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fact, would refuse it even if was offered. We don’t accept Chairman’s Corner stolen money on principle. The following individuals be- We can accomplish this goal with money, a dedicated came Lifetime Members of the and talented team in the LP DC office, the Libertarian Na- tional Committee, and our road warriors who collect peti- Libertarian Party between April Best and Worst of Times tion signatures in all sorts of hostile weather all around the 1, 2011 and June 25, 2011. by Mark Hinkle United States. We do have a very talented and capable LP office staff, a very experienced LNC, and a capable team ear LP members: “It was of road warriors. What we don’t have enough of is money. Arnold Adicoff (CA) the best of times, it was Cold hard cash. David E. Blau (MA) Dthe worst of times.” So That’s where you, the members and donors of the wrote Charles Dickens in A Tale of Libertarian Party, come in. You’re not only part of the team; Robert Body (FL) Two Cities. you’re the most important part of the team. You provide the “The best of times” is high- funds that we use to build on our 39 years of achievement Matt Cerney (IL) lighted as follows: for the future. A recent poll by CNN (for Your funds are the fuel that keeps the Libertarian en- James Culbertson (WA) details, please see our blog at gine of liberty and freedom running. Without you, none of www.lp.org/blogs/daniel-wiener/ the past successes would have occurred and without your Frank Iacono (NY) poll-shows-america-is-becoming- support now, our future is dim. more-libertarian) now shows that Americans are becoming Given the trend of the American voter towards liber- Melanie H. Lyons (CA) more libertarian in their basic attitudes. This is very good tarianism, it would be sad indeed not to take advantage of news. this golden opportunity. Where voters can register as Liber- Christopher R. Maden (NH) As we race towards the 40th anniversary of the tarians, our numbers are up and every other political party Guy C. McLendon (LA) founding of the Libertarian Party on December 11, it’s good is down. to know we’ve made a difference over the last 39 years of People are hungry for an alternative. Perhaps even David Pizon (WI) our existence. starving for an alternative. As a party, we’ve accomplished what no other new But, will we be on the ballot? Diane Sawyer (CA) political party has accomplished in my lifetime. We man- Only you can answer that question. We can’t guaran- aged to get our presidential candidate on all 50 states (but tee success with your support, but we can guarantee failure Ralph Shuey (PA) not Barack Obama’s “57 states”) three times. This is espe- without your support. cially significant due to the monumental hurdles placed on The choice is yours. Daniel Stecewicz (NC) us by the Republicans and Democrats. I am delighted to report that following the petition I hope we can achieve 50 states, plus DC and Guam, drive in Maryland and the subsequent lawsuit, the Mary- Louis John Swallow (VA) again in 2012—but once again, the Republicans and Demo- land LP was successful in its recent drive to get ballot status. crats are placing significant obstacles in our way. Whether Your donations made that possible. or not we can overcome these new batch of ballot access If you want to see more successes like that, please The Libertarian Party grants Lifetime Mem- laws, depends on you. visit www.lp.org/contribute and vote with your hard earned bership to individuals who contribute at least We may overcome these challenges by petition drives cash. $1,000 during any twelve-month period. Call and/or lawsuits. Both of which cost money and a lot of it. 202-333-0008 to find out how much more you “The worst of times” is that our fundraising to would need to donate to become a Lifetime achieve these goals is lagging behind last year’s fundraising Member today. pace. As you know, we don’t get taxpayer money and, in

