Op Ed: Political Bait and Switch Tue, 16 Jun 2009

by Barbara Howe, LPNC State Chair

Democrats in the General Assembly are engaging in the typical political version of "bait and switch" in dealing with the state's self-imposed budget crisis. First, they propose supposedly dramatic cuts in programs that are important to powerful special interest groups, then when there is an outcry from these lobbyists, they propose new taxes.

They simply don't have the courage to face the real issue — spending. The problem is not that we don't have enough money to run state government. The problem is we have a state government that tries to run everything — and fails.

The proposed budget cuts were calculated to arouse opposition from groups dependent on government handouts. Then, politicians can claim they are responding to the "will of the people" when they raise taxes. They supported this hoax by allowing the only public hearing held on the budget to be commandeered by a swarm of state government bureaucrats and "private" groups dependent on government handouts. These tax and spend sycophants played a variation of the NIMBY (not in my backyard) gambit by suggesting cuts in the other guy's budget.

House Democrats showed contempt for the State Constitution by ramming the tax hikes through in the middle of the night, dismissing the constitutional mandate of voting on two separate days by holding one vote and 11:30 p.m. and the other 38 minutes later, at 12:08 a.m.

Comments like those of Rep. Hugh Holliman (D-Lexington) are typical of the way politicians label anyone who opposes government handouts as uncaring. According to the News & Observer, Holliman told legislators "I don't think there is anybody in this room that feels like we don't need teachers in the classroom, who feels like we don't need to help our elderly, who feels like we don't have to help our developmentally disabled."

Sure libertarians want to help teachers, the elderly, the developmentally disabled. We just prefer to do it ourselves, personally and directly, and with our own money. We do not believe it is moral or charitable to force other people to pay for things we believe in.

Libertarians believe government should be limited to protecting life, liberty, and property. All other matters are best handled by voluntary associations of individuals.

We propose a positive alternative to the failed welfare state. Our vision is a society based on individual responsibility and private charity. Once people are free to keep all the money they earn, they will be able to offer direct individual aid that is truly compassionate.

That's the way America used to be.

Take Back Our State Tea Party Thu, 21 Apr 2009

The LPNC will participate in the Take Back Our State Tea Party, a protest against the billion dollar state tax increase. The rally is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm on the Halifax Mall in Raleigh. (Halifax Mall is the large lawn behind the General Assembly Building and beside the Legislative Office Building, on Lane Street between North Salisbury and North Wilmington Streets). Americans for Prosperity and the Take Back Our State Coalition are the rally sponsors.

On June 3, join others in downtown Raleigh to tell our legislators we are Taxed Enough Already!

In these difficult economic times, our State Representatives are considering over a billion dollars in new taxes. North Carolina taxpayers are losing their jobs and their homes. Come to Raleigh to tell them: "Not another dime!"

Register here. AFP will operate a bus shuttle from several points throughout the state.

If you can help at our table, please contact Brian Irving.

End abuse of power by removing the power to abuse Wed, 1 Apr 2009

The "voter owned elections" bills currently circulating in the General Assembly will do nothing to end corruption in government. Like most legislation, the title belies the real intent. Rather than insure voter ownership of elections, the bills will strengthen the grip of the Democrat-Republican duopoly that controls our state government.
[Read rest of op-ed]

Bylaws Committee Proposals Mon, 23 Mar 2009

The Bylaws Committee has a series of proposed changes for review and comment here.

We are experimenting with the wiki as a way to not only present, but also collaborate on, proposed changes to the Bylaws, so please be patient and make any comments in the 'discussion' tabs for each proposal rather than on the main page for each proposal.

We are also still soliciting new proposals from the membership, so if there's something that irks you about the Bylaws (or just something you think that could be better) and you don't see a solution offered, now's your chance to shine!

Susan Hogarth, Bylaws Committee Chair

Libertarians applaud Gov. Perdue's call to reduce, cut state programs Mon, 9 Mar 2009

RALEIGH (March 9) — Governor Bev Perdue's first address to the General Assembly contained no surprises, as predicted, but North Carolina Libertarians were pleased to hear some familiar themes in the speech.

"We applaud Governor Perdue's tough statement that she will reduce and cut state programs," said Barbara Howe, state party chair. "We're glad she finally is on board with what Libertarians have been saying all along and anxiously await to see if she has muscle behind her decision to cut the fat."
[Read rest of news release]

2009 State Convention — Next Move: Building on Success Thu, 19 Feb 2009

Join the Libertarian Party of North Carolina as we ponder our Next Move: Building on Success at our annual State Convention in Burlington April 17-19, 2009. As we look forward to the next several years without the onerous task of collecting signatures for ballot access, what strategy should we adopt to help move the LPNC toward future successes?
[Read complete information]

Libertarians Propose The Liberty Agenda Wed, 28 Jan 2009

RALEIGH (Jan. 28) -- The North Carolina General Assembly should focus on annexation, public education, open elections, and corporate welfare during the upcoming session, the Libertarian Party of North Carolina said today in announcing The Liberty Agenda for North Carolina.

"These are the major challenges facing the people of North Carolina, because they address fundamental rights," said Barbara Howe, state party chair. During the 2008 campaign, gubernatorial candidate Mike Munger and several legislative candidates promoted this agenda.
[Read rest of news release]

Ballot Access News Fri, 23 Jan 2009

Libertarian, Green Parties File Brief in North Carolina State Appeals Court

On January 21, the Libertarian and Green Parties filed their brief with the North Carolina State Court of Appeals. The case is Libertarian Party of N.C. et al v State, COA08-1413. The brief focuses mostly on the ballot access laws, but it also includes other election law issues, such as the state's policy of forcing all minor party registrants to become [unaffiliated], when their party goes off the ballot.

The state will probably file its brief in late February, and then the case will be set for oral argument.

Libertarians Say Let the People Decide on Annexation Wed, 14 Jan 2009

RALEIGH (Jan. 13) -- The General Assembly's Joint Commission to Study Municipal Annexation should tell the state legislature it's time to let the people decide, a Libertarian Party of North Carolina spokesman said today.

"The commission heard the voice of the people loud and clear at their January 6 public hearing — again," said Brian Irving, communications director. "The sea of red shirts forced annexation opponents have adapted as their attire flooded the packed hearing room."
[Read rest of news release]