• Important state-wide survey started
• Libertarians take a position on fluoridation
• Libertarians take a position on Federal Common Core Standards

Kansas Libertarians:

Its been another busy week for Libertarians in Kansas. We are very interested in learning more about our rapidly increasing number of supporters. To help guide us, we have designed a survey to find out what Libertarians and our supporters across the state believe are the most important issues. More on that in a minute.
It is really quite amazing all the things such a small group of dedicated volunteers accomplish.

This week, the ExCom (recall, that is the LP’s Executive Committee) voted to support an initiative in the Kansas House that requires municipalities to inform their water consumers if they add fluoride to the water supply. This is in keeping with the basic Libertarian principle that consumers should be able to make their own fully informed decisions.

The ExCom also voted to support HB2289 to nullify Common Core Standards for K-12 schools being promoted by the Federal Government. The Libertarian Party has a problem with most Federal mandates; those involving education are particularly troubling. Nowhere in the Constitution is the Federal Government given any responsibility for education. Libertarians still believe the Constitution has some relevance and we wish our representatives at the national level were acquainted with that document.

Now we come to a rub. It is one thing to take a position on an issue; it is another thing entirely to make our position known to others. We seek someone willing to write periodic position papers so we can effectively communicate our stand to legislators and to the public. If any of our readers are interested in getting involved in this manner, please reply to this email with your interest.

Back to our new survey.
This has been carefully crafted to elicit valuable information from both long-time supporters as well as our new converts. We need to hear from EVERYONE. We would even like to hear from non-Libertarians.
Except for questions asking demographic information at the end (all of which are voluntary), none of the questions gather any particularly personal information. We just need to know where our supporters stand on various issues. We will use this information to guide policy decisions and formulate strategies to grow our party. We are at the opening gate of a two year race to become a major force in Kansas politics.
So, PLEASE take time to tell us what you think. Results of the survey will be tabulated and considered by the ExCom. They will also be reported in these pages. And, there will be a report at the State Convention in Emporia the weekend of April 20. We want to include your thoughts in all of these reports.
This is a comprehensive survey. You should expect it will require about 15-20 minutes of your time. If none of the links above work, you may copy and past this into your web browser: http://www.instant.ly/s/QocPb

That’s it for another week.
Don’t forget the State Convention the weekend of April 20. Thank you for your support. Be sure to weigh in on the survey . It really is important. ... Really.

Libertarian Lawsuit to Strike Restriction on Campaign Donations Moves Forward

Estate Contribution Limits Case Certified to D.C. Circuit

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Setting the stage for a groundbreaking First Amendment test of campaign finance law, federal judge Robert L. Wilkins certified to the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, sitting en banc, the question of whether the government violates the right of free speech by limiting a decedent’s bequest to a political party.

The case, Libertarian National Committee (LNC) v. FEC, is brought by the Center for Competitive Politics (CCP) and the law firm of Gura & Possessky, PLLC.

In 2007, Tennessee resident Raymond Burrington passed away, leaving in his will $217,734 to the Libertarian Party. But because that amount exceeded the annual limit on contributions to national party committees, the LNC was forced to place funds in escrow, withdrawing each year only the amount permitted by the FEC. The LNC seeks the full amount of the bequest, as well as the ability to implement a planned giving program that would solicit bequests exceeding the annual contribution limit.

Judge Wilkins certified the following question to the Appeals Court: “Does imposing annual contribution limits against the bequest of Raymond Groves Burrington violate the First Amendment rights of the Libertarian National Committee?” Wilkins noted that LNC counsel made a “persuasive argument that the Burrington bequest does not implicate any valid anti-corruption concerns” that are necessary in order for a law to constitutionally limit a political contribution.

“For all the claims that donation limits are needed to get ‘bad money’ out of politics, Special Interests who profit from Big Government are permitted to roll those profits back into the campaign coffers of politicians – making a mockery of  campaign regulations,” said Geoffrey Neale, Chair of the Libertarian National Committee. “We must restore the First Amendment rights of ordinary citizens who have no influence over politicians. That most certainly includes the deceased.”

Although the court certified only the specific question of Burrington’s estate, a victory before the appellate court could substantially broaden opportunities for political expression. “Americans are free to remember in their wills their favorite friends, relatives, educational and charitable institutions, and other causes. The First Amendment likewise guarantees people the right to remember their favorite political parties,” said attorney Alan Gura of Gura & Possessky, who brought the case in 2011.

