Texas Libertarian License Plate

This is the new license plate of Robert Butler, Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Texas.

A Graphic Supports This Libertarian's Contention on the Real Reason for ISTEP (Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress)

see more Funny Graphs

The Green is To Test What Students Know.

The Red is Governments Want Students to Know Who's in Charge.

LP National Chair Redpath in Indianapolis for 500

National Libertarian Party Chairman Bill Redpath is in town for the Indianapolis 500. He will be having lunch with Libertarian Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ed Coleman and State Chairman Sam Goldstein tomorrow.

One of My Favorite Quotes

"The galleries are full of critics.
They play no ball.
They make no mistakes because they attempt nothing.

Down in the arena are the doers.
They make mistakes because they try many things.

The person who makes no mistakes lacks boldness
And the spirit of adventure.
They are the ones who never try anything.
They are the brake on the wheel of progress.

And yet it cannot be truly said they make no mistakes,
Because their biggest mistake is the very fact they try nothing,
And do nothing,
Except criticize those who do things."

General David M. Shoup, United States Marine Corp, graduate of DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana)

Temporary Chairs Appointed for Five Counties by the Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of Indiana

At its meeting at the annual convention last weekend, the Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of Indiana appointed the following temporary county chairs:

Johnson County - John Lowe
Howard County - Jerry Titus
Miami County - John Evans
Vanderburgh County - Tom Tindle
Warrick County - Frank Findley

These chairs will be responsible for putting together the organization or reorganization convention for their county.

Indianapolis Libertarian Meetup "After Hours" Social Event a Success

Politics is not "all work and no play".

Last night, the Indianapolis Libertarian Meetup had their "After Hours social" monthly event at Rick's Boat Yard on the west side of Indianapolis. It was well attended, with many new faces and all reports are extremely positive about this event.

The next regular Indianapolis Libertarian Meetup event is Wednesday,May 27th at Borders - River Crossing, 8675 River Crossing Blvd, Indianapolis.

Libertarian Party of Indiana Award Winners

Here are the 2009 Libertarian Party of Indiana award winners:

Dr. Barbara Bourland Light of Liberty Award: Dan Drexler, LaPorte County

Susan Bell Officerholder of the Year Award: Honorable Susan Bell, Wayne County

Phil Miller Candidate of the the Year Award: Eric Schansberg, Clark County; Rex Bell, Wayne County

Joe Hauptmann Campaign Leadership Award: Melanie Hughes, Floyd County; Allison Maguire, Marion County; Tim Maguire, Marion County

Ken Bisson Outreach Award: Doug Horner, Allen County

Steve Dasbach State Chairman's Award for Extraordinary Service: Andy Horning, Owen County

The awards were presented last Saturday night at the annual convention of the Libertarian Party of Indiana. The convention was held at the Holiday Inn in Clarksville.

Northern Indiana Libertarians to Work Together on Fund Raising Efforts

Northern Indiana Libertarians in Congressional Districts 1, 2 and 3 are working to combine their fund raising efforts. Representatives to the Central Committee for those districts are Jeff Duensing of Lake County, Ryan Liedtky of Marshall County and Russ Scribner of Allen County.

It is my Opinion that Toyota and State Government Announce Intention to Violate Natural Rights of Citizens Beginning May 15th

It is not only government of which Libertarians are wary, but also of private power. At its worse, it is a combination of both.

Now it is my opinion that Toyota and Indiana's state government are teaming up to harass citizens with increase seat belt enforcement (as if all of the burglars have been found and dealt with - which is not the case).

Here's the press release from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, an arm of government funded by government:

"May 13, 2009

Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Partners with Toyota to Launch Statewide Click It or Ticket Enforcement

Annual Memorial Day Mobilization begins May 15

Indianapolis, IN. - In an effort to decrease the number of fatalities and injuries involving unrestrained motorists on Indiana roadways, the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) and Toyota today announced the launch of the statewide Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization. This mobilization will include the Indiana State Police and more than 250 local law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

Indiana's 2009 Click It or Ticket effort will take place from May 15 - May 31, covering the highly traveled Memorial Day holiday. With an emphasis on urging more motorists to buckle up day and night, officers will be on the lookout for unrestrained motorists around the clock.

"Research shows that fewer people buckle up at night, which increases the risk of a being killed or injured in a crash," said ICJI Executive Director, T. Neil Moore. "Through high-visibility enforcement efforts, like Click It or Ticket, officers can ensure that all Hoosier drivers and passengers buckle up around the clock - every trip, every time."

According to ICJI, a total of 814 people were killed in traffic crashes on Indiana roadways in 2008. Of those killed in motor vehicles, 52 percent were unrestrained.

