Consistent Since 1971

[mbutler920]

Direct democracy is about majority rule, which crushes minority rights... a system our founders were terrified of. Two wolves and a sheep voting over whats for dinner.

[weareallanon]

@mbutler920 I want my Constitutional Republic back... :(

[mbutler920]

@weareallanon Same here! Don't you love how no one even calls it that anymore? It's been completely removed from the lexicon, and the majority of people think that we do have a direct democracy and that it's not working because we don't have the majority ruling on every piece of legislation...

[mbutler920]

@weareallanon In an argument with my brother in law recently he accused me of "Quibbling over semantics". I told him it's so much more than that, and we have to recognize it before we can fix it. Another of my favorite quotes comes from Ben Franklin... "When the people find they can vote themselves money,

that will herald the end of the republic."

[TinyMcLarge]

Gravel is awesome i like i a lot of what he said in 2008, but then and now i support Ron Paul for the President.

[tracer740]

Mike Gravel, a brilliant man and phenomenal statesman.

[gobbledygookie]

Can you post the full clip?

[acertainamountofevil]

Gordon Brown's younger brother! <-- I didn't say that :P

[AvangionQ]

"We've had technology overtake the executive part of our government and make it oppressive. But now, like in taking this example with the electronic medium, we can return this system of government to the town meeting - the process where everybody gets involved, where the people who make policy are the people who suffer policy" - Mike Gravel in 1971 ... wow, was he predicting an age of internet blogging influencing politics?

[FredFredBurger53]

If Gravel Does not win everyone on this planet is dommed.

[DeAnte85]

Wow, he was handsome once.

[roullettechick]

I was thinkin the same thing

[lovetoblame]

I'd hit it.

[roullettechick]

lol, tag team!lol

[gravelin08]

Author House Publishing has just recently released Mike Gravel's book, Citizen Power. It can be ordered through their website now!

[Voiceofjon]

I think young Mike Gravel would have won

But, Mike Gravel the old man is even stronger with his issues

[PeaceCzar]

12/5 MASS DONATION DAY

Pledge to donate $100 or whatever you can

JOINOURRIPPLEFFECT dot com

Help spread Gravel's ripple effect!

[classic14rider]

Great quote from Mike Gravel: "I think it's an art and you get to the edge but you don't fall off the precipice. You stay within the conventions of the system but you push the system in the direction it should be going."

[donyad1133]

He's 77 and more articulate than any of the top tier candidates! Thank you to the Gravel campaign for not giving up on this race!

[puppydogbreath]

CNN has cut Mike Gravel from the November 17 debate in Las Vegas

Call: (212) 275 7800

[het638]

What a visionary for the time, considering this is before the internet.

Gravel is my candidate and should have a voice in the upcoming debate that will be aired on MSNBC. He is currently excluded.

he brings a refreshing point of view to the table, and because he is not corporate sponsored and has lived the average american life (which does include having massive amounts of debt these days), Gravel is more on par with the populace than the other candidates tend to be.

[Lancerboi1986]

Vote Gravel '08

[davidbdr]

Obviously a very far-sighted individual in regards to the potential of technology to return government to the people.

[Shultzgti]

Oh, what a tangled web our government representatives have weaved.

[yktube]

Paul, Gravel, Nader, McKinley - the only people who should be allowed to be president.

[Genkimark]

Gravel actually looks and sounds like a normal person here...

[myvern]

Gravel was ahead of his time then and he is ahead of his time now! God bless Gravel!

[MrWood14]

Great video for a great man, Mike Gravel. I also like Ron Paul.

We have TWO chances to get rid of these Neo-Cons in government. Every Democrat should register Republican IMMEDIATELY, vote for Ron Paul in the GOP primary. Then when the primary gets stolen, in the actual election vote Democrat. We have two opportunities, TWO chances, please don't loose either...

[immanent]

But what if Hillary, Obama, or Edwards get the Democratic nomination? They're just as sold out to corporate special interests as the oldschool media picked Republicans: Romney, Thompson, and Giuliani...

I think we should take back the Republican party from the neo-cons first. This election represents a unique once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to oust the establishment from one party. I know RP can do it with our help.

