Christmas Day attack

1. The passengers and crew of a plane bear the ultimate responsibility for the safety of an aircraft. When you are in a sealed container miles above the ground, and somebody is trying to blow up the plane or stab the pilot to death, don't sit around and wait for help to arrive.
2. You have to give the current system at least partial credit for saving the lives of the people on the plane. The use of metal detectors at airports means that would be bombers are prevented from using bombs with metallic content. That means that they can't use switches, wires, shrapnel, or blasting caps. Which in turn means they are forced to awkwardly light a fuse while surround by nosy passengers.
3. Al Qaeda appears to be playing a game in which each attack means that passengers must endure more indignity. After 9/11, you had to throw out your nail clippers. After the Shoe Bomber, you had to start taking off your shoes. Now they are talking about using body scanners. How long before passengers are required to undergo a colonoscopy?
4. I propose an experiment. Let's have a experimental group of flights in which security procedures are changed with every new attack, and a control group of flights in which procedures stay the same. My hypothesis is that the control group will be more popular for passengers, and that the experimental group would have more terrorist incidents. Terrorists like it when their $50 bomb causes us to spend $10 million more on equipment. Also, I'm guessing that squeamish people make more attractive targets.
5. It's important to keep the hazard in perspective. The reason why terrorists attack airplanes is because it gets more headlines than other forms of carnage. People will remember a failed airplane bombing longer than a successful mass shooting.

The state sales tax

This time of year, people are shopping gifts both online and in brick and mortar stores. Both have their own appeals. Some people seem to like the crowds or at least tolerate them well. Cell phones certainly make waiting in line more bearable, and I would guess that some people multitask their Christmas shopping while stuck in a slow-moving queue.

Online retailers do have one highly unfair advantage. Indiana's 7% sales tax applies to purchases made in stores, so the tax is automatically added to the price you pay at the cash register. When you buy something online while in Indiana, you are supposed to report that on your IT-40. Human nature being what it is, you can bet that many people either forget or refuse to add up everything they bought online in a year. But order to ensure compliance with this law, the state would have to subpoena financial records such as your credit card statement.

So retailers who choose to locate in our great state are at a 7% disadvantage to retailers who locate elsewhere. The state would be wise to find other sources of revenue.

Yes, I report my online purchases and pay the tax. I pretty much have to, since blogging about this matter might put me on the Indiana Department of Revenue's radar. I don't want to be the test case, nor do I think any judge is going to allow the "everybody does it" defense for tax evasion.

When the shoe is on the other foot

Conventional wisdom says that a future GOP president and/or Congress would not dare repeal any healthcare reform that is passed this year. Conventional wisdom is probably right, assuming that there will be another Republican POTUS.

A skilled politician uses the status quo to his advantage. Any new law that increases government healthcare costs would create what could be considered by some to be a compelling state interest in anything that affects our health. That's already the case with tobacco; the taxes you pay on cigarettes at age 20 are supposed to pay for the oxygen tank that you'll need at age 70, when you're covered by Medicare.

Hypothetically, what if everyone were covered by Medicare? The federal government would have to provide Zithromax for everyone who needed it for an infection related to nocturnal activities. An outbreak of infections could give an GOP-controlled CDC the pretext to close nightclubs. Lawrence v. Texas could be overturned.

You want funding for abortion? You'll be lucky if it's allowed at all. Experts might disagree on whether or not abortion causes breast cancer, but don't doubt the potential for someone to manufacture the evidence. They'll say "If you're not allowed to smoke in a hospital, why should you be allowed to have an abortion in a hospital that gets federal funding?"

Ever hear a parent say "You have to follow my rules until you can pay your own bills"? Imagine what it will be like when you are prohibited from paying your bills.

Hypothetical "Tea Party" leads GOP in new poll

According to a new poll, a hypothetical Tea Party candidate would receive more support than a GOP candidate. Who's the third party now?

It would take too long a new political party from scratch by the next election. I don't think that the GOP can be reformed in time if at all. Those options would be like choosing between a old, rat-infested mansion that has seen better days and a vacant lot. Fiscal conservatives should choose the Libertarian Party as their new home. At least we have the framework up.

An disturbing quote

I hope that there aren't very many people who share this woman's attitude:

"Had Barack had a white wife, I would have thought twice about voting for him," Johnson Cooper said.

I found it in this article. Frankly, I'm curious about her voting habits. Does she abstain from voting in races in which all the candidates have Caucasian spouses?

Afghanistan and Iraq: An observation

In 2001, the US demanded that the Taliban hand over Osama bin Laden. Had they complied, we would not be at war with them and they would be in control of Afghanistan.

In 2003, the US demanded that Saddam Hussein allow UN weapons inspectors to search for WMD's. If he had complied, he would still be alive and in power.

Both the Taliban and the late Saddam Hussein are worse off as a result of their defiance. A skilled politician could argue that our military has succeeded in dealing out retribution to our enemies and it is time to bring our boys and girls home.

The profit motive in healthcare

If the people behind "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" are allowed to make a profit off of their product, then Eli Lily should be allowed to make a profit from its products as well.

Raising the national debt level

This is starting to seem more and more like a formality. Why does Congress bother with a debt limit at all if they just raise it any time they get close to exceeding that limit? The real limit on debt is the limit on how much bonds people are willing to buy before they start wondering how they'll be paid back. There's been talk of simply canceling the debt; if the federal government can screw over GM bondholders then there is nothing to step it from screwing over its own bondholders. But I think that the more likely scenario is hyperinflation. That's probably why it's still hard to get a loan...

A petition

A good friend of mine asked me to post this on his behalf.


From: Indiana Allen County Residents
To: Indiana Supreme Court
315 Indiana State House
Indianapolis, IN 46204
CC: Allen, Noble, Huntington, Whitley, DeKalb County courts
Media outlets
Petition to Reject Proposed Allen County Local Rule LR02-TR 79-01
We undersigned Allen County residents are respectfully petitioning the Indiana Supreme Court to review our objections to proposed JOINT LOCAL RULE OF THE ALLEN CIRCUIT AND SUPERIOR COURTS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL JUDGES. If Supreme Court finds our objections found reasonable, we petition the Supreme Court to reject the proposed Allen County local rule LR02-TR 79-01 and leave existing local rule LR02-AR00-1 as is.

The existing Allen County local rule (LR02-AR00-1) stipulates the naming of a panel from which a special judge to be selected randomly from judges of Allen County and judges of four neighboring counties, Nobel, Huntington, Whitley, and DeKalb.

The proposed modified rule (LR02-TR 79-01) however excludes judges from four neighboring counties, Noble, Huntington, Whitley, and DeKalb from being appointed to a panel. Some sort of alphabetical selection in naming a panel in proposed rule replaces a random selection in existing rule. The new rule in our reading diminishes unnecessary chances that a judge from Allen Circuit Court be named in a panel compared to Allen Superior Court judges.

In support for our objections we provide the following reasons:

1. We believe the process is better served if proposed judicial rule be reasoned, discussed and a reasonable public consent sought. A period of 35 days provided for public comments (March 16th – April 20th 2009) has been far too short, especially compared to much longer time allocated for the judicial review and approval (April 21st – December 31st 2009).
2. We believe the underutilized courts of four neighboring Northeast Indiana counties can allocate more time to cases. Allen County courts are overloaded with cases, and the waiting period for a hearing can be very long. The interval between hearings can be long as well. In order to expedite hearings, it would be best to leave the existing rule and reject the new rule.


Respectfully, Allen County residents:

It shall not pass?

The healthcare bill passed by the House on Saturday might not pass the Senate. Some of you might wonder why would the House rushed on a bill that might not pass at all. The best answer that I can give you is that politics is fueled by drama, not reality.

This bill would have increased the government's financial obligations at a time when the national debt is over $12 trillion. It would have placed an additional burden on employers at a time when unemployment is over %10. The bill even prescribes jail time for those who fail to obtain health insurance. Imagine: Free healthcare, free food, and free orange jumpsuits for those who are less fortunate.

Veteran's wife allowed to stay in the US

There are times when the humane thing to do runs counter to the letter of the law. In these cases the government has the discretion to let the matter slide. In the following example, the government did the right thing.

