Lackluster Libertarian Party Candidates For New York State Comptroller Obtain .23% to .98% Of The Total Votes Cast In The Past Five Elections

John Gaetani, Libertarian Party candidate for New York State Comptroller in 2010, obtained a total of 27,897 votes, which was .62% of the 4,475,335 total votes cast. This was a 31.07% decrease from the 40,472 votes obtained by John J. Cain, the New York Libertarian Party's candidate for Comptroller in 2006.

Election results for Libertarian Party candidates for New York State Comptroller have shown no particular trend during the past five (5) statewide elections, with candidates obtaining .23% to .98% of the total votes cast in each particular election. The only thing that can be said is that the LP's candidates lacked direction, political expertise, charisma, a fundraising strategy and the ability to attract media attention. The results reflected this reality.

In 2006, John J. Cain obtained a total of 40,472 votes, which was .98% of the 4,134,973 total votes cast. In 2002, James Eisert obtained a total of 19,235 votes, which was .46% of the 4,157,487 total votes cast. In 1998, Robert M. Goodman obtained a total of 10,310 votes, which was .23% of the 4,421,252 total votes cast. In 1994, Richard L. Geyer obtained a total of 17,986 votes, which was .38% of the 4,642,028 total votes cast.

Dallwyn Merck, Vice-Chair of Downstate Libertarians (a chartered chapter of Empire State Libertarians), reflected on these results as follows:

Too many candidates run for elective office because of an inflated sense of self-worth and to feed their own egos instead of running to inform voters of the practical and beneficial effects of applying libertarian principles to find practical solutions to the real problems facing our state and nation.

Often, these candidates not only have no idea how to run an effective campaign but they also have no idea how to fund raise. This year, John Gaetani, Libertarian Party candidate for New York State Comptroller, often posted requests for campaign contributions but he failed to mention how he intended to use the money or to provide the potential contributor with any insight with respect to his campaign strategy, if he had one at all.

A poor electoral outcome is no surprise when the Libertarian Party runs inexperienced, ego-driven candidates for statewide office instead of highly principled, motivated, charismatic candidates willing to finance a race for all the right reasons.

In the 2010 race for Comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli (Democratic, Working Families) emerged victorious obtaining 2,272,722 votes for 50.78% of the total vote. Harry Wilson (Republican, Independence, Conservative) obtained 2,070,247 votes for 46.26% of the total vote. Julia A. Willebrand (Green) obtained 104,469 votes for 2.34% of the total vote. John Gaetani (Libertarian) obtained 27,897 votes for .62% of the total vote.

In the 2006 race for Comptroller, Alan G. Hevesi (Democratic, Independence, Working Families) emerged victorious obtaining 2,349,578 votes for 56.82% of the total vote. J. Christopher Callaghan (Republican,  Conservative) obtained 1,612,270 votes for 38.99% of the total vote. Julia A. Willebrand (Green) obtained 117,908 votes for 2.85% of the total vote. John J. Cain (Libertarian) obtained 40,472 votes for .98% of the total vote. Willie Cotton (Socialist Workers) obtained 14,745 votes for .36% of the total vote.

In the 2002 race for Comptroller, Alan G. Hevesi (Democratic, Liberal, Working Families) emerged victorious obtaining 2,095,913 votes for 50.41% of the total vote. John Faso (Republican, Independence, Conservative) obtained 1,933,104 votes for 46.50% of the total vote. Garifalia Christea (Right To Life) obtained 61,464 votes for 1.48% of the total vote. Howie Hawkins (Green) obtained 47,771 votes for 1.15% of the total vote. James Eisert (Libertarian) obtained 19,235 votes for .46% of the total vote.

In the 1998 race for Comptroller, H. Carl McCall (Democratic, Independence, Liberal) emerged victorious obtaining 2,862,903 votes for 64.76% of the total vote. Bruce A. Blakeman (Republican, Conservative) obtained 1,423,086 votes for 32.19% of the total vote. Douglas H. Harknett (Right To Life) obtained 70,397 votes for 1.59% of the total vote. Dean Venezia (Marijuana Reform) obtained 39,423 votes for .89% of the total vote. Howie Hawkins (Green) obtained 15,133 votes for .34% of the total vote. Robert M. Goodman (Libertarian) obtained 10,310 votes for .23% of the total vote.

In the 1994 race for Comptroller, H. Carl McCall (Democratic, Liberal) emerged victorious obtaining 2,404,404 votes for 51.80% of the total vote. Herbert I. London (Republican, Conservative, Tax Cut Now, Right To Life) obtained 2,155,759 votes for 46.44% of the total vote. Laureen A. Oliver (Independence Fusion) obtained 53,801 votes for 1.16% of the total vote. Richard L. Geyer (Libertarian) obtained 17,986 votes for .38% of the total vote. Brock Satter (Socialist Workers) obtained 10,078 votes for .22% of the total vote.

Carl E. Person, LP Candidate For New York State Attorney General, Obtained More Votes & A Higher Percentage Of The Total Vote Than LP Candidates Who Ran In 2006, 2002, 1998 & 1994

Carl E. Person, Libertarian Party candidate for New York State Attorney General in 2010, obtained a total of 36,547 votes, which was .82% of the 4,443,423 total votes cast. This was the highest vote total and a higher percentage of total votes than was obtained by Libertarian Party candidates for Attorney General in 2006, 2002, 1998 & 1994.

In 2006, Christopher B. Garvey obtained a total of 29,413 votes, which was .68% of the 4,303,350 total votes cast. In 2002, Daniel A. Conti, Jr. obtained a total of 23,213 votes, which was .56% of the 4,131,437 total votes cast. In 1998, Daniel A. Conti, Jr. obtained a total of 19,864 votes, which was .46% of the 4,325,396 total votes cast. In 1994, Daniel A. Conti, Jr. obtained a total of 19,202 votes, which was .41% of the 4,656,483 total votes cast.

At the most favorable rate of percentage increase, I have calculated the Libertarian Party will be able to obtain just over 50% of the vote for New York State Attorney General in the year 2154. Of course, all elections are unique so the New York State Libertarian Party may be able to elect its candidate to the office of Attorney General at a time sooner or later than this estimated date.

In the 2010 race for Attorney General, Eric T. Schneiderman (Democratic, Independence, Working Families) emerged victorious obtaining 2,479,464 votes for 55.80% of the total vote. Dan Donovan (Republican, Conservative) obtained 1,909,284 votes for 42.97% of the total vote. Carl E. Person (Libertarian) obtained 36,547 votes for .82% of the total vote. Ramon J. Jimenez (Freedom) obtained 18,128 votes for .41% of the total vote.

In the 2006 race for Attorney General, Andrew M. Cuomo (Democratic, Working Families) emerged victorious obtaining 2,509,311 votes for 58.31% of the total vote. Jeanine Pirro (Republican, Independence, Conservative) obtained 1,692,580 votes for 39.33% of the total vote. Rachel Treichler (Green) obtained 61,849 votes for 1.44% of the total vote. Christopher B. Garvey (Libertarian) obtained 29,413 votes for .68% of the total vote. Martin Koppel (Socialist Workers) obtained 10,197 votes for .24% of the total vote.

In the 2002 race for Attorney General, Eliot L. Spitzer (Democratic, Independence, Liberal, Working Families) emerged victorious obtaining 2,744,302 votes for 66.43% of the total vote. Dora Irizarry (Republican, Conservative) obtained 1,234,899 votes for 29.89% of the total vote. John J. Broderick (Right To Life) obtained 78,268 votes for 1.89% of the total vote. Mary Jo Long (Green) obtained 50,755 votes for 1.23% of the total vote. Daniel A. Conti, Jr. (Libertarian) obtained 23,213 votes for .56% of the total vote.

In the 1998 race for Attorney General, Eliot L. Spitzer (Democratic, Liberal) emerged victorious obtaining 2,084,948 votes for 48.20% of the total vote. Dennis C. Vacco (Republican, Conservative) obtained 2,059,762 votes for 47.62% of the total vote. Catherine Abate (Independence) obtained 81,439 votes for 1.88% of the total vote. Robert W. Dapelo (Right To Life) obtained 60,399 votes for 1.40% of the total vote. Daniel A. Conti, Jr. (Libertarian) obtained 19,864 votes for .46% of the total vote. Johann L. Moore (Green) obtained 18,984 votes for .44% of the total vote.

In the 1994 race for Attorney General, Dennis C. Vacco (Republican, Conservative, Tax Cut Now) emerged victorious obtaining 2,294,528 votes for 49.28% of the total vote. Karen S. Burstein (Democratic, Liberal) obtained 2,206,188 votes for 47.38% of the total vote. Alfred I. Skidmore (Right To Life) obtained 85,649 votes for 1.84% of the total vote. James M. Hartman (Independence Fusion) obtained 37,500 votes for .80% of the total vote. Daniel A. Conti, Jr. (Libertarian) obtained 19,202 votes for .41% of the total vote. Nancy H. Rosenstock (Socialist Workers) obtained 13,416 votes for .29% of the total vote.

A Divided New York Libertarian Party Fails To Obtain 50,000 Votes

Mark Axinn, NYLP Chair, reported the following on December 13, 2010:

The Board of Elections has certified the total votes cast for Libertarian candidates Warren Redlich and Alden Link at 48,386 -- only 1614 shy of the 50,000 required for ballot status.

Dr. Tom Stevens, Political Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, the largest chartered chapter in New York State, provided the following comment:

This is a disappointing but not unexpected result. In a year when the New York Libertarian Party should have finally obtained ballot access, that opportunity was lost through the actions of those who placed their own personal interests above those of the party.

