The Libertarian Party is the third largest and fastest growing political party in the U.S. The Libertarian party is dedicated to strictly limited government, a pure free market economy, private property rights, civil liberties, personal freedoms with personal responsibilities, and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade. Libertarians of South Central Kansas (LSOCK) are an affiliate of the Libertarian Party of Kansas (http://www.lpks.org/) We meet every Tuesday night (except holidays) from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Cathy's Westway Cafe located at 1215 W. Pawnee (just west of Seneca Street) in Wichita, Kansas. All who support personal responsibility and individual liberty are invited to attend!
LPKS/LSOCK P.O. Box 2456 Wichita, Kansas 67201
1-800-335-1776

Friday, May 31, 2013

Big Opportunity to DOUBLE your dollars for liberty

Dear Libertarian supporter,

I’ve got some great news for you!
We’re getting very close to having the funds we need to put a down payment on a new office building for the national LP headquarters — the David F. Nolan Memorial Building. Many thanks to everyone who has donated so far.
As soon as we move out of the Watergate office building and into a new building, we expect to save the party a whopping $5,000 every month — or $60,000 every year. That’s the immediate returns we’ll get by buying an office building over the rent we pay for leased office space today.
Plus, donating to the Building Fund will build equity in a permanent property for the Libertarian Party. A hallmark of liberty right here in D.C. — the belly of the beast.
We have $210,699 in the Building Fund right now, which is designated exclusively for purchasing and moving into a building.
We need another $39,301 to get us to the $250,000 mark. That’s how much we need to have on hand to make an offer on a property.
Here’s the GREAT NEWS.
Two members of the Libertarian National Committee — Secretary David Blau and At-Large Rep Michael Cloud — have generously offered $5,000 each in matching funds to anyone who donates now to the Building Fund.
Your donation will double in valueif you act now.
Properties move very fast in the D.C. area. The longer we wait, the higher prices go.
And the more chance we’ll miss out on the perfect property. The spring selling market has opened up, and we’re seeing some very desirable office spaces. But we must act fast.
Will you please donate now to the David F. Nolan Memorial Fund?
Depending on the level of your total donation (we’re keeping careful track of all donations to the Building Fund), you will be entitled to the following benefits:
For a gift of $25,000 or more you can sponsor one of just five Liberty Rooms at the David F. Nolan Memorial Building.
If you contribute $10,000 or more you will be recognized as a Nolan Building Founder by having your name (or the name of a loved one) inscribed on a beautiful plaque all its own that will be displayed permanently in the Nolan building. Limit twenty five.
For a donation of $5,000 or more you will be recognized as a Nolan Building Hero of Liberty by having your name (along with others) memorialized on the Nolan Building Hero of Liberty Plaque above the Benefactor plaque below. Limit fifty.
For a donation of $1,000 or more you will be recognized as a Nolan Building Benefactor of Liberty by having your name (along with others) inscribed on an elegant Nolan Building Benefactor of Liberty Plaque to be displayed forever in the Nolan building. Limit two hundred.
For a gift of $500 or more you will be recognized as a Nolan Building Defender of Liberty by having your name appear forever in the leather-bound Nolan Building Defender of Liberty Registry that will be placed in the foyer of the Nolan Building. (No limit.)
For a donation of $250 or more your name will be inscribed on a Nolan Building Friend of Liberty framed certificate you’ll be proud to hang in your home. (No limit.)
For a gift of $100 or more you will be recognized by name in LP News as a Nolan Building Advocate of Liberty for your donation to the building fund (unless you prefer not to) and your name will appear in a special section of the LP website dedicated to Nolan Building contributors (again, unless you prefer otherwise).
Contributors at the $250 and above levels will also receive invitations this year and next to private meetings with yours truly and with the Libertarian Party’s executive director, Carla Howell. You’ll able to discuss the party’s progress and strategy.
This year’s VIP event will be held in Las Vegas during the FreedomFest event on Friday, July 12. Donate now to be part of this exciting event.
Do you want a huge bang for your Libertarian Party donation? Matching Money gives it to you.
Your donation + the $10,000 Matching Money moves us closer to saving the LP $5,000 every month — and a permanent investment in liberty.
Will you please donate now?
Let our generous donors double your donation — with their matching money.
Will you donate $1,000? They’ll match it with $1,000.
Will you please put in $500 right now? They’ll match it with another $500.
Will you give $250 for LP ballot status? They’ll match it with $250 more.
Or you can donate $150 or $100 or $50. Every dollar will be matched.
Will you donate today by clicking here — and double your impact for liberty?
Thank you for helping. And thank you to our generous LNC members — Messieurs David Blau and Michael Cloud — for matching your donation.
Yours in liberty,