Frances Barrios did not ask to be born in Guatemala, and she cannot be held responsible for being brought here at the age of six. She grew up in this country, married a American soldier, and bore him two children. In spite of her illegal status, she is being allowed to stay.

Split Pea Soup: Examples of Entrepreneurial Spirit abounds at the Pontiac Mall this holiday season.

As most of my really close friends are aware I am in the process of moving from the north end of the City by Glenbrook Mall to the southwest side of town. Between the adventure of getting the house ready to move into (putting visquinne on the windows, getting utilities turned on), meeting my crazy neighbors, and getting to know the neighborhood I will now reside in, I found something really cool to tell you all about.

Three days ago I found myself in the throws of my stomach revolting against the idea of going another a hour without food, it was really warm that day so I had burned through my breakfast relatively quickly with everything going on, plus being hypoglycemic trying to stave off a protein deficiency and a sugar crash at the same time means only one option, milk product (milk has equal parts, protein and sugar, instant fix) and rest then food; cigarettes and nicotine and string cheese can only get you so far. So I went looking for a diner or cafe; I knew there had to be one somewhere. Somewhere down Pontiac Street there had to be a classic hole in the wall diner, some place with inexpensive, good quality, old soul style, food, (or as we use to call it, grubbins); the free market, my wallet, demanded nothing else. I wondered aimlessly across Pontiac looking for said restaurant, I wanted a real restaurant something with character and community fried into its pores.

After turning around one time to check back at the Pontiac Mall I happened across a sign at the very bottom that I didnt see the first time I passed thanks to a light pole and a bus blocking the sign from view at 30 mph. I park and walk in only to find a sign that said the cafe was only open from 11a-1p. Completely disheartened and my blood sugar levels close to crashing, I went into the convience store to grab a soda as a last ditch effort to give me a quick boost until I could find dinner, only to find out that the restaurant is open and the entrance is on the west-south-west (right of the main entrance) side of the building. I will be okay, yeah!

I went in and standing behind the service window of Mattie Mae's Cafe is a short and stocky middle age woman with a cheerful grin and a mild roar greeting me saying "how is you doing?" and "what will you have?" her name is Marnetta. Marnetta named the Cafe after her Aunt, there are several pictures of her in the Cafe. I would recommend that you try the signature Mattie Burger Combo which consist of a seasoned 1/4 lbs (after cooking) of meat cheese and the works including mayo, with a side of seasoned fries, and a can of Big K Soda (additional sodas are by the can at 50 cents each) for about 5.00. The other menu I can recommend is the Nachos both of these will fill anyone up easily. Mattie Mae's is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8a-7p and is located at the Pontiac Mall 1108 East Pontiac across from the Whitney Young Early Childhood Center.

The reason I am telling you all of this is because of what I found while I was there. At the service window on the counter they had a contest, for a dollar you got to guess how much candy was in this 2 pound container, if you won you got a free meal on the house. The donations from the game are going to put on a Thanksgiving dinner for the area homeless and hungry and the whole mall is participating and hosting the venture of service to those in need. So my request to each of you that read this blog is that if you like good food, and you want to spread the ideas of libertarian philosophy around, and support group of businesses that are reaching out to serve the community they are in, spend a dollar, take a guess, and then stay for dinner. At Mattie Mae's a family of four can still eat for less than a quarter of a buck (that is $25) in the Summit City and it doesnt have to be fast food.

Think about it and then do something about it!

LPIN State Chair Meat & Greet This Saturday From 5-8pm

YOU!, yes, you!, have the opportunity to meet and talk with Sam Goldstein the Chair of the Libertarian Party of Indiana at the residence of Hillary and Jack Evans at 4205 North Washington Road (map, between Taylor and Ardmore Avenue, southeast of Jefferson Boulevard, beside Noll Park) from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday the 7th of November 2009.

The case against rail

The case against using rail for public transportation is being made in Philadelphia.Workers may have a right to strike, but employers have a right to replace them. It is much easier to replace striking bus drivers than rail workers, because more people have the former skill.

Doug Horner's Libertarians @ Large has a new 3 minute bumper advert running on Public Access

As most of our regular readers are aware Doug Horner hosts Libertarians @ Large a live call in show on the third Thursday of every month from 7-8 p.m. on Comcast 57 and Verizon 27. Here is the new bumper advert that Otto Boschet with Public Access put together from a clip of the September show which included Dan Drexler (center) Vice Chair for the LP of Indiana and Scott Wise (right) of Whitley County one of the contenders for the Libertarian Party's nomination for the United States Congressional Third District of Indiana in May of 2010 during the State Party's Annual Convention. The following clip was taken from a segment regarding the full ramifications of war and peace and how we as Americans have lost site of the true cost of those wars we fight in far away lands.

Libertarian Party TV show. from Otto Andrew on Vimeo

MY THOUGHTS: Freedom isnt free but We The People cant ignore the fight 4 liberty neither or forget the sacrifice so many have offered in our place. Well said Dougie!

Thought of the day

An economic recovery without jobs is like sex without an orgasm. It just isn't worth crowing about. And it makes you wonder if paying for TARP or dinner was such a good idea.

How Obama can earn his Peace Prize: Part 2 of 3

One way that Obama might reduce the amount of violence in the world is leave the matter of drug enforcement up to the states. He has already promised that people who comply with state law won't be prosecuted for drug possession by the federal government. I applaud him for this, but I wish he would apply this principle on all matters pertaining to drugs. If every state were allowed to set their own drug policies, it could go a long way towards reducing the amount of violence stemming from the drug trade.

Even if you think that someone using marijuana across town impacts your quality of life, you should support this idea. Indiana is not going to allow pot use in the foreseeable future. But if another state decriminalizes it, many undesirable potheads will leave this state.

Indeed, a substantial portion of the violence in Afghanistan is due to the opium trade. I propose that Obama allow the allegedly sovereign nation to establish and enforce its own drug policies. Our troops are there to fight terrorists. Their poppy is their problem.

LPAC EVENTS THIS WEEK

Members, Friends, and fellow Officers,

This week is going to be very busy for the Officers as both Doug and
myself are going to be participating as panelist at two different
college study seminar events on Monday and Wednesday respectively, in
addition to Robert having his second meeting Tuesday afternoon with
the Vote Center Steering Committee, plus our monthly meeting on Tuesday
evening. Below are the details to the study seminars and the monthly
meeting events in order.

Another bit of interesting news, if you have not heard already, the
trifold brochures are here. There will be small packets of them
available for members to pick up and pass around at their convenience.
We are still awaiting approval from the Allen Co. Library to put some
at each location (17 sites total). We have had positive contact with
several universities and colleges and those will be distributed
shortly also. If you would like a small stack to put at your business call
any of the Officers and one of us will deliver them to you.

EVENTS CALENDAR (in order by date)

Forum Panelist: "The Paradox Of Affluence In Politics"
Monday, 19th of October, 2009 from 6 PM - 8 PM
Room 222-226 WALB Student Union @ IPFW.
IVY TECH's Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society Forum
Panelist: MRev. Kenneth White, Jnr., LPAC Secretary

Monthly Business Meeting
Tuesday, 20th of October, 2009 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Meeting Room C (1st floor use Webster St. entrance and veer left) *CHANGED ROOM,
Allen County Public Library Main Branch
Washington Boulevard between Webster and Ewing Streets
There will be no guest speaker this will be a planning session.

Forum Panelist: Sociology Awareness Week "Sicko By Michael Moore"
Wednesday, 21st of October, 2009 from 4:30PM -7:30PM
Room 101 Neff Recital Hall @ IPFW.
IPFW's Sociological Student Association
Panelist: Doug Horner, LPAC Vice Chair

THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT BUSINESS MEETING

20th October 2009

A. Call Meeting To Order

B. Minutes from the last meeting read and approve

C. Treasurers Report

D. Vote Centers Report - Chair

E. Brochures are here - Vice Chair or Secretary

F. 3rd District/State News - 3rd District Rep/Vice Chair

G. Yard Sale Final Report - Secretary and Vice Chair - Fundraising Committee

H. Post Office Box?

I. (Break 10 minutes)

J. Discussion Topics (15 minutes each)
a. Election Contest in 2010 and 2011 We Know About
b. Set up committee to draw up budget and fundraiser for office

K. Review Calendar for rest of year.

L. Open Floor if time permits for questions

OTHER NOTES OF INTEREST:

We had eight new people join us at last months meeting when Ron
Heilman and his friend gave the presentation on the Fair Tax we thank
them for coming and ask them to consider participating further with us
please.

