/20~ p@\/1 supporters: not just annoying on Al Gore’s internets
We’re used to supporters of /20~ p@\/1 invading our posts with copy and paste messages of his greatness. But they’re so, uhm, belligerent about him as to turn people off. They’re that way in the real world too. Last night I was driving home down Alcoa Highway. In the left lane (naturally) was on old Ford truck. On the back of the truck was painted Old and in the way. And a giant (I’m talking yard sign size) /20~ p@\/1 for president poster.
I took a picture with my cell phone, through my window, while trying to drive. Needless to say, it’s not good and posting it would be pointless.
December 14th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Okay, I fingered out the last name, but how does “/20~” equate to “Ron?” Or is it “Dr.?”
December 14th, 2007 at 10:00 am
it’s ron. /2 is R
0 is o
~ is n
December 14th, 2007 at 11:22 am
There’s a hand-made /20~ p@\/1 sign hanging on a pedestrian walkway over I-96 in the Detroit suburbs.
It kind of bugs me, but I don’t know how much active support he’s getting in the state.
December 14th, 2007 at 11:38 am
I’ve never copied and pasted my support for him on your blog, and I was reading yours before he started his campaign. I assume you’re for democracy and all, so why is annoying when people are trying to live up to that ideal? Is it better to hear a produced radio ad or see a produced tv commercial every 10 minutes? I like to take advice from people who are in my situation in life or have been because I can relate to them and they relate to me. Just like the gun community. Ron Paul speaks the truth about this country and he really cares. He speaks truth to the Fed and to his constituents. Wherever he goes he speaks the truth with conviction. I dare say we couldn’t live up to his courage.
December 14th, 2007 at 11:44 am
HardCorps, not talking about you or other regular readers. There are plenty of people that search google for said name and go and post lots of stuff.
December 14th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
I’ve been a fan of Ron Paul since I started caring about politics.
His more vocal supporters have almost pushed me from him entirely. It’s kind of sad because I consider myself something of a von mises libertarian and it is discouraging seeing how many of his supporters apparently have mental problems.
December 14th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Sorry, feel free to edit the googleable words out of my post.
December 14th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
In fairness, there appear to be no leet speak standards.
December 14th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
A quick Ron Paul story: I was going into a big Shelby County Republican event and there were a handful of Ron Paul supporters outside. As we were walking up they tried to hand me some literature. I declined and said, “Too late, I’m already a Libertarian.”
Blank stare.
Ah well….
December 14th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Doesn’t being a politician have something to do with the word ELECTABLE?
All the “courage”, “sincerity”, “”honesty” and whatever other stirring words you want to add in front of a candidate’s name will do you no good at all if said candidate is not ELECTABLE except in the minds of those with zero understanding of the political process.
December 14th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Jim W –
I went to the Mises University summer seminar in 2005 and that is where I heard about Ron Paul for the first time. If you have read Mises, Rothbard and the like, you have to understand that it’s the message that is important. I used to be very judgemental and bitter about my views, but reading their works, growing up, and learning more about libertarians has taught me to accept differences about other people because I remember the first time I realized how wrong I was about economics, money, gov’t, etc… and without people who encouraged me to learn the truth even when I still hung to my incorrect views, I probably would have blown the whole thing off. Nobody likes being told they are wrong, or an idiot and such. I’m sorry that many of the supporters turn you off, but try to understand the differences of individuals and that they might not mature enough to temper their personalities and/or be respectful. But their energy and commitment to spreading freedom should be encouraged, but also guided by those of us with knowledge and experience.
One axiom about libertarianism that I love is that you be one and also hate guns. I can’t wait to buy a TMP when Ron Paul is the President!!
December 15th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
The problem is the cut and paste replies that have little to do with the subject matter. I like the guy because he seems like a chance at change, and some are hooked to that to a dangerous level.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:29 am
Electability is a prerequisite to hold office, but not to be a politician.
RP is probably NOT electable, but he might make a difference. I’d like to see that happen. Take a look at the rest of the field: all of them make me ill. All of them. Ill.
Regardless, RP’s effortless fund raising is amazing.
December 16th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Sorry, I like Thompson, but I think he is currently as unelecatable as RP.