Afghanistan and Iraq: An observation

In 2001, the US demanded that the Taliban hand over Osama bin Laden. Had they complied, we would not be at war with them and they would be in control of Afghanistan.

In 2003, the US demanded that Saddam Hussein allow UN weapons inspectors to search for WMD's. If he had complied, he would still be alive and in power.

Both the Taliban and the late Saddam Hussein are worse off as a result of their defiance. A skilled politician could argue that our military has succeeded in dealing out retribution to our enemies and it is time to bring our boys and girls home.

The profit motive in healthcare

If the people behind "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" are allowed to make a profit off of their product, then Eli Lily should be allowed to make a profit from its products as well.

Raising the national debt level

This is starting to seem more and more like a formality. Why does Congress bother with a debt limit at all if they just raise it any time they get close to exceeding that limit? The real limit on debt is the limit on how much bonds people are willing to buy before they start wondering how they'll be paid back. There's been talk of simply canceling the debt; if the federal government can screw over GM bondholders then there is nothing to step it from screwing over its own bondholders. But I think that the more likely scenario is hyperinflation. That's probably why it's still hard to get a loan...

A petition

A good friend of mine asked me to post this on his behalf.


From: Indiana Allen County Residents
To: Indiana Supreme Court
315 Indiana State House
Indianapolis, IN 46204
CC: Allen, Noble, Huntington, Whitley, DeKalb County courts
Media outlets
Petition to Reject Proposed Allen County Local Rule LR02-TR 79-01
We undersigned Allen County residents are respectfully petitioning the Indiana Supreme Court to review our objections to proposed JOINT LOCAL RULE OF THE ALLEN CIRCUIT AND SUPERIOR COURTS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL JUDGES. If Supreme Court finds our objections found reasonable, we petition the Supreme Court to reject the proposed Allen County local rule LR02-TR 79-01 and leave existing local rule LR02-AR00-1 as is.

The existing Allen County local rule (LR02-AR00-1) stipulates the naming of a panel from which a special judge to be selected randomly from judges of Allen County and judges of four neighboring counties, Nobel, Huntington, Whitley, and DeKalb.

The proposed modified rule (LR02-TR 79-01) however excludes judges from four neighboring counties, Noble, Huntington, Whitley, and DeKalb from being appointed to a panel. Some sort of alphabetical selection in naming a panel in proposed rule replaces a random selection in existing rule. The new rule in our reading diminishes unnecessary chances that a judge from Allen Circuit Court be named in a panel compared to Allen Superior Court judges.

In support for our objections we provide the following reasons:

1. We believe the process is better served if proposed judicial rule be reasoned, discussed and a reasonable public consent sought. A period of 35 days provided for public comments (March 16th – April 20th 2009) has been far too short, especially compared to much longer time allocated for the judicial review and approval (April 21st – December 31st 2009).
2. We believe the underutilized courts of four neighboring Northeast Indiana counties can allocate more time to cases. Allen County courts are overloaded with cases, and the waiting period for a hearing can be very long. The interval between hearings can be long as well. In order to expedite hearings, it would be best to leave the existing rule and reject the new rule.


Respectfully, Allen County residents:

It shall not pass?

The healthcare bill passed by the House on Saturday might not pass the Senate. Some of you might wonder why would the House rushed on a bill that might not pass at all. The best answer that I can give you is that politics is fueled by drama, not reality.

This bill would have increased the government's financial obligations at a time when the national debt is over $12 trillion. It would have placed an additional burden on employers at a time when unemployment is over %10. The bill even prescribes jail time for those who fail to obtain health insurance. Imagine: Free healthcare, free food, and free orange jumpsuits for those who are less fortunate.

Veteran's wife allowed to stay in the US

There are times when the humane thing to do runs counter to the letter of the law. In these cases the government has the discretion to let the matter slide. In the following example, the government did the right thing.

Frances Barrios did not ask to be born in Guatemala, and she cannot be held responsible for being brought here at the age of six. She grew up in this country, married a American soldier, and bore him two children. In spite of her illegal status, she is being allowed to stay.

