Mike Gravel--Live Q&A (9/23/07)

[waveoflight]

Learn about Presidential Candidate Mike Gravel by watching the short series-

"Tribute to Mike Gravel: The Modern Day Thomas Paine".

/watch?v=arS8nFguDsU

Produced by overmind25, who is a very informed young person.

The series informs you what Gravel stands for and what he intends to do. There's not a lot of deception or talking around subjects. Gravel says what he believes is important for the country. Listen to the content.

Stop and Think

[joecitizan]

Join other supporters for Mass Donation Day - 12/5 - to help Mike Gravel!

Donate whatever you can. Mike Gravel does not take money from Lobbyist & Special Interest Groups! He needs your support, and volunteer help in every state: gravel2008DOTus. Spread the word of what Mike Gravel has done for this country, & what he will do for this country as President! gravel2008DOTcom/gravel2008 (please subscribe to stay updated with his campaign, only takes 10 seconds to do this!)

[rainman0006]

Love the part about contractors in Iraq. An ex-boyfriend of a friend of mine is set for life in Iraq because he works for Kellogg Brown Root. Distusting.

[poetsnails]

i love mike, i would vote for him after ron paul in an instant.. if i could.

[MountLykaion]

you have my vote. can't give you money though: poor college student with huge loans.

[teasingmenever]

He has my vote :)

[imdizzyagain]

i am voting for mike gravel as long as florida democrats will still be able to vote in the primaries.

[rainman0006]

What's up with Floriday democrats not being able to vote in the primaries?

[5boogaloo]

Gravel has my vote.

I'm sick and tired of CORPORATOCRACY groomed puppets masquerading as independant minded candidates. thumbs down on corporate robots and AIPAC puppies who will invade IRAN for the corporatocracy as well as carry america further into a ditch.

Imagine Gravel and Ron Paul as president and vice president. Trust me, they would need to form a new army to protect peoples freedom.

[ElectricPineapple79]

I like you very much Mr. Gravel. If I lived in your country, I would vote for you.

[Einzee]

C'mon people..... That bitch Hillary is starting to pull away with the lead here... As suggested before... email all of your contacts to let them know about Mike Gravel. We are in a world of shit if Mike Gravel doesnt make it.

[eye8one2]

I hope Mike Gravel/Ron Paul hook-up! That would be the ticket!! great vid! Thanks for all you do Mike!! The world is with you & your message even if the corp elite aren't! Looking forward to an interview with both you & Ron Paul, that'd wake a lot of people up to truth. We need more people 2 come 2 the side of people. Ignorant are made ignorant by those who wish to exploit them and they even abet them to enslave others to debt & strife.

[joecitizan]

Electable? If you can get past the Electoral Collage. Remember Gore was ELECTED, but the Electoral Collage said different.

Electable or not. You have my vote and the vote of any that are listening to me.

[NapaSales150]

No concealed weapons? Because we should be allowed to carry them openly...RIGHT?

[Zeldovich]

More direct democracy is not the answer to all our problems.

[chrisguitar525]

I don't know if any one answer can be the solution to all of our problems. But I bet electing Mike and giving people back their say in a government designed for and of the people is a good start.

[Zeldovich]

I favor a new constitution that would offer the fundamental right not to have behavior interfered with that does not demonstrably entail costs to others. It would offer an "opt-out" clause with respect to citizenship. There would be no income tax, and user fees would cover the costs of the use of infrastructure for those who opt-out of funding other central government spending.

[Zeldovich]

Paper money should be elminated in favor of electronic money, access to which would perhaps eventually be biometrically based. Hence, even convicted criminals could opt out of citizenship and prison, but be prevented from using public roadways via blocked access beginning at their property lines and the cancelling of his/her personal access to electronic money.

[Zeldovich]

Those criminals that are willing and able to continue harm society would be ultimately confined, but only as a last resort. Such an opt-out clause would hold politicians accountable for developing and selling spending programs that citizens actually want. Otherwise, the funding for unpopular programs could dry up. The Iraq war could be defunded in such a way.

