Perhaps Brit Hume, Chris Wallace, Wendell Goler and Carl Cameron don't spend much time on-line. Or maybe, they thought questions about the economy and the recent naval showdown with Iran were more appropriate.
Whatever the reason, the Fox news political team missed a golden opportunity to address a genuine scandal during last night's Republican presidential debate in South Carolina. The controversy centers on racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic comments that have appeared in political and investment newsletters published by one of the debate participants, Texas Congressman Ron Paul. A lengthy article on Paul's publications--and the remarks they contained--was published earlier this week by The New Republic.
We didn't watch last night's debate, but (as judging from press accounts) Brit Hume never asked Dr. Paul about those newsletters and their disparaging comments about blacks, the nation of Israel and homosexuals, among other issues. In other words, Paul got another pass, continuing the curious, kid-glove treatment he's received from the MSM and even some conservative outlets.
For what it's worth, Congressman Paul has denied any role in writing those comments, which appeared in various newsletters bearing his name, beginning in the late 1970s. In a brief conversation with David Wiegel of Reason magazine on Wednesday, Dr. Paul described the publications as "ancient history" and claimed that he no longer has copies of the newsletters. According to TNR, the newsletters were published under four different titles, but each bore Paul's name.
Still, this scandal has legs, and the Congressman's denials simply don't wash. Sultan Knish has examined some of the most inflammatory editions, and finds evidence that Paul must have been the author. As he notes:
Now let's look at the extracts from the newsletters that have been released, specifically let's look at December 1990.
The newsletter calls Martin Luther King a Communist pedophile, Ron Paul has countered that he has a great deal of respect for MLK. And then we scroll down the newsletter to discover the mysterious author of this newsletter at the very bottom as he writes;
My wife Carol and our children and grandchildren join me in wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. May we start to confound the plans of the Trilateralists and other big government types making America freer, and thus truer to her own heritage in 1991.
Now either the "mysterious stranger" writing this had a wife named Carol and lots of grandchildren, or Ron Paul is a liar and is the actual author of the newsletters. The medical reference under the teenage girls sex piece also suggests Ron Paul is the author. There is no break between this section and any of the others. It contains the same sort of loony ranting about conspiracy theories that the rest, disproving Andrew Sullivan's claims that "it just doesn't feel like Ron Paul".
Other references also suggest that the Congressman was an active contributor to his newsletters:
The January 1991 newsletter features the author mentioning another congressman as "my successor" and talking about his experience as "a flight surgeon in the air force" and then afterward launching into another tirade about Martin Luther King. Again this is Ron Paul's record, not someone else. The author is clearly Ron Paul
[snip]
In that same newsletter the author writes about his time running for President in 1988 on the Libertarian Party ticket. Ron Paul ran for President in 1988 on the Libertarian Party ticket. Here it is completely unambiguous that the author is Ron Paul and that he is expressing his own views about Martin Luther King.
[snip]
In Feb of 1991 the author writes that he voted against "an expensive federal holiday for this man" referring to King. Of course Ron Paul famously voted against recognizing MLK day as a holiday.
In response to The New Republic article, Paul has claimed that the newsletter was actually the work of several writers, and that he played no role in editing the product. If that's true, then Dr. Paul must be the laziest and most irresponsible editor in the history of publishing. Scores of bigoted comments appeared in newsletters that carried his name, but (according to his statement on the matter) Paul was too busy with his medical practice to read his own publications. If you buy that, then you might also be interested in purchasing an oceanfront lot near Phoenix, or a certain bridge in Brooklyn.
Ironically, the newsletter controversy has prompted some on the racist fringe to leap to Paul's defense. Perfunction found some crisis management advice for the Congressman, from a man who once earned a glowing mention in a Paul newsletter. That man is David Duke, the former KKK leader, who has encouraged his followers to support the Texas Congressman.
With friends like that....well, you get the idea.