Split Pea Soup: Examples of Entrepreneurial Spirit abounds at the Pontiac Mall this holiday season.

As most of my really close friends are aware I am in the process of moving from the north end of the City by Glenbrook Mall to the southwest side of town. Between the adventure of getting the house ready to move into (putting visquinne on the windows, getting utilities turned on), meeting my crazy neighbors, and getting to know the neighborhood I will now reside in, I found something really cool to tell you all about.

Three days ago I found myself in the throws of my stomach revolting against the idea of going another a hour without food, it was really warm that day so I had burned through my breakfast relatively quickly with everything going on, plus being hypoglycemic trying to stave off a protein deficiency and a sugar crash at the same time means only one option, milk product (milk has equal parts, protein and sugar, instant fix) and rest then food; cigarettes and nicotine and string cheese can only get you so far. So I went looking for a diner or cafe; I knew there had to be one somewhere. Somewhere down Pontiac Street there had to be a classic hole in the wall diner, some place with inexpensive, good quality, old soul style, food, (or as we use to call it, grubbins); the free market, my wallet, demanded nothing else. I wondered aimlessly across Pontiac looking for said restaurant, I wanted a real restaurant something with character and community fried into its pores.

After turning around one time to check back at the Pontiac Mall I happened across a sign at the very bottom that I didnt see the first time I passed thanks to a light pole and a bus blocking the sign from view at 30 mph. I park and walk in only to find a sign that said the cafe was only open from 11a-1p. Completely disheartened and my blood sugar levels close to crashing, I went into the convience store to grab a soda as a last ditch effort to give me a quick boost until I could find dinner, only to find out that the restaurant is open and the entrance is on the west-south-west (right of the main entrance) side of the building. I will be okay, yeah!

I went in and standing behind the service window of Mattie Mae's Cafe is a short and stocky middle age woman with a cheerful grin and a mild roar greeting me saying "how is you doing?" and "what will you have?" her name is Marnetta. Marnetta named the Cafe after her Aunt, there are several pictures of her in the Cafe. I would recommend that you try the signature Mattie Burger Combo which consist of a seasoned 1/4 lbs (after cooking) of meat cheese and the works including mayo, with a side of seasoned fries, and a can of Big K Soda (additional sodas are by the can at 50 cents each) for about 5.00. The other menu I can recommend is the Nachos both of these will fill anyone up easily. Mattie Mae's is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8a-7p and is located at the Pontiac Mall 1108 East Pontiac across from the Whitney Young Early Childhood Center.

The reason I am telling you all of this is because of what I found while I was there. At the service window on the counter they had a contest, for a dollar you got to guess how much candy was in this 2 pound container, if you won you got a free meal on the house. The donations from the game are going to put on a Thanksgiving dinner for the area homeless and hungry and the whole mall is participating and hosting the venture of service to those in need. So my request to each of you that read this blog is that if you like good food, and you want to spread the ideas of libertarian philosophy around, and support group of businesses that are reaching out to serve the community they are in, spend a dollar, take a guess, and then stay for dinner. At Mattie Mae's a family of four can still eat for less than a quarter of a buck (that is $25) in the Summit City and it doesnt have to be fast food.

Think about it and then do something about it!

LPIN State Chair Meat & Greet This Saturday From 5-8pm

YOU!, yes, you!, have the opportunity to meet and talk with Sam Goldstein the Chair of the Libertarian Party of Indiana at the residence of Hillary and Jack Evans at 4205 North Washington Road (map, between Taylor and Ardmore Avenue, southeast of Jefferson Boulevard, beside Noll Park) from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday the 7th of November 2009.

The case against rail

The case against using rail for public transportation is being made in Philadelphia.Workers may have a right to strike, but employers have a right to replace them. It is much easier to replace striking bus drivers than rail workers, because more people have the former skill.

