On February 28, 2012, Sam Sloan, a candidate for the 2012 Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination, came out in support of the five goals of 14 Now!, which are the following:
1. To Lower The Voting Age To 14
2. To Eliminate Restrictions On The Right Of Individuals 14 Years Of Age & Older To Work
3. To End Compulsory Education At 14
4. To Allow Individuals 14 Years Of Age & Older To Join The Military
5. To Set The Age Of Consent At 14
Sam Sloan said the following with respect to his support for the 14 Now! Agenda:
There is no doubt young people have more exposure to adult knowledge now than they have ever had and instead of trying to deny that fact, it is important we teach young adults to make responsible decisions with respect to their lives.
The 14 Now! Agenda, if adopted by policy makers and legislatures, would allow a young adult, 14 years of age or older, to vote, to become emancipated, to work, to quit school, to join the military and to have consensual sexual relations with anyone they wish who is also over the age of 14. I concede that age 14 is an arbitrary number and that some young adults mature more quickly than others. However, most major religions in the world consider a person to have achieved adulthood at 13 or 14 and this appears to be backed up by the evidence nature provides.
With respect to lowering the voting age to 14, you might argue a young adult age 14, 15, 16 or 17 doesn't have the knowledge or interest to make good decisions in the voting booth but given the ever-increasing size of Big Government, it is obvious to me that most voters lack common sense or vote only in accordance with their own narrow interests. On the other hand, I have known many intelligent young adults who are active in their communities and schools and who should be given the opportunity to vote.
Most young people will remain in school because they wish to learn, be with their friends, have a roof over their heads and get the support of their parents as they seek admission to colleges and universities. However, there are some young adults who are gay, who live in homes with emotionally and physically abusive parents and who need to get out of their living situation as quickly as possible. If a 14 year old young adult needs to get out of their bad situation or neighborhood, then giving that person decision-making capacity will enable them to choose to move into a grandparents' home or the home of a friend, to work, to join the military, to become an apprentice to a professional and to be treated as a responsible young adult in all respects. For an inner city kid facing gang influence, bad schools and a sub-culture of violence, giving that person an opportunity to join the military and attend a military boarding school can be a ticket to a better life. In addition, room and board at that boarding school can be provided for free in return for a commitment to serve 5 years in uniform after the completion of their education.
While it is true that having an education is an important tool for success in life, not every student should be expected to complete High School or College. Alternative educational opportunities should be made available for those motivated to learn special skills that can lead to a promising career in a trade. Many students are now being pushed through the school system and when they reach college, they lack the basic knowledge of a 4th grader. If compulsory basic education is ended at 14 years of age, a young adult can leave school, work, study for a G.E.D. and make decisions to get their life on track.
As for the age of consent, teenagers have been having sex at younger and younger ages and I don't think we should deny that reality by keeping the age of consent artificially high. Young people may wish to experiment sexually with partners older than they are, who may actually be more responsible when it comes to protecting themselves from pregnancy, A.I.D.S. and sexually transmitted diseases. As long as both parties consent to the interaction, the government should not criminalize such relationships.
I recognize I am breaking ground by taking these controversial stands on these issues. However, I do believe more and more people will start holding young adults more responsible for their actions. The criminal justice system is trying many more teenagers as adults and giving them adult sentences. In addition, even the identities of young people tried as juveniles are no longer being protected as they once were. This is the reality we must face and I am proud to be a trailblazer in support of Youth Rights.
14 Now! is a Youth Rights Advocacy Organization founded on December 20, 2010.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sam Sloan Continues To Expose Anti-Muslim Sentiment In The Libertarian Party
When Sam Sloan, a former candidate for the New York State 2010 Gubernatorial Nomination, announced he was seeking the 2012 Presidential Nomination of the Libertarian Party on January 13, 2012 (reported at http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/samuel-howard-sloan-aka-haji-mohammed.html) he was immediately listed as a Presidential Candidate on the national party's website at www.lp.org. However, when it was pointed out on January 17, 2012 that Sam Sloan's platform contained support for the legalization of polygamy (reported at http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/sam-sloan-candidate-for-libertarian.html, his name was removed from the national website and he was told that all listed Presidential Candidates now needed to obtain the approval of 5 Libertarian National Committee (LNC) members even though none of the other listed Presidential Candidates had obtained that approval (reported at http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-subjective-olicy-regarding-listing.html). Sam Sloan then demanded that Carla Howell, LP Executive Director, release the names of the 5 LNC members who had voted in favor of listing the Presidential Candidates appearing on the national website (reported at http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/sam-sloan-demands-carla-howell-release.html). Ms. Howell did not respond to Mr. Sloan's inquiry.
Samuel Howard Sloan a/k/a Haji Mohammed Ismail Sloan views the above implementation of a "Sam Sloan Rule" to keep him off the national website as just another piece of evidence that there are many in the Libertarian Party who hold anti-Muslim sentiments. Mr. Sloan stated his views on this issue as follows:
When I announced I was seeking the 2012 Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination and that I was a Muslim, many Libertarian Party members commented that I must be confused because I could not be a practicing Muslim and also be a Libertarian. It reminds me of the many people who said John F. Kennedy should not be elected President because he was a practicing Roman Catholic, who surely must owe his first allegiance to the Pope. I have come to realize that such prejudices exist and I just need to confront them as they arise. When I sought the New York State Libertarian Party's Gubernatorial Nomination in 2010, a major anti-Muslim whispering campaign was started against me and many incidents of anti-Muslim sentiment were expressed (reported at http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2011/08/is-there-anti-muslim-sentiment-in.html).