We would also like to thank Otto Boschet for video taping the Fair Tax
presentation for us and for the new commercial he put together for,
Doug Horner's Libertarians At Large, a monthly call in show on Public
Access Verizon 27 and Comcast 57 on the third Thursday of every month
from 7-8PM.

Jeannette Jaquish, our former Vice Chair, and her son also contributed
her many talents and time to video production of the LPIN's So You
Think You Want To Run For Office? Candidate Training Seminar on the
10th. This will save the State Party and County Affiliates tons of
money in both resources and manpower in the future for holding these
events.

LPAC has a FACEBOOK page also, check it out.

We hope to see as many of you on Tuesday evening as possible and we
would like to ask any of our members whom havent been to a meeting in
a while to come and contribute to the conversation. I am working on a
new mailing system so please anticipate future announcements to come
from a generic email address. If you wish to update your email and any
other contact information, doing so at this meeting will be of great
assistance.

Celebrate Freedom By Stroking The Embers Of Liberty's Light!

+Kenneth

MRev. Kenneth R. M. White, Jnr.,
260-312-2200
Secretary, Libertarian Party of Allen County
@ allencountylp.org or allencountylp.blogspot.com
Protect Your Rights! Vote!

How Obama can earn his Peace Prize: Part 1 of 3

The draft is obsolete. It has as much military value as a smoothbore cannon or a Sopwith Camel. Like an antique musket it is maintained more to preserve the past than to prepare for the future. Ending Selective Service could be an important symbolic and cost saving gesture.

Curiously, over this past decade many hawks and doves alike have pushed for a revival of the draft. Pro-draft hawks believe that the draft will improve combat effectiveness. Pro-draft doves believe that it will make Congress and ordinary citizens alike think twice before supporting a war. I’ll address the hawk argument first.

Our modern military has become increasingly specialized. Current doctrine stresses quality over quantity. This is why the Army turned down many applicants even when it wasn’t meeting recruiting goals. (It’s meeting those goals now, though that may be due to the recession.) There are many qualifications for being in the military, and I would argue that the most important one is that the recruit has to believe in what he is fighting for. Forcing people who are opposed to the war into the military creates a huge security risk. It would be like putting a PETA member to work in a laboratory that tests medicine on animals.

Some people think that a peacetime draft would deter members of Congress from voting in favor of the next war or global contingency operation. But any politician cynical enough to send your kid but not his own can simply pull the strings to keep his offspring in the rear.

I’ve even heard people say that everyone has an obligation to serve in the military. National defense may be an important field, but so is agriculture and healthcare. I’ve never heard anyone insist that I am obligated to work as a farmer or a nurse.

If President Obama gets rid of Selective Service, it would set an example. If other nations follow this example, it will significantly reduce future conflicts.

Libertarians At Large Tonight 7-8 PM. Tune In, Call Up, Get Involved!

Libertarians At Large airs on channels Comcast 57 and Verizon 27, from 7-8 p.m., every third Thursday of the month. Tune in tonight as Doug Horner's guest this month will be Libertarian, John Schick from Porter County, our State Party's Secretary. Call in to ask questions or just let us know you are listening. Please contribute to the conversation.

The Libertarian Party of Allen County would like to thank Access Fort Wayne and the Allen County Public Library for providing us these opportunities to serve the public and promote the discussion at all levels of government about what is best for the future of of our communities, state, and nation.

Comic about Obama's Nobel Prize

Enjoy.

Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize

This is like being named valedictorian during your freshman year. There is a thing called hope, and a thing called results. This is the first time that I can think of that someone awarded a prize for the former.

For that matter, I don't think that a group of Norwegians have the final say on who has contributed the most to peace. There really should be other committees that award their own peace prizes.

Gerrymandering

There has been a lot of talk about prohibiting the redrawing of districts based on partisan voting patterns. Even if such a law were passed, how would you prove that someone violated it?

CITIZEN: Did you redraw the districts to help your own party?
POLITICIAN: Of course not! I merely wanted to ensure that each district had a proportionate number of (blue collar workers, farmers, middle class homeowners, minorities, or any demographic group that just happens to vote a certain way.)

So if the state legislature really, truly wants to prevent gerrymandering, then it should adopt guidelines that would make the practice harder. For example, the boundaries of a district should not snake in and out of residential neighborhoods. Whenever possible, cities should be divided into as few state rep and senate districts as possible. With every state rep district containing about 61,000 residents and every state senate district containing 122,000 residents, Fort Wayne's urban population would be better represented by 4 state reps and 2 state senators who represent only Fort Wayne and not surrounding rural areas. Four percent of Hoosiers live in Fort Wayne, so it should naturally follow that 4% of the General Assembly be from this city.

Recent road collapse causes speculation on origin and prevention but also leads me to call out and question local broadcast stations

Monday evening the road collapsed on US Highway 27 northbound, south of State Boulevard, just before the Kroger Fueling Station. This incident caused major headaches as the road in question is a primary route through town and the lights are timed at 28-32 miles per hour to make traffic flow smoothly, typically a twenty minute trip one way. According to an interview given to Stephen Parker @ Around Fort Wayne by Rachel Blakeman, a former blogger, and current Public Information Officer for the City, they checked all possible causes and their working position now is that a water main break ten years ago caused the soil to move or become settled and therefore caused the road pavement to buckle under and take the City on a wonderfully (35 miles per hour, across a 12 inch dip in the road, on a curve, at night) fun ride. The City hopes to have the road repaired, at a cost of 26 thousand dollars (INC 23 September 2009), by Friday, weather permitting. The only question left to ask now is, Does the City need to go back and check the sites of all other previous water main breaks to prevent this from happening yet again?

My Problem With Local Broadcast Media

This incident was responded to promptly so I wont critique the City on interdepartmental communication this time but I will critique the local broadcast media establishments for not broadcasting the traffic alert at the bottom and top of the hours as the incident unfolded and progressed. Most of the radio stations that I tuned into were on national syndication at the time with no one answering phones or able to announce the obstruction to traffic on the air. Maybe we need to take stock in what we want from local radio? I am not saying that national shows and prerecorded programs are a bad thing, but when there is no one present to put out the traffic advisory for such a major road closing, or receive up to date information from average citizens at the event's occurrence, we begin to see another issue at play. What does that say about the intention of these people we entrust with our airwaves?

That is right, our airwaves! Publicly owned airwaves!

This isn't an issue of local only it is an issue of local at all. Most radio stations rely on the prepackaged or syndicated programs to fill time and just milk the advertising dollars from such programs. I miss the days of long term, local hired, Disc Jockeys (excuse me, Personalities) whom actually get involved in the Community they serve and do more than slut out the top 40 list every couple of hours, we need more indie and local music.

We need independent stations that aren't owned by conglomerates in the same market. We need to celebrate the arts and music but also receive our news and commentary from many different sources rather than allowing one or two stations to provide every comment or thought from a biased, small minded, position of assumed public trust. We need to start having public conversations again on air and actually invite the best people to the airwaves not just the ones who have the loudest mouths or the most clout in the industry or social landscape.

Allen County needs its own radio station that celebrates the people, arts and music, cultures, reports the news, and offers a balance of commentary on everything. My only question, Whom is willing to start providing and maintaining a truly free press for everyone to participate in? Are You?

EDITOR'S NOTE: THIS POST IS CROSS POSTED ON MY PERSONAL BLOG WITH PICS & COMMENTS.

LPIN Hosting Do You Think You Wanna Run For Office Workshop

The Libertarian Party of Indiana is hosting a free Saturday Seminar entitled Run! A Candidate Training Seminar on Saturday the 10th of October from 11am-3pm at The Market Square Center's 7th Floor Conference Room 151 N. Delaware Street in Indianapolis. Please RSVP to Chris Spangle (LPIN Executive Director) via email (lpinhq@lpin.org) before the 9th of October. If they run out of space, there is a good chance we will hold this a second time. Topics will include: Beginning the Race, Maintaining Effective Messages and Responses With The Public, Volunteer Staff Management, Funding, Announcing Candidacy, Avoiding the Penalties, and a Finish with Finesse. We'll also have time for basic Q & A, help with paper work, and have a photographer for head shots! If you aren't able to attend, we'd still love to know if you're interested in running. Please fill out this form so we can contact you!

