Dec 18th, 2008
Libertarian Party Warns Against Further Government Spending

America's largest third party is warning against the institution of new government programs in the wake of the current economic crisis. "Government programs tend to linger with disastrous economic consequences," says Libertarian Party spokesperson Andrew Davis.

"Congress needs to exercise extreme caution when considering any new government programs that are intended to act as a remedy for economic decline," says Davis. "The New Deal taught us that government programs die hard, and we're still suffering from the leftovers of FDR's administration."

"Government got us here, and more government will not get us out," observes Davis.

The Libertarian Party blames the current economic crisis on government's intervention in the economy, and worries about the economic impact of exploding government expenditures.

"Out of every four dollars of economic activity, one of those is from federal government spending," Davis notes. "Not since World War II have we seen the federal share of the economy at this level. This will have severe economic consequences down the road if we don’t look for options to this economic crisis other than more government spending."

According to an article published on Dec. 10, 2008 in USA Today, the federal share of the economy was at its highest in 1943 and 1944, at 44 percent.

"Trying to solve this economic crisis by risking another one in the future is not sound, sensible, responsible policy," says Davis. "There are several other options for economic relief that don't involve increasing government, such as tax cuts, deregulation and an avoidance of anything resembling a bailout."

The Libertarian Party has recently focused on the spending plans of the incoming Obama administration, which includes plans for the largest public works project since the 1950s. The cost is projected to reach more than $500 billion dollars.

"It's understandable that in these hard economic times that people are looking for answers and solutions," Davis explains. "However, history has taught us that government solutions only worsen problems, and do nothing to expedite recovery. The federal government has already put taxpayers at an incredible risk for trillions of dollars with the last bailout. Any further action will just dig that hole even deeper."

"It's absolutely immoral to strap future generations of taxpayers with this level of debt," says Davis.

The platform of the Libertarian Party states "a free and competitive market allocates resources in the most efficient manner," adding that the only role of government in the economy is to "protect property rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a legal framework in which voluntary trade is protected."

Dec 17th, 2008
by Andrew Davis

When we say that we want to keep government out of the economy, people often ask, "Isn't that economic anarchy?"

At first our "Wall of Separation" commitment (that is, a commitment to keeping a wall of separation between economy and State) may seem a little bit like anarchy; however, we do believe government has a function in the economy. It's just that its role is very limited, and it is centered around the protection of property rights from fraud and abuse.

From our platform:

2.0 Economic Liberty

A free and competitive market allocates resources in the most efficient manner. Each person has the right to offer goods and services to others on the free market. The only proper role of government in the economic realm is to protect property rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a legal framework in which voluntary trade is protected. All efforts by government to redistribute wealth, or to control or manage trade, are improper in a free society.

So what do we mean when we say we want to keep government out of the economy, yet we still maintain it has a role? We want to avoid exactly what government is doing now: micromanaging the largest economy in the world.

As the saying goes, "The freer the market, the freer the people." Government has a necessary and proper role in our society to protect property rights, and this includes property rights in the market. However, government does not have a responsibility to micromanage the economy.

Though, as of late, government seems more prone to rewarding possible fraud than investigating it.

Dec 16th, 2008
By Andrew Davis
On Dec. 10, the Libertarian Party put out a press release calling the logic behind the auto bailout, "insane." In it, we stated that "it's insane that we keep going back to the taxpayers to bail-out struggling corporations who, for lack of good management and sound business practices, have become unprofitable."

We also said that "the Libertarian Party favors letting these companies file Chapter 11, instead of risking taxpayer dollars for promises of reform."

The Kansas City Star, a McClatchy publication in Kansas City, Missouri, was rather offended with our assessment of the situation:

In case you missed it, the nation’s largest third party also opposed appropriating $14 billion of taxpayer money to bail out the American automotive industry.

“It’s insanity,” said Libertarian Party spokesman Andrew Davis. Instead, the Libertarians favored letting the auto companies file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, taking down the U.S. economy with them.

Now, that’s sane.

The Libertarian Party — founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties — proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

The Buzz says the party also stands to lose just about every election its candidates run in.

Given that the KCS is one of the newspapers that has suffered quite a drop in circulation, its snide tone with us seems a little out of place.