[immanent]

Ron Paul is for citizen empowerment too, but in a more pure sense by removing the scope of the federal government and returning it to the hands of states and localities. Thus why its false to say we live in a democracy. I don't want New Yorkers telling Biloxi, Mississippians whats right for them or vice versa.

Thus why our founding fathers gave us the miracle of the Constitutional Republic, to constrain tyranny indefinitely.

[myvern]

How so? Gravel is trying to enact article 7 of the constitution. How much purer can you get. I like Paul, but I feel that Gravel is the better choice.

[immanent]

Ok, I'll bite. What is this Article 7 issue that I have somehow not heard of? 500 words. Go.

[myvern]

Google- The National Initiative for Democracy, it is very interesting. Not many people have heard of it. I found out about it a few days ago. Happy Reading!

[immanent]

Don't have time at the moment, but is this the Gravel "national initiative" for publicly voted referendums? And if so, what does this have to do with Article 7?

I'll check into it later, but I don't expect to hear about any of the potentially deficiencies of such an alteration to a constitutional representative government.

[myvern]

"History is clear that the first ten amendments to the Constitution were adopted to secure certain common law rights of the people, against invasion by the Federal Government."

-- Bell v. Hood, 71 F. Supp., 813, 816 (1947)

[myvern]

"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government -- lest it come to dominate our lives and interests."

-- Patrick Henry

[myvern]

"The Constitution of most of our states (and of the United States) assert that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed and that they are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion, freedom of property, and freedom of press."

-- Thomas Jefferson

[myvern]

"The government was set to protect man from criminals -- and the Constitution was written to protect man from the government. The Bill of Rights was not directed against private citizens, but against the government -- as an explicit declaration that individual rights supersede any public or social power."

-- Ayn Rand

[mde2004]

gravel08 please.

[inotheyare]

i have an official campaign fliar for MIKE GRAVEL if anyone wants a copy just message me.

[aqvinas]

Go Gravel ! Yes, we want to have a say in Policy and we would be very Lucky to have you as our next President !!! You have my Vote. Peace.

[Jimraynor45]

Ron Paul and Mike Gravel are pretty cool in my book

[SeppLainer]

Paul/Gravel for P/VP 2008!!!

[inotheyare]

MIKE GRAVEL not invited to AARP debates september 20th contact bruce at aarp at 515.697.1001 or contact pbs (which it will air on) jennifer 703.739.5223

[SeppLainer]

..Ron Paul was not invited to the Rep. debates either!!! THEY ARE CENSORING US ALL!!

[estopa2006]

gravel is a hero

[skkkinner]

Kucinich-Gravel '08?????

[SeppLainer]

Paul-Gravel 08!!!

[doubleaamazin]

Gravel yes, Kucinich no

[pinochet222]

why?

[gravel2008]

Because Dennis is still an imperialist, and does not support citizen empowerment.

He's politics as usual, from the left, this time.

[Realistview]

Exactly how is Kucinich an imperialist?

[joecitizan]

Agreed. Of the Republacants he is the best choice. But that party is dead in the water, and so are the Defeatocrats. don't take me wrong friend, just I can not put my endorsement on Ron Paul for one simple reason. He hasn't got the heart to fight, and thus will just as likely faultier along the way. Gravel showed his heart in '71 when he REFUSED to be swayed.

[jfmxl]

You're looking at the next President of the United States of America. Pay no attention to the Top Down Media. What goes around comes around, eh? Mike has been on "direct democracy" since before the buzz was created. This is a man we can trust. I've been waiting to exhale for forty years and I see my chance coming up.

[joecitizan]

don't exhale to quick m8. the stench of 50+ years of political maneuvering is atrocious & your 1st breath in my make you wish it were your last. just an fyi alert... ;o)

[joecitizan]

It matter not to me if he gets the nomination, he will still get my vote when it counts. It looks like he is doing what I and perhaps others have suggested, run Independent by putting out how to vote for someone NOT on the ticket.