CCP Legal Director Allen Dickerson argued the motion last month in a three-hour hearing before Judge Wilkins. Noted Dickerson, “where there is no reasonable possibility of any quid-pro-quo agreement between candidates and deceased contributors, there is no corruption interest justifying FEC regulation."

The opinion can be found here.

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Help us preserve your First Amendment rights. Please either click and donate now or mail your donation to the address below. 

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Courtesy Of Mayor Brewer!

Cronyism at the Movies

from www.fee.org 

MARCH 12, 2013 by SARA WALCOTT

I recently had dinner with a new friend who wanted to talk about politics. She hadn’t heard of libertarianism before, and in the middle of my bumbling attempt to explain it, she interjected, “Oh, so you like capitalism.” While this was a good starting point for us to be speaking the same language, I found myself unable to agree without explaining the difference between capitalism and cronyism.
I have no qualms with capitalism—a business creating valuable products and selling those products for a profit. Profit is a great motivator. Unfortunately, the motivation for profit can lead some business owners to engage in cronyism—that is, when a relationship with government yields increased on-paper returns for the business, but these returns come at the expense of consumers and taxpayers.
The way Crony Chronicles puts it,

To the extent that government remains in the business of handing out cash to its friends, lobbying the government for special favors is rational, even if it is harmful to taxpayers.

Examples of cronyism are pervasive, and some of them are just plain odd. Consider Mayor Carl Brewer of Wichita, Kansas. After insisting that the city help fund the construction of an IMAX theater, he set up shop inside the theater’s café, selling his company’s BBQ sauce. The sauce comes with a sandwich order, whether you ask for it or not.
When you reflect on the fact that the film industry is heavily subsidized, is watching a movie in a subsidized theater while eating a sandwich with the mayor’s BBQ sauce . . . Cronyception? 
To learn more, visit our educational module on cronyism, or go read more tales of cronyism at Crony Chronicles.


Read more: http://www.fee.org/the_freeman/detail/cronyism-at-the-movies#ixzz2NoFUD6Wn

 

Kudos to Bob Weeks of Wichita Liberty for bringing this to our attention!

Dear fellow Libertarian,
31 Days Left Until April 15th: Income Tax Day.
April 15th represents far more than just the day that we pay our federal income taxes.
“April 15th” means “Taxes” to most Americans.
In the days leading up to April 15th, Americans are receptive and responsive to conversations about their taxes. They are listening.
It’s time for the Libertarian Party to launch and lead a real conversation about taxes in America.
What do voters hear from Democrats, Republicans, and their cheerleaders in the media?
Talk about tax increases. New taxes. Higher taxes. “Closing tax loopholes.”
They make excuses for more deficit spending, more government debt and printing money — gouging taxpayers with the invisible tax of inflation.
They pretend to be on the side of the taxpayer — while caving into tax increases.
Democrats and Republicans are the enemies of taxpayers.
Libertarians are taxpayers’ only true friends.
For 41 years, the Libertarian Party has consistently and persistently showed Americans why we can and must roll back Big Government — and dramatically cut taxes — now.
For 41 years, the Libertarian Party has shown voters and taxpayers the huge, immediate, direct benefits of making government much smaller — and returning every dollar saved to the taxpayers it was taken from.
For 41 years, the Libertarian Party has faithfully maintained our course toward small government and individual liberty — and ever-shrinking tax burdens.
Right now, in the days before April 15th, the Libertarian Party needs to engage Americans in a real conversation about high taxes and government overspending.
All taxes. Federal, state, and local. All together. The combined costs of all taxes. Each taxpayer’s total tax burden.
Do you want the Libertarian Party to make the powerful, persuasive case for huge tax cuts now, huge government spending cuts now, a balanced budget now?
Do you want the Libertarian Party to show why high government spending hurts working men and women, cripples job-creating small businesses, and makes us worse off?
Do you want the Libertarian Party to explain why Big Government is the disease — and voting Libertarian is the cure?
The time is now. In these dwindling days before April 15th. When America is receptive and responsive to the Libertarian Party’s principles and proposals.

