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Submitted by stevenl on Sun, 05/13/2007 - 8:03pm.
I like third parties and political underdogs. As some of you OlyBloggers might recall, my 2008 presidential coverage began with Mike Gravel's announcement of his candidacy and his brief Olympia connection. Last week I had the opportunity to chat with another long-shot, Gene Amondson, 2004 candidate (and presumptive 2008 standard-bearer) of the Prohibition Party. Actually, Mr. Amondson was not the candidate in 2004, but rather a candidate. The Prohibition Party, America's oldest continuous third party, has been experiencing some intra-political struggles in the last few years. Amondson appears to represent the new blood, the dynamic faction. He was on the ballot in Louisiana and Colorado in 2004. In the latter state, Amondson outpolled Earl Dodge, a name linked with the Party's old guard. This result has apparently been viewed by Amondson's followers as a party primary, making Gene the provisional candidate for 2008. My interest in his campaign stems from his Washington State connection. Off the top of my head he is only the third Evergreen State native, after Scoop Jackson and Pat Paulsen, to seek the presidency. Mr. Amondson opened our phone conversation with questions for me. He likes to know his audience. Was I raised Catholic or Protestant? I grew up Methodist. Am I still going to church? I answered that I'm not religious but I think of myself as spiritual. "I'm not religious, but I'm a liar, but I like you anyway," he cheerfully responded. The Amondson campaign does seem based on religion. Well, Protestant religion to be more precise. Two of his heroes are John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, and Billy Sunday, the take-no-prisoners hell-fire preacher of the Jazz Age. Amondson has a one man Billy Sunday performance, re-enacting the old timey sermons. He is particularly fond of this Billy Sunday quote: "I hope to see the United States become so dry that you will have to prime a man before he can spit." Which brings us to the subject of alcohol. Mr. Amondson is against it. Alcohol, says Amondson, is the original gateway drug. "It fills our prisons," he points out. The fact one of America's most dangerous drugs is not only legal but promoted through advertising is something the Prohibition Party wants to change. Where a Libertarian (Amondson enjoys the term "Losertarian") might want to decriminalize a number of currently illegal substances, prohibitionists want to add alcohol to the list alongside heroin and meth. The Prohibition Party's 2004 platform is extremely conservative on non-alcohol issues, so it is startling to hear Amondson give a strong anti-corporate angle to his message. "Nobody is dealing with alcohol," he says, pointing out the famous right-wing radio hosts, televangelists, and Republican leaders have been "bought off" by the alcohol, tobacco and gambling industries. "We gotta wake up!" is a motto he likes to use. "Dumb people drink," Amondson says as he outlines a vision of starting a national preventative education program in the event he wins the election. He is pleased to see smoking has become less and less socially acceptable. "We need to look at drinking as dumb as smoking," and is disappointed at the right wing for dropping the ball on the smoking issue. "It should have been the Christians, the Republicans, but it was the Democrats" who cracked down on tobacco, he says with disgust. One is left with the impression he is attempting to shame his fellow conservatives into joining the fight rather than reach out to moderate voters. In spite of that, Amondson still likes George W. Bush. Although he thinks Bush has really stopped drinking, he wishes the President would use his high-visibility position to educate young people on how much damage alcohol created in his life. He thinks Laura Bush might possibly be a smoker, and that bothers him. I didn't ask about the escapades of the Bush twins. Amondson clearly enjoys being a candidate, even when being the butt of a joke, as he was on the Daily Show. "It's fun," he says. He is probably the only person running for President who dresses up as the Grim Reaper to make a political point, whether it is picketing a winery or just walking in front of bars with a bottle in hand asking tavern customers, "Still drinkin' this stuff?" In 2008 he would like to be on the ballot in five or six states and double his 2004 media coverage to get the anti-alcohol message out there. He likes "revealing new facts the voters never knew." Especially when it comes to defending America's experiment with Prohibition in the 1920s. Aside from having a religious foundation, his campaign also sees alcohol as a human rights and child abuse issue. This was shaped by his personal experience while growing up in the area of his native town-- Morton, Washington. The Amondson name is part of Lewis County history. Gene's father was a preacher. His uncle "Porky" Amondson was a well known law enforcement officer. Neil Amondson, a recent Republican State Legislator from Lewis County, is Gene's brother. Morton, where Gene was born in 1943, was (and is) in logging country. And Eastern Lewis County being isolated, it was also something of a refugee camp for moonshiners who had been chased out of other areas or released from prison, according to Amondson. As a child he witnessed drunken logger brawls and went to school alongside children of alcoholics who were inadequately clothed. "I grew up in a little denomination like Methodist called Church of God (Anderson, Indiana bunch). My Dad worked for a logging company in Kosmos, Washington, and the logging camp and booze is where I learned about booze." He became aware of how alcohol abuse was a family disease and not a victimless problem. He worked as a choker setter for logging operations from Oregon to Alaska, continuing to see how alcohol ravaged the lives of his fellow lumbermen. In Alaska, Amondson said "Mail pilots could always tell a drunk town from a dry town from the amount of garbage visible from the air." When I asked Mr. Amondson if there was something about being a Washingtonian that set him apart from other candidates, he replied: "Loggers don't mind a good fight"
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Prohibition Platform Etc...
