Archive for the ‘Newsletter’ Category
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VERMONT LIBERTARIAN NEWS
June 1, 2006
Sponsored by The Vermont Libertarian Party
http://www.vtlp.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. From the Chair
Action, action, action!
2. New Platform
3. Local Official Survey Results
4. High Schoolers’ Know Your Rights Day
5. Calendar of Events
June 13: ACLU – “Privacy: How much is left?”, Montpelier, VT
June 23-25: PorcFest 2006, Lancaster, NH
July 1-2: National LP Convention, Portland OR
July 8: FreedomFest, Montpelier, VT
6. Donate, Volunteer, Run for Office
7. Unsubscribe
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1. FROM THE CHAIR
Libertarian activists have been busy.
* Michael Bandler is part of a group asking the Vermont Public Service Board to investigate Verizon’s actions in regards to turning over phone records to the National Security Agency without their consent.
(more info…)
* Allen LePage is was in the news opposing the National Animal Identification System, which will place a huge burden on small farmers.
(more info…)
* Evan Hughes and Ed Cutler were in the news criticizing the Mayor of Burlington over his comments on gun control for Burlington.
(more info…)
* Hardy Machia was covered on Channel 3 News at the Earmark Express press conference in Burlington.
(more info…)
We had a great state convention. The speakers were all wonderful. John McCardell, president emeritus of Middlebury College, gave a video presentation that you can watch online. We passed a brand new platform. John McClaughry from the non-partisan Ethan Allen Institute even did a radio commentary on the platform.
That’s so much activity that I’m getting really excited about running for State House or another office in November. How about you?
We have money lined to fund ten serious State House candidates this year. We are looking for candidates. If you are interested let’s talk. You can sign up online or email me at chair@vtlp.org.
Hardy Machia
Chair, Vermont Libertarian Party
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2. VERMONT LIBERTARIAN PARTY ADOPTS NEW PLATFORM
(Montpelier) The Vermont Libertarian Party (VTLP) adopted a new platform at their state convention in Montpelier. Their single-page platform covers the specifics of fifteen areas libertarian legislators will work on over the course of the next few legislative sessions.
Hardy Machia, chairman of the Vermont Libertarian Party, stated, “We taken another step into the realm of practical politics with our new platform. It lays out a sensible middle ground toward more freedom, lower taxes, and smaller government-which a majority of Vermonters support.”
A few highlights of the Libertarian platform are:
1. ECONOMY: We believe in competitive free enterprise as the source of wealth for our people, jobs for our labor force, and the tax base necessary to support the legitimate demands of government.
2. TAXATION: We will adopt a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights to limit the growth of government to the rate of inflation, and to require a voter referendum to raise any tax.
4. PROPERTY RIGHTS: We will protect the human right of private property ownership against government regulation, confiscation and eminent domain.
8. HEALTH CARE: We believe health care should be affordable and available to all Vermonters. We believe health care decisions are between patient and doctor, not patient, doctor and legislature.
15. LIBERTY: We will pass up every opportunity to tell peaceable, independent Vermonters how to live their lives.
The VTLP’s 2006 platform is available online.
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3. VERMONT LIBERTARIAN PARTY RELEASES LOCAL OFFICIAL SURVEY RESULTS
Montpelier: The Vermont Libertarian Party announced the survey results of local officials for 2006. There were 12 questions ranging from eminent domain to death with dignity. Responses were received from 31 towns across Vermont.
Hardy Machia, Chairman of the Vermont Libertarian Party, stated, “The survey responses highlight the need for a state government and party that better represents the respondents’ views.
Nearly all survey respondents wanted much tougher eminent domain restrictions. Only one respondent agreed with the weak bill passed by the Vermont Legislature this year.
Seven out of ten respondents thought spending should be reduced instead of raising gas taxes. A backlash of protest and some moderate leadership in the Senate removed the gas tax increase passed by the Vermont House.
Nearly all survey respondents thought we needed major reforms in health care, but were split 40-60 on whether a single payer system or free market system was the better way to accomplish those goals.
Support for Death with Dignity and treating marijuana like alcohol both had strong support, with over 80 percent supporting both these reforms.
Zero respondents thought our school system was working great. Getting out of No Child Left Behind received majority support, as did, public and private school choice, limiting spending to the rate of inflation, and shifting funding to an income tax instead of the controversial Act 68 & 68 property tax distribution.
Seven out of ten respondents thought Vermont’s state budget should be 4 billion dollars or less, with a quarter of respondents believing spending should be rolled back to 2002 levels, 3.3 billion. The Governor and Legislature passed a budget that was a 400 million in excess of 2005′s budget of four billion.
The open-ended question on the biggest issue facing their town revealed that education funding is still a top priority for many towns, followed by roads.