Send News, Articles, Libertarian Party News Essays or (ISSN 8755-139X) is the official LP News Photographs: newspaper of the Libertarian Party Libertarian Party® of the United The Purposes of the Libertarian Party: 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 200 States. Opinions and articles Washington, DC 20037 published in this newspaper do not The Party is organized to implement and give voice to the principles embodied in the State- ment of Principles by: functioning as a libertarian political entity separate and distinct from all Phone: (202) 333-0008 necessarily represent official party E-mail: [email protected] positions unless so indicated. other political parties or movements; moving public policy in a libertarian direction by building a political party that elects Libertarians to public office; chartering affiliate parties throughout the United States and promoting their growth and activities; nominating candidates for Presi- Send Address Changes To: NATIONAL CHAIR: Libertarian Party Mark Hinkle dent and Vice-President of the United States, and supporting Party and affiliate party candi- dates for political office; and, entering into public information activities. 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 200 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20037 Washington, DC 20037 Phone: (202) 333-0008 E-mail: [email protected] LP NEWS Editor: Email: [email protected] Wes Benedict [email protected] Vol. 41, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 3 Comments and Advice from Elected Libertarians Ed Coleman’s Libertarian Campaign the proverbial bloody nose or to receive by Arthur DiBianca one, because the established power is ex- for Indianapolis City-County Council pecting you to shrug your shoulders and o far this year we’ve seen about walk away. Why don’t you prove them by George Edwards 10 Libertarians around the country wrong? Srun for nonpartisan elected offices erious political campaigns require and win. I asked them if they had any a lot of hard work. That’s exactly comments or advice to share with other Doug Marks what we are doing in Indianapolis Elected to Carpentersville, Illinois Vil- S Libertarians. Here are some comments to get Ed Coleman re-elected to the City- from three of them. lage Board of Trustees on April 5 County council. One may come to the In reality, I had no intention of conclusion that getting re-elected would running for a local office because I was be easy in a district with no Democrat Andrew Gray worn out from the year-long push for competition and a Republican opponent Elected to Topeka, Kansas City Council Congress, but a couple of the local board who doesn’t have the best reputation with on April 5 members, one of whom I ran a slate the town-folks. That would be an inaccu- We were outspent 11 to 1...we re- with, pressed me into getting involved rate assessment. However, with all of the ceived no endorsements and the status locally. They kept reminding me that obstacles that face our campaign we have quo was working hard to keep the incum- this is where the rubber meets the road a fighting chance. bent in office. It seems insurmountable and the effect I can have locally can be Our campaign to get Ed Coleman re- odds but we realized what would make profound, so after a few weeks I agreed elected has to first overcome the straight the difference. As Chairman of the Lib- to run. ticket voting option that allows voters to ertarian Party of Kansas I realized that Running at the local level was unthinkingly vote for only Republicans, Indianapolis Councilor Ed Coleman real and viable change always begins on completely different than when I ran for Democrats, or Libertarians. Many Repub- rades and has been talking to voters at the local level. You may not be able to Congress—the time window for expo- licans must remember to vote Libertarian each event. The next step in the campaign change what happens 1,500 miles away sure was only 90 days. It was a lot of in at least the City-County council race. process is to reach every voter directly at but you can start with your own back- leg work trying to connect with over If anyone can overcome this obstacle it least once and to contact them indirect- yard. To this end myself and five or six 6,000 registered voters who routinely would be Ed Coleman himself, but we ly through yardsigns, mailers, parades, volunteers made a concerted effort to voted, but I truly enjoyed going door- need a lot of support from people inside booths, and Facebook. Because of the knock on every single door of about to-door introducing myself, explain- and outside of Indianapolis who believe information barrier that a Libertarian has 9,000 voters. We knew if we could make ing my platform, and connecting with that liberty is the best policy. Indeed, Ed’s to overcome relative to a Republican or a that personal touch we could express the people living in town. This was as opponent believes that all he has to do is Democrat this will be more costly than the how practical Libertarian values could grassroots as it gets. One of the real nice to place his name on the ballot to win. It’s campaigns where said parties only have to be applied to their own “backyard.” We things about this election was that it was time to show him that this isn’t the case. put their name on the ballot to gain a ma- showed we are a Party of individuals, but non-partisan. It was strictly about what The question must be asked; can Ed jority of their voters. individuals united in a purpose. I am going to try and accomplish vs. the get Republicans to vote for him? The an- There will be derivative effects of a There were two factors which we other candidates, not about some party swer to that, of course, is YES! Many Re- Libertarian win in the City-County coun- created a strong foundation for my get- platform. This allowed me to get them to publicans will vote against his opponent cil race which includes growing the Liber- ting elected. The first is the mantra that remove their partisan filter and see what because he is part and parcel of the insid- tarian Party in Ed’s district, in the city of one should never confuse motion for I offered as an individual. er politics that Ed Coleman is fighting to Indianapolis, in the state of Indiana, and action. Words are utterly meaningless In this election there were three end. Presently Ed Coleman is an at-large outward. if they aren’t backed by action. This ex- seats available with five candidates. Un- councilor but after switching parties he The second effect will be media at- plains why the local LP group is so ac- like many of the other candidates who decided to run in his district against one tention that will be given to Ed Coleman tive and vocal in issues affecting this relied on non-personal communication, Jack Sandlin, an unelected councilman and the Libertarian Party that will induce area. To make a difference one has to my efforts were rewarded because I con- appointed by party insiders after the seat a realization, in the hearts of competing forgo the natural fear and get involved. nected with the voters and won a seat on was vacated, in order to concentrate his parties that the ideas of liberty and proper- This evolves to the second reason: I the village board, collecting the highest efforts in a single district rather than the ty rights are popular. No one likes it when was a well-known Libertarian who got vote total of all the candidates elected. entirety of Indianapolis. property is stolen from them and it fur- involved in local issues whether it be If I were to give any advice on lo- Ed Coleman became a Libertarian ther irritates them when they don’t even eminent domain abuses, the violation of cal elections, it would be to target the when he was campaigning as a Republi- have a voice in the matter. Ed represents property rights with mandated smoking registered voters who routinely exercise can for an at-large seat against Timothy that voice for thousands of his constitu- bans, or keeping the right to open carry a their voting privileges. It can be done McGuire, who now chairs the committee ents and for millions of people around the firearm. We won some and we lost some, by obtaining the voters list with history to re-elect Ed, and after becoming sick of country as well. but the city leadership knew we were al- from your local election clerk. This will being told how to vote on certain propos- I encourage those who read this to ways there. After a while people began to save you from wasting a lot time, effort als. Ed is no longer told to rubber stamp donate to support this effort to get Ed realize that economic liberty and social and advertising money for literature. proposals by party leaders and instead Coleman re-elected. Visit our website at freedom are interdependent on each oth- I ran the whole campaign for just over hosts a caucus, a discussion over upcom- www.EdColeman.org and get involved. er. You can’t have one without the other $1,000 which truly amazed me, and out ing proposals, before every council meet- because if you do it is still a form of tyr- of that only $84 came out of my pocket. ing that all voters are able to attend. anny. I would advise other candidates to Ed has been attending as many George Edwards is the Campaign Man- never give up...never be afraid to give continued on page 11... events as possible from street fairs to pa- ager for Ed Coleman’s campaign. Page 4 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org July 2011 Libertarians at Rock Culture Con Libertarian State Leadership Alliance “Special Meeting” to be held in Columbus, Ohio LNC. The meeting starts at 10:00 a.m. by Kevin Knedler sharp on Friday, August 19. There will be a lunch break and box lunches will be riday, August 19, will be the date brought in for those that register by Au- of the LSLA “Special Meeting.” gust 1. Registration cost will be $35 per FThe event will be held downtown person. at the Columbus, Ohio Hyatt Hotel on Although we finish at 5:30 that North High Street. This event is open to day, there will be a free socializer at 6:00 any Libertarian in a leadership position p.m. with the LNC and LP national staff at the state or local level. members. It will conclude at 7:30 p.m. Because the original LSLA Febru- Saturday, the LNC will be meeting and something appropriate. I don’t think we’ll use ary event in Washington State was can- one of the highlights will be the decision by Cisse Spragins it at our next tea party event, but I really like celled, many state chairs inquired about on the 2014 national convention. Satur- the way it turned out! We also plan to use it an alternative event to get the LSLA day night the LNC, some LSLA attend- ock Culture Con is a rock concert, tat- at other events we do, such as HempFest and “back on track.” After an online vote of ees, and members of the Ohio LP will be too expo and fringe festival dedicated PrideFest. The colorful banner (shown) fea- approval by over 50% of the state chairs, attending a AAA baseball game between Rto bringing people in the rock industry tures, among other things, an image of Lady it was decided to hold the event in Co- the Columbus Clippers (Indians) and the together. This year, two events were held, one Liberty as depicted by famous tattoo artist lumbus, Ohio, one day ahead of the LNC Buffalo Bisons (NY Mets). in Pensacola, Florida on March 12, and one in Sailor Jerry. meeting, also held at the downtown Hy- The LNC will wrap up its meeting Kansas City, Missouri on April 23. All pro- Hundreds of people attended the all- att. at the Hyatt on Sunday, August 21. ceeds from the events go to charity, with this day event. In addition to edgy rock bands Coordinating the event will be For more information and registra- year’s proceeds going to help build schools in and tattoo artists, features included a troop of Ohio LP host and State Chair Kevin tion, please go to the web site for LSLA: Afghanistan. roller derby women with “painted on” shirts, Knedler, Indiana LP State Chair Sam http://LSLA.org/ “When the organizer contacted me and all manner of exhibits, including an im- Goldstein, and Illinois LP State Chair about the event, it seemed like a great op- pressive bong selection from a glass blower in Lupe Diaz. portunity,” said Sean O’Toole, chair of the the booth next to the LP. Booth volunteers in- This will be a one-day event and Conference Details: Jackson County affiliate of the Missouri LP. cluded 2010 U.S. Senate candidate Jonathan heavily focused on three areas: “I thought it was great that he said he was a Dine, pink-haired firebrand activist and KC • Short meeting to elect new LSLA • Date: Friday, August 19th, 2011 libertarian and he was only inviting the Liber- 2011 city council candidate Tracy Ward, and officers and change by-law to allow tarian Party. And he gave us a really low price her husband Kriss. Gabe Grider, a local activ- for a Vice-Chair position • Place: Downtown Columbus on the booth.” ist, and Jeff Caldwell, a Kansas LP 2010 state • Focus on building a state and local Hyatt, Columbus, Ohio I looked at the banners we had and rep candidate, also helped out. “It was a very organization thought, nothing here is really going to work. libertarian crowd with 72% scoring libertarian • Focus on building leadership and • Time 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. So I asked a graphic designer who is em- on the Quiz, with a bit of a left bias as would leadership qualities ployed by my business and does some free- be expected,” said O’Toole. “We had some Speakers will be from present and • Cost: $35 per person lance design work for us to come up with great conversations. Definitely worthwhile.” former leadership of the state parties and Regulate Marijuana Like Wine this as a legitimate issue. And that is re- addresses those past concerns. It is entitled der the age of 21; providing, transferring or by Judge Jim Gray ally all we need, because what we are doing the “Regulate Marijuana Like Wine Act of selling marijuana to a person under the age today simply doesn’t stand the light of day. 2012.” You can see the full text of its pro- of 21; or any laws or regulations regarding n my public discussions about our na- Second, in some of my debates on visions for yourself at www.RegulateMari- medical marijuana as set forth by Propo- tion’s failed and hopeless policy of mar- Prop. 19, numbers of people, including juanaLikeWine.com, but its basic provi- sition 215 and its related statutes. All of Iijuana prohibition, I often say that Cali- several chiefs of police, stated publicly that sions are as follows: those laws and regulations would expressly fornia’s Proposition 19 actually won the they had no problem treating marijuana like All California laws that prohibit remain in effect. election last November, but we will simply alcohol, but they did not like some specific marijuana possession, use, sales, distribu- The proposed initiative then breaks be delaying implementation for two years. provisions of Prop. 19 and therefore op- tion, cultivation, etc. by people who are 21 down what we now call marijuana into I say that for two reasons. First, posed it. Many voters felt exactly the same years of age and older would be repealed, two classifications. The first is marijuana Prop. 19 was so successful in legitimizing way. except for those pertaining to driving a mo- with a THC or “potency” level of 0.1 per- the discussion about the failure of marijua- So since last November, quite a few tor vehicle under the influence of marijua- cent or higher, which would be governed na prohibition statewide, nationwide, and people involved in marijuana drug law re- na; using or being impaired by marijuana in by regulations, taxes and fees that use the even worldwide, that people for the first form have been working to craft a new ini- public or in the workplace; the use, posses- time have actually started to think about tiative for the November 2012 ballot that sion, sales, etc. of marijuana by people un- continued on page 15... Vol. 41, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 5 Getting Seen: The LP’s New Focus on Video

