I'm in.

I do believe that those of us who are *ACTIVE* in this effort are all working toward winning the same war. Only our tactics and place on the battlefield are different.

How about this analogy. I am fighting on the part of the front lines that is attempting to gain ground. But the only way I can do that is to rely on my brothers (and sisters) to perform a rear guard action by holding that line so I don't lose what's already been gained. And, as needed I also perform rear guard action.

The tactics best used depend on where one is (or see themselves) on the battle ground.

Here is another example and how it differs in real action.

There is no democrat that is worthy of my vote for president this year. (I would have supported Bill Richardson; however, because, excepting Ron Paul, he was the strongest pro-gun candidate IMO).

I am not totally comfortable with MCain either. He has not been consistent on the gun rights issue. And I don't trust the Republicans any more than I trust the Democrats to protect my freedoms (Patriot Act anyone?).

I like almost all of Ron Paul's platform, as well as the libertarian party in it's highest theoretical ideals.

The "problem" is (from my own, and I suspect Sucka's view based on my understanding of his arguments here) is that if I vote for Ron or the Libertarian candidate, it will be a "wasted" vote because it is not realistic that an outside candidate/3rd party will win. So it could be argued that a more "reasonable/realistic" view is to vote for Mcain - the better of two evils if you will...

However; I am at the point where for me personally, I believe it is time for me to make a statement. And I would argue that voting for Ron Paul or for the Libertarian Party will, over time, lead to a greater possibility that such a person or party could be elected in the future....so it is not wasted. Only by not voting would it be wasted. In the past I have not voted for alternative candidates/parties due to that argument, but something has shifted in/for me.

Maybe I am delusional, but damn it, something is going to have to change before we reach critical mass; and I don't like where I think we're headed.

I do believe I'll be writing Ron Paul in when I vote this fall. It's either that or the libertarian Party (which I'm also a member of)....I just need to do some more research on their candidate Mr. Barr.

As far as wishing it was "that easy". Me too. But, it isn't easy because that is the nature of life. It's complex and in the complexity are many things to consider and weigh out. And our perspectives and history is different.

Many things I have pondered deeply and over time worked out to arrive at where I stand (at this moment). Like I indicated in a previous post, I always reserve the right to change my mind based on new information and considerations. That is why a respectful debate is healthy; as long as we are also vigilant and working toward the same goals.

The worst is to do nothing and then wonder where all our rights went and/or just complain.

Guess I know what I'll be doing this evening - writing my reps to support carry in National Parks that I've been meaning to do! Thanks for the legislative reminders.

.