The Vermont Libertarian Party has been active in Vermont politics for over 30 years. Vermont Libertarians have served in local office throughout the state. The National Libertarian Party was founded in 1971 and is the third largest political party in the United States. Millions of Americans have voted for Libertarian Party candidates in past elections throughout the country. Libertarians believe the answer to America’s political problems is the same commitment to freedom that earned America its greatness: a free-market economy and the abundance and prosperity it brings, a dedication to individual liberties and personal freedom, and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade.
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4. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS DAY
The Vermont Chapter of the National Youth Rights Association (NYRA) spun off of my campaign for governor in 2004. This is the first year they organized this event and they did a superb job. All of the students who attended learned a great deal about their rights and exerting their rights. I wish NYRA-Vermont and NYRA-VT_Commons much continued success in their efforts. They are a great bunch of people. Here is the Free Press coverage of the event….
Three dozen students gather for workshops such as Bill of Rights 101
Free Press coverage
By Caroline Vial
Free Press Staff Writer
May 17, 2006 SOUTH BURLINGTON — About three dozen high school students gathered at Vermont Commons School on Tuesday to learn more about their civic rights.
Know Your Rights Day, an event organized by student members of the National Youth Rights Association, consisted of a day-long series of workshops. Topics ranged from Bill of Rights 101 to Freedom of Speech at School.
Speakers included Frank Bryan, a professor at the University of Vermont; Allen Gilbert, executive director of the ACLU Vermont; Hardy Macia, Libertarian candidate for governor in 2004; and Matt Brown, a sophomore at UVM and graduate of Vermont Commons School. Know Your Rights Day was co-sponsored by the ACLU and received support from local businesses.
Although the student turnout and teacher response did not meet the hopes of the student organizers, many remained confident in the educational mission.
“That’s what civics is really about,” said Jay Leff, “to take charge.” Leff, a Burlington High School senior, decided to develop a student-run youth rights education event and bring it to the Vermont Commons School after he attended a program on the Bill of Rights. He is on the board of directors at the National Youth Rights Association and co-founder of Youth for Democracy.
“Know Your Rights Day” is geared toward educating teens, not just about social responsibility. “Responsibility is just the half of it,” Leff said. “Understanding that right is what it means to be a responsible citizen.”
Leff said he thinks the school system does not encourage learning about civic rights. “We’ve lost that in our education of civics in Vermont and in the United States. Every time we talk about civics in school, our rights are only taught in the context of history,” he said.
“I wish I could have gotten more friends to come,” said John Lange, a senior who attended a workshop entitled “Busted — Protecting Your Rights From Police.” He added that knowing one’s rights is crucial for young people to “know how to handle a situation, such as being taken advantage by cops.”
Lange said the highlight of the event was that “any questions that we had could be answered by someone who has dealt with the situation themselves.”
Alex Hollender, a junior at Vermont Commons School and member of the National Youth Rights Association, said: “As soon as I started learning about these issues, it dawned on me that I had no idea how important it is to know one’s rights.” From now on, he said, “I am going to do as much as I can to get as many people to learn about civic rights.” He helped organize the event.
Because no responses had been received from teachers outside of the Vermont Commons School, Leff and Hollender, said they hope the initiatives will be taken next year from the “bottom-up.” Hollender said, “While I was relying on the support of teachers at other schools, next year we will make many more follow-up calls and extend the event to many more high schools.”
In the future, Leff said he hopes for more involvement from teachers, as well as more action from the student councils.
Ariel Smith, president of Youth for Democracy and a senior at South Burlington High School, said: “I was very impressed with today and disappointed in the low student turnout. But for the people that did come I think they benefited a great deal.”
“It’s not just about bringing many people to the event,” Leff added. He said the day-long exposure the students gained from learning from and interacting with lawyers, educators and politicians, served a worthy purpose.
“They will be able to spread the word by talking about this when they get home,” he said.
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5. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 13, 2006: “Privacy: How much is left?”
A day long conference Tuesday, June 13 at the Capitol Plaza being hosted by the Vermont ACLU.
(more info…)
June 23-25, 2006: 2006 Porcupine Freedom Festival
Held every summer in New Hampshire, the festival brings together small government activists of all types for a week of socializing, strategizing, and getting to know the Free State.
(more info…)
July 1-2, 2006: National Libertarian Party Convention
Held in Portland, Oregon this year.
(more info…)
July 8, 2006: FreedomFest
FreedomWorks Vermont and Ethan Allen Institute are teaming up again to host the second annual FreedomFest in Vermont. The event this year will take place at U-32 high school in Montpelier.
(more info…)
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6. DONATE, VOLUNTEER, RUN FOR OFFICE
To make a contribution to the Vermont Libertarian Party or to sign
your friends up for the newsletter, visit us on the web at
If you are interested in volunteering or running for office, then
contact Hardy Machia at chair@vtlp.org.
