Amash Becomes First LP Member of US Congress

THE PARTY OF PRINCIPLE® LP.org

INFORMATION ON PAGE 5 Quarter 2, 2020 The Official Newspaper of the Libertarian Party Vol. 50, Issue 2

IN THISLP ISSUE News Chair's Corner...... 2 Amash becomes first LP Donor Appreciation...... 3 Finding Peace...... 4 member of US Congress 2020 Convention Postponed...... 5 ep. Justin Amash (L-Mich.) recently made history, becoming the first Elected Libertarian Sid Daoud...... 6 sitting Libertarian member of Congress. Amash, originally elected as a Republican in Michigan's 3rd district, changed his registration to Inde- Ebke: COVID Opportunities...... 7 Rpendent in July, 2019, prior to voting for the impeachment of President Donald Annual Report Online ...... 8 Trump in December on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. He announced his move to the LP on April 28 and the Clerk of the House of 2020 Frontier Project Kicks Off ��9 Representatives officially acknowledged the change on May 1. "I'm happy to see that Representative Amash has come home to the political A Guide to LP Conventions...... 10 party most closely aligned with his views," LNC Chair Nicholas Sarwark wrote Affiliate News...... 14 in an email to Reason.com. "If more members of the House who are tired of being marginalized by the GOP and Democratic leadership joined him, we could Sabrin Book Review...... 15 see a caucus of legislators who are able to work for the American people instead of conflicting teams of special interests. My DMs are open." Obituary: Kurt Germann...... 15 The official Libertarian Party Twitter account celebrated the announcement Media Buzz...... 16 on May 1, echoing Sarwark's invitation to other members of Congress, along with an image simply exclaiming, "Welcome Home!" LP Illinois wins major ballot access case amid COVID-19 struggles By Amanda Parsons 25,000 signatures, to the 5,000 that be collected remotely. She stated that sion brought the requirement down to LPIL Communications Director established parties are required to col- candidates could mail petitions to vot- 2,500. In addition, the LPIL may place lect. Usually, new parties must double ers, share a digital file online, or send it candidates on the November ballot he Libertarian Party of Illinois that amount in case of challenges. Pe- by email. Voters could print them out, without filing nominating petitions asked Gov. JB Pritzker and the titioning technically started on March sign it, and send it through the mail, for any offices that had candidates in Illinois Board of Elections to 24, but shelter-in-place orders made in an email attachment or photograph. either the 2016 or 2018 general elec- Tforgive the ballot access requirements it nearly impossible for candidates to She also stated that voters could also tions. LPIL will be able to place both due to the COVID-19 situation. After collect their required number of sig- sign with their smartphones or with a a presidential and a U.S. Senate candi- receiving an inadequate response from natures. computer mouse. Additionally, Pall- date on the ballot. the board of elections and no response Federal Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer, meyer extended the signature turn-in Other new party candidates will from the governor, the LPIL filed a chief judge of the Northern District requirement to Aug. 7. be required to submit 10 percent of the lawsuit with the assistance of the LNC. federal court, agreed with the LPIL that The biggest victory of the lawsuit signatures required for those offices. In Illinois, candidates have 90 stay-at-home and social distancing re- for LPIL was the judge’s decision to cut The original requirement was 25,000 days to collect the required number of quirements have made gathering the the number of signatures needed by 90 signatures for presidential, U.S. Senate, signatures based on which office they required number of petition signatures percent. New party candidates require Ill. Supreme Court and Illinois Appel- are running for. New party presiden- by June 22 almost impossible, and she 25,000 signatures to run for president late Court candidates. That number tial candidates are required to collect ordered that petition signatures could or for U.S. Senate. The judge’s deci- was reduced to 2,500 signatures. Page 2 The Libertarian Party • LP.org Quarter 2, 2020

CHAIR'S CORNER Reflections as the gavel nears its passing By Nicholas Sarwark COVID-19 is raging through our country, chang- It has been a great honor to serve as your Chair LNC Chair ing our lives in ways both temporary and perma- for the last six years, but I will not be asking the nent. Through it all, the failure of central govern- delegates for another term. It is time to move on to he Libertarian Party was ment control is the one constant. Agencies like the other work and give someone new the opportunity given an incredible op- FDA and CDC botched and delayed the medical to build on the progress we’ve made together. My portunity in 2016 when and scientific response. Politicians in Washington efforts to support and advance libertarian goals Tthe old parties nominated two added over $3 trillion to the national debt, burden- will continue outside of Libertarian Party leader- of the worst candidates in ing our children and grandchildren, with the vast ship. As some of you may know, I started the Lib- American history for president. majority of the money going to bailouts for cor- ertarian Policy Institute (libertarianpolicy.org), That opportunity allowed Gary porations and funding for federal programs un- a non-profit that provides clear libertarian solu- Johnson and Bill Weld to triple Sarwark related to the pandemic response. Every promise tions to the problems most important to ordinary the previous vote record, providing crucial mo- the government has made about more testing and Americans, solutions that candidates and activists mentum. After the election, pundits and political treatment has been broken, and both old parties can use to change laws and advance our agenda. experts told me that we would never see such a are complicit in putting blame everywhere but on Regardless of who is chosen to lead the Liber- perfect storm again. themselves. tarian Party over this next term, my hope is that Never say never. Everyone should be libertarian in a pandemic. our culture of welcoming new Libertarians and It is clear that the old parties will again nomi- Decentralized approaches to the problem are fast- honoring those Libertarians who have built up nate two of the worst candidates in American his- er and more adaptable to central government ap- this party over decades will not change. Be kind to tory for president. Neither of them is fit for the of- proaches. What works in one community may not each other and together we can achieve a world set fice in any way. The opportunity is again before us work in another. If a mistake is made, it’s better if free in our lifetime. to break records by nominating a presidential can- it is made at the local level than if it is made for the didate who can provide a clear alternative to the whole country. We can learn from what works and Yours in liberty, majority of Americans who are disgusted by the do more of it, and learn what doesn’t work and do petty tribalism and campaigns built only around less of it. Regulations that may have been well-in- which candidate is the worst. We will offer them tentioned are being rolled back and rescinded to something better at a time when the country is allow people to adapt and meet the challenges; aching to come together and focus on what is es- with the work of our candidates and activists, we sential. can fight to make sure these increases in personal The world has changed in a few short months. freedoms stay permanent even after this crisis. Nicholas J. Sarwark

The Libertarian Party (LP) and its NATIONAL CHAIR state affiliates work to advance the Send news, articles, Nicholas Sarwark right of individuals to be free, so essays, or photographs: long as they do not forcibly interfere [email protected] with the equal rights of others. PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Libertarian Party News Gideon Oakes LP News Address changes: (ISSN 8755-139X) is the official The party runs candidates for public office, elects Libertarians, supports (202) 333-0008 newspaper of the Libertarian ADVERTISING & PUBLICATION Party of the United States. and opposes ballot measures, [email protected] Opinions and articles published lobbies, and takes positions on REVIEW COMMITTEE public policy aimed at removing, Whitney Bilyeu, Joseph Bishop- in this newspaper do not 1444 Duke St. necessarily represent official reducing, and nullifying government Henchman, Caryn Ann Harlos, Alexandria, VA 22314 party positions unless so laws, regulations, prohibitions, Richard Longstreth, Steven indicated. taxes, spending, debt, and foreign Phone: (800) ELECT-US interventions. Nekhaila Volume 50, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 3

