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Libertarian Saturday
Author: TriSec    Date: 06/07/2008 12:57:32

Good Morning!

We're looking at a 90º weekend here...as once again New England goes directly from winter to summer with no spring. (it wan rainy and not quite 60º yesterday...)

Some of our Southern members have been saying in recent weeks that a Bob Barr candidacy would seriously compromise John McCain's presidential aspirations, a la Ralph Nader. The National Libertarian Party seems to agree, as they have started taking potshots at the Senator from Arizona.
Washington, D.C. - The Libertarian Party is questioning John McCain's rhetoric of bringing "real change" to Washington after it was revealed by a McCain adviser that the Republican presidential candidate supports the warrantless wiretap programs of the Bush administration. "McCain's support of President Bush's domestic spying program would indicate that a McCain administration would be another four years of Constitution treading and civil liberties abuse," says Libertarian Party spokesperson Andrew Davis.

"McCain has tried to project himself as a 'real change' from the disastrous programs of the last seven years," Davis continues. "However, McCain's reluctance to fully abandon the egregious policies of his predecessor makes him simply a repackaged version of the Bush administration--far from the illusion of change McCain has worked so hard to create."

On Friday, the New York Times reported that a McCain adviser had stated McCain as believing that “neither the administration nor the telecoms need apologize for actions that most people, except for the A.C.L.U. and trial lawyers, understand were constitutional and appropriate in the wake of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.” Taking such a position would put McCain in lockstep with the highly criticized programs of the Bush administration.

"Real change--the kind that a Barr administration would bring to Americans--would be returning America to a place where citizens can trust that the government is not looking over their shoulder or listening in on their phone calls," says LP presidential candidate and former Congressman Bob Barr. "A McCain administration would undoubtedly be a continuation of the status quo from which Americans are ready to escape. McCain is not change. McCain is four more years of the same."

The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.LP.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.




As long as we're on about John McCain, there's a small article from Salon.com today about the newest member of his campaign staff....Michael Goldfarb.
John McCain proudly announced the newest member of his staff this week. Michael Goldfarb, online editor for the neocon magazine The Weekly Standard, is his new Deputy Communications Director.

Last April, Goldfarb wrote the following about the powers he thinks the U.S. president possesses:

"The framers... sought an energetic executive with near dictatorial power in pursuing foreign policy and war."

Oh, really? The Founders wanted a president with "near dictatorial" power? Responds liberal journalist Glenn Greenwald of Salon.com:

"Until the Bill Kristols and John Yoos and other authoritarians of that strain entered the political mainstream, I never heard of prominent Americans who describe the power that they want to vest in our political leaders as 'near dictatorial.' Anyone with an even passing belief in American political values would consider the word 'dictatorial' -- at least rhetorically, if not substantively -- to define that which we avoid at all costs, not something which we seek, embrace and celebrate.

"And the very idea that the Founders -- whose principal concern was how to avoid consolidated power in any one person -- sought to vest 'near dictatorial power' in the president is too perverse for words. But that's been the core 'principle' driving the destructive radicalism of the last seven years, and it's an extremist view that is obviously welcomed at the highest levels of the McCain campaign."

Goldfarb has also endorsed torture techniques such as beatings and waterboarding, and has called for amnesty for corporations which assist the government in knowingly and illegally spying upon Americans without warrants.

But of course, that's what you'd expect from the spokesman for a "near dictator," right?



We'll finish up this morning with the ever-popular Dr. Mary Ruwart and our long-running feature, "Why aren't YOU a Libertarian?"

QUESTION: If we end the War on Drugs and legalize drugs, drug kingpins aren't just going to sit idly by and let their kingdoms go to... pot, are they? So how can we keep the peace and protect people from the violence of gang warfare and drug turf wars after drugs are decriminalized?

MY SHORT ANSWER: When alcohol Prohibition ended, the gang wars ended, too. Organized crime quickly got out of the business of selling alcohol when re-legalization took the black market profits out of booze. Crime decreased dramatically and so did the need for police. Criminals simply cannot compete with private business, in production, distribution, or quality of product.

When we end Drug Prohibition, we can expect the pushers to fade quietly away also. When we re-legalize drugs, we'll take away the black market profit that attracts the criminal element. Drug gang shoot-outs over turf will stop, because they won't be worth winning. Drug addicts won't need to steal to support their habit because legalization will dramatically lower prices, and will make treatment or less dangerous drugs available to those who want them. Just as when we ended alcohol Prohibition, crime will decrease dramatically and so will the need for police activity."