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7. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR / SUBMIT AN ARTICLE
For information or to submit news, letters, or articles, contact
Hardy Machia, Chair, Vermont Libertarian Party, chair@vtlp.org,
(802) 372-9512.
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The VERMONT LIBERTARIAN NEWS is a publication of the Vermont Libertarian
Party, PO Box 5475, Burlington, VT 05402. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright ? 2006.
Posted in Newsletter | 
Tags: ethan allen institute, freedomfest, know your rights day, vermont libertarian party | 
No Comments »
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VERMONT LIBERTARIAN NEWS
April 3, 2006
Sponsored by The Vermont Libertarian Party
http://www.vtlp.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. From the Chair
$73, Blog, Convention Speakers
2. Convention Schedule
3. Libertarians call on the Legislature to act on Death with Dignity bill
4. Vermont has Highest State Tax Burden in Country
5. Columnist Cal Thomas says “it’s time strong third party”
6. Calendar of Events
Apr 22, 10 M: State Committee Mtg, City Hall, Montpelier
Apr 29, 9:30AM-4PM: State Convention, Montpelier
7. Donate, Volunteer, Run for Office
8. Unsubscribe
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1. FROM THE CHAIR
Thanks to many generous supporters our 10/10/10 fund raiser is wrapping
up on April 15th. We raised another $1000 last month – putting us within
$73 of reaching our goal of $10,000. If all our readers could donate a
dollar, it would put us easily over the top. You can use PayPal to donate -
in the right hand column at http://www.vtlp.org/
When you visit http://www.vtlp.org, you will notice that we now have a
blog. Just under Upcoming Events is the Recent News section. Here you
will find something new just about every day. (If you know about RSS
feeds, then you can watch our blog at feed://www.vtlp.org/feeds/.)
Later this month:
Come celebrate with like minded Vermonters on April 29 at the Capital
Plaza in Montpelier at the Vermont Libertarian Party state convention.
We have a great line up of speakers.
- Ethan Allen travels through time to add some revolutionary gusto to
the party. - Rob Williams, editor of “Vermont Commons”, a monthly newspaper
and multimedia forum championing Vermont independence ? political, economic,
social, and spiritual. - Martin Harris of Vermont Citizens for Property Rights
- James Dwinell, publisher of the weekly e-mail Dwinell Report.
- Professor Frank Bryan is one of Vermont best known political writers
and humorists. Author of Real Democracy, The Vermont Papers, Real Vermonters
Don’t Milk Goats, Vermont Quiz Book, and many others.
Register for the convention online at
http://www.vtlp.org/main/vtlp-convention.asp
Hardy Machia
Chair, Vermont Libertarian Party
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2. CONVENTION SCHEDULE
Vermont Libertarian Party Convention 2006
Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
100 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont
Saturday, April 29, 8:30 a.m. ? 4 p.m.
FOR RESERVATIONS OR MORE CONVENTION INFORMATION CONTACT:
SCOTT BERKEY AT 802-728-6211 OR BERKEYSCOTT@HOTMAIL.COM
Online Reservation Form
(http://www.vtlp.org/main/vtlp-convention.asp)
MORNING SESSION
8:30 a.m. Registration Opens
9:30 a.m. Chair?s Welcome, Recognition of VIP?s
10:00 a.m. Introduction of Attending Vendors
10:15 a.m. Nomination of Delegates to the National Convention
10:30 a.m. Adoption of Campaign 2006 Platform
12:00 p.m. Break
AFTERNOON SESSION
12:30 p.m. Luncheon (Reservations Required)
Ethan Allen travels through time to speak
2:00 p.m. Guest Speakers (Tickets Required $10)
Rob Williams, Vermont Commons/Second Vermont Republic
Martin Harris, Citizens for Property Rights
James Dwinell, Dwinell Political Report
3:00 p.m. Keynote Speaker: ?Frank Bryan
4:00 p.m. Social Hour
Lunch: Seating for lunch is by reservation only. Reservation may be
placed with Scott Berkey by calling (802) 728-6211, emailing
berkeyscott@hotmail.com?or through our online reservation form
(http://www.vtlp.org/main/vtlp-convention.asp). The price is $25 per
person if paid in advance and $30 if paid on the day of the convention.
The ticket for the speakers is included in the cost of lunch.
A vegetarian option is available.
Directions: The Capitol Plaza is located at 100 State Street in
Montpelier. Exit 8 off I-89, merge onto Memorial Drive. At second stop
light take a left onto Bailey Avenue. At intersection take right onto
State Street. Vermont State House is on your left, 1/2 block on the
Right is Capitol Plaza Hotel. The phone number is (802) 223-5252.