[joecitizan]

Now I think this is a cause that will not really work as he still has to get by the most corrupt of the corrupt, The Electoral Collage. But at least it will send the message that We the People are SICK of them and their ways. They say remember 911, I say remember 1776!

[punjabisikhwarrior]

Gravel doesn't have enough support for the democratic nomination unforunately... Obama and Clinton unforunately are taking it, Clinton will take it... what Gravel should do is endorse Ron Paul as to who he would like to see as president and than get his supporters to fall under Ron Paul... its the only way to change the country, people need to unite...

[xawesomexelix]

Yes!

[fisharecoming]

@gravel2008 doesn't Gravel consider himself a libertarian? So either he is lying, or he would support Paul.

[Fido1488]

@fisharecoming You know, one can argue Paul isn't a pure libertarian either. Paul pretty much values states' rights more than individual rights. If he were alive during the Antebellum Era of the U.S., he would leave the issue of slavery up to the individual states. He would leave the issue of gay marriage up to the states. He would leave the issue of drug laws up to the states. That's not so libertarian...

[2010Solar]

@Fido1488 I think Ron Paul would argue its the Federal Government to defend our individual liberties.

[Fido1488]

@2010Solar Then why does he think it was a wrong maneuver for the intervention of the federal government during the slavery issue of 19th century America?

[2010Solar]

@Fido1488 He argues we did not have to lose 600,000 Americans in a senseless Civil war. He suggested we should of phased it out like Great Britain did.. they bought out all the slaves. Plus if you dig deeper into history of the Civil war, youll find that it was a lot more than trying to abolish slavery.

[Fido1488]

@2010Solar I know slavery had little to do with why Abraham Lincoln invaded the South. The notion that slavery would be phased out is ridiculous, though. The whole Southern economy relied on slavery, and the U.S. absolutely had more slaves than the U.K. did.

[xXCrimsonVirtueXx]

@gravel2008 You're really a fucking moron. Sorry, I'm not normally this much of a slob. You're simply a FUCKING IDIOT.

[joecitizan]

I agree we need to unite m8. But what has Ron Paul done? Gravel fought the system by it's own rules since he was first heard of. I do not think some of his decisions were the best (hey he's Human!)but he does have HEART.

[atheistnarnia]

Paul's record speaks for itself; he has voted against any laws or acts, which permit the 'system' gaining more control it is not authorized to have day in and day out. He is the ONLY voice of sanity in the Republican debates; I think either Gravel or Paul would be an enormous step forward from recent presidents, and any one else running in '08.

[joecitizan]

Maybe he's changed, I don't know. But that alone showed he at least is willing to fight for what he believes in. So is it that Ron Paul has agreed with each piece of legislation passed even if he voted nay? If you disagree you make a stink, get loud, BE HEARD... Or you can just let it slip quietly into the night. S.S.D.D... Hell mate, I'm an anarchist & ACTUALLY GOING TO VOTE for this guy.

[Directinglegend]

Amazing. He hasn't changed one bit. He should of been president back then. he would of won.

but then of course.. I wouldn't have the pleasure of living through his presidency.

[dharmabum247]

Gravel 2008!!

Support Mike! Spread the word, donate, volunteer!

Democracy is not a spectator sport, change depends on you!

[no1000]

GRAVEL 2008

[matthewcreates]

WOW!!! The only man running that could effectively change the world we live in...is this the revolution that we have been waiting for?

I think yes....please donate, blog, spread the word

[jessiekae]

mike gravel for president!!! spread the word!!!!!11

[rednorthutube]

hi mike, i may yet take back my doubting comments about direct democracy in that email i sent you last week ;-)

i like what you describe in this video, taking it back to the town meeting.

please release more videos about direct democracy. treat us to a manifesto PLEASE! :)

[edbrown100]

Our military is being used to spread, not democracy, but the globalist agenda of David Rockefeller's Trilateral Commission. Exterminate Rockefeller and the Federal Reserve he owns w/ Zionist bankers.

[edbrown100]

cfrtaitors: Right on. All presidents must be members of, obedient to and/or stock their administration with the Council on Foreign Relations and/or the Trilateral Commission. Democracy? How can we spread something we do not have?