LEARN MORE: "How Legalizing Drugs Will End the Violence," by Norm Stamper, former chief of the Seattle Police Department:
http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/39565/

"Thinking About Drug Legalization," Cato Institute Policy Analysis:
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=981

* * *

What if all private charities shut down at once?

QUESTION: In a libertarian society what would happen to people who are mentally or physically unable to work, and who have no families to support them? What if private charities all just decide to close down?

MY SHORT ANSWER: Long before government welfare, private charities owned and operated hospitals, orphanages, and mental institutions. Government simply took over this private sector function, and does it poorly in comparison.

Two-thirds of each tax dollar targeted for helping the disadvantaged goes to the middle-class administrators; over two-thirds of private donations actually reach the people that we're trying to help. When people aren't forced to give to wasteful government welfare programs, they'll have more money to give to efficient private charities.

Because private charities are many and diverse, there's little risk that they'd all shut down -- for any reason. However, centralized government funding can be easily cut or eliminated by a handful of politicians, virtually overnight. When this happens, many needy people are displaced while the private sector races to catch up.

The needy are best served by those who care enough to volunteer time and money. They don't need the further abuse of being treated like a political football.

LEARN MORE: "Replacing Welfare," Cato Institute:
http://www.cato.org/pubs/policy_report/cpr-18n6-1.html




Last week, we took a look at ballot access issues for the third parties....the LP is now conveniently tracking the progress towards 50-state access. So far, it's 28 and counting. Even if you're not a Libertarian, if you believe in free and fair elections, it's worth checking out and maybe you can even help!




 

104 comments (Latest Comment: 06/08/2008 12:41:20 by Random)
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Comment by velveeta jones on 06/07/2008 13:17:50
Great post TriSec. And I agree with most of it, especially taking Gov't out of doing most charity work, except in oversite. Hey, those drug kingpins could go into the private charity business! And without some sort of oversight, it would be a real mess.



On a completely different subject. I pray that Big Brown LOSES today. And loses BIG. This poor horse (running on a split hoove) is owned by a corporation, eerily called: International Equine Acquisitions Holdings whose stated purpose is to deliver profits to investors. The trainers that work on BB have, at one time or another, been suspended and/or fined for illegal drug use.



Todays NYTimes OP-Ed piece wonders what happens to this corporations less talented horses.



Horse racing is a horrible "sport" imo.



:rage:

Comment by velveeta jones on 06/07/2008 13:23:50
Also: More proof that the anti-choice people don't give a hoot about life, once your out of the womb.



Pathetic.



Comment by TriSec on 06/07/2008 14:07:02
I must admit to just about zero interest in most of the animal-racing 'sports'.



I have never set foot on a horse track, despite living about a mile from Suffolk Downs in Revere for about 8 years...I went to the dog track once, as part of a corporate event.



Just not my thing, I guess.



Split hoof....I'm really grasping here, would that be like Kevin McHale playing in the '87 finals with a broken foot?





Comment by m-hadley on 06/07/2008 14:17:56
Interesting food for thought TriSec,

I was going to send a link to the exact same story that Velveeta already sent in her post, but no need to duplicate efforts. I just gotta say that I completely agree with VJ on this. Why is this anti-choice group undermining the good work of two private charities, Planned Parenthood and Habitat for Humanity, in the name of what? Fetus rights? Enabling embryos? Obviously, they don't give damn about the community or women or anybody who is already living on this planet - my rant for this morning. Thanks Velveeta and TriSec. Have a great weekend everybody!

Cheers,

mfaye :D

Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 14:57:06
Quote by velveeta jones:

Also: More proof that the anti-choice people don't give a hoot about life, once your out of the womb.



Pathetic.

Asshata. I swear they really have no care for the sanctity of the living







Good morning everyone.



Comment by BobR on 06/07/2008 14:57:25
Morning everyone.... recovering from last night's party at a neighbor's house... and we have another one this afternoon... and then another one tomorrow...



It's great finally meeting and making friends with the neighbors, but I'm not sure my liver will survive...

Comment by shelaghc on 06/07/2008 15:25:33
Heads up - Rachel is *moderating* the discussion on MSNBC today!



Woohoo!

Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 15:29:39
ooOOOh! Of to turn on the MSNBC mosheen! :clap:

\

Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 15:32:12
Where is this being held?

