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

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

LP News

Table of Contents:

Tax message to politicians and pundits: “It’s the high government spending, stupid!”
High government spending is the cause. High taxes are the effects.
Cutting government spending is the only way to make taxes lower.
We must dramatically reduce government spending to dramatically reduce taxes.
James Carville, Clinton for President Campaign guru, coined this campaign mantra: "I'ts the economy, stupid." In the same vein, Libertarians say, "It's high government spending, stupid!"
Politicians and pundits: If you’re not talking huge government spending cuts, you’re not sincerely or seriously talking tax cuts.
High taxes are the painful symptoms. High government spending — Big Government — is the underlying disease.
Stop offering us temporary tax pain relief that merely dulls the pain … while the disease spreads.
The only way to get rid of the symptoms AND the disease is to reduce, then remove, the disease: Big Government, with its high spending. Do this, and we quickly get permanent, real relief from high taxes and their pain.
This tax season, let’s talk about the REAL tax problem: high government spending.
How much government spending?
Last year, we saw $6.2 trillion (that’s a “t” for trillion) in total government spending — that's federal plus local plus state government spending combined for 2012.
“I have a simple proposal for politicians and political pundits,” said Geoffrey J. Neale, chair of the Libertarian National Committee. “Make huge, dramatic cuts in total government spending now. Immediately. This year. Right away. And keep doing it until we get government spending down to a level taxpayers can thrive in, not merely survive."
Read this at LP.org.

Overwhelming majority of Libertarians reject revenue-neutral tax proposals in poll
Only 7% support “Fair Tax” proposal
In response to the poll question posted at the LP.org web site on March 14, 2013 which asks, “Is there any circumstance where proposing a new tax is justified?” 81 percent of those who rendered an opinion (excluding those who selected “I have a different view”) reject revenue-neutral tax proposals and insist that total tax revenue must always go down. They chose one of the options stating, “We should NEVER help to raise or create a new tax,” or the option, “Only if it's to trade one tax for another, such as the income tax for a sales tax, but only if total taxes go down.”
A 62 percent majority said there is never a reason to raise a tax, under any circumstance, including in a trade for relaxing the marijuana prohibition. Half of this group asserts that taxes are at least 90 percent higher than they should be.
Only 7 percent of respondents selected the option for a tax exchange, the essence of the so-called “Fair Tax,” which proposes to substitute the federal income tax with a national sales tax and which gives the federal government the same level of tax revenue.
One voter had this to day about the poll:
“There were several options, but none of them represented the libertarian position, namely that taxation is theft and that no tax is ever justified at any time for any reason because it's money taken by force. So I had to choose the last option, ‘I have a different view.’
“For heaven's sake, how low has the LP sunk? What good does it do to even have such a poll put out by the LP where the LP's longstanding position on the matter is not even an option?”
Poll results as of 3:00 p.m. on April 10, 2013, in response to the question, "Is there any circumstance when proposing a new tax is justified?"

Votes
%
Taxes are at least 90% higher than they should be. We should NEVER help to raise or create a new tax. Cut spending!
980
25%
Taxes are at least 50% higher than they should be. We should NEVER help to raise or create a new tax. Cut spending!
370
9%
Taxes are already too high. We should NEVER help to raise or create a new tax. Cut spending!
822
21%
Only if it's a trade to end marijuana prohibition. Better not to propose it. Make tax hikers fight for every increase.
192
5%
Only if it's to trade one tax for another, such as the income tax for a sales tax, but only if total taxes go down.
655
16%
Only if it's to trade one tax for another, but only if total taxes go down or stay the same.
278
7%
Only if we need it to pay for a government service.
186
5%
I have a different view.
487
12%
Total votes cast:
3,970



LP now accepts Bitcoin donations!
Many Libertarians have begun using Bitcoin, a decentralized, encrypted digital currency that can't be controlled by the government. Although Bitcoin is still relatively new, it represents a social innovation that may continue to develop — an alternative to the centralized manipulation of money and credit by Big Government politicians.
The Libertarian Party is now equipped to accept Bitcoin donations through the services of BitPay. Although BitPay cannot currently handle automatic recurring monthly donations, you may donate through this system as often as you wish.
BitPay CEO Tony Gallippi has become the first member of the Libertarian Party to pay his membership fee through our new Bitcoin contribution page. You can join him today in making a Bitcoin donation — and pass the message on to your Libertarian friends who use Bitcoin.