[edbrown100]

Gravel & Paul as vice. This way we don't get the rampant privatization or Paul, where we're beholden to unelectable CEOs and boards of directors, but we still get rid of the Federal Reserve.

[keithburgun]

if we want to have any hope, seriously, vote gravel

[Ladycroft144]

mike gravel. ewe are mie herO!

i made a video about you called croft/gravel revolution.

if you love gravel. you might love croft who loves gravel.

and may America EVOLVE!

[blinddank]

Fantantic interview. Gravel is America's voice of reason.

[jackcobb42]

Consistency and the truth. Gravel in 2008!

[imdizzyagain]

Mike Gravel is such an amazing man, I am a little sad that he is not the ruler of the world.

[wpiman]

Right, push us right into one world government....

[BohemianStar]

Mike Gravel is a Saint (a fun Saint). You are an awesome man Mr. President.

[truthout911]

From what I understand, I dont think he ever expected to be running for pres. especially after being out of politics for so many years.

[poppapump444]

31.000 dollars is all he has.....hillary has 48 million

i think u should donate $100 bucks to gravel now

[judydeneal]

I think candidates should stop buying elections and lobbyists should stop buying candidates. I also believe we should stop paying millionaires salaries for doing a piss-poor job of managing the people's money. Any compensation should be performance based since they want to run the company like a business. As share-holders, do you feel like you've gotten a good return on your money?

[kevanu]

more archival footage please!!

[judydeneal]

Gravel had my vote until he stated that a one world government is inevitable but we aren't ready for it yet. We don't need more layers of government in this world, we need less. I'd like to hear more about his NWO beliefs and theories before I write him off completely.

[eightyrogue]

The world layer will come once human civilization has advanced enough. Right now we aren't ready as Gravel said and it will likely be another 200+ years. People always play the "government is bad" card and thus fail to see the true visionary that Gravel is. If you want less government, I'm not sure why you were looking into a leftist politician to begin with. By definition, the left will favor more government. Maybe you should be looking at the conservatives instead (see Ron Paul).

[BrickSalad]

I would disagree here, and I count myself leftist. We don't need more government. Power corrupts. We aren't ready for a world government, and we won't be ready until we collectively mature to where about 1-5% of the people are right now. Please don't try to bind liberals to big government. There are anarchists who are liberal.

[nxxbie]

Government is actually BIGGER helping fight against the people, for big business and profit; less government is only a sugarcoating for such betrayal of the people. I agree people aren't ready for world Gov, but adding a different president with the same face isn't going to direct us anywhere but in the (imo) devolving stance we're in now; Mike Gravel will.

[westphalianprinz]

That's exactly right. There is a Michael Parenti talk about this, which is really hard to find.

[judydeneal]

I believe in one world, one love. Read "The New World Order" by H.G. Wells and bear in mind that I agree with his ideals, including his distaste for Big Brother. Left, Right, Liberal, Conservative ... doesn't matter what label one chooses as long as they don't serve the same shadowy master. Ron Paul is unelectable. He hasn't been chosen by the CFR. Obama is slated to win, if there is an election. Mind my words.

[Naturyl]

Bingo, exactly right. A lot of people seem to think that Gravel is a leftist equivalent of Ron Paul. But there is no Ron Paul on the left and no Mike Gravel on the right. That kind of thinking is a mistake. Mike Gravel is a genuine progressive. There are big differences between him and Ron Paul, and those differences are very much in Mike's favor.

[uterfan]

TOTALL AGREE! for example Gravel is FOR stem cell research, gay marriage rights, welfare on our veterans which all Paul opposes. People must start seeing the differences theyll see Gravel is the better one!

Gravel 08

[PersonalJesus348]

I like gravel.

But what the hell was the purpose of that? I'm interested in him now. Not in a decade were I wasn't born.

[mystykit]

Because some people don't understand the National Initiaitive for Democracy and need plainer language. Gravel didn't just recently think up a lot of stuff to run for President on. He has been promoting the people over the governments for his entire life.

[PersonalJesus348]

that wasn't mentioned there. It was just Hubaloo over his interests for president.