Geoffrey Neale
Chair, Libertarian National Committee

P.S. Please click here and place the text “Building Fund Matching Donation” in the Comment box at the bottom of the David F. Nolan Memorial Building Fund donation page.

Paid for by the Libertarian National Committee
2600 Virginia Ave, N.W. Suite 200, Washington D.C. 20037
Content not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Libertarian Party Weekly Newsletter

 May 27 - June 2, 2013
  • We're still listening to results from our survey 
  • Debating society vs. political party 
  • Let's define our terms 

Our supporters sent a very clear message when they participated in our survey a few months ago: We must clearly articulate the message we want to promote and we need to insure Libertarians across the state know it well enough they can explain it to their friends. A major objective for this weekly missive is to keep everyone informed on positions and reasons.

For some, it is important to push the boundaries of Libertarian thinking; to become Pure. We agree, it is important to know well the foundations of our positions. Others believe it is more important to get candidates elected to office. They recognize the sausage factory that politics can be.

One survey respondent claimed, "I am well-informed and it grieves me to see the sparks of Libertarian views around the state and in the country snuffed out because, to them, it appears the party does not want to taint themselves with those less 'high up' (big 'L')." Another was more direct, "As Libertarians, we need to go against our natural predilection to individualism and use social media to present a strong, sane, consistent message about why these issues should matter to every one of us."

Kansas Libertarians don't want to be on the side-lines. We want to identify good candidates and help them get elected to office. We want to change the political debate in our state.

Last week, we introduced Professor Liberty. This week, we are pleased to introduce Prof. Russel Fulmer who has agreed to take on the challenge of providing short, 2-3 paragraph explanations of our positions and why we come to our positions. However, he felt it was necessary to define some terms and set some ground rules. This week, we devote our missive to Professor Liberty.

Enjoy and be edified.

Professor Liberty says:
Russell Fulmer, Ph.D.

Each week I will write articles of various lengths pertaining to our beloved libertarian principles. The purpose of these articles is education. Please take note that all information contained herein is my personal perspective, gained from various and sundry sources. Viewpoints vary amongst libertarians, and I make no claims of always being right. By all means, evaluate, critically analyze, and converse.
 
I currently am a professor at Emporia State University with a background in behavioral science. A relatively new convert to libertarianism, I formerly was a Democrat. One fine day, I saw the light. I saw the light by way of education and critical thinking. 

What is libertarianism? Who are its opponents? This week’s article is dedicated to terminology, to differentiating the political systems and theories so often debated and misunderstood. 

Libertarianism is a political philosophy that believes in maximizing individual liberty. This requires a small government and for individuals to accept responsibility for their lives. Libertarians usually promote the ideals set forth by the framers of the Constitution and advocate well-defined, limited roles for government. Libertarians believe in less government in both economic/money matters and in social/private matters, deferring to private citizens whenever possible. 

Core belief: Maximum liberty. Personal freedom and limited government that protects natural rights.

Statists are believers in large government, especially large federal government. Are you seeking more government involvement in social matters? Check. How about more government power over economics? Double check. A statist desires intrusive government because they believe government is able to legislate morality and well-being, provide for the downtrodden, or create “social justice” in ways … any particular statist sees fit, or a cult of personality deems worthy. Statists believe that federal bureaucracy can enhance the lives of private citizens more than private citizens can enhance their own lives. Statism stands as the contemporary antithesis of libertarianism in America today. 

Core belief: Big government, high regulation, high intrusion 

Liberals typically favor more government in financial affairs but are apt to me more permissive in the social arena. For instance, liberals wish to force citizens to pay considerable taxes to the federal government so the government can disperse the funds in ways liberals see best fit, in order to help society progress by creating their version of social justice. Liberals, also known as progressives, in reality share much in common with statists. 

