FREEDOM JULY, 2006 - ELECTION 2007 EDITION #1 - Who Is Frank? - page 7 FLYER By-elections - page 10 BILLBOARD Campaign - page 4 #37 - THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FREEDOM PARTY OF ONTARIO

BILLBOARDS ANNOUNCE Fp 2007 ONTARIO ELECTION PLATFORM

“The Right Direction 2007...”

BOLD VISION, CLEAR POLICIES, FRANK APPROACH DISTINGUISH Fp PLATFORM

TORONTO - October 4, 2005 - Exactly two years to the day before the next expected provincial election, Freedom Party’s 2007 election platform was released at a media briefing held at the downtown Strathcona Hotel. The event coincided with Fp’s first-ever launching of a provincial-wide billboard campaign (see pages 4-5) drawing attention to Fp’s key platform issues.

Fp PLATFORM TARGETS TAXES, HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION

Freedom Party’s full-color Right Direction 2007 Election Platform is a unique political document on every front. It begins with an introduction by Fp leader Paul McKeever which establishes that values are what Freedom Party is really all about: “Freedom Party is a uniquely “WHO IS principled organization formed for and by equally principled individuals (who) hold rationality, ethics, justice, democracy and freedom as values upon which (we) will make no FRANK?” compromise.” For the complete text of this introduction, see page 8. SOLD-OUT Fp The rest of the platform consists of detailed descriptions and color illustrations relating to each plank in the platform: (1) Scrap Ontario’s Income Tax, (2) Legalize Faster Better DINNER a BIG Health Care, (3) Improve Education through Choice, (4) Improve the Supply Of Electricity, (5) Restore Fair Auto Insurance, (6) Scrap Property Taxes, and (7) a final section HIT! - see pg 6 on Budgetting Better Health Care And Education. More details, reactions, and insights follow on the inside pages of this newsletter. {end} 2

Openers... SOME FRANK TALK ABOUT FREEDOM PARTY --- AND FREEDOM GREAT EXPECTATIONS vs NO EXPECTATIONS -Robert Metz {Robert Metz is a founding member and president of the Freedom Party of Ontario}

