Objectivist Party Affiliate Presidents: OPNY, OPPA, OPNJ, OPFL, OPTX & OPIL

The first six chartered affiliates of the Objectivist Party were the following:

Objectivist Party of New York - Chartered on June 7, 2008
Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania - Chartered on June 8, 2008
Objectivist Party of New Jersey - Chartered on June 9, 2008
Objectivist Party of Florida - Chartered on July 2, 2008
Objectivist Party of Texas - Chartered on July 17, 2008
Objectivist Party of Illinois - Chartered on July 20, 2008

The individuals who have served as President of these affiliates have been the following:

OPNY:

Dr. Tom Stevens (6/7/08 to Present)

OPPA:

Michael W. Reid, Jr. (6/8/08 to 9/23/08)
John Breig (9/23/08 to 11/18/08)
Timothy Michael Schaible (11/18/08 to 12/22/09)
Michael Nitikman (12/22/09 to Present)

OPNJ:

Alex Fitzsimmons (6/9/08 to 7/21/08)
Scott Christopher Baier (7/21/08 to 12/29/08)
Neil McGettigan (12/29/08 to Present)

OPFL:

Sarah Elles Boggs (7/2/08 to 1/20/09)
Joseph Wendt (1/20/09 to 2/28/09)
Benjamin Joseph Turick (2/28/09 to 3/5/09)
Vernon A. Rogers, II (3/5/09 to 7/8/09)
William Mayo Stinson (7/8/09 to Present)

OPTX:

Eric Beane (7/17/08 to 7/19/08)
Irnela Bajrovic (7/19/08 to 9/18/09)
Justin D. Cole (9/18/09 to 12/27/09)
Cameron Belt (12/27/09 to Present)

OPIL:

Brett R. Kaminski (7/20/08 to 9/30/08)
Paul Boruch (9/30/08 to 4/22/09)
Paul Schmid (4/22/09 to Present)

All affiliate President are appointed by the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party. The party appreciates their service.

Hostess Holiday Fruitcake

The Hostess Holiday Fruitcake is solid, heavy, crunchy and full of candied fruits including pineapple and red and green cherries. You will also find raisins, almonds and walnuts in this chewy fruitcake. It is a good buy for the money. I have seen the Hostess Holiday Fruitcake selling for $4.29 on line but I purchased my 1 lb. fruitcake for only $2.79. I couldn't help but buy six of them, which I have distributed as gifts to my friends and family.

The Hostess Holiday Fruitcake is not a diet food. One quarter of the 1 lb. cake has 420 calories. The package suggests that for the best taste, you should chill it before slicing. I definitely agree with that advice. If you buy too many to eat over the holidays, you can freeze your extra fruitcakes and use them as needed during the rest of the winter season. Since it is chock full of fats and carbs, you might consider taking it along when you ski or do some winter hiking.

Dr. Tom Stevens Upgrades To Endowment Life Membership In The National Rifle Association

Dr. Tom Stevens, who already had donated $1,000.00 to purchase a Life Membership in the National Rifle Association, upgraded his membership to an Endowment Life Membership on December 10, 2009.

Endowment Life Membership is currently valued at $2,000.00. Endowment Life Members receive priority seating and guaranteed admission for two to the NRA's annual Celebration of American values events.

Dr. Stevens decided to upgrade his membership at this time because the upgrade came with the promise of an heirloom "Minuteman at Concord" statue, which will include a brass shield engraved with his name. The sculpture measures over 11" tall and is over 12" wide with a bronze patina and a rich, walnut-finished wood base.

The National Rifle Association was formed in 1871 by Union veterans Col. William C. Church and Gen. George Wingate who were concerned with the lack of marksmanship shown by their troops. The primary goal of the association would be to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis," according to a magazine editorial written by Church. After being granted a charter by the state of New York on November 17, 1871, the NRA was founded. Civil War Gen. Ambrose Burnside, who was also the former Governor of Rhode Island and a U.S. Senator, became the NRA's first President.

An important facet of the NRA's creation was the development of a practice ground. In 1872, with financial help from New York State, a site on Long Island, the Creed Farm, was purchased for the purpose of building a rifle range. Named Creedmoor, the range opened a year later, and it was there that the first annual matches were held.

Dr. Tom Stevens lives within 5 miles of the old Creedmoor rifle range, which is currently in Queens County, New York.

Political opposition to the promotion of marksmanship in New York forced the NRA to find a new home for its range. In 1892, Creedmoor was deeded back to the state and NRA's matches moved to Sea Girt, New Jersey.

In 1949, the NRA, in conjunction with the state of New York, established the first hunter education program.

The NRA continues to be a leader in firearms education. Over 50,000 Certified Instructors now train about 750,000 gun owners a year. Courses are available in basic rifle, pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading firearms, personal protection, and even ammunition reloading. Additionally, nearly 1,000 Certified Coaches are specially trained to work with young competitive shooters.

The NRA today is widely recognized as a major political force and as America's foremost defender of Second Amendment rights. Since its inception, it has also been the premier firearms education organization in the world.

The NRA currently has over four million members.

Objectivist Party Governing Board Extends Free Membership Through December 31, 2010

On November 15, 2009, the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party voted unanimously to extend free membership in the Objectivist Party through December 31, 2010.

The text of the motion that passed was the following:

MOTION: that membership in the Objectivist Party from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 be free; that the Objectivist Party Chair be authorized to receive applications for membership in the Objectivist Party, which shall consist of a person's full name & address, e-mail address and contact phone number (cell, home or business); that the Objectivist Party Chair be empowered to grant memberships, assign membership numbers and terminate memberships "without cause"; and that individuals accepted into membership in the Objectivist Party shall be considered both members of the Objectivist Party and members of any chartered affiliate in the geographic location in which they reside; and that all individuals who were members of the Objectivist Party on December 31, 2009 have their memberships automatically extended through December 31, 2010.

Dr. Tom Stevens, Jonathan Damgaard Jakobsen, Dodge P. Landesman and Dallwyn Merck all voted in favor of the motion. All appropriate notations have been made at the party's website.

Dr. Tom Stevens Renews Membership In Republican Liberty Caucus

On November 5, 2009, Dr. Tom Stevens renewed his membership in the Republican Liberty Caucus, a national organization of liberty-minded and libertarian-oriented members of the Republican Party. New York State does not yet allow voters to register Objectivist so Dr. Stevens remains a registered Republican for the time being.

The Statement of Principles of the Republican Liberty Caucus is the following:

The Republican Liberty Caucus supports individual rights, limited government and free enterprise.

We believe every human being is endowed by nature with inherent rights to life, liberty and property that are properly secured by law. We support a strict construction of the Bill of Rights as a defense against tyranny; the expansion of those rights to all voluntary consensual conduct under the Ninth and Tenth Amendments; and the requirements of equal protection and due process under the Fourteenth Amendment.

We support the Constitutional restrictions on federal government powers enumerated in Article I, Section 8 as an absolute limit on all government functions and programs. We oppose the adoption of broad and vague powers under the guise of general welfare or interstate commerce.

We oppose all restrictions on the voluntary and honest exchange of value in a free market. We favor minimal, equitable, and fair taxation for the essential functions of government. We oppose all legislation that concedes Congressional power to any regulatory agency, executive department, or international body.

We support the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, the republican form of government it requires, and the right of all citizens to fair and equitable representation.

We believe these are also the proper positions of the Republican Party.

Dr. Stevens does not believe the Republican Liberty Caucus will succeed in taking over the Republican Party from social conservatives from within but he supports its efforts to run pro-liberty candidates for office in Republican Primary Elections.

Stevens Holds Teleconference For Objectivist Party Affiliate Presidents & Officers

On Friday, October 16, 2009 at 10:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Dr. Tom Stevens, Objectivist Party Chair, held a teleconference for Objectivist Party Affiliate Presidents & Officers.

During the teleconference, Dr. Stevens went over the 25 Affiliate Priorities and spoke of all the Special Projects many of the affiliates have chosen to participate in. He discussed ideas for drawing media attention and for recruitment.

The three affiliates with the largest number of representatives participating in the teleconference were New York, New Jersey & Florida.

Dallwyn Merck Admitted To Hospital For Heart Surgery

On Monday, September 21, 2009, Dallwyn Merck, a Governing Board Member of the Objectivist Party, who also serves as Secretary of the Objectivist Party of New York, visited the Emergency Room of St. Vincent's Hospital in Greenwich Village, New York suffering from chest pains and light-headedness. After extensive testing, it was determined that the defects in his heart valves that had previously been discovered had worsened. Mr. Merck was admitted to St. Vincent's Hospital and it was determined that immediate surgery would be necessary to save his life.

On Tuesday, September 22, 2009, Dallwyn Merck underwent heart valve surgery. One valve was replaced with a pig valve and the other valve was repaired. Despite the doctor saying there was a 6%-8% chance he would not survive the surgery, Dallwyn did survive and the doctor said the procedure went well.

On behalf of the Objectivist Party, I want to say we wish Dallwyn well and hope for his speedy recovery.

OPNY Celebrates Individual Rights Day By Distributing Video From The Movie "Cabaret"

On Saturday, August 29, 2009, the Objectivist Party of New York celebrated Individual Rights Day by urging people to see and distribute the following video of "Tomorrow Belongs To Me" from the movie Cabaret: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMVql9RLP34&feature=related

Dr. Tom Stevens, President of the Objectivist Party of New York, stated:

This video is a chilling reminder of how fanaticism can stir people up in a way that would make them more willing to trample upon the individual rights of some for the alleged greater good of all. Respect for the individual rights of all people must never be compromised.

Individual Rights Day is celebrated on August 29th, the birth date of John Locke, the philosopher who first prominently argued that a human being has a basic property right based upon his status as a sovereign human being and that it is the government's role to protect that right and not to treat its citizens as slaves.

People are urged to celebrate Individual Rights Day by doing one or more of the following:

1. Read about John Locke and his political philosophy that respects man's sovereignty over his own body.

2. Read about Ayn Rand and her basis for recognizing that every man is born with "individual rights" that cannot be trampled upon by government or by others.

3. Contrast the concept of "individual rights" with those of "collective rights".

4. Run a seminar, hold a meeting, or sponsor a debate on the importance of "individual rights" as the basis for man's liberties and freedoms.

John Locke stated in "The Second Treatise On Civil Government":

Every man has a property in his own person this no body has any right to but himself. The labour of his body, and the work of his hands, we may say are properly his...The great and chief end therefore, of Mens uniting into Commonwealths, and putting themselves under Government, is the Preservation of their Property.

John Locke quotations on "Individual Rights":

Reason...teaches all Mankind, who would but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his Life, Health, Liberty, or Possessions.

Government can never have a Power to take to themselves the whole or any part of the Subjects Property, without their own consent.

'Tis a Mistake to think this Fault [tyranny] is proper only to Monarchies; other Forms of Government are liable to it, as well as that. For where-ever the Power that is put in any hands for the Government of the People, and the Preservation of their Properties, is applied to other ends, and made use of to impoverish, harass, or subdue them to the Arbitrary and Irregular Commands of those that have it: There it presently becomes Tyranny, whether those that thus use it are one or many.

Whenever the Legislators endeavor to take away, and destroy the Property of the People, or to reduce them to Slavery under Arbitrary Power, they put themselves into a state of War with the People, who are thereupon absolved from any farther Obedience, and are left to the common Refuge...against Force and Violence. Whensoever therefore the Legislative shall transgress this fundamental Rule of Society; and either by Ambition, Fear, Folly or Corruption, endeavor to grasp themselves, or put into the hands of any other an Absolute Power over the Lives, Liberties, and Estates of the People; By this breach of Trust they forfeit the Power, the People had put into their hands, for quite contrary ends, and it devolves to the People, who have a Right to resume their original Liberty.

Ayn Rand quotations on "Individual Rights":

A 'right' is a moral principle defining and sanctioning a man’s freedom of action in a social context. There is only one fundamental right (all the others are its consequences or corollaries): a man’s right to his own life. Life is a process of self-sustaining and self-generated action; the right to life means the right to engage in self-sustaining and self-generated action - which means: the freedom to take all the actions required by the nature of a rational being for the support, the furtherance, the fulfillment and the enjoyment of his own life. (Such is the meaning of the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.)...Thus, for every individual, a right is the moral sanction of a positive - of his freedom to act on his own judgment, for his own goals, by his own voluntary, uncoerced choice. As to his neighbors, his rights impose no obligations on them except of a negative kind: to abstain from violating his rights.

The right to life is the source of all rights - and the right to property is their only implementation. Without property rights, no other rights are possible. Since man has to sustain his life by his own effort, the man who has no right to the product of his effort has no means to sustain his life. The man who produces while others dispose of his product, is a slave. Man holds these rights, not from the Collective nor for the Collective, but against the Collective - as a barrier which the Collective cannot cross...these rights are man’s protection against all other men.

The source of man’s rights is not divine law or congressional law, but the law of identity. A is A - and Man is Man. Rights are conditions of existence required by man’s nature for his proper survival. If man is to live on earth, it is right for him to use his mind, it is right to act on his own free judgment, it is right to work for his values and to keep the product of his work. If life on earth is his purpose, he has a right to live as a rational being: nature forbids him the irrational. Any group, any gang, any nation that attempts to negate man’s rights, is wrong, which means: is evil, which means: is anti-life.

Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority; the political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities (and the smallest minority on earth is the individual).

The concept of individual rights is so prodigious a feat of political thinking that few men grasp it fully - and two hundred years have not been enough for other countries to understand it. But this is the concept to which we owe our lives - the concept which made it possible for us to bring into reality everything of value that any of us did or will achieve or experience.

A Facebook Group for Individual Rights Day is located at:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=56751815780

Individual Rights Day was started by Dr. Tom Stevens, the Founder of the Objectivist Party.

Merck Credits Stevens With Inspiring People To Use Reason To Set Goals, Develop Skills & To Become Producers

Dallwyn Merck, a Governing Board Member of the Objectivist Party, has credited Dr. Tom Stevens, the party's Founder & Chair, with inspiring people to use reason to set goals, to develop skills and to become producers.

Mr. Merck made the following statement about the efforts Dr. Stevens has made to help worthy individuals:

I have known Dr. Stevens for decades. Over that period of time, I have seen him help many individuals of all ages and genders. He does not do this because he is altruistic. He is a trader by nature who has a keen eye for identifying potential in others who may be hungry to change their lives for the better or who may be going through difficult times. In return for his time and effort, he expects things in return that are valuable to him. It is a great example of a trade resulting in mutual benefit for both parties involved.

Dr. Stevens does inspire people to use reason to set goals, to develop skills and to become producers but he has also helped people with more tangible support as well. I have seen Dr. Stevens find housing for homeless people, advance college tuition payments, use his influence as a former President of the Hofstra University School of Law Alumni Association to get people into law school, advance two-months security for individuals moving into apartments, hire people for odd-jobs paying them up to $50.00 an hour, move people to New York who were facing abusive situations in their home life, and provide office space in his law office to help people launch new business ventures.

In return for this help, Dr. Stevens requires each individual to enter into a contract with him and since it is usually an oral contract, he requires all recipients to give him their word that they will fulfill their part of the bargain. What is asked for differs with each individual depending upon what they have of value to trade.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Dr. Stevens has helped hundreds, if not thousands, of people in the time I have known him. A number of people have let him down and reneged on their commitments to him but I have always seen him bounce back because he does not believe that future worthy individuals should be discriminated against because a handful of others turned out to lack integrity and character.

The unfortunate truth is that most individuals are not prepared to make the changes necessary in their thinking, attitudes, beliefs and values to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Most people are not worthy of his time and even though Dr. Stevens tries to help people clarify the process of goal-setting through the use of reason, the reality is that most people are where they are because of the past decisions they have made. It is very hard to change people's habits and internal dialogues. Any individual who wants to change their life must be highly motivated to do so.

Dallwyn Merck has been a member of the Objectivist Party since it was founded by Dr. Tom Stevens on February 2, 2008.

Neil McGettigan Sets New Direction For "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America

On August 18, 2009, Neil McGettigan, Coordinator of the "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America, set a new direction for the effort. He now plans to use the group to build secularly-oriented coalitions with other organizations committed to the separation of religion from the state.

In his new Home Page message located at the campaign's Facebook Group, Mr. McGettigan says:

The "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America seeks to build and join secularly-oriented coalitions with a common interest in a strong separation of religion from the state. People can believe whatever they wish but it is outrageous that in a supposedly secular America, the government places "In God We Trust" on its money and in its courtrooms. The country's government and justice system should trust in the rule of law and respect for individual rights. It should not trust in God or Zeus or even jolly ole Santa Claus.

The "In Galt We Trust" campaign was started by Objectivists who wished to point out that reason and respect for individual rights should be the guiding principles behind our government and justice system, not trust in God.

Support the "In Galt We Trust" campaign by crossing out "God" from "In God We Trust" on your U.S. paper currency and replacing it with "Galt" so it reads "In Galt We Trust".

Exercising your 1st Amendment rights in this manner will make an important political statement.

The "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America formed as an outgrowth of the original "In Galt We Trust" grassroots movement.

We intend to make our mark!

The "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America Facebook Group is located at:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=115958119641

Neil McGettigan has served as President of the Objectivist Party of New Jersey since December 29, 2008.

Jeff Grizlo Recommends Importance Of Objectivist Relationships

Jeff Grizlo, former Governing Board member of the Objectivist Party and Executive Vice-President of Rising Action, has recommended Objectivists enter into emotional, physical and intellectual relationships based on the mutual benefit that can be derived from them instead of entering into them based on issues of sexual attraction, prior conditioning, romantic considerations and cultural/societal norms.

Jeff Grizlo explained his reasoning as follows:

Too many Objectivists have not freed themselves from their societal and cultural influences when selecting who would be best to enter into relationships with. Instead of using reason to decide which relationship would be the most beneficial to them, most people still make initial decisions based on issues of sexual attraction and later justify that they selected those partners for reasons other than sex. This limits the pool of potential partners and restricts the benefits an Objectivist can gain from any number of possible relationships they reject up front because that person does not fit their ideal partner based on age, gender or any number of other factors.

I am not recommending that every Objectivist throw open the barn door and get into relationships with everyone and anyone who happens to come along. Nor am I suggesting a hedonistic lifestyle where an Objectivist has intimate relationships with anyone willing to provide them with sexual pleasure. What I am suggesting is that when a learned intelligent potential partner comes along and is interested in you, I believe you should be prepared to enter into a no-walls intimate emotional, physical and intellectual relationship with that person and obtain the great benefits that such a relationship can provide to your life. Age, gender, romantic considerations and attractiveness issues should be set aside and you should enter into such a relationship with a full commitment to give it your all. Reason should govern the decision here and you should not let social norms dictate how intimate you allow yourself to become with that person.

If you are young, like I am, you would benefit by entering into Objectivist relationships based on reason and for mutual benefit with individuals regardless of their age or gender. If you are open to this, I recommend you let that fact be known to Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder & Chair of the Objectivist Party. He has taught about such relationships in his Philosophy, Psychology and Critical Thinking classses. He would be in the best position to answer any questions you might have. His e-mail address is DrTomStevens@aol.com

Throughout the rest of my life, I will enter into relationships based on reason and not based on emotional factors or culturally dictated romantic expectations. I have Dr. Tom Stevens, a true Renaissance man, to thank for helping me to choose to live a more enlightened and purposeful life.

Jeff Grizlo has served as Executive Vice-President of Rising Action since August 18, 2005. Rising Action is an independent, grass-roots, pro-freedom activist network of freethinking, patriotic individuals who value liberty, challenge the accepted norms of society, think outside the box, and believe that people are sovereign over their own bodies and can make whatever choices they wish to make so long as they do not directly interfere with the right of others to do the same.

Mark Axinn Speaks On "The Consequences Of Rent Regulation In New York City"

Mark Axinn, a Libertarian Activist & New York City Real Estate Attorney, addressed a joint meeting of the Objectivist Party of New York and the Libertarian Party of Queens County on July 11, 2009 at Bohemian Hall located at 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, New York. He spoke on "The Consequences of Rent Regulation In New York City".

During his speech, Mr. Axinn discussed how Rent Control and Rent Stabilization creates "a disincentive for developers to build affordable middle class housing" and how "it discriminates in favor or those who already occupy property and against those not currently living in those apartments". He stated that "Rent Control creates a scarcity of housing stock and then that very scarcity is used to justify the continued need for Rent Control and Rent Stabilization". Mr. Axinn discussed how Rent Control harms the city and why it is a "good example of what can go wrong when government runs the show".

Mark Axinn's speech was so well received that the Manhattan Libertarian Party booked him to give the same speech at their General Membership Meeting that was held on Monday, August 10, 2009 at the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant in Manhattan. Before speaking there, Mr. Axinn thanked Dr. Tom Stevens, President of the Objectivist Party of New York, for suggesting he put together a presentation on this important topic.

Mark Axinn is a partner in a boutique real estate law firm, specializing in co-op and condominium development and representation. He has argued in all courts from the landlord and tenant parts in Queens to the Court of Appeals in Albany. He was also an arbitrator in the small claims part in the Bronx in the early 90's.

Joseph Rivera Resigns As A Governing Board Member & As Vice-Chair Of The Objectivist Party

On August 11, 2009, Dr. Tom Stevens sought and obtained the resignation of Joseph Rivera from his position on the Governing Board and as Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party. Dr. Stevens made this request in order to prevent formal action by a united Governing Board concerned with Mr. Rivera's failure to handle the responsibilities he accepted in his role as Vice-Chair.

As part of this informal resolution to the conflict, Dr. Stevens convinced the Governing Board to allow Mr. Rivera to remain as President of the Objectivist Party of Massachusetts but he has been forewarned that the Governing Board will be keeping a close eye on his performance in that capacity.

Dr. Stevens said:

I would like to see Joseph Rivera do a great job as President of the Objectivist Party of Massachusetts. Now that he has been freed from his other duties and responsibilities, I hope he will be able to focus on the task at hand in recruiting new members into the party and encouraging students to form Objectvist Party Clubs on campuses throughout the Commonwealth.

Joseph Rivera was first appointed to the Governing Board on February 17, 2009. He was designated Vice-Chair on June 1, 2009.

Mike LeVine, OPCT President, Starts "Free Thinking In Connecticut" Blog

On Tuesday, August 11, 2009, Mike LeVine, President of the Objectivist Party of Connecticut, started a blog entitled "Free Thinking In Connecticut". He explained that the purpose of his blog is to "present one man's critical analysis of ongoing issues throughout America and provide a platform for the reader to begin to question his or her own assumptions and beliefs about the government and it's real place in society".

His blog can be found at: http://freethinkinginconnecticut.blogspot.com/

Mike LeVine joined the Objectivist Party on November 2, 2008. He was appointed Executive Vice-President of the Objectivist Party of Connecticut on November 12, 2008 and appointed OPCT President on June 5, 2009.

OPNY Celebrates Skyscraper Appreciation Day By Viewing Frank Lloyd Wright's Plans To Build A Mile-High Skyscraper Called "The Illinois"

The Objectivist Party of New York celebrated Skyscraper Appreciation Day (August 10th) by visiting the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum located at 1071 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan to view Frank Lloyd Wright's plans to build a mile-high skyscraper, which he called "The Illinois". It was proposed as a government building for county and state government officials in Illinois. Unfortunately, "The Illinois" was never built.

Display of the architectural plans for "The Illinois" was part of the Frank Lloyd Wright: From Within Outward exhibit at the Guggenheim that runs through August 23, 2009. Mr. Wright was not a fan of the New York skyline as was Ayn Rand and his proposal for a mile-high skyscraper was made with the purpose of creating more green space around it by mopping up all those county and state government officials in Illinois who needed to work together. Nevertheless, Frank Lloyd Wright did have libertarian social views and should be credited for having designed a viable mile-high skyscraper.

The Facebook Group for Skyscraper Appreciation Day is located at:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=41259490414

Skyscraper Appreciation Day was founded by Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder of the Objectivist Party.

Stevens Addresses Joint OPNY/LPQC Meeting On The History Of The Objectivist Party

On Saturday, August 8, 2009, Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder & Chair of the Objectivist Party, was the Guest Speaker at a joint meeting of the Objectivist Party of New York and the Libertarian Party of Queens County held at Bohemian Hall in Astoria, Queens. The topic of his speech was the History of the Objectivist Party.

Dr. Stevens informed those in attendance that the Objectivist Party was founded on February 2, 2008 on Ayn Rand's birthday and that the party seeks to promote Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism in the political realm. He mentioned that the Objectivist Party held its National Convention on May 25, 2008 at The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, Colorado and that he was nominated to run as the party's Presidential candidate while Alden Link was nominated to run as the party's Vice-Presidential candidate. Dr. Stevens mentioned that the Objectivist Party was able to obtain ballot access for its national candidates in Colorado and Florida.

Dr. Stevens mentioned that the Objectivist Party currently has 27 chartered affiliates which include the following:

New York (June 7, 2008)
Pennsylvania (June 8, 2008)
New Jersey (June 9, 2008)
Florida (July 2, 2008)
Texas (July 17, 2008)
Illinois (July 20, 2008)
Maine (July 21, 2008)
Massachusetts (July 22, 2008)
Kentucky (July 23, 2008)
Vermont (July 25, 2008)
Arizona (July 26, 2008)
Colorado (August 6, 2008)
California (August 9, 2008)
Connecticut (August 12, 2008)
North Carolina (October 1, 2008)
Indiana (October 10, 2008)
Michigan (October 11, 2008)
Utah (November 11, 2008)
Tennessee (November 12, 2008)
Washington (November 21, 2008)
Ohio (November 26, 2008)
Georgia (November 27, 2008)
Virginia (November 29, 2008)
Nevada (December 10, 2008)
Alberta, Canada (January 1, 2009)
Montana (February 7, 2009)
Tyre & Wear, U.K. (May 4, 2009)

He also mentioned that the party celebrates the following holidays:

AYN RAND'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
February 2nd

FREE TRADE DAY
May 8th

SPACE EXPLORATION DAY
JULY 20th

SKYSCRAPER APPRECIATION DAY
August 10th

INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS DAY
August 29th

Dr. Stevens discussed the following Statement of Principles that is posted to the party's website:

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

I. INDIVIDUALS HAVE A RIGHT TO LIFE

We believe that all human beings have an individual right to life and are born with freedoms based upon this right. These freedoms include one's right to free thought, free action and the freedom to keep what is produced. It is the role of government to protect these rights, but to never encroach upon them. Living in society benefits man only if that society recognizes and protects these rights and freedoms.

II. INDIVIDUALS HAVE A RIGHT TO THEIR OWN THOUGHTS

We believe that all human beings have a right to their own thoughts and have the potential to use reason to realize their rational self-interest and to live productive lives. It is the role of government to protect an individual's right to think or act against the initiation of force by others.

III. INDIVIDUALS HAVE A RIGHT TO THEIR OWN PROPERTY

We believe that all human beings have a right to their own property and to keep what they produce. This includes the right and responsibility to decide what to do with all that is created. All individuals have a right to trade freely with others. No government should interfere with any transaction or trade involving individuals.

IV. INDIVIDUALS HAVE A RIGHT TO PROTECT THEMSELVES

We believe that all human beings have the right to protect themselves from any initiation of force against their rights or liberties. To enhance this individual right, citizens entrust to their government the right to protect them from domestic and foreign threats. As a result, it is a proper role of government to protect a nation's borders and to protect a nation's citizens from other people and/or governments.

Dr. Stevens used the following Platform adopted by the Objectivist Party of New York to discuss some of the policy implications that flow from the party's Statement of Principles:

OBJECTIVIST PARTY OF NEW YORK
PLATFORM

VICTIMLESS CRIMES – We believe the government has no right to criminalize conduct consensually agreed to between adults that cause no direct harm to others. We believe in people taking responsibility for their own lives and oppose paternalistic government. As a result, we seek the immediate decriminalization of marijuana, prostitution, pornography, gambling and other victimless crimes in New York State.

MONETARY POLICY & TAXATION – We believe the government has no right to cause inflation and devalue our currency by permitting the Federal Reserve to "print money" or by borrowing money in order to balance the budget. We also oppose the large percentage of people's earnings the government takes through taxation. As a first step toward the goal of drastically reducing taxation on a federal, state and local level, we support the institution of a 10% federal flat tax and the elimination of the New York State income tax and all local property taxes.

GAY ISSUES – We believe the government should not discriminate against anyone on the basis of that person's sexual orientation. On a federal level, we support the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and the military's policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". On a New York State level, while our ultimate goal is to get the government out of the marriage business, we support full recognition of gay marriages so long as the government continues to issue marriage certificates to heterosexual couples.

IMMIGRATION - We support the right of all countries to control their own borders and to set the conditions immigrants must meet in order to obtain permanent residence and citizenship. We would give New York State law enforcement officials the power to enforce immigration law and to deport illegal aliens. We would grant immigration preferences to those with special skills; to those who would create jobs; to those who ideologically support free enterprise and respect for individual rights; to those who are committed to the use of science and reason instead of faith and mysticism when evaluating and discovering objective reality; and to those who believe in self-reliance and the pursuit of productive and purposeful lives.

DEFENSE – We believe one of the primary purposes of the federal government is to provide for the national defense. Toward that end, we would support expanding the incentives offered to encourage citizens to join the military and the National Guard. However, we oppose any form of involuntary servitude including the reinstitution of a draft.

CIVIL LIBERTIES – We believe the government must respect the individual and constitutional rights of all citizens including the right to keep and bear arms. We oppose all forms of censorship and invasions of privacy. We believe in the strict separation of church and state and believe "In God We Trust" should be removed from the country's coins and courtrooms.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & MONUMENTAL PROJECTS – We believe the entrepreneurial spirit should be encouraged by reducing corporate taxation and bureaucratic regulation. We support the identification and development of privately financed grand scale monumental projects that can inspire citizens to lead heroic lives and to contribute more to their civilization.

Dr. Tom Stevens also discussed the governing structure of the party and why the Objectivist Party has avoided the internal infighting present in many other new parties. He spoke for about 40 minutes and then took 40 minutes of questions. The discussion was lively and the presentation was well-received. Dr. Stevens handed out a fact-sheet to all who attended.

Many Libertarian Party members in attendance expressed their view that the Objectivist Party had the potential to attract more women than the LP because the founder of Objectivist philosophy was Ayn Rand. They also expressed their belief that the Objectivist Party may be on track to becoming a unifying force for all seeking to promote liberty in our nation.

Dr. Tom Stevens, OPNY President, "Humorous Yet Eloquent" At Independence Day Tea Party

Dr. Tom Stevens, OPNY President, addressed a Tea Party held on July 4, 2009 in Bowne Park in Queens, New York.

In an article entitled "Tea Party Held On Fourth Of July", which was published in the July 9, 2009 edition of the Queens Chronicle, AnnMarie Costella, a Chronicle Contributor, wrote the following about Dr. Stevens' speech:

In a humorous yet eloquent display, Tom Stevens, membership director of the Queens Libertarian Party and president of the Objectivist Party of New York, took out his official hand-carved Harry Potter wand and after each wave named a different goal like smaller government, lower taxes and more individual liberties.

"No, magic doesn't work," Stevens said. "Objectivism has a philosophy. It doesn't believe in magic and mysticism because it obviously doesn't work. We believe instead in reason and logic and taking action and personal responsibility for changing what is wrong by getting involved locally and making a difference."

John Procida, chairman of the Queens Libertarian Party, who organized the event, was quoted in the article as saying:

This country is going to the dogs. We are not the country that our forefathers fought for. We are not a country of free people anymore. Freedom is the key. Socialism is a disease. It causes people to become lazy.

Ronald S. Ramo, OPNY Treasurer, who spoke at the Tea Party was quoted as saying:

In this economic crisis, the Federal Reserve, in a counter-intuitive fashion, has decided it is best to keep printing money at the highest rate possible...I think it is time that we end this charade. It is time that we have an audit of the Federal Reserve to find out where the money is and where it is going.

Dan Halloran, an attorney specializing in constitutional law, who is running for the District 19 City Council seat, said "citizens need to take a pro-active approach to government and express their concerns and dissatisfaction". In a good summary of why people turned out to participate in the July 4th Tea Party, Mr. Halloran was quoted in the article as saying:

What better day than July Fourth, the founding of our nation, for us to come out and actually show not only that we care about these issues, not only are we aware of what's going on in our government or not going on in our government, but we are taking action to do something about it.

In similar Tea Party rallies held around the country this year, "tea" has become an acronym for "Taxed Enough Already".

Jonathan Jakobsen Starts "Objectivist Denmark" Blog To Address European Issues From An Objectivist Perspective

Jonathan Damgaard Jakobsen, who was recently appointed as a member of the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party, has started a blog entitled Objectivist Denmark. It is his intention to write about issues arising in Denmark and in the rest of Europe and to do so from the perspective of a European Objectivist.

Mr. Jakobsen's blog is located at http://objectivistdenmark.blogspot.com/

Dr. Tom Stevens, Objectivist Party Chair, stated:

I applaud Mr. Jakobsen's initiative in starting this blog. There are many issues arising in Europe that need to be addressed through the eyes of a dedicated Objectivist. I hope this blog attracts new members to the Objectivist Party from Europe and helps us develop a committed core of activists there.

Jonathan Damgaard Jakobsen was appointed on August 4, 2009 as the first non-U.S. member of the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party.

Libertarian Party Of Queens County Rejects Joseph Rivera's Membership Application

On August 5, 2009, the Membership Committee of the Libertarian Party of Queens County rejected Joseph Rivera's Membership Application and returned his check for $20.00.

In explaining this action, Dallwyn Merck, Secretary of the LPQC, said:

Joseph Rivera's Membership Application was unanimously rejected by the Membership Committee because Mr. Rivera showed an insufficient commitment to libertarianism, the Libertarian Party, and especially to the Libertarian Party of Queens County.

Mr. Rivera lives in Granby, Connecticut in Hartford County and only recently joined the national Libertarian Party. He does not have a residence in Queens County or in New York State and is not a member of the Libertarian Party of New York. He has never attended a meeting of the Libertarian Party of Queens County and is, in fact, an active member of the Objectivist Party, serving that political movement as President of the Objectivist Party of Massachusetts. In the fall, he is attending Worchester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, at which time he will be even more unlikely to become an active member of the Libertarian Party of Queens County.

It is my understanding that Dr. Tom Stevens, LPQC State Representative, had offered to submit Joe Rivera's name as a possible delegate from New York State to attend the LPUS National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri in 2010, as he had successfully done for others such as Michael W. Reid of Pennsylvania and Alex Fitzsimmons of New Jersey, both of whom attended the LPUS Convention in Denver, Colorado in 2008. However, the difference here is that Joseph Rivera never showed the dedication and commitment to libertarian principles that those other individuals did over a period of months and years.

It is unfortunate that we had no other choice but to reject his application for membership in the Libertarian Party of Queens County.

Besides serving as Secretary, Dallwyn Merck also serves as a member of the Membership Committee of the Libertarian Party of Queens County.

Jonathan Damgaard Jakobsen: First Non-U.S. Member Appointed To Objectivist Party Governing Board

On August 4, 2009, Jonathan Damgaard Jakobsen of Denmark was appointed to serve on the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party. This appointment reflects the fact that the Objectivist Party now has members in twelve countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.

In accepting this appointment, Mr. Jakobsen said:

I am pleased to have been appointed as the first non-U.S. member to serve on the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party. I look forward to working with Dr. Tom Stevens, our charismatic and inspirational leader. I am honored to have been taken under his wing and to have this opportunity to grow and prosper. Being the first European on the board, I plan to set a good example, and further the international progress of Objectivism and the Objectivist Party.

In the country of Denmark, where I have residence, Socialism is an influential part of society and government. Many Danes see our government as very conservative, but the reality is, it's not. I would like to see this change and I will, of course, help this progress to the best of my ability.

I will begin attending college August 12th, and I plan on teaching about Objectivism to both fellow students, and to staff. The next generation of business owners and intellectuals will be more objectivist-minded and supporters of values that make up the core of Objectivism: property rights, free trade and the separation of church and state. All pressing issues in both Europe and the United States.

Dr. Stevens and I have agreed to work together to further the progress of the party on the international scene and to confront statist political views that impinge upon respect for individual rights. If we can help people to use reason and logic to make rational choices to live purposeful lives with their own happiness as their ultimate goal, the world will be a better place. I intend to use the Objectivist Party as a vehicle to achieving this result.

Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder & Chair of the Objectivist Party, stated:

Objectivists are present in every country of the world and many people who are inspired by Ayn Rand's philosophy feel compelled to do what they can to affect their culture and the political system in their nation. The Objectivist Party stands ready to help them achieve these goals.

Jonathan Damgaard Jakobsen's appointment to the Governing Board reflects the increasing international nature of our party. I have been extremely impressed with Mr. Jakobsen's intelligence and open-mindedness. He is a dedicated Objectivist and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead.

The Objectivist Party was founded on February 2, 2008 and seeks to promote Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism in the political realm.

USS Rebel Crusader Leaves IFT To Join PPI

Effective August 1, 2009, the USS Rebel Crusader left the International Federation Of Trekkers to become affiliated with the Pride Power Imperium. The USS Rebel Crusader was originally commissioned as the USS Confederacy on July 14, 1999 and recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary. The ship has been in the International Federation of Trekkers since it was originally commissioned.

Just prior to the USS Rebel Crusader leaving IFT for PPI, the following information about the ship was listed on the Home Page of its Yahoo Group:

The USS Rebel Crusader (NFC-9902) is a Star Trek/Sci-Fi/Action Hero fan ship associated with the International Federation of Trekkers. We hold meetings, sponsor events, go to sci-fi related movies, attend conventions, discuss our experiences, share sci-fi related information, share hard science news and most of all know how to have fun. Even though we are Star Trek fans, many of our ship members enjoy watching Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Battlestar Gallactica, Firefly and other sci-fi shows. Whatever your personal favorite genre is, you are welcome here.

Slogan: "Rock Hard and Ready"

Motto: "Never Go Off Half-Cocked"

Quotation: "Wrong thinking is punishable; Right thinking will be as quickly rewarded!" (The Keeper - Talos IV)

The officers and crew members of the USS Rebel Crusader are the following individuals:

Commanding Officer -- Dr. Tom Stevens (Fleet Captain 3)
Executive Officer -- Philip Manners (Captain 2)
Second Officer -- Phil Schreiber (Junior Lieutenant 1)
Chief of Operations -- Cavin F. Studebaker (Lt. Junior Grade 3)
Chief Science Officer -- Nathan Schell (Lieutenant Junior Grade 3)
Chief Medical Officer -- Angela Davis (Lt. Junior Grade 3)
Engineering Chief -- Eric Slifkin (Ensign 2)
Security Chief -- Rocco Fama (Ensign 1)
Information Services Officer -- Richard Pollard (Lt. Junior Grade 3)
Crew Member - Dallwyn Merck (Junior Lieutenant 1)
Crew Member - Kirk Dolinski (Ensign 1)
Crew Member - Jesse Greene (Ensign 1)
Crew Member - Mark Lockwood (Ensign 1)

A number of changes will need to be made now that the USS Rebel Crusader is associated with the Pride Power Imperium. Ship members are looking forward to this new adventure!

Libertarian Freedom Council Will Dissolve Effective August 16, 2009

The Libertarian Freedom Council, founded by Thomas Robert Stevens on August 16, 2003, will dissolve effective August 16, 2009, six years to the day after it was organized. The group was formed as an independent libertarian political organization that promotes libertarianism, works with libertarian-leaning young professionals, students and entrepreneurs nationally and internationally, and helps support efforts to make the Libertarian Party a viable political entity in these United States.

Dr. Tom Stevens, who served as President of the LFC during its existence, recruited some of the most effective, charismatic young leaders in the nation to serve as officers and as Foundation and Associate members of the Libertarian Freedom Council. LFC Club Charters were granted to over 45 libertarian and liberty-oriented high school and college clubs that were formed under its auspices. LFC Members were active and influential at the Libertarian Party's National Conventions held in Atlanta in 2004, Portland in 2006 and Denver in 2008. The Libertarian Freedom Council was also a proud member of the Read The Bills Act Coalition.

The LFC maintained a website that was taken down on June 19, 2009. On it was its logo. On the left side of the logo was the group's name on blue letters on a yellow background. On the right side of the logo was a snake on a 'Don't Tread On Me' flag on a background of red and white stripes. The LFC also maintained a Yahoo Group that was taken down on August 2, 2009. All of the remaining references to the Libertarian Freedom Council are to be deleted by August 16, 2009.

While the Libertarian Freedom Council had the potential to continue to be an influential force within the Libertarian Party, many of its members recently became active leaders in the Objectivist Party, which was formed by Dr. Tom Stevens on February 2, 2008. Other LFC members began taking on projects run by Rising Action, a Freedom Activist Network. In the end, the officers and members of the Libertarian Freedom Council decided they would be more effective promoting liberty through other organizations and means.

Stevens Recommends Fred Cookinham's 'The Age Of Rand: Imagining An Objectivist Future World'

Dr. Tom Stevens, Objectivist Party Chair, has recommended that members of the Objectivist Party read The Age of Rand: Imagining An Objectivist Future World written by Fred Cookinham. This book can be bought new or used from Amazon.com at: http://www.amazon.com/Age-Rand-Imagining-Objectivist-Future/dp/0595351530/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249011462&sr=1-1

Frederick Cookinham offers a series of walking tours called Ayn Rand’s New York. He has been observing the Objectivist and libertarian movements for forty-one years, and has written for several movement magazines. He lives in Queens, New York with his wife, Belen. Visit his website, http://www.indepthwalkingtours.com/ for more information. Mr. Cookinham earned his Bachelor's Degree in American History at Cortland State College in 1976, and his Master's at Brooklyn College in 1987.

One review of his book, "The Age Of Rand: Imagining An Objectivist Future World", written by Judith Byorick was the following:

Ayn Rand and Objectivism have inspired a substantial and growing number of written works. Most of them deal with either biographical matters or analyses of her philosophy.

This book is different. The Age of Rand assumes at least a working knowledge of Rand's works on the reader's part; to quote from the introduction, "Relating, integrating, finding the connections -- between Rand's past, present and future, her place in the long perspective of history -- that is the purpose of this book."

The author takes Rand's vision and runs with it -- in a number of different directions, speculating on how a future world in which Rand's ideas have been widely or universally adopted might look. But wait -- there's more. This "speculation" about such a future isn't simply fanciful fantasizing based on utopian dreams, but is grounded in a broad and thorough knowledge of history, and is well supported with examples from past events and long-term trends. The book also includes excellent arguments in support of Objectivism, and provides a great deal of practical advice on how to get to the "Age of Rand".

Some of the treats in store for the reader: a superb analysis of the true nature of altruism; and a fascinating synthesis of the minarchist position and the anarchist position guaranteed to generate intense discussion. The book is beautifully written, with a richness, depth, and clarity that make the reading a pleasure. The author doesn't hesitate to criticize Rand where criticism is called for, and certainly doesn't hesitate to improve on the master's work. But such criticisms and improvements are in the details, not in the essentials. Running through every chapter is Cookinham's quiet, steady passion for Rand's vision for life as it might be and ought to be.

Dr. Stevens says: "It is a fast, easy read packed full of interesting historical facts and many ideas about what an Objectivist Future World might look like. I highly recommend it!

OPNY, OPPA & OPMA Hold Multi-Affiliate Meeting In Philadelphia

On Sunday, July 19, 2009, the Objectivist Party of New York, Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania and Objectivist Party of Massachusetts held a multi-affiliate meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The event was organized by Dr. Tom Stevens, OPNY President & Objectivist Party Chair, and Joe Rivera, OPMA President & Objectivist Party Vice-Chair.

The day started off with a business meeting over lunch at Vietnam Palace located at 222 North 11th Street in Philadelphia where we all sampled the restaurant's outstanding spring rolls and authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Dr. Stevens suggested "The Voice Of Reason" could be a possible slogan for the Objectivist Party.

OPNY, OPPA & OPMA affiliate members visited the following sites:

Welcome Park
Franklin Court Museum
Liberty Bell
Independence Visitor Center
Congress Hall
Benjamin Franklin's Ghost
Second Bank of the United States
National Liberty Museum
Philosophical Hall
Independence Hall

Affiliate members took a rest and had a snack at Benjamin's Best Cafe Delights. Inside the National Liberty Museum, we saw blown glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly and other miniature glass sculptures by Milon Townsend. While there, we also saw Dale Chihuly's "Flame Of Liberty" as well as a film about how Mr. Chihuly makes his creations. We were all a little shocked to hear Dale Chihuly calls the four round kilns he uses to heat his glass "Glory Holes" but I guess it makes sense.

A big bonus of this multi-affiliate meeting was that we had an opportunity to look at all the beautiful skyscrapers that make up downtown Philadelphia.

OPNJ, OPNY & OPPA Hold Multi-Affiliate Meeting To See Sam Singleton, The Atheist Evangelist, In His New Show 'Patriarchs & Penises'

A multi-affiliate meeting hosted by the Objectivist Party of New Jersey and co-sponsored by the Objectivist Party of New York and the Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania was held on Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The main event of the evening was seeing Sam Singleton, the Atheist Evangelist, in his new comedy, Patriarchs & Penises, at the Philadelphia Ethical Society Building (1906 Rittenhouse Square). The two hour play cost only $12.00 and was completely hilarious. More information about Sam Singleton can be found at http://www.samsingleton.com/

Before seeing the play, OPNJ, OPNY and OPPA affiliate members met for dinner at Byblos Restaurant & Bar, which serves Mediterranean gourmet food. While there, some of us, including Dr. Tom Stevens, OPNY President, and Stefan Scherbik, OPNJ Executive Vice-President, used a Hookah for the first time. Smoking from Hookahs and Hookah Bars are the hottest new trend in the country. On the recommendation of the waitress, we tried the "white grape" flavor. All I can say is that it was a unique experience. Byblos Restaurant & Bar is located at 116 South 18th Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More information about this restaurant can be found at http://www.byblosphilly.com/

Stefan Scherbik, Executive Vice-President of the Objectivist Party of New Jersey, is responsible for having organized this multi-affiliate meeting. We all appreciate his initiative. Other prominent Objectivist Party leaders in attendance were Neil McGettigan, OPNJ President, Dr. Tom Stevens, OPNY President & Objectivist Party Chair, and Joe Rivera, OPMA President & Objectivist Party Vice-Chair.

Objectivist Party Of New York Adopts Platform

On April 10, 2009, the Executive Committee of the Objectivist Party of New York adopted the following platform:

VICTIMLESS CRIMES – We believe the government has no right to criminalize conduct consensually agreed to between adults that cause no direct harm to others. We believe in people taking responsibility for their own lives and oppose paternalistic government. As a result, we seek the immediate decriminalization of marijuana, prostitution, pornography, gambling and other victimless crimes in New York State.

MONETARY POLICY & TAXATION – We believe the government has no right to cause inflation and devalue our currency by permitting the Federal Reserve to "print money" or by borrowing money in order to balance the budget. We also oppose the large percentage of people's earnings the government takes through taxation. As a first step toward the goal of drastically reducing taxation on a federal, state and local level, we support the institution of a 10% federal flat tax and the elimination of the New York State income tax and all local property taxes.

GAY ISSUES – We believe the government should not discriminate against anyone on the basis of that person's sexual orientation. On a federal level, we support the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and the military's policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". On a New York State level, while our ultimate goal is to get the government out of the marriage business, we support full recognition of gay marriages so long as the government continues to issue marriage certificates to heterosexual couples.

IMMIGRATION - We support the right of all countries to control their own borders and to set the conditions immigrants must meet in order to obtain permanent residence and citizenship. We would give New York State law enforcement officials the power to enforce immigration law and to deport illegal aliens. We would grant immigration preferences to those with special skills; to those who would create jobs; to those who ideologically support free enterprise and respect for individual rights; to those who are committed to the use of science and reason instead of faith and mysticism when evaluating and discovering objective reality; and to those who believe in self-reliance and the pursuit of productive and purposeful lives.

DEFENSE – We believe one of the primary purposes of the federal government is to provide for the national defense. Toward that end, we would support expanding the incentives offered to encourage citizens to join the military and the National Guard. However, we oppose any form of involuntary servitude including the reinstitution of a draft.

CIVIL LIBERTIES – We believe the government must respect the individual and constitutional rights of all citizens including the right to keep and bear arms. We oppose all forms of censorship and invasions of privacy. We believe in the strict separation of church and state and believe "In God We Trust" should be removed from the country's coins and courtrooms.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & MONUMENTAL PROJECTS – We believe the entrepreneurial spirit should be encouraged by reducing corporate taxation and bureaucratic regulation. We support the identification and development of privately financed grand scale monumental projects that can inspire citizens to lead heroic lives and to contribute more to their civilization.

OPNY & OPPA Hold Multi-Affiliate Meeting Celebrating Space Exploration Day At The Franklin Institute In Philadelphia

The Objectivist Party of New York and Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania held a multi-affiliate meeting celebrating Space Exploration Day (July 20th) by visiting Star Trek: The Exhibition in the Mandell Center at The Franklin Institute located at 222 North 20th Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. OPNY and OPPA affiliate members met at 12 noon. Admission cost $23.75 and included access to both Star Trek: The Exhibition and the other permanent and temporary exhibits on view at The Franklin Institute.

Star Trek: The Exhibition featured the world's most comprehensive collection of authentic Star Trek objects and transported visitors into parallel universes of the future and past. This 12,500 foot exhibition, an amalgamation of all five television and ten film series spanning over 40 years, was the ultimate opportunity to connect with iconic Star Trek moments and characters, while celebrating the creative spirit of science fiction and science that gave rise to many of today's modern marvels. A good part of the exhibition was devoted to the men and women who have actually achieved their own milestones in space exploration.

Since affiliate members already paid for admission to The Franklin Institute, they decided to visit some of the other exhibits which included the following:

Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
Amazing Machine
Franklin Air Show
Race: Are We So Different?
Giant Heart
Train Factory
Space Command

Before leaving for the day, OPNY and OPPA affiliate members could not resist walking down to the Philadelphia Museum of Art's Rodin Museum & Garden located at Benjamin Franklin Parkway & 22nd Street. The Rodin Museum, a gift of Jules Mastbaum (1872-1926) to his native city of Philadelphia, contains more than 120 sculptures representing every aspect of Auguste Rodin's career and all of his major projects. It was breathtaking!

While seeing off some OPNY members who were returning to New York City by train, OPNY & OPPA affiliate members visited 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which is also known as Pennsylvania Station. While in there, we visited the “Spirit of Transportation” sculpture. The accompanying plaque for this sculpture, which is inside the 30th Street Station, reads:

This panel, the conception and work of Karl Bitter, was executed in 1895 and placed in the waiting room of Broad Street Station, Philadelphia, from which place it was removed to this site in January, 1955. The Spirit of Transportation is represented in triumphal procession of progress led by a little child carrying a model of an airship, a prophetic vision of a mode of transportation to come.

