================================================
|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|
Old Dominion Liberty Letter Issue #20
|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|
================================================
This issue distributed on Friday, July 24, 2009.
CONTENTS
1. Amazon Reaches Into Homes, Steals Books Back
2. Volunteers Needed!
3. EXPLORING LIBERTY: The LP's "Economic Liberty" Plank
4. Next SCC Meeting Sunday, July 26, 2009
5. The "Government Behaving Badly" Files: This week's Criminal Bureaucrats
6. THE LIGHTER SIDE: Political Quips
7. QUOTABLE QUOTES
8. FEATURED VIDEOS: Jan Helfeld, Virginia Libertarian, & Obamacare Video from
the Independence Institute
9. Calendar
10. Deep Thoughts
THIS PUBLICATION NEEDS A PERMANENT EDITOR! Volunteer by leaving a message @
703-715-6230, or writing to:
[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]?subject=odllvolunteer>
================================================
1. Amazon Reaches Into Homes, Takes Books
================================================
[with a hat tip to Frank Ney of the WVLP]
Bought a Kindle yet?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Kindle
You might want to read this first:
http://www.boingboing.net/2009/07/17/amazon-zaps-purchase.html
"How ironic that the books involved were by George Orwell", said Ney. "That
just turned me off from ever buying a Kindle. Have something loaded someone
with power doesn't like? Instant deletion from your memory. At least at Baen
Books, (see http://www.baen.com/library/ ), Webscriptions don't come with an
indian-giver clause in the contract."
People who bought Orwell's 1984 and Animal Farm for their Kindle were surprised
to discover that it had disappeared from their devices overnight. It turns out
the publisher changed its mind about offering an electronic version, and Amazon
caved into their demand to sneak into people's electronic libraries and take
back the book at the publisher's request.
Quoting from http://www.boingboing.net/2009/07/17/amazon-zaps-purchase.html :
>> This is ugly for all kinds of reasons. Amazon says that
>> this sort of thing is rare, but that it can happen at
>> all is unsettling; weve been taught to believe that
>> e-books are, you know, just like books, only better.
>> Already, weve learned that theyre not really like books,
>> in that once were finished reading them, we cant resell
>> or even donate them. But now we learn that all sales
>> may not even be final.
>>
>> As one of my readers noted, its like Barnes & Noble sneaking
>> into our homes in the middle of the night, taking some books
>> that weve been reading off our nightstands, and leaving us a
>> check on the coffee table.
>
> This ... will encourage readers to visit Web sites in countries
> where the copyright has expired on Orwell's books so they can
> get free un-stealable electronic copies.
>
> http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/o/orwell/george/
Yeah, it's illegal for Americans to download books from overseas that we
couldn't legally download here. But the miracle of the market is that millions
of people are going to do it anyway. Consumer demand always finds a way around
obstacles. Hmmmm... The Adelaide folks have a pretty extensive collection of
ebooks, too:
http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/meta/titles.html
http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/meta/authors.html
Excuse me, for a while... I need to ... ummm... check out the scenery in
Adelaide for a few hours. Be right back!
***
Additional ebook resources include:
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Gutenberg:Partners%2C_Affiliates_and_Resources
http://www.gutenberg.org
http://www.archive.org/index.php
================================================
2. Volunteers Needed!
================================================
Ready to put some time into the Libertarian Party?
Check out our volunteer opportunities and give me a call!
http://lpva.com/HTML/volunteer.php
================================================
3. EXPLORING LIBERTY: The LP's "Economic Liberty" Plank
================================================
This issue, we bring you an exploration of the Libertarian Party's platform
position # 2.0 Economic Liberty, which reads:
--------
A free and competitive market allocates resources in the most efficient manner.
Each person has the right to offer goods and services to others on the free
market. The only proper role of government in the economic realm is to protect
property rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a legal framework in which
voluntary trade is protected. All efforts by government to redistribute wealth,
or to control or manage trade, are improper in a free society.
--------
In other words, Libertarians oppose all intervention by government into the
area of economics because we believe each person has the *right* to offer goods
and services to others on the free market, and because government interference
can only harm such free activity. The only proper role of existing governments
in the economic realm is to protect property rights, adjudicate disputes, and
provide a legal framework in which voluntary trade is protected.
Efforts to forcibly redistribute wealth or forcibly manage trade are
intolerable. Government manipulation of the economy creates an entrenched
privileged class -- those with access to tax money -- and an exploited class --
those who are net taxpayers.
