New Executive Director for LP of Georgia

Everyone is very excited that Dave "Flex" Flannigan has taken over the reigns of executive director for the Georgia LP. Dave is a heck of a nice guy and was , at the state excom level, the guiding light for the formation of the East Metro Libertarians. We are all very pleased that the Executive Director slot has finally been filled and are all very happy that it was Dave who filled it. With Mark Mosely's (state LP chair) vision for the 2006 year, and with Dave's leadership, we believe that 2006 will be a very special year for the LP.

Comments on Michael Badnarik's Constitution Class

This past Saturday, 3 East Metro Libertarians(myself included), along w/ about 20 other freedom-lovers attended Mr. Badnarik's Constitution class in Atlanta. Mr. Badnarik was the 2004 candidate for President for the Libertarian Party. The class which is based on his amazing book--"Good To Be King"--is an 8 hour primer on the Constitution, what it's supposed to be, and how far off track we have become, and what we can do to turn the tide. This class was an experience I will soon not forget. Mr. Badnarik is, in my words, a man of Truth–he tells it like it is in a clear and concise way. He will rattle your cage and he is most certainly an iconoclast. To be honest, there is a certain amount of fear and dread that you will experience as you begin to “see the light". But, it is worth it. When you walk out of the class, the fear transforms into courage. You are energized…ready to fight the good fight!!! America belongs to us–We the People–and it’s up to each and every one of us to make it happen! That’s really the thing with Badnarik’s class. He prepares us for road ahead. And knowing that there is a patriot like him, and knowing that there are numerous others out there–makes the task seem much less daunting. I recommend this class to anyone who believes in the libertarian ideals of individual rights, social and economic freedom, and less government intervention.Thank you Mr. Badnarik

Write Your congressman in support of H.R. 25

To look up and get contact info or to send an electronic letter to your Congressman, go to:
http://www.house.gov/writerep/

Here is a sample of a letter I sent to the Honorable David Scott:

Hello sir...hope all is well with you. First off, I would like to explain that I am a Libertarian in terms of political affiliation; however, I have been very impressed with you and what you've been doing in D.C. I think that many other Libertarians, as well as independents and Republicans would say the same. You seem to be a good, fair, and decent man...Lord knows, we need more like you.

With that said, here is why I am writing:
I am writing to ask to take a very close and serious look at H.R. 25--The Fair Tax Bill. It is a good bill, it might be the thing that saves our country from certain financial ruin. I mean, let's face it Mr. Scott, Social Security and Medicare are running on borrowed time. Several prominent and well-respected economists agree that the FairTax would double the size of our economy in 15-20 years which would lead to a corresponding increase in govt. revenues. Furthermore, we would bring back billions of lost dollars when businesses come back to the country after having left due to harsh tax codes. The time has come for America to have a tax that makes sense, and a tax that is fair. The income tax is a bad, bad thing...we all know it. So let's do something about it. Change is in the air, Mr. Scott...we are on the verge of a political renaissance in which freedom and individual rights are what is considered when it comes to government decisions. The times they are a changin...It would be nice to have you on board. What do you say, Mr. Scott? Will you support the FairTax?

Ron Paul--A True American Patriot

author's note: I already ran this once early in the blog's life (May) but wanted to run it again. MM

Ron Paul--A True American Patriot
Between Liberal hacks like John Kerry, Nancy Pelosi, and Teddy "Dripping Wet" Kennedy and Republicans such as Tom Delay and Bill Frist, it is refreshing to find one man in the halls of congress who is a true American Patriot--a freedom lover and a supporter of individual rights. That Man is Ron Paul (R-TX), a member of the house of representatives for many years, he exemplifies what a true politician should be. Technically a Republican, he is a libertarian by nature and ran for president on the LP ticket in the 80's . I consider Mr. Paul to be my "adopted" representative in Congress. Find out more about this amazing man:

http://www.house.gov/paul/ --his congressional page
www.ronpaul.org --his website
www.ronpaul.net --a campain page
www.house.gov/paul/openingpage.htm --Project Freedom

Write Mr. Paul and let him know that you appreciate his unique gift to our Republic, and also let him know that you would like for him to be your "adopted" representative. Also ask him to be the LP candidate for President in 2008!