Q2 DONOR APPRECIATION Q2 OFFICE FUND CONTRIBUTORS

Chairman’s Circle Lifetime Founders Liberty Room Justin Amash William O. Perkins III Richard L. Armerding William O. Perkins III Chris J. Rufer Catherine Brennan Hero of Liberty Melodie K. Rufer Robin M. Briley Ryan T. Oneglia Samantha Broderick Select Benefactor Channing B. Brown Steven Fox Jonathan Chan Beacon of Liberty Daniel A. Craig Tom Cunningham Ryan Oneglia Daniel Davenport Pioneer of Freedom Tam Eden Gerald A. Hanweck Thomas Gammill Margaret McMahon Mark S. Greenstein Michael F. Hepple Michael K. Jacobs John R. Karnap Shawn S. Levasseur Derek Maddox Todd Minehart Thank You! Nicholas Tomchik Thank You!

When one no longer conceives of life in terms of Money, but rather Humanity, one becomes fabulously wealthy, forever.

Government serves People; not through force and legislation, but by securing their Equal and Inalienable Rights.

Humans have Rights, Citizens have Privileges.

If I am forced to choose a side, I will always favor Humanity.

I am a Libertarian, I am a Buddhist. I can Þx this mess.

Steve Richey for President 2020

Independent - Intelligent - Incorruptible

Paid for by Steve Richey for President 2020 Page 4 The Libertarian Party • LP.org Quarter 2, 2020 Finding peace — and passing it on By Bekah Congdon argument to be won out there. ers weren’t there to really hear me, social media, but some of those peo- LPHQ Development Associate Last week I was doing really well; but I let their words spin around in ple flinging mud back and forth may I was getting my work done every my head as I concocted everything I have the very beginning of thoughts here is a day, but making time to go for long could say to put them in their place, that will lead them to look outside of picture evening walks, eating well, and keep- make them eat their words, and like- the Red vs. Blue box we know the old from over ing my thoughts positive. I made it ly ensure a very awkward family re- parties want to keep them in. T20 years ago that all the way to Friday evening feeling union next year. Finally, I made it Libertarians know that our plat- captured me in very much at peace, and then in only stop. I closed my computer, grabbed form and our principles offer some- perfect bliss. I am a few short minutes I was plummet- my phone, and went outside. thing so beautifully different from maybe five or six- Congdon ing to a very dark place. I had gotten I may have traded in oversized the ruling parties; but what about years old, wearing on Facebook and saw a family mem- stereo headphones for earbuds, but our social media interactions? What just a t-shirt and a very large pair of ber’s political post defending some- the sound in my ears was as sweet about the condition of our lives? Are headphones that are connected to thing I found so unacceptable that I and calming as it was when I was a we engaged in nothing but the same our large family stereo. My head is couldn’t just scroll past as I normally child. Without knowing it then, I tumultuous bickering that authori- relaxed against the arm of the couch, do. I bit. I made my counterargument was developing a tool for reclaim- tarians are, or do we display a peace I’m sitting on the floor, my eyes are with just a dash of sarcasm for good ing my peace when the boat of life that will make them curious? When I closed, and I am perfectly “zened”. measure. Within moments, my day is suddenly rocked. The truth is that wandered away from standard politi- I was there, so I know that the song felt spoiled. Despite the many posts I I know that none of us were happy cal thought, I wasn’t just looking for being played in my ears for proba- make each week that my relatives like, that night. My relatives were finding a new team to stand in the mud with, bly the tenth time that day is “Rainy agree with, or share because they fit offense to take where there wasn’t any, I wanted to believe there was some- Days and Mondays” by The Carpen- their worldview, suddenly a tiny army but they are also so trained to believe thing altogether better out there. ters. Something about the tender, sad of cousins and aunts and uncles seem that my disagreement with them was Thankfully, there was, and I am so melody, that crying harmonica, and to have been called in to rebuke me. proof that I have actually been taken happy I found it. Now I want to help the faultless voice of Karen Carpenter Though I said nothing about any of over by something dark and sinister. I other people find it too. pierced my tiny heart the first time I their characters, and in fact used only wasn’t on their team that night — so I Friday night wasn’t an anomaly; I heard it and to this day, that song still direct quotes from their preferred must be on the bad team. I remember mess up plenty and fall off the path of chases away my stress, calms my spir- party leader to make my point, I be- seeing the world through that bina- peace that I try to walk. But every day, it, and returns me to that troubleless came an enemy. I was told that I was ry view, and I don’t envy anyone still I am improving. Every time I choose state — even if just for three minutes hateful, a bully, disrespectful, and that wearing those glasses. It’s tough being not to activate a war on Facebook or and 30 seconds. the things I said were shocking and told by the voices you have trained Twitter and instead display peace, joy, Based on what we can observe on made an aunt's “heart skip a bit and yourself to trust that those who op- gratefulness, kindness — I give on- social media, very few people have then sink” (again — by quoting the pose your political views aren’t simply lookers a chance to put down a clump much inner peace they can access words of a politician she supports). wrong, they’re evil. It was that very of mud, and ask me how I can see these days. Those of us who work or While no one seemed to be able to narrative in fact that did help to break things so differently from them. And volunteer within the liberty move- defend the accusation that I made, me free from my old duopoly entrap- for the times that I mess up, I always ment can sometimes be the worst they were certainly able to lob plenty ment. There were far too many people have The Carpenters. examples of this. An abundance of of their own. If someone were playing that I didn’t see eye-to-eye with po- work and a shortage of people will- logical fallacy bingo, they would be a litically, yet I couldn’t reconcile that If you want to support the endless hard ing to do it means many are work- winner after reading this thread. they were supposed to be the enemy. work of the staff and volunteers of the ing to their breaking point, and the For a time, the comments got to That’s why I can’t let those who think Libertarian Party, you can make a constant bombardment of old-party me and stole my joy. I wasn’t even that way get to me now. It’s hard not contribution today and lift everyone’s supporters means there is always an responding as I knew the comment- to get down and dirty in the muck of spirits! LP.org/donate

LOUIS VANACORE LIBERTARIAN FOR PRESIDENT DISRUPTING CORRUPTION VANACORE2020.COM 1. Get outsiders out of local elections. Only persons eligible to vote in an election should be allowed to contribute to or expend for a candidate. Minimize "special interest" and corporate influence. 2. Give representatives the ability to solve problems. Archaic rules control representatives and hinder progress. House and Senate Rules AND LEGISLATION need be adopted by 2/3 vote of congress. 3. Give bipartisan congresspersons a voice. All legislation passed by Congress by less than 2/3 consensus, I will veto. I will force cross-partisan negotiations and alliances. 4. My administration will be a non-partisan "Honest Broker" for all Americans. Paid for by Vanacore for We The People

