On June 5, 2009, Joe Rivera was appointed President of the Objectivist Party of Massachusetts. He has been accepted at and will be attending the Worchester Polytechnic Institute in Worchester, Massachusetts at which he will be forming an Objectivist Party Club this upcoming fall semester. It is Mr. Rivera's intention to ask the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party to charter a number of Objectivist Party Clubs at colleges and universities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Regarding this issue and the benefits associated with forming Objectivist Party Clubs, Mr. Rivera said:
Three of the current members of the Objectivist Party of Massachusetts will either be returning to college next year or attending for the first time. This is a great opportunity for us to tap into universities around the state by forming clubs. Objectivist Party Clubs are appealing to me because they have two major strengths: it is very easy for a college student, full of ideas about freedom, to notice a poster on their dorm bulletin board and join the club; and the clubs will be able to reserve auditoriums or lecture halls to host speakers and debates. Depending on the individual college's role as a center for its surrounding community, events such as these could potentially attract just as many people from outside as it does from the student body.
Joe Rivera joined the Objectivist Party on July 17, 2008. On February 17, 2009, he was appointed to the Governing Board and on June 1, 2009, he was appointed Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party. On June 5, 2009, the same date he was appointed to serve as OPMA President, he resigned as President of the Objectivist Party of Connecticut but will continue to work with Mike LeVine, the new OPCT President, as part of his new responsibilities as Vice-Chair.
Regarding his appointment as OPMA President, Joe Rivera said:
I am very grateful to be the new leader of the Objectivist Party of Massachusetts. This is a great opportunity for a young person like myself to develop my professional and leadership skills that will benefit me for the rest of my life. However, the biggest benefits won't come until Objectivist philosophy and the use of reason is accepted by the mainstream culture. Living under a smaller government that respects individual liberties is a worthy goal and I will be glad to say I played a role in bringing about that change.
The Objectivist Party of Massachusetts uses a Facebook Group to coordinate their activities. That Facebook Group is located at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=58770426948
Dr. Tom Stevens, Objectivist Party Chair, said the following about Joe Rivera's appointment as President of the Objectivist Party of Massachusetts:
I have the utmost confidence in Joe Rivera's ability to do a great job as OPMA President. The Massachusetts affiliate has gone through some difficult times since its chartering and I am pleased to have someone I can trust leading that affiliate. More has been done in the two weeks Mr. Rivera has been OPMA President than was accomplished during the past few months. I am very enthusiastic about the future potential of the Objectivist Party of Massachusetts. Now that Joe Rivera is President, I plan on scheduling a trip to the Boston area so I can meet with OPMA affiliate members. I will do everything within my power to help the Massachusetts affiliate to make its mark and to spread the message of liberty to all who are willing to listen.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Chair
Objectivist Party
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thomas Robert Stevens, Campaign Manager For Alden Link, LP Presidential Candidate
Alden Link, Libertarian Party Presidential Candidate, appointed Thomas Robert Stevens of New York State as his Campaign Manager on July 13, 2006, just ten days after the two of them attended the Libertarian Party National Convention held at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower in Portland, Oregon from June 28-July 3, 2006.
Dr. Stevens was instrumental in writing the Revised Campaign Platform of the Alden Link For President campaign that was unveiled on December 3, 2006 and which served as the basis for the campaign's efforts through the Libertarian Party National Convention held at the Sheraton Denver in Denver, Colorado over Memorial Day Weekend in 2008. That Revised Campaign Platform can be read at:
http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2009/06/alden-link-lp-presidential-candidate.html
Dr. Tom Stevens recommended Michael W. Reid, Jr. of Pennsylvania to serve as Treasurer of the Committee to Elect Alden Link President and recommended Greg Verdibello and subsequently Ronald S. Ramo (both of New York State) to serve in the capacity of National Youth Coordinator.
Thomas Robert Stevens led the Alden Link Campaign Team into the Libertarian Party National Convention held in Denver, Colorado and served as Campaign Manager of the Alden Link For President campaign until the Termination Report for the Committee To Elect Alden Link President was formally accepted by the Federal Election Commission on July 17, 2008.
Dr. Stevens was instrumental in writing the Revised Campaign Platform of the Alden Link For President campaign that was unveiled on December 3, 2006 and which served as the basis for the campaign's efforts through the Libertarian Party National Convention held at the Sheraton Denver in Denver, Colorado over Memorial Day Weekend in 2008. That Revised Campaign Platform can be read at:
http://drtomstevens.blogspot.com/2009/06/alden-link-lp-presidential-candidate.html
Dr. Tom Stevens recommended Michael W. Reid, Jr. of Pennsylvania to serve as Treasurer of the Committee to Elect Alden Link President and recommended Greg Verdibello and subsequently Ronald S. Ramo (both of New York State) to serve in the capacity of National Youth Coordinator.
Thomas Robert Stevens led the Alden Link Campaign Team into the Libertarian Party National Convention held in Denver, Colorado and served as Campaign Manager of the Alden Link For President campaign until the Termination Report for the Committee To Elect Alden Link President was formally accepted by the Federal Election Commission on July 17, 2008.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Alden Link's Campaign For The Presidential Nomination Of The Libertarian Party
Alden Link began seeking the Libertarian Party's nomination for President of the United States in early 2006 making his first expenditure in support of his campaign on March 10, 2006. Link's strategy was to announce early so he could promote his candidacy at the Libertarian Party's National Convention held at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower in Portland, Oregon from June 28-July 3, 2006 even though the nominee of the Libertarian Party for President would not be chosen until the LP's National Convention that would ultimately be held in Denver, Colorado over Memorial Day Weekend in 2008.
At the Libertarian Party's National Convention in Portland, Oregon, Alden Link spoke to as many delegates as he could, handing out literature and buttons to anyone who would take them and writing down the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of attendees who wanted to be kept informed about his campaign. Everywhere he went, Mr. Link carried his black valise that was plastered with "Alden Link for President" bumper stickers. When asked, Mr. Link would say he is running to make the country a better place for his children and grandchildren.
After the convention in Portland ended, Alden Link began a journey that would take his campaign during the next two years to almost every corner of the nation. Armed with invitations to attend LP State Conventions, Regional Meetings, and LNC Meetings, Alden Link drove and flew to as many meetings and conventions as he could attend, often flying his own plane to the host cities. As a senior citizen who was a pilot, entrepreneur, and real estate developer, he generated a significant amount of media interest. At times, he was accompanied in his journey by newspaper reporters writing feature articles about his campaign efforts.
On July 13, 2006, Alden Link appointed Dr. Tom Stevens as his Campaign Manager. On January 23, 2007, Alden Link filed a Statement of Organization with the Federal Election Commission formally creating the Committee To Elect Alden Link President. Michael Ward Reid, Jr. of Pennsylvania was selected as the Committee's Treasurer. On January 31, 2007, Camille O'Brien was appointed Campaign Coordinator and Greg Verdibello was appointed National Youth Coordinator. On February 14, 2007, Greg Verdibello was replaced as National Youth Coordinator by Ronald S. Ramo.
At the Libertarian Party's National Convention held in Denver, Colorado over Memorial Day Weekend in 2008, Alden Link participated in a number of formal and informal Presidential Debates and he and his staff manned a Link For President booth at which he handed out literature, pens, and other campaign paraphernalia.
All of the Presidential Candidates competing for the nomination of the Libertarian Party needed to collect tokens from credentialed delegates and needed to meet certain thresholds in order to participate in a formal debate before the delegates and then in a televised C-SPAN debate the next night. When it became clear he was not on track to win the nomination, Mr. Link ended his campaign and gave his own token to Christine Smith, who Alden had come to know well during the campaign. Alden Link's Campaign Team gave the remaining tokens they collected to Wayne Allyn Root, who was also seeking the Presidential Nomination of the Libertarian Party. All efforts switched to convincing Link supporters and their friends to support the Root campaign effort. After Wayne Allyn Root was eliminated, Alden Link's Campaign Team switched their support to former Congressman Bob Barr (who was endorsed by Root) during his battle with Mary Ruwart for the nomination. When Barr won the Presidential Nomination and endorsed Wayne Allyn Root for the Vice-Presidential Nomination, the Link Campaign Team successfully help Root obtain that nomination.
The Termination Report of the Committee To Elect Alden Link President was approved by the Federal Election Commission on July 17, 2008. During his two and a half year campaign, Alden Link made his mark and earned the respect of many liberty advocates throughout the United States. I believe Alden Link can be proud of his efforts and the issues his campaign raised.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Campaign Manager
Alden Link For President
At the Libertarian Party's National Convention in Portland, Oregon, Alden Link spoke to as many delegates as he could, handing out literature and buttons to anyone who would take them and writing down the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of attendees who wanted to be kept informed about his campaign. Everywhere he went, Mr. Link carried his black valise that was plastered with "Alden Link for President" bumper stickers. When asked, Mr. Link would say he is running to make the country a better place for his children and grandchildren.
After the convention in Portland ended, Alden Link began a journey that would take his campaign during the next two years to almost every corner of the nation. Armed with invitations to attend LP State Conventions, Regional Meetings, and LNC Meetings, Alden Link drove and flew to as many meetings and conventions as he could attend, often flying his own plane to the host cities. As a senior citizen who was a pilot, entrepreneur, and real estate developer, he generated a significant amount of media interest. At times, he was accompanied in his journey by newspaper reporters writing feature articles about his campaign efforts.
On July 13, 2006, Alden Link appointed Dr. Tom Stevens as his Campaign Manager. On January 23, 2007, Alden Link filed a Statement of Organization with the Federal Election Commission formally creating the Committee To Elect Alden Link President. Michael Ward Reid, Jr. of Pennsylvania was selected as the Committee's Treasurer. On January 31, 2007, Camille O'Brien was appointed Campaign Coordinator and Greg Verdibello was appointed National Youth Coordinator. On February 14, 2007, Greg Verdibello was replaced as National Youth Coordinator by Ronald S. Ramo.
At the Libertarian Party's National Convention held in Denver, Colorado over Memorial Day Weekend in 2008, Alden Link participated in a number of formal and informal Presidential Debates and he and his staff manned a Link For President booth at which he handed out literature, pens, and other campaign paraphernalia.
All of the Presidential Candidates competing for the nomination of the Libertarian Party needed to collect tokens from credentialed delegates and needed to meet certain thresholds in order to participate in a formal debate before the delegates and then in a televised C-SPAN debate the next night. When it became clear he was not on track to win the nomination, Mr. Link ended his campaign and gave his own token to Christine Smith, who Alden had come to know well during the campaign. Alden Link's Campaign Team gave the remaining tokens they collected to Wayne Allyn Root, who was also seeking the Presidential Nomination of the Libertarian Party. All efforts switched to convincing Link supporters and their friends to support the Root campaign effort. After Wayne Allyn Root was eliminated, Alden Link's Campaign Team switched their support to former Congressman Bob Barr (who was endorsed by Root) during his battle with Mary Ruwart for the nomination. When Barr won the Presidential Nomination and endorsed Wayne Allyn Root for the Vice-Presidential Nomination, the Link Campaign Team successfully help Root obtain that nomination.
The Termination Report of the Committee To Elect Alden Link President was approved by the Federal Election Commission on July 17, 2008. During his two and a half year campaign, Alden Link made his mark and earned the respect of many liberty advocates throughout the United States. I believe Alden Link can be proud of his efforts and the issues his campaign raised.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Campaign Manager
Alden Link For President
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Alden Link, LP Presidential Candidate, Publishes Revised Platform
After taking on Dr. Tom Stevens as his Campaign Manager, Alden Link, who was seeking the Presidential nomination of the Libertarian Party, published a Revised Campaign Platform. That Platform, which was unveiled on December 3, 2006 and remained unamended through the Libertarian Party's National Convention held in Denver, Colorado over Memorial Day Weekend in 2008, was as follows:
Alden Link Stands For:
* Ending Illegal Immigration
* Defending America
* Achieving Energy Independence
* Respecting Personal Choice
* Shrinking The Size Of Government
* Exploring The Universe
* Fighting For Gay Rights
ENDING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Just as private property owners have the right to decide whom they wish to invite onto their property, the government of each nation state, as a representative of the citizens living therein, has the absolute right to decide who shall be permitted to enter their country. The United States has the right to make decisions with respect to whom it wishes to admit and under what conditions. All illegal immigration into the United States must end. Enforcement efforts against all non-working undocumented aliens must be increased. Worker Visas should be offered to all undocumented aliens who are currently employed, which would entitle those workers and their families to continue to reside in the United States as long as they are never unemployed for a period of longer than one year. Immigrants with Worker Visas would need to apply for citizenship on an equal basis with individuals applying for citizenship from outside the United States. Automatic citizenship should be granted to all illegal aliens age 70 or above who have resided in this country for more than five years. The policy of granting automatic citizenship to children born to parents who are both illegal aliens should end.
DEFENDING AMERICA
Western Civilization and its traditions are under attack by radical Islamic fundamentalists who seek to spread their message through violence. The United States needs to aggressively defend its institutions and way of life against this threat. We need to develop a common front and strategic plan with moderate Islamic states that share our interest in addressing this problem. We need to increase our support for the government of Afghanistan and must seek out innovative solutions, such as dividing Iraq into three autonomous regions, in order to enable the United States to withdraw its troops from Iraq at the earliest possible date. We must take our campaign against foreign terrorists and domestic "sleeper cells" directly to their doorsteps. We must infiltrate their operations and strike at them before they have the opportunity to carry out their plans. We must defend ourselves against direct threats to our liberty whether those threats come from aboard or from our own government. Our constitutional rights are continually being eroded by our government and through rulings of the Supreme Court. What happened to the "probable cause" required for a police officer to stop your car on a public highway? What happened to your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms? The excess infringements upon your civil liberties present in the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act must be immediately repealed and the civil liberties of all Americans must be restored.
ACHIEVING ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
The United States needs to reduce its dependence on foreign oil by developing alternative energy resources and by encouraging greater energy conservation efforts. The government needs to get out of the business of subsidizing, taxing and regulating some energy sources at the expense of others. Nuclear power plants can now be built in 3-6 years with passive safety features and more efficient solar energy cells offer great promise for the future. Ending our reliance on gasoline fueled automobiles is the single greatest step we can take to reduce pollution and greenhouse emissions, especially in the major metropolitan areas of the world. Hydrogen cell and electric cars are only two of the many alternative technologies that entrepreneurs should be encouraged to investigate.
RESPECTING PERSONAL CHOICE
People are sovereign over their own bodies and they should have the right to do with them as they please so long as they do not directly interfere with the right of others to do the same. The government should not be involved in trying to legislate morality and should not act paternalistically to protect people from making the decisions they believe are in their own best interests. People with drug addictions are not criminals. The war on drugs must be ended and all prisoners doing time for the use or possession of drugs should be released from prison and should have their criminal records expunged. Prostitution and pornography fall in the category of "victimless crimes" that do no direct harm to others. Private adult consensual behavior should not be criminalized. The words contained in the United States Constitution should be interpreted to recognize that every citizen has a constitutionally protected "zone of privacy"that must not be intruded upon by the government.
SHRINKING THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT
We must shrink the size of government by cutting back on the amount of taxes it collects and the amount of money it can borrow. All property taxes need to be eliminated so the government no longer has a permanent claim against the land and home you own. As a first step toward eliminating the income tax, a simple 10% flat tax should be instituted. The death tax and capital gains tax represent double taxation and should be repealed. The government is growing larger and more intrusive with every law it passes, and with every dollar it spends. We need to have a government of limited powers, such as the one provided for in the United States Constitution.
EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE
Space Exploration Day, celebrated on July 20th of every year, commemorates Neil Armstrong's setting foot on the moon in 1969. Very little progress has been made since then because of N.A.S.A.'s virtual monopoly of the space industry and the government's regulation of independent entrepreneurial efforts that would have flourished in a freer market atmosphere. Exploring the universe not only gives us a better understanding of who we are, but it also unites the people of the Earth by helping them to understand we are part of a human race living in a fragile biosphere, with no other habitable planets within reach. New technologies have come to light as a result of space exploration and science fiction has provided ideas for what later became science fact. The old "Star Trek" communicators have become our modern day cell phones. Who could have guessed this would one day become possible? We must encourage entrepreneurs to develop space tourism as an industry and we must come to a better understanding of how best to protect the environment and the diversity of life on our planet.