Showing posts with label Ron Paul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ron Paul. Show all posts
Friday, January 11, 2008
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
The Day's Other Political Headline
There were three major political headlines on Tuesday. Two hailed the "comebacks" of Hillary Clinton and John McCain, after their victories in the New Hampshire primary. The third headline, which has received less attention (at least, from the MSM) signals the end of Ron Paul as a legitimate presidential candidate.
In case you haven't heard, James Kirchick of The New Republic has a devastating article on Dr. Paul which, quite frankly, casts him as a bigot, anti-Semite and a homophobe--or, at the very least, puts him in the company of those who espouse such views. It's quite a contrast to the man that ABC's Jake Tapper described as "the one true straight-talker in the race."
Paul's views on race, homosexuality, Israel and other issues can be found in past issues of his newsletters, published monthly since the late 1970s. The publications have appeared under various titles, including Ron Paul's Freedom Report, the Ron Paul Political Report, The Ron Paul Survival Guide and The Ron Paul Investment Letter. At one point in the mid-1980s, the newsletter claimed 100,000 readers. A decade later, it reportedly had 7,000 subscribers.
Given TNR's past problems with accuracy--the Scott Beauchamp scandal is merely the latest case-in-point--it would be easy to question the veracity of their Paul expose. But Kirchick tracked down print copies of the Paul newsletters in the University of Kansas library and at the Wisconsin Historial Society. There is no doubt that the newsletters are the genuine, and the views they present are disturbing. Some sample excerpts, which appear on TNR's website:
From a 1992 issue that followed the Los Angeles riots:
"Order was only restored in L.A. when it came time for the blacks to pick up their welfare checks three days after rioting began. ... What if the checks had never arrived? No doubt the blacks would have fully privatized the welfare state through continued looting. But they were paid off and the violence subsided."
In December 1990, a Paul newsletter described Dr. Martin Luther King as a "world-class adulterer" who seduced underage girls and boys.
Over the years, various Paul publications had equally disparaging remarks on gays, Jews, and the nation of Israel, which was described (in a 1987 issue of the investment newsletter) as "an aggressive, national socialist state." An undated solicitation letter for the same newsletter railed against "an Israeli lobby that plays Congress like a cheap harmonica."
None of the articles are signed, so it's impossible to know how much of this "material" was written by the candidate himself. But, since all of these items appeared on publications bearing Paul's name, he bears ultimate responsibility for their content. Moreover, many of the "articles" are written in first person, suggesting that the comments came directly from Dr. Paul.
Equally curious is the Paul campaign's tepid response to the article--and those disturbing newsletter quotes. The candidate's chief spokesman, Jesse Benton, told Mr. Kirchick that, over the years, Paul granted "various levels of approval" to what appeared in his publications--ranging from "no approval" to instances where he "actually wrote it himself." Benton denied that Paul had any hand in composing the most incendiary material, including comments on Martin Luther King.
Still, as Kirchik observes, it's hard to believe that Dr. Paul would allow such comments to appear in his newsletters--for more than two decades--if he didn't agree with them. Claims that Paul wasn't aware of what appeared in his newsletters (and was marginally involved in the editorial process) simply don't wash.
***
Those racist, anti-gay and anti-Semitic nuggets from various Paul newsletters may also explain the candidate's indifferent response to revelations of support among white supremacists and a contribution from one of their leaders. Last November, Andrew Walden of The American Thinker was among the first to report that white hate groups were coalescing behind the Texas Congressmen, and that Paul had received a $500 donation from Don Black, the president of Stormfront.org, a well-known Neo-Nazi group.
After a month of deliberations, the Paul campaign finally announced that it would keep Black's contribution. Spokesman Benton said that the candidate would use the money to "help spread his message of freedom." Ed Morrissey at Captain's Quarters found that explanation both laughable--and deplorable:
Sorry, but that doesn't sell. It's one thing to get a donation from a neo-Nazi; after all, Paul didn't solicit it. It's another thing entirely to keep the money after its source becomes clear. Keeping the money makes it look like the campaign approves of the source, and that is a very, very bad message to send when one is bragging about the success of recent money-bomb events.
