On January 30, 2010, Samuel Howard Sloan was unanimously elected to serve as the representative of the Manhattan Libertarian Party to the State Committee of the Libertarian Party of New York. The election took place at the Manhattan Libertarian Party's Annual Convention, which was held at the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant located at 140 2nd Avenue in New York, New York.
Sam Sloan is currently a resident of the Bronx and has announced his intention to seek the nomination of the Libertarian Party of New York for Governor in 2010. He was given an opportunity to address the packed convention hall and surprised everyone by beginning his remarks in Pashtun, which he claims to have learned while imprisoned in an Afghan jail. Sam Sloan is a Muslim and is known in Islamic circles as Haji Mohammed Ismail Sloan.
Mr. Sloan previously served as an officer of the Manhattan Libertarian Party, having been elected Director of Media Relations for a one-year term in 2006.
Read more about Sam Sloan in an article that appeared in the New York Sun on June 30, 2004 entitled "The Man In The Yellow Cab: Sam Sloan" at: http://dackman.homestead.com/SamSloanSun.htm
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
OPNY, OPAZ & OPIN Adopt Joint Affiliate Platform
The Objectivist Party of New York, Objectivist Party of Arizona and Objectivist Party of Indiana have adopted the following joint affiliate platform, which has been uploaded to the Affiliate Platforms section of the Objectivist Party website at http://www.objectivistparty.com/
VICTIMLESS CRIMES: We believe the government has no right to criminalize conduct consensually agreed to between adults that cause no direct harm to others. We believe in people taking responsibility for their own lives and oppose paternalistic government. As a result, we seek the immediate decriminalization of marijuana, prostitution, pornography, gambling and other victimless crimes.
MONETARY POLICY & TAXATION: We believe the government has no right to cause inflation and devalue our currency by permitting the Federal Reserve to "print money" or by borrowing money in order to balance the budget. We also oppose the large percentage of people's earnings the government takes through taxation. As a first step toward the goal of drastically reducing taxation on a federal, state and local level, we support the institution of a 10% federal flat tax and the elimination of all income and property taxes.
GAY ISSUES: We believe the government should not discriminate against anyone on the basis of that person's sexual orientation. On a federal level, we support the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and the military's policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". On a state level, while our ultimate goal is to get the government out of the marriage business, we support full recognition of gay marriages so long as the government continues to issue marriage certificates to heterosexual couples.
IMMIGRATION: We support the right of all countries to control their own borders and to set the conditions immigrants must meet in order to obtain permanent residence and citizenship. We would give state law enforcement officials the power to enforce immigration law and to deport illegal aliens. We would grant immigration preferences to those with special skills; to those who would create jobs; to those who ideologically support free enterprise and respect for individual rights; to those who are committed to the use of science and reason instead of faith and mysticism when evaluating and discovering objective reality; and to those who believe in self-reliance and the pursuit of productive and purposeful lives.
DEFENSE: We believe one of the primary purposes of the federal government is to provide for the national defense. Toward that end, we would support expanding the incentives offered to encourage citizens to join the military and the National Guard. However, we oppose any form of involuntary servitude including the reinstitution of a draft.
CIVIL LIBERTIES: We believe the government must respect the individual and constitutional rights of all citizens including the right to keep and bear arms. We oppose all forms of censorship and invasions of privacy. We believe in the strict separation of church and state and believe "In God We Trust" should be removed from the country's coins and courtrooms.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & MONUMENTAL PROJECTS: We believe the entrepreneurial spirit should be encouraged by reducing corporate taxation and bureaucratic regulation. We support the identification and development of privately financed grand scale monumental projects that can inspire citizens to lead heroic lives and to contribute more to their civilization.
VICTIMLESS CRIMES: We believe the government has no right to criminalize conduct consensually agreed to between adults that cause no direct harm to others. We believe in people taking responsibility for their own lives and oppose paternalistic government. As a result, we seek the immediate decriminalization of marijuana, prostitution, pornography, gambling and other victimless crimes.
MONETARY POLICY & TAXATION: We believe the government has no right to cause inflation and devalue our currency by permitting the Federal Reserve to "print money" or by borrowing money in order to balance the budget. We also oppose the large percentage of people's earnings the government takes through taxation. As a first step toward the goal of drastically reducing taxation on a federal, state and local level, we support the institution of a 10% federal flat tax and the elimination of all income and property taxes.
GAY ISSUES: We believe the government should not discriminate against anyone on the basis of that person's sexual orientation. On a federal level, we support the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and the military's policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". On a state level, while our ultimate goal is to get the government out of the marriage business, we support full recognition of gay marriages so long as the government continues to issue marriage certificates to heterosexual couples.
IMMIGRATION: We support the right of all countries to control their own borders and to set the conditions immigrants must meet in order to obtain permanent residence and citizenship. We would give state law enforcement officials the power to enforce immigration law and to deport illegal aliens. We would grant immigration preferences to those with special skills; to those who would create jobs; to those who ideologically support free enterprise and respect for individual rights; to those who are committed to the use of science and reason instead of faith and mysticism when evaluating and discovering objective reality; and to those who believe in self-reliance and the pursuit of productive and purposeful lives.
DEFENSE: We believe one of the primary purposes of the federal government is to provide for the national defense. Toward that end, we would support expanding the incentives offered to encourage citizens to join the military and the National Guard. However, we oppose any form of involuntary servitude including the reinstitution of a draft.
CIVIL LIBERTIES: We believe the government must respect the individual and constitutional rights of all citizens including the right to keep and bear arms. We oppose all forms of censorship and invasions of privacy. We believe in the strict separation of church and state and believe "In God We Trust" should be removed from the country's coins and courtrooms.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & MONUMENTAL PROJECTS: We believe the entrepreneurial spirit should be encouraged by reducing corporate taxation and bureaucratic regulation. We support the identification and development of privately financed grand scale monumental projects that can inspire citizens to lead heroic lives and to contribute more to their civilization.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Objectivist Party Of Georgia Adopts Affiliate Platform
On January 26, 2010, the Objectivist Party of Georgia adopted the following platform, which has been uploaded to the Affiliate Platforms section of the Objectivist Party website at http://www.objectivistparty.com/
FREE MARKET CAPITALISM: We advocate a completely free market with no government interference. We oppose tariffs, embargoes, rent controls, wage controls, corporate taxes and all other forms of government interference in private businesses. We oppose any and all legislation which forces or "encourages" employers to hire employees based on any standard other than their ability to perform the required tasks (e.g. affirmative action). We oppose any and all legislation which forces banks to lend money to unqualified candidates (e.g. the Community Reinvestment Act). We oppose all government bureaucracy which interferes with the rights of individual citizens to contract freely with businesses and individuals of their choice (e.g. the Food and Drug Administration), and we radically oppose the socialization of ANY industry in the United States and its territories, especially the health care industry.
TAXATION: We advocate a flat-rate income tax at both the Federal and State levels. We oppose all sales tax, property tax and progressive income tax structure. We radically oppose all tax-funded welfare programs, including but not limited to medicare, medicaid, government subsidized housing, and food stamps.
EDUCATION: In order to reduce the burden of taxation on citizens who do not have children, and to raise the overall standard of achievement in our nation's schools and universities, we advocate the gradual dissolution of the public school system in favor of privately funded education.
IMMIGRATION: We support the right of all countries to control their own borders and to set the conditions immigrants must meet in order to obtain permanent residence and citizenship. We would give state law enforcement officials the power to enforce immigration law and to deport illegal aliens. We would grant immigration preferences to those with special skills, to those who would create jobs and to those who ideologically support free enterprise and respect for individual rights.
GAY RIGHTS: We oppose all forms of prejudicial discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation. We advocate the immediate and unconditional legalization of gay marriage nationwide, and condemn the United States Military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy.
VICTIMLESS CRIMES: We advocate the immediate and unconditional legalization of gambling, prostitution, marijuana, alcohol and tobacco use for all individuals aged 18 years or older. We also call for the gradual legalization of other narcotics with restrictions (no driving under the influence, no using in the vicinity of children, no sale to minors, etc.) for all individuals aged 18 years or older. We advocate the right of adults to willfully engage in any activity that does not negatively affect others.
FREE MARKET CAPITALISM: We advocate a completely free market with no government interference. We oppose tariffs, embargoes, rent controls, wage controls, corporate taxes and all other forms of government interference in private businesses. We oppose any and all legislation which forces or "encourages" employers to hire employees based on any standard other than their ability to perform the required tasks (e.g. affirmative action). We oppose any and all legislation which forces banks to lend money to unqualified candidates (e.g. the Community Reinvestment Act). We oppose all government bureaucracy which interferes with the rights of individual citizens to contract freely with businesses and individuals of their choice (e.g. the Food and Drug Administration), and we radically oppose the socialization of ANY industry in the United States and its territories, especially the health care industry.
TAXATION: We advocate a flat-rate income tax at both the Federal and State levels. We oppose all sales tax, property tax and progressive income tax structure. We radically oppose all tax-funded welfare programs, including but not limited to medicare, medicaid, government subsidized housing, and food stamps.
EDUCATION: In order to reduce the burden of taxation on citizens who do not have children, and to raise the overall standard of achievement in our nation's schools and universities, we advocate the gradual dissolution of the public school system in favor of privately funded education.
IMMIGRATION: We support the right of all countries to control their own borders and to set the conditions immigrants must meet in order to obtain permanent residence and citizenship. We would give state law enforcement officials the power to enforce immigration law and to deport illegal aliens. We would grant immigration preferences to those with special skills, to those who would create jobs and to those who ideologically support free enterprise and respect for individual rights.
GAY RIGHTS: We oppose all forms of prejudicial discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation. We advocate the immediate and unconditional legalization of gay marriage nationwide, and condemn the United States Military's "Don't ask, don't tell" policy.
VICTIMLESS CRIMES: We advocate the immediate and unconditional legalization of gambling, prostitution, marijuana, alcohol and tobacco use for all individuals aged 18 years or older. We also call for the gradual legalization of other narcotics with restrictions (no driving under the influence, no using in the vicinity of children, no sale to minors, etc.) for all individuals aged 18 years or older. We advocate the right of adults to willfully engage in any activity that does not negatively affect others.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Fraternity Initiations - Girlfriend For A Night
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Fraternity Initiations - Group Showering
Fraternities throughout the 1970s engaged in many initiation activities that were "rites of passage" for the new pledges. Many of these rites included sexual activities that the senior members of the fraternity went through when they pledged and that were then visited upon proposed new fraternity members. These rites were believed to create a special bond between the brothers as evidenced by similar hazing in fire departments and in military units throughout the years.
None of these hazing activities were considered gay in nature and, in fact, most fraternities did not accept gay members. The rule was "As long as you're not gay, it's O.K." even if the fraternity initiation rite contained an extreme amount of sexual conduct. The justification was clear and logical. The pledges who engaged in these sexual hazing activities were being forced to do so to get into the fraternity so they weren't gay and the older brothers forcing the pledges to engage in the behavior were doing so to denigrate and belittle the pledges so their activities weren't gay either.
One such fraternity initiation activity I witnessed (although did not participate in) was Group Showering. Most of the fraternities that had their own houses had open showers with no stalls that had multiple shower heads. Whether the pledge lived in the house or off campus, they were required to assemble in the very early morning (usually around 7 a.m.) to take a group shower with the rest of the pledges and then to have breakfast together with the rest of the fraternity brothers.
All the pledges were required to get naked and to enter the shower at the same time. Each was given a bar of soap and they were told to "lather up" their fellow pledges and "to clean every inch of their bodies". No pledge was allowed to clean himself. All were encouraged to remain in a group and to work on each other. If a pledge sported an erection, the supervising brother would instruct the pledges to make sure every inch of that erect cock was clean as well. This often led to the pledges cumming. If a pledge did not get hard, he was left alone. Any brother not enthusiastically participating in the group showering activities would receive a black mark on their pledge record, which often resulted in that pledge receiving especially unfavorable treatment during future pledge activities. After the group shower, the pledges dried each other off with towels and then were required to eat breakfast naked before dressing and going to class.
These "rites of passage" were favorably looked upon by most fraternities. They promoted bonding and yet did not involve hazing that risked the life or health of the pledges. They did not involve forced alcohol consumption or the infliction of pain. Also, these activities took place prior to A.I.D.S. being a consideration and before all such activities were being classified as "gay" by future pledge classes.
Dr. Tom Stevens had an opportunity to observe fraternity initiation activities during the time he served as President of the Student Council of the Washington Square & University College of Arts & Science at New York University in Greenwich Village, New York where he was influential in approving budgetary requests made by fraternities associated with that school. He was not a member of any fraternity at the time but was given access to witness many fraternity initiation rites.
None of these hazing activities were considered gay in nature and, in fact, most fraternities did not accept gay members. The rule was "As long as you're not gay, it's O.K." even if the fraternity initiation rite contained an extreme amount of sexual conduct. The justification was clear and logical. The pledges who engaged in these sexual hazing activities were being forced to do so to get into the fraternity so they weren't gay and the older brothers forcing the pledges to engage in the behavior were doing so to denigrate and belittle the pledges so their activities weren't gay either.
One such fraternity initiation activity I witnessed (although did not participate in) was Group Showering. Most of the fraternities that had their own houses had open showers with no stalls that had multiple shower heads. Whether the pledge lived in the house or off campus, they were required to assemble in the very early morning (usually around 7 a.m.) to take a group shower with the rest of the pledges and then to have breakfast together with the rest of the fraternity brothers.
All the pledges were required to get naked and to enter the shower at the same time. Each was given a bar of soap and they were told to "lather up" their fellow pledges and "to clean every inch of their bodies". No pledge was allowed to clean himself. All were encouraged to remain in a group and to work on each other. If a pledge sported an erection, the supervising brother would instruct the pledges to make sure every inch of that erect cock was clean as well. This often led to the pledges cumming. If a pledge did not get hard, he was left alone. Any brother not enthusiastically participating in the group showering activities would receive a black mark on their pledge record, which often resulted in that pledge receiving especially unfavorable treatment during future pledge activities. After the group shower, the pledges dried each other off with towels and then were required to eat breakfast naked before dressing and going to class.
These "rites of passage" were favorably looked upon by most fraternities. They promoted bonding and yet did not involve hazing that risked the life or health of the pledges. They did not involve forced alcohol consumption or the infliction of pain. Also, these activities took place prior to A.I.D.S. being a consideration and before all such activities were being classified as "gay" by future pledge classes.
Dr. Tom Stevens had an opportunity to observe fraternity initiation activities during the time he served as President of the Student Council of the Washington Square & University College of Arts & Science at New York University in Greenwich Village, New York where he was influential in approving budgetary requests made by fraternities associated with that school. He was not a member of any fraternity at the time but was given access to witness many fraternity initiation rites.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Fraternity Initiations - Giving Your Brother A Helping Hand
Fraternities throughout the 1970s engaged in many initiation activities that were "rites of passage" for the new pledges. Many of these rites included sexual activities the senior members of the fraternity went through when they pledged and that were then visited upon proposed new fraternity members. These rites were believed to create a special bond between the brothers as evidenced by similar hazing in fire departments and in military units throughout the years.
None of these hazing activities were considered gay in nature and, in fact, most fraternities did not accept gay members. The rule was "As long as you're not gay, it's O.K." even if the fraternity initiation rite contained an extreme amount of sexual conduct. The justification was clear and logical. The pledges who engaged in these sexual hazing activities were being forced to do so to get into the fraternity so they weren't gay and the older brothers forcing the pledges to engage in the behavior were doing so to denigrate and belittle the pledges so their activities weren't gay either.
There was an exception to the "denigrating and belittling" aspect of fraternity initiation rites that came up in the bonding that was supposed to take place between a pledge and his assigned Big Brother. It was the Big Brother's responsibility to help the pledge through the initiation process, to help the pledge learn about the history of the fraternity and to be mentally ready to accept the "proofs of loyalty" that were to follow. This bond between the Big Brother and the pledge was expected to last for life. As a result, there were a number of bonding activities a Big Brother could utilize to create that special bond.
The most common bonding activity used by Big Brothers in the fraternities I was familiar with was generally referred to as "Giving A Brother A Helping Hand". This activity did not take place in public but usually in the Big Brother's dorm room. The reciprocal activity included the Big Brother and the pledge getting naked. One would lie on his back on the bed while the other would massage his body with a soothing lotion. The purpose of this activity was to provide a relaxing and pleasurable experience for the person massaged. At some point, the massaged guy would get hard and the massager would then give him a "helping hand" until he came. After being cleaned up, they would change places. This bonding would be repeated many times during the pledge period and the goal was to create a special bond between the two guys. It was considered most likely that this was the first time the pledge ever had another guy touch his dick so this first experience was expected to, and did, create a bond between them that could never be broken.
Depending on the inclinations of the two guys involved, this "secret" activity sometimes was shared later in life whenever the two got together, sometimes even after the two married their respective wives. This was not considered "gay sex" because neither dude was attracted to guys sexually. It was just considered two guys giving each other a "helping hand".
These "rites of passage" were favorably looked upon by most fraternities. They promoted bonding and yet did not involve hazing that risked the life or health of the pledges. They did not involve forced alcohol consumption or the infliction of pain. Also, these activities took place prior to A.I.D.S. being a consideration and before all such activities were being classified as "gay" by future pledge classes.
Dr. Tom Stevens had an opportunity to observe fraternity initiation activities during the time he served as President of the Student Council of the Washington Square & University College of Arts & Science at New York University in Greenwich Village, New York where he was influential in approving budgetary requests made by fraternities associated with that school. He was not a member of any fraternity at the time but was given access to witness many fraternity initiation rites.
None of these hazing activities were considered gay in nature and, in fact, most fraternities did not accept gay members. The rule was "As long as you're not gay, it's O.K." even if the fraternity initiation rite contained an extreme amount of sexual conduct. The justification was clear and logical. The pledges who engaged in these sexual hazing activities were being forced to do so to get into the fraternity so they weren't gay and the older brothers forcing the pledges to engage in the behavior were doing so to denigrate and belittle the pledges so their activities weren't gay either.
There was an exception to the "denigrating and belittling" aspect of fraternity initiation rites that came up in the bonding that was supposed to take place between a pledge and his assigned Big Brother. It was the Big Brother's responsibility to help the pledge through the initiation process, to help the pledge learn about the history of the fraternity and to be mentally ready to accept the "proofs of loyalty" that were to follow. This bond between the Big Brother and the pledge was expected to last for life. As a result, there were a number of bonding activities a Big Brother could utilize to create that special bond.
The most common bonding activity used by Big Brothers in the fraternities I was familiar with was generally referred to as "Giving A Brother A Helping Hand". This activity did not take place in public but usually in the Big Brother's dorm room. The reciprocal activity included the Big Brother and the pledge getting naked. One would lie on his back on the bed while the other would massage his body with a soothing lotion. The purpose of this activity was to provide a relaxing and pleasurable experience for the person massaged. At some point, the massaged guy would get hard and the massager would then give him a "helping hand" until he came. After being cleaned up, they would change places. This bonding would be repeated many times during the pledge period and the goal was to create a special bond between the two guys. It was considered most likely that this was the first time the pledge ever had another guy touch his dick so this first experience was expected to, and did, create a bond between them that could never be broken.
Depending on the inclinations of the two guys involved, this "secret" activity sometimes was shared later in life whenever the two got together, sometimes even after the two married their respective wives. This was not considered "gay sex" because neither dude was attracted to guys sexually. It was just considered two guys giving each other a "helping hand".
These "rites of passage" were favorably looked upon by most fraternities. They promoted bonding and yet did not involve hazing that risked the life or health of the pledges. They did not involve forced alcohol consumption or the infliction of pain. Also, these activities took place prior to A.I.D.S. being a consideration and before all such activities were being classified as "gay" by future pledge classes.
Dr. Tom Stevens had an opportunity to observe fraternity initiation activities during the time he served as President of the Student Council of the Washington Square & University College of Arts & Science at New York University in Greenwich Village, New York where he was influential in approving budgetary requests made by fraternities associated with that school. He was not a member of any fraternity at the time but was given access to witness many fraternity initiation rites.
Fraternity Initiations - Eat The Cookie!
Fraternities throughout the 1970s engaged in many initiation activities that were "rites of passage" for the new pledges. Many of these rites included sexual activities that the senior members of the fraternity went through when they pledged and that were then visited upon proposed new fraternity members. These rites were believed to create a special bond between the brothers as evidenced by similar hazing in fire departments and in military units throughout the years.
None of these hazing activities were considered gay in nature and, in fact, most fraternities did not accept gay members. The rule was "As long as you're not gay, it's O.K." even if the fraternity initiation rite contained an extreme amount of sexual conduct. The justification was clear and logical. The pledges who engaged in these sexual hazing activities were being forced to do so to get into the fraternity so they weren't gay and the older brothers forcing the pledges to engage in the behavior were doing so to denigrate and belittle the pledges so their activities weren't gay either.
One such fraternity initiation activity I witnessed (although did not participate in) was Eat The Cookie! (referred to elsewhere as Soggy Biscuit). In its simplest, and most innocent form, pledges were lined up naked in a circle facing each other. On the floor in the middle was usually a black and white cookie, which is pretty solid and larger than most cookies. Pledges had to jerk off on the cookie and the last pledge to cum had to eat the cookie. This turned out not to be as horrible as it sounds because most of the guys couldn't shoot straight and in most instances missed the cookie entirely.
The more common form of Eat The Cookie! which had more bonding potential and lasted much longer had the pledges lined up naked next to each other. Usually the other fraternity brothers took seats facing them in order to observe the rite with a ringside seat. The first pledge was told to jerk off on the black and white cookie. After he did so, he passed the cookie to the pledge to his right. That pledge held the cookie near to his cock while the first pledge jerked him off. There was usually a time limit placed on how long each pledge now had to cum on the cookie, which increased the pressure. If the pledge could not cum on the cookie, he had to eat it. But in order to increase the chances of the pledge succeeding in his task, he needed to coach the first pledge as to how best to get him off. Such instructions included such advice as "hold it harder", "squeeze tighter" and "do it faster".
If the second pledge was able to ejaculate on the cookie, it was passed to the third pledge and then it was the duty of the second pledge to help the third pledge cum. If the second pledge failed to cum and ate the cookie, then the third pledge was given a new black and white cookie to cum on (without any time limitation) and then he aided the fourth pledge in the same manner described above. This went on for two or three full rounds so everyone had a chance to succeed or fail.
These "rites of passage" were favorably looked upon by most fraternities. They promoted bonding and yet did not involve hazing that risked the life or health of the pledges. They did not involve forced alcohol consumption or the infliction of pain. Also, these activities took place prior to A.I.D.S. being a consideration and before all such activities were being classified as "gay" by future pledge classes.
Dr. Tom Stevens had an opportunity to observe fraternity initiation activities during the time he served as President of the Student Council of the Washington Square & University College of Arts & Science at New York University in Greenwich Village, New York where he was influential in approving budgetary requests made by fraternities associated with that school. He was not a member of any fraternity at the time but was given access to witness many fraternity initiation rites.
None of these hazing activities were considered gay in nature and, in fact, most fraternities did not accept gay members. The rule was "As long as you're not gay, it's O.K." even if the fraternity initiation rite contained an extreme amount of sexual conduct. The justification was clear and logical. The pledges who engaged in these sexual hazing activities were being forced to do so to get into the fraternity so they weren't gay and the older brothers forcing the pledges to engage in the behavior were doing so to denigrate and belittle the pledges so their activities weren't gay either.
One such fraternity initiation activity I witnessed (although did not participate in) was Eat The Cookie! (referred to elsewhere as Soggy Biscuit). In its simplest, and most innocent form, pledges were lined up naked in a circle facing each other. On the floor in the middle was usually a black and white cookie, which is pretty solid and larger than most cookies. Pledges had to jerk off on the cookie and the last pledge to cum had to eat the cookie. This turned out not to be as horrible as it sounds because most of the guys couldn't shoot straight and in most instances missed the cookie entirely.
The more common form of Eat The Cookie! which had more bonding potential and lasted much longer had the pledges lined up naked next to each other. Usually the other fraternity brothers took seats facing them in order to observe the rite with a ringside seat. The first pledge was told to jerk off on the black and white cookie. After he did so, he passed the cookie to the pledge to his right. That pledge held the cookie near to his cock while the first pledge jerked him off. There was usually a time limit placed on how long each pledge now had to cum on the cookie, which increased the pressure. If the pledge could not cum on the cookie, he had to eat it. But in order to increase the chances of the pledge succeeding in his task, he needed to coach the first pledge as to how best to get him off. Such instructions included such advice as "hold it harder", "squeeze tighter" and "do it faster".
If the second pledge was able to ejaculate on the cookie, it was passed to the third pledge and then it was the duty of the second pledge to help the third pledge cum. If the second pledge failed to cum and ate the cookie, then the third pledge was given a new black and white cookie to cum on (without any time limitation) and then he aided the fourth pledge in the same manner described above. This went on for two or three full rounds so everyone had a chance to succeed or fail.
These "rites of passage" were favorably looked upon by most fraternities. They promoted bonding and yet did not involve hazing that risked the life or health of the pledges. They did not involve forced alcohol consumption or the infliction of pain. Also, these activities took place prior to A.I.D.S. being a consideration and before all such activities were being classified as "gay" by future pledge classes.
Dr. Tom Stevens had an opportunity to observe fraternity initiation activities during the time he served as President of the Student Council of the Washington Square & University College of Arts & Science at New York University in Greenwich Village, New York where he was influential in approving budgetary requests made by fraternities associated with that school. He was not a member of any fraternity at the time but was given access to witness many fraternity initiation rites.
Fraternity Initiations - The Elephant Walk
Fraternities throughout the 1970s engaged in many initiation activities that were "rites of passage" for the new pledges. Many of these rites included sexual activities that the senior members of the fraternity went through when they pledged and that were then visited upon proposed new fraternity members. These rites were believed to create a special bond between the brothers as evidenced by similar hazing in fire departments and in military units throughout the years.
None of these hazing activities were considered gay in nature and, in fact, most fraternities did not accept gay members. The rule was "As long as you're not gay, it's O.K." even if the fraternity initiation rite contained an extreme amount of sexual conduct. The justification was clear and logical. The pledges who engaged in these sexual hazing activities were being forced to do so to get into the fraternity so they weren't gay and the older brothers forcing the pledges to engage in the behavior were doing so to denigrate and belittle the pledges so their activities weren't gay either.
One such fraternity initiation activity I witnessed (although did not participate in) was the Elephant Walk. Pledges were lined up in a circle naked (on their feet or on their knees). They were told to place one of their thumbs in their mouth and their other thumb deep into the crack of the ass of the pledge in front of them. When everyone was in place, they were instructed to more forward together as a group. If any of the guy's thumbs fell out of the ass crack of the guy in front, they had to switch thumbs and continue on their journey.
Another version of the Elephant Walk I witnessed had the guys lined up naked in a circle. Their left hand was placed on the left shoulder of the guy in front of them. Their right hand had to reach behind and get a good grip on the erect cock of the guy following behind. Then they all had to move in a circle as instructed.
These "rites of passage" were favorably looked upon by most fraternities. They promoted bonding and yet did not involve hazing that risked the life or health of the pledges. They did not involve forced alcohol consumption or the infliction of pain. Also, these activities took place prior to A.I.D.S. being a consideration and before all such activities were being classified as "gay" by future pledge classes.
Dr. Tom Stevens had an opportunity to observe fraternity initiation activities during the time he served as President of the Student Council of the Washington Square & University College of Arts & Science at New York University in Greenwich Village, New York where he was influential in approving budgetary requests made by fraternities associated with that school. He was not a member of any fraternity at the time but was given access to witness many fraternity initiation rites.
None of these hazing activities were considered gay in nature and, in fact, most fraternities did not accept gay members. The rule was "As long as you're not gay, it's O.K." even if the fraternity initiation rite contained an extreme amount of sexual conduct. The justification was clear and logical. The pledges who engaged in these sexual hazing activities were being forced to do so to get into the fraternity so they weren't gay and the older brothers forcing the pledges to engage in the behavior were doing so to denigrate and belittle the pledges so their activities weren't gay either.
One such fraternity initiation activity I witnessed (although did not participate in) was the Elephant Walk. Pledges were lined up in a circle naked (on their feet or on their knees). They were told to place one of their thumbs in their mouth and their other thumb deep into the crack of the ass of the pledge in front of them. When everyone was in place, they were instructed to more forward together as a group. If any of the guy's thumbs fell out of the ass crack of the guy in front, they had to switch thumbs and continue on their journey.
Another version of the Elephant Walk I witnessed had the guys lined up naked in a circle. Their left hand was placed on the left shoulder of the guy in front of them. Their right hand had to reach behind and get a good grip on the erect cock of the guy following behind. Then they all had to move in a circle as instructed.
These "rites of passage" were favorably looked upon by most fraternities. They promoted bonding and yet did not involve hazing that risked the life or health of the pledges. They did not involve forced alcohol consumption or the infliction of pain. Also, these activities took place prior to A.I.D.S. being a consideration and before all such activities were being classified as "gay" by future pledge classes.
Dr. Tom Stevens had an opportunity to observe fraternity initiation activities during the time he served as President of the Student Council of the Washington Square & University College of Arts & Science at New York University in Greenwich Village, New York where he was influential in approving budgetary requests made by fraternities associated with that school. He was not a member of any fraternity at the time but was given access to witness many fraternity initiation rites.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
LPQC Elects New Officers At Annual Convention
The Annual Convention of the Libertarian Party of Queens County was held on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Bohemian Hall at 29-19 24th Avenue in Astoria, New York.
The following officers were unanimously elected at the LPQC Convention to serve during the remainder of 2010 and until the next Annual Convention is held:
Chair - John Procida
Vice-Chair - John Clifton
Secretary - Dallwyn Merck
Treasurer - Ronald S. Ramo
Membership Director - Dr. Tom Stevens
State Representative - Dr. Tom Stevens
Congratulations to all who were elected!
The following officers were unanimously elected at the LPQC Convention to serve during the remainder of 2010 and until the next Annual Convention is held:
Chair - John Procida
Vice-Chair - John Clifton
Secretary - Dallwyn Merck
Treasurer - Ronald S. Ramo
Membership Director - Dr. Tom Stevens
State Representative - Dr. Tom Stevens
Congratulations to all who were elected!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Libertarian Party Of Queens County Endorses Sam Sloan For Governor
The Annual Convention of the Libertarian Party of Queens County was held on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 10: 30 a.m. in Bohemian Hall located at 29-19 24th Avenue in Astoria, New York.
The delegates attending the LPQC Annual Convention voted unanimously to endorse Sam Sloan, who is seeking the nomination of the Libertarian Party for Governor in 2010. Items mentioned favorably during debate included Sam Sloan's commitment to donate $5,000.00 to the statewide petition drive should he receive the nomination and his active involvement in the Libertarian Party over the past few years.
Sam Sloan first joined the Libertarian Party in the 1970s but became increasingly active in the party starting in 2002. In 2006, Sloan was elected to serve as Director of Media Relations of the Manhattan Libertarian Party. He sought the nomination of the Libertarian Party for Governor in 2006 and Mayor in 2009. He recently addressed the Libertarian Party of Queens County regarding his book "The Slave Children of Thomas Jefferson". Mr. Sloan was also a candidate for an At-Large position on the National Committee of the Libertarian Party and was a delegate to the LP's National Convention in Denver, Colorado in 2008.
Samuel Howard Sloan was born September 7, 1944 in Richmond, Virginia. Sloan attended the University of California, Berkeley and later worked for two years for the Wall Street Investment Banking firm of Hayden, Stone & Co. in the over-the-counter trading department. In 1970, he established Samuel H. Sloan & Co., a registered broker-dealer primarily trading over-the-counter stocks and bonds. The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) brought civil actions against Sloan & Co. in 1971-1975 alleging he had failed to maintain adequate books and records. After years of litigation, Sloan in 1978 prevailed in the U.S. Supreme Court. Sloan argued the case pro se even though he was not an attorney. The opposing attorney was Harvey Pitt, who was later Chairman of the SEC from 2001 to 2003. Sloan won before the U.S. Supreme Court 9-0. Sloan is the last non-lawyer to argue before the court. In July, 2006, Sam Sloan was elected to the Executive Board of the United States Chess Federation.
Sloan has written an extensive lexicon of Khowar, a language spoken in Chitral, Pakistan. Sloan had a minor role in a commercially-produced film, that later became a video game, Mahjong Horoki Classic. Sloan drove a taxicab in New York City for several years. He is now primarily a publisher of books and DVDs about chess, go and other subjects. Sloan has travelled to over 80 countries. Sloan has been married three times. Sloan's second wife, Honzagool, was a native of Khowar and together they had a daughter born in New York State on October 15, 1981. Sloan converted to Islam and thus is also known as Haji Mohammed Ismail Sloan.
The LPNY Annual Convention, at which the decision regarding the nomination will be made, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Hilton Garden Inn located at 1389 Washington Avenue in Albany, New York.
The delegates attending the LPQC Annual Convention voted unanimously to endorse Sam Sloan, who is seeking the nomination of the Libertarian Party for Governor in 2010. Items mentioned favorably during debate included Sam Sloan's commitment to donate $5,000.00 to the statewide petition drive should he receive the nomination and his active involvement in the Libertarian Party over the past few years.
Sam Sloan first joined the Libertarian Party in the 1970s but became increasingly active in the party starting in 2002. In 2006, Sloan was elected to serve as Director of Media Relations of the Manhattan Libertarian Party. He sought the nomination of the Libertarian Party for Governor in 2006 and Mayor in 2009. He recently addressed the Libertarian Party of Queens County regarding his book "The Slave Children of Thomas Jefferson". Mr. Sloan was also a candidate for an At-Large position on the National Committee of the Libertarian Party and was a delegate to the LP's National Convention in Denver, Colorado in 2008.
Samuel Howard Sloan was born September 7, 1944 in Richmond, Virginia. Sloan attended the University of California, Berkeley and later worked for two years for the Wall Street Investment Banking firm of Hayden, Stone & Co. in the over-the-counter trading department. In 1970, he established Samuel H. Sloan & Co., a registered broker-dealer primarily trading over-the-counter stocks and bonds. The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) brought civil actions against Sloan & Co. in 1971-1975 alleging he had failed to maintain adequate books and records. After years of litigation, Sloan in 1978 prevailed in the U.S. Supreme Court. Sloan argued the case pro se even though he was not an attorney. The opposing attorney was Harvey Pitt, who was later Chairman of the SEC from 2001 to 2003. Sloan won before the U.S. Supreme Court 9-0. Sloan is the last non-lawyer to argue before the court. In July, 2006, Sam Sloan was elected to the Executive Board of the United States Chess Federation.
Sloan has written an extensive lexicon of Khowar, a language spoken in Chitral, Pakistan. Sloan had a minor role in a commercially-produced film, that later became a video game, Mahjong Horoki Classic. Sloan drove a taxicab in New York City for several years. He is now primarily a publisher of books and DVDs about chess, go and other subjects. Sloan has travelled to over 80 countries. Sloan has been married three times. Sloan's second wife, Honzagool, was a native of Khowar and together they had a daughter born in New York State on October 15, 1981. Sloan converted to Islam and thus is also known as Haji Mohammed Ismail Sloan.
The LPNY Annual Convention, at which the decision regarding the nomination will be made, is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Hilton Garden Inn located at 1389 Washington Avenue in Albany, New York.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Dr. Tom Stevens Designated Delegate To 2010 Libertarian Party National Convention
On Sunday, January 3, 2010, the State Committee of the Libertarian Party of New York designated Thomas Robert Stevens a delegate from New York State to the 2010 Libertarian Party National Convention that will be held from May 27-31, 2010 at the Renaissance Grand Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.
Dr. Tom Stevens served as a delegate from New York State to the Libertarian Party National Conventions held in 2004, 2006 and 2008.
The 2004 LPUS National Convention was held from May 27-31, 2004 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.
The 2006 LPUS National Convention was held from June 28-July 3, 2006 at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower located in Portland, Oregon.
The 2008 LPUS National Convention was held from May 23-26, 2008 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel (formerly the Adam's Mark Hotel) located in Denver, Colorado.
Dr. Tom Stevens currently serves as Membership Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County and serves on the State Committee of the Libertarian Party of New York representing the LPQC as its State Representative.
Dr. Tom Stevens served as a delegate from New York State to the Libertarian Party National Conventions held in 2004, 2006 and 2008.
The 2004 LPUS National Convention was held from May 27-31, 2004 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.
The 2006 LPUS National Convention was held from June 28-July 3, 2006 at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower located in Portland, Oregon.
The 2008 LPUS National Convention was held from May 23-26, 2008 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel (formerly the Adam's Mark Hotel) located in Denver, Colorado.
Dr. Tom Stevens currently serves as Membership Director of the Libertarian Party of Queens County and serves on the State Committee of the Libertarian Party of New York representing the LPQC as its State Representative.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Objectivist Party Affiliate Presidents: OPNY, OPPA, OPNJ, OPFL, OPTX & OPIL
The first six chartered affiliates of the Objectivist Party were the following:
Objectivist Party of New York - Chartered on June 7, 2008
Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania - Chartered on June 8, 2008
Objectivist Party of New Jersey - Chartered on June 9, 2008
Objectivist Party of Florida - Chartered on July 2, 2008
Objectivist Party of Texas - Chartered on July 17, 2008
Objectivist Party of Illinois - Chartered on July 20, 2008
The individuals who have served as President of these affiliates have been the following:
OPNY:
Dr. Tom Stevens (6/7/08 to Present)
OPPA:
Michael W. Reid, Jr. (6/8/08 to 9/23/08)
John Breig (9/23/08 to 11/18/08)
Timothy Michael Schaible (11/18/08 to 12/22/09)
Michael Nitikman (12/22/09 to Present)
OPNJ:
Alex Fitzsimmons (6/9/08 to 7/21/08)
Scott Christopher Baier (7/21/08 to 12/29/08)
Neil McGettigan (12/29/08 to Present)
OPFL:
Sarah Elles Boggs (7/2/08 to 1/20/09)
Joseph Wendt (1/20/09 to 2/28/09)
Benjamin Joseph Turick (2/28/09 to 3/5/09)
Vernon A. Rogers, II (3/5/09 to 7/8/09)
William Mayo Stinson (7/8/09 to Present)
OPTX:
Eric Beane (7/17/08 to 7/19/08)
Irnela Bajrovic (7/19/08 to 9/18/09)
Justin D. Cole (9/18/09 to 12/27/09)
Cameron Belt (12/27/09 to Present)
OPIL:
Brett R. Kaminski (7/20/08 to 9/30/08)
Paul Boruch (9/30/08 to 4/22/09)
Paul Schmid (4/22/09 to Present)
All affiliate President are appointed by the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party. The party appreciates their service.
Objectivist Party of New York - Chartered on June 7, 2008
Objectivist Party of Pennsylvania - Chartered on June 8, 2008
Objectivist Party of New Jersey - Chartered on June 9, 2008
Objectivist Party of Florida - Chartered on July 2, 2008
Objectivist Party of Texas - Chartered on July 17, 2008
Objectivist Party of Illinois - Chartered on July 20, 2008
The individuals who have served as President of these affiliates have been the following:
OPNY:
Dr. Tom Stevens (6/7/08 to Present)
OPPA:
Michael W. Reid, Jr. (6/8/08 to 9/23/08)
John Breig (9/23/08 to 11/18/08)
Timothy Michael Schaible (11/18/08 to 12/22/09)
Michael Nitikman (12/22/09 to Present)
OPNJ:
Alex Fitzsimmons (6/9/08 to 7/21/08)
Scott Christopher Baier (7/21/08 to 12/29/08)
Neil McGettigan (12/29/08 to Present)
OPFL:
Sarah Elles Boggs (7/2/08 to 1/20/09)
Joseph Wendt (1/20/09 to 2/28/09)
Benjamin Joseph Turick (2/28/09 to 3/5/09)
Vernon A. Rogers, II (3/5/09 to 7/8/09)
William Mayo Stinson (7/8/09 to Present)
OPTX:
Eric Beane (7/17/08 to 7/19/08)
Irnela Bajrovic (7/19/08 to 9/18/09)
Justin D. Cole (9/18/09 to 12/27/09)
Cameron Belt (12/27/09 to Present)
OPIL:
Brett R. Kaminski (7/20/08 to 9/30/08)
Paul Boruch (9/30/08 to 4/22/09)
Paul Schmid (4/22/09 to Present)
All affiliate President are appointed by the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party. The party appreciates their service.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Hostess Holiday Fruitcake
The Hostess Holiday Fruitcake is solid, heavy, crunchy and full of candied fruits including pineapple and red and green cherries. You will also find raisins, almonds and walnuts in this chewy fruitcake. It is a good buy for the money. I have seen the Hostess Holiday Fruitcake selling for $4.29 on line but I purchased my 1 lb. fruitcake for only $2.79. I couldn't help but buy six of them, which I have distributed as gifts to my friends and family.
The Hostess Holiday Fruitcake is not a diet food. One quarter of the 1 lb. cake has 420 calories. The package suggests that for the best taste, you should chill it before slicing. I definitely agree with that advice. If you buy too many to eat over the holidays, you can freeze your extra fruitcakes and use them as needed during the rest of the winter season. Since it is chock full of fats and carbs, you might consider taking it along when you ski or do some winter hiking.
The Hostess Holiday Fruitcake is not a diet food. One quarter of the 1 lb. cake has 420 calories. The package suggests that for the best taste, you should chill it before slicing. I definitely agree with that advice. If you buy too many to eat over the holidays, you can freeze your extra fruitcakes and use them as needed during the rest of the winter season. Since it is chock full of fats and carbs, you might consider taking it along when you ski or do some winter hiking.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Dr. Tom Stevens Upgrades To Endowment Life Membership In The National Rifle Association
Dr. Tom Stevens, who already had donated $1,000.00 to purchase a Life Membership in the National Rifle Association, upgraded his membership to an Endowment Life Membership on December 10, 2009.
Endowment Life Membership is currently valued at $2,000.00. Endowment Life Members receive priority seating and guaranteed admission for two to the NRA's annual Celebration of American values events.
Dr. Stevens decided to upgrade his membership at this time because the upgrade came with the promise of an heirloom "Minuteman at Concord" statue, which will include a brass shield engraved with his name. The sculpture measures over 11" tall and is over 12" wide with a bronze patina and a rich, walnut-finished wood base.
The National Rifle Association was formed in 1871 by Union veterans Col. William C. Church and Gen. George Wingate who were concerned with the lack of marksmanship shown by their troops. The primary goal of the association would be to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis," according to a magazine editorial written by Church. After being granted a charter by the state of New York on November 17, 1871, the NRA was founded. Civil War Gen. Ambrose Burnside, who was also the former Governor of Rhode Island and a U.S. Senator, became the NRA's first President.
An important facet of the NRA's creation was the development of a practice ground. In 1872, with financial help from New York State, a site on Long Island, the Creed Farm, was purchased for the purpose of building a rifle range. Named Creedmoor, the range opened a year later, and it was there that the first annual matches were held.
Dr. Tom Stevens lives within 5 miles of the old Creedmoor rifle range, which is currently in Queens County, New York.
Political opposition to the promotion of marksmanship in New York forced the NRA to find a new home for its range. In 1892, Creedmoor was deeded back to the state and NRA's matches moved to Sea Girt, New Jersey.
In 1949, the NRA, in conjunction with the state of New York, established the first hunter education program.
The NRA continues to be a leader in firearms education. Over 50,000 Certified Instructors now train about 750,000 gun owners a year. Courses are available in basic rifle, pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading firearms, personal protection, and even ammunition reloading. Additionally, nearly 1,000 Certified Coaches are specially trained to work with young competitive shooters.
The NRA today is widely recognized as a major political force and as America's foremost defender of Second Amendment rights. Since its inception, it has also been the premier firearms education organization in the world.
The NRA currently has over four million members.
Endowment Life Membership is currently valued at $2,000.00. Endowment Life Members receive priority seating and guaranteed admission for two to the NRA's annual Celebration of American values events.
Dr. Stevens decided to upgrade his membership at this time because the upgrade came with the promise of an heirloom "Minuteman at Concord" statue, which will include a brass shield engraved with his name. The sculpture measures over 11" tall and is over 12" wide with a bronze patina and a rich, walnut-finished wood base.
The National Rifle Association was formed in 1871 by Union veterans Col. William C. Church and Gen. George Wingate who were concerned with the lack of marksmanship shown by their troops. The primary goal of the association would be to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis," according to a magazine editorial written by Church. After being granted a charter by the state of New York on November 17, 1871, the NRA was founded. Civil War Gen. Ambrose Burnside, who was also the former Governor of Rhode Island and a U.S. Senator, became the NRA's first President.
An important facet of the NRA's creation was the development of a practice ground. In 1872, with financial help from New York State, a site on Long Island, the Creed Farm, was purchased for the purpose of building a rifle range. Named Creedmoor, the range opened a year later, and it was there that the first annual matches were held.
Dr. Tom Stevens lives within 5 miles of the old Creedmoor rifle range, which is currently in Queens County, New York.
Political opposition to the promotion of marksmanship in New York forced the NRA to find a new home for its range. In 1892, Creedmoor was deeded back to the state and NRA's matches moved to Sea Girt, New Jersey.
In 1949, the NRA, in conjunction with the state of New York, established the first hunter education program.
The NRA continues to be a leader in firearms education. Over 50,000 Certified Instructors now train about 750,000 gun owners a year. Courses are available in basic rifle, pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading firearms, personal protection, and even ammunition reloading. Additionally, nearly 1,000 Certified Coaches are specially trained to work with young competitive shooters.
The NRA today is widely recognized as a major political force and as America's foremost defender of Second Amendment rights. Since its inception, it has also been the premier firearms education organization in the world.
The NRA currently has over four million members.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Objectivist Party Governing Board Extends Free Membership Through December 31, 2010
On November 15, 2009, the Governing Board of the Objectivist Party voted unanimously to extend free membership in the Objectivist Party through December 31, 2010.
The text of the motion that passed was the following:
MOTION: that membership in the Objectivist Party from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 be free; that the Objectivist Party Chair be authorized to receive applications for membership in the Objectivist Party, which shall consist of a person's full name & address, e-mail address and contact phone number (cell, home or business); that the Objectivist Party Chair be empowered to grant memberships, assign membership numbers and terminate memberships "without cause"; and that individuals accepted into membership in the Objectivist Party shall be considered both members of the Objectivist Party and members of any chartered affiliate in the geographic location in which they reside; and that all individuals who were members of the Objectivist Party on December 31, 2009 have their memberships automatically extended through December 31, 2010.
Dr. Tom Stevens, Jonathan Damgaard Jakobsen, Dodge P. Landesman and Dallwyn Merck all voted in favor of the motion. All appropriate notations have been made at the party's website.
The text of the motion that passed was the following:
MOTION: that membership in the Objectivist Party from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 be free; that the Objectivist Party Chair be authorized to receive applications for membership in the Objectivist Party, which shall consist of a person's full name & address, e-mail address and contact phone number (cell, home or business); that the Objectivist Party Chair be empowered to grant memberships, assign membership numbers and terminate memberships "without cause"; and that individuals accepted into membership in the Objectivist Party shall be considered both members of the Objectivist Party and members of any chartered affiliate in the geographic location in which they reside; and that all individuals who were members of the Objectivist Party on December 31, 2009 have their memberships automatically extended through December 31, 2010.
Dr. Tom Stevens, Jonathan Damgaard Jakobsen, Dodge P. Landesman and Dallwyn Merck all voted in favor of the motion. All appropriate notations have been made at the party's website.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Dr. Tom Stevens Renews Membership In Republican Liberty Caucus
On November 5, 2009, Dr. Tom Stevens renewed his membership in the Republican Liberty Caucus, a national organization of liberty-minded and libertarian-oriented members of the Republican Party. New York State does not yet allow voters to register Objectivist so Dr. Stevens remains a registered Republican for the time being.
The Statement of Principles of the Republican Liberty Caucus is the following:
The Republican Liberty Caucus supports individual rights, limited government and free enterprise.
We believe every human being is endowed by nature with inherent rights to life, liberty and property that are properly secured by law. We support a strict construction of the Bill of Rights as a defense against tyranny; the expansion of those rights to all voluntary consensual conduct under the Ninth and Tenth Amendments; and the requirements of equal protection and due process under the Fourteenth Amendment.
We support the Constitutional restrictions on federal government powers enumerated in Article I, Section 8 as an absolute limit on all government functions and programs. We oppose the adoption of broad and vague powers under the guise of general welfare or interstate commerce.
We oppose all restrictions on the voluntary and honest exchange of value in a free market. We favor minimal, equitable, and fair taxation for the essential functions of government. We oppose all legislation that concedes Congressional power to any regulatory agency, executive department, or international body.
We support the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, the republican form of government it requires, and the right of all citizens to fair and equitable representation.
We believe these are also the proper positions of the Republican Party.
Dr. Stevens does not believe the Republican Liberty Caucus will succeed in taking over the Republican Party from social conservatives from within but he supports its efforts to run pro-liberty candidates for office in Republican Primary Elections.
The Statement of Principles of the Republican Liberty Caucus is the following:
The Republican Liberty Caucus supports individual rights, limited government and free enterprise.
We believe every human being is endowed by nature with inherent rights to life, liberty and property that are properly secured by law. We support a strict construction of the Bill of Rights as a defense against tyranny; the expansion of those rights to all voluntary consensual conduct under the Ninth and Tenth Amendments; and the requirements of equal protection and due process under the Fourteenth Amendment.
We support the Constitutional restrictions on federal government powers enumerated in Article I, Section 8 as an absolute limit on all government functions and programs. We oppose the adoption of broad and vague powers under the guise of general welfare or interstate commerce.
We oppose all restrictions on the voluntary and honest exchange of value in a free market. We favor minimal, equitable, and fair taxation for the essential functions of government. We oppose all legislation that concedes Congressional power to any regulatory agency, executive department, or international body.
We support the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, the republican form of government it requires, and the right of all citizens to fair and equitable representation.
We believe these are also the proper positions of the Republican Party.
Dr. Stevens does not believe the Republican Liberty Caucus will succeed in taking over the Republican Party from social conservatives from within but he supports its efforts to run pro-liberty candidates for office in Republican Primary Elections.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Stevens Holds Teleconference For Objectivist Party Affiliate Presidents & Officers
On Friday, October 16, 2009 at 10:15 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Dr. Tom Stevens, Objectivist Party Chair, held a teleconference for Objectivist Party Affiliate Presidents & Officers.
During the teleconference, Dr. Stevens went over the 25 Affiliate Priorities and spoke of all the Special Projects many of the affiliates have chosen to participate in. He discussed ideas for drawing media attention and for recruitment.
The three affiliates with the largest number of representatives participating in the teleconference were New York, New Jersey & Florida.
During the teleconference, Dr. Stevens went over the 25 Affiliate Priorities and spoke of all the Special Projects many of the affiliates have chosen to participate in. He discussed ideas for drawing media attention and for recruitment.
The three affiliates with the largest number of representatives participating in the teleconference were New York, New Jersey & Florida.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Dallwyn Merck Admitted To Hospital For Heart Surgery
On Monday, September 21, 2009, Dallwyn Merck, a Governing Board Member of the Objectivist Party, who also serves as Secretary of the Objectivist Party of New York, visited the Emergency Room of St. Vincent's Hospital in Greenwich Village, New York suffering from chest pains and light-headedness. After extensive testing, it was determined that the defects in his heart valves that had previously been discovered had worsened. Mr. Merck was admitted to St. Vincent's Hospital and it was determined that immediate surgery would be necessary to save his life.
On Tuesday, September 22, 2009, Dallwyn Merck underwent heart valve surgery. One valve was replaced with a pig valve and the other valve was repaired. Despite the doctor saying there was a 6%-8% chance he would not survive the surgery, Dallwyn did survive and the doctor said the procedure went well.
On behalf of the Objectivist Party, I want to say we wish Dallwyn well and hope for his speedy recovery.
On Tuesday, September 22, 2009, Dallwyn Merck underwent heart valve surgery. One valve was replaced with a pig valve and the other valve was repaired. Despite the doctor saying there was a 6%-8% chance he would not survive the surgery, Dallwyn did survive and the doctor said the procedure went well.
On behalf of the Objectivist Party, I want to say we wish Dallwyn well and hope for his speedy recovery.
Monday, August 31, 2009
OPNY Celebrates Individual Rights Day By Distributing Video From The Movie "Cabaret"
On Saturday, August 29, 2009, the Objectivist Party of New York celebrated Individual Rights Day by urging people to see and distribute the following video of "Tomorrow Belongs To Me" from the movie Cabaret: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMVql9RLP34&feature=related
Dr. Tom Stevens, President of the Objectivist Party of New York, stated:
This video is a chilling reminder of how fanaticism can stir people up in a way that would make them more willing to trample upon the individual rights of some for the alleged greater good of all. Respect for the individual rights of all people must never be compromised.
Individual Rights Day is celebrated on August 29th, the birth date of John Locke, the philosopher who first prominently argued that a human being has a basic property right based upon his status as a sovereign human being and that it is the government's role to protect that right and not to treat its citizens as slaves.
People are urged to celebrate Individual Rights Day by doing one or more of the following:
1. Read about John Locke and his political philosophy that respects man's sovereignty over his own body.
2. Read about Ayn Rand and her basis for recognizing that every man is born with "individual rights" that cannot be trampled upon by government or by others.
3. Contrast the concept of "individual rights" with those of "collective rights".
4. Run a seminar, hold a meeting, or sponsor a debate on the importance of "individual rights" as the basis for man's liberties and freedoms.
John Locke stated in "The Second Treatise On Civil Government":
Every man has a property in his own person this no body has any right to but himself. The labour of his body, and the work of his hands, we may say are properly his...The great and chief end therefore, of Mens uniting into Commonwealths, and putting themselves under Government, is the Preservation of their Property.
John Locke quotations on "Individual Rights":
Reason...teaches all Mankind, who would but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his Life, Health, Liberty, or Possessions.
Government can never have a Power to take to themselves the whole or any part of the Subjects Property, without their own consent.
'Tis a Mistake to think this Fault [tyranny] is proper only to Monarchies; other Forms of Government are liable to it, as well as that. For where-ever the Power that is put in any hands for the Government of the People, and the Preservation of their Properties, is applied to other ends, and made use of to impoverish, harass, or subdue them to the Arbitrary and Irregular Commands of those that have it: There it presently becomes Tyranny, whether those that thus use it are one or many.
Whenever the Legislators endeavor to take away, and destroy the Property of the People, or to reduce them to Slavery under Arbitrary Power, they put themselves into a state of War with the People, who are thereupon absolved from any farther Obedience, and are left to the common Refuge...against Force and Violence. Whensoever therefore the Legislative shall transgress this fundamental Rule of Society; and either by Ambition, Fear, Folly or Corruption, endeavor to grasp themselves, or put into the hands of any other an Absolute Power over the Lives, Liberties, and Estates of the People; By this breach of Trust they forfeit the Power, the People had put into their hands, for quite contrary ends, and it devolves to the People, who have a Right to resume their original Liberty.
Ayn Rand quotations on "Individual Rights":
A 'right' is a moral principle defining and sanctioning a man’s freedom of action in a social context. There is only one fundamental right (all the others are its consequences or corollaries): a man’s right to his own life. Life is a process of self-sustaining and self-generated action; the right to life means the right to engage in self-sustaining and self-generated action - which means: the freedom to take all the actions required by the nature of a rational being for the support, the furtherance, the fulfillment and the enjoyment of his own life. (Such is the meaning of the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.)...Thus, for every individual, a right is the moral sanction of a positive - of his freedom to act on his own judgment, for his own goals, by his own voluntary, uncoerced choice. As to his neighbors, his rights impose no obligations on them except of a negative kind: to abstain from violating his rights.
The right to life is the source of all rights - and the right to property is their only implementation. Without property rights, no other rights are possible. Since man has to sustain his life by his own effort, the man who has no right to the product of his effort has no means to sustain his life. The man who produces while others dispose of his product, is a slave. Man holds these rights, not from the Collective nor for the Collective, but against the Collective - as a barrier which the Collective cannot cross...these rights are man’s protection against all other men.
The source of man’s rights is not divine law or congressional law, but the law of identity. A is A - and Man is Man. Rights are conditions of existence required by man’s nature for his proper survival. If man is to live on earth, it is right for him to use his mind, it is right to act on his own free judgment, it is right to work for his values and to keep the product of his work. If life on earth is his purpose, he has a right to live as a rational being: nature forbids him the irrational. Any group, any gang, any nation that attempts to negate man’s rights, is wrong, which means: is evil, which means: is anti-life.
Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority; the political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities (and the smallest minority on earth is the individual).
The concept of individual rights is so prodigious a feat of political thinking that few men grasp it fully - and two hundred years have not been enough for other countries to understand it. But this is the concept to which we owe our lives - the concept which made it possible for us to bring into reality everything of value that any of us did or will achieve or experience.
A Facebook Group for Individual Rights Day is located at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=56751815780
Individual Rights Day was started by Dr. Tom Stevens, the Founder of the Objectivist Party.
Dr. Tom Stevens, President of the Objectivist Party of New York, stated:
This video is a chilling reminder of how fanaticism can stir people up in a way that would make them more willing to trample upon the individual rights of some for the alleged greater good of all. Respect for the individual rights of all people must never be compromised.
Individual Rights Day is celebrated on August 29th, the birth date of John Locke, the philosopher who first prominently argued that a human being has a basic property right based upon his status as a sovereign human being and that it is the government's role to protect that right and not to treat its citizens as slaves.
People are urged to celebrate Individual Rights Day by doing one or more of the following:
1. Read about John Locke and his political philosophy that respects man's sovereignty over his own body.
2. Read about Ayn Rand and her basis for recognizing that every man is born with "individual rights" that cannot be trampled upon by government or by others.
3. Contrast the concept of "individual rights" with those of "collective rights".
4. Run a seminar, hold a meeting, or sponsor a debate on the importance of "individual rights" as the basis for man's liberties and freedoms.
John Locke stated in "The Second Treatise On Civil Government":
Every man has a property in his own person this no body has any right to but himself. The labour of his body, and the work of his hands, we may say are properly his...The great and chief end therefore, of Mens uniting into Commonwealths, and putting themselves under Government, is the Preservation of their Property.
John Locke quotations on "Individual Rights":
Reason...teaches all Mankind, who would but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his Life, Health, Liberty, or Possessions.
Government can never have a Power to take to themselves the whole or any part of the Subjects Property, without their own consent.
'Tis a Mistake to think this Fault [tyranny] is proper only to Monarchies; other Forms of Government are liable to it, as well as that. For where-ever the Power that is put in any hands for the Government of the People, and the Preservation of their Properties, is applied to other ends, and made use of to impoverish, harass, or subdue them to the Arbitrary and Irregular Commands of those that have it: There it presently becomes Tyranny, whether those that thus use it are one or many.
Whenever the Legislators endeavor to take away, and destroy the Property of the People, or to reduce them to Slavery under Arbitrary Power, they put themselves into a state of War with the People, who are thereupon absolved from any farther Obedience, and are left to the common Refuge...against Force and Violence. Whensoever therefore the Legislative shall transgress this fundamental Rule of Society; and either by Ambition, Fear, Folly or Corruption, endeavor to grasp themselves, or put into the hands of any other an Absolute Power over the Lives, Liberties, and Estates of the People; By this breach of Trust they forfeit the Power, the People had put into their hands, for quite contrary ends, and it devolves to the People, who have a Right to resume their original Liberty.
Ayn Rand quotations on "Individual Rights":
A 'right' is a moral principle defining and sanctioning a man’s freedom of action in a social context. There is only one fundamental right (all the others are its consequences or corollaries): a man’s right to his own life. Life is a process of self-sustaining and self-generated action; the right to life means the right to engage in self-sustaining and self-generated action - which means: the freedom to take all the actions required by the nature of a rational being for the support, the furtherance, the fulfillment and the enjoyment of his own life. (Such is the meaning of the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.)...Thus, for every individual, a right is the moral sanction of a positive - of his freedom to act on his own judgment, for his own goals, by his own voluntary, uncoerced choice. As to his neighbors, his rights impose no obligations on them except of a negative kind: to abstain from violating his rights.
The right to life is the source of all rights - and the right to property is their only implementation. Without property rights, no other rights are possible. Since man has to sustain his life by his own effort, the man who has no right to the product of his effort has no means to sustain his life. The man who produces while others dispose of his product, is a slave. Man holds these rights, not from the Collective nor for the Collective, but against the Collective - as a barrier which the Collective cannot cross...these rights are man’s protection against all other men.
The source of man’s rights is not divine law or congressional law, but the law of identity. A is A - and Man is Man. Rights are conditions of existence required by man’s nature for his proper survival. If man is to live on earth, it is right for him to use his mind, it is right to act on his own free judgment, it is right to work for his values and to keep the product of his work. If life on earth is his purpose, he has a right to live as a rational being: nature forbids him the irrational. Any group, any gang, any nation that attempts to negate man’s rights, is wrong, which means: is evil, which means: is anti-life.
Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority; the political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities (and the smallest minority on earth is the individual).
The concept of individual rights is so prodigious a feat of political thinking that few men grasp it fully - and two hundred years have not been enough for other countries to understand it. But this is the concept to which we owe our lives - the concept which made it possible for us to bring into reality everything of value that any of us did or will achieve or experience.
A Facebook Group for Individual Rights Day is located at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=56751815780
Individual Rights Day was started by Dr. Tom Stevens, the Founder of the Objectivist Party.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Merck Credits Stevens With Inspiring People To Use Reason To Set Goals, Develop Skills & To Become Producers
Dallwyn Merck, a Governing Board Member of the Objectivist Party, has credited Dr. Tom Stevens, the party's Founder & Chair, with inspiring people to use reason to set goals, to develop skills and to become producers.
Mr. Merck made the following statement about the efforts Dr. Stevens has made to help worthy individuals:
I have known Dr. Stevens for decades. Over that period of time, I have seen him help many individuals of all ages and genders. He does not do this because he is altruistic. He is a trader by nature who has a keen eye for identifying potential in others who may be hungry to change their lives for the better or who may be going through difficult times. In return for his time and effort, he expects things in return that are valuable to him. It is a great example of a trade resulting in mutual benefit for both parties involved.
Dr. Stevens does inspire people to use reason to set goals, to develop skills and to become producers but he has also helped people with more tangible support as well. I have seen Dr. Stevens find housing for homeless people, advance college tuition payments, use his influence as a former President of the Hofstra University School of Law Alumni Association to get people into law school, advance two-months security for individuals moving into apartments, hire people for odd-jobs paying them up to $50.00 an hour, move people to New York who were facing abusive situations in their home life, and provide office space in his law office to help people launch new business ventures.
In return for this help, Dr. Stevens requires each individual to enter into a contract with him and since it is usually an oral contract, he requires all recipients to give him their word that they will fulfill their part of the bargain. What is asked for differs with each individual depending upon what they have of value to trade.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Dr. Stevens has helped hundreds, if not thousands, of people in the time I have known him. A number of people have let him down and reneged on their commitments to him but I have always seen him bounce back because he does not believe that future worthy individuals should be discriminated against because a handful of others turned out to lack integrity and character.
The unfortunate truth is that most individuals are not prepared to make the changes necessary in their thinking, attitudes, beliefs and values to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Most people are not worthy of his time and even though Dr. Stevens tries to help people clarify the process of goal-setting through the use of reason, the reality is that most people are where they are because of the past decisions they have made. It is very hard to change people's habits and internal dialogues. Any individual who wants to change their life must be highly motivated to do so.
Dallwyn Merck has been a member of the Objectivist Party since it was founded by Dr. Tom Stevens on February 2, 2008.
Mr. Merck made the following statement about the efforts Dr. Stevens has made to help worthy individuals:
I have known Dr. Stevens for decades. Over that period of time, I have seen him help many individuals of all ages and genders. He does not do this because he is altruistic. He is a trader by nature who has a keen eye for identifying potential in others who may be hungry to change their lives for the better or who may be going through difficult times. In return for his time and effort, he expects things in return that are valuable to him. It is a great example of a trade resulting in mutual benefit for both parties involved.
Dr. Stevens does inspire people to use reason to set goals, to develop skills and to become producers but he has also helped people with more tangible support as well. I have seen Dr. Stevens find housing for homeless people, advance college tuition payments, use his influence as a former President of the Hofstra University School of Law Alumni Association to get people into law school, advance two-months security for individuals moving into apartments, hire people for odd-jobs paying them up to $50.00 an hour, move people to New York who were facing abusive situations in their home life, and provide office space in his law office to help people launch new business ventures.
In return for this help, Dr. Stevens requires each individual to enter into a contract with him and since it is usually an oral contract, he requires all recipients to give him their word that they will fulfill their part of the bargain. What is asked for differs with each individual depending upon what they have of value to trade.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Dr. Stevens has helped hundreds, if not thousands, of people in the time I have known him. A number of people have let him down and reneged on their commitments to him but I have always seen him bounce back because he does not believe that future worthy individuals should be discriminated against because a handful of others turned out to lack integrity and character.
The unfortunate truth is that most individuals are not prepared to make the changes necessary in their thinking, attitudes, beliefs and values to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Most people are not worthy of his time and even though Dr. Stevens tries to help people clarify the process of goal-setting through the use of reason, the reality is that most people are where they are because of the past decisions they have made. It is very hard to change people's habits and internal dialogues. Any individual who wants to change their life must be highly motivated to do so.
Dallwyn Merck has been a member of the Objectivist Party since it was founded by Dr. Tom Stevens on February 2, 2008.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Neil McGettigan Sets New Direction For "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America
On August 18, 2009, Neil McGettigan, Coordinator of the "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America, set a new direction for the effort. He now plans to use the group to build secularly-oriented coalitions with other organizations committed to the separation of religion from the state.
In his new Home Page message located at the campaign's Facebook Group, Mr. McGettigan says:
The "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America seeks to build and join secularly-oriented coalitions with a common interest in a strong separation of religion from the state. People can believe whatever they wish but it is outrageous that in a supposedly secular America, the government places "In God We Trust" on its money and in its courtrooms. The country's government and justice system should trust in the rule of law and respect for individual rights. It should not trust in God or Zeus or even jolly ole Santa Claus.
The "In Galt We Trust" campaign was started by Objectivists who wished to point out that reason and respect for individual rights should be the guiding principles behind our government and justice system, not trust in God.
Support the "In Galt We Trust" campaign by crossing out "God" from "In God We Trust" on your U.S. paper currency and replacing it with "Galt" so it reads "In Galt We Trust".
Exercising your 1st Amendment rights in this manner will make an important political statement.
The "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America formed as an outgrowth of the original "In Galt We Trust" grassroots movement.
We intend to make our mark!
The "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America Facebook Group is located at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=115958119641
Neil McGettigan has served as President of the Objectivist Party of New Jersey since December 29, 2008.
In his new Home Page message located at the campaign's Facebook Group, Mr. McGettigan says:
The "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America seeks to build and join secularly-oriented coalitions with a common interest in a strong separation of religion from the state. People can believe whatever they wish but it is outrageous that in a supposedly secular America, the government places "In God We Trust" on its money and in its courtrooms. The country's government and justice system should trust in the rule of law and respect for individual rights. It should not trust in God or Zeus or even jolly ole Santa Claus.
The "In Galt We Trust" campaign was started by Objectivists who wished to point out that reason and respect for individual rights should be the guiding principles behind our government and justice system, not trust in God.
Support the "In Galt We Trust" campaign by crossing out "God" from "In God We Trust" on your U.S. paper currency and replacing it with "Galt" so it reads "In Galt We Trust".
Exercising your 1st Amendment rights in this manner will make an important political statement.
The "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America formed as an outgrowth of the original "In Galt We Trust" grassroots movement.
We intend to make our mark!
The "In Galt We Trust" Campaign For A Secular America Facebook Group is located at:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=115958119641
Neil McGettigan has served as President of the Objectivist Party of New Jersey since December 29, 2008.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Jeff Grizlo Recommends Importance Of Objectivist Relationships
Jeff Grizlo, former Governing Board member of the Objectivist Party and Executive Vice-President of Rising Action, has recommended Objectivists enter into emotional, physical and intellectual relationships based on the mutual benefit that can be derived from them instead of entering into them based on issues of sexual attraction, prior conditioning, romantic considerations and cultural/societal norms.
Jeff Grizlo explained his reasoning as follows:
Too many Objectivists have not freed themselves from their societal and cultural influences when selecting who would be best to enter into relationships with. Instead of using reason to decide which relationship would be the most beneficial to them, most people still make initial decisions based on issues of sexual attraction and later justify that they selected those partners for reasons other than sex. This limits the pool of potential partners and restricts the benefits an Objectivist can gain from any number of possible relationships they reject up front because that person does not fit their ideal partner based on age, gender or any number of other factors.
I am not recommending that every Objectivist throw open the barn door and get into relationships with everyone and anyone who happens to come along. Nor am I suggesting a hedonistic lifestyle where an Objectivist has intimate relationships with anyone willing to provide them with sexual pleasure. What I am suggesting is that when a learned intelligent potential partner comes along and is interested in you, I believe you should be prepared to enter into a no-walls intimate emotional, physical and intellectual relationship with that person and obtain the great benefits that such a relationship can provide to your life. Age, gender, romantic considerations and attractiveness issues should be set aside and you should enter into such a relationship with a full commitment to give it your all. Reason should govern the decision here and you should not let social norms dictate how intimate you allow yourself to become with that person.
If you are young, like I am, you would benefit by entering into Objectivist relationships based on reason and for mutual benefit with individuals regardless of their age or gender. If you are open to this, I recommend you let that fact be known to Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder & Chair of the Objectivist Party. He has taught about such relationships in his Philosophy, Psychology and Critical Thinking classses. He would be in the best position to answer any questions you might have. His e-mail address is DrTomStevens@aol.com
Throughout the rest of my life, I will enter into relationships based on reason and not based on emotional factors or culturally dictated romantic expectations. I have Dr. Tom Stevens, a true Renaissance man, to thank for helping me to choose to live a more enlightened and purposeful life.
Jeff Grizlo has served as Executive Vice-President of Rising Action since August 18, 2005. Rising Action is an independent, grass-roots, pro-freedom activist network of freethinking, patriotic individuals who value liberty, challenge the accepted norms of society, think outside the box, and believe that people are sovereign over their own bodies and can make whatever choices they wish to make so long as they do not directly interfere with the right of others to do the same.
Jeff Grizlo explained his reasoning as follows:
Too many Objectivists have not freed themselves from their societal and cultural influences when selecting who would be best to enter into relationships with. Instead of using reason to decide which relationship would be the most beneficial to them, most people still make initial decisions based on issues of sexual attraction and later justify that they selected those partners for reasons other than sex. This limits the pool of potential partners and restricts the benefits an Objectivist can gain from any number of possible relationships they reject up front because that person does not fit their ideal partner based on age, gender or any number of other factors.
I am not recommending that every Objectivist throw open the barn door and get into relationships with everyone and anyone who happens to come along. Nor am I suggesting a hedonistic lifestyle where an Objectivist has intimate relationships with anyone willing to provide them with sexual pleasure. What I am suggesting is that when a learned intelligent potential partner comes along and is interested in you, I believe you should be prepared to enter into a no-walls intimate emotional, physical and intellectual relationship with that person and obtain the great benefits that such a relationship can provide to your life. Age, gender, romantic considerations and attractiveness issues should be set aside and you should enter into such a relationship with a full commitment to give it your all. Reason should govern the decision here and you should not let social norms dictate how intimate you allow yourself to become with that person.
If you are young, like I am, you would benefit by entering into Objectivist relationships based on reason and for mutual benefit with individuals regardless of their age or gender. If you are open to this, I recommend you let that fact be known to Dr. Tom Stevens, Founder & Chair of the Objectivist Party. He has taught about such relationships in his Philosophy, Psychology and Critical Thinking classses. He would be in the best position to answer any questions you might have. His e-mail address is DrTomStevens@aol.com
Throughout the rest of my life, I will enter into relationships based on reason and not based on emotional factors or culturally dictated romantic expectations. I have Dr. Tom Stevens, a true Renaissance man, to thank for helping me to choose to live a more enlightened and purposeful life.
Jeff Grizlo has served as Executive Vice-President of Rising Action since August 18, 2005. Rising Action is an independent, grass-roots, pro-freedom activist network of freethinking, patriotic individuals who value liberty, challenge the accepted norms of society, think outside the box, and believe that people are sovereign over their own bodies and can make whatever choices they wish to make so long as they do not directly interfere with the right of others to do the same.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Mark Axinn Speaks On "The Consequences Of Rent Regulation In New York City"
Mark Axinn, a Libertarian Activist & New York City Real Estate Attorney, addressed a joint meeting of the Objectivist Party of New York and the Libertarian Party of Queens County on July 11, 2009 at Bohemian Hall located at 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, New York. He spoke on "The Consequences of Rent Regulation In New York City".
During his speech, Mr. Axinn discussed how Rent Control and Rent Stabilization creates "a disincentive for developers to build affordable middle class housing" and how "it discriminates in favor or those who already occupy property and against those not currently living in those apartments". He stated that "Rent Control creates a scarcity of housing stock and then that very scarcity is used to justify the continued need for Rent Control and Rent Stabilization". Mr. Axinn discussed how Rent Control harms the city and why it is a "good example of what can go wrong when government runs the show".
Mark Axinn's speech was so well received that the Manhattan Libertarian Party booked him to give the same speech at their General Membership Meeting that was held on Monday, August 10, 2009 at the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant in Manhattan. Before speaking there, Mr. Axinn thanked Dr. Tom Stevens, President of the Objectivist Party of New York, for suggesting he put together a presentation on this important topic.
Mark Axinn is a partner in a boutique real estate law firm, specializing in co-op and condominium development and representation. He has argued in all courts from the landlord and tenant parts in Queens to the Court of Appeals in Albany. He was also an arbitrator in the small claims part in the Bronx in the early 90's.
During his speech, Mr. Axinn discussed how Rent Control and Rent Stabilization creates "a disincentive for developers to build affordable middle class housing" and how "it discriminates in favor or those who already occupy property and against those not currently living in those apartments". He stated that "Rent Control creates a scarcity of housing stock and then that very scarcity is used to justify the continued need for Rent Control and Rent Stabilization". Mr. Axinn discussed how Rent Control harms the city and why it is a "good example of what can go wrong when government runs the show".
Mark Axinn's speech was so well received that the Manhattan Libertarian Party booked him to give the same speech at their General Membership Meeting that was held on Monday, August 10, 2009 at the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant in Manhattan. Before speaking there, Mr. Axinn thanked Dr. Tom Stevens, President of the Objectivist Party of New York, for suggesting he put together a presentation on this important topic.
Mark Axinn is a partner in a boutique real estate law firm, specializing in co-op and condominium development and representation. He has argued in all courts from the landlord and tenant parts in Queens to the Court of Appeals in Albany. He was also an arbitrator in the small claims part in the Bronx in the early 90's.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Joseph Rivera Resigns As A Governing Board Member & As Vice-Chair Of The Objectivist Party
On August 11, 2009, Dr. Tom Stevens sought and obtained the resignation of Joseph Rivera from his position on the Governing Board and as Vice-Chair of the Objectivist Party. Dr. Stevens made this request in order to prevent formal action by a united Governing Board concerned with Mr. Rivera's failure to handle the responsibilities he accepted in his role as Vice-Chair.
As part of this informal resolution to the conflict, Dr. Stevens convinced the Governing Board to allow Mr. Rivera to remain as President of the Objectivist Party of Massachusetts but he has been forewarned that the Governing Board will be keeping a close eye on his performance in that capacity.
Dr. Stevens said:
I would like to see Joseph Rivera do a great job as President of the Objectivist Party of Massachusetts. Now that he has been freed from his other duties and responsibilities, I hope he will be able to focus on the task at hand in recruiting new members into the party and encouraging students to form Objectvist Party Clubs on campuses throughout the Commonwealth.
Joseph Rivera was first appointed to the Governing Board on February 17, 2009. He was designated Vice-Chair on June 1, 2009.
As part of this informal resolution to the conflict, Dr. Stevens convinced the Governing Board to allow Mr. Rivera to remain as President of the Objectivist Party of Massachusetts but he has been forewarned that the Governing Board will be keeping a close eye on his performance in that capacity.
Dr. Stevens said:
I would like to see Joseph Rivera do a great job as President of the Objectivist Party of Massachusetts. Now that he has been freed from his other duties and responsibilities, I hope he will be able to focus on the task at hand in recruiting new members into the party and encouraging students to form Objectvist Party Clubs on campuses throughout the Commonwealth.
Joseph Rivera was first appointed to the Governing Board on February 17, 2009. He was designated Vice-Chair on June 1, 2009.
Mike LeVine, OPCT President, Starts "Free Thinking In Connecticut" Blog
On Tuesday, August 11, 2009, Mike LeVine, President of the Objectivist Party of Connecticut, started a blog entitled "Free Thinking In Connecticut". He explained that the purpose of his blog is to "present one man's critical analysis of ongoing issues throughout America and provide a platform for the reader to begin to question his or her own assumptions and beliefs about the government and it's real place in society".
His blog can be found at: http://freethinkinginconnecticut.blogspot.com/
Mike LeVine joined the Objectivist Party on November 2, 2008. He was appointed Executive Vice-President of the Objectivist Party of Connecticut on November 12, 2008 and appointed OPCT President on June 5, 2009.
His blog can be found at: http://freethinkinginconnecticut.blogspot.com/
Mike LeVine joined the Objectivist Party on November 2, 2008. He was appointed Executive Vice-President of the Objectivist Party of Connecticut on November 12, 2008 and appointed OPCT President on June 5, 2009.
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