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The Revolution: A Manifesto Hardcover – April 1, 2008

by Ron Paul (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,191 ratings
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This Much Is True: You Have Been Lied To.



    • The government is expanding.
    • Taxes are increasing.
    • More senseless wars are being planned.
    • Inflation is ballooning.
    • Our basic freedoms are disappearing.

    The Founding Fathers didn't want any of this. In fact, they said so quite clearly in the Constitution of the United States of America. Unfortunately, that beautiful, ingenious, and revolutionary document is being ignored more and more in Washington. If we are to enjoy peace, freedom, and prosperity once again, we absolutely must return to the principles upon which America was founded. But finally, there is hope . . .

    In THE REVOLUTION,    Texas congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul has exposed the core truths behind everything threatening America, from the real reasons behind the collapse of the dollar and the looming financial crisis, to terrorism and the loss of our precious civil liberties. In this book, Ron Paul provides answers to questions that few even dare to ask.

    Despite a media blackout, this septuagenarian physician-turned-congressman sparked a movement that has attracted a legion of young, dedicated, enthusiastic supporters . . . a phenomenon that has amazed veteran political observers and made more than one political rival envious. Candidates across America are already running as "Ron Paul Republicans."

    "Dr. Paul cured my apathy," says a popular campaign sign. THE REVOLUTION may cure yours as well.
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      The Revolution: A Manifesto
    2. Print length
      173 pages
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    4. Publisher
      Grand Central Publishing
    5. Publication date
      April 1, 2008
    6. Dimensions
      5.5 x 0.88 x 8.25 inches
    7. ISBN-10
      0446537519
    8. ISBN-13
      978-0446537513
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    Editorial Reviews

    From Publishers Weekly

    Congressman, Republican Presidential candidate and author Paul (A Foreign Policy of Freedom) says "Let the revolution begin" with this libertarian plea for a return to "the principles of our Founding Fathers: liberty, self-government, the Constitution, and a noninterventionist foreign policy." Specific examples demonstrate how far U.S. law has strayed from this path, particularly over the past century, as well as Paul's firm grasp of history and dedication to meaningful debate: "it is revolutionary to ask whether we need troops in 130 countries... whether the accumulation of more and more power in Washington has been good for us...to ask fundamental questions about privacy, police-state measures, taxation, social policy." Though he can rant, Paul is informative and impassioned, giving readers of any political bent food for thought. With harsh words for both Democrats and Republicans, and especially George W. Bush, Paul's no-nonsense text questions the "imperialist" foreign policy that's led to the war in Iraq ("one of the most ill considered, poorly planned, and... unnecessary military conflicts in American history"), the economic situation and rampant federalism treading on states' rights and identities ("The Founding Fathers did not intend for every American neighborhood to be exactly the same"). Though his policy suggestions can seem extreme, Paul's book gives new life to old debates.
    Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

    Review

    "The real truth about Liberty. This book takes a wrecking ball to the political establishment. Senator Goldwater would have loved it -- it's The Conscience of a Conservative for the 21st century." (Barry M. Goldwater, Jr., former member of Congress)

    Product details

    • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing; First Edition (April 1, 2008)
    • Language ‏ : ‎ English
    • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 173 pages
    • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0446537519
    • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0446537513
    • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11 ounces
    • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.88 x 8.25 inches
    • Customer Reviews:
      4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,191 ratings

    About the author

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    Ron Paul

    Ron Paul

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    Ron Paul, an eleven-term congressman from Texas, is the leading advocate of freedom in our nation's capital. He has devoted his political career to the defense of individual liberty, sound money, and a non-interventionist foreign policy. Judge Andrew Napolitano calls him "the Thomas Jefferson of our day." After serving as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s, Dr. Paul moved to Texas to begin a civilian medical practice, delivering over four thousand babies in his career as an obstetrician. He served in Congress from 1976 to 1984, and again from 1996 to the present. He and Carol Paul, his wife of fifty-one years, have five children, eighteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.Ron Paul, the New York Post once wrote, is a politician who "cannot be bought by special interests." "There are few people in public life who, through thick and thin, rain or shine, stick to their principles," added a congressional colleague. "Ron Paul is one of those few."