[Zeldovich]

However, there would be certain irrevocable rights under the constitution, such as the afore-mentioned, along with the right to the most basic housing, food/water, and healthcare. This does not mean that free apartments and the most delicious meals would be available free-of-charge, but that mass shelters, and minimally desired meals would ensure that no one need go hungry and/or without shelter in the wealthiest society on earth.

[joecitizan]

Zeldovich: The Iraq war could also be defunded by Speaker Palosi telling Bush she will NOT hear the funding bill (just as she had done withe the 'I-word'). It will never see the light of day on the floor of the House of Representatives. She is as big a criminal as is Bush & the Dick.

[Zeldovich]

Yes, but is that gonna happen? The Dems could just refuse to vote for any war funding and confront Bush on funding other priorities, but they won't do that. They are directionless and spineless. They are not leaders.

[joecitizan]

That may be so. But I am betting it is more like 'paid off'...

[superman56]

revolutionary indeed! u have my support, sir and i hope you get elected

[Naturyl]

Gravel engages the people directly and sincerely in ways other candidates don't dare. And he tells the truth about taboo subjects like the military-industrial complex. Best of all, he does it without promising to dismantle all of our social progress as a certain candidate on the other side would do.

[NapaSales150]

RON PAUL!

[Naturyl]

Spammer.

[cmanw]

Mike, you seem like a nice guy, and I think you ARE electable, just like any candidate in a democratic society. I like you views on most issues, but we need to take BIGGER steps at getting back to the consitution like the founders would have liked. No more war, no more occupations, no IRS or Federal Reserve. You need to take bigger steps, if you want my vote!

RON PAUL 2008!!!

[ZyklonBilly]

This has "man of the people" written all over it.

This is the guy who needs to be our President.

[legalizeliberty]

as a Ron Paul supporter I salute you MG folks for standing up for liberty

keep fighting to stop this war/to shut down the military industrial complex...

in the event that war monger Hillary becomes dems nominee please don't give up and join us TOGETHER WE CAN STOP FASCIST NEO CONS AND THEIR IRAN WAR PLAN&MILITARY DRAFT!

[rancidguy420]

I like this video...I enjoy staying updated with the former Senator & I like the fact that he has his own youtube channel to keep his followers updated & answering questions that we ask. I just really love the way he is logical & intelligent about modern problems, & I especially am excited that when Mike Gravel becomes president he will start steering up away from oil & gasoline.

[mahasamatman33]

He tells it like it is and is an individual who who will empower the people to govern themselves instead of continuing politics as usual... politics vs. governance.

Your choice is to vote your conscience or vote for the selected candidate offered up by the media conglomerates.

[oldskoolslacker]

I love the internet! I really do. I would love to see more of this kind of thing. Screw MSNBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, and FOX. You can't learn anything about a candidate from the mainstream's agenda-driven, cherry picked 30 second sound bites. I have all the respect in the world for candidates that engage people like this. In a perfect world our choices in '08 would be Gravel/Kucinich (DNC) vs. Ron Paul (GOP). If we end up with Hillary/Obama vs. Rudy/Fred then America deserves what it gets.

[PierreFWalter]

Here are the answers ... who controls the media, who controls the military power? Have the media ever told you this. I did not not this before Gravel pointed it out, and I should know it. This man has the honesty that I haven't seen with a politician since John F. Kennedy. I hope and pray he won't be shot!

Pierre.

[NapaSales150]

He wont, simply because I doubt he'll become anywhere near as popular as JFK. But Ron Paul might...

[PierreFWalter]

Well possible. He might be more functional as an eminence grise. Presidents are not always the most important people in society; they are well in the spot light but the true decision makers and molders of public opinion are the people behind and around them. When you inquire who are Bush's consultants, you see why certain things go as they are going.

