When you write about Ron Paul as I did this morning, you have to expect a tidal wave of Paulnuts to flood your Inbox unless you share his followers’ unshakable belief in the Texas congressman’s messianic characteristics. Over at National Review Online, David Frum took note of this phenomenon and broke down the critiques he received into percentages. Frum generally did better than I did; almost 40% of the missives that slipped over his transom were “critical but civil.” But then, I had no right to high hopes since I said so many nasty (yet constructive!) things about his followers and their colorful nature. In retrospect, I guess the PhotoShops of Paul as the “Don’t Tase Me Bro” kid were unlikely to endear me to Paul’s intense and devoted following. It’s likely that people will be studying the Ron Paul Phenomenon literally for days if not weeks after the 2008 campaign ends. Thus, as my small contribution to posterity and this promising field of future study, I too will document the nature of the feedback I’ve received regarding my Ron Paul piece. Positive – 0% Registered Partial Agreement – 0% Critical but Civil – 5% Displayed Evidence of a Sense of Humor – 3% Angry – 85% Furious – 50% Suggested an Anatomically Impossible Feat – 25% Convinced Ron Paul Will be the Next President – 40% Authors Good Candidates for State Ordered Commission to a Mental Health Facility – Depends on applicable state statutes.
