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Ramsey Fowler from Lee's Summit reflects...
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Ramsey Fowler from Lee's Summit reflects from the campaign trail
Jan. 07, 2012
By Ramsey Fowler
government@lstribune.net
My journey began Monday morning when I awoke in Davenport, Iowa. I didn’t sleep well the night before in anticipation of my caucus adventure.
My mom and I arrived at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds early awaiting Romney’s arrival. He entered with his wife, Ann, and four of his five sons. The crowd was cheering and energy filled the room. Gov. Romney shook my hand and addressed the crowd. He spoke about our weakened economy and referenced Reagan’s “shining city on the hill.”
He went on to say,”We are an opportunity nation. I think the President wants to turn us into a European-style welfare state, an entitlement nation, where the role of government isn’t to provide freedom and opportunity but instead take from some and give to others. That model hasn’t worked anywhere in the world. The American model is one of merit and opportunity. Where individuals, through their education, hard work, risk taking and their dreams, can lift themselves and earn great rewards. And by the way, their rewards don’t make us poorer! They give us jobs! They lift us up as a nation.”
Romney said his goodbyes, shook a few hands and took a few pictures. I was pleased that one of the photos was with me.
As we were leaving the fairgrounds, I spotted my very first “occupiers.” The four adults were around sixty. They were freezing in the bitter cold and waving a sign that read, “Corporation is not a person.” They weren’t as young, hairy and disheveled as I would have like to have reported for my first official citing.
Our next stop was the Best Western’s Steeple Inn. We arrived two hours early and secured a front row seat at the Ron Paul rally. The Paul supporters are a different breed. One passed out “unofficial” pamphlets while another (who was wearing a colonial hat) yelled, “Here ye, Here ye, we are awaiting a revolution.” One supporter asked me if I had seen the “Newt” signs on the outer road. I told him that I had, and he informed me that he and another supporter “took care of those.”
There was young military presence along with vocal, die-hard followers in the crowd.
Ron Paul’s son, Sen. Rand Paul, introduced his father. Ron Paul spoke about declaring war constitutionally, abolishing the Federal Reserve and about the loss of our civil liberties. He mentioned how Obama is destroying the country and the crowd responded with resounding boos. Paul spoke of Sept. 11 and our loss of privacy. He said, “Why did they (the government) have to go after the American people? Why did we have the Patriot Act put on the American people?”
Paul exited through the back door while his supporters followed and cheered. I ran up behind him only to get a photo that shows I was there. The rally proved what I had heard. Ron Paul is not only a man, but a movement.
Our next stop was a small manufacturing building for the Gingrich rally. We arrived early and were greeted with stickers, yard signs and t-shirts. I wish they would have offered chairs because Newt arrived four hours later.
Gingrich and his wife, Callista, entered while the crowd cheered. Gingrich proved to be a no nonsense speaker, saying exactly what he believed while admitting to sometimes being a bit “zany,” Gingrich’s intelligence coupled with his calm nature made him an excellent speaker. He was the only candidate thus far who took questions from the audience. He told us that he had done a radio show early in the morning and was not totally focused. He went on to explain that the interviewer said, “Boy, it must cost you a lot to fly.” Gingrich responded, “What do you mean?” the interviewer went on, “Well with all that baggage, don’t they charge you extra?”
Gingrich’s goal was to persuade the crowd that he was “electable,” that Americans don’t need a candidate that can only “beat Obama,” but we need someone who can turn this country around and not merely “manage the decay.”
Gingrich and Callista took pictures with everyone in line and signed posters as well. After noticing that my first picture was blurry, I got back in line. I explained my problem and Callista was very nice about it. After the second picture was taken Newt said to me, “OK, get out of here.” Like I said, the man is not afraid to say exactly what’s on his mind.
It was now quite late and we headed for Des Moines.
Tuesday morning, I witnessed the National Rock the Vote rally “Rock the Caucuses” at Valley High School. The gym was filled with media and senior high school students.
The first speaker was Michele Bachmann. She arrived with two of her daughters. The Congresswoman was a clear, concise speaker. She chose topics that would engage teenagers, like gas prices and employment after college. She said, “Bill Gates told me what the next generation needs is innovation. They need opportunities.” She then proclaimed, “ And that’s what I want to bring to the next generation.”