Core belief: More government economically, more permissiveness socially

Conservatives are usually traditionalists and counter to the progressive ideas of the left. They maintain a culture's traditions. Conservatives are apt to favor heavy government involvement in social, or personal-choice related, issues. For instance, conservatives tend to support government banning of same-sex marriage. On the economic front, conservatives have traditionally sought less government intrusion although in actuality modern conservatives have shown a penchant for government spending that rivals even the liberals.
 
Core belief: Government helps monitor morality; progress in small steps

Anarchy essentially implies no government. Anarchists are thought to characterize lawlessness and chaos, but it should be noted that this notion presupposes morality from authority. While a libertarian believes governments should exist and maintain important roles in civilization, an anarchist may endorse the idea of no government being the ideal.

Core belief: No government, we can govern ourselves

Fascism is a system of government under the control of a dictator marked by suppression of any opposing parties and ideas, and highlighted by nationalism, censorship, and racism.
 
Core belief: Control in the hands of one despot

The Political/Economic interplay 

The following are political systems built upon economic theory and notions of social equality.

Capitalism is an economical theory that places the means of production of goods and services, along with the distribution of said goods, in private hands or voluntary business partnerships (corporations). Capitalism is based on the profit motive, the notion that each individual strives to better his personal lot. Capitalists believe in regulation, but feel that a free market will regulate itself. Because of the freedom inherent in a free-market system, libertarians generally favor a capitalistic society. 

Core belief: Free market systems

Socialism is Marx’s middle stage, between capitalism and on its way to communism. A socialist system has eliminated private ownership of business and hence limited personal freedom. The production and distribution of goods and services is accomplished and owned by society, rather than individuals, in a socialist system. Who actually sets standards and policy while deciding what goods are produced? Why, the government, of course.
 
Core belief: Society trumps individuals

Communism is a system and worldview in which there is no more private property or privately owned business. A central government essentially owns all property, goods, and production means. The government then allocates what the government feels each individual needs, thereby creating an all-equal, classless, utopian society (in theory it works quite well). A communal society has little need of private ownership because everyone is exactly, precisely, equal … obviously. Individualism and identity is forfeited to group identity and nationalism. 

Core belief: Only communal society matters

Here’s to libertarianism emerging as victor. 



Kansas Libertarian Bulletin Board

Upcoming Events....
Libertarians are the fastest growing party in Kansas. We seek to maintain our momentum by keeping everyone informed.

If you have an event scheduled, please let us know so we can help you get the word out.

We owe much of our success to local groups that meet to organize and promote the message of Liberty in their communities. We are working to establish at least one local group in each Kansas County. Does your county have a group yet?  If not, should consider organizing one!  Contact the state chair at Chair@LPKS.org for more information or assistance organizing your county for Liberty.

A list of LPKS County Chairs can be found HERE (click on the "County Chairs" tab).

Other events can be found on the LPKS page on Facebook HERE


Copyright © 2013 Libertarian Party of Kansas All rights reserved.

Monday, May 27, 2013

National LP News


Table of Contents:

Cut government waste to fix dangerous bridges
Collapsed Skagit River Bridge in Washington on May 23, 2013Photo by roswellgirl (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Collapsed Skagit River Bridge
in Washington on May 23, 2013
In the wake of the dramatic collapse of the Interstate 5 bridge in Mount Vernon, Wash., on May 23, federal and state politicians will make their usual claims that ever-higher government spending is needed — funded by more taxpayer dollars and more deficit spending — to fix the country’s roads in need of repair.
But it’s a fraud. More money is not the answer. Much lower total government spending is.
The first step is to open the government’s books to learn how those federal and state government politicians are spending the trillions of dollars they already collect and spend every year.
“Don’t be surprised to learn that, in most states, less than 2 percent of state government spending goes toward building, fixing, or maintaining roadways,” said Libertarian National Committee Executive Director Carla Howell.