by Arvin Vohra

decade ago, it was very difficult for the Libertarian Party to present A video messages to a large number of viewers. Video production was more expensive, and television advertising rates were often prohibitive. Today, however, thanks to Facebook, YouTube, and LP vid- eographer Nigel Lyons, regular production and distribution of videos is feasible for us. Traditional media was all about buy- ing power—whoever could buy the most ads was able to transmit their message the most. Online social media, however, is about how interesting the message is—the better the content of the video, the more people share it. Nigel and I have begun ex- perimenting to determine what works the best for internet video. If you visit the LP Facebook page, you have probably seen Libertarian Party interns Scott Herrmann, Ryan Sabot, Michael Snook, and Jose Nino. some of the short, issue-based videos fea- turing me, candidate Mark Grannis, and others. Every time one of those videos goes out, within 24 hours we can see how Meet the Summer 2011 LP Interns often people are sharing it on Facebook. attending American University, pur- ing out on the East Coast for about a As we try different styles and content over by Arthur DiBianca suing a double major in political sci- year now. I graduated from Northern the next months, we will be able to refine ence and international studies. I have Michigan University in 2009, where I our methods and use the power of social ach summer, the LP invites cur- long been interested in politics and majored in both English literature and media to grow our reach. rent and recent students to intern swayed between both the Democratic political science. I enjoy reading any- The short, “talking heads”-type vid- with us at LP Headquarters. In- Party and the Republican Party before thing political (I am a bit of news junk- eos are only the beginning of the process. E finding out that I really didn’t fully ie), and of course fighting for the cause terns learn about our political and op- Each week, Libertarians are coming up erational processes, and help us with a agree with either party’s philosophies. of liberty. with great video ideas, and we are plan- variety of creative and administrative I liked how the Democratic Party was ning them out as fast as we can. If you tasks. Four interns have been accepted rather socially liberal, but I thought Jose Nino keep monitoring the LP Facebook page into the program this summer. We invit- that some subjects, such as same-sex My name is Jose Nino and I am or the LP.org blog, you should be seeing a ed them to introduce themselves to you. marriage and abortion, shouldn’t even a summer intern for the Libertarian variety of interesting videos in the coming be touched upon by the government. I Party. I reside in Dallas, Texas and I months. Scott Herrmann liked the Republican Party’s economic am currently attending the University Additionally, as traditional media My name is Scott Herrmann and policies to an extent, such as their be- of Texas at Austin, where I am double advertising rates continue to fall, we will I am a summer intern at the LP. I hail lief in lowering taxes, but I thought majoring in government and history. At be putting more ads on television as well. from Raleigh, North Carolina and I am that the only way for government to UT, I will be president of Libertarian But the great thing is that before we spend an undergraduate student at the Univer- actually spend less would be for it to Longhorns/Young Americans for Lib- a cent on TV ads, we will already know sity of North Carolina at Wilmington, drastically reduce its size. The Lib- erty this upcoming semester. I also vol- what ads work. We already have statistics where I am studying philosophy. At ertarian Party seemed to combine the unteer with other organizations, such from Facebook and YouTube about how UNCW, I am involved with the UNCW “best of both worlds,” and as I contin- as the Travis County Libertarian Party often our videos are shared, and the sample Libertarians club, and also with the ued to learn more about the party and and Texans for Accountable Govern- size is huge. We may not have the budget campaign of Joshua Fulton, a local poli- its beliefs I realized how well it fit me. ment. My interests include historical to blanket the airwaves with our ads, but tician who is running for City Council. I see an extremely bright future for the analysis and social media, and I look we can put out a smaller number of more My interests include social media and party and I am excited to be working forward to using my expertise to help interesting ads, and still have a powerful videography, and I hope to assist the LP with it. the LP spread the message of liberty. impact. in using these media to help spread the Libertarian message. Michael Snook If you are interested in an in- My name is Michael Snook and I ternship with the LP, please send your Arvin Vohra was a 2010 Libertarian can- Ryan Sabot am 25 years old. I am originally from resume and cover letter to interns@ didate for Maryland House of Delegates. My name is Ryan Sabot and I am Detroit, Michigan but have been liv- lp.org. Page 6 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org July 2011 Have You Been Affected by the Patriot Act? Facebook Fans Respond by Wes Benedict means no second amendment; troops will be searching homes and taking firearms. If adio talk show host Sue Wylie, that all sounds crazy to you, then you have with News Talk 590 AM WVLK in not been paying attention. They are already RLexington, Kentucky, recently had doing it. Ask the folks in New Orleans me as a guest on her show in response to a about it. 80 year old women were beaten recent Libertarian Party press release call- in their homes and arrested by military be- ing for repeal of the Patriot Act. cause they refused to give up their weapons The theme “If you’re not doing any- and right to self-defense (important in New thing wrong, what do you have to worry Orleans). I’m sorry, but the TSA is just the about?” popped up. For that reason I tip of a huge iceberg. thought it would be interesting to reprint Harry Browne’s 2002 article, “If you aren’t Jason - I don’t even bother to cross the bor- guilty, what are you afraid of?” (Found on have been given access to every single users and then all of a sudden the create der to Canada anymore and I used to go to page 7.) piece of information about you and their the Patriot Act saying it will only apply to Montreal frequently. It’s too much hassle Ms. Wylie was clearly sympathetic cars are equipped with plate scanners. Just terrorists and terrorism, but lo and behold and worry to re-enter the United States. :( to the Patriot Act, claiming she had not ex- driving casually by a LE officer will bring most of the information and arrests that perienced any inconveniences, and asked up your personal information on their com- have occurred because of the Patriot Act, Larry - I’m a retired Banker and I can tell me and the callers to point out any losses puters. This is allowed because of the Pa- were, hush my mouth, illegal drug cases.... you this is a 16 leg monster! The reporting of freedoms or inconveniences we had ex- triot Act and is supposed to keep us safe, imagine that. requirements alone represent an invasion perienced. instead it’s allowed the police to harass and to personal liberty not to mention the huge I pointed out a few obvious items detain people with impunity even when Christopher - F.E.A.R = False Evidence costs involved for administrative require- like the TSA and warrantless wiretaps. But, they aren’t doing anything wrong. Appearing Real ments! not feeling like I had enough examples to share, I sought feedback from our Face- Logan - The obvious ones aside, I’m Ray - we may never know cuz most of the Kathy - Americans used to roar like lions book fan page, asking “Have you lost any ashamed of my fellow American citizens time we are totally unaware when our in- for liberty, now they bleat like sheep for freedoms since 9/11? How has the Patriot becoming so emotionally charged that they formation is searched in cyberspace. security. Act and war on terror affected your daily no longer respect each other or foreigners, life?” their rights, and their liberty. Our constitu- Bill - The biggest change I see is that when- Rand - You don’t get it, do you Lee [earlier Here are some responses our Face- tion wasn’t written only to apply to Ameri- ever you try to question your government commenter]? Every little restriction on your book fans gave us: cans, it is a document meant to enforce the or their motivations, you are ostracized ability to peacefully live your life without natural rights of man, a pre-existing condi- and told that you’re unpatriotic. After Bin some govt bureaucrat telling you what to do Vince - I can’t go to Mexico or Canada tion. Laden’s capture, I questioned the disposal is a loss of freedom. If I used to be able to without a passport. I can’t get on a plane of the body. A legitimate question, I think. buy a ticket and just walk up to the gate, but without taking my shoes off. I have to ar- John - I’ve lost loved ones in the war on And my own wife asked me whose side I now, because of govt mandates, now have to rive at the terminal over 2 hours early just terror. That’s the worst thing I’ve lost since was on! Brainwashing sucks. leave any potential weapons at home, pres- to catch my flight. They took the lockers 9/11. ent all the contents of my pockets, wallets, out of the mall so I have to carry my coat Philip - Aside from my money and dig- and carry-ons for inspection, and have my in the winter! Jessica - It’s become nearly impossible to nity... I’m prohibited from photographing person scanned and groped before they’ll join the mile high club post-9/11. bridges and alike. Annoying, as my photo- even let me near my gate, that’s a loss of Bobby - Anxiety problems since I served graphic style would often incorporate these freedom. If I have to accept ObamaCare in Afghanistan, and the government man- Daniel - The terrorists won the war on ter- types of things. when there are private alternatives that will aged to learn everything about everyone ror. The US is no longer a free country. do the job better, that’s a loss of my free- (not terrorists) since the patriot act started. There is no right enumerated in the US Dennis - ..…TSA. TSA. TSA….. There is dom. Any govt mandate of my peaceful Constitution that has not been seriously way more to the Patriot Act than just the behavior, from mandatory seatbelt use to Reid - By being afraid to answer questions curtailed. Your 4th amendment right no TSA. It permanently suspends the Consti- drug use laws to my inability to buy insur- like this because of government monitor- longer exists at an Airport, and try com- tution. I say permanently because I see no ance across state lines represents a loss of ing of free speech via warrantless wiretaps. plaining about it and see how far your 1st end to the Act. Congress just keeps extend- my freedom. When you’re not educated (by Once you give authority for one perceived Amendment right to free speech gets you. ing it and now wants to make the extension design) to know what freedom is, it’s easy threat to security, you open it to all others. Thanks Bush and Obama. I fear you and for ten years. Some (or perhaps all) of us to say that you haven’t lost any freedoms. People willing to accept this should heed your government more than I ever feared will never see the end of it. The Act makes I can remember life in the 1950s, and I can the words of Martin Niemöller (1892– UBL! the president a military dictator at will. tell you that Americans have suffered a huge 1984)—the famous quote as to “First They have also repealed the Posse Comita- loss in their freedoms. Most of us are like they came…”—which concludes with Thomas - every citizens has been forced tus Act back in 2007. The military will now the frogs swimming in the pot of heated wa- that statement that by the time they came to sacrifice since 9-11, not only personal start acting as super police with no Con- ter. Unless we retain the long-term memory for me, there was no one left to stand up freedom but government services as our stitutional restrictions. They have already so that we can remember what it was like, against it. money was being spent on war....it seems started stopping people and searching their we happily swim around in the gradually- awfully coincidental that the government cars on public streets. This too is coming warming water, until the water starts boil- Leviathan - NY state troopers, county was looking for a way to completely elimi- to your neighborhood. Warrantless Home ing and we suddenly realize our freedom is sheriffs and municipal police departments nate any sort of privacy or rights for drug searches will be next. No Constitution dead. Vol. 41, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 7 ‘If You Aren’t Guilty, What Are You Afraid Of?’ John Hospers, First The guilty and the innocent to ignore the government’s demands for by Harry Browne reports—or to say “No, thanks” when a Libertarian Presidential Originally published in 2002 Why should we think the so-called government agent wants to search your War on Terrorism will be conducted with records, your place of business, or your he Homeland Security bill is now more regard for individual rights than home—or to refuse to observe regulations Nominee, Dies at 93 law—following in the footsteps anything the government has done up to that were aimed at the guilty, not you. Tof all the new government intru- now? sions of the past 14 months. And as con- And yet, no matter how bad the How laws go wrong cerns are raised about the new powers of government’s record, whenever Congress the government, we continue to hear the passes a new piece of draconian legisla- How many times have we seen the familiar refrain, “If you aren’t guilty, you tion, we’re assured that only the guilty following pattern? have nothing to fear. These restrictions will be hurt by these laws. The press and politicians demand are necessary to catch terrorists, but they If only that were so. The truth is that that something be done about violent won’t hurt innocent people.” innocence is no protection against gov- crime, terrorist acts, drug dealing, gun Sure. ernment agencies that have the power to deaths, tax evasion, or whatever is the Ur- The well-known phrase, “I’m from do what they think best—or against a gov- gent Concern Of The Month. the government and I’m here to help you,” ernment agent hoping for promotion and A tough new take-no-prisoners law could easily be reworded to read, “I’m willing do whatever he has to do in order or policy is put into place. from Congress and this program will turn to get it. The guilty make it their business to out exactly as we promise it will.” In fact, it is almost always the in- understand whatever new policy might af- Government has failed to educate nocent—not the guilty—who suffer most fect them—and they take steps to sidestep our children properly, it has made a mess from government’s intrusions. the inspections and background checks, of our health-care system, it can’t bal- Tell the most unprejudiced business- and to keep their property out of reach of by Wes Benedict ance its budget, it can’t keep its spending man he has nothing to fear from the piles asset forfeiture laws. The innocent know in line, it can’t keep drugs out of its own of forms he must file to prove he doesn’t little about such laws—having been told n June 12, 2011, John Hospers, the prisons—but we’re assured that it will run discriminate. they have nothing to fear—and are sur- Libertarian Party’s first presidential a squeaky-clean homeland security pro- Tell a homeowner he has nothing prised and helpless when some zealous Onominee in 1972, died in Los An- gram. to fear when his property is seized by law-enforcement agency, looking to pad geles, California at the age of 93. It’s bad enough that government the government in a mistaken—or con- its arrest and prosecution records, moves Hospers became the Libertarian wastes so much of our money, but it’s even trived—drug raid. in on them. Party’s first nominee for U.S. President at worse that almost anyone could wind up Tell a taxpayer he has nothing to fear After the dust settles, the initial its first national convention in Colorado in prison—even someone who has com- when the IRS drags him into a “taxpayer “problem” continues unabated, because on June 18, 1972. Hospers and his running mitted no act of violence against anyone compliance” audit that eats up a week of the guilty have slipped through the net. mate, Tonie Nathan, each received one elec- else. Look at the hundreds of thousands of his life, costs him thousands of dollars in But the innocent are left burdened with toral vote in the 1972 election from Roger pot-smokers who took seriously the state- accounting fees, and threatens him with new chores, expenses, and dangers. If MacBride, a renegade elector in Virginia. ment that “a woman [or man] has a right unbearable penalties. Hospers was born and raised in Pel- to control his own body.” Being innocent doesn’t allow you continued on page 11... la, a town near the Iowa state capital, Des Moines, inhabited chiefly by descendants of émigrés from Holland in the early nine- teenth century. He became a professor of Why Run as a Third-Party Candidate? philosophy and taught at several universi- fice four times, twice in local non-partisan form of election results. While the Social- ties, including the University of Southern by Julie Fox races and twice in statewide partisan races ist Party lost power beginning in the 1930s, California. as a Libertarian. I have never run as a ma- it continues to have an influence on poli- While teaching at Brooklyn College he question of why I choose to run jor-party candidate and it is highly unlikely cies in our country today. Libertarian ideas in 1960 he became acquainted with Ayn as a third-party candidate is one that that I ever will. Why I choose not to do such as medical savings accounts have Rand, with whom he met at regular intervals Tcomes up often in political discus- so is something I have considered and ex- come into practice regardless of results at to discuss various aspects of philosophy and sions. Running in partisan races as a third- plained to others extensively. I am happy to the polls. world affairs. He wrote about his friendship party candidate is anything but easy. Some have the opportunity to put those thoughts As a Libertarian activist, I look with her in various articles, available now consider it a waste of time. Some will try to on paper today. at victory in terms of increments. As we on his website: JohnHospers.com. convince you to run as a major-party candi- So why run as a third-party candi- achieve more positive name recognition In 1971, Hospers wrote the book date. I have been asked to run as a Repub- date when it is such an uphill battle? our candidates receive more votes. As we Libertarianism - A Political Philosophy for lican and also as a Democrat. A number of The main factor in my decision to receive more votes, we can achieve equal Tomorrow, which described the libertarian my fellow Campaign for Liberty members run as a third-party candidate is my sense ballot status with major-party candidates, political and economic philosophy. have asked me why I don’t run as a Repub- of political identity. I am 100% Libertar- eliminating a major hurdle and allowing Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle lican, as many of them have. A couple of ian. I am not conservative or liberal by any candidates to make further strides forward said, “I’ve been involved with the Libertar- Libertarian friends have asked my advice definition, and therefore I shouldn’t—and in their goal of limited government. ian Party since voting for John Hospers for on running as a Republican. don’t—represent myself as one. This is a The more candidates run for office president in 1972. Dr. Hospers was very in- In the 18 years that I have been in- matter of principle to me. fluential in the formative days of our party, volved in politics, I have run for public of- Victory does not always come in the continued on page 13... and we will miss him.” Page 8 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org July 2011 I NEED YOUR HELP BOOSTING NATIONAL and STATE FUNDRAISING! Dear Friend of Liberty, Lesson 1 for all you new fundraisers: Just do it! Right now! I’ve got an idea to help fundraising at the state level. Lesson 2: Keep it simple.

