LA Times covers Barr
July 22nd, 2008 by Jason PyeThe Los Angeles Times takes a look at Bob Barr’s run for president:
Barr is running as a Libertarian because he thinks the Republican Party — which he once served with such enthusiasm that his house and offices overflow with elephant decor — has run off the rails.
In fact, as much as he despised Clinton, Barr thinks President Bush is worse. “What George W. Bush has done to the fabric of our constitutional government, to separation of powers, to a government of limited powers is absolutely unforgivable,” he said.
[...]
“My philosophy is much smaller government, much greater personal freedom and start dramatically reducing the size of the federal government,” Barr said.
[...]
“Immediately upon assuming office, I would sit down with our military leaders and I would direct, not ask, but direct that they begin an immediate and significant drawdown in Iraq,” he asserted, deftly shifting talk of Bob Barr as spoiler to Bob Barr as president.Unlike candidates who play verbal games of Twister to avoid the dreaded flip-flop, Barr freely admits that he has disavowed his long conservative resume in favor of the Libertarian philosophy of less government.
The articles takes a look at Bob’s lighter side as well, for example his favorite coffee from Starbucks, and how he shows his patriotism in other ways than wearing an American flag lapel pin.
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Great article from the LA Times . Barr is polling well in California and this should increase his exposure in that state. We cannot ignore such a populous state such as California. This state could be the life blood for this campaign in terms of donors and votes much the same way it is for Nader.
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Bob Barr is on the right track - Get out of Iraq !
Our Military has suffered life loss that was caused by our Citizens ! They are the ones that have allowed our National Leaders to execute strategy and tactics that caused our Military people’s lives to be wasted needlessly.
Our Military can stand off and punish unlawful Nations mercilessly. That’s what we’ve invested the money into our wepons systems for - to use them - not to wave them around and threaten.
Our USA Citizens have allowed our National Politicians to implement policies that are wasteful at least, and stupid at worst.
So, Bob Barr is on the right trrack. Get out of Iraq - and if our Nation’s people is treatened in any way from any quarter - we have the USA Military has the capabilty to destroy and / or punich such threats whether from other Nations or from criminal groups the media refers to as terroists.
Bob Barr wants smaller government - what a concept - THAT is gonna be a big fight - those in Washington feeding off tax payers are not going to go quietly - after all - we need them - they think.
But, if the people rise up and say - we’re moving your job off shore - and then we’re gonna eliminate the jobs - what can they do?
If it takes amending The Constitution to get rid of bloated government agencies in Washington D.C. then let’s get on with it. All it takes is voters to say - that’s it. Out you go !
July 22nd, 2008 at 5:49 pm
“his house and offices overflow with elephant decor” Still? Shouldn’t his home overflow with Statue of Liberty decor? Hmmm.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Good article. One thing that strikes me with people is this “Bob who” thing. Until a while into the Democratic primary I am pretty sure there was a lot of Obama who? So where is the difference? The general election just started and Bob has a lot of ground and publicity to make upbecause the big two get a head start. But in the end, look towards Obama and Paul to see what Americans want. They want change. They do not want rhetoric and I am very skeptical that such change will come from the Democrat nominee.
I tell people these facts when I get the “Bob who” or “it’s unrealistic”.
First is that a third party can win; a portrait of that president can be found on the penny.
Second is that other third parties have done very well. T. Roosevelt in 1912 can claim to be a very succesful third party candidate and he placed second. Wilson won that year, but something to note was that the Republican only carried Utah and Vermont.
Third is Obama who? In regards to him being unknown prior to his bid for his parties nomination.
Lastly is that this is America and that in this country strong willed people who harbor faith can truly accomplish something. This nation is home to some of the most patriotic and freedom loving citizens who will hold their government accountable if such a threshold is reached. EVERY American has libertarian values that can be awakened in a time of national crisis. I believe that time is upon us and all that is needed is for liberty loving Americans to sound the alarm.
Obama wants to change things but can’t seem to figure out what. Barr wants to shrink our government and give it’s people more freedom.
McCain… well I am still not sure what is going on there. Everytime I see him he is doing some kind of harm to himself.
So as Obama loses his message and some votes to Nader and Barr, McCain self destructs and losses a lot of votes to Barr, it seems like interesting odds during a time of crisis for our government.
Long live liberty!
~Sauce
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Digg That Article. Great title “He’s Bob Barr and he’s running for President”
http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/He_s_Bob_Barr_and_he_s_running_for_president_Los_Angeles
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:34 pm
The Statue of Liberty is way too generic, common, and ill-defined to be the LP’s mascot. If we want something to fill the same role the donkey and elephant do for the Republicrats, in editorial cartoons, etc., then we need to adopt the porcupine.
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Hey, I’m getting negative ratings because Bob hasn’t lost the elephants? You won’t find an elephant in my house!