What kind of money will Ron Paul refuse? Drug money? Extortion rackets? Mob skim? Those are the questions people will want answered. Paul's response does not give confidence in the judgment of his campaign, and by extension its candidate.
The newsletter quotes should remove any doubts about Dr. Paul's claim to be a serious presidential contender. Decades of bigoted comments--appearing under his name--represent a rather damning body of work. Beneath that "straight talk" exterior, Ron Paul appears to be little more than a hate-monger.
Finally, there's the matter of the MSM (and yes, the blogosphere) ignoring this story angle. Anti-black comments from a Paul newsletter first became an issue in a 1996 Congressional race, but his aides claimed that someone else wrote them. The New York Times magazine (and other outlets) bought that explanation, "since the style diverges widely from his own." So, no one bothered to research Dr. Paul's publications until Mr. Kirchik took a look.
As to why, there are at least three explanations. First, many reporters--and bloggers--are basically lazy, reluctant to do any serious digging. Secondly, Paul's anti-war position made him a media darling, and many were reluctant to tarnish his image. Finally, other representatives of the old and new media view Dr. Paul as someone worth propping up, reinforcing perceptions of the GOP as a party of bigots and extremists.
In case you haven't heard, James Kirchick of The New Republic has a devastating article on Dr. Paul which, quite frankly, casts him as a bigot, anti-Semite and a homophobe--or, at the very least, puts him in the company of those who espouse such views. It's quite a contrast to the man that ABC's Jake Tapper described as "the one true straight-talker in the race."
Paul's views on race, homosexuality, Israel and other issues can be found in past issues of his newsletters, published monthly since the late 1970s. The publications have appeared under various titles, including Ron Paul's Freedom Report, the Ron Paul Political Report, The Ron Paul Survival Guide and The Ron Paul Investment Letter. At one point in the mid-1980s, the newsletter claimed 100,000 readers. A decade later, it reportedly had 7,000 subscribers.
Given TNR's past problems with accuracy--the Scott Beauchamp scandal is merely the latest case-in-point--it would be easy to question the veracity of their Paul expose. But Kirchick tracked down print copies of the Paul newsletters in the University of Kansas library and at the Wisconsin Historial Society. There is no doubt that the newsletters are the genuine, and the views they present are disturbing. Some sample excerpts, which appear on TNR's website:
From a 1992 issue that followed the Los Angeles riots:
"Order was only restored in L.A. when it came time for the blacks to pick up their welfare checks three days after rioting began. ... What if the checks had never arrived? No doubt the blacks would have fully privatized the welfare state through continued looting. But they were paid off and the violence subsided."
In December 1990, a Paul newsletter described Dr. Martin Luther King as a "world-class adulterer" who seduced underage girls and boys.
Over the years, various Paul publications had equally disparaging remarks on gays, Jews, and the nation of Israel, which was described (in a 1987 issue of the investment newsletter) as "an aggressive, national socialist state." An undated solicitation letter for the same newsletter railed against "an Israeli lobby that plays Congress like a cheap harmonica."
None of the articles are signed, so it's impossible to know how much of this "material" was written by the candidate himself. But, since all of these items appeared on publications bearing Paul's name, he bears ultimate responsibility for their content. Moreover, many of the "articles" are written in first person, suggesting that the comments came directly from Dr. Paul.
Equally curious is the Paul campaign's tepid response to the article--and those disturbing newsletter quotes. The candidate's chief spokesman, Jesse Benton, told Mr. Kirchick that, over the years, Paul granted "various levels of approval" to what appeared in his publications--ranging from "no approval" to instances where he "actually wrote it himself." Benton denied that Paul had any hand in composing the most incendiary material, including comments on Martin Luther King.
Still, as Kirchik observes, it's hard to believe that Dr. Paul would allow such comments to appear in his newsletters--for more than two decades--if he didn't agree with them. Claims that Paul wasn't aware of what appeared in his newsletters (and was marginally involved in the editorial process) simply don't wash.
