Top 10 libertarian moments of 2013

10 Most Iconic Libertarian Moments Of 2013 - PolicyMic - Robert Taylor:

December 18, 2013 - "Whistleblowers, leakers, filibusters, photoshopping Obama, a government shutdown and more highlight a great year for the spread of liberty."

2013 in words and pictures: http://www.policymic.com/articles/76981/10-most-iconic-libertarian-moments-of-2013
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Slate claims LP failed to take stand on gay rights

Slate Wonders Why Libertarian Party Insists on Being Libertarian on Gay Rights Issues, Reveals Utter Ignorance of Party's History - Hit & Run : Reason.com - Brian Doherty:

December 30, 2012 - "Weird little piece up at Slate today, about an issue certainly none of their readers or pretty much anyone else cares about, but feeds a generic endless desire to scratch at the persistently annoying itch of libertarianism in these here times.

"It is called 'How Libertarians Failed Gay Rights' and its URL contains the phrase 'the party failed to take a stand' on gay rights. Its evidence for this is that on the LP's current website, author Tyler Lopez couldn't find a dedicated page about gay rights.

"The Party's platform does, though Lopez doesn't mention this, contain this:

Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the government's treatment of individuals, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws. Government does not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships. Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships....

"Slate's piece combines confused thinking with near utter ignorance on its topic. However, it will, if read quickly and carelessly by equally ignorant readers, help make certain people think less of libertarianism, and that's all that matters."

Read more: http://reason.com/blog/2013/12/30/slate-wonders-why-libertarian-party-insi
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David Weigel interviews Justin Amash, his "Critic of the Year"

Libertarian congressman Justin Amash: Critic of NSA, immigration, budget deal - David Weigel, Slate:

"Justin Amash kicked off 2013 with an act of pointless, doomed rebellion. The congressman from Michigan, a Republican first elected in 2010, had just been removed from the budget committee... After the new Congress was sworn in, Amash joined a crew of conservatives to vote against John Boehner for Speaker of the House....

"By the summer, Amash had normalized relations with his leadership and won a vote on an amendment to defund the NSA’s domestic surveillance. When the amendment nearly passed, it altered the way official Washington discussed the NSA, changing the story from senators vs. Snowden to an actual controversy that ran through party lines. Three months later, the 33-year old congressman drew a wealthy and establishment-friendly Republican primary challenger. This was covered as a problem for the Tea Party, but it seemed awfully selective. Of all the 'unreasonable' Republicans to go after, the one sweating a challenge was the libertarian who explained his votes on Facebook."

Read more: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2013/12/libertarian_congressman_justin_amash_critic_of_nsa_immigration_budget_deal.html
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The libertarian challenge within the GOP

The Libertarian Challenge within the GOP | Brookings Institution - Ross Tilchin:

December 27, 2013 - "Would a stronger appeal to libertarian values help the Republican Party win elections? This was one of the central questions raised during a discussion of the Public Religion Research Institute’s (PRRI’s) American Values Survey, “In Search of Libertarians in America,” launched at the Brookings Institution on October 29th, 2013.

"Lbertarianism has become a major part of the political conversation in the United States.... And the tenets of libertarianism square with the attitudes of an American public dissatisfied with government performance, apprehensive about government’s intrusiveness into private life, and disillusioned with U.S. involvement overseas. Libertarianism is also distinct from the social conservatism that has handicapped the Republican Party in many recent elections among women and young people.

"Within this context, libertarians seem likely to exercise greater sway on the Republican Party than at any other point in the recent past. But a closer look at public attitudes points to many factors that will limit the ability of libertarians to command greater influence within the GOP caucus."

Read more: http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/fixgov/posts/2013/12/27-libertarian-power-gop-tilchin
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250,000 Britons defy fox hunt ban on Boxing Day

Fox hunting ban: breaking the basic tenets of libertarian politics - The Information Daily.com - Tim Bonner, Countryside Alliance:

December 26, 2013 - "Today around 250,000 supporters of hunting, both mounted and on foot, will turn out for the Boxing Day meets of their local hunts.

"This incredible support for hunts has not wavered since the Hunting Act and shows the demand for repeal of this unfair and unworkable act, which was not born of concern for animal welfare, but rather prejudice against those people standing in fields across Yorkshire today.

"When Lord Burns, the chairman of the government Inquiry into Hunting with Dogs, ... uttered the famous line 'Naturally, people ask whether we were implying that hunting is cruel ... the short answer to that question is no' ... that should have signalled the end of the long and utterly futile debate over hunting, but it did not.

"In fact by that stage a total prohibition on hunting was inevitable because the debate had nothing to do with logic, evidence or animal welfare. It was instead an obsessive and bigoted attack on a group of people who were perceived to be carrying out the activity.... Parliament decided, in the absence of any evidence, to impose its moral view of the activity of hunting on those who took part in it."

Read more: http://www.theinformationdaily.com/2013/12/26/fox-hunting-ban-breaking-the-basic-tenets-of-libertarian-politics
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U. of Michigan students sue over unconstitutional funding decision

University of Michigan Student Group Files Lawsuit Over Unconstitutional Funding Decisions - The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education - FIRE - Art Cohn:

December 23, 2013 - "Last Friday, a student group at the University of Michigan (UM) filed a federal lawsuit against the university, claiming that UM violated the First Amendment when it refused to grant the group student fee funding for one of its activities on the basis that it was a 'political activity.' The suit is being brought by Alliance Defending Freedom....

"On October 22, the UM Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) chapter, a recognized student organization, hosted a presentation by Jennifer Gratz, who famously won a 2003 lawsuit against the university for automatically granting admission 'points' to undergraduate applicants based on race....When YAL submitted a request for $1,000 in student fee funding, its request was denied based on a policy against allowing student fees to be used for 'political or religious activities'....

"If these were the only facts, UM would still clearly be in the wrong. As we have repeatedly explained, the law is clear that public universities are legally required to provide funding to student groups on a content- and viewpoint-neutral basis....

"Unfortunately, the allegations go even further.... Official documents summarizing funding of student groups at UM show that as recently as 2010, funding has been granted to a broad array of political and religious student groups....

"But even more galling is the allegation that only a week before Gratz’s presentation to YAL, another student group received funding to travel to Washington, D.C., to advocate a pro-affirmative action viewpoint on the steps of the United States Supreme Court."

Read more: http://thefire.org/article/16603.html
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Dear Pope: It's a better world than you think

Is the Pope Right About the World? - Marian Tupy - The Atlantic:

December 11, 2013 - "In Evangelii Gaudium, an 'apostolic exhortation' released late last month, the pope bemoans inequality, poverty, and violence in the world.

"But here’s the problem: The dystopian world that Francis describes, without citing a single statistic, is at odds with reality. In appealing to our fears and pessimism, the pope fails to acknowledge the scope and rapidity of human accomplishment — whether measured through declining global inequality and violence, or growing prosperity and life expectancy....

"First, consider inequality. Academic researchers ... all agree that global inequality is declining. That is because 2.6 billion people in China and India are richer than they used to be. Their economies are growing much faster than those of their Western counterparts, thus shrinking the income gap that opened at the dawn of industrialization in the 19th century, when the West took off and left much of the rest of the world behind.

"Paradoxically, the shrinking of the global inequality gap was only possible after India and China abandoned their attempts to create equality through central planning....

"Second, let’s look at poverty.... Brookings Institution researchers Laurence Chandy and Geoffrey Gertz ... 'estimate that between 2005 and 2010, the total number of poor people around the world fell by nearly half a billion, from over 1.3 billion in 2005 to under 900 million in 2010. Poverty reduction of this magnitude is unparalleled in history: never before have so many people been lifted out of poverty over such a brief period of time.'"

Read more: http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/12/is-the-pope-right-about-the-world/282276/
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Libertarian ideology competitive for mainstream status in GOP

Could 2016 Be Rand Paul's Moment? | Rich Rubino - Huffington Post:

November 26, 2013 - "The Libertarian ideological trilogy of non-intervention abroad, free markets at home, and support for civil liberties was once a dominant force in the Republican Party. The last Libertarian with a legitimate shot at the GOP nomination was U.S. Senator Robert A. Taft (R-OH) in 1952.