IRS spies on taxpayers through Facebook and Twitter
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is using social media networks like Facebook and Twitter to spy on taxpayers and determine whether they might be lying about how much taxes they owe, according to a new report by WTTG Fox 5 in Washington, D.C.
"The agency will also ... collecting personal information from social media sites like Facebook and Twitter in an effort, they say, to help cut down on fraud," said reporter Dan Bowens.
The IRS is a monster created and supported by Republicans and Democrats, who won't even slow the growth of its grabs for new power, let alone shrink or dismantle it. The Libertarian Party is the only political party that calls for immediately abolishing the IRS, ending its ability to violate taxpayer privacy and suck massive amounts of wealth into endlessly wasteful Big Government programs.
"All persons are entitled to keep the fruits of their labor," the Libertarian Party platform states. "We call for the repeal of the income tax, the abolishment of the Internal Revenue Service and all federal programs and services not required under the U.S. Constitution."

Republicans and Democrats vote for new Internet tax
Republicans claim to oppose high taxes, but they vote for more Big Government — and higher taxes. The latest case in point is a U.S. Senate vote to pass an Internet sales tax bill that would force online retail outlets to start collecting taxes on behalf of state governments.
A majority of Republicans in the U.S. Senate (26 yeas, 19 nays) voted for the massive tax hike, joining Democrats in making online purchases more expensive for consumers, harming small businesses, and fueling ever more wasteful government spending. This come less than three months after Republicans in Congress gave the nod to massive tax increases on New Year's Day.
Read more at LP.org!

Filing taxes with a song in your heart
Do you file your taxes each year with a spring in your step and a song in your heart? The Libertarian Party may not be able to help out with the former, but here's a tune that you'll be humming all the way to April 15.
It's a little reminder that filing taxes is a waste of time and effort and a huge drain on the economy. It also sucks much of the joy out of life when this time of year rolls around, taking up time that could be spent working, engaging in a favorite hobby, or spending time with friends and family.
So listen to Executive Director Carla Howell's tax song and ask yourself: What would you do with the time you'd save if you didn't have to spend it filing taxes?
Then ask yourself: If we were to elect Libertarian candidates who will cut federal spending, END the federal income tax, and give you back the earnings that you're now paying in federal income taxes every year, what would you do with that money?

Want to help the Libertarian Party work to cut your taxes? Please donate today.
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.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

We Had It Coming: Intro to Austrian Economics, webinar with Prof. Anthony J. Evans
 
 
What is Austrian economics? What is the science of human action and what does that have to do with economics? Can an economist predict economic crises or provide solutions? What are the current trends in Austrian economic research and what books, articles or blogs should one interested in Austrian economics read?
 
To find the answers to those and other questions, please join a FEE webinar with Prof. Anthony J. Evans on Wednesday, April 10, at 1 pm EDT (20:00 CET).
 
About the speaker: Anthony J. Evans  is associate professor of economics at ESCP Europe Business School. He has published in a range of academic and trade journals and is the coauthor of The Neoliberal Revolution in Eastern Europe (Edward Elgar, 2009). Professor Evans received his PhD in economics from George Mason University.

Submit your questions to Professor Evans in advance at: idearoom@fee.org.
 

When: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. EDT (19:00 CET).

Where: Your computer!

We Are Two For Two!

  • Survey ends Midnight Saturday
  • SB92 passes quietly into oblivion
  • State Convention only 2 weeks off – See the Convention Special

Last week we sent out ACTION ALERT #2. This notified Libertarians across Kansas about SB92, an ill-conceived first step by the legislature to eventually regulate ‘pornographic materials’ including such things as Playboy Magazine and Huckleberry Finn. Libertarians must have taken this threat seriously. We learned recently that SB92 was not voted on and was taken off the agenda. Thank you, John S. for BCC us on your well written email that you sent your legislator. And, thank you to all Libertarians who participated in this campaign.
We know most legislators seldom hear from their constituents about the issues they vote on. Thus, a well coordinated campaign by a relatively few liberty-minded individuals across the state can have a dramatic impact. Thank you to everyone who helped on this campaign. Coupled with our first campaign, we are 2 for 2 ... An enviable record for any organization; truly amazing for our expanding party!