***
Those racist, anti-gay and anti-Semitic nuggets from various Paul newsletters may also explain the candidate's indifferent response to revelations of support among white supremacists and a contribution from one of their leaders. Last November, Andrew Walden of The American Thinker was among the first to report that white hate groups were coalescing behind the Texas Congressmen, and that Paul had received a $500 donation from Don Black, the president of Stormfront.org, a well-known Neo-Nazi group.
After a month of deliberations, the Paul campaign finally announced that it would keep Black's contribution. Spokesman Benton said that the candidate would use the money to "help spread his message of freedom." Ed Morrissey at Captain's Quarters found that explanation both laughable--and deplorable:
Sorry, but that doesn't sell. It's one thing to get a donation from a neo-Nazi; after all, Paul didn't solicit it. It's another thing entirely to keep the money after its source becomes clear. Keeping the money makes it look like the campaign approves of the source, and that is a very, very bad message to send when one is bragging about the success of recent money-bomb events.
What kind of money will Ron Paul refuse? Drug money? Extortion rackets? Mob skim? Those are the questions people will want answered. Paul's response does not give confidence in the judgment of his campaign, and by extension its candidate.
The newsletter quotes should remove any doubts about Dr. Paul's claim to be a serious presidential contender. Decades of bigoted comments--appearing under his name--represent a rather damning body of work. Beneath that "straight talk" exterior, Ron Paul appears to be little more than a hate-monger.
Finally, there's the matter of the MSM (and yes, the blogosphere) ignoring this story angle. Anti-black comments from a Paul newsletter first became an issue in a 1996 Congressional race, but his aides claimed that someone else wrote them. The New York Times magazine (and other outlets) bought that explanation, "since the style diverges widely from his own." So, no one bothered to research Dr. Paul's publications until Mr. Kirchik took a look.
As to why, there are at least three explanations. First, many reporters--and bloggers--are basically lazy, reluctant to do any serious digging. Secondly, Paul's anti-war position made him a media darling, and many were reluctant to tarnish his image. Finally, other representatives of the old and new media view Dr. Paul as someone worth propping up, reinforcing perceptions of the GOP as a party of bigots and extremists.
Friday, December 21, 2007
The Friends of Ron Paul
Charles Johnson at Little Green Footballs has been digging deeper into the question of alleged ties between Neo-Nazis and the Ron Paul campaign, and what he discovered is anything but reassuring. In short, there is growing evidence of connections between white supremacist groups and the Paul campaign, yet the candidate and his handlers have largely refused to address--or repudiate those ties.
Yesterday, we reported that Dr. Paul had decided to keep a $500 campaign contribution from Don Black, leader of a known Neo-Nazi group called Stormfront. Black's vile racism and anti-Semitism is readily visible on his organization's website, and his leadership role in white supremacist circles is well-established. When Black made his donation, several commentators, ranging from columnist and radio host Michael Medved to the American Thinker's Andrew Walden, called on Dr. Paul to return the money, and reject the support he was receiving from racist groups.
A month after the controversy first errupted, a Paul spokesman announced that the campaign would not return the Stormfront leader's check, offering the pathetic excuse that accepting the money would give Black "$500 less to do whatever it is he does." The spokesman, Jesse Benton, also stressed Dr. Paul's "independence," though we'd argue that accepting a Neo-Nazi's campaign contribution is hardly a display of independence. That led us to suggest that Ron Paul may not be for sale, but he's certainly for rent, and by some of the most vile elements in our political system.
Now, Charles Johnson's research suggests even broader ties between racial hate groups and the Paul campaign. On a Neo-Nazi site called the Vanguard News Network, Mr. Johnson found this letter which claims the Texas Congressman is lying about his involvement with white supremacists. We'll second Mr. Johnson's admonition to take this "claim" with a grain of salt.
Ron Paul Lies About Lack Of Involvement With White Nationalists
Comrades:
I have kept quiet about the Ron Paul campaign for a while, because I didn’t see any need to say anything that would cause any trouble. However, reading the latest release from his campaign spokesman, I am compelled to tell the truth about Ron Paul’s extensive involvement in white nationalism.