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3. Libertarians call on the Legislature to act on Death with Dignity
bill
March 13, Libertarian Party chair Hardy Machia spoke out in support of
death with dignity legislation that would allow people to retain the
right to make their end-of-life decisions themselves.
Libertarian Party State Chair Hardy Machia said, “Freedom starts with
the individual, and each individual is the owner of his own mind, body,
and spirit. The Death with Dignity bill respects this fundamental right
by allowing individuals to make decisions about how they want to live
their lives, and how they want to end their lives. We call on the
legislature to act on the death with dignity bill [H.168] this session.”
The Libertarian Party looks with approval on Oregon’s eight-year-old
assisted-suicide law that allows doctors to help terminally ill patients
who wish to end their lives. The Party disagrees with the Bush
administration’s argument against the Oregon law, that that hastening
death with medication violates federal drug provisions. Libertarians
believe that no federal or state provisions should truncate the
fundamental right of human beings over their own lives and bodies.
Libertarians agree with the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision rendered
in Gonzales v. Oregon that upheld Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act by a
vote of 6-3. “It is time for Vermont to pass similar legislation to take
a more libertarian approach to matters that are so intimate and personal
to our people,” Machia said.
The Death with Dignity bill [H.168] is currently in the House Human
Services Committee.
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4. Vermont has Highest State Tax Burden in Country
Burlington, Vermont — March 31, 2006
A new report says Vermonters pay more state taxes than people from any
other state.
According to the federal report released Friday, overall state taxation
rose from $1.8 billion to $2.4 billion in one year. That’s an increase
of 33%.
That pushes the per capita tax burden to $3,600, the highest state tax
burden in the country, but the numbers do not paint an entirely accurate
picture.
The new federal report is misleading. It turns out that Vermonters state
tax burden is not as bad as reported, but then again, as one expert made
very clear, Vermonters are still among the highest taxed in the country.
“One of the things that the Census Bureau did was this year was change
its methodology,” said Art Woolf, University of Vermont Professor of
Economics.
Woolf says it is the Census Bureau decision to include Vermont property
tax payments that accounts for the misleading impression that Vermonters
are paying the highest state taxes per person.
“So Vermont’s zoomed up in the rankings because it used to be that a lot
of property taxes were seen as a local tax, part of it was a state tax
and now they’ve just taken the entire property tax and put it in the
state tax which is why we’re number one in the nation in total state
taxes per capita,” explained Woolf.
Woolf points out that while state taxes may not be as burdensome as
indicated in the new report, Vermonters nevertheless remain among the
highest taxed citizens in the nation, especially individuals and
families that make income over 60-thousand dollars.
“Well we are highly taxed. We’re one of the top ten states in the
country in terms of our total taxes as a percent of the income we earn,”
said Woolf.
Maine residents pay the highest overall taxes in the nation, while New
Hampshire residents, by far, according to Art Woolf, have the lightest
overall tax burden per person.
Brian Joyce – Channel 3 News
http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=4710624
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5. Columnist Cal Thomas says “it’s time strong third party, or failing
that, another revolution”
The following editorial appeared in the Burlington Freepress. Cal Thomas
joins Alan Greenspan and others in calling for a strong third party.
Spending obscenities
By Cal Thomas
Mar 21, 2006
Not so long ago, in a country that now seems far, far away, Ronald
Reagan told the nation: “we don’t have deficits because people are taxed
too little. We have deficits because big government spends too much.”
He uttered those words in a year when Democrats controlled the House
(the body in which spending legislation originates) and the national
debt, according to the Bureau of Public Debt, was $2.3 trillion.
Last week, a Republican Senate voted to raise the debt ceiling to nearly
$9 trillion. Senators quickly passed a record $2.8 trillion budget. What
would Reagan say now? He said then, “the federal deficit is outrageous.
For years I’ve asked that we stop pushing onto our children the excesses
of our government.” He called for a balanced budget amendment to the
Constitution and labeled the budget process a “sorry spectacle.” That
Republicans are outspending the most reckless 1980s Democrat (and 1960s
Great Society Democrats and 1940s FDR Democrats) is the sorriest
spectacle of all.
The Senate vote increased the debt ceiling for the fourth time in five
years. The statutory debt limit has now risen by more than $3 trillion
since President Bush took office. That any Republican majority could
preside over such fiscally irresponsible spending ought to be grounds
for revoking their party membership.
This is mostly about politics, not terrorism. Republicans fear that only
gobs of money will endear them to voters in sufficient numbers to
re-elect their increasingly precarious majority. Why should Republicans
be re-elected when one of the major reasons the GOP exists is to reduce
the size and cost of government and free more people to do for
themselves instead of restricting their liberties through costly and
overreaching big government?
