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Home , Americans Elect, Gary Johnson, John Hospers, Mark Hinkle

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PERMIT NO. 1541

- Libertar the be to Johnson Gary

bylaws and platform. platform. and bylaws

continued on page 4... page on continued

Delegates chose former Mexico New former chose Delegates Libertarian Party Speaks Out.....14 Speaks Party Libertarian portant changes were made to the party’s party’s the to made were changes portant

“I am honored and I just want to to want just I and honored am “I Chair would end. end. would Chair - im some intact, largely left While

of balloting. balloting. of how the passionately contested race for for race contested passionately the how useful candidate training sessions. sessions. training candidate useful Affiliate News...... 12 Affiliate

the 595 votes (70 percent) in the first round round first the in percent) (70 votes 595 the ficers. Buckle your seatbelt! No one knew knew one No seatbelt! your Buckle ficers. vention with inspiring talks and powerful, powerful, and talks inspiring with vention

ian Presidential nominee, receiving 419 of of 419 receiving nominee, Presidential ian - of party for election the came Then

- con the graced speakers fascinating other Gov. Inverview...... 9 Johnson Gary Gov.

An array of Libertarian Heroes and and Heroes Libertarian of array An diate for the 2012 election. Judge (right), a veteran trial judge in , was elected Vice President. Vice elected was California, in judge trial veteran a (right), Gray Jim Judge election. 2012 the for diate

- can presidential its as (left) Johnson Gary Governor Mexico New two-term former elected Party Libertarian The were decisive. decisive. were

Awards...... 8

dential and vice presidential nominations nominations presidential vice and dential

- presi The friends. old two of reunion a as

Libertarian Solutions...... 6,15 Libertarian

Wrights and Gary Johnson was as friendly friendly as was Johnson Gary and Wrights

The presidential debate between Lee Lee between debate presidential The

LP Candidates...... 6-8,11 LP

on May 2 to 6. to 2 May on

the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada Vegas, Las in Resort Rock Red the

Platform Changes...... 5 Platform Libertarian National Convention held at at held Convention National Libertarian

cratic conventions -- that was the 2012 2012 the was that -- conventions cratic

- Demo and Republican taxpayer-funded Convention News...... 3-6,8 Convention

today’s scripted, tightly controlled, and and controlled, tightly scripted, today’s

candidates and a refreshing departure from from departure refreshing a and candidates Bylaw Changes...... 3 Bylaw

profile presidential and vice-presidential vice-presidential and presidential profile A A

history, the election of our high- our of election the history,

LP Presidential Debate...... 3 Presidential LP

celebration of the party’s 40-year 40-year party’s the of celebration

roller-coaster ride, a heart-rending heart-rending a ride, roller-coaster

LP News LP Corner...... 2 Chair’s Gov. Gary Johnson, Judge Jim Gray Top LP Ticket LP Top Gray Jim Judge Johnson, Gary Gov.

In This Issue: This In

Voting Libertarian is the Only Cure for Big Government - Page 5 Page - Government Big for Cure Only the is Libertarian Voting Winner of Libertarian Solutions Contest - Page 6 Page - Contest Solutions Libertarian of Winner

The Official Newspaper of the Libertarian Party Libertarian the of Newspaper Official The

Volume 42, Issue 2 Issue 42, Volume June 2012 June

Johnson Debate - Page 3 Page - Debate Johnson

David Bergland Moderates Wrights/ Moderates Bergland David

The Party of Principle of Party The ™

LP . . m u m Mini m u m Maxi • ent m Govern m Freedo ORG WWW Page 2 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org June 2012

Hundreds of people shouted their feelings, not with hair s orner a single reason, or a single voice, but as a response to The following C ’ C leadership they couldn’t and wouldn’t support. My elec- tion was achieved by a 62-percent final total, which I became Lifetime Members of would consider to be a mandate if I had an opponent the Libertarian Party between Things Must Change other than NOTA. Let me be clear: NOTA got the man- date, not me. 3/16/12 and 6/1/12: he Libertarian Party has Thirty-eight percent wanted someone besides me. long had a tradition of ad- Upon the announcement of the results, when walking to Drew Bisson (IN) Tvocating that “none of the the stage, I asked a friend “Is 62 percent enough?” Jerry Bloom (MI) above” (NOTA) be a choice on I hope it is, to give me a chance to earn the privi- John Bowers (MN) every ballot, so that voters are not lege and duty of being your Chair. But I’m still not sure. Michael Brickey (OH) forced to choose between candi- All I know is that the delegates that supported me chose dates they do not want. We use me, but those who chose NOTA are the electorate we Thomas Buchholz (CO) NOTA in our internal party races on the LNC must address. The delegates spoke loudly, Stephen Collett (CA) as an affirmation that this prin- clearly and unambiguously that things must change. Aaron Day (NH) ciple apply not only to govern- After the convention, there were some signs lying Geoffrey J. Neale Marc Feldman (OH) ment positions, but to ourselves around that said “Re-Elect No One for LNC.” I have as well. one on my wall in my office. I intend to bring one to Catherine Jeffrey (NC) I’ve secretly rooted for NOTA for years, hoping every LNC meeting.The LNC cannot forget what hap- Todd Larson (IL) that we Libertarians provide an example for the world of pened. We can only acknowledge the dissatisfaction, Sharon Maguire (PA) why NOTA is a great idea. If it’s a great idea for public listen to the membership, and most of all hear what they Edward Marsh (TN) elections, we should be able to show and acknowledge have to say. that it’s a great idea for us too. Then change! Aaron Massey (IL) I never anticipated that this would be the year - that In closing, I want to not only listen, but to hear Rachel Moore (NE) the Chair’s race would be the venue -- that I would be why you voted for NOTA. Please share your reasons Warren Patterson (SC) the “survivor.” Up until 24 hours before the result was with me by emailing me at [email protected]. George Pearson (LA) announced, I sensed that there was a high degree of dis- PS -- I want to personally thank my dear friend and satisfaction that was felt by more than just me. champion of -- outgoing Chairman Rob Power (NY) In this election, in this year, NOTA was the irresist- -- for his two years of service to the Libertarian Party. James Rongstad (MN) ible force. I’m happy to report that Mark accepted my offer to con- Hendrik Sharples (WA) The sentiment was clear, but the reasons are many, tinue to both serve and lead in our efforts to raise the Joseph Silvestri (NV) and to assume I understand why the delegates voted for funds for the David F. Nolan Headquarters building. NOTA is a mistake I will not make. Each voter has his or Kirk Singh (IN) her reason for why they voted for NOTA. Jay Wood (CA) From my perspective, our delegates finally em- braced NOTA, and understood their power. In the ab- The Libertarian Party grants Lifetime Member- sence of a choice they could support, they embraced a ship to individuals who contribute at least response they could. What I heard was the same senti- Editor’s Note: Outgoing chairman Mark Hinkle re- $1,000 during any twelve-month period. Call ment expressed by Howard Beale in the movie Network: sponds: “Yes, I will work with David Blau to secure the 202-333-0008 to find out how much more “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this any- funding necessary to buy the David F. Nolan Headquar- you would need to donate to become a Life- more!” ters. Full speed ahead!” time Member today.

Send News, Articles, Libertarian Party News Essays or (ISSN 8755-139X) is the official LP News Photographs: newspaper of the Libertarian Party Libertarian Party® of the United The Purposes of the Libertarian Party: 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 200 States. Opinions and articles Washington, DC 20037 published in this newspaper do not The Party is organized to implement and give voice to the principles embodied in the State- ment of Principles by: functioning as a libertarian political entity separate and distinct from all Phone: (202) 333-0008 necessarily represent official party E-mail: [email protected] positions unless so indicated. other political parties or movements; moving public policy in a libertarian direction by building a political party that elects Libertarians to public office; chartering affiliate parties throughout the and promoting their growth and activities; nominating candidates for Presi- Send Address Changes To: NATIONAL CHAIR: Libertarian Party Geoffrey J. Neale dent and VicePresident of the United States, and supporting Party and affiliate party candi- dates for political office; and, entering into public information activities. 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 200 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20037 Washington, DC 20037 LP NEWS Editor: Phone: (202) 333-0008 E-mail: [email protected] Carla Howell Email: [email protected] STAFF AND OTHER CONTRIBUTORS: Max Kniazkov, Nigel Lyons, Alicia Mattson, Vicki Dunbar (photography) Vol. 42, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 3

