Dear Friend,
The time is drawing near for me to make a final decision on whether
or not I will seek the presidential nomination of the Libertarian
Party and run against John McCain and the Democrat candidate.
This decision does not come easy.
If I decide to run, not only will I be affected by the events of the
next six months but my family, and those for whom I care, will be
forced to sacrifice a great deal in their lives. Indeed, whatever the
outcome of the election, my decision will impact the lives of my
family for many years to come.
Powerful people and parties will do all that they can to discredit
and discourage me and those close to me. As a matter of fact, this
pressure has already started to a significant degree.
Just the other night, I discussed this matter with my friend, Russ
Verney, who will be managing my campaign if I choose to run. Russ ran
the campaigns for Ross Perot and witnessed firsthand what can and does
happen when a credible, third party candidate enters the presidential
arena.
Russ was completely candid with me and did not hold back on the
tactics and strategies that will be used against me and my family.
This is both discouraging and infuriating, but it is a reality in
today's political climate. Anyone who dares to challenge the
establishment, two-party system is bound to pay a price for such
audacity.
While this factor alone hardens my resolve to seek the nomination, it
also gives me pause in making a final decision.
In choosing my future path, I've thought back and imagined what some
of my personal heroes would do in a similar situation.
One man I admire answers also to the name, "Bob." He was a person
possessed of a gift that allowed him to speak to and lift the spirits
of other men and women with his words and music.
When watching a film one evening, I was reminded of an event in his
life and how he inspired so many with what would normally have been
an easy decision.
In December 1976, this other Bob, along with his family and friends,
were rehearsing for an upcoming concert when gunmen burst into his
home and opened fire.
Bob was wounded, with a round entering his chest and passing though
his arm. His wife, Rita, had been struck with a bullet in the head
while fleeing with their five children.
Both survived and were rushed to the hospital, treated and released a
day later.
The following evening, the concert went on but, out of fear of
further violence, without many of the acts that had been scheduled to
play. Despite a realization that the main performer and others would
most likely not appear, a crowd of 85,000 people managed to gather
for the concert.
Not to be discouraged, Bob raced to the concert at the last minute
and rushed onto the stage.
Wounded and more than likely staring at his own gunman in the crowd,
Bob Marley promised the joyous audience, "just one song." He and his
wife Rita, wrapped in bandages, took the stage for 90 minutes.
Later, Bob was asked why he would go through the effort to perform
just two days after being attacked. He answered simply, "The people
who are trying to make this world worse are not taking a day off. How
can I? Light up the darkness."
I take faith in the brave words and actions of that man and his wife.
We live in increasingly dark times as the flames of liberty diminish
with each new grasp at power by those who attempt to control our
lives and our nation.
We have a responsibility to ensure that those flames burn brightly
for others to see despite the overwhelming challenges that we face.
Because of those odds, it will take more than one man to carry a
torch for liberty. It will take the tireless efforts of all of those
who truly cherish freedom.
Only then can we light up the darkness.
In 2008, we will face a choice between two candidates, both of who
seek to move us further away from freedom and toward increased
government power.
Instead, I want to give our nation a choice for liberty.
My time for a decision is now, and I need to hear from you and know
that I have your support today
<http://www.bobbarr2008.com/donate/?c=LibLists>
and when times get tough down the road.
Please go to my web site, BobBarr2008.com and, if you can, donate
generously <http://www.bobbarr2008.com/donate/?c=LibLists>
. Also, please use the many tools on my site to help spread the word
and help the cause.
In the coming days, call up a friend or talk to a neighbor to tell
them about this race and the need for a pro-liberty candidate.
Not only do we have an opportunity to make in impact during this
election year but I also believe we have an obligation to do so.
However, I cannot do this without your help.
Please do all that you can
<http://www.bobbarr2008.com/donate/?c=LibLists>
-- and together -- we can carry a light of liberty to the people.
Thank you,
Bob Barr
Paid for by Barr 2008 Presidential Exploratory Committee.
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