However, this was our response:

It's nice to see the editors of the Kansas City Star are putting the interests of grossly mismanaged corporations over that of taxpayers. In a recent edition of "The Buzz," the KCS took offense to our insinuation that the recent auto bailout was based on "insane" logic. Instead, the newspaper chose to side with the White House and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson--who still won't reveal where $2 trillion of taxpayer money went in the last bailout. The Libertarian Party is not oblivious to the economic impact of a Big Three bankruptcy; we simply recognize bailouts don't work and have disastrous long-term consequences.

The bailout of the American automotive industry will do nothing to fix the problems that got them into their current situation: grossly incompetent CEOs, destructive union contracts and an unwillingness to keep up with automotive trends. If the bailout occurs, as is the hope of the KCS, we will see no change in Detroit. Rather, the Big Three will be back in Washington in a few months asking for more time and more taxpayer money.

This is what the KCS calls the "sane" option? The Libertarian Party, and a majority of American taxpayers, respectfully disagree.

If you would like to send your own response to the Kansas City Star, please email them here. The paper recommends to keep them at 150 words or less.

Dec 16th, 2008
by Andrew Davis

There are many different types of anti-tax warriors. Some use crafty CPAs to get more deductions using the government's complex rules against it. Then, there are tax warriors like Dr. John Berthoud, who use reason, intelligence and a broad coalition of anti-tax organizations to reduce taxes and cut government spending. And while the limited government movement lost Dr. Berthoud last year, his legacy of free-market advocacy lives on from his work as President of the National Taxpayers Union (NTU).

"John was the happy warrior of fiscal conservatism," said John Berlau, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, in a Washington Times memorial to Berthoud. "He always made sure to take the message of low taxes and limited government beyond the Beltway. ... He made networking with state policy groups a priority and influenced others to follow in his footsteps in this area. John will be sorely missed, but his positive influence will be long felt."

There are few organizations that do as much for the fight for lower government and less taxes as NTU. From policy papers, coalition letters and studies that document critical problems like excessive government waste at the taxpayers' expense, Berthoud's work at NTU exposed government corruption and empowered taxpayers.

"He shaped our entire culture and mission at NTU," said NTU Vice President of Communications Pete Sepp.

"[Dr. Berthoud] was a tremendous, peaceful warrior for freedom—particularly economic freedom," Libertarian Party National Chairman Bill Redpath said in a Party press release following the passing of Dr. Berthoud.

"John was a friend to the Libertarian Party and went out of his way to provide us with opportunities that would further our common cause," said Shane Cory, the former executive director of the LP. "John’s sincerity and consideration will be missed."

"I had known John for several years in his capacity as President of the National Taxpayers Union," stated Jim Lark, a board member of the Libertarian National Committee. "I considered him a great friend of Liberty, as well as a personal friend. He was a man of great intelligence, integrity, humor, and kindness who fought hard and well to return the federal government to its proper limited role under our Constitution. He was a champion of the taxpayer and a strong advocate for individual liberty and personal responsibility. His passing is a great loss to the Libertarian movement."

One of the best studies done during the 2008 presidential election was one conducted by the NTU on the campaign promises of the presidential candidates and their cost to taxpayers. While other organizations sometimes overlook the Libertarian Party, the NTU study included Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party's 2008 presidential candidate. Because of this, prospective voters saw that the Libertarian Party was the only Party that would save taxpayers money.

Recently the Libertarian Party and some of its state affiliates signed onto an NTU coalition letter to Congress calling for more transparency in the government bailout of struggling financial firms.

For his work with the National Taxpayer's Union, and his lifelong dedication to fighting taxes and shrinking government, Dr. John Berthoud is a Libertarian Party Free Market Hero. On behalf of the Libertarian National Committee and the Libertarian Party, we sincerely appreciate the work and life of Dr. Berthoud. His presence on the frontlines of free-market advocacy will be deeply missed.

Dec 16th, 2008
Auto Bailout Will Only "Compound The Problem"
Former Congressman Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party's 2008 presidential nominee, issued a statement condemning the proposed $15-billion bailout of the auto industry apparently nearing approval in the Congress. Barr said “the Faustian bargain” the Big 3 automakers reached with lawmakers “compounds the problem” of the massive bailouts backed by Congress and the Bush Administration, and apparently is structured so as to give the federal government a degree of involvement and control of GM, Ford, and Chrysler that the companies “will live to regret.”