    Customer reviews

    4.8 out of 5 stars
    2,191 global ratings

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    Customers say

    Customers find the book readable and insightful, offering brilliant insights into many issues facing America today. They appreciate the philosophy of freedom and common sense it instills. Readers mention it's a worthwhile investment, presenting the political situation as not just a practical one. The book tackles the major issues of our country and our freedom, making well-informed decisions based on history and principles.

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    ReadabilityInsightPhilosophy of freedomValue for moneyHistoryHonestyPolitical philosophyLength
    333 customers mention "Readability"333 positive0 negative

    Customers find the book readable and engaging. They mention it's well-written in plain language and offers thought-provoking insights. Readers also say it provides depth of understanding and is simple to understand.

    "...it was longer, but as it stands, it is still an excellent piece of writing on American Government and the actions that need to be taken to ensure..." Read more

    "Dr. Ron Paul's THE REVOLUTION: A MANIFESTO is a concise (167 pages) and convincing argument for a return to America's libertarian principles...." Read more

    "This is a wonderful, well-written book that uses plain language and clear logic to explain libertarian ideas and real world economics to ordinary..." Read more

    "...For that reason alone the book is worth acquiring. Its publication is as prescient in these vaguely fascist times in the same way that Goldwater's "..." Read more

    169 customers mention "Insight"166 positive3 negative

    Customers find the book insightful and well-written. They say it educates on issues facing America today, with intelligent arguments and evidence. The book presents a practical unified theory through a commonsense interpretation of the founding documents. Readers praise the book's ability to present complex ideas in an accessible manner, making it intellectually exciting and eye-opening.

    "...hurled at him from his critics and his message in this book is sensible and thoughtful...." Read more

    "...of the Federal Reserve System in stunning clarity -- no conspiracy theories or half-truths that often further obfuscate discussion of the secretive..." Read more

    "...of books Dr. Paul has authored to inform, educate, and promote awareness of issues that, while many claim are unique and pressing of our day, aren't..." Read more

    "...could, because it does a far better job of explaining and defending libertarian values and ideas than the candidate himself ever did on the campaign..." Read more

    70 customers mention "Philosophy of freedom"66 positive4 negative

    Customers appreciate the book's philosophy of freedom. They find it packed with common sense about politics and freedom. The book reminds them of the value of individual freedom and personal liberty. It outlines the tenets of modern, unapologetic libertarianism, including restoring civil liberties and respecting the rights of everyone around the world.

    "...Personal freedom is equally important, and it includes everything from the right to decide whom one will marry to the right to decide where to live,..." Read more

    "...well-written book that uses plain language and clear logic to explain libertarian ideas and real world economics to ordinary people who may have..." Read more

    "...written and concise book that applies the tenets of modern, unapologetic libertarianism to the issues of the day...." Read more

    "...On the whole, though, this is a solid introduction to the philosophy of freedom, and far better reading than yet another devotional to "hope" and "..." Read more

    51 customers mention "Value for money"45 positive6 negative

    Customers find the book provides sound economics and a philosophy of freedom. They say it's an investment in their future. The book boils down Austrian economics and libertarian principles into a straightforward read that promotes individual freedom, peace, and prosperity through free market economics.

    "...the actions that need to be taken to ensure freedom and prosperity for future generations." Read more

    "...and clear logic to explain libertarian ideas and real world economics to ordinary people who may have never had exposure to the philosophy that was..." Read more

    "...He also addresses Money, which, oddly, rarely figures into the political dialogue, (at least not since Williams Jennings Bryan) yet arguably is the..." Read more

    "...many facets of his objectives including views on foreign policy, monetary policy, abortion, free trade, and an assortment of laissez-faire..." Read more

    49 customers mention "History"49 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the book's historical perspective. They find it insightful and informative, presenting the political situation in a clear way. The author makes well-informed decisions based on history and principles. The book tackles major issues like foreign policy, the Constitution, economic policy, and corruption. Readers say it provides good historical background and changes their views on foreign policy.

