We are Ron Paul REPUBLICANS, thank you. I have been a Republican all my voting life, however, the party has drifted away from standing for the principles that made me choose that party. Some of us came from other places, but we are Ron Paul REPUBLICANS. And some establishment types hate that.

also, is she serious that we were desecrating the flag because someone didn't shoot down the idea of using clothing for a flag, likely made in good faith by someone who wanted to help? do you publicly humiliate your guests because they don't have wikipedia handy to check before they commit a faux pas?

In a Washington location where there was no flag, someone had a pocket Constitution and used that. People do the best they can, with what they have.

I hope this person isn't expecting any votes from Ron Paul REPUBLICANS.

Its entirely out of place to refer to the Libertarians as the Nazis. I mean, you basically state that you are in favor of the Patriot Act. If you want to make a good analogy, we can say that they were limiting the political speech of a Nazi. Im also pretty sure that Bonhoeffer would side with the Libertarians. He refused to compromise, lady. The Libertarians weren't using the force of the State to limit your time, either. They were using the rules established by your own party. Its a good thing Big Gov control freaks like you are finally being shut out. The Revolution is alive and well. Youd better get used to working with Liberty minded people. Your type has had enough time running the country into the ground. The times are changing. Get used to it.

Lynn Torgerson is a liar who wouldn't know a Libertarian or Republican of one bit her you know where.

Hey Lynn, did you know Ronald Reagan was a Libertarian Republican & stated libertarian philosophy reperesented most important part of Republican party platform.

Obviously this lady (Lynne) has no clue. I guess she is a Country Club Republican.

Being Anti-War is good, especially when going to war in a Place like Iraq where all the reasons never panned out like WMD's, Terrorists etc. Big waste of men and women in service.

Ron Paul is not a Libertarian, he is a 12 term Conservative GOP Congressman from Texas, his son Rand Paul is a GOP US Senator from Kentucky.

The Patriot Act violates are US Constitution 4th Amendment rights, as far as the TSA is it really necessary to body check 80 year old nuns and 8 year old girls?, I think not.

Protecting life via the Federal Gov., says that the Federal Gov. is all powerful, plus you Will never protect life via the Federal Govermnent, will never happen, much faster by State Laws.

Your Anti-Christian mark is way off, Mitt Romney's religion believes Satan is Jesus' brother. So I think Romney is the anti-Christian.

Pro-Muslim agenda?, I though everyone was American, regardless of religion.

Drug war is a complete failure, unless you missed it even 700 Club Founder and Moral Majority leader Pat Robertson recently said legalizing drugs is the only answer and that he was wrong about the War on Drugs.

Prostitution is already legal on a state by state basis, Supreme Court already ruled that. But in your America your happy with a kids lemonade stand getting shut down for having no permit - geez...

Israel themselves said they do NOT need American military support from the US. In addition, Paul said he would not send money to Israel or any other Mideast country which currently receive more than 20 times the money we send Israel - these are Israel's enemies. Besides we are broke and can't afford it.

We can't stop any country from getting Nukes, it's impossible, the technology is catching up with every country to be able to build these things. Best thing to do is not let foreigners into America so easily, that's how we got 911, on student Visa's. Also strengthen the Strategic Defense Initiative to shoot those things down etc.

You listen to way too much Fox news and Talk Radio

I am concerned about the party. The idea that one of our party leaders, Lynne Torgerson, would take to these pages and attack fellow Republicans who come out and participate in our political system is disgusting. To claim that libertarian-Republicans are anti-Christian is horrible...to prey on fear and claim they are "pro-Muslim" is not only racist, it reflects the worst impulse of politics and human nature. Shame on you. You refer to other Republicans as "clowns", compare them to Nazi, and claim that their differences with YOU on policies makes it all so. Pathetic. You lost. Now you are the one beclowning yourself, Lynne. I hope all my fellow Republicans remember this moment.

Look around and see how many establishment Republicans are young people. There are none. If you want to have young people join the party, it needs to move in a Libertarian direction.

The positions you stated are not progressive positions at all, most of them are actually positions of individual liberty.

I don't know a single Libertarian who is anti-Christian. Many of them, like myself, are Christians themselves. But when you start a convention with a prayer to Jesus, aren't you leaving out Jews? How do you think they feel?

If you want a party that's gong to win, you need to open the party to people who you can find common ground with. Otherwise, the party is going to die with the last old freedom hating codger just like you.

This article absolutely disgusts me. Eliminating the Patriot Act and the TSA would be GOOD steps for America, and it would mean actually abiding by the constitution. There's also nothing wrong with being anti-war. It's time that we, as Americans, quit being the police of the world, interfering with every country in the Middle East. Look at the Soviet Union, they tried to police the world too and look what that did to them. Just because they didn't have an opening prayer doesn't mean you should drop the automatic assumption that they're anti-Christian. It's called that they actually know how to recognize the separation of church and state. Libertarians don't want to prevent a Nuclear Iran because IT'S NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN. Period, the end! They can't even afford to come over to the States and attack us! They're already surrounded by hundreds of their allies, any attack or retaliation against the US would be because we're over there, in their country, up in their business. As for legalizing prostitution and illegal drugs, you're putting words in their mouth. They want to legalize LIBERTY and the RIGHT TO CHOICES. Ron Paul, for instance, never once specifically said that he wants to legalize drugs. The Republican Party has grown weak, and the Libertarian Party is now the fastest growing in the country. The Libertarian Party is the only party that cares to obey our country's written law, the Constitution. So please get your facts straight before you openly bash the Libertarians.

Just one statement: While the part about the convention being overrun with Ron Paul supporters, this is true. However, if you had planned on having the Pledge of Allegiance, which generally occurs at Ron Paul rallies allover, then you should've supplied one. The absence of an opening prayer was more of a freshman activist's omission. Unfortunately until now, the GOP has not recognized the inclusion of new members. You can't build a party with nothing but 89 year olds.

Most of Ron Paul's staff and closest supporters ARE Christians, yet he welcomes all Americans to come and take part. They would gladly have opened in prayer, but as I stated above, none had been allowed to officiate anything within the party until their like minded support reached a tipping point. The rest of your piece is merely a hack job. Blaming Paul supporters and continuing to see them as outsiders and not as Republicans is a huge mistake. I am a Ron Paul supporter and did not come over from the Libertarian, or even Constitution party. I have been a GOP member for over 25 years. The Party will lose and continue to lose big if the party does not embrace the influx of new members who merely want to bring the GOP BACK to the right (upper right) place of limited government, sound money, and the sensible, non-intervention foreign policy of presidents like Robert Taft, aka "Mr. Republican."

*They're already surrounded by hundreds of OUR allies

This is great news! More Americans than ever are embracing Liberty and standing up against the police state we now live in.

It's not that the Ron Paul Libertarians are hurting the party. It's that the Republican party is changing, and the Ron Paul folks are leading much of this change through the rules of the GOP. The change isn't absolute, but rather it's just a new influence.

As to not having a flag or saying the Pledge of Allegiance, this is likely because these people are new to running to local event, and weren't properly prepared. Hopefully, they'll get their act together for the next meeting.

From what I've heard & seen, the GOP establishment, isn't used to fresh energy with new ideas. In case Lynne Torgerson hasn't heard, the USA is hurting, and it's mainly because of the poor decision of previous Republican leaders. So many people felt something had to change.

The points she listed above about Libertarians misses the point...
- want to eliminate the TSA
- want to eliminate the Patriot Act
- are anti-war
- are pro gay rights
- don't want to protect Life with legislation
- have a pro Muslim agenda
- are generally anti-Christian
- don't want to support Israel
- don't want to prevent a nuclear Iran
- want to legalize illegal drugs
- want to legalize prostitution

We still want to defend our country to death. But we want government out of our lives. We're fiscal conservatives, but not always social conservatives. Right now there's no other party for such views. Thus, scoot over Neo Cons. You have new peers.

want to eliminate the TSA
- want to eliminate the Patriot Act
- are anti-war
- are pro gay rights
- don't want to protect Life with legislation
- have a pro Muslim agenda
- are generally anti-Christian
- don't want to support Israel
- don't want to prevent a nuclear Iran
- want to legalize illegal drugs
- want to legalize prostitution
Are you kidding, I am a republican and I agree with all of this, maybe your definition of republican is no longer valid. Ever since the birth of the United Sates every party has evolved and changed their political views. This also holds true to the republican party. Half of the list is about big government and not limited as we republicans believe. The other half, the federal government should have no say on most social issues that should be left to state government. You seem very upset about not having a prayer before the meeting, but no one said you could not pray on your own. I am also a Christian and a Paul supporter but to group all supporters into one pot is unfair and insulting. That's like one Christian denomination calling another non-Christians over the differences in what they believe. Does the differences make them non Christians? I don't think so. That is why Paul supporters can be republicans regardless of your definition of a "True Republican".

You can take wearing the American flag or flag pattern anyway you want, but just realize that having the pattern show up in clothing is akin to the decorative bunting you find at all kinds of patriotic events. So then if you think that wearing flags and flag patterns as disrespectful, consider all the tie/lapel pins and brooches the majority of our elected officials wear. Obviously worn as a sign of disrespect.

This is our Republican party, and we are doing something. The pro-liberty, small goverent branch of the GOP is flexing it's muscles, and you seem troubled by it. We can't afford the endless wars, wasteful spending, and erosion of civil liberties espoused by your "version" of the GOP. The party is changing. Get used to it .

If you have done the most cursory examination of the candidates on the basis of integrity, economic understanding, foreign policy aptitude you will come to the Ron Paul conclusion. If you are looking for a corporate funded candidate with a "presidential look", Obamney is your man.

If you support/supported the wars/war in Iraq, Libya, Iran, etc you need to watch this.

