Libertarian Republican

Angelina Jolie: Now out as an Obama-hating Libertarian

2009-11-25T12:21:00.000-08:00

It's been rumored for quite some time. With her interest in producing and starring in Ayn Rand's iconic Atlas Shrugs, and with her famous Tea Party supporting Dad Jon Voigt, many had pegged the actress as a closeted libertarian. The rumor just got one step closer to being confirmed.

From USMagazine, Nov. 24:

Barack Obama does not have Angelina Jolie's seal of approval.

"She hates him," a source close to the U.N. goodwill ambassador, 34, tells the new issue of Us Weekly (on newsstands now).

"She's into education and rehabilitation and thinks Obama is all about welfare and handouts. She thinks Obama is really a socialist in disguise," adds the source.

"Angie isn't Republican, but she thinks Obama is all smoke and mirrors," the source says.

In reaction to the quotes attributed to Jolie, Billy Dennis at Peoria Pundit notes:

She's all for self-reliance and 2nd Amendment rights... sounds awfully libertarian to me.

Meanwhile AllahPundit at HotAir opines:

Not only did she famously call for the United States to stay put in Iraq in order to avert a humanitarian disaster but she was officially undecided on last year’s election until fairly late in the game.

Finally, Finally, Left Coast Rebel Tim Daniels comments:

it is interesting and worthy of note to see her opining that she isn't a fan of the Obamanation. Even saying the *gasp* 'S' word. Say it isn't so! Let's be honest folks, being a Hollywood celebrity and even being mildly free-thinking/conservative/libertarian or otherwise is tantamount to having leprosy.

What about Ft. Hood? Obama administration still stalling

2009-11-25T03:47:00.000-08:00

From: Jim Lagnese, Right Guy

Grass Roots Americans are waiting on the Obama administration to respond to the attacks on American forces from a Muslim Jihadist at Ft. Hood, Texas.

Some Americans are expressing their extreme anger for Obama's inaction.

One American has put up a billboard in Wheatridge, Colorado (suburban Denver) urging Americans to "Wake up! Remember Ft. Hood." Car dealership owner Phil Hood, who put the billboard up on his property, says:

"Everything I have read about Mr. Obama points right to the fact that he is a Muslim. And that is the agenda of what Muslim is all about. It's about anti-American, it's about anti-Christianity," Wolf said.

A recent Rasmussen poll found that by a margin of 63% to 14% Americans believe that political correctness prevented the Military from respondong to the threat posed by Ft. Hood killer Nidal Malik Hasan. Also in the poll, only 43% are happy with how Obama has handled the crisis, while 29% believe he's reacted poorly to the terrorist killing spree.

Hardline GOP Libertarian about to be elected to California Assembly

2009-11-25T01:35:00.000-08:00

Libertarian with a Capitol 'L'

From Eric Dondero:

Well, we lost Tom McClintock out of the California State Senate. He got himself elected to Congress. And Chuck DeVore is leaving his Assembly seat for a potential move to the US Senate, now running in the GOP primary to take on Barbara Boxer. This leaves only Sen. Tony Strickland of Ventura County all by himself on the Senate side, but no no hard-liner libertarians in the General Assembly, that is, at least til mid-January.

A special election run-off will be held to fill a vacant Orange County seat in a very Republican district. And the 1st place finisher for the first round is an almost certain winner. Even better, he just happens to be the most hardline libertarian to come down the pike since McClintock or DeVore.

Meet Chris Norby. Movement libertarians have known Chris and known about him for years. He served with Libertarian Mayor and City Councilwoman Bonnie Flickinger in Fullerton (pop. 110,000) back in the 1990s. There were rumors back then that he even sent in his membership dues and officially joined the Libertarian Party of Orange County at one point during his stint. He was certainly a friend and frequent guest at LP of Orange Cty. meetings and events.

Now, upon his election he could possibly become the most well-known libertarian state legislator in the entire US.

From Capitol Weekly out of Sacramento:

After tallying a 2-1 victory over Republican rival Linda Ackerman in a special election primary last week, Chris Norby is a prohibitive favorite to join the Assembly after a Jan. 12 runoff.

One thing he is not likely to ever be: a crossover budget vote.

“Chris is a hard-line, ideological conservative, with a libertarian bent,” said Jon Fleischman, publisher of the popular conservative blog The Flash Report. “I think it’s fair to say that he will join the Republican Caucus and will immediately be one of its most hard-line members.”

“I don’t think raising taxes is going to solve out budgets woes,” Norby told the Capitol Weekly when asked about the likelihood of him ever supporting a Democratic budget plan. “It could make them worse.”

For a little context, this is the Assembly seat where a Republican Mike Duvall had to resign after he was caught on tape bragging about a recent sexual conquest. About a hot lobbyist in Sacramento, Assmb. Duvall said something to the effect of "she was a hot piece of ass" (paraphrased, actual comment a bit more explicit.) Duvall is married.

