Rockin' the GOP Back to its Roots: My Road to the Rally for the Republic

Wednesday, September 3^rd

11:10 a.m.: Currently, I rising towards 30,000 feet in the air, so even though this is technically a live blog, I won’t be able to post this until I land in Dallas. I got a rather inexpensive upgrade offer, that was even less once you account for the fact that I saved $20 on the baggage check fee, and the $10 or so dollars that I would have spent on a drink and lunch (it is free now).

The seats are way more comfortable and I have 3 times the room I had in a coach seat on the way here. I make a connection in Dallas and then fly to Houston, and unless the upgrade is free, I won’t be sitting in “style” on that flight. So, I opted to finish up my “liveblog” about my experience at the Rally for the Republic in the seat that gave me enough room to comfortably type.

As I look back on the past few days, I feel like my trip was a great step forward for the Victoria County Campaign for Liberty (CFL) group. Matt Ocker, from Victoria, also traveled to the rally with me as another representative of Victoria County (and the surrounding areas). He and I both agreed that this step forward was a crucial one.

Over 10,000 tickets were sold for the Rally and when there was no more room left, nearly 5,000 tickets were given away to fill the rafters. The CFL Training School was sold out with 500 people who paid to listen to some of the top people in the country talk about what they have done, and show us how to better accomplish the goals that we hope to achieve.

The CFL Leadership Summit was comprised of representatives from every state, and every state was adequately represented. Since everything is bigger in Texas, of course we had the largest representation for the three day event. Numerous videos and pictures hit the web and You Tube almost immediately after Monday night’s Ron Paul Nation Celebration.

Texan’s made and sold their own shirts and we met after the celebration to meet and greet each other. It turned out to be an astounding number of people, and literally a rally in itself. The crowd’s chants of “Tex-as, Tex-as, Tex-as,” drew uncountable video cameras to our impromptu pep rally. There were a few news stations there and everyone was taking pictures for posterity.

Yesterday brought the event to a close with the Rally for the Republic. I want to convey properly the absolute feeling of complete joy I had, while trying to just report what happened, but I am a passionate person and that is how this entry will ultimately end up.

We arrived at the rally a little late because sleep had not been in abundance since everyone arrived on Saturday. Late (LATE) night meetings and early (EARLY) mornings left us completely sleep deprived by Tuesday morning. These things were not required, but most everyone had the same goals: to network, share information, and plan with the people from all over the country who were responsible for getting Congressman Ron Paul and the message of Freedom over 1 million votes in the primaries.

As we walked into the rally, Tucker Carlson (such a cute little man), was introducing Lew Rockwell (founder of the Ludwig von Mises Institute). Afterwards, we heard from former Governor Gary Johnson and former Governor Jesse Ventura. Ventura’s speech started with, “I am not a Republican and I am not a Democrat.”

Ventura’s viewpoint on the party system we currently have in place, is that it has systematically destroyed our government and country. He welcomed “boo’s” if we disagreed with anything he said, as honesty is path to fixing problems, and as he said, “the boo’s are really just compliments anyway.” As the former governor spoke, people chanted, “Run, Jesse, Run!” over and over.

At the end of his speech, Ventura announced that he would be watching the CFL and the movement of Patriots in the country. He said that upon seeing we were really committed to righting the wrongs and fixing our country, he would run for President in 2012. This, of course, brought the house down.

After Ventura’s speech, I made my way to the exit to find an outlet to charge my computer. On the way, I saw a woman that I knew who was sitting in the press pit with the proper credentials, and stopped to speak to her. After asking where I was going, and me telling her what I needed, she invited me to not only use the outlet for the press, but to sit with her for the remainder of the rally (as part of her “people”).

It didn’t take any convincing and I sat in a chair at a table with an internet connection for the rest of the rally. Who needs a press pass when you have friends?