LPAC BUSINESS MEETING IS MONDAY

The Next Business Meeting of the Libertarian Party of Allen County is on Monday the 21st of September 2009 from 6:45-8:15 pm in Meeting Room B at Main Branch of the Allen County Public Library. Please enter off the Webster Street entrance and proceed to the left for easiest access to the meeting rooms. Our Guest Speaker for the evening will be Ronald Heilman of Hoosiers for Fair Tax there will be a presentation @ 7:10 pm followed by a question and answer session. We will be providing Pizza from Little Caesars, and a small assortment of Pepsi
products. We request a small donation to help to cover food costs.

AGENDA FOR BUSINESS MEETING

A. Call Meeting To Order

B. Minutes from the last meeting read and approve

C. Treasurers Report

D. Vote Centers Report - Chair

E. Brochure Funds - Vice Chair

F. 3rd District/State News - 3rd District Rep/Vice Chair

G. Yard Sale Review - Secretary and Vice Chair - Fundraising Committee

H. Post Office Box Yes or No?

I. Guest Speaker Ron Heilman Hoosiers 4 Fair Tax
presentation and question and answer session

OTHER NOTES:

LPAC has a facebook page also!

I am working on a new mailing system so please anticipate future announcements to come from a generic email address plus this blog, facebook, and the website. If you wish to update your email and any other contact information, doing so at this meeting will be of great assistance.

Celebrate Liberty! Fan the Fires of Freedom.

+Kenneth White, Jnr.
LPAC, Secretary

You might be a racist if:

I can see how some might view it as racist if someone criticizes Obama for spending too much if that same person did not criticize Bush for the same practice. (Libertarians have been critical of both Bushes and Obama.) But there are other plausible explanations for the inconsistency:
1. They were not aware of Bush's spending practices.
2. They have become more fiscally conservative.
3. Bush's spending was beneath their threshold but Obama has exceeded it
4. They are party hacks.

Libertarians At Large Tonight 7-8 PM. Tune In, Call Up, Get Involved!

Libertarians At Large airs on channels Comcast 57 and Verizon 27, from 7-8 p.m., every third Thursday of the month. Tune in tonight as Doug Horner's guest this month will be Libertarian, Dan Drexeler, our State Party's Vice Chair. Call in to ask questions or just let us know you are listening. Please contribute to the conversation.

The Libertarian Party of Allen County would like to thank Access Fort Wayne and the Allen County Public Library for providing us these opportunities to serve the public and promote the discussion at all levels of government about what is best for the future of of our communities, state, and nation.

Why not provide healthcare to illegal aliens?

Democrats insist that healthcare is a fundamental human right. Aren't illegal aliens human too? Isn't national origin simply another pre-existing condition? The fact that illegal aliens will not be covered under any proposed plans suggests that Obama's motives for healthcare reform are political and not humanitarian.

September 11

I have some hope that the current crisis is at least half over. The fog of war keeps us from knowing the enemy's capabilities. The uncertainty of it all is more scary than the actual danger. You are more likely to die in a car wreck, but at least you know the odds.

How will it end? Sooner or later we'll have to negotiate with the Taliban. The Continental Army did not kill every Loyalist, the Union did not kill or capture every Confederate, and there are ex-Nazis resting comfortably in German retirement homes. We'll bring the troops home. If we don't get attacked again, we can call that victory. If we do get attacked again, we'll reinvade.

LPAC garage sale postponed

One of our key members has had a family emergency. This person is critical to the success of our fundraising events, as a result the LPAC yard sale has been postponed for 2 weeks.

UPDATE: It is going to be rescheduled for the 19th a/o 20th of September. This allows time for you to donate still any items in good condition you wish to the LPAC. Please contact the Secretary @ 260-312-2200 to arrange pick up or delivery of your donations. Thanks also goes towards those whom have already donated.

We need a new word

Some people claim to hate labels, but the fact is that we need them to communicate effectively. You are only permitted a finite number of characters in your social network profiles, so words like "liberal", "conservative", and "libertarian" come in handy when describing your beliefs or the beliefs of others.

What am I supposed to call a person who advocates handing taxpayer dollars over to a company without expecting anything in return? Suppose there was a cut in corporate subsidies; what name would be on the buttons and banners of those who oppose the cut? I can't imagine that anyone would organize a "Rally for Corporate Welfare", but there is clearly some support for these programs or else they would not exist. Liberals like Michael Moore opposed TARP and the Big 3 bailouts, and so did conservatives like Rush Limbaugh.

So what do we call these people? TARPists? Tarpies? I'm not trying to be insulting, I just don't know what to call a person who takes money from the working class and gives it to a dysfunctional company. I do try to be fair to people on the other side of a debate by calling them the name that they choose for themselves. I'm going to go with "Tarpy" until one of them suggests a better name.

Too lazy to post, so it's movie time!

Sometimes things are better explained with diagrams:


Or maybe not:

Another Modern Modest Proposal: Outlaw Sex!

(For the original "Modest Proposal", click here.)

The government cares about Americans so much that it is stepping up its role in providing healthcare. But many of the irrational concerns about "death panels" stem from very real concerns about how the government intends to reduce healthcare costs. A comprehensive plan needs to be put forth so that conservatives are forced to stop spreading wild rumors.

Now is the time for a federal ban on all sexual intercourse. Sex no longer has any redeeming social value, since responsible adults now have access to in vitro fertilization. We all know the hazards of sex: STD's, rectal trauma, and unauthorized pregnancy. So why do otherwise sane adults persist in this behavior? Because it produces a euphoria that can only be compared to a drug induced high.

The government has rightly outlawed drugs because of all the havoc that they cause in the mind of the user and society at large. Why should sex get a free pass? Prohibition is progress!

This ban must be absolute; not even married couples should be allowed to have sex. Especially if your spouse is a politician who travels to countries where sex is legal.

Some argue that responsible adults should be allowed to make their own personal decisions. But when an adult makes the wrong decision, that's proof of his incompetence. This is why we have an enlightened Congress: to tell us all what to do. Just as responsible parents forbid their children from playing in the streets, responsible governments prevent their citizens from engaging in dangerous or unhealthy behavior. The best way for the government to lower healthcare costs is to make safer, healthier, and celibate.

Public option vs co-op's

The public option died because it could have had the effect of driving health insurance companies out of business. Unless enough people like me paid extra for private insurance, the insurance industry would simply have to move on. There are many people out there who would see the demise of HMO's as a good thing. But I think that this administration probably realized that it isn't ready to become the sole provider of healthcare to an obese nation.

We should give health care co-op's a shot. Unlike a business, a co-op does not seek to make a profit; unlike a government, it cannot run on a deficit indefinitely or print its own money. Plus, you are free to leave a co-op at any time. To switch health insurance companies, you often have to get a different job. To switch governments, you pretty much have to move. A co-op measures its success solely by the quality of service that it provides to its members, and can continue to operate effectively no matter who wins Ohio and Florida in 2012.

The best way that Congress can move this along is to make all health insurance payments tax deductible. As things stand now, a company health plan is tax deductible, but a individual health plan is not.

The real way to reduce healthcare costs.

Your personal behavior plays a large roll in your long term health and healthcare. Personally, I've racked up a lot of medical bills due to recreational activities and poor judgement. I broke my pinkie playing touch football. I bit a hang nail off and it got infected. I've had other tests done that are nobody's business.

Forget all those rumors about death committees. If government starts playing a larger role in healthcare, these will be the real questions: Will the federal government start regulating personal behavior, or will taxes be raised to pay for celebrity syphilis treatments? Will I be allowed to choose what to eat, or will I have more taken out of my check to pay for other people's gastric bypasses? Will alcohol remain legal, or will Congress start springing for liver transplants?

Texting while driving

Texting while driving is stupid, dangerous, and irresponsible. It should be illegal. But any activity that causes a driver to take his eyes off the road should be illegal. As technology progresses, there will always be new gizmos that morons will be using while driving. If virtual reality headsets become widely available, some doofus will have one on while driving.