"At that time, Libertarianism was one of two prevailing ideologies within the Republican Party.... Since then, the Libertarian ideology has been in decline, becoming a fringe ideology within the Republican Party. This was true as recently as 2008, when Rand Paul's father, U.S. Representative Ron Paul (R-TX), was booed during a debate at the Reagan Library when he suggested that the 9/11 hijackings were blowback from the deleterious effects of U.S. foreign policy. In fact, there was even an active movement among some in the Republican high command to bar Ron Paul from participating in future debates.

"With the advent of the Libertarian-oriented Tea Party, and the success of Tea Party- style Congressional candidates at the ballot box in the 2010 and 2012 mid-term elections, this Libertarian ideology is now competing to be the mainstream ideology of the GOP."

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rich-rubino/rand-paul-2016_b_4334411.html
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10 libertarian economics books to give as gifts

10 libertarian economics books to buy this Christmas - Andrew Moran, Economic Collapse News:

December 19, 2013 - "Christmas is less than a week away and if you’re still frantically shopping to get everyone in your family a gift then this list may be your salvation. If you’re attempting to buy a present for that Keynesian, neo-conservative or socialist in your life then these Austrian economics or libertarian books are the best gifts to spread the message of liberty this holiday season.

"Indeed, it’s usually best to avoid engaging in political discourse on Christmas Eve or Day. However, giving a book as a Christmas gift is the best way to open their mind to other concepts that aren’t from the pens of John Maynard Keynes, Karl Marx, Irving Kristol or Naomi Klein. Of course, during the next family gathering (Easter), a political conversation can ensue."

Read more: http://economiccollapsenews.com/2013/12/19/10-libertarian-economics-books-to-buy-this-christmas/

Supreme Court strikes down Canada's prostitution laws

Supreme Court strikes down Canada's prostitution laws - Politics - CBC News:

December 20, 2013 - "The Supreme Court of Canada has struck down the country's anti-prostitution laws in a unanimous decision, and given Parliament one year to come up with new legislation — should it choose to do so.

"In striking down laws prohibiting brothels, living on the avails of prostitution and communicating in public with clients, the top court ruled Friday that the laws were over-broad and 'grossly disproportionate.'

"'Parliament has the power to regulate against nuisances, but not at the cost of the health, safety and lives of prostitutes," wrote Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin in the 9-0 decision that noted 'it is not a crime in Canada to sell sex for money....

"'I would therefore make a suspended declaration of invalidity, returning the question of how to deal with prostitution to Parliament.'

"That means the provisions stay in the Criminal Code for the next year while the government decides what to do."

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/supreme-court-strikes-down-canada-s-prostitution-laws-1.2471572
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Camille Paglia slams ‘fascist’ politically correct silencing of Phil Robertson

Lesbian Libertarian Camille Paglia Slams ‘Fascist’ Politically Correct Culture That Punishes ‘Duck Dynasty’ Star’s Right To Free Speech : Personal Liberty™: - Ben Bullard

December 19, 2013 - "Count on Camille Paglia to turn her progressive, myopic, ivory-tower echo-chamber colleagues red with indignant rage anytime she opens her mouth to speak the simple truth.

"Paglia weighed in on the sanctimony-fueled uproar that 'Duck Dynasty' star Phil Robertson’s 'suspension' from the massively popular A&E show generated Thursday, as the openly gay professor, intellectual and pop culture critic tore into the pervasiveness of politically correct timidity throughout American culture on an appearance on the Laura Ingraham radio show.

"Paglia, author of the 1991 landmark Sexual Personae ... hewed to the same fierce defense of free speech that has kept progressive critics – nearly all of whom lack the academic chops to assail her thinking on the merits – throwing off-the-mark ad hominem spears at her for two decades.

"'I speak with authority here, because I was openly gay before the ‘Stonewall Rebellion,’ when it cost you something to be so,' said Paglia. 'And I personally feel as a libertarian that people have the right to free thought and free speech.'"

Read more: http://personalliberty.com/2013/12/19/lesbian-libertarian-camille-paglia-slams-fascist-politically-correct-culture-that-punishes-duck-dynasty-stars-right-to-free-speech/
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Justin Amash raises over $100K in 48-hour moneybomb

Congressman Justin Amash’s campaign receives more than $100k in 48 hours | Washington Times Communities - Michael Lofti:

December 18, 2013 - "The 'money-bomb', a fundraising tactic still foreign to many traditional campaigns, was exactly what Congressman Justin Amash (R-Mich.) needed to wage his war on the conservative establishment. The popular libertarian/tea party Republican’s Star Wars themed fundraising event, which was titled “The Establishment Strikes Back: Join the Rebel Alliance,” kicked off last Monday morning and was a huge success.

"In fact, the campaign website’s servers crashed due to large waves of donations flooding in....

"'“Originally we had only planned for a 24-hour event,' said Will Adams, an Amash campaign spokesman. 'However, we extended the event an additional 24-hours due to the massive outpour of support....

"'After we hit $70k, the website was receiving so many donations that it crashed,' said Adams. Staffers quickly redirected the servers to the donation website to temporarily resolve the problem.

"According to Adams, the campaign event will finish with more than $100k before the 48-hour event ends."

Read more: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/american-millennial/2013/dec/18/congressman-justin-amashs-campaign-receives-more-1/
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Social Christian Unity economists endorse Libertarian presidential candidate in Costa Rica

Unity economists break from party and endorse Libertarian presidential candidate / News Briefs / More news / Costa Rica Newspaper, The Tico Times:

"In the latest step in the descent of the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), a group of party economists are now voicing their support for Libertarian Movement Party candidate Otto Guevara, saying his embrace of the free market is the only solution to the twin electoral threats of socialism and a continuation of the current ruling party's culture of corruption.

"A former president of Costa Rica’s Central Bank and previous PUSC supporter, Jorge Guardia, attacked one of the rising opposition candidates.

"'The country faces an urgent political dilemma,' Guardia said at a Tuesday press conference. 'There exists the risk that José María Villalta, of the socialist Broad Front Party, could win the February presidential elections.'

"Guardia praised the Libertarian Movement presidential nominee as having the only economic plan to solve Costa Rica’s woes, such as its 8.9 percent unemployment rate. He said he made the switch because polls have shown that current PUSC candidate, Rodolfo Piza, has no chance to even reach the runoff."

"Recent polls have shown ... Villalta and ruling National Liberation Party nominee Johnny Araya, the former mayor of San José, as the front-runners. Most polls have placed Guevara in third place. If no candidate gets more than 40 percent of the vote on Feb. 2, the top two finishers will face a runoff."

Read more: http://www.ticotimes.net/More-news/News-Briefs/Unity-economists-break-from-party-and-endorse-Libertarian-presidential-candidate-_Tuesday-December-17-2013
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NSA bulk data collection ruled unconstitutional by lower court

Judge slaps NSA surveillance with stop order | canada.com - William Marsden:

December 16,2013 - "A U.S. judge has ruled that the National Security Agency’s indiscriminate, bulk seizure of Americans’ telephone records is “almost certainly” unconstitutional and has issued a preliminary injunction to stop the highly controversial surveillance program.

The NSA has argued its widespread collection of phone records and, under a program called PRISM, Internet data allows U.S. intelligence services to identify terrorists and uncover their plots.

“I am not convinced at this point in the litigation that the NSA’s database has ever truly served the purpose of rapidly identifying terrorists in time-sensitive investigations,” U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon said in his 68-page judgment....

"In light of the “significant national security interest at stake in this case and the novelty of the constitutional issue,” Leon ordered a delay in the execution of the injunction pending appeal from the government....

