Writing in Liberty for All, Libertarian National Committee member R. Lee Wrights says:
Whether we remain silent out of mere convenience or simply to avoid criticism from our peers, it almost always looks like we are trying to “get away with something.” This is exemplified perfectly by a situation we face right now on the Libertarian National Committee. You see, we have a national Treasurer who is refusing to release the details of the budget recently passed by the committee unless those of us seeking the information promise not to forward it to anyone, including other committee members. He has even gone so far as to refuse to obey several direct requests from our national Chair to forward the budget. A document that was shown, debated, and voted upon in open session is now being treated as though it were some sort of State secret! Why, I ask, why?!
The answer from our Treasurer is that he doesn’t want to be criticized for his work. Apparently, there is something in the budget that frightens him. Something about it has him worried; and, he believes if it gets out into the public eye that people may be critical of what he has done. Now personally, I don’t think he really has that much to worry about. I mean, after all, each of us on the committee, as national leaders, must naturally expect that not everyone is going to be pleased with what we are doing. Criticism comes with the job. What the Treasurer obviously does not realize is by trying to avoid critical analysis of his work product, he is inviting the worst type of criticism. The first question on most folks’ mind when they hear about this is, “What is Aaron Starr trying to hide?”
Is our Treasurer trying to hide something? Well frankly, I cannot say yes or no. I am not allowed to see the budget details since I refuse to agree to Mr. Starr’s unreasonable demand for silence. What I do know are ridiculous circumstances when I come upon them. What I can tell you is there is a huge problem when board members cannot get such information from committee officers even after we have voted on it and made it our “spending authority.”
What is Mr. Starr trying to hide? Perhaps nothing at all. But how are we to know unless he allows us to take a look at the details of the budget and discuss it among ourselves? I dare say few organizations, if any, would stand for such arrogance from a national officer who refuses to supply fellow committee members with information they are entitled to, information that, in fact, belongs to them! Hopefully at the next national convention the Libertarian Party will elect a Treasurer who believes in openness and transparency. Perhaps we can find someone who will not be swayed by fear of the criticism that is inherent in the job.
Unless I have misuderstood which budget is being discussed here, apparently Mr. Starr, Mr. Wrights, or both, are unaware of the following:
https://independentpoliticalreport.com/2008/11/lnc-financial-package-2008/
Attempting to post this in Liberty for All comments has so far been unsuccessful.
Disclosure: I was the one who posted the budget at IPR, and the one who tried to post the comment at Liberty for All.
Posted to IPR by Paulie
“Prospective Advertiser // Jan 19, 2009 at 7:27 pm
I think it would be interesting to watch R. Lee Wrights be vilified and expelled at the next LNC meeting.”
If only we could be so lucky.
I think it would be interesting to watch R. Lee Wrights be vilified and expelled at the next LNC meeting.
The insider clique that runs the LP is clearly using mushroom theory of management. Keep ’em in the dark, cover them with bullshit, and if any of them stick their heads up too high, chop ’em off.
Well, Lee has stuck his head up. He’s wanting to see the actual comprehensive detail that Aaron Starr says is proprietary. Starr demands that Wrights sign a confidentiality agreement, as if members of the governing body of the LP were working for officers like Starr, rather than the other way around.
I predict that Wrights will receive the Angela Keaton treatment at the next LNC meeting.
Prospective, it was 32 days after becoming President.
I maintained the information on one of my sites on the web until 2004.
What was the site?
William Henry Harrison got sick three weeks after his inaugural address. He clearly did not get sick because of anything that happened at his inauguration. He did die after about twelve weeks of being president. Good riddance to bad rubbish.
John, I would like to see that historical archive put together, very much. I think it is important for people who are fighting for freedom to know what came before. If we can avoid reinventing some wheels, or making the same mistakes, that would be really great.
“If you have records of the party, publish them. Let the members have access as well. ”
I did publish to the web everything I had as national secretary from 1993 to 1996. I also published (with the help of former national secretary Joe Dehn and former national director Honey Lanham) as much of the LNC information I could gather from prior years and subsequent years. No one was interested in the information with the notable exception of George Phillies. The LNC in its wisdom took all the archive information off the LP.org web site during one if its many “improvements” after 2001. I maintained the information on one of my sites on the web until 2004.
If the new transparency caucus is successful in reforming the LNC and if the LP ever agrees on a clear unambiguous focused mission statement, I might be persuaded to help reconstruct an LP/LNC historical archive.
Incidentally, that fine detail was presented in the open session. It went on screen, where much of it was read out loud.
