Show Me FreedomTM The official publication of the Missouri Libertarian Party, The Party of Principle® Page 2 Page 4 Page 6 Page 10 Opinions on Fundamental La Sección History of the Voting Beliefs Española Libertarian Party Paid for by the Missouri Libertarian Party, Sean O’Toole Treasurer. www.lpmo.org Libertarians: None of the Above By Rick Vandeven reason that I joined the Libertarian Party, and ran three times (2010, 2012, There have been countless 2014) for US Representative (MO-8) words written attempting to on the Libertarian Party ticket. The describe what it means to be title of “candidate” afforded me “libertarian”. Some of these writings unique opportunities to advance the were composed by deep thinking cause of individual liberty. That is an philosophers who possessed such unfortunate reflection of a society great intellect and knowledge on the which places undeserved significance subject that newcomers approaching on those who hold titles, but it is also libertarianism are left feeling reality. frustrated in their honest attempt to An excellent reference as to grapple the concept. Other formal the nature of the Libertarian Party works authored by “experts” are so can be found in our Statement of right of others to live in whatever their consent. contradictory to libertarianism that the Principles... manner they choose. We, on the contrary, deny student reverts back to supporting the “We, the members of the Governments throughout the right of any government to duopoly establishment, or apathy. Libertarian Party, challenge the cult of history have regularly operated on do these things, and hold that By no means am I going the omnipotent state and defend the the opposite principle, that the State where governments exist, they to attempt to grab the mantle of rights of the individual. has the right to dispose of the lives must not violate the rights of any expert libertarian leader. While I have We hold that all individuals of individuals and the fruits of their individual: namely, (1) the right to embraced and studied libertarianism have the right to exercise sole labor. Even within the United States, life -- accordingly we support the for almost two decades, I am just dominion over their own lives, and all political parties other than our prohibition of the initiation of beginning my journey. However, there have the right to live in whatever own grant to government the right to physical force against others; (2) comes a time when philosophy must manner they choose, so long as they regulate the lives of individuals and the right to liberty of speech and be put into political action. That is the do not forcibly interfere with the equal seize the fruits of their labor without See Libertarians, Page 3 Be a County Committee I’m a Libertarian Person for the Libertarian Party By Bill Slantz I’m a Libertarian, and I not only think you By Greg Tlapek year to be a voting member. Secretary of State website. should be one too, but I already believe you are. * You get to select who the That’s really all there is However, I am not going to try and convince you Be a county committee Libertarian Party candidate is to it, but if you’re the type that to become a Libertarian because that would be person for the Libertarian Party. for special elections to fill open likes a more serious treatment hypocritical. You see, fundamentally, Libertarians It’s the kind of job everyone elective offices where you live. of the subject, here goes. believe you should be free to follow your heart wants, you don’t have to do any File at the County Township or wherever it takes you and not have your beliefs work and you get a title. (Sorry, Clerk’s office sometime Ward Committeemen and stifled by others. You should be free to walk no pay). February 23 through March 30, Committeewomen: In Missouri, whatever path you choose. What we stand for is There are some 2010, your name will appear political parties are organized your right to do so, as long as you don’t infringe advantages to being a county in the Missouri Blue Book the by committees which form on the equal freedoms of another. We should committee person. next time it’s published and you every two years (except St. allow others the freedom of their own journey. In * A county committee can get a free copy. To find the Louis where it’s every 4 years). turn, others agree not to infringe on your freedom person is automatically a voting address and phone number for Committees may not be the and liberties. In yet other words, don’t hurt your member of the Missouri your County Clerk see the List best way to organize parties, neighbors and don’t take their stuff, and most Libertarian Party. Normally you of County Clerks/Election but it’s the law. The state and importantly, don’t ask the state to do it for you. have to contribute at least $50 a Officials on the Missouri the Public policy arguments by “Liberals” See Committee, Page 8 See Freedom, Page 5 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.Facebook.com/LibertarianPartyofMissouri Show Me Freedom is a trademark of the Missouri Libertarian Party. ©2016 Page 2 • Summer 2012 The Wasted Vote Argument “You’re wasting your vote,” is an argument usually made by a Republican or Democrat who wants a Libertarian to vote for their candidate. The wasted vote argument can be used by Libertarians, too. It can be an effective way to win the vote of a friend or relative sympathetic to the Libertarian Party. It is an easy argument to make when a race is not especially close, as is usually the case when an incumbent is seeking reelection. The US congressional races are a good place to ask for a vote. There are no term limits for US Congress, so a congressman or congresswoman can usually hold their seat as long as they like. It does not cost anything for a Republican or Democrat to vote for a Libertarian in a race where the incumbent is very likely to win, whether you vote for or against them. Libertarians are sometimes told they are wasting their vote. They can politely disagree. Technically, the only people who don’t waste their votes are the ones who vote for the winner. Everyone can’t vote for the winner. That wouldn’t be any fun at all. Try it out. Ask for a vote. Libertarians, peacefully to all other individuals. of complicated tax codes that Continued from Page 1 It is that extension of individual leave experienced professional rights to all that differentiates accountants scratching their action -- accordingly we oppose Ask for a the Libertarian Party from the heads in confusion. The State all attempts by government to duopoly political parties. We enforces the tax code through a abridge the freedom of speech believe that no person or group police force, and the threat of and press, as well as government of persons has the right to violence. This threat is usually censorship in any form; and Vote forcibly prevent other people enough to compel compliance. It (3) the right to property from peacefully living their lives. is interesting that debtors’ prisons The state auditor’s race is a good place -- accordingly we oppose Unfortunately, we do are a relic of a barbaric past, yet to ask for a Libertarian vote. It has been an all government interference not live in a free society, and the the existence of prisons for those important race for the Missouri Libertarian with private property, such as State, through the establishment who do not hand the prescribed Party. confiscation, nationalization, and of social and corporate welfare amount of the product of their For a political party to stay on the eminent domain, and support the programs, has forced our lives’ energies over the State is ballot in Missouri, it must pull at least 2% of prohibition of robbery, trespass, consideration of the behaviors considered normal. the vote in a statewide race at least every other fraud, and misrepresentation. and actions of others. American election. The state auditor’s race assured the Since governments, style democracy is such that The “welfare/warfare state” that LP ballot access for two cycles as recently as when instituted, must not violate personal vices such as using too I described in the previous two the 2002 election. individual rights, we oppose much salt, not wearing a seat belt, paragraphs is the root cause of all interference by government or ingesting a banned plant, or the conflict that the State has Two percent may not sound like in the areas of voluntary and the participation of a business in introduced into our lives. It is much, but it must not be that easy. contractual relations among the marketplace have a negative at direct odds with the Golden The LP has maintained ballot access individuals. People should not effect on our property. If a driver Rule: treat others as you want to since 1992. Many other parties have be forced to sacrifice their lives who was not wearing his seat be treated. Libertarians do not come and most gone since then. and property for the benefit of belt gets into an accident and is believe that anyone has the right others. They should be left free horribly maimed, society may to initiate force against anybody People do not get invested in the state by government to deal with one have to support the driver for else; regardless if that force is auditor’s race.