"The injunction bars the government from collecting any telephone 'metadata' from personal accounts obtained from the telephone network company Verizon as part of the NSA’s bulk collection program. It also requires that the government destroy any bulk collection metadata in its possession originating from Verizon."

Read more: http://o.canada.com/news/judge-slaps-nsa-surveillance-with-stop-order/
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Gary Johnson launches Our America Super PAC

Gary Johnson launches Super PAC | New Mexico Telegram - Matthew Reichbach:

December 11, 2013 - "Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson is launching his own Super PAC, aiming to promote 'Liberty-minded' candidates... The PAC is called Our America PAC.

"Johnson, who served two terms as New Mexico’s governor, was the Libertarian Party candidate for President in 2012.

"'From the realities of government-run healthcare setting in to the continuing disclosures of the breadth of NSA’s domestic spying, more Americans than ever are ready to take a serious look at candidates who offer real alternatives to business-as-usual,' the release announcing the PAC said.

"The PAC will make independent expenditures to aid the libertarian-leaning candidates....

"The PAC is separate from the Our America Initiative, a non-profit for which Johnson is the honorary chairman. That is an issue advocacy group that does not get directly involved in races between candidates."

Read more: http://www.nmtelegram.com/2013/12/11/gary-johnson-launches-super-pac/
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Entertainment Weekly interviews Kennedy

Lisa Kennedy Montgomery, ex-VJ, talks libertarianism and Miley | Inside TV | EW.com - Hillary Busis:

December 9, 2013 - "Lisa Kennedy Montgomery is best known to a generation as, simply, Kennedy — the hip MTV VJ who helped introduce America to Nirvana and Soundgarden on Alternative Nation, mimed oral sex on a mic during the 1994 VMAs — while standing next to Rudy Giuliani, no less — and eventually came out as a die-hard Republican. (In a ’94 Vanity Fair profile, she even declared her ardent love for former vice president Dan Quayle.)

"Nearly 20 years later, the 41-year-old mother of two has left her wild-child past behind for a career as a writer, radio host, and Fox Business contributor. But while her political views haven’t really changed, the way she labels herself has: Kennedy now identifies as a libertarian. Her next project, a Fox Business roundtable called The Independents, will allow Kennedy and her co-hosts, Matt Welch and Kmele Foster, to tackle news from an angle that, in her mind, is both tough to find on TV and absolutely vital. 'The reason our show exists is because the idea of a two-party system has failed,' she tells EW."

Read more: http://insidetv.ew.com/2013/12/09/kennedy-mtv-vj-libertarian-show/
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Does inequality matter?

When is inequality harmful? When it's caused by cronyism | WashingtonExaminer.com - Timothy P. Carney:

December 6, 2013: "President Obama wants to put inequality at the center of America's political discourse. Fine. Here’s the opening question: 'Does inequality matter?'

The answer: 'It depends.' It depends on how governments react to inequality, it depends on how developed the country is, it depends on whether it's wealth inequality or income inequality.

"It also depends on how the wealthy got wealthy, according to a recent academic study. In short: Inequality doesn’t hurt a country, unless the inequality results from government favors.

"Inequality can be messy to talk about, because it is entangled in many different concepts that need to be considered separately."

Read more: http://washingtonexaminer.com/when-is-inequality-harmful-when-its-caused-by-cronyism/article/2540338
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Rand Paul promotes 'economic freedom zone' for Detroit

Paul seeks to broaden appeal to Detroit voters, offers economic plan in visit | The Detroit News - Jim Lynch:

December 6, 2013 - "Kentucky U.S. Sen. Rand Paul proposed an economic revival plan he argues would generate more than $1 billion for Detroit during a series of local stops Friday to tout a new Republican strategy for reaching out to black voters.

"The libertarian-leaning GOP senator touted his 'economic freedom zones' — a tax-slashing strategy designed to boost Detroit and other areas in need — before a Detroit Economic Club luncheon crowd of more than 400 at the Motor City Casino Hotel. The plan calls for reducing individual and corporate income taxes to a flat rate of 5 percent in areas hardest hit by unemployment, as well as lowering payroll taxes and eliminating capital gains taxes.

"'Over a 10-year period, (it will mean) a $1.3 billion stimulus for Detroit,' Paul said. 'So those who say it won’t work ... we calculated it. A $1.3 billion stimulus — not from Houston, not from Atlanta. It’s your money. We’re not going to take it to Washington; we’ll leave it with you'....

"In addition, the income requirement for entrepreneurial immigrants would be reduced to $50,000 to encourage people from around the world to move to Detroit.

"Paul, considered a potential 2016 presidential candidate, visited Detroit primarily to promote the plan and help the Michigan Republican Party expand its outreach efforts with minority voters."

Read more: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20131206/METRO01/312060086/Paul-Economic-plan-would-1-3B-stimulus-Detroit-
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Texas Libertarians fill ballot for statewide offices in 2014

The Gilmer Mirror - TEXAS LIBERTARIANS FILL THE BALLOT:

December 10, 2013 - "Today the Libertarian Party of Texas announced that it has recruited candidates for every statewide, federal (US Senate and Congress), state senate, and all but one district of the state board of education.

"'The final numbers are not in yet, as we have many candidates running at the county level and we are compiling those results.  Needless to say, voters in Texas will see lots of Libertarians on the ballot,' said Patrick Dixon, chair at Libertarian Party of Texas. 'In addition, most of the races at the statewide level and many others are contested.  Our state convention will be very exciting and competitive.'

"The party states that Libertarian candidates give voters not a third choice, but the only real choice for Texans from the broken so-called two-party system. 'The Democrats and Republicans represent a false choice. The good news is we are seeing that younger voters understand this and we expect a record number of votes from the younger generations in the fall,' stated Lauren Daugherty, the party's executive director. 'Young people are coming to the realization that the old left-right paradigm is really an illusion of choice, not real choice,' she added."

Read more: http://www.gilmermirror.com/view/full_story/24192721/article-TEXAS-LIBERTARIANS-FILL-THE-BALLOT?instance=home_news_bullets
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Uruguay is first country to legalize marijuana trade

Uruguay becomes first country to legalize marijuana trade - World News - Malena Castaldi and Felipe Llambias, Reuters:

December 10, 2013 - "Uruguay became the first country to legalize the growing, sale and smoking of marijuana on Tuesday, a pioneering social experiment that will be closely watched by other nations debating drug liberalization.

"A government-sponsored bill approved by 16-13 votes in the Senate provides for regulation of the cultivation, distribution and consumption of marijuana and is aimed at wresting the business from criminals in the small South American nation....

"Cannabis consumers will be able to buy a maximum of 40 grams (1.4 ounces) each month from licensed pharmacies as long as they are Uruguayan residents over the age of 18 and registered on a government database that will monitor their monthly purchases.

"When the law is implemented in 120 days, Uruguayans will be able to grow six marijuana plants in their homes a year, or as much as 480 grams (about 17 ounces), and form smoking clubs of 15 to 45 members that can grow up to 99 plants per year.

"Registered drug users should be able to start buying marijuana over the counter from licensed pharmacies in April."

Read more: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/10/21852934-uruguay-becomes-first-country-to-legalize-marijuana-trade
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US Libertarian Party Chair Neale forges ties with European LPs

Libertarian Party Chair Neale forges ties with European counterparts | Westmoreland Times:

December 9, 2013 - "Libertarian Party Chair Geoffrey Neale made an historic trip in November to forge ties with emerging Libertarian Parties in Europe and Russia.

"Neale addressed audiences in Madrid and Moscow, well-attended by Libertarian leaders within each country as well as by representatives from the U.K., Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.

"Neale’s trip coincided with the recent formation of a new pan-European party — the European Party for International Liberty (EPIL) — which aims to advance libertarian policy in the European Union.

"EPIL’s second official meeting took place at a conference where Neale was the featured speaker, hosted by the Individual Freedom Party (P-LIB), the Spanish equivalent of the U.S. Libertarian Party.

"'[Neale's] presentation was highly informative, educational, and inspirational,' said Guy Montrose, Chairman of the U.K. Libertarian Party (LPUK)."

