In Paul We Trust
Let me state this caveat: not all Rep. Ron Paul supporters are freaks. Most are normal people who live next to you, who go to the same supermarkets with you, and who send their children to the same schools. I’m leaning towards Soren Dayton’s belief that the Paul phenomenon is a protest vote. It’s a reaction to failures of Republicans to reduce the size and scope of government. It’s sort of like Pat Buchanan opposing President George H.W. Bush in 1992.
But I would hope stories like this are driving Paul’s campaign staff batty:
Federal agents have reportedly seized illegal “Liberty Dollars” and other currency, including two tons of copper coins bearing the likeness of GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul.
The raid took place yesterday in Evansville, Ind., at the headquarters of the National Organization for the Repeal of the Federal Reserve Act & Internal Revenue Code, a group that the government accuses of producing and distributing illegal currency.
A spokesman for Paul says the GOP lawmaker has nothing to do with the group or its currency.
“We have no connection with that,” Jesse Benton tells AP. “He was using Ron as a marketing technique. We didn’t have anything to do with that or sanction it or give permission in any way.”
Bernard von NotHaus is identified by the Evansville Courier Press as “the group’s monetary architect.” NotHaus says he expects to be indicted on charges of money laundering and wire fraud.
“I see this as a golden opportunity to go into court and vindicate the Liberty Dollar as being legal and being the solution to our great country’s monetary problems,” von NotHaus said. “This is going to be a big trial. We’re going to be putting Evansville on the map. Because money is going to be on trial right there in Evansville.”
Not all publicity is good publicity.
Disclaimer: I work for Friends of Fred Thompson, Inc.
You’re right: This is a bizarre story, although not a bad niche for an Americana/coin collector somewhere, I suppose.