Sam Sloan, a candidate for the Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination in 2012, has strongly opposed all efforts to use government power to criminalize infant male circumcision calling such efforts "an assault on parental choice and religious freedom".
In 2011, a petition to put a referendum on the ballot in San Francisco banning circumcisions (except in the case of medical emergency) for males under the age of 18, obtained a sufficient number of signatures but was thrown off the ballot by Superior Court Judge Loretta Giorgi, who ruled that as "a widely practiced medical procedure", circumcision cannot be banned by San Francisco since California law forbids municipalities from regulating procedures allowed by the state. The proposed circumcision ban, if passed, would have resulted in a fine of $1,000.00, a year in jail, or both for all physicians and mohels who flouted the ban by performing circumcisions on males under the age of 18, even if called for by the parents' religious faith.
Sam Sloan, a Muslim who is also known as Haji Mohammed Ismail Sloan, made the following comment regarding this issue:
The name for male circumcision in Arabic is Khitān or Khatna. It's considered a sign of belonging to the wider Islamic community and is also referred to by the term Taharah, which means 'purity'. While Muslims are the largest religious group to practice widespread circumcision, it is not a condition for converting to Islam or carrying out religious duties. Nevertheless, circumcision is an Islamic rite and has been a religious norm from the beginning of Islam and no law should deny Muslims the right to practice their religion as they see fit or imprison physicians who perform circumcisions on Muslim boys. Such laws are an assault on parental choice and religious freedom.
Jewish religious tradition requires male children to be circumcised eight days after birth. If the San Francisco circumcision ban had been passed, Jewish parents in San Francisco who held a traditional bris, or circumcision ritual, could have been sentenced to a year in jail. It is my understanding that Jews who circumcise their sons trace the tradition back thousands of years and consider it a sign of their covenant with God and an affirmation that the Jewish people will survive.
It also appears that some intactivists (activists who want to keep the foreskin of male infants intact) may be motivated by deeply held anti-Semetic attitudes. One of the San Francisco referendum's key supporters wrote a comic book entitled "Foreskin Man" portraying a blond, Aryan-looking superhero doing battle with "Monster Mohel" (Mohels are people trained to perform ritual Jewish circumcisions.). The bearded, prayer-shawl-wearing mohel leers maniacally at defenseless infants.
Jews and Muslims are not the only religious groups opposing circumcision bans. The National Association of Evangelicals (which represents 45,000 churches) declared that while their faith neither requires nor forbids circumcision, "Jews, Muslims and Christians all trace our spiritual heritage back to Abraham. Circumcision begins with Abraham. No American government should restrict this historic tradition". Another group opposing the circumcision ban was the Committee For Parental Choice & Religious Freedom, which included a coalition of the following individuals and organizations: http://stopcircban.com/coalition/
California State Senator Mark Leno, commenting on the San Francisco referendum when it appeared it might be placed on the ballot in November, 2011, said: "As a gay man and a committed Jew, I am strongly opposed to this likely unconstitutional ballot measure to ban circumcision. It is an affront to religious freedom and to good medical practice, as there is overwhelming evidence that circumcision can be an important tool in reducing HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted diseases. San Franciscans should defeat this measure and protect parents' right to choose".
Dr. Laurence Baskin, Chief of Pediatric Urology at the University of California, San Francisco (Benioff Children's Hospital), called the San Francisco ballot measure "a bunch of nonsense" and said, "I am not going to stop doing circumcisions and this would never pass the First Amendment test". In addition to the AIDS studies showing circumcision significantly reduces the prospects of HIV transmission, Dr. Baskin cited published research "indicating that circumcision can reduce the incidence of other sexually transmitted diseases, as well as penile cancer and urinary tract infections". He also disputed claims that circumcision is mutilation or causes significant pain. The procedure causes "a minimal amount of pain if done properly so my recommendation is to use anesthesia".
Whether parents circumcise their male children for religious, health or aesthetic reasons, it is their choice and no government should dictate to parents, under the threat of imprisonment, what decisions they should make with respect to their own children.
Organized opposition to anti-circ activism was first led by a group called Roundheads United (Roundheads as opposed to helmeted Cavaliers) formed by members of the Libertarian Party of Queens County in 2006. Its stated organizational purpose, as listed on its original Yahoo! Group (now deleted), was the following:
Roundheads United is a project of Rising Action, USA, a freedom activist network, dedicated to publishing the positive aesthetic, cultural, religious, and medical reasons for encouraging routine infant male circumcision and to exposing the lies of the rabid, anti-circumcision fringe lobby that seeks to interfere with parental choice by trying to define infant male circumcision as sexual assault and child abuse, by trying to get insurance companies to stop paying for the procedure, and by trying to convince people that infant male circumcision has no benefits. Roundheads United takes an activist role to oppose the intervention of the state and to defend the rights of parents against radical anti-circ activists who are driven more by their emotions than they are by reason.
