much about him, the other was a mindless Clinton supporter who at least now knows that there is an alternative to the neo-con Republicans.

I contacted a fellow Ron Paul supporter that I found through the ronpaul.meetup.com website. We plan to get a meeting going within the next two weeks.

I also ordered some Ron Paul for President 2008 business cards from the libertycard.org website to give out to people when I talk to them.

[mamboni]

These are all excellent suggestions. Not only can Ron Paul win the presidency, but he can do it in a Jeffersonian way: elected by informed and educated voters, not by drones and parrots who only know the skewed and limited talking points, ideologic crumbs thrown out to the masses.

Beat the Pavement for Ron Paul Contest
Standings (5/23):
mamboni - 10
Silver moon rising - 5

[gunner]

Great idea mamboni !!

I've got 3 co-workers now interested (but that was for this whole week, not just today)

I'll step up the activity, will have a busy day tomorrow and Friday - I'll make it worthwhile for sure !!

[KingTheoden]

Mamboni, I could not have stated it better. Even three weeks ago I am very depressed about the state of affairs and was devoting more time to learning how to become a Swiss citizen than to saving our own country. Well, Dr. Paul must really be a crack professional because I got an antidote that worked rather fast! This is like how my Dad describes what was the Reagan revolution in 1980- only this time it's for real. I only got in two 'witnessing' events today (both people were friends and via the phone), but it's a start.

[mamboni]

Beat the Pavement for Ron Paul Contest
Standings (5/23):
mamboni - 10
Silver Moon Rising - 5
Gunner - 3
KingTheoden - 2

Total = 20 potential new Ron Paul supporters

[mamboni]

I spoke to the head of security at my hospital today, all about Ron Paul. Then, while buying lunch I spoke to the cashier, a volunteer, elderly gentleman: he informed me that he hated politics and politicians and hadn't voted in years - said he was a registered Libertarian. When I told him that Ron Paul was a Libertarian, his eyes lit up. I called my 82 year old mother who, after ranting about megalomaniac Bush and all the crooks in Washington, listened when I informed her that she had an alternative to business as usual: Ron Paul. So, I'm updating the tallies. Anyone else?

Beat the Pavement for Ron Paul Contest
Standings (5/24):
mamboni - 13
Silver Moon Rising - 5
Gunner - 3
KingTheoden - 2

Total = 23 potential new Ron Paul supporters

I debating whether to offer some type of silver-based incentive; after all, I think Ron Paul would approve!

[creep276]

Got my shipment of T-shirts today and wore the first around town. Got into a few conversations with those that had heard of him..to be continued.

[seektruth]

I haven't been keeping track, but it seems like every day I tell at least a couple people about Ron Paul. It often is a result of them asking "Who's Ron Paul?" after seeing the button I wear every day.

[buff01]

Originally Posted by Silver Moon Rising

2008 SelectSmart.com Presidential Candidate Selector tool that I discussed in a

WARNING. That site is about 100 pages of SPAM and ADS before you can see any results. Don't bother.

[gunner]

put me down for 2 today.

May be a lost cause, 1 believes that we haven't had a terrist attack because Bush has his fingure on the nuke trigger and they're scared of him

The other thinks that pulling out of Iraq will only lead to Iran taking it over and keeping all the oil for itself. He did hear of Ron Paul, said oh yeah, he's that Constitution guy - not sure if my "importance of the Constitution speach" got through. Used the gun control issue to steer him towards RP, since both parties want the guns.

[Veritas]

Originally Posted by gunner

Used the gun control issue to steer him towards RP, since both parties want the guns.

That is the best leverage you will have against the sheeple who are leaning towards Guilliani.

Guilliani is clearly anti-gun. Since most Republicans do value gun rights, it shouldn't be hard to show them that Ron Paul is a better choice.

Many people still simply don't know him or his position. Educate them.

[mamboni]

Beat the Pavement for Ron Paul Contest
Standings (5/24):
mamboni - 13
Silver Moon Rising - 5
Gunner - 5
KingTheoden - 2
SeekTruth - 2

Total = 27 potential new Ron Paul supporters

At this rate, we should hit 10,000 by January!

[Horn]

I've turned my employer on to him, I can tell he liked him a whole lot.

This guys got tons of political connections.

Consider Ron a shoe in for Nevada, I got it covered here.

[Horn]

O.K. mamboni I'll narrow it down to 3

[G-khan]

Only met with two people today and told them both... They are going to roof my house............ Gave them our website and when they come and work on my house I will get their emails and send them some stuff....

Only 2 for me!

[mamboni]

Beat the Pavement for Ron Paul Contest
Standings (5/24):
mamboni - 13
Silver Moon Rising - 5
Gunner - 5
AuAgHorn - 3
G-Khan - 3
KingTheoden - 2
SeekTruth - 2

Total = 33 potential new Ron Paul supporters

[KingTheoden]

I don't have class Friday and am visiting New Jersey for a couple of days. Do any GIM vets have suggestions about how a younger adult could go about handing out flyers? I know some people favor puting papers under car wipers - not sure if the output of that would contain more pissed off people than potential converts.

