The Free? State Libertarian is published three times/year by the Libertarian Party of Maryland. All material is copyrighted 2002 and may be reproduced, provided credit is given as follows: "Reprinted from the Free? State Libertarian."
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Mail: LPMD Newsletter, PO Box 321, Owings Mills, MD 21117
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Editor: Robert E. Glaser
Check www.MD.LP.org regularly for the current event calendar, news, email listserves, photo album, and more! Be certain to submit all of your current event information to LPMD.Event*ICengineering.com to get the information online.
The views expressed by contributors to this publication are not necessarily the views of the Libertarian Party of Maryland, its Executive Board, or the Central Committee. The Free? State Libertarian is a first amendment publication, and welcomes diverse participation from many sources.
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The Free? State Libertarian is mailed to all Libertarian Party of Maryland members and paid subscribers. You may have received a gratis copy (mailing label says "Join the MD Libertarian Party") because you are registered Libertarian, are a member of the National Libertarian Party, or requested information. We appreciate you acting to: join the MdLP with the back page form (if you're a National member, it's only $5 more than National-only for both Md + National if you renew through us!); join the Central Committee; become a newsletter subscriber only (send $15 to above address); and/or register Libertarian (when we get 1% of the state registered, we can run candidates without petition signatures).
State Executive Board Officers
Winter Central Committee Meeting
Friends of Spear Lancaster Year End Report
The Achilles' Heel of Government
No Flat Tax - No Sales Tax - No Compromise
Howard County Council Campaign
St. Mary's County Oyster Festival
From the Trenches ... County Chapter Notes
Regularly Scheduled Libertarian Gatherings
Chairman: Nick Sarwark 301-439-2139 NSarwark*cuc.edu
Vice Chairman: Shannon McMenamin 301-770-7358 ShannMc*yahoo.com
Secretary: Robert E. Glaser 410-363-8748 N3IC*ICengineering.com
Treasurer: Joe Miller 410-789-3899 hatsIwear*aol.com
Media Relations: Chip Spangler 301-346-2361 Media*md.lp.org
Membership: Steven Sass 410-602-8401 Crestln*erols.com
Outreach: Glenn Howard 301-585-1793 Glenn*tidalwave.net
The executive board meets monthly. All meetings are open. Contact Nick
Sarwark for date and location.
Anne Arundel County: Michael Dobak 410-798-6550 MDobak*toad.net
Baltimore City: Susan Gaztañaga 410-325-2813 DiazVivar*aol.com
Baltimore County: Nancy Millionie 410-833-8991 LibertyGrl*aol.com
Caroline County: Allen Thomas 410-634-1540 gts*crosslink.net
Carroll/Howard County: Kevin Wolf 410-552-0616 KWolf*bfpe.com
Cecil County: Valerie McGlothlin 410-658-3063 LPCC*dol.net
Charles County Glenn Faini gdFaini*erols.com
Frederick County: Wayne Dougherty 301-834-6179 WDarty*aol.com
Harford County: Roy J. Meyers III RMeyers*rjcc.net
Montgomery County: Glenn Howard 301-585-1793 Glenn*tidalwave.net
Prince Georges County: Tony Spezio 301-498-3436
Somerset County: Harry Hall
Washington County: Kurt Saberg 301-241-3036 Freedom1*innernet.net
Wicomico/Worcester: Graham Couzens 410-726-1733 Objreason*aol.com
Columbia Union College: Derek Pomery kyberneticist*yahoo.com
Johns Hopkins University: Aaron Back Amb18*jhu.edu
Loyola College: Jude Daniel Blanchette JBlanchette1*yahoo.com
Salisbury State University: Mike Wilson Wilson2882*yahoo.com
University of Baltimore: Troy Zinderman TroyZinderman*home.com
U. of Md./Balto. County Rich Goldman rich1*umbc.edu
U. of Md./College Park Graham Couzens Objreason*aol.com
Western Maryland College: Jeremy Keil jpk001*wmdc.edu
Fall Convention
Report
Maryland Libertarians Converge on Little Italy
The Maryland Libertarian Party held its Fall 2001 convention at Luigi
Petti's Restaurant in Baltimore's Little Italy on Saturday, October
27th. At 10:20 am Lorenzo Gaztañaga opened the convention
by inviting all present to join him in singing the Star Spangled Banner.
He remarked that libertarians have promoted open borders to "peaceful"
immigrants - and that here in Little Italy, we find a place built
by immigrants. He then introduced our keynote speaker, Spear Lancaster.
Spear said that while he had been urged to run as a libertarian candidate for Governor for some time, he had been reluctant to do so until he could devote his full effort to the campaign. He thinks that we will be able to change the paradigm. When government gets into a market, it perverts it. A current healthcare proposal being floated in Maryland is nothing less than blatant socialism - but the Republicans and Democrats don't call it such.
Is this truly the "Land of the Free?" Do you have a choice? If not, you're not free. Spear cannot cut down a tree on his 13 acre lot without the state's permission. He doesn't like people telling him how to run his life. His first goal is to demystify government. He plans to "prove" that government doesn't work. We must get politicians and government off of the "sacred" list - we treat them like royalty. He wants to bring transparency to government.
On
schools: "We need more time and money" - how many Baltimore City
students graduate? how many are in jail? Nowadays, without an education,
it is like sending troops into battle without ammunition. He accuses the
Democratic Party of creating a caste system through education: if you live
in a poor district, you must use the poor neighborhood school - you will
not get a good education, but instead become a hamburger flipper, and beget
the next generation of hamburger flippers. He proposes to put money
into a statewide pool. Twelve years of free education? no, we have
twelve years of compulsory education.
On the fallacy of safety and crime: he would focus on violent crime, and make room in the courts and prisons by forming a commission to pardon nonviolent offenders.
People think that the State builds highways and schools? no, contractors build them (or Spear would be afraid to drive on roads, or walk inside a school building). He says that we can privatize at least 50%, and certainly 30%, right away in this state. "Government can't give you anything without first stealing it from someone else." He has been trying to educate himself, so that when he gets into debates he will be prepared.
On the wasted vote retort: "you guys can't win, I'd lose a chance to vote in the primary." Stalin said, "I don't care who wins, I just want the ability to select the candidates." Presently, big labor, big government, and big corporations select everything. We need to offer the libertarian choice to the voters. Over the past 30 years, he has seen his liberties cut in half: he can't buy a gun without permission, he can't nail a board onto his house without permission - did he not waste his vote all those years voting as a Democrat? the worst vote you can give is one to someone who will not represent you. He is angry with himself for willingly contributing to public television. He is out for revenge against the established parties, and thanks us for letting him run for Governor.
The Central Committee meeting was held at 11:00 am (see article on page 8), followed by a buffet lunch.
Convention
activities resumed at 1:25 pm when Lorenzo Gaztañaga introduced
Gene Cisewski: Lorenzo remembers preparing mailings at Gene's home for
Maryland, DC, and Virginia libertarians with many of the MdLP members present.
Hailing from Wisconsin, Gene encountered a foot of snow prior to his departure.
Now the proprietor of a bed & breakfast Inn, he had thought that he
would take a departure from politics for a while. He became involved in
grassroot organization in Wisconsin. When Republican Tommy Thompson was
governor, the Democrat Attorney General busted Ed Thompson, brother of
the governor, for having video poker games in his bar. But Ed didn't capitulate,
and they couldn't find a jury to convict him amidst the preponderance of
Indian gambling casinos and the state lottery. So five or fewer video poker
games per establishment were decriminalized.
Republicans shied away from Ed Thompson - three years ago - and he joined the Libertarian Party. He was elected mayor of Tomah, Wisconsin, and now is running for Governor of Wisconsin. He asked Gene to join his campaign committee. 34% of polled people said that they would consider voting for Ed in a third party (while only 8% had said that they would vote for Jesse Ventura). There are four gubernatorial candidates at present. Wisconsin has on-the-spot voter registration.
