Trump's recent executive order to repeal "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals" has been making the news lately, with much heated debate between both Democrats and Republicans.
The Libertarian Party recently announced that it was denouncing the end of DACA, completely missing the mark and making themselves look like fools to much of their own party.
Quite honestly, the national party completely blew it. This could have been our time to shine, to point out how flawed the two-party system truly is, and how dangerous legislation through executive mandate can be, that one administration's policies can simply be undone with the stroke of a pen by the next administration, and that without following the process of turning a bill into law, that these executive orders are counter-productive to the welfare of our great nation.
Executive orders are the most removed from representation possible. There's a reason our laws are supposed to be approved by both the House and Senate - to ensure equal representation. Unilaterally implementing an executive order to change the immigration system does not present fair and equal representation of the people.
Our immigration system is very broken, and any executive order such as DACA is just a temporary, short-term fix, which can be easily undone as we've seen in these past few days. We must press Congress to permanently fix our immigration system through legislation. By ending the DACA executive order, congress must now act.
If this was a sudden, abrupt end to DACA, then the LP's article would be much more appropriate. It isn't. This is a 6-month phase-out, giving congress plenty of time to push through legislation to reform our broken immigration system and fix things permanently. Instead, the LP went with the kneejerk "sky is falling" reaction.
In a time when the country is so divided, and every reaction to government actions so polarized, the Libertarian Party could shine as the voice of calm and reason.
But just like when the LP Vice Chair called service members moralless murderers, the national party seems completely out of touch with its members.
Simply put, the LP completely blew it.
The is an opinion piece by Ken Buckler, independent contributor.
Showing posts with label Libertarian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Libertarian. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Jennifer Hesse, 2017 Everett City Council candidate in Everett, WA focuses on Transparency, Communication, and Voluntarism
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| Jennifer Hesse, Everett City Council candidate (Position 3) for Everett, WA 2017 |
DM: Everett City Council candidate, Jennifer Hesse joins LCI today to talk about her run and what she would like to see happen in Everett. Thanks for being with us, Jennifer. What inspired you to run for City Council this year and how has the campaign gone so far?
JH: Hi David, thanks for having me! I am running for city council because Everett residents are not being heard by their current representatives. It is important for us to listen to the communities we are impacting with our decisions and take their opinions into account, especially if we do not live in those neighborhoods. It is also for this reason I am for districting Everett - Everett city council currently has no member living anywhere near the Berkshire location where they have chosen to put low-barrier housing, which effects only those in the area.
DM: What are the most important issues you want to deal with as a part of Everett City Council?
JH: In short - transparency, communication, and districting.
The people of Everett should be as involved as they wish to be in every step of the decision making process. Behind the scenes meetings must be properly recorded and available for the public. I would also like to strengthen the volunteer programs in our area and look into drug crimes as a health concern rather than a legal one.
DM: Out of all of the issues, which are in your opinion, not being fairly addressed yet by the Council and how would you like to work with them in getting things changed?
JH: As I mentioned before, the Berkshire location and low-barrier housing has been a process wrought with problems - transparency, communication, and location of the representatives being chief among them. From the day I first received an email from a Berkshire neighborhood resident, I listened, visited the area, walked around, and realized exactly what he was saying. We are paid not to make decisions that help us as individuals, but rather to represent the entire city of Everett. We need to reach out and go out of our way to understand what the problems are.
DM: What are your other plans towards making progress in Everett with other council memebers?
JH: I very much would like to see Everett's social voluntary programs grow, which is something the current members appear to be supportive of. I would love to work with them and expand these programs.
DM: Ideally, what would you like to see accomplished within the first 100 days on council?
JH: We need to be looking at the decisions made without all facts heard and considered and look into wording of ordinances recently passed to ensure clear language that will not be able to be construed later on. I have witnessed too many of these issues in this past year and we need to take a step back and fix these problems before we can move forward.
DM: If you could give one message to the voters within Everett before they cast their decision by the primary, what would it be?
JH: Your voice matters, your livelihood matters, and your safety matters. I promise to hear everyone's concerns before deciding on any motions.
DM: For those who would be interested in getting involved with your campaign, donations, and more information, what links can you provide for readers such as Facebook and website?
JH: Please find me at www.facebook.com/HesseforEverett, where you can contact me directly, view all stances on issues, and respond to any of them. This is a place to agree, disagree, and for all of us to learn.
I am not fundraising - this is a decision I made based on a huge flaw I have seen in this system for years - thousands of dollars are raised for local elections. And where does that money go? Into signs and paper that will be thrown away! I prefer using money by giving to charities that serve our city and its citizens. If you would like to be involved with my campaign, please give to charities that serve Everett and make a short announcement of support through it, volunteer, and be a voice for your neighborhood.
DM: It's been a pleasure to speak with you about your campaign for Everett City Council. Closing, what final information would you like to leave for those reading?
JH: It would be my pleasure representing you. Please don't hesitate to contact me - let me know what's important to you so that I can fight for you. Thank you.
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| Jennifer Hesse at Thornton A Sullivan Park for Green Everett Partnership (June 17, 2017) |
This contribution is from Seattle-based independent journalist, David Malekar, Editor in Chief for the Liberty Chronicle Independent; and publishes content to other online publications.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Interview with Libertarian Party of King County Chair, Michelle Darnell and Plans for LPKC
Interview with Libertarian Party of King County Chair, Michelle Darnell and Plans for LPKC
Watch the video below:
The Libertarian Party of King County is a newly formed chapter, this year in early 2017. Michelle Darnell, who has been a semi-regular guest on LCI talks with us once more about LPKC's plans and how Seattle and King County affect the entire state of Washington.