Norby will be significantly more the Nerd. Continuing:

Norby taught high school history for 18 years. Some say he has the manner of a college professor.

“He’s certainly an in-depth policy wonk,” Fleischman said. “He reads a lot, calls around a lot, gets a lot of information. He’ll be either the favorite of the lobbyists, or the most hated by the lobbyists, depending on if a lobbyist wants to do the work to educate a legislator who really wants to understand the issues.”

And like other Libertarians, he's Nerdy in a principled not willing to compromise sort of way. Continuing:

Even his fans say Norby is unlikely to follow [husband Sen.] Ackerman into Legislative leadership. He’s drawn comparisons to outsider Assemblyman Chuck Devore, R-Irvine, for his unwillingness to compromise on what he sees as key Republican issues.

“He’s definitely a small government conservative,” said Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. “I think he’s rubbed a lot of people on both sides of the aisle the wrong way.”

These stands won him the support of libertarian conservatives like Congressman Tom McClintock, whose support Lewis said was key in the runaway win over Ackerman, and anti-tax crusader Lew Uhler.

In fact, he's so uncompromisingly libertarian, that he often takes stances in opposition to business interests seeking to get government favors.

Norby on Property Rights:

Norby may also run afoul of some business concerns for his uncompromising stand on property rights. He’s an outspoken critic of economic redevelopment agencies, controversial governmental bodies that has often seized private property in order to push economic development goals. Norby served as state chair of Municipal Officials for Redevelopment Reform (MORR) and also wrote a book, “Redevelopment: The Unknown Government.” According to Norby, big retailers and other corporate interests have used these governmental agencies to siphon away money from local business and even from education.

He's also quite unpopular with the Teacher's Unions:

Norby may differ from many Republicans in saying he’d like to raise teacher pay. Of course, he wants to do so by making teachers work harder and having them teach more periods. This, he said, would attract brighter, harder-working people. He also doesn’t necessarily want to raise spending on education, instead putting “more money into the classroom” by cutting administration and unproductive programs.

“I’m not popular with the CTA [California Teachers’ Association],” Norby noted dryly.

Come January after he's sworn in, the California Assembly will no doubt take a hard-Right turn to the libertarian side. And just in time. For the State, still bucking spending cuts proposed by the GOP, is on the verge of complete bankruptcy. Let's hope that a sensible cut-the-spending first, libertarian approach can save the Golden State from complete ruin.

Editor's Note - Jon Fleischman, quoted in the article above, is an old friend of mine, and a friend of Cong. Ron Paul's Chief of Staff Tom Lizardo, from Bill Buckley's Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), back in the 1980s. Fleischman also serves as a longtime aide and adviser to Congressman Ed Royce.

Global Warming Fraud: Liberal Media working overtime to Spin out of the Story

2009-11-24T02:15:00.000-08:00

by Eric Dondero

A serious scandal is emerging on the Global Warming front. A series of emails were discovered by top researchers based in Canada debunking the theory. The email communications came from rival pro-global warming researchers based in the UK. They clearly indicate an intention by the pro-global warming researchers to cover up data unfavorable to the advocacy position. Further, the communications indicate that the cover-up took place with the express intent to gain greater funding for continued global warming research from the US and European nations.

An example of one of the email exchanges published on Sunday in the Washington Post:

In one e-mail, the center’s director, Phil Jones, writes Pennsylvania State University’s Michael E. Mann and questions whether the work of academics that question the link between human activities and global warming deserve to make it into the prestigious IPCC report, which represents the global consensus view on climate science. “I can’t see either of these papers being in the next IPCC report,” Jones writes. “Kevin and I will keep them out somehow — even if we have to redefine what the peer-review literature is!”

It's still undetermined as to how the emails surfaced. Some say through a computer hacker, others call it a whistle-blowing incident. Regardless, the scandal has caused a huge embarrassment for the Left. And the scandal keeps growing by the hour.

American Spectator calls ClimateGate, an "exploding scandal." Chris Horner at AS explains the fundamentals of what's beginning to emerge:

document destruction, coordinated efforts in the U.S. and UK to avoid complying with both countries' freedom of information laws, and apparent and widespread intent to defraud at the highest levels of international climate science bodies. Numerous informed commenters had alleged such behavior for years, all of which appears to be affirmed by leaked emails, computer codes and other data from the Climatic Research Unit of the UK's East Anglia University.

Horner goes on to write that Global Warming-gate cuts at the heart of the underpinnings of both the Kyoto Protocol and Cap and Trade.

In the last couple days, the Left has undertaken a full-blown push-back effort. Their propoganda machine has been working overtime, trying to spin their way out of the story, and protect the environmentalist interests, scientists involved in the cover-up, Al Gore, and the Obama administration.

Their spin line? The leaked emails from the researchers weren't really serious, they were just examples of typical "peer review."

From Futurismic:

Smart enough to hack, not sophisticated enough to appreciate the daily give-and-take of how science works–is that how we nonscientists are going to approach critical issues? Maybe we can do better than that.

