Reaching Montana's Remnant: A Message of Liberty in Big Sky Country

In the vast expanse of Montana's landscape, where independence and self-reliance aren't just ideals but daily necessities, Ron Paul's concept of "Reaching the Remnant" finds particularly fertile ground. This powerful idea, inspired by Albert Jay Nock's interpretation of the Biblical prophet Isaiah's mission, speaks directly to the heart of what we're trying to accomplish here in Montana.

The concept of the Remnant, as embraced by Ron Paul throughout his career, isn't about reaching the masses with watered-down messages. Instead, it's about connecting with those individuals who inherently understand liberty's value – those who, in their hearts, already know something isn't right with the current system, even if they haven't yet found the words to express it.  We saw this clearly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the Remnant were those who instinctively questioned and opposed the lockdowns and mandates, recognizing them as violations of fundamental human rights and liberty.  

Here in Montana, we see the Remnant in our everyday lives. They're the ranchers who understand property rights not from reading books, but from generations of stewarding their land. They're the small business owners who experience firsthand how government regulations strangle economic freedom. They're the miners, farmers, and craftsmen who know the value of honest work and sound money. 

Montana's unique character makes it a natural home for the Remnant.  Our state's history is written by individuals who valued independence over conformity, who chose self-reliance over dependency, and who understood that freedom isn't just another word – it's a way of life.

As Albert Jay Nock noted, and Ron Paul often emphasized, the Remnant cannot be manufactured or convinced through propaganda. They must be found, and they will recognize the message of liberty when they hear it because it resonates with what they already know to be true.

Our task in the Montana Mises Caucus isn't to convince everyone of liberty's virtues through clever marketing or simplified messaging. Instead, following Ron Paul's example, we're here to articulate the principles of liberty clearly and consistently, knowing that those who are ready – the Remnant – will respond.

This approach might seem counterintuitive in an age of viral marketing and mass appeal. But as Ron Paul demonstrated throughout his career, and particularly during his presidential campaigns, speaking truth consistently and without compromise has a power that transcends traditional political strategies. The Remnant, as Isaiah learned, may be smaller in number, but they are mighty in impact.

In Montana's communities, from Billings to Bozeman, from Missoula to Kalispell, we see this truth in action. When we speak about sound money, we find those who already understand the dangers of inflation. When we discuss property rights, we connect with those who intuitively grasp their fundamental importance. When we advocate for personal liberty, we discover those who have been waiting for someone to give voice to their own deeply held beliefs.

As we continue our work in Montana, we embrace Ron Paul's wisdom about reaching the Remnant. We understand that our message won't resonate with everyone – and that's okay. Our mission is to be a beacon for those who are already seeking the light of liberty, to provide them with the intellectual ammunition they need, and to help them connect with others who share their values.

The beauty of this approach lies in its authenticity. We don't need to compromise our principles or water down our message. We simply need to speak truth consistently and clearly, knowing that the Remnant will recognize it when they hear it.

To those reading this who feel a resonance with these ideas – who have always known in their hearts that liberty is the natural state of mankind – welcome home. You are the Remnant we've been looking for, and together, we can build something remarkable here in Montana.

The path of liberty isn't always the easiest one, but as Montanans know well, the most worthwhile trails are often the most challenging. Join us in this mission to preserve and advance liberty in our beautiful state. The Remnant is gathering, and the time for action is now.

If these words have stirred something within you – a recognition of truths you've always known but perhaps never heard expressed – then you are part of Montana's Remnant. As Ron Paul taught us, this recognition isn't coincidental; it's a calling.

The time for sitting on the sidelines has passed. Montana needs voices of liberty now more than ever. Whether you're a rancher in the eastern plains, a tech worker in Bozeman, or a small business owner in Missoula, your role in preserving and advancing liberty is crucial.

Here's how you can take action today: 

• Join the Montana Mises Caucus (it's free!) 

• Attend our local meetings and events 

• Share these ideas with others who might be part of the Remnant

• Study the principles of liberty and Austrian economics 

• Stand firm in your convictions, knowing you're not alone

Remember, as Ron Paul showed us, courage is contagious. Your stand for liberty, however small it might seem, creates ripples that reach far beyond what you can see. The Remnant in Montana is growing stronger every day, and your voice matters.

Contact us today. Join our mission. Be part of Montana's liberty movement. The Remnant isn't just a concept – it's a community, and it's your community.

The future of freedom in Montana depends on those who recognize its value and are willing to stand for it. Are you ready to answer the call?

From Darkness to Liberty: My Journey to the Montana Mises Caucus

As I reflect on Tuesday's election and Donald Trump's victory, I felt a heavy weight lift from my shoulders – a dark mass of dread, anger, and grief that I'd been carrying for four years. This same emotional burden had become my fuel, my driving force in the fight for freedom here in Montana. But to understand how I got here, I have to go back to the spring of 2020, when my journey toward liberty began in the most unexpected way.