Want to get involved? You can contribute to LPKC in the following ways:
Monthly Donation Support:
https://secure.piryx.com/donate/IPp5gXk3/Libertarian-Party-of-King-County/sponsorshiplpkc
One-time Donation Support:
https://www.lpkingcounty.com/
Volunteering:
https://www.lpkingcounty.com/volunteer-with-lpkc
Following LPKC on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/KingCountyLP
Michelle Darnell has released the following to accompany this interview, as they are building LPKC and need your help:
Dear Friends of Liberty and Justice,I know you have had enough of taxes, regulation and stifling oppression. You feel your freedom slipping away every single day. You are frustrated to see the homeless on the streets and to be sitting in time sucking traffic. You don’t know what to do about it though. This letter is your first step!ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! The time has come for us to unite and fight back!King County is heavily under attack. Barely a day goes by that the headlines don’t speak of an attempt to raise our taxes in order to respond to a crisis. Homelessness, a failing education system, horrible traffic and income inequality are all used as excuses to for increased taxes and regulation.Meanwhile our liberty candidates struggle to gain a foothold.That is what the Libertarian Party of King County (LPKC) hopes to do.We are building a party apparatus to support liberty minded candidates and influence policy and legislation around King County and in Olympia. We will leverage data, technology, our resources and a team of passionate and talented people to increase our exposure in our county, reach voters with a positive libertarian message and professionalize our party.We already have taken the first steps toward our vision. We have an 11 member board, a website multiple social media channels, several candidates running and donations are already coming in!If you want to see what we have been up to, go here: [https://youtu.be/XdNiDCkP5Io]We also have thousands of people ready to get to work. But we need a place to call home, a place to meet, work and store materials. We also need a full-time director. Most of our team are volunteers, working full-time jobs. We need one person now dedicated to helping us organize and keep things moving forward.If I have learned anything in my last 8 years is that politics is a numbers game and:We have to pay to play.So help us put our flag in the ground and reclaim King County from the progressive tax and spend agenda that is CREATING poverty and homelessness and disempowering individuals and businesses. Help us build a third party that truly represents YOUR interests and modernizes the way we approach politics in King County. This is how WE win!As King County goes, so goes the State of Washington. King County is also the 14th largest county in the country so we are in a strategic position.We need your help today to build this. Together we are LIBERTY STRONG!LPKC is growing VERY quickly. We need to hire paid staff and secure an office. This will allow us to take our next steps toward activating volunteers in our community to canvass and assist our candidates this year and hereafter.We also want to collaborate with local individual organizations in serving our community as an example of private organizations responding to public problems. In so doing we DISPLACE government.
In fact 10% of our regular contributions will go to charitable efforts.
Would you consider donating $5/25/100 a month to help us achieve our mission? You can set up a regular or onetime donate online at LPKingcounty.com. So help us reach our goal of $10,000.Even if you live our side King County you can help us reclaim our county, take back our state and impact our country. We are building a bench of future congressmen and women and maybe even a President!Join us today! Many hands make light work!I personally promise you, we won’t let you down! If you ever have a concern or suggestion you can contact me at michellelpkc@gmail.com.So what are you waiting for? Lets get this party started!We thank you in advance for your support! Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to grow our organization, support our candidates and serve our community.So help us reach our goal of $10,000. Many hands make light work!BE the change,Michelle Darnell, Chair
Libertarian Party of King County
Donation Link:
https://secure.piryx.com/donate/IPp5gXk3/Libertarian-Party-of-King-County/sponsorshiplpkc
P.S. Please make sure to check our website for other opportunities, events and candidate information or subscribe to our monthly newsletter at LPKingcounty.com.Website: https://www.lpkingcounty.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KingCountyLP/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KingcountyLP
You can view some of our previous appearances of Michelle Darnell at the links below:
LCI Exclusive: "Liberty Rocks Seattle" - Libertarian Party of King County WA Event 4.13.2017 Featuring Local Candidates and LPKC Speakers:
http://www.libertychronicle.net/2017/04/lci-exclusive-liberty-rocks-seattle.html
Libertarian Party of King County, WA Chapter Convention Launch 3.18.2017 (Including Interview with LPWA Chair candidate, Randy McGlenn):
http://www.libertychronicle.net/2017/03/libertarian-part-of-king-county-wa.html
LCI Exclusive: 60 Minutes w/ Michelle Darnell 2016 -L 48th House of Reps candidate in WA State:
http://www.libertychronicle.net/2016/09/lci-exclusive-60-minutes-w-michelle.html
This contribution is from Seattle-based independent journalist, David Malekar, Editor in Chief for the Liberty Chronicle Independent; and publishes content to other online publications.
Thursday, May 18, 2017
LCI Exclusive - 2017 City Council candidate of Burien, Charles Schaefer talks Community Solutions and Working Together in WA
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| Charles Schaefer, 2017 City Council candidate for Burien, WA |
LCI talked with Charles Schaefer in an exclusive interview about his 2017 campaign run for City Council of Burien, WA. He touched on a few issues such as a absence of law enforcement and community outreach. He is currently actively volunteering in the community, specifically with homeless issues. Charles wants to work on issues with the community and his fellow council.
You can connect with Charles on the following platforms and sign up to volunteer or donate:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlesSchaeferLibertarian/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlesinburien
Website: http://www.votecharles.com
LCI Exclusive - 2017 City Council candidate of Burien, Charles Schaefer talks Community Solutions and Working Together in WA
This contribution is from Seattle-based independent journalist, David Malekar, Editor in Chief for the Liberty Chronicle Independent; and publishes content to other online publications.
Monday, May 15, 2017
Mega-Coverage of Saving Seattle on May Day 5.1.2017 - Pro-Liberty Groups Stand up to Antifa (Exclusive Interviews and Video)
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| "May Day" in Seattle, WA on May 1st, 2017 |
Facebook Event "Stand Against Communism" link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/244804845992857/
Patriot Prayer Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/PatriotPrayerUSA/
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| Seattle Police Department were prepared for the worst on "May Day" in Seattle 5/1/2017 |
This video was originally broadcasted live on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LibertyChronicle/videos/1573327636052382/
Beginning video clip provided by Alex Love.