From an objective point of view about every other reasonable (and some disobedience, law breaking, revolution, (namely mine), Freedom Party is the unreasonable) name you could think of and even war.) best political party ever invented. for a political party was already taken Sure, I’m one of the founding members or reserved for official registration. But On a television news broadcast of the party, but I didn’t invent or create no one ever started a Freedom Party. aired almost eighteen years ago, we Freedom Party. Freedom Party has let the media know that Freedom evolved into something Party candidates much larger than any only expected to get one of us individually, “We fought tax increases --- and won. We one or two percent thanks to the work, fought government spending on grandiose of the vote, but that support, and wisdom of the important thing people dedicated to the stadium projects and sports events --- and for any new political principle that: won. We fought three entrenched and party to do was to field candidates. I “Every individual, in elected Ontario political parties, each was quoted thusly: the peaceful pursuit of vehemently opposed to Sunday shopping in “There’s the personal fulfillment, element of political has an absolute right Ontario --- and won. credibility. Can you to his or her own life, But when it comes to Ontario elections, we be electable in the liberty, and property.” still haven’t won one yet.” immediate future? Well that’s something I had no idea, in that when we started 1984 when Freedom this party we knew Party was founded, just where that I didn’t expect that. (Today I would be at least a decade or two away. moral proposition would lead us. But know why, but that’s the subject of Credibility in an election is (totally I had expectations. another story.) different from what most expect). It isn’t related to your ideas - directly - Only a few years earlier, and However, there’s one thing I it’s related more to the credibility of the when I was well into my late twenties, did expect from the very beginning, organization behind the ideas, and its I was vaguely aware that something an expectation that might deter most consistency, and its ability to be there was seriously wrong with the way we from getting involved with a new election after election.” (November were being governed. But like so many political party. Then, as today, I fully 3, 1988 - Behind The News - Ch10 others, I was a political illiterate, not understood the enormity of the the London Ontario; you can see the entire knowing the difference between left, task before us --- and its necessity. We video clip available on line) right, center, or which of Ontario’s were, and still are, pioneers on a road political parties fit into which color never travelled --- one away from more Since the very beginning, of the political spectrum. (They’re government control, higher taxes, ever- Freedom Party has consistently all ‘red’.) I do recall, however, my increasing government spending, and increased its number of candidates absolute astonishment, in a country less of everything else. in each successive election, starting that supposedly holds freedom as with three in 1985 and reaching two its highest ideal and which has sent (Most are tragically unaware that freedom dozen in the last Ontario election. But its soldiers to die “for freedom”, to has never been won within a majority rule even fielding a full slate of candidates, process, which always moves away from though discover that no political party or group freedom towards tyranny. Historically, (cont’d on next page...) wanted the name Freedom Party. Just freedom was always won by civil 3 (...cont’d from prev page) They’ve all got it wrong. Whether true or not, and most are not, none of necessary, is not enough to reach these things are relevant to the goal of critical mass, the tipping point, the getting elected. time at which Freedom Party will be perceived as an ‘overnight success’ and The early vote totals of any new elect its first member to the legislature. political party will tell you nothing about that party other than the fact that Today, we have the best platform a candidate was fielded in the riding. ever offered by a political party, an informed, educated and articulate party leader, Paul McKeever, who can out- SOME FRANK TALK ABOUT Freedom Party President debate any of the other party leaders on GETTING ELECTED: Robert Metz any of the major issues. of philosophy, policy, or direction. Moreover, we have a track record The inertia of incumbency and voter Almost nothing. Philosophy and policy of effective education and lobby efforts loyalty is difficult for most to appreciate are important for other reasons, but not which are documented for all to see and requires a clear context and directly for getting elected. in our past newsletters and on line: perspective. Given my corporate and We fought tax increases --- and won. business background and experience, If I just wanted to ‘get elected,’ I We fought government spending on I already knew, some eighteen years probably could have done so already grandiose stadium projects and sports ago that it would be at least twenty (and so could most of you who are events --- and won. We fought three years before most Ontarians could even reading this), by running for one of the entrenched and elected Ontario political say they’ve heard of Freedom Party, two most ‘electable’ parties. But my parties, each vehemently opposed to let alone feel confident in voting for getting elected with one of the major S u n d a y the party. parties would not only have destroyed shopping in “Getting elected has little to do Let’s face any ability on my part to work for Ontario --- with what a candidate or party it, in any freedom, but would have forced me to and won. g i v e n actually work against freedom. represents in terms of 20 year B u t philosophy, policy, or direction” p e r i o d , I recall, after my very first election when it p o l i t i c a l speech as a Freedom Party candidate in comes to Ontario elections, we still parties only get four to five meaningful (1985), incumbent and haven’t won one yet. ‘kicks at the can’, that is, opportunities Conservative candidate Gordon Walker, to field candidates. This alone should noticing how warmly the audience With electoral returns barely speak to the reality of the time reacted to my message, invited me to reaching 1% for Freedom Party constraints involved in having so few consider becoming a Conservative --- candidates in the recent Ontario by- pathetically short election periods in so right there at the all candidates’ debates elections, it’s easy to believe that long a period of time. in plain sight for everyone to see and Freedom Party is not making any hear. If Walker really liked what I was progress towards its goal of becoming Now here’s something even more saying, he should have been a Freedom an electable party in Ontario. daunting, and probably something you Party candidate, not a conservative. don’t even want to know, but which Everyone has a theory: “You’re is nevertheless an inescapable fact: (OPENERS...cont’d on page 14...) ‘splitting the right’; you don’t field Getting elected has little to do with what enough candidates to form a majority; a candidate or party represents in terms I haven’t seen you in the papers; your candidates aren’t high profile enough; your party’s name is wrong; no one’s ever heard of you; you can’t win; your Freedom Party policies are too extreme; you’re being ‘too frank’ with the public; why bother? Life, Liberty, Property. - it won’t make any difference anyway.” And so on.

4

Above: reproduced (original size) from the London Free Press, pg A3, October 7, 2005 5 IN-YOUR-FACE BILLBOARDS SPEAK DIRECTLY TO ONTARIO VOTERS

TORONTO, LONDON - for the 2007 election campaign are Between now and October 2007, October 4, 2005 - Motorists driving complete and second to none. Fp’s the number of Fp billboards seen by along the Don Valley Parkway in platform, the Right Direction 2007, Ontario voters will be determined Toronto, and along Horton Street in has also increased media attention by the level of financial support London were among the first to see and coverage for Freedom Party on contributed. High-profile billboards Freedom Party’s billboards announcing the issues, as opposed to elections are an expensive proposition, costing its 2007 Election Platform, The Right (see samples on page 9). Calling for approximately $2500 per billboard per Direction. the elimination of Ontario’s income month. tax and property tax, along with a call It’s an investment well worth For Freedom Party itself, the to legalize faster better health care, making, especially in light of Freedom billboards also marked the first time Fp’s platform is being given serious Party’s long-term vision for a better this medium was being used to appeal consideration by major influential Ontario and a freer society. directly to voters. media and other key policy makers. {end}

The billboards serve two essential purposes: (1) to by-pass the media as the ‘middle-man’ between the party and the public, and (2) to increase public awareness and media reaction.

It should be noted that the two separate London Free Press items appearing on either side of this column represent more coverage of our upcoming 2007 election platform than the paper offered Freedom Party during the entire last Ontario general election.

Moreover, the billboards seem to have had the effect we were seeking on public awareness. Overheard by an Fp supporter in a London business office was the following unsolicited comment directed by one fellow employee to another: “Did you know that seven US states don’t have income tax?” Once voters perceive that this possibility actually exists in reality, no further explanations are necessary --- though they are available for the few who ask.