Read more: http://westmorelandtimes.com/news/10621/12/09/02/libertarian-party-chair-neale-forges-ties-with-european-counterparts/
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Libertarian views becoming mainstream in OK GOP

Wayne Greene: Oklahoma's new libertarian mainstream + Tom Coburn vs. the NFL - Tulsa World: :

December 8, 2013 - "Eighteenth century thinking is starting to get more traction in Oklahoma’s 21st century government.

"Consider an op/ed column written by state Rep. Lewis Moore last week.

"The national government has gotten 'too big for its britches,' the Arcadia Republican says, and nothing less than liberty and the integrity of the republic are at stake.

"Moore’s column is worth looking at because it’s a pretty pure expression of the Madisonian libertarian strain that is getting louder and louder at the state Capitol, especially in the state House of Representatives....

"Moore describes a broad array of programs — from airport security to Medicare — as part of the 'nationalization of the United States of America'....

“He advocates two steps: sharply limiting the authority of the IRS and state refusal of federal money for 'central government controlled programs' that are funded with national debt financing."

Read more: http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/waynegreene/wayne-greene-oklahoma-s-new-libertarian-mainstream/article_36983536-5ff4-11e3-99dc-001a4bcf6878.html
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Joseph S. Diedrich interviews Wendy McElroy

Libertarian America: A conversation with Wendy McElroy, Part 1 | Washington Times Communities - Joseph S. Diedrich:

November 9, 2013 - "Wendy McElroy, a Canadian individualist feminist author, has written numerous articles and several books on topics ranging from anarchist history to sexual expression. Her most recent effort, The Art of Being Free, is an exposition of the state of liberty in our world. An emotional connection to the social philosophy she cares about so deeply shines brightly in every word she pens.

"McElroy holds nothing back and her opinions are refreshingly direct. In the tradition of her intellectual role models Benjamin Tucker and Samuel E. Konkin III, her distaste for the state is matched in intensity only by her love of humanity."

Read more: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/business-living/2013/nov/9/libertarian-america-conversation-wendy-mcelroy/
Part II: https://web.archive.org/web/20150128031919/http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/business-living/2013/nov/16/libertarian-america-wendy-mcelroy-future-lib/
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Rand Paul's humble foreign policy

Rand Paul Outlines Foreign Policy in South Carolina - US News and World Report:

November 6, 2013 - "Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., outlined a humble foreign policy doctrine at The Citadel Tuesday, stressing the objective of peace through strength in an attempt to allay fears among some Republicans about his commitment to the military.

"The libertarian-minded freshman's goal before this decorated audience was twofold: To assert his support for the world's greatest fighting force while making the case for a more prudent approach to global affairs that keeps soldiers out of conflicts that are not in the vital national interest.

"'The first and primary function of our government is a strong national defense -- bar none,' Paul said to sustained applause as he stood in the well of the military college's fieldhouse populated with cadets. 'But so much of what we do in Washington today is more like an irrational offense'....

"Paul is a probable Republican 2016 presidential candidate who is ... appearing to make the Palmetto State a central part of his strategy. This was his fourth visit to South Carolina in 2013. A June address to party stalwarts in Columbia was similarly almost exclusively devoted to foreign affairs and the nation's fight combating terrorism.

"But these remarks -- which ran just under 20 minutes -- could be easily characterized as Paul's first major foreign policy speech of his yet to be announced presidential campaign."

Read more: http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/11/12/rand-paul-outlines-foreign-policy-in-south-carolina
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South FL's first-ever Libertarian legislative candidate

South Florida sees first-ever Libertarian legislative candidate - Miami Libertarian | Examiner.com - Pierre-Alexandre Crevaux:

December 6, 2013 - "On November 5th, the Libertarian Party's first candidate in Miami-Dade County, Hialeah City Council candidate Marcos Miralles, surprised many experts by pulling 25% of the votes against an incumbent that outraised him 175-to-1.

"Determined to progress from the success, Libertarian candidates have been stepping up in South Florida and one of them has chosen the ambitious goal of running for Florida's legislature.

"Omar Recuero, a young Libertarian Party of Florida leader in his 30s, has filed to run for the State's House of Representatives' District 100. The district covers a long area, from the town of Surfside in Miami-Dade County to Dania Beach in Broward County, and includes two of the wealthiest towns in Florida: Indian Creek and Golden Beach."

Read more: http://www.examiner.com/article/south-florida-sees-first-ever-libertarian-legislative-candidate
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Libertarian karaoke night raises $6K for Amash's re-election

It Started Out as Just a Few Libertarians Hanging Out at a Bar…But No One Could Have Guessed What It Would Turn Into | TheBlaze.com - Oliver Darcy:

December 4, 2013 - "Nearly 100 young libertarian activists piled into O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub just outside Washington, D.C. Tuesday for the bar’s weekly karaoke night.

These young libertarians have been gathering in the Arlington, Va., bar each week for about two years now — but last night ... Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) was in attendance....

"Months ago, Matthew Hurtt, a well-known player in D.C. libertarian political circle, had made the decision to use the the weekly karaoke gatherings to raise money for one of the movement’s elected officials.

"'We have a pretty dedicated group of young liberty activists who attend karaoke regularly on Tuesday nights at this particular venue,' Hurtt told TheBlaze. 'The idea sprang from that because I knew those folks would be willing to donate to someone like Congressman Amash.'

"After hatching the plan, Hurtt says the event snowballed beyond his expectations and ultimately raised $6,630 for Amash’s 2014 reelection campaign. Each person that attended Tuesday’s event was required to donate at least $35 to Amash’s campaign....

"'He’s a young guy; he’s accessible and accountable through Twitter and Facebook,' Hurtt said. 'And he’s been a strong voice on those issues that are important to young people. I think young people are jaded by the failures of big government, and they’re looking for someone who will be honest with them and be principled. Amash is one of the few who does that.'"

Read more: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/12/04/it-started-out-as-just-a-few-libertarians-hanging-out-at-a-bar-but-no-one-could-have-guessed-what-it-would-turn-into/
'via Blog this'

Majority of Americans want U.S. to "mind its own business internationally"

Most Americans think US should 'mind its own business' abroad, survey finds | World news | theguardian.com - Paul Lewis, The Guardian: 

December 3, 2013 - "A majority of Americans believe the US plays a less important and powerful role in the world than it did 10 years ago, according to a long-running study that found that most people now believe America should 'mind its own business internationally'.

"It is the first time the survey of US foreign policy attitudes has recorded such a sentiment in almost four decades of polling.

"The findings, published on Tuesday by the Pew Research Center in association with the Council on Foreign Relations, suggest Americans want their leaders to adopt a less interventionist approach, although there is a growing desire for the development of stronger trade and business links abroad.

"The US is now widely seen as less respected abroad, bucking a trend in which Americans believed their reputation had recovered since Barack Obama was elected. Impressions of how the US is perceived under Obama are now, broadly, as negative as they were in the final days of the George W. Bush administration."

Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/03/american-public-mind-its-own-business-survey
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Also read: Non-intervention, by George Dance

Ron Paul: Yellen is dangerous for the economy

Ron Paul: Yellen Dangerous For The Economy - Forbes - (Kitco News):

November 26, 2013 - "The Federal Reserve will not be able to revive the economy under the leadership of Janet Yellen, said Dr. Ron Paul.

"The former U.S. congressman, and former Republican presidential candidate spoke with Kitco News during the Metals & Minerals Conference in San Francisco and said he does not expect Yellen to change the monetary policy that is currently in place. In fact he expects that she could be even more aggressive than current chairman Ben Bernanke.

"'She is a very aggressive inflator. She really believes in quantitative easing and that is the only thing they know,' Paul said. 'I think she is very dangerous. I think she will be dangerous to the U.S. dollar.'

"On Thursday the U.S. Senate Banking Committee approved the nomination of Janet Yellen as the next chief of the central bank; it was approved by a vote of 14 to eight. Her nomination will now be sent to the full Senate for a final vote, which according to some media reports will take place in December.