Calhoun Street: The case against change

Calhoun used to be a two way street all the way through downtown. Then the city changed it at great expense. I didn't like the idea at the time but we all got used to it. Now some are pushing for it to be changed back.

Businesses have to deal with a wide variety of variables that can make it hard to plan. Demographics, supply surplus, demand shortage, the weather, etc, can all affect a business in unpredictable ways. Certain kinds of change are inevitable and even necessary, but most businessmen prefer to have as few potential contingencies as possible.

Whenever possible, municipal government should strive to be a constant factor, not a variable. Spontaneity and creativity have no place in urban planning.

I am starting to wonder if the unpredictability of downtown is starting to drive businesses away. Look at all these new and exciting projects that been pushed through over the past decade. Look at all the empty office space as well. The problem seems to be that nobody wants to build their castle in a political sandbox.

There are many pros and cons to changing Calhoun St. But with no guaranteed benefits, the city must err on the side of the status quo.

Scam for clunkers

At best this could be called an economic placebo. The government takes action, and this provides reassurance to the segments of the population that thinks the government needs to do something. The same effect could be achieved at a lower cost if officials keep putting positive spin on economic news. Human psychology is the most important factor in economics.

Some more thoughts:
1. Because of the complex rules of the program, it seems likely that some car dealers will be denied reimbursement by the government and end up taking a loss on sales. I will have no sympathy for them. Sleep with dogs, wake up with fleas. Sleep with the government, wake up with paperwork to fill out.
2. "Regressive" and "progressive" are used to describe taxes that directly impact the poor and wealthy, respectively. It's about time that they be used to describe government programs as well. CARS is a regressive program that disproportionately helps upper middle class car buyers. Most people who make less than $25K a year will not be able to take advantage of this program.
3. Watch for people starting to hoard "clunkers" if they think that the program will be repeated or extended.

Good News for LPAC in coming months plus some other housekeeping issues for the blog.

Happy Birthday Mr. President....

As most are aware by now according to the short form Certification Of Life Birth from Hawaii records the date and time of President Barack Hussein Obama Jr. at 19:24 on this day in 1961. He will be 48 in an hour or so. Let them eat cake and drink some beer!

Housekeeping

We have slowed down as far as written posts and readership goes this year but I wanted to take a moment and thank our loyal patrons and party members for your dedication. This year has been one of rest and preparation for the very important 2010 Election Cycle. We have several interesting things coming down the pike in the next couple of months as we approach the 2010 cycle.

The 2010 Election Cycle

This next mid term election cycle is very important to all Americans, especially Libertarians. Why? Because the results of the Indiana Secretary of State's race determines whether or not we are a major or a minor party and whether or not we have actual ballot access in the State of Indiana, without having to go through a petition drive for each candidate that we put forward for your consideration.

We need your votes to fight for you and do what is right in Local, State, and National government policy. By achieving 10% of the vote in the SOS race in Indiana we get elevated to major party status and then have hundreds of appointments to local boards and commissions come our way and then we can make an even greater impact in keeping government both transparent and small and allow you the citizen to have greater discretion in your day to day lives and choices. The 2010 Election Cycle is your chance to shake things up just a little bit more, it is time to choose not just the lesser of two evils but to make the right decision for your Country's future and consider voting Libertarian even once just to deny the status quo and to voice your disgust with the game of politics as usual.

Voting Center Steering/Advisory Committee Appointment

We were notified last month by the Allen County Election Board that our Party was able to appoint one person to sit on the new Committee which will help establish and facilitate the Voting Center Initiatives that will streamline the 146 of the County's 301 precinct specific voting locations down to 40 larger, centralized Vote Centers throughout the County. Robert Enders, LPAC's Chair, will be making his final decision on that appointment either before or during the August meeting. I would like to personally thank the Allen County Election Board for making the Libertarian Party of Allen County a part of the conversation and implementation of this new policy and plan.

Kevin Leininger of The News Sentinel reported on the plan too. Here is a synopsis of the article:

Beth Dlug, Allen County's Director of Elections, has presented a plan that would replace 146 of the polling places with 40 “vote centers” open to all registered county voters regardless of address. Although the change would require approval by the General Assembly which means it wont be in place until 2010 at least she would like to start the planning now. Even though some are concerned that the new Vote Centers would require residents to travel farther, she believes that carpooling can alleviate that issue as neighbors and friends will be able to go to the same place to vote regardless of their home address versus their work location. This in turn would also reduce the overhead for political parties to fund “get out the vote” programs and reduce the amount of locations candidate materials have to be dropped off at.

Kevin's article goes on to establish that the facts and principles that guide this decision and process are sound:

"1. Each vote center must have room for at least 20 machines and 50 parking spaces.
2. Machines would be programmed...to display candidates from any area of the county.
3. Reduction in places would allow the election board to hold about 50 poll workers in reserve on Election Day, sending them wherever necessary to meet voter demand.
4. To get a “head start” on the process, Dlug said she hopes to establish several early-voting satellite locations in 2010, in addition to the early votes accepted at the election board office in the City-County Building."

A brochure that introduces you to LPAC, and what we stand for...YOU!

It took a year and a half and a lot of hard work, but it is done! Shortly after Labour Day you will notice a large trifold brochure at certain locations throughout Fort Wayne and all of Allen County introducing and welcoming you, your family and friends, and neighbors to become involved in the Libertarian Party of Allen County and help make a difference in the way government is run in Allen County. I would like to thank personally John Good of Left In Aboite for allowing us to use his picture from the Three Rivers Festival a couple years ago for part of this brochure.

The Business Meetings are set 3 months in advance

It has taken a few attempts and we finally put some grease to the wheels, but for the last three months we have gotten back to a standard meeting time and place on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. The August meeting will be on 19th @ Allen Co. Public Library Main Branch from 7-8:30 p.m. in Meeting Room C (which is just kitty corner across from the Webster Street entrance) doors open @ 6:30. We look forward to seeing a lot of you there and we will have some form of snackage there. September through the November Business Meetings will be set before that date and as always posted at the top of this blog. For your information, we typically do not have a formal meeting in December because of Seasonal/Holiday obligations and weather issues if anything does occur it is a social gathering or planning session only.

Other opportunities to join in the fun!

We are also discussing having a monthly meetup or social gathering, during the first week of each month, where debates and educational opportunities on Libertarian philosophy and principles can be explained and their application within local government opportunities and issues discussed either in small groups or a lecture/discussion format and with an occasional guest speaker. We want you to get involved in your Community and your Government these forums will also assist with providing information and resources to that end.

Secondly we are floating around some other ideas for both advertising and getting our message out into the Community. There are several Committees that you can join to assist the Libertarian Party of Allen County in that endeavor, just contact any Officer to find out more information after the Business Meeting or one of our Social Gatherings.

We have a FACEBOOK group page?

I recently found out about and am in the process of taking over LPAC's FACEBOOK group page. Please be patient as this transition process takes time and it will be updated as soon as I get editorial control switched over to me, apparently there is a bug in the system. Until we do get the quirks worked out feel free to join the group and show your support as we transition this information outlet and social networking resource to better serve you.

Thank you for reading and remember to stand for Liberty!

MRev. Kenneth White, Jnr.
LPAC Secretary

Who said this?

"But the last point I would just make in terms of the operating economic philosophy here: My working assumption has always been, if the market could do it better, have the market do it. I have very little confidence in, as I said, some sort of command-and-control regulatory regime. I think businesses create jobs. And I'm a big believer in the profit motive and think free-market pricing is the best way to figure out how to distribute goods and services in a complex economy. In that sense, maybe I spent too much time at the University of Chicago, but I'm pretty steeped in what would be considered a very mainstream view of the economy and government's role in it. I just think it's a sign of how far our ideological pendulum has swung that the things we suggest are somehow deemed anti-business."

Just for fun, take a guess before finding out the answer here.

The Gates case

I'm surprised that one unfortunate police encounter has been in the news so long. A police officer wrongfully arrested a professor who wrongfully called him a racist. The fact is that innocent people do get arrested all the time, and police are called racist all the time. I think that this case is attracting a lot of attention because of Professor Gates' social status. If this happened to an auto mechanic, we wouldn't be hearing about it.