"Conservative" Meetup Opening at Westlake Park in Seattle on May Day 5.1.2017
Many have claimed that the conservative group that organized the Westlake Park meeting and march in Seattle, may have "saved Seattle."
We asked Patriot Prayer for a comment on the day and they replied that "people should keep an eye on Patriot Prayer if they want to get involved in future events."
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| Many turned out for the Seattle "May Day" event on 5/1/2017 |
Rosario Sicario, an attendee of the event and LCI Independent Contributor had the following to say:
"We won, it was a great victory for the Right. We showed that the disorder and violence is on the Left. I'm proud to be a part of this movement and LCI."
Other LCI Independent Contributors Cody Rose, Alex Love, and Avery Hufford were at the event providing security and event coverage. Their service was appreciated on that day.
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| A participant shows his "Kekistan" Flag in Seattle's "May Day" event |
The following is footage of Antifa refusing to do an open interview after one of their members ordered the group to leave the area. There was at least 3 members that were willing to talk. A missed opportunity by the group to receive media exposure from an outlet that would have given them free reign to speak.
Antifa turns down free, uncensored media coverage - "May Day" Seattle 5/1/2017
Anon and Tyler speak on their thoughts about "May Day" in Seattle and discuss recent events, such as Berkeley that Tyler was able to attend.
Anon and Tyler speak with LCI about Seattle "May Day" 5/1/2017
John Beavers speaks with LCI about his encounters at Berkeley recently where he was one of the first injured. He shares his thoughts on why Antifa possibly are doing what they are doing and advises people to stick together.
John Beavers speaks with LCI, being attacked "The Battle at Berkeley," "May Day" in Seattle 5/1/2017
The following video is the first of two marches completed on "May Day" 5/1/2017 and is one of the actions by the "Conservative" group that many are saying "Saved Seattle" from Antifa and other provocateurs causing damage to the city.
This video was originally broadcasted live on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LibertyChronicle/videos/1573342896050856/
We had full footage of the second march, but unfortunately it was lost due to Facebook Live-stream technical difficulties.
"Conservative" March in Downtown Seattle on "May Day" 5.1.2017
After returning to Westlake Park in Seattle after marching through downtown areas; the "Conservative" group were greeted by more Antifa and other protestors that had come from other protests throughout the city.
This video was originally broadcasted live on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LibertyChronicle/videos/1573431436042002/
"Conservatives" and Antifa Meet at Westlake Park in Seattle on May Day 5/1/2017
The end of the "May Day" "Conservative" meetup/protest ended with a scuffle that resulted in police asking everyone to evacuate the area.
Last Scuffle of "May Day" in Seattle at the Westlake Park Meetup 5.1.2017
Today on May 15th 2017 in an LCI exclusive, we were able to interview Kyle Broussard who was one of the key people during the "May Day" event at Westlake Park. He helped single-handedly defuse many "conflicts," including the final "scuffle" at Westlake Park that resulted in Police directly stepping in and telling people to leave the area. In this interview, Kyle talks about his Libertarian views and how we need to come together with open dialog on all sides.
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| Kyle Broussard was a peacekeeper during Seattle's May Day on 5/1/2017 |
LCI Exclusive - Kyle Broussard Talks Seattle's "May Day" and Reflections Two weeks Later 5.15.2017
Closing out this Mega-Coverage of "May Day" in Seattle, we leave you with this clip. Taking over Mainstream Media Narrative, showing Peace and Unity while Protesting Censorship and Supporting our rights with the Amendments. Make sure to stick around for the ending.
Seattle "May Day" "Conservative March" Takes Over Mainstream Media Narrative 5.1.2017
This contribution is from Seattle-based independent journalist, David Malekar, Editor in Chief for the Liberty Chronicle Independent; and publishes content to other online publications.
Monday, May 8, 2017
Seattle Mayor candidate, Casey Carlisle talks about the Homelessness Crisis, Living Costs and Much More
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| Casey Carlisle, 2017 candidate for Mayor of Seattle, WA |
DM: LCI welcomes today Casey Carlisle, the Mayor candidate for the city of Seattle, WA during the 2017 campaign! Thanks for giving us your time to answer some of our questions. Mayor of Seattle, arguably the face of Washington state; what motivated you to take on this challenge?
CC: I'm running for mayor because I'm not satisfied with simply complaining about the direction our city is taking. We need a non-partisan, objective approach. Our city government shares much of the blame for making Seattle’s cost of living so high. I want to limit the size and scope of the City and focus more on basic services, not on social engineering.
DM: What do you consider the major issues to address in Seattle and then we can discuss those issues a little more in detail.
CC: Cost of living, homelessness, and neighborhood autonomy.
Casey Carlisle speaks at the Liberty Rocks Seattle event on 4/13/2017 (4 minutes 27 seconds)
Article Link: http://www.libertychronicle.net/2017/04/lci-exclusive-liberty-rocks-seattle.html
DM: In regards to the homeless epidemic on Seattle, where do you plan on beginning with the issue? The regulations stopping affordable building solutions? The high taxation? Washington state's horrific mental health treatment history? It's a huge and complex issue and what is your take on tackling the issue?
CC: I agree that homelessness is a complex issue, and because it’s complex, not everyone will be pleased with the steps I or anyone else would like to take. It’s counterintuitive, but the City is currently fueling the rise of homelessness. How can we try to fix a problem that we’re currently aiding and abetting? I’d begin with scrapping plans for more City-sanctioned homeless encampments, and I’d close existing City-sanctioned homeless encampments on my 30th day in office. Lowering taxes will also help, and scrapping affordable housing mandates will help, too. Affordable housing mandates hurt the very same people we’re trying to help. For example, the upzone proposal for the International District mandates that 17% of all new apartment units be priced below market rates. Do you think developers and property managers will just eat the cost? Of course not. They’ll make up for the loss by raising the rents above market rates on the remaining 83%, which widens the wealth gap. “Inclusionary zoning” is just rent control in disguise, designed to make those who implement it feel good about their noble intentions while ignoring the negative, unintended consequences. Once we implement these changes, we’ll be able to focus on those who are in most need – the mentally ill.
