Residence: RepublicOccupation: Retired
Politics: Independent
Michael Richardson has been following Ron Paul since 1981. But in 1988, he didn't even know Paul was running on the Libertarian ticket for President. That's why Richardson is whole-heartedly supporting Paul's 2008 bid for president, and volunteering much of his own time to boost Paul's local following.
"I didn't vote for either of them last time because it didn't matter which one won. It was tweetle-dumb and tweetle-dee and I didn't care who won," Richardson says.
This time, he cares. If you drive around Springfield and see a Ron Paul sign, Richardson probably had some help in getting it up. "I'm passionate about this guy. I'm passionate about his issues," he says.
The issue that resonates most with Richardson is Paul's strict stand on fiscal responsibility and "unconstitutional spending."
"We wouldn't be fighting the war if we actually had to be paying for the war. We're borrowing money to fight the war," he says. "We may want to fight a war, but we can't afford the war. But I don't even want to fight it because I don't believe we're there for the right reason," he adds.
Sight Paul's sagging poll numbers and Richardson scoffs. He believes Paul's support is better measured by the numerous straw polls and internet polls he's winning. "Those polls call landlines, which are obsolete," Richardson says.
But you couldn't say much to sway Richardson -- or many of Paul's fans.
They're diehard -- and claim they're leading a grass and net-roots revolution.
5 comments:
Speaking of Ron Paul signs, why are most of them in public right-of-ways such as on utility poles? Others are placed on private property as they were along undeveloped land on Highway 65. The irony is rich: people backing a libertarian have no regard for private property when placing their homemade (and tacky) signs.
And we heard the "polls only call landlines" before- Howard Dean's campaign said that in the run up to Iowa. We all remember what happened to him.
Like to know more about Ron Paul - I have never heard of him but he looks great!!
Mr. Cantanese thank you very much for your coverage of our local efforts to raise awareness and ultimately try to get Ron Paul elected.
We have a local web site: http://springfieldronpaul.com
And here's the official campaign site:
http://ronpaul2008.com
Matt: Thank you for the feedback, I didn't actually put up any of the signs personally, but I can assure you no harm was meant in trying to get recognition for a candidate that we feel so strongly in support of. As you may have seen in the blog news there are many working very hard to prevent Ron Paul awareness (for instance redstate.com), and many supporters work very hard to overcome the gaps that exist from being branded as a candidate that is a "long-shot" "protest candidate" "dark horse" "2nd tier" etc. Ron Paul has many hard working supporters all over the country, and one of the major factors that will play into the primaries is that he's garnering support from many people that have been disillusioned by the major parties. Many feel that they can't make a difference in the political system, but Ron Paul has revived their patriotism and pride in being an American Citizen.
Which candidate are you working in support of? I'd like to hear more about local activities in support of him or her.
Joe: I'd be glad to talk to you about Ron Paul and the positions he has on the issues. Check out the web sites that I mentioned above.
Jeremy:
Fred Thompson has my support.
I've seen plenty of other candidates campaign signs in public right of ways in the past. Ron Paul's people are just getting them out earlier than usual.
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