But first, I’m sorry to say, we’re running be- Forget using bulk mail permits, window enve- hind budget on fundraising here at national head- lopes, mail merge, and all that complicated stuff quarters. I hope you’ll return a generous $5,000 do- for your first letter. Just get it done! Use regular nation, $200, $50, or whatever you can today, in the First Class stamps. Write it on your computer and envelope that came with this copy of LP News. print it out in black and white, or have a copy cen- ter photocopy it. If you can figure out how to print The LNC set a budget of $1,324,500 in revenue addresses onto envelopes, do that. Otherwise, print for 2011. And as of the end of May, we were $41,175 labels and stick them on, or hand address them if behind where we needed to be. June wasn’t any better! you’re just going to send 100 letters or so.

I hope you’ll help out so we can fund all of Lesson 3: Copy other people’s letters. our ballot access, membership recruitment, and other efforts. That’s what I started out doing. Not verbatim, but I copied the style and format of the national LP Now, let me tell you about my state party fun- plus what the LP Texas had sent in the past. draising idea. Lesson 4: Don’t get bogged down trying to think of I was not born a fundraiser. My background is the perfect letter. not in sales. In fact, some of you may know that I have a mechanical engineering degree! Crank something out! Keep it real and simple, especially the first one. The most important thing to When I was first hired by the Texas LP back in do is actually ask the reader to make a donation! 2004, and tasked with raising funds, I don’t mind telling you, I was intimidated! Better yet, use the template I posted online at http://www.lp.org/campaign-resources/sample- I postponed, procrastinated, and came up with letter. It should just take you 45 minutes to make all kinds of excuses to avoid writing my first fund- them ready for your own state. raising letter. That was until my frustrated boss, Chairman Patrick Dixon, called and said, “You’d bet- If you have a magnifying glass, perhaps you can ter get a fundraising letter out right away or else!” read the templates right here.

Four days later I had completely written from Letter page 1 Letter page 2 Reply form Envelopes

Libertarian Party of [State] Libertarian Party of [State] 100 Main Street Contribution Form City, ST 90101 The dues you pay to the national LP stay in Washington scratch, got approved, printed, stuffed, stamped, and (although some special projects benefit states, like ballot access). Yes, I want to help support the Libertarian Party of [State]!

Your donation will help us cover the cost of our website, purchase some brochures, a banner, and cover some Enclosed is my contribution of $______other expenses that our officers have usually had to pay Libertarian Party of [State] out of pocket. delivered to the post office two different versions of 100 Main Street Please make checks payable to the “Libertarian Party of City, ST 90101 In 2010 we only raised $800. I hope to do better this [State].” www.LPState.org year. And I do promise to spend the money you contribute wisely. Name: ______

Thanks, and please send your contribution today. Address: ______a letter -- 1,199 copies total. Dear fellow Libertarian, City, State, Zip: ______Sincerely, I hope you’ll send in a generous donation today to Phone: ______help fund the basic operations of our state party.

Email: ______Please send $500, $200, $25, or whatever you can. Joe Smith Chairman, Libertarian Party of [State] Occupation: ______My name is Joe Smith and I’m honored to serve as your state chair. Employer: ______P.S. I hope you’ll send a contribution of $500, $200, or

Last year we had three candidates step up to the plate $25 today. We’re doing our best fighting for liberty. and run for office. We’re very thankful for the time and Please return this form with your contribution today. Mail to: Libertarians throughout America are working hard and we effort these people put forth. want our state to pull its weight too. Thanks in advance! Actually, I only wrote one of the two letters We hosted an outreach booth at two county fairs and Libertarian Party of [State] 100 Main Street many [State] Libertarians volunteered extensively last year City, ST 90101 putting up Vote Libertarian door hangers in their neighborhoods. If you have any questions, feel free to call Joe Smith at 555- 555-5555 or email him at [email protected]. because I was chicken and let someone else write the I wish we had done more, and I’m working hard to make sure we do more this year and next. Disclosure Statement:

I’m a volunteer for our party. In addition to the hours I volunteer, I will be donating $50 to our state (Rules vary by state. Contact your state government for this party this month to help cover the cost of sending this information or call Wes Benedict at 202-333-0008 if you need help finding out what legal disclosures are required for your letter. state. You might look at old letters or find a Democratic or other one. Republican fundraising letter for examples.) Please be aware, our state party does not receive any Libertarian Party of [State] 100 Main Street funding from the national party. The state party and City, ST 90101 national party are separate organizations. In order for us to undertake campaign and outreach activities, we depend entirely on direct contributions from individuals like you. Turns out, both letters did great and raised over $3,605 plus $245 in new monthly pledgers! (New Lesson 5: Who to send it to. executive director breathed big sigh of relief be- cause his job was on the line! You’re probably a vol- Send it to people who are currently dues-paying unteer so NO PRESSURE -- lucky you!) Continued on the next page ... Vol. 41, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 9 I NEED YOUR HELP BOOSTING NATIONAL and STATE FUNDRAISING! members to the national Libertarian Party. We send Lesson 10: Use Courier font, size 12. membership lists to the state parties monthly. Use the ones marked “Active.” Everybody does it. Your donors are used to it. Experts recommend it. Also underline like crazy if Lapsed members, and people who have never do- you want to. nated, are far less likely to donate to you. Lesson 11: Be honest and careful with predictions. Lesson 6: Getting permission from your state party. One of the reasons I’ve raised money success- It always helps you to get permission if you fully year after year is that I’m optimistic, yet offer to personally help fund it and to do the work honest and realistic. I’m in this for the long haul yourself. and I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep. The LP has been around for 40 years. Our best donors Lesson 7: Cash, check, or charge? have been around for many years, they are sophis- ticated, and they know what’s what. If you’re not already set up to process cred- it cards, skip it for now. Just ask people to mail Lesson 12: Fundraising letters are newsletters too! checks. Keep it simple. I learned from Richard Viguerie, a direct Lesson 8: No graphics please. mail guru, that fundraising letters aren’t just for raising money. They are newsletters, advertising, Mr. Eberle of the Bruce W. Eberle & Associates and much more. Even if a recipient doesn’t donate, direct-mail fundraising agency says one of the most and even if your letter just breaks even, that let- common flaws with direct mail is overuse of graphics. ter still benefits the party in many ways.