Volume 50, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 5 Convention postponed LNC: POTUS, VP nominations to be held online, balance to be held later On Saturday, May 2, the LNC spread of an aerosolized, contagious THEREFORE: 2. Credentials Committee report approved the following language re- virus with no cure and no vaccine 1. The LNC concludes that it is im- 3. Adoption of agenda garding the 2020 Libertarian Nation- make planning for attendance, finan- possible to conduct a Regular Conven- 4. Nomination and balloting for al Convention: cial performance, operating with legal tion in-person within the time frame Party candidates for President and Move to postpone the 2020 con- requirements, and travel plans, to be set out by our Bylaws and Convention Vice-President vention to an alternate date/location heavily clouded with uncertainty; Rules; and 5. Adjournment until second sit- to be chosen by the LNC to a new ting physical location to take place no later SECOND SITTING: to take place than July 15, with a decision made by July 9-12 in Orlando, Florida the LNC no later than ten days from 1. Call to Order today by electronic meeting. 2. Credentials Committee report The following weekend, in a pro- 3. Adoption of agenda longed meeting lasting nearly nine 4. Ratification of actions taken at hours, the LNC approved the follow- first sitting online of Regular Conven- ing resolution: tion WHEREAS, the worldwide coro- 5. Treasurer’s report navirus pandemic has resulted in 6. Audit Committee report unprecedented limitations on travel, 7. Bylaws & Rules Committee re- large events, operation of hotels and port restaurants; and 8. Fill vacancies on the Judicial WHEREAS, prior expectations Committee that stay-at-home orders and lock- 9. Platform Committee report down conditions would completely 10. Election of Party Officers and ease by Easter, or by the beginning Members of the LNC during a lengthy meeting Saturday, May 9. at-large members of the National of April, or by warmer weather, have Committee proven to be unfounded; WHEREAS, the Libertarian Na- 2. The LNC states that its goal is 11. Resolutions WHEREAS, as of this time, the tional Committee has a duty to take to adhere as closely as possible to our 12. Other business majority of states are under stay-at- in all the evidence of this situation Bylaws and Convention Rules; and 13. Final adjournment of the 2020 home and quarantine orders of vari- and make a good faith decision in the 3. The LNC establishes that the Regular Convention ous degrees of severity, creating legal best interests of the organization and 2020 Regular Convention shall be con- At press time, details were still and practical constraints on the ability its members, while adhering as closely ducted as follows: forthcoming about the convention. of hundreds of our delegates to attend as possible with federal law, state law, FIRST SITTING: ONLINE BUSI- As this is a developing story, please an in-person convention; and our own Bylaws and Convention NESS (beginning May 22, 2020): visit LNC2020.com and FB.com/ WHEREAS, the uncontrolled Rules; 1. Call to Order LPAustin2020 for the latest updates. Platform Committee update By Caryn Ann Harlos tional proposals but these are the LNC Secretary ones that are going to be reported out so far. Are you cu- Additionally, you can view the rious about the voting records of the committee here: proposals that the tinyurl.com/platcommvotes Platform Commit- The final report of the platform tee will be offering? committee will be published, as well You can find a cur- as a member survey, prior to the re- rent table of pro- scheduled convention in July. Harlos Visit LNC2020.com for the posed changes here: If you have any questions at all, tinyurl.com/platformproposalchart please contact me at [email protected] latest convention updates The committee may pass addi- or (561) 523-2250 Page 6 The Libertarian Party • LP.org Quarter 2, 2020 Daoud fights for transparency, accountability id Daoud is an elected Libertar- All citizens of this city must have ian serving as a city councilman the opportunity to make public com- in Kalispell, Mont. Monday, ment, there are some that may not be SMay 4, was the first Kalispell City able to use the technology solutions we Council meeting held in the council have enabled for tonight’s meeting. chambers as Montana moved into its I cannot condone making an im- “Phase One” reopening after a state- pactful decision that involves rates or wide stay-at-home order. taxes at a time that citizens are not Due to social distancing require- able to provide in person public comments, the public was not allowed to ment. attend. Instead, they were encour- Therefore, I move to table the res- aged to submit public comment via olution until such time as public com- email prior to the council meeting ment can be made in-person at the po- and watch the meeting as it was live- dium during a council meeting. streamed. Daoud was able to sway two oth- Two controversial resolutions er councilmembers to his side but were set to be voted on at the meeting the motion to table failed by a 3-to-6 — one to raise water and sewer rates vote. for residents and the other to adjust He then voted no on raising water water and sewer impact fees. Since and sewer rates, due to lack of public the public was not able to attend the representation. The councilman vot- meeting in person, and as both res- ed to table an impact fee adjustment olutions directly affected each citi- resolution as well, for the same rea- zen’s pocketbook, Daoud attempted son and with the same result. He vot- to have the resolutions removed from ed no on that resolution as well. the agenda prior to the meeting but Despite the outcome, Daoud said was unsuccessful. he stands by his statement and ac- When the water and sewer rate tions. resolution agenda item came up in "Government must be transpar- the meeting, Daoud moved to table ent and conducted in public with no the resolutions and made this state- obstructions," Daoud said in an email ment: to the LP News. "As a councilman, I A significant contributing factor should be able to look the public di- to today's all-time high distrust of gov- rectly in the eye when I vote or take ernment is lack of transparency. actions that affect them.” City Councilman Sid Daoud, Kalispell, Mont. (courtesy photo)