A couple thoughts:
1. It generally doesn't serve one's interests to call a police officer a racist or otherwise insult him. If he's not racist, he might get offended. If he is in fact a racist, then you aren't telling him anything that he doesn't already know.
2. Police officers should control their own emotions when dealing with emotional people.

Both the police and the public have to meet each other halfway to get along in the streets.

What next?

Bernanke said that he had to hold his nose over the bailouts. Obama says that he doesn't want to run car companies. These are good feelings to have. Whether you supported the bailouts or not, we can still agree that we should reduce the need for them in the future. The best way to do this is to draw the line and say that no business will be bailed out again. Businesses will be more careful about taking risks in the future. Such a policy may very well slow economic growth (companies may have to pass on certain "opprotunities"), but it will reduce the risk of future recessions.

If you think that is too harsh a policy, then at least it should be firmly established under what circumstances a bailout should take place. Last year when the crisis started, it was argued that there was an understanding that these companies would be not be allowed to fail. Until TARP was passed, this was an informal understanding. If Congress is willing to provide more bailouts in the future, please let the rest of us know and pass a bill stating such. If Congress is ready to commit to quit being an enabler of poor responsibility, then a resolution should be passed stating that companies should not expect anymore bailouts.

Obama and Congress right to kill F-22 purchase

I like the F-22. I named my cat Raptor after this plane. It is designed to defeat any plane in existence. However, Al Qaeda and the Taliban don't have any existing aircraft. Even if they somehow hijack another civilian aircraft, older model F-15's and F-16's would be more than enough to shoot down an unarmed subsonic plane.

Senator Chris Dodd, a supporter of the purchase, argued that 95,000 jobs could be put at risk. If over a trillion dollars of deficit spending isn't helping to reduce the unemployment rate, that's a big clue that government spending isn't the way to create jobs.

This is a small step in the right direction. It's nice to know that a program can be frivolous enough to get axed.

40th anniversary of the first moon landing

Young people might wonder why no one has been to the moon in their lifetime. I'll explain it in terms that they can relate to. Space exploration is like dating. At first, all you are able to do is look at a heavenly body through a telescope or visit it's myspace page. You try to learn more about it by sending emails or space probes. Then when you're sure that it's safe to do so, you send a manned mission or take them out on a date.
You do all this to see what's out there. But after a while, you need to think about the long term. Why exactly should you keep spending money on rocket fuel and steak dinners? What are your intentions, anyway? Do you want a colony or a family? Do you plan to simply take advantage of her by mining her for resources?

After over half a century of exploration, if we don't have any long term plans then there is no point in continuing this relationship. If we do decide on a long term relationship, then we need to establish boundaries.

The homestead principle must be applied to space. If an individual or entity creates a useful structure on another world, then they should be allowed to own that structure and the land beneath it. It's unlikely that any corporation or eccentric billionaire would bother to set up a habitat dome on the moon or Mars unless they were assured that their claim to it would be recognized by all. If our government and governments around the world adopted this principle, then the real space race can begin.

Secure ID

Next year, Indiana will require people to show a passport, birth certificate, or other documentation proving one's legal status in order to get your driver's license or state ID renewed.

SecureID might very well be a bill of attainder. If people with valid ID's cannot get them renewed, then they will not be able to vote, thus denying their rights as citizens.

I am Robert Enders. I am a US citizen. If you think the first statement is false, prove it and send me to prison for identity theft. If you think the second statement is false, prove it and deport me. Otherwise, let me renew my driver's license.


LPAC SECRETARY: The preceding text was cited and quoted by Niki Kelley's and Benjamin Lanka's weekly column THE POLITICAL NOTEBOOK in the Fort Wayne Newspapers' Journal Gazette on the 19th of July 2009 (Pg 5C 5th subtitle c3,ip9 through c4,ip4)

City spends $400K on new facades

This is like repainting a car that's need of a new transmission. It makes things prettier but ignores what's important. With a looming budget crunch, this $400K could have been better spent on essential services.

But perhaps some of you think that there is a critical facade problem in Fort Wayne. Here is a streamlined approach to the problem:
1. If a facade presents a threat to the health and safety of the community, then the owner must be required to fix it at his own expense or be fined.
2. If the facade in question is just plain old or ugly, then it just gives the building character and there is no need for the city to take any action.

Anti Health Care Reform Rally @ Allen County Courthouse 12 Noon Thursday

LPAC SECRETARY: The following is a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT only, not an endorsement:

Thursday @ 12 Noon concerned citizens across northeast Indiana can open their mouths, and the first 150 can even deep throat a Coney Dog, at the Allen County Courthouse on South Clinton at Main Street, to protest against national health care reform that is currently making its way through Congress. The hour long rally event is hosted by Americans 4 Prosperity and Patients United Now and will include commentary from highlighted speaker, Honorable David McIntosh, former US Representative from 1995-2001 in the 2nd District, who was succeeded by the Honorable Mike Pence in the sixth District, and is currently also working with Conservative Lobbying Groups against the Sonia Sotomayor nomination/appointment to The United States Supreme Court.

LPAC SECRETARY: For my personal thoughts and commentary, please see my blog F6, thank you.

Congress takes on the BCS system

BCS is like life. It isn't fair, it cannot be made fair, but it still beats the alternative. The shear number of college football teams (more than 500) plus the amount of rest and practice that teams need between games (a week) means that a season followed by a tournament would take too long.

Some in Congress want to change the system. Should we be upset that with all the problems facing the nation that Congress wants to spend time on this? Or should we be glad that this distraction means that Congress will be spending less time screwing up on more important matters?

Another video

Indiana state government shut down averted

Everybody who follows Indiana politics already knows that the State House passed a budget.

I have but two comments on the future potential of a government shutdown:

1. This is but one more reason why the amount of responsibility assigned to government should be held to a minimum. If something is important to you, you'll find a way of accomplishing it that isn't subject to the political whims of the legislature.
2. If the BMV is ever shut down unexpectedly when you need your license renewed, that should be a valid defense for driving with an expired license. Life still goes on even when the state doesn't.

Is Cap and Trade worth it?

I will concede that reducing CO2 emissions is a laudable goal. While most scientists do agree that CO2 emissions have an impact, there is still disagreement on the extent of that impact. Remember all that panic over Y2K? You really didn't what was going to happen until it happened. On January 1, 2000, most of us either breathed a sigh of relief or said "I told you so!" And there were some that were disappointed that the world didn't come to an end. There were some minor problems associated with Y2K, but it wasn't as devastating as many had feared.

Like a millennium prophet, Al Gore will have the privilege of getting to see first hand if he is right. Because CO2 levels will go up, and it is beyond the power of Congress to stop it. If it costs too much for a company to emit CO2 in the US, they will simply move elsewhere. As China, India, and other countries start to develop, there will be a massive increase in CO2.

If the worst case predictions are correct, then it won't matter what we do since we're all doomed anyway. On the other hand, if conservative talk show hosts are right, then we have nothing to worry about. But for the sake of argument, let's assume that the truth is somewhere in between. Even without human activity, the climate still changes from year to year, century to century, and eon to eon.

So here are my predictions:
1. Congress will either repeal "Cap and Trade" or grant exemptions to "vital" industries.
2. The climate will change, and we will adapt.
I feel rather confident about the second prediction, since there won't be anyone around to tell me that I was wrong.

What should the government do then? Everyone, including the government, should look into ways to reduce consumption of resources. Maybe I should start riding a bike to work, and maybe some wasteful government programs should be cut.

What if government ran health care?

What happens when another country takes an interest in your election

In 1888, the British ambassador to the US received a letter from someone claiming to be an English immigrant living in California. It was asked in the letter if it would serve British interests if Grover Cleveland were to be re-elected. He sent a reply suggesting that it would indeed be better for England if the Democratic incumbent won the election.

The letter turned out to be from a Republican operative. The ambassador's reply was made public, and it caused Irish-American voters to oppose Cleveland.

The moral of the story is that it can backfire when government officials try to influence the internal affairs of another country. President Obama is right to condemn the violence taking place in Iran, but that is all he can do about it at this point. With an embargo already in place, it would be unwise to make any threats to the Iranian government that cannot be carried out.