DM: Cost of living issues go along directly with the homelessness epidemic, what additional information can you provide on how to make changes such as regressive tax focus, etc.?
CC: I agree that our tax system is regressive, but no mayor in Washington can change it. We’re stuck with it until state legislators change it, so the best we can do is lower the sales and property taxes. In addition, I’d place a moratorium on City hiring, and I’d evaluate the City’s 40 departments to see which we can do without. Also, I’d like every City employee – elected officials included – to take a 15% pay cut. If the City were to focus on just the basics, we wouldn’t need to have such ridiculously high taxes. The more the City tries to do, the more poor and divided we’ll be.
DM: Regarding Neighborhood and community outreach, what areas do you wish to tackle on? What has worked? What needs eliminated? What do you want to see implemented?
CC: Developers shouldn’t be soliciting favors from the City. Upzone all of Seattle, and relinquish planning power to the neighborhoods. With this approach, all of Seattle will have the opportunity for economic development, and developers will have to deal directly with the neighborhood that they wish to develop.
DM: As Mayor, having all of the issues and ideas as we have discussed prepares you for the daunting tasks at hand. However, you will need to work among your peers in the City Council. What is your strategy to work efficiently and productively with them on the issues?
CC: Transparency is key. I want all of Seattle to know about what I wish to accomplish. If they’re aware of these plans, and if I have enough people to support them, the City Council won’t have the luxury of arguing with just me, considering I’ll have the backing of tens of thousands of Seattleites. This is not to say that I’ll be ignoring the City Council; quite the opposite. I look forward to having constructive debates with council-members, and I’d like those debates to be open to the public.
DM: Out of everything we have discussed or may not have mentioned yet, what issue is going to be the absolute hardest to take care of in one term?
CC: I don’t want to seek reelection, so I think it will be very difficult to shrink the size and scope of the City as much as I would like to in four years. Public-sector unions don’t care about the greater good or about having a lower cost of living, so they will surely put up a fight to protect our bureaucrat-bloated government. For example, they want to continue negotiating collective bargaining agreements behind closed doors. That shouldn’t be legal. It’s our money that pays their bloated salaries, so the public should be made aware of those salaries. Unions would rather us be in the dark. Julian Assange said it best: secrecy breeds incompetence.
DM: What ideas do you have on new legislation, if any? If so, how would you see them go through?
CC: I plan to do more vetoing than rule making. In general, I want to reduce the size and scope of the City; however, I do have a couple ideas. I am eager to reform the way property is taxed. Property taxes are one of the most hated forms of taxation, but if we must have them, they might as well be more objective and equitable. I have been increasingly interested in the land value tax. Taxing only the land – instead of what’s on it – will reduce sprawl, lighten the tax load for those who share walls (apartments vs. houses), and remove the subjectivity involved in assessing home value. I am also very interested in changing the way we vote for political candidates. “Top-two” is disastrous for candidates not associated with the two, old parties, so I see “top-two” as stifling democracy in our very independent city. Ranked-choice voting and reforming the way property is taxed seem like a win-win forall, so I don't expect much resistance from the council on these two items.
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| 2017 Seattle, WA Mayor candidate, Casey Carlisle |
DM: This has been an extremely informative interview and I hope that voters reading will take your positions into high consideration when deciding where they cast their vote in Seattle.
If the community is looking to get involved with helping your campaign or donations, what links or information can you provide here?
CC: Thanks for asking. I need $1165 by the 19th of May in order to be on the ballot in August. I don't blame you for thinking that it's silly to donate. I used to think the same way, but now that I'm running for office for the first time, I'm aware of how important your contribution will be. As the candidate, campaign manager, and campaign treasurer, I severely underestimated how time-intensive this process would be. Add to that the lack of attention from the mainstream media, and I'm left with only one option - buying ad space to get my message out. I really need your donation. Please visit my website to learn more about my platform, and if you like what you see, please donate. Every little bit helps. If you're on the fence about donating, then please feel free to ask me anything. I'm happy to chat, and I need your support. Also, I post most of my updates on Twitter, and you'll also find some updates on Facebook. It's caseyForSeattle for all three websites:
Website: http://www.caseyforseattle.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/caseyForSeattle
DM: Thanks again for taking the time to speak with us. In closing thoughts, what would you like to leave with readers?
CC: Thank you for your interest. I'm a big believer of "live and let live," and I refuse to believe that that sentiment has fallen out of favor. Please help me spread the word, and thanks again.
- Casey
This contribution is from Seattle-based independent journalist, David Malekar, Editor in Chief for the Liberty Chronicle Independent; and publishes content to other online publications.
Friday, April 28, 2017
LCI Exclusive: Libertarian Party of Washington State Convention 4.21-4.22.2017 Coverage
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| 2017 Libertarian Party of Washington (LPWA) State Convention in Moses Lake, WA |
LPWA Website: https://lpwa.org/
LPWA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/libertarianpartyofWA/
LCI Exclusive: 2017 LPWA State Convention (FB Livestream Coverage Video) 4.21.2017
There was a great deal of surprise to everyone in attendance as current LPWA State Chair, David Traynor reported to the attendees that they were 3 members short of reaching quorum requirements to hold the business meeting portion on the convention. It was agreed upon by the body to host the business meeting portions of the State Convention on July 8th and possibly 9th, 2017; likely within King County to address the attendance situation. State leadership is said to have had the event in Moses Lake since City Council member, Don Myers is located there; along with the fact that Eastern Washington has held 4 of the last State Conventions and the East Side needed a turn. Despite the convenience of the location, only a small number of Eastern Washington Libertarians made the convention, primarily being an approximate 3/4 attendance from King, Snohomoish and Kitsap Counties.