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Paid for by the Libertarian National Committee, Inc. (LP.org). 1444 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Volume 50, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 7 COVID offers chance for libertarian policy By Laura Ebke Extra raw products and supplies (like There are two policy areas that much of the full dining experience Nebraska eggs, milk, flour or toilet paper) that Libertarians could lead the way on. to their clientele as possible. That restaurants have on hand can be sold First, work to expand the tem- includes carry out drinks with carry ibertarians to customers, providing the business- porary universal recognition of out- out meal for customers to take home across the es an outlet for items that might have state licenses for medical person- to enjoy. country have gone to waste, or which have no im- nel to universal recognition for all The economic road back from Lan opportunity to mediate use in the current business licensed occupations. While most COVID-19 will be tough on many. take the lead on environment. of us would like to get rid of state Government should get out of the making perma- Regulation of business activity, licensing altogether, this would be way and not make it tougher Those nent one of the Ebke and of occupations, has traditionally a huge step in the right direction. things that were ok to do during a few good biparti- been justified as a means of “protect- Governors around the state did this public health crisis should be ok to san ideas that have grown out of the ing the public health, safety, and wel- for medical personnel because it al- do once the crisis is over. Libertarians COVID crisis. fare,” and yet time after time, in every lowed for flexibility and response to are uniquely suited to provide leader- All over the country, governors state in the country—and at the fed- a need. Why not allow the same kind ship on this issue, and remind elected have used executive orders to reduce eral level with the rollback of some of response to needs in the market to officials that “what’s good for COVID regulations and barriers to address FDA regulations—executive branch apply during non-emergent times? It for health, safety and welfare, should the crisis. From waiving fees to grant- officials have recognized that in a seems clear that occupational skills be good for it during non-COVID.” ing immediate recognition of oth- time when the public health, safe- aren’t dependent on their state of er-state medical personnel licenses, ty, and welfare might actually be at origin. Do we think that a cosmetol- Ebke is a former Libertarian state to allowing immediate licensure to stake—both physically and econom- ogist or electrician or plumber lose senator from Nebraska. She currently practice medicine for students who ically—regulations and occupational their skills when they move from an- serves as the Platte Institute’s Senior had not quite completed their clinical licensing can get in the way of both other state to ours? Unless there are Fellow for Job Licensing Reform, as- program, to waiving certain testing physical and economic public health demonstrable jurisdiction-specific sisting policymakers and the public as requirements for nursing assistants, and welfare. differences, states should accept a li- the Nebraska Legislature implements regulations for medically-related li- We all hope that “back to normal” cense from one state as indicative of the new Occupational Board Reform censes have been lifted—presumably is coming soon. But maybe we need license-eligibility in their state. Act. The Act is Nebraska’s first com- to protect the health, safety and wel- to look for the “new normal,” instead. Second, hospitality industry reg- prehensive review of the state’s job li- fare of the public. Instead of settling for returning to the ulations that were lifted — including censing laws, and is a law Laura spon- The temporary rollback of regu- old regulatory environment when ex- “carry out” alcohol and the ability to sored. She holds a Ph.D. in Political lations doesn’t stop with occupations, ecutive orders are lifted, perhaps we sell excess raw products — should Science from the University of Nebras- though. In many states, governors should be looking toward legislation be continued. With in-house service ka. In addition to serving as the chair have lifted regulations on “carry-out that will rid us permanently of the capacity of restaurants likely to re- of the Nebraska Legislature’s Judiciary mixed drinks” and curbside food regulations that were lifted to protect main less than they had been prior to Committee, she served for 12 years on pickup—in the interest of trying to health and economic welfare during COVID-19, encourage practices that the Crete Public Schools Board of Ed- keep those businesses from failing. a public health emergency. allow them to continue to provide as ucation. Two great ways to promote liberty:

Grab a selfie in Buy your friends 1 your gear 2 a membershi Put on your best LP swag and Give the Gift of Liberty! Head post a selfie to #ProudlyLP. over to LP.org/gift and And if you need more official purchase a membership. Just gear, you can shop day or night give us their contact info and at LPStore.org. we'll take care of the rest! Page 8 The Libertarian Party • LP.org Quarter 2, 2020