City ordinance violates rights of suspects

Fort Wayne City Code Section 130.06 requires landlords to evict tenants who are suspected of a drug crime. Even if one supports current drug laws, this ordinance ignores due process and the presumption of innocence. A defendant who posts bail should be allowed to remain in his current residence until the conclusion of his trial, assuming he complies with the terms of his lease.

Landlords already have strong incentives to keep drug offenders out of their rental properties. They should even have the right to evict tenants that they know are breaking the law. But they should not be forced to do so.

Currently there is a lawsuit to get the ordinance overturned. The City Council should save the city the cost of fighting the lawsuit and repeal the ordinance.

Trailer for new Michael Moore film

"Cash for Clunkers" scheme

The "Cash for Clunkers" program is a bad idea for the following reasons:
1. The plan is not cost effective in terms of job creation. It would spend $4500 per new vehicle sold. A car company must sell 100 cars in order to justify employing 1 assembly worker per year, since it takes about 20 man hours to produce a vehicle. So this plan spends $450K, more than what the POTUS makes in a year, to keep one autoworker employed for another 12 months.
2. It is wasteful. The plan calls for the traded-in vehicles to be scrapped. There is still some demand for SUV's and pickup trucks. By removing these vehicles from the roads, it could increase the demand for new large vehicles and increase consumption of natural resources.
3. It isn't fair to people who already drive small cars and don't qualify for the program. Don't be surprised if people hoard SUV's when the next bubble pops in the hopes that this idiocy will be repeated.

There have been renewed calls for increased government control over health care. A new argument holds that fixing healthcare is key to fixing the economy. This is an easy argument to pick apart:
1. If the current economic situation means we need to fix healthcare, does it follow that we won't need to fix it if the economy improves?
2. Is increasing federal spending by hundreds of billions a year on top of what we already spend somehow a better idea now that we're 11 trillion in debt?
3. Aren't they putting the cart before the horse? Isn't the way to make healthcare more affordable is to grow the economy so that more people can afford it?
4. Isn't healthcare's real problems caused by previous attempts to fix it?

Get Free Money!

GM and Chrysler

Remember 6 months ago when we were all told that it would be devastating if any of the Big 3 declared bankruptcy? Chrysler recently did exactly that, and GM is about to do so as well. Deep down, I think most of us knew that was going to happen anyway. There were a lot of folks who opposed the bank bailout but still supported government aid to automakers, as if it were really possible for all of the Big 3 to make a full recovery.

Many people have an emotional attachment to the Big 3. They wouldn't feel as bad if Proctor & Gamble filed Chapter 11. If Microsoft or WalMart were going under, there would be a lot of gloating. But for people whose knowledge of American history only goes back to 1941, Ford, GM, and Chrysler have been around forever.

It's like having a beloved relative who is brain dead and on life support. Intellectually, you know there is no hope but you can't bring yourself to pull the plug. At the same time, his hospital bills are costing the family a lot of money.

While it is hard to say goodbye to a loved one, we have to be more dispassionate when it comes to corporations. A company that is failing should not put on life support. The purpose of a company is to generate profit, so any company that is no longer able to carry out this function should cease to exist. You wouldn't keep a car that couldn't run, would you? Instead, you'd sell it to a buyer that would make better use of it.

Memorial Day

Today we honor the war dead with parades, moments of silence, and blog posts cranked out at the last minute. For the rest of the year, let's honor them by preserving what they fought for and ensuring that their ranks do not increase as much in the future.

Libertarians At Large Live Tonight

Libertarians At Large airs on channels Comcast 57 and Verizon 27, from 7-8 p.m., every third Thursday of the month. Tune in tonight as this month's guest will be Libertarian, Robert Enders our local Party's new chair. Call in to ask questions or just let us know you are listening. Contribute to the conversation.

As always the Libertarian Party of Allen County would like to thank Access Fort Wayne and the Allen County Public Library for providing us these opportunities to serve the public and promote the discussion at all levels of government about what is best for the future of of our communities, state, and nation.

Release the photos

Obama changed his mind and now wants to block the release of classified photos that show detainees being abused. After seeing the photos, he became worried that releasing them would further endanger US troops. I take this to mean that the images could have propaganda value for al Qaeda.

Since I haven't seen the photos, I can only imagine how horrible the images must be. Can the images be worse than I can imagine? It might be better to release the photos than have everyone wonder what's in them. The secrecy can have just as much enemy propaganda value as the actual images. The best thing to do is to release the images, admit that the abuse was wrong, and say that it won't happen again.

The upside of blandness

Here's an interesting article about small banks remaining healthy during the current crisis. When the Indiana Bankers Association held a conference in Indianapolis, many of the bankers in attendance highlighted the boring ways that they do business. The real estate bubble simply did not have as big an impact in our state as it did in exciting places like New York and California. While there is nothing wrong with excitement, it shouldn't be driving economic policy.

Janeane Garafalo calls tea partiers "racist"

I probably should have just ignored this, but I'm bored. A couple thoughts:
1. Does she think that Alan Keyes is a racist? We were protesting the President's policies, not his pigmentation.
2. With any large protest, you can find a few whack jobs advocating an issue completely unrelated to the issue that is being protested.
3. LPAC has been conducting tax protests since 2005. I would imagine that had McCain won, more Democrats would be protesting corporate bailouts.

Downtown casino may be a moot point

Barney Frank has introduced a bill that will rollback restrictions on online gambling. I think this is a step in the right direction. If adults should be allowed to gamble at all, they should be allowed to gamble whenever they want.

This will likely have an impact on the viability of brick-and-mortar casinos. I personally do not care if a new casino gets built as long as public funds aren't used. But if you're strongly for or against a new casino, then you should see where this bill goes. There is far more at stake with this bill.

The real way to close the corporate tax loophole

The best way to close the loophole is to replace taxes on corporate profits with an increase on the dividend tax. This will make it impossible for any American CEO to get out of paying taxes without renouncing his own citizenship.

Will it discourage payment of dividends? It would to the extend that a personal income tax discourages working. People still work in spite of the income tax; corporations will still pay dividends even if there is a tax increase on them. A upside to this is that companies will have an increase incentive to reinvest their profits and pay off debt.

I am the new LPAC chair

As of the next meeting, I will be replacing Doug Horner as chair of the Libertarian Party of Allen County, and Doug will be replacing me as vice-chair.

Will more people switch parties?

I think that more people will switch parties more frequently than in the past. People used to belong to political parties because everyone else in their family or neighborhood belonged to that same party. With better access to information, individuals are more likely to join a party because of its current platform and not because of its past history. With an increasingly dynamic political landscape, politicians may switch parties as often as they switch spouses. Seriously, I wouldn't be surprised if some folks change their party affiliation several times throughout their adult lives.

Advice to major league teams

The US government asserted that it has the right to make personnel decisions for private companies that receive taxpayer funds. Be very careful about asking state and local governments to build new stadiums. A legislature might grant your request, then decide that it simply isn't fair that the worst player on your team still makes more money than the best public school teacher.

Obama, when is the right time to cut spending?

Obama is quoted in this article as saying "The last thing a government should do in the middle of a recession is to cut back on spending."

Should the government cut back spending at the start of a recession instead? How about cutting back when the recession is over? If a program is unnecessary, it should be cut irregardless of the current economic situation. It's even wore vital to do so when tax revenues are down.

I Might Need Therapy...

To All,

I was putting together all of the numbers, statistics, and data that needs to be done for a reasonably accurate tax bill that we hand out every April 15th.

I try to keep things simple. #1) Pull out the old bill; #2) Go through it line by line to see what information is out of date; #3) update the information; #4) do the math and fill in the new data.

Simple, right?

Right.

So why do I believe I might need therapy? I think I might be the only American who has burst out laughing and giggling at a Congressional Budget Office Report. This is sadly true.

To clarify, I use the CBO report to determine deficit spending projections. I use this to show that not only are we being irresponsible today but that there is no end in sight AND our elected officials know this!

Last year the CBO was projecting deficit spending through fiscal year 2012. So I need to review their current report and see what madness lies ahead.

