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Free? State Libertarian ISSN 1076-3155
Volume 22 Issue 2

The Free? State Libertarian is published quarterly by the Libertarian Party of Maryland. All material is copyrighted 2000 and may be reproduced, provided credit is given as follows: "Reprinted from the Free? State Libertarian."

Email: LPMD.Newsletter*ICengineering.com (preferably)
Mail: LPMD Newsletter, PO Box 321, Owings Mills, MD 21117
Fax: 801-640-0953

Newsletter submissions are solicited.

Editor: Robert E. Glaser


The Libertarian Party of Maryland

P.O. Box 2343, Annapolis, MD 21404-2343
1-800-MLP-1776
BBS: 301-656-4714
National LP HQ: 202-333-0008
List Serves: MDLP-Announce-subscribe*eGroups.com
Discussion MDLP-subscribe*eGroups.com

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.


Table of Contents

State Executive Board Officers

County Affiliates

Joe Pomykala Runs for Congress

MdLP Central Committee Meeting

National LP 2000 Convention

Senate Bill 509

"Upper Air Disturbances" in the National LP ... should Maryland Worry?

Maryland Liberty Think Tank Proposed

Thoughts on the Elian Gonzalez Situation

Another Chance For Outreach

Chair's Report

Joke

Editor's Corner

Patterson High School Field Trip

From a Fellow Libertarian in Louisiana

Joke

The Trial of Kevin Sweeney

Bummer! Gas Prices We've Never Seen in these Parts

From the Trenches ... County Chapter Notes

Armed Informed Mothers March

Advertising Rates

Coming Events

Regularly Scheduled Libertarian Gatherings


State Executive Board Officers

Chair: Steve Boone 410-789-4249 LPChairMD*aol.com

Vice Chair: Spear Lancaster 410-923-3331 Maimon*aol.com

Secretary: Stuart Simms 301-681-4455 SWSimms*aol.com

Treasurer: Joe Miller 410-789-3899 hatsIwear*aol.com

Procedures/Youth: Michael Audi 410-727-2252 M.Audi*juno.com

Membership: Wayne Dougherty 301-834-6179 WDarty*aol.com

Road Show Outreach: Bill Galvin 301-990-0015

The executive board meets monthly. All meetings are open. Contact Steve Boone for date and location.


County Affiliates

Anne Arundel County: Spear Lancaster 410-923-3331 Maimon*aol.com

Baltimore City: Susan Gaztañaga 410-325-2813 DiazVivar*aol.com

Baltimore County: Nancy Millionie 410-833-8991 LibertyGrl*aol.com

Frederick County: Wayne Dougherty 301-834-6179 WDarty*aol.com

Harford County: Derek Mancinho 410-836-3104 Mancinho*aol.com

Howard County: Kevin & Deborah Wolf 410-750-8531 Wolf8495*aol.com

Prince Georges County Shay Jones 301-864-7838 theDen*mindspring.com

Montgomery County: Glenn Howard 301-585-1793 Glenn*tidalwave.net

Washington County: Kurt Sabert Freedom1*innernet.net


Joe Pomykala Runs for Congress

Joe PomykalaYour editor recently met with Joe Pomykala. Joe is 38 years old, married, the father of two, and a Professor of Economics at Towson University. Hopefully, this will let you get to know him a bit as well.

Free? State Libertarian: I understand that you are running against Ben Cardin in the third congressional district for the House of Representatives. Why did you pick this race?

Joe Pomykala: I always vote Libertarian, and the Maryland LP did not have a candidate running in the third Congressional district where I live. The incumbent, Ben Cardin, is a tax-and-spend Democrat who has helped grow big government, raise taxes, and take away the freedom of individuals all. I want to turn back the clock on big government, and the motherload is on the federal level in Washington DC.

FSL: When you speak to voters in the district, what issues do you mention?

JP: Mainly, I ask if they would rather spend their income, or have government spend it for them. I ask if they feel government programs do more harm than good, and make them aware of the third alternative of the Libertarian Party.

FSL: On which issues do you find the electorate sympathetic?

JP: The electorate has moved towards a more free market stance, in principle, during the last decade, and away from government control. Libertarians represent this much more conscientiously than either the Democrats or Republicans, who just mind it lip service while proposing programs to the opposite. Small business owners and entrepreneurs directly exposed to government regulation are most sympathetic.

FSL: On which issues does the electorate remain unconvinced?

JP: Well, the economy is amidst one of the longest expansions on record. Some are happy with the status quo, and do not realize that the economic growth rate would have been a third higher if it was not for the government drag and its inefficient consumption of resources better left in the private sector. Views on specifics vary. Some of the electorate still support restrictions on guns, mistakenly thinking that that placebo will bring down crime; others would like to ban tobacco. Many support general ideas on free trade, but when it gets down to specifics, they support the opposite to protect certain industries from "unfair" competition; or taxes on what they personally think is bad, and subsidies for what they think is good. In general they adhere to the Libertarian perspective, but fail to apply those beliefs to specific issues. Those who are dependent on government, working or otherwise subsidized, are the least sympathetic.

FSL: How long have you been libertarian? Libertarian?

JP: A better question would be: How many times have I been a Libertarian? Since we had to gather signatures to reregister the party in Maryland after every election cycle, and the state repeatedly revoked my registration, against my wishes, to maintain the Democrat and Republican monopoly. I first registered Libertarian in the mid 1980's, so I suppose that my answer is about a decade and a half. This was after I lived in Alaska and traveled throughout Eastern Europe. People living in the woods in Alaska were irate about paying ever-rising taxes to Washington, and getting nothing in return except encroachments on their liberty and strong sense of individualism. I was first exposed to the LP in Alaska.

FSL: You mentioned traveling through Eastern Europe. What political impressions did you take from that experience?

JP: Seeing the dangers of big government were never so apparent as behind the now defunct Iron Curtain, where I met people put into jails for owning books; where the majority of the population lived in government projects, not unlike our own public housing; where everyone worked for the government, with extensive graft and corruption at all levels; and where once vibrant urban centers were turned into ghost towns by the illegality of owning a business. The government running, or more properly, destroying their economies, resulted in a low standard of living. I have been a strong free market advocate since, but my training in economics helped me understand the mechanics of why less government was for the greater good.

FSL: What is your training in economics?

JP: a BA from the University of Maryland, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in economics.

FSL: Do you have any past activities with the LP? Can you reassure us that you are not just using the MdLP's ballot status to your own ends?

JP: I have never registered for any political party except Libertarian. I was the MdLP's electoral college candidate in the 1996 presidential campaign. I have no personal ends in running for Congress, except to curtail the power of Congress. We should have as many candidates as possible running for office to get the word out. This makes more people cognizant of the Libertarian Party. The real goal is boosting party registration, achieving permanent ballot access, and having the electorate view the LP as a viable alternative. The only way to do this is by running candidates.

FSL: What do your students think about libertarianism?

JP: The younger students are more free market oriented than students ten years ago, or the typical academic working for a government subsidized school. Students are learning about and are exposed to -- as they should be -- diverse points of view, whether Libertarian, Socialist, Marxist, or otherwise, and make up their own minds on their personal political beliefs. The common sense in Libertarianism -- supporting economic freedom and individual rights -- naturally appeals over the dogma and rhetoric of many other seemingly convincing arguments popular in prior days gone bye.

FSL: Do you have any examples?

JP: When gas prices skyrocketed in the 70's, we got price controls and rationing, which made things worse, yet with the same situation today, few would support such intervention, while others call for lowering the federal excise tax on gas. Attitudes have changed.

FSL: What does the faculty think about libertarianism?

