Thursday, June 30, 2016

Libertarian National Convention 2016 Mega-Post (Live Video Footage and Press Conferences)

Libertarian National Convention 2016 Mega-Post

(Live Video Footage and Press Conferences)

The following contribution is from Seattle-based independent journalist, David Malekar; who regularly publishes content to the WashCo Chronicle and other online publications.

#LEGALIZEFREEDOM was the Official Hashtag used throughout the Convention
Upon arrival in Orlando, Florida I was a little late to the convention having arrived at 4:30 PM EST and not making it in till about 6 PM on Friday, May 27, 2016.  There was time to get a feel for the candidates and check out the other State Delegates from across the Nation.  It was reported that 997 Delegates that were eligible to vote, were in attendance.  There was more when you include guests.

One of the major platform adaptations that pass was the stance against the State Death Penalty:

"We oppose the administration of the death penalty by the state."

Judicial Reform‬ must happen and there is currently 2% that are later found "Not Guilty" that are subjected to this. It is a violation of the NAP‬.

The follow videos are the Presidential Candidate speeches after they secured their spot in the final debate.  The list of final Candidates were determined by the token voting system that all State Delegates were given upon registration arrival.

John McAfee


Gary Johnson


Marc Feldman



Austin Petersen


 The follow videos are the Presidential Candidate debates that were held at 8 PM EST May 28, 2016

Part 1 (1 Hour 30 Minutes due to Facebook Live time limits)


Part 2  (45 Minutes)



 May 29, 2016

Good morning, America from #Orlando, #FL at the 2016 #Libertarian National Convention #LNC. The votes were cast for the #Presidential Candidates yesterday, along with the final debate. They left it all on the stage.

Today, the vote to decide without a doubt, the nominated Presidential Candidate of 2016. Stay Tuned!
 https://www.facebook.com/LibertyChronicle/photos/a.1173719629346520.1073741828.1173663439352139/1232769193441563/?type=3&theater

5 Minutes before the first Press Conference of the day
https://www.facebook.com/LibertyChronicle/photos/a.1173719629346520.1073741828.1173663439352139/1232884436763372/?type=3&theater

Press Conference with LP Chairman, Nicholas Sarwark


The second round of State Delegate voting for the Presidential Candidate Nominee



Gary Johnson Presidential Nomination Victory Speech



Press Conference after the Presidential Nomination of Gary Johnson


Libertarian Presidential Candidate Concession Speeches 


The following videos are the Vice Presidential Candidates before the State Delegate vote

 Will Weld

Derrick Grayson 


Alicia Dearn 


Larry Sharpe (Video Package Before Speaking) 


Larry Sharpe


Will Coley


Gary Johnson on Bill Weld before VP Delegate Vote 


VP Candidate Results for LP LNC Round 1 


After the first round of voting,
VP candidates began to make their announcements of dropping from the race

Will Coley Consensus Speech and Endorsement of Sharpe


 Alicia Dearn drops to Endorse Weld


Grayson Drops to Endorse Sharpe 


Libertarian Vice Presidential Candidate Results Final 


Sharpe speaks after Weld wins the Nomination for VP 


Press Conference after Johnson and Weld ticket confirmed 


It was controversial, it was emotional.  At the end of the day, the Libertarian party was given a Johnson/Weld ticket for 2016.

The next day, on May 30th, Chairman of the Libertarian Party, Nicholas Sarwark was re-elected.


The Vice Chairman position was won by Arvin Vohra


After the closing of the event on that Monday, May 30th, 2016, David Malekar gave one final broadcast live from Orlando, FL regarding the event and some personal thoughts.



A month later, we have seen a historic amount of Mainstream Media Press Coverage for Gary Johnson and Bill Weld.  They have had Town Hall meetings on CNN, the Gary Johnson Facebook page has soared about 100k likes since before the convention, and many disgruntled Bernie Sanders fans have jumped aboard the Libertarian Train.

In closing, this article is dedicated to the now late Dr. Marc Allan Feldman, who sadly left this world on June 23rd, 2016.  He is a Hero in the Libertarian Party, and in person.  He helped saved the life of someone while at the LNC who had been a victim of a hit and run outside one of the entrances.  You will be sorely missed.  May the Party win many elections this year in your honor.

Lead Contributor for the Liberty Chronicle Independent, David Malekar (left)
The Late and Great Dr. Marc Allan Feldman, 2016 LP Presidential Candidate (right)

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Brian Luke for Washington State's 2nd Congressional District lays it out in this Hard Hitting Interview

The following contribution is from Seattle-based independent journalist, David Malekar; who regularly publishes content to the WashCo Chronicle and other online publications.  The interviewee Brian Luke, is running for Washington's 2nd Congressional District as a Libertarian.  You can find more information on Brian at the website http://www.luke4congress.com and follow on Facebook at facebook.com/BrianLukeforCongress/.