In the pre-NYLP State Convention stage, those pushing for the nomination of Warren Redlich as the LP's gubernatorial candidate denied Kristin Davis and Sam Sloan, two other contenders, from being able to communicate with the 400+ state party members eligible to vote at the State Convention. Without the ability to campaign and to encourage those individuals to attend the State Convention, the nomination was handed to Redlich with only 27 delegates voting for him. Then to make matters worse, the actual vote on the gubernatorial nomination was conducted on the "honor system" and actual evidence of fraud was uncovered. Ms. Davis ended up running for Governor on the Anti-Prohibition Party line obtaining more than 22,000 votes. Sam Sloan chose a legal remedy and started two actions that were ultimately dismissed on technical grounds.

In the post-NYLP State Convention stage, the State Committee of the New York Libertarian Party suspended the memberships of Dr. Tom Stevens and Sam Sloan, the unanimously elected State Representatives for the Queens LP and the Manhattan LP, respectively. These actions alienated the memberships of both chapters, the largest and second largest LP chapters in New York State, causing many of its members to provide lukewarm support for the candidacy of Warren Redlich and for other LP nominated candidates. Two Congressional Candidates and Three New York State Assembly Candidates nominated by the Queens LP and Manhattan LP failed to obtain a sufficient number of petition signatures to qualify for a place on the November ballot.

Another result of this division was coordinated action that took place between Sam Sloan and the Kristin Davis campaign with Roger Stone crediting Mr. Sloan for providing him with the information Mr. Stone ultimately used against Redlich in flyers mailed out by an independent organization dealing with Mr. Redlich's alleged defense of adults having sex with minors. Mr. Redlich's campaign claimed the flyers were defamatory but no lawsuit has yet been instituted by Warren Redlich against those who put out the flyers.

Had the New York Libertarian Party not been divided, I have no doubt this is the year the LP in New York State would have obtained 50,000 votes in the gubernatorial race and ballot access for the next four (4) years.

On November 11, 2010, the Executive Committee of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, the largest LP chapter in New York State, unanimously adopted the following statement regarding why, in its opinion, the NYLP failed to obtain 50,000 votes in this gubernatorial election:

It is the formal opinion of the Libertarian Party of Queens County that one of the main reasons the New York Libertarian Party failed to obtain 50,000 votes in the gubernatorial election in 2010 is because of intentional flaws built into the gubernational nomination process and due to the fact that the party was split after the State Committee took action to suspend the State Party memberships of Dr. Tom Stevens (Queens LP State Representative) and Sam Sloan (Manhattan LP State Representative).

The gubernatorial nomination process was flawed in two ways: first, gubernatorial nomination contenders Sam Sloan and Kristin Davis were denied the opportunity to communicate with the 400+ potential voting delegates to promote their candidacies with them and to encourage them to attend the NYLP State Convention in April, 2010. As a result, Kristin Davis did not attend the NYLP State Convention (eventually running for governor as the candidate of the Anti-Prohibition Party) and Sam Sloan instituted a number of law suits to expose the rigged nomination process. Warren Redlich was handed the gubernatorial nomination with only 27 delegates voting in his favor. In addition, the election process itself was run on the "honor system" where anyone could place one or more votes into a passing hat regardless of whether they were legally entitled to vote. Evidence of actual fraud had been collected by Sam Sloan but his lawsuits were dismissed on technical grounds and the validity of his substantive arguments were never litigated.

Had the process been fair, it is possible Kristin Davis would have been the Libertarian Party's gubernatorial nominee or she might have agreed to run for another statewide position on our slate. In that case, she would not have formed her own pro-libertarian Anti-Prohibition Party and a good portion of the 22,000+ votes she got on the Anti-Prohibition Party might have been cast on the Libertarian Party line giving us the extra 5,000 votes we needed to obtain "minor party" status and permanent ballot access for the next 4 years. In addition, all the negative publicity that resulted from Sam Sloan's lawsuits and from the anti-Redlich flyers and e-mails would not have materialized.

For pointing out flaws in the gubernatorial nomination process and for highlighting the lack of professionalism present in the State Party, the State Party memberships of Dr. Tom Stevens (Queens LP State Representative) and Sam Sloan (Manhattan LP State Representative) were suspended by the State Committee. The Manhattan LP also suspended the membership of Sam Sloan and Dr. Tom Stevens was asked to resign. These unwarranted actions by the State Party and the Manhattan LP resulted in a major split within the party that destroyed the unity that would have been necessary to take maximum advantage of the potential this election held for us to obtain 50,000 votes in the gubernatorial election. This unique potential existed for three reasons: first, the fact that minor party candidates were included in the gubernatorial debate; second, the new ballots made finding the LP candidates easier; and third, since Andrew Cuomo's victory was a lock, there was no 'wasted vote" syndrome that influenced how people voted. Yet, because of the disunity, many people were turned off to the LP, costing the NYLP much bad publicity and certainly the loss of a number of votes.

The Libertarian Party of Queens County believes that once again, the dysfunctional leadership of the State Libertarian Party laid the groundwork for yet another lost opportunity.

The next chance the New York Libertarian Party will have to obtain 50,000 votes and permanent ballot status for four (4) years will be in 2014.

Stonewall Libertarians New York Accuses Libertarian Party In New York State Of Anti-Gay Bias, Discrimination & Defamation

Dallwyn Merck, President of Stonewall Libertarians New York, wrote to Mark Axinn, Chair of the New York Libertarian Party, on December 6, 2010 asking him to take steps to end bias, discrimination and defamation against Gays in the New York State Libertarian Party that has taken place for nearly a decade.

In a resignation letter to Mark Axinn, New York State Libertarian Party Chair and Manhattan Libertarian Party Secretary/Treasurer, Dallwyn Merck wrote:

I am sickened by the anti-gay comments and bias exhibited privately and expressed publicly during the past decade by a number of individuals in leadership positions in the New York State Libertarian Party and the Manhattan Libertarian Party.  I can no longer in good conscience remain silent while these activities continue to take place. This has been the primary reason I have not re-joined the State Party and as of today, I am resigning my membership in the Manhattan Libertarian Party.

I am sure you are aware of the bias, discrimination and defamation of which I speak since I am not the first person to raise this issue. Up until now, the only response you and the NYLP leadership have given again and again over the years is to deny that any such discrimination is taking place.

A number of single men who have been active in the gay rights movement have been viciously attacked and driven from their positions in the New York State Libertarian Party. In private back-water e-mails and in public party forums, such men, who were assumed to be gay, have been routinely called child molesters and pedophiles. They have been driven from youth leadership positions within the party on the grounds that their contact with young people might "open the party to possible liability" and when one such individual sought the nomination of the New York Libertarian Party for the office of Attorney General, party leaders explicitly spread rumors that said individual could harm the party and bring it bad publicity. These rumors were again based on the assumption that those perceived to be gay are all potential pedophiles and child molesters.

There has been a concerted effort over the years to harass these intelligent and charismatic individuals and drive them from the party. The fact that they stayed as long as they did in the party is a testament to their thick skin and their commitment to the cause of liberty. 

I know your response will be the same response you have always given. Deny. Deny. Deny. You will point to one "pet gay" and say, 'See, we treat that one in a friendly manner', or else you will claim that actions taken against Gay members of the party can be justified on some objective grounds. What you cannot do, however, is to deny the public defamatory statements that have been posted over the years to public party lists.

Just to give you one recent example, Christopher Cantwell, an At-Large Representative of the State Committee of the New York Libertarian Party who is currently in jail, said the following about a completely innocent individual active in the Queens LP who is perceived to be gay:

"If X was directly accused of raping little boys while he was in fact keeping company with little boys...I'd say this is rather serious. And given X's record in the LP of aggression, fraud, dishonesty, slander, and general sociopathic tendencies, I'm rather alarmed that we have kept company with him for so long. Maybe X's idea of Liberty is lubricating young Republicans. I also want to know if X has been using his position in the LP...to lure underage children into sexual encounters with him. So what is it X? Are you just a lying, cheating, sociopath? Or are you in fact a raping murdering agent provocateur too? In either case, this man is so filthy, his proximity to us alone is a serious problem...he needs to be shunned, we need to let the public know that we don't take kindly to raping, murdering, lying, cheating, agent provocateur, sociopaths who...make up organizations...for the purpose of luring innocent children into sexual encounters. In the end, it doesn't matter if X is a child raping murderer, or just a fraud and extortionist, he is a dangerous criminal with serious psychological problems either way."

This is only one example of hundreds that have been posted publicly over the years. You must take responsibility for this continuing discrimination and finally do something about it. 

Jeff Grizlo, Executive Vice-President of Rising Action and a former member of the NYLP and LPQC, responded to Dallwyn Merck's allegations by stating:

I am very pleased that someone has finally spoken out about the extreme discrimination that has been faced by Gays in the New York Libertarian Party.

I served as President of Stonewall Libertarians New York from August 4, 2006 until July 27, 2009 at which point Dallwyn Merck took over as President of the New York Chapter. During the time I was both a member of the New York Libertarian Party and Stonewall Libertarians, I personally observed the anti-Gay comments that were publicly made and I can confirm all of the facts that have been relayed by Mr. Merck to NYLP Chair Mark Axinn. However, I do want to say that Mr. Merck has whitewashed the situation as it existed and presently exists in the New York Libertarian Party. The fact is that the situation is far worse than he has described it to be. The defamation I have seen is actionable and the only reason people don't sue is, in my opinion, because they don't wish to bring further public attention to such outrageous claims and allegations.