Submitted by Robert Whitlock on Sun, 05/13/2007 - 9:18pm.I think history is pretty plain on the failure of the prohibition.
I totally agree that alcohol causes a great many problems in our society. Alcohol is associated with an astoundingly high percentage of violent crimes.
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism have very high societal costs. We would be much better off without the plague of the disease of alcoholism. However, as long as alcohol is available, which it will be I'm afraid, whether it's legal or not, there will be alcoholism.
I think Mr. Amondson would find a greater degree of success in trying to stamp out the evils of chemical dependency and drug abuse - rather than assume the fascist and totalitarian stance of prohibiting the use and sale altogether.
Thanks for giving me a chance to spout off. I support legalization and taxation of mood-altering chemicals. The tax revenue can be used to fund treatment, education, and abuse prevention programs.
In the Course of Events
Prohibition is fascist?
Submitted by swiftyone2002 on Sat, 05/19/2007 - 8:38am.Abstention v. Prohibition
Submitted by Robert Whitlock on Sat, 05/19/2007 - 11:13am.Perhaps calling prohibition was slightly antagonistic and inflammatory. I think that the definition of fascism is, however, much broader than the fascism of Italy and Germany prior to WWII. Fascism, to me, means dictatorial.
I don't think that dictating, or legislating, against the consumption of alcohol is appropriate to a free society that prides itself on liberty.
Of course alcohol abuse has a multitude of very serious societal consequences. But when regulated, tax money can provide the basic economic substance to provide preventative programs.
In the Course of Events
Good interview
Submitted by Sarah on Mon, 05/14/2007 - 9:22am.Amondson Interview
Submitted by Ogre Mage on Mon, 05/14/2007 - 10:18pm.Hi Steve,
This is a good interview. It was interesting how Amondson was influenced by growing up in a logger town in Washington and seeing the effect alcohol had on the populace. And if he spent a significant amount of time in Alaska, where alcoholism has traditionally been a big problem, I could see how that would factor in as well.
I looked at the 2004 Party Platform for the Prohibition Party and think a lot of it is far-right wingnuttia.
As far as Bush in concerned, several people have told me he comes off like a dry drunk.
Comment From Don Webb
Submitted by stevenl on Wed, 05/16/2007 - 5:41am.Don Webb, the Prohibition Party National Chair, sent the following comment:
A very good summary of the Amondson Campaign. We need and appreciate this type of coverage. The only point of correction, Gene Amondson was THE - not A - Prohibition candidate for President in 2004. Earl Dodge used the label "Prohibition" in Colorado wiithout permission from the Prohibition National Convention or the Prohibition National Committee. Lack of finances kept us from having him legally removed from the ballot using that label. It could be argued that Dodge ran as "A" Prohbition candidate, but Amondson was "THE" official candidate. Otherwise, the article is good and we need more of this type of exposure.
Don Webb
Digg it (vote for)
Submitted by Sarah on Wed, 05/16/2007 - 9:24am.Anyone can digg (vote for) this story. Easy to sign up for a Digg account if you don't already have one. I've started the ball rolling here (please ignore the fact that I did not spell the title correctly).
(Later edit, hopefully I have the links correct now.)
Our Campaigns
Submitted by Sarah on Wed, 05/16/2007 - 6:46pm.The Need For Third Party Debate
Submitted by swiftyone2002 on Sat, 05/19/2007 - 8:47am.In recent weeks the two major party candidates for nomination have debated and recieved coverage by the mainstream media. Where is the coverage of third party candidates?
The 2007 World Almanac gives the list of presidential candidates for 2004 and how many votes each recieved. There were 15 third party candidates. Their votes made up 1% of the popular vote, enough to change election results in the tight 2004 presidentila race. I just wonder how many more people would have voted for third party candidates if there had been media coverage.
