A Message From Jennifer To Her Fellow N.C. Ron Paul Supporters...

Below is a message from good friend and fellow libertarian activist, Jennifer Schulz. The LPNC is so very close to regaining ballot access.

Dear Fellow Ron Paul Supporters,

I am writing you with a special request. I am sending this note to
fellow liberty lovers, because you are people I respect and I hope I can
count on your help.

Some of you may know I have been active in the Libertarian Party in the
past. I am not writing to persuade you to change political party
affiliations. In fact, I am currently a registered Republican. :-)

I am writing, because as one voter to another, I hope you agree that all
North Carolina citizens deserve to have their voices heard through the
electoral process.

The state of North Carolina makes it extremely difficult for any
political party other than Republican or Democrat to participate in
elections. Our state has almost the toughest ballot access laws in the
entire country. For any party other than Democrat or Republican to get
on North Carolina's ballot, the party must collect nearly 70,000
signatures from registered voters.

This is why I am writing you. Right now, the Libertarian Party is about
3000 signatures shy of its goal. We have only a little more time to
complete the job. Even though you are a Republican, Democrat or an
Unaffiliated voter, I really hope you agree with me that every political
voice should have the right to participate in free and fair elections.

As a favor to me, I would ask that you go to the LP Web site and
download the party's petition, sign it, and return it to the address
printed on the bottom. You won't be put on a mailing list; you won't be
called for money. The only thing that happens to the signature page is
that it is verified that you are a registered NC voter and submitted to
the State Board of Elections to qualify the political party for ballot
access.

The filing for the two major parties was completed recently and nearly
one third of the candidates for General Assembly will have no opposition
in the General Election in November. We need more options on our ballots.

I hope you will help me get my Party on the ballot so that I too can
have a voice in the electoral process this year.

Please download the petition from
http://www.lpnc.org/get_involved/ballot_access.html, sign it (and get
others to sign too, if that's possible), and please mail it to LPNC, PO
Box 28141, Raleigh, NC 27611.

If you have questions about the petitioning effort or the LP, you can
call the North Carolina Chair, Barbara Howe, at 919-690-1423. She'll be
glad to answer your questions.

Thanks for helping me out. It's important that we all have a voice in
this thing called politics. I simply want my voice heard.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Schulz

What If?...

Healing Our World...Ron Paul's Opinion

Dr. Ruwart is the author of HEALING OUR WORLD: THE OTHER PIECE OF THE PUZZLE, hailed by Visions Magazine as "what may be the most important book of the decade." HEALING applies win-win strategies to
the political realm, "bridging the gap between conservatives and liberals, Christians and New Agers, special interests and the common good with practical solutions to our economic, environmental, and societal woes" (Ron Paul, U.S. Congressman (R-TX) and 1988 Libertarian Party Presidential Nominee).

You can download Mary's wonderful book, for free, at http://ruwart.com.

..Or you could buy a copy. I cherish my autographed copies of "Healing Our World"!

Take the other "Good Doctor's" advice and read this inspiring message of love, liberty and the principles of non-aggression.

Kill Your Robot!

Mary Ruwart For President!

I have received an e-mail from Mary Ruwart confirming her forthcoming announcement that she is seeking the Libertarian Party nomination for President.

I am thrilled that Mary, whom I and many others consider to be the conscience of the LP, is seeking our party nomination.

I wholeheartedly endorse Mary Ruwart and I pledge to assist her campaign to the best of my ability.

I encourage my fellow party peers to do the same.

Founded On Violence...

"I have shown in detail that every state is founded on violence and cannot maintain
itself save by and through violence. I refuse to make the classic distinction between
violence and force. The lawyers have invented the idea that when the state applies
constraint, even brutal constraint, it is exercising “Force”; that only individuals or
nongovernmental groups use violence. This is a totally unjustified distinction. The
state is established by violence. Invariably there is violence at the start. And the state is
legitimized when the other states recognize it (I know that this is not the usual criterion
of legitimacy, but it is the only real one!). Well then, when is a state recognized? When
it has lasted for a tolerable length of time. During the state’s early years the world is
scandalized that it was established by violence, but presently the fact is accepted, and
after a few years it is recognized as legitimate."

Jacques Ellul

High Tides...

Negative Campaign Ad From 1800...