DM:  Thank you Brian for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this sit-down.  What is the driving force behind your entrance into campaigning for Congress?
BL:  The driving force behind my run for Washington’s 2nd Congressional District is to show voters that there is a choice other than the Republican and Democratic parties. That choice is the Libertarian Party. With regards to the federal government, the Libertarian Party stands for fiscal responsibility, a non-interventionist foreign policy, the importance of property and maximizing freedom.

Before becoming a member of the Libertarian Party this year, I was involved in the Republican Party for eight years. I thought that libertarian-leaning ideas could be pushed within that party but I found that to be too difficult. Furthermore, I found the Republican Party to be fiscally irresponsible at the national level. That party practices a policy of lowering taxes without getting domestic spending cuts and then on top of that cranking up military spending. That policy produces huge deficits. We started to see the results of this policy during the presidency of Ronald Reagan, who presided over a near tripling of the national debt. To show you and your readers how the debt grew during Reagan’s presidency, I wanted to provide a U.S. Treasury link to the growth of the debt from 1950-1999: http://www.treasurydirect.gov/govt/reports/pd/histdebt/histdebt_histo4.htm
Although I disagreed with the results of national GOP policy, I also noticed that the GOP had very little youth appeal. I found that the GOP largely consisted of baby boomers and primarily catered to them. There is nothing wrong with baby boomers, but a political party cannot be made up of primarily one age group. I recently attended the Libertarian Party of Washington’s convention and was pleased to see all age groups, especially young people in their 20s and 30s.


DM: There is certainly a noticeable amount of support from the Libertarian Party from younger people.  How much of a difference have you seen in your campaign thus far as a Libertarian, from the 30 and under crowd?

BL:  Although my campaign is just starting, I am really impressed with Libertarians in the 30 and under crowd. They are far more eager to spread the word about Libertarian news, candidates and the message in general. And they are tech savvy and willing to try new methods of getting the word out. This impressive crowd is different than what I saw in the GOP, which changed too slowly. The GOP took the youth for granted and it will suffer greatly for it. The youth must be respected for their abilities, experience and openness to try new ways of doing things.


DM:  The "old guard" really did pass up on the future voters and those who are concerned about the well being of their future.  What words of encouragement can you provide for those who will be fighting tooth and nail for their retirement, let alone being able to purchase their own home?

BL:  I would just recommend that they save and be frugal. As we saw in 2008, the economy can change for the worse and people can lose so much. It is good to try to pay as much of your stuff off as possible and start saving a little bit each month (no matter what the amount) in case an emergency comes.

One of the big things for people under 30 is student loan debt. I would strongly recommend that people go no more than $20,000 in debt. And students should try to work at least part-time so debt does not get out of hand. If that means going to school part-time, maybe that is the best option. The goal is to not load yourself up with massive debt when you are done because the interest on those loans will come. If you do not get a decent paying job for your education, you are still stuck with having to pay for that loan.
Everyone holds their future in their hands. That being said, unexpected things do indeed happen.


DM:  Day one in office; let's hear what goes down.

BL:   Day one begins the task of meeting other U.S. House members in which I can collaborate. I will have to work with Republicans and Democrats in order to address my unique campaign platform that involves improving trade, fiscal, tribal, marijuana and foreign policy. My viewpoints on these issues can be viewed on my campaign website: http://www.luke4congress.com/issues


DM:  It's hard to predict everything that would come your way during your term; ideally, what would you like to see finished (or on the path to be) the day you complete your last day in office

BL:  Ideally, I would like to see everything checked off the list – but I know that will not happen. Things happen slowly. So, I would really like it if I could get a few of my issues to legislatively move in a better direction. If I could not accomplish that, to at least start or join a conversation about how to change policy on issues, which may not see actual change until later down the road.


DM:  What efforts do you hope to accomplish as far as criminal justice reform is concerned.  What action can be taken?
BL:  I would like to look at whether there is just compensation for those people affected by unjust federal prosecutorial practices, reforming the sentencing and treatment of non-violent federal offenders, removing the federal prohibition of marijuana, and assuring due process is available for those people negatively affected by federal agencies. I still need to learn more about these issues and determine the best strategy for dealing with them. I will say that I am really impressed with how U.S. Senator Rand Paul has educated the public about criminal justice reform issues and has worked with his colleagues across the aisle to introduce legislation. If I were to be elected, I would definitely want to meet with him.


DM:  What other major issue have we not covered yet, that your opponents are ignoring?  How do you plan on addressing it?