I could be missing things there however.

[bartolemeo]

The point was that he's got the same set of governmental standards now that he had in 1971....consistency.

[PersonalJesus348]

Irrellevant. Is my point.

[TraitortotheCause]

Ah, for the decorum of political discussions circa 1971.

[poppapump444]

too bad his warchest is 31,000 dollars

[voiyour]

it is suspicious that there are no negative comments on here. he must be censoring bad comments, just like Hitlery. i don't trust politicos who don't allow dissent. we've had 8 yrs of that.

[tempestswordsman]

You just made a decision based off of an assumption. Maybe nobody who dislikes Mike posts comments. Maybe they didn't find anything to post about. It is simply unfair.

[bartolemeo]

I've not seen any evidence to-date of his staff censoring anything.

[Naturyl]

Maybe there are no negative comments because people respect Mike Gravel's principles and his commitment. Even those who disagree can't pretend that Mike hasn't made a positive difference. Ending the draft, reading the Pentagon papers, etc... this is a man of clear integrity.

[northwesten]

I not even American but Its a too bad so far mike not going to win this. I want him too but corruption seem to have a hold on whats going to happen. If he does i be very happy! So i hope he can pull a few tricks to win :)

[DamNationDiplomat]

It's a long shot, but go for it, mike, you're the only candidate on either side that i really back, and lord help us when it comes down to a clinton VS romney election this time next year.

[theDHC]

a mike gravel without white hair! oh my eyes have seen everything now

[Commando303X]

Thanks for posting this.

[gravel2008]

Sure thing. Thanks for your support!

[daveyork0]

Smiling, smirking, coy Mike Gravel.

The face reveals that the answer to the question "Are you planning on running for higher office?" was "Yes".

35 years down the road, he got there.

Too

[classic14rider]

Oh come on! you think he was planning a 35 year run for the presidency?

[daveyork0]

I didn't hear him say "no".

Did you?

Like I said, the look on his face tells us the answer, and in

God's good time he got there.

[bootme21]

I support Ron Paul, why don't you guys do like us?

We SUPPORTERS are doing a great job, and it inspires Dr. Paul and other supporters. This is a circle of inspiration. We all feed off of the energy that the message of Freedom has. It is an easy message to sell... It is about being free!!!

[doubleaamazin]

Because Ron Paul doesnt have the balls. He is too soft.  He is a gazelle among lions. Mike Gravel will eat Washington alive. It takes alot more than words to get things done. It takes action.

[classic14rider]

The only thing admirable about Ron Paul is that he bluntly states that US policy in the Middle East has had a "blowback effect" in the form of 9/11 and other covert irregular warfare. Beyond that I think people are making entirely too much fuss over Ron Paul and his domestic economic agenda is, frankly, reactionary.

[DamNationDiplomat]

Yes, paul lost ALL of my support when i found out that he believes the civil rights act of 64 to be unconstitutional. Ron paul seems to think anything that's not written in the constitution is stupid, useless, and unamerican, and where the constitution is a finely crafted document, it's in no way immaculate.

[Sharontrue]

Ron Paul does not equate Mike Gravel...There is no comparision at all. Mike Gravel is for the people and by the people. I am tired of reading about Ron Paul on this site. He certainly does not equal Mike. The real "Circle of Inspiration" is Mike Gravel. Real freedom comes from the National Initiative...

[truthout911]

Amen! Thats what I have tried to point out to people, but of course to Paul supporters reality is a dangereous thing.

[PersonalJesus348]

I as well.

Ron Paul is rather ambitious on getting the Federal Reserve (a private banking system I may add). But he will be like a lamb among lions.

Also, we must not forget that these people in power won't give up lightly. And Gravel has proved himself with the Pentagon Papers that he can very well hold a candle to them.

[Naturyl]

I agree that Gravel supporters should follow your example in terms of action. However, they should NOT follow your example in terms of policy. There are BIG differences between Mike Gravel and Ron Paul, and they come down to Mike Gravel's commitment to helping the poor and vulnerable in our society. Ron Paul thinks we shouldn't take care of the needy. Mike Gravel disagrees, and that's very important.