Gene continued, "We're working on building a political party. A political party has one purpose only: to elect candidates to public office to pursue objectives we agree with." A political party exists to peacefully take over government at the ballot box. Before, nobody reported that Libertarians are even in the race - but now we are more evident. We need to pick and choose our elections to avoid receiving a label of Loser. The last successful third party was the Socialists: they won at the local level before winning at the state level before winning at the national level. We cannot sit and wait for answers to come from a centralized organization - we must do it ourselves at the local level. We are only getting to a sliver of the population. Immigrants are coming to the USA to have the chance to achieve success - they believe in the same things we do. But they're not here. Why not?
Politics has devolved into a cult of personality; they have turned from being issue-oriented to personality focused. Gene says this is because of: open primaries; and campaign finance laws.
People join political parties to make things better in their own communities. As a party, we've got to have more fun. We need more popular events with variety, but we mustn't bombard them with intellectual arguments. We have to learn to do sloganeering. He suggests that we find Judith Martin's Miss Manners' Guide for the Turn-of-the-Millennium; and anything on salesmanship written by Zig Ziglar. He cautions us to avoid Rand, Friedman, and Paine. Instead, look at how people sell things. Don't try to sell a "chopped up dead cow on a bleached wheat bun." Car buyer's don't want a lesson on the internal combustion engine. We need to have the basic principles down to slogans. When looking for candidates, we must find those who can sell and communicate with the people. They must be able to articulate well: be clear, and BRIEF. The average sound bite now is 3.5 seconds. He does not suggest that we compromise our principles. He notes that people gravitate to what is familiar: when in a new town, how many search out the local diner instead of McDonalds or Hardees? They're familiar with the Republicans and Democrats. A candidate must give the impression that he is a legitimate contender who can be trusted to take the reigns of government. A key job of leadership is to get the right people doing the right things. Look for libertarian solutions for common problems (he noted a method of public/private garbage collection in which residents pay for orange trash bags to be picked up by a contractor). Poll to find out what's on people's minds today (not to change our principles).
Gene says that we need to appeal to the young generation: most people form their lifelong political affiliations while in their late teens and early twenties. We also must target the unregistered. He concluded his talk by stating that the most effective campaigning method is door-to-door; and the least effective methods are long newspaper advertisements detailing issues, and brochures with more than 50% copy.
Next,
Lorenzo Gaztañaga led a discussion on goals and strategies for the
Libertarian Party. The Libertarian National Committee (LNC) strategy committee
(about 20) met in many cities across the USA - some members were in the
LNC, and some were not. As a member of both the LNC and the Strategy Committee,
he reported that there is no silver bullet. He pointed out that it is helpful
to adopt a Customer Service perspective: to listen to others, and
let them know that it is in our best interests to satisfy their
needs. Lorenzo wants Maryland to show everyone else how it's done.
Lorenzo introduced our next speaker, Geoffrey Neale: they first met at a convention in Salt Lake City in 1993. Geoffrey began by saying that even though we might not be able to accomplish everything we wish, if society crumples around us, we are going to be the only civilizing force. We better be ready to do the job.
Born
in England in 1955, at eight his family moved to Sacramento. At 14, he
contracted to provide concession services for a soccer season. He went
to UCSB in 1972; his parents moved back to England, but he remained and
became a naturalized citizen. He dropped out of college for financial reasons
and became a forklift operator and a receiving clerk; by age 21 he had
made it up to plant manager, managing 80 people. Geoffrey became a trainee
programmer, advanced, and left the company to become a consultant, which
he has remained ever since. Experienced in many business fields, he lives
in Austin, Texas with his wife Nancy and 15-year old daughter.
Geoffrey suggests we avoid doing anything that we can't undo. According to him, the difference between stupid people and smart people is that stupid people make the same mistakes over and over, and smart people learn from the mistakes of others. Therefore, he tries to learn from others' successes and failures.
Poison Pills and Magic Bullets. Many libertarians are waiting for the killer app, like celebrities - if we could just get Clint Eastwood to run for public office. Liberty is not a product; it is something everybody has; but it is being taken away little by little. It is like air, it is so essential for our being that we don't notice it until it gets thin and begins to go away. We are the canaries in the coal mine. We're noticing the loss of liberty before the rest of the folks do.
It'll happen if you believe - crap. He knows that he'll never be a jockey (he is a big man). He believes that Libertarians will become successful, but doesn't know when. We will need to recognize when some cataclysmic event occurs which will propel us to success.
People join the LP due to an issue (vertical). Geoffrey believes in process; if you do things the right way, things will eventually turn out right. He does not agree that being results oriented implies that the ends justify the means. It is important that we learn how to do things well, and repeat them. We need successes that we can duplicate time and time again. KISS (keep it simple, stupid). Perfection is a useless objective. It is easier to improve than to innovate. If you cannot measure something, you cannot improve. No battle plan survives first contact (nothing ever goes according to plan). Never ask the barber if you need a haircut. Never try to teach a pig to count (it wastes your time and annoys the pig), recognize who should deal with what. Trouble is at the top, it is the leader's responsibility to see that things get done. Lead, follow, or get out of the way. Some say, "Finish what you start" - Geoffrey says no, some tasks are too big and should be stopped.
His approach is to try to reduce things to the simplest they can be; he would like to simplify the LP bylaws. The LNC exists to make decisions. He doesn't want the national office to run like a business - but as a well-run business.
Geoffrey is running for national chair. When friends first suggested he do so, he called Jim Lark (the current chair) and asked if Jim wasn't running again - and told with profanity, that of course he was not. Geoffrey first announced his candidacy in Texas, his home territory. The Chair is the most prominent target in the libertarian movement. That's how it should be; not raised on a dais above everyone else. The Chair position is not an authoritarian role; there is not much discretionary money to be spent. It is more like the role of a referee. The goals are up to the LNC; as Chair, he would still be one vote. Geoffrey has served as a member of the LNC for four terms (8 years) since 1989. The Chair should hear any viewpoint; his goal would be to be an unbiased, open chair. He says that propriety is important - he wants an open, ethical, honest party. He'd share things that he's learned from others.
The
next speaker was Carol Moore; she is running for LNC Secretary. Lorenzo
had nominated Carol in 1998, and will be pleased to do so again. Carol
is running on a leadership platform; she thinks that the LP lacks a clear
vision. She also had a table at the convention where she was selling books
and tee shirts.
The last convention speaker before the banquet was MdLP chair Nick Sarwark. Since he has his own column in this issue, your editor is going to take the lazy path and skip a recap here.
The Samuel P. Chase award was given by its last recipient, Spear Lancaster, to Wayne Dougherty (above photo); it is a one ounce pure silver coin. Samuel Chase was one of the four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence. Defender of Liberty awards went to: Tony Spezio (below left photo); Valerie McGloughlin and Banner Segraves IV; Roy Meyers III; Mike Barnes; Nancy Millionie; Gail Mangum; Glenn Howard; Steve Wilson; Larry Powers; and Jeremy Keil.
Susan Gaztañaga sang an original composition, assisted with presentation by Geoffrey Neale's wife, Nancy, playing the role of Lady Liberty (above right photo).
At last year's convention, Lorenzo Gaztañaga introduced his friend as "Gentleman" Jim Lark. This year, Lorenzo introduced him as our banquet speaker, and said that Jim still has never given Lorenzo a reason to doubt that moniker.
Our
National Chair pointed out that the LP is just one tool to help better
our society. The political battlefield is only one of the battlefields
of liberty. Jim says that the four battlefields are: (1) intellectual;
(2) cultural; (3) spiritual; and (4) political. Progress on (1) has been
nothing short of breathtaking; at the end of World War II, statism was
at a high level, and socialism and welfare statism were flying high. In
1965, one person could know all of the libertarian movers; by 1995,
one person could not even know all of the libertarian columnists.
We have not yet triumphed on the intellectual battlefield; but real socialism
and Marxism are dying. Now, the dominant intellectual theory is welfare
state liberalism; but libertarian philosophy is the number one contender.
He continues to be optimis-tic on this front.
(2) Cultural front: progress has not been nearly as much as he would have liked. As a youngster, he would not have thought to disturb his neighbors, because he respected others' rights. On a personal level, loud music or dumping trash would not be considered.