    "...Congressman whose career in Washington is marked by a consistent political philosophy and a voting record that is unmatched in the halls of Congress...." Read more

    "...This is a well-written and concise book that applies the tenets of modern, unapologetic libertarianism to the issues of the day...." Read more

    "...Dr. Paul has my support because he makes well-informed decisions based on history, based on principle, and based on a set of values that I find is..." Read more

    "...In this book Ron Paul tackles the major issues of our country and our freedom...." Read more

    26 customers mention "Honesty"26 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the author's honesty. They find the book honest and forthright, with a straightforward discourse. Readers describe the author as an unrelenting voice of truth who speaks to power in a down-to-earth way.

    "...Paul's THE REVOLUTION: A MANIFESTO is a concise (167 pages) and convincing argument for a return to America's libertarian principles...." Read more

    "...The man is opinionated, yet brimming with honesty and integrity...." Read more

    "...They provide insight into what he believes and why he believes it...." Read more

    "...Some of his quotes in this book are brilliant, I love "Truth is treason in the empire of lies." -RP..." Read more

    23 customers mention "Political philosophy"23 positive0 negative

    Customers appreciate the political philosophy of the book. They find Ron Paul to be a brilliant and honest politician. They consider him the greatest American statesman of all time, consistent, and an important voice on the modern American political landscape.

    "...These volumes, along with Paul's book portray a conservative legacy that is far older than the current George W. Bush/John McCain brand of National..." Read more

    "The Most Intelligent Presidential Candidate of Modern Times. This book proves it. You may have heard of Congressman Ron Paul...." Read more

    "Ron Paul is by far the most admirable politician of this age...." Read more

    "...His reputation as one of the most honest and 100% consistent politicians in Washington, the only one that I know, for the past 30+ years will surely..." Read more

    20 customers mention "Length"12 positive8 negative

    Customers have different views on the book's length. Some find it concise and covering important topics in a short time. Others feel it's too short and focuses on only the main issues.

    "...and liberty, we have a glorious prospect before us, big with everything good and great...." Read more

    "...It has the shortcoming of being a little too short...." Read more

    "...These papers were brief, coherent, and comprehensive statements of his decision making process...." Read more

    "...I wish I had read it before the election. This is a short, but thorough statement of basic libertarian principles...." Read more

    Ordered a random used copy of a book written by one of my heroes and received a SIGNED BOOK!!!!
    5 out of 5 stars
    Ordered a random used copy of a book written by one of my heroes and received a SIGNED BOOK!!!!
    I have purchased and read The Revolution: A Manifesto before and highly recommend it to anyone interested in government, politics or history. I have actually given away my a couple of copies years ago and decided it was time to order a new one for my collection. As a huge fan of Dr. Ron Paul, I thought it would be nice to own a signed copy of this great book but upon searching, saw they were all quite expensive. I wished and prayed that I could own a signed copy of The Revolution but ultimately, decided that I could not afford the expense at this moment and opted instead to order a random used copy from Amazon.Imagine my surprise when I went to the mailbox, opened up my package, cracked open my new copy of The Revolution and discovered that IT WAS SIGNED BY DR. RON PAUL!!!!!!!! It turns out the well, read and used copy of the book I ordered was part of a Borders signed book promotion! I can't believe how blessed I am to have received this signed copy of this book, it's just so crazy that I can't help but to shake my head in disbelief!I am EXTREMELY satisfied with my purchase and this book is now safe with me forever and a shining source of pride in my library.
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    Top reviews from the United States

    • Bryan Carey
      5.0 out of 5 stars Ron Paul's Solution? Follow the U.S. Constitution!
      Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2008
      Verified Purchase
      Ron Paul is a maverick U.S. Congressman whose career in Washington is marked by a consistent political philosophy and a voting record that is unmatched in the halls of Congress. Paul is one of the very few congressmen alive who votes according to the dictates of the Constitution and he is sometimes the only person in the entire congress to vote a certain way. His devotion to the U.S. Constitution is relentless, and he has voted against his fellow Republicans almost as often as he has sided in their favor.