Read more: http://www.forbes.com/sites/kitconews/2013/11/26/ron-paul-yellen-is-dangerous-for-the-economy/
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NATO’s $1 Billion monument to irrelevance

NATO’s $1 Billion Monument to Irrelevance | Cato @ Liberty - Ted Galen Carpenter:

November 15, 2013 - "A November 13 article in Reuters discusses the growing controversy over NATO’s new headquarters being built outside of Brussels. The price tag — some $1 billion — has raised more than a few eyebrows. 'When defense budgets are being cut and in general when governments are under so much pressure from taxpayers to save money, it looks terribly extravagant,' opines Daniel Keohane, head of a leading think tank in Belgium. Several members of the British parliament also have questioned the cost.

"NATO officials, though, defend the project, asserting that the existing headquarters, built in 1967, has outlived its usefulness. Of course, the same point could be made with far greater validity about the NATO alliance itself. After all, it was created during the depths of the Cold War in 1949 to, as Lord Harold Ismay, NATO’s secretary general at the time, pithily observed, 'keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down.' Given the collapse of the Soviet Union and Russia’s manifold demographic, economic, and military limitations as a successor state, that mission now seems to be more than a little obsolete. The past two decades, the alliance has been conducting a frantic search for relevant new missions, resulting in a dubious decision to add members in Eastern Europe and wage even more dubious wars in places like Kosovo and Afghanistan."

Read more: http://www.cato.org/blog/natos-1-billion-monument-irrelevance
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The Pope, and the libertarians' failure

BEDFORD: The pope, and the libertarians' failure | The Daily Caller - Christopher Bedford:

November 29, 2013 - "Earlier this week, Pope Francis released his first major writing as head of the Roman Catholic Church — his Evangelii Gaudium, or “Joy of the Gospel” — to much fanfare from American progressives and more than a few groans from the right. While the pope’s message confirmed a lot of social doctrine that conservative Catholics can be thankful for, ... he seemed to come down fairly hard on libertarian economics, characterizing them as 'trickle-down theories' that have 'never been confirmed by the facts,' and tend 'to devour everything which stands in the way of increased profits'....

"But conservative and libertarians shouldn’t blame the pope for his characterization of the free market — we should blame ourselves.... [A]s his questions and teachings this week showed, we have failed to broadly and convincingly make the moral case for the free market....

"It is essential to make this case, because economic freedom is the sole economic system that allows man the freedom to create and succeed through his own faculties, satisfying his material needs as well as nurturing his spiritual nature — his happiness. Because of this, it is the only economic system compatible with Christian morality."

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2013/11/29/bedford-the-pope-and-the-libertarians-failure/

A libertarian argument for climate action

A Libertarian Argument for Climate Action | Keith Gaby - Huffington Post:

November 8, 2013 - "Conventional wisdom says this Congress won't enact a policy that requires companies to pay for the carbon emissions they produce, and that's probably right. The politics are just too hard in 2013. But the underlying logic of that approach is something that's hard to argue with, regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum....

"But what about libertarians who strongly oppose high taxes and onerous regulations? You might assume that opposing a carbon pollution tax or regulations to limit emissions would be their natural position. But a closer look suggests it may not be that simple....

"At its core, I think Libertarianism is the belief that individuals and companies should be free to do as they please, as long as their actions don't significantly harm others. For instance, libertarians support rules against murder, arson and theft -- because while those laws might be government restrictions on the complete freedom of the criminal, they are necessary to prevent great harm to other individuals....

"In business, I would think the principle is the same.... [W]hat if [a] company is causing harm to an unwilling party, or shifting costs to society? Then they are imposing on the freedom and well-being of others....

"Of course, libertarian solutions to climate change may be far different from the ideas suggested by progressive environmentalists. They might prefer giving individuals and companies the right to sue polluters for the cost imposed by their actions. Perhaps they'd [accept] a tax that accounted for the costs to society, but only in exchange for an equal reduction in taxes on income or property."

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/keith-gaby/a-libertarian-argument-for-climate-action_b_4235618.html
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Snowden docs show U.S. NSA spied in Canada during G20 in Toronto

New Snowden docs show U.S. spied during G20 in Toronto - Greg Weston, Glenn Greenwald, & Ryan Gallagher, CBC News:

November 27, 2013 - "Top secret documents retrieved by U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden show that Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government allowed the largest American spy agency to conduct widespread surveillance in Canada during the 2010 G8 and G20 summits....

"The briefing notes, stamped 'Top Secret,' show the U.S. turned its Ottawa embassy into a security command post during a six-day spying operation by the National Security Agency [NSA] while U.S. President Barack Obama and 25 other foreign heads of government were on Canadian soil in June of 2010....

"An NSA briefing note describes the American agency's operational plans at the Toronto summit meeting and notes they were 'closely co-ordinated with the Canadian partner.'

"The NSA and its Canadian partner, the Communications Security Establishment Canada, gather foreign intelligence for their respective governments by covertly intercepting phone calls and hacking into computer systems around the world.

"The secret documents do not reveal the precise targets of so much espionage by the NSA — and possibly its Canadian partner — during the Toronto summit."

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/new-snowden-docs-show-u-s-spied-during-g20-in-toronto-1.2442448

U.S. tax law driving expatriates to renounce citizenship

Rand Paul Goes After Tax Law Aimed at Expatriates - Drew Mackenzie, Newsmax:

November 27, 2013 - "A controversial new tax law that Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is attempting to repeal is driving hundreds of well-heeled Americans living abroad to renounce their U.S. citizenship.

"The Foreign Account Tax Compliant Act, passed in 2010, requires financial institutions overseas to provide the Internal Revenue Service with annual reports on their U.S. account holders.

"The law, which is aimed at expatriates holding $50,000 or more in their banks, was enacted to prevent Americans from evading taxes. But Americans with dual citizenship are up in arms, and are dumping their U.S. passports at a record rate, McClatchy Newspapers reports. Singer Tina Turner, Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, and Democratic fundraiser Denise Rich all have renounced their citizenship in the past two years.

"The number of people who have relinquished their citizenship has soared from 742 in 2009 to more than 1,854 this year, according to the State Department.

"'[The law] is a textbook example of a bad law that doesn’t achieve its stated purpose but does manage to unleash a host of unanticipated, destructive consequences,' said Paul as he introduced a bill this year to repeal it. 'Tax evasion is a problem that should be addressed, but not in an egregious way.'"

Read more: http://www.newsmax.com/US/expatriates-tax-paul-turner/2013/11/27/id/538992

New educational Libertarian book for youth

Educational Libertarian Book for Youth Released:

November 12, 2013 - "Really Big Coloring Books Inc. of Saint Louis, MO releases educational activity book for youth, parents and teachers detailing Libertarian Party principles, values and history....

"'American youth are searching for leadership and prosperity. They should be taught individual freedom is the most important factor of a nation. Government serves the people - people are not government servants,' according to the book's Publisher, Wayne Bell....

"Included are pages on the Libertarian beliefs of a free and independent society, explanation of how the president must obey the U.S. Constitution and how government officials and their offices are servants of the people.

"Included are modern day examples of Libertarian success stories.... Many teaching examples for youth include how privatization can better serve the needs of the people versus an overbearing inflated government bureaucracy. Pages featuring a political quiz and puzzles, games, mazes, crosswords and listings of Libertarian Organizations will provide the reader with thought provoking information and resources."

Read more: http://www.prweb.com/releases/lIbertarian/books/prweb11319828.htm
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Scott Adams: "The government is torturing my father until he dies"

Scott Adams Blog: I Hope My Father Dies Soon:

November 23, 2013 - "My father, age 86, is on the final approach to the long dirt nap (to use his own phrase). His mind is 98% gone, and all he has left is hours or possibly months of hideous unpleasantness in a hospital bed. I'll spare you the details, but it's as close to a living Hell as you can get.