As a result, much of this information can be recovered from the transparency caucus tape of the meeting.
The President who got pneumonia at his inauguration was William Henry Harrison, definitely not a good person as he fought the Native Americans brutally. Jimmy Carter was the greatest president we ever had, he tried to free us from Israel, he did create many great government offices like the Department of Education. No cabinet department is unconstitutional, the Elastic clause Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18, allows the government to do whatever it wants and raise taxes as much as it wants for the common good and the glory of God, amen. I support the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Seventeenth, Nineteenth, Twenty-Third, Twenty-Fourth, Twenty-Fifth and Twenty-Sixth amendments, but the rest of the constitution is garbage created by war criminal slave-owning terrorists. I am happy that Barack “the Blessed One” Obama is bringing us world government and the Democratic Christian Socialist New World Order and world government, and I trust him to keep Eric Holder from making it a tyrany. God bless all, amen.
John Famularo, I think you should go to Next Free Voice or The Freeman Chronicles, or the LP Transparency Caucus and publish the records that Aaron Starr wants.
If you have records of the party, publish them. Let the members have access as well.
Obviously, where you feel that there is some agreement to keep, say, member information private (addresses, etc.) then use your discretion. But why give information to Aaron Starr or his filthy maggot Republican buddies? If there are minutes of meetings, publish them in the full light of day.
Let’s see how the Libertarian Party is at operating in Sunshine. Perhaps if the party were still a party of principle, it could lead by example.
Nobody is ever going to believe that the LP is going to solve the problems in government which arise from secret courts, secret prisons, secret torture, secret black operation budgets, covert operations in foreign countries, and a war against persons unknown (but on various blacklists) throughout the USA, if the LP is itself playing secretive games in the dark.
Turn on the lights, let the cockroaches scurry. It makes them easier to stomp.
Here’s the last e-mail exchange between Gary and Lee Wrights.
Re: helpful constructive criticismSunday, January 18, 2009 3:15 PM
From: This sender is DomainKeys verified “Gary Fincher” Add sender to Contacts To: “R. Lee Wrights” LOL. “Likes of me”? I’ve been looking at IPR today and what people are saying about you and well, apparently, you’ve got a very poor reputation in the party. So I don’t take anything you say very seriously. You apparently also don’t believe in freedom of speech, as you pick and choose who gets posted on your site, and then turn around and lie about it. I don’t like liars. Sorry.
— On Sat, 1/17/09, R. Lee Wrights wrote:
From: R. Lee Wrights
Subject: Re: helpful constructive criticism
To: [email protected]
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2009, 2:22 PM
‘I wasn’t. I was just trying to improve your journalistic skills, after observing over the last few weeks how sorely in need of improvement they are.’
Yes well, the last thing I need is help from the likes of you. Thanks for nothing.
Anyone that has a website with a comments section and who posts a hatchet job on people and then does not allow for rebuttals, even after they are e-mailed about it several times, is a person with low integrity.
This is exactly what Lee Wrights has done and it proves that Lee Wrights does not like to let the truth get in the way of a good smear.
@19
All on the web, waiting to be downloaded at a pace that will not challenge your machine.
For example
http://web.archive.org/web/20020207225925/http://www.lp2000.com/BCI/timeline.htm
http://web.archive.org/web/20011222083827/archive.lp.org/lnc/lnc810830.min.html
I am happy to agree that a real net jockette might be able to pull things down faster than I can.
LIBERTARIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE
August 30, 1981, Denver, Colorado
Members present:
Alicia Clark,* Chairman
Sheldon Richman, Vice Chairman
Frances Eddy, Secretary
Vivian Bauers,* Treasurer
David Bergland,* Prior Chair
Michael Emerling, at-large
Kent Guida, at-large
Mary Louise Hanson, at-large
Chris Hocker, at-large
Dick Randolph, at-large
Andrea Millen Rich, at-large
Murray Rothbard, at-large
Judy Clarke, Alternate, Region 1
Mike Hall*/Jim Vernon, Alternate, #2
Bill Evers, Region 2
Dale Pratt, Region 2
Craig Armstrong*/David Brazier, #3
Joan Vanderslice, Region 5
Paul Grant, Region 6
Lynn Crussel, Region 7
Jim Johnston, Region 9
Leslie Key, Region 10
Sandy Burns, Region 11
Alan Lindsay, Region 12
Howie Rich, Region 16
Lee Webber, Alternate, Region 17
Michael Burch, Region 18
Clark Hodge, Region 19
(Eric O’Keefe, National Director)
Members absent:
Stephen DeLisio, Region 1
Gary Palm, Region 4
Linda Taylor, Region 8
Matthew Monroe, Region 13
David Walter, Region 14
vacant, Region 15
Jim Lewis, Region 17
Alternates not participating:
Sara Baase, Region 2
Dan Wiener, Region 2
Westley Deitchler, Region 4
Joe Minella, Region 5
George Mercier, Region 6
Gordon Rogers, Region 7
Arnold Souba, Jr., Region 8
Tom Verkuilen, Region 9
Sheryl Loux, Region 10
Tom Bogel, Region 11
Roger Bissell, Region 12
Honey Lahman, Region 13
Frank Bubb, Region 14
vacant, Region 15
Michael Kessler, Region 16
Linda Janca, Region 18
Todd Crowder, Region 19
*left before meeting adjourned
1. CALL TO ORDER, MINUTES, AGENDA:
Chairman Alicia Clark called the post-convention meeting of the Libertarian National Committee to order at 6 p.m., Sunday, August 30, 1981, at the Hilton in Denver, Colorado. She indicated she would be sharing her duties with the Vice Chair and would work out a plan to delegate authority.
Bill Howell was appointed parlimentarian for the session. It was reported Bill White is interested in being permanent parliamentarian.
Dick Randolph moved that the minutes of the August 26, 1981 National Committee meeting be read along with those for this meeting at the next National Committee meeting. The motion passed.
Several changes were made to the agenda: Report of State Chair Caucus (Emerling) was added; the Treasurer’s report was moved up to item 2b (Bauers); item 7 was deleted (Bauers); Judicial Committee election was moved up to 4a (Bergland); item 11 and rest of item 12 were placed at end of agenda to cover if time allowed (Bergland); Libertarian Congressional Committee report which had been tabled at the 8/26/81 meeting to this one was deleted (Hocker).
2. TREASURER’S REPORT:
Bauers plans to prepare a Treasurer’s report soon to update the one prepared by O’Keefe and distributed at this and the 8/26 meeting. Bauers motion that the Libertarian National Committee increase the current debt limit to $65,000 and this authority extend only to present outstanding loans passed. Crussel asked that her vote against the motion be recorded in the minutes.
3. INTRODUCTION OF NEW NATIONAL COMMITTEE:
Those participating in the meeting introduced themselves.
4. STATE CHAIR CAUCUS REPORT:
Arizona State Chair Buck Crouch read the following resolutions passed by the State Chair Caucus:
1. We are unalterably opposed to the party again drifting into debt without specific approval of the National Committee.
2. We recommend maintaining National Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
3. We request the publication of Nat Com minutes with the individual voting records in LP News. Also, all votes of substance should be roll call votes.
4. It is hereby resolved that the caucus of state chairs are in favor of moving toward individual party affiliate representation on Nat Com.
5. We the members of the 1981 Caucus of State Chairs unanimously propose that at every regular convention a meeting be established on Tuesday night of the convention week for the express purpose of discussing problems unique to state chairs and their organizations. The purpose of this meeting is to provide information to the current standing committees.
6. We the members of the 1981 caucus of state chairs unanimously resolve that the National Committee and the National office be reminded that it is a requirement of the resolutions of the party that all state chairs be sent copies of all mailings to the Nat Com members.
Randolph and Pratt requested that Nat Com members received a written copy of the State Chair Caucus report along with the names of participants and their voting records to the extent that information is available. Burns recommended that all state chairs be sent copies of the resolutions and Crouch indicated they will be reprinted in a proposed state chair newsletter. Key moved that the report of the State Chair Caucus be referred to a committee so that committee’s report could be considered at the next meeting. Bergland’s friendly amendment to place this item on the agenda of the next meeting with the expectation that the State Chair Caucus report will be available before then was accepted. Emerling’s motion to close debate passed as did the main motion.
5. SUSPENSION OF RULES:
Evers’ motion to suspend the rules to introduce a resolution on libertarian draft resistance failed 9-9-3.
