================================================
|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|
Old Dominion Liberty Letter Issue #21
|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|
================================================
This issue distributed on Tuesday, August 4, 2009.
CONTENTS
1. Volunteers Needed!
2. Never Mind JAWS... The Census Bureau is Hungry for YOU and It's Coming
Soon!
3. Letters to the Editor: Gilkison on Modern Slavery
4. Online GIS for Virginia Counties: Not Just For Bureaucrats Any More!
5. Now *this* is "Preparedness*...
6. EXPLORING LIBERTY: The LP's "Property and Contract" Plank
7. ATF Says: "The Constitution Doesn't Matter, Moron!"
8. Next SCC Meeting: Sunday, October 25th, 2009
9. The "Government Behaving Badly" Files: This week's Criminal Bureaucrats
10. THE LIGHTER SIDE: Political Quips
11. QUOTABLE QUOTES
12. FEATURED VIDEOS: Yet Another Outrage in DC ...
13. Calendar
14. Deep Thoughts
THIS PUBLICATION NEEDS A PERMANENT EDITOR! Volunteer by leaving a message @
703-715-6230, or writing to:
[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]?subject=odllvolunteer>
================================================
1. Volunteers Needed!
================================================
Ready to put some time into the Libertarian Party?
Check out our volunteer opportunities and give me a call!
http://lpva.com/HTML/volunteer.php
================================================
2. Never Mind JAWS... The Census Bureau is Hungry for YOU and It's Coming
Soon!
================================================
Sounds like other folks are starting to get the message about the invasiveness
of the U.S. Census Bureau. Here's a video about how intimate the Census has
become:
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=4226712&cl=14890334&src=news
Want to see the current "American Community Survey"? It's here:
http://www.census.gov/acs/www/Downloads/SQuest09.pdf
During previous Census years, Libertarian Party activists and others championed
a 'Constitutional response' to nosy Census questions: As the Constitution
specifies, tell the Census how many people live at your address. And that's
it! Here are ensus media releases from the Party's Census Project in March,
2000:
http://multiracial.com/site/content/view/847/2/
http://multiracial.com/site/content/view/848/2/
While our government ramps up its Census-taking bureaucracy for the decennial
Census, it will be fighting low compliance, anger at the intrusiveness of its
questions, and other hurdles. Libertarians have a solution that will eliminate
most of the heartache for everyone involved, bureacrats and citizens alike: Get
rid of the long form, get rid of the short form, and eliminate the
extra-intrusive American Community Survey (ACS) -- and replace them all with a
"Census Postcard".
Libertarians have just one question for the Census Bureau. Since the U.S.
Constitution requires just a count of the population, why doesn't the Census
ask just one question: How many people live in your home? Such a
Census-on-a-postcard would save time, address Americans' concerns about
privacy, save taxpayers billions of dollars, and cause the compliance rate to
soar. All the Census has to do is follow the old motto: Keep it simple, stupid.
Strike a blow for privacy: Refuse to answer nosy Census questions:
http://multiracial.com/site/content/view/846/2/
Libertarians say: Real Americans don't answer nosy Census questions:
http://multiracial.com/site/content/view/844/2/
Libertarian Party urges nationwide boycott of government's "official" racial
categories:
http://multiracial.com/site/content/view/823/2/
Abolish the government's "official" racial classifications, Libertarians say:
http://multiracial.com/site/content/view/819/2/
Boycott the Census:
http://www.erichsmith.com/census.html
Count Me Out, by Sheldon Richman:
http://multiracial.com/site/content/view/421/27/
The Intrusive ACS
http://www.nolanchart.com/article6074.html
The Census Scam:
http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig/garris1.html
The 'race' question on the U.S. census is racist -- Why this is so and what to
answer instead:
http://www.sodabob.com/Constitution/Census.asp
Don't Trust the Census:
http://www.toad.com/gnu/census.html
More Census discussion & articles:
http://www.multiracial.com/issues/issues-census2000.html
================================================
3. Letters to the Editor: Gilkison on Modern Slavery
================================================
Craig Gilkison, an LP member in Hopewell, recently sent the following letter to
his local newspaper:
--------------
Dear Editor,
Slavery is here and slavery is good. Thy Masters name is Government. Slavery
is good because the sheeple will never have to think. Every decision will be
made for them by Master.
Master will decide what light bulbs we will use and how big a tank we have on
our toilets. (Done)
Master will decide how efficient our vehicles must be and will own the means of
production. (Done)
Master will decide where we set our thermostats how much electricity we can
use. (Wait for it)
Master will decide how much your income will be and where you can work. (Wait
for it)
Master will decide who gets money for college and what they must do to get it.