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Visit LP.org/2019report Volume 50, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 9 Frontier Project kicks off 2020 campaigns By Mario Presutti In the 2018 election cycle, the project was Florida able to elect local officials and really push the needle in a few state-level races. Of the can- egun in 2018 under the leadership of didates targeted, Bethany Baldes, came within LPHQ campaigns advisor Apollo Pa- 53 votes of winning against Wyoming’s house zell, the Libertarian Frontier Project majority leader, Gideon Oakes achieved the Bwas started as a way to prove the effectiveness highest percentage in a three-party legisla- of the Libertarian message and to demon- tive race since Andre Marrou in 1986, and Sid strate that Libertarian candidates can win Daoud went on to be elected to the Kalispell elected offices on third-party tickets. In coop- City Council in Montana. eration with the LNC, the project was given The project is ongoing and is currently the go-ahead last election cycle to help sup- gearing up for the 2020 election cycle, where it port targeted Libertarian candidates in win- is targeting candidates in Wyoming, Montana nable races throughout the Mountain West and South Dakota this year. Of the already an- area and to bring newfound focus on actually nounced candidates, Baldes is running again winning these races. for Wyoming State House District 55 and The project works with all the partners it Oakes again for South Dakota Senate District can to produce winning results. It seeks out 30. The project has multiple other races it is and identifies quality candidates in districts currently working with and will formally an- that are ripe for electing a third-party can- nounce and launch their campaigns soon, so didate. These candidates are prepared prior stay tuned to see these races go live. to, assisted during, and supported after the The Frontier Project is a collaborative ef- election season to create well-rounded and fort between very many moving parts, all the effective Libertarian leaders. The project also way from the national Libertarian party to a works with state-level parties and their county single dedicated volunteer, and it is each and affiliates to help coach them into becoming an every piece of this shared puzzle that contrib- effective support system for their candidates utes to the success of this great project. The and elected officials. The project is geared to- once-lofty goals that seemed so far out of reach ward establishing and connecting new county for the Libertarian Party, such as being seen as affiliates to their respective state parties, there- true competitors in political races, along with by creating a bottom-up network that is both actually getting elected to state office, are with- functional and strong. in reach and closer than ever before thanks to The Libertarian Frontier Project targeted 12 races in 2018, including The project also brings new ideas and tal- the Libertarian Frontier Project. helping with canvassing efforts in eight of them. Canvassing team members included (from top left) Apollo Pazell, Melissa Edgar, Wyo. ents into the Libertarian world, as it trains and house candidate Bethany Baldes, Andy Zuji, Tom Mahon, Michael onboards new staff members for a variety of Get involved at Pazell, Joshua Heckathorn and S.D. senate candidate Gideon different roles within the overall project. LibertarianFrontier.com Oakes. (courtesy photos) What's on your mind? Send letters to the editor to [email protected]. Page 10 The Libertarian Party • LP.org Quarter 2, 2020 So you want to be a delegate to the 2020 national convention, but don’t know how Editor’s note: This article was orig- tions. I will also be creating a video a qualified member of the national membership of that state affiliate or inally published as a multi-part series series on this subject for sharing with party by signing the non-initiation are appointed by the board of direc- in the Liberty Pledge newsletter, an others. of force pledge and paying dues. The tors/state central committee. Do they exclusive publication for our month- Ready? First, let cover some foun- yearly dues are $25 per year, which know who you are? If not, well then, ly pledgers. To upgrade your annu- dational basics. helps us fund ballot access so that go to meetings and volunteer so that al membership to a monthly pledge, What is a national party con- everyone can have an opportunity to they can get to know you, as it is dif- please visit LP.org/membership. vention, and what happens there? vote for the Libertarian ticket. Each ficult to ask someone for a position In the Libertarian Party, we have state party defines requirements for if that is the first time that they have By Caryn Ann Harlos national conventions every two years membership differently, and you will met you. You can find the contact LNC Secretary on even-numbered years. Funda- need to ask your state party leader- for your state party by checking at mentally, the national convention is ship or check their bylaws to find lp.org/states. Looking through events If that head- a gathering of delegates sent by the the requirements that would apply to on local Libertarian Facebook pages line describes you, state Libertarian parties to consider you. Typically, state parties also have is also a great way to get connected. you have come to and vote on important matters such a dues structure, while some only re- If you have tried but have not had the right place. In as amendments to our platform and quire partisan voter registration. The luck (sometimes things can get really each issue of Lib- bylaws; election of the Libertarian requirements are never onerous or hectic, and all of the board positions erty Pledge leading National Committee; consideration out of reach to the majority of people, are volunteer), reach out to me, and up to the conven- Harlos of resolutions; and of course, every and often people are willing to spon- I will find a way to make it happen. tion, I will have a four years, the selection of our pres- sor you if dues are your only obstacle. Once you are in touch, confirm with column with tips, first on becoming a idential and vice-presidential nomi- What in the name of the Blessed the leadership that you have met the delegate and then how to be an effec- nees, as we will in 2020. Chicken on a Stick are bylaws? requirements to be considered for a tive delegate. There are often ancillary activities Bylaws are simply the document delegate seat, and ask for your name First, a bit of background on me. such as educational seminars and she- that defines the structure of the state to be kept in consideration. Ask them I am the current Libertarian National nanigans, but those are not the core party organization and outlines mem- what else you might do to have the Secretary. However, I have not been purpose of the national convention. ber rights and responsibilities. You best chance at securing a seat. a Libertarian — or even involved in What is a delegate? can usually find a copy of the bylaws Are delegate seats in short sup- politics at all — very long. It has been In a political context, a delegate is on the state party website. If you can- ply and high demand? less than five years. Because of this, I a person designated to act on behalf not find them, reach out to me and I At this point, you may be won- remember what it was like to be utter- of another person or group. In this can assist you. dering — how many delegates does ly lost and feeling like everyone else case, each state party sends a speci- That’s it for now. Your mission my state get to send? Fantastic ques- was speaking a different language. fied number of delegates to represent this month, if you choose to accept it, tion! That number differs from state Though everyone was kind and that state. The number of delegates is to determine what the membership to state, with the number calculated wanted to help, they were so im- allotted to each state is based on a cal- requirements are to be a delegate in from a formula using the percentage mersed in political activities that they culation using the number of nation- your state and make sure you have of the national vote that the last Lib- could not relate to knowing absolute- al party members in that state and fulfilled them. And I do urge you, ertarian presidential ticket received in ly nothing. And when I say “nothing,” the percentage of the national vote even if national party membership is your state and the number of Nation- in my case, I mean that almost literal- earned by our last presidential ticket not required by your state, please do al Libertarian Party members in your ly. I was so disinterested and apoliti- in that state. join and show your support. state. The cut-off for national mem- cal that I didn’t even understand the The national party bylaws specify bership sign-ups to count towards basics of government structure, and that each delegate must be a member Well, hello again. this allotment was October 31, 2019, to be frank, I was a bit embarrassed of either the national party or state Here I am again, turning up like a and I am busily calculating these fig- by that. party. Each state party may impose bad penny, to continue our series on ures right now. Next Liberty Pledge, One of my great passions is men- additional requirements in their by- becoming a delegate for your state to I will publish those numbers for you, toring others, so once I did master laws. the National Libertarian Convention but your state party chair should these processes, I immediately want- What does it mean to be a mem- in Austin next year. Last time, your know by the time you receive this is- ed to make myself available to others ber of the national or state party? task was to find out the requirements sue. And with this market scarcity in who may need some answers in En- For purposes of the types of to be a delegate in your state and mind, is there really any competition glish rather than Politicalese. Please membership discussed here, it is not make sure you have fulfilled them. for these seats? jot down my email address, caryn. necessarily partisan voter registra- Make a (good) nuisance of your- Be at the hottest event of the [email protected], and my phone tion as a Libertarian. In fact, there are self year! number, (561) 523-2250, and do not many states which do not allow par- So, what’s next? Remember, state Yes, yes, there is. Prior to 2016, hesitate to contact me with any ques- tisan voter registration. You become delegates are typically elected by the it was typical that anyone who just Volume 50, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 11 showed at the convention could be Both committees will produce In the next Liberty Pledge, I will (in appropriate years) confident that they would be seated reports ahead of the convention with discuss some basics of the rules that 8. Election of party officers and with some state, if not their own state, their recommendations for review are used at our convention, including at-large members of the national as very few states filled their delega- prior to voting. You can see our cur- Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Re- committee tions, and a majority of states do al- rent governing documents as follows: vised 11th Edition. Fun! 9. Platform Committee report low vacancies to filled by out-of-state Platform – LP.org/platform 10. Nomination of party candi- residents. But with the high drama of Bylaws and Convention Rules – Even though “I am a Libertar- dates for president and vice president the 2016 election season, there were LP.org/bylaws-and-convention-rules ian, I do what I want,” may be our (in appropriate years) far more butts than there were seats, The Libertarian National Com- preferred philosophy, at the nation- 11. Resolutions and there is every indication that this mittee (LNC) al convention there are certain basic 12. Other business will happen again in 2020. If for some All seats on the LNC are up for rules: our convention special rules Since this is a rule and not a by- reason you do not secure a delegate election every two years at conven- of order and Robert’s Rules of Order law, it can be changed through sus- seat, the chances are excellent you can tion, and this is also very important. Newly Revised (RONR). Over the pension of the rules. secure an alternate seat which will al- Most candidates for these positions next few columns, I will give you in- Quorum low you to take the place of any dele- will conduct campaigns on social me- formation on some basics to help you This is the fancy way of saying gate who is absent from the conven- dia and on campaign websites leading navigate this process. how many delegates must be present tion floor during debate and votes. up to convention so you can get to As noted in my last column, you to legitimately conduct Party busi- So, until next month, I expect you know them. Many will also welcome can review our convention rules at ness. Our convention rules specify to be doing so much liberty work to personal phone calls. The declared lp.org/bylaws-and-convention-rules. that this number is 40 percent of the be the liberty star that your state will candidates so far for officer positions RONR is a tad more complicated as total number of delegates registered send to the convention that freedom can be found on LPedia (see below). it comprises an entire book, but don’t in attendance at the Convention. This will be achieved, and we can just call In addition to officers, five at- let that intimidate you. Following is number changes as delegates check in it off! large members, up to ten regional a simplified list that may have some and check out with the registration Well, perhaps that won’t happen, representatives and up to ten regional exceptions but will give you the basic desk. Quorum does not apply to ed- but that is your assignment for this alternates will be elected. overview. ucational seminars. month. Get plugged into your state If you are interested in running Suspend the Rules The purpose of quorum is to and local parties, and have a great for any of these positions and want Key concept: There is a critical ensure that important decisions are time in the best cause on earth. further information, please do not difference between the party bylaws made by a significant representative hesitate to contact me. and the convention special rules of majority and to protect the conven- When we last spoke, I let you Presidential and vice-presiden- order. Think of the bylaws as simi- tion from having critical matters de- know that in this issue I would brief tial nominees lar to the United States Constitution. cided by an organized few during a you on the kinds of decisions you This convention will elect our They cannot simply be put aside, and time when most delegates are other- would be making if you are selected candidates to run against the duopoly they contain the basic rules and rights wise occupied. You will be periodical- as a delegate for your state. candidates and act as the de facto face of the people. Rules, however, are ly notified what the quorum number Platform, bylaws, and conven- of the party until the November elec- more flexible and can be suspended is throughout the convention, and if tion rules tions. These races are usually quite by a three-fourths vote. Bylaws gener- there is reasonable legitimate doubt The above are the governing doc- lively, and you will not find a better ally protect fundamental rights while that there are that many delegates uments for the national party, and Libertarian “party” anywhere in the rules govern procedure and less fun- present, a delegate may request that a they can only be amended by dele- country. Oftentimes the health of the damental member rights. count be conducted. This request will gates at a national convention. Most party in terms of donors and mem- A three-fourths vote to suspend be denied if it is obvious that there is a changes require a two-thirds vote bership numbers will depend upon the rules does not require three- quorum present and that the request (super majority). I cannot overstate the delegates making a good choice. fourths of all registered delegates to may be a delaying tactic. Since quo- the importance of this duty. The only How to keep informed vote in the affirmative, or even three- rum is specified by our bylaws and changes that are automatically in- As the convention approaches, fourths of the delegates on the floor, is a basic protection of fundamental troduced to the delegates are those more information will be released. but rather, three-fourths of all those rights, the quorum requirement can- recommended by the Platform Com- There are three party resources that who choose to actually vote rather not be suspended. mittee or the Bylaws and Convention you can use to keep up to date as fol- than abstain. The rules are suspended Motions Rules Committee. lows: by making a motion to do so. A motion is how a question is If you have some suggestions for LibertarianConvention.org – Order of Business presented to the delegates. There can changes (whether or not you will be This is the official website for the con- The standing order of business at be no debate without a pending mo- a delegate — these documents affect vention. convention is established in our rules tion or question. A motion is made by the whole body), feel free to write the LNC 2020 mobile app – This is as follows: proceeding to one of the designated committee chairs as follows: the official convention mobile app 1. Call to order microphones on the convention floor Platform Committee Interim (the link is on the convention web- 2. Credentials Committee report and waiting your turn to be recog- Chair — Caryn Ann Harlos, secre- site). 3. Adoption of agenda nized by the convention chair. There [email protected] LPedia convention page at LPe- 4. Treasurer’s report are some exceptions to having to wait Bylaws and Convention Rules dia.org/National_Convention_2020 5. Audit Committee report your turn that will be covered later. Committee Chair — Joe Bish- — this will be updated almost daily 6. Bylaws and Rules Committee All motions must be seconded. A sec- op-Henchman, joe.bishop-hench- and is a good source for reports and report ond does not mean that another per- [email protected] current lists of candidates. 7. Election of Judicial Committee continued on page 12 Page 12 The Libertarian Party • LP.org Quarter 2, 2020