The result of intensive research, preparation and planning, Freedom Party’s platform and marketing strategy

At Right: from the London Free Press, October 9, 2005. Coverage offering over- view of Freedom Party’s 2007 election campaign ends on a detour of irrelevancy. 6 FREEDOM PARTY ‘MYSTERY’ DINNER EXCITES, DELIGHTS ATTENDEES

LONDON - October 29, 2005 - to his goals and objectives --- and to 1800s, were intentionally denied Perhaps it was the great speakers. freedom and Freedom Party itself. knowledge about geography or Perhaps it was the dazzling multi- direction lest they escape and head media show. Perhaps it was the great Most importantly, attendees north, McKeever told the tale of the food and sharing in company of like- were treated to some frank talk about song with the words: “Follow the minded people. Perhaps it was the politics, the voting process, and drinking gourd; the old man’s gonna great gifts distributed at the end of Freedom Party’s role in future Ontario take you to freedom.” the event. Perhaps it was the story of elections. Frank, the magnificent white tiger that The song was used as a means has been adopted as Freedom Party’s It was clear that McKeever was of helping slaves escape through mascot. Whatever the reasons, or any the star performer for the evening. His the underground railroad to Canada and all combinations of these reasons, candor, sense of humor, and sincerity by teaching them which way was it was clear by the reactions of those established a personal connection with north. The “drinking gourd” was who attended Fp’s dinner event that the audience, most having never met the big dipper constellation in the everyone had a great time and was him before. sky, and two of the stars in the big excited about the party’s plans for the dipper point directly to the north star, next provincial election and beyond. “Most people will die never Polaris, which had become a symbol having read a political platform,” of freedom to many. Featuring Freedom Party McKeever observed, citing the founding member and president necessity of using symbolism and Through some great story Robert Metz and Freedom Party branding as a means of communicating telling (with some often humorous leader Paul McKeever as the two to the public. anecdotes), McKeever weaved a path keynote speakers, Freedom Party’s demonstrating how and why the star ‘WHO IS FRANK?’ dinner event “We live in a ten second sound Polaris has now become Fp’s symbol revealed the answer to that question in byte world. We must be able to of destination, the compass Fp’s an entertaining and stimulating way. communicate with the voter in ten symbol of direction, and ‘Frank’ the seconds or less, what it is that Freedom white tiger as Fp’s symbol of ethics Held at the Seven Dwarf’s Party is all about. We have to brand and values. Restaurant in London, attendees the party. A big part of branding is were treated to a video performance symbolism. The golden arches will Throughout it all, his captivated of Fp leader Paul McKeever in always be a reminder of McDonalds. audience seemed to be thoroughly action, promoting and defending Fp’s A bell will probably always make us enjoying themselves. platform during the last provincial think of telephones. election (2003). Video highlights A transcript of McKeever’s included coverage by CTV, TV “There aren’t very many symbols presentation will be published in the Ontario’s Steve Paikin on Studio 2, associated with freedom. There are near future. It’s an exciting story to and Jim Chapman on Rogers Cable plenty for communism. There aren’t hear again and again and goes a long in London. Attendees got to see very many symbols of freedom that way to explain what Freedom Party is tough questions asked, expressions aren’t purely American, like the all about. of disbelief directed at either Fp’s Statue of Liberty or the American Flag policies or the party’s chances of itself.” As to the definitive answer to the success, and background information dinner’s key theme and question for on Paul McKeever himself --- as And with that, McKeever went on the evening: WHO IS FRANK? seen through the eyes of the media. to tell the tale of a symbol of freedom They also got to see a an informed with a uniquely Canadian connection. FREEDOM PARTY’s FRANK! and articulate party leader more than That’s who. capable of answering any of these Referring to slaves in the state {end} questions or concerns, one committed of Mississippi who, during the early 7 DINNER ATTENDEES MEET ‘FRANK’ - FREEDOM PARTY’S NEW MASCOT FREEDOM PARTY’S FRANK

Meet Frank, the white tiger: proof positive that some things are black and white. Frank is found only in nature. Having the power both to nurture life and to defend it, he is a constant reminder that nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed. You cannot find Frank if you do not look for him. Hidden in the dark jungle of politics, Frank can be found only by the light of human reason. Some try to get by without finding him. Others try to deny his existence by telling themselves that nothing is black and white. But the occasional flash of his penetrating eyes through the gray jungle mists betrays such efforts. Deep down, we all know one inescapable truth: the temporary feeling of security and comfort that we get from avoiding the thought of Frank actually puts our lives and our happiness at risk. Yet those who find and befriend Frank know that his only agenda is justice, and that his only special interest is freedom. Indeed, the name Frank quite literally, means “free”. Just as importantly, “Frank” also means “honest and forthright”. So when you hear Frank roar “Some things are black and white!”, respond to it as a call to choose freedom, and to be honest and forthright in defending it.

Who must You be to be Free?

FREEDOM: I can’t be free without being frank.

RESPONSIBILITY: I can’t be frank without being responsible.

ACTION: I can’t be responsible without taking action.

NOBILITY: I can’t take responsible action without being right.