FIGHTING FOR GAY RIGHTS
Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals are entitled to full equality under the law regardless of their sexual orientations or perceived gender identity or presentation. All federal and state Defense of Marriage Acts must be repealed. The military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy must be ended so our gay and lesbian service men and women can serve their country openly and proudly. All Federal Marriage Amendments and all state constitutional amendments seeking to define marriage as a union of one man and one woman should be opposed and/or repealed. All special benefits and privileges granted to individuals on the basis of their marital status should be ended. All state governments and localities should get out of the business of granting marriage licenses in order to allow people to enter into contractual relationships to order their lives as they see fit, but so long as the government continues to grant marriage licenses to heterosexual couples, gay couples are entitled to the "equal protection" of the laws and should be allowed to obtain government issued marriage licenses as well. All religious institutions should retain the right to perform marriage ceremonies in accordance with their church doctrine without governmental interference.
Alden Link Stands For:
* Ending Illegal Immigration
* Defending America
* Achieving Energy Independence
* Respecting Personal Choice
* Shrinking The Size Of Government
* Exploring The Universe
* Fighting For Gay Rights
ENDING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Just as private property owners have the right to decide whom they wish to invite onto their property, the government of each nation state, as a representative of the citizens living therein, has the absolute right to decide who shall be permitted to enter their country. The United States has the right to make decisions with respect to whom it wishes to admit and under what conditions. All illegal immigration into the United States must end. Enforcement efforts against all non-working undocumented aliens must be increased. Worker Visas should be offered to all undocumented aliens who are currently employed, which would entitle those workers and their families to continue to reside in the United States as long as they are never unemployed for a period of longer than one year. Immigrants with Worker Visas would need to apply for citizenship on an equal basis with individuals applying for citizenship from outside the United States. Automatic citizenship should be granted to all illegal aliens age 70 or above who have resided in this country for more than five years. The policy of granting automatic citizenship to children born to parents who are both illegal aliens should end.
DEFENDING AMERICA
Western Civilization and its traditions are under attack by radical Islamic fundamentalists who seek to spread their message through violence. The United States needs to aggressively defend its institutions and way of life against this threat. We need to develop a common front and strategic plan with moderate Islamic states that share our interest in addressing this problem. We need to increase our support for the government of Afghanistan and must seek out innovative solutions, such as dividing Iraq into three autonomous regions, in order to enable the United States to withdraw its troops from Iraq at the earliest possible date. We must take our campaign against foreign terrorists and domestic "sleeper cells" directly to their doorsteps. We must infiltrate their operations and strike at them before they have the opportunity to carry out their plans. We must defend ourselves against direct threats to our liberty whether those threats come from aboard or from our own government. Our constitutional rights are continually being eroded by our government and through rulings of the Supreme Court. What happened to the "probable cause" required for a police officer to stop your car on a public highway? What happened to your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms? The excess infringements upon your civil liberties present in the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act must be immediately repealed and the civil liberties of all Americans must be restored.
ACHIEVING ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
The United States needs to reduce its dependence on foreign oil by developing alternative energy resources and by encouraging greater energy conservation efforts. The government needs to get out of the business of subsidizing, taxing and regulating some energy sources at the expense of others. Nuclear power plants can now be built in 3-6 years with passive safety features and more efficient solar energy cells offer great promise for the future. Ending our reliance on gasoline fueled automobiles is the single greatest step we can take to reduce pollution and greenhouse emissions, especially in the major metropolitan areas of the world. Hydrogen cell and electric cars are only two of the many alternative technologies that entrepreneurs should be encouraged to investigate.
RESPECTING PERSONAL CHOICE
People are sovereign over their own bodies and they should have the right to do with them as they please so long as they do not directly interfere with the right of others to do the same. The government should not be involved in trying to legislate morality and should not act paternalistically to protect people from making the decisions they believe are in their own best interests. People with drug addictions are not criminals. The war on drugs must be ended and all prisoners doing time for the use or possession of drugs should be released from prison and should have their criminal records expunged. Prostitution and pornography fall in the category of "victimless crimes" that do no direct harm to others. Private adult consensual behavior should not be criminalized. The words contained in the United States Constitution should be interpreted to recognize that every citizen has a constitutionally protected "zone of privacy"that must not be intruded upon by the government.
SHRINKING THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT
We must shrink the size of government by cutting back on the amount of taxes it collects and the amount of money it can borrow. All property taxes need to be eliminated so the government no longer has a permanent claim against the land and home you own. As a first step toward eliminating the income tax, a simple 10% flat tax should be instituted. The death tax and capital gains tax represent double taxation and should be repealed. The government is growing larger and more intrusive with every law it passes, and with every dollar it spends. We need to have a government of limited powers, such as the one provided for in the United States Constitution.
EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE
Space Exploration Day, celebrated on July 20th of every year, commemorates Neil Armstrong's setting foot on the moon in 1969. Very little progress has been made since then because of N.A.S.A.'s virtual monopoly of the space industry and the government's regulation of independent entrepreneurial efforts that would have flourished in a freer market atmosphere. Exploring the universe not only gives us a better understanding of who we are, but it also unites the people of the Earth by helping them to understand we are part of a human race living in a fragile biosphere, with no other habitable planets within reach. New technologies have come to light as a result of space exploration and science fiction has provided ideas for what later became science fact. The old "Star Trek" communicators have become our modern day cell phones. Who could have guessed this would one day become possible? We must encourage entrepreneurs to develop space tourism as an industry and we must come to a better understanding of how best to protect the environment and the diversity of life on our planet.
FIGHTING FOR GAY RIGHTS
Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals are entitled to full equality under the law regardless of their sexual orientations or perceived gender identity or presentation. All federal and state Defense of Marriage Acts must be repealed. The military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy must be ended so our gay and lesbian service men and women can serve their country openly and proudly. All Federal Marriage Amendments and all state constitutional amendments seeking to define marriage as a union of one man and one woman should be opposed and/or repealed. All special benefits and privileges granted to individuals on the basis of their marital status should be ended. All state governments and localities should get out of the business of granting marriage licenses in order to allow people to enter into contractual relationships to order their lives as they see fit, but so long as the government continues to grant marriage licenses to heterosexual couples, gay couples are entitled to the "equal protection" of the laws and should be allowed to obtain government issued marriage licenses as well. All religious institutions should retain the right to perform marriage ceremonies in accordance with their church doctrine without governmental interference.
Alden Link, LP Presidential Candidate, Answers Questions For LP News
Alden Link sought the Presidential nomination of the Libertarian Party in 2008. Leading up to the Libertarian Party National Convention held in Denver, Colorado on Memorial Day Weekend, LP News asked Mr. Link to respond to certain questions. Those questions and Mr. Link's answers follow:
What would you hope to accomplish as the Libertarian presidential nominee? Could you break the million vote barrier?
To break the million vote barrier, the Libertarian Party’s presidential nominee must have, or be able to raise, the money to run a 50-state campaign and must take positions on key issues to reach constituencies that feel alienated by the two main political parties. I am an aviator, entrepreneur, real estate developer, inventor and small business owner, who served in the United States Army and who would like to spread the message of liberty to as many people as possible during the upcoming campaign. As the Libertarian Party’s presidential nominee, I am prepared to commit considerable resources to this endeavor. If you like who I am and my positions on the issues, please use your token to give me an opportunity to address the LP Convention. If you would like to help and plan to attend the LP National Convention in Denver, Colorado, contact Dr. Tom Stevens, my Campaign Manager, at 718-357-7075. Your support would be much appreciated.
As for what I would like to accomplish as the LP’s presidential nominee, I would like to coherently explain to the public how the Libertarian Party can offer practical solutions to the complex problems we face today. For example, we can work to end our reliance on foreign oil and improve the quality of our environment by getting the government out of the business of subsidizing, taxing and regulating some energy resources at the expense of others. In a competitive environment, nuclear power plants with passive safety features could be built in 3-6 years by entrepreneurs in the private sector. In another area, I would explain to the public how the war on drugs is counterproductive and erodes our civil liberties, why the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act must be repealed for the same reason and how the government uses fear and the war effort to increase its power and control over the lives of ordinary citizens. We must defend ourselves against direct threats to our liberty whether those threats come from aboard or from our own government.
We must shrink the size of government by cutting back on the amount of taxes it collects and the amount of money it can borrow. All property taxes need to be eliminated so the government no longer has a permanent claim against the land and home you own. The death tax and capital gains tax represent double taxation and should be repealed.
All illegal immigration into the United States must end. Worker Visas should be offered to all undocumented aliens who are currently employed. Out of compassion, automatic citizenship should be granted to all illegal aliens age 70 or older who have resided in this country for more than five years.
Space Exploration Day, celebrated on July 20th of every year, commemorates Neil Armstrong's setting foot on the moon in 1969. Very little progress has been made since then because of N.A.S.A.'s virtual monopoly of the space industry and the government's regulation of independent entrepreneurial efforts that would have flourished in a freer market atmosphere.
Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals are entitled to full equality under the law regardless of their sexual orientations or perceived gender identity or presentation. The military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy must be ended so our gay and lesbian service men and women can serve their country openly and proudly. All state governments and localities should get out of the business of granting marriage licenses in order to allow people to enter into contractual relationships to order their lives as they see fit, but so long as the government continues to grant marriage licenses to heterosexual couples, gay couples are entitled to the "equal protection" of the laws and should be allowed to obtain government issued marriage licenses as well. All religious institutions should retain the right to perform marriage ceremonies in accordance with their church doctrine without governmental interference. Stonewall Libertarians played a large part in helping me to understand G.L.B.T. issues and helped me write my gay rights plank. I urge you to support their efforts by visiting their website at http://www.stonewalllibertarians.org/
During your campaign for the nomination, do you feel you have helped the party with its recent growth? If so, how?
I do believe I have helped the party with its recent growth. Many of my supporters have joined the Libertarian Party because I was running for its presidential nomination. In addition, I have had many articles printed regarding my candidacy and positions on issues. I have also promoted the Libertarian Party in all of my public appearances and have addressed many local and state LP organizations and conventions. In each such appearance, I encouraged non-LP members to join the party.
In the event that you do not win the presidential nomination, will you assist the presidential nominee and other Libertarian candidates around the nation? If so, how?
If I fail to win the presidential nomination, I would be happy to assist and advise whoever the LP presidential nominee is, if that person seeks my help. Otherwise, I will work in my home state of New York to promote Libertarian candidates running for state, local and national office.
Given that the vice presidential nominee is selected independently, after the presidential nominee is named, do you intend to seek the vice presidential nomination in the event that you do not win your bid for the presidential nomination?
I would be honored to seek and accept the vice-presidential nomination of the Libertarian Party and I would work as hard on the campaign trail as if I had been the presidential nominee.
With the exception of one presidential cycle, the Libertarian Party has enjoyed significant growth during presidential election years. Are you confident that you can continue this trend if chosen as the presidential nominee? Do you believe it is reasonable goal for the LP to reach its all-time membership record as a result of your campaign efforts?
I am confident the Libertarian Party would experience significant growth if I was chosen as its presidential nominee and that it would reach its all-time membership record as a result of my campaign efforts. Fundraising and the political expertise of my Campaign Team would be the keys to my success. While I am in a position to personally finance a 50-state campaign, I intend to rely on my business contacts and supporters to raise the money needed to purchase radio and television ads in the major media markets. In addition, I believe that all the money in the world will not translate into success unless it is wisely spent. For expert political advice, I intend to rely on Dr. Tom Stevens, my Campaign Manager, who has years of political experience working on national, state and local campaigns, and on Michael W. Reid, Jr., Treasurer of the Committee to Elect Alden Link President, who has shown an amazing grasp of Federal Election Law and F.E.C. regulations.
Do you feel that you would be able to attract significant media coverage as our nominee? What coverage has your campaign generated thus far?
Since I own two planes (one which I built myself), I would travel around the country flying into local airports and holding press conferences on the tarmac, which I believe would create considerable buzz, especially since I am a senior citizen. I made most of my money as a real estate developer and still run a small business manufacturing wheat grass juicers I invented and supplying them to national chains (http://www.sundanceind.com). As an aviator, entrepreneur and small-business owner, I believe I will make an attractive candidate. I draw that conclusion from the interest the media has shown in me to date. I have been profiled and shadowed by reporters eager to understand what they consider to be an interesting story regarding what motivates me to run for President. I am in a position to devote full-time to the upcoming campaign and I pledge to be on the campaign trail every day from now until the November election.
Five years from now, what role do you see yourself having in the Libertarian Party?
As a candidate with experience running a national campaign, I would be eager to share my knowledge and help develop the next generation of leaders put forth by the Libertarian Party. I have no intention of seeking the presidential nomination in 2012 and would be content to participate in National and State Conventions of the Libertarian Party and to contribute to the success of the party in any way I can.
What would you hope to accomplish as the Libertarian presidential nominee? Could you break the million vote barrier?
To break the million vote barrier, the Libertarian Party’s presidential nominee must have, or be able to raise, the money to run a 50-state campaign and must take positions on key issues to reach constituencies that feel alienated by the two main political parties. I am an aviator, entrepreneur, real estate developer, inventor and small business owner, who served in the United States Army and who would like to spread the message of liberty to as many people as possible during the upcoming campaign. As the Libertarian Party’s presidential nominee, I am prepared to commit considerable resources to this endeavor. If you like who I am and my positions on the issues, please use your token to give me an opportunity to address the LP Convention. If you would like to help and plan to attend the LP National Convention in Denver, Colorado, contact Dr. Tom Stevens, my Campaign Manager, at 718-357-7075. Your support would be much appreciated.
As for what I would like to accomplish as the LP’s presidential nominee, I would like to coherently explain to the public how the Libertarian Party can offer practical solutions to the complex problems we face today. For example, we can work to end our reliance on foreign oil and improve the quality of our environment by getting the government out of the business of subsidizing, taxing and regulating some energy resources at the expense of others. In a competitive environment, nuclear power plants with passive safety features could be built in 3-6 years by entrepreneurs in the private sector. In another area, I would explain to the public how the war on drugs is counterproductive and erodes our civil liberties, why the P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act must be repealed for the same reason and how the government uses fear and the war effort to increase its power and control over the lives of ordinary citizens. We must defend ourselves against direct threats to our liberty whether those threats come from aboard or from our own government.
We must shrink the size of government by cutting back on the amount of taxes it collects and the amount of money it can borrow. All property taxes need to be eliminated so the government no longer has a permanent claim against the land and home you own. The death tax and capital gains tax represent double taxation and should be repealed.
All illegal immigration into the United States must end. Worker Visas should be offered to all undocumented aliens who are currently employed. Out of compassion, automatic citizenship should be granted to all illegal aliens age 70 or older who have resided in this country for more than five years.
Space Exploration Day, celebrated on July 20th of every year, commemorates Neil Armstrong's setting foot on the moon in 1969. Very little progress has been made since then because of N.A.S.A.'s virtual monopoly of the space industry and the government's regulation of independent entrepreneurial efforts that would have flourished in a freer market atmosphere.
Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals are entitled to full equality under the law regardless of their sexual orientations or perceived gender identity or presentation. The military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy must be ended so our gay and lesbian service men and women can serve their country openly and proudly. All state governments and localities should get out of the business of granting marriage licenses in order to allow people to enter into contractual relationships to order their lives as they see fit, but so long as the government continues to grant marriage licenses to heterosexual couples, gay couples are entitled to the "equal protection" of the laws and should be allowed to obtain government issued marriage licenses as well. All religious institutions should retain the right to perform marriage ceremonies in accordance with their church doctrine without governmental interference. Stonewall Libertarians played a large part in helping me to understand G.L.B.T. issues and helped me write my gay rights plank. I urge you to support their efforts by visiting their website at http://www.stonewalllibertarians.org/
During your campaign for the nomination, do you feel you have helped the party with its recent growth? If so, how?
I do believe I have helped the party with its recent growth. Many of my supporters have joined the Libertarian Party because I was running for its presidential nomination. In addition, I have had many articles printed regarding my candidacy and positions on issues. I have also promoted the Libertarian Party in all of my public appearances and have addressed many local and state LP organizations and conventions. In each such appearance, I encouraged non-LP members to join the party.
In the event that you do not win the presidential nomination, will you assist the presidential nominee and other Libertarian candidates around the nation? If so, how?
If I fail to win the presidential nomination, I would be happy to assist and advise whoever the LP presidential nominee is, if that person seeks my help. Otherwise, I will work in my home state of New York to promote Libertarian candidates running for state, local and national office.
Given that the vice presidential nominee is selected independently, after the presidential nominee is named, do you intend to seek the vice presidential nomination in the event that you do not win your bid for the presidential nomination?
I would be honored to seek and accept the vice-presidential nomination of the Libertarian Party and I would work as hard on the campaign trail as if I had been the presidential nominee.