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Next LP National Convention: Hyatt Regency, Columbus, Debate, or Dance? June 25-29, 2014 Transparency Wins, Fee Ban Fails in LP Bylaw Debate ransparency was a big winner at tration fee, also known as a floor fee. the Las Vegas Convention when The existing bylaws neither explic- Tdelegates set out to discuss party itly prohibit nor allow such a fee. bylaws and proceedings. But an attempt Mr. Lark’s initiative gained a simple to adopt language specifically prohibiting majority of 166 votes, with 112 delegates charging delegates a registration fee failed voting against. However, a qualified two- to get enough votes for passage. thirds majority was needed to ensure pas- Maximum transparency and access sage, something the motion did not attain. to LNC meeting records was the goal of Several proposals were designed to one of 10 new proposals put forward by increase the power of rank-and-file party the Bylaws and Rules Committee. members while decreasing the clout of R. Lee Wrights stands at the podium during a debate with Gov. Gary Johnson. While Johnson ultimately The minutes of past LNC meetings its elected officials. One of them was an won the nomination, Wrights went on to be elected Vice Chairman of the Libertarian Party. are now available on the party’s website, amendment enabling members to bypass www.LP.org. However, in a past term, the the Bylaws and Rules Committee and as it a debate or a dance between Johnson: Governance in this country needs archive was taken down and all historical sponsor amendments to the bylaws. The Libertarian presidential candi- to occur with the strict adherence to the minutes were removed. measure also allowed voting for their ap- Wdates Lee Wrights of Texas and U.S. Constitution. The bad news is that this The proposal, approved by conven- proval by email. former governor Gary Johnson of New country is in really deep trouble. We are go- tion delegates, requires that all important Three more called for electing the Mexico when they squared off in a bid for ing to experience a collapse in government. party documents be posted in a perma- LNC by all the members of the party rath- the party’s nomination on Friday, May 4 in We are going to experience a monetary col- nent archive section on the www.lp.org er than by convention delegates, holding Las Vegas, Nevada at the 2012 Libertarian lapse given the fact that we are borrowing website. Moreover, it allows members to so-called “open conventions,” in which all National Convention? and printing money to the tune of 43 cents record the proceedings while in open ses- members would be allowed to participate, They differed more often in style than out of every dollar. That’s the bad news. The sion. and introducing a minimum membership substance on most issues. Lee Wrights good news is that we can fix this. We went “It was necessary to make sure that term to qualify for being a convention del- wowed the crowd with slogans and sound to the Moon. We can fix this. And to fix this all party members have access to records,” egate. bites while Gary Johnson presented himself we need to stop printing money. We need to commented , Vice Chair All four motions failed. as an experienced lawmaker. Judging by the slash spending, and we need to do that now. of the Libertarian Party of . Other proposals that were rejected signs held up for the two candidates, John- As president of the United States, I A heated discussion was sparked by by vote of the delegates included: creation son had a 3:2 edge, or 60% to 40%. am making three promises. First promise, I a proposal by former National Libertarian of a Style Committee empowered to edit Here are their responses to some ques- promise to submit a balanced budget to Con- Chair Jim Lark, who called for formally tions and topics raised by , gress in the year 2013. I am going to submit continued on page 5... prohibiting a mandatory convention regis- debate moderator, who was the 1984 Liber- a document with a $1.4 trillion reduction in tarian Presidential Nominee. federal spending, a 43-percent reduction in Bergland: What about the economy and job federal spending. creation? Second promise, I promise to veto any Wrights: This is for you, America. I am expenditure that exceeds revenue… I have Update running for president so that I could leave no aversion to vetoing legislation. you alone… Government is not the solution. Lastly, I am promising to advocate on The Libertarian Party is on ballot in Government exacerbates all the problems the part of throwing out the entire federal tax 30 states as of June 7, 2012. that we have. system: no income tax, no corporate tax, no Well, I have looked into that and have tax withholding. Abolish the IRS. Third Party dropped out of the race for presi- found there there is a way a president can “As (1995- dent. With out as well, it’s wide open for the LP! create jobs – by firing people. I know, I know 2003) I had the best record of the 50 gover- it sounds funny, but it is true. We’ve done nors at creating new jobs. But I, as governor, Funds are urgently needed to finish ballot access the research. For every regulator, for every I did not create a single job. The private sec- Problem: bureaucrat (official) that loses their job, tor creates jobs. drives. 150 private sector jobs are created. This is “But do not underestimate the power not going to be hard: You are fired, you are of the executive in controlling rules and Solution: Please donate today at LP.org to get our candi- fired, you are fired. 150, 150, 150… I know regulations. I also favor the fair tax and the it sounds crazy, but that would be my answer continued on page 6... dates on the ballot. to it: Start firing people. Page 4 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org June 2012 With Many Thanks! National Convention Recap The following officers of the erford and 40.1% for Mark Hinkle, with Libertarian Party were elected ...continued from page 1 NOTA taking 18%. On round 2 balloting at the 2012 that no one will be disappointed. (with Mark Hinkle dropped from the bal- National Convention. We’re going to grow the Libertarian Par- lot), after multiple challenges and a full re- ty.” Mr. Johnson said in his acceptance vote of the same ballot, round 2 ended with speech. Mark Rutherford at 50.0%, just shy of a Officers & At Large: Governor Johnson proposes to cut majority, and NOTA at 49.8%. LNC Chair - Geoffrey Neale today’s federal government spending by Since the Chair and Vice Chair were Vice Chair - Lee Wrights 43% his first year in office as President in both on the ballot, Chair Mark Hinkle had Treasurer - Tim Hagan order to immediately balance the budget handed the gavel to former party Chair Bill without raising total tax revenue. In his Redpath, who led one of the most conten- Secretary - Ruth Bennett eight years as governor of New Mexico, tious elections in the party’s history. Con- At Large - Michael Cloud he vetoed more bills than perhaps all other sidering the complexity of motions, votes, At Large - governors combined serving in the country and recounting of votes that ensued, he met At Large - Wayne Root at the time. the challenge to keep order masterfully. At Large - Starchild by Ruth Bennett R. Lee Wrights of Texas received “That was the most chal lenging 152 votes, the only other candidate who situation I have ever encountered during At Large - qualified for inclusion in the presidential a convention,” Mr. Redpath said, who Ruth Bennett, Convention Director, addresses the crowd at the National Convention. debate, which required the approval of at chaired both the 2008 and 2010 national Region 1 - AK, AZ, CO, HI, ID, least 10 percent of the delegates. conventions. KS, MT, UT, WA, WY hen National Chair Mark Hin- The Vice Presidential nomination The race that was expected to end by Regional Rep - Norm Olsen kle asked me to take on the went to Judge James P. Gray of California, mid-Saturday afternoon finally reached its Alternate - Tony Ryan 2012 Libertarian Party Presi- a former Superior Court Judge in Orange conclusion late Sunday morning. After at W least seven rounds of balloting and six at dential Nominating Convention about County, California and author of several Region 2 - FL, GA, TN 18 weeks before the opening gavel he books, including Why Our Drug Laws least seven motions to suspend the rules should have warned me to “hang on! It’s Have Failed and What We Can Do About related to the Chair’s election, Geoffrey Regional Rep - Vicki Kirkland going to be a bumpy ride!” It - A Judicial Indictment of the War on Neale, a software architect from Texas, Alternate - Richard Schrade But no convention happens without Drugs (2001). was elected National Chairman for the many hands and I would like to thank Judge Gray was the 2004 Libertarian Libertarian Party with 264 votes (62 per- Region 3 - IN, KY, OH, MI the people that made it happen. Nancy Party candidate for U.S. Senate challeng- cent). None of the Above (NOTA) finished Regional Rep - Jillian A Mack Neale stepped up to take on speaker in- ing entrenched incumbent Democrat Bar- second with 159 votes (37 percent). Alternate - Sam Goldstein vitations, scheduling and so much more, bara Boxer. He is now the spokesperson Mr. Neale is well-known to party and the convention would not have hap- for a California ballot initiative Regulate members. He served as Chairman for the Region 4 - AR, CA, NV, NM, NY pened without all of her hours of work. Marijuana Like Wine which proponents party from 2002 to 2004 and was a mem- Michael Colley oversaw our audio/visual aim to place on the ballot in 2014. If ber of the Libertarian National Commit- Regional Rep - Dan Wiener needs, fire marshal compliance (no small passed, it will decriminalize con- tee for five terms. He was a manager of Alternate - Scott Lieberman measure in Las Vegas!) with the invalu- sumption and production. Michael J. Badnarik’s 2004 campaign for Regional Rep - Brett Pojunis able Joseph Hassen taking over A/V Judge Gray received 357 out of 600 president. Alternate - Audrey Capozzi onsite and pitching in to do whatever I votes in the first round of balloting (59 His wife of 36 years, Nancy Neale, is asked of him. percent), to become our Vice Presidential a Libertarian veteran who has been a key Region 5N - CT, MA, ME, NH, Alicia Mattson set up our initial nominee. organizer of several national conventions. NJ, RI, VT schedule, which while we edited heav- “With Governor Gary Johnson, I am “2012 may be the party’s best year Regional Rep - Rich Tomasso ily, was a very useful tool. She also re- determined to bring back prosperity and ever,” Mr. Neale said after his election. Alternate - David Blau searched the many other entertainment liberty to the United States of America,” “Through our Libertarian candidates, we’ll offer voters a real choice for small govern- options available for attendees. Kevin said Judge Gray. Region 5S - DC, DE, MD, NC, Knedler worked on all the Party awards ment, freedom, prosperity and peace.” and Brett Pojunis arranged for the Con- Battle for party leadership erupts After declining his nomination to PA, VA, WV vention logo design. The convention serve as Chair, R. Lee Wrights of Texas Regional Rep - James W. Lark III theme, Liberty Will Win was the sugges- After the congenial elections for was elected Vice Chairman with 52.5 per- Alternate - Scott Spencer tion of Bill Redpath and Vicki Kirkland president and vice president had ended and cent of the vote. Mr. Wrights is founder was a sane and reasonable voice in the C-SPAN had packed its gear and left, the and editor of LibertyForAll.net, a leading Region 6 - IL, IA, MN, MO, NE, occasional chaos. fireworks began. online libertarian newsletter. ND, SD, WI Michael Cloud was the behind-the- NOTA (none of the above) proved to Tim Hagan of Nevada was elected Regional Rep - Dianna Visek scenes marketing genius that enabled us be a factor in the Libertarian Party Chair Treasurer, and Ruth Bennett of Alternate - Michael Knebel to sell over 250 Gold Packages with little race, preventing either of the two declared was elected Secretary. marketing expense. BetteRose Ryan gave candidates, incumbent Vice Chair Mark freely of her extensive convention plan- Rutherford of Indiana and incumbent Region 7 - AL, LA, MS, OK, TX ning experience and Executive Director Chair Mark Hinkle of California, from be- Editor’s Note: Dwight Steffner, Max Regional Rep - John Jay Myers ing able to attain a majority. First round Kniazkov and Carla Howell contributed to Alternate - TBD continued on page 7... balloting resulted in 41.3% for Mark Ruth- this article. Vol. 42, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 5 Platform Changes Include Michael Cloud: “Voting Libertarian is the Only Cure for Big Government” Adding Ballot Initiatives to ichael Cloud says, “Republicans have Mbeen false friends to free markets and tax cuts LP’s Political Arsenal for too long.“ Adding, “they onvention delegates adopted a sell them out every time.” handful of changes to the party’s Cloud, a prominent lib- platform, leaveign most of it intact. ertarian strategist and author, C issued a rousing appeal for Notably, the Libertarian Party added ballot initiatives to its political action arsenal, a support of Libertarian Party way for voters to directly reduce the size, candidates in the upcoming scope, authority, spending and taxation of elections, rejecting charges government. that they are ‘spoilers.’ “You “We advocate initiative, referendum, can’t spoil tainted meat,” he recall and repeal when used as popular said in his keynote address on checks on government,” states a new party May 3rd. Cloud dispelled the no- platform, adopted at the Libertarian Nation- Paul Jacob, founder of the Citizens in Charge Foun- al Convention in Las Vegas. Citizen-spon- dation, adresses Libertarian activists at the Nation- tion that voting for Libertar- sored ballot initiatives are currently used to al Convention. ian candidates this November seek direct popular approval of legislation what they ought not to do.” would draw votes away from in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Mr. Jacob said the Libertarian Party Republican candidates and They are also common at the local govern- cannot succeed without connecting with the help President ment level. American people and gaining their support and his Democratic allies. According to ballotpedia.org, 97 bal- through a democratic process. “If is lot questions have been certified for spots “So, I say let’s embrace it,” he said elected President, he will Libertarian strategist Michael Cloud delivers the keynote address on 31 statewide ballots so far this year. Paul of the ballot initiative idea. “In politics the make Obamacare perma- at the 2012 Libertarian Naitonal Convention. Jacob, a former member of the Libertarian straightest line is a ballot initiative…I am nent,” said Cloud. “That’s National Committee and founder of the Cit- convinced it is the most powerful tool that what he did in . That’s Democratic and Republican can- izens In Charge Foundation, called this LP we have to take back our country.” what he’ll do in D.C.” didates for political office always say platform amendment a “great thing.” Another change was made in the plat- “What’s worse than having a ter- they want to go to Washington with “a “I applaud the party for doing that,” form plank dealing with education. The sen- minal disease?” he asked. “Having Re- pen to write new laws,” he noted. “But he said, addressing Libertarian Conven- tence, “Schools should be managed locally publican politicians sell you snake-oil as Libertarians have a radically different tion delegates in Las Vegas at the Saturday to achieve greater accountability and paren- cure -- and taking your tax money, too.” approach.” morning breakfast. “I am excited and have tal involvement” was replaced with, “re- Republican politicians claim that “We’re going to D.C. with an eras- been hoping for many conventions to see store authority to parents to determine the Big Government is malfunctioning. er,” he said. “We are going to reduce or that happen.” Mr. Jacob said that without education of their children, without interfer- “If only Republican politicians were in remove as much Big Government as we ballot initiatives that help keep government ence from government.” Language was also charge of Big Government, if only Re- can, as fast as we can, as long as we can.” in check, people were left only with legis- added to clarify that this should not “be con- publican policies guided Big Govern- “We want to make government so latures, which pursue their own narrow in- strued to condone child abuse or neglect.” ment, then we could get Big Government small that they start putting its pictures terests. Another change adopted by conven- under control”, they claim. on the side of milk cartons.” “I know that the people can be tion delegates added the language in the sec- “But Big Government is not mal- Republican politicians try to scare wrong,” he said. “But I am convinced that tion on rights and discrimination regarding functioning,” Michael Cloud said. “It’s taxpayers and voters into supporting I am safer throwing myself on the mercy of the condemnation of bigotry: “Libertarians functioning exactly the way it always them. They tell us that President Obama the American people than pretending that embrace the concept that all people are born functions. Big Government folds, spin- is so bad that everybody needs to rally somehow what is written in the American with certain inherent rights. We reject the dles and mutilates our lives. And bank- around the Republican presidential nom- Constitution is going to stop a federal judge, idea that a natural right can ever impose an rupts our families. That’s how Big Gov- inee. a federal agency or a politician from doing obligation upon others to fulfill that ‘right.’” ernment functions,” he said. “But the lesser of two evils is usu- “Leading libertarian thinkers – ally the greater evil,” Cloud warned. parties to hold positions of trust or respon- from to “That’s why we can’t afford to vote for LP Bylaws sibility at the LP. to – have warned us that the Republican nominee for president.” Two other proposals of the Bylaws Big Government is unfixably, fatally “The only presidential vote worth ...continued from page 3 and Rules Committee won the approval flawed,” he said. casting this November is your vote for party documents in between convention; a of delegates. One authorizes the National “Then what is the solution to the the Libertarian nominee.” requirement for each convention delegate Committee to appoint an Assistant Trea- disease of Big Government?” asked Mr. Delegates of the Libertarian Na- to be a sustaining member of the National surer. The other reduces the LNC mail Cloud. “Dismantle it, liquidate it and tional Convention responded with thun- LP or a member of the affiliate party in ballot process from 15 to 10 days. In the give back every dime, every dollar to the derous applause when Cloud said, “Vot- whose delegation he or she is seated; a ban end, three of the Committee’s 10 propos- working men and women who earned the ing Libertarian means never having to on individuals with ties to other political als were approved by delegates. money.” say you’re sorry.” Page 6 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org June 2012 Right-To-Carry Video Wins Top Prize in Libertarian Solutions Contest payers’ rights and interests against the nants of the Alcohol Prohibition in . by Max Kniazkov over–reaching and over–spending of gov- He proposed eliminating the state’s Depart- ernment. She also co-founded Induction ment of Alcoholic Beverage Control so that lizabeth Brierly of San Jose, Calif., Works Industries, a company that uses a more restaurants and bars can open, gener- won the 2012 Libertarian Solutions patented method to find new libertarians ating 10,000 new jobs within five years – Video Contest after presenting a and persuade them to support libertarian without spending a single taxpayer dollar. E Another fine proposal was presented passionate, well-argued ad in defense of an candidates, campaigns, and think–tanks. ’s right to carry arms to protect “When my parents introduced me by Fred Stitt, who’s an authority on energy his or her life, safety and property. Her win to the