Retired Four Star Gen. Wesley Clark Exposes US Foreign Policy Coup
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9xzk50FiHQ

The thing I like about Libertarians is that they don't want to push a social agenda. I may disagree with them on fiscal policy and the role of government in some areas, but I think the GOP would do well to abandon their "small government for us (straight white men), big intrusive government for everybody else (gays, women, immigrants, non-whites, non-christian)" strategy and focus on some of the issues that the Libertarians are pushing. If they did that they might get my vote.

If the Libertarian faction can shake loose the hold that Extreme rightists are attempting to cement on the MN Republican Party (the party of Elmer Andersen, Harold Levander, Dave Durenberger, Jim Ramstad and many, many other honorable GOP politicians who believed in working WITH the opposition rather than simply fighting a regressive war to belittle all those who wear the mantle of Liberal, then I say "go for it, Libertarians!"

I can see that you are upset. That is a shame. The apparent fact that the local party is taking a turn toward a more "Libertarian" perspective is encouraging. The list of shocking (to you) "progressive" views of the Libertarians is not so chocking to me, an independent who has voted Republican more often than not. Life is certainly not black and white. TSA and the Patriot Act are bad ideas or at least ideas not well designed. Both do more to harm our freedoms than they protect us. We should all be anti war and pro gay rights. War should be a last resort and authorized by Congress and all of us deserve equal rights to "pursue happiness" including the right to marry with all it entails. YOur comments about being "pro-Muslim and "anti Christian are nonsense. Equal and fair treatment is fair to all. Your comment of not wanting to protect life is misguided. The States hold the responsibility of protecting life. Moving on, Why can we presume to say Iran can not have nuclear energy or weapons? We can punish them if they use them wrongly but to say they can not have them is arrogant. Last the fun stuff. Libertarians simply acknowledge that the Federal government has no say in things like drug or prostitution prohibition. States have that job as well. Fear not. Libertarians are not Boogymen.

I do hope that the Libertarians are taking over because the GOP has become a disgusting version of the Democrats. They're war-hungry. They spend money like there's no tomorrow. They're anti-science. They want a theocracy. They believe if only the rich were a little richer then the middle class could bloom.

They're trash and their time is up.

Find another vocation. You are out of touch with what is happening, and in complete denial. Or Join the Democrat Party, they agree with you on almost all positions.

I don't know where you get your facts from, but it certainly looks like you skipped a couple of pages in your research. I understand your upset that more people voted for a candidate you don't agree with, but most people look at Mitt Romney as Obama Jr. There is no difference between the candidates, and more people want change vice the same thing. So if people decide they can use the system to but more Ron Paul backing delegates in Tampa, why shouldn't they. Your mad at the system you guys made, and now that it doesn't favor you anymore, it seems like your crying foul.

Reading this article actually made me happy that the Republican Party is starting to move in a direction for the better. Reading how you wrote this article, saying that because they don't want to condemn homosexuals, aren't religious, and may have gone to an Occupy event, that somehow they are lesser people. Deemeaning people like that, which most Republicans do, is nothing more than shameful and ignorant.

Ms. Torgerson:

1. Don't cite Wikipedia, especially when you're grasping for straws.

2. The Republican party existed before neocons. Think about that next time you assume someone is libertarian.

3. I'm sorry that you're scared poopless of us, but it's your own fault because you've sat on your rump for what 60, 70 years while the government railroaded my generation to your temporary benefit. The gravy train is done, Ms. Torgerson, time to leave.

I called Lynne a few days before the convention and advised that the proposed rules gave no limit on time for speeches. I also advised that they are proposed rules that the delegates could change. When the motion to change time allotted came to limit Lynne, I advised the convention that I told candidates would have unlimited time, and that it may not be fair. Ultimately it's up to the delegation to make the rules on the day of the convention.

Lynne advised that I told her to "not expose Chris Fields". This is a mis-characterization on my words. I requested all the candidates to avoid attacks on each other to make a stronger candidate after the convention. I also advised her there is nothing I can do to force her to stop.

I'm thankful for the work Lynne has done in running, although I don't personally agree with her stances, it's an important discussion to have in the party, and I worked to keep an open process to allow her to run even though she was not coming in with any significant support. Ultimately however, a candidate must accept the pool of Republicans elected that they are running for an endorsement from. Parties change, stances change, new people come in with different views. The convention was not a conspiracy against Lynne or Republicans, but a reflection that her views are not in sync with the new conservative Republicans of today.

Adam J. Weigold
Chair, 5th Congressional District MNGOP

I'm an American and a Muslim. I'm proud to e a libertarian who holds constitutional values fort wonderful country.

Lynn, you got less than 10% of the vote this weekend. It's obvious your message is not resonating with the Party. Just like your message failed to resonate with 97% of the voters in 2010. You have consistently lied about Chris Fields and his positions. You are unethical, you hold extreme positions, you are a poor messenger, and you are a sore loser. I think it's time for you to realize that running for political office is not for you.

It's funny that conservatives call us "progressives" and the progressives call us ultra-conservative. Why liberty is such a hard concept for some to understand is beyond me.

Ms. Torgerson did not seek the GOP endorsement when she ran for US Congress in 2010 and ran as an Independent and received 3.47% of the vote ( http://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/20101102/ElecRslts.asp?M=CG&CD=05 ). Can she explain why she wasn't interested in running as a Republican then? This cycle, she ran a negative campaign with falsehoods against Chris Fields that I'm told she apologized to him for an ran them again. She lost respect, credibility, and as a result the GOP endorsement. I hope you will join me as a long-time CD-5 Republican and support Chris Fields for Congress.

There is not a plan for libertarians to move to Minnesota. The reason so many were there is because the ideas of libertarianism appeal to so many.

I am glad to hear they were so well represented in MN.

I also think it is funny your rightt o free speech is being infringed on when you are limited to 10 minutes rather than a 1/2 hour to speak to a huge crowd. You are certainly welcome to go outside and talk for hours, but you never have a right to an audience.

"Don't criticize what you can't understand, your sons and your daughters are beyond your command. Your old road is rapidly aging. PLEASE get out of the new one if you can't lend a hand. . .The times they are. . . a changin''.

Hoo boy. Libertarians are not progressives, lady. You sure don't know politics. Progressives want big government to solve all our problems. Libertarians do not. Republications say they are for small government, but it appears from your list of issues that you want huge government running everyone's personal choices. Moreover, you don't see to understand that the Patriot Act, the TSA, the undeclared wars, the banning of certain drugs, are all UNCONSTITUTIONAL. I thought, as a Republican that you were supposed to support the Constitution. There is no need to take a pledge of allegiance to a FLAG, rather one should take a pledge to the Constitution. Looks like some healthy changes are taking place in the Republican Party, and it looks like you need to read the Constitution, at least ONCE. Try it, you'll be amazed at how close these people are to the Supreme Law of the Land.

Torgerson confuses small "l" libertarian Republicans with the Libertarian Political Party. I would think as a defense attorney she could get something this simple right. Ron Paul *Republicans* are staunch supporters of the Constitution and the limit of government power. Many times that means allowing people to do things that they themselves would not do (such as smoke pot). Ron Paul has stated his position really well on the subject: "Do I think smoking pot is a good idea? No. Do I think you need government telling you what to do though? No." It's about individual liberty - something that "Republicans" like Torgerson forgot about a long time ago. We have a news flash for "Republicans" like Torgerson - we are here to stay. This is our party. We are taking it *BACK* to it's roots - and moving away from Big Government. If you can't handle that, join the DFL.

Simply put Lynne got out organized. She didn't run a very good campaign and her ideas didn't resonate with the majority of the delegation having gotten outvoted by a about a 10 to 1 margin. As chair of the Nominations Committee, I led a fair and open process wherein we let everyone through. No one was shutout.

Secondly, to publicly state herein "In Wikipedia, wearing a flag is a form of flag desecration." and then wear a flag pin on your lapel (as noted in the photo) speaks volumes.

If you want to win any kind of election then you are going to need to hold some positions that real people (as opposed to legal people) actually support. Your outrage is comical.

And for the record - the vote totals:

150 delegates seated:

115 for Chris Fields
20 for some guy named Greg who entered his name that day - no press and no signs
10 for Torgerson
5 for No endorsment

Even a guy that no one knew, that introduced himself that day, that had no signs and who's last name I can't even remember garnered more votes that Torgerson.

Lynne Torgerson seems to have gotten the idea somewhere along the way that "Libertarian" is a dirty word. She is no conservative, she's a busy body liberal RINO that is perfectly fine claiming she believes in the U.S. Constitution while turning her back on it. The type of people who behave like her are the problem with the GOP, and the type of person liberal Democrats love to pigeonhole for her hypocrisy. I am a proud libertarian Republican, as opposed to Lynne; a statist authoritarian that looks down her nose at people who don't fit her behavioral mold. I also am a Christian, and I would remind Lynne that it was Rabbi Yeshua, Christ of Nazareth who overturned the tables of the money handlers in the temple of the Lord! I am insulted when people such as Torgerson like the idea of using guns to force people to live how she thinks they should, and all the while claiming it's Christian.

Lynne Torgerson does not understand the U.S. Constitution, nor the spirit of the revolution that manifested it. The last place that she should be trusted is in the U.S. legislature where she would work to expand the power and force of government by making more things illegal that offend her.

I could go on, but I have better things to do with my time.