At this time, over 175 Libertarians have registered their opinion on our first survey. This is an important tool we will use to shape policies and priorities going forward. We really want everyone to take part. It is designed so everyone’s opinion can contribute toward our success. No matter how new you may be to the Libertarian Party (or if you do not even consider yourself ‘Libertarian’, yet) your opinion will be important.
Most participants complete the survey in less than 20 minutes. If you want to be counted. You MUST do so before midnight Saturday. To access the survey, click one of the links above or copy and past this into your web browser: http://www.instant.ly/s/QocPb

The new issue of the Free Kansan is on the website now. If you missed it, you can find it at http://lpks.org/2013/04/04/free-kansan-april-2013/

Our state convention is only two weeks off. You can find complete information and register here. The ExCom (short for Executive Committee) covers all the expenses for this from our limited budget. This means there is no cost to you to attend. However, if you want a box lunch, there is a small pass-through cost AND you must place this request before April 12.
Our friends and supporters at LPStuff.com made a generous offer: Anyone making a donation to LPKS of $100 or more THIS WEEKEND will receive ALL of the following absolutely FREE:
  1. Your choice of any one of these books ($14.95 value): Unlocking More Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion by Michael Cloud; Totally American by Dan Smee; Why Government Doesn’t Work by Harry Browne; A Drug War Carol by Susan W. Wells and Scott Bieser; Healing Our World by Mary Ruwart.
  2. All of the six most popular bumper stickers ($21.00 value)
  3. Front license plate for your vehicle ($9.95 value)
  4. Your choice of box lunch at the convention (up to $9.50 value)
  5. Our considerable gratitude for your support
This is over $50 in gifts. If you can support the party financially, you must do so before 8 am Monday morning to receive these FREE gifts from LPStuff.com. Oh! And please thank the folks at LPStuff.com for their support.
That’s it for another week. Thanks for all each of our supporters do to advance and defend Liberty in the State of Kansas.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

New Weekly Internet Show!

FFF Logo


The Future of Freedom Foundation announces “The Libertarian Angle,” a new weekly Internet show featuring FFF president Jacob Hornberger and FFF vice president Sheldon Richman. Watch Jacob and Sheldon discuss the libertarian angle on the burning issues of the day.

The half-hour video is featured in our FFF Daily email newsletter and on our website every Monday.

“The mainstream media provides people with the statist viewpoint but a growing segment of the populace wants to hear the libertarian angle on current controversies.” said Hornberger. “That’s what Sheldon and I are bringing with this new show.”

Richman added, “Being a libertarian means asking questions that other people tend not ask about what the government is up to. You won’t find this kind of analysis on television.”

Jacob and Sheldon have already done five shows, which are archived on FFF’s website here.

To receive our free FFF Daily email newsletter, click here.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

From The Future Of Freedom Foundation

FFF Webinar:
"The Illusion of Recovery"


DATE:  April 9, 2013 – Tuesday
 PLACE:  World Wide Web
TIME: 7:00 pm eastern
ADMISSION:  FREE
SPEAKER:  Sheldon Richman

FFF vice president and editor Sheldon Richman will host a free, interactive online webinar entitled “The Illusion of Recovery,” which will focus on the economic and fiscal turmoil that the U.S. has recently been experiencing. This will be an interactive experience with Sheldon and will be limited to 24 participants.

The webinar will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. eastern. Participants will need a computer with a video camera as well as headphones with an integrated microphone. Computer speakers are not permitted as they cause feedback problems during the broadcast.

Participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis. To make a reservation for the webinar, please email Bart Frazier at bfrazier@fff.org with your name, email address, and telephone number. Participants will be notified before the event with instructions.

NEVER!

Vote now to express your view: Is proposing a NEW tax ever justified?
Should Libertarians never, ever even think of proposing a new tax?
Or might a new tax proposal be justified under certain circumstances?
Is there always a better alternative to raising taxes — like cutting government spending?
Click here to vote. Pick the choice that best fits your view.

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.

LSLA Coming Up!

The Libertarian State Leadership Alliance invites you to participate in this year's annual LSLA conference, held in conjunction with the Libertarian Party of Colorado's state convention. Both events will take place at the Doubletree in Aurora, May 17–19, 2013.
Highlights of the upcoming conference include:
  • A special address from Sharon Harris of the Advocates for Self-Government
  • A seminar on communicating the principles of liberty
  • Panel discussions on effective use of social media tools, getting the message out to local media outlets, attracting and engaging volunteers, building relationships and coalitions, and more
Registration is available online. Please visit for more information and to register.

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.