Passing H.R. 25--The Fair Tax can Happen

The reaction for the the Fair Tax book by Neal Boortz and John Linder has been absolutely amazing!!! People are ready for this. Hell, they're more than ready, they are way past ready. This needs to happen. And for the first time maybe ever, people are starting to realize that it could happen. If every freedom-lover bought the book at some point in the near future, it would probably stay on the NY Times best seller list for a year. This is sending a message--Congress is watching!! We need to support this book and support Mr. Linder in his quest for getting H.R. 25 to the floor. Buy the book. Write your congressman. Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper, do a write-up on your blog. Do anything and everything to help this thing along. Remember--Congress is watching...so is the President, and so is everyone else. This plan can work. It will work. We must act now!!!

What is Moderate Libertarianism?

Thus far, the East Metro Libertarians have been very fortunate in our exposure and media attention. Two front-page articles in as many weeks and a 10 minute radio interview w/ Tim Bryant on WGUA 1340 is hopefully just the start. It seems that many people are rallying behind the East Metro Libertarians in a very big way. There seems to be a feeling of excitement in the air. Why? The answer seems very simple, yet at the same time can be very complex. As we have mentioned in all of our media exposure, we are, by and large, "moderate" libertarians. This concept seems to really appeal to people...it grabs them. But, what exactly is moderate Libertariansim? I've been working, off and on, on kind of a moderate libertarianism manifesto, as it were, and in the meantime I would like to lay down the main, basic points.

Moderate Libertarianism

• We believe in complete individual rights so long as those rights do not forcibly interfere with others. Live and Let Live
• We hold the Bill of Rights in sacred regard.
• We believe in State Rights as envisioned by the Constitution.
• We are , by and large, Strict Constitutionalists.
• We are basically social liberals.
• We are basically economic conservatives.
• Whereas "hardcore" libertarians believe in a drastic (in the range of 50-100%) reduction in the size and scope of government, we tend to think in the range of 10-50%)
• We are Federalists in the truest sense of the word, but anti-federalists in the context of history.
• We understand the we are a Republic, not a democracy.
• We are Jeffersonian Democrats
• We don't think our borders should be completely open, we believe that strong and secure borders are essential to our nation's security.
• We believe our military's chief concern should be national security, and not policing the entire globe. However, we believe in a very strong military and understand that evil and hate has infested itself in various parts of the world, and from time to time, we will have to do something about it.
• We think many aspects of our current Federal Government are good things, and we believe that many aspects of our current Federal Government are horrendous. The same can be said of state, county, and municipal governments.
• We hold the 2nd amendment in very high regard, and support strong gun rights
• We hold the 4th amendment in equally high regard, and are dismayed by the state of the police state in America.
• Strong guarded property rights, being essential to the endurance of our Republic, we believe that eminent domain abuse and other improper takings, are a grave threat to our future.
• Abortion, Gays, Affirmitave Action and many other issues are total non-issues to most of us. And a lot of us believe that the current politicians look on with glee that we are so polarized by many of these issues.
• We think the 2-party system achieves the same results as the aforementioned bullet, in that they keep us preoccupied and polarized while the power-hungy pols take more of our money and freedom.
• We belive that a change is inevitable, that we are right and they are wrong, that our cause is a righteous one, and we will prevail. We are eternal optimists.
• We think Reagan was a great president.
• We think FDR was a socialist.
• Some of us think that JFK was the "last gunslinger"; the last true champion of the common man and that he may have gotten a bullet in the head for it. And while we're at it: Why have we not risen up and demanded the full and total truth about JKF?
• Why have we allowed ourselves to be at this point?
• We are ready to make a change. In a peaceful and legal way, we will change this country.
• We are moderate Libertarians.

Fighting the Good Fight

During a time when it seems that a lot of Georgia libertarians are stuck in an inertia-type rut, or just wanting to "talk the talk" rather than "walk the walk", it is very refreshing indeed to see James Bell and the Libertarian Action Network, Inc. out there doing their thing to advance the cause of liberty. While some libertarians think its better to just "spread the word" or simply field symbolic candidates, L.A.N. Inc. is truly an "action" organization in the traditional sense of the word. Please visit their webpage at www.libact.net and see what this dynamic organization is up to. In particular, pay attention to the S.T.O.P. campaign as we, the East Metro Libertarians, will be working in concert with L.A.N. until there is not a threat of improper eminent domain in the 7 county east metro area.