"If my dad were a cat, we would have put him to sleep long ago. And not once would we have looked back and thought too soon.

"Because it's not too soon. It's far too late. His smallish estate pays about $8,000 per month to keep him in this state of perpetual suffering. Rarely has money been so poorly spent.

"I'd like to proactively end his suffering and let him go out with some dignity. But my government says I can't make that decision. Neither can his doctors. So, for all practical purposes, the government is torturing my father until he dies.

"I'm a patriotic guy by nature. I love my country. But the government? Well, we just broke up."

Read more: http://dilbert.com/blog/entry/i_hope_my_father_dies_soon/
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DC Libertarians file to be on 2014 ballot

Libertarians poised to take over D.C. - West Palm Beach Libertarian | Examiner.com - Karl Dickey:

November 22, 2013 - "Yesterday, three Libertarian residents of the District of Columbia filed with the D.C. Board of Elections qualification papers to secure their place on the April, 2014 primary ballot....

"Bruce Majors [who] has filed to be the Mayor of the District of Columbia ran for Congress in 2012 earning 16,500 votes which qualified the Libertarian Party for permanent ballot access. Often times, Libertarian Party candidates will need to spend financial and human resources in order to secure themselves a place on the ballot - something not needed by Republican or Democratic candidates. Majors has been a resident of the District of Columbia since 1980 and [is] a popular Realtor for the area.

"Sara Jane Panfil has filed to be a D.C. delegate to Congress and is a graduate of Columbia University. Frederick Steiner is running for the City Council At-Large position and has an MBA from George Mason University. Others are expected to join the trio in their effort to bring libertarian values back to D.C.

"The D.C. Libertarian Party seeks to make political process more competitive in the district, which is virtually a one-party jurisdiction with incumbents serving for life."

Read more: http://www.examiner.com/article/libertarians-poised-to-take-over-d-c
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Seven Michigan businessmen backing Amash primary challenger

Prominent West Michigan political donors jump from Justin Amash to Brian Ellis in campaign letter | MLive.com:

"Some West Michigan business leaders who once threw their support — and money — behind U.S. Rep. Justin Amash have jumped ship and united behind local businessman Brian Ellis.

"Past Amash donors like J.C. Huzienga, former Perrigo CEO Mike Jandernoa and Bissell Inc.'s Mark Bissell were among seven local business leaders who, in a recent letter, urged their colleagues to rally behind Ellis.

"Other signatories included former Meijer Inc. President Mark Murray, retired Old Kent Bank President John Canepa; Marge Potter, executive director of corporate affairs for Continental Rail Gateway; and Grand Rapids banker and philanthropist David Frey....

"Written on campaign stationery, the letter alleges '(Amash, R-Cascade Township) and others have effectively nullified the Republican majority in the U.S. House. Their actions gave the GOP a black eye while simultaneously re-energizing the Obama administration'....

"Ellis previously said Amash was in the middle of the government shutdown debacle, joining several other House Republicans to help send the country on the brink of the default over the Affordable Care Act, or 'Obamacare'."

Read more: http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/11/prominent_west_michigan_politi.html
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Libertarians offer "an extraordinarily civil discourse"

The 'libertarian' threat | TribLIVE - Antony Davies and James Harrigan, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

November 16, 2013 - "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid calls them anarchists. Sen. John McCain speaks of “libertarian kids” in condescending tones. One thing on which Democrats and Republicans agree is that libertarians represent a threat.

"Hyperbole and ridicule aside, one thing is true — libertarians approach questions differently than do Democrats and Republicans. Where the major parties develop “platforms” of issues they support, libertarians begin with a single assumption with which most everyone can agree — all humans are free and equal in dignity by virtue of their being human. Everything else is commentary.

"Libertarians think in terms of principles. They begin with the principles of freedom and equality and apply these timeless principles to the issues of the day. What emerges is an extraordinarily civil discourse. The civility arises because libertarians begin at a point of consensus, not a point of contention."

Read more: http://triblive.com/opinion/featuredcommentary/5054240-74/libertarians-principles-threat
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Judi Falardeau: Libertarian candidate in Toronto Centre byelection

November 25, 2013 By-Elections - Our Candidates | Libertarian Party of Canada: Judi Falardeau, Toronto Centre:

"Bio: Judi Falardeau lives in Old Cabagetown where she works as a Chef.

"Why Are You Running?: Judi claims she is not a politician and doesn't want to be one, but she is running because she is alarmed at the power and size of government at all levels.  Libertarians believe that government power should be limited and their size significantly reduced.

"Your Top Issue: Limited Government

"Issue Details: Bureaucrats are forever planning a project here, a moved gas plant there, a program for special interest group A, a subsidy for industry sector B. We all pay for these schemes through taxes, fees, fines, and licenses. Libertarians believe in free enterprise and competition - not in government monopoly."

Read more: https://www.libertarian.ca/november-25-2013-elections-our-candidates
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Snitker: Republican making "false claims" about LP in Florida

Republican Leadership Continues To Lie To Scare Voters Saying ‘Libertarians Want Dems To Win’ - Alex Snitker, Global Dispatch:

November 20, 2013 - "In a recent letter to the editor Bob Veit, Republican Party State Committeeman, wrote about a visit, Libertarian Adrian Wyllie, made to the St. Augustine Tea Party. In his opinion piece Mr. Veit explains perfectly why Adrian, myself and many other Libertarians do not belong to the Republican Party. He and other leaders like him have been and still are willing to say anything to try to scare people into continuing to vote for the members of the Republican Party. "In this opinion piece he wrote:

'They are at it again. The Libertarian Party, after successfully electing a Democrat governor in Virginia as opposed to a Republican supported by the tea party, is making a run here in Florida that will guarantee the same result. It’s public record that a major financial backer for the Virginia Libertarian Party candidate was also a Democrat fundraiser for Obama’s last campaign. Curious??'

"This elected official in the Republican Party wrote something that is completely false. Exit polling proved that Sarvis, the Libertarian candidate for governor in Virginia, was supported by more people that identified themselves as liberal on Election Day than those that considered themselves conservative....

"He is also claiming that there had been a conspiracy perpetrated by the Democrat Party to have Sarvis in the race. This again was absolutely false.

 "As written about in this NPR article:

'But a few things are off here. The $150,000 that they cite went to an existing Libertarian PAC, not the candidate. A co-founder of the PAC says less than $20,000 found its way to Virginia, for both Sarvis and legislative candidates. And the mystery donor is more generous to Libertarians than to Democrats.

Read more: http://www.theglobaldispatch.com/republican-leadership-continues-to-lie-to-scare-voters-saying-libertarians-want-dems-to-win-61885/

What Makes Libertarians Run?

What Makes Libertarians Run? - George J. Dance, Nolan Chart:

November 16, 2013 - "[I]n the recently-concluded governor’s race for Virginia ... a Democrat beat a Republican by a mere 1% of the vote.... But that wasn’t the only story: In the same election, Robert Sarvis, a little-known candidate with a campaign budget of just $200,000, won more than 6% of the vote. Never before has any Libertarian candidate for governor of Virgina - even Bill Redpath, National Director of the Libertarian Party at the time he ran - ever received as much as 1% of the vote. Until now, 6% for a Libertarian in that state was simply inconceivable.

"This is not the only ‘personal best’ that Libertarians have achieved recently. Last year, for instance, Gary Johnson received more than a million votes: the first time, in the Libertarian Party’s 40-year existence, that its presidential candidate has passed that benchmark. While that was still a small fraction of the vote (less than 1%), other Libertarians - such as Dan Cox, senatorial candidate in Montana - scored, like Sarvis, in the high single digits.

"Those signs of progress ... have led to attacks on the Libertarian Party, and even to advice/demands for it to disband. Sarvis’s best-ever showing has begun to prompt similar reactions."