KNOWLEDGE: I can’t be right without knowledge of the world and how one must live in it.

Who is FRANK? --- Freedom Party’s Frank! 8 A message from PAUL McKEEVER Leader, Freedom Party of Ontario

Our early release of Freedom Party’s 2007 election platform - a full two years prior to the next provincial election - serves several purposes. It provides a standard by which to judge the other parties’ election platforms; it gives you time to investigate Freedom Party’s proposals further; it demonstrates our confidence that this election platform will withstand criticism. Although no other party has yet released an election platform for Ontario’s 2007 election, I believe I can already say with confidence that the proposals set out in this platform are different from, and better than, any you might eventually see coming from the Progressive Conservatives, the Liberals, or the NDP: three parties trying desperately to get elected without upsetting their union and corporate funders. That said, a political party’s values, not its election promises, are your surest guide to the sort of government each party would form. It is at that level - the level of values - that Freedom Party is most clearly distinguishable from the Liberals, the Progressive Conservatives, the NDP and other political parties. Freedom Party is a uniquely There are those who say that there is no such thing as right and wrong; principled organization formed for that what is right for one person might be wrong for another; that everything is and by equally principled individuals, relative and subjective; that nothing is black and white; that everything is shades like you. It is an organization whose of gray. Tellingly, they feel absolutely certain that they are right. members demand a government Such people are easily that defends civilization: a society recognized in the political distinguished world. They propose that “It is at the level of values, not policies, that by its feelings should trump Freedom Party is most clearly distinguish- optimistic, reason; that emotional peaceful whims should prevail able from other political parties.” and hope- over what reason tells filled pursuit us is ethical; that justice is “too judgmental” and “unfair”; that democracy is of happiness rather than a jungle just another word for majority rule; that freedom means not having to take plagued by a pessimistic, nasty responsibility for ones own life and happiness. They are the first to demand that fear of a worsened life. To proudly nobody judge them, and that nobody be judged. Indeed, their wish to do wrong support Freedom Party is to tell the without being held to account is the very reason why they pretend that there is world, unequivocally, that you hold no such thing as right and wrong. rationality, ethics, justice, democracy Not everyone shares that dishonest and self-serving view of how society and freedom as values upon which you should be. There are those of us who believe that rationality is the essence of will make no compromise. civility. We believe that right and wrong is black and white, and that there is As we approach the election of only one word for a compromise between right and wrong: corruption. We 2007, your proud support for Freedom do not fear judgment because we do not wish to do injustice to anyone. We Party is more important than ever. advocate democracy for what it truly is: a system in which government must be When you have finished reading judged by the same ethical code as the governed because it is comprised of the Freedom Party’s platform, I hope that governed, and acts on no other authority; a system in which government cannot you will lend it to others with your make unjust laws, even when a majority wants it to do so. We advocate freedom full and confident endorsement. Word because we acknowledge and accept personal responsibility for our own lives of mouth, coming from those who and happiness, and because we know it is ethically wrong and unjust for us to be demonstrate a belief in the honest and forcibly deprived of our lives, our liberty or our property. peaceful pursuit of happiness, is our We are as the white tiger, whose stripes make no corrupt compromise greatest and most powerful tool for between right and wrong. Freedom is our unmoving pole star and point of freedom. Thank you. reference. We seek government that navigates a course to a more rational, good, and just society using not the whimsical winds of public opinion, but a compass Toronto, October 4, 2005 that points government in the right direction.

9 GAP-OSIS At Left, Above: from the Financial Post, January 6, 2006: Freedom Party’s Election’07 plank promising to scrap Ontario’s property tax by replacing it with a consumption tax was billed as a ‘tax cure’ in the Financial Post’s commentary roundup on the ‘State of Cities’ in Canada. Fp leader Paul McKeever expands on Freedom Party’s position by introducing the syndrome of ‘gap-osis’ and by stressing that “the most effective way to make a government spend in a responsible way is to ensure that it pays for those expenditures with its own resources.”