[oldhacks]

THIS IS A REVOLUTIONARY ACT! god bless you Mike! You've got me and my friends' unwavering support!

[westphalianprinz]

I know where Caldwell, Ohio, is. Nice little town.

[ArtemisMS]

I'm a graduate student, and just donated 5 dollars. I'm also trying to tell everyone I know (who will be receptive - I DO live in the south) about him. Every little bit helps.

[sdFour20]

Mike Gravel is my hero

[cookiemonster52]

I like this guy. He seems to be very reasonable.

[westphalianprinz]

I found it interesting what he said about Kucinich. I like both. If I could vote for both I would. I just feel really uncomfortable with national sales tax, but I do like the initiative, which should be put together with a referendum and a recall provision. That's how we can hold our leaders to account.

[PersonalJesus348]

He'll get rid of the income tax and federal reserve. So its even but the money is actually going to the people towards healthcare and such.

Also if you don't want to pay. Save your money. You'll be fine. You don't lose either way. Its a better system in my view.

[BrickSalad]

PersonalJesus, no, I'm afraid he won't. The president doesn't make the laws. As president, he is in the position to start the ball rolling per se, to get everyone thinking about it, start drumming support, but he can't just say "no more income tax."

[PersonalJesus348]

true. But if you see his resume he can get it done. And that veto power as an executive is strong. see: president dumbass aka Bush.

[BrickSalad]

Well, he will be able to get lots of things done that weaker kneed presidents wouldn't, but something as radical as that will need more then just one determined presient. He could be the person that eventually causes it to get done because he got the ball rolling, or mabye he could get it done with 2 terms.

[MessaicComic]

Im not all for Gravel... I like his views but he's too radical... I do however like the way he goes about things.. so Im more likely to tell people about him.

[momerath42]

He pronounced Wauwatosa correctly, if slowly :) Hi Thomas- I've probably passed you in the village at some point!

[Einzee]

This Man needs us as bad as we need him. Suggestion: Everyone of us needs to goto our email contacts list and start sending links to the Mike Gravel videos to everyone on our lists. I ask at least one person each day if they have heard of Mike Gravel. Not one person has said "Yes". Spread the word. Please.

[theDHC]

i just donated $20 to mike yesterday. its all i can give right now

[PersonalJesus348]

what's funny is that he's just as electable as the next candidate. He can't win if you don't vote for him.

Funny how the media wants you to thing otherwise.

Gravel 2008!!

[KamikazeKoscki]

Mr. Gravel why didn't you sign up for impeaching Cheney and Bush? I love your stance and I think you bring hope to the American people!

[jaybobed]

GO MIKE! I will vote for you!!

[jfmxl]

The man stands up and takes "his share", minimal, of responsibility for the murderous mercenaries hired by the War Criminals in DC to prosecute their war and line their cronies' pockets!

I don't think "he had better" do anything more than he's already doing. I am in his debt now and have been for the past 35 years. Thank you Mike.

I think that we had better do what it takes to elect Mike or we'll have no one to blame but ourselves as Amerika'a War Crimes continue to unfold in the Middle east.

[chrisguitar525]

I made my $25 contribution yesterday. Please please please Mike depends on the financial support from private donations. Anything you can give, for the sake of the country, do it!

[mde2004]

I sent Gravel campaign as much as I could even though it is a small dent compared to the other contributions for the big candidates.

[truthout911]

Is facebook where you can go to ask a question? I dont see anywhere on your site where you can directly do this.

[inotheyare]

who would you choose as a running mate if you went independant and hillary and guilliani were the gop and dem. nominees?

gravel08. us

rally with your signs people! he stopped nucular testing in the pacific, trained in counter-intelligence! he's crazy smart if any crazy at all!

[Commando303X]

Gravel's book had better come out soon, and he'd better promote the HELL out of it.

[chrisguitar525]

I hear you. I got a response from his campaign via snail mail that said the book is being re-released next month. I can't wait.