The most egregious of the anti-Muslim actions I witnessed was the institution of a "Call Your Dog Mohammad" campaign on August 26, 2011 by Dallwyn Merck, Secretary of the Libertarian Party of Queens County (reported at http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2011/08/dallwyn-merck-libertarian-party-officer.html). In a notarized statement, Dallwyn Merck explained what he wanted people to do: "Every time you see your dog or any dog licking or sniffing its own penis, testes, vagina or anus, or that of another dog, I urge you to say to the dog in a loud voice, “STOP IT MOHAMMAD”. On September 11, 2011, Mr. Merck followed that up with a private ceremony wherein he defecated on an open Koran he placed in a toilet and then burnt it.
Let me be clear. People in the Libertarian Party have a right to free speech and I would never support laws to criminalize what Dallwyn Merck did in support of his own right to free speech nor would I support laws to prevent people from expressing themselves as they see fit. However, I also have a right to shine a spotlight on these words and actions so others can condemn or support what has been said or done.
With the support of Dr. Tom Stevens, Political Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, Sam Sloan was elected on February 11, 2012 to serve as Treasurer of that organization for the remainder of the term of office of Ronald S. Ramo. Sam Sloan previously served as State Representative and as Director of Media Relations for the Manhattan Libertarian Party.
Samuel Howard Sloan a/k/a Haji Mohammed Ismail Sloan views the above implementation of a "Sam Sloan Rule" to keep him off the national website as just another piece of evidence that there are many in the Libertarian Party who hold anti-Muslim sentiments. Mr. Sloan stated his views on this issue as follows:
When I announced I was seeking the 2012 Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination and that I was a Muslim, many Libertarian Party members commented that I must be confused because I could not be a practicing Muslim and also be a Libertarian. It reminds me of the many people who said John F. Kennedy should not be elected President because he was a practicing Roman Catholic, who surely must owe his first allegiance to the Pope. I have come to realize that such prejudices exist and I just need to confront them as they arise. When I sought the New York State Libertarian Party's Gubernatorial Nomination in 2010, a major anti-Muslim whispering campaign was started against me and many incidents of anti-Muslim sentiment were expressed (reported at http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2011/08/is-there-anti-muslim-sentiment-in.html).
The most egregious of the anti-Muslim actions I witnessed was the institution of a "Call Your Dog Mohammad" campaign on August 26, 2011 by Dallwyn Merck, Secretary of the Libertarian Party of Queens County (reported at http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2011/08/dallwyn-merck-libertarian-party-officer.html). In a notarized statement, Dallwyn Merck explained what he wanted people to do: "Every time you see your dog or any dog licking or sniffing its own penis, testes, vagina or anus, or that of another dog, I urge you to say to the dog in a loud voice, “STOP IT MOHAMMAD”. On September 11, 2011, Mr. Merck followed that up with a private ceremony wherein he defecated on an open Koran he placed in a toilet and then burnt it.
Let me be clear. People in the Libertarian Party have a right to free speech and I would never support laws to criminalize what Dallwyn Merck did in support of his own right to free speech nor would I support laws to prevent people from expressing themselves as they see fit. However, I also have a right to shine a spotlight on these words and actions so others can condemn or support what has been said or done.
With the support of Dr. Tom Stevens, Political Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, Sam Sloan was elected on February 11, 2012 to serve as Treasurer of that organization for the remainder of the term of office of Ronald S. Ramo. Sam Sloan previously served as State Representative and as Director of Media Relations for the Manhattan Libertarian Party.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Patrick R. Killy Appointed Vice-Chair Of Long Island Libertarians, A Chartered Chapter of Empire State Libertarians
On February 22, 2012, Patrick R. Killy was appointed Vice-Chair of Long Island Libertarians, replacing Ronald S. Ramo, who previously served in that capacity.
Long Island Libertarians is a chartered chapter of Empire State Libertarians, founded by Dr. Tom Stevens on July 4, 2010 for the following purposes:
1. to encourage New York State residents who share libertarian ideals and principles to become politically active and to seek out avenues to promote a pro-liberty agenda;
2. to endorse candidates seeking elective office who support smaller government, lower taxes and more individual freedom;
3. to encourage patriotism, respect for our Founder Fathers, and a deep appreciation for the United States Constitution; and
4. to organize and charter chapters of Empire State Libertarians in order to promote local activism.
Commenting on his appointment as Vice-Chair of Long Island Libertarians, Mr. Killy said:
I am honored to have been given this opportunity to serve as Vice-Chair of Long Island Libertarians. Local activism in support of a pro-liberty agenda is essential so our elected officials will respect the individual rights of all Americans and govern within the limits placed upon them by the United States Constitution. It is also important for us to recruit candidates who support smaller government, lower taxes and more individual freedom.
While Long Island Libertarians is active in only 4 of the 62 counties that comprise New York State (i.e. Kings, Queens, Nassau & Suffolk counties), those 4 counties (as of the 2010 census) have a population of 7,568,304, making Long Island the most populated island in any U.S. state or territory. It is also the 17th most populous island in the world, ahead of Ireland, Jamaica and the Japanese island of Hokkaidō. If it were a state, Long Island would rank 13th in population (after Virginia) and first in population density.
All I can say is that we won't run out of work to do in our efforts to promote liberty on Long Island.
