C reedom March 2004 The official publication of the Libertarian Party of California

LPC Convention 2004: The Road to Success Photo: Elizabeth C. Brierly Time for a Pit Stop there’s the current LP Chair about succes from the founder of by Mark Hinkle , now of Texas, but P ayPal, LPC 2004 Convention Manager also a former member of the Peter Thiel California LP. Better yet, his (left). Speaking ear members of the lovely wife, Nancy Neale, will of which, you Libertarian Party of be joining him. She’s the con- can order your D California, vention manager for the na- convention It’s convention time again! tional LP’s convention in package via Each year, the Party faithful get Atlanta over Memorial Day PayPal via our web site at together to conduct business, weekend. www.CA.LP.org/conv/2004. hear speeches, and dine And because we’re big, all of Because the LPC 2004 con- together. the major LP presidential candi- vention is being held in Silicon Libertarians up dates (Gary Nolan, Michael Valley (at the San Jose and down the Badnarik, and Aaron Russo) DoubleTree Hotel on March state and from will be attending our conven- 12–14), we are also able to across the na- tion. We have U.S. Senate can- draw upon local talented and tion attend the didate and current Orange entertaining speakers. We have LPC convention. County Superior Court Judge David Henderson, author of Each year we James Gray (far right), who’ll The Joy of Freedom and an as- hold the claim be talking about the failed “war sociate professor of economics • Judge James P. Gray (left) was guest speaker at Daniel to the largest convention of all on drugs” and what we can do at the Naval Postgraduate Klein’s Civil Society Institute at Santa Clara University on of the state parties. to end that disaster and reduce School in Monterey. He’ll be Jan. 15. Both men will speak at the LPC Convention. Why is that? Well, we’re the drug abuse simultaneously. speaking on “You Can Beat City largest LP state organization, From San Diego, we’re bring- Hall: How Libertarians Beat a having over three times the ing in tax fighter extraordinaire Tax Increase Against 100 to 1 membership of any other state Richard Rider Odds.” We’re talking real world Coalition Building LP organization. So, what does (right). You’ve success stories, not nebulous that mean to you? Being the heard his name theory. biggest means we can afford to strike fear in the From Benicia, we bring you bring you great out–of–state hearts of Vince Miller, President of “Free State Project” speakers. Sacramento International Society of Speakers such as politicians— Individual Liberty (ISIL). Vince Congressman now meet the man in person. will report on libertarian in- Forges Ahead (R- Furthermore, we’re flying movie roads from around the world. Texas), our 1988 & TV actor Dean Cameron up ISIL’s convention this year will n July, 2003, we intro- to 45%) and several others. Presidential can- from Los Angeles to give us the be held in New Zealand, but duced you to the Free State California was not in the run- didate. Speakers inside scoop on Hollywood (any you can hear him much closer I Project (FSP), which offers ning. Thus it will be in New such as Joe Seehusen Libertarians there?). “a new strategy for liberty in Hampshire, it (above)— new Executive We can learn a lesson or two • See Convention page 8 our lifetime.” The project en- is hoped, that Director of the national LP of- deavors to recruit 20,000 lib- they will work fice in Washington, DC. Then erty–loving people to move to to enhance one state. So they seek neigh- and extend its borly, productive, tolerant folks existing cul- from all walks of life, of all ture of ages, creeds, and colors who liberty. agree to the political philoso- • Jason Sorens The mem- phy that government exists at bership election took place Candidates! Are the most to protect people’s rights, through the innovative media your friends? 3 and should neither provide for Condorcet’s Method, which al- people nor punish them for ac- lowed voters to rank all states; Tax Victory: HJTA wins tivities that interfere with no the state which received a one for us 5 one else. higher ranking than other That's B.S.! Tactics used In October, members of the states from a majority of voters against Libertarians 6 rapidly growing project made a was selected. The vote was crucial decision. Voting via counted and certified by EEMBC Meet the LPC chairman • LPC ladies relax in a hospitality suite at 2003's convention. mail–in ballot after months of Certification Laboratory, who —a major donor 7 From left: Kate O'Brien, elected in 2002 to Rancho Simi feisty debate, Free Staters also published a white paper on Recreation and Parks District, Gail Lightfoot, 2004 U.S. chose New Hampshire as their the results. Last chance to sign up Senate candidate, and Elizabeth Brierly, 2002 candidate for future home over runner–up for LPC convention 8 State Board of Equalization, District 1. Wyoming (by a margin of 55% • See Free State page 6 PAGE 2 • California Freedom • March 2004 © 2004 All rights reserved Reconvene, Reconnoiter, Recruit Vol. 2 • Issue 3 • March 2004