Sen. Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republican, rightly blamed
out-of-control spending on his colleagues’ political nervousness: “They
want to go and say they are helping people, but we are not helping
people when we are selling out their future.”
DeMint might have added that it doesn’t help people to cause them to
rely on and pay for ever-expanding government. Such a policy stifles
initiative and personal responsibility and discourages incentive. It
goes against the “Puritan ethic” that was one of America’s foundational
principles.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Republican, observed, “This budget
could be the final nail in our coffin if we don’t watch it.” Graham said
Republican spending habits are demoralizing voters: “I don’t think we
properly understand the keys to our electoral success.”
Sen. Arlen Specter, Pennsylvania Republican, defended spending an
additional $7 billion for health and education programs, claiming those
areas have lacked money in recent years. Is he kidding? The Bush
administration has sired the biggest new entitlement program in history
- a prescription drug benefit for the elderly. And let’s not forget “No
Child Left Behind,” which massively increased federal education spending
when there is no evidence of a connection between money and academic
achievement.
Perhaps the real culprit is not Congress, but us. The Pew Research
Center poll of March 14 found that only 55 percent of Americans rate the
deficit as a “top priority.” That contrasts with the 1990s when the
deficit resonated more strongly with voters. As long as we are willing
to take the money in exchange for our votes, politicians will give it to
us. This must change, not only because we are in debt up to our
eyeballs, but also because many of the note holders are, or might
become, our enemies.
Means testing for all government programs and term limits for Congress
are the answer to never-ending debt, but neither is likely to happen.
Reagan said his favorite president was Calvin Coolidge. In 1923, when
Coolidge was vice president, he said, “After order and liberty, economy
is one of the highest essentials of a free government.”
Coolidge left the presidency with a surplus. So did Bill Clinton. That a
Republican Congress and administration are engaging in such promiscuous
spending is obscene. If voting in Democrats -who in the past engaged in
deficit spending – punishes Republicans, little will change. What to do?
Maybe it’s time for a strong third party, or failing that, another
revolution.
Cal Thomas is the co-author of Blinded By Might.
Copyright ? 2006 Townhall.com
Find this story at: http://www.townhall.com/opinion/column/calthomas/2006/03/21/190629.html
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6. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 22 (10AM – Saturday): VTLP State Committee Meeting at City Hall in
Montpelier. Use the back door, go up stairs, Memorial Room
is on right.
April 29 (9:30AM-4PM): VTLP State Convention. Capital Plaza Hotel, Montpelier.
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7. DONATE, VOLUNTEER, RUN FOR OFFICE
To make a contribution to the Vermont Libertarian Party or to sign
your friends up for the newsletter, visit us on the web at
http://www.vtlp.org.
If you are interested in volunteering or running for office, then
contact Hardy Machia at chair@vtlp.org.
******************************************************
8. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR / SUBMIT AN ARTICLE
For information or to submit news, letters, or articles, contact
Hardy Machia, Chair, Vermont Libertarian Party, chair@vtlp.org,
(802) 372-9512.
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The VERMONT LIBERTARIAN NEWS is a publication of the Vermont Libertarian
Party, PO Box 5475, Burlington, VT 05402. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright ? 2006.
VERMONT LIBERTARIAN NEWS
March 3rd 2006
Sponsored by
The Vermont Libertarian Party
www.vtlp.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. From the Chair
2. Vermont Libertarian Party’s Challenge to State Campaign Finance Law Being Heard by US Supreme Court
3. Libertarian Chair Predicts Campaign Finance Law Will Not Stand
4. Vermont Libertarian Party to Hold Convention
5. Libertarian Party Mourns the Loss of Beloved Candidate, Author, and Friend
6. Women’s History Month
7. Walter Cronkite – “Why I Support DPA, and So Should You.” Letter
8. Calendar of Events
9. Contact Us / Become a Member
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If you ever get a chance to watch oral arguments in front of the US Supreme Court, I encourage you to go. I was in D.C. on Tuesday to watch the campaign finance case of Randall v. Sorrell in which the Vermont Libertarian Party is a plaintiff in. It was the same day as the paparazzi scene with Anna-Nicole. She was two people behind me while we waited in line to be seated. More importantly, I think the Supreme Court with its two new members will uphold the sanctity of the first Amendment.
Town Meeting Day is Tuesday, so I’d like to wish the best of luck to the libertarians running for local office. Especially to Jeremy Ryan who is one of four candidates campaigning hard for a city council seat in Ward 7 in Burlington.
Finally, the liberty and freedom movement has lost a great speaker and advocate this week with the passing of Harry Browne. Harry was a two time presidential candidate for the Libertarian Party, and the author of many books. I last heard him speak at The Advocates for Self-Government’s 20th Anniversary event. His books will continue to educate and provide “talking points” for libertarians for a long time to come.