In April, 2006, anti-circumcision activists led by Chaz Antonelli allied themselves with Blay Tarnoff and Gary Donoyan (two members of the Nassau Libertarian Party), in an attempt to pack the Queens Libertarian Party's Annual Convention to elect officers that would defeat the Queens LP members who started Roundheads United. These efforts were promoted on the blog of Charles A. Antonelli, which is entitled "When Pigs Fly: The Life Of Chaz, The Travelling Leather-Biker-Bear". Mr. Antonelli, an Intactivist who nevertheless gets off on "circ talk, play and fantasy" wrote in March, 2006: "I am a self-admitted "circumsexual"; meaning that even the mere word "circumcision" will get me all horny. With my restored foreskin, which I had for 23 years prior to 10-JAN-05 (so it wasn't anything "new") I enjoyed "circ play" and foreskin torture. I've had (and own) many surgical instruments for circumcising. It was a serious fetish of mine to one day actually have a proper circumcision done". Antonelli, Tarnoff & Donnoyan planned to meet with their supporters at the Neptune Diner in Astoria, Queens to plan their strategy on the morning of the Queens LP Convention. Their efforts failed and the candidates they supported were not elected.
Soon after the Queens Libertarian Party's Annual Convention, many spoof e-mail accounts and Yahoo! Groups were created by anti-circumcision activists and soon thereafter, messages were posted in the names of Queens LP members with e-mail addresses that were almost identical to the correct e-mail address of the person but had an extra underscore or dash in it. Fake Roundheads United Yahoo! Groups were also formed with an extra underscore or dash and messages were posted there in support of keeping circumcision legal but containing information and links to provide false information to the reader in the alleged name of Queens LP members. "Rabid, anti-circ terrorists", as Jeff Grizlo called them, also started calling his grandmother and mom telling them he was "an advocate of child abuse", supported the "sexual assault of children" and most seriously, that he was "obviously obsessed with the penises of little boys". Other fake Yahoo! Groups anti-circumcision activists formed that appeared to be in favor of keeping circumcision legal were "Informed Citizens For Parental Choice", "Roundheads For Parental Choice", "Cut Them Clean", "Cut Them All", "Do You Swell With Pride" and "Clean Cut All-American Boys".
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Applause! Applause! Review of Annie at Cultural Arts Playhouse by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens
This review of the musical Annie performed at the Cultural Arts Playhouse was written by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens and and published in Volume X, Issue 2 (2012) of the online edition of Applause! Applause!
Annie
Cultural Arts Playhouse (625 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY)
Reviewed 2/3/12
Annie is a musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Ophan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and book by Thomas Meehan. The original Broadway production opened in 1977 and ran for nearly six years, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. Annie became such a worldwide success that it is likely you know the story and will recognize most, if not all, of the musical numbers. It will be hard to restrain yourself because you will feel the urge to sing along with "Hard Knock Life", "Tomorrow", "Easy Street" and "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile". You will also be pleased with the ensemble numbers "N.Y.C." and "Hooverville (We'd Like To Thank You Herbert Hoover)".
On the night I saw this production of Annie, there were a number of exceptional actors who were able to put a smile on my face.
The standout performer was Mel Newman, who played Miss Hannigan, the alcoholic orphanage matron who hates "Little Girls". I found her portrayal of the character to be very realistic. Ms. Newman is a fine actor with a great singing voice. Alyson Rogers, who is pretty and talented, excelled as Grace Farrell, Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks' faithful Secretary. Paul Lichtman provided comic relief as Drake, the butler in the Warbucks Mansion.
Emily Gothelf played Annie and Mike Newman (with hair) played Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks. Both were fine in their roles but I just don't get why this street smart, needy eleven year old somehow was able to "melt the heart" of a billionaire businessman. What exactly does he see in this girl? She's not particularly bright. She's needy and demanding. Yet "Daddy" Warbucks somehow decides after only one week that he wants to adopt her as his daughter. If "Something Was Missing" from his life, it would be more believable if he fell for Grace Farrell, his Secretary, who he finally began to notice on Christmas Eve. There are also so many other problems with the story. Are we really to believe the F.B.I. somehow found the identity of Annie's parents based on an analysis of the handwriting in the letter they left her? I know I shouldn't look into things too deeply but in light of President Obama's trillion dollar stimulus plan to help lift the country out of its current economic slump, it is hard not to recognize how political this musical is, blaming President Herbert Hoover for the depression ("Hooverville (We'd Like To Thank You Herbert Hoover)") and lauding President Franklin D. Roosevelt for coming up with the New Deal ("New Deal For Christmas").
There were some minor problems with this production. The static we heard during the radio broadcasts was too prominent, there was talking backstage that distracted me, and some of the actors misspoke their lines.