[cjfriz]

Nice to see a politician who consistently gives people a voice instead of consistently taking it away.

[fullnelsongrip]

Vote Gravel.

[classic14rider]

By the way, I like that very practical definition of insurgent political activism: "You stay within the conventions of the system, but you push the system in the direction it should be going." Those of us who want a better world should learn from that.

[classic14rider]

That was a nice clip of an early Gravel (I used to hang out in his senate office when I was a teenager). By contrast clips of Romney (even as recent as 10 years ago) show him to be a flip-flopper; and clips of Bush (20 years ago)...well, we don't have to talk about that.

[doubleaamazin]

I say lets talk about it. Ive allready heard Mike talk about Bush commiting treason. Under the constitution treason is punishible by death. Bush needs to be hung with the rest of the traitors, and maybe then that will set an example, and we can get our country back. Didnt Thomas Jefferson once shoot a man on his lawn for commiting treason?

[DevBlazed]

cool

[thomasmannon]

Please sign AARP petition...

[bartolemeo]

Where can it be found?

[thomasmannon]

You can find the link on Mikes website.

[bartolemeo]

Done, thanks ;)

[gravelvspaul2008]

He needs the democratic nomination. He's the only one that represents the true meaning of a democracy.

[johncantees]

I like that!

[voyzovrezon]

He may not sound like a maverick when talking one on one, but on stage in the debates he takes their heads off. The man has guts!

[HatTricksInc]

What a great video clip to bring back in application of today's technology with such mediums as youtube.

Well played.

Mike is not only the People's candidate. He is also the youtube generation's canddiate.

He clearly shows the depth of his appreciation for technologies democratic value here as elsewhere.

[doubleaamazin]

Nice video, but I was hoping for something new. I will say, that of all the candidates, Gravel has the best video production, and the best message. You Ron Paul lovers need to switch to Gravel's side and make a real difference. Ron Paul simply doesnt have the type of personality it takes to get shit in order. He has no balls. Paul has a great message, but he is soft. Gravel will eat Washington alive.

[classic14rider]

Think Gavel's "Chessboard" video was really good; so was his "Rock" video -- too bad he pulled that one.

[doubleaamazin]

One of my favorites has got to be The End of the Draft video. That song "My Innocence" is so deep, and really gives you an insight to who Mike Gravel really is.

[mystykit]

You still have that relaxed way of talking to the press, Mike. I can see the man of today in the man here. The other vids in the Senate show your passion for humanity. When talking heads say you are angry, they ought to ask themselves why aren't they angry. I find the talking heads cynically, dispassionately describing death and destruction far more disturbing than your passion! We love you!

[bartolemeo]

I agree. One of our big problems is that people have forgotten how to be angry about real wrongs. None of these other candidates seem to have a grasp on the seriousness of the present day. They know how to craft pleasing speeches....I believe that this man actually wants to fix things. I'd like to see a video of the reaction of international viewers to Mr. Gravel's statements. They'd probably be ready for that kind of change as well.

[mrgrieves9876]

you will always be a maverick Mr. Gravel.

i know your chances are slim for the democratic nomination since the cfr has bought all those other candidates except dennis but you should consider becoming ron paul's running mate and unify america by doing so

[Naturyl]

Ron Paul should consider becoming Mike's running mate.

[GreatGig1]

Amazing that not much has changed from 1971's ideas to today!  Too bad things weren't changed back in 1970's! :-)

[doubleaamazin]

Some things were changed. Gravel did end the draft, thank god for that, otherwise we would allready be in Iran. Get Mike elected, and you will see change, he will do some serious house cleaning.

[GreatGig1]

Yes, he did end the draft which was truly a great thing! I would like to see a Kucinich/Gravel or Gravel/Kucinich ticket! That would change things!

[bartolemeo]

Wonderful video, and a great contrast with you beginning your video blogs. The world's a better place with you in it. This one's going to the top of my channel.

[mde2004]

go mike, you dyed your hair.

[provita]

Another amazing video!! Go Mike!

[justin1o0]

wow old

nice video