From Real Climate:

there is a peek into how scientists actually interact and the conflicts show that the community is a far cry from the monolith that is sometimes imagined. People working constructively to improve joint publications; scientists who are friendly and agree on many of the big picture issues, disagreeing at times about details and engaging in ‘robust’ discussions...

And this particularly condescending explanation from the hugely popular liberal site BoingBoing. The Leftist website so kindly "puts it all in context" so that the reader doesn't have to think on their own. From BoingBoing:

Hacked climate scientists' emails in context

In a nutshell: science is about the advancement of competing theories and the evaluation of these theories in light of evidence. The East Anglia Climate Research Unit's scientists disagreed in some particulars, and used peer-review to resolve them (and continue to do so). No one is paying them to cover up evidence that climate change isn't real or isn't caused by humans -- but they are conducting science the way that scientists do.

You see, all those email communications admitting to the global warming fraud were not really serious. Tt was all just done for the sake of "robust debate" so typical of the scientific research community.

Nothing to see here. Move on... move on...

Sarah Palin Fever hits Ft. Bragg; 5,000 screaming fans attend Book Signing at Army Base

2009-11-24T02:02:00.000-08:00

Bigger than the Beatles, Springsteen or the Stones?

Working the rope line like a true Pro. Which American politician is the real Rock Star?

From the Editor: Last night we discussed Sarah Palin's book tour and the controversial LA Times piece on her rise in popularity on "Libertarian Politics Live." 5 special guests from 5 different Right Libertarian blogs. Listen to it on the sidebar here at LR, or click on the home page for the show.

Palin a "Republican dunce" says LA Times: Intentional or Wisecrack against Liberal Elites?

2009-11-23T19:07:00.000-08:00

From Eric Dondero:

The Los Angeles Times had a major piece on Sarah Palin yesterday, "Sarah Palin vs. Barack Obama: The approval gap silently shrinks to a few points." Overall, a very decent article talking of how Palin's approval numbers, hovering around 43%, are nearing Obama's, now at 48%. Also, Palin's on the upswing, while Obama a definite downward trend.

But completely out of the context of the article, was a seemingly nasty slam at Palin at the very beginning of the piece.

From the LA Times:

Not that it matters politically because obviously she's a female Republican dunce and he's obviously a male Democrat genius.

But Sarah Palin's poll numbers are strengthening.

And President Obama's are sliding.

Guess what? They're about to meet in the 40s.

Here's a couple reactions from two top Right libertarian bloggers.

Tim Daniels, Left Coast Rebel:

The above prefaced by a cheap shot that hampers the read:

Not that it matters politically because obviously she's a female Republican
dunce and he's a male Democrat genius.(Genius at what? Bankrupting America?)

Also note this this LA Times writer stresses to point to Palin as the 'female' Republican. Coincindence? Not likely. Regardless, the piece and subsequent Memeo chatter point to something interesting and important. Sarah Palin taps into a different crowd than the typical GOP type does right now. She's believable. She's likeable. She excites folks that usually wouldn't be. Her political standing is moving up in the public too; ie her perceived leadership ability.

From the Connecticut-based blog Libertarian Advocate:

I read the same piece this morning and as to the seemingly snarky line you quoted above I took away quite a different perception of it. I read it as being laced with a somewhat sneaky but entirely intended irony directed at those liberals who are, for whatever reason culturally indoctrinated and emotionally compelled to despise Sarah Palin simply because she is a Conservative woman.

The female Left seem to be hopelessly locked into the idea that a conservative female is a traitor to their sex. They are not terribly unlike extremist muslims who believe that apostates deserve execution. So the FemLeft happily engage in personal character assassination to bring down "apostate" conservative females such as Palin.

Anyway, fascinating to watch the liberals squirm as their God, BOTUS, twists in the political winds of a resurgent conservative movement.

My own personal view, at first stunned disbelief that the LA Times would print such a slam. But then, I thought it was so over the top, that it surely had to be intentional and as Libertarian Advocate says, "snarky" not necessarily against Palin, but more aimed at her snooty liberal critics.

What do you think? Please post your comments, slam or non-slam on Palin?

Democrats in Retreat for 2010 Congressional Elections: 2 Dems hint they could Lose, 1 other Resigns

2009-11-23T16:50:00.001-08:00

From Eric Dondero:

Three big developments in Congressional races the last week, signal that at least some Democrats realize they're in big trouble heading into 2010.

Firstly, a largely unexpected announcement on Monday that Rep. Dennis Moore or Kansas is planning to retire. Moore is relatively young, scandal free, and is generally viewed as a moderate Democrat. But as The Hill reports, Moore bowed down to Pelosi and voted for key liberal agenda items, which may have sealed his fate, in a Republican-leaning District, in a very Republican State.

From The Hill:

Moore, a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, on Monday became the first incumbent this cycle to announce he would retire from Congress next year without running for another office. The GOP immediately began asking whether other veteran Democrats would bow to the political pressure and join him.