I say put a logo on the envelope and page one SPECIAL NOTE: I, Wes Benedict, am making a chal- of the letter if it’s convenient for you. Otherwise, lenge offer right here! I’ll contribute $50 to the no graphics at all! first ten states in 2011 that snail mail a letter to at least 100 people and include me at my home ad- Personally sign each letter in blue ink if you dress on your mailing list. That should cover the have time. Otherwise, scan and print your signa- cost of First Class postage for 100 letters. That’s ture electronically (in black, since you’re print- $500 out of my own pocket I’m willing to contrib- ing this whole thing in black & white). ute. (That’s for state parties only, not counties or candidates.) Texas is excluded from this offer Lesson 9: You’re not a beggar! You’re a hero! because I already contribute $10 per month to the LP Texas. My mailing address is: Wes Benedict, Jerold Panas, author of Asking: A 59-Minute 2400 Virginia Ave NW #C1125, Washington, DC 20037. Guide to Everything Board Members, Volunteers, and Can’t wait to get your state’s letter! Staff Must Know to Secure a Gift, writes: Sincerely, “Congratulations. You’re among the greatest and the most privileged. You’re about to un- dertake what George Bernard Shaw called, ‘The joy of being used for a purpose recognized by all as a mighty one.’ … Your task is vital because without your help your organization Wes Benedict couldn’t exist.” Executive Director

People like to donate. They know you’re not P.S. Our national headquarters has fallen behind perfect. They appreciate your effort. Give them the budget. Please help -- please send a donation to- joy of helping you! day. Page 10 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org July 2011

to the Horizon Casino Resort’s Hol- years. Delegates have reelected Sam lywood Cinema to enjoy the inspiring Goldstein as the chair of the state’s largest Affiliate News And Events double bill of The American Dream and third party. Jerry Titus of Howard County an exclusive preview of Atlas Shrugged, was elected to serve as Vice Chair, replac- Part 1. John Orland, the post-production ing Dan Drexler of LaPorte County. Dale Affiliate news and events are provided to nee earns three percent of the vote in the manager for Atlas Shrugged was also at Wedel of Hendricks County was reelect- LP News by Libertarian Party state affili- 2012 election, the party will automati- the special screening. ed as the state party’s treasurer, and John ates. cally retain ballot access for 2014. If less Beginning at Saturday morning’s Schick of Porter County will remain as than three percent is earned, the party will breakfast, delegates and friends were the party’s secretary. Chris Spangle also have to again submit 10,000 signatures to treated to the speakers and presentations remains as the Executive Director. Arkansas the Secretary of State’s office for verifica- interspersed among business sessions. “I want to thank the convention Officially on the Ballot tion, a process that cost the LPAR almost Immigration lawyer Carlos Rodriguez’s delegates for their support in electing $40,000. In 2010 the Libertarian presiden- “Immigration, Latinos & Liberty: An Op- me to serve a second term as the Chair he Libertarian Party of Arkansas tial candidate Bob Barr received 0.44 per- portunity Squandered.” Author and jour- of the LPIN,” said Sam Goldstein. “The (LPAR) is officially a recognized cent of the vote. nalist Steven Greenhut’s “How the GOP past two years have seen great progress political party for the first time in In a statement given on Thursday, is Heading Toward Irrelevancy.” Retired in the ability of our candidates to com- T Judge James Gray’s “It’s About Time: pete with the old parties at all levels from history and will now be able to run candi- Libertarian National Committee Execu- dates for office in 2012. tive Director Wes Benedict said: “This is Owning the Marijuana Regulate and Tax U.S. Senate to local town councils and to Last month the party submitted sig- an historic achievement. We are especial- Initiative of 2012.” Movie writing-direct- have an impact well beyond expectations. natures to the Secretary of State’s office in ly proud of the LPAR for accomplishing ing duo Tad Lumpkin and Harold Uhl’s With the support of our new vice chair, order to fulfill the requirement of collect- this. And, the icing on the cake, from my question and answer session about their Jerry Titus and the continued efforts of ing at least 10,000 valid signatures from perspective, is that they did this without half-hour animated feature The Ameri- reelected treasurer, Dale Wedel and sec- registered voters in the state. According to funding from our national headquarters! A can Dream. John Stagliano addressed the retary, John Schick and the rest of the Martha Adcock at the Secretary of State’s special thanks goes out to our new state Saturday evening banquet audience about central committee, I look forward to this office, more than 12,000 of the 16,000 sub- chairman, Rodger Paxton, for leading this “My Victory in Court: a First Amendment year’s municipal elections and the 2012 mitted signatures were valid. This count effort towards a successful conclusion. Triumph.” state and national election with the hope was confirmed by an independent auditor. Based on this success, we’re expecting After the banquet, our first Texas of LPIN victories around the state.” The party placed presidential candi- great things from the LPAR. The people Hold ‘em poker tournament was held. “I am greatly honored to have been dates on the ballot for more than 30 years of Arkansas, who love liberty, will have a Third, second, and first place winners selected as the new vice chair,” said Jerry but never met the more difficult require- new voice at the table.” were Edward Bowers, Michael Warnken, Titus. “I am most grateful for the oppor- ment to run candidates for other offices. The Green Party of Arkansas is su- and Melisse Lusin. Sunday morning early tunity to help take our party to the next The LPAR’s success marks the first time ing the state over the requirements to retain risers were treated to ballot access expert level. I look forward to working with the in recent history that a third party has been ballot access, which they feel are cumber- Richard Winger’s informed assessment of State Central Committee, and libertarians able to run a partisan candidate for office some. At this time, no other third party in “What’s New in the Fight to Keep Us On throughout the state, to continue building in all 50 states for offices other than the Arkansas has achieved the requirements to the Ballot.” Steve Kubby roused the lunch our party. I’m very excited to introduce president. run candidates in 2012. audience with his presentation of “Liber- some ideas and projects I’ve been work- “This achievement is monumental ty, Leadership, and Libertarianism.” ing on for awhile that dovetail perfectly for Arkansans who want more choice on Delegates spent much of the rest with my new job. I will be working to their ballot,” said LPAR Chairman Rodger of the day electing its leadership for the develop a program I call RELATE that Paxton of Marion. “Now we won’t have to California ensuing years, including our officers defines and organizes the tasks needed to choose between big government and big- Annual Convention Sets Party’s Standard and At-large representatives: Chairman, build a party. I will be rolling out more ger government, but can vote for minimum Kevin Takenaga; Northern Vice Chair- information on RELATE in the week or government and maximum freedom.” embers and friends gathered man, C. Michael Pickens; Southern Vice so, and have already begun recruiting Libertarians advocate lower taxes, at Harrah’s Resort and Casino Chairman, Boomer Shannon; Treasurer, members for our operational focus com- more personal freedom and less govern- in Stateline, Nevada, next to Brian Darby; Secretary, Lauren Hilton. mittees. Again, it’s a great honor to have M At-large Representatives elected include been elected, and I promise to do my ment intervention. South Lake Tahoe, California, over the “In the voting booth, Arkansans April 8-10 weekend to enjoy some very Gale Morgan, Carlos Rodriguez, Arman- best.” will now be able to say that we want the special movies, challenging business do Romero, Starchild, Rich Vanier, and Leadership for the State Central government out of our pockets, out of our sessions, captivating speakers, glorious Nancy Zardeneta. First Alternate is Brian Committee was also selected this week- businesses, out of our homes and out of natural surroundings, delicious food and Andresen and Second Alternate is Mike end to serve a one-year term. The SCC our personal lives,” said Paxton. “We are drink, casino games galore, a fund rais- Paster. is the governing body of the party. The honored to have spent the last year work- ing poker tournament, and the usual lively The new Executive Committee met members are as follows: 1st District: ing towards ballot access to give Arkan- liberty-focused discussion. immediately following the convention’s Beth Duensing, Lake County; 2nd Dis- sans the chance to tell the government to Delegates met Friday afternoon close. trict: Doug Barnes, LaPorte County; 3rd ‘back off’.” for the Bylaws Committee and for the District: Doug Horner, Allen County; 4th The LPAR is now seeking candi- Platform Committee meetings to decide District: Jim Rainwater, Boone County; dates to run for office in 2012. “Whether revisions to those two documents. Regis- 5th District: Rob Place, Hamilton Coun- running for city council or congress, we tration opened at 5 p.m. but for only two Indiana ty; 6th District: Jeremiah Morrell, Henry want liberty-loving Arkansans to take ad- hours, at which time Chairman Kevin Sam Goldstein Re-Elected as Chairman County; 7th District: Josh Featherstone, vantage of our efforts and represent true Takenaga conducted a first-timers’ orien- Marion County; 8th District: Vacant; 9th freedom on the ballot,” says LPAR Vice tation meeting. n April 30, Libertarians from District: Greg Hertzsch, Clark County. Chairman David Pangrac of Van Buren. As soon as the orientation ended, around Indiana gathered to elect If the Libertarian presidential nomi- delegates and convention visitors walked Otheir leadership for the next two continued on page 11... Vol. 41, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 11 Advice Guilt Affiliate News ...continued from page 3 ...continued from page 10 ...continued from page 7 pealed their loitering ordinance as a result of a letter from the project. Danny de Gracia, II they’re lucky, they suffer only from having Missouri The Brick Patch quotes the Project’s Elected to Honolulu, Hawaii Waipahu more reports to file, less privacy, reduced Annual Convention Chairman, John Paff: “‘The ordinances are Neighborhood Board on May 20 access to products and services, higher clearly unenforceable, and they confuse Aloha fellow Libertarians and dear- costs, heavier taxes, and a new set of penal- he Annual Convention and State people—including the police,’ Paff said, est friends! As both a new member of the ties for those who shirk their duty to fight Committee meeting took place on explaining that a person mistakenly ar- LP and Hawaii’s newest and only elected in the War On ______(fill in the blank). TMay 21 in the St. Louis area. Speak- rested or ticketed for loitering could turn Libertarian, it is my great joy to report But those who aren’t so lucky may wind up ers included representatives from the Tenth and sue the township. ‘The laws against to you that a new lamp has been lit for in prison—as have thousands of non-drug- Amendment Center and NORML USA, as loitering were so often abused or misun- the cause of freedom here in the islands. using individuals who were convicted on well as two speakers from the Show-Me derstood. It used to be just too easy to pick Our victory is minor in comparison to drug charges. Institute discussing the damaging effects of on certain groups.’” the challenges that face us, but our op- Needless to say, the ineffectual law is earnings taxes, and asset forfeiture abuse. The project has had loitering or- portunity to change hearts and dismantle never repealed. When government force is Sessions on marketing, CiviCRM, local dinances repealed in 33 towns so far. For tyranny has never been greater than it is used to solve social problems, we all suf- activism and MEC compliance also took more information see http://njlp.org/loiter- now. fer and nothing good is ever achieved. But place. Updates on a pending eminent do- ing. Many Libertarians have become coercion is wondrously effective at harming main I&R petition were also reported. Cisse discouraged over the years because it the innocent. All our lives are diminished. Spragins and Mike Bozarth were re-elected seems like we are so small and those we Even worse, every year, a few mil- Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, while contend against are so great, but I am lion innocent people suffer special burdens Greg Arrigo and Sean O’Toole were elected Ohio here to tell you that even a tiny pebble —greater than those the government places Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. Still Fighting for Access to the Ballot caught in the engine gears of a giant on all of us. The dismantling of the Bill of In other news, Mark Jones of Spring- bulldozer can stop the entire machine. Rights allows the government to disrupt field was appointed to the Springfield hio, like many other states, has America needs your message; America their lives, confiscate their property, or even Personnel Board, while Julie Stone was been fighting some ballot access needs you. Keep talking to your neigh- kill them—even though they’ve committed appointed to the Planning and Zoning Com- Oissues. The good news is that most bors. Keep running for office. Don’t be no crimes. mission for the Village of Riverview in St. of what is trying to be done, mostly by Re- discouraged. We can show the world I hope you never become one of them. Louis. Former City Councilman Mike Bo- publicans, has already been ruled unconsti- once more that the miracle of liberty is But no one can guarantee that. zarth was appointed to the TIF Commission tutional. The bad news is that if it passes the ability to frequently accomplish the in St. Joseph. we will still be forced to get an injunction impossible. and sue the State, again, to keep reason- I am humbled by the passion, char- Harry Browne was an American free- able access available to the LPO. We are acter and unique diversity of the LP’s market Libertarian writer and the Liber- working with many of the Tea Party groups members and honored to be a part of tarian Party’s 1996 & 2000 candidate for New Jersey around Ohio and will have a booth at a something so special. If I can be of any President of the United States. You can Party Has Loitering Ordinances Repealed large convention in Columbus the weekend service or assistance to you, please feel read more of his articles at HarryBrowne. of the 4th. free to contact me at any time. God bless org. This article was re-printed with per- n 1979, the state of NJ adopted a Code you and good luck, LP! mission from WorldNetDaily.com. of Criminal Justice. When this code was enacted the legislature specifically excludedI vagrancy and loitering as an of- Texas fense. In State v. Crawley (1982) the court Taking advantage of voter list LNC Meets in Alexandria held that the legislature at the time was archives. The next LNC meeting will be concerned that these offenses have “long hanks to a generous contribution by by Wes Benedict August 20-21 at the Chestnut Hyatt Re- suffered from constitutional infirmity and a long-time Texas Libertarian, LP gency Columbus, 350 North High Street, have been criticized as inviting official Texas has obtained the list of all reg- he Libertarian National Commit- Columbus, Ohio. Telephone (614) 463- harassment and discriminatory enforce- isteredT voters in Texas. With this list we in- tee (LNC) met April 16-17, 2011 1234. ment.” However the NJLP has found that tend on sending outreach materials to those in Alexandria, Virginia, just out- Typically, the official business many towns in New Jersey still have and voters who are most likely to be receptive T enforce these laws. to the Libertarian message. Because this side of Washington, DC. meeting runs from about 8:00 a.m. to The LNC voted to fill two at-large 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, plus 8:00 a.m. Three years ago the New Jersey is a project that has not been done before, vacancies. They chose Rebecca Sink- to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. However, the Libertarian Party formed a Pre-empted Or- we are testing its effect in the central Texas Burris of Indiana, a former regional LNC schedule is subject to change, and it is dinance Repeal Project whose goal was to area first. Our success is entirely dependent member and recent U.S. Senate candi- often amended during the course of the find towns who have these laws and lobby upon the interest our membership takes in date, and Randy Eshelman of Nebraska, meeting. for their repeal. May Brick Township re- funding it. who had been a regional alternate. LNC meetings are open to LP A list of all of the current LNC members. Local Libertarians, LNC Want to know what’s going on in your area? members can be found here: http:// members, and some out-of-town Liber- LP.org/leadership. Minutes from LNC tarians often gather for both organized Go to http://www.lp.org/event to learn about many meetings going back as far as 2004 are and informal social events on Friday and Libertarian events across the country. posted here: http://LP.org/lnc-meeting- Saturday evenings. Page 12 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org July 2011