(3) Spiritual front: to be able to reach your potential as a human being, the only way to do so is in an atmosphere of personal liberty. To have a society of virtue, you have to have a society of liberty.
(4) Political front: we're making progress, but it is painfully slow. Politics is a lagging indicator. But slow progress is not a sign for great alarm. It is going to take us a while to turn the ship around. There is debate about how the victory will occur. He believes that good ideas eventually drive out bad ideas. Wealth includes being able to pursue your own desires. People tend to flow to libertarian societies rather than away from them. Jim is not a determinist - you win with people, and you have to have good ones out there. Even if people agree with libertarian ideals, they may not be able to break out of various programs like Social Security. Libertarians, in general, don't like politics. Those present at the convention are unusual among the unusual. We have to do a better job getting libertarians to join the LP. We need to educate people to think - to explore all policy options - so that passing statist legislation becomes harder to do. If we work hard and work smart, the prospects for increasing liberty improve.
Those who traffic in ideas are more aware of libertarianism today. Progress might not be as apparent to those outside academia. In conclusion, the LP Chair said that the LP, approaching its 30th anniversary on December 11th, has shot par - we could have done better, but we could have done a lot worse. It is a difficult task.
Convention activities continued with a fundraising auction, and the evening was concluded by a Gong Karaoke spectacle. Below, Steve Boone prepares to sound the gong to silence Earle Pearce's vocal cords - at least for the moment.
The Libertarian State Central Committee of Maryland met at Luigi Petti's Restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, 27 October 2001. The meeting was called to order at 11:02 am by chairman Nick Sarwark. 30 Central Committee members were in attendance for the meeting.
All
Executive Board positions were open due to the constitutional amendments
adopted at the 4 August 2001 Central Committee meeting. The term of those
elected at this meeting is until the Spring Central Committee meeting.
Beth Newman had resigned from the Executive Board. All other current Board
members were nominated: Nick Sarwark, Shannon McMenamin, Robert Glaser,
Joe Miller, Steven Sass, and Chip Spangler; additionally, Glenn Howard
(photo) was nominated. There were no objections to election of the Board
by slate: the slate was elected unanimously.
Nick Sarwark indicated that we continue to work on voter registrations. Over the summer, we averaged two outreach events per week. College outreach activities are doing well; the groups at WMC, UMBC, and UMCP are growing.
Treasurer Joe Miller noted that presently we have monthly credit card donations, but that we could use more; if the contribution is $10 per month or more, the contributor receives automatic MdLP and National membership renewal.
An amendment to the Bylaw on Alternates to the National Convention was proposed and discussed, but defeated. Dean Ahmad proposed the following Bylaw on Corporate Memory:
1. A copy of the minutes of all meetings of the Executive Board and the Central Committee will be sent to all past Chairmen.
2. The Chairman shall appoint one or more past Chairmen and/or Secretaries to serve as a Committee of Corporate Memory and consult with them on all matters in which a knowledge of past experience will benefit the activities of the Party.
3. The Executive Board shall arrange for the preparation and maintenance of documentation on past experiences and activities as may be of benefit to the Party.
The motion carried on a voice vote. The MdLP Bylaws are online at the www.MD.LP.org/docs/mdlpconstitution.html URL.
The Central Committee meeting adjourned at 12:28 pm.
-- Robert Glaser
Secretary
Date: Sunday, January 27th 2002
Inclement Weather Alternate Date: Saturday, February 2nd
2002
check www.MD.LP.org website for update
Time: 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Location:
Montgomery's Grille Restaurant
7200 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-654-3595
Directions: From the Capital Beltway I-495, west of exit 34:
Take the MD-355 exit 34 and go south for 2.8 miles
From the Capital Beltway I-495, east of exit 33:
Take the Connecticut Ave exit 33 south for 0.5 mile; turn right onto Jones Bridge Rd.; go 1.1 miles; turn left onto MD-355; go 1.1 miles
Agenda: Nominations for Public Office
The Green Party filed a lawsuit regarding candidate signature requirements for recognized parties in Maryland. It has been heard, and a decision is expected in January. The court may strike down the candidate signature requirement for recognized parties. This would affect the Maryland Libertarian Party, as we are a recognized party. If this occurs, it is possible that the Maryland General Assembly might quickly put a new signature requirement into law in response to the court's decision. Should such events pass, it would be helpful to have our candidates already nominated. We could make a good case that officially nominated candidates instantly become certified by the State Board of Elections, no matter what the General Assembly does after that point in time. Therefore, it is desirable for us to have a Central Committee meeting to officially nominate all candidates.
CD Music Review:
People Are Funky
Artist: Party to the People
I
went to Annapolis on New Year's Eve to pick up the contents of the LP's
Post Office Box and bring them to [treasurer] Joe. Sometimes some really
interesting things show up. Such was the case with a manila envelope and
its music CD inside. The cover sheet, such as it was, proclaims boldly:
"Libertarian Reggae Calypso Rock Is Here" and says that
the CD and its six songs "mixes Libertarian style lyrics with funky
reggae and calypso rhythms."
Joe suggested that "someone" do a music review for the newsletter, and I didn't see his hand fly up. Although my tastes usually run to country western, or 1970's and 1980's club music, I do enjoy reggae on occasion, so I agreed to do it.
Funky delivers what it promises. It's a fairly easy listen, the lyrics are pretty clear to make out, and if there are any questions, there's a little booklet that has the printed lyrics. I listened to it twice, and began the review on the second time through. I believe it would be a powerful outreach tool for festivals such as Takoma Park, SoWeBo, and, even the HFStival.
Trying to categorize it as a "right" or "left" Libertarian message, I'd lean heavily to the "left." Images such as "smashing authority" and "power to the people" strongly reminded me of the Vietnam War era and its attendant demonstrations. In fact, the third track, Still On Fire, has the following verse, which seems to directly address the subject:
You once were wild and free
A full blown revolutionary
But the forces of time wore you down
Now you can't change the world on your own
Despite the references to "revolution," "upheaval," and "the time has come," Funky makes it clear where it stands in the fifth song, Positive Day:
Listen people I say
We can make a positive day
If we stick together
If we make a stand
Elective security is our only assurity
That our Freedom will still rule this land.
Copies are available from the band for $10.00: Party to the People, Box #152, 1147 Columbus Pike, Delaware, OH 43015.
-- Steve Boone
Happy
New Year! 2001 was an exciting year for the MdLP, and I expect 2002 to
top it. With your help and hard work, it can. The following is a recap
of our accomplishments in 2001, and some goals for 2002:
Outreach Efforts
Way back in February, we were at the front of the fight against Montgomery County's gun show ban. Thanks to Steve Wilson and others, the ban did not pass in silence, but with loud voices in opposition. Those voices were vindicated by the District Court's finding against the law in early October. As I write this, a safe, legal, well-attended gun show is being held at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, and MdLP activists are there, gathering petition signatures to put Spear Lancaster on the ballot this November.
To further support the Lancaster campaign, we've made efforts to reach out to like-minded organizations and their members. Some examples include A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments (ABATE), Montgomery Citizens for a Safer Maryland (MCSM), and the Fourth of July Hemp Coalition.
All of this is on top of a ton of fairs, festivals, and other community events. Sunfest, Towsontown Festival, the Leonardtown Criterium, HFStival, and the Montgomery County Fair are just a few examples. More and more people are hearing our message at these events; and many of them are people who have never even thought about politics, which is crucial to our challenge to the duopoly in Maryland. If people know they have options, they'll regain interest in their government, and vote for change.
Party Growth
Two new county affiliates were created in 2001. The Howard/Carroll party, led by Kevin and Deborah Wolf, and the Cecil County Party, led by Dave Sten and Valerie McGlothlin. Not only were organizations created, but they got off to a great start. Front page news coverage for Howard/Carroll, and outreach at Sunfest and a great MdLP picnic in Cecil. Thank you all in Howard, Carroll, and Cecil for the great work you've done for liberty. With more dedicated activists like you, we can have strong organizations in every corner of the state.
