Tea Party Betrayal?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 2, 2011

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

Libertarians predicted Tea Party betrayal in January

WASHINGTON - On January 17, 2011, the Libertarian Party (LP) asked the 90,000 readers of its weekly email message to take a poll asking, "When will we know that Republicans successfully fooled the Tea Partiers?"

59% of respondents chose the option, "When they raise the debt limit without real spending cuts."

View the poll results here.

Chris Edwards of the libertarian Cato Institute recently pointed out that today's bipartisan debt deal, known as the Budget Control Act of 2011, does not cut government spending.

LP Executive Director Wes Benedict commented, "Libertarians apparently predict congressional deceit well. We knew this was coming long before it happened."

LP Chair Mark Hinkle added, "This debt deal only does one substantive thing: it raises the debt limit. Everything else is smoke and mirrors."

Hinkle continued, "I hope that in the future, those Tea Partiers who really want to see large cuts in government spending across the board will stop fighting their own interests by supporting Republicans. I hope they will support the Libertarian Party and Libertarian candidates instead."

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

August 1, 2011

Dear Friend of Liberty,

We've released several videos over the past few weeks on our blog.

Last week, we released a video recap of FreedomFest with an introduction by a Thomas Jefferson impersonator, and featuring Libertarian immigration lawyer Carlos Rodriguez, who serves as the LP Los Angeles Chair. Incidentally, Mr. Rodriguez was the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Congress in 2010 who received the highest percentage of any Libertarian for U.S. Congress running against both a Democrat and Republican.



Link to the video.

Today, Mark Grannis and Arvin Vohra put together a video mocking the Democrats' and Republicans' handling of our growing debt.

Here's an excerpt:

Arvin: "I just saved $350,000."
Mark: "How?"
Arvin: "By not buying a Ferrari in 2016!"
Mark: "Nice."



Link to the video blog entry.

Additionally, a list of many past videos is available here.

We hope to continue sending videos to help publicize Libertarian Party activists and positions.

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.

Ballot Access!

Dear Friend of Liberty,

Will you donate to help fund ballot access petition drives in New Hampshire and South Dakota?

We're starting these petition drives for full party access early so we can get them out of the way efficiently before the frantic peak period in 2012. Most states don't allow us to start this early.

The Libertarian National Committee recently approved $28,000 for New Hampshire and $22,000 for South Dakota. Those state parties will kick in additional funds, and they will also have volunteers help collect signatures.

The Libertarian Party is famous for making it onto the ballot time and time again. Having candidates on the ballot is why we get so much publicity compared to other parties like the Green Party and Constitution Party.

Currently, the LP is qualified for the 2012 presidential ballot in 29 states, while the Green Party is on in 16 states, and the Constitution Party in 12 states.

Petitioning is hard work, but we have some great petitioners who collect signatures and also advertise our party as a result.

Please donate to support these petition drives.

Sincerely,

Wes Benedict
Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee

Visualizing The U.S. Debt

You have to check this out to believe it!

Do Not Raise The Debt Limit!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 27, 2011

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

Libertarians say 'no' to raising debt limit

WASHINGTON - As Republicans and Democrats in Washington continue chewing the scenery in their 'Debt Limit Theater,' Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle released the following statement today:

"Everything I've heard from Washington politicians about the debt limit is nonsense. I propose the simplest option: Do nothing. Don't raise the debt limit, period.

"None of the deals I've heard would do anything to cut federal spending. Some reduce the rate of growth a little bit, but I'm afraid that doesn't count.

"And of course, some of the proposals would increase taxes, which Libertarians are totally opposed to.

"The best outcome would be no deal at all. If the debt limit is not raised, then the federal government will have to cut its spending by over 40%. That would be the best outcome for the future of America, and it's certainly the preferred outcome for Libertarians. (It reminds me of the World's Smallest Political Quiz, produced by the Advocates for Self-Government, which includes the libertarian option to 'Cut taxes and government spending by 50% or more.')

"I'm actually shocked at how resistant both the Republicans and Democrats are to making cuts. I wasn't expecting much, but their proposals are downright embarrassing.

"For example, consider Speaker Boehner's plan. According to the Cato Institute, the Boehner plan doesn't cut spending. It just sets the spending increases slightly below the imaginary Congressional Budget Office (CBO) 'baseline.'

"According to the CBO report released yesterday, the Boehner plan has practically no effect on the deficit in 2012, the only year that really matters. In fact, the Boehner plan actually increases Pell Grant spending by $4 billion in 2012. (So does the Reid plan in the Senate.)

"Of course, the Reid plan largely takes advantage of massive errors in the CBO baseline to claim 'cuts.' (For example, the CBO predicts absurdly high levels of spending for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.)

"As usual, Republicans and Democrats are trying to create the illusion of a high-stakes game between two vastly different visions. In fact, their visions are practically identical. I hope Americans will see through all the smoke, and consider the Libertarian option to make real reductions in the size and scope of government, across the board."

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

July 25, 2011

Dear Friend of Liberty,

Are you thinking about running for office in 2012?

I hope so. I also hope you will get involved with your local Libertarian Party affiliate right now so you will get to know other Libertarians in your area, and so that they can get to know you too.

Each year we have some people file to run for office as Libertarians who report they didn't get as much help from the party as they had hoped for. You are more likely to get support if you have already participated with the party.

Please visit this page for more information about running for office.

Then fill out this form.