JP: Faculty are generally open minded, some more Libertarian than others. A few in the minority still cling to the belief that the "experts" and government should best make decisions for the people, rather than let people control their own lives. There are many excellent educators and specialists in certain areas of study at Towson. The logic of allowing individuals to seek to better their lives and others' with free markets, unfettered by government interference, albeit to protect property rights, is as plain as day for some, especially those trained in economics where it boils down to a simple mathematical proof. Government planning and restrictions make sense to other "experts," who honestly believe such is the best way to solve certain problems in society; but in balance, most faculty are open minded to all views, and respect the beliefs of others even when they disagree.

FSL: Do you think that your views and candidate status put your job in peril?

JP: I hope not. I do not use the university in any way to mount a campaign. My decision to run is my personal one, outside and wholly separate from the university. My service there is solely to educate and conduct research. I trust that my knowledge of economic theory is more important than my political beliefs, and that my educated colleagues are objective enough to evaluate me on the former, rather than the latter, as I do them in their respective fields.

FSL: What will you be doing to raise awareness of your candidacy?

JP: Contacting organized groups which share similar beliefs with Libertarians, but focus on specific issues. Gaining their support on common ground may help disseminate awareness about the campaign to their members. Media coverage will help bring free advertising, as we do not have millions of dollars to buy advertising, office space, and campaign workers, as does the incumbent. It will be a grass roots campaign.

FSL: How can we help?

JP: First, we need help finishing up the signature drive from registered voters in the third district. Petition forms are available from myself and Steve Boone. We need someone to serve as campaign Treasurer. General help will be needed in campaigning as the election draws close -- manning booths, etc. at certain public events which I hope to combine with a voter registration drive boosting LP party affiliation. Campaign leaflets will need to be distributed, and while still a ways off, it will be important to gather volunteers to man and woman polling places. The only way to get the vote is to get the word out.

FSL: And, of course, I assume that you need the green stuff, too?

JP: Since we are morally against any public support of campaigns, and never would accept such, all campaign monies will be gathered from voluntary contributions. Any contribution, however small, will help. As soon as we have a treasurer for the campaign, please send contributions to Joe Pomykala for Congress, c/o Treasurer's name, Treasurer, Treasurer's address. Check the MdLP website for information as it becomes available. Buying one more posters may be enough for a few more votes. If you know someone living in the third district, spread the word.

FSL: Thank you, and good luck, Joe!

The most pressing requirement is the collection of 3800 petition signatures to get Joe on the ballot. If you can, help out!


Attention!


MdLP Central Committee Meeting

Date/Time:

Location:

Cost:

Tentative Agenda:

Map, Golden Bull
In order to vote as a Central Committee member, your MdLP dues must be current, and you must be registered in the state as Libertarian. If you have not renewed recently, you can renew at the meeting. If you are not registered Libertarian, you can submit a registration form at the meeting. All are invited to join the Central Committee.

Delegates to the national convention must be able to travel to Anaheim, California to serve at the convention from June 30 through July 3, 2000, or at least that weekend. We're working on trying to get a travel package together that will include hotel and airfare for the event. There are 28 slots available for full voting delegates from Maryland. Others may serve as alternates, and it is possible that these alternates may serve as full voting delegates from other states, as happened in 1998.

According to the By-laws, Convention Delegates are not "bound" to vote for anyone, and may vote for whom they will. It will not be a case of Gorman v. Browne v. Hines v. Hollist v. Smith v. whoever else declares an intention to run.

If you're interested in going to the National Convention, please let me know, and I will add your name to the list. We would ideally like to fill the entire 28 slots and even schlep along a few alternates.

Presidential Elector: If lightning should strike, and the LP nominee for president carries Maryland, the electoral votes for this state will be cast by the slate we nominate as Electors. There are 10 slots available.

-- Steve Boone


National LP 2000 Convention

Want to help make history? This summer you can -- as a delegate at the 2000 Libertarian National Convention. Along with more than a thousand other enthusiastic Libertarians, you can help select the party's presidential ticket for the crucial 2000 election, vote on changes to the party's platform, and choose the officers who will lead the LP for the next two years.

"A national convention isn't just the most important Libertarian event of the year, it's also the most exciting," said outgoing LP national chairman, David Bergland. "The decisions you make as a delegate will not only influence the course of the party for the next two years, but could also change the direction of American history."

Scheduled speakers include: Indian rights activist Russell Means; Mike McNulty, producer of Waco: A New Revelation; John Berthoud, president of the National Taxpayers Union; Marshall Fritz, founder of the Advocates for Self-Government; Neal Boortz, radio talk show host; Mike Tanner, from the Cato Institute; and more.

The 2000 Libertarian National Convention -- with the theme, "America's Future: Liberty, Responsibility & Community" -- will be held at the Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, California from June 29 to July 3. Packed into the five-day convention will be a whirlwind of political, educational, social, and entertainment events. On the political side, delegates will select the party's 2000 presidential and vice presidential candidates -- handing the winners a coveted role in party history and a spot on all 50 state ballots.

Delegates will also vote on possible changes to the LP's platform; and will also elect a new party chair, vice chair, and members of the 18-person Libertarian National Committee.

The convention will kick off with a welcoming party on Thursday night (June 29), and the first business session will be called to order on Friday morning (June 30), followed by the Keynote Address and platform debate. Saturday (July 1) will include the Bylaws Committee report and more platform debate, as well as the Presidential Candidates Debate. Sunday (July 2) will feature presidential nominating speeches, the selection of the presidential and VP candidates, election of LP officers, and the Gala Presidential Banquet & Celebration. On Monday (July 3), delegates will elect LNC Members, pass any resolutions, and wrap up the convention.

Packages: the Gold Package ($369), which includes Gala Banquet, Thursday reception, two luncheons with guest speakers, entertainment events, all workshops, and a Main Hall speaker Floor Pass; the Silver Package ($279, no luncheons); the Bronze Package ($159, no luncheons or Banquet), and the Delegate Package ($59, Floor Pass for Main Hall speakers only).

To register, call the Balcom Group at 800-272-1776, or e-mail: LPNATCONV*aol.com. You can also register online at www.LP.org, where more information can be found as well as in the LP News.


Senate Bill 509

Michael Weir QuoteMankind has been able to create just about anything the human mind could conceive, except land. Mother Nature retains that ability through volcanic eruptions. Lava floes become developable, nutrient rich land. Property ownership has historically been equated with wealth. Location-location-location notwithstanding. Most wages of war have been levied against those whose land was rich in natural resources, or to gain better access for strategic military bases in order to more efficiently capture more land. The framers of the Constitution of the United States understood the relationship between property ownership, liberty, and freedom. Unencumbered property ownership was established by law to secure liberty and freedom for the citizens of our sovereign nation.

More than 300 personal homes and independently owned businesses have experienced a declaration of war via the powers granted by Senate Bill 509. For no reason other than sharing as their "back yard" a valuable body of water.

ART 111 Sec 40A, 40B, 40C of the Maryland State Constitution defines the authorization for the taking of private property for public use. At no time are the phrases "public benefit" or "public interest" used. Any property taken must be available for anyone to use at any time.

ART 44 of the Declaration of Rights: "That the provisions of the Constitution of the United States, and of this State, apply, as well in time of war, as in time of peace; and any departure therefrom, or violation thereof, under the plea of necessity, or any other plea, is subversive of good Government, and tends to anarchy and despotism." (emphasis mine).

Senate Bill 509, passed by Senate and Congress, with its wording, allows Baltimore County Executive Dutch Ruppersberger to determine any property in Baltimore County in need of development or redevelopment. The properties listed in SB509 are many waterfront homes, new and in excellent condition. They just happen to be in the way. People have established viable businesses in the designated "renewal" areas. The plans include single family homes. How does Mr. Ruppersberger plan to make single family homes a "public use" as the eminent domain clauses require? This "legislation" defines the term "legislative plunder." This "law" is unconstitutional for this and many other reasons. Next January could find your address listed for condemnation. Should SB509 not be defeated, an immoral precedent will be set, and all county executives will be aggressively courted by developers to obtain land for them. The affected persons, with the help and leadership of Delegate Diane DiCarlo, are collecting 30,000 signatures of registered voters of Baltimore County to put this reprehensible act to a public vote this November. They have accepted the help of the Libertarian Party of Maryland, and made plans to be at our booth for the Towsontowne Festival just past. Please take whatever opportunity you have to sign the petition, and thank her and her constituents for standing up to tyranny. If you would like to help, please call me at 410-343-2049. To obtain a copy of the Maryland State Constitution, call 410-841-3000. It's paid for. Request a copy of Baltimore County Neighborhood Renewal Authority SB509.