You can visit the website of Empire State Libertarians at http://www.lpny.org
Long Island Libertarians is a chartered chapter of Empire State Libertarians, founded by Dr. Tom Stevens on July 4, 2010 for the following purposes:
1. to encourage New York State residents who share libertarian ideals and principles to become politically active and to seek out avenues to promote a pro-liberty agenda;
2. to endorse candidates seeking elective office who support smaller government, lower taxes and more individual freedom;
3. to encourage patriotism, respect for our Founder Fathers, and a deep appreciation for the United States Constitution; and
4. to organize and charter chapters of Empire State Libertarians in order to promote local activism.
Commenting on his appointment as Vice-Chair of Long Island Libertarians, Mr. Killy said:
I am honored to have been given this opportunity to serve as Vice-Chair of Long Island Libertarians. Local activism in support of a pro-liberty agenda is essential so our elected officials will respect the individual rights of all Americans and govern within the limits placed upon them by the United States Constitution. It is also important for us to recruit candidates who support smaller government, lower taxes and more individual freedom.
While Long Island Libertarians is active in only 4 of the 62 counties that comprise New York State (i.e. Kings, Queens, Nassau & Suffolk counties), those 4 counties (as of the 2010 census) have a population of 7,568,304, making Long Island the most populated island in any U.S. state or territory. It is also the 17th most populous island in the world, ahead of Ireland, Jamaica and the Japanese island of Hokkaidō. If it were a state, Long Island would rank 13th in population (after Virginia) and first in population density.
All I can say is that we won't run out of work to do in our efforts to promote liberty on Long Island.
You can visit the website of Empire State Libertarians at http://www.lpny.org
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Sam Sloan Slams Intactivists For Advocating Laws To Criminalize Circumcision
Sam Sloan, a candidate for the Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination in 2012, has strongly opposed all efforts to use government power to criminalize infant male circumcision calling such efforts "an assault on parental choice and religious freedom".
In 2011, a petition to put a referendum on the ballot in San Francisco banning circumcisions (except in the case of medical emergency) for males under the age of 18, obtained a sufficient number of signatures but was thrown off the ballot by Superior Court Judge Loretta Giorgi, who ruled that as "a widely practiced medical procedure", circumcision cannot be banned by San Francisco since California law forbids municipalities from regulating procedures allowed by the state. The proposed circumcision ban, if passed, would have resulted in a fine of $1,000.00, a year in jail, or both for all physicians and mohels who flouted the ban by performing circumcisions on males under the age of 18, even if called for by the parents' religious faith.
Sam Sloan, a Muslim who is also known as Haji Mohammed Ismail Sloan, made the following comment regarding this issue:
The name for male circumcision in Arabic is Khitān or Khatna. It's considered a sign of belonging to the wider Islamic community and is also referred to by the term Taharah, which means 'purity'. While Muslims are the largest religious group to practice widespread circumcision, it is not a condition for converting to Islam or carrying out religious duties. Nevertheless, circumcision is an Islamic rite and has been a religious norm from the beginning of Islam and no law should deny Muslims the right to practice their religion as they see fit or imprison physicians who perform circumcisions on Muslim boys. Such laws are an assault on parental choice and religious freedom.
Jewish religious tradition requires male children to be circumcised eight days after birth. If the San Francisco circumcision ban had been passed, Jewish parents in San Francisco who held a traditional bris, or circumcision ritual, could have been sentenced to a year in jail. It is my understanding that Jews who circumcise their sons trace the tradition back thousands of years and consider it a sign of their covenant with God and an affirmation that the Jewish people will survive.
It also appears that some intactivists (activists who want to keep the foreskin of male infants intact) may be motivated by deeply held anti-Semetic attitudes. One of the San Francisco referendum's key supporters wrote a comic book entitled "Foreskin Man" portraying a blond, Aryan-looking superhero doing battle with "Monster Mohel" (Mohels are people trained to perform ritual Jewish circumcisions.). The bearded, prayer-shawl-wearing mohel leers maniacally at defenseless infants.
Jews and Muslims are not the only religious groups opposing circumcision bans. The National Association of Evangelicals (which represents 45,000 churches) declared that while their faith neither requires nor forbids circumcision, "Jews, Muslims and Christians all trace our spiritual heritage back to Abraham. Circumcision begins with Abraham. No American government should restrict this historic tradition". Another group opposing the circumcision ban was the Committee For Parental Choice & Religious Freedom, which included a coalition of the following individuals and organizations: http://stopcircban.com/coalition/
California State Senator Mark Leno, commenting on the San Francisco referendum when it appeared it might be placed on the ballot in November, 2011, said: "As a gay man and a committed Jew, I am strongly opposed to this likely unconstitutional ballot measure to ban circumcision. It is an affront to religious freedom and to good medical practice, as there is overwhelming evidence that circumcision can be an important tool in reducing HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted diseases. San Franciscans should defeat this measure and protect parents' right to choose".
Dr. Laurence Baskin, Chief of Pediatric Urology at the University of California, San Francisco (Benioff Children's Hospital), called the San Francisco ballot measure "a bunch of nonsense" and said, "I am not going to stop doing circumcisions and this would never pass the First Amendment test". In addition to the AIDS studies showing circumcision significantly reduces the prospects of HIV transmission, Dr. Baskin cited published research "indicating that circumcision can reduce the incidence of other sexually transmitted diseases, as well as penile cancer and urinary tract infections". He also disputed claims that circumcision is mutilation or causes significant pain. The procedure causes "a minimal amount of pain if done properly so my recommendation is to use anesthesia".