writings of Ayn Rand and Harry systems. He argues that American consum- came with a $500 cash prize. Browne at age twelve, I realized that what ers can cut their electric bills roughly in Videos entered into the contest that I’d always been had a name: libertarian,” half by eliminating government-granted made the final cut were presented on the she said. monopolies of the electrical generation and main floor at the Libertarian National Con- Stewart Flood of came distribution industry. com- vention in Las Vegas, played at the party’s in second with his short, to-the-point video petition will also conserve energy, saving vendor booth at the convention, and posted Why Vote Libertarian. “Vote your con- enough electricity to power fourteen cities at the LP.org website where members and science,” he declared. “Vote Libertarian.” the size of New York City – ever year. convention attendees were invited to cast Andrew Ian Dodge, Libertarian U.S. Scott Spencer served as the “talking Elizabeth Brierly, winner of the 2012 Libertarian So- their votes for the best video. Ms. Brierly’s Senate candidate from , was third head” for Joseph Friedlander’s Libertarian lutions Video Contest. video on Your Right of Self- Defense won with his video Pursuit of Happiness, a re- Solution to allow businesses to opt out of stantially cut the cost of hiring a plumber with 28 percent of the vote. freshing take on support of gay marriage government regulations. Friedlander pro- while creating jobs for qualified workers. “I’m thrilled!” Ms. Brierly said in a based on this fundamental right established posed a sweeping constitutional amend- These are just a sampling of many statement. “It was so much fun to partici- by the Declaration of Independence. ment to effectively nullify regulations at more Libertarian Solutions to come, all pate in building this new tool for LP can- “While it’s fun to pick a winner, ev- all levels of government, relying instead on of which explain how less government didates -- yet another inspired project from ery Libertarian Solution is a win because market regulation and thereby giving buy- makes life better for everyday voters. More the national LP office. Although the story they make shrinking Big Government – and ers and sellers much more choice, lower than eight additional videos have been pro- and the sentiment were mine, I must say expanding liberty - possible,” said Carla costs and better quality. It was a refreshing duced at the Libertarian National headquar- that the headquarters team deserves most Howell, Executive Director of the Libertar- turnabout from endless claims that govern- ters and are now posted at the LP.org web of the credit for making me look and sound ian National Committee and organizer of ment is the solution to every human prob- site featuring spokespersons Arvin Vohra, good.” the contest. lem. Mark Grannis, Scott Spencer and Laura Ms. Brierly has served as president Libertarian State Rep candidate Barry James Andrews made a homemade Delhomme. of Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, Short made a compelling case in his Liber- video that calls for an end to state licensing To learn more, or to submit your idea which is dedicated to protecting local tax- tarian Solutions video for ending the rem- of plumbers. He noted that this would sub- for a Libertarian Solution, visit LP.org. Calen Fretts Challenges Republican Incumbent for U.S. Congress Seat With Many Thanks...... continued from page 4 is name recently graced the pages digging deeper. of – not a “At this stage, ‘cutting the deficit’ Carla Howell and Operations Manager small feat for a young Libertar- means absolutely nothing,” he says. “Elim- Robert Kraus were always available with H inating the deficit is what’s important.” ian challenging a well-entrenched Repub- support and advice. lican incumbent. In an article about Texas If elected, Ms. Fretts plans to work Cheryl Irwin, our decorator, also Congressman Ron Paul supporters making to completely phase out . provided us our talented singer, Kayla a push for political office, the newspaper He will work to block any new attempts to Johnson Smith. Kayla’s renditions of pointed out that Libertarian Calen Fretts raise the debt ceiling in order to continue America the Beautiful and The Star Span- was “chipping away at Representative Jeff government’s profligate spending. gled Banner were so moving and added a Miller in ’s Panhandle,” the power- In addition, he will fight for a bal- patriotic note to the convention. Cheryl’s ful chairman of the House Committee on anced budget amendment to the Constitu- decorations added sophistication and el- Veterans’ Affairs who has been on Capitol tion, which he believed has now become a egance to the main hall and our banquet. Hill since 2001. requirement for the long-term security of Stephen Gordon and his press/media “The Constitution was written with the US. “American families are expected to crew did incredible work and I still have the intent to put chains on the government, operate on balanced budgets, and 49 out of folks I meet telling me they read or saw restraining it only to a small number of the 50 states have some form of balanced references to the LP convention. specifically enumerated powers,” Fretts budget amendment,” he notes. “We should I am so grateful to everyone who said, announcing his candidacy. “Now, demand that the federal government do the put time, effort, treasure, energy and love though, the roles have been reversed. same.” Calen Fretts is running for U.S. Congress in Flor- into making our 2012 convention a suc- ida’s first district. He faces Republican Jeff Miller. He said the U.S. government was Originally from Pittsburgh, Penn- cess. I apologize to anyone whose name “a mess” and was ready to do something sylvania, Mr. Fretts has a degree in com- Alpha Web Presence. He currently serves I left out about it. Mr. Fretts compares out-of-control puter science from Virginia Tech and now as the Vice Chair of the Libertarian Party So, operationally, the convention government spending and national debt to lives in Valparaiso, Florida where he runs of Okaloosa County. His website is http:// went so much better than many had ever standing in a 100-foot-plus-deep hole and a small web development company called frettsforcongress.com. imagined. Vol. 42, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 7 Debate, or Dance Barbara Howe Polling at ...continued from page 3 the ability to defend ourselves, all the other rights go away, folks. elimination of all corporate taxes, or a zero The founders of this country did not 7% in NC Governor Race percent corporate rate.” institute the Second Amendment because they were afraid of their neighbors. They orth Carolina Libertarian candidate Bergland: What about the federal taxes and knew they needed them (the arms) to protect for Governor Barbara Howe is mak- the IRS? ourselves from government. Ning news in her state. Two reputable Wrights: “I would lower the income tax to Johnson: I am not the guy who is going to polling companies -- SurveyUSA and Pub- nothing and there is no such thing as a ‘fair sign off on legislation or promote legislation lic Policy Polling – have recently found she tax.’ We need tax cuts while slashing federal as to the number of bullets in the clip, the is getting seven percent support in her race governments spending by 42%. size of the gun, or the caliber of the weapon. against Republican Pat McCrory and Demo- “Your money is bad money not worth crat Walter Dalton. the dollar it is printed on. I would restore Bergland: What about Ron Paul a former Howe suspects the reason for this poll- hard money.” LP presidential candidate in1988, a life- ing success is a general dissatisfaction with Johnson: “I would abolish the IRS. Let us time member of the Libertarian Party and the status quo. Currently, one in four voters get rid of it. For my eight years as a governor speaker at many LP conventions? Is he a in is registered as Unaffili- taxes did not go up one cent.” Libertarian? ated. Wrights: “Absolutely he is. If he is honest Ms. Howe is campaigning for reduc- Bergland: What should the role be of the he has nowhere else to go but the LP. As a ing taxes, eliminating burdensome regula- federal government in education? Libertarian the Republican Party has let him tion, ending corporate welfare and reducing Wrights: “I am against public education. I down time and again.” licensing requirements that stifle entrepre- neurship in the state. Barbara Howe, currently polling at 7 percent in her just don’t believe in child abuse. I would say Johnson: “Dr. Paul asked for my endorse- NC gubernatorial race, first made history in 2010 take it out of the hands of the federal govern- ment in 1988 and he got it. As much as I If elected, education will be one of the when she finished at 22% while running for the ment and state governments as well. I have like Dr.Paul, he needs to open up his heart key issues in Howe’s administration. Educa- North Carolina General Assembly against an elev- en-term incumbent. a daughter in North Carolina who was in a and mind as he has opened up the hearts and tion is the largest expense in the state budget, private school with it costing $3,000 a year minds of others. He needs to come out of the yet North Carolina education system fails to their marriage license in front of the North and the state needed $9,000 for every child closet and rejoin the LP.” deliver on top quality education. “You can Carolina Legislative Building. Several oth- in public education. We can do it better than study all the numbers from many different ers joined in the shredding event. government, folks!” Parts of closing statements sources and you get a different picture of how “Native or immigrant, gay or straight, Johnson: “I would abolish the Department Wrights: “Regardless of the outcome to- the schools perform. Those numbers don’t black or white, all people have the right to of Education and bring education back to the morrow Lee Wrights and his staff go to work really paint a good picture. Nor a clear one. life liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” states. I believe in school choice and really today to continue to do what we have been But simple logic tells me, as a parent, kids Ms. Howe says. “Constitutions are to limit believe it improves education. In addition let doing – trying to build this party, trying to are different and trying to have a one size fits government, not people.” us bring competition back into education.” find good candidates, train them. We are go- all education system to meet the needs of two Ms. Howe, 59, is a full-time home- ing to use our video techniques and our ca- million plus children just doesn’t fit the bill.” maker, who has devoted much of her adult Bergland: What about housing and the fed- pability to continue to produce tools for the Howe’s plan would be to implement life to three causes she finds important: eral government? candidates of the Libertarian Party, tools we a tuition tax credit scholarship plan in order home schooling, volunteering for La Leche Wrights: “The federal government should so sorely need. I can’t be anything else but a to introduce greater school choice. “If North League -- an international support group for simply get out of the way and that includes Libertarian, so I can’t go anywhere. Carolina is going to tax its citizens to pro- breastfeeding mothers -- and working for lib- Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The prob- Because you are all here. I can’t imag- vide for education, it seems reasonable to erty through the Libertarian Party of North lem was the federal government was help- ine that I would ever do anything else except give taxpayers greater options for how those Carolina. ing people buy homes when half the people work for the party that I love, the family that education dollars are spent.” A four-term former LPNC state chair, could not afford it in the first place. I love. And I thank you all for coming to- Howe’s Tuition Tax Credit Scholarship Ms. Howe is making her third bid for gover- Johnson: “I agree that the federal govern- night, for being here, for giving us the oppor- Plan would allow any taxpayer to direct their nor. She ran for that office in 2000 and 2004, ment caused this by making interest rates tunity, the privilege and the honor to stand tax dollars to provide a scholarship for any and in 1998 she was a candidate for the US and terms completely unrealistic. before you and even be considered for the child to attend any school, be it government, Senate. “On the other hand, this mortgage col- highest office in the land. I have never been private, or home school. Barbara Howe made history in 2010, lapse is now an opportunity for millions to so honored as I am here tonight, standing “The explosion of educational oppor- when she finished at 22% while running own homes, he said.” next to Gov. Johnson. tunities that will arise when the dollars are for the North Carolina General Assem- Thank each and every one of you for freed from the grips of education bureaucrats bly against eleven-term incumbent, James On being here, for what you do. Now I will con- and politicians and placed in the hands of Crawford (D). Wrights: Well, I don’t know about the rest tinue what I do and help you (applause, ova- consumers will give parents greater choice Mounting a true grassroots campaign of you, but it’s not a good idea to crawl in tion) of how to best provide for their children’s this time around, Howe is planning to visit my window after midnight. I don’t dial 911. Johnson: “An essential question is how in education.” each of North Carolina’s 100 counties and The founders of this country knew 2012 can the Libertarian Party and the cause She has also vowed to work to repeal complete a 5K run. “Approximately 50% of what they were doing, and I have often said of liberty benefit? The Libertarian Party of- the recently-approved North Carolina mar- NC voters live in 15 counties. Many of the that the only mistake they have made in the fers the best of the other two parties. riage amendment that outlaws gay marriage. other counties get ignored. I will visit every Bill of Rights is that they put the first right Johnson noted a report card by the In protest over the passage of the amend- one.” wrong. The second Amendment should have ACLU gave him a score of 24, Ron Paul 18, ment, on Tuesday, May 29, she and Tom Visit www.barbarahowe.net to learn been the first because without that, without President Obama 16 and Mitt Romney 0. Howe, her husband of 35 years, shredded more. Page 8 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org June 2012 Dean Ahmad Seeks to Libertarians Recognized with Party’s Highest Awards Unseat Obama-Loyalist by Kevin Knedler uring the National Convention at in U.S. Senate Race the Red Rock Casino near Las Ve- Dgas, the Libertarian Party honored five of its outstanding activists and inducted by Max Kniazkov the inaugural class of the “Hall of Liberty.” “It was a great pleasure to recognize ean Ahmad, a prominent Pales- some of our most distinguished Libertarian tinian-American scholar and Lib- Party members,” noted Kevin Knedler, the Dertarian activist, has thrown his chair of the awards committee. There were hat into the ring, running for U.S. Senate actually two committees for this conven- from heavily-Democratic . He tion. The committee of Knedler, Rebecca is trying to un- Sink-Burris, and Sam Goldstein worked on seat Democratic the member/activist awards. Mr. Knedler incumbent Ben added, “We had a great list of nominations Cardin ranked by and it was a challenge to determine the Congressional award recipients.” Besides a statuette, we Quarterly as the added a medallion this year for the award fifth most loyal winners. supporter of The THOMAS JEFFERSON Leader- President Barack ship Award was presented to LP member Obama in the whose achievements merit our recognition U.S. Senate. Dean Ahmad of outstanding leadership, high character, , the Libertarian Party’s third presidential candidate (1980), accepts the “Hall of Liberty” award. “We need and dedication to the principles and goals of municator of Libertarian ideas, principles, person to have won the Jefferson, Adams, to distinguish the ‘free market’ from the the Party. Sharon Harris of Georgia, was and values through written, published, or and Paine Awards. crony capitalism,” Ahmad said, address- the unanimous choice for this award, which spoken communications. Jim Lark of Vir- The SAMUEL ADAMS Activism ing a conference at the Loyola Institute was presented by Jim Lark, LNC member. ginia, was the unanimous choice for this Award was presented to the LP member for and Spirituality in Business. Sharon has been President of the Advocates award, which was presented by Mark Ruth- who has been a very effective activist by “Politically influential corporations in the for Self-Government since 1995. erford of Indiana and Bob Johnston, chair building Party membership, organizing Western world take advantage of the re- The THOMAS PAINE Communica- of the Libertarian Party of Maryland. Jim community outreach, or communicating lationship between the American govern- tion Award was presented to the LP mem- presently is a region member of the LNC, continued on page 10... ment and Third World dictators to enrich ber who has been an outstanding com- and former national chair. Jim is the only themselves and the dictators at the expense of American taxpayers and potential Third World entrepreneurs who are denied a place in the market.” A Smorgasbord of Libertarian Talks, Topics and Training Born en route to the United States d Clark, the 1980 Libertarian Pres- when his family left Palestine in 1948, Ah- idential Nominee, who holds the mad is president of the Minaret of Freedom record for the highest vote total of Institute, a libertarian Muslim think-tank, E any presidential candidate in our party’s and the Islamic-American Zakat Founda- history, and David Bergland, the 1984 tion, a charitable organization, which helps Presidential Nominee who moderated the poor Muslims in the United States. presidential debate, were among the distin- He holds a doctoral degree in astron- guished speakers at the 2012 Libertarian omy and astrophysics from the University National Convention in Las Vegas. of Arizona and teaches a course on Islam , the first woman in at Wesley Theological Seminary. Ahmad America to receive an electoral vote and has written and spoken extensively on le- the party’s 1972 Vice Presidential nominee, gal and religious freedoms in the Muslim announced the winner of our presidential world, property rights under Islam, the nomination, Governor Gary Johnson. She A panel of elected Libertarians discussed the challenges of implementing a Libertarian agenda in office. Middle East conflict, terrorism and Ameri- was also one of five Libertarians inducted From left to right, moderator Pat Dixon of Texas; panelists Andy LeCureaux of , Judge John But- can civil . into the Hall of Liberty (see page 11). trick of Arizona, Erik Viker of Pennsylvania and Todd Grayson of Ohio (not pictured). Ahmad has been active in the Liber- At the Welcome Reception on ers Robert Poole and Manny Klausner. He also led a training session for tarian Party for many years. He has chaired Wednesday evening, May 2, Ms. Nathan Long-time Libertarian campaign Libertarian candidates on “How to Easily the party’s platform committee and was recounted stories of Libertarian party his- strategist and persuasion guru Michael Fundraise $10,000 for Your LP Campaign a member of the judiciary committee. He tory along with five other Libertarian He- Cloud opened the convention with his riv- in Just 4 Evenings,” and he emceed the was also a member of Academics for Ron roes: Ed Clark; former National Libertarian eting keynote address, “Big Government banquet dinner and fundraiser on Saturday Paul when the Texas congressman ran for Chairwoman Alicia Clark, David Ber- is the Disease – and Libertarians Have the continued on page 10... the 2008 presidential nomination. gland, and co-found- Only Cure.” Vol. 42, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 9 An Interview with 2012 Gary Johnson in the Media LP Presidential Nominee Governor Gary Johnson n May 5, the Libertarian Party party in federal funds awarded in the