GOP Race Loses Rand Paul's Tech, Privacy Cred

Losing his libertarian stance on tech issues could damage GOP appeal with young voters.

"The Republican presidential campaign lost its biggest privacy advocate on Wednesday when Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky dropped out of the race, leaving doubt about whether the remaining candidates can resonate with the tech community or voters concerned about government surveillance."

Hi everyone,

Well, I'm pretty shattered about Rand's announcement, as I'm sure we all are. I had hoped to see much more support for him going into Iowa, and am disappointed that this has not turned out to be the case.

I have a few thoughts about what led us all to this point, but first want to say that I am emphatically not a Trump supporter, nor in any possible past or future am I a Cruz supporter (even putting those two words together seems oxymoronic in some way), rather I am with Rand to the end, as I have extensively researched the issues and believe that, per his votes and his understanding of the issues and principles of liberty, he is far and away the best Liberty advocate we have in the race.

who thinks that the people in charge of this charade should hire better writers? Here's a cartoon that tells it like it is.

PORTLAND, Ore. (Reuters) - Relatives of a man shot dead by law enforcement officers after taking part in the armed occupation of a U.S. wildlife refuge in Oregon have accused the FBI and state police of covering up the circumstances of his death last week.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, family of Robert "LaVoy" Finicum called the shooting "unjustified" and said the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Oregon State Police were "seeking to manipulate and mislead the media and the American public about what really happened."

If Russian tanks and troops rolled into the Baltics tomorrow, outgunned and outnumbered NATO forces would be overrun in under three days. That’s the sobering conclusion of war games carried out by a think tank with American military officers and civilian officials.

“The games’ findings are unambiguous: As currently postured, NATO cannot successfully defend the territory of its most exposed members,” said a report by the RAND Corp., which led the war gaming research.

Been in schock all morning about Rand. Trying to shake it. So, I'll leave you with one of the views around my playground. It's the only thing that counts when TSHTF.  Contemplate and say a prayer for the Bundy's and Finicum families. My wish is that Rand shows up in Oregon and kicks some butty.

We need to grow the Liberty Movement in every state. We need to dismantle the Washington Machine: congressman by congressman; senator by senator; governor by governor.  The time has come to look around and identify whom the potential candidates; for example, the good doctor from Arizona and Tea Party candidate: Kelli Ward.  Lets put that fucking Neocon out to pasture.

And if you don't have anyone to in you State. I have some bad news for you: it's you! And you might have to get your hands dirty. Whether it's at the state legislature level or higher office; we need to shift the paradigm; so next time, whether it's Rand or Amash or whomever, they will have the support to affect change.  Or it's at the state level in both Democratic and the GOP. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have not been reauthorized by Congress since 2009. The State Department hasn’t been reauthorized since 2003. For the Federal Trade Commission and National Weather Service, it’s 1998 and 1993, respectively. The Federal Election Commission has been operating with an expired authorization since way back in 1981.

Kill me, I am Legion.
Attack me, make me stronger.
Strength and Honor are anathema to you;
To us, they are the key to salvation;
Here, or in the next life.

"After three years of the federal government refusing to discuss the matter with the state government, Governor Gary Herbert is moving forward with plans to seize the 31.2 million acres of Utah land from the federal government and restore control of the lands to the people of Utah. The action is unprecedented."

What a gut punch. I'm devastated....

Well, the media got their twisted wish in Paul’s recent resignation from his candidacy for president. And it really solidifies what they’ve been saying all along. Rand is not electable…at least for president. I understand that liberty and the message of freedom is not to be expected at the hands of any one individual, but why drop out after finishing in 5^th after the very first voters come out of the woodwork? How disappointed all those college students must be in clamoring and standing at the side of someone who immediately and subtly admits defeat after spending countless hours spreading the message he just omitted from the debate. I just do not understand how such a fiery message is not deemed relevant enough for Paul to continue with his months-long bid for presidency. I am truly saddened this day.