Whether parents circumcise their male children for religious, health or aesthetic reasons, it is their choice and no government should dictate to parents, under the threat of imprisonment, what decisions they should make with respect to their own children.
Organized opposition to anti-circ activism was first led by a group called Roundheads United (Roundheads as opposed to helmeted Cavaliers) formed by members of the Libertarian Party of Queens County in 2006. Its stated organizational purpose, as listed on its original Yahoo! Group (now deleted), was the following:
Roundheads United is a project of Rising Action, USA, a freedom activist network, dedicated to publishing the positive aesthetic, cultural, religious, and medical reasons for encouraging routine infant male circumcision and to exposing the lies of the rabid, anti-circumcision fringe lobby that seeks to interfere with parental choice by trying to define infant male circumcision as sexual assault and child abuse, by trying to get insurance companies to stop paying for the procedure, and by trying to convince people that infant male circumcision has no benefits. Roundheads United takes an activist role to oppose the intervention of the state and to defend the rights of parents against radical anti-circ activists who are driven more by their emotions than they are by reason.
In April, 2006, anti-circumcision activists led by Chaz Antonelli allied themselves with Blay Tarnoff and Gary Donoyan (two members of the Nassau Libertarian Party), in an attempt to pack the Queens Libertarian Party's Annual Convention to elect officers that would defeat the Queens LP members who started Roundheads United. These efforts were promoted on the blog of Charles A. Antonelli, which is entitled "When Pigs Fly: The Life Of Chaz, The Travelling Leather-Biker-Bear". Mr. Antonelli, an Intactivist who nevertheless gets off on "circ talk, play and fantasy" wrote in March, 2006: "I am a self-admitted "circumsexual"; meaning that even the mere word "circumcision" will get me all horny. With my restored foreskin, which I had for 23 years prior to 10-JAN-05 (so it wasn't anything "new") I enjoyed "circ play" and foreskin torture. I've had (and own) many surgical instruments for circumcising. It was a serious fetish of mine to one day actually have a proper circumcision done". Antonelli, Tarnoff & Donnoyan planned to meet with their supporters at the Neptune Diner in Astoria, Queens to plan their strategy on the morning of the Queens LP Convention. Their efforts failed and the candidates they supported were not elected.
Soon after the Queens Libertarian Party's Annual Convention, many spoof e-mail accounts and Yahoo! Groups were created by anti-circumcision activists and soon thereafter, messages were posted in the names of Queens LP members with e-mail addresses that were almost identical to the correct e-mail address of the person but had an extra underscore or dash in it. Fake Roundheads United Yahoo! Groups were also formed with an extra underscore or dash and messages were posted there in support of keeping circumcision legal but containing information and links to provide false information to the reader in the alleged name of Queens LP members. "Rabid, anti-circ terrorists", as Jeff Grizlo called them, also started calling his grandmother and mom telling them he was "an advocate of child abuse", supported the "sexual assault of children" and most seriously, that he was "obviously obsessed with the penises of little boys". Other fake Yahoo! Groups anti-circumcision activists formed that appeared to be in favor of keeping circumcision legal were "Informed Citizens For Parental Choice", "Roundheads For Parental Choice", "Cut Them Clean", "Cut Them All", "Do You Swell With Pride" and "Clean Cut All-American Boys".
In 2011, a petition to put a referendum on the ballot in San Francisco banning circumcisions (except in the case of medical emergency) for males under the age of 18, obtained a sufficient number of signatures but was thrown off the ballot by Superior Court Judge Loretta Giorgi, who ruled that as "a widely practiced medical procedure", circumcision cannot be banned by San Francisco since California law forbids municipalities from regulating procedures allowed by the state. The proposed circumcision ban, if passed, would have resulted in a fine of $1,000.00, a year in jail, or both for all physicians and mohels who flouted the ban by performing circumcisions on males under the age of 18, even if called for by the parents' religious faith.
Sam Sloan, a Muslim who is also known as Haji Mohammed Ismail Sloan, made the following comment regarding this issue:
The name for male circumcision in Arabic is Khitān or Khatna. It's considered a sign of belonging to the wider Islamic community and is also referred to by the term Taharah, which means 'purity'. While Muslims are the largest religious group to practice widespread circumcision, it is not a condition for converting to Islam or carrying out religious duties. Nevertheless, circumcision is an Islamic rite and has been a religious norm from the beginning of Islam and no law should deny Muslims the right to practice their religion as they see fit or imprison physicians who perform circumcisions on Muslim boys. Such laws are an assault on parental choice and religious freedom.
Jewish religious tradition requires male children to be circumcised eight days after birth. If the San Francisco circumcision ban had been passed, Jewish parents in San Francisco who held a traditional bris, or circumcision ritual, could have been sentenced to a year in jail. It is my understanding that Jews who circumcise their sons trace the tradition back thousands of years and consider it a sign of their covenant with God and an affirmation that the Jewish people will survive.
It also appears that some intactivists (activists who want to keep the foreskin of male infants intact) may be motivated by deeply held anti-Semetic attitudes. One of the San Francisco referendum's key supporters wrote a comic book entitled "Foreskin Man" portraying a blond, Aryan-looking superhero doing battle with "Monster Mohel" (Mohels are people trained to perform ritual Jewish circumcisions.). The bearded, prayer-shawl-wearing mohel leers maniacally at defenseless infants.
