Posted by Deb Wells on 10/09/09
Last updated 10/29/09

Since Ron Paul's Audit the Fed bill was introduced, you've reached millions of Americans through phone calls, mailings, radio and television interviews, letters to the editors, emails, social networking sites, door-to-door canvassing, booths at fairs, gun shows and music festivals, and a host of other local events and activities in communities around the country.

Then we turned up the heat.  You put the pedal to the metal, shifted gears and took aim at the Senate.

You made your voices heard loud and clear by calling your Senators and attending Town Hall events, and collected petition signatures for the cause at every possible event.  Then on September 15, you hand-delivered thousands upon thousands of petitions to Senators across the country, making S.604 Mass Action Day a resounding success!

There are currently 30 co-sponsors in the Senate!!

To make it interesting, Campaign for Liberty held a competition.

The following individuals gathered the most signatures on petitions in their states.  They not only win our respect, gratitude, and admiration, they've won a copy of Ron Paul's new book End the Fed and a pocket Constitution, both bearing Congressman Ron Paul's autograph!

A big shout out to Debi Longarello in Florida, Rob Bulas in Ohio and Brent Roos in Illinois for collecting 1,000 or more petitions! 

Please join me in congratulating all of the following Patriots:

And now, for the state that collected the most signatures as a percentage of population:

WASHINGTON STATE

Members gathered a whopping 7,180 unique signatures!

Congratulations to Washington State who wins a $1,500 gift certificate to the Campaign for Liberty store!

Here's how the winner was calculated:  Unique signatures gathered divided by total 2008 est. population.  The winner is based on percent of total population, which is why Washington State edged out Florida for first place. (Although in some cases, twice as many petitions were actually delivered, unique signatures were used in the actual calculation.)

The state of Minnesota came in second with 3,000 unique signatures!

The state of Michigan came in third with 5,622 signatures!

A special shout out to Florida who gathered the most unique signatures with 10,160!

All of these states deserve a big round of applause for getting over 250 unique signatures on Mass Action Day:

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR MAKING S.604 MASS ACTION DAY A BIG SUCCESS!!

Keep up the great work!  Let's get a majority in the Senate to co-sponsor!

Posted 10/09/09 VictimOfFeds San Clemente, CA

Why isn't this thing passed yet?

Posted 10/09/09 DemonHunter1989 Great Falls, VA

my senator mark warner still hasn't signed. i've written three letters too (although pre-written). he has shown his true colors. i guess i can't do too much damage to him since i would never vote for that guy to begin with, him being a party-line democrat.

Posted 10/09/09 Josiah Keller Hillsboro, WI

Wait, does the first list mean that over half of the states didn't collect signatures?

Posted 10/09/09 Jonathan Kovaciny Mankato, MN

Don't quit! Printable 10-line petitions for H.R.1207 and S.604: http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=21519

Posted 10/09/09 Scott D Chicago, IL

Awesome Job Illinois! Bret Roos is an ANIMAL!

Posted 10/10/09 MarkCrossEA Kissimmee, FL

Congratulation to everyone in Florida who participated. You all did a great job!

Posted 10/10/09 ChrisAlterio Edgewater, FL

Great job to everyone! Keep the pressure on your Senators with phone calls, emails, faxes, snail mail, petition signatures, and if need be find out the your Senator's Legislative Director's contact info in D.C. and try to set up conference calls. Don't stop until they either cosponsor S. 604 or are removed from office.

Posted 10/10/09 foleymo Seattle, WA

Way to go Washington!

Posted 10/10/09 MichaelBarry Sebring, FL

I think we put in a respectable effort in Florida, but does this list mean that as many as 33 states collected fewer than 250 unique signatures? How many signatures were accumulated on the Home Page? Was low petition activity in some states related to the fact that both Senators of that state were already on board?

Posted 10/10/09 Deb Wells Kansas City, MO

Both Senators have cosponsored in some states, a few states are not yet fully organized, and some either chose not to report their number of signatures, or were unable to collect numbers in time to announce. Over 160 thousand petitions were delivered to the Hill by headquarters. It is difficult to estimate the total delivered to regional offices (although it appears that at least as many, if not more, were delivered regionally on Mass Action Day). Members are continuing to deliver signed petitions to regional offices, some on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. We can't let up. Many more petitions, letters, faxes and phone calls are needed in order to get a majority to cosponsor in the Senate.

Posted by Deb Wells on 11/16/09
Last updated 11/15/09

I recently received an email from a fellow Local Coordinator.  In part, she wrote:

"We used to have neighborhoods back when we were kids, when mothers stayed home and kids played outside after school, but that world is long gone. I think this is one of the reasons it's such a hard slog.