      Paul wrote this book to briefly supply his followers and other interested parties with some food for thought. Paul, as everyone knows, was a candidate for the U.S. presidency this year for the second time in his life (he ran for president as a Libertarian in 1988) and he developed quite a following among those who believe strongly that following the U.S. Constitution is not only a good idea, it is also the law. The Revolution: A Manifesto was written to recap Paul's positions on politics and his absolute devotion to the U.S. Constitution,

      This book devotes most of its pages to discussion of the U.S. Constitution and how far American has strayed from the wisdom of our founding document. This has been especially true since the election of George W. Bush to the U.S. presidency. Civil liberties, privacy rights, first amendment rights, and most everything else has gone out the window. Not only that, but the U.S. faces ever larger deficits and a revenue pool that cannot keep pace with the outflow of funds. Monetary and fiscal policies are in shambles, and the U.S. housing market is a mess. Paul realizes these things are true and he knows his fellow Republicans are to blame for much of it. Paul does not hold back his criticisms of members of his own party. If they deserve to be blamed, then Paul is right there, blowing the whistle on their continuous violations of the U.S. Constitution.

      Paul responds to many common questions hurled at him from his critics and his message in this book is sensible and thoughtful. Even though the book uses the word Revolution in its title, Paul isn't radical in his responses, unless you consider supporting the U.S. Constitution an act of rebellion. Paul simply feels that following the U.S. Constitution is the best way to govern. He rejects the concentration of power in the hands of the U.S. President and he longs for the day when the Constitution will be followed as closely as possible and freedom will be respected and protected.

      I like the way Paul includes separate chapters on economic freedom and personal freedom. When today's politicians speak about freedom, they are often referring only to the free enterprise system and the freedom to build wealth and live prosperously. But this is only part of the picture, as Ron Paul is quick to point out. Personal freedom is equally important, and it includes everything from the right to decide whom one will marry to the right to decide where to live, what to eat and drink, whether or not to be religious, whom to associate with, how to think, etc., etc. Too often, politicians pay lip service to these fundamental rights. A quick check of their voting records often reveals a completely different agenda that looks nothing like the political direction in which they claim to lead.

      Overall, The Revolution: A Manifesto is an excellent book about American foreign and domestic policy; where it has been heading over the past several years/decades and what needs to be done to change its course for the better. Ron Paul is unique among politicians, for he is one of only a handful of U.S. Congressmen who actually practices what he preaches; votes consistently in favor of the U.S. Constitution; and criticizes his own party without hesitation when they deserve it. His book would be even better if it was longer, but as it stands, it is still an excellent piece of writing on American Government and the actions that need to be taken to ensure freedom and prosperity for future generations.
      6 people found this helpful
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    • Jason
      5.0 out of 5 stars The most important book written since COMMON SENSE
      Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2008
      Verified Purchase
      Dr. Ron Paul's THE REVOLUTION: A MANIFESTO is a concise (167 pages) and convincing argument for a return to America's libertarian principles. During his campaign for president, Dr. Paul established a very diverse following: Republicans, Democrats, Greens, and "even some anarchists," he would joke. In truth, many people were drawn to him due his obvious sincerity -- a breath of fresh air! -- even if they did not fully agree with or understand his ideology. Now they will understand and become Austro-Jeffersonians, one and all!