ART 6 Declaration of Rights: "That all persons invested with the Legislative or Executive powers of Government are the Trustees of the Public, and, as such, accountable for their conduct: Wherefore, whenever the ends of Government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the People may, and of right ought, to reform the old, or establish a new Government; the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind."

Restore Lawful Government -- Elect Libertarians!

-- Lauren Hill

The UN and the U.S. Postal Service


"Upper Air Disturbances" in the National LP

... should Maryland worry?

I don't need to call a friend, use a 50/50, or poll the audience for the answer to this question. Final answer: No.

What's going on at the national level, despite the hype, is not going to mean The End Of Civilization As We Know It, or even the end of the Libertarian Party itself.

Many of you have read the emails posted with charges and counter-charges by national Libertarian leaders, particularly, Jacob Hornberger of the Future of Freedom Foundation v. David Bergland, National Chair; Harry Browne, presidential candidate and 1996 nominee; and various other past and present functionaries of the National LP office.

Jacob posted three separate articles, which have been forwarded to our MdLP list by various people. Those articles are: The LP Needs a Divorce (a three-parter), Truth Rattles the Wrongdoers: A Response to Harry Browne and David Bergland (a two-parter), and Harry Browne and the Great FEC Caper (a three-parter). You've probably already seen the replies to the first barrage.

These articles are very hard-hitting, and deliver a concise telling of allegations that have floated around for a number of years. Some have far stronger legs than others, but there seems to be a pattern.

I personally debated David Bergland, Bill Winter, and Ron Crickenberger at the same time on the issue of not having the National office and the presidential campaign run out of the same office, and with some of the same key people. I didn't convince them -- they didn't convince me.

In the past two or three state administrations, including mine, there have been some arms-length relations between National and the state party. That is not to say, under any circumstances, that we can't or don't or won't work with each other. We absolutely do what we can, but the state party's work is, by its very nature, more concerned with what's going on in Maryland than on a national level, and that's the primary reason I believe the National flap will not affect us.

The major difference between Maryland and National's viewpoints stem from the proper functions of the Party. The National strategy is more=more=more. That is, more members = more money = more visibility = more members, etc., ad nauseam. It hasn't worked yet. Somewhere in that equation, there becomes a "mass epiphany," and MILLIONS of voters clamor for the relief of the Libertarian Party, thus sweeping all our slates into office. Right. And, where are the "worker bees" that need to translate ideas into action?

I, and many others of the "loyal opposition" prefer the local organizing method: you start at the bottom and work up. After all, all politics is local. Both Pennsylvania and Indiana have sterling records to support that.

You run local candidates. The local candidates speak to the voter at the local level. The local voter may be so impressed that he decides to change party affiliation to further support the candidate. As you run campaigns, you get volunteers to help. They get involved, and in a majority of cases, they stay involved -- and may even run for you next time.

Does it really happen? Yes. In Lorenzo's race for Baltimore City Council last year, the number of registered Libertarians in Baltimore City more than doubled from before the campaign to the end of the year. Another 50 or so got on board. And, one of the volunteers is planning on running for the legislature in 2002. What's going to happen statewide when we run someone for the gubernatorial race, or even in the Third when we run someone for Congress this year?

Some of that has expressed itself on a state level by our repeated refusal to join LUMP, the Libertarian Unified Membership Program, which has all dues go directly to National, and they dole out a certain amount of such dues per month to come to the state. We believe that the state party needs to develop the infrastructure ourselves, and not rely on a national group to handle it for us.

That has also manifested itself in the fact that Maryland unanimously voted for the opposition candidate, Gene Cisewski, in the last National Chair's race, and supplied numerous delegates to other states to vote for him as well. (All legal under the National Convention rules, by the way...)

Bottom line: the "star wars" going on at the top won't affect us in Maryland one whit. We will still do the same things we have been planning, no matter who is National Chair, no matter who gets elected as President of the United States. In fact, depending on the outcome of either election, we might get encouraged to double, or redouble our efforts!

I strongly encourage you to keep focused on the local level. We have a state party to build. If you can volunteer in any way, please feel free to step forward. Phoning, staffing outreach booths, volunteering for voter registration, even offering yourself as a candidate in 2002 can be a tremendous help to build our group.

I make no secret that I will not vote for anyone for any office who is currently on the LNC, and I will lobby my state's delegation to Anaheim to do the same. Maybe we can send the message that business as usual is not acceptable, and that's the bottom line of this whole row.

-- Steve Boone


Maryland Liberty Think Tank Proposed

As a result of discussions with several people over the past few weeks, especially in regards to developing issues and white papers for our potential candidates, a common theme emerged.

"You know, we've been talking about setting up a think tank here in Maryland for local issues for a long time. Why don't we do something about it now?"

OK, I'll bite. Why not?

Perhaps that's something that we might like to shoot around the bar following the Central Committee meeting on May 13th? For those interested, please contact me and list your particular area(s) of expertise/interest, and we'll start putting the team together.

Particularly needed: Budget analysts: The Maryland state budget... and what kind of budget would/could a Libertarian propose that would scale back dependency on taxes?

-- Steve Boone


Thoughts on the Elian Gonzalez Situation

Everybody has an opinion on the Gonzalez story, and accordingly there has been an abundance of emails flying on the MdLP list server. It's fair to say that among active MdLP members, Lorenzo can present a perspective that most of us would be unable to do; so the FSL requested an opinion piece from him. (written 4/27)

LorenzoThe Elian Gonzalez question requires some uncomfortable thinking for people on both sides of the issue. First of all, I strongly suspect that if the embargo on Cuba were not in place, the situation might not have occurred in the first place. I say this only with a measured degree of certainty -- say, over 50 percent. Unfortunately, the embargo remains a reality, and thus we are where we are in this situation.

Let's not forget that Elian's mother lost her life in her effort to escape Cuba to give Elian, as well as herself, a chance to live in a society which is free in comparison with what they were leaving behind. I was 12 and my brother 11 when my mother and grandmother brought us to the United States from Cuba. Our father remained behind, and is still there to this day. We didn't have to risk drowning on homemade rafts -- we just got on a plane. However, if by chance my mother had died after we arrived on American soil, and if my father, like Juan Miguel Gonzalez, had sought to have me returned to Cuba and placed in his custody, I would have fought hard to remain here -- and not because I don't love my father. I would have fought to remain in the United States to honor my mother's wishes and because I understood, even at that young age, why we left. Naturally, a twelve year old has a higher level of awareness and understanding than a six year old, but let us not underestimate the capacity of a young child like Elian to understand the fundamentals of what is going on around him, especially after going through what he went through.

No doubt his father would want to be accessible to his son at the very least, even if he could not be with him all the time. Without the embargo, that would not be a problem, and we would not be facing this dilemma. The part that needs to be questioned is whether or not Elian's father is freely speaking his mind when he says he wants to bring his son back to Cuba. Consider the evidence that:

This boy suffered an enormous trauma being shipwrecked and losing his mother. He was rescued by the fisherman Donato and warmly embraced by his loving Miami relatives. The raid on Holy Saturday with an automatic rifle aimed at his head and at the head of the man who saved his life was a second trauma to this young man. The first trauma of being shipwrecked was unintended, since his mother and her companions obviously did not plan to be lost at sea, but rather hoped to make it safely to US shores. The second trauma was coldly and deliberately planned.