While officers will be on the lookout for all unrestrained motorists during the enforcement, there will be a specific focus on pickup trucks. According to ICJI, pickup truck drivers and passengers have the lowest seat belt usage rate among all vehicle types in the state. Of the pickup truck occupants killed in 2007, only 28 percent were known to be restrained.

"At Toyota, safety is a priority in everything we do-from the vehicles we put on the road to the people who drive them. We believe an auto company can be a vehicle for change, and by supporting traffic safety initiatives such as Click It or Ticket we are supporting life-saving driving behaviors that have proven to benefit drivers and occupants of all passenger vehicles," said Toyota Merchandising Manager, Donna Peplansky.

"Click It or Ticket" is a national campaign supported by federal funding allocated to Indiana from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Indiana's enforcement mobilization is reinforced by a paid statewide advertising buy and additional public outreach efforts to comprehensively promote the life-saving benefits of regular seat belt use to all motorists. For more information, visit www.in.gov/cji

-30-

"Every Seat, Every Trip, Every Time!"
101 West Washington Street ? Suite 1170 East Tower ? Indianapolis, IN. 46204 ? 317.232.1295

T. Neil Moore, Executive Director

www.in.gov/cji"

Rumors of this Weekend's Libertarian Party of Indiana Award Recipients

This "cartoon" has been "virually" active among Libertarians as the rumored award recipient at this weekend's Libertarian Party of Indiana annual convention.

Former Libertarian Party of Indiana State Chairman Mark Rutherford on LPIN Weekly Podcast

I'm honored to be the subject of this week's Libertarian Party of Indiana weekly podcast. It is focused on my retrospective thoughts about my time as LPIN state chair from 2000-2007. You can listen to it by going to the following link: http://web.me.com/mikekole

Agenda for This Weekend's Libertarian Party of Indiana/Kentucky Annual Convention

LPIN/LPKY Convention Agenda

* Convention

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2009

- 4:00 PM Hospitality Suite Opens

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2009

- 8:00 AM Registration Begins

- 9:00 AM Welcoming Remarks by LPKY State Chairman
Ken Moellman and LPIN State Chairman Todd Singer

- 9:05 AM LNC and District 3 Update by
LNC District 3 Representative Rebecca Sink-Burris

- 9:15 AM WORKSHOPS/BREAKOUT SESSION 1

* Reaching out to the Media and Voters
with Dr. Eric Schansberg

* Atlas!Liberty Pac with Mark Rutherford

- 10:15 AM WORKSHOPS/BREAKOUT SESSION 2

* Candidate Training/Running for Office
with Ken Moellman and Rex Bell

* Charter Schools/Homeschooling/School Choice
with Melanie Hughes

- 11:30 AM LUNCH WITH DANIEL WILLIAMS

- 1:00 PM LPIN/LPKY BUSINESS SESSION

- 4:15 PM WORKSHOPS/BREAKOUT SESSION 3

* Strategy Session— Advancing the Libertarian Cause

* Organizing a Libertarian Party County Affiliate
with Ron Seiter

- 5:15 PM LPIN CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING

- 5:30 PM DINNER WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

WAYNE ALLYN ROOT, LP Vice Presidential Candidate
RADLEY BALKO, Senior Editor of Reason Magazine

SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2009

- 9:00 AM BREAKFAST WITH ED COLEMAN

- 10:30 AM CONVENTION CLOSING REMARKS

- 11:00 AM LPKY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

A Message from Libertarian Party of Indiana Chairman Todd Singer

This message from Libertarian Party of Indiana Chairman Todd Singer was sent yesterday to the party's supporters:

"Dear friends of liberty,

As you have probably already heard, I have decided not to seek another term as State Chair. This is mainly because of time constraints as my immediate family is growing again in June. Up until very recently my intention was to run again, but after some soul searching I decided that right now I need to cut back on some volunteer time.

It has been an honor to serve the Libertarian Party of Indiana in my capacity as State Chair. I have enjoyed working with many of you to advance the causes of freedom and personal responsibility in the Hoosier state. It has also been my privilege to speak with other State Chairs around the country. It is my pleasure to report to you that Indiana has an excellent reputation among the leadership of the national party and other states, due mainly to the hard work by many of you receiving this email. Thank you for your efforts.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our State Convention in Clarksville this weekend.

Sincerely,

Todd Singer
LPIN Chair"

Become a Member of the Libertarian Party of Indiana

The below is taken mostly verbatim from the web site of the Libertarian Party of Indiana:

How does one become a member of the Libertarian Party of Indiana?

1. Becoming a Supporting Member in the 1994 Society of the Libertarian Party of Indiana by donating a yearly payment of $25. Admission to LPIN events do not qualify towards a membership payment.