Gene I like this!
Submitted by swiftyone2002 on Sat, 05/19/2007 - 8:53am.Gene Amondson, I like this blog site! I wish you had been on the ballot in Missouri in '04. I would've voted for you. As it was, i opted for Peroutka, the Constitution Party candidate.
I'm familiar with the Church of God, Anderson beliefs and with three groups which broke off. It is interesting how many holiness preachers have run for president on the Prohibition Party ticket. I'm glad you're on that list.
Richard D. Swift
Update, June 14, 2007
Submitted by stevenl on Sun, 07/01/2007 - 4:21pm.Looks like the Prohibition Party is in for another election cycle with a split in the ranks. A faction has once again nominated Dodge .
Meanwhile, I have found another Washingtonian running for President, Dal LaMagna of Poulsbo is running as a Democrat.
A look at history
Submitted by Anonymously Larry on Sat, 06/16/2007 - 11:27am.A look at history will show us all what we really know, and avoid talking about at social gatherings - prohibition didn't work and opened the door to incredible crime. You can bet your bottom dollar that there is lots of lobbying money coming from drug cartels (and the liquor industry) to make sure that mood altering substances, other than alcohol, will not be legalized.
A "free market" would ruin the "black market"
Anonymously Larry No Longer Muted
Absolutely
Submitted by Norm on Sat, 06/16/2007 - 6:00pm.I may not like it, but I agree with you %100 here Larry.
Not my favorite thought either...
Submitted by Anonymously Larry on Sat, 06/16/2007 - 9:16pm.We agree, Norm. I don't like it either, but I can tell you from my "past life" that it's not the street dealer that is making the big money. There are some people in this world with huge amounts of cash that need to keep things just the way they are, for their benefit.
Anonymously Larry No Longer Muted
Update, July 1, 2007
Submitted by stevenl on Sun, 07/01/2007 - 4:23pm.July 4, 2007 update
Submitted by stevenl on Wed, 07/04/2007 - 4:45pm.Trial set in Media, Pennsylvania for Aug. 16 will determine which faction gets the $$$
Third Party Watch
Ballot Access News
Interesting stuff
Submitted by Norm on Thu, 07/05/2007 - 11:10am.Aug. 2007 update
Submitted by stevenl on Fri, 08/24/2007 - 9:07pm.Three Washingtonians
Submitted by stevenl on Sat, 08/25/2007 - 7:28pm.Ellen Linea W. Jensen
Submitted by stevenl on Thu, 09/13/2007 - 7:41pm.I have stumbled upon another Washingtonian who ran for President. This is from a murky newsclipping, from the November 10? 1952 issue of Seattle Daily Times:
"Seattle Woman Running For President"
"A Seattle grandmother has enjoyed greatly her campaign for President as the nominee of the Washington Peace Party, her son said today."
"The candidate, who was not on the ballot in this state is Mrs. Ellen Linea W. Jensen, a Seattle resident for 35 years."
"Mrs. Jensen has been conducting her campaign from Miami. Her son, Paul R. Jensen, 2700 59th Av. S. W., said he talked with her on the telephone last night."
"'She said she expects to receive quite a few popular votes in California and Florida,' Jensen said. Jensen believes his mother was the only woman running for President in today's election."
"The Washington Peace Party's platform calls for a 'a return to the principles of George Washington.'"
Mrs. Jensen was also covered in the Sept. 1, 1952 issue of Time:
"Washington Peace. For President, Mrs. Ellen Linea W. Jensen, 50-year-old Miami grandmother and astrologist who claims to be in close communion with George Washington 'on the other side'; for Vice President, a man whose identity Mrs. Jensen doesn't feel free to reveal. Candidate Jensen, who says she was a 'Himalayan Master' in a previous incarnation, promises to stamp out Communism 'within nine minutes' of her inauguration. Though her party is 'very loosely organized' and has only 'a bare possibility' of getting on the ballot in Texas and Washington, Mrs. Jensen believes she is a shoo-in, since her horoscope is favorable."Sounds like she was a promising candidate
Submitted by Robert Whitlock on Fri, 09/14/2007 - 1:08am.GOP Candidate Keith Sprankle
Submitted by sprankle2008 on Thu, 09/13/2007 - 9:45pm.It’s very nice to see more people looking and informing the public about the other Presidential Candidate. I would like to take the time and invite every reader back to our website as we have made many new changes. SPRANKLE2008.COM
First you'll notice that our Campaign did very well in Washington state, we spent 3 days during labor day weekend at the Evergreen State Fair in Washington, and now Our campaign is gearing up to hit the road. Our first stop is Tulsa, OK were we have been invited to the GOP Presidential Straw Poll and to attend the Tulsa State Fair. We are planning for a very large turnout in Tulsa as we have many supporters in Washington State, Texas, Florida, Organ.