After Jesse Ventura, a few more notables spoke, there were some nice videos, and there was a presentation that marked the launch of the Campaign for Liberty. Then Aimee Allen performed her (now famous) unofficial Ron Paul Anthem, and Jimmie Vaughn played a few songs. Afterwards, Barry Goldwater, Jr. came onto the stage to introduce the man of the hour. I was excited to hear what he had to say, and his speech gave me an even bigger sense of, “We have got to get this country BACK on track!”

Finally, it was Ron Paul’s turn to speak. When he came onto the stage, the Target Center seemed unable to hold the people and cheers within it. Earlier in the week Dr. Paul mentioned that he wanted to wake up the Republican Party and “shake the rafters” at the Rally. I am here to confirm that his goal was absolutely accomplished.

Surprisingly, I encountered more Republican Party establishment people than I thought I would. Most of them were drawn to the Rally because of the notables they wanted to hear speak, but in the end they too were clapping and cheering for the Congressman.

Dr. Paul’s speech brought the message of Freedom and Liberty, as well as the point that his supporters have been trying to get across since June: This is not about Ron Paul and the presidency. This is about the message and our great nation. It is up to the people to fight for what our founding fathers died for.

I believe that our forefathers did not intend for our country to be in the state it is in.

We do not have the property rights, the freedom, the liberty, the small government, the less taxes, and the rights that people think we have.

It is time to wake up, America.

Rockin' the GOP Back to its Roots: My Road to the Rally for the Republic

(CSPAN-2 is broadcasting LIVE)

Tuesday, September 2^nd

7:35 p.m.: Barry Goldwater, Jr speaking. ELECTRIC. I also have live coverage via a webcam feed up here: http://www.ustream.tv/chann...

The password is: forliberty

There is a chat box and you are welcome to join, watch, and ask questions. Ron Paul will be speaking soon.

4:38 p.m.: Three words: Jesse Ventura Rocks.

2:57 p.m.: I just sat down and got situated at the rally. The crowd has filled the Target to about half of its capacity, and the energy here is absolutely electric. The floor is filled with a little over 500 people who were selected to represent each Congressional District in each of the 50 states. Center

Tucker Carlson just introduced Lew Rockwell, and because I have spent the past few days planning, attending functions, and not sleeping, I have a killer headache. I must trek out now to find something that resembles Advil.

I will cut back in when I get settled and my eyeballs aren’t burning from the headache. This is going to be a fantastic day!

Monday, September 1^st

9:06 a.m.: I can’t get over how unbelievably gorgeous this state and town is. The weather is perfect, not near perfect – just perfect! The surroundings even in the less expensive areas are still very nice looking. People here really take a pride in their homes, businesses, and city. I have driven around the Twin Cities a few times now because even Tom Tom makes mistakes.

I had to drive 37 miles (literally) to find a 24 hour Wal-Mart. You would think there would be some kind of 24 hour store open somewhere in this huge metropolis. I am here to tell you – there is not.

Today starts with a trip to the University, then to the Mall of America, and possibly the Republican National Convention. I still haven’t decided exactly how I want to approach that venue. If you have been keeping up with the news and my blog, you would know that if you even breathe differently than a Republican here, you get arrested. of Minnesota

I wish people would wake up to the state our country is in. People are being arrested here for simply speaking their mind, holding a sign, or planning a march. I have seen this with my own eyes in these few days, and it is disappointing. We have the right to do and say as we please (as long as it isn’t physically hurting another human being) and that right is being ignored and taken away here. What irritates me is that these same people will eventually get on the wrong side of this corruption, and they will be crying and asking someone to help them fix it.

As a great man once said, many years ago, “A government strong enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take it away.”

Tonight should prove to be exciting, as I will be taking in the Ron Paul Nation Celebration. It is a night filled with music, food, and mingling with some of the most aware people in the country. We have woken up, and we know what is happening. Now, we just need to keep reminding everyone else that their country, freedom, and liberty are being taken away from them – and soon – they won’t be able to do anything about it.