Some of us have been going door to door with petitions; people don't even answer the door when you knock, even when they're obviously at home. This is happening now, more than it was, but it's slowed by the inherent social decay."

I responded to this Local Coordinator, and I hope this will give all of our Local Coordinators food for thought and encouragement.  Here is my message:

I grew up the same way and have fond memories of my neighborhood.  I agree that the social structure has decayed, so we need to re-build the social structure first. 

Here's what I'm doing -

My first step was to decide to be a "neighborhood watchdog" of sorts. I attended neighborhood meetings, drove the neighborhood to see if there were things that might hurt the value of property, and counted how many homes are being sold on the market. I started talking to my neighbors during my trips around the neighborhood - would wave, stop the car, or stop to chat about these things when I walked.

I had a pizza party at my house for several of my neighbors and we discussed the board actions of the homes association.  I walked door to door to get email addresses so I could send tips, news and alerts. I now have 125 email addresses and send a monthly newsletter. I have a crime alert sent to me so I can let my neighbors know about crime happening in and around our neighborhood.

We had a board election for our homes association and some of us walked door to door. Almost all of our neighbors were happy to see us. Two of our candidates won and we had a huge turnout at our annual meeting.

My neighbors email me with tips and their opinions and I've got a much better idea of who might be with us based on our conversations. The value of this cannot be under-estimated. I now have 3 solid conservative neighbors that I know will be active with me, and a few others that I'm cultivating.  I know they will help me walk the neighborhood and we are building a network here.

My next neighborhood meeting will be to talk about how to keep our neighborhood safe and maintain property value - these are things that are important to all of us.  There will be food, of course - that always brings 'em in.

Note:  My next step will be to walk door to door with a survey.  It will go something like this:  "Hello, again.  I'm Deb Wells and live right down the street from you.  I will be visiting our government representatives and would like to let them know what is important to you. I have a short survey here....(the survey will contain questions that will let me know who is with us)." 

Next will come a local candidate forum where we'll have the opportunity to control the debate.

* * * * * * *

There are different approaches that Local Coordinators use.  Some have a "sales" personality - they walk right up, knock on the door, introduce themselves and say "I am the neighborhood representative for Campaign for Liberty" and hand their neighbor a flier, speak eloquently about it, and follow up with another visit. 

Some take a slower approach like mine.

Whatever approach you use, there is no feeling like the first time you wave and speak to a friendly neighbor...you suddenly realize deep in your heart that you will be successful because you have begun rebuilding the social structure.

After sending my story to my fellow Local Coordinator, she wrote:

Very interesting. Rebuilding the social structure of the neighborhood will of course have inherent value, quite in addition to providing a framework for getting our message across. One could even posit that the whole "need" for big government is because of the breakdown of the neighborhood, along with the breakdown of the family. In earlier times, one's neighbors and family were the "safety net" that is now provided by the government.

I agree.

It is up to us to build the social structure again and as you begin to do this, soon you will find neighbors who want to help you build, and you'll view your neighborhood and your ability to succeed as a Local Coordinator in a whole different light.  Remember:  If you know that a person is home but won't open the door, they are probably not interested in their community and more than likely, not interested in voting or making a difference.  Spend quality time with friendly neighbors that care - they will become your "army".

For additional news and tips, see:

What is a Local Coordinator - http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=26555
Local Coordinator Training: Step 3 - http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=26815

Posted 11/16/09 American Epirus Omaha, NE

This is excellent advice, Deb. I think the Campaign for Liberty still needs to continue to innovate and push for a commitment to larger-scale, voluntary structure and coordination; but tips and guides like these will allow individual door-to-door volunteers to have an edge on success where they would otherwise struggle. Individual initiative shouldn't be overlooked. However, in my opinion, individual action is not 90%, 80%, or even near 70% of the answer I think committed C4Larians are looking for in the long run, but individual effort and initiative will and can definitely put us on the right track for greater action. Thanks, Deb!

Posted 11/16/09 roserty Orem, UT

This is the perfect example of how we can change our world. We will get no where when we demean others and criticize them for not agreeing with us. But we will win the race if we win over others by showing we care. Miracles can occur when people believe you have their best interests in mind. Good job.

Posted 11/17/09 4RaisingAwareness St. Louis, MO

Great advice. Much of my neighborhood is quite liberal and I was getting a bit discouraged. Your certainty of success with only 3 solid conservatives out of 125 e-mail contacts, lets me know that I should be more hopeful with the 5 solid conservatives I know in a few block area. Thanks for the advice and encouragement. In Liberty, Tamara Donohoe

Posted 11/18/09 sjaye Chicago, IL

Are you saying attending neighborhood meeting should be done before going door to door?

