My GOP Experience | Tom Woods

Last weekend I spoke on my new book Rollback at an annual dinner held by the Gallatin Republicans in Montana. Present were Montana’s one U.S. congressman, five gubernatorial candidates, an attorney general candidate, and other figures of influence within the party. There is a considerable Ron Paul presence in the Montana GOP, which doubtless explains how I was greeted with a standing ovation. I gave a rip-roaring presentation on the current fiscal situation and particularly on lots of things — including some rather radical suggestions — that need to be abolished. I even had time to talk about various problems at the Pentagon. CSPAN recorded the whole speech. (I’ll post something on this blog when I know when it’s airing.)

At the end I got another standing ovation. This after a completely uncompromising libertarian takedown of the whole federal apparatus.

I’m not sure quite what to make of this, but I thought I’d share it.

tyler

They probably, like a lot of conservative types, agree with what you are saying on principle, but once you try and take action and the conclusions of those principles are reached, they will back off. I know a lot of GOP’ers who will agree that taxation is theft, but they won’t support no income tax.
Guest

That’s what to expect in Montana. I’m from there, and that’s how Montanans are, for the most part.
Cindy Redburn

I agree with Tyler’s comment. Find the same thing to be true in Missouri. I know you met with MO legislators earlier this year, the Constitution Party of Missouri was a part of the coalition that sponsored your trip. I know your address was well received, but none of our nullify legislation was advanced. Lots of talk, no action! GOP leadership stands in the way every time.
Cornelrasor

Keep it up Mr. Woods. We’ve been pursuing some of the same things you espouse so eloqwuently here in Northern Idaho for a decade. Our legislature has gone from smirking disapproval to talking about it to tentative legislation in those ten years. Things that were anathema to even talk about before are now slowly making their way into legislation. the tide is turning albeit very slowly
http://truthstings.com Truth Stings

Great to hear that. We still have to reverse the brainwashed minds of a lot of people. A lot of work to do.
http://truthstings.com Truth Stings

Great to hear that. We still have to reverse the brainwashed minds of a lot of people. A lot of work to do.
http://www.mises.org Mike

Yes it is. The tide is turning. But now, the heat must be turned up a thousand fold. Absolutely do not let up for even a second! Push until it gives.
Thomas Luongo

Keep up the pressure Tom. This report dovetails nicely with Dr. Paul’s candidacy. Thank you for all that you do.

Ta,
Jeremy

Cautiously optimistic, but I may be getting my hopes up. You have any speaking engagements on the calendar for Texas? Rick Perry is another big whig GOP who likes to publically snub DC, but he’s all about big government in the long run (think “Trans Texas Corridor” aka “NAFTA Superhighway”).
http://www.facebook.com/henry.kriegel Henry Kriegel

The Tea Party/Liberty movement in Gallatin County, Montana is extremely strong and we’ve worked it hard over the past two-three years.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=16302083 Mary Kathryn Hahn

I don’t think you should be terribly surprised, Dr. Woods. I know a lot of libertarians and students of von Mises like to distance themselves from many mainstream republicans, and rightfully so, since there are some talking heads that discredit logically, well thought out positions about our liberties. I also recognize that there’s a large argument now that many of the Tea Partier types are just incognito social conservatives who want to invade our lives as much as the democrats do, and while that may be true to a point, I think that the heart of the movement still remains the same: give us back our freedoms that are so eloquently outlined in the Constitution! Hence, I would take your warm reception at face value. I’m glad it was a positive experience!
http://www.facebook.com/people/David-Welsh/1671487404 David Welsh

Tom, I’m giving you a standing o as I type this. Well, I work standing up at my desk anyway, but the thought is still there. Everyone will need to throw downfield blocks for Ron Paul this primary election cycle. I would love to be called for clipping a few media types.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Brian-Brady/726557037 Brian Brady

“I’m not sure quite what to make of this, but I thought I’d share it.”

Thanks for sharing, Tom. I know what to make of it. In the words of the estimable thespian, Charlie Sheen…”WIN-NING”
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=509871331 John C. Randolph

To restore our republic, it will be necessary to also restore at least one of the major parties to what it claims to stand for. Looks like it’s going to be the Republicans.

-jcr