Ron Paul Nation Celebration Performers:

6:00 PM - Intro: B.J. Lawson
6:10 PM - National Anthem: Eric Richards
6:15 PM - Rick Ellis
7:00 PM - Marc Scibilia
7:45 PM - Aimee Allen
8:50 PM - Rockie Lynne
10:00 PM - Dr. Ron Paul

Sunday, August 31^st

8:05 p.m.: It has been such a long day filled with so much information, I am spilling over. Ron Paul just came in to address our “Training School,” and it was an exciting thing. I am among over 500 people who took time out of their lives, spent money, and traveled across the country for one main goal: To rock the GOP back to its roots.

We will do it, Patriots. It may take longer than we want, but the 500 plus of us represent every state in the union and tons of metropolitan areas and local Campaign for Liberty groups.

We can’t be silenced and the only place left to go is up. We will wake up America and in the end – America and her people are the ones who will prevail.

Saturday, August 30^th

7:46 p.m.: This will be a short update. We go to our hotel late, due to the fact that our confirmed hotel was on fire.

Yeah.

Interesting side note: the Minneapolis (and mainstream) news reports that the PD here has infiltrated and raided a “criminal organization” of protestors. They were protesting the RNC.

One the way to our new hotel, we saw a bus pulled over by FOUR police cars. The side of the bus said it was an Activist Society.

How can people think our country in not in a state of duress?

9:36 a.m. – The beginning of my trip starts at Bush. Ironic, because I am traveling to a rally that’s sole purpose is to “bring the GOP back to its root,” and obviously, Bush is far from those roots. Intercontinental Airport

As I sit here and listen to the constant feed of Gustav coverage on CNN, I wonder if Victoria will be affected. I pray not, as my husband and sons are at home (probably eating candy for breakfast and cookies for lunch). I desperately want to call and check on my “tiny babies” as I call them, but I woke up the house when I left at 5 a.m. this morning, so I assume they are still sleeping.

Later today, I will arrive in Minneapolis and start a 4 day whirlwind of events that ends with the Rally for the Republic (www.RallyfortheRepublic.com). Ten thousand people are scheduled to Rally with Ron Paul on Tuesday. There are lots of events in between then, and hopefully I will have a lot to share with you.

Until then, if you have any questions, please leave them below and I will try and answer them, or get them answered. Below, I will leave you with a list of the people I will be seeing at various events this week.

Congressman Ron Paul

Tucker Carlson

Matt Colvin

Barb Davis White

Howard Phillips

Doug Wead

Tom Woods

Grover Norquist

Lew Rockwell

Bill Kauffman

Bruce Fein

Gov. Jesse Ventura

Gov. Gary Johnson

Aimee Allen

Barry Goldwater, Jr.

Sara Evans

Jimmie Vaughan

B.J. Lawson

Eric Richards

Rick Ellis

Marc Scibilia

Aimee Allen

Rockie Lynne

Rockin' the GOP Back to its Roots: My Road to the Rally for the Republic

 ( www.RallyfortheRepublic.com )

Monday, September 1^st

9:06 a.m.: I can’t get over how unbelievably gorgeous this state and town is. The weather is perfect, not near perfect – just perfect! The surroundings even in the less expensive areas are still very nice looking. People here really take a pride in their homes, businesses, and city. I have driven around the Twin Cities a few times now because even Tom Tom makes mistakes.

I had to drive 37 miles (literally) to find a 24 hour Wal-Mart. You would think there would be some kind of 24 hour store open somewhere in this huge metropolis. I am here to tell you – there is not.

Today starts with a trip to the University of Minnesota, then to the Mall of America, and possibly the Republican National Convention. I still haven’t decided exactly how I want to approach that venue. If you have been keeping up with the news and my blog, you would know that if you even breathe differently than a Republican here, you get arrested.

I wish people would wake up to the state our country is in. People are being arrested here for simply speaking their mind, holding a sign, or planning a march. I have seen this with my own eyes in these few days, and it is disappointing. We have the right to do and say as we please (as long as it isn’t physically hurting another human being) and that right is being ignored and taken away here. What irritates me is that these same people will eventually get on the wrong side of this corruption, and they will be crying and asking someone to help them fix it.

As a great man once said, many years ago, “A government strong enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take it away.”