Libertarian Party Speaks Out 40 Years is Enough—End the Drug War entitled ‘Ending the Drug War: a Dream From a June 17, 2011 Deferred.’ press release “In their report, LEAP documented some of the measurable costs: over a mil- Libertarians Call for Permanent WASHINGTON—June 17, 2011 is the lion people arrested each year, a trillion 40th anniversary of America’s War on dollars spent, and drug gangsterism at a Drugs. Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hin- level that dwarfs its alcohol equivalent and Government Shutdown kle issued the following statement today: which has led to a bloodbath in Mexico that “On June 17, 1971, President Rich- is spilling over into the United States. Not of industrious men and women who work ard Nixon declared a ‘War on Drugs,’ which because of drugs, but because of drug laws. From an April 8, 2011 for the military and its contractors could has become a relentless violation of the And over 120 million Americans have used press release be focusing on building up our economy, lives and property of Americans, including illicit drugs: only the most deluded ob- rather than tearing down others’. many who have never taken illegal drugs. server believes the laws have curbed drug WASHINGTON—As elected officials put “Crime would plummet as the gov- These violations continue under President abuse, and only the cruelest believes that on a dog-and-pony media show about a ernment’s War on Drugs ended, no longer Barack Obama, an admitted former cocaine 40% of the American population belongs temporary shutdown of small parts of the sustaining a giant violent black market user who has shown no hesitation in throw- in prison. No wonder 67% of police chiefs federal government, the Libertarian Party and overfilling our prisons. ing people into prison—a punishment he say the War on Drugs is a failure. calls for a permanent shutdown of most of “The life of many poorer Ameri- might have suffered had he been caught. “Ultimately, of course, this tragedy the federal government. cans would improve as welfare programs Moreover, although promising to respect is the result of our government’s refusal to Libertarian Party Executive Direc- stopped, no longer trapping low-income medical marijuana use in states where vot- allow people to engage in peaceful choices tor Wes Benedict said, “Just think how a families in an endless cycle of government ers have approved it, the Obama adminis- as to what they consume. Even if drug use permanent government shutdown would dependency. tration has already conducted close to 100 were to rise upon a return to the American allow so many Americans to regain the “All Americans would feel a huge raids on patients, growers, and compassion tradition of tolerance that existed before the blessings of liberty. burden lifted every April, as they were no centers in those states. 1914 Harrison Narcotics Act, our streets “Education would blossom as the longer required to wrestle with a byzan- “America’s first experiment in pro- would be safer, innocent people would not Department of Education ended its War tine and oppressive IRS. hibition involved alcohol, and is widely have their homes raided and pets killed by on Learning, no longer wasting our mon- “But most importantly, Americans recognized as a failure. Approved in 1919, narcotics agents entering the wrong house, ey and preventing educational innovation would once again be free of unjust and un- Prohibition I led to a steady rise in both victims of asset forfeiture laws wouldn’t with one-size-fits-all centralized man- constitutional violations of their unalien- alcohol usage and violent crime. The mur- have their houses and other assets seized dates. able rights.” der rate rose 50% between 1919 and 1933, without due process, and resources would “Job opportunities at companies Benedict added, “We’re not talking peaking at 9.7 murders per 100,000 popu- be freed to spend on improving peoples’ big and small would multiply, provid- about eliminating the federal government. lation in 1933, when the country finally lives instead of destroying them. ing opportunity and choice for American We want to end all federal activities that decided enough was enough. Immediately “Ten years ago, Portugal decrimi- workers. are not authorized by the Constitution, and after the repeal of Prohibition I, gangster- nalized all drug use, including substances “The world would enjoy peace as we want to cut everything else as much as ism went into a swift decline, with all of classified as hard drugs. As a Cato Report we withdrew our forces from Iraq, Af- we can. In 2000, the federal government the major gangs disappearing within 18 entitled ‘Drug Decriminalization in Por- ghanistan, and Libya. Our government spent $1.8 trillion. This year it’s expected months, and the murder rate dropping ev- tugal: Lessons for Creating Fair and Suc- spends almost as much on the military as to spend $3.8 trillion. Things are going the ery single year for more than a decade. cessful Drug Policies’ showed, drug use the rest of the world combined. Millions wrong way—fast.” “Prohibition II—the War on Drugs dropped over the next several years and —has been another tragedy. We applaud the Portuguese now use marijuana at lower the efforts of Law Enforcement Against levels than Americans use cocaine. Restore Freedom, Repeal Patriot Act Prohibition (LEAP), an organization of “It only took Americans 14 years to crats care more about civil liberties than Re- current and former police, prosecutors, realize the insanity of Prohibition I. Both From an May 27, 2011 publicans ought to be disillusioned by this judges, DEA agents, and others, which is- practical considerations and simple human press release renewal. It has become painfully clear that sued a 20-page report this month detailing decency demand that our government end the Obama administration is indistinguish- the tragic results of this misguided crusade, Prohibition II now.” WASHINGTON—Libertarian Party Chair able from the George W. Bush administra- Mark Hinkle issued the following state- tion. ment: “The plain injustice of these search 20 Issues Trump Birth Certificate Circus “Yesterday, Republicans and Demo- provisions is compounded by the secrecy ters of the Obama administration. The Lib- crats in Congress joined hands to renew that surrounds them. In some cases, Ameri- From an April 27, 2011 ertarian Party recently released a list of ‘20 several provisions of the Patriot Act. These cans—even members of Congress—aren’t press release Obama problems, 20 Libertarian solutions.’ provisions are unconstitutional and violate permitted to know the legal interpretations “Of course, President Obama and our right to freedom from unreasonable that govern how these searches may be WASHINGTON—In the wake of the much- the Democrats in Congress are only part of searches and seizures. implemented. And of course there is the in- discussed release of President Obama’s the problem equation. The Republicans de- “These provisions should be re- famous ‘library records’ provision, which long-form birth certificate, Libertarian Party serve an equal share of the blame, for their pealed, and if they’re not repealed, they prohibits targets from telling anyone that Chair Mark Hinkle had this to say: unwillingness to cut military spending or ought to be ruled unconstitutional by the they were ordered to turn over records to the “Instead of wasting so much ink on entitlements, their addiction to government courts. this birther story, the press should be giving “Anyone who believes that Demo- continued on page 13... a lot more attention to the many real disas- continued on page 13... Vol. 41, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 13 Birth Certificate Platform Committee Appointments ...continued from page 12 Third-Party be expected to incur considerable travel by Alicia Mattson costs, at personal expense, for one or programs like farm subsidies, and their big- more meetings prior to the Convention, spending compromise bills of December Candidates he Libertarian National Com- in addition to attendance at the Libertar- 2010 and April 2011. mittee is looking to appoint 10 ian National Convention in 2012. “I wonder if Obama and the Repub- ...continued from page 7 people to serve on the Platform So that members of the Libertar- licans might just be conspiring to keep this T Committee in preparation for the 2012 ian National Committee can determine as Libertarians, the more our party name birther stuff alive, to distract everyone from Libertarian National Convention. who might best fill seats on the Platform and principles become recognized by the all the real problems they’re causing. The Platform Committee members Committee, each applicant is requested average voter. I found this to be the case president might have been worried that the will be expected to expend an apprecia- to draft and submit via e-mail three pro- when I ran in 2010 for Illinois Comptroller, birther talk was about to die down. ble amount of their time in the months posed or modified platform planks to eight years after I ran for the same office “When you consider that we’re in- leading up to the Convention; and due to [email protected] no later than August in 2002. The Libertarian name was not volved in three foreign wars, our entitle- the anticipated amount of work, they will 14, 2011. ment state is crumbling, we have record- only better recognized and understood, it level spending and deficits, unemployment was received in a much more positive way is high, and inflation is growing, the presi- by voters in 2010 than in 2002. dent’s birth certificate seems less significant Libertarians need to distinguish our- somehow. selves from other political ideologies and “We need to be more focused on the parties. When we run as Democrats and fact that massive debt is driving our govern- Republicans we are promoting those par- ment toward bankruptcy—something Re- ties, and in doing so we are promoting in publican birther Donald Trump would know general the policies of those parties. a lot about. It is also a matter of principle that I “Nearly two years ago, one of our ju- cannot represent a political party that has nior staffers mocked this very issue: as its leadership such persons as Barack ‘Socialized healthcare is on the hori- Obama and George W. Bush, who repre- zon. The DHS, NSA, TSA police state is ex- sent the kind of government that Libertar- panding, the Drug War is still being pursued ians are working hard to change. I am by an arrogant, ignorant government and abhorred by the two major big-government Obama is expanding the war in Afghanistan! corporatist war parties, and will not be a Frankly we have got bigger problems to pur- part of them. sue than blogging endlessly about where the Let me reiterate that the decision is President was born.’ a personal one. While I chose not to run as “Hopefully Americans will worry a major-party candidate, I don’t have any less about long-form birth certificates, and issue with others doing so, because in the It’s Official: Libertarians Received more about thousand-page spending bills.” end it is the person who we elect to office, not the party. It would be great if in the end more libertarians are elected through “infiltration” of one of both of the major Over 1 Million Votes for U.S. House Patriot Act parties. It is not a direction that I feel is fore, minor party candidates in Oklahoma right for me, though. I chose to fight for From Ballot Access News and Tennessee for over 10 years have all ...continued from page 12 liberty alongside other libertarians, not to been on the ballot as “independent,” so the government. fight for reform of the beast from within it. ver since 1920, the Clerk of the U.S. Clerk’s tables show those votes in the In- “I don’t believe that these viola- Running as a third-party candidate House of Representatives has been dependent column, not the column of any tions of our rights are making us any safer. I requires conviction, a strong sense of per- Epublishing a book that shows how particular party. think it’s security theater. And I’m certainly severance, and vision. It has never been many votes each candidate for Congress Even with that limitation, the 2010 reminded of Benjamin Franklin’s words, easy, and recent changes in some state laws received in the preceding election. The chart for U.S. House lists the Libertarian ‘Those who would give up essential liberty have made it even more difficult. In addi- Clerk has just published the latest volume, Party’s national vote total as 1,002,511. to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve tion to the reasons I noted above, it helps which is titled “Statistics of the Congres- The Clerk’s tables have credited the Lib- neither liberty nor safety.’ to be a non-defeatist, and it also helps to sional Election of November 2, 2010.” ertarian Party with over 1,000,000 votes “Our Constitution guarantees our remember the words of Murray Rothbard: The book is interesting because it in- for U.S. House in five elections now. Be- rights. It doesn’t make an exception for ‘fear “Quintessentially and metaphysically, [the cludes tables at the back, showing the vote sides 2010, they are: 2000 1,610,292; 2002 of terrorists.’ It’s time to end these violations libertarian] should remain of good cheer. for each house of Congress by party. These 1,030,189; 2004 1,040,465; and 2008 of our rights, and repeal the Patriot Act. The eventual victory of liberty is inevita- tables will not recognize a minor party can- 1,083,096. The Clerk’s booklet has never “We can never perfectly protect our- ble, because only liberty is functional for didate for Congress as a candidate of that credited any other party (besides the Dem- selves from foreigners who hate us. One modern man. There is no need, therefore, party, unless the state prints the party’s la- ocrats and Republicans) with as many as useful thing we can do is to try to stop antag- for libertarians to thirst maniacally for In- bel on the ballot. For example, Oklahoma 1,000,000 votes for U.S. House. The Pro- onizing foreigners. Our government should stant Action and Instant Victory, and then and Tennessee have extremely easy ballot gressive Party had over 1,000,000 votes for stop invading and bombing their countries to fall into bleak despair when that Instant access for non-presidential independent U.S. House in 1912, but the booklet didn’t and stationing troops in them. It’s time for a Victory is not forthcoming. Reality, and candidates, but extremely difficult ballot exist back then. Thanks to Thomas Jones non-interventionist foreign policy.” therefore history, is on our side.” access for new and minor parties. There- for the news about the book. Page 14 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org July 2011

