A Simple Idea Can Become A Storm
It started as an off-hand idea in a Facebook group and blossomed into a fundraiser of tens of thousands of dollars. And all it took was some social media interaction and a few viral statements.

Facebook is a phenomenon all to itself, but since its inception, so many other smaller miracles have occurred, rumors spread and lives changed because of the interactions happening at a rate of millions per second on a site that hasn't even gone public yet. Social media has changed our world as we know it, and we are now active, democratic forces in a changing world.

Several members supporting Governor Rick Perry had an idea to raise money for their candidate after a tough (and somewhat surprising) Iowa finish. Despite the ethanol mandate-loving farming communities being addicted to the government programs that have made them billions of dollars and a decade of political respect, Perry hoped to finish in the top three. When he didn't, it was deflating to both his campaign and his supporters. However, something strange happened - upon hearing that the Perry campaign still had roughly $3.5 million left in the bank, fundraising began to spike. Individual contributions began to rise the day after the Caucus, even while institutional donors were holding back. A Facebook group member had an idea: what if we made it so easy to contribute and recruited a tree-style recruiting effort for small monthly amounts? Such a simple, but effective campaign. But it has to be fueled by strong emotion; millions of supporters in later primary states are hoping and praying that South Carolina and Florida get it right, so they have a chance to vote for Governor Rick Perry. The Iowa Caucuses might have been just what they needed for motivation.

It helps, of course, that Governor Perry has had a string of 4 or 5 straight strong or dominating performances in debates hosted by various networks and news organizations. Not only has he been adequately comfortable on-stage, he's been taking it to the Establishment candidates with his populist/conservative message with vigor and wit.

So, all the antagonizing lack of respect and public disdain became plenty of fuel for this fire to spark.

Within two days of the outreach, 60 members had committed to recruit 10 members, and with a goal of raising $50,000 by the S.C. primary as part of the overall $250,000 push for the state; they are nearly half way to their goal after three days. Total recruitment now stands at nearly 500 donors, starting from just two passionate supporters. They are support Governor Perry with REFERRAL CODE: 3000

Governor Walker Has His Own Grassroots Support
Something similar has been occurring in support of a "Celebrate Walker" rally to support Governor Walker at Hart Park in Wauwatosa, January 21st. No group, 527 or political organization is sponsoring this event. It is ENTIRELY planned and paid for by concerned, middle-class individuals. Not a single wealthy donor is involved. The organizers put the event online to help fundraise and within two hours, $700 had been raised.

This is democratic involvement in its most primitive state. People really do make a difference, on the local level, and Iowa was an example of that. Money alone does not buy politics, it takes many other factors and Rick Santorum's virtual tie in Iowa - after being at 5% only 10 days before) showed that. However, no candidate has been so ignored, or reviled when covered, than Rick Perry.

The members of this fundraising group, calling themselves "Perry Forward", believe this is because he is the one they are the most afraid of. Why are they afraid?

Some People Are Just Willing to Do What it Takes
Tort Law Reform
Tax Reform
Malpractice Limits
Medical Care Access Reforms
Judicial Appointment Reform
Cutting Actual Executive Spending
Lowering Tax Rates
Reducing the Number of Government Departments

These are accomplishments of Governor Perry in his home state, and with a GOP Congress likely still intact, and a presumed Senate takeover, Perry could accomplish something as monumental as Governor Walker accomplished here in Wisconsin. And the Establishment knows this.

If you wish to be part of this small but fast growing group and help Governor Perry last long after South Carolina, feel free to stop by the GROUP SITE on Facebook, the DONATION PAGE on Perry's campaign site.

And remember, if there's every anything you want to accomplish, it's always possible with a little creativity and social media outreach. If we complain about the world we live in, but never do anything about it to change, we lose our ethical right to complain. Nearly election we have these days shows how every vote counts, when millions of votes are decided by a few thousand in Wisconsin's Supreme Court elections, and Presidential elections are decided by 500, as in Florida in 2000.

It's amazing isn't it? Your voice could make the difference next time.

Stay active, stay vocal and stay "Patched"-in! ;)

And remember, use REFERRAL CODE: 3000!