Both Congressman Paul and his aides regularly meet with members of the Stormfront set, American Renaissance, the Institute for Historic Review, and others at the Tara Thai restaurant in Arlington, Virginia, usually on Wednesdays. This is part of a dinner that was originally organized by Pat Buchanan, Sam Francis and Joe Sobran, and has since been mostly taken over by the Council of Conservative Citizens.
I have attended these dinners, seen Paul and his aides there, and been invited to his offices in Washington to discuss policy.
For his spokesman to call white racialism a “small ideology” and claim white activists are “wasting their money” trying to influence Paul is ridiculous. Paul is a white nationalist of the Stormfront type who has always kept his racial views and his views about world Judaism quiet because of his political position.
I don’t know that it is necessarily good for Paul to “expose” this. However, he really is someone with extensive ties to white nationalism and for him to deny that in the belief he will be more respectable by denying it is outrageous — and I hate seeing people in the press who denounce racialism merely because they think it is not fashionable.
Bill White,
Commander
American National Socialist Workers Party
Still, there may be more to this than first believed. An alert LGF reader found a payment of $314.59 for the Tara Thai Restaurant among disbursements for the Paul campaign. That doesn't put Dr. Paul at the same table with Bill White, but it does raise questions about who he met with during dinners at that establishment.
And, it turns out that the candidate has actually met Neo-Nazi's face-to-face. Another LGF reader found--and lightened--this photo, from the Values Voter Presidential Candidate Debate in Fort Lauderdale on 17 September of this year: The man to Dr. Paul's immediate left is non other than Don Black. Standing next to Black is his son, Derek, who runs a white supremacist site for kids.
Presidential candidate Ron Paul (in striped tie), Neo-Nazi leader Don Black and Black's son Derek, at the Values Voter presidential candidate debate in Florida earlier this year (lightened photo posted by Zombie at LGF).
Yesterday, we reported that Dr. Paul had decided to keep a $500 campaign contribution from Don Black, leader of a known Neo-Nazi group called Stormfront. Black's vile racism and anti-Semitism is readily visible on his organization's website, and his leadership role in white supremacist circles is well-established. When Black made his donation, several commentators, ranging from columnist and radio host Michael Medved to the American Thinker's Andrew Walden, called on Dr. Paul to return the money, and reject the support he was receiving from racist groups.
A month after the controversy first errupted, a Paul spokesman announced that the campaign would not return the Stormfront leader's check, offering the pathetic excuse that accepting the money would give Black "$500 less to do whatever it is he does." The spokesman, Jesse Benton, also stressed Dr. Paul's "independence," though we'd argue that accepting a Neo-Nazi's campaign contribution is hardly a display of independence. That led us to suggest that Ron Paul may not be for sale, but he's certainly for rent, and by some of the most vile elements in our political system.
Now, Charles Johnson's research suggests even broader ties between racial hate groups and the Paul campaign. On a Neo-Nazi site called the Vanguard News Network, Mr. Johnson found this letter which claims the Texas Congressman is lying about his involvement with white supremacists. We'll second Mr. Johnson's admonition to take this "claim" with a grain of salt.
Ron Paul Lies About Lack Of Involvement With White Nationalists
Comrades:
I have kept quiet about the Ron Paul campaign for a while, because I didn’t see any need to say anything that would cause any trouble. However, reading the latest release from his campaign spokesman, I am compelled to tell the truth about Ron Paul’s extensive involvement in white nationalism.
Both Congressman Paul and his aides regularly meet with members of the Stormfront set, American Renaissance, the Institute for Historic Review, and others at the Tara Thai restaurant in Arlington, Virginia, usually on Wednesdays. This is part of a dinner that was originally organized by Pat Buchanan, Sam Francis and Joe Sobran, and has since been mostly taken over by the Council of Conservative Citizens.
I have attended these dinners, seen Paul and his aides there, and been invited to his offices in Washington to discuss policy.
For his spokesman to call white racialism a “small ideology” and claim white activists are “wasting their money” trying to influence Paul is ridiculous. Paul is a white nationalist of the Stormfront type who has always kept his racial views and his views about world Judaism quiet because of his political position.