California Freedom The test results have been dis- join the party also. Now, Judge can tap to run for higher office is the official monthly appointing, so there a lot of Gray is running for our party’s to spread our message of liberty. newspaper of the Libertarian work is still needed to crack nomination in the U.S. Senate I believe that many of Party of California. Opinions, this puzzle as to how to in- race against Barbara Boxer. California’s elected officials are articles, and advertisements crease our size. We need just plain sick and tired of the published herein do not In my January column I many more antics of their party—and ripe necessarily represent official FROM THE CHAIR wrote of our new project to re- people like for the picking! party positions unless so cruit elected officials already in Judge Gray in I’m sure that many “limited indicated. office to the Libertarian Party. our party. I government” Republicans are This month the LPC will re- Among the thousands of believe that appalled by the massive gov- PUBLISHER convene at our annual con- elected officials in California, a Judge Gray— ernment spending allowed by Libertarian Party of California vention. It’s shaping up to small number share our liber- a prominent members of their party here in 14547 Titus Street, Suite 214 be one of the best in years, tarian beliefs. I want to offer and well–respected jurist—is California. Panorama City, CA 91402-4935 with top–notch speakers in- these elected officials—many just the man we need to recruit And I’m sure that many Web site: www.CA.LP.org cluding such luminaries as of whom I believe are angry or these like–thinking elected of- Democrats are disillusioned Telephone: (818) 782-8400 Congressman Ron Paul, Judge disillusioned with the Democrat ficials. with their party’s lack of sup- Facsimile: (818) 782-8488 James P. Gray, Calaveras County or Republican Parties—a If you haven’t already, soon port for freedom of speech and Supervisor Tom Tryon, chance to become leading offi- you’ll be receiving my letter re- choice. EDITOR Electronic Frontier Foundation cials in our party and to have questing your support on this I’m also sure there are many Elizabeth C. Brierly co–founder John Gilmore, our full support. very important project. libertarian–thinking elected of- E-Mail: [email protected] Paypal co-founder Peter Thiel, I’m talking about people With your support, we plan ficials who would simply like a STATE CHAIR actor Dean Cameron, such as Judge James P. Gray. to have Judge Gray send per- larger role in their party—a Aaron Starr, CPA Libertarian Party National Judge Gray is the author of Why sonal, colleague–to–colleague larger role which the Telephone: (805) 583-3308 Director, Joe Seehusen, and Our Drug Laws Have Failed and letters to a select group of Libertarian Party can offer E-Mail: [email protected] National Chair, Geoff Neale. What We Can Do about It—A these elected officials, explain- them! And you simply mustn’t miss Judicial Indictment of the War ing to them why he became a If you believe it’s time to ex- the debate between the top on Drugs. Libertarian, and offering them pand our number of elected of- GRAPHIC DESIGN AND LAYOUT contenders for the Libertarian After a number of conversa- the opportunity to join the ficials, you will definitely want Muffet Laurie Brown Party’s nomination for tions with other members and party as well. to support this project. E-Mail: [email protected] President of the . me, Judge Gray realized that Later, we will have those WEBMASTER A couple months ago, I men- his political home is the elected officials who do join us Toward liberty! Bruce Dovner E-Mail: [email protected] tioned the test mailings we Libertarian Party. In early 2003 pen letters of their own. were planning to send to regis- he joined the party. Then he With this approach we could ADVERTISING SALES tered Libertarians in order to successfully recruited a col- have scores of elected E-Mail: [email protected] Telephone: (818) 782-8400 entice new members aboard. league, Judge John Adams, to Libertarian officials whom we Aaron Starr, Chairman

CONTRIBUTORS Mark Hinkle Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Daniel Klein Mark Lamendola Politically-e, Inc. What a New–Fangled WWWeb We Weave Lee Raudonis Jason Sorens

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: losophy—it’s important to keep erty. They report that their site of the State.” With every war, Libertarian Party tabs on the opposition too! is world–famous as home of the America has made a “great 2600 Virginia Ave. NW, Suite 100 The League of Women Voters original Internet political quiz leap” into statism. Eric Garris, a Washington, D.C. 20037 (202) 333-0008 x223 has run Smart Voter (the World’s Smallest Political representative of AntiWar.com, (www.SmartVoter.org), a non- Quiz). This is the perfect place will be speaking at the LPC con- SEND NEWS, LETTERS, partisan site, since the to refer friends or colleagues vention this month. ESSAYS, PHOTOGRAPHS OR November 1996 election. hinting at dissatisfaction with The International Society ADVERTISING TO: Elizabeth C. Brierly Designed to help voters under- the platform of their party of for Individual Liberty Editor, California Freedom FROM THE EDITOR stand their choices better, registration. (www.ISIL.org) is a network of P.O. Box 611021 Smart Voter offers background AntiWar.com is devoted to individuals and associations in San Jose, CA 95161-1021 on candidates in participating the cause of non-intervention- over 80 countries dedicated to Tel./fax: (408) 272-3191 E-Mail: [email protected] orldwide Web technol- counties and information on ism and is building a free and peaceful ogy has helped spur the ballot measures. The first Web read by liber- world through the ideals of free SUBMISSION DEADLINES W spread of the libertarian site to offer personalized elec- tarians, paci- markets, social tolerance and All news stories, editorials, and philosophy. Political polls con- tion information based on a fists, leftists, individual responsibility. Their announcements are due six weeks prior to the month of publication: ducted on the Internet have voter’s address, Smart Voter has “greens,” and site has features such as “Tools • May 2004: Due 03.20.04 yielded terrific results for received international awards. independents for Action” and “Intellectual • June 2004: Due 04.20.04 Libertarian candidates, suggest- Smart Voter allows visitors alike, and Resources,” with a raft of pam- • July 2004: Due 05.20.04 ing a positive correlation be- to suggest links to sites of or- others who phlets explaining the libertar- Advertising orders and artwork are tween Internet users and ganizations supporting or op- oppose imperialism. The site’s ian position on issues from due eight weeks and four weeks, libertarians. posing ballot measures. What a initial project was to fight for pornography to foreign aid. respectively, prior to the month of A multitude of web sites are great way to promote the non–intervention in the Happy surfing! publication. We reserve the right to of interest to California Libertarian view of an issue— Balkans under Clinton, and it refuse advertising. Libertarians; here I share a few use it! continued with the case against Toward greater liberty! COPYRIGHT NOTICE of them with you. Take a look The Advocates for the campaigns in Haiti and Articles, copyright 2004 by their at these, and send us names of Self-Government Kosovo and the bombings of author(s) and/or Libertarian Party of other relevant web sites you’ve (www.TheAdvocates.org) is a Sudan and Afghanistan. Their California, except where stated as a reprint. All rights reserved. found; perhaps we’ll highlight a nonprofit educational organiza- politics are libertarian and “libertarian-related web site of tion dedicated to helping indi- their opposition to war is Elizabeth C. Brierly, Editor the month.” Don’t fret if viduals encounter, evaluate, rooted in Randolph Bourne’s they’re not libertarian in phi- and embrace the ideas of lib- concept that “War is the health Libertarian Party of California California Freedom • March 2004 • PAGE 3