I don't think you understand the Libertarian concept of *small* government, and non-intervention. They aren't anti-Israel, they just happen to agree with the Israeli government that they can defend themselves -- they don't need us to act as their surrogate 'big brother'. They don't want to legalize prostitution, etc, they want to stop the federal government from being involved -- it is and should be a states rights issue. If there was no flag, perhaps one of the 40 or so /truly dedicated/ Americans present should have thought to bring one. Perhaps the reason Chris Fields said what he did about Hussein is because Bush abused the constitution, stomping all over what our founding fathers created, to start an illegal war for his own personal reasons. We knew WMDs didn't exist before-hand, and unless you count modified crop dusters as WMDs then you know we didn't find them after we invaded either. Hussein was a vile human, but what Bush did was just as disturbing. Moreso, in many ways. Ron Paul and most Libertarians would agree with George Washington -- smoking marijuana and other drugs is a bad idea; however, I think Washington would also agree that it ranks up there with smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, and ingesting/using other substances that are potentially harmful -- it's either a states rights issue, or a personal choice.

(cont)

(cont)

The plain truth of the matter is, your party is disturbingly bad at dictating how people should run their lives -- disturbing because Christ's message is one of non-interventionism. Peace and negotiation before war. You know, that whole message of "he who hath no sin ..." and whatnot.

What a hack. The constitution protects every ones rights. Including homosexuals, to claim otherwise is treason. And no, the constitution is not perfect. Otherwise we never would have been allowed to slip into tyranny in the first place.

YORK: GOP Convention "hijacked by BUSH Neoconservatives" in coup. Libertarians regain control and save the country. :)

The federal government has become bloated and is becoming a real problem. We didn't pay federal taxes for most of our country's history all the way until the lower mid 90s, why are we paying them now? Why did we let federal government jobs pay more than regular jobs? It all used to be volunteer, and then later federal employees only received a small paycheck. Back then the government wasn't so corrupt and wishy washy. Back then the Republicans and Democrats cared more about the people in different ways and less about their own pockets and their party's gains. Back then government used to work for us because it didn't try and control us so much. Because of corruption in the Republican and Democrat parties we are drastically less free and more worried about appearances then actually ensuring a higher quality of living for all. Federal government is the real problem. Republicans and Democrats may appear like they are interested in doing right for us and that they are against each other, but it's all a show. Both parties work together to take more of our money so they can gain more control of us. It's all very corrupt.

I am very concerned with the direction of the Republican party. The current joke that is the Republican party (Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum type leaders of the Republican party) is not conservative at all!

Conservative:
Holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation, typically in politics or religion.

The following policy agenda mentioned by Ms. Torgerson are all traditional Republican positions that when rightly understood 1) defend Constitutional civil rights against belligerent federal agencies, 2) demand that war making power be the sole responsibility of the Congress, and come only with a formal declaration, 3) uphold historically American and Republican views of a non-interventionist, even non-aligned foreign policy (check out G. Washington on this one Ms. Torgerson!), and 3) hold that current domestic issues are relegated to the decision-making powers of the states under the 10th Amendment, and are NOT within the purview of D.C.

- want to eliminate the TSA
- want to eliminate the Patriot Act
- are anti-war
- are pro gay rights
- don't want to protect Life with legislation
- have a pro Muslim agenda
- are generally anti-Christian
- don't want to support Israel
- don't want to prevent a nuclear Iran
- want to legalize illegal drugs
- want to legalize prostitution

LOL now she knows what its like to get Shafted, just like the rest of us Ron Paul Supporters have been by the Mainstream Media!!! Welcome to the club Lynne......WINNING!!!!

This article is a joke. You will keep party from progressing and this pro constituitional way of thinking is the future. Get on board. TSA gov. bureacracy -- Pat ACt unconsitituional -- ant-war/pro peace constitiutional wars being declared by congress -- gay rights its not the govs job to define marriage it is the churches get the government out of social issues -- pro lif with the federal gov giving the rights to define life at the state level -- pro muslim actually pro religous freedom -- most libertarian leaning repub i know are chsristians -- support israel by ending all forign aid 2 bill to israel and 12 billion to her disavowed eneimies and allowing it to be a soveriegn nation -- even israel has said a nuclear iran is not an existential threat -- by legalizing drugs and prostitution you would be stopping it from being underground causing worse damage -- war on drugs is also unfair to minorities -- people like you are causing the repub party to lose the youth which is the future for both parties. The only difference between you and democrat is you are psuhing your own version of socialism. From a 24 year old chrisitan father, who is married, has a career and has never done drugs.

- want to eliminate the TSA
Why should we keep the TSA? They are overbloated and wasting tax payers' money. For an example of an airport preferring private security over TSA, look at San Francisco. In just about every area, they perform better than TSA.

- want to eliminate the Patriot Act
Lynne, you seem like a Patriotic American. Don't misconstrue that "Patriot Act" has anything to do with being patriotic. It should more appropriately be called "4th Amendment Deconstruction Act" or whichever variant you prefer. If you believe in our Constitution and put country over government, you would agree this act is an attack on American citizens rights.

- are anti-war
Just as most status quo Republicans, you miss the point entirely. "Ron Paul Libertarians" are not anti-war, but rather pro-Constitutional war; hence, why many military and veterans support Ron Paul. I myself am a Veteran and like my fellow Ron Paul fans, clearly understand the difference between the two and are realistic about when war IS necessary.

From my perspective, you call us anti-war, yet I can likewise counter and say you condone Unconstitutional authority to go to war. Congress is the only authority which can declare war, except in matters of DEFENSE which Article 2, Section 2 authorizes for the Commander-in-Chief. Your Bush doctrine philosophy is much closer to LIBERAL Internationalism than Classic Conservatism.

- are pro gay rights
Incorrect. If you truly understand Libertarian philosophy, you'll realize that we believe in the importance of abolishing "group rights" mentality. All individuals are equal and should be afforded equal rights. We don't acknowledge any group and put all emphasis on individual rights. No group should be afforded rights over another, unless we are to reason that somehow this doesn't impact the equality of individuals.

- don't want to protect Life with legislation
Unfortunately, this is a big gripe of mine of traditional Libertarian philosophy. Yes, many don't acknowledge pro-life ideals. However, most "Ron Paul Libertarians" share the same belief as Ron Paul, in that life should be protected and even for the unborn. The difference in opinion is you likely believe it is pragmatic to ban abortion at the national level. However, Ron Paul understands that you can reach those ends much quicker through state legislation. "Ron Paul Libertarians" and Classic Libertarians share different beliefs in this position.

- have a pro Muslim agenda
What are you even talking about? This is just dumb pandering, because you dislike what you don't even understand. Again, Libertarians don't get caught up in group think. I could be an asshat too and say that many Muslims are Semitic and therefore your anti-Muslim banter is anti-Semitic (depending on whether you accept the classic or modern definition of the term). Not all Muslims are bad people. Likewise, not all Christians are good people. Generalizing groups of people usually leads to misrepresentation. I find it also very opposed to Christian ideals.

- are generally anti-Christian
Again.. what are you talking about? I know many more Ron Paul supporters whom are Christian than are not. Looking at the life of Jesus, one could argue his principles were much in line with Libertarianism. You are welcome to rebut this thought if you'd like. Please provide your biblical examples that show I am wrong.

- don't want to support Israel
Jefferson once said "Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none." This distortion of the Christian faith, that they must protect the Israeli state actually leads to putting the Israeli people in harms way. Our meddling alliance with Israel does more to dissolve their Sovereignty than it does to protect them. If you'd like, we can discuss this point in more detail.

- don't want to prevent a nuclear Iran
First of all, what business is it of ours to infringe on the sovereign rights of another nation? Second, what is the motivation of Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon? Third, do you realize that Iran has no capability to deliver such weapon on any of its enemies? Again, this is better left to a separate discussion, but I assure you I am far more qualified to talk on this subject. After all, I was assigned as the primary operator, among the first unit response by the U.S., in defense against any potential assault by Iran. Simply put, they not only have zero capability to deliver, if they did we could easily shoot it down (since ground mobility of a nuclear weapon is hardly an issue with Iran and an often misunderstood technological limitation, which only US and Russia has solved somewhat.)

- want to legalize illegal drugs
A pure American, Constitutional philosophy. All Americans are free to even make bad decisions. You must come to terms with the fact that our moral issues with drugs does not afford us the right to infringe on the rights of others. This is a very basic principle of our foundation as a country.

- want to legalize prostitution
Here is a fun fact, Lynne: Prostitution IS legal at the Federal level. The individual states have made up their own decision to make it illegal, which is their right to determine.

its our party, too! we are excited to bring this country back to the constitution!

Honestly this article is comical to me! I voted for the first time, when I was 18 years old for Ronald Reagan. I am now 48, and believe that the Republican Party was stolen from true conservatives! I am a Ron Paul Republican! Ron was a vital part of the Reagan Presidency! I promised myself that if Ron ever ran for President, I would do everything in my power to see him as President of the United States! In addition, I am a Christian and a supporter of Israel!

A comment has been removed from this thread for using profane language. Here are our terms of use: http://stlouispark.patch.com/terms Everyone is welcome to a healthy political discussion here, but please keep the language in check. Thank you.

-Mike Rose
Editor, St. Louis Park Patch

Lynne, you also brought up Nazi Germany in this post.

You know, Nazi Germany, like Stalin's Russia or Communist China, could not have come to power without the mighty power of the media to propagandize their agenda. I tell you, we are closer to those ends than you realize, merely because the vast majority of Republicans/Democrats still rely upon the mainstream media to mold their thoughts and philosophy.

A Liberal government is not the most dangerous threat to America. It is its own people forming opinion based off of the propaganda of the media, we all so embrace.

Step away from their lies and start studying history, accepting our founder's philosophy of a free society and government, and low-and-behold, you shall be a Libertarian, Lynne.