BL:  Although I mentioned it in the last question, to my knowledge, I do not believe any of the other candidates in my race have talked about removing the federal prohibition of marijuana. I do not believe that the U.S. Constitution allows Congress to deal with marijuana in Washington State. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution only allows Congress to deal with commerce with foreign nations, the tribes, and between the states (interstate commerce), but says nothing about commerce within a state (intrastate commerce). I believe that the marijuana community has been villainized without good reason, sometimes hindering the sick from something that helps them.
Ultimately, marijuana is legal in Washington State but illegal under federal law. You have to remove the federal prohibition to maximize freedom for all in this area.

DM:  It's been great talking with you, Mr. Luke.  We wish you the best in your run for Congress this year.  In closing, what final thoughts do you want to leave with readers going into the polls come election day?

BL:  I would like your readers to consider voting Libertarian from the top to the bottom of their ballot. Libertarians have a vision that may offer a way out of a number of conundrums in American domestic and foreign policy.  
Thank you for the interview David.

Friday, June 24, 2016

Mark West -L US House District 1, Arkansas Candidate talks Unemployment, Criminal Justice Reform and More

The following contribution is from Seattle-based independent journalist, David Malekar; who regularly publishes content to the WashCo Chronicle and other online publicationsThe interviewee Mark West, is running for the House - District 1 in Arkansas as a Libertarian.  You can find more information on Mark at the website www.markwestforcongress.com and follow on Facebook at facebook.com/vote4MarkWestUSHouseARD1 and twitter at @MarkWest4D1.


Mark West Arkansas Libertarian candidate for House of Reps 2016
Mark West
DM:  Thanks Mark for a sit down with the Liberty Chronicle Independent. Let's get the readers introduced to your background and a little into the position you're running for.

MW:  David, thank you and the Liberty Chronicle Independent for this opportunity to introduce myself to the people of US House District #1 in Arkansas. I am proud to be the Libertarian Party candidate for this office and have loved getting to meet some of the people of this district on the campaign trail.

I'm a pro-life Christian, husband, and father of three. My wife is the school nurse at the local High School. My oldest son is a soon-to-be Sophomore at that High School and loves science. My middle son is the football playing, fishing, hunting type and my littlest is my daughter who is a gymnast with Olympic aspirations.

I've been in bi-vocational ministry as a Southern Baptist for almost two decades and that work has taught me that people matter. For the last nine years, I've been the Corporate Office Manager for a multi-state heavy industrial maintenance and repair company that works on power plants, steel and paper mills. I spent five years in banking before that.

I'm a proud product of AR 1. I was born and raised in West Memphis and graduated from West Memphis High School. My dad worked long, hard hours for an aggregate company in Lehigh while my mom worked various jobs as a secretary. They both sacrificed a lot, hoping that their two sons would have better opportunities for their future.

As I look at my children my hope is to provide them a better opportunity than I've had. Unfortunately, it just isn't there. The size of our Federal Government far outreaches the boundaries laid out in the Constitution.

As I look at our nation is $19 trillion in debt. 100 million people aren't working and Congress can't seem to balance the budget.

As I look at small businesses I see so many struggling to keep people employed and meet bottom lines. They are crumbling under the weight of taxation, regulation and mandate that our Federal Government continues to latch on them while the middle class shrinks and the 1% get more powerful through the creation of debt.

This is why I've decided to run for office. I became "officially" Libertarian in 2013 but had libertarian leanings for several years prior. Love for the Constitution led me to the Libertarian Party but love for Liberty has led me to being consistently libertarian in my lifestyle as well.

I look forward to the next few months of campaigning and presenting the people of AR 1 with a Clear Difference in this election. An opportunity to vote for a real change that Washington needs.


Mark West Arkansas Libertarian candidate for House of Representatives
Mark West
DM:  Let's expand a little more on the pressing issues for your District.  What do you want to address the most in your campaign?

MW: Excellent question! My District is primarily a farming district with a lot of small, family farmers trying to compete with the big corporate farming industry. This struggle highlights a major problem that I believe isn't specific to my district. The problem is corporate welfare. Now, this isn't found only in Federal funding being handed out to the big corporations in projects, funding, etc. but is also found in the legal advantages that big corporations have over small businesses because of the over-regulation of our economy.

Many individual entrepreneurs refuse to deal with the largess of regulation that is involved in starting a business and instead opt to work for a big corporation if they can find work or work in the black economy. We need to make a concerted effort on the Federal level to end the over-regulation and over-reach of the Federal government into small businesses that are killing job creation.

As of the last labor report, nearly 100 million Americans have left the job market. How many of those are retired versus how many would like to return to the job market is unknown. What we do know is that this figure has nearly doubled since President Clinton left office.

I keep hearing from politicians in government how we need to find ways to make the government work. My opponent, Congressman Rick Crawford, essentially implied in a speech that Washington wasn't the problem that we needed to fix the way Washington works.