next nominated former New Mexico election cycle. OGovernor Gary Johnson for Pres- ident of the United States. Shortly after LPN: What about those who say Mr. accepting the nomination, LP News sat Romney is the true conservative for lib- down with Johnson to discuss his cam- erty and he is the only one who can beat paign: Mr. Obama? Johnson: Mr. Romney is really poor on LP News: If someone were going to vote civil liberties and horrible on finances and for Mitt Romney what would you say? cuts (spending). He wants to do things Libertarian Party Presidential Nominee Gary Johnson sits down with CNN’s Erin Burnett to discuss his 2012 Gary Johnson: I would say do not do like keeping intact while in- campaign to defeat Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. it, vote for me instead! The Republican creasing military spending. It doesn’t add • “I Will End the War in Afghanistan.” Libertarian Nominee.” Fox Business Party used to be somewhat financially up. Huffington Post, May 25, 2012 Network, May 7, 2012. conservative but not so much so anymore. • “Gary Johnson blows up a watermelon.” • “Former New Mexico Gov. Gary John- LPN: Who do you think was a good pres- , May 17, 2012 son wins Libertarian nomination.” The LPN: If someone were going to vote for ident of the United States? • “Libertarian Johnson makes explosive , May 6, 2012 President Obama what would you say? Johnson: The first person I think about point in new ad.” The Washington • “New Libertarian Nominee Gary John- Johnson: Again, the same thing, do not is Thomas Jefferson, who is my personal Times, May 17, 2012 son Slams Republicans For Gay Staffer do it but vote for me instead. The Demo- hero, someone who was humble while • “Can Ron Paul supporters accept Gary Flap.” The Huffington Post, May 6, cratic Party used to be somewhat personal serving the people. I particularly like Johnson?” , 2012 rights oriented, but again, not so much so the story told of his first inaugural when May 15, 2012 • “Gary Johnson Wins Libertarian Nod anymore. If there is one thing that has he was riding his horse and saw a man • “Gary Johnson could catch presidential for President.” , changed completely in my lifetime it is walking and having trouble going across race by surprise.” , May 12, May 5, 2012 the two so-called major political parties. a river. So Jefferson asked if he needed 2012 • “Gary Johnson wins Libertarian Party For example, the Republicans are just as help he said “yes” and that he was walk- • “Governor Johnson, California Judge presidential nomination.” CNN, May 5, much for big government as the Demo- ing to the inaugural. So the future presi- Gray Nominated.” The Saint Joseph 2012 crats. dent let him ride with him on the back of Telegraph, May 12, 2012 • “Libertarians nominate ex-Governor It is true, I was elected twice in his horse. • “Gary Johnson on Washington Journal.” Gary Johnson for president.” , eight years as governor of New Mexico C-Span, May 11, 2012 May 5, 2012 as a Republican, but really the whole time LPN:You favor the legalization of mari- • “Campaign rally for Gray is Saturday.” • Gary Johnson on the Cavuto show. Fox I was under the guise of being Republi- juana. Do you think this could get you The Daily Pilot, May 11, 2012 Business Network. Apr. 22, 2012 can while really being a libertarian and more votes with younger voters especial- • Gary Johnson on “Erin Burnett Out- • “For Gary Johnson it’s all about the sometimes voting for libertarian candi- ly in colleges and universities? front.” CNN, May 10, 2012 ‘Libertarian’ message.” The Washing- dates. For example in 1984 I voted for LP Johnson: I certainly hope so and I think • “Gary Johnson: The Libertarian leading ton Times, Apr. 22, 2012 candidate David Bergland for president that is a possibility. man?” MSNBC-TV, May 8, 2012 • Gary Johnson on the Colbert Report. because President Ronald Reagan kept • “Gary Johnson on Running as the Comedy Central, Apr. 2, 2012 increasing the national debt. LPN: Why are you qualified to be presi- The Libertarian Party is taking the d e n t ? best of both the (old) parties by really Johnson: Because I really want this job Will You Be One of the Top Ten Libertarian being good with civil liberties and good so the desire is there. I am a reality think- Candidates in the Next Issue of LP News? with financial responsibility. er who gets things done. I believe if we deliver the Libertarian message people We’ll list our Top Ten 2012 Candidates in the next issue of LPN: What is different about this elec- might really now be willing to listen and tion? vote. But who really knows? LP News in each of the following categories: 1) most funds Johnson: Some election polls show up Win or lose, this is the time to pres- raised from others; 2) most voters reached in person going to 80 percent would consider voting third ent the Libertarian message as a new party. So this is a real opportunity. If I can message of more freedom, less govern- door-to-door or who attended events where candidates were gain up to 15 percent in the polls I would ment and more individual responsibility, a featured speaker; 3) best Libertarian Solutions as defined be able to be included in the presiden- not just the failure of present government. tial debates. If that is not achieved, at 5 at LP.org. Please keep us posted on your progress by sending percent there would be the possibility of LPN: Thank you for your time, Governor your campaigns stats to [email protected]. the LP receiving up to $98 million to the Johnson. Page 10 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org June 2012 Speaker Smorgasbord Activists Honored With Top Honors Carissa Pillow, Libertarian candi- established this pro- ...continued from page 8 ...continued from page 8 date for Brentwood City Council in Cali- gram in our 40th anni- night of the convention. fornia, was thankful for the support and Libertarian principles. Clyde Garland of versary year to honor , former Associate training she received. Texas, was the choice for this award, which lifetime or significant Producer for Judge Napolitano’s Free- “The event was very timely since I was accepted by Pat Dixon, the Chair of the achievement that has dom Watch TV show on Fox Business will be going full force in my campaign af- Libertarian Party of Texas. made a lasting impact News – perhaps the most libertarian prime- ter we pull papers in July,” she said. “It was This year upon the Libertarian time television show ever aired – gave a reassuring to know that many of the strat- we began a new Party and/or the lib- egies I already have in place are aligned award. There ertarian movement. talk on Sunday morning on how Libertar- Sharon Harris ians can get on TV. with strategies that create a winning cam- were actually Our inaugural class Dr. Tibor paign. I also learned new strategies for two PATRICK of inductees consists of: David Nolan, one Machan, a pro- fundraising and getting the right voters out HENRY Can- of the founders of the LP and long-time LP fessor of philos- that I will be using in my campaign. I am didate Awards activist. The award was presented by Dr. ophy at Chap- out here to score a big WIN for the LP in presented to LP Ruwart to Elizabeth Nolan. , man University November.” members who professor of and first LP presi- and author of Andy McKean, founder of the non- have been very Travis Irvine dential candidate in 1972. The award was several books profit Liberty Day, talked about ways his effective candi- presented by Kevin Knedler. Tonie Nathan, on libertarian- organization informs American school dates for public office at the state or federal first LP vice-presidential candidate and first ism, wowed children of the content and meaning of the level, while communicating Libertarian woman to receive an electoral vote. The the Thursday U.S. Constitution. ideas, principles, and values. Nominees can award was presented to Tonie by Dr. Lark. Alexander McCobin luncheon crowd Norma Jean Almodovar, author of from the election range of this year to the Roger MacBride, second LP presidential with his blunt, highly entertaining insis- the bestselling book “Cop to Call Girl” past two years. Lex Green of Illinois and candidate (1976) and the elector who cast tence that Libertarians shouldn’t be shy who ran for lieutenant governor of Califor- Travis Irvine of Ohio won the awards. Lex the vote for Hospers/Nathan in 1972. The about showing emotion when evangelizing nia in 1986 receiving over 100,000 votes ran a more traditional, but highly effective award was presented by Rebecca Sink-Bur- for liberty. and who was the headline speaker at the campaign for Governor in 2010. Julie Fox ris. Ed Clark, third LP presidential candi- “Liberty is of great value and of great Friday luncheon, told tales of police cor- presented the award to Lex. Meanwhile, date (1980) and to date, the most success- pride,” he said. “Show people what liberty ruption and the importance of personal Travis ran a non-traditional campaign, us- ful LP presidential candidate in regards to is. Stand up for it. Have a deep seated freedom. ing social media and videos, in his race for vote total. The award was presented to Mr. passion for it.” Her fascinating yet sobering testi- US Congress in the Ohio 12th district in Clark, by Bill Redpath. Dr. Machan blasted Democrats, who, mony illustrated the futility of laws against 2010. Wes Benedict and Nigel Lyons pre- Included in the presentations were in his view, promote a bankrupt statist victimless crimes. “Bad laws are arbitrary sented the ward to Travis. video clips prepared by Nigel Lyons, Nick model of governance. and also are about selective enforcement,” Dunbar and Carla Howell at the national “Liberals are not progressives,” he she said. “Hall of Liberty” Awards headquarters. stated. “They are reactionaries who want David Ber- Mr. Knedler closed the awards by more state. They do not favor progress.” gland led a talk A second awards committee fo- stating, “It is important that we recognize Alexander McCobin, co-founder on the basic philo- cused on the newly created “Hall of Lib- those who have made tremendous contribu- and president of sophical tenets of erty” awards. Joining Kevin Knedler on tions to the Libertarian Party”. He also not- made two presentations appealing to young , and this committee were Dr. Mary Ruwart, Dr. ed that the LNC saw fit to add the awards Libertarians, including how to form groups Dr. , James Lark, Bill Redpath, and Rebecca committee to the LNC Policy Manual with on university campuses. the 1992 Liber- Sink-Burris. All were members of the LNC a set of parameters and guidelines, further On Thursday morning, Libertarian tarian vice presi- during the 2010-2012 term. In discussing insuring that the program will continue into National Party Executive Director Carla dential candidate, these awards, Mr. Knedler stated that “we the future. Howell led a seminar on how to craft a spoke about the dangers of FDA compelling Libertarian Solution that can Lenore Hawkins be used in campaigns to sell both the Lib- regulations. Scheduled Changes in LP ertarian Party and Libertarian candidates Attendees listened intently to a pre- effectively. sentation on how government regulations “Ms. Howell shows the way with an stifle the economy given by businesswom- Membership Levels Postponed objective mantra: Problem-Solution-Bene- an and principal of Meritas Advisors, Le- fit -- a winning strategy in any realm of hu- nore Hawkins on Friday. Ms. Hawkins is he new Libertarian National Com- are: man endeavor and one that ultimately will a frequent guest on The Cavuto Show on mittee, meeting in Las Vegas, Ne- • Basic, $25 annual dues; revolutionize politics,” said LP member Fox Business News. Tvada on May 6, voted overwhelm- • Regular, $50 annual dues; Fred Stitt who attended the seminar. Rupert Boneham, favorite of the ingly to postpone implementation of • Supporting, $100 annual dues; On Wednesday before the official TV show Survivor, talked about his race changes in the structure of membership • Sponsor, $250 annual dues; opening of the convention, Chuck Muth, for governor in Indiana. Judge John But- levels that were adopted in 2011 until at • Patron, $500 annual dues; a former executive director of the Ameri- trick, a Libertarian who serves on the Su- least Jan. 1, 2013. • Torch Club (Life Member), $1,000 in can Conservative Union, on behalf of the perior Court in Maricopa County, Arizona, The changes in the membership dues, or contributions prior 12 months; LNCC led a full day of classes on the nuts- took aim at U.S. foreign policy in his talk structure had been previously scheduled • Chairman’s Circle, $5,000 in dues, or and-bolts of campaigning for Libertarian titled “The , Legality and Politics to take effect on July 1, 2012. The current contributions since the last conven- candidates. of War.” membership levels that remain in effect tion. Vol. 42, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 11 Ruling Leaves Libertarian Unopposed for State House ‘Gentle Giant’ for ibertarian Jeremy Walters of Fort Mill, South Carolina is ning, he sought the Libertar- currently the only candidate on the ballot for State House ian Party nomination instead Indiana Governor LDistrict 26 due to a ruling by the state’s Supreme Court on which he won unanimously May 2nd that knocked nearly 200 candidates across the state off after delivering a passionate the ballot, including the other four Libertarians running for the speech at the party’s state State House and his Republican opponent Raye Felder. convention on April 21. Walters’ campaign slogan declares “a vote for Jeremy is a A businessman and vote to end the income tax, legalize business, and protect your carpenter, Walters became an property rights!” advocate for child custody Although Felder can no longer run as a Republican, Walters rights after the family court could still face her on the November 6th ballot without party af- system denied him joint filiation if she collects petition signatures totaling 5% of voters in custody of his son. His suc- the district (about 2,000 signatures) by July 16th. The Democratic cessfully lobbying for a cus- Party has not said whether it will also run a petition candidate in tody bill that he championed the district. which has now passed in the Jeremy Walters The court’s ruling is based on the candidates’ failure to file state senate. His efforts and Rupert Boneham an ethics form by the legal deadline in both hardcopy and elec- enthusiasm prompted State Senator John Knotts to call Walters a tronic form. Democrats and Republicans affected by the ruling are “pit bull” and the right man for the job. he “Gentle Giant” of Survivor fame appealing the decision on grounds that communications from the While Jeremy Walters’ passion for parental rights led to his is back in the game. This time, state about the filing requirement were ambiguous. decision to run for office, he intends to focus his campaign on though, he set his sights on the Indi- Jeremy Walters initially announced he would run on the Re- T Libertarian proposals that appeal to a broad spectrum of voters. To ana governor’s mansion and is determined publican ticket. After GOP leadership discouraged him from run- learn more visit WaltersForHouse.com. to single-handedly throw the major politi- cal tribes off the island. Rupert Boneham, 48, will appear on David Moran for West Virginia Governor the Indiana ballot this fall as the Libertar- ian Party nominee for governor, running ow has a naval engineer with a velopment that would otherwise accrue to against Republican Congressman Mike Ph.D. in hydrodynamics ended up other more business friendly states,” said the Pence and Democrat John Gregg, a former Hrunning a sheep and alpaca farm candidate. “Right-to-work coupled with a speaker of the Indiana House of Represen- on a West Virginia mountain surrounded by new industrial tax basis that ends taxation on tatives. Boneham has already raised ten generations of farmers? David Moran is a productivity will attract traditional and high- of thousands of dollars from fans and on strong believer in his community. technology capital to the state.” his web site, rupertforgovernor.com. He “Every aspect of life centers within Dr. Moran operates the Crimson Sham- plans to travel to all of 92 Indiana counties and around the community,” he says. “It rock Farm, where his large flock of sheep to bring to voters the libertarian message survives and thrives on the foundation of lo- and alpacas peacefully graze on 120 acres of of a much smaller and more tolerant state cal interest and commitment by the people. Preston County mountain slopes. government. Local control over community issues has no “Politics is a lot like farming,” he says. Boneham is a three-time participant substitute in government.” Now Dr. Moran “You have great expectations but little con- of the CBS reality show Survivor, who has wants to serve his community as governor trol over the environment. Success is deter- been voted Fan Favorite and awarded a $1 of West Virginia, an economically-troubled mined by hard work and dedication to your million prize. In real life, he is an Indianap- state run by Democratic incumbent Earl Ray objectives … but the results can always sur- olis-based small business owner, who also Tomblin, who is seeking another term in of- prise you.” works with troubled kids, helping them get fice. Dr. David Moran He dedicated himself to farming after back on the right path. Dr. Moran is determined not to let abolished,” he told LP News. “Every 10-per- retiring from the Navy where he designed According to Boneham, his main this happen. “West Virginia is a Libertarian cent increase in the minimum wage results in ships for special operations and served in task as Indiana’s next governor will be cre- state…the people all believe and practice the a three-percent decline in employment. West numerous professional and technical man- ating a business environment that encour- principles of Libertarianism without realiz- Virginians need jobs, income, employment, agement positions for several government ages entrepreneurship and business growth ing it,” he said. and an economic future. They must have the agencies. He has also served as professor at and ushering in a new era of fiscal respon- If elected, Dr. Moran promises to right to compete for any job available at an the US Naval Academy and at several other sibility. eliminate the state personal income tax, al- income they decide is appropriate to avail- universities. Dr. Moran is a graduate of the Of the three candidates for Governor, lowing taxpayers to save a total of $1.6 bil- ability and their needs.” Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Boneham is the only to be on the record lion a year, and dramatically cut the state Dr. Moran believes West Virginia must earned a Ph.D. in hydrodynamics from the opposing a Gay Marriage Amendment, government bureaucracy, which will allow become a progressive “right-to-work” state University of . which would introduce discrimination into each taxpayer to save up to $2,717 annually. with the freedom of collective bargaining He is married to Lori Wall and has two the Indiana Constitution. Rupert Boneham He will also move to repeal all laws available to the citizenry, but never forced children. His son is Navy Captain serving as will appear in three statewide debates this that impede the ability of any person to find upon or mandated to the people. an EA6B Pilot with the U.S. Navy, while his fall sponsored by the non-partisan Indiana employment and support the right of free He stands for abolishing all enforced daughter was a CIA agent in the mid-east. He Debate Commission. citizens to enter into labor associations or union membership and dues collection in has three grandsons and one granddaughter. You can find more information about stay away from them. “The minimum wage all industries. “West Virginia, as a free right- Dr. Moran’s website is http://www. Rupert Boneham at his website, www.ru- requirements imposed upon the state will be to-work state, will attract new industrial de- dm4gov.com. pertforgovernor.com. Page 12 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org June 2012 Missouri New York Libertarian Float Stars in Memorial Day Convention Opens Doors to Like-Minded Affiliate News And Events Parade Organizations