This woman is so completely off base it must simply be deliberate. So let's look at her list of supposed grievances:
"- want to eliminate the TSA"
Darn right we want to elimnate the TSA! The TSA is an abomination to the 4th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States! It is completely unconstitutional! There are MUCH better ways to protect people from terrorist attack!
"Man is not free unless government is limited. There's a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts. - Ronald Reagan"
- want to eliminate the Patriot Act
Again ABSOLUTELY! The Patriot Act extends the powers of the Federal Government in violation of the 4th Amendment! It allows people to be held without cause, clearly violating the Constitution! Why would any sane Republican want to put someone in office who clearly supports legislation that violates her oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States!
“Our natural, inalienable rights are now considered to be a dispensation from government, and freedom has never been so fragile, so close to slipping from our grasp as it is at this moment.” Ronald Reagan
- are anti-war
Are we supposed to be pro-war? What kind of sick person is Pro-war? Do you even listen to yourself? Yes, I am against the killing of millions of people down through history!

It is funny how much she misrepresents views of people. I am not saying some people don't hold these views she listed, but I would say most do not. Here is what I have to say to here statement regarding what "libertarians" believe:

"want to eliminate TSA and Patriot Act" - well of course I do because it is an infringement on my 4th amendment rights which states "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

"are anti-war" - First, since when is being anti-war a bad thing? Secondly, to make the statement as general as being "anti-war" fails to capture the essence of what "libertarians" believe. The belief is that the US should only enter a war when a declaration of war is issued by Congress or if there is imminent danger or an attack against American soil.

"are pro-gay rights" - First off we are pro-rights for all people, as the declaration of independence states "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Secondly, the government has a very explicit set of responsibilities that they are allowed to provide over that are enumerated in the Constitution and the rest is left to the states via the 9th and 10th amendments.

"don't want to legislate life, want to legalize drugs [and] prostitution" - See latter portion of previous argument regarding the rights of government enumerated by the Constituion. In essence your the first statement is correct, as no where in the Constitution is the rights to legislate life granted to the Congress, President or Supreme Court. Furthermore, that same statement should be used in regards to drugs in prostitution, the argument being that we don't want to "legislate it" as there is no rights to do so granted to the federal government in the constitution, leaving those rights to the states.

as a clarification: despite lynne's desperate insinuation to the contrary, my motion to limit her speech to 10 minutes was in no way intended to curtail her freedom of speech. 10 minutes seems more than adequate to me and was suitably sufficient for the other two candidates running. if you can't make a point in 10 minutes perhaps you shouldn't be speaking.

"have a pro Muslim agenda, don't want to support Israel, don't want to prevent a nuclear Iran" - These are all contorted arguments because "libertarians" do not want to do what this particular candidate and several others want to do. "Libertarians" hold a express foreign policy view that respects the sovereignty of all nations and believes it is the US right and obligation to dictate to other countries how they should act, what they should do, how they should govern themselves, etc. They view this as counter productive because when you force someone to act in a manner that fosters resentment, you are not creating healthy relationships, and this resentment can and has led to many of our current problems with terrorism. "Libertarians" view diplomacy as the best manner to deal with all sovereign nations, not force. That being said, when diplomacy fails, "libertarians" are willing to use force if necessary to protect the people of the US and leave it to the other sovereign countries to protect their people.

In conclusion, these people use a twisting of words to misrepresent a policy in such a manner that is sure to get negative lighting among certain groups and gain support for their own candidacy. Whether this out of ignorance or ill intentions cannot be determined without evidence. Regardless, I would like to see the rhetoric changed, and I see that "We the People" are pushing for that change at all levels, much to the dismay of this particular candidate.

Have you seen the state of the country lately?

The war on Terror is a failure, the war on Drugs is a failure, the management of the economy is a failure and we're trillions in debt. In fact and you have to look very hard to find anything and I mean ANYTHING that could be shown to be a success resulting from the actions of government.

And the Republican Party's answer to this. Just change the (D) President for an (R) President and it's business as usual.

The Republicans and Democrats are to be equally blamed for the mess we're in and people like you have saddled future generations with a massive burden of debt by supporting the status quo. Republican inaction until now is what has allowed the NeoCons to ruin the Republican Party and the country.

Ron Paul is the only one who has been pointing out the corruption and moral decay of both parties and he has spent a good part of his life doing so while none of you have had the decency to give him the respect that he deserves.

The younger generation seems to 'get it'. I'm into my 50's and the only hope I can see is that the next generation are taking matters into their own hands and will take Ron Pauls message forward.

The riddance of the old guard cannot come soon enough.

Why would anyone want to be called Pro-war? Do I think that sometimes wars are necessary? Yes they are, sadly. However, in the United States under the Constitution, wars MUST BE DECLARED BY CONGRESS! "The constitution vests the power of declaring war in Congress; therefore no offensive expedition of importance can be undertaken until after they shall have deliberated upon the subject and authorized such a measure. - George Washington"
- are pro gay rights
Why do you say this? How does believing that the federal government has no business in what is traditionally a religious institution equate to pro-gay rights! Answer: It doesn't! These issues have ALWAYS been left to the states. "Ironically, liberal social engineers who wish to use federal government power to redefine marriage will be able to point to the constitutional marriage amendment as proof that the definition of marriage is indeed a federal matter! I am unwilling either to cede to federal courts the authority to redefine marriage, or to deny a state's ability to preserve the traditional definition of marriage. Instead, I believe it is time for Congress and state legislatures to reassert their authority by refusing to enforce judicial usurpations of power." Ron Paul
- don't want to protect Life with legislation
This is truly funny! Dr. Ron Paul has himself authored at least four bills that would have immediately prevented Abortion in the United States, in the 109th congress, 110th, 111th, and 112th!

I think it's most important to reveal Lynne Torgerson's mistaken claims that Libertarian philosophy has anything to do with Progressivism: First, from the Wikipedia article, Progressivism is an institution meant to "modernize" America's political system by instituting programs promoting a concentration on education, the regulation of large corporations and monopolies, social work (i.e., welfare), as well as laws surrounding prohibition; all of which are ideological positions Libertarians are specifically attacking. Progressives seek to reform the system by extending and broadening the bureaucratic scope of government; Libertarians seek to do so by heavily eroding the scope of government. And what is all this nonsense about Libertarians being "generally anti-Christian"? Our representative, Ron Paul, is a profoundly religious man; however, he wisely and prudently chooses not to involve his religious beliefs in politics, as doing so would involve the imposition of his beliefs on the heads of those he represents. I, also am a Christian and support Libertarian beliefs. If you're going to attack the Libertarian movement with wildly generalized accusations like this, you really need to work to sound a little less pouty and petulant; otherwise, you might come across as just another shill for establishment clowns.

Everything is OK, you can go back to sleep now. The Gubment Loves You!! Dont forget to drink your Koolaid too =)

- have a pro Muslim agenda
- are generally anti-Christian
- don't want to support Israel
I am going to take the previous three all at once, because they all have to do with one another. First of all, in the last three days Ron Paul suggested doing something that all of Ms. Torgerson's mainstream Republican Cronies have not: Moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem! Doesn't sound anti-israel. Not to mention, that Ron Paul IS a Christian! http://www.ronpaul2012.com/the-issues/statement-of-faith/ Ron has consistently stood for giving Israel back her sovereignty, and allowing her to handle her disputes however she wants. Ms. Torgerson's establishment republican cronies, would rather hols israel hostage by bargaining her safety for oil, all the while propping up the various regimes that surround her with aid money! That is the truth!
- don't want to prevent a nuclear Iran
Which means in real language, that Ron, and us(the evil Ron Paul supporters), are not in favor of pre-emptive war without a Declaration from Congress.

This places her in opposition to Abraham Lincoln:
"Allow the President to invade a neighboring nation whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion… and you allow him to make war at pleasure… If to-day he should choose to say he thinks it necessary to invade Canada to prevent the British from invading us, how could you stop him? You may say to him,–’I see no probability of the British invading us’; but he will say to you, ‘Be silent: I see it, if you don’t." AND Dwight D. Eisenhower:
"Preventive war was an invention of Hitler. Frankly, I would not even listen to anyone seriously that came and talked about such a thing."
- want to legalize illegal drugs
- want to legalize prostitution
Once again, I will deal with these together, but you can probably also add the gay rights issue here. I simply refer you to the following article: http://www.examiner.com/independent-in-salt-lake-city/ron-paul-s-misunderstood-views-on-heroin-and-prostitution

In short, Ms Torgerson's allegations are simply an attempt to smear her opponents in a real battle which is taking place over the destruction of the United States Constitution! There are factions in the Republican Party that would simply like to see the limits on government, placed by the Constitution, be eliminated entirely in order that government can do what governments do best, suppress liberty, and hoard power! The tantrum above is simply anger that we(the evil Ron Paul supporters) will not let that happen!

I want to prevent a nuclear Iran. When a someone other than people who sit on an advisory committee that also chairs the military industrial complex submits hard proof that they are arming themselves, then I will support a diplomatic effort, not preemptive war.

I find it amusing when the extreme social right and the extreme fiscal (oh, sorry, I guess you call it Liberty) wings of the GOP have a spat like this. Especially when the main platform planks they support are both designed to take America back to the 1800's. It's also hilarious to read that Rand Paul is trying to convince people that Jesus' word supports a "small goverment" mindset, to justify his assinine budget proposal. Honestly, are there any truly sane, truly moderate Republicans left in this state? I guess the 10-15% that are still around are the ones who end up voting IP because the inmates are running the asylum in the MN GOP. The Paulites won out in this case because there aren't enough bible thumping Santorumites in the greater Minneapolis area and the "Real" state GOP minions really doesn't bother with the 5th district since they know they have no chance of winning it. So yeah, small "l" libertarians, revel in your meaningless "victory". There will be no "change" in the GOP until the big money corporate GOP puppetmasters decide there will be.

