Date: August 3rd 2008

Lone Star Liberty newsletter:
the monthly newsletter of the Libertarian Party of Texas, www.LPTexas.org

August 2008
Over 1730 subscribers

1. LIBERTARIANS AS KINGMAKERS
2. UPDATES ON STATE WEBSITE
3. FAIRTAX DEBATE FROM STATE CONVENTION
4. FIRST FULL MEETING OF NEW STATE COMMITTEE
5. GREAT ARGUMENT FOR SCHOOL CHOICE
6. BOB BARR APPEARANCES IN TEXAS
7. MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
8. SCHEDULE OF IMPORTANT DATES

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1. LIBERTARIANS AS KINGMAKERS

The Libertarian Party of Texas is now being recognized as a major player in the 2008 election. Several recent headlines have addressed this:

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/07/28/0728libertarians.html
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/08/03/0803libertarians.html

The latter story was the result of a press release from the state party (http://www.lptexas.org/release-20080801.shtml)

In response to pleas to have Libertarian candidates withdraw from the ballot, state chair Pat Dixon sent to following message to the slate of candidates:

Libertarian Party candidates and state committee members,

Some great things are happening for the Libertarian Party of Texas and I urge all of our candidates to REMAIN ON THE BALLOT!

I do not know the entire history of our results in Texas, but my understanding is that in the past we would have a small number of candidates on the ballot and get the usual small percentages and sometimes get more votes than the margin of victory in one state legislature race.  In 2004 we had a candidate that ran for the state legislature and was credited for knocking out incumbent Jack Stick.  The following legislative session we wrote a bill that got signed by 4 legislators.  Last election cycle we were kingmakers in 6 races for the state legislature, which is more than ever before.  Even though several of the legislators that had signed our bill had retired before the election, we had 5 new legislators sign a bill for the 2007 session (http://www.lptexas.org/release-20070403.shtml).  Now we are prepared for historical success and in a powerful negotiating position for the next legislative session.

That is why we are getting the attention of people (http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/07/28/0728libertarians.html).

That is also why some of you candidates are getting called by people asking you to withdraw (see press release below).  The incumbents fear our presence on the ballot and do not want voters to have a choice.

There are times when our members choose not to oppose someone that is on our side.  Typically our conventions choose not to oppose Ron Paul.  One of the authors of our bill last session, Dan Branch, has kept in contact with us and our supporters in the Dallas area thought it best not to challenge him.

However, now is not the time for people that would not talk to us last year to now beg us to support them.  They are not worthy of our trust and support.  There is nobody in the legislature anywhere near Ron Paul in terms of Libertarian principle.  To compromise now is to throw away our best hand.

Wes and I are getting these calls as well.  I received an unsolicited call this week from the office of the chief of staff to speaker Tom Craddick, and Wes and I will meet them on Monday.  I am happy to talk to people, but not willing to give away the farm.  We know we are making a difference when we get calls like this, and this is the position we want to be in!

There is also a perception that we only hurt Republicans.  People do not understand that we are not only for economic liberty, but also social tolerance and individual liberty.  In 2006 the Republican beat the Democrat by fewer votes than our candidate Gene Freeman received in district 106.  Some of you are running against incumbent Democrats.  We can knock them out of office as well.

Please understand that I am not asking anything more of you than you have already done.  I am really the figurehead.  You are the players.  Even if you do not have an active campaign, a "paper candidate", you are doing everything we could ask for.  Between our candidates and our excellent staff of Wes and Art, we have a great team.  

If you get bothered by people calling, feel free to tell them to talk to us if you don't want to be bothered.  The only thing I ask is that you remain a candidate for the Libertarian Party in 2008.  It would take a sizable and trustworthy offer for us to even consider anything else.  At the moment there is so much to gain, and the only way we can lose it is to give it up.

Thank you so much for your great sacrifice, your efforts, and your support.

Yours in Liberty,

Patrick J Dixon
Chair, Libertarian Party of Texas
www.LPTexas.org


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2. UPDATES ON STATE WEBSITE

Several updates have been placed on our state website, www.LPTexas.org. Please take a look.

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3. FAIRTAX DEBATE FROM STATE CONVENTION

A summary of the FairTax debate at our state convention has been placed at http://seananderson.blip.tv/#1079998. Speaking in favor of the FairTax is Ken Hoagland, national communications director for Americans for Fair Taxation. Opposing the FairTax is state party executive director Wes Benedict. Thanks to Sean Anderson for recording this video and posting it. Additional sessions were also recorded and we will inform you when they are available.