With the exception of one presidential cycle, the Libertarian Party has enjoyed significant growth during presidential election years. Are you confident that you can continue this trend if chosen as the presidential nominee? Do you believe it is reasonable goal for the LP to reach its all-time membership record as a result of your campaign efforts?
I am confident the Libertarian Party would experience significant growth if I was chosen as its presidential nominee and that it would reach its all-time membership record as a result of my campaign efforts. Fundraising and the political expertise of my Campaign Team would be the keys to my success. While I am in a position to personally finance a 50-state campaign, I intend to rely on my business contacts and supporters to raise the money needed to purchase radio and television ads in the major media markets. In addition, I believe that all the money in the world will not translate into success unless it is wisely spent. For expert political advice, I intend to rely on Dr. Tom Stevens, my Campaign Manager, who has years of political experience working on national, state and local campaigns, and on Michael W. Reid, Jr., Treasurer of the Committee to Elect Alden Link President, who has shown an amazing grasp of Federal Election Law and F.E.C. regulations.
Do you feel that you would be able to attract significant media coverage as our nominee? What coverage has your campaign generated thus far?
Since I own two planes (one which I built myself), I would travel around the country flying into local airports and holding press conferences on the tarmac, which I believe would create considerable buzz, especially since I am a senior citizen. I made most of my money as a real estate developer and still run a small business manufacturing wheat grass juicers I invented and supplying them to national chains (http://www.sundanceind.com). As an aviator, entrepreneur and small-business owner, I believe I will make an attractive candidate. I draw that conclusion from the interest the media has shown in me to date. I have been profiled and shadowed by reporters eager to understand what they consider to be an interesting story regarding what motivates me to run for President. I am in a position to devote full-time to the upcoming campaign and I pledge to be on the campaign trail every day from now until the November election.
Five years from now, what role do you see yourself having in the Libertarian Party?
As a candidate with experience running a national campaign, I would be eager to share my knowledge and help develop the next generation of leaders put forth by the Libertarian Party. I have no intention of seeking the presidential nomination in 2012 and would be content to participate in National and State Conventions of the Libertarian Party and to contribute to the success of the party in any way I can.
Dallwyn Merck: Loyal & Committed Objectivist Party Activist
Dallwyn Merck joined the Objectivist Party on February 2, 2008 on which date he was elected to serve as a member of the Governing Board. On June 7, 2008, the Objectivist Party of New York was chartered. At its organizational meeting, Dallwyn Merck was elected Secretary of the Objectivist Party of New York. Mr. Merck continues to serve in both capacities and has been a loyal and committed Objectivist Party member.
On February 2, 2009, Dallwyn Merck was active in promoting the celebration of Ayn Rand's birthday and on May 8, 2009, he promoted increased recognition of Free Trade Day. Mr. Merck continues to be a regular presence at General Membership Meetings of the Objectivist Party of New York.
The Objectivist Party is proud to have Dallwyn Merck as a leader and freedom crusader!
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Chair
Objectivist Party
On February 2, 2009, Dallwyn Merck was active in promoting the celebration of Ayn Rand's birthday and on May 8, 2009, he promoted increased recognition of Free Trade Day. Mr. Merck continues to be a regular presence at General Membership Meetings of the Objectivist Party of New York.
The Objectivist Party is proud to have Dallwyn Merck as a leader and freedom crusader!
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Chair
Objectivist Party
Monday, June 15, 2009
Michael W. Reid, Jr. & The Objectivist Party
Michael W. Reid, Jr. joined the Objectivist Party on February 2, 2008 on which date he was elected to serve on the Governing Board and designated Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party.
On May 25, 2008, Mike Reid attended the National Convention of the Objectivist Party held at The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, Colorado. At that convention at which Mr. Reid was a delegate, Thomas Robert Stevens (New York) was selected as the candidate of the Objectivist Party for President of the United States and Alden Link (New Jersey) was selected as the candidate of the Objectivist Party for Vice-President of the United States.
On June 8, 2009, the Pennsylvania affiliate of the Boston Tea Party voted unanimously to disaffiliate from the Boston Tea Party and its members sought a charter to organize as a new affiliate of the Objectivist Party.
The Governing Board of the Objectivist Party unanimously passed the following motion:
MOTION: that the National Committee grant a charter to a Pennsylvania affiliate of the Objectivist Party, which shall be known as Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania and that said charter be deemed granted as of June 8, 2009 upon the application of Michael W. Reid, Jr., who has been elected its first President.
Governing Board members Jeff Grizlo, Dallwyn Merck, Dodge Landesman, Dr. Tom Stevens, Alex Fitzsimmons and Michael W. Reid, Jr. all voted in favor of the motion and the Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania (OPPA) was formally chartered.
After the Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania was chartered, Michael W. Reid, Jr. failed to fulfill his duties as President, failed to schedule meetings, failed to communicate with Objectivist Party members living in his state, failed to seek out liberty-oriented coalitions, failed to send out any News Releases announcing the chartering of the affiliate, failed to schedule any activities and failed to exhibit the minimal degree of competence necessary to perform his responsibilities as President. Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair of the Objectivist Party, contacted Mike Reid and asked him whether he had any intention of rectifying the situation. Based on his response, the Governing Board removed Michael W. Reid, Jr. as President of the Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania on September 23, 2008, replacing him with John Breig.
For the next three months, Michael W. Reid, Jr. failed to take on any responsibilities in his capacity as Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party or as a Governing Board member. He ceased communicating with the Chair of the Objectivist Party and in December, 2008, he switched his "Political Views" as listed on Facebook from "Objectivist Party" to 'Libertarian Party". As a result of these actions, Michael W. Reid, Jr. was removed as Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party and as a Governing Board member on December 29, 2008.
During, January, 2009, multiple e-mails were sent to Mike Reid informing him that his free membership in the Objectivist Party had been extended through December 31, 2009 and noting that if he wished to resign, he would need to inform us of that fact. It became clear over the next few weeks that Mr. Reid had cut off all communication with party members and was not responding to any e-mails sent to him by OPPA President John Breig (who served from 9/23/08 to 11/18/08) or by his successor, Timothy Michael Schaible. As a result, the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party terminated the membership of Michael W. Reid, Jr. in the Objectivist Party effective February 10, 2009.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Chair
Objectivist Party
On May 25, 2008, Mike Reid attended the National Convention of the Objectivist Party held at The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, Colorado. At that convention at which Mr. Reid was a delegate, Thomas Robert Stevens (New York) was selected as the candidate of the Objectivist Party for President of the United States and Alden Link (New Jersey) was selected as the candidate of the Objectivist Party for Vice-President of the United States.
On June 8, 2009, the Pennsylvania affiliate of the Boston Tea Party voted unanimously to disaffiliate from the Boston Tea Party and its members sought a charter to organize as a new affiliate of the Objectivist Party.
The Governing Board of the Objectivist Party unanimously passed the following motion:
MOTION: that the National Committee grant a charter to a Pennsylvania affiliate of the Objectivist Party, which shall be known as Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania and that said charter be deemed granted as of June 8, 2009 upon the application of Michael W. Reid, Jr., who has been elected its first President.
Governing Board members Jeff Grizlo, Dallwyn Merck, Dodge Landesman, Dr. Tom Stevens, Alex Fitzsimmons and Michael W. Reid, Jr. all voted in favor of the motion and the Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania (OPPA) was formally chartered.
After the Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania was chartered, Michael W. Reid, Jr. failed to fulfill his duties as President, failed to schedule meetings, failed to communicate with Objectivist Party members living in his state, failed to seek out liberty-oriented coalitions, failed to send out any News Releases announcing the chartering of the affiliate, failed to schedule any activities and failed to exhibit the minimal degree of competence necessary to perform his responsibilities as President. Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair of the Objectivist Party, contacted Mike Reid and asked him whether he had any intention of rectifying the situation. Based on his response, the Governing Board removed Michael W. Reid, Jr. as President of the Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania on September 23, 2008, replacing him with John Breig.
For the next three months, Michael W. Reid, Jr. failed to take on any responsibilities in his capacity as Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party or as a Governing Board member. He ceased communicating with the Chair of the Objectivist Party and in December, 2008, he switched his "Political Views" as listed on Facebook from "Objectivist Party" to 'Libertarian Party". As a result of these actions, Michael W. Reid, Jr. was removed as Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party and as a Governing Board member on December 29, 2008.
During, January, 2009, multiple e-mails were sent to Mike Reid informing him that his free membership in the Objectivist Party had been extended through December 31, 2009 and noting that if he wished to resign, he would need to inform us of that fact. It became clear over the next few weeks that Mr. Reid had cut off all communication with party members and was not responding to any e-mails sent to him by OPPA President John Breig (who served from 9/23/08 to 11/18/08) or by his successor, Timothy Michael Schaible. As a result, the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party terminated the membership of Michael W. Reid, Jr. in the Objectivist Party effective February 10, 2009.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Chair
Objectivist Party
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Arvindh Rao Resigns As OPNY Executive Assistant & Objectivist Party Member
Arvindh Rao, Executive Assistant of the Objectivist Party of New York, resigned from that position and as a member of the Objectivist Party on June 7, 2009 citing "legal and compliance reasons" associated with his new job in the Financial Services Industry.
In an e-mail received by Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair of the Objectivist Party, on June 7, 2009, Mr. Rao wrote the following:
I begin my job tomorrow in the Financial Services Industry and due to legal and compliance reasons, I am no longer able to serve as executive assistant for the Objectivist Party - NY. I'm really sorry, I was hoping to serve but with deep regrets I have to resign. Please accept this as my resignation both from my position as well as the party.
Dr. Stevens respected the request of Arvindh Rao and immediately processed his resignation both as Executive Assistant of the Objectivist Party of New York and as a member of the Objectivist Party. However, Dr. Stevens told Mr. Rao he was "unaware of any 'legal and compliance reasons' in the Financial Services Industry that would require employees in that industry to resign as members of a political party". While that may be the case, he stated, "it is hard to believe that employees would be asked to end their affiliation as members of the Republican Party, the Democratic Party or any other political party for that matter".
Arvindh Rao joined the Objectivist Party on July 19, 2008. He was appointed to the position of Executive Assistant of the Objectivist Party of New York on May 1, 2009. His resignation from the position of Executive Assistant and as a member of the Objectivist Party became effective June 7, 2009.
The Objectivist Party wishes Arvindh Rao well in his future endeavors.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Chair
Objectivist Party
In an e-mail received by Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair of the Objectivist Party, on June 7, 2009, Mr. Rao wrote the following:
I begin my job tomorrow in the Financial Services Industry and due to legal and compliance reasons, I am no longer able to serve as executive assistant for the Objectivist Party - NY. I'm really sorry, I was hoping to serve but with deep regrets I have to resign. Please accept this as my resignation both from my position as well as the party.
Dr. Stevens respected the request of Arvindh Rao and immediately processed his resignation both as Executive Assistant of the Objectivist Party of New York and as a member of the Objectivist Party. However, Dr. Stevens told Mr. Rao he was "unaware of any 'legal and compliance reasons' in the Financial Services Industry that would require employees in that industry to resign as members of a political party". While that may be the case, he stated, "it is hard to believe that employees would be asked to end their affiliation as members of the Republican Party, the Democratic Party or any other political party for that matter".
Arvindh Rao joined the Objectivist Party on July 19, 2008. He was appointed to the position of Executive Assistant of the Objectivist Party of New York on May 1, 2009. His resignation from the position of Executive Assistant and as a member of the Objectivist Party became effective June 7, 2009.
The Objectivist Party wishes Arvindh Rao well in his future endeavors.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Chair
Objectivist Party
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Joe Rivera Appointed Vice-Chair Of The Objectivist Party
On June 1, 2009, Joe Rivera was appointed Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party. The Objectivist Party was founded on February 2, 2008 and seeks to promote Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism in the political realm.
Joe Rivera is a rising star in the liberty movement and in Objectivist circles. He joined the Objectivist Party on July 17, 2008. He was appointed President of the Objectivist Party of Connecticut on August 12, 2008 and was appointed to serve on the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party on February 17, 2009. His appointment as Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party reflects the confidence party members have in his ability to make a major contribution to the growth of the Objectivist Party and to inspiring others to live more productive lives in accordance with their values through the use of reason.
An excerpt of an essay he wrote on the importance of utilizing reason follows:
Reason is essential to our ability to plan our behavior and predict outcomes. Applied continuously in our decision-making, it allows us to better achieve the values we have chosen to pursue. Without constant observance of reason, it becomes easy for our line of thinking to derail from our original intentions, and we become prone to betraying the same values we had set out to promote.
Regarding the potential of the Objectivist Party to grow and become an important and influential force in the world, Rivera wrote:
Its deep-rooted philosophical recognition of reason and its importance is, in my view, the Objectivist Party's greatest strength. It is made up of individuals who strive to think critically about everything. The rigorous application of logic combined with the Objectivist values of integrity and purpose is what gives the Objectivist Party its guide to action, its fuel, and its potential.
After being appointed Vice-Chair, Joe Rivera made the following comment with respect to the prospect of working more closely with Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair of the Objectivist Party:
I am looking forward to working closely with Dr. Stevens and cultivating the rich potential of the Objectivist Party. I've been upset with the way our government has abused its power all my life, and now, more than ever, I have a chance to do something about it. I couldn't ask for a better opportunity nor a better ally in this fight. I've been working with Tom more and more since my appointment to the Governing Board. He's been a total inspiration for me to push myself and set the bar high, and I can tell I still have a lot to learn from him. I have high expectations for what I can do now that I'll be working with him as Vice-Chair.
Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair of the Objectivist Party, commented on the appointment of Joe Rivera as Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party. Dr. Stevens said:
Joe Rivera has exceptional potential to become a charismatic and inspirational leader. He is prepared to work hard to transcend societal norms and labels and to become more self-aware. He is exceptionally bright and is a committed Objectivist dedicated to using reason to live a purposeful life. He has shown himself to be a loyal friend and a team player. He will obviously face many challenges in the months and years ahead but he has made a full commitment to accept those challenges and to come through no matter how difficult they may prove to be. I believe Joe Rivera to be a man of his word, a man of honor and integrity, and I have full confidence in his ability to make a major contribution to the Objectivist Party in his new leadership position. I look forward to working closely with him.
Despite his new appointment as Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party, Joe Rivera will continue to serve on the Governing Board and as President of the Objectivist Party of Connecticut.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Chair
Objectivist Party
Joe Rivera is a rising star in the liberty movement and in Objectivist circles. He joined the Objectivist Party on July 17, 2008. He was appointed President of the Objectivist Party of Connecticut on August 12, 2008 and was appointed to serve on the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party on February 17, 2009. His appointment as Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party reflects the confidence party members have in his ability to make a major contribution to the growth of the Objectivist Party and to inspiring others to live more productive lives in accordance with their values through the use of reason.
An excerpt of an essay he wrote on the importance of utilizing reason follows:
Reason is essential to our ability to plan our behavior and predict outcomes. Applied continuously in our decision-making, it allows us to better achieve the values we have chosen to pursue. Without constant observance of reason, it becomes easy for our line of thinking to derail from our original intentions, and we become prone to betraying the same values we had set out to promote.
Regarding the potential of the Objectivist Party to grow and become an important and influential force in the world, Rivera wrote:
Its deep-rooted philosophical recognition of reason and its importance is, in my view, the Objectivist Party's greatest strength. It is made up of individuals who strive to think critically about everything. The rigorous application of logic combined with the Objectivist values of integrity and purpose is what gives the Objectivist Party its guide to action, its fuel, and its potential.
After being appointed Vice-Chair, Joe Rivera made the following comment with respect to the prospect of working more closely with Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair of the Objectivist Party:
I am looking forward to working closely with Dr. Stevens and cultivating the rich potential of the Objectivist Party. I've been upset with the way our government has abused its power all my life, and now, more than ever, I have a chance to do something about it. I couldn't ask for a better opportunity nor a better ally in this fight. I've been working with Tom more and more since my appointment to the Governing Board. He's been a total inspiration for me to push myself and set the bar high, and I can tell I still have a lot to learn from him. I have high expectations for what I can do now that I'll be working with him as Vice-Chair.
Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair of the Objectivist Party, commented on the appointment of Joe Rivera as Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party. Dr. Stevens said:
Joe Rivera has exceptional potential to become a charismatic and inspirational leader. He is prepared to work hard to transcend societal norms and labels and to become more self-aware. He is exceptionally bright and is a committed Objectivist dedicated to using reason to live a purposeful life. He has shown himself to be a loyal friend and a team player. He will obviously face many challenges in the months and years ahead but he has made a full commitment to accept those challenges and to come through no matter how difficult they may prove to be. I believe Joe Rivera to be a man of his word, a man of honor and integrity, and I have full confidence in his ability to make a major contribution to the Objectivist Party in his new leadership position. I look forward to working closely with him.
