Volume 3, Issue 17 | March 2024
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“I am an extreme individual doing extreme things..” - GG Allin |
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In this issue…
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From the ChairI want to start off by wishing everyone who celebrates a Happy Easter! If you are a Christian like I am, it is by far the biggest holiday on the calendar and the foundation of our faith. If you are not, it is a wonderful story of the triumph of good over evil, freedom over tyranny, and life over death. I hope everyone experiences peace, happiness, and prosperity today and every day. In fact, I am dedicated to help work towards a future where we all have that opportunity. Ah March… in like a lion, without question. Starting on March 5, when we had our first primary in a long time (congrats to Mike Ross on winning the candidacy, and thank you to both Mike and Shannon Bray for running brilliant Libertarian campaigns), we are now looking at potentially more than 50 Libertarian candidates running for office – federal, state, and local – by July. Now much of NC is glued to televisions with North Carolina schools well represented in this year’s college championship tournament. App State didn’t quite make it this year, but I remain confident that we will be hoisting the trophy any year now… That might sound a little crazy, but the real madness this March is that we continue to accept the over-reach of the uniparty. Just look at the primaries earlier this month. How many races involved Republican or Democrat candidates anointed for victory by the state party; how many potentially good candidates were ignored for their unwillingness to bend to red or blue orthodoxy; how many people have dropped out, announced candidacies, or faced a changed electorate based on gerrymandering? We don’t live in a democracy. I am sick of hearing both parties scream about the need to protect something that disappeared long ago. Instead, we live in an oligarchy, where deep pockets carefully curate elected officials who represent their interests. Of course, there are exceptions, but they seem few and far between, and almost all those who win somehow eventually end up breaking down and joining the big club that we aren’t part of. NC State is now in the Final Four, beating much-higher-ranked opponents by relying on relentless teamwork and a gritty set of performances where they left nothing unchallenged and gave it their all every second of every game. Our opponent is a machine that never stops. We have a chance to end the madness, but we need teamwork and a relentless focus on victory. -Ryan Brown, LPNC Chair |
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OpEd: On the Absurdity of "Transgender Day of Visibility"by Rob Yates If you took a stance on the designation of March 31 as “Trans Day of Visibility” (TDOV) by the Biden administration, you were wrong.It really doesn’t matter what it is, Libertarians bite – hook, line, and sinker – on every culture war issue that’s dangled in front of us. This time, it was the Biden White House proclamation declaring March 31 to be “Trans Day of Visibility,” a designation the Biden administration was the first to adopt, starting in 2021. The reason for all the online caterwauling was that Easter also happens to fall on March 31 this year.
Easter, the holiest day in all Christian religions, is the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection three days after His crucifixion. In most Christian religions, Easter is observed on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, which is the first full moon after the Spring equinox on March 21 (contrary to popular belief, this date has nothing to do with then-existing pagan holidays, and is actually related to a Germanic translation of the Latin word for “dawn;” English is a Germanic language.). Easter can be any date from March 22 through April 25. The next time Easter is on March 31 is in 2086. Meanwhile, Transgender Day of Visibility was first championed by transgender activist Rachel Crandall in 2009, in an effort to increase recognition around the transgender community separate from “Transgender Day of Recognition,” which is in November, and from Pride Month in June. Rachel claims that there is no other significance in choosing the March 31 date except trying to keep trans issues in the spotlight and thus being significantly spaced out from those other two days. However, the more I research the more I suspect that Rachel was both aware and deliberate in choosing March 31 to stir things up. If so, it’s working. The virtue signaling began quickly and predictably. Republicans, from Vivek to Trump and everyone in between, raced to see who could accuse Biden of going to war with Christianity the loudest. Meanwhile Democrats predictably summed up all Republicans as transphobic bigots, and used the opportunity to signal their virtue, from Kathy Hochul (one of the worst governors of all time) who had landmarks - including One World Trade Center, the Kosciuszko Bridge and the Niagara Falls - lit pink, white, and light blue, to the National Women’s Soccer League, which posted a TDOV message at roughly 9 AM ET, and then a Happy Easter message around non, leaving a three-hour window where there was no doubt which side they were on. As an aside, lost in the finger pointing and pearl clutching, of which both sides of the uniparty are equally guilty, was the fact that Biden issued 48 executive actions in March, including these 19 other designations for a day, week, or month:
The entire recent discourse around the trans thing is almost entirely a western phenomenon, with the U.S. at the vanguard. This is not at all because of good intentions by any politicians, but rather is a symptom of the fact that culture war issues are incredibly effective at stirring up each party’s respective base. We gain nothing by engaging in these battles from a political perspective. Instead, we should be advocating for the complete removal of the government from anything around who can use what bathroom, childcare and education, and proclamations or designations of any day for anything (except Columbus Day, but that’s to remind us how awful the government is). If you are a Christian who thinks that the whole trans thing is an abomination, I ask you this – how many people died today in wars the U.S. is funding? That should be where you focus your outrage, not on a perceived attack on your religion by president poopy pants (which, to be fair, his team knew exactly what they were doing, but he probably was far more interested in rallying his base and donors than he was in provoking you). And, if you think everyone falls somewhere on a gender spectrum that only exists as a social construct, and you can’t see how some Christians (and non-Christians) might be upset with the coinciding of TDOV and Easter so they all must be fascist bigots, you believe in neither diversity nor inclusion, and you are the close-minded hate monger you would claim to stand against. Of course, none of this means you can't or shouldn't have an opinion on the recent rise in challenges to the gender binary paradigm. I certainly do, and strong ones, which I am happy to share, in good faith, with anyone who wants to discuss them, outside of politics, not as a representative of the party, from the perspective of how a free market might address the issue. I certainly don't think the state should dictate that schools can transition children without their parents' knowledge. I don't think the state should dictate anything to schools. I think the "science" supporting biological males in competitive female sports is nonsense. But I think the leagues should determine who is eligible to play for them, and the government should have no part in it. In fact, no matter where you fall in this current debate, the only thing that should hold true no matter what is that we need to stop looking to the government to solve our problems and make our moral decisions. Here are the facts… Trump is one of the least popular figures in American politics, outdone currently only by Biden, who is polling even lower. We have somehow again decided that the leader and face of our country should be either a sociopath megalomanic war criminal, or a sociopath war criminal with advancing dementia. The leadership in the uniparty is well aware the neither major presidential candidate can really stand on either his achievements or his moral standing, so they have nothing left to do but drive division, polarization, and hatred. We need to stop taking the bait. |
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OpED: Diary of a Red-Pillingby: James Higgins, LPNC IT and LPMeck Secretary Are you new to the party? Did you get sick of the uniparty and let social media memes lure you into believing you’re a Libertarian? Yeah, me too. Well not really, but it pushed me over the edge and gave me a name for my beliefs. I’m still sure I am a Libertarian but it brings me little comfort. I am working to change that.Being in a bastard third party is hard. It’s work. We are against two entrenched parties with billions at their disposal. That’s not a typo...Billions, with a B, and many times over. How much is legitimate or legal is debatable, but it’s of little consequence because the lawyers and judges we could petition share the same party loyalties as those taking potentially illegitimate monies and those verifying the legitimacy of said funds. So, where does that leave third parties like us? Not in a great starting block. We’re lucky to hear the starting pistol as the other parties gave us the wrong track, at the wrong field, in the wrong county, in the next state, on a different day, and that's before they paid off the refs. How does a party compete when they’re so obviously beset with roadblocks? I wish I had all the answers, but I honestly don't know. That’s the bad news. The good news is that I’m here to find out. I had kids young. I’m reinvigorating my career at the stage where my kids no longer need me. I have time to learn new things and money to spend to help me get there. I’m spending on travel, family, politics, and community, and I’m motivated. I’m trying to build a better future for my kids and (hopefully) future grandkids, and here I am, faced with the two worst candidates the Rs and Ds could possibly be stupid enough to run against each other again. I appreciate the value in life, in each of our lives, and I will give everything I can to give the people about whom I care a better future. Not the Kumbaya steal all my money and government is going to fix everything future. Not the "inflation isn't coming," "oh wait, inflation is not that bad," " oh wait, inflation is actually a good thing" future. Not the 40 bombs a day for two decades future. Not the digital ID, thoughtcrime, total autocratic control future. I am fighting for the “I got this” future.