      The first chapter, "The False Choices of American Politics," demonstrates why those Ron Paul supporters who do understand his message cannot bring themselves to vote for either McCain or Hillary/Obama, or even to really care who among them wins: There is very little (if any) substantive difference between them. They may disagree about when and where to use foreign intervention, but never over whether it should be used at all. They may disagree over how fast interest rates should be cut by the Fed, but never over whether the Fed should exist. You get the idea.

      Chapters 2 and 3 are titled "The Foreign Policy of the Founding Fathers" and "The Constitution," respectively. Here Dr. Paul challenges his neocon and liberal opponents to openly condemn the wisdom of the founding fathers, which they do with their actions, or else follow it. The framers of the Constitution were far from unanimous -- there were bitter disputes among so-called "Federalists" (Hamiltonian nationalists) and "republicans" (Jeffersonian decentralists) -- but today's neocon/liberals reject the wisdom of both parties, taking an expansive view of their powers that even Hamilton himself would have seen as excessive.

      Chapter 4, "Economic Freedom," may be an eye-opening one for many readers. First, there are the liberals who were attracted to Dr. Paul's campaign, who may for the first time be presented with a contrast between the true Austro-Jeffersonian libertarian brand of capitalism and the inflationist, Kudlow & Company / Forbes magazine variety. Secondly there are many "paleoconservatives" I met who supported Dr. Paul but were under the mistaken impression that he was against free trade -- nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, as Dr. Paul points out here, he is 100% in favor of unilateral, unconditional free trade and 100% against quotas, sanctions, embargoes, duties, and protective tariffs. He does oppose phony "free-trade" deals like NAFTA and the WTO (joining many liberal Democrats in doing so, but for different reasons) not because they "steal American jobs" (they don't), but because they limit trade too greatly. Furthermore, they erode constitutional sovereignty and work for the benefit of politically connected elites, something with which libertarians, paleocons, and liberals can all agree.

      All three constituencies will also cheer Chapter 5, "Civil Liberties and Personal Freedom." Here the contrast between Jeffersonian libertarianism (once considered "liberalism" before that philosophy was given a bad name in the early twentieth century) and the so-called "conservatism" of the neocons and post-WWII New Rightists is perhaps at its greatest. Ron Paul supports the Constitution and the limits it places on government -- which makes him a "blame America" leftist among the neocon punditry, all apologists for the liberal Wilson/FDR/Truman/LBJ foreign policy, by the way.

      But the best and most important chapter, without a doubt, is Chapter 6, "Money: The Forbidden Issue in American Politics." Here Dr. Paul expertly details the operations of the Federal Reserve System in stunning clarity -- no conspiracy theories or half-truths that often further obfuscate discussion of the secretive monetary authority. The Austrian (and true) perspective on the Fed is not to be horrified that the Fed isn't a government agency (it is, even if indirectly), but to be outraged that all banks are essentially arms of the government. We don't need the government to have even more control over the money supply, we need it to have no control whatsoever (the exact opposite of what movies like FREEDOM TO FASCISM seem to suggest). What's more, Dr. Paul doesn't spread the myth that the Fed somehow profits as an entity when it creates money (its profits go to the Treasury), but instead, politically connected individuals and businesses profit at the expense of working-class and poor families. You see, the effects of inflation are not uniform -- the Fed System works as a wealth redistribution system from poor and middle-class to the rich and politically connected. How so? Buy this book and find out!