Doug Horner's Libertarians @ Large has a new 3 minute bumper advert running on Public Access

As most of our regular readers are aware Doug Horner hosts Libertarians @ Large a live call in show on the third Thursday of every month from 7-8 p.m. on Comcast 57 and Verizon 27. Here is the new bumper advert that Otto Boschet with Public Access put together from a clip of the September show which included Dan Drexler (center) Vice Chair for the LP of Indiana and Scott Wise (right) of Whitley County one of the contenders for the Libertarian Party's nomination for the United States Congressional Third District of Indiana in May of 2010 during the State Party's Annual Convention. The following clip was taken from a segment regarding the full ramifications of war and peace and how we as Americans have lost site of the true cost of those wars we fight in far away lands.

Libertarian Party TV show. from Otto Andrew on Vimeo

MY THOUGHTS: Freedom isnt free but We The People cant ignore the fight 4 liberty neither or forget the sacrifice so many have offered in our place. Well said Dougie!

Thought of the day

An economic recovery without jobs is like sex with an orgasm. It just isn't worth crowing about. And it makes you wonder if paying for TARP or dinner was such a good idea.

How Obama can earn his Peace Prize: Part 2 of 3

One way that Obama might reduce the amount of violence in the world is leave the matter of drug enforcement up to the states. He has already promised that people who comply with state law won't be prosecuted for drug possession by the federal government. I applaud him for this, but I wish he would apply this principle on all matters pertaining to drugs. If every state were allowed to set their own drug policies, it could go a long way towards reducing the amount of violence stemming from the drug trade.

Even if you think that someone using marijuana across town impacts your quality of life, you should support this idea. Indiana is not going to allow pot use in the foreseeable future. But if another state decriminalizes it, many undesirable potheads will leave this state.

Indeed, a substantial portion of the violence in Afghanistan is due to the opium trade. I propose that Obama allow the allegedly sovereign nation to establish and enforce its own drug policies. Our troops are there to fight terrorists. Their poppy is their problem.

LPAC EVENTS THIS WEEK

Members, Friends, and fellow Officers,

This week is going to be very busy for the Officers as both Doug and
myself are going to be participating as panelist at two different
college study seminar events on Monday and Wednesday respectively, in
addition to Robert having his second meeting Tuesday afternoon with
the Vote Center Steering Committee, plus our monthly meeting on Tuesday
evening. Below are the details to the study seminars and the monthly
meeting events in order.

Another bit of interesting news, if you have not heard already, the
trifold brochures are here. There will be small packets of them
available for members to pick up and pass around at their convenience.
We are still awaiting approval from the Allen Co. Library to put some
at each location (17 sites total). We have had positive contact with
several universities and colleges and those will be distributed
shortly also. If you would like a small stack to put at your business call
any of the Officers and one of us will deliver them to you.

EVENTS CALENDAR (in order by date)

Forum Panelist: "The Paradox Of Affluence In Politics"
Monday, 19th of October, 2009 from 6 PM - 8 PM
Room 222-226 WALB Student Union @ IPFW.
IVY TECH's Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society Forum
Panelist: MRev. Kenneth White, Jnr., LPAC Secretary

Monthly Business Meeting
Tuesday, 20th of October, 2009 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Meeting Room C (1st floor use Webster St. entrance and veer left) *CHANGED ROOM,
Allen County Public Library Main Branch
Washington Boulevard between Webster and Ewing Streets
There will be no guest speaker this will be a planning session.

Forum Panelist: Sociology Awareness Week "Sicko By Michael Moore"
Wednesday, 21st of October, 2009 from 4:30PM -7:30PM
Room 101 Neff Recital Hall @ IPFW.
IPFW's Sociological Student Association
Panelist: Doug Horner, LPAC Vice Chair

THE AGENDA FOR THE NEXT BUSINESS MEETING

20th October 2009

A. Call Meeting To Order

B. Minutes from the last meeting read and approve

C. Treasurers Report

D. Vote Centers Report - Chair

E. Brochures are here - Vice Chair or Secretary

F. 3rd District/State News - 3rd District Rep/Vice Chair

G. Yard Sale Final Report - Secretary and Vice Chair - Fundraising Committee

H. Post Office Box?

I. (Break 10 minutes)

J. Discussion Topics (15 minutes each)
a. Election Contest in 2010 and 2011 We Know About
b. Set up committee to draw up budget and fundraiser for office

K. Review Calendar for rest of year.

L. Open Floor if time permits for questions

OTHER NOTES OF INTEREST:

We had eight new people join us at last months meeting when Ron
Heilman and his friend gave the presentation on the Fair Tax we thank
them for coming and ask them to consider participating further with us
please.