[ambientdiscord]

to look at it another way. if someone says they cant vote for Gravel because they know X candidate will win that is absolutely REVERSE logic.

think about it. if you know that X will win then why shouldnt you give your vote to Gravel? you giving 1 less vote to X sure as hell wont change X result if you know for sure they will win but it sure as hell will help Gravel get more electoral votes to have his say in the party and when everyone does this same thing... magically Gravel ends up winning

[mdk550]

Mr. Gravel, you are the only true candidate. I swear. I want to help you as much as possible! I'm sending you some money, mail if you open it. Online if not. When I do so, will it go directly to you because I would like to write a message!

[HatTricksInc]

Voting your conscience is the only way to Vote Patriotically. It's the only kind of vote that TRULY COUNTS.

A little bit of "the lesser of evils" each election cycle gets us nowhere but further along the scenic route to Hell.

This should be a basic proposition of American Citizenship 101.

[SushiSyogun]

Ok this is extremely frustrating. To the people who belong to category of the first question, your logic is very unpatriotic, flawed and despicable . This is not football damn you, you vote for the people who you agree with the most, period. Never compromise your passion/beliefs for "the chance of winning"!!! Furthermore, you have no idea whos going to win the primaries at this moment, so stop the pseudo-fortunetelling and get out to the streets and start spreading the name of your choice!!

[poppapump444]

MIKE GRAVEL/DEEK JACKSON IN '08

[johncantees]

another 20$ of my money will be going to Mike Gravel on my next payday.

He IS electable. He just needs to be ELECTED.

[wreckerpecker]

Main part that sets both Gravel and Paul apart from the rest is their strict opposition to politics as usual. They both represent the big change necessary. I hope people are seeing this more and more at how the rest are just Band Aids at best.

[BrickSalad]

I love you, kucinich, & ron paul because you're all honest and aren't panderers. Ideally, I dream of some sort of liberal libertarian state, so I like you all about the same. Kucinich is very smart, fits my ideals very well & seems very intune with how to run stuff, but he's a bit soft. Paul's charismatic, but his supporters drive me nuts & he is too libertarian for me. I'd rather ease into less government not jump. You are very idealistic and uncompromising, but that's a double edged sword.

[BrickSalad]

I just donated 25$. As a college student, I can't do much more. I've told people like you. My dad doesn't want you as president because he is a richardson fan, but thinks you should be in all the debates because you call out other candidates BS and make the debates more lively.

[DevBlazed]

Gravel- Would you encourage change in monetary policy, or do you have better ideas to protect the dollar?

[gravel2008]

Change in Monetary policy.

Know anything about the Fair-Tax?

[DevBlazed]

Yes Senator, however i cannot afford such a high sales tax with a depreciating dollar.

Should we abolish the fed?

Should we impose strong regulations forcing the dollar to be backed by commodity?

Should we privatize the currency market?

Should we force congress to print and regulate the currency?

[DevBlazed]

Lets be real- we wish paul could get GOP and gravel gets dnc nominations...

but we have a TV controlled election.

We all need to fight hard the next 4 months... but regardless of the outcome, we NEED Gravel and Paul to stay in this to fight for us.

Regardless of an outcome, America needs someone to step up and take the presidency. Not be on the defensive but show real leadership.

[overmind25]

If neither of them win. We can go for a third party if Gravel or Paul (or both )is willing to do it. I doubt both of them would just quit if they didn't win the nominations. It would be hard work to help fund them but it would be worth it even if they didn't win."Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice."-Thomas Paine

[Commando303X]

I'm pretty sure Paul's been asked many times if he'll run on a non-G.O.P. ticket, and that's he's said no every one. What the hell is even the point (other than to be seen and "make a point")?

[overmind25]

Yeah I get that crap still. I am 19 and people use that instead of attacking my points. Being young has its advantages though! Don't let anyone put you down because of age. When they do it, they are smoke screening their way out of a rational discussion.