Letters To The Editor Comments from our donors by Wes Benedict Please use this money to help get the LP in else, and, in my opinion, should not be the news! Better letters please used for any other relationship. e receive hundreds of com- I don’t care if two consenting ments a week by email, paper If at first you don’t secede, try, try again! don’t mean to be rude, but the let- adults (or more) choose to have a rela- mail, phone, and at our web- ters to the editor really need im- tionship of any kind. That’s their busi- W site. Below are some of the comments Keep up the good fight for maximum liberty provement. In most papers they’re I ness. But when they use my word—and we’ve received from people in the com- and minimum government. one of the most interesting sections. In the word used by English-speaking ments section of our donation page at LP News they are way too long and of- people for nearly a thousand years— LP.org. Some of the comments are funny, I’ve thought like a Libertarian for a long ten ramble on about some topic that’s incorrectly and inappropriately, then I some inspiring, and some—how shall I time, now I’m finally making it official. been debated endlessly for years if not must and do protest. put it—critical. Lots of them are inter- decades. We know some of you oppose Let there be any relationship esting, which is why we’re sharing them I’ve been an Independent voter since 1974, abortion. We know some of you wish that anyone wants. That’s fine. Just with our readers: when I attained the age of majority. With the LP would stop mentioning the drug find another word to describe it. My the continued degradation of our political war. We know some of you wish the suggestion: “pairriage.” Let two (or Sorry I didn’t renew before. Money has scene, and the increasingly hostile partisan- LP would get serious about (fill in the however many) people get paired. been scarce around here. I am in almost ship here in America, I feel I can no longer blank). Can we get better letters on Same legal obligations. Same legal 100% agreement on all the Libertarian stand alone. more interesting topics please? benefits. What do you think? Party Platform Issues. V for Victory (Author’s name withheld upon Norm Lucas Long Live Freedom! request) I would like to get plugged into fellow Lib- The government shall make no law to ertarians in my area. censure our freedom of speech, way of Registering Libertarian Do You Have life, and liberty. Teleprompter!!! Something to Say? oday, I made it official and I am tired of Democrats and Republicans Turkeys just gobble (funds). Don’t you know increasing more government bureau- the first digit of credit/debit cards indicate changed my voter registration f you have something to say about an crats. I am voting Libertarian to restore the company? There appears to be no place from Republican to Libertar- article you’ve read in LP News, you T I our country. to put the member number being renewed. ian. I have always been a Libertarian can submit a letter to the editor at edi- in my heart and mind. I just reached [email protected]. Remember, not all letters Sorry that I can’t renew at a higher rate How do you hope to manage a nation when the point where the old arguments received will be printed, and those that nor restore my monthly pledge - this you can’t manage a group? about local politics and being able to are printed may be edited for content, month marks 2 years of unemployment. vote the primaries didn’t matter any- grammar, and length. Please keep let- Please keep up the good work. Thank Thank you Wes and team for all you do. more. I no longer want to be associat- ters under 150 words, and include your you. ed with the one party system with two name, city and state with your letter. branches, the Socialist Democrats and I was inspired by Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Socialist Republicans. I finally voted Libertarian this election Rand. Submit your letter to the and now I’m solidifying my ideals by Jim Slappey joining a Party!! The angry FoxNews article made me want editor to [email protected] to renew! All of this info was included in the re- minder email you sent, including my God Bless America. Watch Your Language Want to become a membership number. So why the hell do I Monthly Pledger? have to fill out a form repeating all of it? Wes ~ This donation was inspired by Nigel s a long-time Libertarian, I Way to raise the barriers to those who Lyons’ CPAC video and the rant from the absolutely concur in the ethic You can renew or sign up for want to renew or contribute! Surely an FOX News commentator. Clearly, you are of allowing every other person A a monthly pledge: organization tech savvy enough to create doing something right! ~ Martha to think, say, and do whatever they this method of payment can also auto-fill choose, as long as it does not impede • online at LP.org all of this personal data so busy members Let’s get the Libertarian Party in the White others...or me. • call 202-333-0008 can renew without regurgitating their House in 2012! But as a longer-time journalist • use the enclosed postage- name, address, email, etc for the ump- and deep respecter of words, I am ap- paid envelope, or mail your teenth time?? You are costing the party I’ve been an LP member since 1979, even palled that “marriage” is bantered so contribution to: money with every marginal renewer that though I haven’t paid dues much the last flimsily as many do today. In the his- clicks away rather than go through this dozen years. But Wes is doing a great job tory of the English language, marriage boring process! and I gotta do something righteous with that has always meant the life-long com- Libertarian Party social security check I just started receiving! mitment of one man and one woman 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, It’s time for a real change. VOTE liber- to each other, acknowledged by most Suite 200 tarian. Keep up the good work...united we will religions and by the governments of Washington, DC 20037 all states. It has never meant anything Sorry I’m late! continued on page 15... Vol. 41, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 15 Marijuna Regulation Comments From LP Donors

