On the other hand, speaking of FRNs and fiat currency, the Federal Reserve System is a true world-class scam, running a much larger, genuine Ponzi scheme called "fractional reserve banking." And talk about counterfeiting! What the Federal Reserve does in simply printing money (or creating billions from electrons) is far worse than the Liberty Dollar, which at least contains (or purports to be backed by) something of value: silver and gold. And, you know, I don't have to use BernieBucks to conduct business, but I do have to use FRNs.
But, then, good ol' Bernie has been issuing paper BernieBucks, too, which in legal fact are nothing more than personal IOUs, so I really have to wonder about his claim to be promoting the use of real money versus FRNs.
So What Does Ron Paul Have to Do With BernieBucks?
A correspondent finally provided me a video in which Dr. Paul himself makes clear that he never authorized the use of his face on the Liberty Dollar:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XhWRDP8v9ss . Dr. Paul also makes clear his statesmanlike demeanor when he tacitly approves the minting of what he calls "competing currencies" (of which he approves), particularly when made of gold and silver versus the "artificial currency" mandated under American Legal Tender laws. Calling it an "act of civil disobedience," Dr. Paul reminds the listener that one who acts in such a manner must be prepared to go to jail until unjust laws might be changed.
I really have to say this again: Ron Paul is the real deal. His calm composure under fire, willingness to take on any issue and give a square, measured, even temperate, answer underscores just how presidential Ron Paul really is. The problem is that the average American quite simply is too stupid to understand most of what Dr. Paul actually says and, instead, wants to ding him for not having a deep, "Presidential-sounding" voice.
No Intent to Deceive? Bwaa-ha-ha-ha-ha...mmmph...snort...('scuse me)
Bernie goes to great lengths to state that he does not intend the ALD to be mistaken for legal tender or to be used directly in competition with US-Treasury-issued currency and coins. That is pure bushwa, to use the technical term employed by my college freshman Economics professor nearly 45 years ago in explaining why America could not possibly have both guns and butter at the same time. Of course Bernie intends both things.
If BernieBucks had been issued as a selfless act of civil disobedience, which is how Bernie today likes to depict his actions, I'd support him wholeheartedly, but his intent clearly was to siphon off your hard-earned savings into his own pockets (ironically, in the form of Federal Reserve Notes, don't forget), while giving you something that is worth no more than any common silver "round" (1-ounce bullion coin worth spot plus 50 cents).
In their defense, Bernie and his followers insist that it is impossible to confuse ALDs with legal tender, among a great many other things, some true and some patently ridiculous. Here - you be the judge on that issue:
For those who might have guessed wrong, that is a real silver dollar on the left and one of Bernie's silver Liberty Dollars on the right. Admit it - you had to look twice, at least. The one on the left sells for a premium over a silver bullion coin because it is "legal tender." The one on the right sells for a premium over a silver bullion coin because ... well, because some people will pay it, believe it or not.
Just Whose Fight Is This, Anyway?
When I said "shilling" in my "private" message above, I meant just that. Bernie asks for donations to finance HIS fight. Bernie suggests HIS customers file a class-action suit against the USA, NOT Bernie. Bernie states that the government owes his customers, not himself. Was his stuff wrongfully taken? Sure. Why is it our job to get it back for him?
One odd result of this whole mess is the eBay bonanza being reaped by some sellers of the few Ron Paul BernieBucks out there for hundreds of dollars each. This must be driving Bernie nuts ... profits on his "coins" that he isn't getting. Or is he, do you suppose? Suppose the eBay sellers are good ol' Bernie?
New America. An idea whose time has come.
My name is Edgar J. Steele. Thanks for listening. Please visit my web site,
www.ConspiracyPenPal.com, for other messages just like this one.
-ed
Copyright ©2007, Edgar J. Steele