Light up the Darkness
April 23rd, 2008 by Bob BarrThe time is drawing near for me to make a final decision on whether or not I will seek the presidential nomination of the Libertarian Party and run against John McCain and the Democrat candidate.
This decision does not come easy.
If I decide to run, not only will I be affected by the events of the next six months but my family, and those for whom I care, will be forced to sacrifice a great deal in their lives. Indeed, whatever the outcome of the election, my decision will impact the lives of my family for many years to come.
Powerful people and parties will do all that they can to discredit and discourage me and those close to me. As a matter of fact, this pressure has already started to a significant degree.
Just the other night, I discussed this matter with my friend, Russ Verney, who will be managing my campaign if I choose to run. Russ ran the campaigns for Ross Perot and witnessed firsthand what can and does happen when a credible, third party candidate enters the presidential arena.
Russ was completely candid with me and did not hold back on the tactics and strategies that will be used against me and my family.
This is both discouraging and infuriating, but it is a reality in today’s political climate. Anyone who dares to challenge the establishment, two-party system is bound to pay a price for such audacity.
While this factor alone hardens my resolve to seek the nomination, it also gives me pause in making a final decision.
In choosing my future path, I’ve thought back and imagined what some of my personal heroes would do in a similar situation.
One man I admire answers also to the name, “Bob.” He was a person possessed of a gift that allowed him to speak to and lift the spirits of other men and women with his words and music.
When watching a film one evening, I was reminded of an event in his life and how he inspired so many with what would normally have been an easy decision.
In December 1976, this other Bob, along with his family and friends, were rehearsing for an upcoming concert when gunmen burst into his home and opened fire.
Bob was wounded, with a round entering his chest and passing though his arm. His wife, Rita, had been struck with a bullet in the head while fleeing with their five children.
Both survived and were rushed to the hospital, treated and released a day later.
The following evening, the concert went on but, out of fear of further violence, without many of the acts that had been scheduled to play. Despite a realization that the main performer and others would most likely not appear, a crowd of 85,000 people managed to gather for the concert.
Not to be discouraged, Bob raced to the concert at the last minute and rushed onto the stage.
Wounded and more than likely staring at his own gunman in the crowd, Bob Marley promised the joyous audience, “just one song.” He and his wife Rita, wrapped in bandages, took the stage for 90 minutes.
Later, Bob was asked why he would go through the effort to perform just two days after being attacked. He answered simply, “The people who are trying to make this world worse are not taking a day off. How can I? Light up the darkness.”
I take faith in the brave words and actions of that man and his wife.
We live in increasingly dark times as the flames of liberty diminish with each new grasp at power by those who attempt to control our lives and our nation.
We have a responsibility to ensure that those flames burn brightly for others to see despite the overwhelming challenges that we face.
Because of those odds, it will take more than one man to carry a torch for liberty. It will take the tireless efforts of all of those who truly cherish freedom.
Only then can we light up the darkness.
In 2008, we will face a choice between two candidates, both of who seek to move us further away from freedom and toward increased government power.
Instead, I want to give our nation a choice for liberty.
My time for a decision is now, and I need to hear from you and know that I have your support today and when times get tough down the road.
In the coming days, call up a friend or talk to a neighbor to tell them about this race and the need for a pro-liberty candidate.
Not only do we have an opportunity to make in impact during this election year but I also believe we have an obligation to do so.
However, I cannot do this without your help.
Please do all that you can — and together — we can carry a light of liberty to the people.
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Bob, at first things are going to start small, but I am confident that if you go forward full steam and demonstrate the absolute seriousness of your candidacy, you will quickly gain alot of support. I further believe that once Dr. Paul’s supporters realize that the Republican Party is not going to budge on John McCain, and understand that you are the candidate who will be on the ballot and truly outside the two-party monolith, they will also come to support you. There is alot of common ground between the two of you, and I truly encourage you to reach out to Dr. Paul for support as the main election season gets underway.
You are absolutely correct that we are in a precarious situation in this country, and either major party choice is a huge loss for America. A third party movement is imperative, and you could really catalyze a good thing by running. Please go for it!
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Mr. Barr,
I did a post on your potential candidacy on one of my other blogs: http://thepunditmaster.blogspot.com.
In it I pointed out that my beef with the Libertarian party has always been that they seem to grossly underestimate the need for a strong national defense. I think being the world leader in economics and innovation makes us “king of the hill” like it or not. We must aggressively protect our interests. If we cede our position, someone else will take it up.
I’d be very interested in hearing how you view foreign policy and national defense in a Bob Barr led Libertarian party.
I wholeheartedly agree with the general principal that the federal government should limit its activities to enabling the free association of free individuals absent the threat of force. Weak national defense and a passive foreign policy however, would be deal buster in my humble opinion.
April 24th, 2008 at 4:53 am
Why did you wait so late?
You are an extremely good candidate, and one of the best the Libertarians have fielded in a long time (my opinion). I think you would do a great job, and be the best for the country.
But I also feel that even if you run now, you will not have enough time for the public to learn about you, and capture any of the public mind.
You will be lost in the noise of Obama/Clinton.
Yes, we will all vote for you, but that is not enough.
If you have any plans you can share as to how you will get into the mainstream consciousness, please let us know.
Otherwise I would rather save my money, and back you next time for a longer and more visible campaign.
