John Tate's weblog
Posted by John Tate on 05/27/11Last updated 05/27/11
Last night, both the House and Senate passed the so-called "Patriot" Act. Losing sucks. Sorry -- there's just no way to sugarcoat that. It hurts to see politicians patting themselves on the back and smiling for the cameras after supporting one of the worst violations of the Constitution in our Republic's history. But I can't even begin to describe how proud I am of what you and other C4L members achieved this week. Fellow Patriot, even though we lost the final votes, I'm considering this a massive victory for our young and growing organization. Just think about it for a moment. When the final votes were tallied, 23 senators voted against final passage -- up from 8 on Monday. In the House, 31 Republicans voted against the bill. It was only able to pass with the support of 54 Democrats. Our pressure resulted in an historic level of opposition to a bill the establishment expected to easily ram through Congress -- and by a voice vote that would avoid any record of their positions. Together, we joined with Rand Paul and helped a freshman senator stand up to one of the most powerful Senate majority leaders in recent memory -- and make him change his plans. We even made the White House nervous, as it released a last minute statement begging for more power. (Matter of fact, rather than let their spying on Americans lapse for even a minute, Obama actually had a machine sign his signature on the law because he was out of the country!) When the statists tried to steamroll the "Patriot" Act extension through in February this year, you and thousands of other C4L members across the country made your voices heard, and they were only able to muster a 90-day extension. During this most recent battle, not only were we fighting against Harry Reid and the Democrats, but also Mitch McConnell and the rest of the GOP leadership, and, in the end, even the NRA, as they publicly took the establishment's side against gun owners. Our fight was an important one. Not only did we put the House and Senate on record for supporting spying on American citizens, but we put the Senate on record on two important amendments - protecting gun owners and your bank records. Your actions over the past week are what made a difference. Campaign for Liberty members (along with our friends at the National Association for Gun Rights) generated thousands of calls into the Senate, supporting Rand Paul and the Constitution. We shut down phone lines and made senators reconsider their positions. And those phone calls forced Harry Reid to allow Rand to bring up his amendments and debate their importance on the Senate floor. It provided an important opportunity for the message of liberty, as our challenge to the authority of the surveillance state was entered into the Congressional Record. In the future, it cannot be said we did nothing to fight back. Senator Paul proved himself a political hero, and I'd encourage you to take a moment to watch his interview with Judge Napolitano from when he was in the heat of the battle. Though the controversial provisions contained in the "Patriot" Act were extended for another four years, you and I showed the strength and determination of the liberty movement. Campaign for Liberty is less than three years old, and we are just beginning to flex our political muscles. It is incredible to think about what we have accomplished so far, and there is no limit to what we can achieve in the future. Over the next few weeks, C4L staff will be going over all the statements and hours of video we were able to collect during this debate. Whether they realize it or not, some politicians made enormous gaffes during this fight, and we intend to make sure they are held accountable. And when 2015 rolls around for another extension of these provisions, you better believe C4L will be ready to win a total victory over the establishment. Before we can continue to grow our organization and bring millions of more Americans to this fight, I need your help. Please, if you are able, click here to chip in $10 or whatever you can afford. Your contribution will allow C4L to ramp up its efforts to restore our liberties and reclaim our Constitution. Standing up to the political establishment is never easy and is seldom popular, but with a dedicated membership base like the one C4L has, I know we have a strong future ahead of us. Remember friend, without the rout at Lexington, there could have been no victory at Concord Bridge.
Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Domestic Policy, US Constitution, Ethics, Executive Power, Federal Legislation, Current Events, Philosophy, Voting Tags: Civil Liberties, patriot act, Rand Paul
Showing comments 1—1 of 1
Posted 05/27/11
 Paul S. Brighton, MI | Robo-signed the Bill. LOL! Does that make all Robo-signed documents valid? |
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Posted by John Tate on 05/26/11Last updated 05/26/11
Your efforts are paying off!
As Rand Paul takes an historic stand against extending the misnamed "Patriot" Act for another four years, intense grassroots pressure from C4L members has helped push Senate Democrats to agree to vote on several of Senator Paul's amendments, including his amendment to protect law-abiding gun owners.
However, sources on the Hill have informed me that the ones who should be standing up for every American's Second Amendment rights and supporting Senator Paul - the Senate GOP leadership - are not only holding up his amendment to protect gun owners but are actively lobbying fellow Republicans to vote against it.
It's up to us to ensure they hear what outraged patriots nationwide think about their actions.
Contact Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell at (202) 224-2541 and Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl at (202) 224-4521 right away.
Tell them to show some backbone by joining Senator Paul's historic stand to protect law-abiding gun owners from the federal government's prying eyes. Demand they stop blocking his essential amendment.
Rand is refusing to back down despite overwhelming pressure, and he needs us to stand with him now.
Please, call Senators McConnell and Kyl right away! And keep calling your senators to urge them to support Rand Paul's amendments and vote against further extending the "Patriot" Act.
