VA Governor Race, No Choice For Liberty.

Let’s face it.

Come election time, we are not given many choices. This is by design, this is the way the powers that be like it. The less competition they face, the more likely we will side with the lesser evil.

I’m trying to figure out which one that is, and it is not easy.

Protesting MacArthur Mall Effectively

Hundreds of young people are angered by MacArthur Mall’s new policy of excluding those under 18 years of age unless chaperoned by a Dirty Old Man or Cougar over 21. Really, what other kind of adult wants to hang at the mall with teens?

In all seriousness though, as an elder Libertarian, it warms my heart to see young people get organized and enthusiastic over almost any issue, as that is the seed from which future political activism will grow. However, ineffective protests lead to apathy if we get the idea that we are helpless to change things, so I will offer a few suggestions to make your activism more effective, and invite others with experience to do so as well.

While the new policy may be unfair, in the real world, fair doesn’t matter much to a business. The Mall is private property, and fair or not, it is within their rights to make their own policy. If you want to get their attention, you have to see the world from their point of view and change what they see.

Rebuking the Economic Legend of Bill Clinton

How many of you have experienced an macro-economic conversation with a “liberal” and when they quickly find themselves unable to justify their positions they pull out what in their mind is the ultimate trump card, Bill Clinton? Obviously since I’m asking, I encounter this phenomenon often.

Then next exchange is typical, expected, and boring.  

I’ll ask, “Why was President Clinton so great for the economy?”

Blank Stare followed by……”He balanced the budget, he gave us a surplus”

My next questions will be “What did he do that gave us those surplus?”   (After recovering from the shock that I would ask such a question, blank stares and chorus of uhs and ums are sure to follow)

Then I’ll point out that deficits are increasing at record rates and throw out a simple lob-ball for them  like, If surpluses (like the Clinton years) are good, then what the current administration is doing much be bad.

Then they will be so excited to be able to go to the other only tool they have in the toolbox and say every unfortunate event in human history is the fault of George Bush.

Yawn.

Let’s actually look at President Clinton and see if he deserves all this reverie. Will copying him in every respect bring us the prosperity and economic expansion we saw in the late 90s?

Why the DNP Can’t “Sell” Health Care Reform

It is not my intention to explain flaws in the plan or comment on specific details of the bill that I do not like.

For one, I have not read all of the esoteric document, and even if I had, I seriously doubt I could fully comprehend all of the moving pieces or anticipate all of the ramifications. I do not believe there is a person out there capable of doing so.

Besides, this isn’t why Democrats have not been able to “sell” the bill to the American people.

Cap & Trade Protests in Richmond & Chesterfield

Bearing Drift has a nice little Youtube clip from a Cap and Trade protest. Not sure which city the clip was from. Bearing Drift quotes Sen. Warner’s office from Chesterfield as saying about 200 protestors were outside. I would expect a low ball number from them, but it looked like more than 200 in that clip.

Having the protests simultaneously in more than one city is good way to let our representatives know that the public isn’t happy with some of these recent risky ideas. People really are concerned in cities all over that many of these bills will hurt our economy and way of life. They took time out of their day to express their point in this fashion. Either the concern is great or many are afraid that our Senators haven’t been listening to their constituents.
-Britt Howard

Rally at Sen. Webb’s Office asking him to Stop Both Cap & Trade and Socialized Medicine

Robert Dean's true feelings on Cap & Trade

All photo credits – Petey Browder.

Robert Dean is again typically blunt and pulls no punches. He leaves no doubt as to his position on Cap and Trade. This is one of his finer qualities that makes him so unloved by “Big Government” socialist politicians and operatives.

I was originally told that this rally held in front of Sen. Webb’s office in Towne Center would be concerning Cap & Trade. Many were there for that issue, but many were also there asking Sen. Jim Webb to vote against Obama’s plan for socializing medicine as you will see from many photos after the fold.

More commentary and pictures after the fold.

Massive Resistance in Norfolk

On July 17th in Richmond, there was a symposium examining the effects of “Massive Resistance” and the heroic efforts of many to integrate public schools in the 50’s and after. As dark as that history is, today’s progress lends hope that things can still get better and that other profound problems can one day find remedy.

Which Candidates Take the Tea Party Movement Seriously?

Cuccinelli Campaign's Tea Party Booth with staff

UPDATED!!!
Libertarians and fiscal conservatives might want to know just who takes the Tea Party movement seriously. Just which candidates are fiscally conservative and don’t support all the wasteful federal spending and bailouts. Having been to the Tea Party in Chesapeake on June 26th, I can tell you that the ONLY candidate to have a booth there was Ken Cuccinelli, candidate for Attorney General. There were some operatives from other Republican campaigns that dropped off signs and lit. Would’ve been nice if they stayed and did some work.

What else went on at the Tea Party?

Ignored to Death

As of yet, the Virginian Pilot has not reported a word about the Tea Party Rally on June 26, 2009, nor has there been any note taken by any of the other local media.

I note, however, that advance notice for the Gay Pride Festival, Out in the Park, was afforded prior notice and promotion in the Pilot.

Perhaps if we wish to to have the message of fiscal responsibility receive attention by our local press, we should cross dress or wear leather chaps to our events.

Final Chance for Common Sense passes

Judge Arrington followed the jury’s recommendation and sentenced Ryan Frederick to ten years in prison. A report on the proceedings from John Wilburn follows:
**************************************************

* Ryan Frederick Sentencing Hearing – Friday, 8 May, 2009 *

**************************************************

Court convened at 9:55 – Judge Arrington had a (minor) personal concern, which caused her to be late.

Mr. Korslund represented Mr. Frederick; the commonwealth was represented by Mr. Ebert, Mr. Conway and Mr. Willett.