I would also like to bring to your readers the following:
Press Release: Senator Barack Obama embraces Republican Candidate Keith Sprankle's Iraq Plan for the future.
September 12, 2007
Everett, WA. – I was honored to have Democratic Presidential Candidate, Senator Barack Obama, embrace my plan and vision for the redevelopment and solutions for the Country of Iraq.
This is truly a sign these are plans in which all people, both Democratic and Republican, can come together in seeking a single vision for the future of our Nation and of World Peace.
Senator Barack Obama released his plan consistent with my "Nation Building Program" for Iraq today, September 12, 2007, just seven months after I published this purposeful, goal oriented, solution to the current situation we are experiencing today.
All of us must show the wisdom and the will to bring lasting peace to the Middle East and all corners of our world which rely on stability in that region.
America is a peace-seeking country. Despite the repeated terror attacks against our Nation, the people of this great Country do not wish to wage war in the far reaches of our world. Instead we wish to share the economic freedoms with encourage personal development and a sense of accomplishment.
It is the people of America who desire to be known for their achievements, caring, compassion and economic ingenuity, rather than in the battlefield settling wars. We are committed to make the world a better place for all people, no matter what drives their beliefs and society.
My plan will create a new and better reality for country of Iraq. And it also has the potential to create the right conditions to resume negotiations between Nations with whom we have previously shut the door on communications. I was encouraged by Senator Barack Obama when he voiced his positive response and support for my "Nation Building Program" through his duplication of the specific outline. Our Country can forge new ground in diplomatic world relations and build ongoing deep and sincere friendships throughout the world.
I believe that my plan can be an important contribution to the advancement of economic development for all people in the Middle East, and together will build our trust, which is the only viable way to achieve the peace and security in the Middle East.
As President, I would push to implement my solution for Iraq, no matter what the current circumstances are when the powers that be hand over the keys to our Nation.
Keith Sprankle, Republican Candidate for President 2008
If you are interested in interviewing Keith Sprankle or having him on as a guest commentator on a issue, please call Richard Sprankle at (425) 647-8292.
Thank you again
Richard
Sprankle for President 2008
Welcome to OlyBlog
Submitted by stevenl on Fri, 09/14/2007 - 6:19am.More Washingtonians Running for President
Submitted by stevenl on Sat, 09/15/2007 - 12:12am.Bob Dorn, 2004: "All we know about Dorn came from an email he sent Politics1 in April 2003: 'Please include my name on your list of Presidential candidates for the 2004
election ... I am an Independant from Washington ... I am a musician band leader by trade ... My band's name is Melchi. I am a Christian by faith, led by the Holy Spirit, and founded upon the New King James Bible. I attend Alderwood Manor Community Church in Lynnwood.'" Hey-- "Independant"? Apparently the Holy Spirit does not also serve as a dictionary.
Max Engelarius, 1996-2004: American Tradition Party. Here is a link to a community TV appearance by Max. Warning *Offensive and Sexist Language*
Bruce Mukian: 2000: "Muckian's campaign is entirely facetious and -- he concedes -- his chances of winning are 'somewhere between astronomical and totally outrageous!' He's really running for the fun of it and, he claims, to raise money for a family trip to Ireland on the Concorde. With his cousin Mike as a runningmate, he has several clever campaign slogans including: 'At least they're not the Clintons,' 'You've Done Worse' and 'Vote for Muck -- The Others Suck!'."
Video from Max
Submitted by Robert Whitlock on Sat, 09/15/2007 - 8:26am.Gene is in
Submitted by stevenl on Sun, 09/16/2007 - 7:40am.Republican Presidential Candidate Debate in Ames, Iowa 11/6/2007
Submitted by sprankle2008 on Mon, 09/17/2007 - 4:53pm.We desperately need your help!
I would like to introduce the very strong and sound Family values and moral standing of my campaign to the general public. To this end, we have been trying to contact Gregory L Geoffroy, president of Iowa State University of Science and Technology in an attempt to gain a invitation to the Republican Presidential Candidate Debate in Ames, Iowa on November 6, 2007 Telecasted by MSNBC.
We feel this debate would be the important stepping stone we need to share with America the vision of hope and cures for the near future. A couple of key phone calls are needed to break the glass ceiling we are facing in this race. Therefore, I humbly would indulge your assistance.
We have been building a great deal of local support on the west coast and now in Texas and across America. I will be in the Oklahoma Presidential straw poll later this month.
I bring a sound Health-Care plan which truly will work for America. Along with this my platform provides more solutions to help build back many of the fading moral values our Country is losing. I truly can compete against the Big four Republicans heading into this year-end race.
The lives of many Americans are depending on this message.
So i am asking that everyone that reads this message please make a phone call to Gregory L Geoffroy, and Kate Bielenberg at (515) 294-4941 and demand that KEITH SPRANKLE be invited to the Ames, Iowa November 6, 2007 Republican Presidential Debate!
Once you have made the phone call please email me at Keith@Sprankle2008.com or make a posting here to let us know that you have made a demand for us.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT!
SPRANKLE FOR PRESIDENT 2008 http://www.sprankle2008.com
Gene and Energy
Submitted by stevenl on Sun, 10/07/2007 - 4:05pm.Gene Amondson recently sent me this very interesting video link regarding John Kanzius and the use of salt water as an alternative form of energy. I know Prohibition Party candidates prefer we use water as an alternative to addiction to alcohol. Apparently Gene proposes we use salt water as an alternative to addiction to petroleum.
I would be floored if any of the major party candidates, including the ones I like, even dared to suggest a strong and swift alternative to our oil-based economy. So I say, Go Gene! Recognize that oil has been as destructive to our lives as alcohol, with the same addictive properties.
awesome
Submitted by Robert Whitlock on Sun, 10/07/2007 - 11:41pm.GOP Keith Sprankle on "The Michael Medved Show" Today
Submitted by sprankle2008 on Tue, 11/06/2007 - 6:50pm.Earl Dodge
Submitted by stevenl on Thu, 11/08/2007 - 8:10pm.Earl Dodge died yesterday at the age of 74.
Prohibition Party Heals Rift
Submitted by stevenl on Mon, 03/10/2008 - 5:29am.This in last week from Ballot Access News:
"The faction of the Prohibition Party formerly led by Earl Dodge has now nominated Gene Amondson for president to replace Dodge himself, who died in November 2007. Since the other faction is also running Amondson, there is no longer any factionalism in the party over the presidential nomination this year."
Amondson Endorses McCain?
Submitted by stevenl on Mon, 04/28/2008 - 5:03am.In this Orlando Sentinel profile from earlier this month, Gene apparently endorses Sen. McCain. In describing how Amondson will only be on the ballot in a few states, not including his own, the concluding paragraph reads:
Amondson, a resident of Washington state, could vote for himself as a write-in. But he says he doesn't intend to do so. "I will probably vote for the Republican candidate," he says. "All third-party people are a little goofy."
Now here's the fun part. Mrs. McCain is chair of a large Anheuser-Busch distribution company.
Almost missed update
Submitted by stevenl on Mon, 07/21/2008 - 5:36am.July 29, 2008 update
Submitted by stevenl on Tue, 07/29/2008 - 6:03am.Mr. Amondson sent me the following press release:
PRAY FOR OUR PROHIBITION PARTY, AS JOHN MOE, FROM AMERICAN WEEKEND, WILL DO AN INTERVIEW WITH OUR SECRETARY JIM HEDGES AND I FOR RADIO (THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT PRODUCE THE PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION SHOW, FOR NPR)
4 YEARS AGO WE RAN IN TWO STATES.........THIS YEAR WE WILL BE RUNNING IN 6 STATES, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida,Tennessee, Louisiana, & Mississippi
HOPING TO PICK UP MINNESOTA
THIS IS A BIG YEAR FOR US AS DR. DAN AMEN OF NPR, RADIO, COMES TO SEATTLE SPEAKING FOR 75 DOLLARS A POP, SAYING HEY DUMB DUMB, 3 DRINKS A WEEK WILL NOT HURT YOU, BUT 4 OR MORE WILL DAMAGE YOUR BRAIN
Getting Serious
Submitted by Robert Whitlock on Tue, 07/29/2008 - 12:25pm.Amondson, thanks for polarizing the debate. Sheesh. /end uninformed reactionary diatribe.