Government intervention in the economy imperils both the personal freedom and
the material prosperity of every American. Libertarians call for the following
specific reforms:
- drastic reduction of both taxes and government spending;
- an end to deficit budgets;
- a halt to inflationary monetary policies;
- the removal of all governmental impediments to free trade; and
- the repeal of all controls on wages, prices, rents, profits, production, and
interest rates.
In addition, since we believe that all persons are entitled to keep the fruits
of their labor, we oppose all government activity that consists of the forcible
collection of money or goods from individuals in violation of their individual
rights. For instance, Libertarians:
- recognize the right of any individual to challenge the payment of taxes on
moral, religious, legal, or constitutional grounds;
- oppose all personal and corporate income taxation, including capital gains
taxes;
- support the repeal of the Sixteenth Amendment, and oppose any increase in
existing tax rates and the imposition of any new taxes;
- support the eventual repeal of all taxation; and
- support a declaration of unconditional amnesty for all those individuals who
have been convicted of, or who now stand accused of, tax resistance. As an
interim measure, all criminal and civil sanctions against tax evasion should be
terminated.
Libertarians oppose as "involuntary servitude" any legal requirements forcing
employers or business owners to serve as tax collectors for federal, state, or
local tax agencies.
We also oppose increases in the rate of taxation or categories of taxpayers,
including the elimination of deductions, exemptions, or credits in the spurious
name of "fairness," "simplicity," or alleged "neutrality to the free market."
No tax can ever be fair, simple, or neutral to the free market.
Many economists have come to the conclusion that the U.S. national debt is
uncollectable and that the federal government -- along with many state and
local governments -- will eventually be forced into default. Libertarians have
in the past been criticized for suggesting that governments *should* be allowed
to default. Yet now it appears it will happen anyway. There is not enough
wealth remaining in America to pay back the debt our governments have racked
up! In any case, Libertarians generally believe default is preferable to
raising taxes or perpetual refinancing of growing public debt.
================================================
4. Next SCC Meeting Sunday, July 26, 2009
================================================
The next meeting of the state committee will occur on Sunday, July 26, 2009 at
12:00 pm, with an 11:00 am lunch preceding. The past several meetings have
been at the Bleu Bistro in Richmond VA, however, they became a victim of our
government-sponsored economic mess and went out of business. I have located a
new place:
Pronto Italian Bistro & Pizzeria
5625 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23230-2614
(804) 288-8300?
Directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=prontos+pizza+west+broad+st+richmond+va&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&latlng=11217045210820111340
The manager is from Palermo Italy, so those who like Italian food should be
pleased -- this is the real thing. Of course they have other American fare
available as well. PLEASE Remember -- if we don't purchase meals, we won't be
able to continue meeting in the private sector. Please buy a meal from the
restaurant SO THAT THEY CAN AFFORD TO KEEP GIVING US A FREE MEETING ROOM.
Minutes of previous meetings are posted at:
http://www.LPVA.com/Archives/SCCMinutes/Minutes.php
Bring your appetite, your ideas, be ready to roll up your sleeves, and help us
win a free country!
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF THE SCC TO ATTEND!! In fact, we encourage
all Libertarian Party members to attend, as we are always interested in ideas
and **especially** new volunteers to help with ongoing projects.
ALSO NOTE: We are currently seeking one or more volunteers for the newsletter,
including selecting a new editor. If you are interested in the job, please
attend! Bring your resume and a sample or two of your desktop-publishing work.
================================================
5. The "Government Behaving Badly" Files: This week's Criminal Bureaucrats
================================================
"Exposing criminal government employees (but I repeat myself...) with the harsh
glare of ridicule since June 2009!"
Seen any government employees facing justice for crimes committed while on-duty
lately? Let us know about it! Send announcements and news to <[email protected]>
or <mailto:[email protected]?subject=criminal_bureaucrats> !
================================================
6. THE LIGHTER SIDE: Political Quips
================================================
An American Democrat
You have two cows.
Your neighbour has none.
You feel guilty for being successful.
You vote people into office that put a tax on your cows, forcing you to sell
one to raise money to pay the tax.
The people you voted for then take tax money, buy a cow and give it to your
neighbour.
You feel righteous and Barbara Streisand sings for you.