Random Memories Of My First Forum...

Here are some my observations...

N.C. House Representative Linda Johnson: Her keyword of the evening was "control". She must have used that word at least six times during the forum. She made it clear that job one was to wrestle control of the General Assembly. She towed the party line like a seasoned professional.

I respect Linda as a human being. She is a respected person in our community. She sincerely cares about her neighbors. My disagreement lies within the realm of politics.

N.C. House Representative Jeff Barnhart: First of all, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for the kind words he spoke. He acknowledged our political differences but he also acknowledged the mutual respect we held for each other. That means a lot to me. It is too easy to become angry when politicians hold positions contrary to your own. I have very serious complaints with Jeff's political philosophy. Never the less, I believe Jeff is fighting for what he sincerely believes in.

I only regret He believes it is necessary to use force to achieve his political goals.

My best response of the night came when Linda and Jeff defended their support of eminent domain and the Cabarrus "Quick Take" Bill, allowing local towns to move forward with projects before the appeal process is over.

Jeff argued that these takings were a foregone conclusion, why not give local "authorities" a head start on congestion (road widening example). Linda defended this position by "localizing" authority to seize land. In other words, our local elected leaders would steal the land instead of "un-elected" DOT bureaucrats.

I responded by saying I wasn't interested in localizing tyranny. If it is wrong for the State to steal land, then it is wrong for local governments to steal land.

After Linda spoke of the importance of political experience, aka "playing the game", (her words) I told those present that "I wasn't interested in playing poker." I reminded her that the money and property she was gambling with was not hers.

I told them that my role as State Senator was to protect their lives, liberty and property. I told them that role was all they could expect of me.

I told them of the Libertarian Party's struggles in the ballot access arena. With the spirit of Tom Bailey, I made mention of Article 6, Section 6 of the N.C. Constitution and the General Assembly's direct violation of constitutional law.

I told them how it felt to be treated like a second class citizen. I compared N.C. Election Statutes to Jim Crow where instead of people of color being discriminated against, it was now anyone who chose to not affiliate with either wing of the Demopublican Party.

Part two coming soon..

Fifty Percent Libertarian...

I ran into Concord Mayor Scott Padgett at the Sweet Pea Cafe this past Tuesday night. It had been a few years since I last ran into Mayor Padgett. Since I have grown my hair back out, I told him my name as we shook hands. When I mentioned my name, I also said, "You know, the Libertarian muckraker."

He then said..."I know who you are. I am half libertarian."

I replied.."Good, now let's work on the other half."

We both got a good chuckle out of that remark.

I like the Mayor, despite our political differences. I guess his less than libertarian half makes him favor corporate fascism (economic development incentives) and prohibit residents from parking in their yards.

Like I said, let's get to work on the "other" half.

David Murdock Is A Jerk!...

... and my opponent, State Senator Fletcher Hartsell agrees. He said so last night at the Cabarrus Republican Men's Club meeting.

The club hosted a forum for candidates seeking state offices. The turnout was pretty low but I enjoyed the fellowship and interesting discussions. Other candidates in attendance were State House Reps. Linda Johnson and Jeff Barnhart. Senator Hartsell got there just in time to make "closing" remarks.

Since the turnout was low, it was decided that we would just stay at our seats and talk about our campaigns. I talked about the problem of state government favoring certain individuals and corporations over others. When discussing tax incentive handouts, I happened to mention a certain billionaire who lives part time in Kannapolis (David Murdock) and the special privileges he receives at the expense of others. Linda Johnson was the first to speak up in defense of poor, old Mr. Moneybags. She rehashed the same warm and fuzzy tribute that you would expect from a politician. She talked about all the money Mr. Murdock had raised for Republican candidates and said he was one of "us". Of course, this was merely an opening act for the headlining statist, Mr. Hartsell. He got the last word of the evening. I didn't expect anything less.

Then he said the words I could not agree with more....

"David Murdock is a jerk", Fletcher proclaimed. "He is very difficult to work with", admitted Mr. Hartsell.

Then came the big "BUT"...