The next speaker was Tagg Romney. He was accompanied by three of his brothers and he shared stories about his dad. He explained that his father was the “cheapest person” he knew. He said that when he was growing up, his family worked on the house on Saturdays. Mitt and Ann did this not only to save a dime, but to teach their kids the importance of hard work.
The next speaker was former Pennsylvania Senator, Rick Santorum. Santorum was accompanied by his wife and six of his seven children. Santorum spoke about his grandfather’s immigration and how his grandfather had come to America in hope of creating a better life for his children. His grandfather worked in the coal mines until he was 72 years old. Rick reminded the students that America is the land of opportunity because here he is, an immigrant’s grandson, running for President of the United States. Mr. Santorum spoke of hard work and that as Americans, “we believe in free people and the ability to build something from the bottom up.”
The next speaker was Congressman Ron Paul. As Paul entered the gym, the students went crazy. Paul spoke about personal liberties and how we must protect our internet rights. He told the students that after Kelly Clarkson tweeted her support for him, her sales skyrocketed 600 percent. He spoke about war and said if we do need to fight, then “we make the declaration, fight the war, win it and come home.” Ron Paul left the gym with a roaring crowd and the loudest applause of all the candidates. Many students ran out of the gym following the candidate to the parking lot. Ron Paul’s movement continued.
My next stop was Principal Financial in downtown Des Moines. It was a closed event for Principal employees and media only. Governor Perry was introduced by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. Perry supporters, including Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback and Rep. Sam Graves, R-Missouri, were also in attendance. Perry spoke primarily about the economy and job creation. He spoke about our founding fathers and the importance of the 10th amendment which reserves rights to the states.
Perry accepted questions, so I asked, “If you were president, how would you handle Iran’s development of nuclear weaponry seeing that world sanctions are only provoking them?” Perry explained that the U.S must protect Israel at all costs, and that military involvement should be the last resort. The governor noticed my GOP elephant tie, grabbed my forearm and said, “Brother, what’s your name?” I told him, and he said, “I’m going to need your help campaigning when I get to your side of the world.” Gov. Perry may not be the best speaker in the race, but he is a good man with traditional values.
Our last stop of the Iowa adventure was the Fort Des Moines Hotel. The Romney watch party was a ticket-only event. We called the Iowa Republican campaign headquarters and got on the list with no problem. As I was waiting in the hall for the ballroom doors to open (sporting my suit, flag pin and GOP tie), Donna Brazile, the vice chairwoman of the Democratic National committee, stopped and looked to me. I recognized her because her liberal tweets have irritated me to no end. She pointed at me and said, “This guy is going to run for President in 20 years.” I smiled and said, “We may support different parties, but I’d like a picture with you.” After our picture was taken I thanked her and she said, “I like this guy. Good luck in life”.
The ballroom was filled with television cameras and photographers. Being such a close election made it extra exciting. The small room was filled to capacity and the crowd cheered and fell silent as Romney gained and lost the lead. Former Massachusetts Governor, Romney finally addressed the crowd. He thanked the volunteers and congratulated Santorum on his success in Iowa. Romney shook hands and signed autographs. I had printed an 8x10 picture of us from the day before. I handed it to him and he said, “Oh my goodness,” and I explained when it was taken. At midnight, the crowd cleared, although not all the caucus votes had been located and counted. It appeared to be a victory for the Romney campaign, but the real story was the comeback kid, Rick Santorum.
My Iowa experience was quite educational. It was incredible to see the candidates in person and feel the energy of a political rally first hand. I am humbled by the democratic process and thrilled to cast my first vote in the primaries in March. I spoke to many older Iowa Republicans who were attending their first caucus. Most expressed sadness and concern with the way Obama is “ruining” our country, economy and the American dream. They wanted to do their part to “save America.”
There was only an eight vote difference in the Iowa Caucus between Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum.
These eight votes should inspire the nation. If you ever believed your vote didn’t count, then this should force you to think again. I’m sure there are hundreds of Santorum supporters that are kicking themselves. If only nine more had participated.
I would like to give a special thanks to Michele Bachmann who unfortunately dropped out of the race last Wednesday. This congresswoman ran a respectable campaign in effort to restore fundamental principals in America. I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of this patriot.
God Bless America and God Bless all the candidates, volunteers and supporters along the campaign trails.
Ramsey Fowler is a 17 yr old Senior at Lee's Summit West High School.
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