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Published Brownsville Herald 12/6/2009

In the last several months there has been a growing interest in a political choice with goals other than expanding the power of the government. The “Tea Party” and “9-12” meetings have stirred new life in small government, responsible spending and an economy based on free trade and enterprise.
In the spate of new discussion the Libertarian Party has been discussed at length and frequently with many inaccuracies.
Most frequently, Libertarians are identified with Republicans by the Democrats and Republicans identify them as liberal because of our goals of more freedoms of choice that should be in the hands of “We the people”.
I want to point out that I am an avid Libertarian and Chairman of the local County Party. I am also very practical, not necessarily conservative as some of my colleagues suggest, in my approach to the different policies.
The party is made up segments as extreme as the anarchists and others that are quite liberal in their policy views but all are welcome as long as they debate rationally and respectfully, in advocating their views.
This is nearly always the case. In evidence I will describe a debate at the National Convention in Oregon several years ago where the rights of those with alternate lifestyles was an issue for consideration as a plank in the platform.
Everyone, regardless of position had the same opportunity to advance their positions and at no time was there name calling or other disturbances.
This, I believe, is the result of a strict adherence to Robert’s Rules of Order at all meetings and respect for each other, not just conventions. Another facility to assure that each view gets an equal opportunity is that when a vote is taken, not only can you vote for the different candidates or policy choices but you can vote for “none of the above” to start over with a totally different slate.
The following excerpt from the Libertarian National Platform demonstrates what Libertarians are working for:
“we defend each person’s right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest, and welcome the diversity that freedom brings. The world we seek to build is one where individuals are free to follow their own dreams in their own ways, without interference from government or any authoritarian power.”
…….. Our goal is nothing more nor less than a world set free in our lifetime, and it is to this end that we take these 9stands.”
Some of the principles that describe the detail of stated policies are:
Governments throughout history have regularly operated on the opposite principle, -than individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives- that the State has the right to dispose of the lives of individuals and the fruits of their labor. Even within the United States, all political parties other than Libertarians, grant to government the right to regulate the lives of individuals and seize the fruits of their labor without their consent ( tax).
Just look at the recent seizure of several banks, auto manufacturing companies and the proposal to take over the health care industries where rewards are made to those with political influence rather than those that work harder. Not only that but the federal government also tells our local schools what to teach our children and how; not even allowing the parents to even know what is going on in the schools. Politicos hire and fire based on “what is in it for me” not the benefit of the children. In fact the more money that is confiscated in taxes, the worse things get for the regular folks.
Just look around today and everywhere problems seem to be getting worse. Over the last eight years the economy in South Texas has gotten so good that that a rate of unemployment that for decades was in the double digits dropped to in the 6 to 8% and remains lower than many other places. Other states with higher taxes and more government control like California, have seriously declining economies.
Libertarians advocate a real difference that would bring about a government more responsive to the regular folks and are not conservative even though they are frequently referred to on Fox news.
This fall, representatives from the State and National Libertarian Party were in Brownsville to help raise interest in running for office, in the third largest political party. We expect to be able to announce some exceptional candidates that will provide a real change from the unchecked spending of our hard earned tax money.As we approach the 2010 election season remember that there is the opportunity to make a substantial change in the Congress and thereby, taxes and spending. Such a person is Independent, Ed Mishou who has chosen to fight with us Libertarians against those who are trying to take our freedoms from us. He has accepted the call to serve his country by seeking election as the next Member of Congress from the 27th Congressional District. Ed is a genuine War hero, having served in Vietnam as a flight officer. He was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, four Air Medals, and the Meritorious Service Medal for his service. After his retirement from the Airforce he worked in executive positions in private industry and provided consulting services until retiring a last time.The same attempts by the government to take our freedoms from us, that motivated the “Tea Parties” and the 9-12 meetings. called him to serve again. He pledges to represent us and not try to rule us.
I would also like to mention that the ownership of The Brownsville Herald follow the Libertarian philosophy and have launched a Libertarian area on the Web to provide more insight. To find it, you can go to my Web site www.TodaysCommonSense.com and click on the Link Freedom Politics located on the right side of the page. There are Libertarian oriented columnists and an “Ask a Libertarian” section to mention just a little.