[mamboni]

Originally Posted by KingTheoden

I don't have class Friday and am visiting New Jersey for a couple of days. Do any GIM vets have suggestions about how a younger adult could go about handing out flyers? I know some people favor puting papers under car wipers - not sure if the output of that would contain more pissed off people than potential converts.

Personally, I don't like flyers - it's too pushy and I think cheapens Ron Paul's message. For myself, I have a standard introduction whwn meeting a coworker, friend, acquaintance or relative:

"You know, there's an exceptional man running for president, the rarest of breeds, an honest politician, and someone well worth a few minutes of your time and consideration...."

People are receptive - more so in past years. I don't know if these efforts will have permanence or enduring influence. But, we must try - there is no alternative. The hope for a miracle keeps us going. If Ron Paul fails, we fail and America dies. But, in good conscience, we will be able to say that we gave it our all and did our best - we tried. Most Americans just do not have a clue as to the lateness of the hour, and the sun setting on this republic. We must muster them, one man at a time.

[Horn]

Originally Posted by Metalsmith

I took this week off to do some fishing and general get with nature time. I have stamped all my FRNs with a Vote Ron Paul 2008 stamp. If I break a 20 I pocket the money until I get home to stamp the change. Next week, when I go back to work, the race is on.

Ms

Time to get a bunch of singals, and I ain't even going to the nudy bar.

[Veritas]

Originally Posted by Metalsmith

I took this week off to do some fishing and general get with nature time. I have stamped all my FRNs with a Vote Ron Paul 2008 stamp. If I break a 20 I pocket the money until I get home to stamp the change. Next week, when I go back to work, the race is on.

Ms

Let's see how far and wide the stamped currency circulates. I have heard of several people marking FRN's with "Vote Ron Paul 2008".

I will announce when I recieve one of those bills. Everyone should. With GIM membership spanning the country, this is a good testing ground to see just how much of an impact we can make.

[demosfen]

I see why TPTB want cashless society now.

[Veritas]

Originally Posted by demosfen

I see why TPTB want cashless society now.

To elimate "underground communication"?

Right. Only TERRORists use cash.

And here I was thinking that the elimination of cash was to minimize the spread of germs, the sale of illegal narcotics and make life much more convenient with the simple swipe of a debit card.

[jingles]

Ron Paul is easy to sell, everyone wants more liberty. Bone up on his whole platform.

Feel the person out, if they're neocons talk about gun rights and the constitution.

If they're anti gun talk about not policing the world.

If they're pot smokers talk about making drugs legal.

If they're really pissed about inflation, talk about sound money.

Try not to hit on stuff that is going to turn them off, arguing a point will not win anyone, it only makes them dig in deeper.

[KingTheoden]

I agree Mamboni; person-to-person networking is king in this. Thanks for the input!

[Turner-son]

Up to three here - my wife, father in law and one of my brothers. I also have my email signature set up with a hyperlink just like KingTheoden's (thanks for the idea by the way).

[crud3w4re]

Gays would love Ron Paul, Ron Paul doesn't believe in restricting things like that. "Pro choice on everything" Unfortunately, gays are most likely to vote Democrat. I'm a Libertarian, I believe that marriage isn't even a government concern, Dr. Paul probably believes in the same thing.

[KingTheoden]

Originally Posted by crud3w4re

Gays would love Ron Paul, Ron Paul doesn't believe in restricting things like that. "Pro choice on everything" Unfortunately, gays are most likely to vote Democrat. I'm a Libertarian, I believe that marriage isn't even a government concern, Dr. Paul probably believes in the same thing.

As long as we can get the message out in public circulation, and I really believe that we can, we will see ourselve a part of one of the most motley coalitions in history. I know some gays posting Ron Paul links on their Facebook accounts; to me this shows that it is a matter of getting the product out there i.e. letting 'the market' know it exists.

Scanning the limited number of bloggers who disparage Ron Paul, they almost all say the same things such as 'we need government control over markets' and they think that such is a 'conservative' philosophy! I think the PTB are beginning to genuinely worry. If they steal an election from an extremely popular candidate, that could be the trip wire for many and I do not mean just the down and out. I have no doubt that much of the military will warm to Ron Paul in the coming weeks and months.

[mamboni]

Originally Posted by Turner-son

Up to three here - my wife, father in law and one of my brothers. I also have my email signature set up with a hyperlink just like KingTheoden's (thanks for the idea by the way).

Welcome to the defenders of liberty - we are proponents of peaceful revolution.

Beat the Pavement for Ron Paul Contest
Standings (5/24):
mamboni - 18
Silver Moon Rising - 5
Gunner - 5
Turner-Son - 3
AuAgHorn - 3
G-Khan - 3
KingTheoden - 2
SeekTruth - 2

Total = 41 potential new Ron Paul supporters


I updated my total: spoke to a general surgeon colleague, a temporary secretary in my office, the supervisor of the Blood Bank, and two technologists in Hematology.

Now, I've gotta get some of those GIM Ron Paul bumper stickers from Sukhoi_fan:
http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=139952