Summary: <br> <br> These are the times that try men's souls... -Paine<br> <br> Senator Rand Paul's campaign for the presidency has been reeling from bad press in the past week, many of it from (so called) current, and former supporters. An article in Politico by Jonathan Bydlak deconstructed Paul's message, comparing it to his father, and arguing that he's tired of supporting the Kentucky senator. <br> But while some of us may be tired, we will stand until we can stand no longer. <br> The heroes of the American Revolution were all too familiar with the problems of desertion, lack of courage and resolve. When times were hard, and Washington's army wintered at Valley Forge, desertions were common, as were those whose loyalties gave way to the British Crown. Now today, the modern American libertarian movement faces a similar challenge. We are engaged in a titanic struggle against vastly larger forces, better funded and equipped, with better propaganda outlets, and the backing of the US political establishment. Will we turn tail and run, or criticize our fellow patriots while we are in our darkest hour? Or will we stand with Rand, and commit to finish what we have started? <br> Today's episode of the Freedom Report podcast takes aim at the criticisms with some famous quotes from 1776, the words of Thomas Paine and Sam Adams. We also pull from Morton Blackwell's "<a href="http://www.leadershipinstitute.org/writings/?ID=30">Laws of the Public Policy Process</a>" in order to examine the best possible solutions which can help govern our movement's future actions. <br> Also, we at The Libertarian Republic have a very exciting announcement. We've teamed up with PurplePAC, a liberty-loving political action committee aimed at helping Senator Paul get elected. The PAC is giving away $10,000 in prizes to YOU, for your best ideas on how to help Rand Paul get elected President of the United States. You heard that right. 5 people will receive $2,000 for their best ideas. And the best part is that you can enter to win as many times as you like. Simply go to <a href="http://purplepac.org/contest/">purplepac.org/contest</a> in order to enter, or <a href="http://purplepac.org/contest/">just click here</a> and submit your entry. The contest closes at the end of August, so get your entries in soon and you could not only save your pocketbook, but your country as well. <br> I'm here at Valley Forge, standing with Rand. Will you stand with me? <br> Listen: <br> <br> <br>
