LP Monday Message!

Fellow Libertarians,

The United States government has just declared war on medical cannabis, throwing patients and dispensaries into a panic and with good reason. Even those with years of unblemished operations, including some of our finest and most respected MCDs, are being targeted. The Feds are even threatening to prosecute anyone who runs ads about medical marijuana. According to the latest proclamation from the Bluecoats, "Nobody is immune."

Many Libertarians saw this coming when President Bush holdover, Michele Leonhart, boasted she would ignore the administration's formal medical marijuana guidelines, yet was still appointed to head the DEA. As a result, our campaign team carefully crafted a revolutionary new voter initiative that will legally allow California to Opt Out of the Controlled Substances Act. Of course, the Feds can challenge our voter initiative once it passes, but we believe we have the necessary legal tools within this initiative to defeat them.

Libertarian James Gray, a retired superior court judge, and chief proponent for our initiative, blasted this unprecedented intervention by the Federal government in a press conference. "For the federal government to interfere with state and local implementation of California's medical marijuana law is tantamount to a government bailout for criminal gangs and violent drug cartels. For some reason the federal government wants to force legal medical marijuana patients toward a dangerous criminal market and away from an above-ground industry that pays over $100 million per year in state taxes and provides jobs for thousands of our citizens. California voters can tell the feds to back off and let Californians implement our own laws by voting to regulate marijuana like wine next November," said the former judge.

This action by the Federal government against the state of California is no more about marijuana than the Boston Tea Party was about tea. This is about tyranny and the battle to restore the rule of law to our Republic. By supporting this initiative to opt out of the Controlled Substance Act, you are laying the foundations for bringing a rogue Federal government back into compliance with the 10th Amendment, something that is long overdue. Last June the US Supreme Court made a 9-0 ruling that dramatically upholds the 10th Amendment and rebukes the Federal government for assuming powers through treaties to which it is constitutionally prohibited.

A Gallup Poll that was just released shows support for legalization at an historic high of 50% nationwide and 55% in California. We also have a poll by the Economist magazine which shows 62% support for regulation. The first petition to the White House to qualify for a review and comment by President Obama was a petition to Legalize and Regulate Marijuana in a Manner Similar to Alcohol. It should be clear to everyone from these polls -- as well as the recent call by 35,000 California physicians to legalize marijuana -- that voters are more than ready to pass a legalization initiative that replaces unregulated black markets with a market that is regulated and taxed just like wine. Our initiative also places a strict cap on any other taxes or regulations for cannabis, beyond those that apply to growing grapes and selling wine.

We have just received our Title and Summary and have officially launched our petition drive. While I am confident that the big funders will come around, once they see us moving forward, it is imperative that every Libertarian in the country get involved now and make a 100% effort over the next three weeks to get donations and signatures. We need for large numbers of people to go to our website on Tuesday, November 1st, download a PDF of the petition, and print it out on both sides. After that, they will have a week to sign up their friends, family and coworkers, before they mail their petition to us to be validated and counted.

We will provide PDFs of our petition on our website and ask people to download and print on regular 8.5 x 11 paper or legal size paper, 8.5 x 14, on both sides. You can use your own printer for the regular size petitions or take our legal size PDFs to a copy story and they will make copies for you. Join the growing number of Libertarians who are working for the biggest victory ever for our party, this November 6, 2012. Remember, this is no more about marijuana than the Boston Tea Party was about tea. It's about Tyranny, be it King George or our own federal government. That's the way the Orange Country Register sees it and why they like this initiative.

During the Prop. 215 campaign, we also experienced a lot of apathy in the beginning. That changed once people realized we were actually collecting signatures and moving forward. Once the major funders realized we were within striking distance of qualifying, they set aside their objections and jumped on board. I believe the same will happen now, especially given the terrible sense of betrayal that so many people have about the mean spirited actions of this President and his unprovoked attack upon sick, disabled and dying patients who depend upon medical cannabis dispensaries and state law to protect them and keep them alive.

So the key to our plan is launch with a bang, make sure everyone knows we are for real, and give the major funders a reason to believe we are the winning ticket.