Attorney General Janet Reno first laid out what the law was: this was a custody case to be played out in the courts of the State of Florida. I am certain that the same help would have been extended to Mr. Gonzalez to come here and plead for custody in court as he is now receiving from the National Council of Churches, the United Methodist Church, and a lawyer on retainer with the agribusiness giant Archer, Daniels, Midland (ADM). Suddenly, instead of allowing the family to go through the normal judicial process (including all legitimate appeals), the Attorney General takes the position that the boy has to go back to Cuba, apparently at all costs.

How can we explain this change in policy? Contrary to what most media would let people know, evidence is mounting that deals have been cut between Bill Clinton and Fidel Castro. For example:

This explains the sudden turnabout at the Department of Justice from an initial lawful decision, to the launching of a Gestapo-like raid which snatched an already traumatized boy at gunpoint from a loving environment in which he had been recovering -- an environment in which, unlike the palatial Wye Plantation where he is now sequestered, he was accessible to the media, and we could all see for ourselves how he was doing.

What an irony! Those who advocated his return to his father, even at the expense of being deported, made much of the fact that Elian was being showered with gifts and toys -- ostensibly to "brainwash" him into wanting to stay here. Now he's in a fancy mansion, probably surrounded by even more toys, in accommodations more luxurious than anything his great uncle Lazaro could provide! Neither the media nor his Miami relatives have access to him, but, according to the government paid psychologist, "he's fine now."

It is also ironic that it is only in this country that a child custody case can be heard fairly, and a decision in favor of parental rights upheld. As the Cuban charge d'affaires in Washington openly declared, in Cuba all citizens, especially children, are the property of the state.

I could go on some more, but if this were simply a matter of a son reuniting with his father, there's no question -- of course he should be. However, there are too many facts surrounding this case, not the least being the self-serving conniving of our elite rulers. If any of you who read this wish to question me, congratulate me, or berate me for my position, you know where I live; you can get ahold of me.

In liberty,

-- Lorenzo Gaztañaga


Another Chance For Outreach:

Putting Our Money [and talents] To Work

Mission of LoveFolks, I really enjoy going to Annapolis for the Gallery Gang. Occasionally, you get the chance to meet some of the nicest people. As you all know, we Libertarians subscribe to the idea of voluntary private contributions, as opposed to enforced government taxation as a means to help those in need.

In the Baltimore area, some of our members donate to SHARE, the food program, where needy families receive free a $30 value basket of food from a co-op for every $15.00 donated to the program. We can thank Bill Buzzell for hooking us up with this project, and I thank those of you who have contributed.

There is such an opportunity in Prince George's County which I will commend to your attention as well, and it seems tailor-made for Libertarians. It is The Mission of Love, Inc., in Capitol Heights.

The Mission of Love was founded in 1990 by Douglas E. Edwards, along with a group of concerned citizens. The group recognized that budget constraints of local, county, and state government had resulted in a steady erosion of essential services to an increasingly vulnerable population, thus underscoring the need for such an organization as The Mission of Love.

The Mission provides services to homeless families and at-risk women and children, such as:

They're non-profit, tax exempt, and survive on donations from the private sector as well as various foundations, and contributions of food, clothing, and furniture, and special fundraising events. Their services are provided by the voluntary services of counselors, mental health experts, educators, and others.

Just before Christmas, they received an emergency block grant of $10,000 from the County, but, it was nowhere near enough to help them with their operating needs, expected to be around $107,000 from early December until June 30th. Some help from the United Way did not come through as expected, and other grants have been very slow in coming. On February 4, 2000, they were forced to suspend their warehouse operations temporarily. They were in Annapolis to ask their Senator to assist them in finding other sources of funding, such as grants, loans, etc, to continue to service their clientele.

This is an opportunity to assist a group which truly does support personal responsibility, voluntary assistance to those in need, and providing support services for those who really need them. Thanks to Wendy Jones for stepping forward and introducing them to us and vice versa.

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." You remember that old proverb, right?

I'm asking two things:

  1. If you feel so moved, please send them a check. If you have time, furniture, clothing, or household effects to donate, give them a call. Tell them you heard about them in the Free? State Libertarian. I will be sending a check in the next week or so.
  2. If it's possible to put together a fundraiser to help them, I'd like to ask for volunteers to make it happen. I ask those who would be interested in such a project to contact me ASAP, and we'll try to arrange something to help them.

Thanks very much in advance!

-- Steve Boone


Chair's Report

Steve BooneWell, it's spring again! A time for trees, flowers, warmer temperatures, etc. It's also the beginning of fair and festival season. A time for the Libertarian Party of Maryland to continue its outreach program, educating the public about who we are and what we're all about. We're going to have company this year, from what I hear.

The Natural Law Party turned in sigs a while back, yet fell a little short. They're in their wrap-up stage. The Constitution Party, the Maryland affiliate of the US Taxpayers Party, recently turned in 16,000 signatures, probably more than enough to get them on the ballot as well. We can also expect that the Reform Party will qualify Pat Buchanan for the ballot in November, although their drive is still in progress.

What's all this mean to us? It means we must continue to clearly distinguish ourselves from both the Duopoly and also our fellow minor parties, and keep the message positive. How?

By offering our Program, as defined by the Central Committee in May 1998, as a standard piece of literature at our outreach tables. Lorenzo Gaztañaga reported that, by using the various planks of the program, he resonated with most of the voters whom he contacted.

By offering a clear comparison and contrast of our ideas and the Duopoly's on Maryland issues; by highlighting issues from the 1999 and 2000 General Assembly sessions -- why the Legislature was wrong, and what we would have done differently.

By becoming far more media savvy and outspoken when given the opportunity -- and, yes, that means getting and developing people for an ongoing media program, something we've never seemed to be able to do.

Most importantly, we can do so by getting involved in coalitions that are working on issues where Libertarian principles are a core part: the best example is the drive to overturn Senate Bill 509, passed in 2000, which allows vaguely worded excuses for Baltimore County to condemn property on eminent domain grounds and give it to developers for redevelopment. We become involved, making no secret that we're Libertarians, we show that we're committed partners, and we get invaluable exposure to people who really count -- the voters.

We're developing a Libertarian "think tank" on Maryland issues. This group will be very helpful when it comes to presenting the libertarian position during legislative testimony, for issues forums, and other events. It will also provide some background for our candidates coming in 2002. In the two years between now and the general elections, we can pave the way for Libertarian candidates to have fighting chances to win, not just garner a few percentage points.

It's a challenge we must meet! We're a political party, and we've begun to act like one. We got ourselves on the ballot first, and we can do this, too!

We may need to search elsewhere for a gubernatorial candidate as well. Our hands-down favorite may not be able to take the financial hit that the campaign would likely impose on him and his family. He has asked that we suspend thoughts of the campaign until late summer to let him see whether conditions look any better for the race. If not, we're going to need to look.

Joe Pomykala has offered himself for the Third Congressional District race this year. His petition drive is underway, and can use your help. He's putting himself out for us, we need to be there for him!

On a personal level, this has been a very difficult report to write.

Due to a hectic travel schedule for work, I'm unable to do the kind of job that I really want to do to help the Party grow. The travel schedule allegedly will ease up considerably in the summer and fall. Thanks to Spear Lancaster, our Vice Chair, and others who are helping with various tasks, we're still moving forward.

Many will remember back in October that I outlined probable plans for my activity in the Party. I said that I would seek reelection to the Executive Board and seek another year as Chair, then step down from that post. Those plans are now final. I will not seek another year once the October convention comes around. I'm announcing this now so that others who might be interested can come forward.

Will I retire from Party affairs? No. I plan on actively working to recruit candidates and Party leaders for 2002 and beyond, as well as doing hands-on work in county affiliate-building. I plan to stay on the Executive Board for the final year of the term to which I was elected. I will retire from it in 2002, unless the seat is needed sooner than that.