Comment by BobR on 06/07/2008 15:32:55
Is she going to have an "Evita" moment, holding court with her supporters from the balcony?

Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 15:35:06
Jim McKay has passed on.



I grew up learning to love sports because of his Wide world of Sports show, later on as I learned more about life and history, his coverage of the Munich Olympics made him a figure that just was amazing to me.



May he rest in peace.

Comment by velveeta jones on 06/07/2008 15:39:54
Okay, Velveeta has been out gardening before it gets too hot. Now........



MSNBC: check

snacks: check

Obama T-Shirt on: check

Dog happily engaged in chewing her bone: check

Coffee........... Coffee? coffee? Where's Velveeta's coffee?

Oh..... okay....... being made.



Aaaaaahhhhhh!







Comment by IzzyBitz on 06/07/2008 15:42:43
Happy Saturdee! Have fun at the Liver Relay Races Raine and BobR.



It is a sad day in sports. Running an injured horse. Jeebus. Let's hope no one needs to bring a gun to the track this time. It makes me sick.



RIP Jim McKay. One of my most favorite sportscasters and writers in the biz. Wild World of Sports - best.sports.show.evah! The olympics just won't be the same.

Comment by starling310 on 06/07/2008 15:46:01


Comment by IzzyBitz on 06/07/2008 15:48:06
Hillary is in DC. Perhaps she has rented space in the Rose Garden for old times sake. :toot toot, here comes the snark train:

Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 16:03:00
Quote by BobR:

Is she going to have an "Evita" moment, holding court with her supporters from the balcony?
Don't Cry for Me Clintonistas















Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 16:04:37
:usa: :usa:


Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 16:05:39
I have REALLY good news on the Kizzy front!







She did a beagle howl today!!!!

Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 16:09:59
!!! Clinton Watch 2006 !!!!






Comment by m-hadley on 06/07/2008 16:18:12
Mornin' everybody,

Hope you are all having a great day so far - is anybody watching MSNBC at the moment? If you are, you may be interested in a post that I just added to my blog, speculating on what Hillary Clinton may or may not say today - check it out and feel free to comment on the revamped look of my blog... Thanks mucho :D

Cheers,

mfaye

Comment by Shane-O on 06/07/2008 16:20:12
Snarky comments anyone on why Clinton is late?



I'll start:



She's on the phone with her insurance company trying to find out whether she's covered for all the broken lamps strewn about her house...

Comment by IzzyBitz on 06/07/2008 16:21:31
Quote by Raine:

I have REALLY good news on the Kizzy front!







She did a beagle howl today!!!!




wOOt Yay Kizzy! She's happy.



What's up with Hillary? Maybe there is heated discussion regarding what she should and shouldn't say.



Is there a film crew at Dianne's house? Maybe Hillary spent the night.

Comment by velveeta jones on 06/07/2008 16:22:10
Hmmm, this is odd. She was never late for an um, DEBATE. Was she?

Comment by m-hadley on 06/07/2008 16:24:17
Oooops I am once again guilty of not scrolling down and catching up before I jump in - sorry 'bout that - you all are way ahead of me on the coverage of this event - rock on :)

Cheers,

mfaye :D

Comment by IzzyBitz on 06/07/2008 16:26:16
Rachel in the DC anchor chair. Nice!

Comment by Shane-O on 06/07/2008 16:26:44
Trying on wigs after visiting Britney Spears' hairdresser late last night...?



Oh - she's on the move!

Comment by livingonli on 06/07/2008 16:28:54
Greetings from the salt mine. Guess who's working OT again?

I have to dig it up. But there was an article from the Nation back in 1990 in which the author discussed the anti-abortion movement. Because of the obvious hypocrisy about their ranting about the sanctity of human life while being often pro-death penalty, pro-war, and anti-any gun control. The movement is essentially a move to control women's sex lives. No wonder why the Christian fundamentalist in this country support some of the same policies as the anti-women Islamic Fundamentalists.



At least the good thing is I will be in the A/C all day with the hot temperatures this weekend.

Comment by IzzyBitz on 06/07/2008 16:31:30
Keith - maybe she's hiding in the bushes. He slays me.

Comment by livingonli on 06/07/2008 16:34:33
Quote by IzzyBitz:

Keith - maybe she's hiding in the bushes. He slays me.


:rofl: Too bad I can't watch this.