In some cases we need volunteers to start up a local affiliate or to join an existing affiliate as an officer, board member, or to take on some other role such as newsletter editor. If you would like to help, please fill out our volunteer form here.

Then look for local activity by visiting your state party website here.

Information from the volunteer and candidate forms is immediately sent to our state party affiliates so they will become aware of your interest. If you do not hear back from your state affiliate within 48 hours, I recommend sending a note to Bob Johnston (Bob.Johnston@lp.org), our Candidate and Affiliate Support Specialist, for additional assistance.

You are much more likely to be taken seriously by the party if your membership is current and you have participated with your local affiliate.

Please join the Libertarian Party and become a dues-paying member. If your membership has expired, please renew today. (If you're not sure whether your membership has expired, you can call us at 1-800-ELECT-US, or send an email to members@lp.org, and we'll tell you.)

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.

From Our Friend In Liberty, John Todd

Calendar of Events for your consideration:

 

In case you missed hearing Steven J. Anderson, Director, Kansas Division of the Budget discuss an “Overview of the Budget Directors Office” at last Friday’s Pachyderm luncheon meeting, you can still view the presentation courtesy of the Kansas Watchdog.  Paul Soutar, investigative reporter for the http://kansas.watchdog.org/ sent the two youtube video links below of Steve Anderson’s excellent presentation at last Friday’s (July 19, 2011) Pachyderm Club luncheon meeting with his permission to share them with my email contacts.  In contrast to the report in today’s Wichita Eagle article, I think Governor Brownback’s Budget Director did an outstanding job detailing the governor’s plan to implement budgetary reforms and to take the steps necessary to make our state more competitive, and position our state on the right path for economic growth.  Please take a look for yourself at the videos and be sure to log into the Kansas Watchdog.org site sometime soon for the youtube video of questions and answers the budget director fielded at the Pachyderm meeting.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xy6CcmZZdk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH3bQLtfWYE

 

Wednesday, July 27, 2011; The Park City Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend their luncheon meeting to hear 4^th District Sedgwick County Commissioner Richard Ranzau present, “A different perspective on economic development”.  The Park City Chamber of Commerce meeting is from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Best Western Hotel, I-135 & 53^rd North in Park City, Kansas.  Please send your RSVP ASAP to John@johntodd.net if you plan to attend.  Please invite guests to attend with you.  Commissioner Ranzau requests that everyone read information contained in the articles found at the following links:

https://www.mackinac.org/archives/2009/nr043009-petersfisher.pdf

http://www.business.ku.edu/_pdf/KS_Inc_Embracing_Dynamism_3-11-10.pdf

Friday, July 29, 2011; Dennis Taylor, Secretary, Kansas Department of Administration and Repealer presents an, “Overview of the Office of the Repealer” at The Wichita Pachyderm Club luncheon meeting.  The Wichita Pachyderm Club meets at 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the 9^th floor of the Petroleum Club, 100 N. Broadway (Bank of America Building), Wichita, Kansas.  The meeting cost is $10.00 and includes a buffet luncheon. You are invited to attend. Without citizen, entrepreneurial, or business input regarding regulation(s) and/or statute(s) that need repealing or at least tweaking, the office of the repealer will have no idea what needs attention so, please take the time to submit your repeal suggestions and ideas using the form provided at the following link: www.repealer.ks.gov/

Friday, August 5, 2011; The Wichita Pachyderm Club will host a forum featuring the following new Wichita City Council Members:

Pete Meitzner, Wichita City Council Member, District II

James Clendenin, Wichita City Council Member, District III

Michael O’Donnell, Wichita City Council Member, District IV

“What it’s like to be a new member of the Wichita City Council?”

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, August 12, 2011; The Wichita Pachyderm Club will host a presentation by, Representative Marc Rhodes, Chair, of the Kansas House Committee on Appropriations, “The impact of the freshman legislators on the 2011 House budgetary process”.  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, August 15, 2011; Americans For Prosperity Foundation will host it’s 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, August 19, 2011; The Wichita Pachyderm Club will host a presentation by, Jay M. Price, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of the public history program at Wichita State University entitled, “Clashes of Values in Kansas History” 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, August 26, 2011; The Wichita Pachyderm Club will host a presentation by, State Representatives Jim Howell and Joseph Scapa entitled, “Our freshmen year in the Kansas Legislature”.  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, September 9, 2011; Mark Masterson, Director, Sedgwick County Department of Corrections presents the “Juvenile Justice System in Sedgwick County” at The Wichita Pachyderm Club luncheon meeting.  The Wichita Pachyderm Club meets at 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the 9^th floor of the Petroleum Club, 100 N. Broadway (Bank of America Building), Wichita, Kansas.  The meeting cost is $10.00 and includes a buffet luncheon. You are invited to attend.  Following the Pachyderm Club meeting from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Club members and guests are invited to tour the Sedgwick County Juvenile Detention Center located at 700 South Hydraulic, Wichita, Kansas.  

 

Friday, September 23, 2011; Dave Trabert, President, Kansas Policy Institute presents, “Why Not Kansas” on education at The Wichita Pachyderm Club luncheon meeting.  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, September 30, 2011; Congressman Mike Pompeo presents, “An update from Washington” at The Wichita Pachyderm Club luncheon meeting. The Wichita Pachyderm Club meets at 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on the 9^th floor on 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 if you like for the latest information on the programs before you attend. 

--
John R. Todd
john@johntodd.net
1559 Payne
Wichita, Kansas 67203
(316) 312-7335 cell