I'm a delegate and I absolutely LOVE this. It's time that the republican party get back to true conservatism which means ending the federal reserve, the ability of the government to print money to fund endless, useless wars, and scale back the military industrial complex. The MORONS at the top of the party right now want to cut spending that goes to every american here at home while raising the amount of money sent to wars overseas to try to tell other people how to live their lives. It's a bunch of BS. Its time for the government to get out of my business, get out of everyone else's business, and get back to abiding by the constitution that made this country great.

Clearly Lynne's head has been in the sand for the last decade. Will someone please help her to reinsert it? I'm a Christian. I'm a conservative. I'm a republican. My parents would say the same thing, but they're what I call "anti-republicans" because they're anti-peace, anti-personal freedom, anti-balanced budget. Yes, Lynn, things have changed in the last few years. Get used to it.

As Parliamentarian and Timekeeper of this convention I thought I would comment for the record on the length of Congressional candidate speeches. At the time of the motion to suspend the rules for the purpose of limiting speeches to 10 minutes, a point of information from the floor inquired on the length of Mr. Field's speech. I responded informally to the assembly that it was 9 minutes and 34 seconds. The motion carried and the assembly voted to restrict further speeches to 10 minutes.

During the majority of Ms Torgerson's speech I was outside the hall sharing a spliff with the chair of the Nominations Committee, and when I returned I realized that over 10 minutes had expired and Ms Torgerson was still speaking. I loudly called time but Ms Torgerson apparently did not hear me so I advised the chair and he cut off Ms Torgerson at around the 11 minute mark. So in actuality Ms Torgerson spoke for about a minute and a half LONGER than Mr. Fields.

Niklas Ludwig

I'll just leave this here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%27s_law

Does this woman know what a Republican actually is and what the real Republican Party stands for?

It's amusing that this woman rails on and on about homosexual marriage yet seems perfectly okay with perverts molesting children at airports under the guise of national security. It does my heart well to see that almost nobody on here is buying this nonsense. Hopefully one day Lynne will get the picture, but I'm not holding my breath.

Doesn't everyone mean 'libertarian' and not 'Libertarian'?

Bye Lynn. Good riddance.

George Washington grew hemp, as did Thomas Jefferson. This is thoroughly documented. Whether or not he may have smoked some of it, is debatable, but there is no way you can make an argument that they would have had it outlawed.

I'm concerned for different reasons. Namely, that people like Lynne Torgerson are still part of the Republican Party. If she wants big government controlling her life she should become a Democrat!

Seeing this article gives me hope that maybe change can happen in a peaceful way, rather than just going along with letting the government try to overshadow every aspect of our lives. Separate church and state! Read the constitution, not the bible.

Miss Torgerson offers a perfect example of indoctrinated beliefs, intellectual dishonesty, and runaway alarmism. Neoconservatism is a product of leftist elitists and promotes never ending police actions, division of the populace, and big government control of human activity or more appropriately subjective force backed law against victimless "crimes". These are hardly the ideals set forth by our founders.

America is a secular nation. ...The first of it's kind. Organized religion was detested by many premier founders and Jefferson and others believed christianity was the worst the religious world had to offer due to it's almost insane-like beliefs and contradictory nature. Sorry if that offends anybody, but the truth doesn't always feel good. Look at the back of your one dollar bills for the key to this nation's success:

"Novus Ordo Seclorum"

"New Secular Order"

"E Pluribus Unum"

"Of Many Comes One"

Frauds and charlatans can only exist using the viral-like word "belief". The founders knew it well.
Some of you just now became genuine free thinking libertarians after reading my post. How 'bout them apples? You can thank me later.

In my view, as an pro-life evangelical Christian, it is a progressive position if you ignore or wish to reinterpret the Constitution away from its original intent.
Lynne Torgerson is a radical progressive...from her own article:
- "want to eliminate the TSA" The TSA violates the 4th Amendment
- "want to eliminate the Patriot Act" The Patriot Act violates the 4th Amendment
- "are anti-war" The Constitution calls for a congressional vote for war. Leaders of both parties violate this.
- “are pro gay rights” There should be no minority rights, only individual rights.
- "don't want to protect Life with legislation" Protection of the unborn is a states issue, just like other crimes.
- "have a pro Muslim agenda " This is bizarre slander. The Republican agenda was once, and should be again, to respect and observe of the Constitution of the United States
- "are generally anti-Christian" More absurd slander. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tYk5mEli68
- “don't want to support Israel” Ron Paul is the only candidate that affirms Benjamin Netanyahu's request for Israeli independence from American control.
- “don't want to prevent a nuclear Iran” Hoping to avoid the same tragic loss of life in Iraq with the cry of “Weapons of Mass Destruction”
- “want to legalize illegal drugs”. How is this a federal issue? It is a 10th Amendment states issue.
- ”want to legalize prostitution”. How is this a federal issue? It is a 10th Amendment states issue.

The Republican party is changing, and it's about time. What this fails to show is the majority of us, even Paul supporters are saying you guys have lost your way and are focusing on the wrong issues, Just look at the list I am given, pot, gay rights, etc...THIS is NOT our problem currently, it's increasing needless wars, it's a deficit that grows and the a Congress that seems intent on spending more than they have year after year with NO concern. Many of us are tired of this silliness. If we ran our businesses and homes the way the parties do, we'd be homeless. They, have the option to print more money. Leaving the dollar more and more like monopoly money each day. Gay rights, etc...not that they aren't important issues, but the average Joe is finally saying: Government..do your job, stay out of my bedroom, home and religion. We say this...when you can fix this economy, this country, then we can talk about social issues. I have voted Republican all of my life. However, we haven't had a decent "TRUE" Republican since Reagan. All these other guys are a joke. The only one that comes close is Paul. And that may be hard to hear, because he's not perfect, but he's far better than who you're trying to shove down our throats. The majority of us will not vote for Romney. We will stay home because none of us will vote Obama, and that will hand Obama the election. I can't believe the party doesn't see this.

First, most of what this lady says about libertarians is misinformation. She wants you to be afraid so her grand old party can retain control of the "social conservative" movement. Sorry, but times are changing. I fully welcome the revolution taking place within the GOP. Welcome to the r3VOLution.

Dear Ms Torgeson,

According to your website, http://www.torgersonforcongress.com, you seem to be a proponent for reducing taxes, debt and limiting the size of government. All of which are major principles that unite Ron Paul supporters like myself. I am a Physician, and am encouraged to see a candidate with a record of hard work, and integrity that you too maintain. I agree with you, in that the proceedings were ludicrous, but then, who's job was it to arrange to have a flag present? I assume the Republican party. Regardless, the principles held by Dr Paul, are quite different that you have laid out, and I would encourage you to read his book entitled "Liberty Defined". It is a very insightful read, into the true beliefs that underlie his politics. I do not think bashing one side and another is the way to help strengthen our country. There is a large group of mobilized Americans, that few parties have ever seen. They are motivated by Dr Paul's ideals of personal liberty, honesty, consistent voting record and consitutional foundation. Rather that dismiss them for their age or inexperience in politics, it would bode well to understand what it is they truly believe, for your list is quite different from what that truly is. Dr Paul's stances are doled down by the media, and he is painted as "Noninterventionalist", "Pro-Pot", and "Anti-Christian"; but he is anything but that. Dig a little deeper, and you shall find he is more a Consititutionalist, that you too support.

Wow,you wanted comments,you got them!Way to try and divide the Republican party though.I hope no one believes your lies.I have been a Republican my entire life and Ron Paul exemplifies the type of conservative behavior I want to see more of.He also does not want everyone on drugs,he thinks it is the States job to mandate what is legal and not.We already have plenty of State drug laws we do not need any more.Especially conflicting ones.Your way of thinking has given the Party and America a black eye with terrible presidents like Bush and Jr.Why would you write about something you have not researched?

What is concerning to me, is not the Libertarian bent of some Republicans, but the progressive bent of most. The party used to stand for limited government and responsibility, but the Republicans today have become so progressive that sometimes the only way you can tell them from the Dems, is to look for an (R) next to their name. Its not me who changed by continuing to embrace constitutional liberties, but the Republican Party itself, which now seeks to grab power and regulate like the elitists it used to guard against. This is not the Republican Party I grew up with!

RE: Dave Decker: Please explain to Congressional District 3 and 6 that Ron Paul can only win in Congressional District 5. Oh - what's that? Ron Paul swept those districts too? Your argument is now invalid. Good day sir.

The Inquisition Right objecting to the Liberty Right? How can these Ron Paul people object to torture, how un-American?

This Country was founded on Libritarian ideals. We have strayed far from this and look where we are now. The Patriot act would make the Founding Fathers turn over in their graves. The primary purpose of the Constitution is to limit GOVERNMENT's intrusion in individuals lives. I think the GOP has forgotten that.

& who's fault is it there was no Flag at the convention. If anyone it is HER GOP brethren, not any Libritarian faction.

Its pretty disturbing to hear what a big government Republicrat things of true free market Republicans and libertarians.

Ma'am, i believe your ideas have been thoroughly dissected and proven to be complete rubbish.

John Mccain lost in 2008 for every one of his points you support.

Lol yeah read your comments NO ONE feels for you republicans have brought this on themselves! I was republican but found Dr. Paul in 08 and I have been a conservative ever since. Guess what else this is a prequel to the elections if you arent voting Ron Paul your votimg for Obama its that simple!

After reading most of the previous comments I now have more faith that the GOP will move in the correct direction - One that Mrs Torgerson does NOT subscribe to.

The establishment fears true Constitutional principles. They fear that people are waking up to the fact that Democrat or Republican you are all taking us down the same road to serfdom.

I am strong Christian, just gave a sermon yesterday on the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I believe that the constitution was inspired by god and I believe that wicked men are conspiring to take down the constitution and to rid us of our natural god given rights that the founders so strongly believed in. Evil men, aka congress, puts fancy names on these attempts to strip away our rights with such names as "the Patriot Act", stripping habeas corpus all in the name of "safety". Just this year NDAA was passed giving the POTUS power to execute citizens without a trial.