Moore, like many conservative Democrats, would probably face a tough reelection bid, since he voted for the stimulus, climate change legislation and the healthcare bill.

Then there's this odd development coming out of Idaho.

From Political Game blog:

Walt Minnick (D-Idaho) sat down with the Moscow-Pullman Daily News for a story Sunday that contained some rather irritating quotes--quotes that spotlighted exactly why it is that progressive Democrats, Minnick's base, are frustrated with Minnick's voting record and may not support him for re-election.

Apparently, the freshman congressman wouldn't be disappointed should he be unseated in the 2010 congressional race. Minnick offered the following quote to the Daily News...

"I would like to go back. If I don't, that's not the end of the world."

One of the first rules of politics, no matter what office is being sought, from dog catcher to US President, never even hint that you don't have the fire in the belly to win, or are non-chalante of the outcome of your race. Anyone remember how quickly Fred Thompson's Presidential run fizzled in '08, over the "fire in the belly" issue?

Finally, Colorado specially appointed Senator Michael Bennet told CNN's John King that he would cast his vote for the final version of the health care bill including the public option, even if it meant a sure loss of his seat.

Some are interpreting what on the surface may appear as a principle stance, as an admission that in reality he may not win reelection.

From Doug Heye, US News:

"I'll risk my job to vote for healthcare," Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet told CNN's John King yesterday. For many on the Left, the statement was a rallying cry of martyrdom... But scratch the surface just a little bit and one is quickly reminded that however Bennet may vote on Harry Reid's healthcare bill, his job is already at risk.

Appointed in January to fill the seat vacated by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Bennet has never run for elective office. As a Senate candidate and United State Senator, Bennet has not exactly captured the hearts and minds of Colorado voters. Poll after poll shows Bennet's approval rating lagging behind his disapproval and as President Barack Obama's numbers slide, so go Bennet's. A sample Denver Post headline, "Poll: Bennet not wowing voters."

It's noteworthy that all three of these Members of the House and Senate come from deeply to relatively Red States. So, their jobs were in doubt to begin with.

But such open admissions and insinuations begs the question, are there other Democrats who see the writing on the wall, but are just not admitting it?

Pro-Defense libertarian-leaner Pete Hoekstra leads GOP field for MI Gov.

2009-11-23T16:17:00.000-08:00

Congressman Pete Hoekstra has a solid lead in the crowded Republican primary field for Governor.

From the Detroit Free Press:

Detroit Free Press Michigan Gubernatorial Primary

•Pete Hoekstra 21%
•Mike Cox 15%
•Michael Bouchard 13%
•Rick Snyder 5%
•Tom George 3%
•Unsure 37%

Hoekstra, lead Republican on the House Intelligence Comm. has recently garnered a great deal of national media attention for questioning the Obama administration's handling of classified materials, and for inaction in the War in Afghanistan.

Current Dem Gov. Granholm is term-limited.

Latest from Wendy Macy: Rand's Balancing Act

2009-11-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

Questions the establishment leanings of Mitch McConnell. Is he leaning Grayson?

Republicans partly to blame for past deficits and spending and McConnell may have joined in.

Meanwhile, Rand has to be careful not to anger McConnell supporters, while also keeping his Tea Party rebellion base energized.

WendyMacy.com

Bush Act allowing Guns in National Parks set for February: Liberals in utter Panic over New Rule

2009-11-22T09:11:00.001-08:00

Would allow Citizens to carry Guns to protect themselves from Wild Animals

From Eric Dondero:

Environmentalists, Greens and other Liberals are gripping themselves for the implementation of a leftover Bush administration law, which will take affect in February. One of last acts of the former Republican President, was to put forward a law to allow gun owners to carry their weapons in America's National Parks.

Commented Daniel White at Cleveland Gun Rights Examiner back in May:

Anti-gun pundits can scarcely hide their disdain for gun owners in the face of yet another defeat, this time as legislation to reinstate the Bush rule change permitting law-abiding concealed handgun license holders to bring their firearms with them into National Parks...

But now that the laws implementation is imminent, liberals are in a complete panic mode. And what's driving them over the edge, is a provision that overrides state laws, including liberal-leaning states. From the AP:

The new rule goes further than a draft proposal issued last spring and would allow concealed weapons even in parks located in states that explicitly ban the carrying of guns in state parks. Some states allow concealed weapons but also ban guns from parks.

John Haughy of Outdoor Life reports on the case of one of the typical weenie whiners. His article is titled, "How to make a Liberal a Libertarian."

Somehow, 'putting another code in the books' is a bad thing when it reaffirms Second Amendment rights in national parks.

"Artist and blogger Todd Wilkinson is unhappy about the upcoming rules change which will permit law abiding citizens to carry defensive firearms in National Parks beginning in February.

