Even in Korea, Libertarians stand apart

This article from the Korea Herald caught my attention. It's interesting to read about the political environment of other nations, at times it is similar to ours.

“Libertarians are a real minority in Korea. We were regarded as lunatics, crazy guys,” says Kim of his and a number of like-minded individuals’ decision to found the think tank in 1997, in the midst of the Asian financial crisis.

“We wanted to spread libertarian ideas to Korean society because I think it is the solution for the prosperity of Korea. Even though the general public didn’t believe so, we believed that.”

Central to the CFE’s aims is the promotion of free market ideas, such as those of Milton Friedman and Frederick Hayek, which advocate limited government and increased personal freedom.

Kim is adamant that such policies are essential for Korea to achieve strong economic growth, a position that President Lee Myung-bak championed prior to his election in 2007 and the global financial crisis in 2008. But Kim, who voted for Lee, doesn’t see the president’s stated belief in the free market being reflected in his current policies.

Aging nightmares

Since I don't take care of myself the way I should and I don't always eat right or exercise or anything else we are supposed to do to have healthy skin and a healthy body, I have spent time looking for what is the best wrinkle cream out there as I have spotted a few wrinkles. My problem is however, that when I buy a product? I forget to use it. For some reason, it doesn't seem to work that way.

The libertarian label is back in vogue

Or so says the Washington Examiner in Libertarian label in vogue even with Rand Paul’s opponent

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/Examiner-Opinion-Zone/Libertarian-label-in-vogue-even-with-Rand-Pauls-opponent-105893868.html#ixzz13ce9f7WO. One part of the recommended read:

Back in the late 1980’s the word “libertarian” was verboten in the movement’s respectable quarters. It rarely popped up in the pages of reason magazine, the journal of “Free Minds and Free Markets.” The CATO Institute tried to rebrand the the “freedom philosophy” as “Market Liberalism,” a phrase the think tank’s strategists deemed more palatable for American mass political consumption. In similar book issued at the end of Ronald Reagan’s run, “An American Vision” outlining CATO’s wishlist of “Policies for the ‘90’s,” the word “libertarian” isn’t invoked even once in the entire book.

Only a few years before, the libertarian label was considered cutting edge, a badge of honor. Flattering profiles of the 1980 Libertarian Party ticket ran in mainstream magazines. New York magazine pinpointed the Ed Clark/David Koch ticket as the first splash of an trend sure to increase in influence as the decade progressed.

By the time of Ronald Reagan’s 1984 reelection landslide, movement leaders who sought to inject libertarian ideas into the mainstream political conversation were disassociating themselves from the label. Scarred by their purge from the Libertarian Party by the sometimes kooky absolutists and spooked by the electoral ascendancy of the Reagan Democrats - economic populists hostile to social libertarianism - magazine editors and think thank honchos were convinced that the brand name they embraced a few years before would scare off an America that had demonstrated that it remained wary of their creed.

Looking for answers

Turning to the Internet to ask the search engine of your choice questions is one great way to find answers. Take for as an example the question does p90x work? If you type that into google or yahoo or whatever search engine you prefer, you'll find a variety of answers. However searching for "why is Lisa crazy" might not find you answers. At least not yet...

:-)

David Boaz's definition of libertarianism

It's worth reading -- Link to piece and one part in particular I wanted to point out:

People have rights that governments may not violate. Thomas Jefferson defined them as the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. When I’m asked what libertarianism is, I often say that it is the idea that adult individuals have the right and the responsibility to make the important decisions about their own lives. More categorically, I would say that people have the right to live their lives in any way they choose so long as they don’t violate the equal rights of others. What right could be more basic, more inherent in human nature, than the right to choose what substances to put in one’s own body? Whether we’re talking about alcohol, tobacco, herbal cures, saturated fat, or marijuana, this is a decision that should be made by the individual, not the government. If government can tell us what we can put into our own bodies, what can it not tell us? What limits on government action are there?

Skin care the easy way

There are hundreds of different skin care products out there designed to do everything from preventing wrinkles to dealing with acne. One way to learn more is to talk to a dermatologist, another is to turn to the internet and read some of the ingredients as well as read customer reviews of the products. Then take that information to see what might work for you as well as see if samples or smaller sizes are available for sale. That way, if a product doesn't work? You've spent less.