Campaign 2004 Welcome Top 10 Things to Remember Aboard! about Dealing with the Media

The LPC is pleased to welcome the following 29 Californians 7. The media are under no 3. The media love who joined the Party in January. They include John Kapler, by Lee Raudonis obligation to utilize the controversy. a retired iron worker, Charles White, a graphic artist, Eric Communications Consultant news releases that you send Issuing a press release com- Black, manager of a coffee shop, Elizabeth Harris, a re- them. plimenting your opponent’s search scientist, plumber Douglas Edminster, Andrew Gable, 10. The media are not your You may believe that some- new proposal is unlikely to gain an application engineer, Tony Munroe, a service technician, friends. thing you did or an issue you media attention. Attacking the and Phillip Starn, a realtor. We hope to meet all of you at Although you may consider raised is the most newsworthy proposal as the worst thing our annual state convention this month! one or more members of the thing that has happened in the since the plague has a better media to be personal friends, last decade, but that doesn’t chance of becoming “news.” David Anderson ...... La Canada they have a job to do that may mean that members of the Eric Black ...... Arcata require them to print or broad- media will agree with you. Be 2. There needs to be news in Bradley Bobbs ...... Calabasas cast something about you or realistic about what you send a news release. Kevin Craig ...... Ventura your campaign that you don’t to the media. Ask yourself how As a rule, the media do not Douglas Edminster ...... San Diego like. Professional journalists your “news” compares to other report on successful airline Andrew Gable ...... Santa Ana must not let friendships pre- stories you see in the paper or landings or take–offs, only on Ernst Gasteiger ...... San Pedro vent them from reporting what hear on the radio. Is it really crashes. Sending out press re- Howard Geoghegan ...... Huntington they believe to be the truth. that newsworthy? leases about mundane cam- Shirley Gooding ...... Long Beach Never make the mistake of be- paign matters probably won’t Elizabeth Harris ...... West Hills lieving that your “good 6. You may not recognize generate a lot of media atten- David Jeffries ...... San Francisco friends” in the media would your press release when it tion. Taking strong positions Cynthia Johnson ...... Los Angeles never print or broadcast a neg- becomes a news story. on issues, particularly contro- John Kapler ...... Oceanside ative story about you. Remember that a news re- versial issues, will generate Harold Kraemer ...... San Jose lease is not the same as a paid coverage. Remember, however, Wayne Lester ...... Morgan Hill 9. The media are not your advertisement. The media does that the coverage will be re- Mallory Montgomery ...... San Diego enemies. not have to accept your story ceived by those who disagree John Morris ...... Lompoc How often we hear politi- as gospel and is under no obli- with the candidate’s position, Tony Munroe ...... Chico cians attack the media as their gation to use it verbatim. In as well as those who agree with Robert North ...... Capitola enemies whenever a story they fact, it should be expected that it. Leon Ortega ...... Gardena don’t like appears in the news. the media will ask your oppo- Margaret Peterson ...... Fillmore More times than not, however, nent(s) for comments about 1. The media buy paper by Bill Rohwer ...... Temecula members of the media are sim- your news release and the final the ton and ink by the barrel. Anthony Romero ...... Oceano ply reporting what they believe story could actually have a neg- Never, never, never try to Tim Scholosser ...... Folsom to be true and newsworthy. ative flavor. Be careful what wage a war against members of Ross Smith ...... Santa Monica Blaming the media will get you you ask for; you may get it! the media. You will lose. They Larry Spargur ...... San Bernardino nowhere (see #1). have an endless supply of Phillip Starn ...... Hughson 5. Positive media stories paper, ink, and airtime. You Steve Walker ...... Tujunga 8. Treat members of the usually appear once. don’t. And, be smart in how Charles White ...... Woodland Hills media as you want them to While not a carved–in–stone you respond to any negative treat you—and use common kind of rule, it seems that pos- story. Sometimes it is better to sense. itive news stories about a polit- let it go, rather than giving Treat members of the media ical candidate have a one–day those who missed the story the as professionals who have a job life expectancy. Rarely is a pos- first time another chance to to do. Be friendly with them itive story run more than once. see it. • and help them do their job by Letter to being cooperative whenever 4. Negative media stories Lee Raudonis is a communications you can and by providing fac- appear over and over again. consultant who has worked for offi- “Men are most apt to cials at the local, state, and federal tual information to support Just ask Howard Dean. How the Editor believe what they least levels of government, including sev- your positions on issues. Learn many times did the story about eral members of Congress. Lee also understand.” about their schedules and try his shouting performance after has written a mystery novel set in –Montaigne to make it as easy as possible the Iowa caucus run in news- Washington D.C., The Susan B. for them to meet their papers and on television Anthony Shootings, available from deadlines. and radio? Amazon.com. Budget “The corollary to Accountability Montaigne’s statement Opinions: Everybody’s Got ’Em! For more information about the Rubbish! is also true, Politically–e suite of tools and Have your voice heard right here at that the better one services, contact Pat Patten at What is really being said is: California Freedom. Send us your letters to the Legislators—take the path of understands government, editor, op-ed articles, reports on local LP events, (706) 333-0787 or least resistance and balance the the less he is inclined photos, or even report on the latest book you’ve [email protected]. budget with higher taxes or to believe anything read about politics or economics. you will be penalized! The 2/3 that is says.” requirement for such will no [email protected] Politically–e, Inc. longer be an excuse not to! –Robert J. Ringer or P.O. Box 670 No on Proposition 56. Editor, California Freedom LaGrange, GA 30241 P.O. Box 611021 www.Politically-e.com –H.R. Bowles San Jose, CA 95161-1021 Huntington Beach PAGE 4 • California Freedom • March 2004 © 2004 All rights reserved Second Amendment Watch Blacklist the Criminals, Not the NRA by Mark Lamendola dramatically pro–crime. It is crew arrived safely at their des- taxes by claiming $4 a pair for Insurance companies would simply a fact, and we see this tination. In 2001, four jets with used underwear he donated to no longer need to burden the Founder, MindConnection.com fact tragically played out in unarmed crews—well, you charity—as if anyone wants self–defense–enabled with sub- such places as south Chicago, know the story. You would someone else’s used underwear. sidizing the rates of the ecently, I had the privi- the U.K., and Australia. At the think that would have caused Especially his. pro–crime people, because they lege of being appalled by same time, Florida has seen a all of the anti–gunners to So, we won’t change our jus- could change rates based on lo- R a pro–crime group called dramatic drop in crime since in- change their minds. I’m amazed tice system—it’s simply too cation. You live in a pro–crime “nrablacklist.” This group con- stituting its right–to–carry they weren’t sued. Stores sell- easy to buy justice (or a lack of zone, you no longer spread the veniently defies the over- laws. As have many other ing ammunition were swamped it) with money or influence. So, cost to responsible citizens. whelming evidence that states. that day, so we know massive I propose another idea that will We’d be able to separate out the mandating an unarmed citi- Therefore, if you advocate numbers of Americans are not give everybody what they costs by demographics, and in- zenry causes crime to sky- “gun control,” you advocate want. surance rates would more rocket. The group’s purpose is such crimes as Let’s establish crime–legis- closely reflect risk. to undermine the National Rifle rape, murder, If you lated areas (i.e., “gun control” Though there would be a Association and push a and armed zones) for the pro–crime folks. quandary. What about pro–crime agenda. By actively r obbery. advocate I think Cuba is already such a pro–crime people like Rosie seeking to disarm American cit- People who zone. Hitler’s Germany was such O’Donnell? She believes every- izens and leave us defenseless help make “gun control,” a zone. We can move the one else should be easy prey for against criminals, this group is rape, murder, pro–crimers to these places at criminals, but she shouldn’t— attacking our basic rights as and robbery you advcocate government expense. The so she has armed guards. What life forms. dramatically • Mark cost–savings to taxpayers will about the Clintons, who have a Yet, to hear their side of it— more likely Lamendola such crimes come from an end to the ex- very strong pro–crime bias for the “don’t confuse me with the are serving as accessories to pensive lobbying, frivolous everyone else, but personally facts” side—they are doing us these crimes. Laws are on the as rape, anti–gun lawsuits, and public enjoy life–long protection by all a big favor and making the books which prohibit us from school brainwashing cam- the Secret Service? Perhaps we world safer. It’s sad that statists advocating crime. murder, and paigns. We spend the money should make these people put keep arguing these already set- Consider for a moment the once, and we set these folks up up or shut up. They might not tled arguments. The only con- hijackings of September 11, armed robbery. in their own pro–crime cities. be so quick to advocate their clusion a rational person can 2001. The first attempted air- Then they can enjoy being nonsense, if they knew they draw is that these people are line hijacking, in 1957, ended completely daft. Yet, the sta- stabbed, murdered, robbed, would have to live under the either brain–dead or criminally when the pilot shot the hi- tists among us put a very low raped, and terrorized without same rules. Come to think of it, insane. It is no longer debat- jacker. All the passengers—ex- price on human life and con- inflicting their S&M “utopia” that would change a lot of able whether “gun control” is cept the hijacker—and the tinue to call for disarming pi- on the rest of us. things. For example, our legis- lots. For a while, we had armed We could cordon off entire lators would actually fix or guards on the ground, though cities as “crime–enhancement abolish the Social Security sys- it is in the air that planes get zones,” where criminals would tem if they had to pay into it hijacked. Go figure. and did not get their separate Given the facts, it’s hard to Let’s establish pensions on top of their make a case that anti–gunners salaries that are five times that and the legislators that pass “gun control” of the average American. anti–gun laws are not acces- Whenever the question of sories to some pretty horrific zones for the pro-crime legislation comes up crimes. Their vision of the per- in a discussion, the pro–crimer fect world is one in which pro-crime is adamant that empowering mothers of small children are criminals somehow benefits completely helpless when con- folks. everyone. Of course, they don’t fronted by a group of thugs. say it in those words. They be- Their vision of the perfect be free to do whatever they lieve that folks who ignore all world should frighten everyone. want to those who choose to other laws will magically follow The very fact these live “gun–free.” There would be anti–gun laws and we’ll all be pro–rape, pro–violence, no need for police, because the safer. So, I usually ask the fol- pro–crime people are not idea of living in a “gun control” lowing question. “Suppose locked up—under those exist- place is apparently that you there are four people armed ing laws prohibiting us from enjoy being a victim of these with knives, and they are about advocating crime—should also crimes and/or watching some- to attack you. In fact, one has be frightening. Where is the one else be a victim. So, there already cut your leg and it’s justice? The problem is our jus- would be even more cost–sav- bleeding pretty badly. I come tice system is selective in its ings. And, of course, with the around the corner with a gun definition of “criminal.” That’s freedom to plunder the dis- in my hand. What would you why 4,300 computers “walked” armed, criminals would flee want me to do?” The logic here out of IRS offices in 2001, and from the anti–crime areas. We is inescapable, and I have yet not one IRS employee went to would probably see proposals to hear, “Don’t use it to save my jail—but the newspapers are from the ACLU to bus criminals life.” Freedom is a great thing. full of arrests and convictions into the gun–owning areas on for lesser crimes committed by some kind of anti–discrimina- • Guest contributor Mark Lamendola is ordinary citizens. It’s why a tion quota basis. Maybe Al well–known on Capitol Hill for his California state employee goes Sharpton would even arrange a calls for responsible government. He to prison for doing his job of boycott, where criminals would has more than 3,500 articles in print dispensing medicinal marijuana refuse to shop at the local or on line. You can read many of to people in great pain simply Wal–Marts in gun–enabled them at www.MindConnection.com, because the federal government cities unless they can ply their where he invites you to “get your makes a conflicting set of rules. trades in some fashion without blackbelt in brainpower.” It’s why Bill Clinton can evade being shot. Libertarian Party of California California Freedom • March 2004 • PAGE 5