The program still lists all the actors playing the roles during the run of the musical so without a cast board, outsiders (people who are not family and friends of cast members) coming to the play have no idea who is performing unless they specifically ask. Also, while the program says "Refreshments can be purchased at intermission. Enjoy!", I was unable to buy anything to refresh myself. No coffee, no tea, no cold drinks. The Keurig machine they had was gone (I was told it broke) and all that was available was room temperature bottled water. It was suggested to me I should buy the warm bottled water, pour it out and then fill the bottle at the water fountain so I could bring it into the theater. I declined the offer.
I also had a problem with my reservation. I had reserved online for one person using a credit card. When I arrived at the theater to pay, I was down for two. The person checking me in had problems finding my name since, unlike in the past, he had a master list of people reserving for many performances. The rule is that if you reserve your tickets in advance, you will be called into the theater in the order in which you reserved. However, the person in front of me online reserved for one and was allowed to increase their reservation to include a number of other people with different last names and was permitted to cut to the front of the line when it came to seating. I didn't say anything but when the reserved were finally called in, I stood by while almost everyone was called in ahead of me. When I asked, "what about me", the caller could not find my name on the list and just said, "I checked you in. Go ahead." This is not the degree of professionalism I expect when I go to see a play. The prior two times I attended performances here, there was no problem. But someone needs to get on top of this so it doesn't happen again.
Theatrical Magic & Concepts (Tom McKenna) did a wonderful job with the Set Design. Leonidis Marmann was an attractive "stray dog" who visited me during the musical to say hello. His real life master, Michael Marmann, has charisma and did well in his various roles.
Annie is playing at the Cultural Arts Playhouse through February 26, 2012. If you go, I guarantee you will enjoy your evening and feel the value obtained was well worth the $20.00 you will be charged for the experience. To purchase your tickets, call 516-694-3330 or visit their website at http://www.culturalartsplayhouse.com/
Annie
Cultural Arts Playhouse (625 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY)
Reviewed 2/3/12
Annie is a musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Ophan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and book by Thomas Meehan. The original Broadway production opened in 1977 and ran for nearly six years, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. Annie became such a worldwide success that it is likely you know the story and will recognize most, if not all, of the musical numbers. It will be hard to restrain yourself because you will feel the urge to sing along with "Hard Knock Life", "Tomorrow", "Easy Street" and "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile". You will also be pleased with the ensemble numbers "N.Y.C." and "Hooverville (We'd Like To Thank You Herbert Hoover)".
On the night I saw this production of Annie, there were a number of exceptional actors who were able to put a smile on my face.
The standout performer was Mel Newman, who played Miss Hannigan, the alcoholic orphanage matron who hates "Little Girls". I found her portrayal of the character to be very realistic. Ms. Newman is a fine actor with a great singing voice. Alyson Rogers, who is pretty and talented, excelled as Grace Farrell, Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks' faithful Secretary. Paul Lichtman provided comic relief as Drake, the butler in the Warbucks Mansion.
Emily Gothelf played Annie and Mike Newman (with hair) played Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks. Both were fine in their roles but I just don't get why this street smart, needy eleven year old somehow was able to "melt the heart" of a billionaire businessman. What exactly does he see in this girl? She's not particularly bright. She's needy and demanding. Yet "Daddy" Warbucks somehow decides after only one week that he wants to adopt her as his daughter. If "Something Was Missing" from his life, it would be more believable if he fell for Grace Farrell, his Secretary, who he finally began to notice on Christmas Eve. There are also so many other problems with the story. Are we really to believe the F.B.I. somehow found the identity of Annie's parents based on an analysis of the handwriting in the letter they left her? I know I shouldn't look into things too deeply but in light of President Obama's trillion dollar stimulus plan to help lift the country out of its current economic slump, it is hard not to recognize how political this musical is, blaming President Herbert Hoover for the depression ("Hooverville (We'd Like To Thank You Herbert Hoover)") and lauding President Franklin D. Roosevelt for coming up with the New Deal ("New Deal For Christmas").
There were some minor problems with this production. The static we heard during the radio broadcasts was too prominent, there was talking backstage that distracted me, and some of the actors misspoke their lines.
The program still lists all the actors playing the roles during the run of the musical so without a cast board, outsiders (people who are not family and friends of cast members) coming to the play have no idea who is performing unless they specifically ask. Also, while the program says "Refreshments can be purchased at intermission. Enjoy!", I was unable to buy anything to refresh myself. No coffee, no tea, no cold drinks. The Keurig machine they had was gone (I was told it broke) and all that was available was room temperature bottled water. It was suggested to me I should buy the warm bottled water, pour it out and then fill the bottle at the water fountain so I could bring it into the theater. I declined the offer.