Or

2. Become a Sustaining Member in the 1994 Society, the LPIN's membership program.

1994 Society Shuford Fellow ($10/mo. minimum. $10-49/month)

* Voting Rights within LPIN
* Monthly 1994 Society News Service Newsletter
* 1994 Society Shuford Member Nametag for Display at LPIN Events
* 1994 Society Pin for Display at LPIN Events
* Recognition in LPIN Publications as ’94 Society Shuford Member

*We respect your privacy. If you wish not be listed we will not publish your name.

1994 Society Dillon Fellow ($50/mo. minimum. $50+/month)

* Voting Rights within LPIN
* Monthly 1994 Society News Service Newsletter
* 1994 Society Dillon Member Nametag for Display at LPIN Events
* 1994 Society Pin for Display at LPIN Events
* Recognition in LPIN Publications as ’94 Society Dillon Member

*We respect your privacy. If you wish not be listed we will not publish your name.

Both of these options will make one a member of the state party, and a member of the county party of their voting residence. Membership allows a vote at all local business meetings, and makes one eligible to be a delegate to the State Convention. Non-members are prohibited from voting at any LP function, but are free to attend. Most LPIN affiliated counties require membership in the national and state parties for voting privileges. This membership lasts 366 days from the date of the last payment. The 1994 Society payment is pulled from a debit or credit card on the 26th of the month.Both of these options can be carried out at LPIN.org.

Or

3. Donate $25 a year to the Libertarian National Committee. This can be done at LP.org. A member will be granted the voting privileges outlined above, and also a monthly newsletter from the Libertarian National Committee. It also increases the voting power of Indiana at the LNC's yearly business meeting.

A member can check their status with LPIN Executive Director, Chris Spangle, at cspangle(at)lpin.org. They may also check with their County Chair.

Brad Klopfenstein is Tomorrow's Guest Host on WXNT Abdul in the Morning

Indiana Licensed Beverage Association Executive Director Brad Klopfenstein is guest hosting Abdul in the Morning tomorrow.

Here is the information on the show tomorrow:

Station: WXNT
Frequency: 1430 AM
Time: 6am-9am
Listen online: www.wxnt.com

Brad reports on his plans for the show as follows:

"The first part of the morning will be open phones, so feel free to call with your thoughts. The number is locally 317-228-1430 (that's a phone number). If you are listening outside of Indy, you can call in at 1-866-440-1430 (that is also a phone number. It is a toll-free call, which means that the station will pick up the long-distance charges if you happen to be one of the last two dozen people who doesn't use your cell phone for everything.). Then State Senator Jim Merritt (R-31) will join us in the 7 o'clock hour to break down the legislative session and discuss Indiana's Safe Haven Law. In the 8 o'clock hour, our friends from the alcohol industry will join us. Bill Smythe, General Manager of Claude & Annie's, and Jon Sinder from Crown Liquors will be in to discuss the alcohol industry, smoking bans, and how we should fund Indy's sports venues."

Brad Klopfenstein is a former Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Indiana.

Cliff Asness For President

Just like the founding fathers of the United States, Hedge Fund manager Cliff Asness risks his personal reputation and fortune and calls President Obama for what he is, a "bully" trying to take the funds of investors and give it to his special interest group, the unions, in the Chrysler bankruptcy/attempted bailout.

Read more in the article titled "Hedge Fund Leader Blasts Obama for "Bullying" and "Abuse of Power"".

By the way, his Asness' hedge fund is not an investor in Chrysler. Also, I predict several IRS audits in Asness' future as well.

Why the IRS and Congress are Immoral and Deserve No Respect

I expect to now get audited because I am questioning the morality of the pronouncements of the IRS and the law Congress passed that supports this immorality.

It is these type of laws which caused Thomas Jefferson to be the primary draftsman of the Declaration of Independence.

Section 6707A of the Tax Code is scary, wrong, immoral and has no place in a free society. The fact it exists questions the very nature of our federal government and whether we truly live in a free society. Only a dictator and his/her cohorts would like such a law.

Read more about Section 6707A at the Small Business Council of America web site page titled "SBCA CALLS FOR AN IMMEDIATE MORATORIUM ON TAX CODE SECTION 6707A LISTED TRANSACTION PENALTIES".

By the way, this onerous piece of work was passed by a Congress with a Republican majority in both houses.

Update from around the State of Indiana on the Libertarian Party

Last Thursday night, the Libertarian Party of Allen County elected Robert Enders as their new chairman. Immediate past chair Doug Horner will continue to serve the LPAC as Vice Chair.

Russ Scribner of Allen County has been named the new 3rd District Representative to the Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of Indiana.

Jeff Duensing of Lake County has been named the new 1st District Representative to the Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of Indiana.

The long dormant Libertarian Party of Miami County is reorganizing on June 2nd at 7 p.m. at the Peru Public Library. The Central Committee will be appointing a temporary chair at its May meeting. Click here for more information about the reorganization of the Miama County LP.