It doesn't matter under what premise these violations are hidden! Our constitution is being gutted by PROGRESSIVE's such as you!

For Liberty! A true Patriot!

You pulled most of your facts from Wikipedia? By citing Wikipedia as a source you discredit everything in your article. Ron Paul is a true republican a constitutional conservative who doesn't believe the government needs to be the baby sitter for everyone in the U.S. I'm glad to see the influence that he is having is spreading. Face the GOP establishment has had their chance but now its time to end the games and the settling for a candidate we need someone who can fix america. We need Ron Paul.

- want to eliminate the TSA

wants the TSA to use modern and cheaper alturtives to the over rpices tax draining system we have today. Cheaper alternatives have already been suggested but shot down since they don't cost enough. Even though they are more effective and safer. The TSA needs reform, so it doesn't butt into our lives, but is more effective at finding weapons being smuggled onto aircraft at the same time.

- want to eliminate the Patriot Act

um... yeah? That's why we support him.

- are anti-war

we are not "anti-war" we are anti endless unwinnable war. Even Vietnam was ended when a republican was elected to end it. wars should have a clear goal, bee voted on, fought, and then ended as we pull out. At this point if we got into a serious war we wouldn't have the money to win.

- are pro gay rights

Yes, but not pro gay morally. Other people living their lives and sining is not our place to tell them not to sin with force. We should not police morality if it doesn't effect others. They will go to hell in the end anyways. It's a sin in my opinion to repress people for doing what they want with their own lives.

- don't want to protect Life with legislation

Yes let the state decide. If a state has 80 of it's population is pro-life or pro-choice, then so be it. Who is the goverment to walk in and tell 80% of a states population they are wrong.

- have a pro Muslim agenda

not a pro Muslim agenda, a pro religion freedom agenda.

- are generally anti-Christian

LOL, ron is the most dedicated christian in the race. If his supporters are anti Christians why would they support him.

- don't want to support Israel

Ron supports Israel more than any other candidate hands down. He supports them moving the capital, and attacking iran if they so wish. Right now we give Israels neighbors over 7 times as much money altogether than we give Israel. If we cut all funding and support them with trade they would be in a better position than today.

- don't want to prevent a nuclear Iran

Don't want another Iraq

- want to legalize illegal drugs

Again, this is a moral issue. It is also a education issue. People who don't use drugs would not do them if they were legal. People who do them do them even if drugs are illegal. This leads to countless gang violence and dead kids. Republicans were the ones to lift prohibition back in the day because banning booze did not work, we have this thing called a history book, look it up.

- want to legalize prostitution

So that people who will do it anyway

Those Ron Paul supporters are called "AMERICANS", Mrs. Torgerson.

Americans are sometimes disobedient and unruly.
_
You're Neocon, corrupt, hijacked GOP days are numbered. Get with the program or get out.

Those at the Republican 5th Congressional District Endorsing Convention were right: your time is up. Now support Chris Fields on his run and let it go.

Poor cry-baby Torgerson. She should go start her own party for flag worshiping, bigoted warmongers.

WOW. "Please note that Libertarians, who actually have PROGRESSIVE positions:

- want to eliminate the TSA
- want to eliminate the Patriot Act
- are anti-war"

Following a statement that the Ron Paul supporters are like Nazis???

Did you pass US History and/or 20th Century History? Did you pass Critical Thinking? Do you understand the concept of Irony?

Whew. I just don't know what is wrong with our society where people can't step back and say, "which is more like Nazism, Republicans that I don't agree with that fairly take part in a Caucus process and impose restrictions that I don't agree with by using Robert's Rules of Orders against me... or the Patriot Act."

Clearly it's those people I don't agree with, and not something that allows warrantless wiretapping and indefinite detention of Americans.

What? Taking the Republican party back to were it was before the civil rights movement when it was the party for the black people? Where conservatism meant for the constitution (which is a libertarian document) and not fear-mongering, gay bashing, invade everyone cause they scare me (and have oil)

http://souledout.com.my/

Lincoln would be turning in his grave if he saw the insanity which is the current GOP, and any GOP who follows the current insane, racist, bigoted party that it has become should also feel ashamed at what they have done to this party.

Ronald Reagan would have invited Torgerson to go join the Democratic Party.

Torgerson, this election is not about parties. it is about the ongoing conspiracy against our constitution, declaration of independence and personal liberties. im some what happy to see you are offended by the "limited time given to speak". you see the msm gives no time for freedom or liberty. all they do is cover up the illegal activities by current and past administrations.

for example:
tsa - unconstitutional
patriot act - unconstitutional
ndaa - unconstitutional (failed to mention)
wars - unconstitutional (starting with the korean conflict to date)
everything else you've mentioned falls into personal issues that can be voted on per state.
as far as religeon goes it should be an issue. the issue is, there are radicals in all religeons that use religeon for a means to obtain power and control over people in general.

you mention Dr. Pauls supporters are pro muslim. are you suggesting that you are
anti islam? i hate to break this to you but this blame the muslim game has been exposed. millions around the globe are fully aware of this matter and nolonger support the lies perpretated by those invloved. im sure you know who "those" are.

i support the restoration of our constitution, decleration of independence and personal liberties. the people in this republic are fortunate to have one single candidate who supports these matters.

Dr. Paul for the POTUS 2012.

Remember guys, this is a woman who statedI guess "I should disclose that I have dated men of several different races and nationalities, including black men. So, my entire life refutes that I am racist."

http://torgersonforcongress.blogspot.com/2010/08/lynne-torgerson-answers-accusations-of.html

This is also a woman who in press releases stated:

"One suggestion is to give tax credits for people who insulate their homes, who install solar panels, etc. The tax credits should be substantial, much more than the approximate 30% currently allowed. It should be dollar for dollar. This way, the wealthier could even install solar panels on neighbor’s homes."

and

"we need to build an underground transportation system [in Minneapolis], like the underground subway called The Metro in Washington, D.C."

Why do we care what this big spending liberal thinks?

Romney vs Obama 2012.... you can vote for Obama-care, Cap-n-trade, abortion, gay marriage, big goverment spending, gun control, and the elitist status quo.....OR ...You can just re-elect Obama. :)

You know, the GOP might want to pay attention as to why libertarians are just now becoming a pain in the arse for them. This has been going on even before Ron Paul came onto the scene with his revolution.

Many (though, not all) libertarians are simply former big-R Republicans who got fed up that their party lost its way.

Gary Johnson, who, unless he has already, is set to become the Libertarian Party candidate for president in 2012. Before he was a Libertarian, he was the Republican Party's governor of New Mexico.

Bob Barr, a former big-R Republican Congressman from Georgia, who, after realizing that the PATRIOT ACT was a mistake, went before a congressional hearing with a copy of the Bill of Rights, printed on both sides. On the front was the original Bill of Rights, unedited; on the back, was the Bill of Rights with a sharpie-marker drawn through the parts that have been ERODED by Federal legislation. There was practically nothing remaining. The committee members laughed, but in hindsight, I don't really think there was any joking matter on the subject. It's available on youtube if you want to do a quick search using the terms: "bob barr bill of rights".

Before Lynne Torgerson goes around snubbing her nose at libertarians, she might want to consider the possibility that the Libertarian party of today is made up of republicans who are clinging to past freedoms, before they disappear for good. It wasn't as if we wanted to leave the GOP, but the GOP left us.

Yeah, George Washington had more important things to worry about than if people were smoking pot. Like winning a war and then building a republic.

Are you for real? People like you are whats WRONG with the republican party. Keep this Liberty train movin folks! And be prepared to get run over if you attempt to stand in our way.

"The Convention was overrun by Ron Paul Libertarians. More than 2/3 of the delegates were Ron Paul Libertarians."

The delegates there were duly elected by their BPOUs; the convention was "overrun" by elected delegates. I thought that was the way our system was supposed to work.

It seems that Lynne is upset because she found that the majority of this particular group does not agree with her.

If she could see the bigger picture, perhaps Lynne would see the benefit to the party this group of energized people are bringing.

Lynne, it appears that you are in the minority. "Ron Paul" Republicans are sick of RINOs that spend as freely as the DFL, go to war without just cause, and trample our civil rights.

You would be wise to follow the path of Kurt Bills- our eventual nominee for US Senate.

Glad to see it's not working out well for this woman. She has no business holding office based on her idiotic statements.

Torgerson: Thanks for the laughs! This ridiculous hit piece on Ron Paul's firm support base was just what I needed!

"I mentioned that President and General George Washington did not advocate pot smoking and that if he did, we probably would not have won the American Revolutionary War."

UM.....

FACT CHECK TIME!!!

Like virtually every Revolutionary farmer, the Father of Our Country grew prodigious quantities of hemp. It was (is) a profitable cash crop, easy to grow, with scant demands for cultivation, watering or fertilizing. As a hardy perennial, it needs no year-after-year replanting, nor pesticides or herbicides.

Early American farmers used cannabis for cloth, rope, sails, paper and much more. At various times its cultivation has been mandatory

Pot wasn't a big deal back then, it was the same as booze. Now obviously the general did not want his troops smoking and drinking while at war. but the man himself was a farmer of the stuff. Where are you pulling your facts?

You're gonna see a whole lot more people waking up to the reality their rights are not being represented and actually being taken from them by an out-of-control, big tub of lard federal government... and people like you, Miss Torgerson, are the reason why this country has gone downhill. You say you represent us, but you really don't and slander libertarianism with some sort of evil like nazism. That's like saying I'm a violent peaceful person, which is comparing one opposite spectrum of things to the other like they're the same when they clearly are not. Establishment party goers are guilty of committing fraud against people who want to support their own candidate. I'm sorry you're all butthurt by the sudden influx of people who respect the constitution and not lobbyist money, sweetie. Get over it.