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Okay, I apologize. I just read the entire article which states the Bob has a 7 foot tall Statue of Liberty replica in his office. Nice to know. Now he has to lose the elephants and make a clean break.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Thanks for the Digg TJ…….I always go read the piece when you put up the link! Go Bob Go!
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Dear friend,
Please excuse the rushed tone of this message but the situation is heating up in West Virginia.
When I wrote to you on Friday, I had until the close of business on Monday to raise $43,000.
I have good news and bad news.
The bad news is that we fell about $3,000 short of our goal.
The good news is that over 662 supporters donated to our effort and we were able to raise $40,030! Thank you!
Our campaign manager, Russ Verney, is a hard-nosed guy but he recognizes that the support is there and, while it’s a long shot, we still have a chance to make it on the ballot in West Virginia.
Russ has given me the green light to continue the drive. We’re going to go for it and I’ll need your help more than ever.
I’ve been on the ground in WV for less than a week and have been able to get 18 petitioners hired, trained and working.
That’s not enough, I need 30 more people by the end of the week.
I had been assured by the state employment agency that they would help hire local petitioners to fill the gap. That fell apart yesterday when they informed me that there was not much that they could do because of internal policies.
You’ve gotta love bureaucracy . . .
In order to make up the shortfall in manpower, I’m going to need to fly in more people immediately.
I’m going to make a big request that I need you to seriously consider. This is an “either/or” so please read and consider both options:
EITHER . . .
Visit the “Wild and Wonderful” state of West Virginia!
If you’re willing to petition in West Virginia and can take time out of our schedule until August 1st. I need you here by Friday.
It’s beautiful country, with nice people, and you’ll be supporting a great cause.
If you can take the time to come to West Virginia for the duration (August 1) and are comfortable asking strangers to sign a piece of paper, please contact me immediately by calling 877-465-6080.
OR YOU CAN . . .
Sponsor a petitioner to travel to West Virginia!
If you cannot take the time out yourself, I completely understand, but you can still help in a very big way by sponsoring someone who can make this short-notice trip.
Each supporter that can petition for Barr/Root is going to cost at least $250 to travel plus about $50 a night at a not-so-luxurious hotel. Please make a donation and cover what you can.
A $50, $250 or even a contribution of $25 will help us cover these added expenses. Click here to donate.
Please give us a hand with this effort as there are only nine days left to get the job done.
THANK YOU for your continued support. We could not do this without you.
Very Respectfully,
Shane Cory
Deputy Campaign Manager
Bob Barr 2008
P.S. Please consider the two options above as soon as you can. To donate, click here
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
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July 22nd, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Bob is deffinetly different when it comes to the war. Obama just wants you to think he different. Sure he says he will get us out of Iraq but here is the catch 22. It is conditioned based. GASP! That is no different than what Bush has been saying for 4 F****ing years, and still no end in site. At some point we must say to the Iraqis “Hey, you want a great country? Then you have to do it on your own. You need to learn blowing each other up is not a good way to achieve it.”
They will honor their liberty more when they are the ones that is spilling their blood for it. Just like our forefathers did. We didn’t have a Superpower fight the war for us and then “secure” (I.E. occupy) our country for us.
Andy,
I agree with you on Simbol. Maybe the party should be represtend by something that is a free animal. Like a Falcon or a Hawk but not the Eagle. Don’t want take the National bird for our own polictial ends, that would just be cheap. Deffinetly not the porcupine, it says “Hey here is a polictial party that you don’t want to touch with a ten foot pole.”
Maybe this year people will realize they don’t have to choose leser of two evils or the greater… Nader…
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:45 am
I like this article. It portrays Bob Barr as an average joe.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:23 am
Andy, for years the LP has tried to make the penguin its mascot. (Yes, there are people on this board who have been LP members for over a quarter of a century, not many, but a few.) Maybe a porcupine is better. “Don’t touch me, I won’t touch you.” Sounds libertarian to me. What animal would most likely be a libertarian?
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:04 am
Maybe a Phoenix, as the Libertarian Party seems to be arising from the ashes created by the Dems & Rep.
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I once suggested using a dove as our mascot. A bird in flight is easily symbolic of freedom, and doves are also seen as peaceful animals. I wouldn’t want to use a porcupine, which would represent the way some people don’t want to let anyone new into the party, or the hawk, the “war Hawk” theme could easily confuse people as to what the LP is all about. If we are to adopt an animal mascot, we want one that has little or no negative perceptions, and can easily be seen to connect with libertarian values. I think a dove would be a perfect choice.
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I think a wolf would be a perfect mascot. Tough, fierce, independant and above all, a survivor.
July 23rd, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I like the wolf idea.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Boyd and James,
I vote for the wolf as well, and couldn’t have stated the reasons any more succinctly than Boyd did.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:26 am
The Porcupine symbol is already taken by the Free State Project.
Check out their logo:
http://www.freestateproject.org