Ron Paul Jazzes 600+ Activists in Training in MN

A full house of 600+ filled the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, north suburb of Minneapolis to kick off the Rally for the Republic at the Real Politics Training session scheduled from 12pm to 9pm. Mike Rothfeld, the trainer/educator/proselytizer had beat up our sense of self worth and unrealistic activist expectations for many hours (making us all better activists mind you), we recently had broken bread together and the air conditioner was not working.

"You are NOT normal," Rothfeld reminded us again and again. Clearly coming indoors on a gorgeous holiday weekend was not normal. You do have to give the man props for laying out the empirical and measurable techniques of choosing and fighting battles.
This was worth the trip and $80 entry fee, despite the fact that it felt like we were all back in high school cramming in as many notes as we can and no relief on the heat.

Then, Dr. Paul made a surprise guest appearance that was a shot in the arm to everyone there, including Dr. Paul it would seem. He talked about the 100's if not thousands of new candidates that are running all over the US that are "not on our list" whether it's for a city council or state senate seat. All because "they've been energized."

Dr. Paul spoke candidly to the crowd that he had been getting nervous over the last couple weeks, not only worrying about a program coming together on time, but more importantly about his wife Carol who has been hospitalized recently with major complications.
Dr. Paul said that she was home now, recovering and doing well, missing being here.

Amidst much cheer, Dr. Paul announced that George Bush has chosen to opt out of this year's convention to monitor the storm Gustav and give up this night to the Rally.

His comments on the posturing of canceling an event due to something beyond our control, namely the hurricane heading towards Louisiana were well received. Paul talks about having lived on the gulf coast and having family in potential harm's way including his wife who might have to be moved. But why does the federal government have to interfere in something that should be our own responsibilities?