When I pull up the report (it is very easy to see) I just see negative projections for as far as the budget goes out (fiscal year 2019). This is when Doug starts his little giggling fit. I did not get hysterical, but I was definitely beyond a loud guffaw.

I do not know what I expected to see, I really do not. I was just taken so completely off guard by this insanity that I laughed for a good 60 seconds, maybe even approaching 2 minutes.

If you would like, here is a link to the CBO table I was looking at:

http://www.cbo.gov/doc.cfm?index=10014

Look down at the bottom and click the link to "Budget Projections". Please let me know if you start laughing, giggling, cackling or making any other noise that might indicate that I am not alone.

What I appreciate about this is that you do not need a degree in Economics or an interpretation by a CPA to read it. This document is put together simply, concisely, and horrifically bleak if you consider the mess it will leave for future generations.

I giggle for us, I cry for our children and future generations.

With All Sincerity,

Doug

Cost of current programs compared to past programs

Compared to Bush, FDR was a fiscal conservative...

Rail

When it comes to mass transit, nothing is more efficient at moving large amounts of passengers and freight than a train. Because of our manufacturing base, we have a lot of freight trains in Indiana. But because of our low population density, we have a very limited market for passenger trains.

Trains are great for traveling between large cities. But the number of people who travel daily from any two points in Indiana isn’t enough to justify the expense of a rail route. The catch behind mass transit is that its only more fuel efficient if people actually use it.

They can go faster than a car on a highway. But they aren’t as flexible as buses and planes. A common problem with trains in that another train is blocking the route. Ever come to a railroad crossing and notice that the train isn’t moving? Buses have an easier time finding an alternate route, and planes never have that problem. So even though they can go at a faster speed limit than a car, it can still take longer to get to your destination due to delays.

Passenger trains are more practical along the coasts, which have higher population density than the Midwest. Rather than arguing for trains that we do not need, Indiana’s congressional delegation should move to deny federal funding for rail lines that do not benefit us. The high traffic rail lines in New England and California are profitable enough that they can be privatized with no disruption in service.

For more rail bashing, click here.

Upcoming tax protests

We'll be having our annual April 15th tax protest to 4:30pm and until it gets dark in front of the Anthis Career Center parking lot, next to the parking lot.

Hoosiers for Fair Taxation is holding a "tea party" at the courthouse square from 11am to 1pm on the 18th.

Obama steps down as part of Chinese bailout package

President Obama stepped down on the request of Chinese Premier Hu Jintao as part of a mandatory restructuring. The United States government has 60 days to create a restructuring plan in order to qualify for more Chinese bailout funds. Government industry experts believe that as many as 400 Congressmen may be laid off.

Three Mile Island anniversary

The US nuclear power industry has gone 30 years without a major accident. The airline, mining, and oil industries cannot make the same claim. Working in a nuclear power plant is safer than driving a hybrid car, or any other car for that matter. Any discussion of our future energy needs must include construction of new reactor sites.

Renaissance: Attempted Gentrification

Gentrification is the process of increasing affluence in a neighborhood. It leads to higher property values and higher rent rates. It is generally considered to be good for property owners and bad for tenants. Often groups with conflicting interests will actively try to promote or combat gentrification.

The city tried to promote gentrification through the Renaissance Pointe project by building $120K homes on the southeast side. Opposition from neighbors was to be expected, since it could have lead to an increase in rent. But the real reason it didn't work is because people aren't going to spend six figures to live between Creighton and Pontiac. People generally prefer to have neighbors with the same socioeconomic status.

Gentrification has to start with affordable housing. First-time home buyers look for quality bargains. After a few homeowners establish themselves, the respectability of the neighborhood improves and house prices go up.

Moral of the story

What everyone should be learning from the AIG mess:

Congress: If you give a company money, they might not do what you want them to do with it. So don't give money to failing companies.

Failing companies: If you accept money from the government, they might tell you what to what to do with it. It's better to declare bankruptcy and start from stratch than it is to go down this road.

Executives: If you work for a firm that accepts bailout funds, you may have to give your bonus back. Consider signing on with a different company.

Successful companies: Consider what the inflation rate is going to be before issuing any loans or buying bonds.

Libertarians At Large goes live in less than an hour

Libertarians At Large airs on channels Comcast 57 and Verizon 27, from 7-8 p.m., every third Thursday of the month. Tune in tonight as this month's guest will be Libertarian, William Larsen. Call in to ask questions or just let us know you are listening. Contribute to the conversation.

As always the Libertarian Party of Allen County would like to thank Access Fort Wayne and The Allen County Public Library for providing us these opportunities to serve the public and promote the discussion at all levels of government about what is best for the future of of our communities, state, and nation.

Next LPAC meeting

The next meeting is to be held at the Rib Room on Saturday, 28th of March at 5pm. Here is a map:


View Larger Map

China wonders if we'll pay them back

You all knew this was coming.
It is bad to owe money to the Chinese. It is even worse to go into default with them. They will cut off our line of credit if they do not think that they will be paid back. They might decide to do so anyway if Sino-American relations break down. Either we make some painful spending cuts soon, or we'll have to make excruciating spending cuts later. If the stock market continues to go up, Obama cannot use the economy as a pretext for more spending.

Daylight Savings

Congress keeps extending DST. It lasts 8 months while standard time only lasts 4 months; it's becoming more normal to have our clocks running an hour fast. Daylight savings time was first instituted during World War I in order conserve coal. But does it still save energy in the age of CFL bulbs? The National Bureau of Economic Research has published a paper saying that Indiana is using more energy per capita since we adopted DST.

Congress does have a right and a responsibility to establish standards for measuring time, but ideally those standards should remain as uniform as possible. States and counties should not be allowed to make up their own time zones at will. If an Indiana company orders a shipment from a New York company and wants it delivered by 4pm Friday, there needs to be a mutual understanding of when 4pm is. In my job, I have personally watched truckers miss appointments because of confusion over DST. This can lead to expensive supply chain problems. While I do not fault Governor Daniels for bringing Indiana in line with the rest of the country, I do blame Congress for creating a complex scheme for keeping time. Congress should recognize the costs of DST, and abolish it throughout the country.

What Happens When 4 Libertarians Get Together? Fox News Has An Orgasm! And Almost Agrees With Russia?

Glenn Beck Show with Steven Moore, Penn Jillette and Mark Skousen



Here is the remainder of the clip which brings up a very scary perspective of splitting up the Country to prove which side Liberal or Conservative would succeed in restoring the economy.



The reason why this is so concerning that Conservative and even Libertarian pundits are starting to talk about is because it has also been mentioned by Igor Parain (updated link) a Russian Foriegn Ministry Professor and Dean who back in 1998 started to lament and is again asserting that, if America continues on the path of moral decline, then President Barack Obama will order martial law this year, following such action, the United States will split into six rump-states before 2011, and Russia and China will become the backbones of a new world order.


Now with a gun toting Maverick in Alaska and the Country of Mexico in shambles, obviously Dr. Panarin left a few things to account for in his analysis. But this is why our Country is better in almost everything especially the rule of law. Why you ask? State Sovereignty Rights! You see, our Founders built fail safes into both the Federal Constitution and the State Constitutions to address certain issues of insolvency and dissolution from the Union. So while Martial Law may be very likely very soon, and there is a concern amongst even Libertarians of our Union lasting, there are provisions in place to both a. make it a smooth transition and b. keep it from destroying this Country. Because aside from any popular misconception, We The People were a nation before we were the United States of America under the Constitution, and the power to govern always has and always will reside with US! Now all We need to do is force our leadership to follow the rules We wrote.

SOURCES VIDEO: MRTACOJOSH NEWS STORY: AKA WILLIAM

UPDATE: Certain Text and Links have been updated/corrected for your information.

Click Here to view another video from under 2 months ago where Glenn Beck talks about his desire for California to be removed from the Union and that We as Americans may need to read the instruction manual on secession again by States, even if it was "invalidated" by the Civil War and the 14th Amendment which made everyone Citizens of the USA rather than a particular State, Commonwealth, Territory, Province or Jurisdiction. What is left in a very sad reality is the only Constitutional Rights left to We The People are those of Revolution or Responsibility of each Citizen to Vote!

The Gentlemen over @ Queer Cincinnati have two posts here and here on this topic too.