It's always great conversing with other people and getting to know what makes them tick, because at the same time, you start learning more about yourself and what makes you tick as well. I was asked once: "What are the political issues that you're most passionate about?"
At that moment I responded with two: the national debt and second amendment rights. It's difficult to say you're a free individual if you're born into debt that was placed upon you by previous generations; and it's essential that people be able to defend themselves from domestic and foreign harm.
My two issues funnel into one main issue: individual freedom. One should have the freedom to do as they want as long as what they choose to do does not interfere or hurt another individual's freedom. Too often do we think our own choices and beliefs are what's right and what everyone else should follow and believe, but those decisions may only be what's right for us and not others. Everyone has a different story, different needs, and a different life. We can't cookie-cut policies to make things perfect for all, but we can allow for individuals to make their own decisions as they see fit.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Why politics? Why now?
I met with a fellow CD3 alternate yesterday, and as with any gathering of political nerds, the question that usually arises at some point is: "What got you into politics?"
Two simple words, one life-changing man: Ron Paul. Now I assure you this blog is not a Paul-love-fest (for those who may not be fans, don't worry; however for those of you who are supporters, you may like my references to him), but his influence in my awakening is paramount.
In 2007, I was starting on my Master's work (which surprisingly ended up being about expanding government and dwindling liberties) and I remember tuning briefly into some of the GOP debates and hearing clips of Paul speak and watching other candidates mock and roll their eyes at him. I don't recall if I agreed with anything he said then, but I admit most of the "news" I read or watched came from mainstream media (MSM), and they painted him in a negative light. Sadly, I was one of those "sheeple" that I comment on now - easily swayed by what I'm fed on television. But this sheeple (if it can still be termed that when referring to one person... sheep-person... sheeperson?) was dipping her toes into the liberty movement with her thesis research revolving around post-9/11 film studies and focusing on the messages of tyrannical government and insurgent freedom in V for Vendetta and Equilibrium (both excellent movies if you have not seen).
After that, I kind of floated away from politics yet again after O was elected into office in 2008. The world seemed happy with him (giving him a Nobel Peace Prize for... well, I'm not quite sure what!), so I was apathetically so as well.
Three years would have to pass before waking up to the full decline of our country. I must forever be grateful to the summer of 2011 when I decided not to take on a summer job or classes and simply relax and refuel for the following school year (I forgot to mention, finished my Master's in 2009 and continued into a PhD program). Within a month's time, with the internet as my news source and my Facebook turning from a socializing site into a political/social commentary network, my life changed.
Other than my own personal research on Paul and watching many of his old and current YouTube videos, I recall hearing a lot about his book The Revolution: A Manifesto. I purchased it, read it, and fell in love with the idea of restoring America to it's Constitutional roots and fighting for true freedom and liberty.
If you do not support Ron Paul, I highly recommend the book.
If you love our Constitution and want to get back to following it, I highly recommend the book.
If you are alright with the US interventionist foreign policy, I highly recommend the book.
If you believe in any personal freedoms, I highly recommend the book.
If you consider yourself a Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, or if you have not read the book... I highly recommend that you do.
This is the short story of how I joined the r3volution. What is your story?
Two simple words, one life-changing man: Ron Paul. Now I assure you this blog is not a Paul-love-fest (for those who may not be fans, don't worry; however for those of you who are supporters, you may like my references to him), but his influence in my awakening is paramount.
In 2007, I was starting on my Master's work (which surprisingly ended up being about expanding government and dwindling liberties) and I remember tuning briefly into some of the GOP debates and hearing clips of Paul speak and watching other candidates mock and roll their eyes at him. I don't recall if I agreed with anything he said then, but I admit most of the "news" I read or watched came from mainstream media (MSM), and they painted him in a negative light. Sadly, I was one of those "sheeple" that I comment on now - easily swayed by what I'm fed on television. But this sheeple (if it can still be termed that when referring to one person... sheep-person... sheeperson?) was dipping her toes into the liberty movement with her thesis research revolving around post-9/11 film studies and focusing on the messages of tyrannical government and insurgent freedom in V for Vendetta and Equilibrium (both excellent movies if you have not seen).
