The Ron Paul movement

Re “Foot soldiers of the Ron Paul revolution,” Dec. 1

As a political novice, I started “Los Angeles for Dean” in my living room in the spring of 2003. Like the Ron Paul activists, we were enthusiastic, with tons of ideas and abilities. And, with other Howard Dean groups across California, we created a massive grass-roots infrastructure.

Part Two of our story, however, was after Dean lost the nomination. We continued organizing by joining the John Kerry campaign and Dean’s new group, Democracy for America. We became first-time local assembly delegates in the California Democratic Party. We started, joined or took over local Democratic clubs. Dean’s supporters ensured that the former candidate became chair of the Democratic National Committee. Our goal was to revitalize what we saw as a moribund political system and bring back the “Democratic wing of the Democratic Party.”

I sympathize with Paul’s supporters. Their values are underrepresented in today’s Republican Party. What will be interesting is if they’ll remain engaged and help change the GOP, or whether they and their candidate will be pushed out by the powers that be.

Susanne Savage

Hollywood

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Re “Paul sees threat in ‘NAFTA highway,’ ” Nov. 30

Paul believes that “our national sovereignty is under threat” from an imaginary Canada-to-Mexico superhighway. I’ve also heard that this delusional highway is meant to facilitate an invasion from Canada or help speed the colonization of the U.S. by Mexico. My advice to Paul and his enthusiastic followers: If the tinfoil hat fits, wear it.

Kevin B. Powell

Long Beach