We would also like to thank Otto Boschet for video taping the Fair Tax
presentation for us and for the new commercial he put together for,
Doug Horner's Libertarians At Large, a monthly call in show on Public
Access Verizon 27 and Comcast 57 on the third Thursday of every month
from 7-8PM.

Jeannette Jaquish, our former Vice Chair, and her son also contributed
her many talents and time to video production of the LPIN's So You
Think You Want To Run For Office? Candidate Training Seminar on the
10th. This will save the State Party and County Affiliates tons of
money in both resources and manpower in the future for holding these
events.

LPAC has a FACEBOOK page also, check it out.

We hope to see as many of you on Tuesday evening as possible and we
would like to ask any of our members whom havent been to a meeting in
a while to come and contribute to the conversation. I am working on a
new mailing system so please anticipate future announcements to come
from a generic email address. If you wish to update your email and any
other contact information, doing so at this meeting will be of great
assistance.

Celebrate Freedom By Stroking The Embers Of Liberty's Light!

+Kenneth

MRev. Kenneth R. M. White, Jnr.,
260-312-2200
Secretary, Libertarian Party of Allen County
@ allencountylp.org or allencountylp.blogspot.com
Protect Your Rights! Vote!

How Obama can earn his Peace Prize: Part 1 of 3

The draft is obsolete. It has as much military value as a smoothbore cannon or a Sopwith Camel. Like an antique musket it is maintained more to preserve the past than to prepare for the future. Ending Selective Service could be an important symbolic and cost saving gesture.

Curiously, over this past decade many hawks and doves alike have pushed for a revival of the draft. Pro-draft hawks believe that the draft will improve combat effectiveness. Pro-draft doves believe that it will make Congress and ordinary citizens alike think twice before supporting a war. I’ll address the hawk argument first.

Our modern military has become increasingly specialized. Current doctrine stresses quality over quantity. This is why the Army turned down many applicants even when it wasn’t meeting recruiting goals. (It’s meeting those goals now, though that may be due to the recession.) There are many qualifications for being in the military, and I would argue that the most important one is that the recruit has to believe in what he is fighting for. Forcing people who are opposed to the war into the military creates a huge security risk. It would be like putting a PETA member to work in a laboratory that tests medicine on animals.

Some people think that a peacetime draft would deter members of Congress from voting in favor of the next war or global contingency operation. But any politician cynical enough to send your kid but not his own can simply pull the strings to keep his offspring in the rear.

I’ve even heard people say that everyone has an obligation to serve in the military. National defense may be an important field, but so is agriculture and healthcare. I’ve never heard anyone insist that I am obligated to work as a farmer or a nurse.

If President Obama gets rid of Selective Service, it would set an example. If other nations follow this example, it will significantly reduce future conflicts.

Libertarians At Large Tonight 7-8 PM. Tune In, Call Up, Get Involved!

Libertarians At Large airs on channels Comcast 57 and Verizon 27, from 7-8 p.m., every third Thursday of the month. Tune in tonight as Doug Horner's guest this month will be Libertarian, John Schick from Porter County, our State Party's Secretary. Call in to ask questions or just let us know you are listening. Please contribute to the conversation.

The Libertarian Party of Allen County would like to thank Access Fort Wayne and the Allen County Public Library for providing us these opportunities to serve the public and promote the discussion at all levels of government about what is best for the future of of our communities, state, and nation.

Comic about Obama's Nobel Prize

Enjoy.

Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize

This is like being named valedictorian during your freshman year. There is a thing called hope, and a thing called results. This is the first time that I can think of that someone awarded a prize for the former.

For that matter, I don't think that a group of Norwegians have the final say on who has contributed the most to peace. There really should be other committees that award their own peace prizes.