Categories: Domestic Policy, US Constitution, Federal Legislation, Current Events, Voting, Congress Tags: Civil Liberties, patriot act, Rand Paul
Showing comments 1—4 of 4
Posted 05/26/11
 DozeNutz Walled Lake, MI | I called, and gave them a piece of my mind |
Posted 05/26/11
 chasingdownliberty Theodore, AL | I contacted both of my senators for Alabama and reminded them of our state's motto: 'We DARE defend our rights!' |
Posted 05/26/11
 cryohazard Milford/Hartland Township, MI | I contacted Levin and Stabenow staffers. McConnell and Kyl's lines are very busy and when I did get through the voicemail was full. I'll be calling back repeatedly to get a staffer for those two. |
Posted 05/27/11
 wowie49 Richmond, VA | I contacted my VA senators about the PATRIOT Act, although it rarely seems to help, with Webb & Warner. Love what Rand Paul is doing.
Currently, I am receiving some disturbing information about an even larger more immediate problem about the -INTERNET KILL SWITCH.-
I'd appreciate knowing the status, & if there is any advised action.
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Earlier today, C4L Honorary Chairman Ron Paul officially announced his candidacy for the presidency in 2012.
While we believe that, like the '08 campaign that brought forth Campaign for Liberty, Congressman Paul's bid will give an important platform to our limited government philosophy, his email to C4L members (linked at the top of this site) hit on a crucial point.
Due to complex bureaucratic regulations (a by-product of a government running away from its constitutional limits), it's best for both Dr. Paul and us if he is no longer featured as prominently on the site now that he is an official presidential candidate. We not only want to abide by the law, but ensure we are above criticism by going above and beyond it.
In this spirit, and knowing how hard it will be, I do ask our members that you please avoid making any Ron Paul 2012-related comments or blog posts on CampaignForLiberty.com. This not only protects us, but it protects Congressman Paul. In fact, any such posts will be deleted and removed from our web site.
We will, however, continue to advocate for the Ron Paul-introduced Audit the Fed bill and End the Mandate Act, as well as other pieces of legislation by other Congressmen and Senators. These projects can and must keep going.
Thanks to his leadership and example, we now have other leaders in the liberty movement that we hope to feature more prominently this year.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter, and I look forward to the rest of the year as Campaign for Liberty continues its efforts to reclaim the Republic and restore the Constitution.
Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Grassroots News, Current Events Tags:
Showing comments 1—10 of 10
Posted 05/13/11
 spinnikerca Studio City, CA | I presume that goes for other campaigns as well? Because I for one will not stay with this site if ONLY Ron's campaign is treated that way. |
Posted 05/13/11
 Davidphaup north las vegas, NV | Understood C4L. Lets keep this freedom thing going. |
Posted 05/13/11
 Tim Shoemaker Mechanicsburg, PA | @Spinnikerca -- This will apply to ALL the Presidential campaigns for sure, and also in general we will continue to avoid any discussion on any campaign related activities. |
Posted 05/13/11
 MelissaCato Lebanon, PA | Understood. But Awwww !! |
Posted 05/13/11
 Durden Orlando, FL | Good luck with that. |
Posted 05/13/11
 Mike in Virginia Fredericksburg, VA | I will certainly abide by this request, but I cry for my country when American citizens have to follow rules set by the all powerful central government on what we can and cannot say on the internet. There once was a barbarous relic known as the First Amendment. |
Posted 05/14/11
 JStil Helenville, WI | Ro... Wait.
Freedom 2012! |
Posted 05/14/11
 Redsabre1 Portland, OR | Well I guess I just don't get it. Main street media does not cover the man best qualified and as far as I am concerned the leader of the TEA PARTY. So whom IS C$L going to allow us to read. Hey lets ask all the Republicans to submit their video of where they stand and talk to us straight up. Other wise since they cannot beat us they better join us. Go Ron PAUL!!!!!!!!!!!!
JIm |
Posted 05/14/11
 Redsabre1 Portland, OR | The $ is a mistake it should read C4L not C$L. Sorry for the miss spell
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Posted 05/17/11
 DRTYrayzor Cheyenne, WY | I guess i dont get it too. Now that he is running we cant talk about him?.....Why? |
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A special message to C4L members from Congressman Ron Paul:
As you know by now, I am running for President.
Since our last campaign together, a Revolution has been launched. And look how far we have come in just a few short years!
With your help, our efforts in 2008 caught their attention. Campaign for Liberty's founding guaranteed the further spread of our message.
Now more Americans across the country than ever before are waking up to our ideas, and the cause of Liberty is being advanced.
As I take our battle into 2012, there will be so much for all of us to do. That's why I urge you to continue your generous and loyal support for my friends at Campaign for Liberty.
Campaign for Liberty will remain the primary vehicle for our ideas and political battles.
They will continue to lead the fight against the Fed. They will continue their fight to stop renewal of the Patriot Act and the advancement of Real ID.
They will seek to repeal Obamacare and stop other Big Government expansions at the federal, state, and local levels. And they will continue to educate, train, and equip thousands of activists across the country.