'I have never, after hiking thousands of miles and visiting dozens of national parks, ever felt the need to carry a loaded firearm inside one.' [Wilkinson wrote]

"Classic Liberal thinking," White astutely diagnoses. "Because he hasn't felt the need to carry a gun, nobody should. I'm sure Canadian folk singer Taylor Mitchell (photo) didn't feel the need to carry a gun when she went hiking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia before being killed by coyotes two weeks ago.Fortunately, a Montana man didn't feel the same way when he was attacked by a Grizzly bear in the Cabinet Mountains [not a national park but it could happen there as well.] He shot and killed the charging bear."

As Haughy duly notes, many Americans may escape Ms. Mitchell's demise here in the US, starting in February, thanks to the Bush rule. At least for Americans on the Right and Center. Liberal Americans don't seem to be too concerned about preserving even their own species.

Note - A Canadian version of this article is running over at our sister site Worldwide Liberty.

NORTH DAKOTA: Yet another potential Republican pick-up for 2010

2009-11-22T09:08:00.001-08:00

From Zogby via Hedgehog:

US SENATE – NORTH DAKOTA (Zogby)

John Hoeven (R) 55%

Byron Dorgan (D-inc) 36%

Hedgehog describes the seat as an "easy pick-up" for the GOP. Only one problem: Hoeven has given no indication that he desires to resign the Governorship to switch to Senate. And many North Dakotans, want the Governor, who is extremely popular, to stay right where he's at.

Editor's Comment - How could he possibly lose with a "stache" like that?

Glenn Beck to launch National Tour; will feature "libertarian" Speakers

2009-11-22T09:06:00.000-08:00

Glenn Beck held an organizing rally/book signing at The Villages in Florida on Saturday. Thousands of his fans attended. He announced plans for the coming year, which centers around a "more activist role in politics."

The NY Times noted one particular feature:

Glenn Beck, the popular and outspoken Fox News host, says he wants to go beyond broadcasting his opinions and start rallying his political base — formerly known as his audience — to take action.

To do so, Mr. Beck is styling himself as a political organizer. In an interview, he said he would promote voter registration drives and sponsor a series of seven conventions across the country featuring what he described as libertarian speakers.

Some of Beck's favorite libertarian-leaning and Ayn Randian individuals that he's featured in the past, who could be invited to join the effort include: John Stossel, Rep. Peter Hoekstra, Rand Paul, Judge Andrew Napolitano, Stephen Moore of the WSJ, Mike Tanner of Cato and Yaron Brook of the Ayn Rand Institute.

Palin's Dad lets it slip on Daughter's possible Presidential run

2009-11-22T09:05:00.000-08:00

Chuck Heath flew in for his daughter's book signing in Henrietta, Georgia on Saturday. Over 1,000 people showed up to greet Palin. A reporter pinned Heath down on his daughter's future plans.

From the Henrietta Democrat-Chronicle, Nov. 22:

Heath said he's often approached by people asking him of his daughter's future political plans. That's a topic they don't discuss, he said.

"I never asked her, so I never know. But what you see here might be a good indicator," he said, gesturing to the enthusiastic crowd.

"You haven't seen the last of her."

Important! Only one day left to vote in our poll on our sidebar, What's the future hold for Sarah Palin?

Lamar Alexander goes Libertarian: Says Medicaid is a "Medical Ghetto"

2009-11-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

From Eric Dondero:

The normally reserved and mild-mannered Senator from the State of Tennessee, the honorable Lamar Alexander, had some rather strong words for government-run health care. The Senator, otherwise viewed as a moderate-to-conservative legislator, used rhetoric more commonly heard on Glenn Beck's show, at a Tea Party rally, Ayn Rand Objectivist gathering, Libertarian Party meeting, or a Mises Institute seminar.

On Live C-SPAN cameras, Sen. Alexander called the Medicaid program a "Medicaid Ghetto."

A clear sign that even centrist Republicans are getting fed up with the increasing Nationalization and Socialization of America under Obama and the Democrats.

From near Marxist to Libertarian Republican: California social worker has Free Market Awakening

2009-11-21T10:33:00.001-08:00

NEW PARTY SWITCHER

Government retards, rather than Empowers the Individual

by Dave Salyers, California

I just sent in my voter registration to switch my party affiliation to GOP. This was quite a political journey for me. When I was in college, I considered myself a leftist radical - I studied anthropology and had Marxist professors and learned Marxist class analysis. When I got to the real world and found it difficult to make a living with a MA in that (didn't go on for the PhD), I had to go back to graduate school and get a second Master's degree in social work. (I work in the field of child welfare investigating child abuse and neglect.)

Now social work is an interesting job. For folks like me who have been around for a few years, it has a nasty eye-opening habit which causes a shift in political consciousness. This is not just from trying to empower the clients by getting them to accept the idea of personal responsibility to make productive choices, but also the dysfunctional nature of governmental systems in enabling clients to a sense of entitlement and learned helplessness, developing policies and procedures in reactions to political pressures and lawsuits (or by covering up and taking the blame for decisions by judicial officers), and by attempting to "re-parent" the children of society which should not be a governmental role.