LPWA Chair, David Traynor Addressing Quorum Issue at LPWA State Convention 4.22.2017
Libertarian Party of King County Vice Chair, Matt Dubin addressed the crowd and words of encouragement for the State Party.
LPKC Website: https://www.lpkingcounty.com/
LPKC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KingCountyLP/
LPKC Vice Chair Matt Dubin, speaks at LPWA State Convention 4.22.2017
Caryn Ann Harlos, National Region 1 Representative and Libertarian Historian presented the "Statement of Principles" and history on the LP back in 1972-74. You can see Caryn Ann's handout with the presentation at the following link:
http://www.libertychronicle.net/2017/04/caryn-ann-harlos-presentation.html
Caryn Ann Harlos Speaks at LPWA State Convention 4.22.2017 - "Statement of Principles" of 1974
2017 Kent City Council Candidate, Paul Addis addressed the convention with his own "Letter from Paul" to rally together members of the state party.
You can view our previous interview with Paul here:
http://www.libertychronicle.net/2017/02/paul-addis-l-kent-wa-city-council.html
Addis Website: http://www.addis4kent.com/
Addis Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Addis4Kent/
Paul Addis Speaks at Libertarian Party of Washington (LPWA) State Convention 4.22.2017
2018 Potential Governor Candidate, Larry Sharpe had informative words as well, for the Washington State Libertarian Party in his presentation.
Sharpe Website: https://www.threadsofliberty.com/collections/the-look-sharpe-collection
Sharpe Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Sharpe4LPVP/
Larry Sharpe speaks at LPWA State Convention 4.22.2017 (HD Version)
Don Myers, current Libertarian City Council member of Moses Lake, WA closed out the speaking session for that Saturday and had more words of inspiration for the LPWA body in attendance.
Don Myers, Moses Lake City Council memeber speaks at the LPWA State Convention 2017 4.22.2017
LPWA will continue on with their business session of the convention in July 2017. Stay posted with their website at https://lpwa.org/ and their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/libertarianpartyofWA/.
This contribution is from Seattle-based independent journalist, David Malekar, Editor in Chief for the Liberty Chronicle Independent; and publishes content to other online publications.
David Traynor,Matt Dubin, and Don Myers video courtesy of LCI Independent Contributor, Alex Love of Love 4 Liberty. Editing by LCI E.I.C. David Malekar.
Caryn Ann Harlos Presentation - Libertarian Party's "Statement of Principles" 1974
The following is information provided by Caryn Ann Harlos regarding the "Statement of Principles" (1974) and the video presentation was from the 4.22.2017 LPWA State convention. This video presentation follows along with the packet information listed below. Use the text information to follow along with Caryn Ann.
Learn about the History of the LP and help contribute at LPedia.org
Learn about the History of the LP and help contribute at LPedia.org
THROUGH WHICH LIBERTY SHALL PREVAIL – HANDOUT
by CARYN ANN HARLOS
We, the members of the Libertarian Party, challenge the cult of the omnipotent state and defend the rights of the individual.
We hold that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose.
Governments throughout history have regularly operated on the opposite principle, that the State has the right to dispose of the lives of individuals and the fruits of their labor. Even within the United States, all political parties other than our own grant to government the right to regulate the lives of individuals and seize the fruits of their labor without their consent.
We, on the contrary, deny the right of any government to do these things, and hold that where governments exist, they must not violate the rights of any individual; namely, (1) the right to life — accordingly we support prohibition of the initiation of physical force against others; (2) the right to liberty of speech and action — accordingly we oppose all attempts by government to abridge the freedom of speech and press, as well as government censorship in any form; and (3) the right to property — accordingly we oppose all government interference with private property, such as confiscation, nationalization, and eminent domain, and support the prohibition of robbery, trespass, fraud, and misrepresentation.
Since governments, when instituted, must not violate individual rights, we oppose all interference by government in the areas of voluntary and contractual relations among individuals. People should not be forced to sacrifice their lives and property for the benefit of others. They should be left free by government to deal with one another as free traders; and the resultant economic system, the only one compatible with the protection of individual rights, is the free market.
Figure 3:
Figure 4:
Figure 5:
The draft Statement of Principles proposals considered in 1972[1]:
Figure 6 (From the Platform Committee):
We, the supporters of the Libertarian Party, rise to challenge the myth that government has the right to exist and act independently of its role as an agent for the protection of the individual rights of each citizen. In recognition of the nature of man, we hold as our first principles that the individual has the right to absolute dominion over and disposal of his life, in order that each may be free to attain the greatest happiness and realization of human potential possible to him. That every individual has absolute, in alienable and inseparable rights to his life, liberty, and all the products thereof, and that every individual has the right to seek and act in accordance with his proper judgment insofar so that he does not thereby violate the same rights of others.
The only justification for government is to provide for the defense of these individual rights. Government has no right not possessed by its individual citizens. We further hold that it is the right of every individual to enter freely into contacts by mutual consent. The only economic political system consistent with individual rights is laissez fair capitalism under a constitutionally limited government commissioned by citizens as an agent for the protection of each individual's rights. With this as our foundation, we propose the following specific platform.
[1] This information was gathered from my
transcription of a moderate quality audio file from the 1972 convention. My best attempts are made at names and
faithful reproduction.
Figure 7 (from Bill Cohen):
Man finds himself living among
men, either as a free man or a slave. Depending upon the ideas which men hold
concerning man's nature, and his proper relationship to other men, and the
institutions men have established, either the individual possesses the right to
his own life, or he exists by permission, his life justified by the benefits
that others derive from the use and disposal of his life and property.
