Don’t Centralize Me Bro!

Is the Ron Paul Revolution a fad or a movement? (as seen on the Daily Paul - www.dailypaul.com)

by Michael Sternberg

The Dr. Ron Paul official campaign seems to be inadvertently promoting the rationality of decentralization through its daily activities. The recent Las Vegas rally was an astounding success; this despite the fact that the campaign placed an ad in the major local paper with the wrong time and location posted. Fortunately, his grassroots supporters are well organized, and they quickly assembled to come up with, and put into action a plan to solve the problem. It didn’t hurt that Ron Paul people by their very nature are proactive individuals, and many figured out all on their own where to be and when to be there.

The current fundraising controversy (the email from the campaign
fundraising director urging supporters to donate now rather than waiting for TEA PARTY ’07 – www.teaparty07.com), and the subsequent posts in the online forums continue to shine a light on the many Ron Paul supporters that just don’t get it. An appreciable amount believe that they should just trust the campaign staff (i.e. succumb unquestionably to authority/expertise); after all, they know how to run things better than supporters.

While many folks insist the good doctor has cured their apathy, I am forced to wonder if, in their eyes, Ron Paul is just the next dear leader. Are they going to go back to their old lives after the election results are in, or will they form and join organizations to help retire the IRS? Will they go back to full-time entertainment, or will they show up in the thousands to protest government abuse of civil liberties? When the media lies, will they turn the channel, or will they bombard the outlet and offender with emails, phone calls, and visits? Is the Ron Paul Revolution a fad or a movement?

I will have to wait some time for answers to my questions. Thankfully it will be an exciting wait! For in the age of political correctness, credit reports, and corporate media, the Ron Paul Revolution has at least cured my boredom. And it has shown the creativity, power, and large-scale functionality of a highly decentralized effort.