Affiliate news and events are provided to LP linois’ onerous ballot access laws. We are he Missouri LP held a joint con- PNY held its annual State conven- News by Libertarian Party state affiliates. challenging the (90-day) length of the pe- vention with the LP of , the tion on April 21 (one week early due tition period, the ambiguity in the law re- THeartland Convention, in Kansas Lto Nat/Con’s early date this year) and garding the number of required signatures City in late March. The well-attended con- hosted a rousing debate between four of the Illinois for third-party and independent candidates vention featured an elected Libertarians candidates for POTUS. Lee Wrights, Gary Party Seeks to Overtun Ballot Access Laws for county and Congressional races, and the panel, a presidential debate and an impres- Johnson, and Jim Burns partici- slate requirement for county-wide and state- sive line up of speakers, including Austin pated. Straw poll put Johnson ahead but the fter a slow start in the first half of wide races. Petersen, former producer of “Freedom debate may have caused the large number the state ballot drive, petitioning Watch” and Dave Roland of the Freedom of LPNY delegates to national, especially activity in Illinois is rapidly picking Center of Missouri. since it was so far away from the Empire A The Missouri LP has equal ballot ac- State. Candidates: Chris Edes, Dan halloran up pace. LP members from Indiana have of- Maryland fered to cross the border to help. Volunteers, Setback with Court Ruling cess with the older parties and is pleased to and Rick Witt are seeking national office in some new to the LP, have offered their ser- have a full slate of Libertarians for all state- the state, to date. vices to help Gary Johnson as well as local n May 21, the highest state court in wide races, including Governor, Lt. Gover- Conventions are scheduled on Long candidates get on the ballot. Maryland, the State Court of Ap- nor, Secretary of State, Treasurer and Attor- Island and in Manhattan in June. County and The Wrights 2012 campaign, although peals, interpreted Maryland elec- ney General. The party is also fielding a full city candidates will be selected at conven- O slate of Libertarians for eight congressional tion. The Long Island convention is hosting ended in terms of its Presidential bid, has tion law to mean that signatures on petitions carried on its commitment to ballot status are invalid if there is no exact match in the seats and one US Senate seat, as well as a speakers from Norml, Long Island and Fair- by starting the Occupy Ballot Access proj- name on the voter registration record, and number of state assembly and local candi- Tax, as is their modus operandi. The theory ect, which provides on-the-ground volun- the name on the petition. As a result, the dates. While the Missouri LP has long had a is to have speakers from like minded (even teer ballot access signatures and also on- Libertarian Party does not have enough presence at the state fair, this year, the party if only on a single issue) organizations to line support in locating volunteers in those valid signatures on their petitions for 2012, has upgraded its location and space to be speak to our group. They usually bring a states. Illinois is the first state involved in and must now get more before the August direclty across the main thoroughfare from few of their members to meetings or con- this project. 6 deadline. the two olders parties. Plans are underway ventions. Festival season has started in the Chi- Maryland requires 10,000 signatures to promote the candidates at several other This, of course, increases our fund cago area. Petitioning opportunities abound for ballot access for new parties. The Lib- events during the summer season as well. raising efforts. But, more importantly, it throughout the state this Memorial Day ertarian Party is now deemed to have only exposes new people to our ideas and prin- weekend and throughout the month of June. 7,266 valid signatures. Thanks to Mark ciples. And with Gary Johnson as our PO- Places to petition are posted regularly on the Grannis who created a video with help from TUS candidate these two organizations are LP Illinois Facebook page. Petitioning will Nigel Lyons at the LP Headquarters to ex- Libertarian Float Stars in Memorial Day likely to increase membership or help peti- be wrapping up the weekend of June 23-24. plain to volunteers how to fill out petition Parade tion (even if only to sign since NY has the Thanks to Political Division Director Lex forms correctly so we can collect the signa- most draconian ballot access laws thanks to Green and local LP candidates for all their tures we now need. he Ravalli County Libertarian party the Demopublicans on the election board). hard work. The Court took pains to say that it is entered a float in the Corvallis Me- We are often invited to address their organi- In addition to Gary Johnson & Judge not deciding whether the strict standard is morial Day Parade on May 28. In zation in the near future! And, guess what? T We comply. Gray, we are also gathering petition signa- constitutional or not. It says it cannot de- 2008 the Ravalli group took first place in tures for Doug Marks and Chad Grimm. cide that question because the case was not the political division as well as best of show Doug Marks is running in a two-way race presented to it as a constitutional question. that year. This year the group had three for State Senate in the 33rd District. He is Reading between the lines, it is overwhelm- entries, including several candidates who North Carolina currently a Trustee on the Carpentersville ingly likely that the Court decided this case participated. Those candidates, included Party Plots to Take Advantage of Demo- Village Board. He ran for Congress in the in this hostile manner because the judges Karen Fisher (House District 87), Steve Ro- cratic Convention Coming to Town 14th District in 2010. Marks is required to are not sympathetic to various referenda driguez (House District 88) Mike Fellows submit a minimum of 3,000 valid signa- petitions being circulated. The judges prob- (MT Clerk of Supreme Court) and Dan Cox C has much happening. We ap- tures. ably believe that the Libertarian and Green (U.S. Senate). We passed out candy and in- pointed a new Communications Di- Chad Grimm is running for Illinois Parties, and other minor parties, will be able formation. Nrector, Greta Langhenry, who came state representative in the 92nd district, to qualify despite the ruling, because the Nina Johnson would like to get a to us from the same position in GA. Greta which includes Peoria. He has experience number of valid signatures they still need is meetup in Billings. members can contact is also interested in developing the UNC- on several campaigns and is putting that to a small number. The real impact of this de- chair Mike Fellows ([email protected]) Asheville student group. work for his own campaign. He has a single cision will be to make it extremely difficult for more information. We also appointed a new County Af- opponent in this race which promises to for referendum petitions to succeed, includ- Secretary of State Roger Roots ap- filiates organizer, Phillip Batten. Phillip just bring him a lot of votes. Grimm is currently ing one that would put same-sex marriage to peared in a Hamilton forum on May 24th. established the Catawba County affiliate concentrating on collecting more than the a popular vote. Referendum petitions cov- Roger was one of 4 candidates on stage. and we will develop a template/kit for new required 1,500 signatures so he can leverage ering statewide issues need approximately About 100 people were in attendance. county affiliates to use. We have prospec- his ballot presence into media attention and 60,000 valid signatures. The Montana Libertarian Party would tive organizers for several counties. campaign appearances after June 25th. On a more positive note, the Maryland like to thank those who came down to the Next meeting, June 23, we expect to Also on the ballot access front, LP Illi- Libertarian Party became the first “third” 2012 national convention. Those included appoint a Political Director with extensive nois is being represented by Gary Sinawski party in Maryland to exceed 10,000 regis- Tim Lorhman, Nina Webb, Roger Roots, in a lawsuit challenging three aspects of Il- trations as of April 30, 2012! Mike Fellows and Marc Mulcahy. continued on page 13... Vol. 42, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 13