Jews and Muslims are not the only religious groups opposing circumcision bans. The National Association of Evangelicals (which represents 45,000 churches) declared that while their faith neither requires nor forbids circumcision, "Jews, Muslims and Christians all trace our spiritual heritage back to Abraham. Circumcision begins with Abraham. No American government should restrict this historic tradition". Another group opposing the circumcision ban was the Committee For Parental Choice & Religious Freedom, which included a coalition of the following individuals and organizations: http://stopcircban.com/coalition/
California State Senator Mark Leno, commenting on the San Francisco referendum when it appeared it might be placed on the ballot in November, 2011, said: "As a gay man and a committed Jew, I am strongly opposed to this likely unconstitutional ballot measure to ban circumcision. It is an affront to religious freedom and to good medical practice, as there is overwhelming evidence that circumcision can be an important tool in reducing HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted diseases. San Franciscans should defeat this measure and protect parents' right to choose".
Dr. Laurence Baskin, Chief of Pediatric Urology at the University of California, San Francisco (Benioff Children's Hospital), called the San Francisco ballot measure "a bunch of nonsense" and said, "I am not going to stop doing circumcisions and this would never pass the First Amendment test". In addition to the AIDS studies showing circumcision significantly reduces the prospects of HIV transmission, Dr. Baskin cited published research "indicating that circumcision can reduce the incidence of other sexually transmitted diseases, as well as penile cancer and urinary tract infections". He also disputed claims that circumcision is mutilation or causes significant pain. The procedure causes "a minimal amount of pain if done properly so my recommendation is to use anesthesia".
Whether parents circumcise their male children for religious, health or aesthetic reasons, it is their choice and no government should dictate to parents, under the threat of imprisonment, what decisions they should make with respect to their own children.
Organized opposition to anti-circ activism was first led by a group called Roundheads United (Roundheads as opposed to helmeted Cavaliers) formed by members of the Libertarian Party of Queens County in 2006. Its stated organizational purpose, as listed on its original Yahoo! Group (now deleted), was the following:
Roundheads United is a project of Rising Action, USA, a freedom activist network, dedicated to publishing the positive aesthetic, cultural, religious, and medical reasons for encouraging routine infant male circumcision and to exposing the lies of the rabid, anti-circumcision fringe lobby that seeks to interfere with parental choice by trying to define infant male circumcision as sexual assault and child abuse, by trying to get insurance companies to stop paying for the procedure, and by trying to convince people that infant male circumcision has no benefits. Roundheads United takes an activist role to oppose the intervention of the state and to defend the rights of parents against radical anti-circ activists who are driven more by their emotions than they are by reason.
In April, 2006, anti-circumcision activists led by Chaz Antonelli allied themselves with Blay Tarnoff and Gary Donoyan (two members of the Nassau Libertarian Party), in an attempt to pack the Queens Libertarian Party's Annual Convention to elect officers that would defeat the Queens LP members who started Roundheads United. These efforts were promoted on the blog of Charles A. Antonelli, which is entitled "When Pigs Fly: The Life Of Chaz, The Travelling Leather-Biker-Bear". Mr. Antonelli, an Intactivist who nevertheless gets off on "circ talk, play and fantasy" wrote in March, 2006: "I am a self-admitted "circumsexual"; meaning that even the mere word "circumcision" will get me all horny. With my restored foreskin, which I had for 23 years prior to 10-JAN-05 (so it wasn't anything "new") I enjoyed "circ play" and foreskin torture. I've had (and own) many surgical instruments for circumcising. It was a serious fetish of mine to one day actually have a proper circumcision done". Antonelli, Tarnoff & Donnoyan planned to meet with their supporters at the Neptune Diner in Astoria, Queens to plan their strategy on the morning of the Queens LP Convention. Their efforts failed and the candidates they supported were not elected.
Soon after the Queens Libertarian Party's Annual Convention, many spoof e-mail accounts and Yahoo! Groups were created by anti-circumcision activists and soon thereafter, messages were posted in the names of Queens LP members with e-mail addresses that were almost identical to the correct e-mail address of the person but had an extra underscore or dash in it. Fake Roundheads United Yahoo! Groups were also formed with an extra underscore or dash and messages were posted there in support of keeping circumcision legal but containing information and links to provide false information to the reader in the alleged name of Queens LP members. "Rabid, anti-circ terrorists", as Jeff Grizlo called them, also started calling his grandmother and mom telling them he was "an advocate of child abuse", supported the "sexual assault of children" and most seriously, that he was "obviously obsessed with the penises of little boys". Other fake Yahoo! Groups anti-circumcision activists formed that appeared to be in favor of keeping circumcision legal were "Informed Citizens For Parental Choice", "Roundheads For Parental Choice", "Cut Them Clean", "Cut Them All", "Do You Swell With Pride" and "Clean Cut All-American Boys".
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Applause! Applause! Review of Annie at Cultural Arts Playhouse by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens
This review of the musical Annie performed at the Cultural Arts Playhouse was written by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens and was published in Volume X, Issue 2 (2012) of the online edition of Applause! Applause!
Annie
Cultural Arts Playhouse (625 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY)
Reviewed 2/3/12
Annie is a musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Ophan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and book by Thomas Meehan. The original Broadway production opened in 1977 and ran for nearly six years, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. Annie became such a worldwide success that it is likely you know the story and will recognize most, if not all, of the musical numbers. It will be hard to restrain yourself because you will feel the urge to sing along with "Hard Knock Life", "Tomorrow", "Easy Street" and "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile". You will also be pleased with the ensemble numbers "N.Y.C." and "Hooverville (We'd Like To Thank You Herbert Hoover)".