• We need to do one or two or three short and effective YouTube videos — diagnosing the High Tax/Big Government problem — and offering a Libertarian Party solution.
• We need to offer Libertarian Party tax-cut memes through social media — in thought-provoking and hip ways — and try to make a few viral.
• We need to bring in a temporary media booker — to get our Libertarian Party Executive Director and National Chair invited on high-buzz, infectious gossip Talk Radio shows. To share our talking points and thinking points and “Aha!” insights with their listeners.
• We need the Libertarian Party to design and define this pre-April 15th Tax and Government Spending conversation.

Want to see the difference it makes when the Libertarian Party directs and drives the April 15th Tax Day conversation?
Want us to push this message as far and as wide as possible during the upcoming high-pitched, maximum-frustration days of the tax season? When taxpayers have to file their taxes, write checks to the IRS, and get a good, close look at how much government is taking out of their hides?
Do you want the Libertarian Party — the only party that has remained faithful to taxpayers and made a priority of cutting taxes for its entire existence — to have a voice during this crucial time period?
Do you want us to educate and remind voters that we’ll never have lower taxes unless they vote Libertarian? Unless they reject the phony, fraudulent appeals of pretend-friends of tax cutters — and get behind Libertarian candidates instead?
Help us get the word out. Give the Libertarian Party the voice it deserves — and which we will use faithfully to serve taxpayers by leading the charge for dramatic, substantial, and immediate tax and government spending cuts.
We need to start now to get our message out during these vital 31 days remaining before April 15th. Will you help?
If you can donate $5,000 or $2,500, will you please do it now?
If you can give $1,500 or $1,000, or $850 or $500 to this uniquely Libertarian Party effort, will you please do it now?
If you can give $250 or $150, $85 or $50, you will make a huge difference. Will you please?
Click on the amount you want to donate — or click "Other" and specify the amount you can give.
Please either click and donate now or mail your donation to the address below. “Let’s talk about April 15th” in the memo.

Carla Howell, Executive Director
Libertarian Party
P.S. — Isn’t it time to Give Ulcers to the Big Government Tax Grabbers — and put smiles on the faces of the hard-working taxpayers in these days before April 15th?
Isn’t it time for the Libertarian Party to lead the discussion of high taxes, government overspending, and Big Government now? You can make it happen. Please make your most generous donation of $250 or $150 or $85 today. You’ll love the results.

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2600 Virginia Ave, N.W. Suite 200, Washington D.C. 20037
Content not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

We are growing massively!

One of our active volunteers in our Capital City has been concerned about many injustices in our justice system. For example: When an accused comes to court for the first time, he is often given the option to post bail and return to his home. Bail means putting up some amount of money that is returned only if he shows up at court for his next appearance.
Commonly, most people don’t have the ready cash to post bail. In this instance, they can work with a bail-bondsman. By paying the bail-bondsman 10% of the total bail required, the bondsman assume the responsibility that the accused is in court for his next appearance.
Recently, our LP activist learned from a very reliable source that strange things happened in the capital city if an accused who was released on the guarantee of a bail-bondsman did not show up for his next court appearance. The judge would order his bail be forfeited. However, since he did not actually post bail; rather it was guaranteed by the bondsman, no one went after the bail-bondsman to collect the forfeited bail.
What a deal. The bail-bondsman gets 10%; signs the accused out; then has no responsibility or expense if he fails to show up in court. Its free money. We suspect this is the story in many Kansas counties.
In our most recent election cycle, our intrepid volunteer asked the candidate for his county commission seat about this arrangement. The candidate was surprised and basically said, “No way!” but promised to look into the matter if elected. He was. And, he did.
Following up, our dogged volunteer recently emailed his county commissioner about the situation. The commissioner returned an email he had received from the county attorney:
“. . . my office has now started prosecuting bond forfeitures. We are just starting the process and learning how to do it ourselves. The DA refuses to do it because he does not get a cut of the money. The money is split 60% to the state and 40% to the county general fund. We filed on three bonds recently and are preparing to file on more.”
Score one small success for the Libertarian Party.
Now it is time to welcome Anthony who is working hard to start a Libertarian Group in Graham and Rooks Counties. Thanks for your hard work, Anthony. We’re seeing amazing results from all our county volunteers. This is a lot of work for one person. Don’t be shy about offering to help.
Two weeks ago Douglas county Libertarians had their first meeting. This last weekend, the new Libertarian group in Wichita did the same. Libertarians in Gray and Osage Counties are being contacted by volunteers in preparation to starting those county groups. We are working toward having a minimum of 105 Libertarian groups in Kansas. We want to alter the political debate in our state.
If we don’t have your correct county (see below), be sure to get back with us. You will probably want to keep up on events near your home.
Sharon, our volunteer editor of Free Kansan plans to have the next issue ready for distribution soon. If you have an event to publicize, be sure to get back with her: FreeKansan@cox.net
Finally, a reminder about our upcoming State Convention scheduled for the weekend of April 20 in Emporia. Put it on your calendar. Learn about all that is going on and our plans for the future.