Hardy Machia
Chair, Vermont Libertarian Party
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VERMONT LIBERTARIAN PARTY’S CHALLENGE TO STATE CAMPAIGN
FINANCE LAW BEING HEARD BY US SUPREME COURT
February 24, 2006
Montpelier, VT: The Vermont Libertarian Party has taken the fight to protect political free speech to the U.S. Supreme Court, as one of the plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case, Randall v. Sorrell. The Court is hearing oral arguments in the case on Tuesday, February 28. The Vermont Libertarian Party is challenging a 1997 state campaign finance law that seeks to severely restrict spending by candidates and political parties, and limit private campaign contributions.
Vermont Libertarian Party Chair Hardy Machia explained that the Party is one of the original plaintiffs in the Randall v. Sorrell case. The party claims that the 1997 campaign finance law, Act 64, violates their First Amendment rights of free speech and free association by severely restricting what the state party can contribute to candidates.
Supporters of the 1997 campaign finance law say it is necessary “to combat corruption, the appearance of corruption, and to free up candidates’ time”. Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell admitted that the law has put some restrictions on candidates’ ability to express their views, but noted, “There are other competing constitutional interests, such as the integrity of the electoral process”. Should identify where and when he stated this…
In rebuttal to Sorrell’s claims, Machia says, “The Libertarian Party is raising funds for our state house candidates this year so they can focus on knocking on doors and meeting voters. The campaign finance restrictions prior to Act 64 already put minor parties at an extreme disadvantage to the Democrats and Republicans. The additional restrictions of free speech in Act 64 almost guarantee that third parties won’t be able to be heard.”
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LIBERTARIAN CHAIR PREDICTS CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW WILL NOT STAND — VTLP Representatives Attend Historic Supreme Court Hearing –
March 2, 2006
On Tuesday, the Chair and Treasurer of the Vermont Libertarian Party
(VTLP) sat in the gallery of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. to hear the challenge to Vermont’s controversial campaign finance law. The VTLP is one of several participants in the suit challenging the law. At the end of the proceedings, Chair Hardy Machia predicted that the law will not survive the scrutiny of the justices.
“All the Justices seemed opposed to spending caps, and most of them seemed opposed to the extremely small limits on contributions. It was clear that many of the justices have serious reservations about the law,” said Machia after attending the hearing in Washington. “The law is not going to survive their scrutiny and parts, if not all, of the law will certainly be struck down.”
During the proceedings, contribution limits were scrutinized by Justices Scalia and Alito who questioned as to whether limitations on contributions in turn limited a candidate’s expenditures. In addition, all of the justices voiced concerns that the limits were so low that “a box of doughnuts and some coffee” for campaign workers could violate the law. Finally, Machia noted that each justice alluded to the issue as one of speech protected by the first amendment.
While some states limit the amount that individuals can donate to a political campaign, the Vermont law placed low and strict restrictions on individual donations. No individual can donate more than $400 to any statewide candidate and no more than $2,000 to any political party. Vermont became the first state in the country to limit the amount a candidate can spend on a race, ranging from $300,000 for governor to a low of $2,000 for state representative.
Machia listened closely to the defense of the law by Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell. “I was surprised when Sorrell inferred that Vermont needs such harsh campaign restrictions because our elections are somehow corrupt.” Yet when pressed by the justices on this point, Sorrell said that to date, there have not been any prosecuted cases of corruption.
Since the law passed in 1997, the Vermont Libertarian Party has maintained that the state should not prevent any Vermonter, individually or collectively, from supporting the parties and candidates of their choice to the extent that they wish. The law requires that political parties and political candidates collect their revenues only in the form of small, limited donations from individual sources.
“Such a requirement gives an unfair advantage to the major, established, parties who already have a broad base of existing donors, and discriminates against minor party challengers,” said Machia. “It effectively stifles the efforts of the underdog to get their message out to the people. I’m optimistic the court will side with libertarians and uphold our right to freedom of political speech.”
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VERMONT LIBERTARIAN PARTY TO HOLD CONVENTION
The Vermont Libertarian Party will hold its Convention on Saturday, April 29, from 9:30 AM to 4 PM at the Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center in Montpelier.
During the morning business meeting, Vermont Libertarians will reaffirm and amend the state Party platform, and elect delegates to represent Vermont at the National Libertarian Party Convention.
An onsite luncheon will follow the business meeting and in the afternoon, convention attendees listen to a variety of guest speakers, followed by a social hour.
“Libertarians from across the state will converge on Montpelier to attend to Party business and engage in lively discussion of the issues facing Vermonters today,” said Hardy Machia, chair of the Vermont Libertarian Party.