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4. FIRST FULL MEETING OF NEW STATE COMMITTEE

At the state convention a new state executive committee (SELCT) was elected. Although a short preliminary meeting was held at the convention, the first full meeting will be held on September 13 from 11:00 AM to 4 PM at Pok-e-Jo's BBQ in Austin. The meeting is open to the public. We do ask that those in attendance patronize the restaurant. Topics to be discussed are the establishment of annual goals and hiring of an executive director upon the departure of Wes Benedict.

Saturday September 13th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Pok-e-Jo'S BBQ
4109 S Capital of TX Hwy
Austin, TX  78704
512-440-0447
http://www.pokejos.com/4960299_38938.htm

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5. GREAT ARGUMENT FOR SCHOOL CHOICE

Below is a very persuasive argument for choice and diversity in education:
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

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6. BOB BARR APPEARANCES IN TEXAS

Libertarian Party presidential candidate Bob Barr made several appearances in Texas in July. Below are some reports from his visits:

6a. Article of the visit in Houston : http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5898431.html
Additional comments from county chair Guy McLendon:

"During Barr’s event at the Hilton @ University of Houston on July 20th, about 100 people attended. Media coverage included the Houston Chronicle, and a very nice article appeared in the print & online copy. Fox local affiliate Channel 26 came out, and got footage. I’m uncertain when/if that footage was aired."

http://libertarian.meetup.com/276/calendar/8267723/

"Yvonne Schick was the opening speaker."
"Qty = 4 Ron Paul Meetup groups posted this event … including the largest Ron Paul Meetup.com group in Houston … #24."
"Guy"

6b. From the visit in Dallas from Tarrant County chair John Spivey:

"Hello North Texas Liberation Front,"
 
"Many of you who were at attendance last night at the "Burgers for Bob" event walked away with a real treat!  This was a memorable night where many of us were able to have a comfortable, easy going - and very interesting - conversation with LP Presidential Candidate, Congressman Bob Barr.  I've seen Mr. Barr speak on several occasions and have seen him on cable news programs and C-Span dozens of times, but I must say I was very happy to find out that what a completely down-to-earth, engaging, friendly and funny person he is.   But most importantly, he is the only candidate with a national platform advancing a message of rolling back government's scope, power and costs."
 
"Of course, we were able to have this great experience by the graciousness of our hosts, John Shuey, his lovely wife Patricia Winning, and son John (and two friendly greyhounds).  I think we each owe John and his family, a big 'THANK YOU' for spearheading this event and allowing us to use their beautiful home.  We had success in raising some money for Mr. Barr, getting to do a little 'cross team collaboration' with the other connected county LPs and of course, learning more about Bob Barr's vision of America.  It's a good one, by the way."
 
"If you have any pictures of the event, feel free to either post them on the meetup website  - or send them to me (if my email account will accept them - it's being a little finicky) and let's share our memories of the evening.  Again, great job to John and Patricia for making us feel welcome and their generosity!"
 
"Sincerley,
John Spivey"
 
"PS - Is it just me - or does this election cycle seem a little different for us LPers?  I have to admit, I'm kind of getting 'psyched'!  I think this may be the cycle that changes things permanently.  Let's make some noise out here!!!""

6c. Report of the visit in Austin from state chair Pat Dixon:

"This evening we had an opportunity to meet with Bob Barr, who recently showed at 6% in the Zogby national poll.  People got to ask him questions, get shirts and hats, and get their picture taken with him."

"Bob shows tremendous stamina.  He had a very busy travel day and was able to conduct several media interviews prior to his 2 presentations at the hotel.  He was on his feet almost the whole evening.    At the evening reception we was on his feet for over an hour and went until 9 PM personally meeting people and having his picture taken.  He had not had any dinner.  He could not have been more engaging.  People were asking him challenging questions and he handled it remarkably well."

"I mentioned that in 2004 we had to collect 82,000 signatures in 75 days to remain on the ballot in Texas.  We received $45,000 from the national party to fund this effort.  Now those same people in states that supported our effort need our help.  West Virginia has an urgent ballot access drive.  The Barr campaign is helping in West Virginia, Connecticut, and Maine.  They also filed a lawsuit against the unreasonable ballot access laws in Oklahoma.  We have approximately 17 more states that need our support to be on the ballot.  Both the Barr campaign and the national party are working hard as these deadlines approach.  We have Libertarian candidates in these states that are counting on us.  It is not only the presidential ticket, but all Libertarian candidates in these states that need help.  We got help in 2004, and I hope Texas can show that we appreciate it and return the favor."