Taxpayer Update Supreme Court Upholds Jarvis Bond Victory

Sacramento — The California As part of its budget-balanc- that the state constitution en- Supreme Court [on Dec. 10, ing strategy for this year, the trusts to the voters, not the 2003] upheld a lower court rul- state wanted to borrow money “This is a Legislature, the responsibility ing in favor of the Howard at up to 15% interest by issuing of deciding whether the state Jarvis Taxpayers Association bonds to make [2003’s] annual significant should incur debt.”

(HJTA), which had challenged payment to the California The Supreme Court’s deci- Elizabeth C. Brierly Photo: the state’s attempt to issue $2 Public Employees’ Retirement victory for sion puts pressure on the billion in bonds without voter System (CalPERS). This would Legislature to cooperate with approval. free up money in special funds taxpayers.” Governor Schwarzenegger’s that is earmarked for CalPERS, plan to place before the voters allowing the state to transfer the question of whether the The constitu- that money to the general fund Tim Bittle, HJTA Director of state should borrow money to to be spent on other things. Legal Affairs, argued the bond balance its budget. • tion entrusts The state had filed suit against issuance would be unconstitu- all taxpayers seeking validation tional without voter approval from the court for the and Superior Court Judge Released by Howard Jarvis to the voters… Taxpayers Association. HJTA is $2 billion bond issuance. Had Thomas Cecil agreed. The state California’s largest taxpayer organ- whether the no one responded, the state appealed to the Supreme Court, ization, with offices in Los Angeles would have been home free. which upheld the lower court’s and Sacramento. HJTA’s web site state should Only the Howard Jarvis ruling. address is www.HJTA.org, and Taxpayers Association ap- “This is a significant victory there you may subscribe to HJTA’s • Jon Coupal, HJTA President, incur debt. peared in court on behalf of the for taxpayers,” said Jon Coupal, e-newsletter. addresses 2003 LPC convention state’s taxpayers. president of HJTA. “It clarifies in Ontario.

Media Relations Throwing Down the Gauntlet let that stop you—send in by Edward Bowers your articles and let’s see your Media Relations Chair, LPC name in print! • ot an opinion? Of course you do — you’re a liber- G tarian! The media rela- tions committee wants to tap into your inherent skill at shar-

ing your opinion. Elizabeth C. Brierly Photo: This is a call for OpEd arti- cles and letters which we will help you direct to the appro- priate media outlets and Edward Bowers, Media Relations newspapers. chair, is also serving as the chair of The topic we have been tar- the Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley region. He is an avid writer and geting is small businesses and director of libertarian public service the effects of government, announcment videos, and enjoys taxes, regulations, zoning, and softball and dancing. He does not the like on them. If your hot work for Blockbuster. He can be button is another topic, don’t reached at [email protected].

For the latest activities, discussion groups, meetings parties and demonstrations of the Libertarian Party of California and to link to your local region’s site, check out www.CA.LP.org. PAGE 6 • California Freedom • March 2004 © 2004 All rights reserved