I couldn't take it any longer and resigned my membership in the New York Libertarian Party. I have no idea how any Gays can stand being around such despicable people. This is the 21st century and intolerance of this magnitude belongs in the dustbin of history.

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. It exists 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.

John Clifton, LPQC Chair, Resigns Manhattan LP Membership In Protest Over Its Treatment Of Stevens & Sloan

John Clifton, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Queens County who previously served three terms as New York Libertarian Party State Chair and was the 2010 NYLP Candidate for United States Senator against Kirsten Gillibrand, announced his resignation as a member of the Manhattan Libertarian Party, effective November 30, 2010, in protest of its treatment of MLP members Sam Sloan and Dr. Tom Stevens.

In a resignation letter to Mark Axinn, New York State Libertarian Party Chair and Manhattan Libertarian Party Secretary/Treasurer, John Clifton wrote:

Upon reflection on the recent statements of Alden Link upon his resignation from the Manhattan Libertarian Party, I have also decided to resign from the MLP effective today, due to disappointment with, among other things, how members of its executive committee handled issues surrounding Sam Sloan's removal from the elected position as their representative to the LPNY state committee, and Tom Stevens' resignation from MLP. These were proud members of MLP, and are proud members of LPQC. I feel that we have treated members of our family badly.

I have heard both sides of each matter, and tend to side with MLP officers on the substance of their complaints about Sam, but feel it was not the call of the executive committee to remove him by an
internal vote, or to support the use of the suspension procedure used by the State Committee to expel him. I specifically advised this past summer that as an elected officer of MLP, under the county bylaws, it would require a convention vote to properly replace him as state rep.

I recommended a special convention be held if they wished to accomplish this quickly, but this option was ignored. Sloan also offered ways to de-escalate the matter that were rejected. The urge to punish and remove Sam appears to have superseded following a process that was within the bylaws, that would accept peace offerings short of punishment, or one that would allow the body to determine the fate of the state rep they elected.

As for Stevens, I am in agreement with a statement he has already widely distributed about the circumstances of his resignation from MLP, and call for the same remedies he identified as needed.

Although some would state it is time to "move on," I would reply that it is always easier to say that from the perspective of the truck driver, after running over pedestrians a mile back. So long as the same dynamic is in place that created the run over, nothing has truly "moved on."

I urge the executive committee to move forward and correct the matter by apologizing to Sam and Tom, and inviting them to rejoin.

Dr. Tom Stevens, LPQC Political Director, responded to John Clifton's resignation as follows:

There is no reason why the Libertarian Party of Queens County and the Manhattan Libertarian Party, the first and second largest LP chapters in New York State, respectively, should not be peacefully cooperating in productive ways to advance the cause of liberty. 

Whatever political and personal problems existed between individuals on a statewide level, there were no problems between the Manhattan LP and the Queens LP until the MLP Libertarian Ruling Junta (a.k.a. MLP County Committee) decided to illegally remove Sam Sloan as the MLP's unanimously elected State Representative through the back door of suspending his membership and decided to declare war on the Queens LP by asking its Political Director to resign as an MLP member. 

Both Sam Sloan and Dr. Tom Stevens were proud members of the Manhattan Libertarian Party. Dr. Stevens served multiple times as its elected State Representative. Neither individual took any action against the Manhattan LP, its purposes or objectives. The MLP started this war and it is within their power to end it. Mark Axinn continues to speak about moving on but there can and will be no moving on. No Justice! No Peace!

Alden Link, LPQC Member and the Libertarian Party's candidate for Lt. Governor of New York State in 2010, resigned his membership in the Manhattan Libertarian Party on November 23, 2010.

Alden Link Appointed Vice-Chair of New York State's Personal Freedom Party

On December 1, 2010, Alden Link was appointed Vice-Chair of the Personal Freedom Party. Alden Link is currently Chair of Hudson River Valley Libertarians (covering Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia & Greene counties in New York State). Hudson River Valley Libertarians is a chartered chapter of Empire State Libertarians.

The Personal Freedom Party was founded by Dr. Tom Stevens on June 6, 2010. Its initial focus is to recruit candidates to run for pubic office in New York State and to run a full slate of statewide candidates in 2014 with the goal of obtaining 50,000 votes for its gubernatorial nominee so the party can obtain "minor party" status under New York State's election law.

On November 5, 2010, the Personal Freedom Party announced its support for the:

Legalization of Marijuana
Decriminalization of Prostitution
Legalization of Gambling
Lowering of the Voting Age
Legalization of Gay Marriage
Elimination of Excessive Taxation
Elimination of Excessive Regulation

On November 11, 2010, the Personal Freedom Party adopted the following Slogan:

Tell Your Children! Fight The Menace! Kill The Devil! Save The Country!

The phrase was used in the song "Reefer Madness" from Reefer Madness: The Musical, which is a musical satire of the 1938 cult movie classic Tell Your Children (now commonly referred to as Reefer Madness).

In announcing the appointment of Alden Link as Vice-Chair of the Personal Freedom Party, Dr. Tom Stevens, Personal Freedom Party Founder, said:

The appointment of Alden Link as Vice-Chair of the Personal Freedom Party allows him to lend his considerable political experience and wisdom to our organizing efforts. Not only is Mr. Link a successful businessman and aviator, he was also the Objectivist Party's Vice-Presidential Candidate in 2008 and the New York State Libertarian Party's Lt. Governor Candidate in 2010.  

The Personal Freedom Party is currently active in New York State. It is chaired by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens, who currently serves as the Political Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County. Dr. Stevens also founded Libertarian Patriots and Empire State Libertarians and recently served two-terms on the LPUS's Judicial Committee (2006-2010).

Libertarian Party Selects Las Vegas As The Host City For Its 2012 National Convention

The Libertarian Party's National Committee voted on November 21, 2010 to hold the Libertarian Party's next National Convention from May 4-6, 2012 at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa is located 11 miles from the Las Vegas Strip at 11011 West Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada 89135. The Hotel provides free shuttle service to and from McCarran International Airport (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) and to and from the Hotel and the Fashion Show Mall just off the Las Vegas Strip (11:40 a.m. to 9:40 p.m.). The shuttles run every two hours although the hotel has promised to increase the frequency of its shuttle to and from the airport during the Libertarian Party's Presidential Nominating Convention. If you choose to take a taxi to or from the airport, the ride will cost you approximately $60.00 not including tip. The hotel has a pool that is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. The negotiated discounted price for the hotel rooms have not yet been announced.

A number of individuals have expressed their happiness with the selection of Las Vegas as the site of the next LPUS National Convention but felt the hotel selected should have been on or just off the Las Vegas Strip so delegates could take full advantage of the buffets and entertainment Las Vegas has to offer. In response, Aaron Starr, the former Treasurer of the Libertarian Party, wrote:

Members of the LNC toured both the Paris and Bally’s hotels in Las Vegas back in July. I attended those tours. There was one location where the ceiling was too low (you want it to be at least 20 feet). It would have been bad for folks at the back of the room (the jumbo screens in front wouldn’t fit) and it would be less than ideal from the view of the media’s camera lens. There was also the sense that these hotels were actually too large for us to be a significant presence and our ability to negotiate a good package would be diminished.

The really nice hotels are not at all willing to deal. The price for our delegates would have been outrageous. Others inquiries were made with other hotels a year earlier and many were not willing to deal with us because our size was insignificant.

Alden Link, a contender for the Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination in 2008, said:

I agree with Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder of Libertarian Patriots and former two-term LPUS Judicial Committee Member (2006-2010), that the host hotel for the Libertarian Party's 2012 National Convention should have been on or just off the Las Vegas Strip. I do not doubt some effort was made to find a hotel on the Strip that could accommodate our needs. However, I believe the LNC gave up too soon. There are scores of hotels located on or just off the Las Vegas Strip that host conventions of our size every day. I am confident an appropriate venue could have been found that would have allowed attending convention delegates to wander out onto the Strip during breaks for food and fun. 

The Libertarian Party will select its Presidential Candidate during the upcoming May 4-6, 2012 National Convention. Listed here are former Libertarian Party Presidential Candidates together with the year they ran, their popular vote total and the percentage of the total vote they garnered:

1972 John Hospers (3,674) <0.1% 

1976 Roger MacBride (172,553) 0.21% 

1980 Ed Clark (921,128) 1.1% 

1984 David Bergland (228,111) 0.3% 

1988 Ron Paul (431,750) 0.5% 

1992 Andre Marrou (290,087) 0.3% 

1996 Harry Browne (485,759) 0.5% 

2000 Harry Browne (384,431) 0.4% 

2004 Michael Badnarik (397,265) 0.32% 

2008 Bob Barr (523,686) 0.4%

The Libertarian Party was formed in Colorado Springs, Colorado in the home of David Nolan on December 11, 1971.

USS Rebel Crusader Mentioned In Wall Street Journal Article Covering Brooklyn Chili Takedown

The USS Rebel Crusader, a Star Trek/Sci-Fi fandom ship associated with the Pride Power Imperium, was mentioned in an article published in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, November 23, 2010. The article dealt with a Brooklyn Chili Takedown that took place in Park Slope on Sunday, November 21, 2010.