Imagine imaging

It used to be you'd have to have an employee, sometimes more than one employee that would be in charge of copying and storing all of your documents. Now, with technology and the Internet, there are firms that specialize in document imaging so that you can outsource that to them. In many cases it's less expensive than having your own staff and it also cuts down on you having to purchase equipment that becomes obsolete in a matter of years.

Dallas Libertarian Party says things are looking good

Even as pendulum of partisan politics continues to swing back and forth between the incumbent parties of big government, this year freedom finally has cause to rejoice. More and more people in Dallas and nationwide are beginning to see through the “two-party system”, and they are increasingly seeing the Libertarian Party as a viable alternative. The LP has fielded more candidates, organized more activities, and involved more volunteers than ever before. The incumbent parties have done everything possible to limit ballot access and discourage candidates, but freedom always finds a way to flourish.

The most visible signs of growth come from our candidates. The Texas Libertarian Party had five people register as gubernatorial candidates, and the ultimate nominee, Kathie Glass, has run an impressive campaign. She recently appeared in a televised debate with the candidates from other parties (minus incumbent Rick Perry, who shied away from the chance to make his case to the Texans he works for). She also received an astonishing 8% in a poll conducted by the Texas Tribune, a significant number considering that the Libertarian result was less than 2% in the last two elections.

Other candidates, such as John Jay Myers, are setting records for fundraising and activity. Mr. Myers crossed the $5000 FEC reporting threshold and raised over $7000, a record among Libertarian candidates in the 32nd district. He has aired television ads, sent out 8000 mailers, and participated in countless events. Throughout Texas there is a Libertarian challenger against each U.S. House incumbent (with the exception of Ron Paul, whose positions often match the Libertarian platform). Nationwide, there are about 800 candidates in races at all levels. This is up from approximately 600 in each of the past two election cycles.

These candidates are getting it done, but they are not alone. From top to bottom, more Libertarians are stepping up and taking on leadership roles, including high school and college students. Both Lake Highlands High School and SMU have Libertarian student groups, and they both boasted more members this year than their Democratic and Republican counterparts combined. Leadership at the statewide level has increased as well with more executive committee seats filled this year than for the past six years or more. Also, the state party recently upped its paid staff by hiring a new membership coordinator and two regional directors in the North Texas and the Gulf Coast areas. Having more people who can conduct outreach and fundraising full-time greatly increases the LP’s competitiveness.

Finally, the party’s online infrastructure has matured as well. Our online presence is starting to rival that of the other parties. For example, the national Facebook page now has 119,000 fans, compared to 155,000 and 187,000 for the Democrats and Republicans respectively. Those numbers have risen dramatically, with only 40,000 reported just six months ago. Locally in Dallas, our meetup group was almost non-existent two years ago, but it has swelled to over 200 participants, volunteers, and organizers who are active at our events. These online groups provide valuable resources for campaigns to reach voters, volunteers, and donors.

In short, we are seeing more leaders, more interest, more active candidates, and better results than we have seen in the past. Not only are people realizing the failure of government wars, bailouts, and controls, but they are also seeing that BOTH incumbent parties are the problem. The future is bright for the Libertarian Party and we will continue to build on the foundation we are setting now.

~Dallas County Libertarian Party

Drums of Steel

Whenever I see the term steel drums I don't think about the many uses for steel drums for industrial or other applications. I think about music, and I think about a trip we made to the Bahamas where I heard steel drums played for the very first time. It's really amazing how they can make such beautiful sounds from steel drums.

He just wants 2...

Many times it's stated that the Libertarian candidate has no chance of winning, and many times that may be true. However, an Iowa Libertarian candidate has set a goal of getting 2% of the vote. With five candidates on the ballot that could be a challenge, but it's a realistic goal. Sometimes you have to start small.

Read more -- here.

A Democrat, a Libertarian and a Green walk into a room

When I saw the title online - A Democrat, a Libertarian and a Green walk into a room I thought it was going to be a joke, then I noticed it was from Politfact in Texas...