[gravel2008]

The same people who criticize age are those who don't support Citizen Involvment in the Civic Process.

[circleofpoop]

kucinich is a leprechaun that wants to take our guns away. get healthy. eat a vegan.

[gravel2008]

Dennis is a great candidate, but he doesn't support NI4D, because he's a current elected official. This is why he's politics as usual.

[SushiSyogun]

w w w(.)ni4d(.)us

Very interesting, thanks mike, will look into it.

[doubleaamazin]

Mike Gravel is one hell of a guy. Not only does he hold others accountable, but he holds himself accountable as well. This type of integrity is very rare, not just for politicians, but for all people.

[overmind25]

Ron Paul and you are the only ones that are worth voting for.  You are my favorite though. I really like your health care plan.

[circleofpoop]

what's with the carbon tax? screw that. i mean if it is for corporations that is fine, but this whole carbon tax thing is why these idiots are screaming about global warming. we pay too many taxes already. they want to exploit the idea of global warming in attempts to create another tax. i hope gravel is not down with that. i may have misunderstood.

[HatTricksInc]

Once you understand his overall Tax policy, you will see how this one area will does not equate a burdensome scenario to each American and the size of his/her Tax Investment, but actually quite to the contrary.

Watch more videos or read up on the website about Gravel's Tax Policy and you'll see what he's talking about.

[bartolemeo]

Thank you, Mr. Gravel. You are as electable as we have votes to cast for you. You will have mine, sir....and more to be donated as the year comes to a close. You're a good man, and your candidacy gives me hope for a return to strength and resolve in American leadership.

[GodlessLitany]

Thank you for standing for what you believe, Mike Gravel. You are the only politician I feel I can count on at all.

[travishenrichs]

You know our country is in deep shit when people like Gravel have to defend their "electability".

How much war & debt will people allow before we elect a Gravel or a Paul? I don't understand, America, there's one of the saviors you've been waiting for, jump at the opportunity. Sitting around all day and dismissing him as an ideal candidate won't get anything accomplished.

[GodlessLitany]

Exactly, travishenrichs. Everyone I talk to seems to be under the mentality that they have to pick a "lesser evil," and the only reason that the lesser evils have a chance in the first place is because everyone thinks that way. If everyone thinks that Mike has no chance of being elected and thus doesn't vote for him, then he truly has no chance of being elected. I refuse to settle for less-win or lose, my vote goes toward what I believe.

[HatTricksInc]

Exactly. Right on the head.

It's people thinking that way, that creates that kind of outcome (lesser of two evils - which, not coincidentally, is still regressively "evil.")

Here's how I prefer to respond and "frame" it:

I'm committed to voting my conscience, and if enough of us commit to doing the same, we can take back our country.

Voting your conscience is the only way to Vote Patriotically. It's the only kind of vote that truly counts.

[HatTricksInc]

New Release of Citizen Power?

That's Excellent.

I can't wait to get a hold of my copy.

Please allow us to prebuy it on the campaign site, myspace profile, etc.

Thanks for all that you're doing.

You're building a firm legacy in the hearts of many Americans.

Please keep up the great work!

[Rokasomee]

I wish I was old enough to vote.

[HatTricksInc]

Good for you James. We all can learn something from your eager spirit.

[GodlessLitany]

I'm so glad to hear that. So many people under the voting age don't care, and that's a huge mistake. Be involved as much as you can, and tell everyone you can that CAN vote about your stances and convince every apathetic person of 18 or older to vote that you can. It's so important.

[bartolemeo]

Keep the faith, James. As long as you get the word out, you will be as valuable a participant as anyone who votes. Follow your convictions, and you'll make a difference. Be well, my friend.

[HatTricksInc]

This whole exchange is a breath of fresh air. And I'm encouraged by your great response bartolemeo.

You can be a part of this election cycle whether you are older enough to place a vote or not.

You still count!

Powerful words that stir my American spirit.