It seems a vast majority of the population is ready and yearning for a change, but how do we get there? How does the party with the right answers get a foothold? How do we grab the mic?Altruistic Libertarian platitudes are everywhere. We have the widest set of the most deeply correct people on so many subjects; from human rights, to war, to economics, to foreign policy, and so on, and yet we can’t get any kind of groundswell. Maybe if we offered free stuff paid for by other people’s money? That surely works for pretty much all R and D causes. But Libertarians can’t justify it, nor should we. We don’t take people’s stuff without consent, including their money, and we don’t hurt people, including our enemies, unless we are defending ourselves. But this leaves a question that looms ever larger the more the uniparty tightens the clamps around us. How do we affect change, and how do we recruit? I haven’t figured it out yet, but I’m new here. I won’t be new here forever, though. I have met so many great people dedicated to the cause of Liberty, and I am calling on everyone reading this to join the fight, or do a little more than you are already, if you can. We can figure it out together. The best-case scenario is we can get the folks that have felt the same in our party since the 70s to come out to the next meeting, the next event, the next election, and sit alongside the Ron Paul Libertarians who joined at the turn of the millennium, the members who were activated recently because of covid-related tyranny, and the new recruits who couldn't take the deliberate push by the uniparty to drive us apart, and everyone in between. Let’s share stories. Let’s build a community. Let’s volunteer together. Let's learn together and grow the next generation of Libertarian activists and politicians together. Let’s grow the party. |
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Candidate Spotlight
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Five Best Cities to Visit in North Carolinaby Joshua D. Glawson North Carolina is one of the most geographically diverse states. North Carolina enjoys serenely soft beaches, gently rolling hills, plush forests, and majestic mountains that grace Carolina blue skies. The state’s lively cities and sleepy towns are intertwined with its distinctly lavish natural atmosphere. Since 1789, North Carolina has blossomed into the state that it is today. In this article, I am going to step back from politics and instead tell you my top 5 cities in North Carolina for any NC traveler. Whether you are traveling from out of the country, out of the state, or even within the state, these 5 cities are sure to impress.
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Remember to Check Out Our StoreCheck out the latest LPNC merch to get ready for summer weather!
The LPNC store has it all, from clothes and hats, to buttons and stickers, tumblers, mugs, glasses, and more. Stop in and grab something! |
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Trevor's TakesThe Quiet Tyranny of Exclusionary Zoning Lawsby: Trevor Miles, LPNC In my part of the Old North State, we had a full week of rain the first week of March. This rain revealed that I in fact had two leaks above my bathroom. This has resulted in me having an exponentially larger “honey-do” list then I planned on having. However, I am fortunate that I live in a state where I am not required to hold a license or hire a contractor to perform a simple roof repair. Despite this one beautiful relief from government overreach that many Americans are subject to, the majority of us in NC are still subject to a different but equally heinous form of government overreach: exclusionary zoning. Before I explain why exclusionary zoning is so bad, let me give a very quick definition. Exclusionary zoning is a form of zoning laws which limits specific uses to specific parcels of land which are zoned in a specific fashion, i.e. small businesses to commercial zones, manufacturing plants to industrial zones, etc. In addition, most municipalities, except a few forward-thinking ones, tend to use exclusionary zoning to artificially limit the supply of housing available by prioritizing mid-range single-family housing over starter homes and multi-family housing. This disrupts that natural cycle of economic growth and exacerbates the housing crisis. In addition to this, it also violates private property rights under the guise of “ensuring the public safety and protecting property values.” Now, I can understand subject a particularly dangerous use such as a toxic waste disposal facility to a specific set of conditions meant to minimize public harm, but the non-aggression principle handles this quite well. There is absolutely no reason for regular commercial businesses and residential housing of any type to be subjected to artificially-created government restrictions for the sake of protecting someone’s property value, which is already an artificially-created subjective monetary value. Also, as if to rub salt in the wounds, in NC, towns and cities have the right to exercise zoning control over unincorporated areas up to three miles outside of town without having to have any provision of utilities, promises of annexation, or any elected representation on the town/city council (watch Liberty iNC Season 3 Episode 3) where Hon Brian Lewis and LPNC Vice-Chair Sean Haugh talk extra-territorial jurisdiction). Talk about a violation of rights with representation. So, how do we reverse course and rectify this wrong? The optimal solution would be to eliminate the majority of zoning laws in NC, which the state legislature could do with the stroke of a pen if they so pleased, and replace them with a specific set of conditions for uses which have the highest risk of causing harm to the general public if something disastrous were to occur. Alternatively, inclusionary zoning or Japanese-style zoning, where residential construction is permitted in all zones, would also be a viable alternative to our current system which would help to alleviate the current housing crisis we find ourselves in. Either way, we're a Dillon's-rule state, so change would need to come by mandate from Raleigh. This might actually work to our advantage, as I find it highly unlikely most local politicians would willing yield their unconstitutional authority to attack the economic wellbeing of their constituents/potential opponents. |