On the night I saw this production of Annie, there were a number of exceptional actors who were able to put a smile on my face.
The standout performer was Mel Newman, who played Miss Hannigan, the alcoholic orphanage matron who hates "Little Girls". I found her portrayal of the character to be very realistic. Ms. Newman is a fine actor with a great singing voice. Alyson Rogers, who is pretty and talented, excelled as Grace Farrell, Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks' faithful Secretary. Paul Lichtman provided comic relief as Drake, the butler in the Warbucks Mansion.
Emily Gothelf played Annie and Mike Newman (with hair) played Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks. Both were fine in their roles but I just don't get why this street smart, needy eleven year old somehow was able to "melt the heart" of a billionaire businessman. What exactly does he see in this girl? She's not particularly bright. She's needy and demanding. Yet "Daddy" Warbucks somehow decides after only one week that he wants to adopt her as his daughter. If "Something Was Missing" from his life, it would be more believable if he fell for Grace Farrell, his Secretary, who he finally began to notice on Christmas Eve. There are also so many other problems with the story. Are we really to believe the F.B.I. somehow found the identity of Annie's parents based on an analysis of the handwriting in the letter they left her? I know I shouldn't look into things too deeply but in light of President Obama's trillion dollar stimulus plan to help lift the country out of its current economic slump, it is hard not to recognize how political this musical is, blaming President Herbert Hoover for the depression ("Hooverville (We'd Like To Thank You Herbert Hoover)") and lauding President Franklin D. Roosevelt for coming up with the New Deal ("New Deal For Christmas").
There were some minor problems with this production. The static we heard during the radio broadcasts was too prominent, there was talking backstage that distracted me, and some of the actors misspoke their lines.
The program still lists all the actors playing the roles during the run of the musical so without a cast board, outsiders (people who are not family and friends of cast members) coming to the play have no idea who is performing unless they specifically ask. Also, while the program says "Refreshments can be purchased at intermission. Enjoy!", I was unable to buy anything to refresh myself. No coffee, no tea, no cold drinks. The Keurig machine they had was gone (I was told it broke) and all that was available was room temperature bottled water. It was suggested to me I should buy the warm bottled water, pour it out and then fill the bottle at the water fountain so I could bring it into the theater. I declined the offer.
I also had a problem with my reservation. I had reserved online for one person using a credit card. When I arrived at the theater to pay, I was down for two. The person checking me in had problems finding my name since, unlike in the past, he had a master list of people reserving for many performances. The rule is that if you reserve your tickets in advance, you will be called into the theater in the order in which you reserved. However, the person in front of me online reserved for one and was allowed to increase their reservation to include a number of other people with different last names and was permitted to cut to the front of the line when it came to seating. I didn't say anything but when the reserved were finally called in, I stood by while almost everyone was called in ahead of me. When I asked, "what about me", the caller could not find my name on the list and just said, "I checked you in. Go ahead." This is not the degree of professionalism I expect when I go to see a play. The prior two times I attended performances here, there was no problem. But someone needs to get on top of this so it doesn't happen again.
Theatrical Magic & Concepts (Tom McKenna) did a wonderful job with the Set Design. Leonidis Marmann was an attractive "stray dog" who visited me during the musical to say hello. His real life master, Michael Marmann, has charisma and did well in his various roles.
Annie is playing at the Cultural Arts Playhouse through February 26, 2012. If you go, I guarantee you will enjoy your evening and feel the value obtained was well worth the $20.00 you will be charged for the experience. To purchase your tickets, call 516-694-3330 or visit their website at http://www.culturalartsplayhouse.com/
Annie
Cultural Arts Playhouse (625 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY)
Reviewed 2/3/12
Annie is a musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Ophan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and book by Thomas Meehan. The original Broadway production opened in 1977 and ran for nearly six years, winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. Annie became such a worldwide success that it is likely you know the story and will recognize most, if not all, of the musical numbers. It will be hard to restrain yourself because you will feel the urge to sing along with "Hard Knock Life", "Tomorrow", "Easy Street" and "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile". You will also be pleased with the ensemble numbers "N.Y.C." and "Hooverville (We'd Like To Thank You Herbert Hoover)".
On the night I saw this production of Annie, there were a number of exceptional actors who were able to put a smile on my face.
The standout performer was Mel Newman, who played Miss Hannigan, the alcoholic orphanage matron who hates "Little Girls". I found her portrayal of the character to be very realistic. Ms. Newman is a fine actor with a great singing voice. Alyson Rogers, who is pretty and talented, excelled as Grace Farrell, Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks' faithful Secretary. Paul Lichtman provided comic relief as Drake, the butler in the Warbucks Mansion.
Emily Gothelf played Annie and Mike Newman (with hair) played Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks. Both were fine in their roles but I just don't get why this street smart, needy eleven year old somehow was able to "melt the heart" of a billionaire businessman. What exactly does he see in this girl? She's not particularly bright. She's needy and demanding. Yet "Daddy" Warbucks somehow decides after only one week that he wants to adopt her as his daughter. If "Something Was Missing" from his life, it would be more believable if he fell for Grace Farrell, his Secretary, who he finally began to notice on Christmas Eve. There are also so many other problems with the story. Are we really to believe the F.B.I. somehow found the identity of Annie's parents based on an analysis of the handwriting in the letter they left her? I know I shouldn't look into things too deeply but in light of President Obama's trillion dollar stimulus plan to help lift the country out of its current economic slump, it is hard not to recognize how political this musical is, blaming President Herbert Hoover for the depression ("Hooverville (We'd Like To Thank You Herbert Hoover)") and lauding President Franklin D. Roosevelt for coming up with the New Deal ("New Deal For Christmas").