Attendance at the 2006 Vermont Libertarian Party Convention business meeting is free and open to the public, though only registered party members may vote on the convention floor.
A small fee is required to attend the afternoon luncheon and activities.
To schedule media interviews for the day of the Convention, please call Hardy Machia at 802-372-9512 or e-mail chair@vtlp.org.
The Vermont Libertarian Party has been active in Vermont politics for over 30 years. Vermont Libertarians have served in local office throughout the state. The National Libertarian Party was founded in 1971 and is the third largest political party in the United States. Millions of Americans have voted for Libertarian Party candidates in past elections throughout the country. Libertarians believe the answer to America’s political problems is the same commitment to freedom that earned America its greatness: a free-market economy and the abundance and prosperity it brings, a dedication to individual liberties and personal freedom, and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade.
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LIBERTARIAN PARTY MOURNS THE LOSS OF BELOVED CANDIDATE, AUTHOR, AND FRIEND
Harry Browne Dies at Age 72
(Washington, D.C.) Former Libertarian Party Presidential Candidate, noted scholar, and investment advisor Harry Browne died at his home in Franklin, TN on the night of March 1, 2006, after a long illness.
A well-known inspirational speaker and writer, Harry was the author of 12 books that sold more than 2 million copies. In 1996 and 2000, he was the Libertarian Party’s candidate for President of the United States, with popular vote totals of 485,798 and 384,431 respectively.
Harry was the founder of DownsizeDC.org, a non-profit group dedicated to reducing the size of government and forcing governmental institutions into compliance with the Constitution. He authored several popular books on the libertarian movement and philosophy including, Why Government Doesn’t Work and The Great Libertarian Offer. In addition to these works on Libertarianism, Harry wrote investment advice books including You Can Profit from a Monetary Crisis and Fail-Safe Investing.
During Harry Browne’s campaigns, he made appearances in almost every state and was credited with over 1,000 media appearances. He was often praised by the media, and won the endorsements of multiple talk-show hosts and journalists.
“Harry Browne’s actions and rhetoric were inspirations for me,” stated Sam New, acting Director of Communications for the Libertarian Party.
“Through Harry’s writings, I began to understand what Libertarianism is. I trace the beginning of my involvement with the Party to him. His contributions to the Party will forever be evident. Harry will truly be missed by many supporters, followers, and friends around the world.”
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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Three Women Who Resurrected Classical Liberalism
Wednesday 01 March 2006
This Women’s History Month, the Cato Institute pays homage to three women, who in the early 1940s unabashedly defended individualism and free-market capitalism in an age that widely considered American capitalism dead and socialism the future. In 1943, Isabel Paterson, Rose Wilder Lane and Ayn Rand published three groundbreaking books (The God of the Machine, The Discovery of Freedom and The Fountainhead), which laid the foundations of the modern libertarian movement….
http://www.cato.org/special/threewomen/
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WALTER CRONKITE – “WHY I SUPPORT DPA, AND SO SHOULD YOU.” LETTER
http://www.drugpolicy.org/library/cronkite022306.cfm
As anchorman of the CBS Evening News, I signed off my nightly broadcasts for nearly two decades with a simple statement: “And that’s the way it is.”
To me, that encapsulates the newsman’s highest ideal: to report the facts as he sees them, without regard for the consequences or controversy that may ensue.
Sadly, that is not an ethic to which all politicians aspire – least of all in a time of war.
I remember. I covered the Vietnam War. I remember the lies that were told, the lives that were lost – and the shock when, twenty years after the war ended, former Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara admitted he knew it was a mistake all along.
Today, our nation is fighting two wars: one abroad and one at home. While the war in Iraq is in the headlines, the other war is still being fought on our own streets. Its casualties are the wasted lives of our own citizens.
I am speaking of the war on drugs.
Read the rest of Cronkite’s letter at…. http://www.drugpolicy.org/library/cronkite022306.cfm
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- March 12 (1PM – SUNDAY): VTLP State Committee Meeting at City Hall in
Montpelier. Use the back door, go up stairs, Memorial Room
is on right. - April 29 (9:30AM-4PM): VTLP State Convention. Capital Plaza Hotel, Montpelier.
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BECOME A MEMBER / MAKE A DONATION
To make a contribution to the Vermont Libertarian Party, click here, or to become a member, click here.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR / SUBMIT AN ARTICLE
For information or to submit news, letters, or articles, contact Brendan Kinney, Chair, Vermont Libertarian Party, contact me.
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VERMONT LIBERTARIAN NEWS is a publication of the Vermont Libertarian Party, PO Box 5475, Burlington, VT 05402. All Rights Reserved. Copyright (C) 2004.