I whole-heartedly disagree. Washington is working exactly how the politicians, lobbyists and special interests want it to work. It is working to benefit them at the expense of the American people.

Which brings me to the other major issue facing my district which is the manipulation of our currency supply. Paychecks don't go as far as they once did and unfortunately, the powers that be have convinced a lot of us that we must accept inflation as a part of life.

I whole-heartedly disagree with that premise as well. We must begin an exhaustive audit of the Federal Reserve Bank. We must know whom they are lending our tax dollars to and who or what is driving the manipulative monetary policies they impose that are killing the buying power of the U.S. dollar.

We need to bring the coining of our currency back into Congressional authority through the Department of Treasury and open up the economy to other forms of currency which should include barter economics.

Two things keep our government from opening up the economy as far as currency is concerned. The first is the income tax, which is the "mask" of funding our government but instead is funding the second reason which is the interest payments we make to the private-owned Federal Reserve Bank.

Our politicians, including my opponent, have sold the American people to the highest bidders and we need to do something different. One of my campaign goals is to be a debt warrior. I have a few solutions for these problems.

First, we must pass or at least begin acting on a balanced budget. The budget must be balanced with spending cuts alone.

Second, as we start operating on a balanced budget, we will have a surplus that can be used to pay down our debt.

Third, we must install term limits on members of Congress to limit the damage that corruption can play in the political process.

The American public is angry. They either can't get jobs, or if they do have jobs they aren't making enough money to make ends meet because every dollar they make buys less and less every day. Americans deserve something better and something different.

In the northern section of my district, Social Security is also a big issue. A lot of residents in that area are living on Social Security. We have to make drastic efforts to make the trust solvent so that younger people who aren't going to see any Social Security benefit can have the option of finding a different solution for their retirement. Social Security is money that has been extorted from the public and should be paid back to the public with interest.

You can do this by making it a budget priority. If we end our wars of occupation and nation-building we can use some of that defense spending to build up the Social Security trust and make it solvent. We can also use some of that to pay to take care of the Veterans and restructure and reform the VA system. Our veterans deserve better than they are getting right now.

Our government on our behalf sent them off to war. We need to do our part to make them as close to whole as we possibly can and commit ourselves to making LESS veterans in the future.


Mark West Arkansas Libertarian candidate for House of Representatives
Mark West addressing attendees
DM:  People are going to want to contribute to the cause, and help out however they can. What information can you provide as far as links, emails, etc. that people can use to contact your campaign or contribute?

MW:  Certainly! The fastest way to donate is to visit my website www.markwestforcongress.com and just click the "Donate" button at the top of the page.

Folks can also mail donations to our campaign at:

Mark West for Congress
PO Box 276
Sulphur Rock, AR  72579

Just make sure the check or money order is made out to Mark West for Congress.

The campaign can be reached with calls and texts at 870-613-1496. I would love to hear from everyone who is interested in the campaign.

We also have Facebook which is www.facebook.com/vote4MarkWestUSHouseARD1; Twitter @MarkWest4D1 and Instagram @MarkWest4D1.

Our campaign email is mwest@markwestforcongress.com and people can also volunteer through the campaign website at http://markwestforcongress.com/volunteer_page.php

I've tried to make it as easy as possible for those who are interested in the campaign to link up with us as we look to give voters a clear difference in November.


DM:  We've covered a lot of excellent information so far.  What issue in your area, do you believe has been completely ignored or severely lacking attention?  What can a West administration do for it?

MW:  I think a major issue that doesn't get enough attention in my District is the jobless rate in the black community. We hear a lot about health care, which in Arkansas is called Arkansas Works and we also hear a lot about the Farm Bill every session of Congress. However, we see very little about the jobless crisis that exists in the black community in Arkansas.

Black unemployment in Arkansas is in the double digits which also contributes to a wage gap between the races as well.

I believe several things must happen to begin closing this gap and getting jobs into the black community. First, we've got to get the Federal government out of the way of small businesses and entrepreneurs so that small businesses can grow. Second, we've got to work locally to get investors interested in the black community. This will be the hardest part of the process but should prove to be the most rewarding as long as done correctly. We must work locally through voluntary cooperative programs to build value back into the black communities to attract that investment.

We also need to refocus locally on education but we can't ignore the societal issues that are coming to school with the kids. Black families and communities are crime-ridden and dealing with reform in the criminal justice system will help some of that but reigniting the spark of family identity will also help solve some of those problems as well.


DM:  Criminal Justice reform is a very important issue with millennials.  Many are looking towards Libertarians to bring in this reform and positive change into the system.  Would you be able to give more insight on how this can only be accomplished with a Libertarian ticket?