I don’t know that it is necessarily good for Paul to “expose” this. However, he really is someone with extensive ties to white nationalism and for him to deny that in the belief he will be more respectable by denying it is outrageous — and I hate seeing people in the press who denounce racialism merely because they think it is not fashionable.
Bill White,
Commander
American National Socialist Workers Party
Still, there may be more to this than first believed. An alert LGF reader found a payment of $314.59 for the Tara Thai Restaurant among disbursements for the Paul campaign. That doesn't put Dr. Paul at the same table with Bill White, but it does raise questions about who he met with during dinners at that establishment.
And, it turns out that the candidate has actually met Neo-Nazi's face-to-face. Another LGF reader found--and lightened--this photo, from the Values Voter Presidential Candidate Debate in Fort Lauderdale on 17 September of this year: The man to Dr. Paul's immediate left is non other than Don Black. Standing next to Black is his son, Derek, who runs a white supremacist site for kids.
Presidential candidate Ron Paul (in striped tie), Neo-Nazi leader Don Black and Black's son Derek, at the Values Voter presidential candidate debate in Florida earlier this year (lightened photo posted by Zombie at LGF).
In fairness, we should note that presidential contenders have their photos taken with lots of people on a daily basis. It's impossible to vet everyone who wants a picture with their favorite candidate. But, as others have speculated, what are the odds that Mr. Black didn't mention his donation while the picture was snapped? That would certainly separate Black from the ranks of ordinary photo-seekers, and possibly prompt some sort of cursory check by the campaign. Indeed, we still don't know the extent of past contacts between the candidate and the white supremacist leader.
And, Dr. Paul and his supporters have remained largely silent on this issue, save their laughable effort to explain acceptance of Don Black's campaign contribution. Unfortunately for the candidate and his campaign, this issue won't quickly fade away. There are legitimate questions about Dr. Paul's ties to Neo-Nazis and other white supremacists--particularly those purported dinners in D.C.,--but so far, answers to those questions are in short supply.
***
ADDENDUM: While Ron Paul will not be the GOP standard-bearer next year, his links to the racist fringe should be a concern to all Republicans. As we noted in a previous post, the MSM and their friends in the Democratic Party have (essentially) ignored this story. There's reason to believe that both groups are merely "saving" the scandal, hoping to use it "down the road," in yet another attempt to paint Republicans as racist.
GOP front-runners should preempt those efforts, by raising the issue in an upcoming debate, and forcing Dr. Paul to go on record about his support from white supremacist groups. If they don't, the MSM and the Democrats will almost certainly raise the issue in the future, asking the nominee how he can "be a member of a party that includes the likes of Ron Paul and Don Black."
H/T: Kevin McCullough at Townhall.com
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Not for Sale, But Apparently for Rent
A little over a month ago, we noted that Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul had received contributions from a thoroughly despicable source--an avowed Neo-Nazi. What's more, the racist organization had established a link from its web site to that of the Paul campaign, making it easier for other Neo-Nazis to donate to the Texas Congressman.
More disturbingly, Andrew Walden at the American Thinker found a pattern of hate groups coalescing behind Dr. Paul. Walden discovered that the aforementioned Neo-Nazi group, Stormfront.org, recently endorsed Paul for president, and learned that its leader, Don Black, personally donated $500 to the campaign. Additionally, Walden reported that one of Dr. Paul's top internet organizers in Tennessee is a Neo-Nazi leader named Will Williams. Better known as "White Will," Mr. Williams organized a discussion called "The Israel Factor Revisited" on the Ron Paul meet-up site, which used heavily by the campaign to organize supporters.
Mr. Walden found that Williams also provided a link from a white supremacist web page to that of Dr. Paul's "grassroot" fundraising effort. On that former site, "White Will" left no doubts about his racist and anti-Semitic beliefs, encouraging other Neo-Nazis to "game" YouTube and push a Paul video to the top of the rankings. As Williams wrote: "Everybody here can do this except BJB and his n----rberry." BJB stands for "Burn Jew, Burn." The same poster has an internet signature that reads "Nothin' says lovin' like a Jew in the oven."