And now, in what will become a weekly tradition,

The East Metro Shoutouts:

Jason Pye--Henry Co. LP chair who has been in the printed and televised media several times in the recent weeks. We will be working together w/ Jason and the Henry LP during the S.S.#17 race next fall and we look forward to working w/ them.

James Bell--for the aforementioned reasons.

The Covington News--for giving our article front page coverage

The manager at Stevi B's (can't remember his name)--for being Johnny on the Spot and taking such good care of us.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our British brothers and sisters

A lot of us come from at least a partial British lineage, and of course, we as a country, came from Great Britain, so there is a strong kinship and a lot of feelings that we have for our distant relatives across the pond. Therefore, the sadness, anger and rage are especially strong today. Strange thoughts and feelings on this Friday morning. I can't speak for the East Metro Libertarians as a whole, but personally, I hope they track down the cowards that did this and kill them dead. If it was the work of Islamic terrorists (which seems likely), then it is yet another example of why we need to track these vicious S.O.B.'s down and exterminate them like rodents. And while I personally am not in favor of the Iraqi occupation, I, along with many, many Libertarians, am fully in support of the War On Terror in which we take the fight to these thugs and hopefully kill as many as possible. As many others have said, probably much better than I can, there is no understanding or logic w/ these Lunatics. All they know is killing; therefore, we should help give them a complete understanding of that word. And it's not because of Iraq, or Israel, or Afghanistan, or any other reason. The Lunatic fringe of the Islamic faith has been around for 1500 years and will continue into the foreseeable future. It didn't start with 9/11, nor with the U.S.S. Cole, or the embassy bombings in Africa...it goes way, way back. The Olympic hostage incident in '72, the continued terror, bombings, and wars against Israel over the last 50 years, Islamic aggression during the 1,000-1,500 A.D. period through Europe. Most people forget that we came real close to losing all of Europe during that period. And hey--I might sound like Bush here, but I'll say it--We're right and They're wrong. They are Evil. They should die.

My deepest sympathies go to our British brothers and sisters. As Bush said shortly after 9/11, America has no greater ally than England, and hopefully the British know that it is true the other way. May God Bless the U.K.

One of the Best Quotes Ever!!!

P.J. O'Rourke is a real genius, and an American patriot and true freedom-lover. This following quote sums things up nicely:

There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences.

P. J. O'Rourke

Happy Fourth of July

Happy Forth of July!!!

This is a day for all of us to stop and reflect about our founding fathers, The Declaration, and why we need to work together to return this country to its founding ideals.

This 4th, in particular, we should really stop and think about how Bush and company are spending billions of dollars while hundreds of our troops die in a war that cannot ever be won in the traditional sense of the word. But, wait! We are advandcing the cause of Freedom and all that crap. Meanwhile, our freedoms, here in America, are being whittled down literally by the day. Think about it.

And ask yourself this?

How would the signers of the Declaration of Independence feels about our country in 2005. They'd be LIVID!!! They would be very upset...and rightfully so. We are so off-course right now. It's up to freedom lovers like you and me to do something about it. So let's do something about it. Remember who we are:

WE THE PEOPLE

and contrary to popular belief, we are in charge of these out-of-control , so-called "public servants" and now the time has come for us to do something about.

Support the Libertarian Party and, of course, The East Metro Libertarian Party. Also, learn more about groups such as the Institute for Justice, the Fully Informed Jury Assocation, and The Cato Institute (all of which can be found on our links page) and start to support any and/or all of these organizations. Personally, I have made a July 4th resolution. And while, God Knows, I probably can't afford this, I am going to set aside 5% of all of my net income to give, donate, and raise funds for all parties, groups, organizations, etc. to "truly" help advance freedom. I ask all of you to do the same. The time has come, we must make a change.