I would like to see at least two more local affiliates get organized in 2002. If you live in a county without an affiliate, and want to start one, please contact me directly.
We went from 4,069 registered Libertarians in Maryland as of November 30, 2000 to 5,196 as of November 30, 2001, a 28% increase for the year. (Figures to compare from January through December were not available by press time.) While this is an impressive increase, I think we can do better in 2002. I expect that we can double the number of registered voters by November 30, 2002.
As far as membership numbers go, they're somewhat less impressive. We currently have 165 dues-paying members in the MdLP. This is a number that is clearly not representative of the number of Libertarians we have in the Free State. I believe that we can increase that number by at least 50% by this time next year, not through membership recruitment for recruitment's sake, but through running good candidates, continuing outreach, and showing people the good work we're doing.
Media Opportunities
We received more press coverage in 2001 than any year in recent memory. From front-page coverage in the Carroll County Times of the Carroll/Howard County LP's Adopt-a-Highway program, to newspaper, radio, and TV interviews with Spear Lancaster about his campaign for Governor, it seems that the coverage is more positive and more frequent.
The trend is not slowing. In the month of December, I was asked to appear on Maryland Public Television's prime time news show, Direct Connection. In the same month, I was asked to appear on the Metrotalk with Jerry Phillips radio show to represent the Libertarian viewpoint, an appearance that has turned into a regular monthly engagement.
Beth Newman's efforts in developing press releases, and maintaining contacts with media representatives have been invaluable in putting the party in a position to take advantage of the opportunities we have. Thanks to her, we can quickly notify the media when we have a position on a current issue, or an event coming up. While this may seem like a small thing to some, that nuts-and-bolts effort is what drives our success.
All of this says to me that people are interested in the Libertarian viewpoint and what we are doing. Given the exciting year that we have ahead of us, I'm sure that interest and coverage will continue to swell, and we will continue to take advantage of it.
Party Leadership
2001 brought quite a few changes in the state party leadership. Spear Lancaster and Steve Boone resigned to devote their efforts to the gubernatorial campaign. Beth Newman, while remaining involved with the MdLP, stepped down from the Executive Board. Shannon McMenamin, Chip Spangler, and Glenn Howard have stepped up to fill those vacancies, and bring new perspectives and experience.
I hope this trend will continue, and that we continue to encourage new people to get involved in shaping our growth and success.
Candidates
The Lancaster for Governor campaign has built some tremendous momentum this past year, and is geared to do even more leading up to the election in November. It's the first time the MdLP will have had a statewide candidate on the ballot as a Libertarian.
There are some who would say supporting the gubernatorial campaign is a great enough challenge, and that to add more would be unreasonable. I disagree. It is my belief that we will only get one chance to spring onto the public consciousness, and surprise our opponents. We should take advantage of that by making sure that we run more than just a top of the ticket candidate.
To this end, I'd like to challenge each organized county to have at least one candidate running for a lower-level office in 2002. This will show the voters that we have real depth, and excite people about getting involved with their local organizations.
In closing, I'd like to summarize the goals I have for the party this coming year. They are all related, and dovetail well with the goals of the Lancaster campaign. I welcome and encourage your feedback on them, and look forward to working with you to accomplish them.
Summary
Yours truly,
-- Nicholas J. Sarwark
The Spear Lancaster campaign for governor was pretty busy the last several months of 2001, both in appearances, signature gathering, and fundraising. While a Libertarian campaign rarely has all the funds it needs, Spear's all-volunteer effort had a positive balance at the end of the year. All in all, we're pretty much on track for where we want to be at this stage, and 2002 will open up more and more opportunities for additional activity.
As I write this, Spear and his wife, Dee, are on vacation. He's resting up for the remainder of the year, and plans to campaign actively for governor in the coming months. He will be the first minor party or independent candidate on the ballot since Hyman Pressman ran as an independent in 1966.
Spear has gotten involved in a number of different organizations, networking with others who are less than satisfied with what's going on in Maryland and the potential choices for governor from the Duopoly. He's listening and getting feedback on positions, getting ready to introduce new ideas into the public debate, and most importantly, getting support.
From
a number of fairs and festivals, Spear has gotten media contacts from differing
areas of the state. As an example, he was interviewed as part of a Montgomery
Gazette article in July on candidates at the J. Millard Tawes Crab
and Clam Bake in Crisfield. The Washington Post picked up the press
release that the campaign had gathered its first 10,000 signatures in November.
From the Oyster Festival in St. Mary's County, Spear was invited to appear
on a public-access cable TV program. He so impressed the host that he has
been introduced to others who do the same kinds of programming in other
counties! He also appeared as a guest on a segment of Gary Nolan's syndicated
talk show, Nolan at Night, on RadioAmerica.org.
Signature gathering is definitely on track. As of December 31, 2001, the campaign had just over 15,000 signatures logged and in the bank. The official goal is still 40,000, but we'll stop when they say we qualify.
The whole signature drive could be thrown into a cocked hat, however, depending on what the Maryland Court of Appeals decides in a pending case. David Gross, a Green candidate for US House in 2000, sued the state over signature requirements for candidates of recognized parties. Four Maryland LP'ers, as well as members of other minor parties, gave affidavits in the case, talking about various aspects of ballot access and the difficulties in Maryland. When the Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County summarily dismissed the case, the Greens appealed to the Court of Special Appeals. The Court of Appeals, the equivalent of the state's Supreme Court, took the unusual step of directly considering it without a ruling from the lower court. We're waiting to see what happens - and the ramifications of the decision.
Fundraising has not been all that bad, either. An initial fundraising letter, designed to help get some money for paid petitioners, more than paid for itself. Another letter, to raise money for advertising in various media outlets, including radio, TV, and billboards, will be out in another month or so, and we'll be working to improve Libertarian "brand" ID.
2002 will be a wonderful opportunity, and we're not planning on wasting it! In liberty,
-- Steve Boone
Campaign Manager
We've placed a PDF file of the new handout that can be used to collect signatures on the Spear2002 website. The direct link for the file is: www.spear2002.org/forms/sig_handout.pdf
The handout has changed to be more compact (3 to a sheet) and a little more graphical. All you will need is the Adobe reader program to read and print the file.
-- Troy Zinderman
It is my sad duty to report that Glenn Bondurant, a member since 1996, passed away on November 4, 2001.
--Joe Miller
In a recent videotaped interview with Nobel Prize winning economist, Milton Friedman, he flatly stated that the Food and Drug Administration has cost far more lives than it has saved, and should therefore be abolished. Friedman cited the FDA's tendency to be very slow to approve new drugs, many of which have the potential of saving countless lives. Consider the drug Glucophage, prescribed by physicians for the control of diabetes.
Glucophage works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver, reducing the intestinal absorption of sugar, and by enhancing cellular sensitivity to the effects of insulin. Glucophage's efficacy and safety were demonstrated by clinical studies as far back as the 1950's. However, Americans could not obtain Glucophage for many decades, because the FDA claimed it was toxic.
The FDA was proven wrong about Glucophage, and the drug which had saved countless lives in Europe, where it is sold as Metformin, was finally approved in 1994. Not only did many Americans suffer and die needlessly because of the FDA's extreme conservatism, but today, Americans pay much more for Glugophage than do Europeans who have been successfully using the drug for decades. The number of people who die annually from diabetic complications is enormous. American diabetics perished in large numbers while Glucophage was being safely used throughout most of the world. Because of the gross ineptitude of the FDA, Americans who must have this miracle drug pay up to seven times more for it than do people in other countries.
The FDA now wants to stop you from purchasing small amounts of other safe drugs produced in foreign countries. Americans are learning that they can purchase most prescription drugs overseas at a fraction of the price they can be purchased in the US. Furthermore, Americans are increasing their purchases of foreign drugs that have not been approved for use here, but which are being safely used in other countries. In fact, the number of shipments into the US has become so great that the FDA admits it can no longer review them on a case-by-case basis. The FDA is asking Congress to ban all such shipments on the grounds that the drugs are dangerous. However, the truth is that most of these drugs are already approved by the FDA. Could it be that the FDA is trying to protect the profits of the US pharmaceutical industry at the consumer's expense?