office, and potential Libertarian candidates Director, she has done event coordination for office are particularly welcome to at- for several non-profit organizations and we Affiliate News And Events tend! See you all there! look forward to having her work with us. The Utah State Director for the Gary Johnson Campaign, Kenny Barlow has ...continued from page 12 lead the IT Division for the state party. The agreed to become our Media Director. work will include the web site, database, Texas Texas Libertarians Load the Ballot Again Kenny was instrumental in the streaming of experience in that position. We may also phone system, and email lists. IT is of huge our state convention live over the internet hire a part-time Executive Director at the importance to the success of the Ohio LP. and making quality recordings of the whole June or July meeting. For the first time in over a year, all espite a redistricting fiasco in convention available on our website, www. NC has 16 candidates across the state Divisions of the Ohio LP are being led by Texas that caused utter confusion utahlp.org. for offices from President to local offices. Directors: IT- Scott Pettigrew; Communi- and chaos, the Libertarian Party Our state Chair Jake Shannon has Finally, LPNC is strategizing how to cation-Aaron Harris; Field Development- ofD Texas will again place candidates in all been hard at work promoting Liberty on his best take advantage of the Democratic Con- Michael Johnston; Political- Bob Bridges; statewide races, nearly every US Congres- radio show “Mental Self Defense” aired lo- vention being held in Charlotte in August. and Finance- Jillian Mack. Thank YOU all sional race, and many other state and local cally on AM 630 K-Talk. Jake is a consis- Socially tolerant Democrats who under- for the leadership! races. The complete list is online at http:// tent unapologetic voice for liberty and he stand the fiscal realities we must face over LPTexas.org/node/59. has had some top tier guests including, Dr. the next few years are one of our largest “We have made the best of a nearly , Neil Howe, Sheriff Mack target markets. Ideas and suggestions are Pennsylvania impossible situation,” says state chair Pat plus our own Gary Johnson and Judge Jim welcome. New State Chairman Elected Dixon. “Thanks go to all of our candidates, Gray. staff, county affiliates, and our credentials Jake can be heard live anywhere in ew officers were elected at the committee for running this gauntlet suc- the country from their website www.k-talk. Ohio State Convention held in Wilkes- cessfully.” com. Check out his archive for past shows. Great Attendance and Great Results at Barre, PA. Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair In a normal election year, candidates State Convention N of the Northampton County LP (the first in Texas file for a particular office based on group in the country to endorse Gary John- their residency in a particular district. The Washington he Ohio LP held its most success- son for the LP Presidential Nomination) Texas Legislature produced new district Libertarians Join Democrats to Challenge ful state convention in memory on was elected State Chair; Jim Fryman was maps in 2011 which were challenged in “Top 2” Primary System TMarch 30, 31, and April 1 in Colum- elected Western Vice-Chair; Betsy Sum- Federal court. bus. Nearly 100 people attended. Thank mers was elected Eastern Vice-Chair; Erik The process resulted in candidates ashington is working on getting you for the hard work by Jillian Mack and Viker was elected Secretary & Patti Fry- unable to file for office since they did not Gov. Gary Johnson and Judge Bob Bridges, who coordinated the event. man was elected Treasurer. know their district. Continual delays re- Gray on the ballot. We have pe- Congratulations to Travis Irvine, Dr. Stevens, who served as LPPA sulted in changing deadlines and conven- W titioning events scheduled all over the state, 2010 candidate for US Congress in District Delegation Chair at the LPUS Convention tion uncertainty. When the final court rul- events in Bellingham, Vancouver, Tri-Cit- 12 for winning the “Patrick Henry Award” in Las Vegas, has recommended new initia- ing came down, it left ambiguity for the ies, Spokane, Kitsap Peninsula, Olympia at the National Convention, recently held at tives to reach out to College Students and Libertarian Party and a short filing period and Seattle/ Tacoma metro area. the Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas. Travis Young Professionals in the Commonwealth for candidates to determine their new dis- For details check the LPWA.ORG ran a non-traditional campaign, which in- and to put more effort into Chapter Devel- tricts in time to be nominated at the county website or the various Meetup.com groups. cluded the now famous videos. opment & Candidate Recruitment. and district level conventions. Every LP member should plan to come to The Ohio LP is much better prepared Any Pennsylvania Libertarian inter- “The redistricting process under con- one of the events to sign and volunteer some to help the LP POTUS candidate in 2012 ested in taking an active role in the party trol of our opponents is clearly flawed and time to help make this drive a success. The vs 2008. In election year 2008, we had two should contact Dr. Tom Stevens, LPPA needs to be replaced” says Dixon. “That LPWA also needs donations to help cover people working the campaign on a state- State Chair, directly by cell at 718-357- starts by replacing incumbents with Liber- the costs of this event with published legal wide level and 6 local contact groups. Since 7075 or by e-mail at DrTomStevens@aol. tarians.” notices, event fees and other expenses, we that time, we have created a Field Devel- com. will need what you can give. opment Division, with region and county The LPWA with the Democrat Party coordinators. For the 2012 campaign of Utah of Washington, has filed a petition to the Gary Johnson, we have 8 state and regional New Changes to Party Leadership US Supreme Court to hear the “Top-2” leaders, plus 15 local affiliates and county Convention to Feature 2012 Election primary suit one more time. Thanks to the coordinators. Plans he Utah LP has made some great ad- LNC for covering some of the expenses for On June 2, the Ohio LP held a coor- ditions to our executive committee this filing. Both the LPWA and LP National dinated event at Mohican Lodge, bringing n Monday, June 25th, at 6:30 pm, and Directors. Patrick Powers has need donations to keep this action going in together the LP Field Development Team, T The Libertarian Party of Rhode stepped down from his role as Vice Chair our attempt to overturn this corruption of local affiliates and county coordinators, and Island will be meeting to formally to focus on the Utah Liberty Institute, we the election system. the Gary Johnson Ohio teams. It was a full O start our 2012 election season. thank him for his service and wish him well We have started a King County day of setting plans, building strategy, and We shall be meeting at the Sonoma in his pursuits. monthly mixer, the details are posted to the teambuilding. The LPO provided lunch for Grille, at 7366 Post Road, in North Kings- In his place we have appointed former Seattle Libertarian Meetup group. This is all the participants. About 40 people at- town, Rhode Island. California activist Mark Hilgenberg. Mark an effort to organize and re-activate mem- tended this invitation-only event. The LPO Show up to learn all about our 2012 held several party positions back in Califor- bers in our largest county. urges all affiliates to sponsor similar events LPRI election plans. All LPRI members, nia and most recently he has been our Out- If you are in Washington but aren’t with the GJ coordinators. and all Rhode Island friends of liberty are reach Coordinator promoting liberty within a member of the LPWA, please visit the The Ohio LP now has a IT Director. invited to attend. OccupySLC and Move to Amend SLC. LPWA.ORG website to see how you can Scott Pettigrew, of SW Ohio has agreed to Libertarian candidates for elective Katie White has been made our Event help, or email me at [email protected] Page 14 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org June 2012 End Sanctions; Peace Through Libertarian Party Speaks Out very hard choice, but the price – we think From a Feb. 16, 2012 the price is worth it.’ Albright’s willing- Press Release ness to sacrifice Arab children to achieve US policy goals was broadcast throughout Libertarian Party Chair Urges : ibertarian National Committee the Arab world and was cited by Osama Chair, Mark Hinkle, released the Bin Laden as a key motivation for the ‘Withdraw Your Endorsement of Mitt Lfollowing statement today: 9/11 attacks. “As relations with deteriorate, “Now the US government is doing President Barack Obama and the Biparti- the same thing to Iran, a country that not Romney. He’s a Big Government Politician.’ san Senate Committee are making things only has never attacked the United States, worse: inciting yet another war in the but has attacked no other country in over Romney boosted his state government Middle East through economic sanctions. 200 years. Sanctions don’t work. They From a March 30, 2012 spending by $5 billion. Romney initiated, “On February 2nd, 2012 the Sen- unite the people of a country behind their Press Release lobbied for and signed into law Romney- ate Banking Committee unanimously ap- political leaders, no matter how bad that Care -- the father of ObamaCare -- and proved increased sanctions against Iran. leader may be. By meddling in foreign af- ark Hinkle, Libertarian Party railroaded Republicans in the legislature Not willing to wait for a full Senate vote, fairs, U.S. politicians turn foreign citizens Chair said: “With all due re- to vote for it. Romney ushered in Obam- President Obama increased sanctions by - who support the United States - against spect, Senator Rubio, you aCare. executive order on February 6th. us. M “The United States must stop med- “Rather than repeat failed policies failed to do your homework. As an al- “If he’s the Republican Presiden- leged ‘Tea Party Republican,’ your en- tial Nominee, he leaves Republicans no dling and return to our traditional libertar- of past presidents, we must use the suc- dorsement of Mitt Romney misleads the ground to oppose ObamaCare -- and is ian foreign policy of free trade in order to cessful policies of those who kept us out true Tea Partiers from coast to coast.” seen as a hypocrite when he pretends to give peace a chance in the Middle East. of war. Presidents George Washington “Senator Rubio, you assert that Mitt oppose it. Romney endorsed and voted “Trade sanctions are proven fail- and Thomas Jefferson kept the United Romney was a ‘successful’ governor in for New England’s version of Cap and ures. In the 1990s, Presidents George H. States out of the bloody French Revolu- Massachusetts. Which part of Mitt Rom- Trade. Romney passed enabling legisla- W. Bush and Bill Clinton enforced trade tion and allowed us to make peace with ney’s record as Governor do you consider tion that raised business property taxes. sanctions against Iraq which led to the our archenemy, the British, by pursuing a success? Romney ‘Closed loopholes’ to enforce deaths of more than 100,000 innocent Free Trade and a noninterventionist for- Mitt Romney raised scores of taxes sales tax collection on Internet purchases. men, women and children. eign policy. -- every year, all 4 years as Governor. “Senator Rubio, please explain: “Secretary of State Madeleine Al- “The Libertarian Party calls for re- Romney proposed and signed into law If these Big Government Mitt Romney bright, in an appearance on 60 Minutes moving all restrictions on trade. Free Massachusetts government spending measures were a ‘success’ - what would in 1996, was asked about the child deaths Trade is the best way to foster peace in hikes every single year he was Governor. failure look like?” from sanctions, and replied ‘I think this a the Middle East.” If We Want Better Health Insurance For All, Why Are We Making It Illegal? geously expensive because it does. coverage you want is illegal. Libertarian Party Says From a March 12, 2012 “Then why do consumers continue “Instead of ObamaRomneyCare, we Press Release to buy overpriced insurance that covers need to decriminalize good health insur- predictable costs? Government. First, the ance. Eliminate the coverage mandates, Gov. Walker Made ibertarian National Committee senseless connection of health insurance the laws against purchasing health insur- Chair, Mark Hinkle, released the to employment is the result of a system ance across state lines, and the unfavor- Right First Step Lfollowing statement today: that taxes cash wages but not health ben- able tax treatment of personal insurance “While President Obama and the efits, punishing employees who would policies. Remove the regulations that From a June 5, 2012 Republicans in Congress spend time rather have higher cash wages while block entry of new insurers, including debating whether religious groups must making their own personal choice of charitable organizations which could Press Release provide their employees free contracep- health coverage. provide catastrophic protection for the tives, a far more fundamental issue is “Second, special interests in every poor and the club-based insurance poli- he Libertarian Party supports mea- being ignored: if we want better health state have lobbied legislators to man- cies that were once popular before the in- sures taken by Gov. Scott Walker of insurance for all, why are we making it date coverage for their particular product surance industry and American Medical TWisconsin to curtail collective bar- illegal? or service. Finally, regulation not only Association both pushed to make them gaining rights of state unions in his bid to “ObamaCare, known in Massachu- drives up the cost of healthcare, but also illegal. cut the state budget deficit. But it’s only a setts as RomneyCare, effectively outlaws restricts entry into the field, leading to “As for contraception? Women first step. true health insurance. Insurance, if you even higher prices. shouldn’t need a permission slip from Government employee labor con- think about it, should exist to protect you “The result is this: if you want in- their doctor to have safe sex. Remov- tracts in , like most made be- against catastrophic expenditures. For expensive health insurance, but don’t ing the prescription requirement would tween unions and federal, state and local example, car insurance doesn’t cover the want coverage for alcoholism, weight massively reduce the cost of contracep- governments in the United States, are in- cost of gas and oil, as it would be out- loss programs and baldness treatments, tives, making it far more affordable. herently illegitimate. Fulfilling their de- rageously expensive due to the incentive and would prefer a deductible based on In turn, this would ease the burden on mands, therefore, is not obligatory. for increased driving. Similarly, health your personal finances: TOUGH. Even groups such as Planned Parenthood that “Governments and unions have an insurance should not cover ordinary and if you’re not stuck with your employer’s have long provided free contraceptives to continued on page 15... predictable costs, yet remains outra- choices, the type of individually tailored those in need.” Vol. 42, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 15