Mr. Walden also uncovered endorsements for the Paul campaign from other, high-profile white supremacists. David Duke, the former KKK leader, has described Dr. Paul as
"our king" and his website touts the candidate's fund-raising efforts.
As we wrote last month, you'd think that Dr. Paul and his handlers would actively distance themselves from such vile and loathsome "supporters." But then again, you'd be wrong.
Ed Morrissey at Captain's Quarters is reporting that, after a month of "consideration," the Paul campaign has decided to keep Don Black's $500 donation. Spokesman Jesse Benton offered a laughable explanation for their decision:
"Dr. Paul stands for freedom, peace, prosperity and inalienable rights. If someone with small ideologies happens to contribute money to Ron, thinking he can influence Ron in any way, he's wasted his money," Paul spokesman Jesse Benton said. "Ron is going to take the money and try to spread the message of freedom."
"And that's $500 less that this guy has to do whatever it is that he does," Benton added.
Captain Ed isn't buying it--and neither should you:
Sorry, but that doesn't sell. It's one thing to get a donation from a neo-Nazi; after all, Paul didn't solicit it. It's another thing entirely to keep the money after its source becomes clear. Keeping the money makes it look like the campaign approves of the source, and that is a very, very bad message to send when one is bragging about the success of recent money-bomb events.
What kind of money will Ron Paul refuse? Drug money? Extortion rackets? Mob skim? Those are the questions people will want answered. Paul's response does not give confidence in the judgment of his campaign, and by extension its candidate.
Equally amazing is the MSM's treatment of this story. Aside from a brief AP article on 19 December, Congressmen Paul's racist supporters have received virtually no attention from the MSM. True, Dr. Paul isn't a factor in the polls, but we believe there's another reason for the media's "kid glove" treatment of the candidate on this issue. Having Paul around allows them to depict Republicans as kooks and extremists. If he accepts donations from Neo-Nazis and other racists, that's fine--as long as he stays in the campaign.
We agree with Ed Morrissey. Refusing to return money from a known racist speaks volumes about the candidate and his run for the White House. With Dr. Paul's recent success at internet fund-raising, you'd think he would be more selective about his donors and their beliefs. But apparently, that doesn't matter to the Congressman; money from hate-mongers is gladly and willingly accepted. We can only wonder how many other Neo-Nazis and anti-Semites chipped in during his latest campaign blitz.
Attempting to explain Don Black's contribution, spokesman Benton tried to stress Dr. Paul's independence--the only thing missing was the standard declaration that "our candidate isn't for sale." Still, taking money from a Neo-Nazi leader hardly inspires confidence. Dr. Paul may not be for sale, but he appears available for rent, and by the most repugnant elements within our society.
More disturbingly, Andrew Walden at the American Thinker found a pattern of hate groups coalescing behind Dr. Paul. Walden discovered that the aforementioned Neo-Nazi group, Stormfront.org, recently endorsed Paul for president, and learned that its leader, Don Black, personally donated $500 to the campaign. Additionally, Walden reported that one of Dr. Paul's top internet organizers in Tennessee is a Neo-Nazi leader named Will Williams. Better known as "White Will," Mr. Williams organized a discussion called "The Israel Factor Revisited" on the Ron Paul meet-up site, which used heavily by the campaign to organize supporters.
Mr. Walden found that Williams also provided a link from a white supremacist web page to that of Dr. Paul's "grassroot" fundraising effort. On that former site, "White Will" left no doubts about his racist and anti-Semitic beliefs, encouraging other Neo-Nazis to "game" YouTube and push a Paul video to the top of the rankings. As Williams wrote: "Everybody here can do this except BJB and his n----rberry." BJB stands for "Burn Jew, Burn." The same poster has an internet signature that reads "Nothin' says lovin' like a Jew in the oven."
Mr. Walden also uncovered endorsements for the Paul campaign from other, high-profile white supremacists. David Duke, the former KKK leader, has described Dr. Paul as
"our king" and his website touts the candidate's fund-raising efforts.