Fletcher started his folksy tribute to the savior of the old mill town, telling us how much money Murdock has invested in his own project. He then told us a warm and fuzzy parable, comparing the city of Kannapolis to a island about to be wiped out by a tsunami. A tale rife with "doom" and "despair" but, as you would expect from a seasoned politician,.. a solution; a "silver lining" in a dark cloud of destruction...the wise elders come together to try to save the island. I suppose today's wise elders are Mr. Hartsell, David Murdock and the K-Town bureaucrats.

So the moral of the story is this...the powers that be are wiser than you and we know what's best for you and the community and we won't let issues like equality under the law stop us from building our "vision" of corporate fascism.

And by the way, David Murdock is a jerk...

..but, he is OUR jerk!

Political Philosophy & Motivation...

When evaluating any particular candidate, for any elective office, I believe their philosophy and motivation should be judged first. Issues are important as well, but different issues come and then they go. No matter the issue, you should already have at least an idea of where any certain candidate may stand.

Voters have the responsibility of learning these things before they enter the voting booth. My campaign is based on individual liberty and individual responsibility. I am asking voters to be proactive in defending their own lives..their own liberties, and most importantly, their own responsibilities.

Here is an introduction to my personal philosophy concerning the role of government, at all levels.

I believe our natural rights are endowed to us by our Creator. These rights also come with responsibilities. You cannot have one without the other.

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness are our natural birthrights. I have pledged my life to defend these rights. I believe that is the sacred duty of any free and honest man.

I believe involuntary taxation is theft. Taxation is merely another term for "tribute". Tribute to Caesar. Tribute to a false mortal god. I find this to be a most vile form of idolatry.

No man has the moral authority to govern me, so long as I remain a peaceable person. The fact that I do not violate the rights of others makes me a peaceable person.

The role of government is to protect our lives, liberties and property. Our founding fathers established the Republic of North Carolina to do just that. How far have we moved away from our heritage!

I believe charity comes from a free and loving heart, given by the graces of Free Will. I believe Free Will may be the greatest gift ever bestowed upon mankind. I believe that gift comes with the highest responsibility. Any abuse of that responsibility is a direct violation of Natural Law.

I trust my neighbors to live their lives as they see fit, so far as their actions do not violate the rights of others.

Like I mentioned before, this is just an introduction to my personal philosophy. I look forward to sharing more of my ideas along the campaign trail.

The Truth Marches On...

Keep those torches and pitchforks at the ready!...

Taft Would Be Proud...

http://www.antiwar.com/justin/justin022008b.html

Justin Raimondo gives us an excellent article regarding the resurrection of the Taft wing of the GOP and John McCain's response to it's heir, the Ron Paul Revolution.

Here is a McCain quote contained within the article...

"One afternoon, McCain talked about his surprise at the resurrection of this element in his party, which has been particularly visible in the candidacy of the libertarian Texas congressman Ron Paul. 'We had a debate in Iowa. I mean, it was, like, last summer, one of the first debates we had. It was raining, and I'm standing there in the afternoon, it was a couple of hours before the debate,' McCain said. 'And I happen to look out the window. Here's a group of fifty people in the rain, shouting "Ron Paul! Ron Paul!"' McCain banged on the table with both fists and chanted as he imitated the Paul enthusiasts. 'I thought, Holy sh*t, what's going on here? I mean, go to one of these debates. Drive up. Whose signs do you see? I'm very grateful – they've been very polite. I recognize them and say thanks for being here. They haven't disrupted the events. But he has tapped a vein."

Yes, Mr. McCain, Ron Paul has most definitely tapped a vein. And I can assure you, Dr. Paul and his army of grassroots volunteers, including yours truly, will keep tapping that vein until the Republic is restored!

Please Count To Ten And Take A Deep Breath...

My fellow Libertarians,

Today, I filed for N.C. Senate 36. I have entered the Republican primary. Since we do not have ballot access at this time, I have decided to raid the Republican ballot.

Before I continue, please allow me to make some declarations ….

I am a LIBERTARIAN, 100% Top of the Nolan Chart. I am as dedicated to the LP today as I was yesterday.

I am not a Republican. I am not seeking to reform the GOP. It is doomed and I pledge to do my part to push it over the cliff. I am commandeering a spot on their ballot. This is a measure of non violent protest. If they are going to deny my party ballot access, I choose to subvert their dated coronation process, aka the party primary.

I am a precinct leader for Ron Paul. He has asked his supporters to spread the Revolution by running for office. I feel like I owe that to Dr. Paul.