Letters To The Editor NDAA Nullification to Take Effect in VA July 1 The April issue of LP News reported that an anti-NDAA bill passed in the VA senate. Here’s an update. A Humble Apology Got Something long and tortuous battle to block Del. Marshall explained that be- t our very successful and recently one of the most egregious assaults cause the legislature passed HB 1160 as concluded May 2012 National to say? A by the federal government on in- recommended by the governor, his signa- Convention, I used a tactic that I dividual freedoms and liberties has ended ture will not be required, and the bill will A in victory in Virginia, where a bill to nul- automatically take effect on July 1. now see was a mistake. I used the nominat- ing process to nominate a candidate I op- Submit your “Letters to lify the National Defense Authorization In an extraordinary act of defiance, posed for National Chair, Mr. Wes Wagner the Editor”to editor@ Act will become law on July 1. the bill prevents any agency or employee of , so that I could speak for about a Libertarians and others lobbied for of the state of Virginia from knowingly minute in opposition to him. lp.org. Please keep letters house bill HB1160 sponsored by Virginia assisting the federal government “in the After our convention, I realized what Delegate Bob Marshall. It passed in the conduct of the investigation, prosecution, a bad precedent and, frankly, bad behavior to 200 words or less, and Virginia house in February by a vote of or detention of a United States citizen in that was. include your name, city 96-1 and in the state senate 39-1. violation of the United States Constitu- A nomination should always be in Faced with a humiliating veto over- tion, Constitution of Virginia, or any Vir- good faith, or we will encounter more and state. We reserve the ride, Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell, ginia law or regulation.” problems in future conventions. I apolo- who was initially rumored to be opposed The NDAA, which was passed in gize to both Mr. Wagner and to my fellow right to edit submissions to the bill, had an apparent change of December, authorizes the president to use convention delegates. heart and came up with a face-saving the military to kidnap American citizens for length, grammar and compromise. suspected of being terrorists. Martin L Buchanan content (as needed). The move will allow the bill to be- It requires the federal government Denver, CO come law – without the governor’s for- to either hold them indefinitely, prosecute mal signature. them before a military tribunal, or trans- Gov. McDonnell, who is rumored fer them to a foreign country through a Libertarian Solution: End Energy Monopolies to be on Mitt Romney’s short list of po- rendition process. id you know that energy monopo- to buy clean, affordable energy. The mo- tential running mates and, therefore, may Of utmost concern to legal expects lies are doubling your electric bill? nopoly power companies and government want to be seen as resisting the bill, sent is the NDAA’s section 1021, which pre- DAnd, wasting enough energy to agencies claim we can’t have open compe- some minor amendments to the legisla- tends that the United States is a battlefield power 14 cities the size of New York? And, tition. That’s what Ma Bell and Pan Am ture that were accepted, and the lawmak- and its citizens are enemy combatants did you know that government protection said. ers re-approved the bill -- 89-7 in the who are not entitled to the protections of of these utilities is to blame? But that’s self-serving and false. In House and 36-1 in the Senate. the Bill of Rights. Libertarians want to get government Germany, for example, you can generate out of the energy business, so we can enjoy electricity with your own solar panels and the same benefits of deregulation in energy sell it to your neighbors. That’s one reason Walker’s Progress Good Start that we have already enjoyed for decades why alternative energy now accounts for date the terms of labor contracts and sign- ...continued from page 14 in phone service, air travel, and trucking. 20% of the energy in Germany. It’s only ing those contracts, rendering them invalid. The power companies are govern- 2% in the United States. incestuous relationship in this country,” A valid contract is one where all in- ment-protected monopolies. Government If we want to harness new energy said Libertarian Party Chair Geoffrey J. terested parties agree to the terms of the guarantees they make a profit, no matter technologies, we need to liberate the en- Neale. “Politicians pass laws forcing mil- contract. When elections can be bought by how inefficient they are. Government pro- ergy industry from government control. lions of government employees to pay those who profit from Big Government, the tects them from competition, so they have Elect Libertarians to office, and we’ll open union dues while handing out lucrative taxpayers have, at best, weak representa- no reason to cut costs or use newer and up energy markets. Abolish energy bu- government employee contracts. The tion. Yet they’re expected to foot the bill. cleaner technology. And, your taxes pay to reaucracies. And sell off all government- unions pour money into the re-election “To call such contracts ‘non-discre- enforce their monopolies. owned power plants. campaigns of those politicians. Everyday tionary’ is a sham. Taxpayers never gave The Libertarian solution is to shut This will give us better service and taxpayers and workers are left holding the their consent to pay for labor union con- down these crony capitalist energy monop- much less waste. It will cut the average bag.” tracts that dish out high wages, generous olies. History tells us we can. utility bill in half. If you’re now paying A judge must recuse himself when benefits, and retirement packages worth Thirty years ago there were mo- $200 a month for electricity, you’ll save adjudicating a case where he has a finan- two to fives times what private sector nopoly phone systems almost everywhere, $1,200 every year -- $1,200 for you to cial interest in one of the parties before workers get for doing the same job,” said mostly AT&T. Prices were much too high, spend however you want -- perhaps replac- him. Libertarians assert that, likewise, a Chair Neale. “This keeps taxes high and and they forced us to use clunky phones ing draughty windows, paying off your lawmaker who takes campaign donations promotes recklessly high government and party lines even though cell phone credit cards, or taking a much-needed va- from contractors, unions or anyone else overspending. It’s also fundamentally un- technology had been invented. Same thing cation. who profits from taxpayer money should fair.” with airlines and trucking. Government For more energy, cleaner energy, and not be allowed to vote for handing out gov- The Libertarian Party calls for re- agencies fixed prices, restricted service, lower electricity bills, vote Libertarian. ernment largesse. Nor should those who writing these contracts to bring govern- and shut out competition. profit from government be allowed to do- ment worker compensation in line with We still use the same failed policies Editor’s Note: This LP Solution was creat- nate to political campaigns. that of comparable private sector workers for public utilities. ed by Fred Stitt and edited by Mark Gran- But lawmakers routinely allow this and to eliminate unnecessary and duplicate Libertarians want you to be allowed nis and Carla Howell. conflict of interest, passing laws to man- jobs that drive up government spending. LP STAFF Scenes from the 2012 Libertarian National Convention