VERMONT LIBERTARIAN NEWS
October 21, 2004
Sponsored by
The Vermont Libertarian Party
www.vtlp.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. From the Chair
2. Calendar of Events
3. New! VTLP Discussion Forums!
4. Get Campaign Materials!
5. In the News: Machia Endorsed by Tax Reform Group;
Election Spoiler May be a Libertarian
6. Contact Us / Become a Member
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Get out and vote libertarian on November 2!
Thank you,
Brendan Kinney, Chair
Vermont Libertarian Party
contact me
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Sunday, October 31
Badnarik for President Meetup, Location will be announced on the forums.
Tuesday, November 2
Get out and Vote Libertarian!
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The newly redesigned VTLP website keeps getting better! This week, we introduce new discussion forums. With your free registration, you gain access to a dynamic discussion site that covers a range of topics and issues related to politics, Vermont, and libertarianism. Please join us online!
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Campaign Materials and Yard Signs
Here are the contacts to get your hands on yard signs and other campaign materials for libertarian candidates:
* Hardy Machia
Libertarian Candidate for Governor
Contact: Bonnie, info@freevermont.org, 372-9512
* Michael Badnarik
Libertarian Candidate for President
Paul Washburn, badnarik4vermont@yahoo.com
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MACHIA RECOGNIZED BY AMERICANS AND VERMONTERS FOR TAX REFORM
On Tuesday, October 12, 2004 – Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Hardy Machia (may-sha) will be recognized and congratulated for his signing of the Tax Payers Protection Pledge by Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform.
Norquist will speak on the steps of the Vermont State House in Montpelier at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 12, to announce, recognize, and congratulate the Vermont candidates who have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. The pledge commits a member to oppose and vote against any effort to raise taxes on individuals or corporations.
Machia said, “I’m the only candidate for governor willing to stand up for Vermont taxpayers by signing the pledge. I’m the only candidate speaking for the majority of Vermonters who want less spending and taxes. I’m asking for their vote, and I will stand by my pledge.”
The Libertarian Party of Vermont surveyed 1500 Vermonters in 30 towns across Vermont on Town Meeting Day in March of 2004. Following are the two questions related to taxes and spending and the results:
3. Returning state spending to its 2001 level would eliminate the need for the sales tax and state income tax. Controlling spending would improve the business environment and improve worker’s take home pay on average by $2,000. Should Vermont return to that spending level?
Yes: 42% No: 32% Maybe: 26%
5. Vermont spends 56% more per capita on state government than NH. Should Vermont lower government spending?
Yes: 56% No: 23% Maybe: 21%
Hardy Machia, 35, of Grand Isle, VT, is a computer software designer and is running a full-time campaign for governor. He will be on the ballot with five other candidates on November 2. More information is available at http://www.freevermont.org.
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ELECTION SPOILER MAY TURN OUT TO BE A LIBERTARIAN
BY JOSH GERSTEIN – Staff Reporter of the Sun
Just as in 2000, a third-party candidate could tip the balance in this year’s presidential contest. This time, however, the spoiler may not be Ralph Nader, but a man whose name most voters have never heard.
The presidential nominee of the Libertarian Party, Michael Badnarik, is on the ballot in 48 states. Mr. Nader, by contrast, is certain to be on the ballot in only 35 states, though he may pick up a few more by Election Day.
Democratic activists, many still fuming over Mr. Nader’s perceived role in Vice President Gore’s loss to President Bush four years ago, have brought court challenges to keep Mr. Nader off the ballot in places across the country.
By contrast, Republicans have said and done little about Mr. Badnarik, a 50-year-old computer programmer from Texas. Yet political strategists say he and the little-known Libertarians could affect the outcome in several battleground states crucial to Mr. Bush’s re-election.
“The Libertarians are drawing somewhere between 1% and 3% – not big numbers, but in these very close races like the presidential contest, they could well be the margin of difference,” a political science professor at the University of Minnesota, Lawrence Jacobs, said. “They pose a genuine threat to be the kingmaker in several swing states.”
Most national polls don’t ask about Mr. Badnarik, but some state surveys do. Polls done by Rasmussen Reports for Mr. Badnarik’s campaign showed him with 5% of the vote in New Mexico in August and with 3% support in Nevada last month.
For the rest of the story – http://www.nysun.com/article/2672.
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BECOME A MEMBER / MAKE A DONATION
To make a contribution to the Vermont Libertarian Party, click here, or to become a member, click here.
<back to top>
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR / SUBMIT AN ARTICLE
For information or to submit news, letters, or articles, contact Brendan Kinney, Chair, Vermont Libertarian Party, contact me.
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VERMONT LIBERTARIAN NEWS is a publication of the Vermont Libertarian Party, PO Box 5475, Burlington, VT 05402. All Rights Reserved. Copyright (C) 2004.
