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Entry: Only a Revolution Will Do Link: http://www.takimag.com/site/article/only_a_revolution_will_do#16903 Post contents: Interesting article. And many provocative and thoughtful replies. I'm a slow cogitator, like to take my time and look at things from all sides. So no comment on the post itself or directly on any of the many comments. I just want to say that as much as I would like to see the destruction of the present party system, I think Dr. Paul made the right call in running as a Republican, and in seeing the campaign through as a Republican. I think it is a huge misperception to see it as a matter of "party loyalty". Dr. Paul's loyalty is (and everyone's should be) to principles and to the Constitution, and no doubt his course of action is based on his assessment of the best way to serve those ideals. Could he be wrong in that? Yes. but it's too soon to tell. I support him in beginning a great and daunting work and letting the actions and ramifications of his audacity play out. His most urgent task is to retain his congressional seat (we would not have him at all if not for that, and if he should it we will all be damaged seriously). We can continue to work on, as precinct leaders and canvassers and bloggers and donaters, keep on preparing ground and planting seeds. Then, in early March (just over a couple of weeks from now), he can turn his full attention back to the presidential campaign and to ground that we will have gained for him. We should play out the scenario that is evolving in front of us, make the most of it as it happens, and find ways to make use of unfolding events as they unfold, without getting distracted by wishes for expensive, rules-hindered, 3rd-party plans at this point. I and thousands of others registered this election cycle as Republicans to be able to vote for Ron Paul and only for that. We've been slapped in the face for our pains. But many have become delegates and taken the first steps toward assuming leadership responsibilities in their precincts. A good deal of this is going on under the radar, and we don't know yet what effect it will have. The Republican party is developing major fault lines and, one could hope, may soon self-destruct in its most recent incarnation. It's a long shot, but does not seem impossible that it could be transformed in a new incarnation. If not, then there will come a time in the near future when the people who have coalesced as the Ron Paul Revolution may choose another vehicle for their fight. But I believe that our eventual success depends heavily on remaining for the present solidly united behind the strategy that Dr. Paul has initiated, and devising new ways to work together and a structure that will support us into the unknown future. We have seen how we have been marginalzed, and as bad as it is, it would be so much worse if we were under a third party banner. But that is just AT THIS POINT. If we execute the present strategy to our fullest ability and wait a while to see what it is that we've accomplished, then we will know if it's the best path or if we need another. And if we are forced to leave, we will have learned a lot of skills and made a network that we can take with us--as we pull down the Republican house behind us. Sent at: 2008 07 05