Not withstanding the lack of a joke, it's coverage of a recent debate and the fact that the Republican candidate, Gov. Rick Perry did not attend.

It doesn't seem his presence was missed...

Melting the fat...

Ever wonder what the word, thermogenic, means? The dead give away that it's related to heat is of course the "thermo" part -- but it means heat is created through metabolic stimulation and it's marketed in products that call themselves thermogenic fat burners. As with most diet products there is evidence that it works as well as some evidence that it doesn't work. Which basically means it may work for you as a way to lose weight and that as always you should check with your health care professional to see what they advise. There are quite a few claims out there related to these products that they create results.

Tico Libertarianism

Similarities are being raised as to what's taking place in Costa Rica and what's taking place here in the US with the Tea Party movement. Tico Libertarianism and the U.S. Tea Party caught my attention, it's an article that might interest you as well. Part of:

The movement is based on the precepts of libertarianism and fueled by a romantic “pick-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps,” American Dream mentality, a la Horatio Alger. Tea Party advocates revere the authority of the U.S. Constitution and tend to take a diehard conservative stance on issues like gun control and illegal immigration.

The downside is you have to pay to read the rest of the article, but it's worth it for those of you interested in the topic.

Shedding poundage

It's reported that over 34% of Americans aged 20 and over are obese and over 34% of Americans aged 20 or over are overweight. This means about 70% weigh more than they should. This has created a great deal of media interest, governmental interest and a billion dollar industry to sell weight loss products, from diets, seeking the best diet pill to promoting health clubs. Bottom line, part of the problem is we've become to sedentary as a nation...

Great political ad on Republicans and Democrats

It'd be funnier if it wasn't true, but I wanted to point out this campaign ad by Warren Redlich's campaign...

Libertarian Activist Checklist for Fall 2010

Recommended reading from our neighbor up to the North, in the Michigan Libertarian newsletter, Bill Hall gives you his "Libertarian Activist Checklist for Fall 2010" - while I recommend reading the full piece a few parts of it:

3.Contribute funds to at least one active local Libertarian campaign. Local campaigns have the best prospects to garner votes and affect election outcomes. With a local race, you get more “bang for your buck”. If a local candidate is willing to spend his or her valuable time campaigning, the least I can do is provide financial support.

4. Contribute funds to at least one active statewide Libertarian campaign. Statewide campaigns have the best prospects to receive media attention. Often, they are the ones that get the Libertarian name and philosophy out there, and bring in new activists.

5. Put a Libertarian bumper sticker on my car. Ken Proctor, our candidate for Governor, is printing and distributing bumper stickers, as are other candidates. Use them!

Save when you can...

It never ceases to amaze me when I see friends go out and buy something expensive without doing any type of research or price checking. It's their money to do with what they want, but just a few moments of checking what the Best Buy is online or what stores might have a particular item, like a computer or a flat screen television on sale, could save them hundreds of dollars. That could be spent on something else...Or perhaps even saved...

Plain Dealer endorses Libertarian Matt Cantrell

The Cleveland Plain Dealer decided rather than to endorse current Ohio Treasurer Kevin Boyce, the Democrat or current District 17 Ohio House of Representative Josh Mandel, the Republican -- they endorsed Matthew P. Cantrell, the Libertarian candidate for Ohio Treasurer.

LINK to the endorsement which says in part:

Frankly, Cantrell is unlikely to prevail against opponents whose war chests are each in the seven figures.
But it would be a shame if Cantrell were to be squashed like a midge in the general election, simply for the lack of money and a big-party label.
Cantrell's professionalism and his willingness to serve should matter more than his ability to hit up the big givers.
That it doesn't is one reason Ohio and much of the rest of the country lack the kind of selfless, let's-get-the-job-done leadership needed to erase some of the cynicism from politics.
As for his opponents, it's called business as usual and Ohio can't afford it any longer. A vote for Cantrell won't be wasted if it helps make that point loud and clear.