Posted 11/18/09 Deb Wells Kansas City, MO

sjaye, if you feel more comfortable attending neighborhood meetings (in my case, homes association meetings) prior to walking door to door, that is up to you. I felt more comfortable doing that because I had the chance to meet some of my neighbors before knocking on their doors. Then when I knocked on doors, the neighbors I had already met at the meetings were very cordial. The others were less so because they hadn't met me. Your plan for getting to know your neighbors will depend on your personality. If you're an outgoing "sales" type, you'll feel comfortable walking door to door from day one. If you are not necessarily a "sales" type, you will probably feel more comfortable getting to know people a little better before knocking on their doors. Knowing yourself and your personality will help you determine the best way for YOU to begin re-building the social structure in your neighborhood.

Posted by Deb Wells on 11/09/09
Last updated 11/19/09

As our membership continues to grow, more and more elected officials are finding that liberty and freedom are a compelling message, and that is exactly what the people want.

The following candidates, confirmed supporters of Campaign for Liberty's Mission Statement, won state and local seats in the November 3 elections:

New Jersey
Michael Doherty (R) - Senate District 23

Pennyslvania
Ebert Beeman - Erie County Council
Rob Pepe - Upper Perkiomen School Board

Virginia
Ken Cuccinelli (R) - Attorney General
Bob Marshall (R) - House of Delegates District 13

Washington
Michael Delavar - Washougal City Council
Matthew Trent - Centralia City Council
John Koster - Snohomish County Council
Tom Larsen - Pasco City Council
Brenda Grassel - Spokane Valley City Council

Michigan
Kyle Geralds - Madison Heights City Council
Jeffery Lamarand - Mayor of Taylor, MI

New Hampshire
Cameron DeJong - Selectman, Manchester
David Murotake - Nashua Board of Education

Minnesota
Luther Stueland - Moorhead City Council
Pat Barnum - West St. Paul School Board, ISD 197

Florida
Suzy Heinbockel won the right to go to a run off. She is running for Ocala City Council Seat 1. Her runoff election is November 17th.  Update, November 17:  Suzy Heinbockel WON the run off.

Campaign For Liberty's Mission
Our mission is to promote and defend the great American principles of individual liberty, constitutional government, sound money, free markets, and a non-interventionist foreign policy, by means of educational and political activity.

Posted 11/09/09 NJGRLS4RONPAUL Oakhurst, NJ

really great news, NJ also elected a Republican Governor Chris Christie (although he's not the greatest), but still way better than John Corzine who has bankrupted my state!

Posted 11/09/09 JChristopherStearns Chesapeake, VA

Congratulations, America & C4L. We're making some headway!! :) Hopefully 2010 will be even better!!

Posted 11/09/09 johnvanvliet Hawthorne, NJ

I met Michael Doherty on one or two occasions. He seems like a good guy, he campaigned hard for Ron Paul and Murray Sabrin when he ran to replace Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D). Christie wasn't my first choice either, but most people are confident he will rein in some of Corzine's insane spending spree and balance our books a bit. It's a start!

Posted 11/09/09 libertyspirit Modesto, CA

Thanks for posting this. We needed some good news.

Posted 11/09/09 Terry Jack Springfield, IL

Ron Paul 2012!

Posted 11/09/09 Paul Hogan Middle Village, NY

A couple of steps in the right direction, thanks for posting some good news.

Posted 11/10/09 Linda APO AP, Japan

And in Nashua, NH, David Murotake from NH C4L won a 4 yr term on the Nashua Board of Education.

Posted 11/10/09 Product7 St. Clair Shores, MI

There needs to be a correction made here. Mayor Of Taylor is Jeffery Lamarand (My Uncle).

Posted 11/10/09 Deb Wells Kansas City, MO

Thanks for the updates!

Posted by Deb Wells on 09/02/09

From the 1800's until 1976, there was a long history (over 100 years) of Republican Presidents who advocated peace and ended wars, and Democratic Presidents who advocated and started wars. In the following 30 years, the reverse was true.

Democrat Barack Obama has announced an increase in troop strength in Afghanistan, effectively shifting the trend.