MW:  In all honesty, the Libertarian ticket is the only ticket that is taking a comprehensive look at criminal justice system reform that empowers the people rather than the State. We can begin by ending the drug war. At the cost of billions of dollars and the innumerable loss of life and liberty we have fought this battle with the plants and the plants are winning.

Take Cannabis for example, there is no logical reason outside of State empowerment and cronyism that it is still illegal in this nation. We are stifling our economy, crippling our communities, and abusing our afflicted by keeping it illegal. Prohibition never works, it just creates expensive and dangerous black markets that are sabotaged by fraud and violence.

Cannabis has a plethora of uses: paper, clothing, plastics, fuel outside of the medicinal and recreational uses that could help our economy make a drastic turn out of this desperate recession by creating wealth and jobs.

Statistics show that 1-out-of-3 blacks wind up in jail. That is a ridiculously high number! Especially when we see the favorable sentencing that many whites and wealthier individuals receive when compared to blacks who've committed the same criminal activities. The Stanford swimmer rape sentence highlights the problems we have in sentencing. I find it hard to believe that a black man would have received a similar sentence and similar compassion from the courts.

We need to end mandatory sentencing and get rid of a lot of the Clinton reforms of the '90s that have led to more black imprisonment. When the State gets involved it seems as though more crime is created rather than corrected. Correctional facilities are nothing more than holding pens that increase recidivism.

Our justice system must transition from punishment for non-violent offenders to treatment.

We must also dispel some myths while we're at it.

The first myth is that legalizing drugs will lead to more users. I'm sorry, but there is simply no logic behind that myth. When prohibition ended, everybody didn't start drinking. Those who wanted to drink would drink. Those who didn't wouldn't. I don't drink and have no desire to drink alcohol. I don't plan to begin using marijuana if it is legalized.

The second myth is that these drugs are just too dangerous for society. Yet, when I hear this I wonder how many of these people have researched the side-effects of all the FDA-legal drugs on the market? That is some scary stuff that will give you literal nightmares!

The third myth is that legalization will lead to more addiction. Has prohibition created less addiction? Has prohibition kept our streets clear of the drugs and the addicts? What legalization will do is clear the pathway for addicts to get treatment. Currently, an addict faces the possibility of becoming a felon before being able to get treatment unless they find a favorable and compassionate judge who prefers treatment-based sentencing. This drives them to keep their addiction in the dark.

We have to roll up our sleeves and be willing to get into communities on a voluntary basis if we really want to see the societal factors change that lead to more crime.

Small businesses creating jobs will also help because less idle hands will be available to do the devil's work so to speak.

We also have to demilitarize and educate our police. Part of that will come with finding means outside of involuntary taxation to fund police departments. We also need to keep the Federal Government out of the local police departments because their involvement helps propagate police-state thinking and the bully mentality we are seeing more of in our police departments. Most police do a good job, but they have to know that they are equally responsible for the bad apples that rise up in their midst so they need solid whistle-blower protections to root out the corruption and bad actors that are hurting the image of the criminal justice system.


Mark West Arkansas Libertarian candidate for House of Representatives
Mark West
DM:  We've covered a lot of important information in this interview.  Readers and voters in your area
will be paying close attention to this election.  We thank you again at the Liberty Chronicle Independent for taking the time to respond to all of these questions.  What final thoughts would you like to leave with everyone reading?

MW:  Thank you so much for the opportunity to interview and share my thoughts and vision for AR 1.

We see on television and in the polls that Americans are desperate for change, for real change. Congress has an approval rating of less than 10% and two-out-of-three voters want to vote for someone other than their current congressman.

The only way to get real change is to do something different. The Republicans and Democrats offer you the same non-solutions with slight variations of things that haven't worked in the past and simply will not work. I'm offering voters in U.S. House District 1, Arkansas the chance to do something different. I want to give them the opportunity at really changing things with solutions that promote individual liberty, responsibility and empowerment.

I want government to work for them. We've worked far too long for a bloated government that continues to grow while restricting our freedom.

Just remember, clear difference, clear direction, clear decision...vote for Mark West in 2016.

The Real Issue Behind #Brexit - Liberty



United Kingdom - As has been confirmed by mainstream news sources, the United Kingdom has voted in a referendum to leave the European Union, with 51.9% of the vote for "leave".

No doubt, you will see in the news over the next few days all of the supposed negative impacts of Brexit, and how the United Kingdom will be weakened financially because of it.

Don't believe it.

In 2015, the United Kingdom has the second strongest GDP in the EU (2.6 billion euros), with only Germany surpassing it by 500 million euros. Predictions show that in the next 25 years, the UK will overtake Germany in GDP.