The cozy relationship between the FDA and the American pharmaceutical industry has not gone unnoticed by many critics. Arnold Relman, MD and Marcia Angel, both of Harvard Medical School, state that "Half of the FDA's budget for the evaluation of new drugs now comes from drug company user's fees, making the agency dependent on the industry it regulates - an obvious conflict of interest."
The
FDA denied Glucophage to Americans for decades, but approved American-made
Rezulin for the treatment of diabetes. Rezulin had to be withdrawn from
the market soon after approval because nearly 400 diabetics were killed
by the drug. The fact is that many drugs approved by the FDA are not
safe, and must be removed from the market. So, the FDA's record of approving
safe drugs is far from perfect. Even so, the agency continues to pretend
that its record is spotless, and that its interference with the average
American's right to have access to cheaper and safe drugs from abroad is
in the public's best interest.
The FDA has also largely opposed the use of nutritional supplements by Americans, and the practice of nutritional medicine by physicians. Even though a wealth of scientific research has pointed to the efficacy of antioxidants, herbal extracts, and micro-nutrients in preventing such conditions as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other diseases of aging, the FDA persists in suppressing this information by censoring what can be said on supplement labels. Take the case of folic acid supplements, which have been scientifically shown to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects better than foods containing this vitamin. The FDA did all that it could to ban this claim on supplement labels. The case finally went to Federal Court where the agency was soundly defeated by the voluminous data which supported the claim. But the agency has persisted in its crusade against folic acid supplements by requiring that supplement labels also have a sentence saying that "FDA does not endorse this claim." Another government agency, The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has reviewed the data on folic acid and now advises women of childbearing age to take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day.
The foregoing cases represent only a few of the many reasons why the FDA actually does more harm than good, and should be abolished. The question is how would we protect Americans against unsafe drugs and worthless substances without the FDA? Professor Friedman answers that question in his interview by pointing to tort law. People harmed by new drugs could simply bring suit against the manufacturer. In truth, it is in the manufacturer's best interest to produce safe and efficacious products, and there is no reason to believe that we are any better off with a costly and largely incompetent government agency policing the pharmaceutical industry.
-- Steve Seater
Seater*erols.com
The author writes: Dear friends - I have just changed my party affiliation to Libertarian. I have lived in Montgomery County all my life and worked in Washington, DC during most of my career as a fundraiser and association executive. The thing that has made the biggest impression on me over the years has been the geometric growth of the Federal Government and the concomitant loss of freedom Americans have suffered as a result... Keep up the good work.
Due
to Pennsylvania's requirement for an SSN, I've never been able to obtain
a Pennsylvania driver license. One visitor to my website writes: "Looks
great so far, but I'm concerned that your driving timeline ends over a
year ago. I'm looking forward to updates on your saga."
Well, here's the update: My Jeep continues to run just great, with 125,000 miles accumulated now. It's got some minor mechanical glitches I have to tend to, but with that much mileage, I think it's running pretty dang good.
Speaking quite seriously, there are no updates to give. I've had no license for over 3 years. I continue to use my car almost daily for a variety of purposes. I haven't bothered the state for a license, and the state hasn't bothered me. The locals and all the other highway hogs sharing the road with me have no clue of the danger my non-licensed status poses to them, and for good reason: there is none.
As long as things stay that way, I'm happy. I do, after all, have a life to live, and spending it fixated on the state is not my idea of fun. For now, that particular battle is over.
Of course, it's likely that sometime within the coming years some unfortunate cop, (hopefully not my nephew who's thinking about joining the police force) will find himself asking me "license and registration, please." We'll go through the whole routine, and it'll probably end up much like the stop back in '99. After taking about 4 man-hours of police time (he will have to call for backup, right?), I'll get a ticket or two and they won't let me drive away. A friend of mine will get a call and come out to drive my jeep a few miles down the road where I can safely take back the wheel and proceed on my way.
I'll write up an account of the stop, and put it on my website complete with an audio recording, and an analysis of everything the cop and I did right and wrong. The unfortunate officer would likely, after a time, find out about it, and then suffer through having his peers read about him on the website of that "audacious and crazy guy that doesn't have a number."
Next, in traffic court, the judge will have to suffer through several motions to dismiss, and a complaint related to his defective oath of office (unless his oath is more proper than the last judge I visited).
Then, because judges
cannot have relationships with either party appearing in court before him,
he'll have to consider a demand to recuse himself if he happens to be enjoying
a so-called "privilege" in the form of a driver license, since
the state that is granting him the pleasantry will be my opposition.
If we get that far, the officer will then have to answer basic questions about the constitution he took an oath to uphold and defend and if he's like most anyone else, he'll fail miserably, necessitating another motion to dismiss (since the court can't possibly accept testimony from a witness that takes oaths with reckless abandon, can it?)
Then the officer will have to answer questions about the nature of the charges at hand, and if it's in Maryland, will have to explain why the citation says the charge is criminal (since the judge will probably have already explained it is not).
If the case involves a speeding ticket, the cop will be challenged to produce an engineering study required by federal law for all posted speed limits, which he won't have.
This sort of thing will go on and on. In short, if I do well, I will prove embarrassing enough for the judge to find an excuse to make me go away, not that one will be hard to find. He'll certainly not be excited about giving me the opportunity to appeal the case over to one of his buddies in a judicial court of record where, unlike traffic court, on-the-record refusals to grant motions can be appealed.
No, it will be far simpler just to say "case dismissed" or "not guilty" and make everything, including me, go away.
Will it go that way? Of course there are no guarantees, except for one. With every police encounter I endure, and every traffic case I fight, I will simply get better and better at it.
The only thing, though, is that I don't want to get any better. I don't want to go through this hassle. It's very stressful, and there are dangers associated with upsetting certain police officers. I have a life to live. I have dreams I want to come true. I have friends and family that I value and that I enjoy spending time with.
So, if you want an update, there it is, complete - perhaps, with a description of events yet to come!
Bear in mind, the legal tactics I describe are hardly sarcastic. The more of government I see, the more convinced I am that the Achilles' heel of a bureaucratic government is bureaucracy itself. The laws government inundates us with are just as burdensome to the governing as they are to the governed.
From IRS agents conducting audits without a proper delegation of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury, to state applications that violate federal privacy act laws, even to the very definition of "dollar" which the state cannot define without exposing a violation of constitutional and federal law, the government has no shortage of deficiencies which can be exploited.
Until the behemoth collapses under its own weight, which any government that doesn't follow its own laws must eventually do, a good tool to keep might just be a good old fashioned shovel. Then whenever some bureaucrat starts complaining about what's buried in your back yard, all you have to do is go digging in his!
-- Neil McIver
www.cjMcIver.org
No
Flat Tax - No Sales Tax - No Compromise
Demand Lawful Taxation Now!!!
When
I first heard about Citizens For An Alternative Tax System (CATS),
I was quite enthusiastic. I sent for their literature and even sent a donation.
This was after I already knew the truth about our tax laws. Briefly,
for those of you who may be novices, it goes like this: no United States
citizen is required by any law to relinquish any of their domestically
accumulated monies to the Federal Government. (United States Code of
Federal Regulations #26 for verification.) I believe there may be taxes
due if you are in the manufacture of alcohol, tobacco, or firearms, but
they are not wage taxes.
Being fully aware now through extensive education of the symbiotic relationship between the existence of the Unconstitutional Federal Reserve System, and the intentional misapplication of the Internal Revenue Code, I was paying close attention to CATS. I wondered who was funding them. We Libertarians know all too well how difficult fundraising is. I am a little suspicious of groups that burst onto the media scene out of nowhere with gusto. I figured that the United States Treasury or the Federal Reserve was nursing this baby along, as several IRS commissioners have lamented the declining rate of "voluntary compliance." The system is breaking down as more citizens learn what the law actually says. "No written law has ever been more binding than unwritten custom supported by popular opinion" - Carrie Chapman Catt. How true and relevant to the "application" of the internal revenue code. The following is quoted from www.informamerica.com (11/02/01):
CATS is a subsidiary of, and directly financed by, the Church Of Scientology (COS). This is the same church whose charismatic director, David Miscavage, sauntered into the IRS' Washington, DC offices a few years ago (so the fable goes) and was granted sudden(!) dispensation - er - declaration of tax-exempt status. This, after a multi-year, no-holds-barred battle for IRS recognition, one that saw deep intelligence operations on both sides, with offices bugged, files stolen, and numerous court actions.