ACTION PLAN:

    --Go to the Regulate Marijuana Like Wine website at: http://announce.lp.org/t/86807/70997/971/0/

    --Make a donation of whatever you can afford to create a future of liberty and a restrained Federal government.

    --Go to the website, download the petition, print it up, sign it and mail it back to us ASAP.

    --Do your part for freedom by speaking to friends, family and coworkers to pledge signatures and money.

It is up to us Libertarians to make sure our launch on November 1st is an impressive display of fireworks, not a dud. Your effort is urgently need to ensure that we have money and signatures three weeks from now. Please join us now and help make 2012 the greatest Libertarian victory of all time.

Yours in liberty

THE REGULATE MARIJUANA LIKE WINE COMMITTEE

James P Gray Chief Proponent
Steve Kubby Chief Officer
Bill McPike Chief Counsel
Steve Collett Treasurer

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Lobbyists!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2011

Contact: Wes Benedict, Executive Director
E-mail: wes.benedict@lp.org
Phone: 202-333-0008 ext. 222

Lobbyists too powerful because government is too powerful

WASHINGTON - Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle released the following statement today:

"President Obama is currently caught in a bit of a scandal over his pledge not to take campaign money from lobbyists.

"According to the New York Times, 'Despite a pledge not to take money from lobbyists, President Obama has relied on prominent supporters who are active in the lobbying industry to raise millions of dollars for his re-election bid.'

"It's unfortunate that the president has added one more to his pile of broken promises. But it's not at all surprising.

"Our government has far too much power and money at its disposal. The inevitable consequence is that businesses, organizations, and individuals will work very hard to guide that power and money in their own favor.

"In fact, it often seems like politicians intentionally create incentives for people to try to bribe them.

"Businesses especially will fight for more corporate welfare, and also for regulations that stifle potential competitors. What choice do they have? If they don't fight for those special government favors, then someone else will, which will put them at an increasing disadvantage, and might drive them out of business.

"A recent Economist article pointed out that over the last ten years, companies that lobbied heavily had a much bigger increase in stock value than those that didn't. Executives might conclude that if you're not lobbying, you're ripping off your shareholders!

"And of course, these entities that stand to benefit from government favors will work hard (and spend hard) to get friendly politicians elected.

"Some people feel that massive campaign finance regulations will stop this unholy bargaining. It won't. When the dust settles, campaign finance restrictions usually just make life easier for incumbents and harder for challengers. We Libertarians know that only too well.

"I have to remind myself, lobbying isn't essentially a bad thing. It's an expression of our right to 'petition the government for a redress of grievances.' It provides information to politicians. But when politicians get in the habit of handing out favors, you can bet everyone is going to run up to the trough.

"The only way to reduce the power of lobbyists is to reduce the power of government. That choice rests with the voters. If voters keep electing Democrats and Republicans, then the power of government and lobbyists will continue to grow. If voters start electing Libertarians, things will change."

For more information, or to arrange an interview, call LP Executive Director Wes Benedict at 202-333-0008 ext. 222.

The LP is America's third-largest political party, founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party stands for free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party at our website.

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P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party dedicated to free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can make a contribution separate from membership.

From Our Friend In Freedom, John Todd

Calendar of Events for your consideration:

Tuesday, October 25, 2011;  Kansans for Liberty invites you to attend their evening meeting to hear Special Guest Speaker Chris Spencer, Vice President, Regional Sales Manager from Oppenheimer Funds present, “’Goliath V Goliath’ China verses the United States, The global battle of economic superpowers.”  6:00 p.m. Social 6:30 p.m. Meeting at Mike’s Steakhouse, 2131 South Broadway Street, Wichita, KS 67211.  Please bring a friend.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011; Kansas Family Policy Council presents an evening with Joshua Charles who, along with Glenn Beck co-wrote, “The Original Argument, The Federalists’ Case for the Constitution Adapted for the 21^st Century.  FREE event-dessert provided. 7:00 p.m. at Central Christian Church, 29^th and Rock, Wichita, Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  Please RSVP to 316-993-3900 or contact@kansasfpc.com

Friday, October 28, 2011; Congressman Tim Huelskamp who Proudly Serves the People of Kansas’ Big First District, will be the luncheon speaker at The Wichita Pachyderm Club.  The Wichita Pachyderm Club meets at 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the 9^th floor of the Petroleum Club, in the Bank of America Building, 100 N. Broadway, Wichita, Kansas.  The meeting cost is $10.00 and includes a buffet luncheon. You are invited to attend.  Please bring a guest. 

