———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Joseph Buchman
Date: Wed, Dec 18, 2013 at 12:50 PM
Subject: Platform Committee Proposal
To: Aaron Starr
Cc: Wes Wagner
Guys,
Work is heating up over on the Platform Committee and as much as I appreciate your invitations to try to unresign from the Audit Committee, I doubt that could be successful, and as you will see below, I’m not sure I have the time, so I’m going to decline that invitation, at least for now.
I also think the Audit Committee would be better served by someone less outraged at the fraud of Michael Cloud, and the lack of appropriate execution of fiduciary responsibility and corrective action, as well as the “culture of dishonesty” I see from Neale and others on the LNC.
I’d be rather distracted attempting to serve on the Audit Committee for these next six months (our terms would end with the 2013 convention, I believe) by issues like the following which I want to bring to your attention, and for which I’d like to solicit your insight and advice.
By the same token, I am willing to be an outside expert, for either, or both of you with the 2013 audit. Feel free to use me as you see best (or if at all after your read the following).
While I’m still gathering information regarding the best date and place for the pre-convention, in-person meeting of the platform committee, I am leaning toward asking the State of Nevada LP to host us/assist with meeting space, housing and airport transportation, on the weekend of April 4/5/6.
We could have a belated birthday bash for Aaron (and perhaps sell tickets to that as a fundraiser), but I’m also looking for other things that could draw a crowd/raise funds.
Accordingly I’ve sent out an RFP and have a number of responses that I am in the process of evaluating.
Among those is a Friday night Keynote Speaker:
“Wes Wagner — The Man Who Fought the Entire LP and Won — on Why Having a Platform Not Only Doesn’t Work, But Even Trying Makes You Douche Canoes”
It’s my understanding we are free to change the word “Man” to “Asshole” in the above title if we think it will serve to increase ticket sales.
Mr. Wagner, Chair-of-at-least-part-of-Oregon’s-something has generously offered to:
“do it as a volunteer until I invoice you later, just so there are no conflict of interest concerns.”
What do you think?
Isn’t this the new Libertarian (Party) Way blazed by our LNC?
So, bottom line guys, how much would you be willing to pay for a ticket to our 2014 Platform Committee Keynote Speaker event?
Joe (who, if he is going to be a Libertarian for much longer, IS going to find a way to have FUN doing it.)
PS Feel free to pass this on to Paulie for an IPR article if you want.
_______________________
Joseph G. Buchman, PhD
175 Paradise Road
Park City, Utah 84098
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Wes Wagner
Date: Wed, Dec 18, 2013 at 8:21 PM
Subject: Fwd: Offer to be a volunteer Keynote Speaker for the 2014 Platform Meeting
To: [email protected]
I have heard that Brett has generously offered to host the 2014 Platform Committee meeting in Las Vegas Nevada. I would like to offer my volunteer* services to do the keynote speech and presentation for this event. I believe I am able to offer a unique perspective on the libertarian movement that will be helpful to the platform committee in their duties.
Attached is a prospective promotional flier. The $25 ticket price is just a suggestion. I suspect we could charge much more, especially if we are able to bill Starchild as expected. I am happy to help you raise money for the LP and will let you keep it until I arrive at a more creative way of receiving payment for my volunteer services.
Thank you for your consideration.
* I’ll do it as a volunteer until I invoice you later, just so there are no conflict of interest concerns.
“Jared December 23, 2013 at 11:32 pm”
I see IPR’s resident troll is back. The question is, which IPR writer is the troll?
Nahhh….. we are LIBERTARIANS (said ala “Sparta” from 300)
Might be too overwhelming?
Why can’t we do both?
Or the Monroe/Kennedy thing in the footnote of your poster here…
Well if it were a debate on the scale of Stefan Molyneux v Earnie Hancock … that might be cool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqkqPz6w2UE
How about the dynamic duo, Starr and Starchild?
Have there been any other proposals for the opening keynote?
No, I never spoke Buryat. The only language I knew at the time was Russian. My dad and paternal grandfather spoke English, and my dad used to listen to VOA and BBC, but I did not know English yet then so I had no idea what they were saying. Listening to those broadcasts was illegal in the USSR but many people did it.
My paternal grandparents spoke Yiddish, but I never really learned it. What little I learned was in the US later. My maternal grandfather died in 1941 or 1942, so I never met him, and my mom either never met him or only met him as a baby and does not remember him.
My maternal grandmother may have spoken Buryat, she was part Buryat (maybe a quarter?) and actually grew up there before the Soviet revolution, so it’s likely. I don’t know for sure, but I think the Soviets tried to homogenize non-Russian people more than the Czarists did.
But I can’t remember her ever speaking Buryat in the 1970s, and even if she did, she never tried to teach it to me so I wouldn’t have known what she was saying..