COS members who do not file a 1040 form are now routinely refused permission to climb "the Bridge," which is the ladder of progressively higher COS accreditation. No form, no salvation.
Letters written by members to COS high officials explaining the limited application of the law are flatly and summarily denied. I know, because I've helped draft several of those letters and read the responses. The bottom line: COS - a huge multi Billion dollar international organization, one that spent millions battling the IRS for decades - is now providing major-league private-sector compliance services for the government.
Again, another follow-the-money situation. There is no Constitutional authority for an across-the-board national sales tax. Article I/Sec2/C3, I/Sec9/C4, & I/Sec8/C1 would have to be stricken from the Constitution in the form of a repealing amendment for a new taxing measure to be lawfully instituted. Do you hear "Constitutional Convention" anyone? Due to limited space, I refer initiates for further study and clarification to the actual law and its application: www.Save-A-Patriot.org, www.Lexrex.com, www.Informamerica.com, and www.taxfreedom.com.
I congratulate all of you who have decided to no longer be sheeple, and take the first step to begin to take our republic back by supporting the Libertarian Party of Maryland. We may not be perfect, but we are better.
For Lawful Taxation and Liberty in our Lifetime,
-- Lauren Hill
This is in response to Steven Sass' FairTax article last issue.
Maryland Libertarians, who want to achieve success in the electoral process, should pay more attention to the parameters of practical politics. Following some basic principles, even a small number of committed people, in support of relatively unknown candidates, can achieve some really remarkable success. Third party candidates have been quite successful at times when their positions resonate with the broad public interest, and this message is effectively conveyed to voters.
The obstacles to such success, however, are considerable: e.g., the excessive leverage of entrenched incumbents; lack of voter awareness and accurate candidate information; self-serving slate-making; and economic obstacles to alternative candidates. These conditions are built into the ordinary electoral process - and they clearly favor the major parties that function primarily to win elections and hold governmental power.
Ordinary politics, however, do not necessarily serve the public interest. Major party candidates may not turn out to be the best elected officials, to provide the highest level of fair, responsive, and efficient government.
All non-incumbent candidates, major party or otherwise, can usually only win elections by expanding their basis of support beyond a relatively small group of committed followers. Successful challengers have learned to do this by achieving various endorsements and constituent loyalty from various segments of society. However, many of these endorsements are limited to narrow self-interested purposes, and are not generally available to Libertarian candidates.
In 1997, I sought to resolve these obstacles to voting for the public interest by creating the "Maryland Public Assembly." We started with only a very small group of committed people, almost all of whom were Maryland Libertarians. The Assembly is, however, open to all Maryland citizens, regardless of political party.
Our main purpose is disarmingly simple - to endorse and support public interest candidates for elected offices in the state. In 1998, we established a broad-based platform and successfully endorsed candidates in that year's elections. Surprisingly, no Libertarian candidates presented themselves for our endorsement.
Some of the candidates we endorsed, however, were non-incumbents who later won in close elections. Of course, many other benefits arise from this type of endorsement activity. We became personally acquainted with candidates seeking elective office, and encouraged them to focus on issues of particular concern to us.
Libertarians in Maryland are welcome to join with us now, of course. In this way, you can expand your effective impact in the arena of practical politics. To join, and for further information, contact me at the address below.
-- Lee Havis,
Chairperson
Tel. (301) 589-0733
Email: havis*erols.com
www.wdn.com/trust/mpa
Maryland Public Assembly
912 Thayer Ave. #205
Silver Spring, MD 20910
The basic tenant of libertarian philosophy is an individual's right to do virtually anything, as long as others are not adversely affected by such action. We know the appropriateness of that creed, but many in the public associate Libertarians with various bizarre thoughts and deeds, and I am sure I am not the only one who has been asked if Lyndon LaRouche isn't our leader.
It is therefore incumbent upon us to get our name and position in front of more and more people. You may be aware of the Lights for Liberty program, the $500,000 Milton Friedman award from the Cato Institute, or many other programs designed to spread and acknowledge efforts to promote our ideals. The Executive Board of the Libertarian Party of Maryland would like to encourage you to take every opportunity you can to promote Libertarian ideals in Letters to the Editor, radio call-in shows, discussions with neighbors, friends, relatives, and co-workers.
You do not need to be a master writer or elegant spokesman, or even a technical expert, but we encourage you to speak out whenever and wherever you can, and let people know that you are a Libertarian and value liberty above all else. To this end, we will start reporting where members have had Libertarian ideals published, or raised at a public meeting. Send that information in to the Free? State Libertarian.
One caution, however - be very careful when you report that you are a Libertarian, and feel such and such, that you do not claim to be speaking for the Party, or even a local chapter, unless such organization has endorsed the position you are stating. It is one thing to say that the Libertarian Party recognizes the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution and thinks that there are too many restrictions on law-abiding citizens owning guns, and that you think 16-year-olds should be able to carry a gun, but please be careful, and don't let people think that your views on 16-year-olds are necessarily the views of the entire party, the state party, or any group within the party.
-- MdLP Executive Board
In the News
MdLP Treasurer Joe Miller had a Letter to the Editor published in the Baltimore Sun on November 18 titled, "Letting government decide where growth occurs isn't too smart." Joe said that he prefers Dumb Growth over so-called Smart Growth.
Gerald Schneider had his Letter to the Editor published in the October 24 issue of The Kensington Gazette titled, "Does building really matter?" Gerald rallied against those calling for giving an historical designation to Silver Spring's Canada Dry building; furthermore, he said that the unelected Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission should be abolished.
Steve Sass reports that although he was not able to directly mention anything about Libertarians, he arranged for a five minute news special on Sinclair Broadcasting (Baltimore TV channels 45 and 54), and was interviewed on-air December 12 regarding the FairTax bill in Congress. Additionally, he had hoped to make it onto the Amazing Race CBS reality television show to proudly wear libertarian tee shirts and emblems during the show's 10 week run - but while he was flown to Hollywood as a finalist, and selected from 10,000 applicants down to the last 22, he didn't make it to the final 11.
On December 26, Nick Sarwark appeared on Maryland Public Television's primetime news show, Direct Connection. He is now making monthly appearances on the Metrotalk with Jerry Phillips radio show on 100.3 FM and 980 AM (first Sunday of the month, 7:40 - 8:30 am).
Congratulations to our public advocates. Please send in reports of your successes, too!
The
Libertarian Club of Baltimore performing a cleanup on its section of Charles
Street under the Adopt-A-Highway prog-ram. Shown left to right: Nancy Millionie,
Susan Gaztañaga, Michael Linder, Jenny Millionie, Bill Buzzell (organizer),
and Katie Millionie (Steve Sass behind camera lense).
Thomas Paine was one of my all time favorite people in the saga of man's quest for freedom. While Jefferson is credited for writing the Declaration of Independence, anyone who has read Paine sees his influence all over it. To say that Paine had courage is an understatement. He was willing to go to France to help in the revolution. He ran for office and was elected to the French parliament. He was very outspoken, and ended up being sentenced to death on the guillotine. What saved him was the intervention of several prominent Americans.
Recently, I had a meeting with a chap, and he asked me who was the father of the Declaration of Independence - I said that Paine had a lot to do with the philosophy and wording. He then reached into his pocket and gave me a copy of Paine's poem, It Is My Right To Be Uncommon.