LSOCK NEWS Alert!

Hello everyone,

Due to the holidays falling on Tuesday December 25th and January 1st and the Supper Meetings being cancelled and the recent snowstorms LSOCK has not yet held its annual officer elections.

If there is a quorum next Tuesday, March 12th, we will hold our elections then. Details are below. This is from last months LSOCK NEWS.

LSOCK Officer Elections

Elections for LSOCK officers will be held this month or March at the Tuesday Supper Meeting February 26 or, if no quorum is had, at the 2^nd or 4^th Tuesday in March, which mould be the 12^th or the 26^th of March.

LSOCK officers consist of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and 1^st and 2^nd At Large Executive Committee Members.

Current officers are:

           Chair;  Gordon Bakken

          Vice Chair;   Randall Batson

          Secretary,    Steven A. Rosile

          Treasurer,     Shawn Smith

          1st At-Large,    Mike Brincefield

          2nd At-Large,   Dave Thomas

Nomination for these offices will be made at the Tuesday Supper Meetings on February 19 and up to and including the day of the election, with the election being held February 26 if there is a quorum. A quorum for conducting LSOCK business is five voting members, including two current Excom members, one of which must be the Chair or Vice Chair, and three other members. If there is no quorum on February 26 then the election will be held at the next regular business meeting where there is a quorum. The regular business meetings are the second and fourth Tuesdays every month.

If you are interested in serving as an officer in LSOCK please attend a Tuesday Supper Meeting or contact LSOCK Secretary Steven A. Rosile by replying to this email or calling him at 316 618-1339.

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State Party News

• We win a few, we lose a few
• You, too, can be published
• Do you know about social media?

While most Kansans dig out from two Winter storms, the Legislature works to take away our freedom of choice.
We received a report from what we normally consider a reliable source that a bill strictly regulating ‘Adult Entertainment’ passed the Kansas House. However, we have been unable to find confirmation on the Kansas House website.

While we aren’t particularly surprised by this news, we are very disappointed. For two reasons. More on this in a minute.
First: We received notice from the editor of Free Kansan she is planning to have the next issue out by the first week in April. If any of our readers have an article to submit; a letter to the editor; news of LP happenings; or just a question, or comment ... please submit them to FreeKansan@cox.net by March 18. This can be an easy way for you to get published.

Next: We learned recently that the National Libertarian Party now has a Social Media Coordinator. She is anxious to improve the LP’s impact in the social media sphere by recruiting a Social Media Ambassador in each state. This would be a good opportunity for anyone familiar with social media and interested in knowing more about the National LP organization. Those interested in applying for the position can email our state chair: chair@lpks.org.
Back to our setback in the Kansas House which bothers us for two reasons:
First, of course, we’re concerned that our elected representatives see fit to impose their moral values on every Kansas citizen. Proponents of this ban on our freedom claim such businesses breed a cesspool of crime including prostitution, drugs, etc. They did not feel compelled to introduce any scientific study supporting such claims; they just say ‘everyone knows’.
Opponents of the restrictive regulations went to the trouble of actually getting facts. They found most sheriffs and neighboring businesses could not support these claims. No problem. Our legislators have the hubris to claim they know what is best for the rest of us.
The other reason we are very disappointed is even more significant. The legislators we talked with about this set-back said they had not received any or many calls or emails from their constituents on this issue. If we, as Libertarians, really want to have an impact on what legislators do to us, we must exercise our constitutional right and responsibility to ‘petition’ those who represent us. That means we must contact them.
There is still a chance to stop this ill-conceived legislation in the Senate where it has not yet been heard. We will be watching the bill and will let everyone know when it is time to contact your state senator. If you have provided us with the names of your representatives, we will even provide their phone number and email address.
We don’t ask our supporters to contact their legislators often. When we do, it is important.
Finally, we remind everyone about our State Convention scheduled for April 20 in Emporia. Mark your calendar. More details when we get them. Make your plans.
There is much more to report. But, we have rambled long enough. We wish all our supporters the best for another week.