Tonight should prove to be exciting, as I will be taking in the Ron Paul Nation Celebration. It is a night filled with music, food, and mingling with some of the most aware people in the country. We have woken up, and we know what is happening. Now, we just need to keep reminding everyone else that their country, freedom, and liberty are being taken away from them – and soon – they won’t be able to do anything about it.

Ron Paul Nation Celebration Performers:

6:00 PM - Intro: B.J. Lawson
6:10 PM - National Anthem: Eric Richards
6:15 PM - Rick Ellis
7:00 PM - Marc Scibilia
7:45 PM - Aimee Allen
8:50 PM - Rockie Lynne
10:00 PM - Dr. Ron Paul

Sunday, August 31^st

8:05 p.m.: It has been such a long day filled with so much information, I am spilling over. Ron Paul just came in to address our “Training School,” and it was an exciting thing. I am among over 500 people who took time out of their lives, spent money, and traveled across the country for one main goal: To rock the GOP back to its roots.

We will do it, Patriots. It may take longer than we want, but the 500 plus of us represent every state in the union and tons of metropolitan areas and local Campaign for Liberty groups.

We can’t be silenced and the only place left to go is up. We will wake up America and in the end – America and her people are the ones who will prevail.

Saturday, August 30^th

7:46 p.m.: This will be a short update. We go to our hotel late, due to the fact that our confirmed hotel was on fire.

Yeah.

Interesting side note: the Minneapolis (and mainstream) news reports that the PD here has infiltrated and raided a “criminal organization” of protestors. They were protesting the RNC.

One the way to our new hotel, we saw a bus pulled over by FOUR police cars. The side of the bus said it was an Activist Society.

How can people think our country in not in a state of duress?

9:36 a.m. – The beginning of my trip starts at Bush Intercontinental Airport. Ironic, because I am traveling to a rally that’s sole purpose is to “bring the GOP back to its root,” and obviously, Bush is far from those roots.

As I sit here and listen to the constant feed of Gustav coverage on CNN, I wonder if Victoria will be affected. I pray not, as my husband and sons are at home (probably eating candy for breakfast and cookies for lunch). I desperately want to call and check on my “tiny babies” as I call them, but I woke up the house when I left at 5 a.m. this morning, so I assume they are still sleeping.

Later today, I will arrive in Minneapolis and start a 4 day whirlwind of events that ends with the Rally for the Republic (www.RallyfortheRepublic.com). Ten thousand people are scheduled to Rally with Ron Paul on Tuesday. There are lots of events in between then, and hopefully I will have a lot to share with you.

Until then, if you have any questions, please leave them below and I will try and answer them, or get them answered. Below, I will leave you with a list of the people I will be seeing at various events this week.

Congressman Ron Paul

Tucker Carlson

Matt Colvin

Barb Davis White

Howard Phillips

Doug Wead

Tom Woods

Grover Norquist

Lew Rockwell

Bill Kauffman

Bruce Fein

Gov. Jesse Ventura

Gov. Gary Johnson

Aimee Allen

Barry Goldwater, Jr.

Sara Evans

Jimmie Vaughan

B.J. Lawson

Eric Richards

Rick Ellis

Marc Scibilia

Aimee Allen

Rockie Lynne

So, Hillary is most likely fuming this morning.

Senator McCain chose a 44 year old woman to be his running mate.

This puts Sarah Palin, the young Governor from Alaska, that much closer to being the first woman president of the United States. McCain’s age raises questions of, “Can he really last four years?”

Do you think she is any more ready than Obama to lead the United States?

Evidently, if you paid the Obama campaign enough money, you were allowed in on this text message list that Obama would use to tell the world of his choice. Well, their money is wasted, because I just read it for free.

Do you think this will change the poll numbers? Being a Catholic myself, I wonder how Biden's religion will play into all of this.

I sit in anticipation awaiting McCain's pick.

Full article:

By LIZ SIDOTI and NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writers

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/...