Yes, it is. They are basically the same, except that Buryatia is in Siberia (part of Russia) while Mongolia is its own nation and Outer Mongolia is in China, but they are all Mongols other than the different regimes ruling them.
Yes, I would like to some day.
Yes, you told me about that, but I forgot. I’d like to see that.
Paulie,
Whatever memories that you have from that time and/or whatever photographs/memories your parents have, I’d love to hear. Do you remember saying things like, Sain Bain oo? (Hello), Bayertai (goodbye), Tiim (yes) etc? Buryat is similar, I believe, to Mongolian. Do you have any desire to go back for a visit? There’s a terrific documentary about an American couple who take their son to far northern Mongolia that ran here at Sundance a few years ago — http://www.horseboymovie.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulan-Ude Where my maternal grandmother lived (1906-1996) and where my mom grew up. I lived there on and off as a little kid, but mostly across http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baikal in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irkutsk
I’d love to visit Buryatia someday. The closest I’ve been is Moron Mongolia (on our way to spend a month in Khovd). While I was on the faculty of Indiana University, I took Khoemi lessons from a teacher from Buryatia.
I lived the first seven years of my life right next to Mongolia, and a small portion of my ancestry is Mongol/Buryat.
Jungo Road is fantastic. One drive I did fairly recently was the Cedarville-to-Gerlach run. It was surprisingly scenic. Of course, the Gerlach-to-Vya drive also has its charms, though it’s emphatically not on the way to anything.
I wouldn’t mind visiting Mongolia some day, though, should I do so, I hope to make it a point to avoid it during winter. I don’t mind cold, but their definition of it is a bit more stark than I’m personally accustomed to.
David Colborne @ December 21, 2013 at 3:41 pm
In the past I’ve gone late and stayed late, going through Gerlach on Wednesday or so. Leaving BRC the following Wednesday morning. No lines. Quiet. This past year I had early admission (part of the Burning Nerds/Census Team) so went early, saw some crowds, did some shopping in Gerlach (bought the wig that I’m wearing in my photo here (the posts related to Audit stuff)), and then stayed late. I almost always take Jungo Road back to Winnemucca; soak in the hot springs along the way, and play Johnny Cash, “I’ve been everywhere, man” loud while driving too fast for the dirt.
I like small towns, especially in the Western USA. Reminds me of the Mongolian Countryside (I’ve been to Mongolia 5 times now . . .).
“Well sure, if you want to be inclusive…”
Mostly I’d just want to visit such a thing. I’m not a great organizer (am trying, and probably trying too hard as interim platform chair).
Well sure, if you want to be inclusive…
Not going to lie – I find Gerlach much more entertaining, personally, without the crowd. That said, I completely understand that’s a minority opinion if there ever was one. I’m glad to hear you spend a little more time in the area than just Burning Man, though. Gerlach is an interesting place to rest and unwind.
David Colborne @December 20, 2013 at 11:08 pm wrote:
“Plus, how often do you get an opportunity to enjoy the diverse night life of a desert town of 250 that is at least an hour away from the nearest settlement? ”
Personally? Eight times so far; on the way into, and on the way out of Burning Man each of the past 4 years.
Or virtually, most any time!
http://www.burningman.com/preparation/travel_info/gerlach_webcam.html
That said, a Libertarian Platform Theme Camp at Burning Man, with week-long input from the 61,000 plus* people attending, might actually produce something worthwhile!
* http://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-burning-man-like-2013-photos-2013-9?op=1
I’d like to suggest scenic Gerlach, NV, right next to the Black Rock Desert, perennial home of Burning Man, as a possible venue. You could host your meeting in Bruno’s, enjoy some delicious ravioli while discussing the deeper arcana that ties the LP platform together, and find peace in the solitude of the Black Rock Desert when it isn’t being overrun by 50,000 people.
Granted, it’s an hour and a half drive from Reno, and no, there’s no lodgings there, but Reno’s a pretty affordable place to stay in. Plus, how often do you get an opportunity to enjoy the diverse night life of a desert town of 250 that is at least an hour away from the nearest settlement? Oh, and liquor out there is *EXTREMELY* cheap. Extremely. Like, $2 for a gin & tonic cheap.
Can’t remember if that has been mentioned in any articles here yet.
Facebook is where I have attempted being fully transparent in my role as the Interim 2014 Libertarian Party Platform Committee chair. For those who are interested in the history there, or who wish to follow our future developments in more detail than is possible here on IPR, see:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Libertarian-Platform-Committee/496553003725528
Yes. The small tent debate club faction will howl; but, we must not let their pitiful squeals cloud our judgement in moving forth with shifting the paradigm towards our righteous plan of extreme professionalization. We must get to the root of the problem, raise the bar and reach for the stars.