Rarely am I as impressed as I was when I read this poem. It was like someone turned on a light and I could see. It struck me as odd inasmuch as we keep hearing about the "common man." The mythical everyman that represents all us folks. The chap who takes his orders like a soldier. Who unquestionably does what he is told. That citizen who is willing to go to his death if asked to, and not ask why. Like in the poem The Charge Of The Light Brigade: "Theirs not to wonder why, theirs but to do and to die."
Autocrats and tyrants have used many tools to keep the followers in their place. In many societies, only the royalty and/or the elite, high priest, and other worthies are allowed to eat certain foods. Certain clothing and colors were also reserved for the rulers as well as owning weapons. While they didn't have guns, they did have weapon control. Keeping the proles in their place has been going on for a long, long time. Other customs, such as only allowing people to marry or rule unless they were from a certain tribe, helped keep the elite rulers in power.
As societies and cultures have evolved, the crude blatant forms of control went out of style. We no longer have to kneel and tug our forelocks when we meet our superiors. Or even step off the sidewalk or go to the back of the bus. In theory, anyone can eat anything and drink anything they want. We can compete for any job, and gain admission to any college, for example. In theory.
So
how do modern societies develop docile citizens who will tolerate unbelievable
abuses? Like telling them what they can't or can eat and drink? How do
we condition citizens to acquiesce to the government taking more of their
income than they spend on food, clothing, and housing combined? Why would
citizens in a free society allow the IRS to have access to their bank accounts
and financial transactions without rioting? We hear people calling into
talk radio shows saying that the government should not return the overcharged
tax to the citizens. People tolerate second-rate services that are outlandish
in cost. Many government programs cost 20 to 90 percent more than they
would cost if provided by the free market. Lastly, why do parents allow,
and why do young people agree, to be sent to their deaths in places where
no one has harmed one US citizen, and that most people couldn't even find
on the map?
This is hard to do, and requires the most subtle psychology and propaganda. Slavery, at least chattel slavery, is out. Brute force is also frowned upon, except in the poorer neighborhoods. Not because the rulers are more moral, but because they have found it to be ineffective. In order to have citizens trained to be productive in a modern industrial society, they must be trained to run the machinery, computers, and such. They also must be financially needy. They can't be too well off, or they won't work at boring, low pay jobs. If we train the citizens to be compulsive spenders, and have high enough taxes, we can guarantee that they will not be too financially secure. They can't even think about fighting trumped up asset seizure. They just walk away. If both parents have to work, who can attend the PTA meeting and question the rulers of the government schools? People with leisure might start showing up at the council meeting. Not the fixer class, but concerned citizens. People who really do have a civic pride, and who want to live in a safe community that is governed effectively. People who don't have an interest in obtaining special favors for themselves or a client. This would be a burden on the government people.
It would be a different ballgame if the citizen didn't feel that he was a common man, who could not question authority. If the citizens didn't feel inferior to their leaders, then they would cease being as docile as lambs being sent to slaughter. It's no accident that you read very little about Paine. We don't want people thinking that they are special. It's better to have an "awe shucks," Jimmy Stewart character who can't look the beautiful girl in the eye, or ever question the officer who is sending him to the front to certain death. For years, we saw the movies starring old Sam happy being the janitor, and who enjoyed living in a hand-me-down trailer on the outskirts of town without air conditioning. You know, a "common man."
Lies come in many shapes and shades. The polite lie, the white lie, the kindly lie, and dozens of other variations. However, the best lie of all is when the liar and the listeners both believe it. Like the native believers who are told by the medicine man that a special ointment smeared all over their bodies will ward off bullets. Unfortunately, a lot of natives came to an abrupt end from believing this.
Thomas Paine had the courage to believe that he had the right to be uncommon. He had the vision of a Libertarian in believing that it was his heritage to stand erect, proud, and unafraid. To think and act for himself. When I read this poem it gives me that little extra drive to try and tell everyone what being an American and a Libertarian means to me. In my mind, there is no difference in being an American and being a Libertarian. I am absolutely certain that Paine would be a Libertarian if he were alive today.
-- Spear Lancaster
Where
do libertarians stand on protecting the practice of abortion by law? Certainly,
not together. What should the delegates to the 2002 National LP
convention do about this division?
From my perspective, they should, ahem, support my pro-life positions. But that's not the point of this article. First, for some background, let's look at the "Women's Rights and Abortion" (WR&A) plank in the national LP platform (www.lp.org/issues/platform/womerigh.html).
WR&A admits this division where it says, "Recognizing that abortion is a very sensitive issue and that people, including libertarians, can hold good-faith views on both sides..." Despite this recognition, WR&A concludes: "we believe the government should be kept out of the question." WR&A isn't calling for, as many think, government neutrality on abortion or on the status of the preborn. Instead, it's calling for unconditional government protection of the practice of abortion, even if the killing is done at full term and the child has been partially delivered. Why say "we," when abortion choicers themselves are no monolith? Most of their own positions fall short, to one extent or another, of WR&A's.
"We" does fit where WR&A says, "We condemn state-funded and state-mandated abortions. It is particularly harsh to force someone who believes that abortion is murder to pay for another's abortion."
Now, here's the point of my article.
At its Saturday May 9, 1998 meeting, the MdLP Central Committee recognized this division by considering and then voting 17 to 7 for a "Proposed Plank for the Libertarian National Platform." A true neutrality plank, it says:
The Libertarian Party opposes forced abortion and tax-funding of abortion. There is principled disagreement among Libertarians about whether or not abortion is a form of aggression when done with the mother's consent. Therefore, the Libertarian Party takes no position concerning to what extent consensual abortion should be regulated by law and leaves the question to each of its members and candidates for their conscientious consideration.
This plank's "no position" position would leave each of us free to stand where we wish - pro, con, or on the fence. It would take no position on governmental laws and policies - either for or against the practice of abortion. Platform neutrality means that there would be no official LP blessing for, or opposition to, anyone's personal stand on abortion legalization. Note also, for consistency's sake, some smaller changes should be made elsewhere in the platform.
How did this "Proposed Plank" originate? It was produced by an informal Committee to Discuss the Abortion Plank (CDAP) that was established, along with a different committee, at the October 1997 MdLP convention. A call for volunteers was made there and by email to the MdLP list. The sixteen who responded represented a variety of positions on abortion: Steve Boone, Jay Baker, Andrew Chawla, Wayne Dougherty, Tom Fishbeck, Lorenzo Gaztañaga, Susan Gaztañaga, Doris Gordon, Lauren Hill, Ron Kean, Jeff Keller, Neil McIver, Joe Miller, Jim McLaughlin, Mike O'Mara, and Sunday Walker. About six members actively participated on a special list set up by Neil McIver, who also chaired the committee. One member had no email. One face-to-face meeting was also held. The unmoderated discussions (hot and heavy arguments) on CDAP ran from October to May, but the best CDAP could do was agree to disagree, and to urge everyone to work together on issues where they do agree.
But then Ron Kean helped CDAP end on a high note by producing the "Proposed Plank." It gave some of us the hope that we did accomplish something worthwhile.
The 1998 Central Committee also voted to send the proposed plank to the National Committee and the Platform Committee for their consideration. I don't know if it was actually sent (any such records seem to be missing), but I sent PlatCom the proposal. It didn't get considered there; the members had neutrality proposals of their own to offer. One was accepted 11 to 7 by PlatCom, but due to lack of time, it never got considered on the floor.
Looking toward the 2002 convention, the situation hasn't changed since 1998. The proposal made then seems to still be a good idea. Therefore, I would like to suggest that a motion be made at the Spring CC meeting to consider the proposal again, and if accepted, to direct the Executive Board to send a copy in a letter to the Platform Committee in advance of its 2002 meeting. PlatCom will probably be seated two days before the official convention begins.
Another note: the proposed plank was not intended to be adopted as a Maryland plank. The MdLP does not even have a platform.
For further information, or to send me comments, I can be reached at libertarian*erols.com and 301-460-4141. For my own views, please go to www.L4L.org.
-- Doris Gordon
Dave
Margolis reports that the Howard County councilmanic districts have been
redrawn. He will run in District 5 as a Libertarian candidate. He's still
collecting petition signatures to get his name on November's ballot. If
you would like more information, or to volunteer, please email herrdave*hotmail.com.
