Along the same lines, I have posted at my blog today the following:
Should I Go To Convention?
This is a question that many Libertarians are probably asking
themselves about now. Shane Cory commented yesterday [on my blog at
http://www.SmallGov.org/] that if you don't like the Iraq Exit
Strategy, you should go to convention and do something about it.
My response to that is, "Why?" Both LNC and staff have proven that
they feel no moral, ethical, or fiduciary responsibility to obey the
will of the members at convention. One need only look at the easy way
they have contradicted the current platform.
I need to weigh the costs vs. the benefits. On the one hand, I could
take two vacation days off of work, spend $311 ($622 for two) on
airfare and five nights in a hotel ($445-single, $495-double, plus
taxes), and a convention package ($359 or $718 for two). Plus you need
additional pocket money for transportation to/from the airport, food
(if you buy a cheaper convention package, you will need more for
food), liquor, and probably you will want to buy a few things in the
vendor area count on $300 per person. That brings the grand total
for a couple to $2,435. If you are going to leave your spouse at home
and just go with a friend who will split expenses with you, you can do
it for half the price.
If you buy a cheaper package you can save a little more, but in any
case, unless you are local (or within driving distance), it will cost
you at least $1,000 to attend convention. For me, I am estimating the
cost to be $1,400 plus 2 vacation days (I get the fourth of July off
already).
For $1,400 I could vote on all kinds of things (including the
platform) at the national convention. And then I could come home and
watch the LNC and staff contradict everything we agreed to at
convention. That sounds like a waste to me.
Or, for $1,400 I could buy a new TV (for that much, it would be pretty
nice), or a new computer, or a variety of other gizmos. Or I could
donate the money to a Libertarian campaign, or invest it, or buy
something nice for somebody I love, or make a prepayment on my mortgage.
I've been to the last 5 national conventions, but this year, I think
I'll stay home.
Greg Dirasian
http://www.SmallGov.org/
--- In [email protected], "terry12622000" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> David I am ver glad you are and anyone in my state party who will do
> the same I will chip in to help pay their way.
> I got my first LP news this week since rejoining the party after
> 5 years, it looks like the national LP has a forum for discussing the
> platform and bylaws at lpconvention.org.
> If the LP News forum is any indication of the online forum it
> should be interesting. They tore Misteds arguments up in the paper
> forumn.--- In [email protected], "David Macko" <dmacko@>
> wrote:
> >
> > I plan to attend the National Convention, God willing,
> > and look forward to meeting anyone else from this list
> > who attends and working with everyone who does not
> > want the LP to be taken over by nonlibertarians.
> >
> > For life and liberty,
> > David Macko
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "terry12622000" <cottondrop@>
> > To: <[email protected]>
> > Sent: Friday, March 17, 2006 10:56 PM
> > Subject: [Libertarian] Re: The LP and Conventions
> >
> >
> > > Un cool Rabbit, not necessary, just because a person identifies a
> > > problem does not mean it is up to them to come up with a
> solution,
> > > there is at least 30,000 other members, many probally have
> various
> > > alternative that just may work better than the present system.
> > > Indentifying the problem is just a first step, discussing if it
> is a
> > > problem and discussing various alternatives are the next steps.
> For
> > > now I guess the present system will have do unless some can't
> wait
> > > and wish to strike out on their on, for at least thiis year
> > > Libertarians who can and are going to attend the Convention have
> got
> > > business to take care of, not to let the party be taken over by
> > > nonlibertarians.--- In
> [email protected], "uncoolrabbit"
> > > <uncoolrabbit@> wrote:
> > >>
> > >> Just a note, when you suggest doing away with something, it is
> only
> > >> fair, and only credible, to give an alternative. What is your
> > >> automotive to replace this proverbial buggy?
> > >>
> > >> The missing alternative condems the thread to be off this topic,
> > >> only slightley till the alternative apears. As we can see from
> > >> reading the thread, it has shifted to Paul venting frustrations
> > > with
> > >> California's venue, and David aparently defending his personal
> > >> virtue as a past deligate.
> > >>
> > >> I would love to comment on your threads intent, if only there
> was
> > >> something to comment on.
> > >>
> > >> --- In [email protected], cottondrop@ wrote:
> > >> >
> > >> > Ok, From what I understand the major decesions of the party is
> > >> made at state
> > >> > and the national conventions. What is the membership of the
> LP,
> > >> maybe 35,000
> > >> > to 40,000, how many attend the conventions, maybe 5%, maybe
> > >> 10%?
> > >> >
> > >> > There are some things best not to modernize, the jury
> > >> system, the
> > >> > Constitution but doesn't making major decesions by a few
> > > attending
> > >> Conventions
> > >> > belong to the horse and buggy
> > >> days?
> >
>
ForumWebSiteAt http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Libertarian
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Libertarian/
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
