On the Move: The Constitution Coach


Photo: The Keagle Family
"Betsy"
by Dave Keagle, Aug. 5, 2011

We (our family) bought the bus in 2007 from a local car dealer with the intentions of turning it into a RV for us to travel in. We have 8 (9 in a couple weeks) children and finding lodging to accommodate our large family is difficult.

We were involved in the Ron Paul campaign and saw a need for other people to use the bus for literature dropping and transporting people to events. At the time there was a lot of talk that Iowans were not supporting Ron Paul so we decided to paint the bus with issues that were important to our family and to show our support. So, we bought some paint from a hardware store and had a good friend, and Ron Paul supporter, help us paint the bus red, white and blue. My wife, Christa, then spent the next few days hand-painting issues and the other details on the bus.

We thought the bus needed a name so we took suggestions from friends, started an online poll and proudly named the bus "The Constitution Coach".  Her nickname is Betsy—for Betsy Ross.

We have used the bus mainly for political events but have also used her for family functions and fun with our friends. Every winter we take 2 trips through Jolly Holiday Lights (lighted park/fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation) with friends and family.

The bus has been seen on YouTube and mentioned in a few news articles. There is even a facebook page for her - http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Constitution-Coach/163982813666292.

The bus has never received funding from anyone. We have never been paid for endorsing a candidate and everything we do to it is paid for by our family and small donations from friends—basically to pay for fuel.  Ron Paul has hand-signed the bus and we have a tradition of having anyone who rides the bus sign the inside with their name and whatever quote they like. We plan on continuing to have it available to those who want to use it to further the cause of liberty and freedom. 

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