Throughout all of history the
question has been who is to be sacrificed to whom accepting the premise that
man is by nature a sacrificial animal. His goodness is determined by using as a
moral standard the beneficiary of man's actions--if others benefitted that is
good; if he benefited alone that is evil.
Man is presented with a false alternative, either to sacrifice himself
or his values to others, or to sacrifice others to himself.
The name of this moral code is
altruism. It is the moral system which is dominant in this nation today. Men who hold altruistic premises are willing
to give their moral approval to laws which permit the sacrifice of some men's
values for the benefit of others in the name of the public interest. It is altruism which has brought this society to its knees Unless it is challenged,
altruistic premises shall be implemented to a greater extent leading inexorably
to a totalitarian state in which all men will exist as right-less creatures at
the mercy of those who enforce the laws.
The principles of the altruist
ideology are incompatible with the requirements of man's life. The members of the Libertarian Party are
individuals who share certain principles and premises regarding man's nature,
man's relationship to other men, and the proper functions of government which
are fundamentally antithetical to the commonly held ideas and premises of
altruism. We recognize that the basic natural alternative confronting man is
that of life or death. All of man's
actions are either pro-life or anti-life actions including the volitional
actions of man's mind. Therefore, the
only rational standard to use to make value judgments of man's actions is his
life on earth. All pro-life actions are
good and all anti-life actions are evil. By this standard, a man has a moral
sanction to be free to take any action which his own life requires.
The moral sanction to an action
in a social context is a right. Man has no automatic conceptual knowledge of
what his nature and needs are, and his life depends upon his freedom to acquire
this knowledge and to act in accordance with his own judgment. Since this is
true, it follows that each man has the right to interact with other men only by
mutual consent and does not possess the right to start the use of physical
force in any form against another man.
Man is not a sacrificial animal. We hold that man has the right to act
in his own self-interest and that no man can seek to benefit himself by using
force against other men. No man has the
right to the use or disposal of the productive effort of another man, but each
man has the right to own, use, and dispose of the product of his own efforts as
he sees fit in order to exercise his right to his own life.
Any man who violates the rights
of another sacrifices any just claim to his own rights. A truly selfish man
does not seek his self-interest at the enslavement of others. There is no
conflict of interest between men to recognize the inalienable right of each man
to his own life and property. The only
proper function of a government in a society based on these principles is the
protection of the individual rights. A government may only do what it
specifically delegated to do by the citizens.
A citizen may not empower a government to perform an action which a
citizen himself does not have a right to do.
The source of man's rights is not the government, nor other men, but
rather his own nature. A right can only
be recognized or violated. The extent to which a government fails to recognize
the rights of the citizens is the extent to which the citizens are
enslaved. Our government has extended
its power far beyond those we consider to be morally justifiable by our standards. It is our purpose to reverse the direction of
this nation, and not to be content until we until we succeed in reducing this
government to its proper function of its protection of individual rights.
A society based on the concept
of individual rights is capitalism, a term mistakenly applied to our present
society. Capitalism is actually the only
system in which the inalienable rights of an individual to life, liberty and
the ownership and use of private property are recognized in principle and law in
which all interactions among men are by mutual consent, including the
interactions between individuals and the government, in which the initiation of
physical force or fraud by individuals, groups, or government is outlawed. It is our avowed purpose to create a
capitalist society because we know in reason that it is the only society in
which the individual man may flourish in an atmosphere of freedom, peace, and
justice. Such are our principles and
goals, our fundamental convictions upon which the following Platform is based.
Figure 8 (from Mark C. Frazier):
We, the members of the
Libertarian Party, aware that government at all levels has grown abusive and
that political parties have refused to respect basic moral principles, are
determined to offer simple and fundamental change. In place of the political
system which aggresses against individuals and insists that own's life is the
property of others, the Libertarian Party supports recognition of each person's
right to dispose of his life as he sees fit so long as he does not violate the
same right of others. The Libertarian Party defends individual sovereignty
[inaudible].
Because the individual owns his life, he owns
his property and may exist peacefully in whatever way he wishes. Consequently
the Libertarian Party holds that the protection of private property from
forcible or fraudulent seizure is the primary function of government and that
laissez fair capitalism is the only moral political economic system. All other
systems, from communism and fascism to welfare-state liberalism, forcibly
relegate the individual and his property to be controlled by others. Today's
politics are drifting into a total repudiation of individual sovereignty and
private property. To those who answer the question "Who owns your
life?" with "I do," the Libertarian Party offers the only
alternative.
Figure 9 (from John Hospers):
We, the members of the
Libertarian Party, challenge the cult of the omnipotent state, and defend the
rights of individuals.
We hold that each individual has
the right to exercise sole dominion over his own life, and the right to live
his life in whatever manner he chooses, so long as he does not forcibly
interfere with the equal right of others to live their lives in whatever manner
they choose.
Governments throughout the world
have regularly operated upon the opposite principle, that the State has the
right to dispose of the lives of individuals and the fruits of their labor.
Even within the United States, with a government less totalitarian than most
others, all political parties other than our own grant to the government the
right to regulate the life of the individual and seize the fruits of his labor
without his consent.
We, on the contrary, deny the
right of any government to do these things, and hold that the sole function of
government is the protection of the rights of individuals: namely (1) the right
to life -- and accordingly we support legislation prohibiting the initiation of
force against others such as killing, maiming, injuring, and all forms of
physical assault on life and limb; (2) the right of liberty of speech and
action -- and accordingly we oppose all attempts by government to abridge the
freedom of speech and press, as well as government censorship in any form; and
(3) the right to property -- and accordingly we oppose all government
interference with private property, such as confiscation, nationalization, and
eminent domain, and support legislation which prohibits robbery, trespass,
fraud, and misrepresentation.