Discovering the Republican Liberty Caucus

From RLC.org Statement on Entitlements:

We favor individual, family and community efforts to relieve the burdens of those who have suffered misfortune and innocent injury. Every individual has the right to the fruits of their own labor and the responsibility to support themselves and their families. The only true charity is found in the voluntary efforts of every compassionate person, independent of any government entitlements, dictates, or programs.

The experiences I had caused me to re-examine the blinders and bias that I personally had been using on everything. So after a period of soul-searching, I went from the left to independent. (During my time on the left I actually knew CPUSA party members.)

I was formaly involved with the Libertarian Party for a short while but had a problem with some of their more outrageous platform planks like liberalized immigration policies and open borders.

I now see more possibilities of working for libertarian policies within a major political party where there is at least lip-service to fiscal conservatism and more realistic positions. I strongly disagreed with the direction of the GOP under Bush and the neo-cons (and I would in no way be considered part of the religious right but support their right to their personal religious beliefs), but I like what I have read about the Republican Liberty Caucus and will be sending in my membership dues.

Join! RLCCA.org

Historic Massachusetts Town wants to Tax Restaurant Meals: Libertarian fmr. Marine says Hell no!

2009-11-21T10:04:00.000-08:00

"It's our money" dammit!

The latest from one of Massachusett's most hardcore and outspoken Libertarian Republicans.

Jay Beauregard is a regular contributor to the Weekend Local Plymouth. This week's roundtable forum question asks Should voters overturn the local Meal Tax? The local municipality hoping to close a budget deficit recently enacted a tax on restaurants which many believe will harm the local tourist industry.

Jay's response:

Jay Beauregard

The town, state and feds are trying to suck the lifeblood of working families and retirees dry. To hell with the ultra left-wing extremists at all levels of our government! It’s our money; we earned it, why in God’s name should we have to pay a tax for the privilege of eating?

Jay Beauregard, born and raised in Plymouth, served four years in the Marine Corps and has worked for 29 years at a local company. He is a Libertarian who served three terms as a Town Meeting rep from Precinct 6.

Dennis Miller on Sarah Palin: Great Minds think alike

2009-11-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

Both "libertarian Republicans" naturally

Reporter Allen Abeli, of the Canadian National Post attended the Sarah Palin book signing in Noblesville, Indiana. He described his experience in his article "Sarah Palin and the real Americans." He details waiting for the signing to start outside in his pick-up truck:

Dennis Miller, the libertarian Republican comedian, was doing his call-in show. He was talking about Sarah Palin; this week, as she rolls through the flatlands on her Going Rogue book-signing and baby-brandishing tour, so is everyone else.

"Every time I hear Sarah Palin speak, she sounds just like what I'm thinking," Dennis Miller was saying...

Leftist Jihadist pies Ayn Rand Center's Elan Journo at NYU for Pro-Defense stance

2009-11-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

Elan Journo from the Ayn Rand Center joined Robert Spencer from Jihad Watch in giving a presentation to students at NYU on Islamo-Fascism, Nov. 19. The event was titled: "The Jihad Still Threatens America."

Both speakers experienced a pie throwing incident. A Pakistani Jihadist named Maulana Maududi hurled whip-cream pies in their direction. But as an eyewitness to Gawker pointed out, the pair went "unscathed."

The Leftwing Anarchist site InfoShop News described Journo's Pro-Defense Libertarian views:

Speaker Elan Journo actively promotes devastating attacks on Iran, claiming that "victory in World War II required flattening cities, firebombing factories, shops and homes, devastating vast tracts of Germany and Japan.... Victory today requires the same: smashing Iran's totalitarian regime and thus demoralizing the Islamist movement and its many supporters, so that they, too, abandon their cause as futile."

Spencer at Jihad Watch commented:

This shows the utter intellectual bankruptcy of the Left. They can't answer arguments, so they try to shut down the speakers instead.

Note - Maududi's immigrant status was not identified in any of the articles covering the story.

Decision Day for Blanche Lincoln... the Clocks a tickin' and every Arkansan is watchin'

2009-11-21T06:59:00.000-08:00

Just Released from Zogby...

Arkansas opposes nationalized Health Care 64% to 29%

In a telephone survey of 501 likely voters in Arkansas, conducted on November 16-17, 2009, voters reported opposing the healthcare changes with only 29% saying they backed it while 64% said they were opposed. Fifty percent of likely voters indicated strong opposition to the plan while only 17% indicated strong support.

In an initial match-up of Lincoln and possible Republican candidate State Senator Gilbert Baker, the incumbent, Lincoln, holds a narrow 41-39 lead.

But when voters were asked how they would vote in a Lincoln-Baker race if Lincoln voted in favor of the healthcare legislation, the incumbent Democrat fell behind her possible GOP challenger 37-49. In all, 48% of likely Arkansas voters said they would be less likely to back Lincoln's re-election if she supports the healthcare bill with 38% saying they were much less likely to support her in that event.

See full polling results here.

From the Editor: Please view this post as an open thread to discuss today's critical vote on Reid's health care legislation. Upload your thoughts, and any news on the vote to the comments section.