Harlos (from page 11) Rules of Order, Newly Revised 11th lieves there is reasonable doubt as to next and last column in this series, Edition (RONR) that you will need to the outcome of the vote. Typically, we will discuss how to be a competent son agrees with your request only that navigate the basics of the convention votes are taken by voicing “aye” or and effective delegate. they agree that it should be heard and business. This time, I am introducing “nay.” Those results are often unclear, debated. It is rare for a motion to fail some other basics on raises outside of and a member can request a more ac- In the days of yore, some smart to receive a second at convention, but the typical motion-amend-vote pro- curate method that usually proceeds guy said something to the effect of, when that happens, the question fails cess known as “incidental motions”, in this order: raising of hands, stand- “An educated citizenry is a vital req- automatically. meaning items that relate in some ing, and finally, a counted vote. This uisite for our survival as a free peo- Amendments fashion to the pending business, and is not to be confused with a motion to ple.” And that nugget of wisdom is An amendment is a secondary “privileged motions” which deal with divide a motion that concerns sepa- also essential in fulfilling your duty motion that amends the question or matters of immediate and overriding rating out a motion into separate and as a delegate if you are among those proposition in a main motion. A main importance and, as such, are allowed discreet questions. entrusted and honored with that role. motion may have up to two pending to interrupt the pending business. Point of Order At its core, a delegate is someone sent amendments at any one time. No fur- The incidental motion to “suspend This is a serious request to be to represent others in a deliberative ther amendments can be made un- the rules” was covered last column. made when any member thinks that assembly. In that sense, you are an til at least one of those two pending Please note that all of these items are the rules are being violated and re- ambassador for interests of the other amendments are resolved. Amend- always directed to the chair and not to quires the chair to address and make Libertarians in the state you are seat- ments allow the delegates to perfect another member. The chair may ask a ruling and/or enforce the rules. This ed with as well as the larger interests the language of a question to achieve that another member respond, but item takes precedence over any pend- of the Libertarian Party as a whole. a greater possibility of passing. the initial inquiry is always directed ing question related to the potential That is quite a responsibility! But Voting to the presiding officer. violation. It can even interrupt anoth- don’t worry — there is still plenty of There are various ways that vot- Request for Information er speaker if it is that urgent. A parlia- “party” during the party convention. ing is done depending upon the type At times, you may feel you need mentary inquiry can first be made if Although I had briefly mentioned of business. Elections and nomi- additional details to clarify the de- the member is uncertain of the rules these items in an earlier column, I nations are done by written ballot. bated issue. In these cases, you may in order to determine if they are be- think it is a great way to wind up this Amendments to the governing doc- direct a “request for information” to ing violated. A point of order must series. uments, suspension of the rules, and the chair. In the past, this was called be raised promptly at the time of the Elections resolutions are done first by a voice a “Point of Information,” but that rules violation or it is waived (with There are two kinds of elections vote which may proceed to a standing seemed to confuse people into be- limited exceptions beyond the scope that you will be voting in (and yes, vote or even a standing counted vote lieving that this was an opportunity of this column). despite what some teachers told you, if the results are too close to call. The to give information rather than re- Note: None of the above items are don’t come for me, it is permissible to threshold required to pass depends questing information and effectively debatable. They do not require a sec- end a sentence in a preposition): in- upon the item of business. Elections smuggled in extra debate. This item ond, and a vote is not taken. ternal party offices and the presiden- and nominations are determined by takes precedence over only the item Appealing the Ruling of the tial ticket. a majority of those voting. The by- that it concerns and can also be made Chair Editor’s note: To paraphrase Win- laws, as well as additions or changes if there is confusion when a question If a member believes that the ston Churchill, Ms. Harlos, such poor to the platform, require a two-thirds is not pending. chair ruled incorrectly on a point of grammar is something up with which vote. Deletions of any platform plank Parliamentary Inquiry order, they can appeal from the chair’s we shall not put. require a majority vote. You will be These are appropriate when you ruling. This appeal must be seconded — Internal Party Offices informed of the various thresholds might have questions regarding the and is usually debatable with the spe- The entire Libertarian National needed as the platform progresses. parliamentary procedure in play at cial provision that the chair has the Committee is up for election every With rare exception, the threshold any time during the convention busi- privilege of speaking first and last in convention, and due to an error at last applies to the number of votes actual- ness. This item also takes precedence debate. The assembly will then vote to convention, it is likely that there will ly cast and not to the number of regis- over only the item that it concerns and either sustain or overturn the ruling be a motion to elect the judicial com- tered delegates in their entirety or the can also be made if there is confusion of the chair. The rules for this vote mittee as well (which normally would number of delegates on the floor. when a question is not pending. differ from the customary procedure, be scheduled only for non-presiden- That is enough for this column, I Raise a Question of Privilege so listen carefully to the instructions tial nominating conventions). These think! Fellow national party member This is a device that takes items given if this should arise. elections can take several rounds if Michael Seebeck and I have a humor- which would not normally take pre- If you need to exercise any of no one receives a majority on the first ous (adult language warning, not in- cedence over the immediately pend- these actions which take precedence round. Do not underestimate the im- tended for younger individuals) daily ing business to the position of first over pending business and you are portance of these elections, and make podcast on the basics of RONR which priority due to urgent situations. Ex- not presently first to be recognized by an attempt to vet these candidates. can be found on YouTube by search- amples would include disturbances the chair, raise your hand and clearly Nearly any of them would welcome ing for “The Cult of RONR.” You may that are making it difficult for mem- state which item you are raising loud- a personal discussion with you to an- find some of those discussions helpful bers to follow the business or issues ly enough to be heard by the chair but swer any questions and to give their as well as other numerous RONR re- of safety. with respect and decorum. pitch to earn your vote. sources online. Request for Division of the As- Obviously, these are short sum- — Presidential Ticket sembly maries, and the interested reader can Obviously, this is a monumental- In my last column, we covered This concerns votes that have refer to Chapter VIII of RONR for ly important choice as our nominees the basic information on Robert’s been taken where the member be- most (not all) of these items. In my will effectively be the voice and stan- Volume 50, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 13 dard-bearers of our party through November, and to some extent beyond. There now are many debates filmed at various Libertarian conventions as well as a wealth of available Leave a Legacy of Liberty literature. Take your time to review these items to make the best choice in your considered opinion. Governing Documents —Bylaws, Standing Convention Rules, and Platform Although it is possible for a member to successfully suspend the rules and bring an amendment before the convention, the vast majority of proposals are introduced through the respective responsible committees. These committees will produce reports for review by the delegates ahead of time and often will send advance surveys in order to refine their Have you considered designating recommendations. Take advantage of these opportunities. the Libertarian Party in your will? — Resolutions These are often requested to be heard by members through a sus- Many Libertarians have done this and we are very thankful for their pension of the rules at various times generosity. Their bequests have done tremendous good by growing the throughout the convention. These Party and spreading the timeless and precious message of Liberty. can run from reaffirmations of -ob vious Libertarian principles (such as the resolution in 2016 that taxation To better honor these special folks, we have created a program called is theft); various public policy statements on issues of the day; to more Legacy Libertarians. The Libertarian Party will honor these generous nuanced statements regarding things supporters by listing their names on a permanent plaque at our head- that might have broader effect than it initially appears. Listen very carefully quarters. to the arguments to understand how such statements might be interpreted Please know that current law places limitations on the amount we before casting your vote. Also remember, abstaining is al- accept per year from any donor, including estates. So, when generous ways a valid option if you do not be- Libertarians leave sums larger than the yearly limitation, the remain- lieve you can cast an informed vote. And here is the most important of der goes into a trust that then transfers funds each year until all the advice I can give you: Have fun and money has been transferred. enjoy the fellowship with other Liber- tarians. It is a high that can carry you through the tough times of political But the important point is that there is no maximum limitation on the battles. amount of money you can leave to the Libertarian Party in your will. It has been a pleasure bringing this information to you over the past Use the following information to include the party in your will. Benefi- months. I hope to see you at conven- ciary name: Libertarian National Committee, Inc. Address: 1444 Duke tion. In the meantime, if you need to St., Alexandria, VA, 22314. Tax ID number: 52-1170810 reach me for any reason, my email address is [email protected], and my phone number is (561) 523-2250. Learn more at LP.org/legacy In Liberty, Caryn Ann Harlos Page 14 The Libertarian Party • LP.org Quarter 2, 2020 Updates from our local affiliates If the Very Short Hat fails to pro- playground by a squadron of police news is a lot of bad legislation that FLORIDA duce this result, or if they just want to cruisers barking orders through bull- had been pending when the adjourn- know more, they are encouraged to horns. I was taking notes while my ment took place seems to be dead for move on to the “Medium Long Hat.” daughter was still screaming in terror: now. By Marcia Powell Following that would be the “Com- how many cops, unit IDs on the cars, Libertarian Candidate for U.S. Pinellas County Fla. Vice Chair prehensive Hat.” These can be done at where they came from, how long we House District II, Michelle Tippens, study parties, or a person can work on had been there, and which neighbors was one of several candidates inter- arcia Powell, vice-chair of them by themself. were sitting on their porches with viewed concerning the pandemic’s the Pinellas County affiliate, Marcia is willing to share her phones in their hands. It is a safe bet effects on campaigning. Her quotes has come up with a novel checksheets with anyone interested. they didn’t show up at random, not appeared in the April 7 issue of the Mway to recruit new Libertarians. She hopes this will inspire others to with that many cars, so I’ll guarantee online newspaper Civil Beat. In re- She’s been a reader all her life, so host study parties. This certainly is an a neighbor called it in... We’ll be back, turning to Hawaii from the continen- had no trouble reading a dozen or so appropriate time to spread the mes- with better information next time!” tal U.S., she was subjected to a two- books about libertarianism. But she sage of freedom! You can reach her at Steve is a candidate for the LP nom- week stay-in-place quarantine. Since acknowledges that many people these [email protected]. ination for president. then, she has still not been allowed to days — especially young people — do The Pinellas County affiliate also Hawaii Libertarian Linda Heaton fly to Hawaii Island where much of not usually choose to sit down and hosted a candidate forum on Jan. 31 was at a protest rally at Hawaii’s State her campaigning will occur. The piece read a book. Thus she came up with for the Clearwater City Council elec- Capitol on May 1. Three people out treated her well allowing her to talk the idea of “study parties.” tion. One of our active members, Mi- of the large group of protestors were about her service as an Army veteran She invited friends over on a chael Culligan, a professor at Pinellas arrested. Why these three is an open and her support for cannabis legaliza- Saturday evening in January, and a County College, arranged for a large question. Only one was identified as tion. dozen people showed up. She gave room there. We brought our banners, an event organizer. This women al- them each a “Very Short Hat” to learn literature, and snacks. Nine candi- leges she was left handcuffed in the about libertarianism. It consisted of a dates attended, with Michael and police car after the officers had rolled ILLINOIS one-page checksheet with 11 items to Mark Rodriguez (our chair) making up the windows and turned on the read and then sign off that you did it opening and closing remarks. After- heat. She claims she suffered a heat (helps keep track). wards a number of people comment- stroke as a result. The event itself was By Amanda Parsons Attached were six pages, each ed on how professional it was — “the organized by a splinter group of the LPIL Communications Director covering basic principles, such as the best of many such forums.” Hawaii Republican Party. non-aggression principle, restorative State Chair Tracy Ryan discussed ongratulations to the newly justice, free market economics, and issues relating to the suspension of elected officers of the Libertar- Tenth Amendment/nullification — the Hawaii Legislature, which has ian Party of Illinois Executive plus two of her own articles. HAWAII been inactive since mid-March, with CBoard: chair, Steve Suess; vice-chair, The first 30-40 minutes were spent her district senator’s office. That, and Donny Henry; and treasurer, Russ individually and quietly studying the another source confirmed the plan to Clark. hat. Then there was open discussion, By Tracy Ryan reopen the legislature to deal with a Congratulations are also in order followed by socializing. The purpose LPHI State Chair minimum agenda. They have a stat- for the Libertarian Party of Illinois for was to enlighten people about the utory requirement to pass a budget winning their recently filed lawsuit in fundamentals of libertarianism such awaii Libertarian Steve before the end of the fiscal year in regard to ballot access in the state. that they would be inspired to be- Richey reports, “My kids June and a number of appointments (See our article on front page for come registered Libertarians. Hgot kicked out of the local to state agencies to confirm. The good more details about this huge win.) Members of the Libertarian Want to see Party of King County, Washington, took part in your group’s May Day protests around Seattle. The group took the story here? opportunity to co-opt some of the media coverage other groups were getting and ended up with a nice clip on Send your KIRO 7 TV. See the Media Buzz feature on the back affiliate news to page for more information. (courtesy photo) [email protected] WASHINGTON Volume 50, Issue 2 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 15