Read more: http://www.nolanchart.com/article10590-what-makes-libertarians-run.html
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Moneybomb & LP raise $12K to put FL Libertarian on ballot

Libertarian Party rallies massive fundraising to get Lucas Overby on ballot - The Global Dispatch - Brian Cole:

November 19, 2013 -"A weekend campaign money bomb, coupled with a generous donation from the Libertarian Party of Florida (LPF) worked together Monday evening (Nov. 18) to secure Overby’s slot on the ballot for the March 11, 2014 Congressional District (CD) 13 Special Election. This contest will decide who fills the congressional seat left vacant since October’s death of long-time Florida Republican Congressman Bill Young.

"Between the fundraiser and the LPF donation, Overby brought in over $12,000, comfortably above the required $10,440 filing fee needed for the Libertarian to be listed along with his Democratic and Republican opponents.

"The Overby Campaign organized the money bomb late last week, after the petition-drive effort to get Libertarian Party (LP) Candidate Lucas Overby’s name listed alongside the Democrat and Republican fell short by a heartbreaking 19 signatures.

"Overby for Congress campaign workers gathered over 1,600 petitions, and submitted in excess of 1,300. However, the Florida Division of Elections (DOE) Office in Tallahassee only approved 1,153; Overby needed 1,172 to earn ballot access."

Read more: http://www.theglobaldispatch.com/libertarian-party-rallies-massive-fundraising-to-get-lucas-overby-on-ballot-90370/
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NM man stopped for traffic violation, anal probed for 14 hours

Cops probe man’s [bleep] after stop-sign violation - World Net Daily:

November 5, 2013 - "What began as a routine traffic stop turned into a 14-hour probe of a New Mexico man’s anal cavity and intestines by police and doctors.

"David Eckert’s ordeal began innocently enough with a shopping trip to Wal-Mart in Deming, N.M. on Jan. 2, 2013.

"According to police, Eckert rolled through a stop sign while driving out of the store’s parking lot. He was promptly pulled over and asked to step out of his vehicle....

"'They say when he stepped out of his car, he was standing in a manner that looked as if he was clenching his buttocks,' Shannon Kennedy, Eckert’s attorney, told KOB-TV....  So, they obtained a warrant to do an anal-cavity search.

"For the next 14 hours, Eckert was subjected to X-rays, cavity searches, several enemas and a colonoscopy at the hands of police and hospital employees ... despite his protestations....

"The medical center billed Eckert for all the medical procedures and has threatened to pursue him if he doesn’t pay."

Read more: http://www.wnd.com/2013/11/cops-probe-mans-butt-after-stop-sign-violation/
via Blog this'

Libertarianism for Tweens - author Arin Greenwood interviewed

Libertarianism for Tweens: A conversation with young-adult author Arin Greenwood - Lucia Graves, National Journal:

November 12, 2013 - "Arin Greenwood's terrific new book, Save the Enemy, is labeled young-adult, but her explorations of libertarian philosophy are not typical of the genre. The story's protagonist, Zoey Trask, is torn between her parents' competing worldviews: her dad's libertarianism and her mom's spirituality. (Believing in spirits, Zoey's dad notes, is worse than stupid — it's irrational). While the novel is billed as a thriller, Greenwood's funny, psychologically astute characters make the fantastical story line seem just outside the bounds of normal. An excerpt:

Your dad probably read you books like The Giving Tree when you were a kid. My dad did read me The Giving Tree once, calling it "evil" in that it "promotes the immoral destruction of the self." (I was four.) He preferred Atlas Shrugged, which is basically about how rich people shouldn't pay taxes. He has explained to me a lot over the course of my seventeen years that taxes are "slavery." People are only "free when they act as they want to act." Perfect for toddlers — is my sarcasm coming through? — Atlas Shrugged is also the novelized explanation of the writer Ayn Rand's "objectivist" philosophy, of "rational self-interest," in other words: extreme selfishness....

"I've known Greenwood, and even worked with her briefly at The Huffington Post. A journalist by day, she adores animals and lives with her husband, Ray, in Old Town Alexandria, Va., where Save the Enemy is set. I interviewed her Monday about her new novel, which was published today by SoHo press."

Read more: http://www.nationaljournal.com/politics/libertarianism-for-tweens-20131112

John Stossel: Are we living in a libertarian era?

Are we living in a Libertarian era? | Fox News: John Stossel, Fox Business Network:

November 13, 2013 - "I didn’t know what a libertarian was when I started reporting. I was just another liberal. I knew the Republicans were icky, and Democrats were more like me – except they didn’t care about debt.

"I had no idea there was an actual movement of thinking people who want to honor the principles of the Founders – liberty and limited government. It took me a long time to wake up.

"Now more Americans have woken up, say Matt Welch and Nick Gillespie, editors of Reason magazine.

"'Poll after poll show you that Americans are much more fiscally conservative than their elected representatives,' says Welch. “A majority of Americans thinks that we should balance the budget.... Seventy-five percent think that we should not raise the debt ceiling ...

"'Growing majorities – especially young people – are more socially tolerant. They think that we should legalize marijuana ... they’re in favor of gay marriage.'"

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2013/11/13/are-witnessing-libertarian-era/
'via Blog this'

Libertarians challenge new Ohio ballot-access law

Libertarians challenge new Ohio minor-party law | The Columbus Dispatch - Jim Siegel:

November 8, 2013 - "The Libertarian Party of Ohio has filed a federal lawsuit this afternoon arguing that the law signed by Gov. John Kasich on Wednesday setting requirements for minor party recognition is unconstitutional.

"Mark Brown, the lead attorney for the lawsuit, said the timing of the law’s enactment – it takes effect Feb. 5, the day of the 2014 candidate filing deadline – and the law blocking minor parties from holding a primary election next year will be the key arguments.

"The lawsuit’s timing argument cites federal 1st and 14th Amendment violations, Brown said, It also makes a state constitutional argument under Article 5, Section 7, which says that 'all nominations for elective state, district, county and municipal offices shall be made at direct primary elections or by petition as provided by law.'

"'Basically what Ohio has done is retroactively taken ballot access away from the (Libertarian Party) and its candidates,' Brown said. 'You can pass valid retroactive legislation, but you have to be careful about it, and especially in the First Amendment or the voting context, it’s strongly frowned upon by the federal courts.'"

Read more: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/11/08/libertarian-party-expected-to-challenge-new-ohio-law.html
'via Blog this'

Galt's Gulch Chile, libertarian community, now accepting Bitcoin

Galt's Gulch Chile Becomes First Libertarian Community Accepting Bitcoin - PRWEB::

November 13, 2013 - "Galt's Gulch Chile, a Libertarian real estate project in Chile, has become the first real estate project of its kind to accept bitcoin. Designed as a residential organic farming community with clean waters, organic foods, and renewable energy, the project raises the question: What can't you buy with bitcoin now?....

"Galt's Gulch Chile is a self-sustaining organic farming community located within the mild Mediterranean microclimate of central Chile. This realization of John Galt's vision holds title to over 11,000 acres of pristine land with nearly 800 liters per second of registered underground and surface water rights. Galt's Gulch Chile presents, for the first time, the opportunity to purchase real estate with the revolutionary new virtual currency bitcoin.

"Bitcoin has soared past all-time highs in recent weeks, reaching a price of nearly $400 in early November."

Read more: http://www.prweb.com/releases/galtsgulchchile/20131112/prweb11324365.htm
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Dallas Buyers' Club: terrific libertarian movie

Dallas Buyers Club Is a Terrific Libertarian Movie - David Boaz, Cato @ Liberty:

November 12, 2013 - "Dallas Buyers Club is a terrific movie with a strong libertarian message about self-help, entrepreneurship, overbearing and even lethal regulation, and social tolerance. Matthew McConaughey, almost unrecognizable after losing 40 pounds, plays Ron Woodroof, a homophobic electrician in 1985 who learns he has AIDS and has 30 days to live.... He turns to the black market ... and beats his original prognosis. As it occurs to him that there are plenty of other people in Dallas who could use these drugs, he sees an opportunity to make some money....