By the way, the thing you list to label libertarians as progressives:

TSA is illegal and is growing out of control. PATRIOT Act is illegal. Going to war without congress and the people's consent is illegal. Federal Gov has no business being in social issues. Ron wants to introduce Sanctity of Life act. Actually, we're pro staythehelloutofothers'business, no warmongering. Ron is christian and doesn't pander. Ron doesn't want to control Israel, he supports her sovereignty and her right to do as she wishes. U.S. and Israel have 1k+ nukes combined, why would Iran risk nuclear suicide, are you stupid? Drugs and prostitution are states' issues, fed gov has no right to interfere.

Ms. Torgerson is playing fast and loose with the facts when she states that Chris Fields received an unlimited amount of time to speak. He actually spoke for less than ten minutes. I would like to ask, though, where in the world Ms. Torgerson gets the idea that anyone would listen to her speak for THIRTY MINUTES? If you can't reach your audience and grab them in the first 30 seconds, and if you can't convey your message in the next five minutes (and certainly no more than ten), talking LONGER isn't going to convince anyone. You don't win over voters by the QUANTITY of your ideas. You win them over with the QUALITY of your ideas, something Ms. Torgerson is obviously lacking.

Now, she DOES have a point about the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation. The CD-5 Chair dropped the ball in that respect, and he did apologize for it. It should not be a problem in the future (we'll be watching).

Also--and many others have said this to correct Ms. Torgerson--we're REPUBLICANS. Ron Paul is a REPUBLICAN. He's more REPUBLICAN than most REPUBLICANS, because he's never swayed from the Constitution and the principles of the party of Jefferson. It's the party hacks who have (for the most part), put party over principle, and it's up to those of us who are also true, Conservative, REPUBLICANS to bring the party back to its roots. We support Ron Paul, because, like us, he is a TRUE REPUBLICAN. If Ms. Torgerson has a problem with that, maybe she's in the wrong party. -Gregory K. Sloat

Because people like this woman, are the reason the young voters of the nation are running from the gop like its the plague. There isnt enough room allowed for me to say all that i want to say. Since when, is being anti-war, a bad thing? How about you ask the service men and women who have donated to Ron Paul 2, 3, and even 4, times more than any other candidate? Do you really think you are speaking for "the people"? When the gop loses in November, the sad part is, you still wont see. You just keep blaming everyone else. Romney will not beat Obama. I, for one, will be poised and ready to take the place of politicians like Lynne Torgerson finally retire or get defeated enough times. This horrid woman is the american christian version of Islamic shariah law pushers. Strong, young, brave, convicted women like me and so many others, are the future! Lynne Torgerson, is a fantastic example of the past.

Ms. Torgerson appears to be part of a sect I find very disturbing and believe are destroying the GOP, USA and society at large. This sect identifies as Christian when in fact, FEAR is their only God.

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The author of this article seems to think that the U.S is an autocracy under the so-called "true republicans". Anybody with even vague perception of the rising generations in America know that we don't want to be controlled, we want the freedom we were promised at birth. Equal rights for EVERYONE, not just Christians, non-muslims, straight people and people with money. And if they want to keep stripping our rights and throwing them into the Christian morality toilet then we'll eventually stand up and take them back. History is cylical, and evolution is proven. "Libertarians" and Democrats have no where else to turn for hope in this country. Obama is a closet totalitarian and Mitt Romney is a misinformed, condescending idiot representing the tax evading very wealthy American. And anyone who thinks that is what America is made of than you should try a different country. Like Qutar.

I am appalled by Mrs.Torgerson's comments. Not only on a political scale, but on a human scale, as well. She continuously lists things in a negative light ( No opening prayer, being involved with the Somali community, calling Rep.Ellison is good example of Muslims, etc...) which are, in all honesty, decent human traits. To cast judgement upon someone for saying they are involved in the Somali community, and proud of that work, serves only to highlight Torgerson's obvious bigotry. By acting offended that one would praise Keith Ellison as a good example of a Muslim in America, she shows the world her true colors. Keith Ellison is a law-abiding citizen, involved in his state and community to a huge degree, so why is she so upset? The overbearing bigotry and lack of acceptance amongst the Republican Old Guard is a large factor in why so many people are disgusted with Republicans, and this makes Obama look good by comparison. As for the lack of opening prayer, there is a reason our forefathers implemented a separation of church and state! No one I've heard at any Ron Paul rally has ever mentioned either an anti-Christian, OR a pro-Muslim agenda! This lady represents EVERYTHING that I hate in the Government, as well as in the Republican party. Congratulations on all the votes you'll never get, Mrs. Torgerson!

Some years back, one of those "progressive" libertarians tried to make the following claim while running for office:
"If you analyze it I believe the very heart and soul of conservatism is libertarianism. I think conservatism is really a misnomer just as liberalism is a misnomer for the liberals–if we were back in the days of the Revolution, so-called conservatives today would be the Liberals and the liberals would be the Tories. The basis of conservatism is a desire for less government interference or less centralized authority or more individual freedom and this is a pretty general description also of what libertarianism is." I'm sure Ms. Torgerson would be delighted to see such a candidate drummed out of the Republican party.

That candidate was Ronald Reagan.

"Republican" does not = "NeoCon".
"Conservative" does not = "control over others".

The true Republican conservative seeks to:
1. Obey the Constitution.
2. Minimize government spending and debt.
3. Preserve the seperation of church and state.
4. Provide for a strong national defense.

These are principles shared by Libertarians and are foundational principles of the GOP from which we have strayed.

The usual insistence by neocons that we interfere in other nations' affairs, personal contracts, and sexual behavior is all busy-body, Church Lady nonsense injected into the Party back in the 70's and 80's "Moral Majority" movement.

Time to make the GOP once again the party of Freedom.

I'm not sure if she's trolling or what...

The headline should have been "Torgerson objects to Conservatism; gets shouted down by well-informed Conservatives."

I am concerned that the establishment Republican Party will not support any real change, like meaningful tax reform - ie fair tax or a flat tax, an audit of the fed, return to a real currency based on the gold standard, etc. Instead the Republican Party is pushing Mitt Romney down our throat. I will not vote for Mitt Romney nor will I support the Republican Party.

I'm sorry Lynne, but you are completely out of touch with reality. Time to wake up!

Ms. Torgerson... please visit kookyronpaul d o t c o m and view the dozens of links to videos and articles which led me to move away from your views which are those of the Republican Party Establishment, and opened my eyes to the truth of Ron Paul and the Libertarian movement.

Really..., four years ago I was as ignorant, uninformed, and deliberately mis-informed by my Gov't and Mainstream Media. If you can view the links on my web site and still hold your views then you are comfortable with being lied to or..., your one of those telling the lies.

Peace, and Ron Paul in 2012!

Not concerned at all, and its very predictable. 70% of Americans disapprove of the GOP and the status quo within the Republican party, the party has shrunk and the only new people joining are Ron Paul's people.

Get used to it. As the last of the ''greatest'' generation die off, and the elder baby boomers start passing, the republican party WILL return to a party of fiscal responsibility and non-interventionism.

Nothing but Ron Paul hating propaganda here. I find this whole article laughable. The means she uses to deduce that the person wearing the flag was wearing it to desecrate it is juvenile. That would insinuate that any one who has ever worn an American flag pin (as all politicians do) are also desecrating the flag. Hahaha on another note, you call yourself a republican yet you are obviously a neo-con and we all know what those are, Progressives in a repub hat. Comparing people who support the constitution to Nazis? I won't even go there. You did make me laugh today so thanks for that. Remember, the truth will set you free.

This "want to legalize illegal drugs" alone is enough to determine how low this writer IQ is and how dumb would be to expect any sound argument. Surely only illegal things can be legalized, legalizing something implies (in the strict logical sense of the word) that something is illegal right now, therefore, legalizing the legal isn't only meaningless but it's also a full on contradiction.

Additionally I find it quite humorous, although Lynne is openly against drugs and prostitution, shes a criminal defense lawyer... So shes making money defending people that have been charged for drug possession, but she wants to keep the drugs illegal? s/ I don't see any conflicting interests here. /s

“…Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, – That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it…” (excerpt from the Declaration of Independence)

We are slowly becoming a nation that fears its government rather than a nation whose government fears its people. If we are to reverse this trend, we must act to replace liberty-trampling politicians with leaders who respect our individual freedoms.
We're simply trying to get this done in a non-violent manner while it is still an option.

Wow, it sounds to me like the writer of this story is crying foul just because more people that DON'T agree with her showed up to participate in the convention. I'm sorry, but your "republican party" rules committee decided upon the rules governing your convention; so if you don't like how it turned out, you need to address them. Or how about this; maybe you could rally as much support for "your cause" as Ron Paul did, and be an equal or greater force to be reckoned with at the convention..........oh wait; the "real" republican cause doesn't have THAT kind of grass-roots support & passion. If you wanted to have your own little convention all to yourself, with nothing but like-minded people patting each other on the back and telling each other how great they are, then it sounds to me like YOU are the one who is seeking to limit the free political speech of others and not allow disagreement and discourse. Shame on YOU. Most major changes in our society are generational; meaning they typically take a generation to be fully entrenched into the cultural, economic, and political systems. You, dear Lynne Torgerson, are witnessing the shift away from your generation's view of government, society, and politics in general, to what the youth and future leaders of this country view, and though you may be fearful and offended, it is inevitable. We believe in liberty, non-imperialism,. non-paternalism, and non-intervention in the lives of us and others around the world.

The following is tangential to the thread in that Christianity has been mentioned. Each newsletter, "Conservative Action Alerts," contains, "The American Minute," a historical note of this day in history.

Today's "minute" is about Alexis de Tocqueville, who died on April 16th, in 1859. What follows is lifted directly from today's article.