(Done)
Master will control who can own a home and who can't. (Done)
Master will decide who gets what medical treatment and who lives and dies.
(Wait for it)
Master will decide what you can drink and smoke and how much they cost. (Done)
Master will decide how much you can weigh and what food you eat. (wait for it)
Master will decide we must be safe, seatbelts and helmets for instance. (Done)
Master will decide where banks can loan money and to whom. (Done)
Master will decide which voices are heard and which are silenced. (Again)
Master will decide virtually everything for we poor ignorant peasant/slaves.
What a relief. Liberty was such a burden! Beck finally had the nerve to use
the "Slave" word on his radio show today. Radicals like me, Walter Williams
and others have been using it for years. As long as the people yawn and sigh
and amuse themselves with celebrity gossip, fashion and idiotic television they
will remain ignorant and compliant. This is good for Master. After all, isn't
that what slaves are supposed to be?
Craig Gilkison
Radical Libertarian
Hopewell, VA
--------------
Good job, Craig!
If we hear of it being printed, it will be immortalized on our Letters archive
page:
http://www.LPVA.com/html/LettersToEditor.php
================================================
4. Online GIS for Virginia Counties: Not Just For Bureaucrats Any More!
================================================
If you're interested in very granular, detailed mapping of your county, check
this out:
http://www.onlinegis.net/
NOTE 1: It seems to only work in MS-IE. I can't get the site to talk to my
Firefox browser.
NOTE 2: To access the list of counties that are up, roll your mouse over "Map
Sites" at the upper left menu.
They only cover a few counties in Virginia, plus a few in WV. Funny thing is
that every county is already mapped with GIS. It's just that bureaucrats
insist that only they should have access to the data; or that you must come in
to the local county bureaucrat stables to access it.
================================================
5. Now *this* is "Preparedness*...
================================================
http://www.littlegreenfootballs2.com/wp-content/uploads/preparedness-640x636.jpg
================================================
6. EXPLORING LIBERTY: The LP's "Property and Contract" Plank
================================================
This issue, we bring you an exploration of the Libertarian Party's platform
position # 2.1 Property and Contract, which reads:
--------
Property rights are entitled to the same protection as all other human rights.
The owners of property have the full right to control, use, dispose of, or in
any manner enjoy, their property without interference, until and unless the
exercise of their control infringes the valid rights of others. We oppose all
controls on wages, prices, rents, profits, production, and interest rates. We
advocate the repeal of all laws banning or restricting the advertising of
prices, products, or services. We oppose all violations of the right to
private property, liberty of contract, and freedom of trade. The right to
trade includes the right not to trade - for any reasons whatsoever. Where
property, including land, has been taken from its rightful owners by the
government or private action in violation of individual rights, we favor
restitution to the rightful owners.
--------
In summary, Libertarians believe property rights ARE human rights, and
therefore must be afforded the same respect and protection as all other human
rights. All rights are inextricably linked with property rights. Such rights
as the freedom from involuntary servitude as well as the freedom of speech and
the freedom of press are based on self-ownership. Our bodies are our property
every bit as much as is justly acquired land or material objects.
Property restrictions are an especially egregious form of government abuse of
individual rights. For this issue of ODLL, let's tackle just one example of
government violation of property rights: Zoning.
The United States Constitution clearly says that no person's property may be
taken for public use without just compensation. So when was an Amendment
passed to allow governments to steal private property via land use regulation?
Proponents of state theft of private property have never reconciled with that.
Unfortunately, U.S. Supreme Court justices apparently can't read plain English,
because they have allowed this travesty to continue.
The record of zoning is a sorry one. In the early 1800's, early socialists
with a racist streak in San Francisco enacted a land-use law that was
specifically designed to keep the burgeoning Chinese population "in its place"
(thus, Chinatown). Other city governments followed suit; which is why so many
older American cities had very homogeneous ethnic boroughs.
The drive to control people continued, ultimately leading to building-height
restrictions in Boston around 1900 -- which immediately led to early "sprawl".
Then in the twenties, a comprehensive zoning ordinance was approved by New York
City politicians. New York's law was eventually the test case that the Supreme
Court unfortunately upheld. The decision opened the door to copycat
legislation in just about every corner of the country within the next five
decades.
Bigotry continues to drive zoning, although the language used to advocate it is
much more circumspect. Now, we don't zone for Chinamen, Irishmen, or Africans.
Instead, we zone to prevent "sprawl" and to keep the "wrong kind" of
businesses out. Of course a hidden byproduct of this is that "the wrong kind
of people" are also locked out.
Zoning is a bad tool for even the claimed purposes. After all, it was zoning
itself that started the nation on the way to sprawl in the first place,
ultimately leading to the wholesale destruction of compact, walkable (or
transit-friendly) American cities.