This event is just the kind of high-class outreach to big donors that a more professional Libertarian Party needs. Glad to see at least some members of our party have finally recognized that and stepped up.
Mr. Buchman,
Thank you for taking my request with the professionalism and seriousness it deserves. Allow me to be the second Wes to heartily congratulate you on seeing things other people don’t.
Dave Terry @ December 20, 2013 at 11:27 am wrote:
“TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS???????
“That is an insult! I would not sit through a “speech” by Mr. Wagner for anything less than $250.”
Thanks for the laugh. Brett called within minutes of the email I sent to the Audit Committee (copied above) and I about fell out of my chair laughing with him as well.
This is the result, however, of a serious request I made of each of the 19 other Platform Committee members, as well as our 6 alternates, to make a pitch for where they would like to see our first meeting.
I also posted that invitation on Facebook as follows:
“I’m in the process of investigating the best DATE and PLACE for our first meeting.
“My impression is that most of this committee would prefer to meet some weeks/months PRIOR to the June 2014 Libertarian Convention.
“My request is that you let me know of any weekends from mid March to late May 2014 where you will NOT be available, and let me know what the nature of the conflict is (if it is a Libertarian-related event).
“I have decided:
“A) NOT to hold our first meeting concurrent with the March 1 and 2 2014 meeting of the LNC scheduled for Charlotte, NC. (Both the LNC and the Bylaws committees are meeting then.)
“B) NOT to schedule our meeting on that weekend in some other location.
“I understand the following weekend, March 14/15 is the California LP convention.
“C) NOT to schedule our first meeting for a one-day event prior to the Columbus convention.
“(I don’t believe that is workable/would not leave sufficient time to do our job. The LNC is meeting that day as well.)
“I could be persuaded that the majority of our work could be done online informally, and that our first meeting could be held in Columbus 2 or 3 days prior to the Convention (remember we need to allow time for formatting the changes we propose, duplication at a printer/photocopier company, and distribution to each delegate in time for their considered reflection). If that is your preference, please let me know.
“So here’s what I’m asking from you:
“1) I’d like to know the weekends you’re simply not available to travel somewhere within the USA for a Platform Committee work weekend, and the nature of those conflicts if they are libertarian-related (or if you just want to share about your anniversary, birthdays, weddings, etc).
“2) If you are unwilling to travel anywhere/anytime due to financial hardship/your impression that it’s inappropriate to ask for that, let me know. I’d assume you’d prefer the 2 day in advance of the Columbus option, but please state that explicitly as well.
“3) I’d like to ask each of you to brainstorm the best ideas for our first meeting. I’d like to try something out-of-the-box if it looks viable. For example:
“A) Pitch me on why we should meet in your home, your backyard, somewhere nearby.
“B) I’m not opposed to someone sponsoring the Platform committee meeting by providing free housing, airfare, etc.
“C) Starchild, here’s your chance to find that summer camp setting that would be cheaper/easier/better than some hotel meeting room.
“D) FYI I’m looking at options for something like that here in Park City. My wife has gotten used to this sort of thing. We once hosted about 40 people from Compuserve (back in 1994; the Richard Bach (author of Jonathon Livingston Seagull) Forum (yes, Richard Bach came; we made panbread over an open fire in our backyard (from his novel Illusions). We do have beds for about 10 of you; and if our renters move out of our home in Alpine (about an hour from SLC), I’d have room for all 25 to 30 (it’s 4 stories, almost 8,000 sq feet — here in Park City though we have a relatively small log cabin, and parking is an issue (due to the crazy snow loads here, there is no on street parking until after May 1). It’s a long story; there’s video; and it was the first of several similar crazy “open house’ events I’ve thrown.
“I also have friends with condos here in Park City that could be had for free (after ski season is over).
“Still I think even with free,if a bit rustic, housing; the airfare costs for SLC would not leave it as the least expensive/best option.
“So SEND YOUR IDEAS, SEND YOUR CONFLICTING DATES, and let me know what your preferences/requirements are asap.
“You may send those privately to me, or reply to ALL in this email to start a brainstorming like session — your choice.
“I also intend to give each of you a phone call between now and January 10th or so, to discuss this over the phone.
“E) Just so you know, I am of the current impression that Las Vegas NV is the cheapest, easiest location for such a meeting. I also like to get the heck out of here in the middle of winter and get to somewhere warm. I’m not committed to that, am investigating what would be best, and, again, want your best ideas, asap. But I thought I should let you know my current bias.
“I intend to announce that meeting date/place at least 8 weeks in advance (by late January or so).