What I'm OBITUARY reading Kurt H. Germann, 80, Maryland By Ernst Germann right now California By Daniel Fishman urt H. Germann, my broth- LNC Executive Director er, died on Friday morning, March 13, 2020 at the age of just picked up K80 in Westminster, Calif. a copy of “Why After a brain-stem stroke in 2004 the Federal Re- that left him wheelchair bound, I Iserve Sucks” by Dr. moved Kurt from his home in Gaith- Murray Sabrin. ersburg, Md., to an assisted living fa- For those who cility in California, close to me. The don’t know, Dr. Sa- Fishman stroke impacted his speech and made brin is a Lifetime it difficult for him to control his arms Member of the Libertarian Party as and hands, but he was able to manip- well as a former candidate for US ulate the TV remote and the com- Kurt Germann (courtesy photos) Senate in New Jersey and is active in puter keyboard with much effort. the Libertarian Party of New Jersey. In his final week he suffered a major He is also a Professor of Finance at decline with swallowing and eating New Jersey Institute of Technology) Ramapo College of New Jersey. complications. with a degree in Electrical Engineer- I, of course, always knew the Fed- Although Kurt and I lived in dif- letter from Myrtle Avenue Junior ing. Kurt’s career in computer pro- eral Reserve sucked, but I didn’t know ferent parts of the country, before his High School in Irvington, N.J. In gramming and systems development the whole history of how the Fed came stroke, we met regularly at the Lib- 1958, Kurt led the senior class at the began with Keydata Corp. in Water- to be and why it has the powers that ertarian Party National Conventions. commencement exercises of Spring- town, Mass., from 1964 to 1968, with it does. Especially in a world where Kurt was a delegate to the California field’s Jonathan Dayton Regional a stint in 1966 to work in London on the Federal Reserve is “lending” tril- LP Constitution and Bylaws Com- High School in honors and scholar- automated data systems. lions of dollars to the government, it mittee in 1973 and then to many Na- ship awards. All remarkable achieve- In 1968, Kurt joined IBM and behooves every Libertarian to have a tional LP Platform and Bylaws Com- ments for someone who knew no worked in computer technology, in depth understand of modern fiscal mittees. English when he arrived in America programming and advanced system policy, how it came to pass, and why Kurt was born in Stuttgart-Bad in 1952. development. He was with IBM for it is making each next financial cri- Cannstatt, Germany, on Sept. 23, Kurt became a naturalized U.S. 25 years, first in San Jose and Palo sis worse than the last, without ever 1939, and lived in Stuttgart-Zuffen- citizen in 1959. Alto, Calif, then Kingston, N.Y., Tri- promising a solution. hausen until our family emigrated to In 1964 Kurt graduated from angle Park, N.C., ending in Gaithers- I heartily recommend Dr. Sabrin’s the United States in 1952. Newark College of Engineering (now burg, MD. “Why the Federal Reserve Sucks”, Kurt won scholastic awards en- Kurt married Phyllis Jean Carroll which you can find for sale now on compassing math, arts and English Obituaries may be submitted in 1968. They were divorced in 1981. Amazon. and earned a soccer junior varsity to [email protected] They had no children.