I would like to ask the readers, put aside the immigration issues, put aside the economic issues, and put aside all of the constant battles between the Remain and Leave camps. We can sit all day and argue their points back and forth, and it will get us nowhere.

What does the vote to leave the EU truly mean for the UK? Simple - smaller, local government.

The people of the UK have realized that despite all the negative possibilities, departure from the EU will result in smaller, local government, No longer will the UK be required to follow any of the EU laws, and will be its own sovereign nation.

People all over the world are starting to realize that less government means more liberty.

The Liberty Chronicle Independent congratulates the United Kingdom on making the right choice, and choosing to govern themselves.

United States citizens, it's time for liberty this November.

Ken Buckler is the editor of the Liberty Chronicle Independent

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Logan Fleckenstein -L State Rep. Candidate for Michigan 60th Dist. Speaks on Medicare, Education and More

The following contribution is from Seattle-based independent journalist, David Malekar; who regularly publishes content to the WashCo Chronicle and other online publicationsThe interviewee, Logan Fleckenstein, is running for the 60th's State Representative in Michigan as a Libertarian.  You can find more information on Logan at the website www.logandistrict60.com and follow on Facebook at facebook.com/LoganFleckenstein.

Logan Fleckenstein Libertarian Michigan State Representative Candidate
Logan Fleckenstein -L Michigan State Representative Candidate
DM: Thanks for sitting in with the Liberty Chronicle Independent, Mr. Fleckenstein. Let's introduce you and your campaign to the readers. What are you running for and what brought you to this year's election?

LF: Thank you for having me. I've been interested in politics since around the age of 13 when I helped campaign with the local Republican party. Even back then I knew I had a future in politics. However, I didn't become a libertarian until the Ron Paul revolution in 2012.

I graduated from Western Michigan University this past December with a Bachelor's in Political Science with minors in Sociology and Philosophy. Yet, what makes my graduation unique is what 1 in 68 people in this country have in common, Autism. As a baby my mother was told that I would never talk, have an imagination, have a social life, and that my best hope would be living in adult assistance care for the rest of my life. Thankfully, I had a teacher who was able to stand in defiance of the status quo of the day and paved the way for my mother to be able to raise me properly. News of my graduation has been on various local and internet news outlets. I have had so many tell me that my story of beating the odds has inspired them and people in their lives. If I can do one thing in this election, I want  to further inspire others to not only pursue their dreams but fight for the liberation of others to do the same.

The government needs to be reduced in size and scope. It is failing to protect our natural rights. Michigan is perhaps one of the worst offenders when it comes to abuses in power. Michigan has a history of a broken criminal justice system. For example in Kalamazoo (the district I'm running in) a study found that in 2013 blacks were twice as likely as whites to get pulled over by police.

Of course there are entire books that talk about the issues facing Detroit and Flint (and Kalamazoo). A core of the vast majority of these issues continues to be systematic racism and big government. A top priority of mine is to combat both of these head on, and with no mercy.


DM:  What issue in your Michigan District is being ignored the most by other candidates, that you will address and act on?

LF: The problem with my district is part of the same problem Flint and Detroit have had for decades now, government bureaucracy. The road to hell is paved with good intentions and I can tell Michigan has been paving that road for a long time. For example the current state representative in my district is pushing a bill that will require insurance companies to cover wigs for kids with cancer. Of course anytime a company has a new cost to cover they are going to simply pass it down to their employees or the customers themselves. On the other hand I want to get rid of mandates on insurance companies and let people pick the best insurance that works for them. I believe getting rid of mandates will help bring insurance costs down and make it easier for consumers to gain access to the best insurance for them.

Another problem in this state that also greatly affects my district is beer distribution. Kalamazoo is known for its variety of micro breweries. Micro brewers aren't allowed to have retail or wholesale licensing. Any brewing company that wants its beer to be distributed has to go through a handful of distribution centers that are the only ones legally allowed to do so. To make matters worse brewers aren't even allowed to sell beer directly to retailers.


DM:  What about criminal justice reform?  Your thoughts for the area and how to help relations with both public servants and citizens?

LF:  Firstly any serious discussion about criminal justice reform has to include the end of the war on drugs. Cannabis legalization has hit a recent obstacle in Michigan. MIlegalize worked tirelessly in order to get enough signatures for cannabis legalization to get on the ballot this November. However Governor Snyder has recently signed a bill that limits petitions to 180 days for signature gathering. This made half of the signatures gathered for the cannabis legalization petition invalid. Hopefully MIlegalize will be able to fight this in court and get cannabis legalization on the ballot this November. If it cannot I will work on legislation that will legalize cannabis. I also will work on legislation that will at the very least decriminalize (if not outright legalize) all drugs.