I'm more of a dress down kinda gal

One of the advantages of blogging is I don't have to dress up very often, most times I do blog in my pj's if I don't have anywhere to go. However, with debates and other events that I attend, I do have to look at special occasion dresses at time to time. Recently I just got my first "little black dress" since I've been told it's something every woman should have. I haven't had the chance to wear it yet, but perhaps some day it will be the right occasion to take it out of the closet.

Benedict says Republicans owe apology not promise

Libertarian Party executive director Wes Benedict said, instead of a “Pledge to America,” the Republicans should have written an “Apology to America.” It should have gone something like this:

“We’re sorry, America. Sorry we grew the federal government budget from $1.7 trillion to over $3 trillion. Sorry we added $5 trillion to the federal debt. Sorry we doubled the size of the Department of Education. Sorry we started two incredibly costly foreign wars. Sorry we supported the absurd and costly TARP bailouts. Sorry we created a huge and costly new Medicare entitlement. Sorry we did nothing to end the costly and destructive War on Drugs. Sorry we did nothing to reform the federal government’s near-prohibition on immigration. But hey, at least we helped you by shifting a lot of your tax burden onto your children and grandchildren.”

There are so many lies, distortions, hypocrisies, and idiocy in this document that it’s hard to know where to start.

It is deeply insulting to see the Republicans refer to “America’s founding values” on their cover. The Republican Party has no understanding whatsoever of America’s founding values. They have proven and re-proven that for decades.

Scrubs is really the wrong word...

The word "scrubs" has been given a negative connotation when used to reference a person. Yet the concept of surgical scrub clothing is far from being "scrubby" -- the professionally designed wear for doctors, nurses and other health care professionals has gone main stream outside of the medical facility because it's comfortable.

The days of the green scrub pants may still exist in some medical settings, but for the most part, in the outside world of consumer wear, there are bright colors and a variety of patterns.

Beyond comfort there is cost, cheap scrubs can be found, at times even with holiday themes for those of you looking for a bit of pizazz with your scrub wear. My personal favorite has bats on it. I love October since it's the one month I can wear them out of the house without getting strange looks.

:-)

Libertarians on DADT

This happened a few days back, but it's important to point out -- from the Wall Street Journal:

The Libertarian Party is making a bid for gay voters after a bid to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ failed in the Senate this week, telling them that “like abused spouses who keep returning to their aggressors” they need to stop “handing their votes to the Democrats who abuse them.”

Libertarian Party Chairman Mark Hinkle issued a statement Thursday pointing to the continued ban on gays serving openly in the military and a federal law that lets states not recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.

“President Obama and the Democrats had almost a year of complete control of the federal government,” Hinkle said. “They could have repealed ‘don’t ask don’t tell.’ They could have gotten rid of the Defense of Marriage Act. But they didn’t do either.” He added that “the Libertarian Party wants to break this self-destructive behavior” by gay voters who continue to support the Democrats.

Michael Mitchell, executive director of the National Stonewall Democrats, which represents gay Democrats, said the Obama administration had done “more for the LGBT community than any other administration in our nation’s history – combined.”

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement on Thursday that Obama was “disappointed” by the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” vote and that he would continue to work with Senate leaders to repeal the policy.

Targeting TARPS supporters

WASHINGTON – This November, Libertarian Party candidates are challenging 97 incumbent members of Congress who voted for the TARP bailouts in 2008. View the list here.

The list includes 33 Republicans and 64 Democrats.

LP Chair Mark Hinkle commented, “Few acts of Congress have evoked as much fear, ire, disgust, and disapproval from Americans as the 2008 TARP banker bailouts, passed with bipartisan support in Congress, and signed into law by Republican President George W. Bush.”

Hinkle continued, “Bailer-in-chief John McCain, who famously suspended his 2008 losing Republican presidential campaign to rush back to Washington DC to vote for TARP, tops our list. He’ll face Libertarian Party co-founder David Nolan in November.”

According to Congressional Quarterly, twelve of these TARP incumbents are in close re-election battles (classified in the “tossup” or “leans” category). The Libertarian Party hopes to help kick them out of office. “They tried to justify TARP by claiming our economy was going off a cliff. Let’s push their teetering careers off a cliff,” said LP Executive Director Wes Benedict.