================================================
7. QUOTABLE QUOTES
================================================
"The trouble with practical jokes is that very often they get elected." - Will
Rogers
"Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to
change the locks." - Doug Larson
"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the
most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under
omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber barons cruelty may sometimes sleep,
his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our
own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their
own conscience." C. S. Lewis
================================================
8. FEATURED VIDEOS: Jan Helfeld, Virginia Libertarian, & Obamacare Video from
the Independence Institute
================================================
Melissa Dawson interviews Jan Helfeld from www.janhelfeld.com to discuss his
famous interviews with high ranking politicians. 1.7 million people have seen
Jan Helfeld's interview of Senator Harry Reid where he maintains that taxation
is voluntary despite all evidence to the contrary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6nvPsngIUs&feature=channel_page
Helfeld's interview of Pete Stark sounds like a must-watch title.
---------------------
Check out this one-minute video on ObamaCare!
"Obama's idea of reform is a government takeover of the health care system. One
of the most popular forms of government takeover is the 'Massachusetts Model'.
Those of us opposing 'reform' that involves yet more government interference,
wish to see a system that incorporates more consumer choice and more
competition. Take a minute to watch this new video outlining just one of the
many reasons the Massachusetts model has failed."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWIW3ueUjSo
================================================
9. Calendar
================================================
------------------------------------
Sunday, July 26, 2009
LPVA State Committee
Quarterly Meeting
All LPVA members welcome!
Group lunch at 11:00.
Meeting begins at 12:00
Pronto Italian Bistro & Pizzeria
5625 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23230-2614
(804) 288-8300?
------------------------------------
September 24 - October 4, 2009
LPVA Outreach Booth at Virginia State Fair
The Meadow, Caroline Co.
------------------------------------
November 3, 2009
General Elections
Remember to Vote,
and Vote Libertarian!
------------------------------------
December 2009 - February 2010 -
congressional district committee conventions
- consider formal endorsements of candidates
for 2010 election
- elect LP congressional district officers (chair, etc).
------------------------------------
Jan 29-31, 2010
Annual meeting of LP activists from every state
See: http://StateChairsConference.org/about
Also sit in on the Libertarian National Committee,
the Bylaws and Platform committees.
Location will be Austin, registration information
to follow in future newsletters
------------------------------------
March or April, 2010
LPVA State Convention
Exact location & Date TBA.
------------------------------------
May 4, 2010
Municipal Elections
Remember to Vote,
and Vote Libertarian!
------------------------------------
May 28 - May 31, 2010
LP National Convention
Renaissance St. Louis Grand and Suites Hotel, in Missouri.
------------------------------------
================================================
10. Deep Thoughts
================================================
A lamp is turned on for 1/2 minute, off for 1/4 minute, on for 1/8 minute, etc.
At the end of one minute, will the lamp be on or off?
- Thomson Lamp Paradox
================================================
|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|
Old Dominion Liberty Letter Issue #20
|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|
================================================
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share
Alike 3.0 United States License by Marc Montoni.
================================================
Publishing Schedule: Weekly - But it depends on YOU!
Publisher: LPVA Communications Committee
Editor: Marc Montoni
Distribution: 500 + readers, via LPVA-Announce
================================================
Sign up for the latest news from The Libertarian
Party of Virginia:
http://www.LPVA.com/html/EmailLists.asp
================================================
Got a news tip? Click: <mailto:[email protected]?subject=vlw>
Allow me to emphasize this: We prefer Virginia news
to news you can get elsewhere. If you have a good
liberty-oriented story centered in Virginia, please
alert us to it.
================================================
WHAT'S GOING ON where you live? Make sure all
Virginia Libertarians are informed of your
activities. Send announcements and news to
<[email protected]> or <mailto:[email protected]?subject=vlw>
================================================
JOIN THE PARTY - Never been a member of the
Libertarian Party of Virginia? There's no time
like NOW to become a member of Virginia's third
largest political party.
http://Membership.LPVA.com
================================================
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP - Have you been a member in
the past, but for one reason or another chosen not
to renew? Renew today and resume the fight for
Liberty!
http://Membership.LPVA.com
================================================
BEGIN YOUR PLEDGE - Are you ready to make the
ultimate commitment? Join the LPVirginia Pledge
Program and help us promote our Libertarian
ideas to all your friends and neighbors!
http://Contribute.LPVA.com
================================================
NOTES: This newsletter will be migrated to a CMS with an RSS feed (which our
webmaster has been very generous in setting up!) sometime soon. This version
is primarily to guage interest. If you want it to continue, then participate!
#############################################################
Have an announcement you'd like to post? SCC members & many
committee heads are all authorized to post; or you may send
your announcements to the List Master:
<mailto:[email protected]?subject=announcement>.
##################################################
Unsubscribe: Send an email to [email protected] with
no subject and "Unsubscribe Announce" as the text.
#############################################################
Libertarian Party of Virginia
http://www.LPVA.com
Phone: 703-715-6230