"Soon he’s setting up a “buyers club,” in an attempt to evade FDA regulations on selling illegal or non-approved drugs. He’s got customers – oops, potential members – lining up. He’s on planes to Japan and Amsterdam to get drugs not available in the United States. And at every turn he’s impeded and harassed by the FDA, which insists that people with terminal illnesses just accept their fate. Can’t have them taking drugs that might be dangerous!" 

Read more: http://www.cato.org/blog/dallas-buyers-club-terrific-libertarian-movie

Big business declares war on the Tea Party

Business groups to take stand against tea party candidates in primaries - Washington Times - Patrice Hill:

October 28, 2013 - "The recent fiscal crisis has opened a major rift between the tea party wing of the Republican Party and business groups that traditionally have backed Republicans, with many business leaders now vowing to get involved more in GOP primaries to try to counter insurgent candidates.

"Tea party leaders are defiant, saying they will not change course despite criticism from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable and other top business groups.

"But business leaders argue that the scorched-earth tactics used by tea party Republicans during the 16-day shutdown and debate over raising the federal government’s borrowing limit marked the fourth time since the GOP took control of the House in 2011 that tea party adherents precipitated a governmental crisis that zapped consumer and business confidence, raised uncertainty and exerted a major drag on economic growth.

"Besides encouraging more business-friendly candidates in primary contests, business groups are rallying behind establishment Republicans such as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Kentucky Republican who is being targeted by tea party activists for brokering a deal to temporarily raise the debt ceiling and reopen the government, while launching a negotiation with Democrats over budget cuts and proposed tax and entitlement reforms."

Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/28/business-groups-to-take-stand-against-tea-party-ca/
'via Blog this'

Libertarian wins council seat in Cressona, PA

Libertarian takes county office - News - Republican Herald: - Thomas Leskin:

November 7, 2013 - "The first known Libertarian to hold office in Schuylkill County was elected Tuesday.

"Shawn Felty, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Schuylkill County, was elected to the Cressona borough council....

In an interview ... Felty said that he was the only Libertarian on the ballot in the whole county, and he doesn't know when the last Libertarian was elected to office in Schuylkill County.

"'We didn't even have an organized Libertarian party in Schuylkill County for the last several years, maybe for 10 years,' he said. 'We just really got things going this year. There are registered Libertarians in the county, I think it's, like, 400, but last year there was only, like, one paid member. And now we have about 15'....

"[I]n a letter to the editor in June, George H. Bauscher, vice chairman of the Libertarian Party of Schuylkill County, said that Libertarians believe in, and pursue, personal freedom while maintaining personal responsibility.

"He also wrote that Libertarians strongly oppose any government interfering in people's personal, family and business decisions, and all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another."

Read more: http://republicanherald.com/news/libertarian-takes-county-office-1.1581671
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Ben Jacobs: Democrat was 2nd choice of most VA Libertarian voters

Libertarian Robert Sarvis Drew Record High Votes in Virginia - The Daily Beast - Ben Jacobs:

November 8, 2013 - "For the guy who finished third in the Virginia governor’s race, Robert Sarvis had a pretty good night on Tuesday. Sarvis was the Libertarian candidate in the election who pulled in just over 6.5% of the vote. This wasn’t just a landmark achievement for a third party candidate in Virginia but in the entire American South.... As Richard Winger of Ballot Access News told the Daily Beast, no third party gubernatorial candidate in the South has performed this well in over forty years....

"Sarvis received attention throughout the campaign, not just on election night. He polled above 10% through much of the fall and even received a newspaper endorsement.. Although he wasn’t included in any of the debates, he ran television ads and was considered a possible spoiler throughout the campaign. Republican Ken Cuccinelli was so worried about Sarvis that he focused his strategy in the final days of the campaign on appealing to wavering libertarians. In fact, Cuccinelli’s final rally was headlined by Ron Paul in an attempt to appeal to these voters....

"The question, which was heavily debated before, during and after the election was where Sarvis pulled his supporters from and whether his campaign drew more votes away from Democratic governor-elect Terry McAuliffe or from the socially conservative Republican, Cuccinelli. Based on the crosstabs of a CNN exit poll, it appears that statewide, Sarvis voters leaned toward McAuliffe as their second choice. However there was a lot of regional variation."

Read more: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/11/08/libertarian-robert-sarvis-drew-record-high-votes-in-virginia.html
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TIME: libertarians "capable of throwing any election in their direction"

Who’s A Real Libertarian Now? | TIME.com - Nick Gillespie:

October 29, 2013 - "The American Values Survey is based on responses gathered in late September and early October from a representative group of about 2,300 adults. The researchers used answers to questions about national security, economics, and 'personal liberty' to create a 'Libertarian Orientation Scale.' By such measures, 7 percent of Americans are 'consistent libertarians' and another 15 percent 'lean libertarian,' meaning they oppose increased government spending on things such as military operations and domestic surveillance, raising the minimum wage, and environmental regulations.

"Such fiscal conservativism is matched by social liberalism, with libertarians in favor of legalizing marijuana, protecting abortion rights, allowing doctors to prescribe life-ending drugs, and keeping the Internet unregulated. Libertarians are much more likely than most Americans to be male, white, and under 50 years old. They are also far less likely than most Americans to be religious and to think that religion has a place in politics. This puts them at odds with 'other key Republican base groups' such as the Tea Party movement....

As befits people who put a high value on individualism, libertarians don’t fit easily into existing political categories even as they are far more likely to pay close attention to politics than the average American (56 percent of libertarians versus just 38 percent) and to always vote in primary elections.... "That means that the 22 percent of Americans who are consistent libertarians or lean libertarian are fully capable of throwing any election in their direction. That makes them the true wild cards of American politics."

Read more: http://ideas.time.com/2013/10/29/whos-a-real-libertarian-now/
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Adam Kokesh changes not guilty plea to guilty

Libertarian and second amendment rights activist, Kokesh pleads guilty | Washington Times Communities - Susan L. Ruth:

November 6, 2013 - "During an unscheduled hearing today, Libertarian and second amendment activist Adam Kokesh made a surprise plea of guilty on charges which stemmed from an incident on the fourth of July.

"On July 4, 2013, Kokesh videotaped himself loading a shotgun in Freedom Plaza inside Washington D.C., where carrying weapons on the street is illegal. He was arrested at his home in Herndon, Virginia on July 9 where additional weapons and a small amount of marijuana were also found.

"Online court records show that Kokesh accepted a plea today, just two weeks after he had pleaded not guilty to the same crimes, claiming that he was not guilty because he was exercising his constitutional rights.

"Kokesh had been in a D.C. jail since his July arrest but was released today after the plea and will be sentenced on January 17, 2014....

"Kokesh pled guilty to carrying a shotgun, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition, and a separate charge of possession of marijuana.... At his sentencing in January, Kokesh could face more than six years in prison."

Read more: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/metro-news/2013/nov/6/libertarian-and-second-amendment-rights-activist-k/
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Portland, Maine, votes 2-1 to legalize marijuana use

Portland voters approve marijuana legalization - Craig Lyons, Portland Daily Sun:

November 5, 2013 - "Portland became the first city on the East Coast to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, on Tuesday.

"Portland voters approved a citizens referendum that legalized the recreational use of marijuana in city limits by a vote of 9,921 to 4,823, according to unofficial results released by the city clerk Tuesday night.

"The ordinance will allow adults, who are at least 21 years old, to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and requisite paraphernalia for recreational use. While people can use marijuana on their personal property, the language bars them from using it on any public infrastructure, including sidewalks, parks and roadways; but landlords and building owners can opt to bar smoking on their property....

"The Citizens for a Safer Portland Coalition, which was comprised of the Portland Green Independent Committee, the Marijuana Policy Project and the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, led the legalization effort and gained the support of the Libertarian Party of Maine, the Marijuana Caregivers of Maine and a group of local legislators."

Read more: http://www.portlanddailysun.me/index.php/newsx/local-news/10662-portland-voters-approve-marijuana-legalization
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