9. Suggesting that libertari- markets,” “perfect informa- ___ ans, again as supporters of “the tion,”“perfect competition,” etc., 14 Bull t Tactics free market,” don’t recognize and then pointing out that such or don’t value solidarity, com- perfection isn’t the case. munity, shared experience, and 13. Pretending that libertar- Used Against Libertarians shared sentiment. Libertarian- ian arguments assume that ism is “individualistic,” “atom- “people are rational,” and then ne of the many engaging libertarian speakers you’ll hear at the LPC’s annual convention this istic”; it wishes to reduce showing that people aren’t al- month is Santa Clara University’s Daniel Klein, Associate Professor of Economics, and Director society to “the cash-nexus.” ways “rational” (whatever that O of the Civil Society Institute there. Klein’s article, helping us to recognize fallacious aspersions 10. Implying that, as advo- is taken to mean). cast on libertarians’ principles and reasoning, was published in Liberty Magazine in December, 2001. cates of “capi- 14. Assuming that to be a Attend the convention and you just may have the chance to ask Professor Klein to identify appro- talism,” what libertarian is about supporting priate defenses against these tactics! libertarians the Libertarian Party, and then really care pointing out that the LP is by Prof. Daniel Klein sirable 100 percent of the time, intolerant, etc. about is the bound to be marginal or dam- Director, Civil Society Institute and then attacking the 7. Equating the libertarian’s profitability aging to its own cause, or both. at Santa Clara University legalization of bazookas. views with the ideas or policies of Exxon, • is “simplistic,” of Republican politicians, and General “rigid,” “impractical,” “sopho- then bashing Republicans. Motors, McDonald’s, etc. Daniel Klein holds degrees from both George Mason University and New York Pointing out that there moric,” “rationalistic,” etc. 8. Assuming that libertarians, 11. Labeling one who openly University, where he studied the classical 1.are gray areas between 4. Pretending that the liber- as supporters of “the free mar- supports or argues for libertar- liberal traditions of economics. Klein is voluntary and coercive action, tarian vision or agenda includes ket,” think that all social prob- ian reforms as an “ideologue,” the coauthor of Curb Rights: A and pretending that the exis- something about your personal lems should be addressed using one engaged in “advocacy,” Foundation for Free Enterprise in Urban Transit, and will be a guest speaker at the tence of gray areas destroys the morals or lifestyles, and then pricing mechanisms, and pre- rather than in serious research 2004 LPC annual convention. You can distinction and, hence, the condemning the lifestyles sup- tending that the use of pricing and “positive science.” (This read more of his work at very idea of liberty. posedly advocated. (This one is the essence of the libertarian one is big in academia, espe- lsb.SCU.edu/~DKlein/, by clicking on the Libertarianism is “illusory.” belongs to the conservatives.) cause. Thus, libertarians want cially among establishment “Writings Online” button. 2. Maintaining that, because 5. Implying that if one is to “make everything for sale,” Democrats.) major libertarian reform is at against government activism to “put a price on human life,” 12. Pretending that libertarian present politically impossible, achieve X, he is against the “commodify human existence,” etc. arguments depend on “perfect it is nonsensical to explore and achieving of X. Hence libertari- evaluate the desirability of ans are uncaring, apathetic, such reform. Libertarianism is callous, selfish, etc. “unrealistic.” 6. Identifying libertarianism Free State continued from page 1 for hours while unsuccessfully 3. Supposing that the case as “right wing” and then shift- searching for drugs. They’re for libertarian reforms collapses ing to the other meaning of “New Hampshire is clearly of our members have at least a looking for new instances of if reform that maximizes lib- “right wing.” Hence, libertari- the consensus choice of Free Bachelor’s degree, with 18% government violations of civil erty is not desirable, or not de- ans are nationalistic, racist, Staters,” commented FSP having done postgraduate liberties and civil rights, signif- President and Yale political sci- work. Seventy-five percent are icant tax increases, or regula- ence professor Jason Sorens. under age 50, with 38% be- tory abuses for future ads. “New Hampshire won a plural- tween the ages of 18 and 34. California tends to be a good ity of first–preference votes Those earning $60,000 or more place for government outrages, Shopping from every region of the coun- per year constitute 44% of all so we may well see some FSP try except the West.” members. The clear picture that ads here soon! “It’s not difficult to see the emerges is one of a largely To introduce its members forahome? reasons for New Hampshire’s young, well educated, upwardly and prospects to New Hamp- victory,” adds Vice–President mobile group.” shire, FSP will be holding its Tap into the brand new Libertarian Elizabeth McKinstry, who is Several hurdles still face the first annual conference in Network of Realtors and help boost originally from New England. movement, which has nearly Lancaster, NH in June. It’s income to the LPC! “The state boasts the lowest 5,500 members pledged to mi- dubbed the “Porcupine Freedom state and local tax burden in grate to New Hampshire, almost Fest and Night on the Longtime Libertarian and Chair of Gold Country Libertarians, the continental U.S., the lean- 10% of whom are from Barricades,” and it will welcome Al Segalla, with his 25 years of experience as a Realtor, has est state government in the California. These challenges in- NH realty agents to show Free created a way for you to work with Libertarian Realtors while benefiting the LPC. It’s a Libertarian Realty Network! country in terms of government clude recruiting another 14,500 Staters their properties. As directed by you, their Libertarian customer, Network spending and employment, a members and continuing to Of course, the LPC doesn’t Realtors will donate 20% of their Network citizen legislature, a healthy build support for their cause want to lose any members to commissions to the LPC or any other job market, and perhaps most within New Hampshire. If cur- New Hampshire, but if bad Libertarian cause you endorse. important, local support for our rent recruitment trends con- turns to worse here in the movement.” tinue, the group expects to People’s Republic of California, Tap in! Visit Over 100 New Hampshire reach 20,000 commitments by know that the LPC has no resi- www.BambiLand.com/ residents have signed up for 2005, after which point members dency requirements—we’d be NetWork.html the Free State Project already, have five years in which to move. happy to maintain your mem- willing to move elsewhere but But as Condon notes, “The bership in our Party! With so many Libertarians • in California, this could yield hoping to bring the movement member survey shows that 53% several hundred Network to their home state. Governor of members plan to move transactions each year. Craig Benson even pledged to within three years, not waiting For more information on the support the aims of the FSP, for the 20,000–member bench- Free State Project, contact: and several members of the leg- mark. Early movers should help Elizabeth McKinstry, Albert J. Segalla, Realtor islature have signed up as recruitment by building a Vice–President Chair, Gold Country Libertarians members. record of success.” Phone: (734) 904-5712 According to FSP Director of An incipient campaign by Email: [email protected] Member Services and Florida at- FSP called “shadow advertising” torney Tim Condon, Free is aiming at areas that recently Jason Sorens, President Phone: (203) 432-5824 Staters should also be a boon have witnessed egregious over- Email: 3224 Skunk Ranch Road • Murphys, CA 95247 for the economy of New steps of government power. [email protected] (209) 728-2887 • [email protected] Hampshire. “According to a They ran an ad in a South Web site: www.bambiland.com member survey conducted con- Carolina paper after police www.FreeStateProject.org comitantly with the vote, 50% there held children at gunpoint Libertarian Party of California California Freedom • March 2004 • PAGE 7