Friday, November 4, 2011; The Wichita Pachyderm Club will host a presentation by, Chris Spencer, Vice President, Regional Sales Manager from Oppenheimer Funds present, “’Goliath V Goliath’ China verses the United States, The global battle of economic superpowers.”  The Wichita Pachyderm Club meets at 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the 9^th floor of the Petroleum Club, in the Bank of America Building, 100 N. Broadway, Wichita, Kansas.  The meeting cost is $10.00 and includes a buffet luncheon. You are invited to attend.  Please bring a guest. 

Friday, November 11, 2011; The Wichita Pachyderm Club will host a presentation by, Fourth District County Commissioner Richard Ranzau and Fifth District County Commissioner James Skelton who will address the question, “What its like to be a new member of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners?”  The Wichita Pachyderm Club meets at 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the 9^th floor of the Petroleum Club, in the Bank of America Building, 100 N. Broadway, Wichita, Kansas.  The meeting cost is $10.00 and includes a buffet luncheon. You are invited to attend.  Please bring a guest. 

Monday, November 14, 2011; Americans For Prosperity Foundation will host its monthly program followed by discussion on a topic to be determined. The meeting will be held at the Alford Branch, Wichita Public Library, 3447 S. Meridian, Wichita, Kansas from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  There is no charge for this event.  Please invite your friends to join you for an informative program that will be followed by a lively group discussion.   

Friday, November 18, 2011; The Wichita Pachyderm Club will host a presentation by, Delores Craig-Moreland, Ph.D., Wichita State University titled, “Systemic reasons why our country has one of the highest jail and prison incarceration rates in the world?  Are all criminals created equal?”  The Wichita Pachyderm Club meets at 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the 9^th floor of the Petroleum Club, in the Bank of America Building, 100 N. Broadway, Wichita, Kansas.  The meeting cost is $10.00 and includes a buffet luncheon. You are invited to attend.  Please bring a guest. 

Programs occasionally change.  Please don’t hesitate contacting me or the program producer for the latest information on the programs before you attend.  

Late LP Monday Message!

October 24, 2011

Dear Libertarian Party supporter,

I'd like your help.

The lease on our national Libertarian Party headquarters is up at the end of February 2012.

The landlord has indicated they'll be raising the rates 10% to almost $140K per year.

The building (the infamous Watergate Building) is only 60% leased as it is, so we think they're trying to get everyone to leave.

Speculation is that the owners want to sell an empty building, ready to occupy, to George Washington University, which is right across the street from our office.

Also, building maintenance has begun to slip and we're overrun with mice and rats!

Time to move!

So, rather than jump into another expensive long-term lease, former LNC Chair Geoff Neale suggested last year that we create a Building Fund to buy a building or office condo/townhouse outright.

And the LNC late last year authorized the creation of an Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Geoff Neale, to do just that.

In honor of our Party's co-founder, we named the committee the David F. Nolan Memorial Building Fund. And we'll be offering naming rights to individual offices, e.g. the Harry Browne Library, etc.

Just within the leadership of the LNC, we have pledges of almost $50,000 and through some limited phone calling by Geoff Neale and myself, we've raised another $50,000 in pledges.

Our goal is to raise about $125-200K for the down payment and moving expenses. And medium term, our goal is to pay off the building in about 5 years. Imagine never having to pay a rent or a lease payment for office space ever again. That will free up more funds to pursue ballot access, candidate recruitment, media communications, membership growth, etc., etc., etc.