The next Campaign for Liberty Meeting will be Thursday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Victoria Electric Cooperative Auditorium (102 S. Ben Jordan) in Victoria.

The guest speakers for this event will be: Allan Ramirez, Republican Candidate for County Commissioner Precinct 1 and David Hagan, City Councilman, District 4.

Mr. Hagan will be speaking about recent actions taken by the council and his role as a City Council member.

Light snacks and drinks will be provided.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact me at 485-0111 or email me at toni_marek@yahoo.com.

The next Campaign for Liberty Meeting will be Thursday, August 21^st at 6:30 p.m. at the Victoria Electric Cooperative Auditorium (102 S. Ben Jordan) in Victoria.

The guest speakers for this event will be: Allan Ramirez, Republican Candidate for County Commissioner Precinct 1 and David Hagan, City Councilman, District 4.

Mr. Hagan will be speaking about recent actions taken by the council and his role as a City Council member.

Light snacks and drinks will be provided.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact me at 485-0111 or email me at toni_marek@yahoo.com.

Some of you have read my previous blogs about the atrocities that occurred in Nueces County earlier this year. You know that what happened was not only against the law, but morally and ethically wrong.

For those of you who aren’t in the know, I will highlight some of the major details for you.

When some of the people had their Precinct Conventions in Nueces County, they learned that the Precinct Chairman were going home and adding names to a list of people that were to attend the County Convention. This is against the law.

The only people allowed to attend and vote at the County Convention are the people on the list that is VOTED on at the Precinct Convention. You may add people to that list that are not present, and then vote on them, but you can’t take the list home and fill it out at your leisure. Doing this violates the voice and vote of the people who were present at the Precinct Convention and voted.

Delegates to the County Convention in Nueces soon found that this was happening all over the county, and decided to ask the Nueces County Chairman if they could acquire the original minutes of all of the Precinct Conventions. After they had the minutes, they could gather information on exactly how many people were illegally added to the precinct delegate lists.

According the Republican Party of Texas’ Rules (14b), precinct minutes are public record.

The County Chairman refused to hand over the original minutes. It was then discovered that one of the people who did not attend their Precinct Convention, and was not added to be voted on as a County Convention delegate was none other than the Republican County Chairman, Mike Bertuzzi himself.

The delegates were persistent in their endeavors, but it was to no avail. Not only would Mr. Bertuzzi not hand over the precinct minutes, he claimed that Tina Benkiser, the Republican Party of Texas’ Chairman told him he did not have to obey their party’s rules.

The delegates that were pursing this matter were left with no choice but to file a lawsuit.

Their lawsuit was deemed frivolous by Mrs. Benkiser. Apparently, following the rules of the Republican Party of Texas are not something that Republicans actually have to do, and if you want to force someone to follow them, you are called a troublemaker.

Here is the video of Benkiser’s remarks on the lawsuit (that she had full knowledge of, emails in the lawsuit documents prove this, even though she denies it): http://www.youtube.com/watc...

The court eventually ruled that Bertuzzi had to hand the original precinct minutes over to the delegates asking for them.

Upon reviewing the minutes, the delegates found that over 150 people (of 230) were added to the precinct minutes illegally. The SREC Committeeman for SD20, Robert (Bob) Jones, was among some of the violators. The Nueces County judge, and former Corpus Christi mayor, Lloyd Neal was also an added delegate. Someone from nearly every temporary committee (the temporary committees decide things before the County Convention) was illegally added as were numerous people running for office that included: 2 running for Constable, 2 running for State Representative, 1 running for County Commissioner, and one running for Nueces County Tax Assessor. A former state representative rounded out the long list of offenders.

This was brought to the attention of Mr. Bertuzzi (who was illegally added himself) and numerous people in the Republican Party leadership in Texas. All of the information was also provided in a challenge for the State Convention. Nothing was done. Benkiser ignored it and called it “frivolous.”

At the Nueces County Convention the delegates rose in opposition, only to be gaveled down and ignored by a Chairman who broke the rules and a Parliamentarian who refused to follow them. The audio is here: http://www.youtube.com/wa