I also had a problem with my reservation. I had reserved online for one person using a credit card. When I arrived at the theater to pay, I was down for two. The person checking me in had problems finding my name since, unlike in the past, he had a master list of people reserving for many performances. The rule is that if you reserve your tickets in advance, you will be called into the theater in the order in which you reserved. However, the person in front of me online reserved for one and was allowed to increase their reservation to include a number of other people with different last names and was permitted to cut to the front of the line when it came to seating. I didn't say anything but when the reserved were finally called in, I stood by while almost everyone was called in ahead of me. When I asked, "what about me", the caller could not find my name on the list and just said, "I checked you in. Go ahead." This is not the degree of professionalism I expect when I go to see a play. The prior two times I attended performances here, there was no problem. But someone needs to get on top of this so it doesn't happen again.
Theatrical Magic & Concepts (Tom McKenna) did a wonderful job with the Set Design. Leonidis Marmann was an attractive "stray dog" who visited me during the musical to say hello. His real life master, Michael Marmann, has charisma and did well in his various roles.
Annie is playing at the Cultural Arts Playhouse through February 26, 2012. If you go, I guarantee you will enjoy your evening and feel the value obtained was well worth the $20.00 you will be charged for the experience. To purchase your tickets, call 516-694-3330 or visit their website at http://www.culturalartsplayhouse.com/
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Ed Konecnik Quotes Ayn Rand On Her Birthday & Wonders Whether We Are Doomed
Ed Konecnik, a member of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, who often writes Letters To The Editor and has articles published in local newspapers, sent me the following release on February 2, 2012, which is Ayn Rand's birthday:
The year 2012 promises to be a year of momentous and consequential events among them the end of the Mayan Calendar and the possible re-election of President Obama. Either event has the potential to cause some dismay, discomfort and suffering.
The disastrous effects of President Obama's economic policies are a matter of record. His intense relentless commitment to social justice and a redistributive agenda has added almost 5 trillion dollars to our debt in just three years. His spending, borrowing, stimulating, loans to benefactors and collaborators for investments in unproven green energy, TARP bailouts of banks and institutions have not increased employment or improved the economy. These policies are manifestations of an antipathy to the capitalist system and rule of law. Unfortunately, many Americans are oblivious to the consequences of unsustainable budget deficits in spite of reports from Greece and other EU countries whose welfare state economies have devastated them to the brink of ruin. Anyone with a modicum of intellectual honesty must acknowledge you cannot legislate the poor into prosperity nor multiply wealth by dividing it.
Are we as human beings not really responsible for our own acts and so we need a government to direct and control us? Must we yield our individual rights to a ruling elite that makes any laws it wishes and forces them upon everyone in any manner it wishes? Ayn Rand warned, "When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors; when you see that men get rich more easily by graft than by work, and your laws no longer protect you against them, but protect them against you, you may know that your society is doomed."
Should we prepare for more than one cataclysmic event in 2012? We cannot change the Mayan Calendar but we can vote.
The Libertarian Party of Queens County celebrated Ayn Rand's birthday at a luncheon held at the Aqueduct Buffet located at Resorts World NYC.
The year 2012 promises to be a year of momentous and consequential events among them the end of the Mayan Calendar and the possible re-election of President Obama. Either event has the potential to cause some dismay, discomfort and suffering.
The disastrous effects of President Obama's economic policies are a matter of record. His intense relentless commitment to social justice and a redistributive agenda has added almost 5 trillion dollars to our debt in just three years. His spending, borrowing, stimulating, loans to benefactors and collaborators for investments in unproven green energy, TARP bailouts of banks and institutions have not increased employment or improved the economy. These policies are manifestations of an antipathy to the capitalist system and rule of law. Unfortunately, many Americans are oblivious to the consequences of unsustainable budget deficits in spite of reports from Greece and other EU countries whose welfare state economies have devastated them to the brink of ruin. Anyone with a modicum of intellectual honesty must acknowledge you cannot legislate the poor into prosperity nor multiply wealth by dividing it.
Are we as human beings not really responsible for our own acts and so we need a government to direct and control us? Must we yield our individual rights to a ruling elite that makes any laws it wishes and forces them upon everyone in any manner it wishes? Ayn Rand warned, "When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors; when you see that men get rich more easily by graft than by work, and your laws no longer protect you against them, but protect them against you, you may know that your society is doomed."
Should we prepare for more than one cataclysmic event in 2012? We cannot change the Mayan Calendar but we can vote.
The Libertarian Party of Queens County celebrated Ayn Rand's birthday at a luncheon held at the Aqueduct Buffet located at Resorts World NYC.
Libertarian Party Of Utah Officially Endorses Gary Johnson For President
On January 31, 2012, Jack Shannon, Utah LP Chairman, made the following announcement:
The leadership of the Libertarian Party of Utah is excited to announce our official endorsement of Gary Johnson for the LP presidential candidacy.
We believe that Governor Johnson's experience sets him apart, and that he will best carry the torch of liberty in the 2012 election.
We wish him much luck at the upcoming convention.
The Utah Libertarian Party joins South Carolina and Nebraska in endorsing Gary Johnson.
Liberty Lion reported on January 10, 2012 that the South Carolina Libertarian Executive Committee endorsed Gary Johnson: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/south-carolina-libertarian-executive.html
On January 6, 2012, Liberty Lion reported that the Nebraska Libertarian Party Central Committee endorsed Gary Johnson: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/nebraska-libertarian-party-central.html
The first Libertarian Party organization in the nation to endorse Gary Johnson for the Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination was the Libertarian Party of Northampton County, Pennsylvania, which endorsed him on December 28, 2011 seconds after he announced he was seeking the LP nomination for President. That endorsement was reported in the following Liberty Lion article: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2011/12/libertarian-party-of-northampton-county.html
The leadership of the Libertarian Party of Utah is excited to announce our official endorsement of Gary Johnson for the LP presidential candidacy.
We believe that Governor Johnson's experience sets him apart, and that he will best carry the torch of liberty in the 2012 election.
We wish him much luck at the upcoming convention.
The Utah Libertarian Party joins South Carolina and Nebraska in endorsing Gary Johnson.
Liberty Lion reported on January 10, 2012 that the South Carolina Libertarian Executive Committee endorsed Gary Johnson: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/south-carolina-libertarian-executive.html
On January 6, 2012, Liberty Lion reported that the Nebraska Libertarian Party Central Committee endorsed Gary Johnson: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/nebraska-libertarian-party-central.html
The first Libertarian Party organization in the nation to endorse Gary Johnson for the Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination was the Libertarian Party of Northampton County, Pennsylvania, which endorsed him on December 28, 2011 seconds after he announced he was seeking the LP nomination for President. That endorsement was reported in the following Liberty Lion article: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2011/12/libertarian-party-of-northampton-county.html
Jarrett Payne Dunning Appointed President Of The Objectivist Party Of Virginia
On February 1, 2012, Jarrett Payne Dunning was appointed President of the Objectivist Party of Virginia by the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party.
The Objectivist Party of Virginia was chartered on November 29, 2008. It has had four Presidents, who have been:
Heidi Gresko - 11/29/08 through 12/19/08
Jules Oscar Gaudreau, III - 12/19/08 through 8/10/09
Tyler Keylon - 8/10/09 through 2/1/12
Jarrett Payne Dunning - 2/1/12 to Present
Upon accepting the position, Jarrett Payne Dunning issued the following statement:
My journey to Objectivism began long before I realized it. As a student in primary school, I was constantly put in situations which went against my most basic values. These were values I did not have a name for at the time, but values none the less. I was used by others for my intellect and I despised this theft of my own talent. I was constantly told to help others with their work, simply because others thought I should. I was asked to neglect my own tasks for the sake of others and this was all done in the name of duty.
The formation of my Objectivist philosophy would not take root until secondary school. It was here I was able to name and refine the values I held for so very long. In secondary school, I discovered an area of competition in which I could serve myself. That area was debate and I soon began to excel at it. In my senior year, I would obtain two state rings. I would win a ring for Impromptu Forensics and one for Lincoln-Douglas debate. These accomplishments meant more to me than a team trophy could ever. These were jewels I had obtained with my own intellect and ability and were all the more beautiful for that very reason. While in my debate career, I came across the works of Ayn Rand and have not looked back since. Currently, I am working on my undergraduate degree in history and have every intention of pursuing my Doctorate.
I took this position of President of the Objectivist Party of Virginia to further my own values. Values that I have come to realize are shared by many.
The Objectivist Party of Virginia was chartered on November 29, 2008. It has had four Presidents, who have been:
Heidi Gresko - 11/29/08 through 12/19/08
Jules Oscar Gaudreau, III - 12/19/08 through 8/10/09
Tyler Keylon - 8/10/09 through 2/1/12
Jarrett Payne Dunning - 2/1/12 to Present
Upon accepting the position, Jarrett Payne Dunning issued the following statement:
My journey to Objectivism began long before I realized it. As a student in primary school, I was constantly put in situations which went against my most basic values. These were values I did not have a name for at the time, but values none the less. I was used by others for my intellect and I despised this theft of my own talent. I was constantly told to help others with their work, simply because others thought I should. I was asked to neglect my own tasks for the sake of others and this was all done in the name of duty.
The formation of my Objectivist philosophy would not take root until secondary school. It was here I was able to name and refine the values I held for so very long. In secondary school, I discovered an area of competition in which I could serve myself. That area was debate and I soon began to excel at it. In my senior year, I would obtain two state rings. I would win a ring for Impromptu Forensics and one for Lincoln-Douglas debate. These accomplishments meant more to me than a team trophy could ever. These were jewels I had obtained with my own intellect and ability and were all the more beautiful for that very reason. While in my debate career, I came across the works of Ayn Rand and have not looked back since. Currently, I am working on my undergraduate degree in history and have every intention of pursuing my Doctorate.