Timeline: War & Peace

1800's-1976: Republicans seek peace

* Theodore Roosevelt (R) - first American to be awarded the Nobel Prize, winning its Peace Prize in 1906, for negotiating the peace in the Russo-Japanese War.
* William Howard Taft (R) - sought to further the economic development of undeveloped nations in Latin America and Asia. After leaving office, Taft spent his time in academia, arbitration, and the search for world peace through his self-founded League to Enforce Peace.
* Woodrow Wilson (D) - in April 1917 asked Congress to declare war on the Central Powers, beginning World War I, and suppressed anti-war movements.
* Warren Harding (R) - signed peace treaties that built on the Treaty of Versailles (which formally ended World War I).
* Franklin Roosevelt (D) - provided Lend-Lease aid to Winston Churchill and the British war effort, entry into World War II in December 1941.
* Harry Truman (D) - made the decision to use nuclear weapons against Japan, beginning of the Cold War, started the Korean War.
* Dwight Eisenhower (R) - oversaw the cease-fire of the Korean War.
* John F Kennedy (D) - the Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and early involvement in Vietnam War.
* Lyndon Johnson (D) - greatly escalated direct American involvement in the Vietnam War.
* Richard Nixon (R) - withdrew American troops and successfully negotiated a ceasefire with North Vietnam, effectively ending American involvement in the war.
* Gerald Ford (R) - signed the Helsinki Accords, marking a move toward détente in the Cold War. US involvement in Vietnam essentially came to an end.

1977-2007: Democrats seek peace

* Jimmy Carter (D) - negotiated a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1979.
* Ronald Reagan (R) - ordered military actions in Grenada, the bombing of Libya, and a massive military buildup in an arms race with the USSR.
* George H.W. Bush (R) - conducted military operations in Panama and the Persian Gulf.
* Bill Clinton (D) - presided over the longest period of peace-time economic expansion in American history.
* George W. Bush (R) - announced a global War on Terrorism, ordered an invasion of Afghanistan that same year and an invasion of Iraq in 2003.

2008: Shift

* Barack Obama (D) - announces increase in troop strength in Afghanistan.

CURRENT WAR BUDGET: $535,000,000,000+

References: Wikipedia and http://usdebtclock.org/

Posted 09/02/09 Paul Hogan Middle Village, NY

I'm sure we could save a few tax dollars by down sizing the Federal Government and bringing our troops home.

Posted 09/03/09 Alex Rion Kirkland, WA

Maybe a bumper sticker that reads: “Obama lied Troops died” is in order.

Posted by Deb Wells on 08/13/09

Because of a two-inch minnow on the endangered species list, the water to California Central Valley has been turned off.  Farms are closed, entire communities are suffering, with unemployment up to 40% in some areas, and people are being forced to visit food banks.

Sean Hannity interviewed comedian Paul Rodriguez who is fighting to get the water turned back on.  Rodriguez, an Obama supporter, admits "We wanted change; we didn't think it would be this kind of change, but he kept his promise - we got change."

Notice that a Campaign for Liberty sign is slipped into view at about 2:20, then again at about 4:00, and again at 5:20.

Thanks to Steve W. for forwarding this video of the interview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InelCf0tMFI

Posted 08/12/09 Robyn Hamlin Saint Louis, MO

Denying water to people is not a way to help people. Maybe the administration is following Rahm's plan for de-population and starting there.

Posted 08/12/09 jtworkman Chicago, IL

It seems like they cut away from the scene every time the C4L sign shows up.

Posted 08/12/09 DemonHunter1989 Great Falls, VA

Screw the fish. Let them all die for all I care. What's more important? A bunch of freakin' fish or people's jobs and well-being?

Posted 08/12/09 Sheri Louisville, KY

While I like our sign and logo, this is a time when I wish it wasn't so fancy. As a C4Ler, I knew what it said, but I couldn't really READ it on camera. It would have had more fantastic impact if it had been a more clear, basic font. *sigh* for miss opportunities.

Posted 08/12/09 jhonsun Irvine, CA

Jay Leno's back!

Posted 08/12/09 slickrickjamesbrown Mountain View, CA

This is a situation that demands civil disobedience. I say turn on the pumps and make the government force them to turn them off.

Posted 08/12/09 jhonsun Irvine, CA

Here in California, the media & politician's talk about our water crisis as though it's a natural phenomenon (aside from our state being a desert that is). They never mention the huge supply of water we normally depend on that was shut down by a federal judge. It's always "our" fault in California and never the state's! We must be punished.

Posted 08/12/09 Scheezo Kissimmee, FL

I wish we could give them some of our water from Florida. We have plenty here and it sure would help them. Bunch of nuts in Commiefornia

Posted 08/12/09 jhonsun Irvine, CA

Here in California, the media & politician's talk about our water crisis as though it's a natural phenomenon (aside from our state being a desert that is). They never mention the huge supply of water we normally depend on that was shut down by a federal judge. It's always "our" fault in California and never the state's! We must be punished.

Posted 08/12/09 john wik Adams, MN

Just go turn them on and forget asking permission. The sad thing is things will get worse, before they get better...