Despite his new appointment as Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party, Joe Rivera will continue to serve on the Governing Board and as President of the Objectivist Party of Connecticut.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Chair
Objectivist Party
Robbie Greenberger, Proud Crew Member Of The USS Rebel Crusader, Requests Permission To Disembark
Robbie Greenberger, a proud crew member of the USS Rebel Crusader since June 30, 2005, passed away from leukemia on August 14, 2008. He was only 20 years old.
Robbie first joined the USS Rebel Crusader on June 30, 2005. In welcoming him aboard, Dr. Tom Stevens, Commanding Officer of the USS Rebel Crusader, wrote the following note:
I am pleased to announce that Robbie Greenberger has joined the crew of the USS Rebel Crusader, effective immediately. Robbie lives in Fairfield, Connecticut and has attended Sci-Fi/Star Trek fan cons since he was 3 months old. Even though Robbie is new to the IFT, I have given him the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade 3. He will hold the position of Pleasure Director aboard our ship and is dedicated to making sure you enjoy your service on the USS Rebel Crusader. Robbie is a personal friend of mine and is a charismatic, talented, and friendly individual who has a great future. It is my honor to be his friend. Welcome aboard Robbie!!
Robbie Greenberger wrote an e-mail on July 1, 2005 introducing himself to his new crew. The text of that e-mail was as follows:
Hey, I, Robbie Greenberger, a new member aboard your ship figured you might like to know a little about me and what my job on the ship involves. I'm a 17 year old male that has been living in the Star Trek world since I was born. My first convention was Shore Leave 8. I have been involved with other conventions as well, like Farpoint, Lunacon, and I-Con. Those are the most common ones I go to. Other than that, I watched the shows and read a few of the books. My job on the ship is to make sure everyone has a chance to relax and do something enjoyable. I plan parties and movie nights. I help people pick what they want to do on the Shore Leaves and I also help with anything else they need to relax. I try to treat everyone equally but there has to be a few exceptions, like the Captain. I need to keep him happy or we will all be miserable. I also plan shows for everyone and give crewmen the chance to act and have fun. Well that is just a little about me you can always drop me an e-mail if you have more questions or need help in the recreational department.
Robbie Greenberger
Pleasure Director
On July 11, 2005, Robbie Greenberger reported to the crew about his Shore Leave Masquerade Victory. He wrote:
For those of you that were at Shore Leave, you may have seen me in the costume contest. The skit I was in was called Depth Charge and starred Captain Jack Sparrow and Gibs on stage talking about Jack's new pirate crew. Then "In The Navy" plays and Willy Wonka walks out and starts to sing, followed by J. M. Barry (which I played) coming out with his duck and Indian Headdress on with war paint, after which came Ed Wood, followed by Edward Scissorhands. Then we do this whole dance to the music while singing. We won two awards -- First Place in the Showcase of Champions and then Best Presentation.
Robbie Greenberger
Pleasure Director
On July 12, 2005, Robbie Greenberger was elevated in rank from Lieutenant Junior Grade 3 to Lieutenant Junior Grade 2.
On August 1, 2005, Robbie invited crew members to see him in "Into The Woods", a musical he was performing in. His posted invitation was as follows:
I have been involved with a play where I live. Our show dates are coming up. They are Friday, August 5th at 8 p.m., Saturday, August 6th at 8 p.m., Sunday, August 7th at 2 p.m., Friday, August 12th at 8 p.m., and Saturday, August 13th at 8 p.m.. I thought that any interested crewman could come and see this play. We are doing "Into the Woods". I would give you directions but there are so many places you all come from I thought that you could use Mapquest from your location. The play is at Rodger Ludlowe Middle school in Fairfield, CT 06824. You can buy tickets at the door. Hope you all have a good day and if you have any questions just drop me an e-mail and I will do my best to answer it.
On November 27, 2005, Robbie Greenberger left his position as Pleasure Director and was appointed the Chief Medical Officer for the USS Rebel Crusader. My e-mail to the crew announcing his appointment was the following:
Effective immediately, Robbie Greenberger, our Pleasure Director, has been appointed Chief Medical Officer of the USS Rebel Crusader. Mr. Greenberger is well-suited for the position since his awareness of all the pleasure points on the human body reflect a large store of knowledge he will bring with him to his new officership. However, due to his expanded responsibilities and his obligation to take care of the health of the crew, he has had to dismiss those who served on his Pleasure Staff. While he will no longer be in a position to attend to the needs of the crew, he has agreed to continue to make the pleasure of his Commanding Officer his highest priority. I appreciate Robbie's dedication and loyalty to the ship and to me personally. He continues to enjoy my full confidence and I hope to inspire him to achieve great things in the months and years ahead.
In Service,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Commanding Officer
USS Rebel Crusader
Robbie went through a difficult time in his personal life from February 20, 2006 until March 23, 2007. During that time, he served as a Crewman with rank of Ensign 3. However, on March 23, 2007, he was appointed Chief Science Officer of the USS Rebel Crusader and given the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade 1.
On April 9, 2007, he wrote a new welcome message to the crew, the text of which was the following:
Hello to all the crew,
Hi, my name is Robbie Greenberger and I am your new Chief Science Officer. I am happy to be back on the ship. For a little while I was away but I am back and ready for action. I am a college kid who attends Central Connecticut State University. I am either going to major in Chemistry or Marine Science. I am really big into the sciences which is why I will make a great Chief Science Officer. I attend a ton of conventions so I can represent the ship while I am there and I love Star Trek. I'm not really sure what else to say. If any one has questions, I can always answer them. I hope everyone has a good day.
Robbie Greenberger
Chief Science Officer
USS Rebel Crusader
Robbie Greenberger asked on April 11, 2007 for the National Day of Silence to be an official ship event. It was so declared. Robbie, a self-identified bi-sexual, referred crew members to the Day of Silence website at http://www.dayofsilence.org/ and explained that the "National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Each year the event has grown, now with hundreds of thousands of students coming together to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior." The ship was proud to support Robbie in this activity for a worthy cause.
Robbie was diagnosed with leukemia in January, 2008. Since he was not working after that, I paid his dues renewal in the International Federation of Trekkers when it became due on March 31, 2008. Robbie appreciated my gesture and I was happy to do it for him. Robbie passed away on August 14, 2008 and sought final permission to disembark. His request was granted.
The USS Rebel Crusader (NFC-9902) is a Star Trek/Sci-Fi/Action Hero fan ship associated with the International Federation of Trekkers. Its slogan is "Rock Hard and Ready" and the ship's motto is "Never Go Off Half-Cocked".
In Service,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Commanding Officer
USS Rebel Crusader
Robbie first joined the USS Rebel Crusader on June 30, 2005. In welcoming him aboard, Dr. Tom Stevens, Commanding Officer of the USS Rebel Crusader, wrote the following note:
I am pleased to announce that Robbie Greenberger has joined the crew of the USS Rebel Crusader, effective immediately. Robbie lives in Fairfield, Connecticut and has attended Sci-Fi/Star Trek fan cons since he was 3 months old. Even though Robbie is new to the IFT, I have given him the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade 3. He will hold the position of Pleasure Director aboard our ship and is dedicated to making sure you enjoy your service on the USS Rebel Crusader. Robbie is a personal friend of mine and is a charismatic, talented, and friendly individual who has a great future. It is my honor to be his friend. Welcome aboard Robbie!!
Robbie Greenberger wrote an e-mail on July 1, 2005 introducing himself to his new crew. The text of that e-mail was as follows:
Hey, I, Robbie Greenberger, a new member aboard your ship figured you might like to know a little about me and what my job on the ship involves. I'm a 17 year old male that has been living in the Star Trek world since I was born. My first convention was Shore Leave 8. I have been involved with other conventions as well, like Farpoint, Lunacon, and I-Con. Those are the most common ones I go to. Other than that, I watched the shows and read a few of the books. My job on the ship is to make sure everyone has a chance to relax and do something enjoyable. I plan parties and movie nights. I help people pick what they want to do on the Shore Leaves and I also help with anything else they need to relax. I try to treat everyone equally but there has to be a few exceptions, like the Captain. I need to keep him happy or we will all be miserable. I also plan shows for everyone and give crewmen the chance to act and have fun. Well that is just a little about me you can always drop me an e-mail if you have more questions or need help in the recreational department.
Robbie Greenberger
Pleasure Director
On July 11, 2005, Robbie Greenberger reported to the crew about his Shore Leave Masquerade Victory. He wrote:
For those of you that were at Shore Leave, you may have seen me in the costume contest. The skit I was in was called Depth Charge and starred Captain Jack Sparrow and Gibs on stage talking about Jack's new pirate crew. Then "In The Navy" plays and Willy Wonka walks out and starts to sing, followed by J. M. Barry (which I played) coming out with his duck and Indian Headdress on with war paint, after which came Ed Wood, followed by Edward Scissorhands. Then we do this whole dance to the music while singing. We won two awards -- First Place in the Showcase of Champions and then Best Presentation.
Robbie Greenberger
Pleasure Director
On July 12, 2005, Robbie Greenberger was elevated in rank from Lieutenant Junior Grade 3 to Lieutenant Junior Grade 2.
On August 1, 2005, Robbie invited crew members to see him in "Into The Woods", a musical he was performing in. His posted invitation was as follows:
I have been involved with a play where I live. Our show dates are coming up. They are Friday, August 5th at 8 p.m., Saturday, August 6th at 8 p.m., Sunday, August 7th at 2 p.m., Friday, August 12th at 8 p.m., and Saturday, August 13th at 8 p.m.. I thought that any interested crewman could come and see this play. We are doing "Into the Woods". I would give you directions but there are so many places you all come from I thought that you could use Mapquest from your location. The play is at Rodger Ludlowe Middle school in Fairfield, CT 06824. You can buy tickets at the door. Hope you all have a good day and if you have any questions just drop me an e-mail and I will do my best to answer it.
On November 27, 2005, Robbie Greenberger left his position as Pleasure Director and was appointed the Chief Medical Officer for the USS Rebel Crusader. My e-mail to the crew announcing his appointment was the following:
Effective immediately, Robbie Greenberger, our Pleasure Director, has been appointed Chief Medical Officer of the USS Rebel Crusader. Mr. Greenberger is well-suited for the position since his awareness of all the pleasure points on the human body reflect a large store of knowledge he will bring with him to his new officership. However, due to his expanded responsibilities and his obligation to take care of the health of the crew, he has had to dismiss those who served on his Pleasure Staff. While he will no longer be in a position to attend to the needs of the crew, he has agreed to continue to make the pleasure of his Commanding Officer his highest priority. I appreciate Robbie's dedication and loyalty to the ship and to me personally. He continues to enjoy my full confidence and I hope to inspire him to achieve great things in the months and years ahead.
In Service,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Commanding Officer
USS Rebel Crusader
Robbie went through a difficult time in his personal life from February 20, 2006 until March 23, 2007. During that time, he served as a Crewman with rank of Ensign 3. However, on March 23, 2007, he was appointed Chief Science Officer of the USS Rebel Crusader and given the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade 1.
On April 9, 2007, he wrote a new welcome message to the crew, the text of which was the following:
Hello to all the crew,
Hi, my name is Robbie Greenberger and I am your new Chief Science Officer. I am happy to be back on the ship. For a little while I was away but I am back and ready for action. I am a college kid who attends Central Connecticut State University. I am either going to major in Chemistry or Marine Science. I am really big into the sciences which is why I will make a great Chief Science Officer. I attend a ton of conventions so I can represent the ship while I am there and I love Star Trek. I'm not really sure what else to say. If any one has questions, I can always answer them. I hope everyone has a good day.
Robbie Greenberger
Chief Science Officer
USS Rebel Crusader
Robbie Greenberger asked on April 11, 2007 for the National Day of Silence to be an official ship event. It was so declared. Robbie, a self-identified bi-sexual, referred crew members to the Day of Silence website at http://www.dayofsilence.org/ and explained that the "National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Each year the event has grown, now with hundreds of thousands of students coming together to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior." The ship was proud to support Robbie in this activity for a worthy cause.
Robbie was diagnosed with leukemia in January, 2008. Since he was not working after that, I paid his dues renewal in the International Federation of Trekkers when it became due on March 31, 2008. Robbie appreciated my gesture and I was happy to do it for him. Robbie passed away on August 14, 2008 and sought final permission to disembark. His request was granted.
The USS Rebel Crusader (NFC-9902) is a Star Trek/Sci-Fi/Action Hero fan ship associated with the International Federation of Trekkers. Its slogan is "Rock Hard and Ready" and the ship's motto is "Never Go Off Half-Cocked".
In Service,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Commanding Officer
USS Rebel Crusader
Robbie Greenberger, Libertarian Student Activist, Dies Of Leukemia At Age 20
Robbie Greenberger lost his fight with leukemia on August 14, 2008. He was only 20 years old!
Since April 6, 2007 until the time of his death, Robbie Greenberger was a Libertarian Student Activist and served with the Libertarian Freedom Council as a voting Foundation Member and in the capacity of National Student Organization Liaison.
The Libertarian Freedom Council is an independent libertarian political organization that promotes libertarianism, works with libertarian-leaning young professionals, students and entrepreneurs nationally and internationally, helps support efforts to make the Libertarian Party a viable political entity in these United States.
As National Student Organization Liaison, Robbie Greenberger helped coordinate the LFC's student outreach effort, recommended granting formal LFC Club Charters to libertarian student organizations recognized by their schools, coordinated the on-campus and off-campus activities of all chartered LFC student organizations, and helped advance the influence of students within the Libertarian Freedom Council.
Robbie Greenberger worked directly with and reported to Dr. Tom Stevens, the President of the Libertarian Freedom Council. Robbie was a committed advocate for liberty. His presence will be missed.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
President
Libertarian Freedom Council
Since April 6, 2007 until the time of his death, Robbie Greenberger was a Libertarian Student Activist and served with the Libertarian Freedom Council as a voting Foundation Member and in the capacity of National Student Organization Liaison.
The Libertarian Freedom Council is an independent libertarian political organization that promotes libertarianism, works with libertarian-leaning young professionals, students and entrepreneurs nationally and internationally, helps support efforts to make the Libertarian Party a viable political entity in these United States.
As National Student Organization Liaison, Robbie Greenberger helped coordinate the LFC's student outreach effort, recommended granting formal LFC Club Charters to libertarian student organizations recognized by their schools, coordinated the on-campus and off-campus activities of all chartered LFC student organizations, and helped advance the influence of students within the Libertarian Freedom Council.
Robbie Greenberger worked directly with and reported to Dr. Tom Stevens, the President of the Libertarian Freedom Council. Robbie was a committed advocate for liberty. His presence will be missed.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
President
Libertarian Freedom Council
Monday, June 1, 2009
Robbie Greenberger, Dedicated Gay Rights Advocate, Dead At Age 20
Robbie Greenberger, a dedicated gay rights advocate, lost his fight with leukemia on August 14, 2008. Robbie was only 20 years old at the time of his death.
A self-identified bi-sexual, Robbie Greenberger was appointed Connecticut Coordinator of Stonewall Libertarians on April 6, 2007. He served in that capacity until his death.
As the Connecticut Coordinator of Stonewall Libertarians, Robbie Greenberger worked to achieve the following specific purposes:
• To reach out to those in the G.L.B.T. community and to others who are gay-friendly to encourage those with libertarian philosophical leanings to become more politically active;
• To spread the message of liberty to all who will listen;
• To influence the cultural norms of society to provide greater acceptance of all who may be considered different and to create a more receptive atmosphere for libertarian ideas;
• To educate the public regarding the benefits of personal freedom and libertarianism;
• To encourage students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs to develop their leadership skills and to learn more about how they may be able to influence society, affect the political system, and cause people to become more tolerant and respectful of others;
• To speak out whenever public officials, public figures or those with leadership positions in political parties make derogatory statements or anti-gay slurs against any individual;
• To end governmental interference and discrimination against those perceived to be living a life deviating from the norms of society;
• To liaison with all state and/or local libertarian and libertarian-leaning organizations and political groups;
• To seek out opportunities to speak, and if possible, to recruit new members, at college campuses, before state and/or local libertarian and libertarian-leaning organizations and political groups, and anywhere else that may be appropriate; and
• To sponsor and co-sponsor events that bring together libertarian and libertarian-leaning individuals who are G.L.B.T., gay-friendly and/or tolerant of those with alternative lifestyles.