I took this position of President of the Objectivist Party of Virginia to further my own values. Values that I have come to realize are shared by many.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Objectivist Party Governing Board Accepts The Resignation Of Ronald S. Ramo As OPNY Treasurer & Appoints Paul A. Palombo, III To The Position
On January 27, 2012, the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party accepted the resignation of Ronald S. Ramo as Treasurer of the Objectivist Party of New York and terminated his membership in the Objectivist Party.
Dallwyn Merck, a member of the Governing Board, commented on these actions as follows:
Two incidents involving "conspicuous displays of ignorance" led to the Governing Board's unanimous acceptance of the resignation of Ron Ramo as OPNY Treasurer. The first was his public statement that he could not attend an event of the Objectivist Party of New York because he would be "in church" at the time. The second was a blast text message he sent out to friends reading, "May the peace and love of God that abides in this Christmas season be with you in the New Year and the rest of your life". Attempts to get assurances such incidences would not occur in the future were unsuccessful.
The Objectivist Party applies no litmus test with respect to who may join the party. Individuals who consider themselves nominally Christian or who have a general belief in God are welcome because the path to Objectivism is a journey and every person must travel it at their own pace. However, when an individual agrees to serve as an officer in one of the affiliates of the Objectivist Party, it sends the wrong message if that person engages in public displays of devotion to supernatural beings and/or belief in superstitions.
As our country rises above faith to embrace science and reason, the Objectivist Party is perfectly situated to lead our nation into a bright new future grounded in enlightened self-interest and purposeful living. Officers in affiliates of the Objectivist Party must reject mysticism and be an inspiration for all who look to the party to be an effective influence on cultural remnants that keep us tied to our past.
The Governing Board of the Objectivist Party appointed Paul A. Palombo, III to serve as the new Treasurer of the Objectivist Party of New York.
Mr. Palombo issued the following statement introducing himself to the members of the Objectivist Party:
I am 34 years old and married and have one child that is almost 3. I grew up in Buffalo, NY and I'd say my family was upper middle class. I went to Catholic School from 4th - 12th grade, mainly because Buffalo City Schools aren't very good. Somewhere during college, I realized I did not believe that Jesus Christ was God. I have made it clear to my wife I will not be endorsing religion. And if my daughter ever asks me questions about God or Jesus, she will get my honest answers. I want her to make her own decisions.
I have a Bachelor's degree from SUNY Brockport and an MBA from Canisius College. I was not very much into politics until about 2006 when I got an XM radio and started listening to conservative talk radio at work. I agreed with their fiscal policies, but not usually with their social policies. For example it has always boggled my mind why prostitution would be illegal.
I heard Atlas Shrugged mentioned on one of those shows and read it. And I loved it. Then I heard about Ron Paul and familiarized myself with Libertarians. I also like Gary Johnson a lot. I wish he would have had more opportunity to debate. I've also read The Fountainhead, Anthem and am currently reading We the Living, which I have to admit is hard to read because it is so depressing. I've also seen the documentary Ayn Rand in her own words. I don't mind talking politics and philosophy with people. I love debating altruists, they never have good answers.
I am a research analyst for a small health insurance company. I do statistical, clinical and trend analysis for our employer groups in an effort to curb their costs.
My reason for joining the Objectivist Party is my belief that the more this philosophy gets into the mainstream, the more people will like it. I'd like to be on the ground floor of this. Our country is drifting into the wrong part of the water and I'd like to try and help steer it back.
Dallwyn Merck, a member of the Governing Board, commented on these actions as follows:
Two incidents involving "conspicuous displays of ignorance" led to the Governing Board's unanimous acceptance of the resignation of Ron Ramo as OPNY Treasurer. The first was his public statement that he could not attend an event of the Objectivist Party of New York because he would be "in church" at the time. The second was a blast text message he sent out to friends reading, "May the peace and love of God that abides in this Christmas season be with you in the New Year and the rest of your life". Attempts to get assurances such incidences would not occur in the future were unsuccessful.
The Objectivist Party applies no litmus test with respect to who may join the party. Individuals who consider themselves nominally Christian or who have a general belief in God are welcome because the path to Objectivism is a journey and every person must travel it at their own pace. However, when an individual agrees to serve as an officer in one of the affiliates of the Objectivist Party, it sends the wrong message if that person engages in public displays of devotion to supernatural beings and/or belief in superstitions.
As our country rises above faith to embrace science and reason, the Objectivist Party is perfectly situated to lead our nation into a bright new future grounded in enlightened self-interest and purposeful living. Officers in affiliates of the Objectivist Party must reject mysticism and be an inspiration for all who look to the party to be an effective influence on cultural remnants that keep us tied to our past.
The Governing Board of the Objectivist Party appointed Paul A. Palombo, III to serve as the new Treasurer of the Objectivist Party of New York.
Mr. Palombo issued the following statement introducing himself to the members of the Objectivist Party:
I am 34 years old and married and have one child that is almost 3. I grew up in Buffalo, NY and I'd say my family was upper middle class. I went to Catholic School from 4th - 12th grade, mainly because Buffalo City Schools aren't very good. Somewhere during college, I realized I did not believe that Jesus Christ was God. I have made it clear to my wife I will not be endorsing religion. And if my daughter ever asks me questions about God or Jesus, she will get my honest answers. I want her to make her own decisions.
I have a Bachelor's degree from SUNY Brockport and an MBA from Canisius College. I was not very much into politics until about 2006 when I got an XM radio and started listening to conservative talk radio at work. I agreed with their fiscal policies, but not usually with their social policies. For example it has always boggled my mind why prostitution would be illegal.
I heard Atlas Shrugged mentioned on one of those shows and read it. And I loved it. Then I heard about Ron Paul and familiarized myself with Libertarians. I also like Gary Johnson a lot. I wish he would have had more opportunity to debate. I've also read The Fountainhead, Anthem and am currently reading We the Living, which I have to admit is hard to read because it is so depressing. I've also seen the documentary Ayn Rand in her own words. I don't mind talking politics and philosophy with people. I love debating altruists, they never have good answers.
I am a research analyst for a small health insurance company. I do statistical, clinical and trend analysis for our employer groups in an effort to curb their costs.
My reason for joining the Objectivist Party is my belief that the more this philosophy gets into the mainstream, the more people will like it. I'd like to be on the ground floor of this. Our country is drifting into the wrong part of the water and I'd like to try and help steer it back.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
With 3 New Qualifications Added, Sam Sloan Suggests The LP Leadership Should Just Cut The Crap & List Gary Johnson As The Only "Approved" LP Presidential Candidate That Gets To Be Listed At LP.ORG
Before January 24, 2012, Libertarian Party Presidential Candidates needed to meet the following criteria to be listed on the national party's website:
•Filed to run for president with the F.E.C. as a Libertarian
•Seeking the nomination of the Libertarian Party exclusively
•Dues-paying member of the National Libertarian Party
•Campaign website is current with contact information
Carla Howell refused to list Sam Sloan and Mosheh Thezion despite their having met all four conditions. Mr. Sloan received as e-mail from Ms. Howell telling him he needed to meet another unpublished criterion, that being approval from 5 Libertarian National Committee members. Suspecting Ms. Howell just made up the additional condition to keep him off the website, Mr. Sloan demanded she release the names of those LNC members who voted for the listed candidates. In response, the website was updated on January 24, 2012 to add the following criterion:
•Obtained the approval of five members of the Libertarian National Committee. Until February 3, 2012, exception is granted to candidates who met prior approval requirements and were posted at this web site. After this date, all listed candidates must have obtained the approval of five LNC members.
Sam Sloan told Liberty Lion:
I met prior approval requirements and my name was listed at lp.org as a Libertarian Presidential Candidate. Then after my support for the decriminalization of polygamy was published, my name was taken down. I demand my name be re-listed pursuant to the new published rules that say "an exception is granted to candidates who met prior approval requirements and were posted at this web site". Refusal to immediately restore my name to the list will only further expose the fact that the LP Leadership is not neutral as it should be but is in the business of giving certain "approved" candidates with "insider" support an advantage over others seeking the nomination.
The lp.org website also now announces two additional qualifications that will take effect as follows:
•As reported at the web site of the Federal Elections Commission, candidates must have raised and reported donations of a minimum of $2,500 raised through February 29, 2012. Donations may not include those made by candidate or his/her immediately family members.
•As reported at the web site of the Federal Elections Commission, candidates must have raised and reported donations of a minimum of $5,000 raised through March 31, 2012. Donations may not include those made by candidate or his/her immediately family members.
Sam Sloan, an announced Libertarian Party Presidential Candidate, said:
I think it is outrageous that in order to be listed as a Libertarian Presidential Candidate at lp.org, candidates will not only have to be "approved" by "insiders" in the leadership but will also need to spend their time soliciting donations to be considered a serious candidate. I recognize how difficult it is to solicit donations. That is why it has been my intention to finance my own candidacy until I win the Libertarian Party Presidential Nomination. At that point, I expect I will be able to raise the funds I need to run a vibrant and active campaign for the Presidency.
I want to spend all my time attending State Affiliate Conventions, participating in debates and seeking the support of potential delegates. If my message resonates with the delegates and I get the Presidential Nomination, raising money will be a lot easier than it would be now. In addition, by financing my own campaign at this point, LP members can be saved from expending funds they may not have. I'd rather they donate that money to whomever is the eventual nominee. That would be a better use of those campaign contributions.