In South Lake Tahoe, California, my hometown became ground zero for some of the nation's most draconian lockdown measures. In a single City Council meeting, our local leaders, gripped by fear and panic, transformed our community into something unrecognizable. Second homeowners were banned. Neighbors were encouraged to report on neighbors. $100 fines were issued for not "social distancing" outside. We could only drive to pharmacies or grocery stores – anywhere else meant risking a fine and being sent home like children.

The Moment Everything Changed

The surreal nature of our new reality hit home just 30 minutes after that fateful City Council meeting. Heavy footsteps approached our front door, and I opened it to find two police officers – officers I knew personally – responding to a neighbor's report that we were "hiding" out-of-town visitors in our garage. My heart pounded as I led them to see what was actually happening: my daughter and her friend having a makeup party.

That moment crystallized everything. Standing in my own home, being investigated because of a neighbor's false report, I felt like I'd woken up in a different country. After the officers left, our family made an immediate decision: we would leave South Lake Tahoe for our friend's ranch in Montana.

Montana offered a breath of fresh air – literally and figuratively. Restaurants were open, stores were operating, and masks weren't universally required. Yet even here, the shadows of authoritarianism lingered in the form of social pressure, sneers, and attempts at public shaming for those who questioned the narrative.

Finding My Voice in Liberty

The rage and fear didn't disappear when we reached Montana – they lived inside me like a constant reminder of what we'd fled. But in the winter of 2020, I discovered voices that would change everything. Through podcasts like Clint Russell's Liberty Lockdown, Dave Smith's Part of the Problem, and The Tom Woods Show, I found kindred spirits who shared my fury at the destruction of American freedom.

As a lifelong progressive Democrat, this was uncharted territory. I had never voted for anyone but Democrats, yet here I was, questioning everything I'd believed. These alternative voices helped me realize a fundamental truth: freedom and liberty would always matter more to me than the false promise of safety that my former political allies were selling.

Then came a pivotal moment. Clint Russell mentioned something called "Mises" in one of his podcasts. Having no idea what it meant, I searched for it (spelling it like "Reese's" at first). This led me to the Montana Mises Caucus social media pages, and suddenly, I felt like I'd found my country again. Here was a bright light in the darkness, a community of people who understood.

From Theory to Action

The MTLP and LNC 2022 in Reno, NV

I joined the Mises Caucus without fully understanding its connection to the Libertarian Party, but I dove headfirst into their reading lists and materials about Austrian economics. Everything I learned about their stance on lockdowns, mandates, and tyranny resonated deeply with my experiences. Several months later, I found myself standing as a delegate at the National Libertarian Party Convention in Reno – something the old me would never have imagined possible.

The journey from that terrifying day in South Lake Tahoe to becoming an active voice in the liberty movement has transformed me completely. This transformation culminated this past Tuesday on Election Day, as I stood in the voting booth, feeling years of rage, fury, and grief flowing through my pen into those little black circles on the ballot.  I felt defiant and full of hope that the people who were responsible for every lockdow, every mandate, every sneer of "anti-vaxxer" would pay with despair on Wednesday morning.

A New Chapter

For the first time in my life, I voted differently. Beyond the few Libertarian candidates on the Montana ballot, I filled in the spot for Donald Trump. I was voting not so much for Trump as I was for RFK's stance against the Covid lockdowns and mandates, Tulsi Gabbard's stand against War, Vivek Ramaswamy's call for "Libertarian Nationalism" – not because I agree with everything they say, but because they represent a decisive stand against the authoritarianism I experienced firsthand. This vote wasn't just political; it was deeply personal and patriotic, perhaps the most emotional civic act I've ever performed.

When Wednesday morning came and we saw the Democrats' defeat at the ballot box, it felt like a referendum against everything that had driven me from my California home. It was a mandate against the policies that had turned neighbor against neighbor and transformed peace officers into enforcers of arbitrary edicts.

Reaching the Remnant

Looking back, I now understand that I was part of what Ron Paul calls "the Remnant" – those who instinctively resist tyranny and seek true liberty. I just didn't know it yet. The Montana Mises Caucus helped me find my voice and my community, showing me that I wasn't alone in my convictions.

Now, our task is clear: we must reach further into the darkness and lift others who feel as lost and angry as I once did. Every person who stood against the lockdowns, who questioned the mandates, who felt that deep unease as their freedoms were stripped away – they are the Remnant, waiting to be found.

This is why I'm sharing my story today. If you're reading this and feeling that same fire for liberty burning inside you, know that you're not alone. The Montana Mises Caucus is here, holding the light of freedom high. 

Join us. 

Share your story. 

Help us reach the Remnant.

Because in the end, that's how we win – not just at the ballot box, but in the hearts and minds of those who know, deep down, that liberty is worth fighting for.

Welcome to the Montana Mises Caucus Blog

Introduction

Welcome to the Montana Mises Caucus blog! We are thrilled to launch this platform as a beacon for liberty-minded individuals across the Treasure State. As we embark on this journey together, we invite you to join us in our mission to advance the principles of individual liberty, sound economics, and constitutional governance in Montana.