Since government has only one
legitimate function, the protection of individual rights, we oppose any
encroachment by government into the areas of voluntary or contractual relations
among individuals. Men should be left free by government to deal with one
another as free traders on a free market; consequently, the only economic
system compatible with men's rights is laissez-faire capitalism.
Figure 10 (from Bill D. Susel):
We, the supporters of the
Libertarian Party, rise to challenge the myth of the omnipotent collective, to
assert and defend the sovereignty of the individual. We hold that each man has
a fundamental right to his own life. This right imposes no obligation on
another man except of a negative kind, to abstain from violating any other
man's rights. Libertarians recognize the right of each individual to act as he,
and he alone, chooses provided he does not violate the similar right of any
other individual.
The Libertarian disclaims any
right and refuses to recognize any claim to a right by others which requires
for its implementation or enforcement an unchosen obligation or involuntary
servitude on any other individual. The Libertarian renounces the initiation of
force to obtain his ends, he will thus not sanction the initiation of force by
any individual or agent, the government included, to obtain any end. The Declaration of Independence established
the principle that to secure these rights governments are instituted among
men. Thus was provided the only valid
justification of the government. This principle
also defines our government's only proper limited purpose, to protect man's
rights by protecting him from coercion. The government may not go beyond its
limited purpose without violating individual rights and thus destroying
liberty. Liberty can only find its
fullest expression in the free market, where all exchanges of property and
labor among men are voluntary. Thus, the only socio-economic system capable of
expressing liberty is laissez faire capitalism.
It is the only system consistent with individual rights.
Rooted in the philosophies of
reason, proclaiming the sanctity of individual rights, we do explicitly and
proudly affirm our dedication to fight the battle for capitalism, to wage the
ideological war that must be fought if liberty is to survive, to achieve that
society in which all men are free to seek their chosen goals, the enumeration
of the positions herein shall not be taken to disparage other positions which
libertarians may share.
Figure 11 (from Diane Amsden):
We, the members of the
Libertarian Party, rise to proclaim that man's life is an end in itself, and
that the purpose of a man's life is his own happiness. We challenge the myth of
the divine right of the public good. The
public good means only that the good of some individuals takes precedence over
the good of others. We base our
political philosophy on man's nature and his relationship to [inaudible]. Man is distinguished by the possession of reason
which is his basic need for survival. To the extent an individual abandons
reason in favor of authority, position,
or emotion, he is his own destroyer. A right is a moral sanction of an
individual's freedom to act voluntarily, without coercion, for his own goals.
The right to life is the source of all rights, and the right to property is its
only implementation. The right to property is the right to act, not to posses
an object. Individual rights are the
necessary condition for a society appropriate for human beings. The mind does
not work under compulsion. Force a man to submit or to act against his
judgment, in fact it paralyzes the capacity for reason. A proper social system recognizes individual
rights and bans physical force. It
encourages thinking by permitting the thinking individual to receive and
dispose of the fruits of his thinking.
The collectivist society systemically does the precise opposite and
punishes thinking.
A government is an institution
which holds its perfect power enforcing the rules of social conduct in a given
geographical area. The two great values to be gained by social [inaudible] are
knowledge and trade for these very benefits indicate the limit and define what
kind of men can be of value to one another in what kind of society. Only
rational productive independent men in rational productive free society
[fragment]. A government is the means of placing [inaudible] control.
Libertarians regard government as the greatest potential for [inaudible]
individual rights. Since protection of individual rights is the only proper
purpose of the government [tape cuts out].
Here is a copy of Hospers’ original notes
from the convention (Figure 12):
1972 Statement of Principles (Figure 13)
Adopted
unanimously by the delegates to the first national convention of the
Libertarian Party, on June 17, 1972.
We,
the members of the Libertarian Party, challenge the cult of the omnipotent
state, and defend the rights of the individual.
We
hold that each individual has the right to exercise sole dominion over his own
life, and has the right to live his life in whatever manner he chooses, so long
as he does not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live their
lives in whatever manner they choose.
Governments
throughout history have regularly operated on the opposite principle, that the
State has the right to dispose of the lives of individuals and the fruits of
their labor. Even within the United States, all political parties other than
our own grant to government the right to regulate the life of the individual
and seize the fruits of his labor without his consent.
We,
on the contrary, deny the right of any government to do these things, and hold
that the sole function of government is the protection of the rights of each
individual: namely (1) the right to life -- and accordingly we support laws prohibiting
the initiation of physical force against others; (2) the right to liberty of
speech and action -- and accordingly we oppose all attempts by government to
abridge the freedom of speech and press, as well as government censorship in
any form; and (3) the right to property -- and accordingly we oppose all
government interference with private property, such as confiscation,
nationalization, and eminent domain, and support laws which prohibit robbery,
trespass, fraud and misrepresentation.
Since
government has only one legitimate function, the protection of individual
rights, we oppose all interference by government in the areas of voluntary and
contractual relations among individuals. Men should not be forced to sacrifice
their lives and property for the benefit of others. They should be left free by
government to deal with one another as free traders on a free market; and the
resultant economic system, the only one compatible with the protection of man's
rights, is laissez-faire capitalism.
1974 Statement of Principles (Figure 14)
Adopted by the
delegates to the second national convention of the Libertarian Party in Dallas,
1974.
We,
the members of the Libertarian Party, challenge the cult of the omnipotent
state and defend the rights of the individual.
We
hold that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their
own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long
as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in
whatever manner they choose.
Governments
throughout history have regularly operated on the opposite principle, that the
State has the right to dispose of the lives of individuals and the fruits of
their labor. Even within the United States, all political parties other than
our own grant to government the right to regulate the lives of individuals and
seize the fruits of their labor without their consent.