UPDATE!

Lincoln says she'll vote to move forward, but with a warning

Politco and American Spectator are both reporting that Sen. Lincoln has signaled to Reid a "Yes" vote, but with the proviso that she will not vote for the final version if it includes the Public Option.

Re-Match 2010: libertarian-conservative Andy Harris would crush Democrat incumbent Rep. Kratovil

2009-11-21T05:57:00.000-08:00

Maryland's Eastern Shore

Dr. Andy Harris, backed by the Club for Growth and the Republican Liberty Caucus in his 2008 race, would soundly defeat Democrat incumbent Frank Kratovil if the election were held today.

From The Hill Blog Briefing Room:

Rep. Frank Kratovil (Maryland) would be one of the first Democrats to go if Republicans make significant gains during mid-term elections, and a new poll shows he has reason for concern.

The Tarrance Group poll, which was conducted for state Sen. Andy Harris’s (R) campaign and obtained by The Hill, shows Harris taking a 52-39 lead in a rematch of his 2008 contest with Kratovil.

Kratovil, despite his pronouncements of moderation during the '08 campaign, voted for Obama's stimulus, auto industry bail-outs and Pelosi's bill for nationalization of health care.

The Hill continues:

just 29 percent of voters say he “deserves reelection.”

Some background:

Kratovil defeated Harris 49-48 last year, even as the district went 59-40 for McCain. Harris was hurt in part by a bloody primary with centrist Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R), after which Gilchrest crossed party lines and backed Kratovil.

It is one of the reddest districts held by a Democrat.

Harris for Congress 2010 site launched yesterday - AndyHarris.com.

SHOCKING VIDEO! Union Thugs come to homes and force Hispanic Workers to Vote for SEIU

2009-11-21T05:25:00.000-08:00

Threaten Health Care Workers with loss of Jobs

From BigGovernment.com:

Fresno homecare providers tell how SEIU staff threatened them and changed their ballots to secure a razor-thin advantage in a controversial union election this June.

Note at the beginning of the video reference to close Obama friend and ally Andy Stern. The SEIU head, who is also an "Advisor" to ACORN, has visited the White House far more than any other non-Administration official. Vistor logs show Stern having entered the White House 37 times since Obama was elected.

Tea Party rebellion candidate Paula Dockery joins Florida Governors race for GOP Primary

2009-11-21T03:40:00.000-08:00

"If the GOP was smart they would make her the poster child of the NEW REPUBLICAN PARTY." -- Heath Whiteaker, CentralFloridaPolitics.com

by Eric Dondero

She's been riding a wave of recent publicity over the institution of a new statewide transportation tax, which she staunchly opposes. Paula Dockery, State Senator from Lakeland, is the leading opponent of Governor Charlie Crist's effort to impose a $2.00 surcharge on rental cars. The tax would help pay for a newly proposed linkage of three local commuter railways, known as Tri-Rail. The Obama administration has signaled that the institution of such a tax would open the doors to a massive influx of funding for the project.

But Senator Dockery is standing on the tracks with a hand held high: Do not Pass.

From the Bradenton Herald:

Crist said Tuesday that he’s “optimistic’’ legislators can reach a tentative agreement by next week to hold a special lawmaking session on the issue as early as next month.

“If we can show our commitment to rail here in Florida,” Crist said, “then we have a much greater opportunity for the bullet train funds from the federal government.”

Crist, Senate President Jeff Atwater and others say that such a tax could offer proof to the federal government that Florida is serious about transit, which might help the state qualify for up to $2.5 billion for a high-speed rail line.

SunRail’s main opponent, Republican Sen. Paula Dockery of Lakeland, said the project is too expensive and could unfairly burden taxpayers with liability lawsuits if the private company CSX was at fault in an accident on the tracks.

Now, Dockery is launching her campaign for Governor. She's seen as the Marco Rubio in the race, taking on the Goliath Party establishment-backed Bill McCollum. The former Congressional leader from the '90s, lost a key Senate race to Bill Nelson a few years back, and is viewed as safe, but rather stale. He currently serves as State Attorney General.

Already, since announcing last week, she's picked up a key endorsement. Tom Slade headed the State GOP in the 1990s and the early Jeb Bush years. From Best Miami News:

"McCollum is a nice guy, but I think he would be better in the U.S. Senate, where I think his skills are better suited,'' Slade says in a press release. "But I think Paula would do a better job of being governor. She's got the kind of tenacity you need, and she's got the knowledge."

He added: "Paula would be better position to win the general election than her opponent. She has a delightful personality and a pleasantness that is rare in most politicians."

Lakeland Business Leader Aaron Bates wrote on his blog:

She has a never say die attitude that she uses to take on the most daunting task, bucking party leadership and winning, with conservative principles that truly speak to who I am. She is such a humble stateswoman that she had to be drafted to run, to represent those that felt they had no representation. She has taken it a step further by announcing that she will qualify for the election by petition. She truly is a Voice For The People.