To deny Libertarian Party members the opportunity to see my name on the national LP website and to visit my website and read my platform takes away vital information the membership and delegates need to make up their own minds about who to support. Shortcutting that process by establishing these new barriers to being listed helps those candidates who have the support of those in the leadership. In this case, I suspect that person is Gary Johnson. I'd like to believe that a pure, ideological libertarian like myself has a chance to snatch the nomination away from yet another former Republican Party elected official and, in this case, a bitter Johnson-come-lately who only came to the Libertarian Party because he himself was frozen out of the Republican Presidential Debates due to another list of criteria he could not meet. I do not want to be frozen out.
I am not ashamed to proudly proclaim my Libertarian Philosophy. Dr. Tom Stevens, former LPUS Judicial Committee Member 2006-2010, has often told me, "We must never compromise our Libertarian Principles for short-term popularity. We must never be embarrassed about promoting Libertarian Perspectives on Public Policy Issues. We must never water down our message or people won't know what we stand for". I am in complete agreement with him.
•Filed to run for president with the F.E.C. as a Libertarian
•Seeking the nomination of the Libertarian Party exclusively
•Dues-paying member of the National Libertarian Party
•Campaign website is current with contact information
Carla Howell refused to list Sam Sloan and Mosheh Thezion despite their having met all four conditions. Mr. Sloan received as e-mail from Ms. Howell telling him he needed to meet another unpublished criterion, that being approval from 5 Libertarian National Committee members. Suspecting Ms. Howell just made up the additional condition to keep him off the website, Mr. Sloan demanded she release the names of those LNC members who voted for the listed candidates. In response, the website was updated on January 24, 2012 to add the following criterion:
•Obtained the approval of five members of the Libertarian National Committee. Until February 3, 2012, exception is granted to candidates who met prior approval requirements and were posted at this web site. After this date, all listed candidates must have obtained the approval of five LNC members.
Sam Sloan told Liberty Lion:
I met prior approval requirements and my name was listed at lp.org as a Libertarian Presidential Candidate. Then after my support for the decriminalization of polygamy was published, my name was taken down. I demand my name be re-listed pursuant to the new published rules that say "an exception is granted to candidates who met prior approval requirements and were posted at this web site". Refusal to immediately restore my name to the list will only further expose the fact that the LP Leadership is not neutral as it should be but is in the business of giving certain "approved" candidates with "insider" support an advantage over others seeking the nomination.
The lp.org website also now announces two additional qualifications that will take effect as follows:
•As reported at the web site of the Federal Elections Commission, candidates must have raised and reported donations of a minimum of $2,500 raised through February 29, 2012. Donations may not include those made by candidate or his/her immediately family members.
•As reported at the web site of the Federal Elections Commission, candidates must have raised and reported donations of a minimum of $5,000 raised through March 31, 2012. Donations may not include those made by candidate or his/her immediately family members.
Sam Sloan, an announced Libertarian Party Presidential Candidate, said:
I think it is outrageous that in order to be listed as a Libertarian Presidential Candidate at lp.org, candidates will not only have to be "approved" by "insiders" in the leadership but will also need to spend their time soliciting donations to be considered a serious candidate. I recognize how difficult it is to solicit donations. That is why it has been my intention to finance my own candidacy until I win the Libertarian Party Presidential Nomination. At that point, I expect I will be able to raise the funds I need to run a vibrant and active campaign for the Presidency.
I want to spend all my time attending State Affiliate Conventions, participating in debates and seeking the support of potential delegates. If my message resonates with the delegates and I get the Presidential Nomination, raising money will be a lot easier than it would be now. In addition, by financing my own campaign at this point, LP members can be saved from expending funds they may not have. I'd rather they donate that money to whomever is the eventual nominee. That would be a better use of those campaign contributions.
To deny Libertarian Party members the opportunity to see my name on the national LP website and to visit my website and read my platform takes away vital information the membership and delegates need to make up their own minds about who to support. Shortcutting that process by establishing these new barriers to being listed helps those candidates who have the support of those in the leadership. In this case, I suspect that person is Gary Johnson. I'd like to believe that a pure, ideological libertarian like myself has a chance to snatch the nomination away from yet another former Republican Party elected official and, in this case, a bitter Johnson-come-lately who only came to the Libertarian Party because he himself was frozen out of the Republican Presidential Debates due to another list of criteria he could not meet. I do not want to be frozen out.
I am not ashamed to proudly proclaim my Libertarian Philosophy. Dr. Tom Stevens, former LPUS Judicial Committee Member 2006-2010, has often told me, "We must never compromise our Libertarian Principles for short-term popularity. We must never be embarrassed about promoting Libertarian Perspectives on Public Policy Issues. We must never water down our message or people won't know what we stand for". I am in complete agreement with him.
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