The article, entitled "In Brooklyn, a Chili in the Air" by Andy Battaglia, can be found at:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704243904575630872363195574.html

The relevant quotation from the article is the following:

Tom Stevens, a lawyer from Queens, learned about the event by way of a "Star Trek"/science-fiction "fan ship" on the internet called the USS Rebel Crusader, for which he serves as Commanding Officer. "My mom is always watching the food channels, so I think that influenced me," Mr. Stevens said of his decision to attend his first food competition. "But I'm very egotistic. I make my own judgments." Asked how he felt after eating so much chili, he replied, "I'm a little hot right now."

The USS Rebel Crusader is a Star Trek/Sci-Fi/Action Hero fandom ship associated with the Pride Power Imperium. It is a time ship equipped with ablative armour, phase cloaking and stealth technology. All members of its genetically enhanced crew have a life span of between 200-250 years and have enhanced strength, intelligence, health, virility and looks. The male members of the crew are also particularly well-endowed. The USS Rebel Crusader holds meetings, sponsors events, goes to movies, attends conventions, and shares sci-fi information as well as hard science news.

The ship's Yahoo Group is located at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/USS_RebelCrusader

The USS Rebel Crusader's slogan is "Semper Erectus". Its motto is "Never Go Off Half-Cocked" and its adopted quotation is "Wrong thinking is punishable; Right thinking will be as quickly rewarded!" (The Keeper - Talos IV)

Alden Link Resigns MLP Membership In Protest To Its Treatment Of LPQC Members Sam Sloan & Dr. Tom Stevens

On November 23, 2010, Alden Link, the Libertarian Party's Candidate for Lt. Governor of New York State in 2010, resigned his membership in the Manhattan Libertarian Party in protest to the way it and the New York Libertarian Party has treated Libertarian Party of Queens County members Sam Sloan and Dr. Tom Stevens.

In an e-mail to Mark Axinn, New York Libertarian Party Chair and Manhattan Libertarian Party Secretary/Treasurer, Alden Link wrote the following:

I am saddened by the dispute between the LPQC and the MLP, with Tom Stevens and Sam Sloan in particular being victimized by the NYLP and MLP.

I feel my continued membership in the MLP is not in my best interests or that of the LPQC. Therefore, I hereby tender my resignation from the Manhattan Libertarian Party.

Should the two groups reconcile their differences with apologies to Tom and Sam, I would certainly reconsider this decision.

Dr. Tom Stevens, LPQC Political Director, responded as follows:

I appreciate Alden Link ending his association with the Manhattan Libertarian Party. The MLP's County Committee declared war on the Queens LP by asking its Political Director to resign his membership and by suspending the membership of Sam Sloan, a prominent LPQC member, who was unanimously elected by the MLP membership to be its State Representative. In addition to that, Mark Axinn, as NYLP Chair, spoke in favor of forming a Special Committee to investigate charges against John Procida, the former LPQC Chair, as a prelude to taking action to suspend Procida's State Party membership, as was just done to former LPQC State Representative Dr. Tom Stevens, and LPQC member Sam Sloan, who the LPQC endorsed as its candidate for governor.

Mark Axinn believes the insults and injuries to the LPQC can just be swept under the rug and that by taking no further aggressive actions against the Queens LP leadership, that all will simply be forgiven. This will not happen!

I can confidently say the Libertarian Party of Queens County seeks peaceful, friendly relations with the Manhattan Libertarian Party. All that is required to restore good relations is an apology to Sam Sloan and myself with an invitation extended to us to rejoin the Manhattan Libertarian Party. 

Mark Axinn and the County Committee of the Manhattan Libertarian Party created this situation and it is within their power to resolve it. However, without justice, there can and will be no peace!

Alden Link is a member of the Libertarian Party of Queens County and is Chair of the Hudson River Valley Libertarians (covering Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia & Greene counties), a chapter of Empire State Libertarians.

Sam Sloan Shafted By The Manhattan LP's "Libertarian Ruling Junta"

What happens to a State Representative elected by the membership of the Manhattan Libertarian Party when he is not a member of and chooses to ignore the advice of the MLP's "Libertarian Ruling Junta"? The answer? He gets shafted, suspended and spirited out the door! That is what happened to Sam Sloan, who was unanimously elected by the membership of the Manhattan Libertarian Party at its Annual Convention held in January, 2010 at the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant located in Manhattan.

In late January, 2010, Sam Sloan announced he would run for the gubernatorial nomination of the Libertarian Party against Warren Redlich and Kristin Davis. When Davis and Sloan were denied the opportunity to communicate with the 400+ eligible voting delegates to encourage them to attend the NYLP Annual Convention and to support their candidacies, Kristin Davis dropped out of the "rigged" process and formed her own party, eventually running for governor as the candidate of the Anti-Prohibition Party. After 27 delegates handed Warren Redlich the Libertarian Party's gubernatorial nomination in an election run by Mark Axinn on the "honor system", Sam Sloan instituted two lawsuits, which were eventually dismissed on technicalities.

Ron Moore - Manhattan LP Chair and Mark Axinn - MLP Secretary/Treasurer consider themselves part of the entrenched leadership of the Manhattan LP and refer to themselves affectionately as the Libertarian Ruling Junta reflecting their perception of themselves as an entrenched anti-democratic force. They requested that Sam Sloan, the elected MLP State Representative, terminate his lawsuits, that he stop criticizing Warren Redlich, and eventually that he resign. Sam Sloan sought advice from Dr. Tom Stevens, the elected State Representative from the Libertarian Party of Queens County. Dr. Stevens told Sam Sloan that he was elected by the membership and that he is answerable only to them. Dr. Stevens reminded Mr. Sloan that the County Committee of the Manhattan Libertarian Party did not select him to be the MLP State Representative and that they could not dictate to him what stands he should take, what words he can speak and certainly cannot force his resignation. Article VI, Section 7 of the MLP bylaws provide a procedure for an "officer" to be impeached for good cause by a 3/4 vote of the County Committee but the State Representative is not an "officer" according to the MLP bylaws and is therefore not subject to this provision. Dr. Stevens advised Mr. Sloan to do as he saw fit and to represent MLP members to the best of his abilities and according to his own judgment.

The County Committee then voted to "suspend" Sam Sloan's membership in the Manhattan Libertarian Party, effective August 11, 2010, as a back-door method of shafting him and removing him from his position as the elected State Representative. In an e-mail to Dr. Stevens, Mark Axinn set forth the grounds for Sam Sloan's suspension.

Mark Axinn said:

He was suspended in part because he refused to resign as State Committee rep. when requested to do so. I believe the by-laws are ambiguous on whether the State rep. can be removed like other officers can be, and that is something we must clean up at the next Convention.

Justification for Sam's removal is crystal clear and, unlike the State Committee action against you, I personally supported it without hesitation. I have helped Sam and defended him against others for a long time and his response was to sue the LPNY and me. He has caused me to spend over $5000 of my own time on his two bullshit lawsuits, which even if the claims therein were true (which they are not) does not justify his use of the State against me, the LPNY and its duly nominated choice for Governor.

I warned Sam about a million times what was happening and he ignored me and flouted my advice, perhaps taking the wrong advice from others and perhaps on his own initiative. That was his decision.

The problem is that Article IV, Section 3 of the MLP bylaws allows only three grounds for the suspension of the membership of an MLP member and Sam Sloan was in violation of none of those provisions. The three grounds are:

1. follows a continued public course of action which they should reasonably know to be contrary to the Objectives and Principles of the MLP as set forth in Articles II and III of these By-Laws;

2. claims to represent the MLP while they should reasonably know they have no such authority; or

3. knowingly, seriously and repeatedly disrupts meetings or activities of the MLP.

Clearly Sam Sloan did not represent the MLP without authority and he certainly did not disrupt any meetings or activities of the MLP so what about following a "continued public course of action" contrary to the Objectives and Principles of the MLP? Well let's look at Articles II and III:

Article II: Objectives

The MLP is a political organization that has as its primary objective the extension of individual freedom to its furthest limits, subject to reasonable prohibitions to prevent the initiation of force and perpetration of fraud. In recognition of the fact that the initiation of force by government has been an instrument for the expropriation of individual rights and freedom, which has in turn caused or enable much unnecessary suffering in human society, the MLP enters the political arena for the avowed purpose of limiting the intervention of government to the prevention or violence against person and property, as well as fraud, and the development and protection of property rights.

Article III: Principles

1. That each individual possesses the inalienable right to life, liberty, justly acquired property and the pursuit of happiness.

2. That no person or institution, public or private, has the right to initiate the use of physical force against another absent the justifications mentioned herein.

3. That all individuals are entitled to choose their own lifestyles, as long as they do not forcibly or unduly impose their values on the property or person of others.

4. That the only moral basis of politics is the development, preservation and protection of individual rights. 

5. That the voluntary and unrestricted exchange of goods and services is fundamental to a peaceful and harmonious society.

Sam Sloan, the elected State Representative for the Manhattan Libertarian Party, clearly did not engage in a "continued public course of action...contrary to the Objectives and Principles of the MLP" and in fact, you could argue that by instituting lawsuits to expose fraud, he was acting in a manner consistent with the Objectives and Principles of the MLP. In addition, his failing to resign when the Libertarian Ruling Junta asked him to provides no grounds for his membership suspension under the MLP bylaws.

Despite these facts, a Suspension Hearing was held. Majoritarian Tyranny voted to Shaft Sloan and by suspending his membership, the County County effectively removed him as the State Representative of the Manhattan LP, appointing in his place Eric Sundwall, a resident of the Capital District LP, who also was serving as the Campaign Manager of Warren Redlich.

Abuse of power should be condemned especially when it takes place in a Libertarian Party organization. Sam Sloan and the membership of the Manhattan Libertarian Party are owed a formal apology for the authoritarian actions taken by the County Committee of the MLP in violation of the provisions of their own By-Laws.