After nine months of traveling the United States, he wrote "Democracy in America," in 1835, which has been described as “the most comprehensive…analysis of character and society in America ever written.”

Alexis de Tocqueville wrote: “Upon my arrival in the United States the religious aspect of the country was the first thing that struck my attention…In France I had almost always seen the spirit of religion and the spirit of freedom marching in opposite directions. But in America I found they were intimately united.”

“The Americans combine the notions of Christianity and of liberty so intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive the one without the other…They brought with them into the New World a form of Christianity which I cannot better describe than by styling it a democratic and republican religion.”

“Christianity has therefore retained a strong hold on the public mind in America…In the United States…Christianity itself is a fact so irresistibly established, that no one undertakes either to attack or to defend it.”

Funny how some still deny our Christian heritage.

This lady is uninformed. Out with the old Republicans, in with the new. These types are the reason the Republican Party has strayed so far past its constitutionally limited platform. Keep on, keeping on!

Wow there are a lot of lies in this posting by her! I am a Christian Lynne and a Republican. I really think you need to do some homework because you are out of touch with reality. The Republican Party is not the way it used to be. Ron Paul supporters are not ANY of the things you listed. This is really horrible that you wrote such things. I'm afraid of you!

The Republican Party is out of touch with the Nation.. We're here to remedy that problem. We ARE the new face of America reborn from the old face of true American roots.

You should adapt or wither.

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepresidentandcabinet/a/gwtheman.htm
http://naihc.org/hemp_information/hemp_facts.html

Washington grew hemp. Obviously you didn't know that. Just like you don't know anything about the Constitution. And you want to be a Congresswoman? That's pathetic. PATHETIC

RON PAUL 2012 !
We're tired of you sorry politicians

"Truth is treason in the empire of lies"--Ron Paul

You better remember that if you want your political career to continue after this little rant.

"Then, 14,000 Libertarians moved to New Hampshire."

Actually that's incorrect. She's referring to the Free State project, you can view their statistics on their website: http://freestateproject.org/

They are trying to get 20K libertarians to move to NH within 5 years of the date that they reach that many signers. At the time of this posting it clearly states that just under 12,000 have signed up and only 1,000 out of that number have moved.

Which is pretty cool when you consider they've already been making some impacts. It would be wild to imagine what would happen if Torgeson was actually correct in her assessment that there were 14,000 active participants in the project at this point already.

But she wasn't. Along with the majority of her letter, she's professed a heavily distorted perspective of events.

The Patriot Act desecrate what the US flag stands for, the US Constitution. The TSA desecrates the US Constitution. All your wars for empire desecrate our country's founders. You unconstitutional drug war desecrates America. And you have the gaul to be 'upset' over what someone is wearing.

Hear this you fascist wench, the American people are fed up with your authoritarian agenda, you're unamerican scum, and we're taking our country back from you wanna be dictators, and restoring individual liberty and a love of the Constitution...

...and this is just the beginning of the Ron Paul Revolution!

This woman who wrote this article is a totally nut and a hypocrite. Not to mention an uneducated fool. Old Republicans like this need to die off and stop screwing everything up, this fool embraces her jailers.

I'm a Canadian, I was going to leave a comment but I read a few and I think you guys have said it all :) One just has to look at the poll results to see where everyone stands on the Good Doctor!....Do the world a favor, make Ron Paul the next president of the United States!!!......As for Ron Paul and his supporters....The people of the world are behind you!!..... Not just the American people!!!!!!

Ray

Your Republicans can start leaving now. You have supported illegal wars, increased taxes, wasted our future, killed our brave men and woman in our serivces for nothing but to support the establishment and their greedy Wall St. bankers. Our forefathers would have taken ya'll out to the barn with some tar and feathers for the treasonous ways you have acted. Ron Paul stands up[ for something you have made a mockery of. The United States Constitution, the only law of our Republic. All of you should be ashemed how this nation has been down troddened. And some of you should be brought up on charges agaimnst this wonderful land of Liberty and Freedom, that so many have given theirs lives for. Get ready for change that is actually CHANGE!

IN the mean time, people aren't going to vote for a man who is standing at their bedside telling them that their world is falling apart as they dream of fantasies. It's like the matrix. People don't care about what is real. They care about what they imagine is real. And until those folks realize that they are eating the recycled waste of their own kind, instead of a juicy steak, they will HATE the man who represents the truth of their diet, and continue rabidly supporting the man who grinds up and regurgitates their friends, families, and co-workers.

An FYI to the occasional bashing of “Christians” on this thread. The “libertarian” leaning presidential candidate Ron Paul is a life long weekly church going “Christian”, so be kind to us religious folks.

http://www.ronpaul2012.com/the-issues/statement-of-faith/

Concerning the "takeover" of New Hampshire:
The Mother Jones article (an ironic publication for a staunch "conservative" to be reading) refers to the Free State Project, a plan to move some 20,000 people to NH to form a more liberty oriented community. NH was chosen not because it is easy to invade or subvert the established politics of the state, but because those politics are already closely aligned to the politics of the Free Staters. When economic, social and political liberty are taken together, as well as dependence on federal spending, NH is arguably the freest state in the Union.

Yes I'm concerned about the Republican party. If it weren't for Ron Paul in there running you'd think the party was a pack of Dems. Today there is NO difference in either party wake up lady

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My, my... Those neo-cons sure get in a tizzy when We The People work to take OUR government back. Viva la R3VOLution!!

Pardon my schadenfreude, but when the Republican and Democrat party leaders have for years made it virtually impossible, via restrictive ballot-access laws, for a third party to make any headway, it is inevitable that a growing political movement like the libertarians would seek to take over one of the major parties. You statists ultimately have yourselves to blame for this.

I wonder if Torgerson realizes that the Pledge of Allegiance was written by a Christian socialist to instill the idea of American nationalism in the populace: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance
When I cover government meetings, I stand when the pledge is recited, but I never recite it myself. To do so is to subjugate the individualism guaranteed to me under the Declaration and the Constitution.

Surely the knowledgeable lady knows the difference between a Libertarian and a libertarian. Or not.

I've never seen someone call a Ron Paul Republican a progressive. Lynne Torgerson you just need to embrace freedom because we are going to win it for you whether you like it or not!

Ron Paul views are Progressive? Anti-Christian? That's just ignorant. It's about views that are Constitutional. If it ain't in the Constitution, then the federal government has NO BUSINESS doing it. It's so sad that the Republican party has drifted so far, that it calls progressive, any policy that doesn't reward one part of the population while punishing another. It doesn't have to be that way. If their government has the power to legislate for you, it can legislate against you as well. I'd rather not give them that much power in the first place.

This writer disgusts me... I hope you are voted out of office with this bile ... I was on the fence as to who to vote for, but thanks to your MSM regurgitating crap. It's obvious if you dislike the man, he is obviously the one I should support.

I'm sharing this disengenuous rhetoric just to show how not to treat a consistent congressman with a strict following from the masses.

Ron Paul is going to restore the republican party by returning it to its platform. Liberty is popular. Liberty brings people together. Liberty, that's Ron Paul's message. It's important. it's worth preserving. We can help restore Liberty by restricting the federal government with the chains of the constitution. I look forward to seeing Ron Paul shock the GOP to its core when he wins a brokered convention at Tampa, FL come August.

Fellow republicans, it's time to get on board with the grassroots choice found in Dr. Ronald Ernest Paul. Do it for the party if you want. Do it for the republic as you must.

Ron Paul 2012. Peace & Prosperity.

Please note that Libertarians, who actually have PROGRESSIVE positions:

- want to eliminate the TSA

Yes. A disgusting and miserable organization they are. Republicans are joke when they say "small government" anything. They deserve to be laughed at. Their support for the TSA is a prime example.

- want to eliminate the Patriot Act

Yes. See constitution. It's blatantly unconstitutional. OI course that would be to make the mistake most Republicans give a crap about it. They don't.

- are anti-war

Yes. What kind of sociopath isn't? Wait, just answered my own question.

- are pro gay rights

Pro rights regardless of class. Check it out. It's called freedom.

- don't want to protect Life with legislation

Generally true, but a little controversial even within libertarians.

- have a pro Muslim agenda

Have a pro human agenda.

- are generally anti-Christian

A wonderfully unfalsifiable claim. Of course RP sure is Christian.

- don't want to support Israel

Don't want to give foreign aid to ANYONE.

- don't want to prevent a nuclear Iran

Through diplomacy yes. It's pretty easy to understand why they'd want a nuke. Check history. We don't invade and kill people who have nukes. What would you do?

- want to legalize illegal drugs

Yes. Then they won't be illegal. A ha!

- want to legalize prostitution

Yes. It's none of your gd business.

Her list sounds like she wants a police state, like the one we faugh WWII in Europe over. except without the genocide. I'm not a "Conservative" in her eyes because I don't think we need Restrictions on what we can or cannot do. I'm actually a Smaller Government Liberal. and I think Paul is slightly Crazy, yet at times is correct. WAR is not an AMERICAN Value. to believe such is to allow evil into the world, something a God fearing Christian should realize. Republican does not equate to Conservatism, it hasn't in decades. Reagan would be too far to the left for many of the clowns that call themselves Conservative these days, as he at least was pragmatic about his beliefs.

This article was comical. It is amazing how close to Statism the GOP establish platform has become. The thing that I love about the liberty movement is that it draws people like Lynne Torgerson to the surface. Just a comment, my dislike for pro-life legislation is that Life is an inalienable right. The reason why the the federalists did not draft "Life, Liberty, and Property", into the Constitution was because doing so is blasphemy, implying that Government not God gives us our rights, this is true for abortion law as well.

Social Conservatives are fake conservatives. They try to legislate lifestyle. We are taking the party back!