We've identified a prime office condo in a nice building, with free parking, access to the DC Metro, and a good layout and the right size for our needs. We'll continue to review other sites as they come on the market, but in the meantime, we need to get busy raising the funds for this project.

As I noted above, we need to vacate the Watergate office by the end of February 2012.

We've done a detailed analysis of the financial aspects of this project and determined that buying a building is dramatically less expensive than leasing our current space. And still less expensive than other leasing options we've found that are suitable for our needs and safety of our staff.

We can eliminate the uncertainty of a lease by purchasing a building; will lease payments go up or down and in what time frame? If we lock in a 3-5 year lease now and rents go down, we'll be overpaying. If rates go up, we'll have to pay higher lease rates at the end of our lease and without any retained equity. Buying a building gives us certainty in the short term and long term we get the prospect of never having to make a lease or rent payment ever again and substantial equity. And at a cost less then we're paying for our current lease. Win, win, win!

We don't see this as just another donation -- we see it as an investment. $10,000 given for the purchase of a building will still be there in five years, in the form of equity. Finally, who knows what the market value of a building will be in five years -- and that value could have grown measurably. This really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Please let me know if you can help us achieve this historic goal.

We're in this fight for freedom over the long haul. We can establish ourselves in the DC Metro area and send a message to the R's and D's that we're here to stay, just like the Cato Institute did when they bought their building.

What I would like from you is a donation toward this goal. And I would encourage you to think about the legacy you can have in the battle for freedom with a substantial investment towards our goal of freedom in our lifetimes.

Any amount up to $30,800 (Federal Elections Commission legal limit) can be donated this year and an equal or slightly increased amount may be donated after December 31, 2011.

If you think we should create a permanent beachhead in the DC Metro Area, please send me an email note with your pledge. And, if you want to go ahead and send the Libertarian Party a check or donate online, please note that your donation to this Building Fund project can only be used to buy a building and for associated moving expenses.

By law, it cannot be used for anything else. Online, you can donate here or if sending a check, please note "building fund" in its comment field.

To review the highlights of this project, we get:

• the stability a permanent office offers over having to renegotiate a lease every few years.
• the ability this gives us to attract qualified staff, with an office convenient to reach, with available parking, in a good and safe neighborhood.
• the improved financial condition of the LNC, that currently gives it the ability to qualify for a mortgage, something it could have never done in the past, and may not be able to do in a future rough spot.
• the ability to leverage an individual's contribution, with savings compounded each year.

With your support, we will make this happen. You can make a one-time donation online. If you would like to make a monthly pledge toward the Building Fund, please call LP Headquarters at 1-800-ELECT-US.

Please let me hear from you soon via email.

Yours in liberty,

Mark Hinkle, LNC Chair

P.S. my wife and I have already pledged $1,000 toward this project.
P.P.S. Doug Craig, LNC member, has already pledged $1,000 toward this project.
P.P.P.S. Geoff Neale and his wife have already pledged $5,000.
P.P.P.P.S. Current LNC Treasurer, Bill Redpath has pledged $5,000.
P.P.P.P.P.S. and Past LNC Chair Jim Lark has pledged $25,000!!!

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Late Monday Message!

October 17, 2011

Dear Friend of Liberty,

On Saturday, December 10, the Libertarian Party is hosting our 40th Anniversary Barbecue Bash in Las Vegas.

The Barbecue Bash is a celebration of 40 years of Libertarian Party activism. (The LP was founded on December 11, 1971.) It's also a tribute to the late David F. Nolan, one of the LP's founders.

When:   Saturday, December 10th, 2011 from 7-10 pm in the Veranda Room

Where:   Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, 11011 W. Charleston, Las Vegas, NV 89135

Cost:   $40.00 per person includes a wonderful all you can eat BBQ buffet

RSVP:   Please RSVP to RSVP@LP.org with number of guests.

You can also RSVP through Facebook.

Click here for more information (LP website).

Click here for more information (Facebook).

Proceeds to benefit the David F. Nolan Memorial Building Fund for the purchase of our new Libertarian Party Headquarters Building in Alexandria, Virginia.