The Revolution must continue through the vital work of Campaign for Liberty.
However, since I've been so involved with their battles, we all feel it is best if we go way beyond the letter of the election law during this campaign.
So you'll be seeing a lot less of me at Campaign for Liberty's website.
Since the statists could use C4L's promotion of my speeches and appearances as something other than advancing shared goals, most will not be posted on their site.
But, their important work will continue. I hope you'll visit CampaignforLiberty.com often and continue your active participation in C4L.
During this vital time for our nation and our freedom, Campaign for Liberty has my full support. I trust they will also have yours.
For Liberty,
Ron Paul
Categories: Campaign For Liberty, Grassroots News, Current Events Tags:
Showing comments 1—10 of 31 [More]
Posted 05/13/11
 tb54701 Eau Claire, WI | My best wishes and support for your victory in 2012. The C4L you have helped create has given 100s of thousands like me,, a since of hope that our country and peoples can be that beacon of freedom that was our Founders dreams. Bless you Ron Paul. |
Posted 05/13/11
 salvinian Des Moines, IA | Way to go! Good luck, Dr. Paul -- you have my support! I'll be campaigning for you.
We have all come a long way since the Ron Paul Revolution began. The Rally for the Republic was amazing, and the Campaign for Liberty has kept people together for this campaign. It's on! |
Posted 05/13/11
 Gary Hardee 1776 Miami, FL | Thank you Doctor Paul, for entering the race. Our voices, through you, will be heard and spread to millions. I pray it will be enough. With a firm reliance that truth and virtue will one day be heralded. Bless you and Carol through the months ahead as we make history once again! |
Posted 05/13/11
 Willij4lib Monroe, WA | There is hope, thank you Ron Paul.
Its time to let the world know the American people are willing to stand up against the legacy of tyranny in this country and in my eyes there is no better leader to point the way.
We have work to do.
A Producing American,
William Schooler |
Posted 05/13/11
 spinnikerca Studio City, CA | Yeah, OK, but I wish we'd kept the meetups active. |
Posted 05/13/11
 shanethomaswilson Emporia, KS | Now is the time we must stand up for what's truly right about this country: Liberty. I urge every one of you reading this to take a stand against that which the current government has bestowed upon all of us without our permission.
Thank you Dr. Paul for doing your part for this country and its people. It's with the aid of public servants such as yourself that great things will be accomplished and the ship will be righted. Bravo, sir! Hopefully there will be ways I can help coordinate some area rally efforts for your cause! |
Posted 05/13/11
 Mike Eskew Pompano Beach, FL | THANK YOU! |
Posted 05/13/11
 niuphan Aurora, IL | Game on. Let us know where we can find the "Ron Paul 2012" yard signs, tee shirts and bumper stickers. |
Posted 05/13/11
 marvinmartian Derby, NY | I bought my "RON PAUL PRESIDENT 2012 " bumper stickers on ebay a month ago. |
Posted 05/13/11
 ticsani Boca Raton, FL | It will be an honor to vote AGAIN for Dr. Ron Paul!
Despite America's troubles Americans do have a brilliant leader in Dr. Paul.
Thank God he's running for president. |
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Posted by John Tate on 04/19/11Last updated 04/19/11
Congressman Ron Paul is coming to Lee Hall on the campus of Mississippi State University at 7:00pm central this Wednesday, April 20, and I hope you can bring your family and friends along to this free and open to the public event.
Campaign for Liberty and Young Americans for Liberty are proud to sponsor Dr. Paul's appearance, and you can find out more information on YAL's event page.
In these uncertain times, you and I have an excellent chance to spread the message of freedom and mobilize millions of Americans to take action and reclaim the Republic.
Don't miss out on this free opportunity to hear the Champion of the Constitution at Mississippi State University this Wednesday at 7:00pm central.
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Showing comments 1—3 of 3
Posted 04/19/11
 BruceKoerber Cedar Rapids, IA | I lived in Mississippi from 1979-1983 working as a forester for Georgia-Pacific and then went to graduate school at Auburn and had the good fortune to learn about Austrian economics (and Ron Paul) in 1985.
I want to encourage everyone in Mississippi to find a way to listen to Ron Paul, the great educator about classical liberalism, who will be in Starkville tomorrow! |
Posted 04/20/11
 its my money lawton, MI | i wish ron paul would come to michigan.i hope he wins the primary,if not i hope he will go independent.becouse its time for a real change!!!!!! |
Posted 04/20/11
 its my money lawton, MI |
if any one needs to be liberated its us!!!! from the currupt government.is it not in are constitution if we the people are not happy with are government we can vote and throw all of them out??? lets start a petition to put it on the ballet!!!! i do not know how to write it up??? write me back with your input
we the people should have a say in how much they make, and to
cut the budget we need to cut their pay down to $100k a year!!!! then they will
know what it is like to be middle class.we pay their salary we pay for their
healthcare,but they want to fine us if we the people dont pay for are own,and
that is b.s.
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