April 24th, 2008 at 5:33 am
“We must keep moving. Do not sit down. Do not say, “I have done enough.” Always see what else you can do to raise hell with the enemy. You must have a desperate determination to continually go forward.” GSP
April 24th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Bob, If you do decide to run you would be the only qualified candidate. I would respect any decision you make. While Obama and Clinton give hope of more government “freebees”, McCain gives hope of less government while pandering left of center. You, sir give hope of renewed freedom. A non-violent revolution. My only question is, Do we have enough time, money and support to educate the voting public? It seems the government has eroded away the rights of the citizenry very skillfully. Many educated people in this country have unknowingly conceded their rights and don’t know the power is to be retained by them. “We the People” now believe the republican and democratic parties are the the only options.
It would be a miracle from God if you won the election. My belief is that He brought us throught the first revolution. If God is with us, who can be against us? If you choose to run I am with you.
April 24th, 2008 at 8:45 am
Your own column answers perfectly why we need a man like you. It won’t be easy but real change never is!!! The only way to get the ball rolling is to start with a ball. Bob Barr is that ball!!!!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Congressman Barr: We have a unique opportunity, on the heels of the Paul campaign, to continue the momentum he generated and seriously advance the ideas of liberty. With your name recognition and credibility on the right, you are easily the best positioned possible candidate to do this. We may never again enjoy such a confluence of favorable circumstance. The time is now. We need you to run. You will have my support, electoral and financial.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Like most people I do not expect to agree completely with any candidate, but I expect to understand the basic values of a candidate in order to make an honest commitment. I think your basic values are close enough to mine to make me a committed supporter.
I look forward to your candidacy. I urge you to make the campaign with the full support of family and friends. You are a friend of individual liberty and that makes you a friend of mine.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Congressman Barr has always been a leader, and I do think he would make a superior one vs McCain and his democrat equal. For the first time in my life, I will probably not vote GOP for POTUS. I’ve held many LP convictions with one major current issue that has kept me in the GOP, the Middle East.
I urge Congressman Barr to run for LP nominee but I also plead with him to read the Qur’an and understand what the long term struggle is between our society and that religion. Before I am tarred and feathered for stating the above, I am not of the Judao/Christian religions.
April 24th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
I’m with you Mr. Barr. I am an avid Ron Paul supporter but he will not get the nomination from the Republican machine and he has already declared that he will not run third party.
I will donate when I can (starting with this note) and I will pray for you and your family.
John McCain will never get my vote but you WILL Mr. Barr!
GIVE US LIBERTY OR GIVE US DEATH!!
April 24th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I urge congressman Barr to run. I wrote time and time again to the RNC in response to their endless pleas for money, since last year.
No border fence no money. I told them that John McCain was the most unacceptable of the three main “unacceptable” candidates (McCain, Romney, and Guiliani) that the party was trying to foist on us.
Now they continue begging, and I still say NO. Congressman Barr, please run so I have someone to vote for.
My record is clear on whom I voted for and supported for president. I voted against the Republicans in the last 4 presidental elections by voting for third party candidates, that after voting and supporting Reagan twice and Bush in ‘88, and supprting Nixon in 1972 (and opposing Ford in 1976).
April 24th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
You will have my support and my families vote this November if you choose to run. It will be difficult for you and your family.
However, today being April 19th, the 233 anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, I am reminded of a group of Men who formed out on a green that day. They did not have to, but they did. They chose to make a stand against the mightiest empire on earth. They were guaranteed nothing but heartache, misery and even death, but there they stood.
If good people don’t take the time to sacrifice for what they believe, then our enemies win. They may win anyway. But we won’t go down with those timid souls who will know neither victory or defeat.
You are in our prayers,
April 25th, 2008 at 4:32 am
If you make the decision to move forward with your campaign, I will support you. I have been spreading the message of freedom to my friends, coworkers, and family members throughout this election cycle. None of the three “annointed” candidates in this election even understand what liberty is. Congressman Dr. Ron Paul both understands liberty and is a tireless champion of it. Unfortunately, he is not going to be on the ballot in November. I admire the Paul supporters efforts to change the platform and gather all the delegates for Dr. Paul that they are able to. I admire these supporters for picking up the torch of liberty and attempting to shine freedom’s light on the GOP, and I wish them the best of luck. In time, they may actually succeed in returning the party to more of a liberatarian platform. This election cycle will not be that time. If you decide to run, you can count on my vote, a donation, and my continued efforts to spread the message of freedom far and wide in this great land of ours.
April 25th, 2008 at 8:28 am
I strongly urge you to run for President. You have my financial support and my vote if you do run. The United States of America needs a conservative candidate running for the Presidency. We do not have that with John MCCain.
April 27th, 2008 at 9:48 am
I have been a registered and voting Libertarian ever since Ed Clark got my attention nearly thirty years ago. I believe that it is critically important for the libertarian message to be heard, and that it be delivered by a candidate with qualifications such as your own. Should you choose to run you will have whatever support I can muster. Thank you for considering a run for President, in spite of the hardships such a campaign will bring you.
April 27th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Mr. Barr, I will support you in vote and a financial contribution. We need men like you to champion the “American Way”. I have a theme song you might be interested in using and it won’t cost you a dime. Please run. The Constitution of the United States means a great deal to me and my family. Thank you.
April 27th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
We have grown old paying our own way for that which have now become rights for those following us. I will accept any hope that is available for the sake of my children. I pray the Lord will bless and keep you, and your family, and guide you as you make your decision.
April 29th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Is there any chance that Ron Paul will be your VP? That would be one fantastic ticket that I know would stir some serious excitment! I would certainly like to see it!