He thanks you.
During
the golden years of radio, one of the most popular shows was Fibber McGee
and Molly. Toward the end of each episode, the husband would make some
wisecrack about a bad situation. His wife, Molly, would always answer:
"'Taint funny, McGee." Many situations Libertarians see today
could fit that mold, and that is what this column will report.
The U.S. is not alone, here are some bizarre Canadian Laws:
-- Steven Sass
Our
venture into Southern Maryland October 20/21 was very successful!! I'm
not sure how many signatures we wrote on Saturday, but we have 138 raw
signatures that Chip and I wrote on Sunday.
We were, for the most part, well received. Our booth was right across from the St. Mary's Republican Club. Other than giving out balloons, there wasn't a lot of traffic at the GOP booth. The Democrat's booth was down the way, but bore no Democratic label. I later found out that they didn't put the party name on their booth because they feel that we shouldn't differentiate between the parties, because "now we are all Americans." I was informed by one of the Democrats that the terrorist attacks were caused by too much freedom... She thought that the government should keep the citizens in line.
I'd like to thank Charlie Heater, Don Kemple, Steve Boone, and of coarse, Spear Lancaster for helping out on Saturday. I'd also like to give a special thanks to Chip Spangler, who helped on Saturday and rented a room and helped out on Sunday, too!! Way to go, CHIP!!
We're looking forward to returning next year. Spear will be in full campaign mode, and we won't have to gather signatures!
Thanks again,
-- Mike Dobak
First, thanks to all who helped out at the booth October 6, including the unplanned "volunteering" (ok, I kind of put her up to it...) of my wife.
I think it went great, and I have to admit that there is a lot I need to learn about how to get petitions signed. Pay attention to Spear if you ever get the pleasure of gathering signatures with him, he is wonderful and he'll make a great Governor!
In addition to the many signatures, I also received many inquiries from registered LIBS in the county as to how they can help get the Frederick County LP rolling. I also had the chance to meet the Chairman of the LP in the county in Texas where Austin is located.
-- Mike Barnes
Happy New Year! Thanks to all of this issue's contributors. If you expected to see articles commenting on the terrorist attacks and the US response, militarily and in light of civil rights concerns, so did I! There were no such submissions. But these are primarily national issues, not directly Maryland related - so I don't mind leaving those matters to the national libertarian media.
There has been some discussion (confusion?) about nonpaid subscribers receiving copies of the Free? State Libertarian. In general, we include a sampling of National-only LP members, and non MdLP voters in the state who are registered libertarian in the distribution mailing list. This is to familiarize these libertarians with the MdLP - some have never heard of us. We hope to stir up interest in these folks, get them to become active in our state, and maybe even to join the MdLP itself. So check your mailing label; if it says, "Join the MD Libertarian Party," then you're not a current member! We welcome you. Also, for those of you who think you are current members, please verify your expiration date on the label as well.
Please remember to take photos (and send them in) of your Tax Day protest endeavors - and write up your experiences for the newsletter, too. Also keep me advised of your activities pertinent to the new In the News feature. And regularly check the online calendar of events (and tell us when something should be added or changed).
See you at the winter Central Committee meeting,
-- Robert Glaser
"...
The World Trade Center should, because of its importance, become a living
representation of man's belief in humanity, his need for individual dignity,
his belief in the cooperation of men and, through this cooperation, his
ability to find greatness."
-- Minoru Yamasaki (1912-1986)
World Trade Center architect
This
year has been a bang up year for the Montgomery County LP! We covered at
least seventeen outreach events in Montgomery County as well as sponsoring
the Fourth of July Hemp Festival at the Mall in DC. We started out
in April at the Silver Spring Post Office on tax day, followed by the Takoma
Park Jazz Festival and the Silver Spring International Festival
later in the Spring. Summertime included the Hemp Festival, and the Agriculture
Fair in Gaithersburg - nine days long! The fall was exceptionally busy
with the Labor Day Parade in Gaithersburg, the Takoma Park Folk Festival,
and back-to-back on the same weekend, the Oktoberfest in Germantown
and Gaithersburg's Old Towne Day. We ended up our outreach by covering
the Silverado Gun Show in Gaithers-burg in October by having a petitioner
at the Montgomery Citizens for a Safer Maryland table.
As usual, we ended up the year with our holiday party with LP'ers from around Maryland! We had fun despite the rain. The MdLP got part of the take of the auction.
I thank all the volunteers who made these events possible, particularly the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, where volunteers from all over the state are necessary to staff the booth for a nine-day period! Many hands make light work. Having a candidate such as Spear Lancaster for governor has rallied the troops! Besides, what could be more important than supporting your freedom?
Since the September 11th attacks, more people have opened up towards the LP and are more willing to sign our petitions.
Our main priorities through 2002 will be signatures for Spear, registering Libertarians, and activating members. We will continue with our LDDS's on the second Wednesday of the month.
-- Glenn Howard
$100 Full Page
$60 1/2 Page
$35 1/4 Page
$20 Business Card
Make checks payable to the Maryland Libertarian Party, and send along with copy to:
PO Box 321, Owings Mills, MD 21117.
Note: consult www.MD.LP.org/events for up-to-date info. Contact numbers for persons listed on page 3 are omitted here. Regularly scheduled events are listed separately on the back page. Please mark your calendars now!
January 27 (Sunday): MdLP Central Committee meeting. Page 2
February 6 (Wednesday): Lecture by Gregory Kane of the Baltimore Sun at Western Maryland College. Info: www.LibertyWeek.org, 410-751-8396
March 25-29 (Monday-Friday): Liberty Week at Western Maryland College. Lectures, debates, and a pro-liberty concert on Friday. Info: www.LibertyWeek.org, 410-751-8396
April 15 (Monday): Tax Day protests. Check website and with county coordinator
April 27 or 28 (Saturday or Sunday): Tentative MdLP Spring Convention
Stay up-to-date on MdLP activities with our online calendar-of-events: visit www.MD.LP.org/events (often!). Check page 3 for contact numbers not listed here.
Gallery Gang: Mondays through April 8 to lobby legislators. Meet on the State House steps at Lawyer's Mall in Annapolis at 7:45 pm. Steve Boone, GoobGrover*aol.com
LDDS (Libertarian Drinking and Debating Society): Baltimore City. Suspended until further notice. Earle Pearce, 410-327-1776
LDDS (Montgomery Co.): 2nd Wednesday, 7:00 pm at Bennigan's, Rockville Pike in Federal Plaza near Twinbrook Pkwy. (behind Texaco gas station). Glenn Howard
LDDS (PG County): 4th Tuesday, 6:30 pm at the 94th Aero Squadron, 5240 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park. Tony Spezio
LDDS (Timonium): 3rd Friday, 7:00 pm in AMF Bowling Alley lounge, opposite Fairgrounds. Nancy Millionie
Anne Arundel County Lib's: 2nd Wednesday, 7:00 pm at Mike's Crab House on 3030 Old Riva Road, Riva. Michael Dobak
Carroll/Howard County Lib's: last Sunday, 5:00 pm at Nathan Henry's Restaurant (in the upstairs lounge) at 6228 Sykesville Road (MD Route 32), Eldersburg. Kevin Wolf.
Cecil County Lib's: 4th Wednesday, 7:00 pm at the Cecil County Public Library, Newark Road in Elkton. Valerie McGlothlin
Harford County Lib's: 4th Monday, 7:30 pm at Harford Community College, 209 Edgewood Hall. Roy J. Meyers III
Metro Talk: 1st Sunday, 7:40 - 8:30 am. Nick Sarwark on the radio, stations WBIG 100.3 FM and WTEM 980 AM.
Northwest Corridor Libertarians: 4th Monday, 7:00 pm at the Dragon House Restaurant, Garrison Forest shopping center, Reisterstown Rd., Owings Mills. Nancy Millionie
LDDS (Essex): Poplar Inn, Merritt Blvd. and Wise Ave. Check with Nancy Millionie for dates and time.
Editor's
Corner 