Posted on 12/20/2007 9:46:02 PM PST by ellery
No, it isn't a real fundraiser, but a political satirist's joke about former Senator Fred Thompson's staunch support for gun rights actually seems to be gaining traction on the Presidential candidate's own website.
From the political parody column, entitled "Fred Fundraiser Targets $6M in Guns Pre-Christmas", published on ScrappleFace.com:
Republican Presidential candidate Fred Thompson today, upon hearing that rival Ron Paul’s supporters had raised $6 million in 24 hours to commemorate the Boston Tea Party, called on his supporters to match that figure in gun purchases before Christmas to mark George Washington’s victory at the Battle of Trenton.
“I’m tired of running around the country raising money that I just have to hand over to the same mainstream media companies that ignore my campaign,” said the former senator from Tennessee. “We’ve done enough this year to support the so-called free press of the first amendment. Let’s give a boost to our friends who make it possible for us to exercise our second amendment right to keep and bear arms.” Click 'Read More' for the full commentary.
Again, from the ScrappleFace.com parody: “Go out and get your sweetie a nice personal protection sidearm,” said Mr. Thompson, “or buy your kid his first shotgun. If you have a few bucks leftover, go ahead and get that civil liberties insurance device you’ve been thinking about for yourself. I’d like to get ten or twelve thousand more firearms into the hands of law-abiding Americans, purchased from local merchants in hometowns across the nation.”
Thompson supporters can visit the Fred ‘08 campaign website to anonymously report how much they spent on handguns, rifles and other firearms before midnight December 25, the eve of Washington’s crossing the Delaware in 1776. When chatter about the parody began in the comments section of the FredFile, the candidate's official weblog, the campaign decided it was time to make note of the fact that it was indeed a parody. Nevertheless, readers of the FredFile blog at Fred08.com liked the satirist's idea so much that they have begin posting their recent firearms purchases and enjoying a healthy discussion about same in the comments section of the blog.
I believe it's Rush Limbaugh who regularly reminds his listeners that the best political satire contains an element of truth, and it is quite obvious from the response to the ScrappleFace.com that there is a strong desire for a pro-gun Republican like Thompson to stand up for them in the 2008 Presidential primaries.
Chad Baus is a Member of the Fulton County, OH Republican Central Committee and the Buckeye Firearms Association Vice Chairman and Northwest Ohio Chair.
Cute little art-imitates-life-imitates-art Thompson ping (apparently the Buckeye/Ohio Firearms Assn. like Fred).
I did just that.
I love this idea. Buy a gun for Christmas...and send Fred a little money for his campaign to help protect your right to buy and own your next one.
I think I’ll go down to the Outdoorsman tomorrow and pick up some more ammo. Been thinking about that for awhile. I’ll send another check to Fred’s campaign too while I’m out near the Post Box.
weapons? Thompson? U sure they’re not talking about the Thompson Submachine gun, the sweetest piece of small arms firepower made in the free world, used by G men and made men alike....
This is hilarious!
This is only happening because the media immidiately did its best to denigrate Fred Thompson because they knew he would prevail over the rest. Fred and I are Pissed!
I’ve been doing my door to door campaigning for Fred with my Para-ordinance .45 in a tactical rig strapped to my thigh and let me tell you, people seem to agree with me wherever I go. The out pouring of supportive statements has been overwhelming.
The other day one guy just pulled out his wallet and threw it to me. The cash will go straight to the campaign but now I’m trying to find the guy because I can’t figure out a way to use his cards and he seemed really insistent that I do..... I’m not sure how to report the watches and bracelets and other stuff on the donation forms either. Any ideas?
I'd report them as booty... [arghhhhh!]
Now I’m going to have the Clash’s “Tommy Gun” in my head all day. :)
I might be a Duncan Hunter supporter, but this story is hilarious!
I think I’m going to give Smith & Wesson this year, hey - two more shopping days until Christmas, that’s enough time!
I am buying an XD45 Compact today... and it’s all Fred’s fault! You have just gotta love Fred!!!
LLS
You owe me a bluetooth keyboard.
Looks like I’ve got a little more shopping to do.
I did just that.
Hehehehe, me also!
Out of all the candidates, he seems the best candidate.
Spent my "discretionary funds" on donations to local GOP candidates this year. But never fear Fred will get some donations from me soon enough.
LOL!
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