In 2006, Stonewall Libertarians established an Endorsement Standard, which was a Policy Statement that Robbie Greenberger presented during his time in office to candidates from Connecticut who were seeking the endorsement of Stonewall Libertarians. Those candidates were asked whether they were in substantive agreement with the following Policy Statement, and if they were, they were asked to upload it to their campaign website:
"I believe in full equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals regardless of their sexual orientations or perceived gender identity or presentation. I would call for the immediate repeal of federal and state Defense of Marriage Acts. I would do away with the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, thus allowing our gay and lesbian service men and women to serve their country openly and proudly. I oppose the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment and all state constitutional amendments seeking to define marriage as a bond between one man and one woman. I would do away with all special benefits and privileges granted to individuals on the basis of their marital status. I would like all state governments and localities to get out of the business of granting marriage licenses and allow people to enter into contractual relationships to order their lives as they see fit, but so long as the government continues to grant marriage licenses to heterosexual couples, I believe gay couples are entitled to the "equal protection" of the laws and should be allowed to obtain government issued marriage licenses as well. I do not believe the government should require religious institutions to perform marriage ceremonies that go against their church doctrine. I oppose all laws that discriminate against gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered Americans and feel they deserve full equality under the law."
Unfortunately, Robbie needed to keep most of his gay activism a secret from his immediate family. He often told Dr. Tom Stevens, his close personal friend who was Executive Director of Stonewall Libertarians, that he felt pressured by his family to keep his bi-sexuality a secret and to not mention that fact to people at the science-fiction conventions he attended. It tortured him he could not attend the G.L.B.T. Caucus and gay-related panels held at the Farpoint and Shore Leave Conventions that were held in Hunt Valley, Maryland. However, he would often relay a message to be shared with those panel attendees so they would know he was with them in spirit.
Robbie Greenberger and Dr. Tom Stevens spoke often on the phone and would physically meet in secret at the Farpoint and Shore Leave Conventions. Robbie served as Pleasure Director and later as Chief Science Officer aboard the USS Rebel Crusader, an International Federation of Trekkers ship Dr. Tom Stevens led as Commanding Officer.
Mr. Greenberger and Dr. Stevens were making plans to take a trip together at the time Robbie's health took a turn for the worse.
The last text message sent by Robbie Greenberger to Dr. Tom Stevens was sent at 10:48 p.m. on July 22, 2008 and was in response to proposed plans for the two of them to get together. It read as follows (spelling and punctuation have been corrected):
No. Things have gotten worse for me. I can't get them to even guess when I might be allowed to go home for a day or two. Things have gotten really serious with my condition. Sorry.
In his final days, Robbie Greenberger had obtained a clear idea regarding what career he wished to pursue. He thought he would enjoy working with children facing life-threatening diseases such as leukemia. He felt he had particular insight with respect to what they were going through. There was also very little doubt in Robbie's mind that he was at his best when relating to other young people. He would have made an excellent pediatric nurse.
Robbie Greenberger will be missed.
He engaged in worthwhile endeavors and lived a purposeful life. He will be remembered!
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Executive Director
Stonewall Libertarians
A self-identified bi-sexual, Robbie Greenberger was appointed Connecticut Coordinator of Stonewall Libertarians on April 6, 2007. He served in that capacity until his death.
As the Connecticut Coordinator of Stonewall Libertarians, Robbie Greenberger worked to achieve the following specific purposes:
• To reach out to those in the G.L.B.T. community and to others who are gay-friendly to encourage those with libertarian philosophical leanings to become more politically active;
• To spread the message of liberty to all who will listen;
• To influence the cultural norms of society to provide greater acceptance of all who may be considered different and to create a more receptive atmosphere for libertarian ideas;
• To educate the public regarding the benefits of personal freedom and libertarianism;
• To encourage students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs to develop their leadership skills and to learn more about how they may be able to influence society, affect the political system, and cause people to become more tolerant and respectful of others;
• To speak out whenever public officials, public figures or those with leadership positions in political parties make derogatory statements or anti-gay slurs against any individual;
• To end governmental interference and discrimination against those perceived to be living a life deviating from the norms of society;
• To liaison with all state and/or local libertarian and libertarian-leaning organizations and political groups;
• To seek out opportunities to speak, and if possible, to recruit new members, at college campuses, before state and/or local libertarian and libertarian-leaning organizations and political groups, and anywhere else that may be appropriate; and
• To sponsor and co-sponsor events that bring together libertarian and libertarian-leaning individuals who are G.L.B.T., gay-friendly and/or tolerant of those with alternative lifestyles.
In 2006, Stonewall Libertarians established an Endorsement Standard, which was a Policy Statement that Robbie Greenberger presented during his time in office to candidates from Connecticut who were seeking the endorsement of Stonewall Libertarians. Those candidates were asked whether they were in substantive agreement with the following Policy Statement, and if they were, they were asked to upload it to their campaign website:
"I believe in full equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals regardless of their sexual orientations or perceived gender identity or presentation. I would call for the immediate repeal of federal and state Defense of Marriage Acts. I would do away with the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, thus allowing our gay and lesbian service men and women to serve their country openly and proudly. I oppose the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment and all state constitutional amendments seeking to define marriage as a bond between one man and one woman. I would do away with all special benefits and privileges granted to individuals on the basis of their marital status. I would like all state governments and localities to get out of the business of granting marriage licenses and allow people to enter into contractual relationships to order their lives as they see fit, but so long as the government continues to grant marriage licenses to heterosexual couples, I believe gay couples are entitled to the "equal protection" of the laws and should be allowed to obtain government issued marriage licenses as well. I do not believe the government should require religious institutions to perform marriage ceremonies that go against their church doctrine. I oppose all laws that discriminate against gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered Americans and feel they deserve full equality under the law."
Unfortunately, Robbie needed to keep most of his gay activism a secret from his immediate family. He often told Dr. Tom Stevens, his close personal friend who was Executive Director of Stonewall Libertarians, that he felt pressured by his family to keep his bi-sexuality a secret and to not mention that fact to people at the science-fiction conventions he attended. It tortured him he could not attend the G.L.B.T. Caucus and gay-related panels held at the Farpoint and Shore Leave Conventions that were held in Hunt Valley, Maryland. However, he would often relay a message to be shared with those panel attendees so they would know he was with them in spirit.
Robbie Greenberger and Dr. Tom Stevens spoke often on the phone and would physically meet in secret at the Farpoint and Shore Leave Conventions. Robbie served as Pleasure Director and later as Chief Science Officer aboard the USS Rebel Crusader, an International Federation of Trekkers ship Dr. Tom Stevens led as Commanding Officer.
Mr. Greenberger and Dr. Stevens were making plans to take a trip together at the time Robbie's health took a turn for the worse.
The last text message sent by Robbie Greenberger to Dr. Tom Stevens was sent at 10:48 p.m. on July 22, 2008 and was in response to proposed plans for the two of them to get together. It read as follows (spelling and punctuation have been corrected):
No. Things have gotten worse for me. I can't get them to even guess when I might be allowed to go home for a day or two. Things have gotten really serious with my condition. Sorry.
In his final days, Robbie Greenberger had obtained a clear idea regarding what career he wished to pursue. He thought he would enjoy working with children facing life-threatening diseases such as leukemia. He felt he had particular insight with respect to what they were going through. There was also very little doubt in Robbie's mind that he was at his best when relating to other young people. He would have made an excellent pediatric nurse.
Robbie Greenberger will be missed.
He engaged in worthwhile endeavors and lived a purposeful life. He will be remembered!
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Executive Director
Stonewall Libertarians
Jeff Grizlo's Defense Of Rep. Mark Foley Still Generates Lively Internet Debate
Jeff Grizlo has served as the elected President of Stonewall Libertarians New York (SLNY) since August 4, 2006. During his service in that capacity, he has accomplished many things and has provided his opinions on issues that have been placed as quotations in News Releases sent out by Stonewall Libertarians and by Stonewall Libertarians New York.
One statement made by Jeff Grizlo is still generating Internet debate to this day. It was placed in a News Release sent out by Stonewall Libertarians on October 20, 2006. An excerpt of that News Release follows:
Turning Over A New Page: Ending The Hysteria Over Teenage Sexuality
The revelation that former Rep. Mark Foley exchanged friendly e-mails and sexually explicit instant messages with former Congressional pages raises the issue whether what he did should be considered wrong or inappropriate. Certainly, if said conduct took place in Washington D.C., where the age of consent is 16, Rep. Foley could have had consensual sex with those male pages without committing any crime. Written communication with male pages who registered on Mark Foley's gaydar screen shouldn't be turned into a shameful or immoral act...
"The male pages who sought to pursue a personal relationship with Rep. Foley knew exactly who they were getting involved with when they exchanged e-mails and instant messages with the Congressman. It was no secret Mark Foley was gay. If any of the male pages weren't interested in such a relationship, they could have terminated the communications at any time," said Jeff Grizlo, a college student who is President of Stonewall Libertarians New York. "I would have been eager to pursue a personal relationship with Rep. Foley had the opportunity been presented to me. I've been a Bent Wanker for as far back as I can recall. I've been exchanging sexually explicit instant messages with friends since I was 14. To do so with a like-minded gay Congressman would've boosted my self-esteem, inspired me to achieve better grades, and might have helped me feel less alone," Grizlo said.
The vibrant Internet debate has centered around "age of consent" laws, whether adults can communicate with each other as they see fit, and whether "gay hysteria" forced Rep. Mark Foley to resign from Congress even though he violated no law and no criminal charges were ever brought against him.
Especially noteworthy was Jeff Grizlo's revelation he "would have been eager to pursue a personal relationship with Rep. Foley had the opportunity been presented" and his belief it "would've boosted my self-esteem, inspired me to achieve better grades, and might have helped me feel less alone."
Mr. Grizlo's statement, "I've been a Bent Wanker for as far back as I can recall" has also drawn favorable commentary. In an article posted at Queerty (Free Of An Agenda, Except That Gay One) entitled "Hey Kids, What Time Is It?" http://www.queerty.com/hey-kids-what-time-is-it-20061023/ the author commented on the Bent Wanker reference by saying "love that gay speak, by-the-by". On a side note, Jeff Grizlo has used Bent Wankers as one of the names for his fantasy football teams over the past few years.
Stonewall Libertarians, founded by a Stonewall Veteran on April 20, 1996, is an independent organization of libertarians that believes in being politically active to promote smaller government, lower taxes and more individual freedom. It exists to reach out to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & gay-friendly libertarians to promote tolerance and equality in society.
Its website is located at http://www.stonewalllibertarians.org/
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Executive Director
Stonewall Libertarians
One statement made by Jeff Grizlo is still generating Internet debate to this day. It was placed in a News Release sent out by Stonewall Libertarians on October 20, 2006. An excerpt of that News Release follows:
Turning Over A New Page: Ending The Hysteria Over Teenage Sexuality
The revelation that former Rep. Mark Foley exchanged friendly e-mails and sexually explicit instant messages with former Congressional pages raises the issue whether what he did should be considered wrong or inappropriate. Certainly, if said conduct took place in Washington D.C., where the age of consent is 16, Rep. Foley could have had consensual sex with those male pages without committing any crime. Written communication with male pages who registered on Mark Foley's gaydar screen shouldn't be turned into a shameful or immoral act...
"The male pages who sought to pursue a personal relationship with Rep. Foley knew exactly who they were getting involved with when they exchanged e-mails and instant messages with the Congressman. It was no secret Mark Foley was gay. If any of the male pages weren't interested in such a relationship, they could have terminated the communications at any time," said Jeff Grizlo, a college student who is President of Stonewall Libertarians New York. "I would have been eager to pursue a personal relationship with Rep. Foley had the opportunity been presented to me. I've been a Bent Wanker for as far back as I can recall. I've been exchanging sexually explicit instant messages with friends since I was 14. To do so with a like-minded gay Congressman would've boosted my self-esteem, inspired me to achieve better grades, and might have helped me feel less alone," Grizlo said.
The vibrant Internet debate has centered around "age of consent" laws, whether adults can communicate with each other as they see fit, and whether "gay hysteria" forced Rep. Mark Foley to resign from Congress even though he violated no law and no criminal charges were ever brought against him.
Especially noteworthy was Jeff Grizlo's revelation he "would have been eager to pursue a personal relationship with Rep. Foley had the opportunity been presented" and his belief it "would've boosted my self-esteem, inspired me to achieve better grades, and might have helped me feel less alone."
Mr. Grizlo's statement, "I've been a Bent Wanker for as far back as I can recall" has also drawn favorable commentary. In an article posted at Queerty (Free Of An Agenda, Except That Gay One) entitled "Hey Kids, What Time Is It?" http://www.queerty.com/hey-kids-what-time-is-it-20061023/ the author commented on the Bent Wanker reference by saying "love that gay speak, by-the-by". On a side note, Jeff Grizlo has used Bent Wankers as one of the names for his fantasy football teams over the past few years.
Stonewall Libertarians, founded by a Stonewall Veteran on April 20, 1996, is an independent organization of libertarians that believes in being politically active to promote smaller government, lower taxes and more individual freedom. It exists to reach out to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & gay-friendly libertarians to promote tolerance and equality in society.
Its website is located at http://www.stonewalllibertarians.org/
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Executive Director
Stonewall Libertarians
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Alex Fitzsimmons: Libertarian Party Activist
On August 25, 2007, Alex Fitzsimmons joined the Libertarian Party of Queens County. He shortly thereafter joined the national Libertarian Party and signed the pledge, which was as follows:
I certify that I do not advocate the initiation of force to achieve political or social goals.
On August 28, 2008, he was appointed a Foundation Member of the Libertarian Freedom Council. On August 29, 2008, he was appointed the LFC Student Representative for Morris Knolls High School and was appointed as a voting Governing Board Member of the Libertarian Freedom Council in the capacity of Executive Assistant.
Dr. Tom Stevens, the LPQC State Representative, made a motion on the LPNY State Committee to have Alex Fitzsimmons designated as a fully credentialed voting delegate to the Libertarian Party's National Convention, which was to be held at the Sheraton Denver in Denver, Colorado over the Memorial Day weekend in 2008, despite the fact that Mr. Fitzsimmons continued to reside in New Jersey. That motion passed and Alex Fitzsimmons was designated a delegate. Mr. Fitzsimmons did not renew his membership in the Libertarian Party of Queens County for calendar year 2008 (a $20.00 expenditure) but did attend the Libertarian Party's National Convention.
During the Libertarian Party's National Convention, Dr. Tom Stevens asked Alex Fitzsimmons to nominate him for re-election to the Libertarian Party's Judicial Committee. Mr. Fitzsimmons addressed the convention and gave a good nominating speech. Dr. Stevens was re-elected to the Judicial Committee.
Mr. Fitzsimmons supported Wayne Allyn Root for the nomination of the Libertarian Party for President of the United States but switched to Bob Barr on the final ballot after Root dropped out of the race and endorsed Barr in return for Barr supporting him for the Vice-Presidential nomination.
On Saturday, June 14, 2008, Alex Fitzsimmons was scheduled to address the Libertarian Party of Queens County as a supplementary speaker to provide his perspective on the Libertarian Party's National Convention. Michael W. Reid, Jr. was the main Guest Speaker. Alex Fitzsimmons called to say he had gotten off the wrong exit in the Bronx but was going to use his G.P.S. to get back on the right road. Mr. Fitzsimmons never arrived and for two weeks did not return any calls or messages left for him. When the LPQC leadership finally got in touch with him, he stated that he just got frustrated and went home despite the fact that a packed room of Queens LP members were waiting in Bohemian Hall for him to arrive.
Alex Fitzsimmons never renewed his membership in the Libertarian Party of Queens County and it is unknown whether he renewed his membership in the national Libertarian Party, although it is unlikely. Mr. Fitzsimmons remained the LFC Student Representative for Morris Knolls High School until his graduation from that school in June, 2008. He remained Executive Assistant of the Libertarian Freedom Council until that organization ceased operating in the first half of 2009.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
LPQC State Representative
I certify that I do not advocate the initiation of force to achieve political or social goals.
On August 28, 2008, he was appointed a Foundation Member of the Libertarian Freedom Council. On August 29, 2008, he was appointed the LFC Student Representative for Morris Knolls High School and was appointed as a voting Governing Board Member of the Libertarian Freedom Council in the capacity of Executive Assistant.
Dr. Tom Stevens, the LPQC State Representative, made a motion on the LPNY State Committee to have Alex Fitzsimmons designated as a fully credentialed voting delegate to the Libertarian Party's National Convention, which was to be held at the Sheraton Denver in Denver, Colorado over the Memorial Day weekend in 2008, despite the fact that Mr. Fitzsimmons continued to reside in New Jersey. That motion passed and Alex Fitzsimmons was designated a delegate. Mr. Fitzsimmons did not renew his membership in the Libertarian Party of Queens County for calendar year 2008 (a $20.00 expenditure) but did attend the Libertarian Party's National Convention.
During the Libertarian Party's National Convention, Dr. Tom Stevens asked Alex Fitzsimmons to nominate him for re-election to the Libertarian Party's Judicial Committee. Mr. Fitzsimmons addressed the convention and gave a good nominating speech. Dr. Stevens was re-elected to the Judicial Committee.
Mr. Fitzsimmons supported Wayne Allyn Root for the nomination of the Libertarian Party for President of the United States but switched to Bob Barr on the final ballot after Root dropped out of the race and endorsed Barr in return for Barr supporting him for the Vice-Presidential nomination.
On Saturday, June 14, 2008, Alex Fitzsimmons was scheduled to address the Libertarian Party of Queens County as a supplementary speaker to provide his perspective on the Libertarian Party's National Convention. Michael W. Reid, Jr. was the main Guest Speaker. Alex Fitzsimmons called to say he had gotten off the wrong exit in the Bronx but was going to use his G.P.S. to get back on the right road. Mr. Fitzsimmons never arrived and for two weeks did not return any calls or messages left for him. When the LPQC leadership finally got in touch with him, he stated that he just got frustrated and went home despite the fact that a packed room of Queens LP members were waiting in Bohemian Hall for him to arrive.
Alex Fitzsimmons never renewed his membership in the Libertarian Party of Queens County and it is unknown whether he renewed his membership in the national Libertarian Party, although it is unlikely. Mr. Fitzsimmons remained the LFC Student Representative for Morris Knolls High School until his graduation from that school in June, 2008. He remained Executive Assistant of the Libertarian Freedom Council until that organization ceased operating in the first half of 2009.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
LPQC State Representative
The Involvement Of Alex Fitzsimmons In The Boston Tea Party
Sometime prior to April 22, 2008, Alex Fitzsimmons joined the Boston Tea Party by registering at the party's website at http://www.bostontea.us/
On April 22, 2008, an Organizational Meeting for a New Jersey affiliate of the Boston Tea Party was held by teleconference. Bylaws were adopted and officers elected. Alex Fitzsimmons was elected President of the New Jersey affiliate of the Boston Tea Party (BTPNJ). A motion was made before the National Committee to grant a charter to the New Jersey affiliate. It passed by the required unanimous vote.
On May 8, 2008, Alex Fitzsimmons was appointed to serve as a voting At-Large National Committee member of the Boston Tea Party.
On May 25, 2008, Mr. Fitzsimmons attended an "informal" convention of the Boston Tea Party held in Denver, Colorado after the Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates of the Libertarian Party had been selected at the Libertarian Party's National Convention. At that "informal" convention, George Phillies, Alden Link and Dr. Tom Stevens were placed nominated for future consideration as the candidate of the Boston Tea Party for President of the United States. On the recommendation of Dr. Tom Stevens, Vice-Chair of the Boston Tea Party, nominations remained open. All three candidates eventually withdrew their names as contenders for the nomination.
On June 8, 2008, a motion had been made to appoint three new individuals to vacancies on the National Committee of the Boston Tea Party. That vote was to be held open until midnight, Eastern Standard Time. However, Jim Davidson, the Boston Tea Party Chair, closed the voting ahead of schedule when his preferred side in the voting was temporarily in the lead. Mr. Davidson's preferences were made know since he granted posting privileges to some of the nominees to the btpnc Yahoo Group even though those people had not yet been appointed to serve. One even made a motion to censure a voting National Committee member and to take away his voting privileges. National Committee members objected to these actions and when Jim Davidson denied Alex Fitzsimmons the right to vote and wrongly claimed he had ended the voting at midnight when he clearly had not. Jim Davidson's response was as follows:
Voting was closed, by my declaration, whether I can tell time or not, whatever time zone I chose, as I see fit.
Within a day's time, Rocco Fama, Michael W. Reid, Jr. and Alex Fitzsimmons resigned from their At-Large positions on the National Committee of the Boston Tea Party. Mr. Fitzsimmons wrote the following resignation note to Jim Davidson on June 9, 2008:
Mr. Davidson, your behavior reeks of fascism. Political disenfranchisement is the stuff of homicidal absolutists. If you possessed a shred of honor, you would not have ostracized half of the National Committee by violating the bylaws. You have become drunk on power, power that you never possessed in the first place. And like our founding fathers who believed that at times it was necessary to dissolve the bonds that bind men together, I hereby resign as an At-large member of the National Committee. The New Jersey affiliate will no longer be associated with the Boston Tea Party and I hereby resign my membership in the party.
On June 9, 2009, Alex Fitzsimmons resigned his position as an At-Large member of the National Committee of the Boston Tea Party and as a member of that party. In addition, the members of the New Jersey affiliate of the Boston Tea Party voted that day to disaffiliate from the Boston Tea Party.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Former Vice-Chair
Boston Tea Party
On April 22, 2008, an Organizational Meeting for a New Jersey affiliate of the Boston Tea Party was held by teleconference. Bylaws were adopted and officers elected. Alex Fitzsimmons was elected President of the New Jersey affiliate of the Boston Tea Party (BTPNJ). A motion was made before the National Committee to grant a charter to the New Jersey affiliate. It passed by the required unanimous vote.
On May 8, 2008, Alex Fitzsimmons was appointed to serve as a voting At-Large National Committee member of the Boston Tea Party.
On May 25, 2008, Mr. Fitzsimmons attended an "informal" convention of the Boston Tea Party held in Denver, Colorado after the Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates of the Libertarian Party had been selected at the Libertarian Party's National Convention. At that "informal" convention, George Phillies, Alden Link and Dr. Tom Stevens were placed nominated for future consideration as the candidate of the Boston Tea Party for President of the United States. On the recommendation of Dr. Tom Stevens, Vice-Chair of the Boston Tea Party, nominations remained open. All three candidates eventually withdrew their names as contenders for the nomination.
On June 8, 2008, a motion had been made to appoint three new individuals to vacancies on the National Committee of the Boston Tea Party. That vote was to be held open until midnight, Eastern Standard Time. However, Jim Davidson, the Boston Tea Party Chair, closed the voting ahead of schedule when his preferred side in the voting was temporarily in the lead. Mr. Davidson's preferences were made know since he granted posting privileges to some of the nominees to the btpnc Yahoo Group even though those people had not yet been appointed to serve. One even made a motion to censure a voting National Committee member and to take away his voting privileges. National Committee members objected to these actions and when Jim Davidson denied Alex Fitzsimmons the right to vote and wrongly claimed he had ended the voting at midnight when he clearly had not. Jim Davidson's response was as follows:
Voting was closed, by my declaration, whether I can tell time or not, whatever time zone I chose, as I see fit.
Within a day's time, Rocco Fama, Michael W. Reid, Jr. and Alex Fitzsimmons resigned from their At-Large positions on the National Committee of the Boston Tea Party. Mr. Fitzsimmons wrote the following resignation note to Jim Davidson on June 9, 2008:
Mr. Davidson, your behavior reeks of fascism. Political disenfranchisement is the stuff of homicidal absolutists. If you possessed a shred of honor, you would not have ostracized half of the National Committee by violating the bylaws. You have become drunk on power, power that you never possessed in the first place. And like our founding fathers who believed that at times it was necessary to dissolve the bonds that bind men together, I hereby resign as an At-large member of the National Committee. The New Jersey affiliate will no longer be associated with the Boston Tea Party and I hereby resign my membership in the party.
On June 9, 2009, Alex Fitzsimmons resigned his position as an At-Large member of the National Committee of the Boston Tea Party and as a member of that party. In addition, the members of the New Jersey affiliate of the Boston Tea Party voted that day to disaffiliate from the Boston Tea Party.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Former Vice-Chair
Boston Tea Party
Alex Fitzsimmons: A Ron Paul Liberty-Loving Republican
Alex Fitzsimmons joined one of the many Ron Paul Meetup Groups that were forming in the summer of 2007. On July 11, 2007, he was appointed New Jersey Coordinator of the independent Paul For President Coalition.
In explaining his active involvement in both the Republican Party and the Libertarian Party, Alex Fitzsimmons wrote the following:
Born in the U.S.A., I am a freedom-mongering high school senior living in northern New Jersey...I began my career in liberty advocacy as the New Jersey Coordinator of the Paul for President Coalition, an independent organization which seeks to expand and provide support for grassroots Ron Paul activists. I still hold this position, and am working tirelessly to pollinate American politics with the seeds of liberty.
Politically, I started out on the far-right, wallowed amongst my fellow authoritarian war-hawks for quite some time, then abruptly shifted to a more moderate libertarian ideology. I still identify with the Republican Party, but disagree with several of their platforms and tend to assume a more pro-liberty posture. I believe that restoring the Republican Party's traditional ideology of limited government and fiscal responsibility, and backing more Barry Goldwater-esque conservatives, is a vital element of advancing a pro-liberty agenda, but I also acknowledge that only working within the confines of the Republican establishment will not be sufficient to accomplish this task, and that other avenues must be pursued if a pro-liberty ideology is to prevail. I am intricately involved in both prongs.
It is important to note that none of the work I am doing would be possible if not for Dr. Tom Stevens. I met Tom on a Ron Paul Meetup.com group and have never looked back. We have fostered not only a resilient working relationship, but also built a strong personal friendship. Tom is an irreplaceable motivator, educator, and friend, and I am thankful for all of the advice and guidance he has provided me.
I am extremely confident that if organized and managed properly, a pro-liberty agenda will become a driving force in American politics. Authoritarianism collides with human nature's desire to be free. Our job is to kindle that innate, and often dormant, desire that is ingrained in our moral and genetic fiber. If we can do that, liberty will prevail.
On December 8, 2007, Alex Fitzsimmons was scheduled to be the Guest Speaker at the General Membership Meeting of the Libertarian Party of Queens County and was to speak about the Paul For President Coalition. Mr. Fitzsimmons called and informed the LPQC leadership that he got into a small fender-bender on the way to the meeting, that no one was injured, that he had called AAA and that he would take a car service to the meeting as soon as AAA brought his car to a local service station. In return, Dr. Tom Stevens, the Membership Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, promised to drive him back to his car after he delivered the speech. The last call the LPQC received was Mr. Fitzsimmons informing them that AAA had arrived. That is the last we heard from him. All subsequent attempts to call him were unsuccessful and Mr. Fitzsimmons never arrived and refused to answer or return any calls for the next two weeks. The LPQC was left hanging and it never became clear why Mr. Fitzsimmons abandoned his efforts to make it to the meeting.
Alex Fitzsimmons served as New Jersey Coordinator of the independent Paul For President Coalition until September 4, 2008, on which day John McCain gave his acceptance speech for the Republican Party's nomination for President and the Paul For President Coalition ceased its formal political activity so coalition members could support the Presidential candidate of the party of their choice.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Political Consultant
Paul For President Coalition
In explaining his active involvement in both the Republican Party and the Libertarian Party, Alex Fitzsimmons wrote the following:
Born in the U.S.A., I am a freedom-mongering high school senior living in northern New Jersey...I began my career in liberty advocacy as the New Jersey Coordinator of the Paul for President Coalition, an independent organization which seeks to expand and provide support for grassroots Ron Paul activists. I still hold this position, and am working tirelessly to pollinate American politics with the seeds of liberty.
Politically, I started out on the far-right, wallowed amongst my fellow authoritarian war-hawks for quite some time, then abruptly shifted to a more moderate libertarian ideology. I still identify with the Republican Party, but disagree with several of their platforms and tend to assume a more pro-liberty posture. I believe that restoring the Republican Party's traditional ideology of limited government and fiscal responsibility, and backing more Barry Goldwater-esque conservatives, is a vital element of advancing a pro-liberty agenda, but I also acknowledge that only working within the confines of the Republican establishment will not be sufficient to accomplish this task, and that other avenues must be pursued if a pro-liberty ideology is to prevail. I am intricately involved in both prongs.
It is important to note that none of the work I am doing would be possible if not for Dr. Tom Stevens. I met Tom on a Ron Paul Meetup.com group and have never looked back. We have fostered not only a resilient working relationship, but also built a strong personal friendship. Tom is an irreplaceable motivator, educator, and friend, and I am thankful for all of the advice and guidance he has provided me.
I am extremely confident that if organized and managed properly, a pro-liberty agenda will become a driving force in American politics. Authoritarianism collides with human nature's desire to be free. Our job is to kindle that innate, and often dormant, desire that is ingrained in our moral and genetic fiber. If we can do that, liberty will prevail.
On December 8, 2007, Alex Fitzsimmons was scheduled to be the Guest Speaker at the General Membership Meeting of the Libertarian Party of Queens County and was to speak about the Paul For President Coalition. Mr. Fitzsimmons called and informed the LPQC leadership that he got into a small fender-bender on the way to the meeting, that no one was injured, that he had called AAA and that he would take a car service to the meeting as soon as AAA brought his car to a local service station. In return, Dr. Tom Stevens, the Membership Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, promised to drive him back to his car after he delivered the speech. The last call the LPQC received was Mr. Fitzsimmons informing them that AAA had arrived. That is the last we heard from him. All subsequent attempts to call him were unsuccessful and Mr. Fitzsimmons never arrived and refused to answer or return any calls for the next two weeks. The LPQC was left hanging and it never became clear why Mr. Fitzsimmons abandoned his efforts to make it to the meeting.
Alex Fitzsimmons served as New Jersey Coordinator of the independent Paul For President Coalition until September 4, 2008, on which day John McCain gave his acceptance speech for the Republican Party's nomination for President and the Paul For President Coalition ceased its formal political activity so coalition members could support the Presidential candidate of the party of their choice.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Political Consultant
Paul For President Coalition
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Involvement Of Alex Fitzsimmons In The Objectivist Party
Alex Fitzsimmons joined the Objectivist Party on February 2, 2008 on which date he was elected to serve on the Governing Board. He was not a very active member of the Governing Board and took on no specific responsibilities.
On May 25, 2008, Alex Fitzsimmons attended the National Convention of the Objectivist Party held at The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, Colorado. At that convention at which Mr. Fitzsimmons was a delegate, Thomas Robert Stevens (New York) was selected as the candidate of the Objectivist Party for President of the United States in 2008 and Alden Link (New Jersey) was selected as the candidate of the Objectivist Party for Vice-President of the United States in 2008.
On June 9, 2008, the New Jersey affiliate of the Boston Tea Party voted unanimously to disaffiliate from the Boston Tea Party and its members sought a charter to organize as a new affiliate of the Objectivist Party.
The Governing Board of the Objectivist Party unanimously passed the following motion:
MOTION: that the National Committee grant a charter to a New Jersey affiliate of the Objectivist Party, which shall be known as Objectivist Party of New Jersey and that said charter be deemed granted as of June 9, 2008 upon the application of Alex Fitzsimmons, who has been elected its first President.
Governing Board Members Jeff Grizlo, Dallwyn Merck, Dodge Landesman, Dr. Tom Stevens, Alex Fitzsimmons and Michael W. Reid, Jr. all voted in favor of the motion and the Objectivist Party of New Jersey (OPNJ) was formally chartered.
After the chartering, Alex Fitzsimmons failed to communicate with Objectivist Party members in his State, failed to send out any News Releases announcing the chartering of the affiliate, failed to schedule any activities and failed to exhibit the initiative necessary to perform his responsibilities as President of the Objectivist Party of New Jersey with a minimal degree of competency. During this time, he also continued to show of lack of desire to take on any duties in his capacity as a member of the Governing Board.
On July 21, 2008, Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair of the Objectivist Party, contacted Alex Fitzsimmons to ask whether he had any desire to rectify the situation. Mr. Fitzsimmons mentioned his active social life, his girlfriend's monopolization of his time and his plans to go to college out of state as reasons for his lack of effort. As a result, Mr. Fitzsimmons resigned as a member of the Governing Board and as President of the Objectivist Party of New Jersey, effective July 21, 2008. Scott Christopher Baier was appointed the new President of the Objectivist Party of New Jersey.
Mr. Fitzsimmons reaffirmed his philosophical commitment to Objectivism and asked to remain a member of the Objectivist Party. During December, 2008, multiple e-mails were sent to Alex Fitzsimmons informing him that his free membership in the party had been extended through December 31, 2009 and noting that if he wished to resign, he would need to inform us of that fact. It became clear over the next five weeks that Alex Fitzsimmons had cut off all communication with party members and was not responding to any e-mails sent to him by OPNJ President Scott Christopher Baier (who served from 7/21/08 to 12/29/08) or by his successor, Neil McGettigan. As a result, the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party terminated the membership of Alex Fitzsimmons in the Objectivist Party effective February 11, 2009.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Chair
Objectivist Party
On May 25, 2008, Alex Fitzsimmons attended the National Convention of the Objectivist Party held at The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, Colorado. At that convention at which Mr. Fitzsimmons was a delegate, Thomas Robert Stevens (New York) was selected as the candidate of the Objectivist Party for President of the United States in 2008 and Alden Link (New Jersey) was selected as the candidate of the Objectivist Party for Vice-President of the United States in 2008.
On June 9, 2008, the New Jersey affiliate of the Boston Tea Party voted unanimously to disaffiliate from the Boston Tea Party and its members sought a charter to organize as a new affiliate of the Objectivist Party.
The Governing Board of the Objectivist Party unanimously passed the following motion:
MOTION: that the National Committee grant a charter to a New Jersey affiliate of the Objectivist Party, which shall be known as Objectivist Party of New Jersey and that said charter be deemed granted as of June 9, 2008 upon the application of Alex Fitzsimmons, who has been elected its first President.
Governing Board Members Jeff Grizlo, Dallwyn Merck, Dodge Landesman, Dr. Tom Stevens, Alex Fitzsimmons and Michael W. Reid, Jr. all voted in favor of the motion and the Objectivist Party of New Jersey (OPNJ) was formally chartered.
After the chartering, Alex Fitzsimmons failed to communicate with Objectivist Party members in his State, failed to send out any News Releases announcing the chartering of the affiliate, failed to schedule any activities and failed to exhibit the initiative necessary to perform his responsibilities as President of the Objectivist Party of New Jersey with a minimal degree of competency. During this time, he also continued to show of lack of desire to take on any duties in his capacity as a member of the Governing Board.
On July 21, 2008, Dr. Tom Stevens, Chair of the Objectivist Party, contacted Alex Fitzsimmons to ask whether he had any desire to rectify the situation. Mr. Fitzsimmons mentioned his active social life, his girlfriend's monopolization of his time and his plans to go to college out of state as reasons for his lack of effort. As a result, Mr. Fitzsimmons resigned as a member of the Governing Board and as President of the Objectivist Party of New Jersey, effective July 21, 2008. Scott Christopher Baier was appointed the new President of the Objectivist Party of New Jersey.
Mr. Fitzsimmons reaffirmed his philosophical commitment to Objectivism and asked to remain a member of the Objectivist Party. During December, 2008, multiple e-mails were sent to Alex Fitzsimmons informing him that his free membership in the party had been extended through December 31, 2009 and noting that if he wished to resign, he would need to inform us of that fact. It became clear over the next five weeks that Alex Fitzsimmons had cut off all communication with party members and was not responding to any e-mails sent to him by OPNJ President Scott Christopher Baier (who served from 7/21/08 to 12/29/08) or by his successor, Neil McGettigan. As a result, the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party terminated the membership of Alex Fitzsimmons in the Objectivist Party effective February 11, 2009.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Chair
Objectivist Party
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Stevens Takes Over LPQC Bookings
After being elected Membership Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County at their Annual Convention held on April 8, 2006, Dr. Tom Stevens took over responsibility for booking the speakers and events run by the LPQC.
Below is a list of the Guest Speakers, Conventions, Events & Programs he booked for the Libertarian Party of Queens County since April 8, 2006:
LPQC Annual Convention
Jim Lesczynski (Guerrilla Activist)
Dr. Steve Finger (11th C.D. Candidate)
John Clifton (State of the State Address)
Vijay Govindan (Liberty Dollar Speaker)
Dr. Tom Stevens (National LP Update)
Liberty Forum (5-Minute Readings)
Dr. Donald Silberger (LP Candidate for Lt. Governor)
Les Jamieson (New York 9/11 Truth Activist)
LPQC Special Convention
Ralph Rubinek (Gun Owners of America)
Dr. Tom Stevens (Boston Tea Party NY)
Steve Greenfield (Transforming Third Parties)
John Clifton (Clifton Coalition for Ron Paul)
Alden Link (Candidate for the LP Presidential Nomination)
Carl Svensson (Co-Chair of the Republican Liberty Caucus in NYS)
John Procida (Downside of Historic Landmark Designations)
Carl Person (Designated NYC A.G. in 9/11 Ballot Initiative)
Ronald S. Ramo (6th C.D. Candidate)
Dan Burke (Co-Founder of We Are Change)
Guy Menahem, Esq. (Should Libertarians Support Open Borders?)
Dallwyn Merck (H.R. 1955 Threat To Domestic Political Activism)
LPQC International Buffet Holiday Brunch (The Views at Mt. Fuji)
LPQC Annual Convention
Valerie Vande Panne (Hemp & The Drug War)
Vlad Averbukh (U.S./Russian Relations)
Rocco Fama (LP Presidential Candidate Update)
John Kenneth Press (Culturism)
Isaiah Matos (Neo-Cons & 14th C.D. Candidate Platform)
Michael W. Reid, Jr. (Report on the LP’s National Convention)
Becky Akers (Transportation Security Administration)
John Chodes (The Lancaster System)
Bob Heaney (New American Independent Party)
Ari Rosmarin (New York Alliance Against The Real ID Act)
Dodge P. Landesman (Term Limits: Pros & Cons)
Andrew Rushford (Campaign For Liberty)
LPQC Holiday Dinner (East Manor Buffet)
LPQC Annual Convention
Rolando Bini (Parents In Action For Leadership & Human Rights)
Liberty Forum (5-Minute Readings)
Isaiah Matos (“End The Fed” Movement)
Tom Evans (“Survivor Zine” Founder & Publisher)
Joseph Dobrian (Candidate for LP Nomination for Mayor)
John Chodes (The 19th Century Worker)
Fred Cookinham (Author of "Age of Rand")
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Membership Director
Libertarian Party of Queens County
Below is a list of the Guest Speakers, Conventions, Events & Programs he booked for the Libertarian Party of Queens County since April 8, 2006:
LPQC Annual Convention
Jim Lesczynski (Guerrilla Activist)
Dr. Steve Finger (11th C.D. Candidate)
John Clifton (State of the State Address)
Vijay Govindan (Liberty Dollar Speaker)
Dr. Tom Stevens (National LP Update)
Liberty Forum (5-Minute Readings)
Dr. Donald Silberger (LP Candidate for Lt. Governor)
Les Jamieson (New York 9/11 Truth Activist)
LPQC Special Convention
Ralph Rubinek (Gun Owners of America)
Dr. Tom Stevens (Boston Tea Party NY)
Steve Greenfield (Transforming Third Parties)
John Clifton (Clifton Coalition for Ron Paul)
Alden Link (Candidate for the LP Presidential Nomination)
Carl Svensson (Co-Chair of the Republican Liberty Caucus in NYS)
John Procida (Downside of Historic Landmark Designations)
Carl Person (Designated NYC A.G. in 9/11 Ballot Initiative)
Ronald S. Ramo (6th C.D. Candidate)
Dan Burke (Co-Founder of We Are Change)
Guy Menahem, Esq. (Should Libertarians Support Open Borders?)
Dallwyn Merck (H.R. 1955 Threat To Domestic Political Activism)
LPQC International Buffet Holiday Brunch (The Views at Mt. Fuji)
LPQC Annual Convention
Valerie Vande Panne (Hemp & The Drug War)
Vlad Averbukh (U.S./Russian Relations)
Rocco Fama (LP Presidential Candidate Update)
John Kenneth Press (Culturism)
Isaiah Matos (Neo-Cons & 14th C.D. Candidate Platform)
Michael W. Reid, Jr. (Report on the LP’s National Convention)
Becky Akers (Transportation Security Administration)
John Chodes (The Lancaster System)
Bob Heaney (New American Independent Party)
Ari Rosmarin (New York Alliance Against The Real ID Act)
Dodge P. Landesman (Term Limits: Pros & Cons)
Andrew Rushford (Campaign For Liberty)
LPQC Holiday Dinner (East Manor Buffet)
LPQC Annual Convention
Rolando Bini (Parents In Action For Leadership & Human Rights)
Liberty Forum (5-Minute Readings)
Isaiah Matos (“End The Fed” Movement)
Tom Evans (“Survivor Zine” Founder & Publisher)
Joseph Dobrian (Candidate for LP Nomination for Mayor)
John Chodes (The 19th Century Worker)
Fred Cookinham (Author of "Age of Rand")
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Membership Director
Libertarian Party of Queens County
Stevens Objects To Reasoning Offered By Judicial Committee For Rejecting The Delegates' Petition
After voting 6-1 to accept jurisdiction over the issues raised in the Delegates’ Petition (with Dr. Tom Stevens being the only Judicial Committee member voting against the Judicial Committee having "subject matter jurisdiction"), the Judicial Committee voted 5-2 to reject the appeal.
Ruth Bennett, the Chair of the Libertarian Party’s Judicial Committee reported the May 6, 2009 decision as follows:
By a vote of six (Bennett, Cobb, Hacker, Nicks, Nolan, Sarwark) to one (Stevens) the Judicial Committee recognizes that we have jurisdiction in the matter of the Delegates’ Petition of April 30, 2009. We are, however, by a vote of five (Bennett, Cobb, Hacker, Nolan, Stevens) to two (Sarwark, Nicks) declining to accept the petition. The relief requested in the Petition is reinstatement of R. Lee Wrights and as Mr. Wrights has been appointed to the National Committee, the appeal is moot.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ruth E. Bennett
Chair
Libertarian Party Judicial Committee
The reasoning expressed by the majority of Judicial Committee members voting to reject the Delegates’ Petition was that the petition was moot since it sought the reinstatement of R. Lee Wrights to the National Committee and that as of the date of the vote, Mr. Wrights had already been reappointed to the National Committee.
This position is not mine. I do not believe the relief sought in the Delegates’ Petition was moot.
The wording of the Delegates’ Petition was as follows:
I was a Delegate to the Libertarian Party 2008 National Convention. Pursuant to Article 8, Section 5, I find that the attempted removal of R. Lee Wrights, At-Large Member of the Libertarian National Committee, from the National Committee, without a 2/3 vote of the National Committee, contravenes Bylaws Article 8, Section 5. I affirm his position as an At-Large Representative and ask, per Article 8, Section 12, that the Judicial Committee overturn this attempted removal and direct that Wrights be recognized as an At-Large Member of the National Committee.
If there had been a “decision of the National Committee” to remove R. Lee Wrights, his subsequent re-appointment does not make moot a petition asking the Judicial Committee to overturn the “decision of the National Committee” removing him in the first place. His subsequent reappointment is irrelevant to the issue of whether the original decision of the National Committee contravened the bylaws.
I voted against accepting the Delegates’ Petition because there was no “decision of the National Committee” to overturn and no “suspension” of a National Committee member-at-large by a 2/3 vote of the entire LNC.
In my view, there was no appealable issue properly before us upon which we could schedule a hearing.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Judicial Committee Member
Ruth Bennett, the Chair of the Libertarian Party’s Judicial Committee reported the May 6, 2009 decision as follows:
By a vote of six (Bennett, Cobb, Hacker, Nicks, Nolan, Sarwark) to one (Stevens) the Judicial Committee recognizes that we have jurisdiction in the matter of the Delegates’ Petition of April 30, 2009. We are, however, by a vote of five (Bennett, Cobb, Hacker, Nolan, Stevens) to two (Sarwark, Nicks) declining to accept the petition. The relief requested in the Petition is reinstatement of R. Lee Wrights and as Mr. Wrights has been appointed to the National Committee, the appeal is moot.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ruth E. Bennett
Chair
Libertarian Party Judicial Committee
The reasoning expressed by the majority of Judicial Committee members voting to reject the Delegates’ Petition was that the petition was moot since it sought the reinstatement of R. Lee Wrights to the National Committee and that as of the date of the vote, Mr. Wrights had already been reappointed to the National Committee.
This position is not mine. I do not believe the relief sought in the Delegates’ Petition was moot.
The wording of the Delegates’ Petition was as follows:
I was a Delegate to the Libertarian Party 2008 National Convention. Pursuant to Article 8, Section 5, I find that the attempted removal of R. Lee Wrights, At-Large Member of the Libertarian National Committee, from the National Committee, without a 2/3 vote of the National Committee, contravenes Bylaws Article 8, Section 5. I affirm his position as an At-Large Representative and ask, per Article 8, Section 12, that the Judicial Committee overturn this attempted removal and direct that Wrights be recognized as an At-Large Member of the National Committee.
If there had been a “decision of the National Committee” to remove R. Lee Wrights, his subsequent re-appointment does not make moot a petition asking the Judicial Committee to overturn the “decision of the National Committee” removing him in the first place. His subsequent reappointment is irrelevant to the issue of whether the original decision of the National Committee contravened the bylaws.
I voted against accepting the Delegates’ Petition because there was no “decision of the National Committee” to overturn and no “suspension” of a National Committee member-at-large by a 2/3 vote of the entire LNC.
In my view, there was no appealable issue properly before us upon which we could schedule a hearing.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Judicial Committee Member
The Jurisdictional Issue On The Delegates' Petition Regarding R. Lee Wrights
On Wednesday, May 6, 2009, the Judicial Committee of the Libertarian Party voted on the issue of whether the Judicial Committee had "subject matter jurisdiction" over the question raised in the Delegates’ Petition submitted to us by Rachel Hawkridge dated April 30, 2009. That Delegates’ Petition contained the following language:
To: Judicial Committee of the Libertarian Party
I was a Delegate to the Libertarian Party 2008 National Convention. Pursuant to Article 8, Section 5, I find that the attempted removal of R. Lee Wrights, At-Large Member of the Libertarian National Committee, from the National Committee, without a 2/3 vote of the National Committee, contravenes Bylaws Article 8, Section 5. I affirm his position as an At-Large Representative and ask, per Article 8, Section 12, that the Judicial Committee overturn this attempted removal and direct that Wrights be recognized as an At-Large Member of the National Committee.
Sincerely,
Name/State Delegation
123. Harry Joe Tabor/Oregon
122. Mykl Kryka/Colorado
121. Daniel Ong/Colorado
120. Claire Gersch/Colorado
119. Garrett Michael Hayes/Georgia
118. signature rejected
117. Thomas E Sullivan/Colorado
116. Roger Gary/Texas
115. signature rejected
114. Steven Boone/People's Democratic Republic of Maryland
113. L. Alan Pyeatt/California
112. Lonnie Holcomb/Idaho
111. line voided
110. line voided
109. Skyla Grimes/Washington
108. Geoffrey Wills/NY
107. Marc Montoni/Virginia
106. JJ McCurry/Florida
105. Michael Jingozian/OR
104. line voided
103. Julia Fox/IL
102. line voided
101. line voided
100. Peter Wilkie/Washington
99. Karen Swindell/Michigan
98. John W Howell/IL
97. Tom Howe/North Carolina
96. Ray Carr/Texas
95. Barbara Howe/North Carolina
94. Michael Kerner/Kansas
93. Mark W.A. Hinkle/California
92. line voided
91. Rachel M Enfield/TN
90. Mike Renzulli/Arizona
89. Elisabeth Larsen/Michigan
88. R C Wes Benedict/TX
87. Mary J. Ruwart/TX
86. Lidia Seebeck/California region 33 Riverside
85. Stephen Stout/Utah
84. Susan Hogarth/North Carolina
83. Scotty Boman/Michigan
82. Henry Haller/Pennsylvania
81. Jason Seagraves/Michigan
80. James Dompkowski/Maine
79. Walter Block/Louisiana
78. Eric Cooper/Iowa
77. Maureen Litten/Iowa
76. Seth Anthony/Colorado
75. Derek Pomery/Maryland
74. Paul Langford/Colorado
73. Mike A. Bozarth/Missouri
72. Donald Silberger/New York
71. Thomas M. Sipos/California
70. Ed Marsh/Tennessee
69. Sam Sloan/New York
68. Audrey Capozzi/LPNY
67. Brian Irving/North Carolina
66. Vicki Kirkland/Florida
65. Karl Dickey/Florida
64. Michael J. Rollins/Rhode Island
63. Christopher S. Thrasher/North Carolina
62. Vincent Marcus/Utah
61. Fred Mangels/CA
60. René A. Ruiz/Massachusetts
59. Arthur Torrey/MA (Delegation Chair)
58. Richard Schwarz/Pennsylvania
57. John Wayne Smith/Florida
56. J.R. Enfield/Tennessee
55. Seth Cohn/NH
54. line voided
53. Deborah A. Bottomlee/TN
52. Carolyn J McMahon/Massachusetts
51. Jeff Duensing/Indiana
50. Chris Edes/New York
49. William P. McMillen/New York
48. Starchild/California
47. Matt D. Harris/West Virginia
46. Jake Porter/Iowa
45. line voided
44. Chuck Moulton/California
43. Mo Kiah/Tennessee Delegate/2008 LP Convention
42. Ron Moore/New York
41. line voided
40. Ray Duensing/NV
39. Beth Duensing/Nevada
38. Dylan McDonnell/Utah
37. Rachel Hawkridge/Washington
36. Jill Stone/CA
35. James Perry Reef/Massachusetts
34. Michael R. Edelstein/CA
33. Thomas Hill/N.C.
32. Glenn Jacobs Tennessee
31. Rob Latham/Utah
30. Tom Ruks/NH
29. Steve LaBianca/Florida
28. Christiana Mayer/Oregon
27. Steve Kubby/CA
26. Michelle Shinghal/TX
25. line voided
24. Raymond James Duensing Jr./Sin City, Nevada
23. Kelly Wall/TN
22. Michael Acree/CA
21. Tony Wall/TN
20. Paul Frankel/Alabama
19. Gene Hawkridge/Washington State
18. Less Antman/California
17. John Schultz/Missouri
16. Larry Nicholas/Washington
15. Debra Payne-Dedmon/Nevada
14. Dodge Landesman/New York
13. Glenn Nielsen/Missouri
12. Christopher Maden/California
11. Harland Harrison/California
10. Angela Keaton/California
9. James Lesczynski/New York
8. Carolyn Marbry/California
7. Richard Winger/California
6. Michael Seebeck/California
5. Brian Miller/Pennsylvania
4. George Phillies/Massachusetts
3. Morey Straus/NH
2. line voided
1. Thomas L. Knapp/Missouri
Act In Liberty,
Rachel Hawkridge
Chair,
Libertarian Party of Washington
Libertarian National Committee
Region 7 Representative
Ruth E. Bennett, the Chair of the Libertarian Party's Judicial Committee, reported the decision of the Judicial Committee with respect to this petition as follows:
By a vote of six (Bennett, Cobb, Hacker, Nicks, Nolan, Sarwark) to one (Stevens) the Judicial Committee recognizes that we have jurisdiction in the matter of the Delegates’ Petition of April 30, 2009. We are, however, by a vote of five (Bennett, Cobb, Hacker, Nolan, Stevens) to two (Sarwark, Nicks) declining to accept the petition. The relief requested in the Petition is reinstatement of R. Lee Wrights and as Mr. Wrights has been appointed to the National Committee, the appeal is moot.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ruth E. Bennett
Chair
Libertarian Party Judicial Committee
Since I was the only member of the Judicial Committee who voted against our having “subject matter jurisdiction” over the issues raised in the Delegates’ Petition, I thought it only proper to explain the reasoning behind my vote.
There does appear to be, in my opinion, an ambiguity with respect to whether the “subject matter jurisdiction” of the Judicial Committee is expanded in Article 8, Section 12 beyond the “expressly identified” matters mentioned as the “subject matter jurisdiction” of the Judicial Committee in Article 9, Section 2, which reads as follows:
2. The subject matter jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee is limited to consideration of only those matters expressly identified as follows:
a. suspension of affiliate parties (Article 6, Section 6),
b. suspension of officers (Article 7, Section 8),
c. suspension of National Committee members-at-large (Article 8, Section 5),
d. voiding of National Committee decisions (Article 8, Section 11),
e. challenges to platform planks (Rule 7, Section 9),
f. challenges to Resolutions (Rule 8, Section 2), and
g. suspension of Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates (Article 12, Section 5).
However, Article 8, Section 12, states in relevant part:
12. Upon appeal by ten percent of the delegates credentialed at the most recent Regular Convention or one percent of the Party’s sustaining members, the Judicial Committee shall consider the question of whether or not a decision of the National Committee contravenes specified sections of the Bylaws. If the decision is vetoed by the Judicial Committee, it shall be declared null and void.”
The issue is whether Article 8, Section 12 grants “subject matter jurisdiction” to the Judicial Committee beyond those matters expressly identified in Article 9, Section 2 to include additional “subject matter jurisdiction” over “whether or not a decision of the National Committee contravenes specified sections of the Bylaws”. The ambiguity is in reference to the words "specified sections of the Bylaws". The question this raises is "specified" where - in the Delegates' Petition or in other sections of the Bylaws? I think the answer is unclear and that a better reading of this section would conclude it means as specified in the Delegate's Petition since it is the delegates who are challenging a particular decision of the National Committee. It is my position that if the Delegates’ Petition had veritable signatures from the proper number of credentialed delegates and challenged “a decision of the National Committee”, I would have voted that the Judicial Committee had jurisdiction over the issue.
In the current instance, however, the Delegates’ Petition does not reference “a decision of the National Committee” under Article 8, Section 12, nor does it reference “a suspension of National Committee members-at-large” under Article 9, Section 2, Subsection c. As a result, there is nothing referenced in the Delegates’ Petition I feel is appealable to the Judicial Committee under the provisions of the Libertarian Party Bylaws. The National Committee did not by a 2/3 vote of the entire LNC suspend R. Lee Wrights "for cause" and did not send him a notice of suspension. Had he been suspended "for cause" by a 2/3 vote of the entire LNC, that action would be within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee. Had the Delegates’ Petition referenced any “decision of the National Committee”, I would have voted to accept jurisdiction but it did not. Therefore, it was clear to me that the Judicial Committee had no jurisdiction over the issues raised in the Delegates’ Petition.
At first glance, you might think the Delegates’ Petition does give the Judicial Committee subject matter jurisdiction because the appeal language specifically mentions Article 8, Section 5. Every member of the Judicial Committee voted in favor of the Judicial Committee having jurisdiction over this matter except me. My reasoning is clear to me but obviously wasn't persuasive enough to convince the other Judicial Committee members. To me, for the Judicial Committee to have subject matter jurisdiction, there had to be an Article 8, Section 5 "suspension" "for cause" by a 2/3 vote of the entire LNC or a “decision of the National Committee” that the credentialed delegates claimed “contravenes specified sections of the Bylaws”. Since there was no such "suspension" under Article 8, Section 5 and no “decision of the National Committee”, I did not believe the Judicial Committee had jurisdiction over the matter raised in the Delegates’ Petition. Bennett, Hacker, Sarwark, Cobb, Nolan and Nicks obviously thought otherwise.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Judicial Committee Member
Libertarian Party
To: Judicial Committee of the Libertarian Party
I was a Delegate to the Libertarian Party 2008 National Convention. Pursuant to Article 8, Section 5, I find that the attempted removal of R. Lee Wrights, At-Large Member of the Libertarian National Committee, from the National Committee, without a 2/3 vote of the National Committee, contravenes Bylaws Article 8, Section 5. I affirm his position as an At-Large Representative and ask, per Article 8, Section 12, that the Judicial Committee overturn this attempted removal and direct that Wrights be recognized as an At-Large Member of the National Committee.
Sincerely,
Name/State Delegation
123. Harry Joe Tabor/Oregon
122. Mykl Kryka/Colorado
121. Daniel Ong/Colorado
120. Claire Gersch/Colorado
119. Garrett Michael Hayes/Georgia
118. signature rejected
117. Thomas E Sullivan/Colorado
116. Roger Gary/Texas
115. signature rejected
114. Steven Boone/People's Democratic Republic of Maryland
113. L. Alan Pyeatt/California
112. Lonnie Holcomb/Idaho
111. line voided
110. line voided
109. Skyla Grimes/Washington
108. Geoffrey Wills/NY
107. Marc Montoni/Virginia
106. JJ McCurry/Florida
105. Michael Jingozian/OR
104. line voided
103. Julia Fox/IL
102. line voided
101. line voided
100. Peter Wilkie/Washington
99. Karen Swindell/Michigan
98. John W Howell/IL
97. Tom Howe/North Carolina
96. Ray Carr/Texas
95. Barbara Howe/North Carolina
94. Michael Kerner/Kansas
93. Mark W.A. Hinkle/California
92. line voided
91. Rachel M Enfield/TN
90. Mike Renzulli/Arizona
89. Elisabeth Larsen/Michigan
88. R C Wes Benedict/TX
87. Mary J. Ruwart/TX
86. Lidia Seebeck/California region 33 Riverside
85. Stephen Stout/Utah
84. Susan Hogarth/North Carolina
83. Scotty Boman/Michigan
82. Henry Haller/Pennsylvania
81. Jason Seagraves/Michigan
80. James Dompkowski/Maine
79. Walter Block/Louisiana
78. Eric Cooper/Iowa
77. Maureen Litten/Iowa
76. Seth Anthony/Colorado
75. Derek Pomery/Maryland
74. Paul Langford/Colorado
73. Mike A. Bozarth/Missouri
72. Donald Silberger/New York
71. Thomas M. Sipos/California
70. Ed Marsh/Tennessee
69. Sam Sloan/New York
68. Audrey Capozzi/LPNY
67. Brian Irving/North Carolina
66. Vicki Kirkland/Florida
65. Karl Dickey/Florida
64. Michael J. Rollins/Rhode Island
63. Christopher S. Thrasher/North Carolina
62. Vincent Marcus/Utah
61. Fred Mangels/CA
60. René A. Ruiz/Massachusetts
59. Arthur Torrey/MA (Delegation Chair)
58. Richard Schwarz/Pennsylvania
57. John Wayne Smith/Florida
56. J.R. Enfield/Tennessee
55. Seth Cohn/NH
54. line voided
53. Deborah A. Bottomlee/TN
52. Carolyn J McMahon/Massachusetts
51. Jeff Duensing/Indiana
50. Chris Edes/New York
49. William P. McMillen/New York
48. Starchild/California
47. Matt D. Harris/West Virginia
46. Jake Porter/Iowa
45. line voided
44. Chuck Moulton/California
43. Mo Kiah/Tennessee Delegate/2008 LP Convention
42. Ron Moore/New York
41. line voided
40. Ray Duensing/NV
39. Beth Duensing/Nevada
38. Dylan McDonnell/Utah
37. Rachel Hawkridge/Washington
36. Jill Stone/CA
35. James Perry Reef/Massachusetts
34. Michael R. Edelstein/CA
33. Thomas Hill/N.C.
32. Glenn Jacobs Tennessee
31. Rob Latham/Utah
30. Tom Ruks/NH
29. Steve LaBianca/Florida
28. Christiana Mayer/Oregon
27. Steve Kubby/CA
26. Michelle Shinghal/TX
25. line voided
24. Raymond James Duensing Jr./Sin City, Nevada
23. Kelly Wall/TN
22. Michael Acree/CA
21. Tony Wall/TN
20. Paul Frankel/Alabama
19. Gene Hawkridge/Washington State
18. Less Antman/California
17. John Schultz/Missouri
16. Larry Nicholas/Washington
15. Debra Payne-Dedmon/Nevada
14. Dodge Landesman/New York
13. Glenn Nielsen/Missouri
12. Christopher Maden/California
11. Harland Harrison/California
10. Angela Keaton/California
9. James Lesczynski/New York
8. Carolyn Marbry/California
7. Richard Winger/California
6. Michael Seebeck/California
5. Brian Miller/Pennsylvania
4. George Phillies/Massachusetts
3. Morey Straus/NH
2. line voided
1. Thomas L. Knapp/Missouri
Act In Liberty,
Rachel Hawkridge
Chair,
Libertarian Party of Washington
Libertarian National Committee
Region 7 Representative
Ruth E. Bennett, the Chair of the Libertarian Party's Judicial Committee, reported the decision of the Judicial Committee with respect to this petition as follows:
By a vote of six (Bennett, Cobb, Hacker, Nicks, Nolan, Sarwark) to one (Stevens) the Judicial Committee recognizes that we have jurisdiction in the matter of the Delegates’ Petition of April 30, 2009. We are, however, by a vote of five (Bennett, Cobb, Hacker, Nolan, Stevens) to two (Sarwark, Nicks) declining to accept the petition. The relief requested in the Petition is reinstatement of R. Lee Wrights and as Mr. Wrights has been appointed to the National Committee, the appeal is moot.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ruth E. Bennett
Chair
Libertarian Party Judicial Committee
Since I was the only member of the Judicial Committee who voted against our having “subject matter jurisdiction” over the issues raised in the Delegates’ Petition, I thought it only proper to explain the reasoning behind my vote.
There does appear to be, in my opinion, an ambiguity with respect to whether the “subject matter jurisdiction” of the Judicial Committee is expanded in Article 8, Section 12 beyond the “expressly identified” matters mentioned as the “subject matter jurisdiction” of the Judicial Committee in Article 9, Section 2, which reads as follows:
2. The subject matter jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee is limited to consideration of only those matters expressly identified as follows:
a. suspension of affiliate parties (Article 6, Section 6),
b. suspension of officers (Article 7, Section 8),
c. suspension of National Committee members-at-large (Article 8, Section 5),
d. voiding of National Committee decisions (Article 8, Section 11),
e. challenges to platform planks (Rule 7, Section 9),
f. challenges to Resolutions (Rule 8, Section 2), and
g. suspension of Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates (Article 12, Section 5).
However, Article 8, Section 12, states in relevant part:
12. Upon appeal by ten percent of the delegates credentialed at the most recent Regular Convention or one percent of the Party’s sustaining members, the Judicial Committee shall consider the question of whether or not a decision of the National Committee contravenes specified sections of the Bylaws. If the decision is vetoed by the Judicial Committee, it shall be declared null and void.”
The issue is whether Article 8, Section 12 grants “subject matter jurisdiction” to the Judicial Committee beyond those matters expressly identified in Article 9, Section 2 to include additional “subject matter jurisdiction” over “whether or not a decision of the National Committee contravenes specified sections of the Bylaws”. The ambiguity is in reference to the words "specified sections of the Bylaws". The question this raises is "specified" where - in the Delegates' Petition or in other sections of the Bylaws? I think the answer is unclear and that a better reading of this section would conclude it means as specified in the Delegate's Petition since it is the delegates who are challenging a particular decision of the National Committee. It is my position that if the Delegates’ Petition had veritable signatures from the proper number of credentialed delegates and challenged “a decision of the National Committee”, I would have voted that the Judicial Committee had jurisdiction over the issue.
In the current instance, however, the Delegates’ Petition does not reference “a decision of the National Committee” under Article 8, Section 12, nor does it reference “a suspension of National Committee members-at-large” under Article 9, Section 2, Subsection c. As a result, there is nothing referenced in the Delegates’ Petition I feel is appealable to the Judicial Committee under the provisions of the Libertarian Party Bylaws. The National Committee did not by a 2/3 vote of the entire LNC suspend R. Lee Wrights "for cause" and did not send him a notice of suspension. Had he been suspended "for cause" by a 2/3 vote of the entire LNC, that action would be within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee. Had the Delegates’ Petition referenced any “decision of the National Committee”, I would have voted to accept jurisdiction but it did not. Therefore, it was clear to me that the Judicial Committee had no jurisdiction over the issues raised in the Delegates’ Petition.
At first glance, you might think the Delegates’ Petition does give the Judicial Committee subject matter jurisdiction because the appeal language specifically mentions Article 8, Section 5. Every member of the Judicial Committee voted in favor of the Judicial Committee having jurisdiction over this matter except me. My reasoning is clear to me but obviously wasn't persuasive enough to convince the other Judicial Committee members. To me, for the Judicial Committee to have subject matter jurisdiction, there had to be an Article 8, Section 5 "suspension" "for cause" by a 2/3 vote of the entire LNC or a “decision of the National Committee” that the credentialed delegates claimed “contravenes specified sections of the Bylaws”. Since there was no such "suspension" under Article 8, Section 5 and no “decision of the National Committee”, I did not believe the Judicial Committee had jurisdiction over the matter raised in the Delegates’ Petition. Bennett, Hacker, Sarwark, Cobb, Nolan and Nicks obviously thought otherwise.
In Liberty,
Dr. Tom Stevens
Judicial Committee Member
Libertarian Party
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