I'll also do anything I can to help my successor as Chair.

-- Steve Boone


A first grade teacher explains to her class that she is a Democratic Socialist. She asks her students to raise their hands if they were Democratic Socialists, too. Not really knowing what a Democratic Socialist was, but wanting to be like their teacher, their hands explode into the air like fleshy fireworks. There is, however, one exception. A girl named Kristen has not gone along with the crowd. The teacher asks her why she has decided to be different. "Because I'm not a Democratic Socialist." Then, asks the teacher, what are you? "Why I'm a proud Libertarian," boasts the little girl. The teacher is a little perturbed now, her face slightly red. She asks Kristen why she is a Libertarian. "Well, my Mom and Dad are Libertarians, so I'm a Libertarian too." The teacher is now angry. "That's no reason," she says loudly. "What if your Mom was a moron, and your Dad was a moron. What would you be then?" A pause, and a smile. "Then," says Kristen, "I'd be a Democratic Socialist."

— via Mike Barnes


Editor's Corner

There's so much work to do in the name of Freedom! How does one decide what to do? At one extreme, it is easy to think: "I'm only one person, at best whatever I might possibly accomplish would put such an infinitesimal dent in the vast morass of anti-libertarianism surrounding us that it isn't even worth bothering. I may as well crawl into my shell and play Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil. At least I'll be comfortable in my self-enforced ignorance." In fact, Harry Browne espouses a form of this in his book, How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World: don't try to convince a group to effect change, take whatever direct action you can to improve your own circumstance. At the other extreme, you may believe that the freedom of the world depends on you, the very linchpin of liberty -- and therefore you should feel guilty for every second that you are not out there working for the cause. What right have you to be selfish and enjoy life, when there's important work to be done?

Well, I certainly don't have a universal answer. But should you fall into the trap of that second viewpoint, perhaps I can buttress you with a paraphrased quote from none other than Ayn Rand: "I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine." So, if you go along with Objectivism, you'd have to agree that you don't owe your time to further a cause for the sake of others; but you may choose to use your time to further a cause for your own personal benefit. In my opinion, that benefit may be for the ultimate goal of convincing enough of those around us to permit the reduction of the role of government in our own lives; or, the individual benefit may only be to make you feel better, because at least you have tried to do something. But I'd like to point out that that latter sentiment is drawn from something inside oneself, not due to coercion from others. It's a very personal decision.

There are some MdLP members who always seem to be doing something constructive for the Party. Where do they get their energy? Determination? How can they not become discouraged in this "Free" State? I don't know, I'm not among that group -- find one and ask! For myself, there are some projects I enjoy; so I do them. There are a few other activities that I really don't much like doing, but I do them anyway because it makes me feel better to think I'm helping. I keep cognizant of the "burnout" possibility: where someone does so much that all energy is expended, and then they're out of here! So I meter my Party activities, not taking on an uncomfortable amount. Perhaps this can work for you, too: pick one or more MdLP events and "make them your own." You don't have to take the burden of the world upon your shoulders. You choose. It's your decision. The summer presents the best outreach opportunities, with many fairs and festivals. If you choose to spend some time at an MdLP booth, you might find that you enjoy the experience! And, of course, we can use all the help we can get.

Primary Election Day

As a registered Libertarian, there wasn't anything official I could do on March 7th; in Baltimore County, Libertarians cannot even vote in non-partisan primary elections. I thought about carrying a sign to get the attention of bona fide voters, but instead I took the opportunity to collect petition signatures for Joe Pomykala. After all, I live in the 3rd congressional district. I found this to be an easier task than getting signatures for rerecognition of the MdLP: people seem to find it easier to understand a request for a signature to get a candidate on the ballot, as compared to the creation of a political party, because it is more specific. Most people were surprised to learn that petition signatures were even required; the prevailing sentiment was everybody should have a chance to run. Even so, most people don't want to bother to take 20 seconds to find out what I'm talking about, let alone another 60 seconds to fill out the form. Some balk at providing an address (mailing lists, you know). As always, the women really don't want to put down their birthdays. On both accounts, I assure all that we won't do anything with the information other than forward it to the election board -- the signature won't be validated without all of it -- and the state already possesses the data. I understand the attitude, nowadays it seems that everyone is trying to sell us something. I don't like putting myself out there, bothering the public, because I like to be left alone myself. After a little while I get over it.

It's good to recall sales training: a good salesman cannot be insulted; every turndown just gets you to the next prospect that much more quickly. Perhaps one in ten voters actually signs. If it takes nine rejections to get the one, so be it. I manage to collect 165 signatures -- I'm sure I could have gotten lots more if there had been a better turnout. There were many times when no one was coming out of the polls. It always works better when I can grab the attention of voters while I already have one or more busy signing petition boards -- yes, it's true, people are followers.

There are the amusing snippets of repartée: "I won't sign, I want more government programs!" I try not to get into an argument, just move on to the next person. All day, a woman is next to me, handing out literature promoting a judge; upon inquiry, she really doesn't know anything about the candidate. She says that her boss asked her to do it. I comment that she must work for a law firm, and she responds: "How did you know?" I gently point out the incongruity of lawyers' representatives lobbying for particular judges, obviously currying for favor when presenting a case before that very same judge. Moreover, the firm's employees are probably getting paid for the day, while it is illegal for candidates to pay poll workers on election day. At least she willingly concedes my point, but she's "not really political." It's true, most people just don't think about politics.

In the end, with 165 I feel a bit bad because I could have gotten so much more with a bigger turnout, and we need so many, but I temper that with the fact that they should be 99% good -- these people just voted, they must be registered voters in the 3rd district.

Tax Day

Collecting Signatures at the Post OfficeOn April 17, the Owings Mills post office extends its hours until midnight to accommodate the last-minute taxpayers. I show up at 9:00, with my sign. My goal is to collect more petition signatures for Joe Pomykala, because this post office is in his district. Actually, it was nice being able to ask the citizens to actually sign something, rather than just handing out "million dollar bills." It's always amusing just to observe the goings-on. I didn't see as many people this year literally filling out their 1040's in the post office as last year: lots were filling them out in their cars, maybe because there was a bit of a drizzle coming down.

Midnight comes and goes, the post office is still open, late arrivers are still showing up, and getting inside! I learn from a brief conversation with a postal worker that they are having a difficult time locating the keys to lock the door. Eventually they succeed, and close up around 12:20. I have 50 more signatures, but I'm dubious as to their quality; some, I'm certain, don't live in the district. And who knows if they're really registered voters? But it was an entertaining evening, and some good came from it.


Onelist and eGroups have merged, so either of the two email lists can be addressed to Onelist.com or eGroups.com; it's not necessary (so don't) to send to both (though they are suggesting we use the eGroups domain name from now on). I encourage all to subscribe to the MDLP-Announce email list -- it's quite low volume (page 2). I also recommend subscribing to the MDLP list in digest form (send email to MDLP-Digest*eGroups.com) -- you get only one email per day. Or visit www.eGroups.com to manage your account. Monitor the www.MD.LP.org website calendar for outreach activities. Advertising rates for the FSL increase as of the next issue; the old rates hold for those who have prepaid. By the time that next issue rolls around, many of the summer's fairs and other events will have passed. Remember to take photographs, write us some articles on your experiences, and above all, send them in, please!


Patterson High School Field Trip

Lorenzo made a plea at the MdLP convention on October 16, 1999 to raise bus money for the trip mentioned below. Convention-goers coughed up the $300 requested.

The Principal of Patterson Senior High School returned the money order and checks that I had sent to social studies teacher Matt Wernsdorfer so that he could take his class on a field trip to watch the Baltimore City Council in action. The letter said that "It is in violation of BCPSS (Baltimore City Public School System) School Board policy to accept these donations."