I have no intentions of resigning any of the positions I hold within the LP. I have the blessing and support of my peers in the Cabarrus LP. I also have the blessings of our Ballot Access Director, Bob Ritchie. I believe I can be loyal to the RP Revolution and the LP.

I will continue to support our ballot access via donations and labor. I am using my campaign to highlight N.C. ‘s restrictive ballot access rules.

The primary is May 6th. If I do not win, I will file for Cabarrus Board of Education this summer. N.C. “sore loser” laws do not apply to non-partisan races that have filing periods later than the primary filing period. I have already confirmed this with my local board of elections.

I understand my announcement may shock some of you. Please count to ten and take a deep breath before you start throwing rocks. For what it is worth, I believe I have done my share of the heavy lifting for the LP over the past eight years or so. I plan to continue doing just that.

Feel free to disagree with my tactics and strategy. Please do not question my allegiance to the LP.

Thomas Hill

Op-Ed Calls For Ballot Access Fairness...

http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/editorials/story/933658.html

A nice article in favor of ballot access for third parties. Thanks to Chris Cole for the link.

John McCain? What A Drain!!!

http://nowaymccain.com/

What a hoot! I love watching the GOP die a slow death from a thousand paper cuts! They are going to have their asses handed to 'em this November.

Ron Paul is the only candidate capable of beating Hillary Health Care.

Too bad the rest of the nation has to suffer the results of stupid people voting for serfdom.

Boy, That Was Fun!

I just got home from my alma mater, Central Cabarrus High, after speaking with two classes. The time spent with these young people went by too fast. I made almost 30 new friends today.

They asked great questions and seemed very interested in the libertarian message. A couple students told me they were planning to come to our local Libertarian Party meeting next week.

As I was leaving, the teacher told me some of the students I spoke with last semester are planning on basing their senior projects on the Libertarian Party. She said I should be hearing from the students soon, asking me to be their mentor on these projects.

Wow, what an honor that would be! I certainly hope to hear from them! It looks like a few of those seeds I planted last semester are growing quite well.

Time will tell...

Back To School Once Again...

I am getting ready to head back to my old school, Central Cabarrus High, to talk about the LP, Ron Paul and libertarianism in general. I have the opportunity to speak to Mrs. Allred's classes at least a couple times a school year.

Speaking to young folks is the most fun I have as an libertarian activist. I would literally pay for the honor of having fellowship with America's youth. They are so full of life, with a sense of wonder and passion! They always have great questions and seem to be really interested in libertarianism.

I'll let you know how my day goes....I can't wait to get back to school!

Have Some Flowers You Statist Pigs...

With the rise of John McCain, LP offers sympathy for the death of small-government values within the GOP

Washington, D.C. - Following a solid McCain victory in the Super Tuesday primaries, the Libertarian Party has sent Republican headquarters a funeral wreath marking the death of limited-government values within the Republican Party. The wreath was hand-delivered to the D.C. offices of the Republican National Committee. "We simply felt the need to express our heartfelt sympathy for the Republican Party as they undergo this tough time within their party," says Libertarian Party National Media Coordinator Andrew Davis, who delivered the wreath.

"Given that it has become readily apparent that Senator McCain will soon be the presidential nominee for the Republican Party," reads a card that accompanied the wreath addressed to RNC Chairman Mike Duncan, "we, the staff of the Libertarian National Committee, send our condolences to you upon the death of small-government principles within the GOP."

The note continues:

Libertarians encourage competition within both the free-market and politics. Unfortunately, with the rise of John McCain and the big-spending practices of the Bush administration, the two-party system has emerged as representing only one philosophy - big-government liberalism.

With your loss, the Libertarian Party will continue to move forward to represent those American patriots who still believe in smaller government, lower taxes and more individual freedom.

"McCain's Super Tuesday win marks the death of limited government values within the Republican Party, which had struggled with its principles throughout the Bush administration," says Shane Cory, executive director of the Libertarian Party. "It is a day of mourning for the few remaining small-government Republicans."

For pictures of the wreath and its delivery to the RNC headquarters see below. For more information and interview requests, please call Andrew Davis at (202) 333-0008 during normal business hours, or at (202) 731-0002 during any other time.

The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.lp.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.