...continued from page 4 juana back in the 1970s, its Minister of ...continued from page 14 2001. I do this for my son and my unborn Health stated that they had only half the 2nd child who should not have to endure wine industry as a model. But, important- marijuana usage per capita in their country make a difference and change America and be responsible for this huge national ly enough, the initiative would not permit as we do in ours—both for adults and for for the better. debt or our nation’s awful foreign policy state, county or city governments to use teenagers! And he went on to explain why legacy of the past 50 years and continu- their taxing, zoning, or licensing authority by saying that “we have succeeded in mak- I am reupping in part due to this excel- ing. as a means to thwart the provisions of the ing pot boring.” A system in which mari- lent video of David Boaz from the Cato initiative, unless those regulations would juana is no longer sold illegally and also is Institute: http://www.youtube.com/ Lifelong Republican who just switched my also be applicable to the wine industry. In not advertised commercially will approach watch?v=Ee6MIrtenH0 registration to Libertarian. Not sure that I addition, the initiative allows adults to grow the same results. agree with you guys on everything, but the up to 25 marijuana plants per year for their Of course, many medical and legal Keep fighting, one day people will wake growth of government has reached apoca- own personal use without any government professionals believe that in many ways up. lyptic proportions and the ship just has to regulation or taxation at all. marijuana is actually less harmful than my be steered in the opposite direction. Marijuana with a THC level of less drug of choice, which is alcohol, and others It is nice to have found a party that exer- than 0.1 percent would be classified as in- believe that it can actually be used effec- cises common sense. At least now I won’t I’m a disgruntled Democrat who is tired dustrial “hemp,” and would be governed tively against cancer. So if adults choose have a distinct desire to sharpen a pencil of war, failure of state programs for the by the same regulations, taxes and fees to use recreational marijuana instead of and stick it in my temple when I associate poor and a bueracracy that threatens our that use the cotton industry as a model. Of alcohol, the governments, as a matter of myself with a party. Republic. I’m a college student who has course the hemp industry goes back thou- freedom and liberty, should not be able to had to live out his childhood up to now sands of years, such that in ancient Greek prohibit them from doing so. Lets support Freedom, Liberty, and per- early adult hood under the shadow of two the word for “canvas” was the same word In fact, it makes as much sense to me sonal responsibility! wars and a grim economic outlook. Of as “cannabis,” or marijuana. Similarly, the for the government to control what I as an course being a student prevents me from plantations owned by George Washington, adult put into my body, as it does to con- There has never been greater need for the giving what I would like to give, but this Thomas Jefferson, and many other colonial trol what I put into my mind. It is simply application of our party’s principles in small token is given in faith, that this mes- planters grew large crops of hemp, which none of the government’s business! Instead government. sage will reach many more and hopefully were used for things like rope, gunny sacks government does have a right to control my help us bring our country back. and coarse cloth. actions if those actions have a realistic pro- No more left or right!!! Since the colonial period the uses pensity of causing harm to others. That is a Stand for Liberty. Stand for freedom. Per- of hemp have been greatly expanded. For legitimate function of government. Keep on fighting the good fight, my sonal responsibility. Internal governors. example, today manufacturers can get four Yes, the use, possession, growing friends! times the amount of paper pulp from an and sale of marijuana and hemp would re- Abolish the state! acre of hemp as they can from an acre of main illegal under federal law. But if the I have considered joining the Libertar- trees. Furthermore, the hemp crop can be federal government still wants to enforce ian Party for years, but have never made The Libertarian message is one that every raised in one season of about eight months, its laws of marijuana prohibition it will be the final decision. Today, I am proud to single voter in every single U.S. state and while it takes about 20 years to grow the forced to do so alone, because the initiative become a member of this party, which territory desperately NEEDS to hear! trees. This means that the paper pulp in- would prohibit anyone working for or con- stands aligned with so many of my per- dustry in Northern California could be re- tracting with any of our state, county or city sonal principles. I believe in the precepts hooray liberty! claimed, along with all of the jobs, revenues governments from cooperating with any and guidelines of our Constitution and and taxes that this would engender. such investigations, prosecutions, punish- the Amendments, and in government for Please send me some LP door hangers. Another main purpose of the initia- ments or forfeitures, as long as the subjects the people, by the people. And I believe, tive would be to deprive Mexican drug car- of the investigations were acting within the wholeheartedly, that the Libertarian Particular interest: Overturn of Obam- tels, juvenile street gangs and other thugs of provisions of the initiative. Party is the only political party still con- acare large amounts of money, while at the same So what are your thoughts? This ini- cerned with the principles upon which time providing significant amounts of sales tiative is still only in draft form, so please our nation was founded. I willingly, en- Its Time To Bring Our Money Home And and income tax revenues to city, county and give it some consideration. Many of us be- thusiastically, and gratefully submit my- Tale Back This Government For Ameri- state governments to use for things like fix- lieve this initiative, and a similar initiative self to membership of the Libertarian cans. ing potholes, paying for police protection being considered in Colorado, will be the Party. and educating children. beginning of the end of the failed policy of Let’s get our Republic back! The initiative would also prohibit all marijuana prohibition in the United States free free free we All want to be Free commercial advertising of the sales, dis- of America. But we need your support in Free Free I took a test online and the results said tribution and use of marijuana, except for this historic effort! I was a Libertarian. The only difference medical marijuana and products made from annual dues for about the 33rd year. Why we have is over the drug policy, although industrial hemp. This provision might be is our membership still so tiny? But at I don’t have a problem with pot, other controversial for some Libertarians, but it James P. Gray is a retired judge of the least our ideas have made headway. drugs that ruin people’s lives like Meth would go a long way in taking the glamor Orange County Superior Court, and the should be illegal. out of marijuana, especially for children. author of A Voter’s Handbook: Effective Been sitting on the fence for a long time, Of course, if adults want to buy the product, Solutions to America’s Problems (The Fo- no more! Freedom! they would readily know by word of mouth rum Press, 2010). He can be contacted at where it could be obtained. [email protected] or through This donation of membership dues is long Thanks to Bob Johnston for calling me After Holland decriminalized mari- his website at www.JudgeJimGray.com. overdue. I last was a national member in and following up by email. LP STAFF

LP NATIONAL CHAIRman Mark Hinkle

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Wes Benedict

Operations DIrector Robert Kraus

Member Services & Affiliate relations manager Casey Hansen

STAFF ASSISTANT Arthur DiBianca

Special projectS Nick Dunbar

Candidate and Affiliate Support Specialist Bob Johnston

Video Production Nigel Lyons

Member Services Specialist Kelly Dirkes

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