All of your freedoms...... all of the time. Page 16 The Libertarian Party • LP.org Quarter 2, 2020

LP CONTACTS Media HEADQUARTERS 1444 Duke St. Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: (202) 333-0008 Buzz Fax: (202) 333-0072 Your embers of the Libertari- NATIONAL CHAIR an Party of King County, Nicholas Sarwark Washington, took part in MMay Day protests in downtown Seat- STAFF content tle. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dan Fishman The small group took the opportunity to counterprotest a group call- OPERATIONS DIRECTOR ing for increased taxation of Amazon. Robert Kraus The efforts led to an on-camera in- DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR here. terview on KIRO 7-TV with member Tara DeSisto Bess Byers. PUBLICATIONS EDITOR A drive-by tax Amazon protest at- Gideon Oakes tracted a small group of anti-tax Lib- CAMPAIGNS ADVISOR We are currently looking for Libertarian ertarians. They say they oppose taxing Apollo Pazell writers and content creators (i.e., news stories, anyone during this pandemic. CANDIDATE & AFFILIATE SUPPORT “Sales, fuel tax, water, you know, Bob Johnston features, opinion pieces, photos, videos, we pay so many taxes and that makes it harder for people to save,” said Bess CANDIDATE RECRUITMENT artists, etc. — sorry, not memes) who would Byers, Libertarian Party of King Coun- Cara Schulz like to contribute to official Libertarian Party ty. “It makes it harder for people to pay DEVELOPMENT the bills especially in a pandemic.” Bekah Congdon publications, including the LP News, Liberty To see Bess’ interview, visit EXTERNAL RELATIONS LP.org/maydayvideo. Matthew Thexton Pledge, LP.org and others. EXTERNAL RELATIONS Tyler Harris If you're interested, please join our MEMBERSHIP MANAGER Jess Mears Facebook Group today! SPECIAL PROJECTS Nick Dunbar Facebook.com/groups/LPPublications STATE AFFILIATE DEVELOPMENT Andy Burns STEWARDSHIP Christopher Clemence STATE AFFILIATES: LP.org/states LIBERTARIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE: LP.org/lnc-leadership

Thinking about running for office?

Go to LP.org/run and send us your inquiry. You'll receive information from your state LP affiliate or from the national LP Bess Byers (rear) holds up a sign headquarters that you need to counterprotesting a group seeking get started on your campaign. higher taxes on Amazon. (courtesy photo)