We,
on the contrary, deny the right of any government to do these things, and hold
that where governments exist, they must not violate the rights of any
individual; namely, (1) the right to life — accordingly we support prohibition
of the initiation of physical force against others; (2) the right to liberty of
speech and action — accordingly we oppose all attempts by government to abridge
the freedom of speech and press, as well as government censorship in any form;
and (3) the right to property — accordingly we oppose all government
interference with private property, such as confiscation, nationalization, and
eminent domain, and support the prohibition of robbery, trespass, fraud, and
misrepresentation.
Since
governments, when instituted, must not violate individual rights, we oppose all
interference by government in the areas of voluntary and contractual relations
among individuals. People should not be forced to sacrifice their lives and
property for the benefit of others. They should be left free by government to
deal with one another as free traders; and the resultant economic system, the
only one compatible with the protection of individual rights, is the free
market.
1974 Statement of Principles (with mark-up comparison to 1972) (Figure 15)
Adopted by the
delegates to the second national convention of the Libertarian Party in Dallas,
1974.
We,
the members of the Libertarian Party, challenge the cult of the omnipotent
state, and
defend the rights of the individual.
We
hold that each all individuals has
have the right to exercise sole dominion over his their own life lives,
and has have the right to
live in whatever manner he they chooses, so long as he they does not forcibly interfere
with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose.
Governments
throughout history have regularly operated on the opposite principle, that the
State has the right to dispose of the lives of individuals and the fruits of
their labor. Even within the United States, all political parties other than
our own grant to government the right to regulate the life lives of the individuals
and seize the fruits of his their labor without his
their consent.
We,
on the contrary, deny the right of any government to do these things, and hold
that the sole function
of government is the protection of where governments exist, they must not violate
the rights of each any individual;
namely, (1) the
right to life — and
accordingly we support laws
prohibiting prohibition
of the initiation of physical force against others; (2) the right to
liberty of speech and action — and accordingly we oppose all attempts by government to
abridge the freedom of speech and press, as well as government censorship in
any form; and (3) the right to property — and accordingly we oppose all government
interference with private property, such as confiscation, nationalization, and
eminent domain, and support laws which prohibit the prohibition of robbery, trespass,
fraud, and
misrepresentation.
Since
governments
has only one legitimate function, when instituted, the
protection of must not violate individual rights, we oppose
all interference by government in the areas of voluntary and contractual
relations among individuals. Men People
should not be forced to sacrifice their lives and property for the benefit of
others. They should be left free by government to deal with one another as free
traders on a free
market;
and the resultant economic system, the only one compatible with the protection
of man’s individual rights,
is laissez-faire
capitalism the
free market.
Style/Grammar Changes
Gender Neutrality and Related
Changes
Dallas Accord Changes/Nods to
anarchy and no ultimate position on the existence of the State
Substantive other change in
terminology (arguable as to substantive)
CASE STUDY: TAXATION IS THEFT
Figure 16:
1972 Plank-The Economy
Government intervention in the
economy imperils both the material prosperity and personal freedom of every
American. We therefore support the following specific immediate reforms:
(a) reduction of both taxes and
government spending;
(b) an end to deficit budgets;
(c) a halt to inflationary
monetary policies, and elimination, with all deliberate speed, of the Federal
Reserve System;
(d) the removal of all
governmental impediments to free trade -- including the repeal of the National
Labor Relations Act, the Interstate Commerce Act, all antitrust laws, and the
abolition of the Department of Agriculture, as the most pressing and critical
impediments;
(e) and the repeal of all
controls on wages, prices, rents, profits, production, and interest rates.
Figure 17:
1972 Plank-Long-Range Goals
Since we believe that every man is entitled to keep the fruits of his
labor, we are opposed to all government activity which consists of the
forcible collection money or goods from citizens in violation of their
individual rights. Specifically, we
support the eventual repeal of all taxation. We support a system of
voluntary fees for services rendered as a method for financing government in a
free society.
Figure 18:
1974 Plank-Taxation
Since we believe that all persons are entitled to keep the fruits of
their labor, we are opposed to all government activity which consists of the
forcible collection of money or goods from individuals in violation of their
individual rights. Specifically, we support:
a.) those who challenge the
payment of taxes on legal and constitutional grounds; and
b.) the eventual repeal of all taxation.
We oppose as involuntary
servitude any legal requirements forcing employers or business owners to serve
as tax collectors for federal, state. or local tax agencies.
Figure 19:
1976 Plank-Freedom of Religion
We defend the rights of
individuals to engage in any religious activities which do not violate the
rights of others. In order to defend religious freedom, we advocate a strict
separation of church and state. We oppose govemment actions which either aid or
attack any religion. We oppose taxation
of church property for the same reason that we oppose all taxation.
Figure 20:
1976 Plank-Taxation
Since we believe that all persons are entitled to keep the fruits of
their labor, we oppose all government activity which consists of the
forcible collection of money or goods from individuals in violation of their
individual rights. Specifically, we:
a.) recognize the right of any
individual to challenge the payment of taxes on moral, legal, and
constitutional grounds;
b.) oppose all personal and corporate income taxation, including
capital gains taxes;
c.) support repeal of the
Sixteenth Amendment, and oppose any in- crease in existing tax rates and the
imposition of any new taxes;
d.) support the eventual repeal of all taxation; and
e.) support a declaration of
unconditional amnesty for all those who have been convicted of, or who now
stand accused of tax resistance.
We oppose as involuntary
servitude any legal requirements forcing employers or business owners to serve
as tax collectors for federal, state, or local tax agencies.
Figure 21:
2016 Plank-Government Finance and Spending
All persons are entitled to keep
the fruits of their labor. We call for the repeal of the income tax, the
abolishment of the Internal Revenue Service and all federal programs and
services not required under the U.S. Constitution.
Figure 22:
2016-Preamble
These specific policies are not
our goal, however. Our goal is nothing more nor less than a world set free in
our lifetime, and it is to this end that we take these stands.
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