The Montana Mises Caucus represents a dynamic movement within the broader Libertarian Party, dedicated to promoting the philosophical and economic principles championed by Ludwig von Mises and other great thinkers in the Austrian School of Economics. We stand as proud members of the national Mises Caucus movement, bringing its message and mission to our beautiful state.

The Mises Caucus: Origins and Foundation

The Mises Caucus was founded in 2017 by Michael Heise, emerging as a response to what many perceived as a drift away from core libertarian principles within the Libertarian Party. Named after the influential Austrian economist Ludwig von Mises, our caucus was born out of a desire to realign the party with its foundational values and to inject a renewed sense of purpose into the libertarian movement.

In the years since its inception, the Mises Caucus has grown rapidly, attracting members who are passionate about individual liberty, free markets, and non-interventionist foreign policy. Our approach, often characterized as bold and unapologetic, has resonated with many who felt that the libertarian message had been diluted in an attempt to appeal to the political mainstream.

The Montana chapter of the Mises Caucus is part of this larger national movement. We've brought together Montanans who share a vision of a freer, more prosperous state – one where individual rights are protected, the free market thrives, and government overreach is consistently challenged and rolled back.

As we've grown, we've focused on education, activism, and political engagement. We've organized events, participated in local and state politics, and worked tirelessly to spread the message of liberty across Montana's vast and varied landscape. Our foundation is built on the belief that principled, consistent advocacy for freedom can and will make a difference in our communities and our state.

Our Mission and Goals

The Montana Mises Caucus is driven by a clear set of principles and objectives that guide our actions and shape our vision for the future. Our primary mission is to advance the cause of liberty through education, activism, and political engagement while staying true to the philosophical foundations of Austrian economics and libertarian thought.

Our key goals include:

• Educational Outreach: We are committed to spreading understanding of Austrian economics, sound money principles, and the philosophy of liberty throughout Montana. This includes organizing seminars, workshops, and study groups focused on the works of Ludwig von Mises, Murray Rothbard, and other influential thinkers.
• Political Action: While we work within the political system, we recognize that lasting change comes from shifting the cultural and intellectual landscape. We aim to influence policy discussions and political decisions at all levels of government in Montana, always advocating for less government intervention and more individual freedom.
• Community Building: We're creating a network of liberty-minded individuals across Montana who can support each other, share resources, and work together toward common goals. This includes fostering relationships between entrepreneurs, activists, and citizens who value freedom.
• Property Rights Protection: As Montanans, we understand the vital importance of private property rights. We actively work to protect these rights from government overreach and promote free market solutions to economic and social challenges.
• Constitutional Governance: We advocate for strict adherence to both the U.S. and Montana State Constitutions, with an emphasis on decentralization and the protection of individual rights.

Reaching the Remnant

One of our core strategies draws inspiration from Ron Paul's powerful concept of "Reaching the Remnant." This idea, originally articulated by Albert Jay Nock and embraced by Dr. Paul, recognizes that within society there exists a "remnant" – individuals who inherently understand and value liberty, even if they haven't yet found their philosophical home.

The concept of the Remnant comes from the biblical story of Isaiah, who was tasked with spreading truth not to the masses, but to those who were receptive to it. Ron Paul applied this principle throughout his career, understanding that his message of liberty, sound money, and peace would resonate most strongly with those already inclined toward these ideals.

Here in Montana, we recognize that our state has always attracted independent-minded individuals who value freedom and self-reliance. These are the people who make up our Remnant – ranchers who understand property rights, entrepreneurs who recognize the burden of government regulation, and citizens who value their constitutional rights and personal liberty.

Our approach to "Reaching the Remnant" involves:

1. Creating content that speaks to those seeking deeper understanding of liberty
2. Hosting events that bring together like-minded individuals
3. Providing resources for self-education in Austrian economics and libertarian philosophy
4. Building networks of support for those already inclined toward liberty
5. Maintaining principled positions even when they might not be popular

We understand, as Ron Paul did, that sustainable change doesn't come from watering down our message to appeal to everyone. Instead, it comes from connecting with those who are ready to embrace the full message of liberty and helping them become effective advocates in their own right.

Call to Action and Conclusion

As we launch this blog and continue our work across Montana, we invite you to join us in this crucial mission. Whether you're new to libertarian ideas or a long-time advocate for liberty, there's a place for you in the Montana Mises Caucus.

We encourage you to:

• Subscribe to our blog for regular updates and insights
• Attend our local meetings and events
• Join our study groups and discussion forums
• Support our initiatives and campaigns
• Share our content with others who might be part of the Remnant

The path to liberty isn't always easy, but it's always worthwhile. Together, we can work to make Montana a beacon of freedom and prosperity, staying true to our state's independent spirit while advancing the cause of liberty for future generations.

Connect with us through our social media channels, email newsletter, or local meetings. The future of liberty in Montana depends on dedicated individuals like you joining the cause.

Welcome to the Montana Mises Caucus. Welcome to the Remnant.