6. SUSPENSION OF RULES:
HRich’s motion to reintroduce consideration of the resolution on libertarian draft resistance passed after the Vice Chair read the proposed resolution. Evers moved to adopt the resolution, changing in the fifth whereas clause “a delegate to this Convention” to “a delegate to the 1981 Libertarian Party Convention” and in the first and second resolved clauses changing “National Convention” to “National Committee.” Randolph’s motion to close debate passed. After a point of information (O’Keefe) regarding the wording “in whatever form it takes” was noted, Randolph and Key (seconder) rescinded their action to close debate and a vote to reopen debate passed. Hall moved to amend Evers motion to drop the fifth and sixth whereas clauses and to restructure the “Be it resolved” by deleting #1. Pratt suggested passing the resolution as close to the original as possible as its supporters had tried to get it on the floor during the convention. Discussion followed on whether or not to include Paul Jacob’s name in the resolution. Lindsay proposed adding “insofar as it does not violate the rights of individuals” after “whatever form it takes.” Instead of accepting this as a friendly amendment Evers suggested the wording “consistent with libertarian values” and Lindsay agreed. Hall did not accept this proposed change as a friendly amenement. Emerling’s motion to close debate on the amendment passed and the vote on Hall’s amendment failed. Evers moved to amend his original motion to say “consistent with libertarian values” after “whatever form it takes.” Johnston moved to change “support” to “endorse” under 1. Be it resolved. After discussion, Key’s motion to close debate passed and Johnston’s proposed change failed. Key’s motion to close debate on Evers motion passed and the following resolution on libertarian draft resistance was accepted:
RESOLUTION ON LIBERTARIAN DRAFT RESISTANCE
WHEREAS: the draft is the ultimate form of government control; it enslaves young people in the name of defending freedom; and
WHEREAS: the draft, by guaranteeing the manpower to fight unpopular wars abroad, encourages dangerous foreign adventurism of the sort now being practiced by the Reagan administration; and
WHEREAS: by the government’s own admission, more than half a million eligible men have refused to comply with the government’s draft registration program; and
WHEREAS: the Reagan administration is threatening to prosecute a small number of such resisters; and
WHEREAS: at least one draft-age Libertarian, a delegate to the 1981 Libertarian Party Convention and an activist in the anti-draft movement, has been singled out for prosecution by the Selective Service System, that Libertarian being Paul Jacob; and
WHEREAS: his situation represents the fears of hundreds of thousands of other young people under 22 years of age who must decide whether or not to register for the draft;
BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the Libertarian Party National Committee unconditionally supports his right to resist, and will continue to support his struggle against the state in whatever form it takes consistent with libertarian values; and
2. That the Libertarian Party National Committee supports the right of all draft eligible youth to resist registration and the draft.
7. DISTRIBUTION OF CONSTITUTION, BYLAWYS, AND RULES; DISTRIBUTION OF COMPILED RESOLUTIONS:
Bergland’s motion that changes in compiled resolutions, just handed out, be distributed with the minutes of this meeting passed. Bergland recommended waiting for new Constitution, Bylaws and Rules to be developed following their adoption at the convention.
8. SELECTION OF JUDICIAL COMMITTEE
At Emerling’s request the role and functions of Judicial Committee members were reviewed. The Vice Chair read the following list of those who had indicated a desire to be on the Judicial Committee: Frank Horn, B. J. Wagner, Gary Greenberg, Alan Vogel, Bill Ware, Larry Pino, Phil Carden, Ray Strong, Tom Bogel, Bill Howell, Dave Nolan, John Mason, Sara Baase, Gary Chipman, Anne McCracken. Randolph’s motion to nominate the names listed passed. The following people were also nominated: Craig Franklin (Emerling), Lyn Sapowsky, Brian Donerly, and Cynthia Hilton (Bergland), Kevin Dye (Evers), David Boaz and Janet Nelson (HRich), Tom Palmer (Pratt), Cissy Webb (Key), Ben Olson (Randolph), Jim Clarkson (Key). Key’s motion to close nominations passed. Emerling’s motion to elect the chair of the committee first passed. The following were nominated a committee chair: Franklin (Crussel), Olson (Randolph), Clarkson (Rich), Mason (Evers). Emerling’s motion to close nominations passed. Emerling’s motion that the chair candidates or someone on their behalf each speak for two minutes passed. Franklin and Olson spoke on their own behalf and Key spoke for Clarkson and Evers for Mason. Hocker’s motion that except in the event of a tie for second place the bottom two candidates be dropped after the first ballot passed. First ballot results were: Franklin 7, Olson 3, Clarkson 7, Mason 7. Second ballot results were: Franklin 9, Clarkson 8, Mason 8. Third ballot results were: Franklin 17, Clarkson 2, Mason 5 and Franklin was elected chair of the Judicial Committee. The motion to limit comments by candidates or someone speaking on their behalf to 30 seconds passed. Bogel and Baase were removed from the list as they are alternate regional representatives. Key’s motion that the method of voting be each LNC member casting 8 or fewer votes, that the votes be mutually exclusive, and that the 8 nominees receiving the greatest number of votes be elected passed. The results were: Clarkson 13, Boaz 12, Palmer 12, Greenberg 11, Nelson 11, Horn 10, Mason 10, Webb 10 and elected to Judicial Committee. Other votes were Howell 9, Vogel 9, Nolan 8, Donerly 6, Carden 5, Olson 5, Chipman 3, Dye 3, Hilton 3, Pino 3, Strong 3, McCracken 2, Sapowsky 2, Ware 2, and Wagner 1.