Dan Halloran - The 1st Governor Elected On The Libertarian Party Line?

New York City Council Member Dan Halloran represents 161,000 constituents and is the highest elected Libertarian Party official in the nation elected from a single district in a partisan race. He ran as a fusion candidate and appeared on the ballot in 2009 as the candidate of the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Libertarian Parties. He credits the Libertarian Party for giving him the votes he needed to win since the number of votes he received on the Republican Party line alone were insufficient to beat his Democratic opponent. What is the next step for Dan Halloran and how might he end up becoming the first Libertarian Party candidate to be elected Governor of a state?

On Saturday, November 13, 2010, Dan Halloran was the guest speaker of the Libertarian Party of Queens County. During that meeting, he mentioned his commitment to serve as a New York City Council Member for only two terms even though he is eligible to serve for three terms under the grandfather clause attached to the amendments to the New York City Charter, which were approved this year. He also mentioned during his speech that he may be called upon to run for State Senate in the 11th Senatorial District since 38 year incumbent Republican Party member Frank Padavan lost that seat this year. If he does run for the State Senate, he will be able to do so in 2012 without risking his City Council seat, which is up for re-election in 2013.

If Dan Halloran won the State Senate seat in 2012, he could run for Attorney General of the State of New York in 2014 and then run for Governor in 2018, at the earliest. While my time line may be off, I believe the path I have spelled out is a reasonable one to give Dan Halloran a shot at becoming Governor of the State of New York. While addressing the Libertarian Party of Queens County, Mr. Halloran stated he believed the Libertarian Party's first Governor would be an individual running as a fusion candidate with our endorsement. Of course, Queens LP members shouted they'd like that person to be Dan Halloran himself.

Dan Halloran is a member of the Libertarian Party of Queens County and the national Libertarian Party. He attended the Libertarian Party's National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri in 2010 as a delegate from New York State.

John Procida Resigns As LPQC Chair Calling The New York State Libertarian Party "Worthless, Good-For-Nothing & Ineffectual"

John Procida, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, resigned from his position as LPQC Chair on Saturday, October 9, 2010 after the State Committee of the New York Libertarian Party failed to provide him with the written apology he had demanded. Mr. Procida was upset that the State Committee had formed a Special Committee to investigate whether to suspend his membership in the State Party.

John Procida was the third member of the Libertarian Party of Queens County to be targeted in this manner since June, 2010. Dr. Tom Stevens, LPQC State Representative, was the first LPQC member to have his State Party membership suspended by the State Committee. In response, Dr. Stevens resigned his Life Membership in the New York Libertarian Party. Sam Sloan, an LPQC member who also was the elected State Representative for the Manhattan Libertarian Party, was the second LPQC member who was targeted. His membership was also suspended and he chose not to appeal that decision.

After not receiving the apology he requested, Mr. Procida decided to sever his ties with the State Party, which necessitated his resignation as LPQC Chair since maintaining his State Party membership is a requirement for his serving in that position. When announcing his resignation, he called the State Party "worthless", "good-for-nothing" and "ineffectual".

John Procida announced his resignation as LPQC Chair at the Executive Committee Meeting of the Libertarian Party of Queens County that was held on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Bohemian Hall in Astoria, New York.

Personal Freedom Party Adopts Slogan

On November 11, 2010, the Personal Freedom Party adopted the following Slogan:

Tell Your Children! Fight The Menace! Kill The Devil! Save The Country!

The phrase was used in the song "Reefer Madness" from Reefer Madness: The Musical, which is a musical satire of the 1938 cult movie classic Tell Your Children (now commonly referred to as Reefer Madness).

The Personal Freedom Party was founded by Dr. Tom Stevens on June 6, 2010. Its initial focus is to recruit candidates to run for pubic office in New York State as well as to seek out pro-liberty individuals willing to serve in leadership positions.

The Personal Freedom Party's main objective is to run a full slate of statewide candidates in 2014 and to obtain 50,000 votes for its gubernatorial nominee so the party can obtain "minor party" status under the election law of the State of New York.

Stevens Will Not Organize For Ron Paul This Presidential Election Cycle

Given the high probably that Ron Paul will again seek the nomination of the Republican Party for President in 2012, Dr. Tom Stevens has announced he will not serve as an Organizer or Coordinator on behalf of the Ron Paul Campaign in any official or unofficial capacity.

In 2007 and 2008, Dr. Stevens served as Political Consultant and New York Coordinator for the independent Paul For President Coalition. In that capacity, he formed scores of Ron Paul Meetup Groups throughout the country and ran them until local activists could take them over. He then formed additional Ron Paul Meetup Groups and repeated the process. He provided critical political expertise that resulted in developing extensive grassroots support for the candidacy of Ron Paul. Press Releases were sent out, Conference Calls were held. Yahoo Groups were formed and County Coordinators were appointed throughout the nation. Major fundraising competitions were held and new activists were trained in how to be effective getting out the message to potential voters.

Dr. Stevens also formed the Paul Power organization and Ron Paul's Liberty Corps to promote the Ron Paul Presidential Campaign. These two groups provided the Ron Paul Campaign with many local activists and staffers and they worked to promote the numerous Money Bombs that proved to be so important in getting the message out to potential voters during the Presidential Primary Season.

When making this announcement, Dr. Stevens said:

I do not want my decision to be interpreted as a lack of support for another Ron Paul candidacy. If Dr. Paul won the Republican Presidential Nomination, which is possible, I believe that would be a great advance for pro-liberty political forces in this country. I originally got involved in 2007 to support Ron Paul at a time when no grassroots organization existed. I offered my time and political expertise to build support for his candidacy and in this regard, I believe I made a significant contribution. During this Presidential Election Cycle, I can focus my attention on other political activities I am committed to and can do so with the confidence that others are now in place to do what will be necessary in the weeks and months ahead.

Dr. Tom Stevens is a registered Republican Party member residing in New York State. He is the Founder of Empire State Libertarians and Libertarian Patriots. He is also the Political Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County.

Personal Freedom Party Adopts Platform

On November 5, 2010, the Personal Freedom Party, founded by Thomas Robert Stevens, announced the adoption of a Platform it intends to use as a candidate recruitment tool and as the basis for future campaigns for public office.

The Personal Freedom Party Platform includes support for the:

Legalization of Marijuana
Decriminalization of Prostitution
Legalization of Gambling
Lowering of the Voting Age
Legalization of Gay Marriage
Elimination of Excessive Taxation
Elimination of Excessive Regulation

The Personal Freedom Party was founded by Dr. Tom Stevens on June 6, 2010. Its initial focus will be to recruit candidates to run for pubic office in New York State as well as to seek out pro-liberty individuals willing to serve in leadership positions.

The Personal Freedom Party's main objective is to run a full slate of statewide candidates in 2014 and to obtain 50,000 votes for its gubernatorial nominee so the party can obtain "minor party" status under the election law of New York State.

Dr. Tom Stevens, Objectivist Party Chair, Endorses Tom Tancredo In The Colorado Gubernatorial Race

Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder and Chair of the Objectivist Party, has endorsed Tom Tancredo for Governor of Colorado. Mr. Tancredo is running as the candidate of the American Constitution Party against John Hickenlooper, the Democrat, and Dan Maes, the Republican.

Dr. Stevens has encouraged all Objectivist Party members living in Colorado to cast their gubernatorial votes for Tom Tancredo, in light of the fact that the Objectivist Party of Colorado decided not to run a candidate for Governor this year and because of Tom Tancredo's stands on the issues, namely his support for lowering taxes, limiting state spending, protecting 2nd Amendment Rights and ending illegal immigration.

For more information, visit Tom Tancredo's website at: http://www.tancredoforgovernor2010.org/

Warren Redlich Set To Lead NYLP To Humiliating Defeat

I hope that when Warren Redlich, the Libertarian Party candidate for Governor of New York State, comes in 7th place and possibly 11th place (which is last place) on Election Day that those responsible for this disaster recognize their own political ignorance and inexperience and do the honorable thing, which in my opinion would be to resign from their leadership positions in the Libertarian Party of New York.

From the very beginning, I have vocally opposed the nomination of Warren Redlich because I believed he was lying to us about actively contesting for the Republican Party nomination, which was the basis of the argument of his supporters regarding why he would be a viable candidate and this in the face of his promise not to spend a dime of his own money on his own campaign.

Since then, his supporters and the leaders of the LP in New York State have been lying to you about his chances, saying that momentum is building, telling national this is our best chance in years to obtain 50,000 votes, posting videos that might get him elected President of the Student Council at a High School but certainly not Governor of the State of New York. The response to my criticisms was to attempt to silence my voice on the State Committee, as if that would somehow undermine the legitimacy of my concerns.

We only get one shot every four years to make a mark and to take the Libertarian Party to the next level and yet for over 36 years, the New York Libertarian Party leadership has absolutely failed to obtain "minor party" status for the Libertarian Party and during those years they blew smoke up your ass, lied to you either intentionally or out of ignorance and in so doing, disrespected you.

Let me share with you my political opinion about what I think will happen on Election Day 2010. Warren Redlich will lead the Libertarian Party to a humiliating defeat. He will most certainly come in at least in 7th place and possibly 11th (last) place.

The following six (6) parties will get more votes than he does:

Democrat
Republican
Independence
Conservative
Working Families
Green

Now it's possible he could come in 7th but I think Charles Barron's Freedom Party is poised to do very well in this election. Jimmy McMillan of the Rent Is Too Damn High Party is a very colorful candidate and may beat out Redlich. Kristin Davis of the Anti-Prohibition Party is the only woman in the race plus she's Boobalicious! She is also the only candidate speaking like a true Libertarian. Finally, Carl Paladino's Taxpayer Party line is a complete wild card. If people associate it with the Tea Party, it may do well but if they don't, I think it will fall short of obtaining a significant number of votes.

So there you have it! Warren Redlich will, in my opinion, at least come in 7th place and possibly last place! Will those responsible for this disaster resign from their positions in shame? Don't count on it! You will end up hearing some bullshit excuse for why things turned out the way they did. Don't buy it! This result was predictable from the very beginning for anyone with an ounce of political experience, which excludes most of the leadership of the Libertarian Party in New York.

In Liberty,

Dr. Tom Stevens
Political Director
Libertarian Party of Queens County

Rashi Grewal Appointed OPNC President

On October 17, 2010, Rashi Grewal was appointed President of the Objectivist Party of North Carolina by the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party.

The Objectivist Party of North Carolina was chartered on October 1, 2008.

It has had four Presidents, who have been:

Robert R. Roland, Jr. - 10/1/08 through 1/7/09
Jason Christopher Cockrell - 1/7/09 through 1/12/10
Marcus B. Bechtol - 1/12/10 through 10/17/10
Rashi Grewal - 10/17/10 to Present

Rashi Grewal formally served as Secretary of the Objectivist Party of New Jersey  from January 17, 2010 through September 20, 2010.

Empire State Libertarians Endorses Carl Paladino In New York State Republican Primary

Empire State Libertarians has endorsed Carl Paladino over Rick Lazio in the New York State Republican Gubernatorial Primary scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 14, 2010. This endorsement was made to provide guidance to libertarians in New York State who have not decided whether to vote for Paladino or Lazio in the primary.

If elected Governor of the State of New York, Carl Paladino has promised to:

1) CUT INCOME TAXES BY 10% BY JUNE 2011: New Yorkers are taxed way too much. Carl won't cap taxes, he'll cut taxes. Capping is gutless; cutting takes courage.

2) CUT THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT BY 20% BY DECEMBER 2011: New York State government is far too big and spends too much. He'll cut by eliminating entire agencies and departments and trimming unnecessary staff across the government.

3) CUT MEDICAID BY $20 BILLION IN HIS FIRST BUDGET: New York offers more gold-plated Medicaid optional benefits than any other state and this is killing our taxpayers. Carl will cut these optional benefits back to California levels - still the second most expensive Medicaid state in America - saving New Yorkers $10 Billion in taxes.

4) CUT BUSINESS TAXES TO ENCOURAGE JOB RETENTION AND GROWTH: Carl will give New York's existing manufacturers, farmers and other businesses a tax holiday if they reinvest this money to keep or create jobs.

Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder of Empire State Libertarians, said:

Carl Paladino was not given the opportunity to agree with our Candidate Endorsement Statement for 2010. However, after Warren Redlich, the New York State Libertarian Party's Gubernatorial Candidate, came out and endorsed Rick Lazio, I thought it important for Empire State Libertarians to weigh in with its own opinion as to who most represents libertarian political philosophy in that very important race. There is no doubt in my mind that Carl Paladino is that candidate. I encourage all registered Republicans to vote for him in the New York State Republican Gubernatorial Primary.

Dr. Tom Stevens serves as Political Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County and is the Founder of Libertarian Patriots. 

Empire State Libertarians Endorses Alex Powietrzynski For The New York State Assembly From The 28th A.D.

On August 31, 2010, the Governing Board of Empire State Libertarians endorsed Alex Powietrzynski, who is the Republican Party Nominee for New York State Assembly from the 28th A.D.

Alex Powietrzynski received the endorsement of Empire State Libertarians after indicating to the Governing Board his full agreement with the following Candidate Endorsement Statement for Election Year 2010:

If elected, I will take action to bring about smaller, more efficient, government as well as fewer and lower taxes. I intend to work to stimulate the economy and to create jobs by reducing corporate taxation and bureaucratic regulation. I do not believe it is the government's role to bring about social change. to redistribute wealth, or to pass laws criminalizing conduct that causes no direct harm to others. I will do what I can to bolster the value of our currency, to reduce the national debt, to better defend our borders, to keep our military strong, and to protect those individual rights guaranteed to all Americans in the United States Constitution.

Mr. Powietrzynski also agreed to place the fact of his endorsement by Empire State Libertarians and the Candidate Endorsement Statement on his website. Those references are located at:

http://www.alexforassembly2010.com/latest-news/

After receiving the endorsement of Empire State Libertarians, Mr. Powietrzynski said:

I am proud to be endorsed by Empire State Libertarians. With the national and local calamity in the economy, we are exposing serious problems with the way our government is run. We need to re-examine government involvement in the economy and allow for greater freedom for the private sector in the economy. More importantly, we need to re-examine the level of government involvement in our everyday lives. Our Constitutional rights are paramount and we must ensure that the government respects our rights and does not impede on them through restrictions and regulations. Addressing the structural problems with government involvement in the economy and our individual rights must be our first priority and Empire State Libertarians stands for those priorities.

Alex Powietrzynski has also promised to support:

Lower Taxes

Policies To Create Incentives For Businesses To Hire New Yorkers

Alternatives To The Current Public Education System

A Fiscally Responsible State Government

Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder of Empire State Libertarians, said:

I am very pleased that Empire State Libertarians chose to endorse Alex Powietrzynski for New York State Assembly. He is a charismatic, knowledgeable, intelligent leader who can make a great contribution to the cause of liberty. 

Dr. Tom Stevens founded Empire State Libertarians on July 4, 2010.

Christopher Cantwell Ends His Bid For Congress After Libertarian Activists Fail To Support His Campaign

On August 17, 2010, Christopher Cantwell, who was nominated by the Suffolk County Libertarian Party for Congress in the 1st C.D., announced he was stepping down from the race due to his failure to gather the necessary number of signatures required to make it onto the ballot. Mr. Cantwell expressed frustration regarding the fact that libertarian activists failed to provide the support he was expecting to receive.

This was not an unexpected development especially since Christopher Cantwell was recently quoted as saying he believed the Second Amendment as currently written guarantees to all citizens the right to privately purchase and possess nuclear weapons and that he was prepared "to use violence in support of the cause of Liberty so long as it would have a worthy impact". While a number of libertarian activists were upset about these statements, others were even more concerned that Christopher Cantwell was an ex-convict who is returning to serve more jail time after the November election. The result was that many people sat on their hands while providing only lip service in support of his campaign.

While announcing his decision not to submit an insufficient number of petition signatures to the Suffolk County Board of Elections, Christopher Cantwell wrote:

For all my talk of responsibility being at the core of all things Libertarian, I let the responsibility for this race rest upon others. I rushed in head first, without organization or structure, without resources or means, without planning or clearly defined purpose. I just went ahead and did and said whatever came to mind at the moment, with the childish idea in my head that it would all work out because I stood for what was right, and good, and just. I cared not whom I offended, I cared not who supported my cause, I cared not for much but the idea in my own mind, which though I knew to be right, I also knew to be not well articulated...

I was angry, and rightfully so, as were most of my supporters, and even many of my detractors. And while I reject the notion that it is never good to come off as angry, I allowed my anger to consume too much of my message, and in the process alienated people with whom I should have been natural allies. I've realized through hard lessons over the course of this campaign, that alliances are necessary to achieve any goal, and while a candidate should not compromise principles, he need not ridicule everyone with whom he disagrees, and should work with people who agree with him enough to work with.

I attempted to run my campaign like a Libertarian would run a government, without central planning or demands. Emailing out electronic copies of petitions and asking everyone to do their best. This is a foolish thing to do in a campaign for office. Libertarianism is a philosophy of government wherein people should not be compelled to servitude by force of the state. But people freely enter into service when they join a campaign, people have the liberty to seek leaders, and those leaders then take on a responsibility of leading them into victory. I have failed in this sense of my responsibility to those who decided to follow me, by not providing them with the leadership they needed.

Long Island Libertarians, a chartered chapter of Empire State Libertarians, recently endorsed Randy Altschuler for Congress from the 1st C.D. in Suffolk County. Mr. Altschuler is a small government conservative who is seeking to obtain the Republican Party's nomination for Congress. Details regarding that endorsement are at: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2010/08/long-island-libertarians-endorses-randy.html

Dr. Tom Stevens, who serves as Chair of Long Island Libertarians, has been in frequent contact with the Altschuler campaign and was convinced that a Cantwell candidacy would be an embarrassment to the Libertarian Party and would only siphon off votes that might ensure an Altschuler election day victory. It appears that the threat of a challenge to the Cantwell petitions alleging fraud may have influenced Cantwell's decision to drop out of the race since his plea bargain may have been revoked forcing him to face 4 years in a state penitentiary.

On this issue, Cantwell wrote:

Not that I fear it, but it is worth a mention that your partner in crime, Tom Stevens, sought to have me prosecuted for said fraud by encouraging the Altschuler campaign to make such threats, knowing that I have taken a plea bargain in my Felony DWI case in which I agreed to be sentenced to 45 days in county jail and plead guilty to a misdemeanor instead of the felony, which would be revoked and my allocution used against me at trial if I catch another charge no matter how frivolous. In other words, I submit insufficient petitions, statists charge me with fraud, lose their case, and I still get subjected to 4 years in prison for a crime that never took place. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair of Long Island Libertarians, said:

Many libertarian activists were concerned about Christopher Cantwell's opinion that the Second Amendment as currently written allows citizens the right to privately purchase and possess nuclear weapons and about his recent announcement that he is fully prepared to give his life and to use violence "in support of the cause of Liberty" so long as it would have "a worthy impact". Is Cantwell another Home-Grown Right-Wing Terrorist in the making? He already has a criminal history and often refers to himself as a Sovereign Individual as many extreme, right-wing militia members do. This ex-convict still serves in positions in the Suffolk County Libertarian Party and in the New York Libertarian Party. The only good news is that libertarian activists were aware of the public relations disaster his candidacy for Congress would have been and therefore denied him the support he needed to obtain ballot access. I encourage all Long Island Libertarians to support Randy Altschuler for Congress in the 1st C.D.

Dr. Tom Stevens is the Founder of Empire State Libertarians and Libertarian Patriots of New York. He also serves as Political Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County.

Randy Credico, Libertarian Party Candidate For U.S. Senate, Says "I'm Not A Libertarian. I'm A Liberal."

Just hours after the Libertarian Party in New York State filed over 34,000 petition signatures to get Randy Credico on the ballot as its candidate for United States Senate against Charles Schumer, it was reported by Tom Brune of New York Newsday on August 17, 2010 that Mr. Credico recently said, "I just need a #!%^#$& line to be on in the general election. I'm not a libertarian. I'm a liberal."

Gary Popkin, State Representative for the Brooklyn Libertarian Party, said:

Claiming NOT to be a libertarian might be viewed as favorable in some places, such as Manhattan's upper west side, and might get us more votes than it loses, votes against wars, the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act, bailouts, and corporate welfare.

Jim Lesczynski, Director of Media Relations for the Manhattan Libertarian Party, disagreed:

I don't see how it can be viewed as favorable by anyone for him to announce to the world that he's a Machiavellian jerk who just used us and told us whatever we wanted to hear in order to get our ballot line. Traditionally, politicians wait until after election day to reveal that they're lying weasels.

Former New York State Libertarian Party Chair Richard Cooper said:

I won't waste my vote on Credico. I will write-in John Cain, who should have been our nominee for governor instead of the two egomaniacs (Warren Redlich & Sam Sloan) who were at the convention.

But Mark Axinn, current New York Libertarian Party Chair, defended Credico saying:

Randy came to the Manhattan Libertarian meeting in New York. He won the nomination in Albany. He petitioned for us. He opposes the drug war, the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, corporate welfare and bailouts. He brings people to the Libertarian Party who never knew of it before. We are not right-wing Republicans and we should not act precipitously based on one rather unfortunate comment in one newspaper one time. I heard him tell people to vote for him on the Libertarian line about a dozen times on Fred Dicker's radio show in Albany two days ago. Does that count? Or, in this age of purifying the Party, do we lop off candidates' heads too?

I am not issuing statements telling people to ignore the choices of the delegates at the Convention. To the contrary, I hope the voters will vote the entire Libertarian line.

If Randy Credico's petition signatures are not successfully challenged, he will be the candidate of both the Anti-Prohibition Party and the Libertarian Party for United States Senate against incumbent Senator Charles Schumer.

Sam Sloan Loses LP Gubernatorial Nomination Challenges On Procedural Grounds

On Tuesday, August 17, 2010, the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division (First Department) rejected two appeals taken with respect to Orders issued by Supreme Court Justice Edmead on cases brought by Sam Sloan claiming the nomination and election process of the New York State Libertarian Party was rigged in favor of Warren Redlich, the eventual nominee. Justice Edmead dismissed Sam Sloan's two gubernatorial nomination challenges on procedural and technical grounds and the Appellate Division's upholding of Justice Edmead's Orders means that the substantive issues raised in Sam Sloan's lawsuits will never be litigated.

Sloan's first lawsuit sought the opportunity to communicate with the 400-500 members of the New York State Libertarian Party so he could send them campaign literature and encourage them to attend the New York State Libertarian Party Convention, which was held in Albany, New York on April 24, 2010. Both Sam Sloan and Kristin Davis, who is now running for governor as the candidate of the Anti-Prohibition Party, were denied the right to campaign and lobby the eligible voting delegates and, as a result, Warren Redlich was handed the nomination with only 27 delegates voting for him. Justice Edmead ruled that since the margin of victory for Redlich over Sloan at the State Convention was more than just a few votes, that the issue was moot. Sloan felt Justice Edmead made an error in law when she ruled in this manner because he argued that if he had the opportunity to lobby all eligible delegates that many more would have attended the convention.

Sloan's second lawsuit sought to set aside the actual vote at the State Convention that handed the nomination to Warren Redlich on the grounds that fraud actually took place during that nomination process. Ignoring the fact that the State Party did not seem to have a complete list of voting delegates, the actual voting process was conducted on the "honor system" with individuals, regardless of whether they had a wristband entitling them to vote, being permitted to submit votes on scraps of paper into a passing hat. Sloan had at least two witnesses who saw people vote more than once, who saw ineligible individuals vote and, who, in one case, saw someone collect another person's ballot and pocket it instead of placing it into the passing hat. Justice Edmead dismissed this lawsuit on the grounds that the New York State Election Law states that challenges to actions that take place at the convention of a party committee must be commenced within ten (10) days of the convention being held. Sloan felt Justice Edmead made an error in law because the New York State Libertarian Party is not a major or minor party in New York State and is, therefore, not subject to New York State Election Law when it comes to issues of internal party structure and rules.

The dismissal of Sam Sloan's appeals means that the substantive issues of whether candidates seeking the nomination of the New York State Libertarian Party have a legal right to communicate with voting delegates to lobby them in advance of the State Convention and whether a nomination process conducted on the "honor system" can be upheld when there is evidence of actual fraud and ballot-stuffing, will never be addressed.

Sam Sloan has said he is in the process of preparing a Motion for Leave to Appeal both cases to the Court of Appeals, New York State's highest Court and that he intends to file that Motion in Albany on August 19, 2010.

Stevens Resigns Manhattan Libertarian Party Membership

On August 16, 2010, Dr. Tom Stevens, former four-term State Representative of the Manhattan Libertarian Party, resigned his MLP membership. He did so at the request of Mark Axinn, MLP Secretary, who wrote the following to Dr. Stevens earlier in the day:

Several officers of the MLP are concerned that some of your recent activities are at variance with the objectives of the Manhattan LP. In particular, you have formed organizations and reserved domain names which are substantially similar to those already in use by the State party, perhaps with the intent to confuse and divert potential supporters of the LPNY. You have publicized and perhaps encouraged some or all of Sam Sloan's recent activities, including his filing of fraudulent petitions at the BOE claiming to be the Libertarian Party candidate. Earlier today, you indicated your willingness to resign your membership in the MLP. I believe that may be in both the MLP's and your best interests at this time and therefor request that you do so.

Dr. Stevens responded to these charges as follows:

I did purchase the domain names lpny.org, lpny.net and lpny.info for the Libertarian Patriots of New York organization I formed on May 31, 2010. Those domain names were not in use and I reserved them. On July 4, 2010, I also formed Empire State Libertarians, which is not a Libertarian Party organization. These domain names and organizational names are not "substantially similar to those already in use by the State party" and I did not form them "with the intent to confuse and divert potential supporters" of the State Libertarian Party.

As for Sam Sloan, I advised him not to file suit against the State Party and I was unaware that any petitions were filed on his behalf. In fact, I believe Sam Sloan was unaware his son was going to file those petitions. I did publicize Sam's actions and lawsuits on my blog because I thought it was newsworthy.

None of my actions are "at variance with the objectives of the Manhattan LP." Nevertheless, I did promise to resign if I was asked to do so and since I am a man of my word, I followed through on the resignation when it was requested. I am sad this request was made and I believe it reflects the latest trend in the State Libertarian Party to suspend and seek to expel all critical voices who have tried to make the party a more effective political entity.

Dr. Tom Stevens is the Political Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County and is the Founder of Empire State Libertarians. He served as the elected State Representative for the Manhattan Libertarian Party from January 10, 2004 to January 8, 2005, from January 8, 2005 to January 21, 2006, from December 11, 2006 to January 20, 2007 and from January 20, 2007 to May 14, 2007.

John Procida, LPQC Chair, Grants Permission To LPNY, Inc. To Use The "Libertarian Party" Name

Pursuant to the provisions of the New York State Not-For-Profit Corporation Law, a newly forming corporation using the name of an existing political party must attach to its Certificate of Incorporation the consent of the chairman of that political party in the county where the new corporation will maintain its principal office. John Procida, the duly elected Chair of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, a chartered chapter of Free Libertarian Party, Inc., the officially chartered New York State affiliate of the national Libertarian Party, recently gave his permission for a new Queens County-based Libertarian Party organization to be incorporated. The name of that new Libertarian Party organization is Libertarian Party of New York, Inc. and it was incorporated pursuant to the laws of the State of New York on August 9, 2010.

Dr. Tom Stevens, Political Director of Libertarian Party of Queens County, commented on the incorporation of Libertarian Party of New York, Inc. as follows:

I do not believe that the consent of John Procida, LPQC Chair, was required for the incorporation of Libertarian Party of New York. Both the words "libertarian" and "party" have been used generically for decades and the "Libertarian Party" as an entity has never obtained "political party" status under New York State Election Law because it has failed to obtain 50,000 votes in any past gubernatorial election. However, just in case the argument is made that a consent was required because the Libertarian Party is a recognized "political party" under the laws of the State of New York, the incorporator of Libertarian Party of New York, Inc. obtained the consent of John Procida, LPQC Chair, to use "Libertarian Party" in the name of this new Queens County-based corporation. I thank John Procida for using his legal authority in a manner that will continue to promote libertarianism more effectively than it has been promoted in the past.