Writes Heathewhitaker of CentralFloridaPolitics.com:

Paula is not only Smart and Beautiful, she is a fighter... This is a modern day David and Goliath story.

I can say I see why the new popular phrase is “I’m a Paula-Tician”

Meanwhile, Douglas Goetzloe, (photo) of Axe the Tax, and the Florida Republican Liberty Caucus, reports the following:

Tallahassee Radio Poll Puts Senator Dockery on top for Governor!

100.7 FM WFLA Tallahassee

As of now, who is your leading choice for Florida Governor?
Sen. Paula Dockery 65.91 %
Attorney General Bill McCollum 30.11 %
CFO Alex Sink (Democrat candidate) 3.98 %

According to the Republican Liberty Caucus website, Goetzloe and another Libertarian Republican have served as early supporters of her campaign effort. From RLCFL:

Ax the Tax Chairman Doug Guetzloe and Republican Liberty Caucus organizer Nick Egoroff. Both men co-Chair the Draft Paula Dockery for Governor grassroots movement that has taken the state by storm.

Sen. Dockery, along with her husband C.C. Doc, are cattle ranchers in W. Central FL. She recently received an A+ rating from NRA, according to the Miami Herald. Though, not officially affiliated, Dockery is identified as the clear Tea Party choice. From the Orlando Sentinnel:

The Tea-Party rebellion against Republican Party bosses has attracted its latest Florida maverick — state Sen. Paula Dockery.

Note - I am a former longtime resident of Florida (parents still live there.) Florida State graduate. And former staffer for State Sen. Marlene Woodson-Howard Republican for Governor, 1992 (running against incumbent Bob Martinez).

New Libertarian-oriented Website launches

2009-11-21T03:17:00.001-08:00

MOVEMENT NEWS

Dave Nalle (photo) is National Chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus. He's also a professional Web Designer/Producer in the Austin area.

He is working on a effort with others across the U.S. to launch a colaborative site for libertarian-oriented Republicans. It's called: Broadside. Already, there's a National Broadside, a Florida Broadside, and a very soon-to-be-launched Texas Broadside.

Contributors include Nalle, who is also a Co-Editor of the acclaimed Blog Critics site, RLC Media Dir. Aaron Bitterman, Christine Lakatos, and me. It will serve as a sort of "Best of mainstream libertarian" news and commentary. The site has a very clean professional NewsMax/Pajamas Media look and feel to it.

Please take a moment to visit the sites, and make sure to add them to your daily favorites.

Eric - LR Publisher

Libertarian-leaning GOPer announces for Congress in New Hampshire's 00 Phantom District

2009-11-20T16:04:00.001-08:00

From Eric Dondero:

Grant Bosse, a friend and fellow traveler of Free Staters and New Hampshire Libertarians (libertarian ties), has just announced his candidacy for the US Congress. Only one slight problem. The District doesn't actually exist.

From NowHampshire.com:

Republican activist and free market think-tanker Grant Bosse formally declared his candidacy today in New Hampshire’s 00th Congressional District after news that the Obama administration has attributed a majority of the state’s stimulus jobs to that non-existent district.

New Hampshire has only two congressional districts, neither of which are numbered “00.”

“Even a fake district needs real leadership,” said Bosse while appearing on WGIR’s Charlie Sherman show on Friday morning.

“The people overseeing the stimulus actually found more fake congressional districts than there are real congressional districts. So if we run in all 440 phantom congressional seats we can take over Congress,” Bosse said as the radio host chuckled along

I had the pleasure of meeting Grant in 2008, at a Taxpayer Rights Rally in Laconia, NH. He told me straight out that he was the most libertarian of all NH Congressional candidates that year. Unfortunately, he lost the primary for the 2nd CD. Looks like he's a cinch to win for the "Double 0." Though, actually getting seated in Congress, well, that's another story.

LINKS

This story posted to Chronicle Watch Forum. Includes a comment from a Forum poster "Frogg":

acorn will try and steal that election!

Rand Paul blasts Obama's plan for 9/11 Terrorists; says give them Military Tribunals and keep them at Gitmo

2009-11-20T02:39:00.000-08:00

Rand Paul: Try, Convict and Lock Up Terrorists In Guantanamo

For Immediate Release

November 19, 2009

BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY – Leading United States Senate candidate Rand Paul today criticized the Obama administration’s decision to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center and try terrorism suspects in United States Civil Courts.

“Foreign terrorists do not deserve the protections of our Constitution,” said Dr. Paul. “These thugs should stand before military tribunals and be kept off American soil. I will always fight to keep Kentucky safe and that starts with cracking down on our enemies.”

Dr. Paul believes in strong national defense and thinks military spending should be our country’s top budget priority. He has also called for a Constitutional declaration of war with Afghanistan.

To Contribute:

RandPaul2010.com

Editor's Note - Although the above banner reads "I Support Rand Paul," sentiments as far as Libertarian Republican is concerned, should now read "We Support Rand Paul."