9. MANAGEMENT REPORT ON LP HQS:
Before leaving, Bergland drew the committee’s attention to the report prepared by Stephen Davis, recommending members pick up a copy and study it. He plans to bring it to the Chairman’s attention and suggested a small committee be formed to consider it.
10. SUSPENSION OF RULES:
ARich’s motion to suspend the rule to consider the Speakers Burear’s item next passed.
11. SPEAKERS BUREAU:
ARich moved that the LNC continue to allot funds for the Speakers Bureau through January 1982 at the rate of $800 a month. Evers amended the motion to have the speakers bureau send National Committee members a list of the 465 speakers and the locations of the bureau. Pratt’s proposed friendly amendment to send a report on speakers bureau activity rather than the list was not accepted. Evers amendment passed. Key’s motion to extend discussion 2 minutes passed 14-6-1. Emerling’s motion to close debate passed and ARich’s motion passed.
12. AGENDA RECONSIDERED:
After assurance from O’Keefe that discussion of the Mailing List Committee was not urgent Randolph’s motion that we eliminate all items except 5, 10 and 13 and that we adjourn by 8:30 p.m. passed. Randolph’s motion to spend five minutes on item 5 and five minutes on item 10 passed.
13. HEADQUARTERS REPORT:
O’Keefe reported ballot drive assistance has top priority. Drives are now underway in three states. Randolph moved that $5,000 per month for the remainder of the year be authorized to states for ballot drive assistance. Hocker amended the motion to change $5,000 to $10,000 to be spent as the discretion of the National Director. After discussion as to where the money would come from Randolph’s motion passed as amended.
14. SUSPENSION OF RULES:
Emerling’s motion to suspend the rules for five minutes to reach a clear understanding as whether the New York party has committed to a $90,000.00 forfeiture agreement, and if they have, who is accountable, responsible, New York or the National Party passed. ARich said it was her understanding that New York State Chair Gary Greenbreg signed the contract for either of two dates with a clause that we would be liable for $90,000 if the convention was not held then. Evers moved that the LNC not be held liable for any debt incurred through forfeiture of the New York convention. Grant said it was his understanding that at a New York state caucus New York state chair Gary Greenberg answered a question by saying it was his thought that the national party would be liable for a forfeiture. Grant’s motion to extend debate three minutes failed. Grant requested that it be included in the minutes that he is strongly opposed to the LNC avoiding responsibility for managing the financial affairs of the Libertarian Party. Evers motion failed and Emerling requested a roll call vote. After brief discussion, Evers moved that a request of three members shall be enough to require a roll call vote. The motion passed and Emerling and at least two others requested a roll call vote. The results were 10-14 with Rothbard, Crussel, Evers, Pratt, Grant, Vanderslice, Emerling, Brazier, Hanson and Eddy voting yes and Randolph, Webber, Vernon, ARich, HRich, Key, Burch, Lindsay, Hodge, Hocker, Guida, Palm, Burns, and Johnston voting no. ARich indicated she would ask the New York state chair to send us a convention report. Grant’s motion to have a copy of the signed contract sent to Nat Com members passed.
15. SUSPENSION OF RULES:
Burns’ motion to suspend the rules for three minutes to discuss plans for national to aid local candidates failed.
16. NEXT NATIONAL CONVENTION:
Hocker received no affirmative response to his question as to whether anyone was intending to suggest in the near future that the site of the next National Convention be moved away from New York. Randolph motion to extend the meeting five more minutes passed.
17. NEXT NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING:
Randolph’s motion that we accept the Maryland Libertarian Party’s proposal distributed at the meeting for the next National Committee meeting to be held November 7 and 8 in Bethesda, Maryland passed.
18. The meeting was adjourned
at 8:35 p.m., Sunday, August 30.
Respectfully submitted,
Frances Eddy
Secretary
“I know that Lee Wrights denies taking down comments and says the problem was due to a technical glitch with his forum software.”
And Lee Wrights is a LIAR.