6d. Another report of the Austin event from new member Stephen Alexander:

"Friends/ Family/ Peers-"

"As you know, I am one of those "disenfranchised" Republicans, who think that the Republican Party left me (not that I left the Republican party).  The GOP no longer is the party of smaller government and lower taxes.  It no longer is the party of "live and let live" as you see fit.  It no longer is the party of personal accountability and responsibility. This year, I am taking the bold step of supporting the Libertarian Party in the Presidential Election."

"My wife and I had the fantastic opportunity last Saturday to sit down with Bob Barr, Libertarian candidate for President."

"Most of you remember Bob as the conservative U.S. Congressman from Georgia (he lives in Atlanta), but much like me, Bob felt that the Republican Party left him. During our visit (we attended a town hall-like reception with about 50 others), we had the opportunity to ask questions, and to have open dialogue with Mr. Barr. Let me say that the evening was nothing less than spectacular, and inspirational. The inspiration was simply that Erin and I finally felt like there was still hope for our nation's political future, and that there are still a few folks out there that run for office because they want to make the country better, not simply for personal gain, or for personal agenda hopes and desires."

"Mr. Barr was very clear and concise on EXACTLY where he stood on the issues.  There was no vague double speak, and there was no making excuses for votes he had cast in the past that he felt were mistakes.  He stepped up to the plate, and took on the questions head-on."

"A little over a month ago, we attended a luncheon where the guest speaker was Wayne Allyn Root.  Wayne is now the VP candidate on the ticket with Bob Barr.  Mr. Root is the poster child for the self employed, self-reliant, do-it-yourself mind set person.  He was a thrill to listen to and later visit with."

"I am throwing my full support behind the Barr/ Root ticket for President this year.  Many of you that I have spoken with have cautioned me against voting for a 3rd party candidate, saying that a 3rd party cannot win, and that a vote for Barr/ Root is a vote against McCain.  I can no longer (especially with my 9-month old daughter depending on me) in good conscience cast another vote for the "lesser of two evils".  For me and my family, the line is drawn here in 2008.  The change has to start somewhere of getting our nation and our society back to where it came from:  self reliance, self accountability, and a limited government."

"PLEASE take 5 minutes (5:06 to be exact) and watch this video on YouTube. It speaks for itself. Please take some additional time when you have a moment and read up on Mr. Barr. Those of us that share similar values DO have a candidate that represents our beliefs. I hope and pray that you will watch, listen, and later read with an open mind and more importantly, an open heart. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/user/bobbarr2008?ob=4";

"Feel free to send this email on to others, if you think it appropriate."

"Also, PLEASE contact me with any questions, thoughts, etc."
"God bless, Stephen Alexander"
"P.S. I am now a card-carrying member of the national and state Libertarian Parties. Liberty for America! Bob Barr 2008!"

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7. MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

In 1861, Czar Alexander II of Russia emancipated serfs. In 1964 he established local self government. He brought several other liberal reforms to a country that was historically authoritarian and conservative, such as abolishing the death penalty, adopting Western judicial procedures, relaxation of censorship, and drafting plans for an elected parliament. In 1881 he was assassinated. He was not killed by the ruling regime. He was not killed by the conservatives or authoritarians. He was killed by liberals that did not think he was liberal and radical enough. The result was a return to more authoritarian regimes and the Communist takeover 36 years later.

The Libertarian Party will always have debate about how best to remain true to our principles while persuading people to support us. It is healthy to have these discussions as long as they are respectful. The enemy is not us. We need to work together despite our differences.

A great example of this is from one of my favorite Libertarians, Steve Kubby. Steve has endured a lot in his fight for life and liberty. His campaign for the Libertarian presidential nomination was a great display of what is means to be a Libertarian. After the nomination, he gave us a great demonstration of how to unify our party (http://thirdpartywatch.com/2008/05/27/kubby-urges-support-for-barrroot-ticket/)

As we go forward to the November election, let us remember the lesson of Alexander II. We have 173 candidates that will have different opinions and different ways of growing our support. Some may be active, some may only occupy a place on the ballot to offer a choice. We have an opportunity to advance the cause of liberty. Let's not assassinate our friends.

Yours in Liberty,
Pat Dixon

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8. SCHEDULE OF IMPORTANT DATES:

Saturday September 13th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Pok-e-Jo'S
4109 S Capital of TX Hwy
Austin, TX  78704
512-440-0447
http://www.pokejos.com/4960299_38938.htm


Tuesday November 4: General election date, get out and vote!