Barr went on to say that while the auto industry has a better case for protection than insurance giant AIG, which already has secured some $85 billion in taxpayer-funded bailout money, the contemplated auto bailout will solve none of the underlying problems facing the industry or the economy. AIG, for example, Barr noted, was the “master of its own demise,” and directly contributed to creating the current economic crisis; the auto companies did not. Other entities also responsible for creating the mortgage crisis, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, were also given massive bailouts earlier in the year. It is difficult, given these precedents, to deny others the benefit already granted these other entities, but, Barr noted, we should not put even more taxpayer dollars at risk.

Dec 11th, 2008
Fighting For Liberty Since 1971
Even after 37 years, the Libertarian Party is still America's most viable alternative to Republicans and Democrats, and in times like these, our presence in American politics has never been more important.

If they haven't already, millions of Americans are losing faith in their elected officials. They're lost, and looking for the answers they now can't find in their old political parties. Republicans are supporting nationalization, and Democrats are supporting corporate welfare.

Yet, while members of the GOP and the Democratic Party wonder where their parties went, I want to renew our promises to you, which haven't changed in the 37 years that we've been around:

-The Libertarian Party will never use your money to bailout private corporations
-The Libertarian Party will always promote free market alternatives to government action in the economy
-The Libertarian Party will always fight for less government intervention in the market
-The Libertarian Party will never raise your taxes, letting you keep the money that you earn
-The Libertarian Party will ensure transparency is included in all government expenditures
-The Libertarian Party will drastically cut the size of government, not increase its size with positions like "Car Czar"
-The Libertarian Party will protect a free and competitive market, which allocates resources in the most efficient manner—even in times of economic downturn
-The Libertarian Party will protect a free and competitive market, which allocates resources in the most efficient manner—even in times of economic downturn
-The Libertarian Party will work towards the repeal of the income tax, the abolishment of the Internal Revenue Service and all federal programs and services not required under the U.S. Constitution
-The Libertarian Party will fight against government debt, which burdens future generations without their consent
-The Libertarian Party will divest government of all functions that can be provided by non-governmental organizations or private individuals
-The Libertarian Party will oppose government subsidies to business, labor, or any other special interest
-The Libertarian Party will repeal of all laws that impede the ability of any person to find employment
-The Libertarian Party will support the right of free persons to associate or not associate in labor unions, and protect the right of an employer to recognize or refuse to recognize a union
-The Libertarian Party will oppose government interference in bargaining, such as compulsory arbitration or imposing an obligation to bargain
-The Libertarian Party will repeal all governmental impediments to free trade
-The Libertarian Party will protect your rights as a taxpayer, businessman or consumer

You will always know where we stand because we always stand for more liberty and less government.
This is our promise to you that we made 37 years ago, when our Party was founded by a group of people who were tired of the two-party system and were ready for a change.
That group has now grown to America's largest third party, and the only political party completely dedicated to maximizing freedom and minimizing government.
This is what we mean when we say we're the Party of the taxpayer, the party of the businessman and the party of principle.
Thank you for all that you have done for us in these last 37 years, and we look forward to serving you for at least the next 37 years.

In Liberty,

Bill Redpath
National Chairman
Libertarian National Committee

Dec 11th, 2008
The Libertarian Party of Illinois (LP Illinois) condemns the recent actions of Democratic Governor Rob Blagojevich and calls for his immediate resignation for the good of the State of Illinois.

Blagojevich was arrested on December 9, 2008, accused of scheming to profit from the selling of President-Elect Barack Obama's Senate seat for cash or for a political appointment. Charges against Blagojevich were detailed in a 76-page criminal complaint.

"This type of arrogant, outrageous behavior has become the norm among our elected officials and must no longer be tolerated in Illinois," says LP Illinois State Chair Dave Brady. "The citizens of this state deserve and must demand elected officials who serve honestly and with integrity."

Brady also emphasized the need for more voter choices in Illinois. "First, George Ryan, a Republican, and now Rob Blagojevich, a Democrat--abusing the public trust in an attempt to enrich themselves," Brady says. "I hope this sends a signal to the voters of Illinois and to the media that there really is no difference between the two major parties, and more choices are needed. We fully expect to provide an alternative candidate for governor who is well qualified, accountable and responsive."

"I challenge all media to provide equal attention to all third parties during the next campaign for governor," Brady adds.