“I suppose, if you really care, that you could attempt to test that theory by trying to post comments to the article in question now.”
The theory has already been tested multiple times. Lee Wrights has been e-mailed about it several times by Gary and by Steve Dasbach.
“I don’t think your emotional language is helping anything.”
I don’t give a shit. The time for diplomacy ended a long time ago. The gloves are off.
Rocky @ #17, you are correct Sir ! In history I guess the one who spoke for over one hour at his inauguration and got pnumonia (sic) and died a month later did the least damage ! Was it Garfield ?
The outrage to me is each one now adds a cabinet level position. Adding billion$ in the long run to deficits and hundreds of additional beauracrats. Carter, one of, if not the worst potus in most of our lifetimes created, the most definitely UNconstitutional, Dept. of Education. (the word is found nowhere in the document) We’ve been stuck with the monstrousity(sic) for 30 years and counting. I doubt you can find 100 people who will say Carter was a successsful potus, but look at what a major effect he’s had on everyone’s pocketbook since. We not only suffered during his term with double digit inflation, interest rates and almost unemployment rates, but his Dept. of ED is sticking it to us now and probably until we are all dead.
Obama just named a “climate change czar”. The climate has been changing for a few million years and will be until the sun burns out in 7-8 billion years. World gov’t is what she wants, and world gov’t is what she plans to get…
I have been a Tresurer of a national organization two different times and for regional orgs a few times. The report should be ready for viewing by any dues paying member at all national conventions and by party officials at official party meetings. Otherwise a Tresurer could spend much too much time and money if any and everyone can just request a copy anytime they wish. What if 10, ooo members throughout the year requests a personal copy sent to them? That’s why there are rules for such things.
Andy,
Andy,
I never posted any replies to Sean’s article at LFA.
I know that Lee Wrights denies taking down comments and says the problem was due to a technical glitch with his forum software.
I suppose, if you really care, that you could attempt to test that theory by trying to post comments to the article in question now.
I don’t think your emotional language is helping anything. My reply to Sean’s article is at
http://pauliecannoli.wordpress.com/2008/12/22/personal-note-of-saints-and-sinners/
And furthermore, I would like to note that the work you, me and Gary did in Ohio in 2007 helped several parties, starting with the LP, get ballot access due to a lawsuit for 2008 and 2009, and that a ballot access contractor that Sean is particularly fond of was used as the legal precedent to remove petitioner access from storefronts in Oregon before I ever went on my drugs-and-hookers binge there.
First you defend your good buddy and such an anti-libertarian like Steve Gordon
I don’t believe Steve Gordon is an anti-libertarian.
then you defend such a racist like Aaron Starr.
I’m not aware of any racism on Aaron Starr’s part, although we don’t see eye to eye on some things. It would be nice if libertarian activists could resolve our differences without calling each other the spawn of satan, neo-nazis, etc.
Jews can be racist too…look at the ones over in Israel who bomb Palestinians, who in turn are no better than the Jews.
I’m well aware that Jews can be racist. My background is mostly Jewish immigrant from the ex-USSR. I’m ashamed to say that most of my fellow Soviet emigre Jews that I have talked to are quite racist, although I’m personally very anti-racist. However, it simply does not pass the laugh test to claim that Aaron Starr is working with Don Black. Don Black would like Aaron Starr to be gassed.
My have you changed over the months, are you becoming part of the new LP kk-klan too?
I haven’t changed one bit. My views are what they have been all along: left-libertarian, anarchist, radical, anti-racist, pro-transparency, and pro-civility.
Feel free to give me a call. You have my number.
Lee Wrights said: “What is Mr. Starr trying to hide?”
A better question is what is Lee Wrights trying to hide by censoring posts that refute Sean Haugh’s lies posted on his site? Lee Wrights took down posts from myself, Gary, Paul, Jake, and even Richard Winger and Steve Dasbach that refuted lies from Sean Haugh.
Notice how Gary, Jake, and I all put out challenges to debate Sean Haugh in public and Sean Haugh was too chickenshit to accept the challenge.
Covering up for Sean Haugh suppressing the truth shows that Lee Wrights has low integrity and does not belong on the LNC.
Paulie,
First you defend your good buddy and such an anti-libertarian like Steve Gordon then you defend such a racist like Aaron Starr. Jews can be racist too…look at the ones over in Israel who bomb Palestinians, who in turn are no better than the Jews. My have you changed over the months, are you becoming part of the new LP kk-klan too?
I heard that Aaron Starr is recruiting white supremacists and Neo-Nazis to run for LNC board positions for 2010.