Who’s Who on your LPC Executive Committee Thanking Our Lucky Starrs

eet the hard- December of 2003, Starr’s job a tight race involving a ballot of Starr’s pet project, Operation 218, the ‘Right To Vote On working ac- search culminated in his ac- recount. Breakthrough, designed to run Taxes Act.’ In many cities, for M tivists setting cepting the position of con- “My hot–button issue has al- candidates for local, nonparti- just a few hundred signa- the direction for your troller at Haas Automation, the ways been taxation, Starr says. san public offices. Starr adds, tures, libertarians can get a state Party. They wel- largest machine tool manufac- “Deprive the government of the “Before this, victories were far tax reduction onto the bal- come your inputs turer in the U.S. money and the amount of harm and few between.” lot. I’ll be talking more and, of course, your Starr was born “somewhere they can do will be reduced.” Starr’s new goal is to find a about this at the conven- expertise where your in Los Angeles” and moved Appropriately enough, his de- cost effective way of increasing tion, but members can check with his family to Simi Valley gree from CSU Northridge is in the number of members. He has out the project on the LPC’s skills and experi- when he was nine months old, web site. Some of the num- ence match their and he has never left. At 15, he bers need updating because, goals or those of noticed in a newspaper an ad- well, we had an unexpected their committees! vertisement for Restoring the statewide election in the American Dream, by Robert J. meantime.” Aaron Starr, Ringer, and bought it. That Starr would like to meet book triggered his interest in Elizabeth C. Brierly Photo: as many members as possible Chairman libertarianism. while he’s presiding over the or the past year, the He became seriously in- convention. “I’d like to FLibertarian Party of volved with the Party in 1988, heartily encourage people to California has been the when he ran for State Senate. attend since we’ll have some lucky beneficiary of a large Later he served as Chair of LP of really good speakers. And my gift from a major donor. Ventura County for five years. sense is that the Bylaws will Chairman Aaron Starr’s loss He served as Treasurer of LPC be changed, for the better, of his job in May, 2002 was during John Vernon’s adminis- to seat all members as dele- our gain. tration and has since served gates. Most state LP’s allow At this month’s conven- quite a few years on the state all their members to attend • Libertarian Party of California "power couple” Kate O'Brien tion, Starr passes the Executive Committee. their conventions and to and Aaron Starr relax after the 2003 state convention. halfway mark of his Starr has managed several vote as delegates—and those two–year term as chair of winning Libertarian campaigns Business Administration with a been actively leading efforts to states have far better LPC. For the past year, while for local office—four, to be double-option in Accounting test different membership re- turn–out. If we want to concurrently conducting an exact. Sandi Webb and Bonnie and Finance. He later earned a cruit efforts, one with an auto- grow, we need to be more in- intense job hunt and work- Flickinger each won two elec- CPA. Foreshadowing the energy dialer, others with direct mail clusive with the people who ing at consulting assign- tions to their City Councils, he has brought to the LPC, appeals, and also with already agree with us,” rea- ments, he donated his time, Webb in Simi Valley, and Starr ploughed through his 154 door–to–door campaigns. sons Starr. not only in his leadership Flickinger in Moreno Valley, semester-units (normally a “We’re getting very good at fig- How will Starr’s status as role as Chair, but acting as 5–year undertaking) in 3-1/2 uring out what doesn’t work,” an employed person affect an unpaid Executive years. “If I had it to do all over Starr quips. Starr’s next brain- the LPC? “More of my volun- Director. Starr’s prudence in “My hot button again, I would have taken my child will be the elected official teer work is happening late having saved up for a rainy time and enjoyed the college conversion project he described at night! The Party is in that day enabled the party to issue has experience. I tend to be driven in his column in January’s in–between stage where save a great deal of money and pretty intense, but I’m California Freedom. “Hopefully we’re too big to be all volun- by not replacing our last always been learning to relax a little more.” members will have received the teer, but too small to be all Executive Director, David Thankfully Starr hasn’t been letter describing this project professional. We need to Molony. taxation.” relaxed about his goal–setting before they’ve received this figure out how to grow to “In a way, my savings for the LPC. As Chair, Starr newspaper.” that next level.” • transfered slowly to the LPC; where she has served rotations aimed to have a record number Starr is also eager for more that’s why we’re in great as Mayor. Starr shares his home of Libertarians elected to office. regions to employ the tax limi- Start a tax limitation project shape financially,” says and life with Kate O’Brien, also “We elected eight people to of- tation initiative he worked on in your city! Starr. “I dont regret it; I a Libertarian activist and now a fice in 2001, and a record 29 in rather diligently. “We owe a think it was a valuable use public officeholder herself, 2002, eclipsing our previous huge debt of gratitude to the Californa Tax Freeze of my time, even though my having won her race for Rancho record of 15 in 2000.” The vast geniuses at Howard Jarvis www.CA.LP.org/lpc-tax- preference would have been Simi Recreation and Parks majority of victories in those Taxpayers Association for their freeze.html to be employed!” In District in November 2002 after three years were a direct result role in enacting Proposition

