[usmc_izzy]

I’m an active-duty Marine Corps Sgt with two tours in Iraq under my belt. I’ve only registered to vote once before but never felt strongly enough about any candidate to vote. I just donated $25 to Ron Paul and plan to register as a Republican to vote for him in the California Primaries. I would have donated more if I could afford it right now, next paycheck I will do more. If I could volunteer for his campaign I would but Im not sure what the rules are for active duty service members. I don’t agree with the man on every issue, but he definitely has character. I am sick and tired of our politics being issues-driven. I want our politics to be about the expression of competing ideas and together arriving at a concensus. Today’s politics are divisive, if you disagree with someone’s politics all they do is label and assault you. We see it here against Ron Paul and his supporters. If you can’t defend your position and articulate why you stand against someone then maybe your position isn’t as strong as you think it is. Some of you will accuse me of being a liberal and, to be honest, on some issues you would be right. But if the geberal election came down to Hillary vs Paul I would vote Paul in a heartbeat. I don’t care that he and I disagree on issues. The problems with America go deeper than any single issue. I think alot of people are allowing themselves to be manipulated by the establishment and they dont even realize it. Politicians know that all they have to do is hit a couple of talking points and people will vote for them. Thats not the kind of America I want for my children. To be honest with you, the state of politics in America scares me a whole lot more than terrorists. Terrorists can and do threaten our lives, but our own politians threaten our freedoms more than Osama ever will.

I’m willing to sacrifice a couple items on my checklist if it means I can get a President with character.

To me I think one day we will have to answer to our childred. If the politics they face is the same we face today than we will be the ones to blame.

[George W. Bush]

Thanks for posting so positively here. Many others on this forum also disagree with Ron Paul on a few issues but still find his record and politics compelling.

[OrthodoxPresbyterian]

If I could volunteer for his campaign I would but Im not sure what the rules are for active duty service members.

Please speak to one of our very first signed-up Members of the Great Ron Paul Ping List on Free Republic, active-duty serviceman "Gamecock".

I don't know the exact rules, but I believe that he will tell you that active-duty servicemen are not supposed to volunteer for primary campaigns (other than retaining their individual right to donate their own money and vote their own conscience).

[usmc_chris]

Semper fi, Izzy. I too served in Iraq, back in 2004, and couldn’t agree with your sentiments more.

[this is my name not yours]

B R A V O !

...and thank you.

[Designer]

"I’m willing to sacrifice a couple items on my checklist if it means I can get a President with character."

Semper Fi, Izzy.

We've got your 6 with our own donations. You're in.

[burzum]

Thank you for your service!

I agree with you that our national politics is too issue based. Even the word ‘compromise’ is lobbed around as if it is an act of cowardice. I don’t know if Ron Paul could reduce the political squabbling, but at least he won’t provoke it.

[Iwo Jima]

Thank you for your service and your comments. I agree with your opinion of Ron Paul. I am going to donate another $100 in your (silent) honor.

[traviskicks]

Thank you for your post and your service.

[traviskicks]

Did usmc_izzy post something somewhere else or was he just banned/suspended for that post? (171)

[greybull]

Thanks for your service. You articulate my thoughts exactly in that we’ve had too many politicians pushing issues rather than ideas. Issues are poll tested (Frank Luntz) where as ideas and principles should guide the leaders of a free republic. I’ve done my part today and look forward to doing more, especially on November 11th. (www.thisnovmerber11th.com) Lets remember our Vets and what they really fight for! See everyone in Philly.

[traviskicks]

Jim, I wanted to let you know usmc_izzy has apparently been banned for his post #171. I don’t think this post violated any forum rules, far from it, I thought it was an outstanding post from one of our active duty military who has served two terms in Iraq. Therefore, unless there is other information we are unaware of, I am betting his banning was a mistake, and wanted to bring it to your attention.

thanks!

I’ve cced the people who responded to his post on this thread as I’ve been getting some freepmails.