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Help WantedThe LPNC is seeking passionate and dedicated volunteers to join our team and play pivotal roles in advancing the cause of liberty across North Carolina. Currently, we have exciting opportunities for individuals interested in serving as "Secretary" and "Assistant Treasurer." Job description. Our Secretary position offers a chance to contribute to the smooth functioning of the LPNC by assisting in record-keeping, meeting minutes, and organizational documentation. If you have strong organizational skills and a passion for detail-oriented tasks, this role might be a perfect fit for you. Likewise, our Assistant Treasurer is instrumental in supporting the financial operations of the LPNC, ensuring transparency and accountability in our financial management. If you have a keen eye for detail and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, we encourage you to explore this essential role. Additionally, the Communications team is seeking content submissions and regular writers, artists, editors, and support staff for the newsletter, the podcast, and several other ambitious plans for 2024. We can use an hour a week, or 40; as long as you are fighting for Liberty there is a place to make your voice heard. We can't do it without you! To learn more about these positions and other exciting volunteer opportunities, please visit our staff page at https://www.lpnc.org/staff. Your involvement can make a significant impact on the success of the LPNC, and we welcome individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds to join us in championing liberty in North Carolina. Take the next step in your commitment to liberty by becoming a vital part of the LPNC team. We look forward to welcoming you aboard! If you are interested in filling one of these positions, please email why you would be a good fit to Ryan Brown at [email protected]. |
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Liberty iNC
Your rights, all the time. Nothing more, nothing less, no exceptions. Simple as that. Season 4 started last month, and we have had some great guests so far! If you want to assist with the show, be a guest, suggest a guest, or have any other comments or feedback, please, reach out to [email protected]. |
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Book ReviewReview by Rob Yates, LPNC Communications Director
Bob Murphy, author of Chaos Theory , is a noted anarchocapitalist (ancap) economist who has worked at several Libertarian institutes and think tanks, as well as having written for a number of prominent newspapers, journals, and publications. He is considered one of the most influential economists of the last two decades. Chaos Theory is a collection of two of his essays laying out the ancap case for private military defense services and private public safety / police services. The essays follow the theories of Rothbard, and seeks to develop the ideas around private insurance as a means to supplant state intervention to protect the individual and individual property from both malignant state actors and criminal perpetrators. It was published in 2002, before Murphy completed his economics PhD. The essays are certainly worth the red for anyone even slightly interested in Libertarian economic theory. While there is certainly an ample amount of ancap economics literature available, much of it is esoteric, dry, acroamatic, didactic, and/or pedantic. In other words, it is difficult to get someone not into economics or Libertarianism to engage with it. Chaos Theory has no such limitations. Even more than 20 years ago, Murphy proves why he is one of our best voices on economics with the logical flow of his arguments, the ease of reading his writing style, and the overall accessibility of the essays. Further, it is a quick read, and most people who have even a perfunctory interest in economics should be able to get through it easily. Of course, it is reflective of the time Murphy wrote it, as he has become a significantly more polished writer since then. Regardless of people's feelings on how compelling his arguments Murphy's arguments are, in Chaos Theory, named for the order which arises out of the supposed chaos of a stateless society, the book sets the stage for some important discussions in Libertarian philosophy on governance and economics. |
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Support Your Fellow LibertariansPort City FirearmsOur very own Justin Hinckley, 2A Issues Coordinator, has opened an online store, and you don't want to miss it! Port City Firearms and Training
--- Non Crappy CraftsAngela Humphries is a free-spirited watercolor artist who lives by the calm, colorful waters of New Bern, North Carolina. With her loose, expressive strokes, she works to impress the magic of flora and fauna onto her canvases. Her lighthearted, whimsical mark making, infused with the inspiration of her surroundings, invites admirers to walk in nature to enjoy it’s beauty and magnificence. 
Angela is a member of the North Carolina Watercolor Society and enjoys working in the privacy of her small home studio. She shares more of her work in the digital realm on her greeting card creations. Her work may be discovered in New Bern, NC at the local Bank of the Arts Gallery, as well as the Nautical Star Coffee Shop and finally her online store via Etsy. --- Dr. Dan's Freedom Forum Radio
"The right to own private property that cannot be arbitrarily regulated or confiscated by the government is the moral and constitutional basis for individual freedom" Listen Live: Freedom Forum Radio Podcast: Freedom Forum Radio Podcast Index ---
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Meet Christopher Sessions, running for NC Senate District 12
5 - Pinehurst
4 - Raleigh
3 - Charlotte
2 - Nags Head
1- Asheville
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