Ron Paul Speaks: The rEVOLution has just begun, and it is up to "a cadre of hard-core believers" to carry it through to success. Are you up to the task?

Dr. Ron Paul is the face and voice of a new YouTube video released by his 2008 Campaign on Thursday evening. Paul's speech is a clarion call warning of a sea-change, and an appeal to a "cadre of hard-core believers" to hunker down and prepare for the long term. He appeals for "all effort to gain the maximum number of votes and delegates" in the remaining primary and caucus races.

Although optimistic for the long term prospects of liberty, Dr. Paul soberly dismisses the possibility of "conventional victory:"

"Though victory in the conventional political sense is not available in the presidential race, many victories have been achieved due to your hard work and enthusiasm. For that I am deeply grateful and encouraged. We must remember elections are short term efforts; revolutions are long term projects."

He speaks of the significance of what has been accomplished so far:

"The most significant achievement of our months of dedicated efforts has been the degree to which the message of liberty has spread throughout the country and in some ways around the world. Let us hope that we can one day look back and say that this campaign was the significant first step that signaled a change in direction for our country."

Indicating that we're still in the early stages of this revolution, Dr. Paul makes it clear exactly what is required to carry it on to completion:

"A cadre of hard core believers is the key to success. The total numbers and percentages are less important. Our job now is to plan for the next phase. As was the case in the campaign, this continued effort will logically continue to be a grass roots effort and not a top down rigidly controlled central operation. Most imporant will be the continued empahasis on the message. That message, simply put, is the message of human liberty."

Paul points out that the message is spelled out in greater detail in book form in "The Revolution, A Manifesto" which may be pre-ordered from Amazon. In summary, that message is this:

• Individual Liberty
• Free Markets
• Private Property
• Sound Money
• A Non-Interventionist Foreign Policy

These elements comprise what Dr. Paul claims to be "the only system of government that best provides for the humanitarian needs of all the people." He describes one of the purposes of the successor to the campaign organization as follows: 

"We in time will help those who are inclined to work within the political party system. Also supporting the right candidates and getting credible individuals to become candidates for office at all levels of government is crucial."

He goes on to mention organizations already in place, including the Liberty PAC, a political action committee for supporting liberty candidates, and the FREE Foundation, aimed at education. "Knowledge is crucial to all political movements" he says.

"Though most politicians seem to have no philosophy or principles whatsover, they nevertheless spout the cliches of the  failed philosophy of totalitarianism and interventionism. This allows them to respond to the lobbyists and special interest dollars that move the political system in such a destructive manner."

Paul continues by saying that we are indeed engaged in a contest between two ideologies, and that "A centralized point for coordination and sharing of resources can be helpful and is essential."

He urges those loyal volunteers still working in remaining primary and caucus states to continue with "all effort":

"The presidential campaign will soon wind down. But we do still encourage all effort to gain the maximum number of votes and delegates in all the remaining primaries and to continue the caucus process that's ongoing in the other states by loyal volunteers. I will continue to make every evort to visit any state where the enthusiasm for liberty exists. The campaign for freedom will continue in this new phase. For this we will need the financial resources to continue."

Of the prospects for a National Rally in DC, he indicates that while he still likes the idea, for many important reasons the presidential campaign will not be the organizer. He does however promise "I will encourage and if practical attend" provided that such an event is properly organized, and clarifies one more sticking point by saying "June 21st would be a good date for an event in DC."

Paul envisions a successor organization to his presidential campaign that would help knit together the existing grass roots.

"The succeeding organization to the campaign will consider having a Strategy convention to bring together the various leaders of each meetup group an any other organization associated with us."

Once strategy issues are decided, training can be carried on regionally.

Dr. Paul closes his speech with both a warning and some encouragement: 

"We live in dangerous and exiting times, and with world events changing rapidly our efforts are all that much more important."

Referring to present foreign policy, the "dollar crisis," and the resulting desperate economic situation, he predicts the imminent "disintegration of the American empire."

"As bad as it may seem and overwhelming the burden appears, today's events should be seen as a tremendous opportunity for us to change our country for the good. Let us all stick together in this great cause of liberty and show the love that we all share for our country and the constitution."

Dr. Paul, I salute you! Thank you for your ongoing leadership! God save the rEVOLution, and God bless Ron Paul!