God Bless the Republic of the united States of America

Some Great Quotes concerning Politics

Quote:
I have come to the conclusion that politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians.
Author:
Charles De Gaulle 1890-1970, French President during World War II


Quote:
The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed [and Hence Clamorous To Be Led To Safety] by an endless series of hobgoblins.
Author:
H. L. Mencken 1880-1956, American Editor, Author, Critic, Humorist


Quote:
In politics we presume that everyone who knows how to get votes knows how to administer a city or a state. When we are ill... we do not ask for the handsomest physician, or the most eloquent one.
Author:
Plato BC 427?-347?, Greek Philosopher


Quote:
It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.
Author:
Ronald Reagan 1911-, Fortieth President of the USA, Actor

Liberty Action Network, Inc. unveils the "S.T.O.P" campain

This is an issue that we all must get together on.


S.T.O.P. Stop Taking Our Property!
Stop Eminent Domain Abuse! Restore Property Rights!

Is your home and property in jeopardy? Will the government seize your land?
Will your home become a Mall? Will you be paid “fair market value”?

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that local governments can seize your land/home and sale or give it to private developers for the purpose of generating more taxes.
This ruling has put your property and community in jeopardy!

Things you can do to S.T.O.P. it. Start with your local government.

City Councils- County Commissioners – State Reps. And Senators:
Call or FAX your council members, county and state officials and demand an ordinance/code that protects your property rights from private development. Attend work sessions and business meeting and speak on the issue. Demand your elected officials to go on the record in support of property rights.

For more information and assistance please contact: The S.T.O.P. Campaign
Office: 770-739-1543 Email: libactnet@yahoo.com
Write to: Libertarian Action Network, Inc. P.O. Box 582 Austell, Georgia 30168
Sign Online Petition: www.libact.net - Donations welcomed and needed!

Supreme Court rolls out another dud

The Supreme Court has handed down two rulings concerning the display of the 10 commandments in courtrooms and on government property. In a usual 5-4 decision, the High Court said NO to the commandments in courthouses but yes to their display at state capitals and other government properties? Furthermore, the majority opinion written by David Souter, doesn't read very well at all; however, the dissenting view written up by Scalia is much better and makes much more sense. I know there are many libertarians who will disagree with me on this, but read the decision and really think about the fact that there is no clause about "seperation of church and state" anywhere in the Constitution. The First Amendment refers strictly to prohibiting a state-sanctioned religion i.e. how the Church of England was to Britain. The Founding Fathers refered to God and Judeo-Christain principles over and over again. You cannot discount that. So, I feel, once again--The Supreme Court has messed up again--

text of first decision:
http://wid.ap.org/documents/scotus/050627mccreary.pdf

2nd decision:
http://wid.ap.org/documents/scotus/050627vanorden.pdf

Leninist Leanings on the Supreme Court

Rudy Takala wrote a terrific article about the comparisons between the writings of Vladimir Lenin and John Paul Stevens--the Supreme Court justice who wrote the majority decision in the New London, CT eminent domain case.

E.g.

"If the peasants sow the fields poorly, they should be helped – and this particularly applies to the poor peasants – by means of collective cultivation of the large estates. There is no other way of helping the poor peasants." Therefore, "the landed estates must be confiscated immediately."
V.Lenin

compared to:

"The city has carefully formulated an economic development plan that it believes will provide appreciable benefits to the community, including -- but by no means limited to -- new jobs and increased tax revenue."

One of my previous blogs dealt with the fact the the United States is indeed a communist country. Let's re-examine that:


Karl Marx mentioned 10 Planks of Communism. America, to some degree or another, has all 10. The Ten Planks of Communism:
1.Abolition of Private Property
2. A Progressive Income Tax
3. Abolition of Inheritance
4. Confiscation of property of all emigrants and rebels
5. A Central Bank
6. Centralization of communications and transportation
7. Extension of factories and instruments of Production into the hands of the State
8. Equal Liability of all to Labor
9. Combinations of Agriculture with Manufacturing Industries
10. Free Education for all Children