Libertarian Levi Tappan wins city council election in Page, AZ
Levi Tappan
Levi Tappan,
LP Arizona
Elected in May 2013
to Page City Council
The city council of Page, Ariz., has a new member fighting to cut millions of dollars in spending and decrease taxes, thereby promoting new economic growth. Libertarian Levi Tappan, a lifelong resident of the city, received 816 votes (23.3 percent), the highest vote total among six candidates competing for three open seats.
Tappan credits his widespread presence in the community as one of the deciding factors in his election.
"I kept a real low budget and went door to door, talking to people," Tappan said. This gave him a personal perspective on their concerns and hopes for a better city government.
Tappan had an early taste of his eventual electoral success during the March 12 primary. During that contest, the ex-Marine scored 15.9 percent of the vote. He finished second in a field of 10 candidates, which included prominent local businessmen and members of the community. He lagged behind the winner, well-known local businessman Dennis Warner, by only 1.2 percent.
Tappan, who works as a sonographer at the local hospital, aims to promote economic growth and cut government spending. Like many residents of Page, Tappan is concerned about the constantly rising cost of city government.
"The city budget has grown from about $15 million to $20 million over the last 10 years, and the population has practically remained the same,” he said.
Read the rest at LP.org!


Libertarian John Wayne Smith aims to downsize government as Florida’s governor
John Wayne Smith
John Wayne Smith,
LP Florida
2014 Candidate
for Governor
John Wayne Smith has ambitious plans for the office of governor of Florida: cutting taxes to the bone, eliminating dozens of agencies and offices, rescinding laws that allow the use of eminent domain to take property for private gain, and getting rid of occupational licensing schemes that prevent so many people from earning a living. And he’s running to win — first, the party nomination, and then, the governorship of the Sunshine State.
There has hardly been a political battle in central Florida during the past 40 plus years in which this 67-year-old Leesburg, Fla., native has not been involved.
In 1969, he ran for the Leesburg City Commission, a race he repeated in 1970 and again in 2001. He threw his hat into the race for the Ocala City Commission in 1983, and for mayor of Ocala in 1985.
In 1986, 2000, and 2004, he was a candidate for the Florida State House, achieving an unprecedented showing in his most recent race.
“In the 2004 race, I received the highest number of votes for a Florida Libertarian in state house races in 2004,” Mr. Smith recalled. “That was 19,124 votes for 24.75 percent. In five of these races, I received over 20 percent of the vote.”
Read the rest at LP.org!


Libertarian George Brown calls for end to corporate income tax, reducing power of government unions in PA House race
George Brown
George Brown,
LP Pennsylvania
2013 Candidate for
State Representative
High taxes and corruption are strangling Pennsylvania's economy, but Libertarian George Brown hopes to fix that in his campaign for an open seat as state representative in Pennsylvania's 42nd district, against Republican and Democratic challengers.
Brown said that Pennsylvania's lack of economic growth is a subject that hits home for taxpayers. "We have a roughly 8 percent unemployment rate in Pennsylvania right now," he said. In order to revive slumping employment prospects, Brown proposes eliminating the corporate income tax along with other taxes and regulations that keep investment outside the state.
"We have the highest corporate income tax, I think in the country, at 10 percent," Brown said. "We have something called a capital stock and franchise tax. Businesses are taxed on the value of their stock even if they don't make any money. We have a limit on losses that you can carry forward, which prevents high-tech companies from locating here because they often lose a lot of money the first couple of years, until they get their idea into production."
Problems like these call for a decisive solution, and Brown is ready to sponsor legislation that will slash the government taxes and policies that now stand in the way of economic growth. Bumping the corporate income tax down a few percentage points simply isn't enough.
"Eliminate it altogether," Brown said. "Take it down to zero. Right away — not phasing it out." Brown would also eliminate other business taxes, including the capital stock and franchise tax.
Read the rest at LP.org!


Please donate today to the Libertarian Party today. Shrink government — expand liberty.
Paid for by the Libertarian National Committee
2600 Virginia Ave, N.W. Suite 200, Washington D.C. 20037
Content not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

Sunday, May 19, 2013


Libertarian Party Weekly Newsletter


  • LP makes big news splash in KC
  • First District update
  • Significant opportunities to get involved
  • A word from Professor Liberty
Just when we thought things might begin to slow down ... they didn’t.
 
Our Second Amendment task force has turned up the heat in the Kansas City area.

