My neighbor with the huge Ron Paul signs all over his house,

[begin_within]

just demonstrated to me that Ron Paul supporters have a cult-like quality. They moved into the neighborhood in 2004, but I didn't get to know them at all. But in a neighborhood restaurant they noticed me and introduced themselves. "You have the Kucinich bumper sticker on your car, right?" I said, "Yeah, that's me." They said, "We're Libertarians. We always vote for the loser too." I just said, "Oh. Okay." ... For most of this year they have had huge Ron Paul signs on the front of their house and even a box of flyers you can take and read. But I have had almost no contact with them since they have lived here and I even forgot their names. I don't have the Kucinich sticker any more because I recently got my car painted and I haven't gotten another sticker. This morning, I was walking the dog right past their house, and he was out there talking with another neighbor. When I passed them he recognized me and interrupted his conversation to say to me, "Hey, if you're not interested in Kucinich any more, how about Ron Paul?" I just said, "No, I don't like Ron Paul" and kept walking. He said, "Okay" and went back to the other conversation. It struck me as kind of eerie that he would try to recruit me on the spot in person.

[Renew Deal]

1. The "vote for a loser" comment was meant to be endearing.

It sounds like they want to be friendly. Politics is a lot about personal relationships. If he's committed, he'll attempt to spread the good word. That's how politics and religion work.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Well, it means he notices things

like the fact the bumper sticker is off your car. The fact you had one on to begin with shows you are interested in politics. Now if he'd stopped the conversation and tackled you or something, then I would call that eerie. The other just sounds like trying to be neighborly. Could be a cultural difference. Did the neighbor come from a rural area or a Southern area? His behavior sounds a lot like what I find going on around here, and its the norm.

[HughMoran]

20. Agreed

Doesn't seem that unusual to me either. Maybe a bit overzealous, but I can see an eager Democrat doing the same thing.

[Captain Angry]

3. Was it on PBS's NOW that they talked about Ron Paul and his supporters?

They interviewed some idiot that had never voted in his life, and then all of a sudden was a vehement supporter and leading the charge to raise money.

The true believers can be a scary bunch, because they're not willing to see the failings. But then again, none of the Democratic candidates have followers like that... :-)

[Dogfur]

4. I like talking with my neighbors

and don't really want to let the different politics divide a community. That is the big goal of the power structure - keep the masses confused & divided. It seems you may be a bit needlessly worried, but only you can tell your own comfort levels. Politics is a pretty lousy icebreaker, but it may open the door to some really cool neighbors who just don't have the same world-view as you.

[walldude]

12. Yup and there is always something in common

whether it be kids, pets, the weather, the neighborhood or whatever. I can always find something to have a brief conversation with my neighbors about.


Welcome to DU. :toast:

[iconoclastic cat]

5. I really think you're being kinda harsh. nt

[PassingFair]

6. At least both Paul and Kucinich care about the Constitution.

More than can be said about the corporate candidates.

Why so touchy?

[SweetThingy]

13. If Paul cares about the consitution why don't you vote for him?

FACT: Ron Paul does not care about the rule of law. He is a selfish elf.

[PassingFair]

14. What are you, a third grader? Why don't I JUST MARRY HIM?

[SweetThingy]

18. He's a republican

Ain't no way he knows anything about what's right. Why would you even promote him?

[PassingFair]

19. I'd like to hear OUR candidates quoting Sinclair Lewis.

He says SOME good things.

His backers are WORKING and INTO democracy.

He has some REALLY WACKO policy ideas.

But he is saying some things that need to be said.

I am happier discussing America's future with HIS followers than with Dubya's 28 percenters....

[Bucky]

22. Eww, you kissed a Republican! You're gonna have cooties!

:rofl:

[EOTE]

7. You should strike up a conversation.

You probably already know what it is about Ron Paul that they like, but they probably don't know all there is to not like about him. Not all Paul supporters have cult-like personalities. I have a friend whom I lost contact with long ago contact me through my MySpace page. We started talking, and he told me how excited he is that Ron Paul is running. I told him that there are many positions that I agree with Ron Paul on, but there are also a number of things he supports that would absolutely prevent me from voting for him. I explained these things succinctly, and he seemed genuinely surprised. I don't know if I've brought him over to the Democratic side as of yet, but it definitely caused him to think twice, and I'd be surprised if he's going to continue to throw his support to Paul. Never underestimate the power of words.

[sinkingfeeling]

8. "We're Libertarians". And so is Ron Paul except he's running on the GOP ticket.

[Benhurst]

9. If he is a Ron Paul supporter, you have one major area of agreement:

the country is being fucked over and the Constitution shredded. He seems willing to overlook your support of Kucinich, in fact he seemed to take that as a sign you might be friends. If I were you, I'd loosen up and give him a chance.

Realizing we are all up shit creek without a paddle, is a major step in the right direction. You might be able to convert him, or (I think less likely, but hey who knows?)he you. I don't think such an individual is someone to run from. Who knows, you might become friends despite your differences.

[B Calm]

10. If Ron Paul has his way, the sidewalk in front of house will have a toll gate!

[Maine-ah]

11. he's a weasel.

http://www.issues2000.org/TX/Ron_Paul.htm

[GoneOffShore]

15. You got that right

[KharmaTrain]

16. They Remind Me Of LaRouches

I saw my first "Paulistas" several months ago...they were gathering signature to impeach Cheney (following the Plame verdict). I was tempted to sign until I went closer and saw the "Libertarian Party" stickers on the table. They called me over and I said I support getting rid of Cheney, but you guys are the wrong messengers...and went on my way.

I've noticed a lot of former "Independent Repugnicans" have embraced this guy and they've taken hold here in Northern Illinois for quite a while now as the state and local GOOP party have disintegrated on their own corruption.

Paul will draw 10% in both New Hampshire and Iowa.

[Catherine Vincent]

17. You should have told him you'd only support Ron Paul if he

returned his contribution from the white supremacist back. :)

[Bucky]

21. I think it's a good thing for neighbors to be able to talk politics together

Paulites do think outside the ordinary box, even if they end up putting themselves in a new box in the process. I think you should try to counter recruit him--maybe over a nice barbecue. I once flipped a Republican over to the light side of the force. Well, Ken Starr helped a lot, but I'm still taking the credit.