The walkers are on a 280 mile journey on foot to the Twin Cities in Minnesota. The group are walking to educate people on the US Constitution at various town hall meetings along the walk route. When arriving in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, they are attending Ron Paul's Rally For the Republic at the Target Center on Sept. 2nd.
For more info or to donate to the walkers, please visit http://walk4freedom.org
Great American Walk for Freedom Traverses Wisconsin Effort Promotes Constitutional Government
On August 11, 2008, a group of “latter day Paul Reveres” will step forward and take a “Message of Freedom” directly to the people of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Displaying undaunted commitment to the restoration of Constitutional government in America, these self-described “patriots of the 2nd American Revolution” will traverse 280 miles in 21 days to arrive in Minneapolis for Congressman Ron Paul’s “Rally for the Republic” on September 2nd.
The group feels that the fundamental principles of the Constitution are no longer being followed in America today. “We have lost our way. We have a government of men, not a government of law. We’re talking about the restoration of Constitutional government and the rule of law”, says John Zwengel, one of the group’s organizers and a computer graphics artist from rural Illinois.
Educate and Organize The organizers are quick to point out that The Great American Walk for Freedom is not a protest or a demonstration. “This is a campaign of outreach, education and organization”, says Los Angeles resident Steven Vincent. “In each town we pass through, with every American we meet, at every farmhouse and every crossroads, we will educate the people about the condition of the country and the solution to its troubles: the principles of Liberty and the Constitution. “
A fleet of rented RV’s will serve as mobile dormitories, mess halls, bathrooms and supply vehicles. The RV’s will be decorated to advertise their message as they travel and will serve as housing in Minneapolis as well.
Taking the “Case for Freedom” to the People The group plans on distributing thousands of copies of the U.S. Constitution and “USA Tomorrow” newspapers and will hold Town Hall Meetings in some 24 locations along the route. “We will cut a swath across two States and leave a trail of Freedom in our path” says Michael Maresco, who hails from Hawaii. “Samuel Adams spoke of ‘setting brushfires of Liberty in the minds of men’. That’s what we aim to do.”
At these meetings the group will give a presentation entitled: “The Case for Freedom: The Constitution is the Way Forward for America”. Jim Azzola, an online bookseller from New Hampshire said, “We will also encourage dialogue about the Constitutional issues raised by the presentation. We intend to spark thought and discussion giving voice to the People on the most pressing matters facing the nation today.”
Vincent feels that “Americans are ready to hear the message of Freedom” and notes that “the response from the people of Wisconsin has been tremendous. We have Town Hall Meetings scheduled at High Schools, Public Libraries, American Legion Posts and Churches. The responsive participation we are receiving is exemplified by the leader of a Boy Scouts troop who, upon learning of the upcoming meeting, offered to distribute flyers to all the parents and scouts at their next gathering. He also volunteered to place the flyer on public bulletin boards around town and place an ad in the town newspaper.”
The organizers say that several returning Iraq War veterans will be joining their Walk for Freedom and that Wisconsin veterans organizations have been among the most interested in hearing their message. Harry, an 81 year old WWII and Korean War veteran from rural Illinois, is contacting VFW and American Legion Posts about the Great American Walk for Freedom. Harry feels that something has gone wrong with the country and feels compelled to act. “I can’t believe what this country is becoming. It’s sure not what I went to fight for”.
We The People The organizers emphasize that it is a non-partisan effort. The Freedom Walkers are an odd assortment of Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Independents and others whose basic agreement is that the Founding Fathers gave America a governing rule book to follow and that it is no longer being followed. “I always say, if you don’t have rules, then you’re going to have rulers.” says Steven Vincent. “Someone is going to decide. If it’s not the unbiased law, then it’s going to be men with a self interested agenda”.
The Great American Walk for Freedom will have a big “Kick Off” from Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Monday, August 11th at the Packers home opening game. Their first stop from there will be Pulaski, Wisconsin.
To find the complete schedule of stops and Town Hall meetings, visit http://www.Walk4Freedom.com. To participate in the Walk for Freedom, set up a Town Hall Meeting, make a donation or otherwise support this effort, contact: freedommessage@sbcglobal.net or leave a message at 414-256-1307.
