The focus of the Libertarian Letters to the Editor program will be to have a letter expressing a Libertarian perspective on a local issue in the local newspaper every week.

Here are the basic details:

Most newspaper limit you to 250 words and one submission per month. You must provide your name, address & telephone number (for verification only, it won't be printed).

Submit letters via mail, e-mail, or fax. You can generally find this contact information on the editorial page, or sometimes on page 2. If your newspaper has a website, it's usually to be found there too. You can also deliver your letters in person, and maybe have an opportunity to make a good media contact.

Always use the word "Libertarian" in your letter. Let them know who we are!

One of the most important things we must keep in mind when writing or promoting Libertarian ideas is to be positive. Don't get personal. Don't attack. That's what the Republicans and Democrats do, because they have no good ideas.

Focus on the ways America could be so much better with a very small government - not to dwell on all the wrongs that exist today. Sell liberty by appealing to people's self-interest, rather than preaching to them and expecting them to suddenly adopt Libertarian ideas of right and wrong.

Identify with the social goals that may be part of the issue you're addressing -- a cleaner environment, more help for the poor, a less divisive society -- and try to show how those goals can never be achieved by government, but will be well served in a free society.

No matter what the issue, keep returning to the central point: how much better off the individual will be in a free society.

[Editor's Note: Libertarians, writing letters to the editor is easy, cheap, and fun! It works!
And be sure to send Tarheel Libertarian a copy when you get published!]

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