Dec 11th, 2008
The U.S. Department of the Interior has recently announced a change to their firearms policy in national parks and wildlife refuges. According to a Dec. 5 statement from the Interior, the policy update would "allow an individual to carry a concealed weapon in national parks and wildlife refuges if, and only if, the individual is authorized to carry a concealed weapon under state law in the state in which the national park or refuge is located."

Previously, individuals were barred from carrying a firearm in national parks, even if they were licensed to carry the firearm in the state in which the national park was located. This especially created a headache for Virginia residents, who were not allowed to carry a firearm in their vehicles while on the George Washington Memorial Highway--a major highway controlled by the National Parks Service that runs on the outskirts of Washington D.C.

“America was founded on the idea that the federal and state governments work together to serve the public and preserve our natural resources,” says Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Lyle Laverty. “The Department’s final regulation respects this tradition by allowing individuals to carry concealed firearms in federal park units and refuges to the extent that they could lawfully do so under state law. This is the same basic approach adopted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS), both of which allow visitors to carry weapons consistent with applicable federal and state laws.”

Now, if only we could believe President-elect Barack Obama when he says gun owners "have nothing to fear"...

by Andrew Davis

Dec 11th, 2008
Says only hope for the long-term viability of automakers is bankruptcy and restructuring
The nation's largest third-party is calling for Congress to strike down a measure backed by the White House that would risk at least $15 billion of taxpayer dollars to bail-out the American automotive industry.

"It's insanity," says Libertarian Party spokesperson Andrew Davis. "It's insane that we keep going back to the taxpayers to bail-out struggling corporations who, for lack of good management and sound business practices, have become unprofitable. Who in Congress is standing up for the taxpayers? Where are the Republicans, who claim they stand for the free market? Where are the Democrats, who claim they oppose corporate welfare?"

The current plan seeks to initially give Detroit automakers a $15 billion, taxpayer-backed loan with a deadline of March 31 to develop a plan for profitability. If, by the deadline, automakers fail to reach what the White House has established as "viability," the loans would be recalled—something Davis says is "already written in the stars."

"We all know what's going to happen, and it's not going to be the outcome proponents of the bailout want us all to believe," says Davis. "Automakers will get $15 billion of taxpayer money, and when April rolls around, they'll be asking for more time and more money. There are absolutely no provisions in the bailout bill that require any type of change to management, union contracts or company structure before receiving taxpayer money. All taxpayers have is a promise that the same CEOs who put their companies in this mess will get it right the second time."

"Or, the third time, if you're talking about Chrysler," Davis adds.

"The end goal of any restructuring should be removing the management that led companies into this pitfall," says Davis. "This should be done by the companies—not the government. The Libertarian Party favors letting these companies file Chapter 11, instead of risking taxpayer dollars for promises of reform. It will be tough in the short-term, but better for the long-term stability of our economy."

Dec 8th, 2008

The following resolution was passed by the Libertarian National Committee on Dec. 7, 2008 at its quarterly board meeting:

RESOLUTION CONDEMNING DOMESTIC DEPLOYMENT OF THE U.S. MILITARY

WHEREAS, the domestic deployment of 20,000 uniformed military personnel planned by the United States government undermines the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which forbids the use of the military for domestic policing; and,

WHEREAS, such a deployment is an alarming example of the increasing militarization of our society; and,

WHEREAS, the increasing use of active duty military personnel, has led, and will lead, to the abuse of American civil liberties, such as violations of the Fourth Amendment; and,

WHEREAS, a state's National Guard – not active duty members of Army combat units – is the appropriate authority to handle local emergencies and disasters should they arise; and,

WHEREAS, the use of the 3rd Infantry Division 1st Brigade Combat Team during a time of war puts further tension on an already strained U.S. military

THEREFORE, be it resolved, the Libertarian National Committee and its undersigned members hereby condemn the plans of the federal government to deploy 20,000 active duty members of the U.S. military to serve, for whatever reason, domestically in the United States. Furthermore, the Libertarian National Committee calls for the immediate abandonment of these plans, and instead suggests that should an emergency response team comprised of members other than local emergency responders (fire, police, HAZMAT) be developed and trained, it consist of members of the National Guard – not active duty personnel of the United States military.

The Libertarian National Committee calls for the citizens of the United States to oppose this militarization of our society, and its encroachment on American civil liberties, to their local, state and federal representatives.