Below: from the Toronto Star, April 23, 2005: Adding a ‘gap’ in logic to the issue of federal-provincial ‘gaps’ in transfer payments, columnist Ian Urquhart suggests that Freedom Party is “on the side of (former prime minister) Martin and the federal Liberals,” arguing that the “right-leaning Freedom Party ...wants Ottawa to cut taxes instead.” 10 11 ONTARIO BY-ELECTIONS A SOBERING REMINDER OF VOTER AND MEDIA INERTIA ONTARIO - March 1 - March What makes the media’s prevails. 30, 2006 - On March 1, Ontario’s resistance to Freedom Party Lieutenant Governor General dropped particularly curious is that the voting One can imagine the surprise the writ for three Ontario by-elections, public seems absolutely starved to of Fp leader Paul McKeever when each held on Thursday March 30. hear a different voice in the political he received a phone call from the marketplace. producer of the Rogers Cablecast Freedom Party fielded a ‘full- program First Local. After airing slate’ of candidates in the by-elections: Referring to his experience with the Whitby-Ajax all candidates’ Franz Cauchi in the riding of the Ottawa Citizen as an example of debate, McKeever was informed that Toronto-Danforth, Jurgen Vollrath in the ‘democratic deficit’ faced by voters First Local’s on line poll showed the riding of Nepean-Carleton, and Fp in his riding, Vollrath notes: McKeever’s polling at 48%, with PC leader Paul McKeever in the riding at 35%, and Liberal of Whitby-Ajax. All three candidates “I used this exclusion as a at 13%. received less than 1% of the vote precursor in my opening statement to the totals, a result entirely consistent with distinguished crowd at the (Cedarview But that’s not what First Local vote totals of any new political party. Golf and Country Club all candidates’ reported on its 6pm election eve debate) and for the most part, the invitees news coverage. Instead, First Local were alarmed that the major newspaper However, thanks to Fp’s in this area could act in this fashion. I reversed McKeever’s and Elliott’s early launch of its 2007 election drove home the point that we are allowing totals, declaring Elliott the winner. platform, the by-elections produced democracy to slip into a back seat position Subsequent checks of Rogers’ poll unprecedented media coverage in and the dangers that are presented if this online right after the broadcast some major media outlets which is allowed to continue. I got a standing confirmed that the results had not have never covered Freedom Party ovation. changed significantly since McKeever campaigns before, most notably the “Many other positives happened received the call from First Local’s National Post (see reproduction at left) during this debate and when it was producer. and the Toronto Star (reproduction on over, I had more people wearing liberal and conservative pins on their lapels next page). Readers can view the entire surrounding me than (surrounding) their actual candidates. What a tremendous Whitby-Ajax all candidates’ debate Nevertheless, general media feeling! Having used ‘Frank’ and the by downloading a video file from resistance to Freedom Party and its coincidental analogies that coincide Freedom Party’s website. But there candidates is still the main challenge with his existence as our mascot has an is one thing that viewers will not facing us. TV Ontario’s Studio amazing effect on people.” see: Before the debate was broadcast 2, a critically important source of live, each of the riding candidates was information for Ontario voters, Vollrath’s experience as a profiled in a pre-recorded video short. excluded Fp candidates from its by- Freedom Party candidate is typical But not candidate Paul McKeever. election coverage, while the Ottawa of most Fp candidates during Conservative. Liberal. NDP. Green. Citizen did not invite Nepean- election campaigns. When voters --- but no Freedom Party. Yet despite Carleton candidate Jurgen Vollrath get a chance to actually see and this ‘omission’, McKeever scored to its editorial board meeting with the hear Freedom Party candidates in highest on the poll conducted by the candidates. action, their positive response can be broadcaster after the debate. overwhelming. Regrettably, voters Nor did the paper print Vollrath’s who attend all candidates’ debates, Toronto-Danforth Fp candidate written response to the paper. or who even take the time to watch a Franz Cauchi did not report any debate on cablecast, are few and far media misrepresentations as serious as (See Openers by Robert Metz for more between. Worse, the media reports our other two candidates, and in fact, details about this issue, and for the virtually nothing about the polarized complete transcript of Vollrath’s response performance of Fp’s candiates or (cont’d on next page...) to the Ottawa Citizen.) the audience’s reactions. Ignorance 12 was the candidate who scored big for (including that of Fp candidate Wayne supporters are more challenging than media coverage, twice mentioned in the Simmons who was fielded in the ever. Money. Candidates. Organizers. pages of the National Post (see page 10 November 25, 2005 provincial by- Volunteers. Constituency Associations. for reproduction of March 23 feature). election in Scarborough-Rouge River, All are needed if we are to achieve our It is a remarkable media occurrence for with similar electoral results), the objectives. a provincial by-election to be given simple fact is that most voters still have coverage in a national newspaper, let not heard of Freedom Party. For further One more time: Election alone with a focus on a new political commentary and insight on electoral campaigns require candidates, party candidate. prospects, readers are invited to review organizers, and cost money. All the this issue’s Openers commentary by Fp other essentials (leader, platform, Despite these advancements, it president Robert Metz. strategy, marketing, administration) are is understandably disappointing for already in place. With your support, Fp members and supporters to learn For Freedom Party, the recent we can make a big difference to our that electoral results for each of our by-elections were an important step candidates and workers, both now and candidates remain so low (under 1%). towards our goal of getting Freedom in the fall of 2007. Why voters would reject Freedom Party better known and recognized by Party’s clear, hopeful, and positive the voting public. That effort does not Admiration and congratulations vision of ‘Lower Taxes and A Better slow between elections. are extended to each of our by- Life’ in favor of the dismal and election candidates for their hard work depressing agenda of high taxes and We are in the midst of the and excellent representation on behalf rationing being offered by Liberals, most ambitious election effort ever of Freedom Party: Franz Cauchi, Conservatives, and New Democrats undertaken in Freedom Party’s history. Paul McKeever, Wayne Simmons, alike, is difficult for many to With four Ontario by-elections under and Jurgen Vollrath. understand. our belt, with a current provincial-wide billboard campaign, and Ontario’s next Pioneers for freedom. {end} Yet, as illustrated by the campaign general election expected on October 4, experience of our by-election candidates 2007, demands on party members and

At Left: - from the Toronto Star, January 23, 2006. Columnist Ian Urquhart reveals Freedom Party plans to field by-election candidate and Fp party leader Paul McKeever, long before election was called. 13 CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATIONS Every Candidate Needs One! - Carol Vandenberg

(Carol Vandenberg is an executive member of the Freedom Party of Ontario, as well as being on the board of London West’s Freedom Party Constituency Association (CA).)