“I’m also open to ideas from EVERYONE about the best DATE/PLACE for the first Platform Committee Meeting. I’m even interested in auctioning off the DATE/PLACE — want the Platform debated in your backyard/office/living room — pay our airfare, hotel, etc and MAKE A PITCH! (I mean, how libertarian is that?!?) Profits, if any, will be donated back to the general fund of the national party.
ALL THE BEST IDEAS ARE WELCOME. Feel free to send those to [email protected]”
I found Mr. Wagner’s to be among the best of the replies I’ve received so far (others include Mr. Pjonis offering the resources of the State of Nevada LP to assist with our Platform Committee meeting, should it be scheduled for his state, including couches to crash on, transportation from the airport, assistance finding a great meeting space, etc; a proposal for Urbana, Illinois; a request to hold the meeting on Monday March 3 in Charlotte, and others).
Certainly Mr. Wagner’s proposal is the best illustrated/most creative so far.
I believe in competition and free markets, and will do the best I can to solicit even better ideas and proposals from others before choosing the dates/place of our first in-person 2014 Platform Committee meeting.
The principles I’ve explicated for that include: 1) A date/place where everyone can attend (one which minimizes conflicts with other previously announced libertarian events), 2) a date/place that minimizes the collective travel costs for the committee. 3) A date/place which minimizes opportunity costs (time away from work) and which gives sufficient time to accomplish our task.
Right now it seems to me Vegas is hard to beat. I have contacted hotels here in Park City and Salt Lake City. Room rates are high during ski season but drop to below $100 per night by late April/early May. I’m also considering a location in the Midwest (perhaps near Louisville, KY) a weekend or two prior to the first Saturday in May (the Kentucky Derby).
March 3 in Charlotte is not a viable candidate, IMO. Travel costs are extraordinary, Bylaws is meeting on Friday, opportunity costs for a Monday or Monday/Tuesday platform committee meeting are very high.
But right now, I remain OPEN to ALL of the possibilities; including those as creative, funny and frankly valuable as that of Mr. Wagner.
A good place to start, and one already being debated by other members of the Platform Committee is — why have one? what good does it do? and how can we maximize the good it does?
I have no doubt the presentation by Wes (as well as the birthday song from Starchild, hopefully appearing as Miss Monroe) would serve to more fully explicate those answers.
Joe
2014 Libertarian Party Platform Committee Interim Chair
Just checking the calendar to make sure that the start of April didn’t sneak up on me.
Shane understands how the business model works!
Maybe there could be a weather delay and the national website and FB could be blacked out for a week to devote them entirely to fundraising to cover attendees travel costs to the rescheduled event?
Granted, it’s for people who have been following IPR stories and comments closely. We do some of that, but not very often. This one was by request and is mainly comment fodder.
The site has a mix of stuff. You may have missed that Jed and Joshua, our new active article posters, have been mainly covering parties other than LP with most of the articles they post, as well as some independents. I often post about other parties too, but not quite as much.
On the LP front, we carry a mix of feel good and straight up news (LP.org press releases and blog posts, candidates elected, positive and negative coverage of the LP from other sites) as well as our own unique brand of insider commentary from time to time.
Not all of those will appeal to all people. We expect that some people will find some of those uninteresting or counterproductive. Different people like different kinds of articles so we try to do a mix.
… the usual controversies.. (sorry hit the “post comment button too soon”)
WTF is this?
Someone’s mocking someone, but this is so meta, I don’t exactly know who, what or why.
I can’t even trust any of the bylines.
I’ve resigned myself that this site can become more about news of LP pissing matches. But for gods sake can we keep it to news of the pissing matches, and not something so far “inside baseball” as to be unfathomable even to a long time LP member like myself who know the players, and the usual.
Might as well set a floor fee to attend the Platform Committee Meeting while you’re at it. Someone has to pay for the empty seats in the gallery.
LOL. Is there a Circle Jerks cover band called the Circle Events, and can they be booked for this shindig?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68LAbJtd4uk
Um…wuh? Does not compute.
DT is right! Increasing the ticket price to $250 will attract a higher quality audience.
I also need to get with Starchild’s agent to discuss pricing for a Super Inner Chairman’s Torch Club Circle “Event” where you will also get your own personal Happy Birrrrrrrthday performance as well and leave feeling oh so special about yourself and having done your part to promote liberty!
I think you might even get your own name badge convention bling actually cut from “Ms. Monroe’s” dress to prove you were there so everyone will know how important you were!
If you attend this secret level event that is invitation only and perform admirably, you may be invited to purchase an even greater package, where you will get your own snuggie-like hooded robe, ornamental key on neck-chain, and a copy of RONR bound in human skin and scribed in blood.
TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS???????
That is an insult! I would not sit through a “speech” by Mr. Wagner for anything less than $250.
(payable in “lawful U.S. currency” – keep your bitty-coins).