There were some minor problems with this production. The static we heard during the radio broadcasts was too prominent, there was talking backstage that distracted me, and some of the actors misspoke their lines.
The program still lists all the actors playing the roles during the run of the musical so without a cast board, outsiders (people who are not family and friends of cast members) coming to the play have no idea who is performing unless they specifically ask. Also, while the program says "Refreshments can be purchased at intermission. Enjoy!", I was unable to buy anything to refresh myself. No coffee, no tea, no cold drinks. The Keurig machine they had was gone (I was told it broke) and all that was available was room temperature bottled water. It was suggested to me I should buy the warm bottled water, pour it out and then fill the bottle at the water fountain so I could bring it into the theater. I declined the offer.
I also had a problem with my reservation. I had reserved online for one person using a credit card. When I arrived at the theater to pay, I was down for two. The person checking me in had problems finding my name since, unlike in the past, he had a master list of people reserving for many performances. The rule is that if you reserve your tickets in advance, you will be called into the theater in the order in which you reserved. However, the person in front of me online reserved for one and was allowed to increase their reservation to include a number of other people with different last names and was permitted to cut to the front of the line when it came to seating. I didn't say anything but when the reserved were finally called in, I stood by while almost everyone was called in ahead of me. When I asked, "what about me", the caller could not find my name on the list and just said, "I checked you in. Go ahead." This is not the degree of professionalism I expect when I go to see a play. The prior two times I attended performances here, there was no problem. But someone needs to get on top of this so it doesn't happen again.
Theatrical Magic & Concepts (Tom McKenna) did a wonderful job with the Set Design. Leonidis Marmann was an attractive "stray dog" who visited me during the musical to say hello. His real life master, Michael Marmann, has charisma and did well in his various roles.
Annie is playing at the Cultural Arts Playhouse through February 26, 2012. If you go, I guarantee you will enjoy your evening and feel the value obtained was well worth the $20.00 you will be charged for the experience. To purchase your tickets, call 516-694-3330 or visit their website at http://www.culturalartsplayhouse.com/
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Ed Konecnik Quotes Ayn Rand On Her Birthday & Wonders Whether We Are Doomed
Ed Konecnik, a member of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, who often writes Letters To The Editor and has articles published in local newspapers, sent me the following release on February 2, 2012, which is Ayn Rand's birthday:
The year 2012 promises to be a year of momentous and consequential events among them the end of the Mayan Calendar and the possible re-election of President Obama. Either event has the potential to cause some dismay, discomfort and suffering.
The disastrous effects of President Obama's economic policies are a matter of record. His intense relentless commitment to social justice and a redistributive agenda has added almost 5 trillion dollars to our debt in just three years. His spending, borrowing, stimulating, loans to benefactors and collaborators for investments in unproven green energy, TARP bailouts of banks and institutions have not increased employment or improved the economy. These policies are manifestations of an antipathy to the capitalist system and rule of law. Unfortunately, many Americans are oblivious to the consequences of unsustainable budget deficits in spite of reports from Greece and other EU countries whose welfare state economies have devastated them to the brink of ruin. Anyone with a modicum of intellectual honesty must acknowledge you cannot legislate the poor into prosperity nor multiply wealth by dividing it.
Are we as human beings not really responsible for our own acts and so we need a government to direct and control us? Must we yield our individual rights to a ruling elite that makes any laws it wishes and forces them upon everyone in any manner it wishes? Ayn Rand warned, "When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors; when you see that men get rich more easily by graft than by work, and your laws no longer protect you against them, but protect them against you, you may know that your society is doomed."
Should we prepare for more than one cataclysmic event in 2012? We cannot change the Mayan Calendar but we can vote.
The Libertarian Party of Queens County celebrated Ayn Rand's birthday at a luncheon held at the Aqueduct Buffet located at Resorts World NYC.
The year 2012 promises to be a year of momentous and consequential events among them the end of the Mayan Calendar and the possible re-election of President Obama. Either event has the potential to cause some dismay, discomfort and suffering.
The disastrous effects of President Obama's economic policies are a matter of record. His intense relentless commitment to social justice and a redistributive agenda has added almost 5 trillion dollars to our debt in just three years. His spending, borrowing, stimulating, loans to benefactors and collaborators for investments in unproven green energy, TARP bailouts of banks and institutions have not increased employment or improved the economy. These policies are manifestations of an antipathy to the capitalist system and rule of law. Unfortunately, many Americans are oblivious to the consequences of unsustainable budget deficits in spite of reports from Greece and other EU countries whose welfare state economies have devastated them to the brink of ruin. Anyone with a modicum of intellectual honesty must acknowledge you cannot legislate the poor into prosperity nor multiply wealth by dividing it.
Are we as human beings not really responsible for our own acts and so we need a government to direct and control us? Must we yield our individual rights to a ruling elite that makes any laws it wishes and forces them upon everyone in any manner it wishes? Ayn Rand warned, "When you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing; when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors; when you see that men get rich more easily by graft than by work, and your laws no longer protect you against them, but protect them against you, you may know that your society is doomed."
Should we prepare for more than one cataclysmic event in 2012? We cannot change the Mayan Calendar but we can vote.