1. Abolition of Private Property--There is no such thing as true private property in America right now. First of all, Zoning laws compromise your true ownership of land. Also, if you pay property taxes, you are in essence, renting your ownership. And finally, with widespread cases of eminent Domain abuse and as evidenced by the state legistlature this past session, the concept of true private property is simply a joke now. And now, as of the infamous Supreme Court Decision of 6.23.5, Karl Marx is smiling fondly from his grave.
2. A Progressive Income Tax--Enough Said
3. Abolition of all rights of Inheritance--This kind of ebbs and flows from time to time depending on who's in power. Right now things are looking good; however, at some point in the future liberals and socialist will eventually take control of our country and I believe you will see this plank come to fruition within the next 20-50 years.
4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels--As of right now, there are several federal agencies that can confiscate and sell your land without giving you due process of law. For most people, this pertains to drug dealers and tax evaders; however, a little known law from 1997 allows the government to do this to people who speak out against the government i.e. me. And let's not forget the patriot act.
5. A Central Bank-- The Federal Reserve is a private corporation which makes fiat money out of nothing and then lends it to the government at interest. It is a diabolical and evil cartel that should be done away with.
6. Centralization of Communications and Transportation--This one is also a real no-brainer. FCC and DOT are obvious choice; however, there other regulatory agenices on the federal and state levels that add more government interference with these issues. Transportation is a big one for me--with the concept of "implied consent", the government feels that you should have ZERO rights whenever traveling on a public road. There does exist, in my mind, a constitutional right to travel that the government is infringing upon with this so-called "implied constent". So therefore, once again, constitutional rights are being trampled on by statuatory and regulatory actions.
7. Extension of factories and instruments of Production into the hands of the State--this refers to government control of agriculture and manufacturing. Think of the Department of Agriculture spending millions of dollars every year on subsidies, payments, fees, monies paid to farmers not to plant certain items, etc. Also, the Dept. of the Interior.
8. Equal Liability of all Labor--Social Security, Department of Labor, OSHA, etc.
9. Combinations of Agriculture with Manufacturing Industries; Regional Planning
--regional planning does exist in this country with the Planning Reorganization Act of 1949 and a couple of odd executive orders
10. Free Education for all Children--public education, Dept. of Education

May Justices Stevens, Souter, Ginsburg, Breyer and Kennedy all rot in Hell!!!

Supreme Court Decision

Supreme Courts rules in favor of municipial governments taking property through eminent domain for private use.
News Article from Worldnet Daily:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=44952
Full text of decision:
http://wid.ap.org/documents/scotus/050623kelo.pdf

A few quotes:

Just as man can't exist without his body, so no rights can exist without the right to translate one's rights into reality, to think, to work and keep the results, which means: the right of property"
Ayn Rand

"No power on earth has a right to take our property from us without our consent"
John Jay
This is truly a say day for those of us who cherish freedom and realize that vigourously guarded property rights are essential for the endurance of our Republic. May God bless us, we're going to need it.

Great Quote on Property

"The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence"

John Adams
2nd US president (1797-1801), 1735-1826

Supreme Court Says Property Rights Don't Exist

We are dead in the water...I really think this is the event, and that this date--June 23rd, 2005--will be remembered as the threshold when America went from simply being on the wrong track to actually barelling, out of control, down the proverbial downward spiral. May God bless all of the freedom lovers...were gonna need it. I give this country 50 years tops!!! Maybe only 20. We're through--

National LP responds to Supreme Court's unfortunate decision on medicinal marijuana

http://www.lp.org/media/article_150.shtml

Tables get Turned--Rancher sues an Enviromental Groups--And Wins!!

Very interesting read.
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/Issues/2005-05-26/news/feature.html

Ron Paul--A True American Patriot

Between Liberal hacks like John Kerry, Nancy Pelosi, and Teddy "Dripping Wet" Kennedy and Republicans such as Tom Delay and Bill Frist, it is refreshing to find one man in the halls of congress who is a true American Patriot--a freedom lover and a supporter of individual rights. That Man is Ron Paul (R-TX), a member of the house of representatives for many years, he exemplifies what a true politician should be. Technically a Republican, he is a card carrying member of the LP and ran for president on the LP ticket in the 80's . I consider Mr. Paul to be my "adopted" representative in Congress. Find out more about this amazing man:

http://www.house.gov/paul/ --his congressional page

www.ronpaul.org --his website

www.ronpaul.net --a campain page

www.house.gov/paul/openingpage.htm --Project Freedom

Write Mr. Paul and let him know that you appreciate his unique gift to our Republic, and also let him know that you would like for him to be your "adopted" representative. Also ask him to be the LP candidate for President in 2008!

-Marshall