Fund Raising Better Late than Never! YOUR ad could be here. t's not too late for your Pictured below is Rana, Miss still offers a year's worth of C reedom campaign to stock up on September. Running through gorgeous gals— if you order I the Ladies of Liberty 2004 March of 2005, the calendar now! Put your business or services in front of nearly calendar, the hottest fund rais- Candidates: contact calendar 4,000 like-minded individuals monthly. ing tool in the Party. brainchild Rachel Mills at Sixteen glamourous libertar- [email protected] for Contact us today for rates and information. ian ladies from all over the your campaign's bulk orders. U.S., display their retro style For individual retail orders, Call: (818)782-8400 or charms in this calendar, de- contact California's own signed by North Carolinan lady Lady of Liberty March 2005, E-mail: [email protected] of liberty Rachel Mills to raise Elizabeth C. Brierly, at funds for libertarian causes. [email protected]. • PAGE 8 • California Freedom • March 2004 © 2004 All rights reserved

seminar on “Overcoming LPC Convention 2004 at a Glance Convention continued from page 1 Emotional Blocks to Success.” From Los Angeles, we have Friday March 12 to home. We’ve got Lynette Professor Daniel Klein from LP member and Director of Platform & Program Committee meetings all day Shaw. Renowned throughout Santa Clara University, who’s Marketing at Teradata (a divi- General Registration 4 P.M. the medicinal marijuana com- the Director of the Civil Society sion of Unisys) Dave Schrader Presidential Candidate Debate 8 P.M. munity, she’ll update us on her Institute at SCU will share his to give a seminar on Saturday March 13 successes in helping terminally very interesting take on the “Marketing Libertarianism.” We Breakfast 7 A.M. ill people and the challenges roots of totalitarian societies. could all learn something here Registration, vendor booths from 7 A.M.– 7 P.M. that lie ahead battling the Don’t miss it! We will also have about conveying our message LPC business, speeches, elections during the day Federal government. From San Eric Garris, webmaster of of liberty. Lunch 12 P.M. Francisco, legendary Internet AntiWar.com (and a lifetime LP So, there you have the Banquet 7 P.M. Icon and member) giving a talk on scheduled speakers. Be sure Sunday March 14 co–founder of Internet activism and how to to check our web site Breakfast 7 A.M. EFF (Electronic make it a success. (www.CA.LP.org/conv/2004) for LPC business, speakers, elections, and vendor booths during the day Frontier And for those “how to” folks speaker additions and schedule Brunch 12 P.M. Foundation), who want to be more effective changes. Presidential candidate speeches and straw poll in mid-afternoon John Gilmore advocates for freedom, we’ve Remember: this convention Official LPC business adjourns at 5 P.M. (right) will talk about his bat- got Michael Edelstein, Ph.D. is where we will select dele- Speakers 5-7 P.M. tles with John Ashcroft. in Clinical Psychology, giving a gates to the national LP con- Banquet 7 P.M. vention. That’s why the For the detailed, up–to–date convention agenda, visit Presidential candidates will be www.CA.LP.org/conv/2004/index.php. here: they want your vote! Come on out and make them earn it! We’ll also be electing mem- convention. For hotel reser- Please Note: Photo: Elizabeth C. Brierly Photo: bers of the LPC’s Executive vations, please call the Committee for the coming year. DoubleTree at (408) 453-4000 If you’d like to partake of Plus, we’ve got Platform, and ask for the special “LIB” meals at the convention, Bylaws, and Program business. rate. For you Mapquest junkies, please register in advance If you’ve longed to see logical the address of the hotel is 2050 by purchasing a package and rational libertarians go Gateway Place, San Jose, CA emotionally nuts, come watch 95110. below or by reserving the platform debates. See you at the convention! individual meals on line. So, you’re invited to the Delegates and attendees Mark Hinkle newly renovated San Jose must purchase daily floor Doubletree Hotel near the San passes if they do not wish Jose Airport (free shuttle LPC 2004 to buy a meal or speaker to/from). There’s free parking. Convention Manager The room rates are a low $89 Tel.: (408) 778-5454 package. • LP Founder David Nolan makes a point as other delegates per night (single/double) (plus E-mail: [email protected] queue up for their turn at the mic, LPC 2003 convention, tax—darn!) so we hope you’ll Ontario, California. join us for a fun and eventful

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Please pick your route: $299 Autobahn – The “everything” package $249 Turnpike – Meals only. (Includes Friday evening debate and 6 meal Name events.) $100 Highway – Speaker events only. Address Includes floor pass. No meals. $20 Toll Road – Per day floor pass. City State ZIP (Required for delegates not purchasing above passes.)

Phone E-Mail Address $10 Boulevard – Attend speech only at meal functions; per event. Please enclose check or money order (no corporate Personal Check Money Order Credit Card $5 Avenue – Per event, non-meal checks, please) payable to “LPC Convention” Visa® or provide the required information to authorize speaker event billing to your credit card. Send this form and PayPal (see below) MasterCard® payment to: Prices valid through Feb. 29, 2004. Mark Hinkle, LPC Convention Manager LPC Convention 2004 For the convention agenda, visit P.O. Box 666 www.CA.LP.org/conv/2004/index.php. McCloud, CA 96057 Tel: (408) 778-5454, option 2 Fax: (530) 964-2886 for credit card payments Signature Required for credit card transactions For PayPal go to www.CA.LP.org/conv/2004/