If you are unable to attend and wish to contribute, please click here to donate or send a check to:

Libertarian Party
2600 Virginia Ave NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20037
Attn: Building Fund

Special $115.00 room rates available at the Red Rock by calling 866-767-7773 and refer to group code: LIBERTAR-DEC or by clicking here.

BBQ Buffet to feature some of David's favorite foods including Chili along with BBQ Brisket, Pork, Salmon, Vegetarian Margherita Pasta along with all the fixings and desserts including sweetened and unsweetened ice tea plus cash bar.

I hope you can come!

Sincerely,

Wes Benedict
Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee

P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party dedicated to free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can make a contribution separate from membership.

Crony Capitalism!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 14, 2011

Contact: Wes Benedict, Executive Director
E-mail: wes.benedict@lp.org
Phone: 202-333-0008 ext. 222

Libertarians to Occupiers: Crony capitalism is the problem

WASHINGTON - Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle released the following statement today:

"I have been following the Occupy protesters, who call themselves the '99%', with interest.

"It's true that 99% of Americans do not enjoy the special benefits of crony capitalism. Crony capitalism is very different from real capitalism. In crony capitalism, government hands out special favors and protections to politically well-connected businesses.

"The TARP bailouts, Solyndra, and the military-industrial complex are all facets of crony capitalism.

"Libertarians love free markets and hate crony capitalism.

"Unfortunately, hypocritical Republican politicians have taught a lot of Americans to think that 'free markets' means freedom for government and big business to engage in crony capitalism.

"That's not what free markets are. A free market is where the government leaves businesses alone, does not attempt to pick winners and losers, does not stifle competition, does not hand out corporate welfare, and does not absolve businesses of liability for their actions. Most of our economy today does not resemble a free market at all.

"It's unfortunate that so many businesses today go to the government begging for handouts and special treatment. I wish they wouldn't. But the real problem is the politicians who choose to give those favors to them, at everyone else's expense.

"I hope the Occupy protesters will start to direct their anger away from Wall Street and big businesses, and toward our government, which has done so much to destroy free markets and entrench crony capitalism."

For more information, or to arrange an interview, call LP Executive Director Wes Benedict at 202-333-0008 ext. 222.

The LP is America's third-largest political party, founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party stands for free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party at our website.

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P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party dedicated to free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can make a contribution separate from membership.

Late LP Monday Message!

October 10, 2011

Dear Friend of Liberty,

I assume you're fed up with the members of Congress.

I'm not just talking about how they are seriously harming our future, and the future of our children and grandchildren, with limitless government spending and debt.

I'm also talking about things like delegating warmaking powers to the president, sustaining the insane War on Drugs, and sitting idly by as the president violates every civil liberty he can think of.

If you're fed up, I hope you -- yes, YOU -- will step up and run for Congress as a Libertarian next year.

Our official goal is to have at least 200 Libertarians on the ballot for U.S. House next year. I'd love to see all 435 House seats contested by a principled Libertarian candidate!

Click here if you might be interested.

The filing deadlines depend on the state you live in. They're not here yet, but it's good to start getting ready now.

Sincerely,

Wes Benedict
Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee

P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party dedicated to free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can make a contribution separate from membership.

GET INVOLVED:

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Citizen Activism At It's Finest!

Americans For Prosperity
News Release

For Immediate Release – Oct. 4, 2011                

Contact: Susan Estes, 316-681-4415

Protest Petition Effort to Launch Friday

WICHITA, KAN. – The Wichita chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity this week will officially launch its protest petition effort to overturn part of the incentive package approved for a boutique hotel to be developed in downtown Wichita.

Last month, the Wichita City Council approved a large incentive package for the hotel, including a proposal to refund 75 percent of the hotel’s guest tax to the hotel for its own use.

“This project essentially allows a private developer to use a special tax for its own purposes, which is not how tax dollars should ever be used,” said AFP-Kansas field director and Wichita resident Susan Estes. “We’ve heard from a number of our activists who oppose this portion of the incentive package, and we believe there are many others in Wichita who feel the same way.”