Secondly, I would take whatever measures are necessary to ensure that juries are told about their right of jury nullification. For those unaware Jury nullification is when a jury acquits a defendant not because they believe the defendant didn't break the law but rather because the law itself is unjust. Jury nullification is key to giving some power back to the people. With it unjust laws can essentially be made null and void. As far as I'm concerned without the option of jury nullification there cannot be a fair trial.

As far as improving the relationship between public sector and private sector, I think the best way to improve that is to simply make the government serve the people. Government's most basic role is to defend the individual's constitutional rights. Right now our government in DC and Lansing is failing at doing so. The public sector has overstretched its influence and as a result it has become very bad at doing a lot of things. A government that is true to the word of law strives to do as few of things possible but do them very well.


DM:  What improvements do you wish to bring to Education locally for students?  Such as Charter School options and more choices?

LF:  More options, more competition, and decentralization is key to improving education. Yes this means giving vouchers for charter schools and this means taking the authority of what and how children will be taught away from D.C and Lansing and give it to the parents and teachers (not the teacher unions). Parents need choices. The bureaucracy that is the public school system needs to be transformed.

As someone who has had first hand experience with the special education system I must say that the special education system is just as bad if not worse than the rest of the education system. The only reason I'm here today and was able to get the proper training to deal with Autism is because the teacher I had stood up to her bosses and did what was right in helping me deal with Autism.We need good successful teachers like her and an education system that encourages the sort of innovation that she brought to the table, which to this day is still light years ahead of the conventional methods.


Logan Fleckenstein Libertarian Michigan State Representative Candidate
Logan Fleckenstein -L Michigan State Representative Candidate
DM:  What changes can people expect in local medicare, under your guidance?

LF:  Once again like education its all about putting the power back into individuals hands. So really its less about me guiding the system as much as it is about allowing individuals to simply make their own choices in regard to what, if any, sort of health insurance they have. If free markets can enable someone to make smartphones or even up-life billions out of poverty imagine what it can do for healthcare. If I can change one thing about Medicare in general let alone my local area it's simply that there needs to be an opt out option and anyone who chooses to opt out doesn't have to pay into the program.


DM:  Mr. Fleckenstein, thank you for providing so much helpful information to our readers and the voters in your area.  What final thoughts would you like to leave with everyone for this year?

LF:  This is the year of the rise of the Libertarian party. With both parties hitting all time lows in their selection of presidential candidates and with Congress having a popularity level that's laughable it's only a matter of time before the party breaks the glass ceiling minor parties face. This party is going gain a lot of legitimacy if it learns how to act like a political party. If this party can put aside its petty infighting and learn to be more pragmatic in its approach in reaching a wider audience the Libertarian party will no longer be considered fringe. Simply saying taxation is theft and preaching the non-aggression principle isn't enough.

In order for this revolution to really take hold the party has to convey a message that comes from a place of humanity. What I mean by this is that the party has to show the country that liberty is the centerpiece to being human. Without liberty there's no art, academics, science, philosophy, and technology (just to name a few). Liberty is truly a beautiful ideal and even more so is the necessary ingredient that we ,as species ,will need if we ever hope to leave a better world for our children and grandchildren.

Sunday, June 19, 2016

4 Dead, 9 Injured in Ohio Shooting

Copyright Info - Used under Fair Use
OHIO - 4 students were killed, and 9 more injured in a mass shooting at an Ohio university.

"Suddenly, they turned around, got on their knees, as if they were ordered to, they did it all together, aimed. And personally, I was standing there saying, they're not going to shoot, they can't do that." stated an unidentified student.

Another student who witnessed the shooting stated "The firing stopped. I lay there maybe 10 or 15 seconds. I got up, I saw four or five students lying around the lot. By this time, it was like mass hysteria. Students were crying, they were screaming for ambulances."

The shooters were described as wearing "military clothing" by another witness. "We looked at them and they looked at us. They were just kids, 19 years old, like us."

An alarming 28 total shooters fired 61 rounds over a period of 13 seconds into a crowd of protesting students on campus. The shooters used semi-automatic rifles and pistols. One 12-gauge shotgun was also found.

Charges have been filed against only eight of the shooters, but U.S. District Judge Frank Battisti has dismissed the charges, stating that the prosecution's case is too weak to warrant a trial.

The carry of firearms is prohibited on Ohio college campuses, unless you are military or law enforcement.



The date was May 4, 1970. The location was Kent State University. The shooters were the National Guard. The students were unarmed, but the National Guard members claimed self defense.  The students were protesting the Vietnam War.

No amount of gun control would not have prevented this shooting.

Military and law enforcement take note - should attempts to disarm law abiding citizens succeed in the United States, they will not stop there. Just like in the United Kingdom, you will be next to be disarmed.