Suppose that a snap by-election has been called in 3 their candidates. It is from this membership they can collect ridings in Ontario. The writ has been dropped, the candidates donations and create an election fund, the money with which have 16 days to register and collect their signatures. Each they can produce flyers, signs, and advertising. The bigger candidate needs 25 signatures of eligible voters from their the membership is, the more likely the best face for Freedom riding. They need to pay their deposit. Now they have only can be found. 14 days to campaign, print flyers, deliver flyers, arrange advertising, print and put up election signs. Then, it is the Besides money and membership, a CA’s job is one of election-day and that’s it. Thirty days and it’s over. action and education. It is their job to help bring Freedom Party of Ontario’s platform to the people in their riding. Sound like an impossible task? That’s exactly what Sure, HQ has the Freedom Flyer, Consent Magazine, and happened in the last three Ontario by-elections. those fabulous dinners, but there are many other things a CA can do, writing letters to the editor being one. Come It is close to impossible for a lone Freedom Party on, you’ve seen them…? the same people seem to always candidate to do all that is necessary in the small time allotted. get their letters printed, over and over. Do you think they’re Well, “so what?” you say, “that’s what Headquarters is just irate individuals? No, some are just party loyals showing for…” Well, did you know that by-elections are rarely their support. We have to make Freedom Party an everyday called at the convenience of the opposition parties? Odds word, not an occasional novelty! are, headquarters will be busy with ‘real-time reporting’ or sending out income tax-receipts, or some such essential but Counter protests are another way CA’s can put the desperately boring task. Sure, they’ll make sure the i‘s are message out there. “Oh look, farmers are blocking the roads dotted and the t’s are crossed for the candidates’ registration again and what do they want? More subsidies!” forms and if the money flow is good at that time, they might “Farmers feed cities”, we’re told. Well I say “Farmers bleed help publish the candidate’s literature and signs, but HQ is cities” by lobbying for subsidies. A well organized CA can in London and the by-elections is in Ottawa or even Wawa. pull off a campaign to demonstrate how farmers would really Who’s going to help deliver those flyers? Who’s going to be able to “feed cities” --- if they didn’t have to pay income pound those signs into the permafrost? tax, property tax, and weren’t forced to farm by government edict. CA members! That’s who! Of course, a Constituency Association’s actions are not A Constituency Association’s job during an election limited to what I’?ve talked about here. Freedom Party of campaign is to support the candidate. CA members show Ontario has provided the blueprint for its CA’s but it’?s up to up and cheer their candidate on at all-candidate debates. you, the members, to get up off your... well you know what They will pound in the signs and put them back up when I’m talking about ...and get to it! A Freedom Party of Ontario they’re knocked down. They’ll deliver or hand out the CA is an ongoing organization dedicated to Recruitment, flyers. They’ll collect the donations. They will make sure Action, and Education of the Freedom Party of Ontario’s their candidate is prepared for the debate, get there on time platform and principles. Freedom Party of Ontario’?s CA’s and have their Frank button on right side up! They will be are frontline Freedom Fighters! there when the results come in. Now go! Start a revolution! Register your CA today! But Constituency Associations do not appear out of nowhere; they do not appear the day the writ is dropped Contact Carol Vandenberg or Robert Metz at: nor do they disappear after election-day is over. A CA takes time and elections are about deadlines. A CA can only work [email protected] effectively once a group of dedicated members have worked or together for at least a year. A new CA’s first priority is to [email protected] establish their presence and recruit more members, because it is from this membership that they can nominate and elect 14 (OPENERS...cont’d from pg. 3) Here’s why: Consider the options: oppose every principle that Freedom Party stands for. They give freedom It’s a good thing I didn’t take Liberals don’t believe in anything and capitalism a bad name, and make him up on his offer. After running and Liberals believe in everything. our job all the harder. (up to that point) the most expensive With broken promises littering their riding election campaign ever held yellow fib road to power, the Liberal Then there’s the New Democrats, in Ontario, he lost his seat to Liberal Party is proof that you can fool most whose tyrannical belief in the tyranny Joan Smith, and the Progressive of the people --- at least long enough of majority rule has also become the Conservatives sank into near oblivion to get them to put their ‘x’ on the standard of the other two parties as until briefly charmed ballot. After that, who knows? Any well. That’s their ‘new democracy’ -- voters with his mild dose of - the old mob rule presented ‘common sense.’ as political recipe. Tyranny “The ONLY way to put freedom on is not democracy, even if a Today, Ontario - and majority supports it. New its three ‘electable’ parties the political agenda is to financially Democrats? Who needs - continue drifting left into support and vote for Freedom Party them when we have Liberals the socialist seas of record- and Conservatives? setting deficit financing, - a party of principle.” bloated government Make no mistake! All bureaucracies and bad thing could happen - and always three parties are vehemently whopping tax rates, all accompanied does. opposed to each and every plank by cutbacks and rationing of just about in Freedom Party’s 2007 Election any service offered by government. Then there’s the pitiful so- Platform, the Right Direction. The trend that existed in 1984 when called ‘conservatives’. Progressive Freedom Party was founded, continues Conservatives, they say. Socialist So guess what? For anybody even unabated to this very day, regardless conservatives, I say. Because that’s remotely concerned with freedom at of which socialist party has ruled what they are. Theirs is the party all, supporting Liberals, Conservatives the province: Liberal, Progressive that introduced income tax to Ontario. or New Democrats simply isn’t an Conservative, or NDP. Theirs is the option. Unlike all party that created the other ‘isms’ in So if you just want to ‘get elected’ Ontario’s health the political world, in this political climate, be my guest care monopoly freedom is not an ‘ism’ and go join one of those parties. But and banned nor is it an ideology. don’t have any expectations about private health It is the condition in being able to change anything for care. Progressive which human beings the better. Not only is freedom not Conservatives gave must live --- if they are on their agenda, freedom is the very us rent controls, to be human beings. thing that collectivist parties fear the phoney Human To achieve this most. In fact, no matter how well Rights codes, condition, there’s only intentioned one might be, by joining monopolized one political choice in or supporting any of those parties, Ontario Hydro, etc., --- all under the Ontario --- Freedom Party, a party that one will have participated in the guise of being a ‘conservative’ party actually cares about freedom! destruction of freedom and contributed supposedly interested in protecting to the continued decline of Ontario’s private property, free markets and Which brings me back to politics standard of living. There is no middle capitalism. and the secret of getting elected, so ground here. It’s black and white. I Conservatives have become please allow me to be really blunt have witnessed first hand how quickly freedom’s worst enemies, because about this (I know most of you don’t a well-intentioned freedom oriented they practise socialism in the name of like to hear this): candidate must abandon any principle freedom. Freedom is the very thing of freedom when working with any that they restrict and destroy to achieve The vast majority of voters know of the other parties. It’s unavoidable their political ends. On every count, nothing about anything I’ve discussed and inevitable. The ONLY way to Progressive Conservatives support put freedom on the political agenda the philosophies and objectives of (cont’d on next page...) is to financially support and vote for the Liberals and New Democrats and Freedom Party - a party of principle. (...cont’d from prev page) 15 be one of the vast majority that I just Yes --- if they know we exist. Yes --- If in this article. Not only do they know described and I was eventually able to we have a voice that can be heard. nothing about Freedom Party, they think and act for myself. If I can do it, know nothing about the philosophies anybody can. Will this happen in 2007? 2011? or platforms of the parties that they 2015? I have no way of predicting an DO vote for. They know nothing about So what of Freedom Party? unpredictable future. But Ontario’s their own candidates. three recent by elections may offer a First, it is important to recognize clue. It’s important to understand this. that Freedom Party is not for everybody Ask the average Liberal, Conservative, and does not pretend to be. People Although media breakthroughs or NDP voter what the party they voted interested in getting something for were made (see the rest of this for explicitly stands for and they will nothing will not find a home in newsletter), most of the media either not know! They cannot know because Freedom Party. People who want ignored Freedom Party’s candidates, their parties themselves do not know politicians to ‘protect’ them from labor actively evaded them, or outright what they stand for --- until voters tell or business competition will not find a misrepresented them. them what they stand for. That’s why home in Freedom Party. Racists are not polls, not principles, are what form the welcome. Censorship advocates and Take, for example, Rogers Cable policies of the other parties and why others who demonstrate intolerance of in the riding of Whitby-Ajax where they are all so much alike. It’s a vicious peaceful behavior are not welcome. Freedom Party leader Paul McKeever circle from which they cannot escape. Freedom Party is not a fear-oriented clearly made an impression. (You can The other parties follow; they do not, party. view a video of this debate on Freedom and cannot, lead. Party website.) Second, it is only by choosing Worse, not only do most voters to become part of an informed After the debate, Rogers polled its not know anything about the parties independent minority that one can viewers on line: McKeever came out they vote for, they know nothing about ultimately command majorities. All on top, polling as high as 48%. This the nature of government --- or of the parties are run by tiny minorities. was documented and confirmed by the voting process itself. Their scant cable broadcaster. Yet, in their news attention to politics, if any at all, is Third, voters are not informed coverage of the debate and the poll comprised of the few moments every and do not understand the nature of the results, Rogers’ newscasters falsely four or five years that they spend in a