After that, I kind of floated away from politics yet again after O was elected into office in 2008. The world seemed happy with him (giving him a Nobel Peace Prize for... well, I'm not quite sure what!), so I was apathetically so as well.
Three years would have to pass before waking up to the full decline of our country. I must forever be grateful to the summer of 2011 when I decided not to take on a summer job or classes and simply relax and refuel for the following school year (I forgot to mention, finished my Master's in 2009 and continued into a PhD program). Within a month's time, with the internet as my news source and my Facebook turning from a socializing site into a political/social commentary network, my life changed.
Other than my own personal research on Paul and watching many of his old and current YouTube videos, I recall hearing a lot about his book The Revolution: A Manifesto. I purchased it, read it, and fell in love with the idea of restoring America to it's Constitutional roots and fighting for true freedom and liberty.
If you do not support Ron Paul, I highly recommend the book.
If you love our Constitution and want to get back to following it, I highly recommend the book.
If you are alright with the US interventionist foreign policy, I highly recommend the book.
If you believe in any personal freedoms, I highly recommend the book.
If you consider yourself a Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, or if you have not read the book... I highly recommend that you do.
This is the short story of how I joined the r3volution. What is your story?
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Texas GOP State Convention
Let me begin this blog by stating: I am "new" to politics in the sense that I am not a "lifelong Republican or Democrat," I have not followed local, state, or national politics from a young age, and I never would have guessed that I would be the least bit interested in politics.
I had the privilege of attending the Texas GOP State Convention last weekend, June 7th to 9th, in Fort Worth as an alternate (left pic: Sic'em). Having heard from many people who have been a part of the GOP for awhile that it is the biggest Republican gathering in the world, I didn't know what to expect. If it were anything like the Senatorial District Convention I attended, it would be long, time-consuming, and have a quite a bit of down time. Boy was it the opposite. Meetings and breakout sessions happened one after another, and the only break really was lunch. After three days of discussing and voting on rules and platforms, as well as representatives to the national convention, I was not only physically exhausted but mentally drained. Yet who would have though that such an experience would be invigorating and awakening.
Many attendees were very excited about the growing number of youth getting interested and involved in the party and its politics. Now, I can't speak on behalf of all the new youth joining the GOP, but I can say for a lot of them and myself, there is one person to thank: Dr. Ron Paul. Whether one likes him or not, agrees with him or not, it is true that his message of limited Constitutional government, personal liberties, and sound monetary policy is what ignited the flame for many "new" individuals (in 2008 and 2012) to the Republican Party. I hope people keep this in mind, because we are all fighting for a better future.
During the Congressional District caucus, where we elected our delegates and alternates to represent us at the Republican National Convention, I was lucky to have support, not only from previous liberty-minded friends but from new acquaintances I met between meetings, for my run as Alternate 3. Here is a brief rundown written by Michael O. of the North Texas Tea Party: http://northtexasteaparty.org/2012/06/11/report-from-the-gop-convention/
I am proud and honored to have support from my liberty-loving sisters and brothers, and hope I can fulfill my duty of representing our movement and our district at the GOP National Convention in Tampa, Florida.
Many attendees were very excited about the growing number of youth getting interested and involved in the party and its politics. Now, I can't speak on behalf of all the new youth joining the GOP, but I can say for a lot of them and myself, there is one person to thank: Dr. Ron Paul. Whether one likes him or not, agrees with him or not, it is true that his message of limited Constitutional government, personal liberties, and sound monetary policy is what ignited the flame for many "new" individuals (in 2008 and 2012) to the Republican Party. I hope people keep this in mind, because we are all fighting for a better future.
During the Congressional District caucus, where we elected our delegates and alternates to represent us at the Republican National Convention, I was lucky to have support, not only from previous liberty-minded friends but from new acquaintances I met between meetings, for my run as Alternate 3. Here is a brief rundown written by Michael O. of the North Texas Tea Party: http://northtexasteaparty.org/2012/06/11/report-from-the-gop-convention/
I am proud and honored to have support from my liberty-loving sisters and brothers, and hope I can fulfill my duty of representing our movement and our district at the GOP National Convention in Tampa, Florida.
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