As we wrote last month, you'd think that Dr. Paul and his handlers would actively distance themselves from such vile and loathsome "supporters." But then again, you'd be wrong.
Ed Morrissey at Captain's Quarters is reporting that, after a month of "consideration," the Paul campaign has decided to keep Don Black's $500 donation. Spokesman Jesse Benton offered a laughable explanation for their decision:
"Dr. Paul stands for freedom, peace, prosperity and inalienable rights. If someone with small ideologies happens to contribute money to Ron, thinking he can influence Ron in any way, he's wasted his money," Paul spokesman Jesse Benton said. "Ron is going to take the money and try to spread the message of freedom."
"And that's $500 less that this guy has to do whatever it is that he does," Benton added.
Captain Ed isn't buying it--and neither should you:
Sorry, but that doesn't sell. It's one thing to get a donation from a neo-Nazi; after all, Paul didn't solicit it. It's another thing entirely to keep the money after its source becomes clear. Keeping the money makes it look like the campaign approves of the source, and that is a very, very bad message to send when one is bragging about the success of recent money-bomb events.
What kind of money will Ron Paul refuse? Drug money? Extortion rackets? Mob skim? Those are the questions people will want answered. Paul's response does not give confidence in the judgment of his campaign, and by extension its candidate.
Equally amazing is the MSM's treatment of this story. Aside from a brief AP article on 19 December, Congressmen Paul's racist supporters have received virtually no attention from the MSM. True, Dr. Paul isn't a factor in the polls, but we believe there's another reason for the media's "kid glove" treatment of the candidate on this issue. Having Paul around allows them to depict Republicans as kooks and extremists. If he accepts donations from Neo-Nazis and other racists, that's fine--as long as he stays in the campaign.
We agree with Ed Morrissey. Refusing to return money from a known racist speaks volumes about the candidate and his run for the White House. With Dr. Paul's recent success at internet fund-raising, you'd think he would be more selective about his donors and their beliefs. But apparently, that doesn't matter to the Congressman; money from hate-mongers is gladly and willingly accepted. We can only wonder how many other Neo-Nazis and anti-Semites chipped in during his latest campaign blitz.
Attempting to explain Don Black's contribution, spokesman Benton tried to stress Dr. Paul's independence--the only thing missing was the standard declaration that "our candidate isn't for sale." Still, taking money from a Neo-Nazi leader hardly inspires confidence. Dr. Paul may not be for sale, but he appears available for rent, and by the most repugnant elements within our society.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Today's Reading Assignment
...from Andrew Walden at The American Thinker, on the supporters that the Ron Paul campaign won't acknowledge--or apparently, repudiate. Turns out that the GOP/Libertarian Congressman-turned-presidential-hopeful has picked up quite a following among neo-Nazis and anti-Semites.
More disturbingly, it appears that the candidate has accepted donations from at least one Neo-Nazi group and its leader--in fact, the organization has a donation link to the Paul campaign, which (at last report) has not been blocked. Additionally, there is no indication that Mr. Paul has returned any money raised from these sources.
As Mr. Walden notes, this is more than a case of a solitary link from a hate-group website, or a single donation by a well-known white supremacist. A large segment of the kook fringe, including avowed racists and anti-Semites, are coming out of the woodwork to back Mr. Paul. And while other politicians would repudiate their support--and their venomous message--the Paul campaign remains strangely silent.
Hat tip: Powerline.
More disturbingly, it appears that the candidate has accepted donations from at least one Neo-Nazi group and its leader--in fact, the organization has a donation link to the Paul campaign, which (at last report) has not been blocked. Additionally, there is no indication that Mr. Paul has returned any money raised from these sources.
As Mr. Walden notes, this is more than a case of a solitary link from a hate-group website, or a single donation by a well-known white supremacist. A large segment of the kook fringe, including avowed racists and anti-Semites, are coming out of the woodwork to back Mr. Paul. And while other politicians would repudiate their support--and their venomous message--the Paul campaign remains strangely silent.
Hat tip: Powerline.
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