parties and reported, on voting booth. Is it surprising at all that c a n d i d a t e s “It is important to recognize the eve of the the vast majority still have never heard they currently that Freedom Party is not for election, that of Freedom Party? support. The M c K e e v e r irony of this everybody and does not came in Does any of this scare you? It is that the pretend to be. Freedom Party second, after should. people who PC candidate are voting for is not a fear-oriented party.” C h r i s t i n e In their political vacuum, most parties they Elliott (the voters are not only unwittingly really know nothing about will also wife of Jim Flaherty). destroying their own well being, but the vote for a new party like Freedom Party well being, freedom and security even of --- when their faith (which is all they Meanwhile, TVO’s Studio 2 those few who DO understand freedom have, in the absence of understanding) (the most influential media source for and government, like you and me. It in the parties they usually support is Ontario voters) critically damaged is simply the nature of our increasingly weakened or destroyed. That’s how Freedom Party leader Paul McKeever’s undemocratic majority rule system that Bob Rae’s NDP won an election by campaign by eliminating him from their the vast majority will ALWAYS remain default --- when enough voters held coverage and by putting a sexist spin on uninformed. Uninformed action is their noses and refused to vote for the the byelection. Host Steve Paikin (who always destructive. Fiberals and Conningservatives. did interview McKeever (cont’d on next page...) This is not cynicism talking, and Will uninformed and indifferent the purpose of my making you aware voters ever get fed up enough with the of this reality is not to depress you, but three socialist parties to try a new, and to offer hope. Remember, I used to different option, like Freedom Party? 16 (...cont’d from prev page) they do? I am now wishing I hadn’t voted early, because I have done myself a in the last general election - see video To speak for the voter himself, wrong, and you. clips on line) characterized the by- I leave you with the heart wrenching After watching the debate, I am election as a three-way, all woman comments of ‘Ken’, a voter and now wishing you were the Conservative race, outrageously excluding all four resident of Whitby-Ajax who wrote member. I just want to apologize for male candidates from the debate!!!! to Fp leader Paul McKeever after he not knowing who you were and what had already cast his ballot for another you stood for before making my vote.” And in the riding of Nepean- candidate: Carleton, Fp candidate Jurgen Vollrath Next election, Ken, and others was excluded from the Ottawa Citizen’s “I have to say you totally like him, will likely vote for Freedom editorial board meeting with the impressed me with everything you had Party. His understanding that he has candidates. In a follow-up letter to to say at the debate. I think the other done both himself and Freedom Party the editor which was never published, party representatives fell way short of ‘a wrong’ is an epiphany still awaiting Vollrath wrote: coming off knowledgeable, compared to most Ontario voters. you. I have to admit, before I watched “As the Freedom Party candidate the debate, I didn’t know you existed. It’s our job --- yours and mine - for the upcoming by-election in Nepean From the issues of Property Taxes to -- to speed this process by continuing Carleton, I should have been contacted your answer to the lady from China, to do what we have set out to do and to to voice an opinion. Your newspaper has you are right on the money. I have never stray from our path. contributed to the growing democratic been looking forward to a change in deficit where people are moving away government, since the Gomery Inquiry If you want to live in a free from the polls as the political process came to light, with all the corruption in society, you are currently in a minority. is constantly undermined by such the Liberal Party. I voted Conservative, That chilling fact alone stops most arrogant refusal to acknowledge all the hoping my vote would count. It did. people cold. voices, however small, that pick up the Unfortunately, for this local election, gauntlet and strive to make a positive to replace Jim Flaherty I voted last So get over it. Take action. Do difference in our society. Our city and weekend at the advance polling station the right thing. our country deserves better. Shame on at the Whitby Mall. So yes, you guessed you.” it, I voted Conservative. Christine isn’t Before we realize it, and after who I would like to have representing many years of hard work, we’re sure to With media coverage like this, is me, but she is the Conservative rep, so become an overnight success. it any wonder that voters vote the way she got my vote. Ken is counting on us. {end}

FREEDOM FLYER # 37 (July, 2006) is published by the Freedom Party of Ontario. Editor: Robert Metz. FREEDOM PARTY OF ONTARIO Freedom Party of Ontario is a fully-registered Ontario political party. Contributions are tax-creditable for Ontario residents. Statement of Principle: Freedom Party is founded on the principle that: “Every individual, in the peaceful pursuit of personal fulfillment, has an absolute right to his or her own life, liberty, and property. Membership: Basic: $10 per year; Provincial Executive: President & CFO: Robert Metz; Vice-president: William Frampton; Executive Officers: Paul Blair, Paul McKeever, Gordon Mood, Wayne Simmons, Carol Vandenberg; Party Leader: Paul McKeever. Freedom Party of Ontario, 240 Commissioners Road West, London ON, N6A 4E3; Phone: 1-800-830-3301; FAX: 519-681-2857; Web Site: www.freedomparty.on.ca; E-mail: [email protected]