Zoning forcefully reduces the number of people allowed to occupy a given parcel
of land by introducing minimum lot sizes and adding setback requirements. Look
at pre-zoning downtown Richmond, Alexandria, and other Main Street towns across
Virginia: houses close together, businesses downstairs from living quarters in
a lot of places, and so on. It is no coincidence that *private* bus and
trolley services in those areas were once profitable to operate and popular
with citizens. Land was used sparingly and as many people as possible were
packed onto each acre.
The second wave that completed the destruction of compact & efficient cities is
free roads and the property-rights violating abuse of eminent domain that
enables them to be built. Free roads are nothing more than a subsidy - because
in effect they "pay" people to move into the countryside. As the government
built larger and larger roads, culminating with the modern interstates, more
people found it easier and easier to move to the country. So they did. And of
course zoners now whine that more people are taking advantage of the subsidized
country living.
Zoning is a relic of the command-and-control ideology of the socialist era.
Americans deserve better. Libertarians call for a wholesale restoration of
the right of individuals to use and improve their own honestly-acquired
property. Repair the destruction of rights perpetrated by zoning -- by
repealing anything that remotely resembles it. Those who wish to control
property belonging to others should do so the honest way: buy it, or pay owners
to insert restrictive covenants into their deeds.
In short, Libertarians would repeal taxes and regulations that interfere with
private property rights. Putting an end to zoning regulations and taxation of
property would restore the right of people to peacably enjoy their own
honestly-acquired property in any manner they wish, so long as they don't
violate the identical rights of others.
Remember, if you try to take, or control, someone else's property using
government power, don't be surprised when it's turned around and used on you.
================================================
7. ATF Says: "The Constitution Doesn't Matter, Moron!"
================================================
http://www.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2009/07/18/the-battle-begins-atf-vs-the-constitution/
=======================================
8. Next SCC Meeting: Sunday, October 25th, 2009
================================================
The next meeting of the state committee will occur on Sunday, October 25, 2009
at 12:00 pm, with an 11:00 am lunch preceding.
October 4th is backup date, depending on the availability of a couple of SCC
members who may have scheduling conflicts with the later date. As soon as
those scheduling uncertainties are resolved, the date will be finalized.
The meeting will be at:
Pronto Italian Bistro & Pizzeria
5625 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23230-2614
(804) 288-8300?
Directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=prontos+pizza+west+broad+st+richmond+va&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&latlng=11217045210820111340
The manager is from Palermo Italy, so those who like Italian food should be
pleased -- this is the real thing. Of course they have other American fare
available as well. PLEASE Remember -- if we don't purchase meals, we won't be
able to continue meeting in the private sector. Please buy a meal from the
restaurant SO THAT THEY CAN AFFORD TO KEEP GIVING US A FREE MEETING ROOM.
Minutes of previous meetings are posted at:
http://www.LPVA.com/Archives/SCCMinutes/Minutes.php
Bring your appetite, your ideas, be ready to roll up your sleeves, and help us
win a free country!
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE SCC TO ATTEND!! In fact, we encourage
all Libertarian Party members to attend, as we are always interested in ideas
and **especially** new volunteers to help with ongoing projects. If you're not
e current member, you are free to join or rejoin at the meeting.
ALSO NOTE: We are currently seeking one or more volunteers for the newsletter,
including selecting a new editor. If you are interested in the job, please
attend! Bring your resume and a sample or two of your desktop-publishing work.
================================================
9. The "Government Behaving Badly" Files: Bureaucrat of the Week
================================================
"Exposing misbehaving government employees (but I repeat myself...) with the
harsh glare of ridicule since June 2009!"
This issue's "winner" is officer McCloskey and his enablers in the Richmond
Police Department. Check out the comments for some pretty good summarizing of
the case:
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/crime/article/COPS29_20090728-222607/282753/
Seen any government employees facing justice for crimes committed while on-duty
lately? Let us know about it! Send announcements and news to <[email protected]>
or <mailto:[email protected]?subject=criminal_bureaucrats> !
================================================
10. THE LIGHTER SIDE: Political Quips
================================================
A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its
shoes. -- Mark Twain
Now and then an innocent man is sent to the legislature. -- Kin Hubbard
When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be
bought and sold are legislators. -- PJ O'Rourke
================================================
11. QUOTABLE QUOTES
================================================
If you want to be free, there is but one way; it is to guarantee an equally
full measure of liberty to all your neighbors. There is no other. -- Carl Shurz
================================================
12. FEATURED VIDEOS: Yet Another Outrage in DC ...
================================================
... but that's just plain repetitive, isn't it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNoBLa7lhXY
Subject: BREAKING: Armored SWAT team confronts YAL
From: "YAL" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Date: Sun, 2 Aug 2009 18:04:39 -0400
I'm sitting in the back of the classroom on the final day of the YAL National
Convention, and I couldn't wait any longer to get this YouTube video out to
you. Yesterday, YAL Events Director, Trevor Leach, and our top youth activists
demonstrated on the Washington, DC, National Mall to collect petitions in
opposition of Obama's government takeover of health-care.