Sam Sloan Beats Warren Redlich To The New York State Board Of Elections To Claim The "Libertarian Party" Name

On August 12, 2010, Sam Sloan, who has two cases pending in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division, contesting the gubernatorial nomination of Free Libertarian Party, Inc., became the first candidate to file an Independent Nominating Petition for Governor of New York State seeking to run under the "Libertarian Party" name. Sam Sloan's petitions list his name as the gubernatorial nominee instead of Warren Redlich but then lists the other statewide candidates that also appear on the Independent Nominating Petition that Warren Redlich has been circulating. When Warren Redlich's team files his petitions, the policy and procedure of the New York State Board of Elections will require them to call Redlich and ask him to select a different party name to run under.

Dr. Tom Stevens, Political Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, explained the possible scenarios that can take place as follows:

It is my legal opinion that the "Libertarian Party" has not obtained "political party" status in the State of New York and is not subject to the provisions of the New York State Election Law because it has never obtained 50,000 votes in a gubernatorial election. As a result of this fact, the corporation known as Free Libertarian Party, Inc., the New York State chartered affiliate of the national Libertarian Party is more in the nature of a private club. It may hold a "convention" to decide who will run but those candidates still need to run for office as "independents" circulating Independent Nominating Petitions, not as the official nominees of a political party recognized under the Election Law. The first to file, in this case Sam Sloan, gets to select his choice of party name and he selected "Libertarian Party". Candidates filing Independent Nominating Petitions for the same office after that first filing, will be asked to select other party names.

It is highly unlikely the New York State Board of Elections will reject the Sloan petition as being inadequate on its face before the deadline for submitting Independent Nominating Petitions has passed since any petition signatures submitted for the other five statewide candidates on the Sloan petition will be added to the signatures submitted for those candidates on the Redlich petition. Even if the New York State Board of Elections ultimately determines after General and Specific Objections that the number of petition signatures submitted on behalf of Sam Sloan as the gubernatorial candidate of the Libertarian Party are insufficient, that does not resolve the issue that Warren Redlich will probably have already been asked to select a different party name. To address this issue, the Redlich team will need to file a lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the State of New York seeking an injunction against Sam Sloan forbidding him to use the "Libertarian Party" name on the grounds he was not nominated at the "convention" held by Free Libertarian Party, Inc. but that issue is already the subject of two Appellate Division cases currently pending. That lawsuit will also need to name the New York State Board of Elections as a defendant in order to compel them to allow Warren Redlich to run as the Libertarian Party candidate for Governor.

These possible scenarios may or may not happen. They have been constructed based on my legal knowledge and political expertise. How the situation actually pans out may be completely different than we can anticipate or predict. While the number of petition signatures submitted on behalf of Sam Sloan as the Libertarian Party candidate for Governor of the State of New York appear from reports I have received to be short of the number of valid petition signatures necessary to qualify for placement on the ballot, Mr. Sloan's mere filing of a petition has created real legal issues that will need to be resolved.

Dr. Tom Stevens is the Political Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County and the Founder of Empire State Libertarians.

Long Island Libertarians Holds Luncheon At Taverna Kyclades In Queens County, New York

On Saturday, August 14, 2010, Long Island Libertarians hosted a Luncheon at Taverna Kyclades located at 33-07 Ditmars Blvd. in Astoria, New York. Nine people were in attendance including Carl Person, the Libertarian Party's candidate for Attorney General and John Clifton, the Libertarian Party's candidate for United States Senate (against Gillibrand) . Sam Sloan, who is still contesting the nomination of the Libertarian Party for Governor, and Dallwyn Merck, who serves as Vice-Chair of Downstate Libertarians, also attended. The Luncheon was hosted by Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair of Long Island Libertarians.

Long Island Libertarians is a chartered chapter of Empire State Libertarians. It promotes libertarian activism in Kings County, Queens County, Nassau County and Suffolk County. On August 7, 2010, Long Island Libertarians endorsed Randy Altschuler, who is seeking election to Congress from the 1st Congressional District (New York).

Libertarian Patriots Of New York Changes Its Name To Libertarian Patriots

On August 9, 2010, the Governing Board of Libertarian Patriots of New York changed the name of the organization to Libertarian Patriots in order to accommodate the patriotic libertarians throughout the country who requested an opportunity to join on the grounds that the issues they face in their states are identical to those faced by patriotic libertarians living in New York State.

Libertarian Patriots of New York (LPNY) was originally founded by Dr. Tom Stevens on May 31, 2010 in response to his anger that a deliberate decision was made by anti-patriotic anarchists not to fly the American Flag at the Libertarian Party's National Convention that was held in St. Louis, Missouri over Memorial Day Weekend and their subsequent negative comments about the United States of America in general.

Libertarian Patriots is a group of proud, patriotic Americans who respect and honor this country, its Founding Fathers, and the United States Constitution, while supporting libertarian principles such as support for a smaller government, lower taxes and more individual freedom.

If you are interested in membership or a leadership position in Libertarian Patriots, contact Dr. Tom Stevens, our Founder, at DrTomStevens@aol.com

More information about Libertarian Patriots can be found at http://www.lpny.org/ and on its Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=111650602215541&ref=ts

Objectivist Party Holds Two-Day National Convention In St. Louis, Missouri Over Memorial Day Weekend

The Objectivist Party, founded by Dr. Tom Stevens on February 2, 2008, held a two-day National Convention in St. Louis, Missouri over Memorial Day Weekend, 2010.

The first session of the National Convention was held on Saturday, May 29, 2010 from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. at Show-Me's on The Landing located at 724 North First Street, St. Louis, Missouri. The website is http://www.showmes.com/

The second session of the National Convention was held on Sunday, May 30, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Kitchen Buffet & Bistro (inside Lumiere Place Casino) located at 999 North Second Street, St. Louis, Missouri. The website is http://www.lumiereplace.com/thekitchen_buffet.aspx

During the first session of the National Convention of the Objectivist Party, the delegates in attendance approved of the direction, policies and organizational structure set by the Governing Board for the Objectivist Party and gave the Governing Board full authority to continue to run the Objectivist Party as it has since the party's founding on February 2, 2008. The delegates also unanimously reaffirmed their full confidence in the leadership of the Objectivist Party.

During the second session of the National Convention of the Objectivist Party, the delegates unanimously nominated Thomas Robert Stevens to be the candidate of the Objectivist Party for President of the United States in 2012 and Alden Link to be the candidate of the Objectivist Party for Vice-President of the United States in 2012. Dr. Tom Stevens is currently a resident of New York. Alden Link is currently a resident of both New York and Florida.

Dr. Tom Stevens and Alden Link were the nominees of the Objectivist Party for President and Vice-President, respectively, in 2008. They appeared on the ballot in Colorado and Florida.

More information about the Objectivist Party can be found at http://www.objectivistparty.us/

Christopher Cantwell, LP Congressional Candidate In New York, Looking Forward To Using Violence To Pursue The Cause Of Liberty

Is former and future ex-con Christopher Cantwell, the Suffolk County Libertarian Party's nominee for Congress in the 1st C.D., a potential right-wing, home-grown terrorist?

There appears little doubt this is true, especially since in a statement made on August 7, 2010, Christopher Cantwell said he wouldn't mind "sacrificing" his "body for Liberty" and "would die for it if it made a worthy impact". Mr. Cantwell recently decided not to use violence against Park Police officers who objected to his petitioning on park grounds but responded as follows when challenged as to why he did not use violence in this instance: "I did not think violence was the most effective way to pursue the cause of Liberty. Though at other moments, it may very well be, and I look forward to participating then."

Mr. Cantwell's full statement was:

I've been beaten before, not that big a deal. Arrested too, I had enough cash for bail. I don't mind sacrificing my time or my body for Liberty. Truly I would die for it if it made a worthy impact. It just so happened, that at this particular moment, I did not think violence was the most effective way to pursue the cause of Liberty. Though at other moments, it may very well be, and I look forward to participating then.

Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder of Empire State Libertarians, responded:

I am very disturbed by the fact that the Suffolk County Libertarian Party has endorsed an individual who looks forward to participating in violence as a means to pursue liberty. Violence is never an effective way to pursue the cause of Liberty and only turns law-abiding people against the right-wing terrorists and their causes. I would think that Christopher Cantwell would have learned that lesson after seeing how the country turned against Timothy McVeigh. The only way to change the hearts and minds of Americans to make them more conscious of the benefits of smaller government, lower taxes and respect for our constitutional principles is through reasoned debate and non-violent political advocacy.

I do not believe Christopher Cantwell is lying about his willingness to turn to violence and become a martyr for the cause of Liberty. This is a man who is an ex-convict and who, in November, will be a convict again; this time to serve a short jail sentence on what could have been a 4-year stint in the state penitentiary, had he not plea bargained at the last moment. I have no doubt, based on the reactions and behavior I have observed, that Christopher Cantwell is serious about looking forward to using violence to pursue the cause of Liberty. I am shocked the Suffolk County Libertarian Party would embrace such a man as a candidate for Congress and that Free Libertarian Party, Inc., the State Affiliate of the national Libertarian Party, would elect such a man to serve on its State Committee as an At-Large Representative.

Dr. Tom Stevens is the Political Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County and is Founder of Empire State Libertarians.