I didn't keep track of the cash donations I received for this project, so I must rely on each of you to tell me how much you contributed, and how you would like the money to be used. I would like to make a donation to the Environmental Crisis Center, a grassroots organization in Baltimore City that has been sheltering and feeding the homeless, and getting them back on their feet, since 1992. However, if you would rather have the money returned, just let me know.

In liberty,

-- Lorenzo Gaztañaga


From a Fellow Libertarian in Louisiana

I am a member of the Louisiana Libertarian Party. I saw your website, and thought I would drop a line. Fellow libertarian of Maryland, our country is in trouble, big trouble! And there are those too ignorant to realize this. It seems that down here in Louisiana, everyone wants to be on a government "payroll." Whether it's welfare, or so-called social security disability, our country is becoming a lazy, worthless breed of people who thinks that the government will "manage" and "take care" of everything! Louisiana Is One Of Those States That Is Becoming More And More Dependent On The Federal Government. The State of Louisiana even calculates the 800 million dollar(!) funding it gets from Uncle Sam for MEDICAID in its state budget each year. The 800 million dollar aid is part of the Louisiana state budget! What a laugh! I am one of the few Libertarian Party members here in Louisiana. I wish all of those in the Libertarian Struggle in Maryland my best wishes and prayers.

-- Charles Norwood
ctjr*bellsouth.net


Late one night in Washington, a mugger wearing a ski mask jumped into the path of a well-dressed man and stuck a gun in his ribs. "Give me your money!" he demanded. Indignant, the affluent man replied, "You can't do this. I'm a United States Congressman!" "In that case," replied the robber, "give me MY money!"

— via Doris Gordon


The Trial of Kevin Sweeney: Dentist Tried for Practicing Without a License

Neil McIverMarch 22, 2000

I had the honor of attending the criminal trial of Kevin Sweeney. Kevin is a dentist, licensed to practice in 1979, who lost that license in 1993 due to paperwork problems with government agencies. An obscure Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) prescription authorization expired at that time as well. Kevin speculates that both paperwork bungles might be related to his dumping his government assigned Social Security Number (SSN), but we may never know more beyond the fact that the dental board did cash the check he sent them in 1993, but failed to process his application and renew his license.

But since medical needs don't disappear when paperwork isn't done, Kevin did what every good doctor takes an oath to do: He saw to his patients' needs, and continued to write the government to correct the problem. This continued for more than five years, until December 1998, when government police raided his office, shutting his practice down.

Five criminal counts were brought against Kevin, all related to paperwork, and he went to trial on March 17. He had no attorney. His business shut down, private attorneys were far beyond his means, and court-assigned public defenders were not inclined to take his case seriously. Kevin chose instead to defend himself, and was far better prepared to present the issues relevant to his defense than any attorney would ever dare.

Kevin never denied being a dentist. He merely wanted the jury to hear his side of the story, and to know that they may acquit him if they believe the law or the state to be in error.

Easier said than done.

Unfortunately, Kevin's preferred defense was not permitted in court. In pretrial motions, the judge declared that his license renewal problems with the dental board were not relevant to the charges, and could not be presented to the jury. Kevin went on to point out Maryland's Constitution, that mandates: "... the Jury shall be the Judges of Law, as well as of fact..." (Article 23, Declaration of Rights), meaning the jury could acquit either because they felt the evidence was lacking, or if they thought the violated law was unjust, unfair or immoral. (The precedent for this "jury nullification" was set in 1670, in the famous case of William Penn, where the jury was imprisoned for refusing to convict Penn of holding a church service in public.) Jury Nullification is still a very legitimate part of our judicial system. (When you sit on a jury, you may vote your conscience, and rule against any law you want, and for any reason.)

The judge's response? "That's not the law in the state of Maryland." The judge instead held to the modern and relatively recent belief that juries judge only the facts of a case, leaving the judges to determine the validity of the law. Despite this modern practice in our American judicial system, it very much violates the Constitution of Maryland, which all Maryland judges are required to take an oath to uphold.

It wasn't looking good for the good guys, but still Kevin never missed a beat.

All proceeded according to these rules until the DEA agent took the witness stand for the state. The prosecution asked about Kevin's comments made at the police station after his arrest. "Did the defendant make any comments about paying income taxes?"

"Objection, relevancy!" Kevin retorted.

"Overruled." Apparently Kevin's views on taxation were relevant to the charge of practicing dentistry without a license, while medical license applications were not. But not to be outdone, Kevin took the reins on cross-examination:

"Did I tell you about problems I experienced renewing my dental license?"

"Objection." The prosecutor didn't want the jury to hear about that.

The judge paused. But having already allowed irrelevant tax issues to be brought to the jury's attention, he had no choice but to hold all Kevin's statements given at the police station admissible. The pause lingered, but finally the inevitable answer came.

"Overruled."

The genie out of the bottle, Kevin was able to eventually present his defense, and he did an outstanding job. His case was shaping up well. Both patients the prosecution brought up as witnesses had nothing short of outstanding reviews of Kevin's dental expertise, low rates, and professionalism. He probably couldn't have subpoenaed better defense witnesses from among his patients if he had picked them himself.

Closing arguments were the time for the second blow. True, Kevin wasn't allowed by court dictate to tell the jury they can acquit if they think the law is crummy, but he can still tell them, repeatedly, that they are the most powerful body in the courtroom, and whatever verdict they return must be accepted by the court. Very true statements to which the prosecution could not even object.

The bottom line for the jury was really quite simple. Kevin was licensed, then had paperwork problems with the government, but kept helping people to the best of his exceptional ability, injuring no one and generating no complaints. Should he be found guilty or not? The prosecution's case focused solely on the few, raw facts they chose to highlight: Practicing dentistry without a license means a crime. Period. However, Kevin's impassioned closing arguments placed acquittal within their reach.

But in Maryland criminal cases, it's the prosecution that gets the last word to the jury on closing arguments. After Kevin gave his spirited closing argument and took his seat, the stereotypical prosecuting attorney became infuriated, shouting his final vindictive words to the jury, slandering Kevin as "Doctor Happy" that hands out drugs like candy. Perhaps the prosecutor was just putting on a show, but he might have been facing the prospect of being the center of ridicule by his coworkers for losing an "easy" case to a dentist. Whatever the motive, those of us watching were surprised and amused at his loss of composure and choice of words for our hero-of-the-day.

Jury deliberations were quick. Twenty minutes later the verdict was made... Guilty, all five counts. The jury probably didn't know they placed Kevin in danger of as much as 40 years in jail for offending the state with improper paperwork. They're not allowed to know such "irrelevant" details in deciding a verdict, according to contemporary court procedures.

Hindsight is always 20/20. While we can look back and speculate that maybe Kevin should have done this and shouldn't have mentioned that, he was prepared, and did the best he could. While the facts relative to Kevin's defense were (with one exception) presented in one form or another to the jury, it is possible he presented too much information. Telling people you don't have an SSN can be a delicate thing if you care about staying credible, but Kevin took that chance. Kevin is a very intelligent guy and rightly apologizes to no one for telling the truth, but the jury probably didn't understand or appreciate that.

The jury also never did hear a word about the lack of willful intent. Unless one willfully violates a law, one cannot be convicted (in criminal court) of breaking that law. Intent is a material fact in any criminal trial, but the judge did not give that instruction to the jury, and Kevin was not able to get that in.

Still, despite the original prohibition, Kevin did present most of his case. He did tell the jury that he paid to renew his license, and he did show that he treated his patients right and proper. He did show it was mere bureaucracy that was charging him. It's very possible he would have been acquitted had he been permitted to give his whole defense, but even with what was presented, the jury could have acquitted: so why didn't they?

The only real answer I can fathom is that they just didn't care. The guilty verdict was probably the easiest for them to reach, the one that required the least amount of thought, controversy and heart. A guilty verdict would let them go home without having to discuss a boring case beyond 6 pm on a Friday with 11 other people they'd not known longer than 3 days.