Regular readers will recall Kansas State Law provides for open carry anywhere in the state. This is an absolute right which can not be restricted by local governing bodies. Evidently, the governing bodies in Prairie Village, Leawood, and Lenexa are having difficulty understanding this law. They have all passed ordinances prohibiting the right to openly carry a loaded firearm.

The Libertarian Party believes this kind of arbitrary exercise of power, counter to both the US Constitution and State Law is wrong and we have been working with various communities to encourage them to bring their local ordinances in line with state law. In some instances, we have been successful. In some, we have not ... yet.

So! Let’s have a picnic! Better. Let’s have three picnics! To be clear, all will be open carry picnics. Openly pack heat.

Those who live in the KC area, no doubt, have seen news coverage related to these upcoming events. For others, click here to see what the Prairie Village paper. It even got coverage on KMBC Chanel 9 news. 

We want Johnson County folks to like our FaceBook page and participate. When it comes to the picnics, we want a wide range of folks to be there, especially women, folks with physical challenges, minorities etc ...

Looks like its shaping up to be an interesting summer for gun rights advocates. Look for an Open Carry Picnic in a park near you: Lenexa, Leawood and Prairie Village.

District 1 Happenings:
We learned recently from Mike Wilson, First District Deputy Coordinator that the Libertarians of Saline County meet the first Saturday of each month, under the guidance of chairman Mike Trow. They usually have an attendance of 8 to10 enthusiastic persons. More, of course, are welcome.

The meetings are advertised on local AM radio station KINA 910 and there is a Facebook page at Libertarian Party of Saline County. In addition, a monthly 30 minute show is cablecast on the local community access station.

For more information, email: Dist1@lpks.org

You can get involved:
Two great opportunities have surfaced recently for people to get involved with our rapidly growing party. 

A few days ago, we learned that Andrew Gray, who was elected to the Topeka City Council, was forced to resign from his seat for health reasons. Our prayers are with Andrew. The Topeka City Council will find a replacement for Andrew. We would like to play a part in this. If you or anyone you know is interested and qualified to serve the remainder of Andrew’s term, please let us know by replying to this email.

Also, we are looking for a new editor of these weekly missives. Our current editor serves in several other capacities and needs to dial it back a bit. If you believe this is a fit with your particular talents, please let us know.

Remember, LPKS is a volunteer run organization. We have no paid staff. All funds we raise are used to further the cause of Liberty in Kansas. We appreciate all the time our volunteers give. If you are unable to volunteer, your contributions will help our efforts. 

Professor Liberty says:
Many people wonder about our positions on various topics. Why, they may wonder, do we make such a big deal about ‘Open Carry’? Even in jurisdictions where it is not restricted, how often do we see someone with an openly visible weapon?

For Libertarians, that is not the point. In fact, many Libertarians do not even own a weapon. For Libertarians, it isn’t about actually owning or carrying a weapon. Rather, the issue revolves around the proper roll for government to play. When it comes to self defense, what right does the government have to limit our ability to protect ourselves or our families. 

To be trite, when seconds count, it does little good to dial 9-1-1.

Libertarians believe in Liberty, Individual Freedom, and Personal Responsibility.


Upcoming Events

NOW
Monday

Common Core Standards
If you are concerned about adoption of Common Core Standards for our public schools, you must contact your State Representative immediately. We expect they will vote on this issue SOON. LPKS has taken a position opposed to these as an unwarranted intrusion by the State into the local school districts. For more information, click here.
May 21
Tuesday

9-10 pm
Hang Out with Gary Johnson, former governor of New Mexico and Libertarian candidate for President in 2012. More information is available on FaceBook.
May 30
Thursday

7-9 pm
LNEK's meet at Celtic Fox in downtown Topeka.
Upcoming Events....
Libertarians are the fastest growing party in Kansas. We seek to maintain our momentum by keeping everyone informed.

If you have an event scheduled, please let us know so we can help you get the word out.

We owe much of our success to local groups that meet to organize and promote the message of Liberty in their communities. We are working to establish at least one local group in each Kansas County. Does your county have a group yet?  If not, should consider organizing one!  Contact the state chair at Chair@LPKS.org for more information or assistance organizing your county for Liberty.

A list of LPKS County Chairs can be found HERE (click on the "County Chairs" tab).

Other events can be found on the LPKS page on Facebook HERE