Pennsylvania Station (also known as 30th Street Station) and the Spirit of Transportation sculpture were both quite impressive!

Robert Jonathan Bertram Appointed Massachusetts Coordinator For Stonewall Libertarians

On July 26, 2009, Robert Jonathan Bertram of Great Barrington was appointed Massachusetts Coordinator for Stonewall Libertarians.

In accepting this new position, Mr. Bertram said:

I am fortunate to be appointed Massachusetts coordinator for Stonewall Libertarians. I anticipate that this will be a good step forward and that there will be many opportunities in the future to promote political and social acceptance of those who may deviate from "cultural" or "societal" norms. One of my goals is to promote the use of logicality and rationality in the political system and in society as a whole, and being given the opportunity to coordinate Stonewall Libertarians Massachusetts is one step forward towards making societal norms more logical and rational, and eliminating the unnecessary barriers of racism and hostility towards those not traditionally fully socially accepted. I do not think I need to state who such groups are, for categorizing such people would be a show of prejudice and unfair bias in itself. But when given opportunities to progress the principle of acceptance, both politically and socially, they will be taken.

Stonewall Libertarians, founded on April 20, 1996, is an independent organization of libertarians who believe in being politically active to promote smaller government, lower taxes and more individual freedom. They exist to reach out to all libertarians who are perceived to deviate from the norms of society and to promote tolerance and equality in the Libertarian Party and in society at large. Stonewall Libertarians seeks to be a catalyst to expand the base of the libertarian movement in the United States by bringing together a vast coalition of those who believe in personal freedom.

Stonewall Libertarians Makes Coordinator Changes

Effective July 27, 2009, a number of changes were made to the Coordinator listings on the website of Stonewall Libertarians.

Robbie Greenberger (appointed 4/6/07) was removed as the listed Connecticut Coordinator due to his having passed away and Christine Smith (appointed 12/8/06) was removed as the listed Colorado Coordinator in light of her having resigned.

Robert Jonathan Bertram (appointed 7/26/09) was added as the new Massachusetts Coordinator for Stonewall Libertarians.

In addition to these changes, Derek J. Hanson (appointed 7/18/06) was removed as Illinois Coordinator, Joe Nightwalker (appointed 8/2/06) was removed as Oklahoma Coordinator, John Reid (appointed 12/14/06) was removed as Florida Coordinator, and Rocco Fama (appointed 4/19/07) was removed as Vice-President of Stonewall Libertarians New York.

The Stonewall Libertarians website can be viewed at http://www.stonewalllibertarians.org/

Dallwyn Merck Elected President Of Stonewall Libertarians New York

On July 27, 2009, Dallwyn Merck was elected President of Stonewall Libertarians New York replacing Jeff Grizlo, who served as SLNY President since the chapter was chartered on August 4, 2006. Mr. Merck served as Executive Vice-President of Stonewall Libertarians New York from August 4, 2006 through July 27, 2009 when he assumed the Presidency.

In accepting the position, Dallwyn Merck said:

I am honored to have been elected President of Stonewall Libertarians New York. Jeff Grizlo has done an amazing job as President over these past three years and I have learned a lot having served as his Executive Vice-President. I am ready to hit the ground running and to expand the influence and promote the goals of this fine organization.

Dallwyn Merck also serves as Secretary of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, Secretary of the Objectivist Party of New York, and as a Governing Board member of the Objectivist Party.

Stonewall Libertarians, founded on April 20, 1996, is an independent organization of libertarians who believe in being politically active to promote smaller government, lower taxes and more individual freedom. They exist to reach out to all libertarians who are perceived to deviate from the norms of society and to promote tolerance and equality in the Libertarian Party and in society at large. Stonewall Libertarians seeks to be a catalyst to expand the base of the libertarian movement in the United States by bringing together a vast coalition of those who believe in personal freedom.

Stevens Discovers Joan Miro At The Barnes Foundation

While visiting the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Tom Stevens came upon a painting by Joan Miro he thought looked like it might have come from a surrealist artist but was, in fact, something completely different.

Joan Miro i Ferra (April 20, 1893 - December 25, 1983) was a Spanish Catalan painter, sculptor and ceramist born in Barcelona, Spain. Earning international acclaim, his work has been interpreted as Surrealism, a sandbox for the subconscious mind, a re-creation of the childlike, and a manifestation of Catalan pride. In numerous interviews dating from the 1930s onwards, Miro expressed contempt for conventional painting methods and declared an "assassination of painting" in favor of upsetting the visual elements of established painting.

Young Miro was drawn towards the arts community that was gathering in Montparnasse and in 1920 moved to Paris. There, under the influence of the poets and writers, he developed his unique style: organic forms and flattened picture planes drawn with a sharp line. Generally thought of as a Surrealist because of his interest in automatism and the use of sexual symbols, Miro's style was influenced in varying degrees by Surrealism and Dada, yet he rejected membership in any artistic movement in the interwar European years. Andre Breton, the founder of Surrealism, described him as "the most Surrealist of us all".

Photos of his paintings have been uploaded to the Joan Miro Facebook Group located at: http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=8220216143&view=all#/photo_search.php?page=2&oid=8220216143&aid=-1&auser=&view=all

The Facebook Group currently has 1,291 members. I hope you choose to join it.

Enjoy!

Lou Perrotta Removed As Treasurer Of Stonewall Libertarians New York

On July 25, 2009, Lou Perrotta was removed as Treasurer of Stonewall Libertarians New York due to his ceasing to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of his office.

In his capacity as an officer of Stonewall Libertarians New York, Lou Perrotta was responsible for the following:

to reach out to those in the G.L.B.T. community and to others who are gay-friendly to encourage those with libertarian philosophical leanings to become more politically active,

to influence the cultural norms of society to provide greater acceptance of all who may be considered different and to create a more receptive atmosphere for libertarian ideas,

to speak out whenever public officials, public figures or those with leadership positions in political parties make derogatory statements or anti-gay slurs against any individual,

to end governmental interference and discrimination against those perceived to be living a life deviating from the norms of society, and

to sponsor and co-sponsor events that bring together libertarian and libertarian-leaning individuals who are G.L.B.T., gay-friendly and/or tolerant of those with alternative lifestyles.

Jeff Grizlo, President of Stonewall Libertarians New York, made the following comment about Lou Perrotta's service as Treasurer:

Lou Perrotta, a self-described bi-sexual, was appointed Treasurer of Stonewall Libertarians New York upon the recommendation of Dr. Tom Stevens, who founded Stonewall Libertarians. Lou was a clean-cut, energetic, charismatic young man who showed great leadership potential and was extremely enthusiastic about his new post. Dr. Stevens and Mr. Perrotta became fast friends and I know they got together often, went to political events and on at least one occasion took a weekend trip to Rockland County to visit the grave of John Charles Fremont, which is located in Rockland Cemetery.

Over time, Lou seemed to lose interest in fulfilling the responsibilities of his office. The clean-cut image was gone and he seemed to be developing other interests. We kept him in the position of Treasurer in the hopes he would rediscover his enthusiasm. However, this did not happen and we had no choice but to remove him from his position for dereliction of duty.

I have seen this happen before. Someone with great leadership potential loses interest because they start smoking more pot than they should or become addicted to meeting anonymous sexual partners through Craig's List. One guy gained such a reputation he came to be known only as "bottom boy". I have no idea what caused Lou Perrotta's decline but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't something similar.

Lou Perrotta was first appointed to the position of Treasurer of Stonewall Libertarians New York on June 15, 2007.