It wasn't long until a SWAT team in an armored truck threatened Trevor and our
youth activists declaring, "There are two options. Disassemble and leave. Or
y'all are going to jail."
"You don't have free speech," the sergeant told Trevor. Fortunately, our youth
activists video taped the entire confrontation and stayed up all night to
produce this video footage. Be prepared to be shocked, appalled, and a little
angry at the actions of our public servants who swore to uphold the U.S.
Constitution. After you watch this video, please do me a favor. Go to
https://www.yaliberty.org/contribute and donate generously to support these
youth activists and advance their continuous efforts.
It is important to me to get this video in your hands immediately. I'll send a
full update on the first-ever YAL National Convention later this week.
Let me say, this weekend has impacted these students in a very large way.
For liberty,
Jeff Frazee
Executive Director, YAL
================================================
13. Calendar
================================================
------------------------------------
September 24 - October 4, 2009
LPVA Outreach Booth at Virginia State Fair
The Meadow, Caroline Co.
------------------------------------
November 3, 2009
General Elections
Remember to Vote,
and Vote Libertarian!
------------------------------------
December 2009 - February 2010 -
congressional district committee conventions
- consider formal endorsements of candidates
for 2010 election
- elect LP congressional district officers (chair, etc).
------------------------------------
Jan 29-31, 2010
Annual meeting of LP activists from every state
See: http://StateChairsConference.org/about
Also sit in on the Libertarian National Committee,
the Bylaws and Platform committees.
Location will be Austin, registration information
to follow in future newsletters
------------------------------------
March or April, 2010
LPVA State Convention
Exact location & Date TBA.
------------------------------------
May 4, 2010
Municipal Elections
Remember to Vote,
and Vote Libertarian!
------------------------------------
May 28 - May 31, 2010
LP National Convention
Renaissance St. Louis Grand and Suites Hotel, in Missouri.
------------------------------------
================================================
14. Deep Thoughts
================================================
Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you; but
when you take him for a ride in a car, he sticks his head out the window and
puts his nose into the wind?
================================================
|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|
Old Dominion Liberty Letter Issue #21
|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|
================================================
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share
Alike 3.0 United States License by Marc Montoni.
================================================
Publishing Schedule: Weekly - But it depends on YOU!
Publisher: LPVA Communications Committee
Editor: Marc Montoni
Distribution: 500 + readers, via LPVA-Announce
================================================
Sign up for the latest news from The Libertarian
Party of Virginia:
http://www.LPVA.com/html/EmailLists.asp
================================================
Got a news tip? Click: <mailto:[email protected]?subject=vlw>
Allow me to emphasize this: We prefer Virginia news
to news you can get elsewhere. If you have a good
liberty-oriented story centered in Virginia, please
alert us to it.
================================================
WHAT'S GOING ON where you live? Make sure all
Virginia Libertarians are informed of your
activities. Send announcements and news to
<[email protected]> or <mailto:[email protected]?subject=vlw>
================================================
JOIN THE PARTY - Never been a member of the
Libertarian Party of Virginia? There's no time
like NOW to become a member of Virginia's third
largest political party.
http://Membership.LPVA.com
================================================
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP - Have you been a member in
the past, but for one reason or another chosen not
to renew? Renew today and resume the fight for
Liberty!
http://Membership.LPVA.com
================================================
BEGIN YOUR PLEDGE - Are you ready to make the
ultimate commitment? Join the LPVirginia Pledge
Program and help us promote our Libertarian
ideas to all your friends and neighbors!
http://Contribute.LPVA.com
================================================
NOTES: This newsletter will be migrated to a CMS with an RSS feed (which our
webmaster has been very generous in setting up!) sometime soon. This version
is primarily to guage interest. If you want it to continue, then participate!
#############################################################
Have an announcement you'd like to post? SCC members & many
committee heads are all authorized to post; or you may send
your announcements to the List Master:
<mailto:[email protected]?subject=announcement>.
##################################################
Unsubscribe: Send an email to [email protected] with
no subject and "Unsubscribe Announce" as the text.
#############################################################
Libertarian Party of Virginia
http://www.LPVA.com
Phone: 703-715-6230