AFP’s Wichita chapter will collect signatures on a protest petition, and will have 60 days to gather the needed signatures to overturn the guest tax incentive.

The efforts to stop the guest tax incentive kick off this Friday at the Wichita AFP office (151 S. Whittier). Registered voters who are interested in signing the petition may stop by the office between noon and 6:30 p.m. to sign the petition, or learn how they can carry a petition to gather additional signatures of Wichita residents. Hot dogs, chips and soda will also be provided over the lunch hour.

Upon successful completion of the petition, the city council could either vote to rescind the charter ordinance on the guest tax usage or hold an election so Wichita voters can decide on the matter.

Residents will be able to learn more about what AFP is doing to keep taxpayer dollars out of private developer’s coffers and to join our efforts by visiting http://dtwichita.com/. To RSVP for the launch, or to learn more about carrying a petition, email infoks@afphq.org.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens to support restraining state and federal government growth and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP is more than 1.7 million activists strong, with activists in all 50 states.  AFP has 31 state chapters and affiliates. More than 85,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial contribution to AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

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Helicopter Ben Get's It Wrong, Again!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 4, 2011

Contact: Wes Benedict, Executive Director
E-mail: wes.benedict@lp.org
Phone: 202-333-0008 ext. 222

Libertarians to Bernanke: You're wrong

WASHINGTON - Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle issued the following statement today:

"Associated Press reports today that Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke is telling Congress they must not cut federal spending sharply. Chairman Bernanke, you're wrong.

"The federal government is currently spending somewhere around 24% of America's total economic output -- even more if you ignore the government's accounting gimmick of 'offsetting receipts.'

"That's far, far too high. 24% of our economy has been displaced out of the productive private sector into the unproductive government sector. The best thing Congress could do right now is to cut spending sharply. That would be good for both our short-term and long-term economic health.

"Chairman Bernanke does not have a fantastic track record. Under his watch, unemployment has increased dramatically, the Fed has more than tripled the money supply, and inflation is rising.

"Chairman Bernanke, I suggest that you read Frederic Bastiat's excellent essay 'What is seen and what is not seen.' I think it would help you reconsider your devotion to Keynesian economics and broken-window fallacies. Government doesn't create economic activity. The American people do."

For more information, or to arrange an interview, call LP Executive Director Wes Benedict at 202-333-0008 ext. 222.

The LP is America's third-largest political party, founded in 1971. The Libertarian Party stands for free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party at our website.

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P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party dedicated to free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can make a contribution separate from membership.

LP Monday Message

October 3, 2011

Dear Friend of Liberty,

The U.S. government's fiscal year ended last Friday. (That was FY 2011.)

Republicans took over the U.S. House last November, and as a result, government spending finally dropped.

Whoops! I have that wrong. Government spending actually increased!

They haven't reported the final numbers yet, but FY 2010 spending was $3.456 trillion, and FY 2011 spending was most recently projected to come in at $3.597 trillion. That's a 4% increase.

Remember, there was no budget passed last year. That means that most of the FY 2011 spending occurred with the approval of the newly elected Republicans. (Remember all those "continuing resolutions"?)

I know, I know. Wait till next year, right?

Even though the press loves to howl about "deep cuts" from Republicans, you and I know there are no such things. Republicans love big government, just like Democrats.

Actually, you could make a case that Democrats are more willing to cut government than Republicans, crazy as that sounds. Many Democrats want to cut military spending -- that's big. But Republicans aren't willing to cut any big-ticket items.

Of course I'm not saying we should trust Democrats to cut government. My point is, Republicans and Democrats are going to keep leapfrogging each other.

Here's how compromise works in Washington: The Democrat says "I want to spend more on program A." The Republican says "I want to spend more on program B." So they compromise, and spend more on both!

The Libertarian Party, on the other hand, will keep fighting to cut government across the board.

Sincerely,

Wes Benedict
Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee

P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party dedicated to free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can make a contribution separate from membership.