That one sounds rather less than credible, as Mr. Starr is Jewish, and I don’t see how it would be possible for him to work on the same board with neo-nazis.
Speaking of rumors, I heard that Aaron Starr is recruiting white supremacists and Neo-Nazis to run for LNC board positions for 2010. Also, he is making sure no Niggers attend the St.Louis convention by hiring Don Black and his Stormfront crew as internal security. Also, he is being consulted by Eric Don-dildo to make sure the LP stays all-white, all racist, and all pro-war
Of possible particular relevance
http://web.archive.org/web/20000620070043/http://www.lp.org/lp-hist-off.html
1972 – 1998 LP Officers
http://web.archive.org/web/20041205065541/http://archive.lp.org/lnc/
1989 – 2003 LNC Minutes
http://web.archive.org/web/20041209100057/http://archive.lp.org/rel/
1990 – 2000 LP Press Releases
http://web.archive.org/web/19961106050411/www.lp.org/lp/conv/1993-report.html
1993 LP Convention minutes
http://web.archive.org/web/20041205135326/http://archive.lp.org/lnc/ec/
1993 – 2003 LNC ExCom minutes
http://web.archive.org/web/*/www.lp.org/press/archive.php
2000 – 2005 LP press releases
http://marketliberal.org/LP/history.html
It would be good to have this information on the LP website, as much of it has been in the past.
John Famularo,
I have been wanting to reach you.
It’s my understanding that you were once the Secretary of the LNC many years ago and that you are (or were) in possession of many years’ worth of LNC minutes and other Secretary records.
By the way, thank you for your previous service as an officer. My personal experience has been that when someone volunteers many hours in such a position, some people believe that it’s okay to make you a target of their abuse.
It wouldn’t surprise me if you have experienced this as well.
Anyway, I was told — and unfortunately I no longer remember who told me — that you would not turn over the Party’s records to the Secretary that succeeded you because you didn’t like who the delegates selected to the board.
Now, lots of unfounded rumors get circulated in this party, especially on blogs, so if any of the above is incorrect, I apologize for contributing to the environment of misinformation that is out there.
All I know for certain is that the current Secretary desperately wants to have those records and staff would like to post those onto the party’s website.
If you still have a copy of these, it would be wonderful if we could get ahold of them, as it would help us to preserve our party’s institutional memory.
Is this something you can assist us with?
Once again, thank you for your previous service.
It’s sort of like the old story where the king had twelve beautiful daughters, each one more beautiful than the next.
In the USSA we have had many presidents, and lately they have been worse and worse….
Steven R Linnabary @9 and Paulie @14
If I’m not seriously mistaken, every potus since at least Hoover has been worse than the one before him. Why should Obama be any different!
Updates:
https://independentpoliticalreport.com/2009/01/libertarian-national-committee-budget-controversy/
NOBODY expects Obama to be ANY different from McCain. Or Bush.
Well, ok, I expect him to be worse than Bush.
Me too.
The original posting is unfortunately misleading. I assume that was not intentional on the part of the author.
By the original posting did you meant Mr. Wrights, or me? If the latter, I should make clear that all I was doing was quoting what he said, not commenting on whether it was accurate or not. I susequently reported my exchange with him in the comments at Liberty for All. I will likewise now report your clarification as well.
But did you Lefty Libertarians see this?
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2009/01/18/obama-ag-nom-eric-holder-approves-bookstore-library-searches-whe
Where’s the outrage? Or, is it only outrage from the Libertarian Left when an “evil Republican” does it?
I think it is equally outrageous when evil right wing Democrats do it, too.
It’s off topic for IPR for to make a post about now, until/unless some alternative parties or candidates comment on it, which will make it on topic here.
http://www.lewrockwell.com/grigg/grigg-w72.html
The Bipartisan Homeland Security State
by William Norman Grigg:
“There is something of a dialectic at work in the consolidation of the Homeland Security apparatus. During the Clinton era, the embryonic Homeland Security Department focused most of its attention on “home-grown” extremists; this had the useful effect of provoking conservative concerns about due process, the Bill of Rights, and abuses of government power.
During Duhbya’s reign, the focus has been on the dreaded “other” – particularly Muslims and dusky-skinned immigrants from south of the border. This catalyzed resistance among left-leaning civil liberties groups, even as most of the conservative movement embraced many of the same measures they found intolerable under Clinton.
Now, in the name of bipartisanship and national unity under the rule of the Sainted One, even His Holiness Barack Obama, we’re likely to see a synthesis of the worst elements from both the Bush and Clinton eras.