The Libertarian Party of Queens County celebrated Ayn Rand's birthday at a luncheon held at the Aqueduct Buffet located at Resorts World NYC.
Libertarian Party Of Utah Officially Endorses Gary Johnson For President
On January 31, 2012, Jack Shannon, Utah LP Chairman, made the following announcement:
The leadership of the Libertarian Party of Utah is excited to announce our official endorsement of Gary Johnson for the LP presidential candidacy.
We believe that Governor Johnson's experience sets him apart, and that he will best carry the torch of liberty in the 2012 election.
We wish him much luck at the upcoming convention.
The Utah Libertarian Party joins South Carolina and Nebraska in endorsing Gary Johnson.
On January 10, 2012, it was reported here that the South Carolina Libertarian Executive Committee endorsed Gary Johnson: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/south-carolina-libertarian-executive.html
On January 6, 2012, it was reported that the Nebraska Libertarian Party Central Committee endorsed Gary Johnson: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/nebraska-libertarian-party-central.html
The first Libertarian Party organization in the nation to endorse Gary Johnson for the Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination was the Libertarian Party of Northampton County, Pennsylvania, which endorsed him on December 28, 2011 seconds after he announced he was seeking the LP nomination for President. That endorsement was reported in the following article: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2011/12/libertarian-party-of-northampton-county.html
The leadership of the Libertarian Party of Utah is excited to announce our official endorsement of Gary Johnson for the LP presidential candidacy.
We believe that Governor Johnson's experience sets him apart, and that he will best carry the torch of liberty in the 2012 election.
We wish him much luck at the upcoming convention.
The Utah Libertarian Party joins South Carolina and Nebraska in endorsing Gary Johnson.
On January 10, 2012, it was reported here that the South Carolina Libertarian Executive Committee endorsed Gary Johnson: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/south-carolina-libertarian-executive.html
On January 6, 2012, it was reported that the Nebraska Libertarian Party Central Committee endorsed Gary Johnson: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/nebraska-libertarian-party-central.html
The first Libertarian Party organization in the nation to endorse Gary Johnson for the Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination was the Libertarian Party of Northampton County, Pennsylvania, which endorsed him on December 28, 2011 seconds after he announced he was seeking the LP nomination for President. That endorsement was reported in the following article: http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2011/12/libertarian-party-of-northampton-county.html
Jarrett Payne Dunning Appointed President Of The Objectivist Party Of Virginia
On February 1, 2012, Jarrett Payne Dunning was appointed President of the Objectivist Party of Virginia by the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party.
The Objectivist Party of Virginia was chartered on November 29, 2008. It has had four Presidents, who have been:
Heidi Gresko - 11/29/08 through 12/19/08
Jules Oscar Gaudreau, III - 12/19/08 through 8/10/09
Tyler Keylon - 8/10/09 through 2/1/12
Jarrett Payne Dunning - 2/1/12 to Present
Upon accepting the position, Jarrett Payne Dunning issued the following statement:
My journey to Objectivism began long before I realized it. As a student in primary school, I was constantly put in situations which went against my most basic values. These were values I did not have a name for at the time, but values none the less. I was used by others for my intellect and I despised this theft of my own talent. I was constantly told to help others with their work, simply because others thought I should. I was asked to neglect my own tasks for the sake of others and this was all done in the name of duty.
The formation of my Objectivist philosophy would not take root until secondary school. It was here I was able to name and refine the values I held for so very long. In secondary school, I discovered an area of competition in which I could serve myself. That area was debate and I soon began to excel at it. In my senior year, I would obtain two state rings. I would win a ring for Impromptu Forensics and one for Lincoln-Douglas debate. These accomplishments meant more to me than a team trophy could ever. These were jewels I had obtained with my own intellect and ability and were all the more beautiful for that very reason. While in my debate career, I came across the works of Ayn Rand and have not looked back since. Currently, I am working on my undergraduate degree in history and have every intention of pursuing my Doctorate.
I took this position of President of the Objectivist Party of Virginia to further my own values. Values that I have come to realize are shared by many.
The Objectivist Party of Virginia was chartered on November 29, 2008. It has had four Presidents, who have been:
Heidi Gresko - 11/29/08 through 12/19/08
Jules Oscar Gaudreau, III - 12/19/08 through 8/10/09
Tyler Keylon - 8/10/09 through 2/1/12
Jarrett Payne Dunning - 2/1/12 to Present
Upon accepting the position, Jarrett Payne Dunning issued the following statement:
My journey to Objectivism began long before I realized it. As a student in primary school, I was constantly put in situations which went against my most basic values. These were values I did not have a name for at the time, but values none the less. I was used by others for my intellect and I despised this theft of my own talent. I was constantly told to help others with their work, simply because others thought I should. I was asked to neglect my own tasks for the sake of others and this was all done in the name of duty.
The formation of my Objectivist philosophy would not take root until secondary school. It was here I was able to name and refine the values I held for so very long. In secondary school, I discovered an area of competition in which I could serve myself. That area was debate and I soon began to excel at it. In my senior year, I would obtain two state rings. I would win a ring for Impromptu Forensics and one for Lincoln-Douglas debate. These accomplishments meant more to me than a team trophy could ever. These were jewels I had obtained with my own intellect and ability and were all the more beautiful for that very reason. While in my debate career, I came across the works of Ayn Rand and have not looked back since. Currently, I am working on my undergraduate degree in history and have every intention of pursuing my Doctorate.
I took this position of President of the Objectivist Party of Virginia to further my own values. Values that I have come to realize are shared by many.