In a society where guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns.

Choose Liberty. Protect your rights.

Ken Buckler is the editor of the Liberty Chronicle Independent.


Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Press Release - Curtis Hart files to run for Cowlitz County Commissioner District #1

Cowlitz County Libertarian Party   
Ryan Lee, Chairman          Kelburn Koontz, Vice-Chairman         Curtis Hart, Secretary       cclp@lpwa.org

Press Release

18 May 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelso, Washington

Curtis Hart files to run for Cowlitz County Commissioner District #1

Kelso, WA - May 18, 2016 - On May 20,2016, Curtis Hart filed the application at the Cowlitz County Elections Office, located at 207 4th St. in Kelso, WA., to declare his candidacy for Cowlitz County Commissioner District #1.
The incumbent, Mike Karnofski, will be running against Curtis Hart along with Arne Mortensen.
Curtis Hart is the Secretary of the Cowlitz County Libertarian Party.
Curtis Hart recently made headlines worldwide when he was involved with the apprehension of a man attempting to contact a minor for immoral purposes.


The Cowlitz County Libertarian Party (CCLP), formed in 2014, is dedicated to getting Libertarian candidates elected to offices, promoting individual liberty, property rights and self-protection. There is also a focus on creating initiatives which serve the citizens of Cowlitz County through a hands-on community based approach.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Press Release - Libertarian Candidate Opposes TPP, Brian Luke

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2016

2nd Congressional District Candidate Opposes Trans-Pacific Partnership
Libertarian Party candidate for Washington State’s 2nd Congressional District Brian Luke has come out in opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which is a proposed trade agreement between Pacific Rim countries.

Luke states his reasoning for opposing the TPP: “Although international commerce is important to the United States, I believe that the United States should be cautious of trade agreements with countries that do not have a similar standard of living (wages, laws, and regulations). Furthermore, I am cautious of multi-country trade agreements. Trade agreements with individual countries might be acceptable, but they should be reviewed.”

Luke also disagrees with the congressional approval process for this agreement: “I oppose trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as “fast track,” which does not allow Congress to amend trade agreements negotiated by the President and only allows an up or down vote.” Luke further states that, “it is important that Congress scrutinize these agreements for the sake of American workers and businesses.” Incumbent Congressman for the 2nd Congressional District Rick Larsen voted to renew TPA in 2015.

Just to avoid confusion, Luke’s brother Mike Luke is running for the U.S. Senate in Washington State as a Libertarian. He also opposes the TPP.

Brian Luke is one of over 30 Libertarians in Washington State running in federal, congressional, state executive, state legislative or county commissioner offices. Luke is endorsed by the Libertarian Party of Washington.

Washington State’s 2nd Congressional District comprises all or parts of Snohomish, Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan and Island counties.

Luke is 43, lives in Lynnwood, and has worked in the grocery business for 20 years. He has an M.A. in International Studies (Middle East focus) from the University of Washington and a paralegal certificate from Edmonds Community College.

Luke is focusing on several issues, including trade, fiscal and foreign policy.

For more information or to contact Brian Luke, please see the following:
Website: http://luke4congress.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BrianLukeforCongress/
Email: luke4congress@frontier.com
Phone: (425) 242-7660

Monday, June 13, 2016

Ending Victim Culture Through Self Defense

The nightclub shooting in Orlando was a tragic hate crime. This act of terror is inexcusable, and such radical beliefs should never be tolerated.

Not surprisingly, social media and news sites are filled with the typical propaganda - half blaming the shooter's religion, and half blaming the firearm the shooter was using.

The fact of the matter is, only one person is to blame, and that is the shooter himself. Not his religion, not his "scary looking firearm", not anyone present at the night club. However, the fact of the matter is, this tragedy may have been significantly reduced, if not completely prevented, had the nightclub not been a gun-free zone.

Conceal carry inside of clubs and bars is strictly forbidden in Florida, unless you are a licensed security guard, like the shooter.

What? You mean the shooter could carry a firearm in the nightclub, but no-one else could?

And it took three hours for police to finally enter the building and end the situation?

How could it have gone differently? How could have lives been saved?

The answer is simple. End gun-free zones, and allow more law abiding citizens to conceal-carry.

Our country is now plagued with people who demand their "safe space", some relatively new idea that you should have somewhere you can go and be perfectly safe from physical or emotional harm.

But without law abiding citizens conceal carrying to protect themselves and others, the safe space isn't as safe as people thought.

The LGBT community must, without a doubt, arm themselves. Orlando shows that the police cannot protect you. In fact, police are not required to protect you at all, only to enforce the law.

We must end the victim culture. Everyone, LGBT or not, must learn to protect themselves.

Ken Buckler is the editor of the Liberty Chronicle Independent.