As Attorney General, Eric Holder, an unabashed proponent of civilian disarmament and the prosecution of “hate crimes,” we can expect to see the ATF will let off its leash and a cascade of federal initiatives targeting “hate groups.”
Under Commissarina Napolitano, the Homeland Security Department will continue to militarize and federalize law enforcement, cultivating ties with Joe Arpaio wannabes nation-wide and turning them into squalid little satellite despotisms in the service of Washington. (Incidentally, like Arpaio, the Homeland Security Department now has its own television show.)
Although it is almost certainly too much to hope for, but it would be a substantial blessing were a bipartisan – or, better yet, trans-partisan – synthesis to emerge among opponents of government power, with conservatives taking alarm over police state measures being used to enforce immigration laws and liberals loudly defending the rights of the rural gunowners Obama has referred to so contemptuously. What is necessary is for people to decide that they love liberty more than they despise their political enemies, which is a direct reversal of the way politics almost always operates.”
“isn’t the LP national budget required to be disclosed to the government?”
Only the receipts and disbursements after the fact, not proposed spending and estimated fund raising. Also, the FEC does not audit the submissions from political committees that are not receiving matching funds. The FEC relies on discrepancies being uncovered by competitive committees, the media and the general public. Anyone can file a complaint with the FEC regarding errors and omissions in published reports.
The only way an individual LNC board member can force the LNC Treasurer to disclose the information that every board member is entitled to have, is to file a legal action. Mr. Starr as treasurer of the federal PAC known as the LNC Incorporated, has more power than the chairman according to 11 CFR if anyone cares to read it. Federal law trumps LP bylaws or policy manual resolutions.
The original posting is unfortunately misleading. I assume that was not intentional on the part of the author.
The budget that was presented before and during the meeting is the same budget that was adopted at the meeting.
No amendments were made, so what everyone has seen already is exactly what was passed at the meeting.
In addition, advance copies of the proposed budget were e-mailed to the LNC almost two weeks prior to the meeting and printed copies of the same proposed budget were included in each LNC member’s packet at the meeting.
The adopted budget is identical to the proposed budget Paulie states he posted at IPR.
Lastly, the budget that was adopted (which — once again — is identical to the proposed budget) is reflected in the draft minutes prepared by the Secretary. When those minutes are eventually adopted, they will be posted onto the LP.org website just like previous minutes.
Aaron Starr
LNC Treasurer
Eric,
You are right, that IS off-topic for this thread. But what the hell.
NOBODY expects Obama to be ANY different from McCain. Or Bush.
Well, ok, I expect him to be worse than Bush. And that is hard to do. But then, I didn’t think ANYBODY could be worse than Clinton.
FWIW, already this morning I have seen responses to this outrage on at least two blog sites.
But this site doesn’t generally comment on such topics, unless some opposition party were to endorse or oppose it in a media release. Because that is what this site is about.
PEACE
Off topic:
But did you Lefty Libertarians see this?
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-todd-huston/2009/01/18/obama-ag-nom-eric-holder-approves-bookstore-library-searches-whe
Where’s the outrage? Or, is it only outrage from the Libertarian Left when an “evil Republican” does it?
There is no logic to it, Paulie. Lee has, as a member of the voting body, as much as if not more reason to see the numbers as any other member.
Starr is playing his little games again, and if he’s ignoring his own chair, then there’s some serious problems, probably starting with the red ink on the bottom line.
By the way, isn’t the LP national budget required to be disclosed to the government? Is Mr. Starr planning on engaging in civil disobedience?
Wonderfully written Lee,
You have very eloquently stated several of the reasons that I became a member of the transparency caucus.
http://lptc.org/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lptcwg/
I don’t see how the details of the budget can logically be kept secret from any member who has paid dues, much the committee members that voted on it.
@ LFA
R Lee Wrights said,
January 18, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
No, what you have posted are only preliminary numbers from November. I, and several others, have been asking for the details we actually passed in San Diego in December. So far, I have not been allowed to see those numbers since I refuse to agree to Mr. Starr’s requirement of secrecy.
paulie said,
January 18, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
How could you have voted, or been asked to vote, for what you have not seen? Is that even remotely logical or bylaws-compliant? This is beyond ridiculous.
My comment has now been approved at LFA.
And in the bigger, ongoing picture, the lack of Lib yelling and screaming over the horrible, horrible government programs on abused military veterans? Walter Reed, CALVETS, Barstow, the horrific examples for shutting down or privatization! The real world silence has been long suffering and deafening………..