================================================ |*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*| Old Dominion Liberty Letter Issue #35 |*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*| ================================================
In this issue: 1. NORFOLK NEWS: By All Means, Let's Not Teach Them Constitutional Rights! 2. LP NEWS: The Libertarian Party Improves Lives: The (Re)Birth of Informed Juries 3. KENYA NEWS: Kenyan Government Confiscating Guns 'The Right Way... This Time' 4. NATIONAL NEWS: The Food Police Are Coming 5. BOOK NEWS: Libertarianism, from A to Z (Hardcover), by Jeffrey Miron 6. VIRGINIA NEWS: Marijuana Reformers in Scottsville VA Election 7. LP NEWS: New National Committee Officers 8. VIRGINIA NEWS: So Why Are They Being Prosecuted, Then? 9. EXPLORING LIBERTY: The LP's "3.3 International Affairs" Plank 10. NATIONAL NEWS: LP Issue Bumper Stickers 11. VIRGINIA EVENTS 12. Libertarian Radio in Virginia ================================================ 1. NORFOLK NEWS: By All Means, Let's Not Teach Them Constitutional Rights! ================================================ "Two Norview High School teachers were placed on paid administrative leave this week after a parent complained that they distributed classroom materials that gave advice on how to deal with police if stopped. ... The materials - a one-page handout and a video distributed and aired in a 12th-grade government class - are sponsored by two organizations, one a nonprofit that supports legalization of marijuana and one that calls itself a 'decentralized anarchist collective.' ... The last paragraph of the flier, titled 'When Dealing with Police' states, 'Remember You have legal rights, but many police will not respect your rights. Be careful - Be Street Smart.' " http://hamptonroads.com/2010/05/two-norfolk-teachers-put-leave-over-material-about-police?page=1#comments With stories like these, it's hard to remember that Virginia isn't a banana-republic, third-world dictatorship like Maryland. ================================================ 2. LP NEWS: The Libertarian Party Improves Lives: The (Re)Birth of Informed Juries ================================================ Have you ever heard of the "Fully Informed Jury Association", or "FIJA"? FIJA arose due to discussions of jury rights among members of the Montana Libertarian Party (http://fija.org/about/history/ ). Since its formation, the Association has distributed hundreds of thousands of pamphlets educating people about their long-lost right to judge law as well as facts when they sit on a jury. The LP may be oblivious, but the the "freedom movement" is well aware of Julian's activities. Its all over Facebook, blogs, etc. To the LPPa's credit, Julian's recent Pennsylvania activities were spawned at the recent LPPa convention. ================================================ 3. KENYA NEWS: Kenyan Government Confiscating Guns 'The Right Way... This Time' ================================================ Read and weep: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=87450 Sounds to me like it's time for yankees to do what we were famous for since colonial times: Smuggle. If the government takes the citizen's guns, let's encourage our manufacturers to produce cheap throwaway guns by the millions and smuggle them past the border. Or just drop them, along with leaflets in the local language, en masse with little parachutes. Maybe a government that was interested in helping its people, rather than harassing them, could facilitate entrepreneurs in the honest (private) sector developing water resources profitably so that the tribes would not need to fight each other over it... Of course, it is usually government that causes shortages, and water rights in Kenya are no exception. ================================================ 4. NATIONAL NEWS: The Food Police Are Coming ================================================ RE: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/19/business/economy/19leonhardt.html "The argument for a soda tax is the same as the argument for a tax on tobacco, pollution or, for that matter, banks that take big, expensive risks. When an activity imposes costs on society, economists have long said that the activity should be taxed. Doing so accomplishes two goals: it discourages the activity, and it raises money to help pay societys costs." Well, by that logic, we should be taxing government employees into oblivion, because just about everything government does imposes enormous costs on society. The Food Police are on the warpath against sweetened soda drinks; and a mjaority of them think that real fruit juices are better. Thousands of drink machines in schools now vend only fruit juices as a result. Unfortunately, the Food Police generally choose to remain ignorant of the fact that fruit juices -- even natural, organic ones -- are just as bad, or worse, than sugary sodas. Here's a clue: look at the sugar content on the label of a fruit juice drink, and compare it to the sugar content in an identical-sized serving of non-diet soda. The only drink that has no deleterious effects (unless one drinks way, way, way too much of it), is WATER. Water is by far the most healthful drink. However, I wouldn't think of mandating that everyone else drink it. If the Food Police are so enamored of controlling, perhaps they could control their illegitimate desire for more laws to control others. What an individual chooses to ingest is the concern of that particular individual. ================================================ 5. BOOK NEWS: Libertarianism, from A to Z (Hardcover), by Jeffrey Miron ================================================ http://www.amazon.com/dp/0465019439/ref=cm_sw_su_dp >From reviewer John Scott: "Jeffrey Miron is Director of Undergraduate Studies >at Harvard's economics department. He's also an outspoken libertarian (see >http://www.amazon.com/Drug-War-Crimes-Consequences-Prohibition/dp/0945999909/ >). This book is not intended as a top-heavy (theoretical) exposition of >libertarianism. It's meant to introduce readers to the coherent fundamentals >of libertarian thought. Topics dealt with include everything from abortion >and taxpayer subsidized sports stadiums to the sale of human body parts and >global warming. I highly recommend this book, whether you're a libertarian or >not, and perhaps especially if you're not, because it provides a very clear, >unambiguous looking glass into the mind of the libertarian." ================================================ 6. VIRGINIA NEWS: Marijuana Reformers in Scottsville VA Election ================================================ As we reported last issue: "Several candidates for the May 4 election say they support the issue because it's a way to decriminalize marijuana and generate income for the government ... Scottsville town councilman Bebe Williams says if re-elected he'll seek a town resolution calling on the federal government to legalize marijuana ... Candidates Brandon Maupin and Ron Smith say the criminal element could be eliminated if marijuana was grown and sold under government control ... Write-in candidate Lisa Roberson says marijuana will eventually be legalized, so government officials need to decide now how to deal with the issue." The results of that race are now in. The Scottsville council had six open seats and eight candidates on the ballot. Daniel Gritsko and Lisa Roberson joined four incumbents on the council. ================================================ 7. LP NEWS: New National Committee Officers ================================================ As you probably know, the LP national convention is going on this weekend. As of this writing, the officer elections are complete. Check out the draft Minutes: http://www.lp.org/blogs/kyle/saturdays-convention-minutes http://www.independentpoliticalreport.com/category/libertarian-party/ ================================================ 8. VIRGINIA NEWS: So Why Are They Being Prosecuted, Then? ================================================ Pervs arrest Rocky Mount schoolkids for "Sexting": http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/05/20/5-Va-students-charged-with-sexting/UPI-94941274400444/ The Money Quote: "It's not clear what the consequences of the felony pornography charges might be but the chances of the students being convicted on the charges are as likely 'as the moon coming crashing down tomorrow,' Commonwealth Attorney Cliff Hapgood said." ================================================ 9. EXPLORING LIBERTY: The LP's "3.3 International Affairs" Plank ================================================ This issue, we bring you the Libertarian Party's platform position #3.3, "International Affairs", which reads: -------- American foreign policy should seek an America at peace with the world and its defense against attack from abroad. We would end the current U.S. government policy of foreign intervention, including military and economic aid. We recognize the right of all people to resist tyranny and defend themselves and their rights. We condemn the use of force, and especially the use of terrorism, against the innocent, regardless of whether such acts are committed by governments or by political or revolutionary groups. -------- ================================================ 10. NATIONAL NEWS: LP Issue Bumper Stickers ================================================ And now, a word from our sponsor: Wear the LP colors! Check out these bumper stickers: http://www.zazzle.com/immigration_is_also_called_moving_bumper_sticker-128096227542326068 http://www.zazzle.com/abolish_the_irs_vote_libertarian_bumper_sticker-128151456887305334 http://www.zazzle.com/repeal_prohibition_libertarian_party_sticker_bumper_sticker-128231895702692440 http://www.zazzle.com/abolish_the_fed_bumper_sticker-128034935072085282 How about a "Libertarian Precinct Captain" sign: http://cl.exct.net/?qs=60dd440acd057ed8274bd68a30fd9bb390791c8b8cf1435503819d525e340ec05bd645539a27a964 Or a "Repeal the Income Tax / Abolish the IRS" sign: http://cl.exct.net/?qs=60dd440acd057ed8274bd68a30fd9bb390791c8b8cf14355a536f38defdc0d72181e66827dc4f9e8 ================================================ 11. VIRGINIA EVENTS ================================================ To stay current on upcoming activities of Libertarians across the state, check out the Calendar: http://lpva.com/Calendar/events08.asp ================================================ 12. Libertarian Radio in Virginia ================================================ What's on your mind? Unlike those right-wing or left-liberal extremist shows, Free Talk Live is talk radio that ANYONE can take control of. Yes, even you. Free Talk Live is the next generation of issues oriented talk. What is the meaning of freedom? This show is about Liberty with a capital L. Check out some of the archives on the FTL Main Page http://freetalklive.com/ to get an idea of what this all means. FreeTalkLive ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Call Freq Band City Affiliate Live? Days Hours Sign Since On On ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WCHV 94.1 FM C'ville 2008-10-18 Yes Sat 7-10p ET WCHV 1260 AM C'ville 2008-10-18 Yes Sat 7-10p ET WSVG 790 AM Mt. Jackson 2008-08-23 Yes M-F Sat 8-10p 7-10p ET WTAR 850 AM Norfolk 2009-10-31 Yes Sat 7-10p ET ================================================ The editors of Old Dominion Liberty Letter are always seeking stories for our regular features: STATE NEWS: The "Government Behaving Badly" Files: This Issue's Criminal Bureaucrats VIRGINIA TASER TALLY: Something for the Police State to be proud of FEATURED LINK ================================================ ================================================ |*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*| Old Dominion Liberty Letter Issue #35 |*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*| ================================================ 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:o...@lpva.com?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 <o...@lpva.com> or <mailto:o...@lpva.com?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? 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