Those of us present in support of Kevin experienced a certain queer twist of reality. Somehow, it seemed appropriate that the guilty verdict should be accompanied by the once blue sky turning red from now on, as though we were transported by some evil magic to a world where logic and sanity do not apply. Such an explanation would fit, somehow.

Where do we go from here? Are the courts completely beyond hope? Are others who actively assert rights in defiance of ever-increasing governmental regulation, such as myself without a driver's license, headed full-steam toward dangerous reefs? Is the freedom movement doomed?

Of course it isn't. The polarizing effects of our nation's growing police state will ensure that our ranks will continue to grow.

Mottoes are used to instill goals within clubs and organizations, as well as states and countries. Perhaps the simplistic verdict against Kevin can be best explained by Baltimore's own sad motto, which pointedly illustrates a major shortcoming of the most technically advanced country in the year 2000. Baltimore's motto is "The City that Reads"! This motto might place a sad commentary on the jury that convicted Kevin, who has a degree in engineering, obtained his doctorate in dentistry, and went on to be an imposing legal presence in court. Did they even have a clue as to what was going on? When we stand trial, we're not supposed to just have a jury. We're supposed to have a jury of our peers. Could this jury be considered 12 of Kevin's peers?

A better pool of jurors might be found in places where people need to actually think as a requirement to stay alive, or at least be a member of society. But Baltimore, a virtual suburb of the great government city of Washington, DC, is filled with the mentality that government is God, the source of all that is good and doer of no wrong.

Baltimore will pay a small but real price for this verdict. It ensures that a very high quality, proven low-cost dentist will never be open for business again, this while governmental think-tanks continue to struggle to find a solution to escalating health care costs and increasing numbers of uninsured residents (as though that were a government problem to start with).

Sentencing will be in a few weeks. Despite the extreme maximum penalty, it's doubtful he'll get anything close to that. This would be Kevin's first offense (should it withstand any challenge or appeal Kevin might make), and he no longer does any dentistry. Without being a threat to society, even by socialist standards, those of us that are standing by him are expecting a lenient sentencing.

Regardless of what happens next, Kevin is recognized for his extraordinary perseverance, research, effort, and his commitment to the principles of what this once great country stood for. He went to bat for reason, common sense and liberty, and gave us good lessons from his encounter with our police state. He did a most outstanding job, and he remains a valuable asset who will continue to fight the good fight, whether inside or outside the jail cell.

In recognition, I have awarded Kevin the permanent email address: DoctorHappy*cjmciver.org. This address will compliment and forward to any other he may carry.

April 18, 2000

Kevin Sweeney received his sentencing today. The "guidelines" that the state uses to recommend a sentence provided for anything from probation to 1 year. For the five counts against Kevin, the state asked the court for 5 years, suspending all but 6 months (meaning the paperwork would show 5 years, but he would only spend 6 months is jail).

The judge instead gave him 1 year in jail.

Kevin was permitted to respond to the state's recommendation, and while I'd like to report he did well, instead those of us present got a good lesson about how not to handle a sentencing.

Not that Kevin would have many regrets. He is a very principled man, and it is not his nature to apologize for a wrong he did not commit.

Attorneys experienced in criminal court would probably point to Kevin's failure to apologize or show remorse as a mistake. Kevin did not apologize, but it's also not his nature to do so unless he truly understands an apology is in order, and he will not fake it and give an apologetic lie. In that way Kevin did fine. He was right not to playact remorse.

He did speak of his lack of willful intent to break the law. This was appropriate. While that is not normally material during sentencing (because for sentencing, guilt is not the issue, as that's already been determined by the jury), in this case the judge previously claimed that intent was a consideration in sentencing. The result? The judge probably considered Kevin's comments as a claim of innocence in the face of the jury verdict. Kevin might have better clarified his message. Certainly in sentencing, one never wants to claim innocence, and if that's all one has to say, remaining silent is probably best.

One thing Kevin did not mention, but which he most certainly should have, was that his career as a dentist is over. The dental board will never accept his application for a license because of the conviction. At some 45-50 years old, Kevin must find a new career. Furthermore, due to the raid late in 1998 that closed his business, and the ensuing litigation that claimed much of his time and resources, he is also not nearly as well off as most doctors are considered to be. The judge probably assumes Kevin will resume his career at some future date. But that will never happen, and Kevin should have said so.

Even then, shortly after Kevin began to speak, the judge began to intently take notes. He was obviously turned off by what Kevin did say, and I suspect he rendered the sentence even before Kevin finished speaking, hence the intense notetaking.

The lessons I got from this are:

(Of course, consult an attorney for legal advice for your particular situation).

Kevin's friend, who is a police officer, told us a 1-year sentence should mean he is released in 4 to 6 months. With lessons learned, those of us that watched the trial are proud of Kevin's effort and his stand, and when he gets out, my friends and I are going to throw him a big party!

-- Neil McIver
www.cjMcIver.org


Bummer! Gas Prices We've Never Seen in these Parts

I'm not privy to the inner workings of the oil industry. But I'd be willing to think that OPEC cut production way back to extract revenge against the United States for bombing Bosnia.

I don't agree with what happened in Bosnia. But I don't like the idea of hostile nations holding this great nation of ours hostage through our acute energy needs.

The irony of it is that they can only get away with it because we are so collectively stupid. At least as far as our government is concerned. But many people within the US (excluding the government) are beginning to catch on.

We don't have to buy oil from OPEC!

It's true. The wonderful hemp plant can supply the entire US with all of our energy needs. Here are a few facts:

Stick that in your gas tank and smoke it! You can verify all of the above facts in the book The Emperor Wears No Clothes, by Jack Herer.

Imagine, hemp diesel for 80 cents a gallon. And that includes the government's 48 cent per gallon tax. Imagine, methanol at the pump for 90 cents a gallon. Imagine gas prices so stable that they barely fluctuate plus or minus 5 cents over a decade (except for changes in taxes). Imagine us sending our trillions of energy dollars to our own farmers instead of to hostile nations.

Our farmers are really hurting because the government has them hamstrung. Many have already lost their farms to bankruptcy.

America, wake up, get tired of the energy extortion, and legalize hemp!

-- "Luke" Bryan


From the Trenches ... County Chapter Notes

Baltimore City

The Baltimore City LDDS has changed from Thursday to Friday -- still at 7 pm and still at Enrico's, 200 South Haven Street. Baltimore Libertarians Earle Pearce, Bruce Godfrey, and Lorenzo Gaztañaga have been pushing forward with the Campaign for Humanity. At the last meeting, Susan Gaztañaga was received onto the Board of Directors and elected to the office of Secretary. Earle is Chair, and Bruce is Treasurer. A website has been set up at (note: no "www") http://members.aol.com/cmpn4hmnty. Earle has written a pamphlet appealing to theists; we hope that Bruce will soon produce a similar essay from the secular humanist perspective.

We now have T-shirts available for fundraising, inspired by the US 2000 Census. In white letters on a dark blue background, the front reads "I wrote `HUMAN' on my United States Census form" (with a representation of the actual question on the form), while the back sports the campaign logo, the slogan "One race of unique individuals -- Each with equal rights," and our contact information. Earle moved a number of shirts at BALTICON (a science fiction/fantasy convention traditionally held in Baltimore on Easter weekend). The suggested donation is $15 for XL and $20 for XXL.

Campaign for Humanity had a booth at the Highlandtown Festival Sunday, April 30. Earle created a special pamphlet for the occasion: How Campaign for Humanity can improve your neighborhood.