      Finally, the book ends with the self-titled seventh chapter in which Dr. Paul lays out a moderate and realistic course that could be accomplished over one or two presidential terms. I'm tempted to share this blueprint for you here but I don't want to discourage anyone from buying the book. Instead, I'll use the last few words of this review to lament the fact that this blueprint will certainly not be implemented by the next president. Perhaps a young man or woman who volunteered for Ron Paul's campaign in 2008 will work his or her way up through the political establishment and be swept into office, with a like-minded Paulian Congress, sixteen years from now (just as Reagan followed sixteen years after Goldwater -- not that either of these two are to be looked at as heroes. . .). We can only hope that the Republic can endure that long!
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    • Mykyta Savchenko
      5.0 out of 5 stars Libertarian’s handbook
      Reviewed in Canada on November 20, 2022
      Verified Purchase
      Great book ! Ron Paul undoubtedly one of the greatest US politicians.
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    • Dr. Peter Triller
      5.0 out of 5 stars Guter Einblick in das Freiheitsdenken der libertären Bewegung in den USA
      Reviewed in Germany on January 1, 2014
      Verified Purchase
      Ron Paul stellt sehr überzeugend dar, wie weit sich die amerikanische Politik von den Freiheitsideen der Gründerväter entfernt hat. Einmischung und Interventionismus, Allmachtsglaube und Manipulationen prägen seiner Auffassung nach die US Politik seit Jahrzehnten, ähnlich wie bei uns, möchte man hinzufügen. Überzeugend ist auch sein Bekenntnis gegen die Kriegstreiberei gerade der Bush Regierung. Sehr lesenswert
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    • Mr. Francois Marcognet
      5.0 out of 5 stars L'idéologie américaine
      Reviewed in France on May 18, 2011
      Verified Purchase
      Présentation très claire de la philosophie politique américaine qui devrait inspirer tous ceux qui sont désorientés de nos jours.
      Il faut remonter à l'esprit des "Pères Fondateurs": Jefferson, Washington... et à la Constitution U.S. pour répondre aux problèmes de notre temps: politique économique, gestion monétaire, politique étrangère, libertés civiles et personnelles.
      Le propos et les références utilisées témoignent d'une inscription dans le libéralisme classique, "The Revolution" nous éclaire face à la crise actuelle, monétaire, morale et politique. Voilà l'idéologie américaine en ce qu'elle a de meilleur.
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    • Shane Slade
      5.0 out of 5 stars A Pauline Conversion
      Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 28, 2009
      Verified Purchase
      Here in the UK, we could learn a lot from the sentiments of Mr Paul. At a time when politics has become a profession rather than a vocation, self interest is the politician's only concern. This book argues for less government intervention in our lives. He quotes George Washington to the effect that "Government is not reason; it is not eloquence, it is force".

      The author is a devotee of the Austrian School of economics with its liberal belief in the healthy instincts of the capitalist society uncluttered by the meddling of government agencies. All the evils of our society arise from such meddling he says, whether it be intervention in the politics of foreign countries, foreign aid and at home the banning of drugs and the spending on welfare and medical aid. He even argues against the levying of income tax.

      The pandering to special interest groups always distorts the economy and leads to waste and bureaucracy. He opposed the bailout of the banks for this reason (welfare for the rich) which we have slavishly followed over here in the UK. The UK has a lot to learn from Mr Paul. Only yesterday the UK Government took drastic powers of "snooping" into electronic communications in the alleged fight against terror. Yet the Government's own activities are shrouded in secret.

      Somehow the public must stem and then turn the tide of this undemocratic way of government. In ancient Greece each citizen was required to serve one year in the administration and was obliged to follow the Constitutional laws in every particular. Any irregular behaviour was heavily punished. I recommend this book for those who have wanted a system of politics unpolluted by false sentiment and framed for democratic people with fellow feeling and humane intelligence.
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    • Chris
      5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!
      Reviewed in Canada on August 10, 2014
      Verified Purchase
      Anyone who has heard of Dr. Ron Paul knows that his views are seen by many as controversial and even radical, but many don't realize that his views are grounded quite firmly in the founding document of the United States--the Constitution. He is arguably more studied, well read, and informed than any prospective President in the last 40 years, and certainly more-so than any GOP candidate. His views are grounded in common sense, not radicalism, and this makes the book very accessible and enjoyable to read. Anyone who desires to better understand the mechanics of US politics, and indeed the problems that the country currently faces, should read this work.
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