Maybe she wants a platform that she can ascend to the heavens on.

Comment by IzzyBitz on 06/07/2008 16:36:47
Quote by Shane-O:

Snarky comments anyone on why Clinton is late?



I'll start:



She's on the phone with her insurance company trying to find out whether she's covered for all the broken lamps strewn about her house...




Wonder if Bill will be wearing extree makeup because one of said lamps hit him in the face.

Comment by Shane-O on 06/07/2008 16:41:52
Quote by IzzyBitz:

Wonder if Bill will be wearing extree makeup because one of said lamps hit him in the face.






Comment by Mondobubba on 06/07/2008 16:43:00
Afternoon all. So has HRC conceded yet?

Comment by Mondobubba on 06/07/2008 16:44:27
Woohoo! Kizzy way to go! OOOOoooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooOOOOOOOO!

Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 16:44:38
Finally...

Comment by livingonli on 06/07/2008 16:46:53
Is she finally giving her speech?

Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 16:47:13
Quote by Shane-O:

Trying on wigs after visiting Britney Spears' hairdresser late last night...?



Oh - she's on the move!




Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 16:47:46
Does anyone else see that red firey glow?!?!?!

Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 16:49:02
WE just took her for a walk, I knew that we would not miss the speech... one thing that always got me about the Clintons is there ability to ALWAYS be late.

Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 16:50:40
She is doing great so far...

Comment by Shane-O on 06/07/2008 16:51:52
Is MSNBC fuckin' with us and just running the Tues. night speech again?

Comment by m-hadley on 06/07/2008 16:55:04
Quote by Raine:

I have REALLY good news on the Kizzy front!



She did a beagle howl today!!!!




Yeah Kizzy - good grrrl, good grrrl, you're such a good grrrl :airhump:

She's loves her new home - that's what she was saying "Thanks Mom (& Dad) :D"

Her cousins Tulsey and Dylan say woof woof to Kizzy and "Welcome to the 4Fs world - it's a good place to be."

Cheers,

mfaye :P







Comment by Shane-O on 06/07/2008 16:55:09


Comment by Mondobubba on 06/07/2008 16:57:47
Rio sez way to go Kizzie. Even if you are a dog! Way to relax enjoy your new digs.

Comment by m-hadley on 06/07/2008 17:00:44
Quote by Raine:

Does anyone else see that red firey glow?!?!?!




Raine,

I noticed it and it reminded me of one of the last scenes in Sound of Music when the Von Trapps perform in that Hall right before they head for the hills. Kinda creepy, if you ask me. Grandiose, to be sure.

mfaye



Comment by starling310 on 06/07/2008 17:01:51
It could be pre-menstrual syndrome, but I am getting a little vaklempt during the speech.



Comment by starling310 on 06/07/2008 17:05:13
All aboard the Love Train! Woooooo! Woooooo!

Comment by shelaghc on 06/07/2008 17:12:44
Just a little comment on some of the comments I'm reading here:



A couple of friends of mine are Hillary supporters. One, on Tuesday night, was *very* annoyed at the tone of some Obama supporters generically towards others and towards Hillary. Her feeling was that there was a *lot* of gloating going on and extremely poor winner attitudes.



I know it's human nature to be smug when you're on the winning side, but Hillary *did* run one helluva close race and, while there were many jerks in the Clinton camp, not all of her supporters agreed with the tactics. However they *did* believe in their candidate.



What Hillary's doing right now obviously isn't easy. Rachel asked Pat Buchanon about it during one of the panel's segments. Her lateness could have been due to almost anything including putting the finishing touches on a very difficult speech.



Another thing, she did what I hoped John Edwards would have done - stay in the race through to the end. While I didn't agree with the tactics of her campaign a lot of the times, I do give her credit for sticking to her promise to see this through to the end.



IMHO It's time to put all this bitterness aside and let the lady leave the race with her head held high.

Comment by starling310 on 06/07/2008 17:16:19
This part is great! And, it's so what we've all been saying...."No one can go it alone."



Well done Hils.

Well done.

Comment by Raine on 06/07/2008 17:17:21
She did wonderful! Thank you Hillary Clinton!

Comment by BobR on 06/07/2008 17:19:15
Awesome speech, Senator Clinton.



Terry McAulliffe was wrong a while back. THIS was her best speech ever.



If she had only shown this much grace and selfless passion throughout her campaign, she might have won.



I am feeling so much better and optimistic now.



:clap: