Category: Political Opinion

Fellow Libertarians,

In our relentless pursuit of individual liberty and the principles of limited government, we find ourselves at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. As we confront the entrenched barriers of a two-party system, grapple with the challenges posed by aging leadership, and navigate the complexities of an uncertain economy, the imperative for political reform and the preservation of leadership integrity has never been more urgent.

Revolutionizing Political Paradigms:

Our current political landscape, dominated by the entrenched duopoly of two major parties, has
failed to adequately represent the diverse spectrum of American values and beliefs. This narrow
binary confines us to a false choice, limiting our ability to enact meaningful change and
relegating our libertarian ideals to the sidelines.

Yet, the power to disrupt this entrenched system lies within each of us. By rallying just one person to join our cause for political reform, we can ignite a grassroots movement that transcends party lines and reshapes the political landscape from the bottom up. From local town halls to state legislatures, from city councils to county commissions, our collective action can build momentum and influence, paving the way for a more inclusive and pluralistic political environment.

Fostering Innovation and Inclusivity:

Our libertarian principles demand a political environment that embraces diversity of thought and empowers local communities to chart their own course. From the bustling metropolis to the rural heartland, the spirit of innovation and self-governance thrives in the rich tapestry of American
society.

Let us inspire our fellow citizens to engage in local politics, volunteer for community organizations, and advocate for policies that promote individual autonomy and voluntary cooperation. By fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity at the grassroots level, we can unleash the full potential of decentralized governance, empowering individuals to shape their own destinies and solve local challenges through bottom-up solutions.

Preserving Leadership Vitality:

The vitality and integrity of our leaders are fundamental to the preservation of our democratic institutions and the protection of our individual rights. As stewards of liberty, we must hold our elected officials to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct.
The prospect of aging politicians holding political office raises legitimate concerns about their ability to lead with vigor, clarity, and sound judgment. From local councils to the highest echelons of government, we must demand comprehensive age and health assessments for
candidates seeking political office, coupled with transparent reporting of their medical histories.
By ensuring that our leaders are fit to serve and capable of upholding their sworn duties, we can safeguard the principles of liberty and justice for all.

Navigating Economic Uncertainty:

In the midst of these challenges, we find ourselves at an economic crossroads, grappling with the repercussions of a global pandemic, escalating debt, and growing income inequality. The decisions we make today will have far-reaching implications for future generations, shaping the trajectory of our nation's economy and determining whether we remain true to our foundingprinciples of fiscal responsibility and individual opportunity.

As champions of free markets and limited government, we must advocate for policies that promote economic freedom, unleash the entrepreneurial spirit, and empower individuals to pursue their own prosperity. Let us reject the false promises of government intervention and central planning, and instead embrace the principles of free enterprise, competition, and voluntary exchange.

A Call to Action:

The time for passive observation and resignation is over; now is the time for action and solidarity. Together, we possess the power to effect transformative change at every level of government, from the smallest town to the highest office in the land.

If each of us commits to rallying just one person to join our cause for political reform, we can ignite a movement that reverberates from coast to coast, town to city, county to state, and eventually, the entire country. Let us harness the collective power of our grassroots network and
amplify our voices through advocacy, outreach, and coalition-building.

The path to a more prosperous and principled future begins with us. Let us seize this moment and unite in our shared mission to empower liberty, champion integrity, and shape the destiny of our great nation.

In liberty,
Concerned Citizen

PHOTO: Hamilton County prosecutor Paula Adams makes oral arguments to the Ohio Supreme Court, including recent co-counsel Justice Joseph Deter.

In the above photo former county prosecutor Joe Deter, now Ohio Supreme Court Justice, listens to his former co-counsel, Paula Adams, make arguments in a case they had tried together 2 years earlier in Hamilton County.
This is a blatant violation of the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct.
This is corruption.
This is a rigged system.
The judge was the prosecutor, knows intimately the details of the prosecution and is entirely biased. No matter how Deter might rule his presence alone demands a mistrial.
Deter should recuse or be impeached for breach of ethics and conduct unbecoming a judicial member.

But we all know Mike DeWine will protect his corruption buddy and the spineless Ohio Democrats pine for that sweet, sweet corruption power someday. 🤬

h/t David Pepper, see tweet below and thread. 🧵

Tweet, David Pepper/ David Pepper
@DavidPepper
🚨 🚨

🧵

UPDATE: Yesterday, I wrote about the blatant conflict of interest at the Ohio Supreme Court. It went viral.

Well, today that conflict played out.

And one simple photo captures it all.

It’s this one:

1/

Tweet 🧵: https://x.com/DavidPepper/status/1755259271388836245?s=20

Tweet 🧵: https://x.com/DavidPepper/status/1755259271388836245?s=20

“Many forms of government have been tried and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, is has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”   
Winston Churchill

Democracy has been called many things: 
“The rule of the ignorant” 
“The tyranny of the majority”
“Two wolves and a lamb voting on what’s for supper”

While it is all that, unless something drastic happens, it’s the system we have to work with, and I’m not sure I’d have it any other way. 

It’s messy and open to all kinds of corruption, but it is participatory…for those who choose to participate.

Or are allowed to participate.

I would love to recommend a slate of Libertarian candidates for office this election cycle, but Ohio no longer recognizes us as a political party, nor the Greens, nor the Constitutions, nor anyone else that’s not a Republican or Democrat.

But that’s not going to change on its own.

Perhaps the worst thing about democracy is that it takes work, and people who are willing to work – especially to break the two-party system. Let’s get the word out about the Two Party Lie and do our work to ensure that there are more than two candidates available for the races. And then vote for them.

And running for office would also be helpful.  In my own district, with the exception of City Council and the Board of Education, all other candidates are unopposed. 

There is no excuse for that.

We need to get more involved to make the changes we want and not just sit back and let other people make those decisions for us. 

Ken Holpp, Secretary, Franklin County Libertarian Party

No matter the number of residents who collude in public ceremony, there is no distinction between taking by tax and taking by theft.

What difference is there between stealing from your paycheck and commanding physical labor?
Just because you sit comfortably in an office or stand in a shop those hours stolen from your wages are time you cannot get back, or bargain for again.

If a local city commanded its residents to work for free in efforts of maintenance, such as road or park upkeep, the fury and protest would be resounding.

If the city demanded that residents came to city hall a few hours a month to clean and file, mop or just answer the phone, the outrage would be deafening.

Instead, we are commanded to turn over a portion of our income, hundreds of hours worked, combining to many billions of dollars, most before even seeing it, and instead of righteous indignation and defiance, we squabble over what luxury the city should subsidize and what inefficient services the city should offer without recourse, and how we should pay the people we empower to punish us for petty or imagined offenses.

Elections do not bestow the power of aristocracy on the elected, do not give them special knowledge or enhanced intelligence, nor does the will of 51 percent of election participants magically grant them power that they do not have individually.

Taxation is a curse on civilization, a remnant of primitive authority left over from a barbarous time when men and women were ruled under constant threat of violence.
Taxation is a curse that must be lifted.

When we consider ourselves so modern, so mature, governing ourselves with democracy, representatives, councils, commissioners and officials, consider, just consider, for a moment, what roots of our traditions still strangle our progress and if we can ever be truly free while we are still taxed.

We are Americans. We are Ohioans. Risk is our business. Freedom is our heritage.
If you are more afraid of how we might pay for roads then the damage done when stealing from your neighbor, I ask you, where is your compassion.

If something is worth doing, we will find a way to do it, if someone needs help, we will find a way to help them. We are more powerful together, committed with compassion than ever when compelled.
You cannot compel compliance and expect people to prosper. You cannot steal from your neighbor and not ferment resentment.

If you look around and feel that everyone is angry with everyone else all the time, think, just think, what injustice have you participated in, what we’re told by authority to just accept and pay no mind, what resentment is building and bubbling up?

We throw down the challenge of a new American Century, to embrace the next transformation for a free people, accept that our traditions of taxation are hindering our growth as a society, and throw off the shackles of authority thinking.

Taxation is theft.
Volunteer. Donate. Get Involved.

Get your sign and show your neighbors what we believe!

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