-- Susan Gaztañaga


Baltimore County

Last month, Baltimore County voted to start moving central committee meetings around the County. Central committee meetings are held in odd numbered months. The next one will be held in the Legends Lounge of the AMF Bowling Lanes in Timonium, (instead of the regular social meeting), on Friday, May 26th at 7 pm. The following BCCC meeting will be held in the Poplar Inn, (corner of Merritt Blvd. and Wise Ave.) in Dundalk, on Wed., July 12th at 7 pm. The September meeting will return to the Dragon House in Owings Mills. It is hoped that this move will attract more Libertarians to the central committee meetings.

This summer, Baltimore County again had its booth at the Towsontowne Festival on May 6th and 7th, along Chesapeake Ave. We are also planning to have a booth this year at either the Parkville Towne Centre Fair, or the Reister's Towne Festival. Since they occur on the same weekend, a decision will be made at the May central committee meeting.

In July, those of us not attending the national convention in California will undoubtedly want to walk in the 4th of July parade in Dundalk. Last year, we had a great turnout for the parade and were well received. If you know of any other events in Baltimore County in which we can have a "political booth," collect candidate signatures, or register voters, or for more information on any of the above, please call me (page 3).

-- Nancy Millionie


Frederick County

The next meeting of the Frederick LDDS is at Old Town Tavern, 325 N. Market St., in Frederick City on May 17, 7:00 pm. Contact me or Mike Barnes (montybarnes*yahoo.com) for directions/details.

For the 6th straight year, we will have a booth at the Great Frederick Fair, Sept. 15-23. We need volunteers to help staff the booth throughout the week. Contact me (page 3) for information.

-- Wayne Dougherty


Montgomery County

Plans are going forward to have an MdLP tent at the Montgomery County Fair in Gaithersburg, August 11 through 19. Volunteers are wanted to staff the booth from 3 pm to 10 pm Friday, August 11, and 10 am to 10 pm on the other days. To volunteer, please contact Steve Wilson (301-921-0426) or Glenn Howard (page 3). For the past couple of years, Bill Galvin and Keith Halderman have done yeoman duty tending the booth throughout the nine day Fair, but they deserve help. Extra volunteers are needed, particularly on weekday evenings 6 pm to 10 pm, and 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday August 12, Sunday August 13, and Saturday August 19.

On Tax Day, the MCLP distributed several hundred "million dollar bill" LP flyers at the Silver Spring post office. The post office was open late to accommodate last minute filers, and at times resembled an anthill as hundreds of taxpayers per hour cycled through the facility. Despite the chill and drizzle, Glenn Howard, Nick Sarwark, Larry Powers, and Ron Kean passed out flyers until 10 pm. Thanks go to Stuart Simms for reproducing 2000 of the "million dollar bill" handouts.

The next MCLP social meeting is Monday, May 15, 7:30 to 10 pm at Jeff Keller's home, 18775 Summer Oak Court, Germantown (301-540-6421 for directions).

The next MCLP business meeting is Monday, June 19, 7:30 to 10 pm, at Doris Gordon's home, 13424 Hathaway Drive, Wheaton (301-460-4141 for directions).

-- Ron Kean


Armed Informed Mothers March

Washington MonumentSeveral Libertarian women, their children, and some spouses will be traveling to Washington, DC on Mother's Day, May 14th, to counter the infamous "Million Mom March" against "gun violence." The Million Morons, er Moms, will purportedly be asking the President and Congress for more legislation on guns. Some want more locks, some want an all-out ban. We, of course, will be countering such stupidity with common sense and the Constitution. The Armed Informed Mothers' March will be held in the northwest quad area of the Washington Monument (southeast corner of Constitution and 17th). The rally will kick off at 9 am and end at 2 pm, at which time we'll march 5 blocks up Constitution Ave. to the Capitol building. Anyone who would like to tour the Capitol at that time may do so. There will be maps of the location linked to the website http://www.sas-aim.org. The website http://www.i-charity.net/sw.cgi/1097/1562 is for donations to cover the liability insurance and comfort facilities.

Mom with RifleWe need a huge number of people to attend our counter march. Please contact all of your friends who support the 2nd Amendment, and invite them to join us. It will be a lovely way to enjoy Mother's Day (and a very meaningful one), and you'll still have time to go out for dinner. Apologize to your mother, and tell her you'll see her on Saturday, instead. Call me (page 3) for more information. Without free and uninfringed access to guns, we won't have to worry about political parties. This issue is vitally important.

-- Nancy Millionie


Advertising Rates

Make checks payable to the Maryland Libertarian Party, and send along with copy to:

PO Box 321, Owings Mills, MD 21117.


Coming Events

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.

May 13 (Saturday): 12:00-5:00 pm. MdLP CC Meeting, page 2

May 14 (Sunday): Armed Informed Mothers March, page 16

May 15 (Monday): 7:30 pm. Montgomery Co. social mtg., p. 15

May 17 (Wednesday): 7:00 pm. Frederick LDDS, page 15.

May 20 (Saturday): 11:00 am. Libertarian Club of Baltimore Charles St. cleanup; meet at Ruxton Center 1 mile south of I-695. Bill Buzzell, 410-477-9173 Home, 410-637-5058 24-Hour voice mail, or email wabuzzell*juno.com

May 26 (Friday): 7:00 pm. Baltimore County Central Committee meeting at LDDS Timonium, back page

June 3 (Saturday): Baltimore Pride Parade. Wendy Jones (redleo*juno.com)

June 10 (Saturday): 10:00 am. Charles St. cleanup, see May 20

June 10 (Saturday): Baltimore Pride Fest booth, see June 3

June 19 (Monday): 7:30 pm. Montgomery Co. bus. mtg., p. 15

June 29-July 3: National LP 2000 Convention, page 3

July 4 (Tuesday): Dundalk parade. Nancy Millionie

July 12 (Wednesday): 7:00 pm. Baltimore County Central Committee meeting at LDDS Essex, back page

August 11-19: Montgomery County Fair, page 15

September 15-23: Great Frederick Fair, page 15

Sept. 16 (Saturday): 10:00 am. Charles St. cleanup, see May 20

September 16-17 (Saturday-Sunday): Field trip to Monticello and James Madison Museum. Nancy Millionie

September 17 (Sunday): 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. Essex Day Festival, Bill Buzzell. See May 20 for contact information

September 25 (Monday): 7:00 pm. Balto. Co. Central Committee mtg. at Northwest Balto. Supper Club, back page


Regularly Scheduled Libertarian Gatherings

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.

LDDS (Libertarian Drinking and Debating Society): Fridays, 7:00 pm at Enrico's, 200 S. Haven St. (one block south of Lombard St.), Balto. Earle Pearce, 410-327-1776

LDDS (Montgomery Co.): 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7:00 pm at Bennigan's, Rockville Pike in Federal Plaza near Twinbrook Pkwy. (behind Texaco gas station). Glenn Howard

LDDS (Annapolis): 3rd Friday, 6:30 pm, at Piezano's, just east of the Rt. 2 and West St. intersection, next to the TrakAuto store. Wendy Jones (redleo*juno.com)

LDDS (Timonium): 2nd & 4th Fridays, 7:00 pm in Bowling Alley lounge, opposite Fairgrounds. Nancy Millionie

LDDS (Essex): 2nd Wednesday, 7:00 pm at the Poplar Inn, Merritt Blvd. and Wise Ave. Nancy Millionie

LDDS (PG County): Wed. week after 3rd Monday, 6:30 pm at the 94th Aero Squadron, 5240 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Pk. James McLaughlin (jimmcl*hotmail.com)

Northwest Baltimore Supper Club: 4th Monday, 7:00 pm at the Dragon House Restaurant, Garrison Forest shopping center, Reisterstown Rd., Owings Mills. Nancy Millionie

Prince George's Libertarians: 3rd Monday, 6:30 pm at Franklin's Deli, 5121 Baltimore Ave. (US Rt. 1) in Hyattsville. James McLaughlin (jimmcl*hotmail.com)

Harford County Lib's: 4th Monday, 6:30 pm at Harford Community College, 209 Edgewood Hall. Derek Mancinho


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