LP NATIONAL CHAIRman

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Carla Howell

Operations DIrector Robert Kraus

Member Services & Affiliate relations manager Casey Hansen

Special projectS Nick Dunbar

Candidate and Affiliate Support Specialist Bob Johnston

Video Production Nigel Lyons

Member Services Specialist Kelly Dirkes

THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY® 2600 Virginia Ave. NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20037 Phone: (202) 333-0008 Above: Twelve-year old rising star Kayla Johnson Smith Fax: (202) 333-0072 graced the Libertarian National Convention with her pow- erful voice, singing America the Beautiful and the nation- Web site: www.LP.org al anthem. She also performed at the dance on Saturday evening.

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Why Ron Paul Supporters Need the Libertarian Party A complete list of Libertarian • The Bounty Hunter Approach to Cutting Local Government Waste events can be found online at LP.org/event. You can get more • LP Chair: “Violence is No Way For Civilized People to Get Their Revenue” information by visiting the Web site of your state affiliate. (See • LP Chair: “Get Ready to strip for unpaid traffic ticket.” a list at LP.org/states.) If there is an event you would like to see • LP Chair to Washington- Stop Destroying Jobs So The Economy Can Grow listed here or on the Web site, please send details to: • Libertarian Gary Johnson’s Bold and Consistent Stand on Gay Marriage • Gary Johnson Ads [email protected] or call the LP Headquarters at • Libertarian Solution Videos (202) 333-0008.