In-Depth Political Analysis

"President Obama has set aside over 180 million acres of land for polar bears. When Sarah Palin heard about it, she said, 'Todd, get my gun.'"

Conan O'Brien

In-Depth Political Analysis

"Obama was going to have a meeting with Afghan President Karzai about the country's corruption, incompetence, and the wasting of American tax dollars. And that's just what Karzai was going to lecture Obama about."

Jay Leno

Libertarians say Republicans owe apology, not pledge, to America

WASHINGTON - In response to the recent Republican "Pledge to America," Libertarian Party executive director Wes Benedict released the following statement:

Instead of a "Pledge to America," the Republicans should have written an "Apology to America." It should have gone something like this:
"We're sorry, America. Sorry we grew the federal government budget from $1.7 trillion to over $3 trillion. Sorry we added $5 trillion to the federal debt. Sorry we doubled the size of the Department of Education. Sorry we started two incredibly costly foreign wars. Sorry we supported the absurd and costly TARP bailouts. Sorry we created a huge and costly new Medicare entitlement. Sorry we did nothing to end the costly and destructive War on Drugs. Sorry we did nothing to reform the federal government's near-prohibition on immigration. But hey, at least we helped you by shifting a lot of your tax burden onto your children and grandchildren."
There are so many lies, distortions, hypocrisies, and idiocy in this document that it's hard to know where to start.
It is deeply insulting to see the Republicans refer to "America's founding values" on their cover. The Republican Party has no understanding whatsoever of America's founding values. They have proven and re-proven that for decades.
The document talks a lot about "tax cuts." Unfortunately, the Republican "tax cut" proposals would really do nothing to cut taxes. All their proposals achieve is to defer taxes, pushing the burden onto our children and grandchildren. The only real way to cut taxes is to cut government spending, and the Republican document does almost nothing in that regard.
The Republicans say they want to "roll back government spending to pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels." In other words, to re-create the situation near the end of the Bush administration, after Republicans had massively increased federal spending on almost everything.
Republicans must love it when Democrats expand government, because it gives them the opportunity to propose small "cuts," while still ending up with huge government.
One shocking aspect of the document is that it actually includes subtle Republican proposals to increase government spending.
The Republicans offer no plan whatsoever to reduce military spending, America's foreign wars and nation building, or our military defense of rich foriegn nations. On the contrary, the Republicans apparently want to increase military spending, promising to "provide the resources, authority, and support our deployed military requires, fully fund missile defense, and enforce sanctions against Iran."

QUESTION 1: CAN WE DO IT?

30 August, 2010
Dear Editor:

Here begins a short series on what I think a Congressman should consider about every issue. Washington abounds with wonderful ideas of things the federal government could do to make life better for the people, the country, and the world.

QUESTION 1: CAN WE DO IT?

The quick response is the President’s glib “Yes, we can!” After all, this is the country that has repeatedly put men on the moon. Yes, if we have a well-defined goal we can usually work out the details. That if, however, can be a big one. Yes, we have sent men to the moon, and, more impressive, brought them back to earth alive. We have NOT explored the moon, or established commercial mining there, or established a base to try to control tides or weather; we have simply sent men there and back.

Our record is not so impressive on less well-defined goals. In 1917-18 we sent troops off to “the war to end all wars” to “make the world safe for democracy”. It looks to me like war is still going on, and currently we’re just trying to make Iraq and Afghanistan safe for democracy – 92 years later. We’ve had a “war” on poverty for 45 years now and one on drugs for about the same. When your goals are poorly defined or you keep changing them, it’s a lot harder to meet them.

NEXT MONTH: PART 2 – SHOULD WE DO IT?

Sincerely,

Richard J. Davis D.D.S.
Libertarian for Congress

The J. Millard Tawes 34th Annual Crab and Clam Bake

Mike Brewington (D) and Dr. Richard Davis (L).

Crisfield, MD: The J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam did not disappoint if you were in search of politicians. Candidates from the Democratic Party, Republican Party and Libertarian Party were present meeting voters and distributing campaign flyers.

Independent District 1 Congressional Candidate Jack Wilson had his people gathering signatures. Dr. Richard Davis signed the petition form to show his support for Wilson to be on the ballot, even though he would be an opponent. Wilson needs around 40,000 signatures according to the campaign worker.

Richard Davis(L) and Andy Harris(R).

                Read the rest at Examiner.com

The Vote Libertarian Buttons were very effective.  Governor O'Malley got the message when we shook his hand.

The Local Scene, Tea Party, AFP, and You Know Who....

For a variety of reasons I had stayed away from the local Tea Party scene, one of them was a concern that establishment Republicans and others were attempting to "hijack" what this movement was all about.  The past couple of weeks the results have shown that the establishment's attempts were rejected and this has caused me to reconsider my position on the local Tea Party movement.

AFP Member, Tea Party Activist and Libertarian Mike Calpino filed to run as a Candidate for Wicomico County Council District 2 against Incumbent Republican and Establishment representative Stevie Prettyman.  I offered to Mike to be his treasurer and help in any way I can with his campaign and he accepted.  I truly believe Mike would make a great County Councilman and represent the people in his District with dignity, honor and an open ear for the citizens in District 2.  Mike gave me a better insight of those in the Tea Party movement.

Then the Julie Brewington issue came to the forefront.  Many have been the target of his [Albero's] ire, Julie being the current one.  After the County Council meeting the other day, I talked with Julie for a few minutes - the first time I have met Julie.  Everyone knows the reason that she is Joe's current target and it is mainly her opposition to Councilwoman Stevie Pretyyman's stance on several issues.  Joe being an ally of Mrs. Prettyman decides to defend her the only way he knows how - attack, threaten, and blog you.  Frankly, nobody really cares and this will probably be the last post I make about him because there are more important things to worry about.

This brings to the forefront what I have been saying for long time about local politics.  People simply cannot disagree on an issue anymore, many see the need to destroy people with a scorched earth policy.  This is why good people refuse to get into politics and "We the People" lose out on quality candidates to choose from.

I also believe there is some light at the end of the tunnel.  With Tea Party Activist Mike Brewington stepping up to run for the Wicomico County Council At-Large as a Jeffersonian-Democrat, I am optimistic.  Julie Brewington also captures what I believe is the real deal behind the local Tea Party movement.  I truly hope it stays independent and makes some real change that can jingle in our pockets.

Daily Times features Mike Calpino's run for County Council

Libertarian runs for Wicomico council seat

Mike Calpino to take on councilwoman Stevie Prettyman

By Greg Latshaw • Staff Writer • June 15, 2010 

SALISBURY -- Mike Calpino, a Nanticoke resident who says government needs a philosophical makeover, will run against Stevie Prettyman for her Wicomico County Council seat.

"We need to change the way we do government. Trying to be all things for all people is too expensive," Calpino says.

The 42-year-old has filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections as a Libertarian candidate. Calpino said the county government has grown too large under the executive form of leadership and supports keeping the revenue cap in place, switching to elected school boards and holding evening council meetings.

"If we were still spending what we were in 2006, we wouldn't be in this position," Calpino said of Wicomico's spending habits.

Read the rest of the article.....

 

Libertarian Quote of the Day

"It is our true policy to steer clear of entangling alliances with any portion of the foreign world. The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. "

George Washington

Philosophy is Often Simple

Though many like to brandish their great intellectual and political thoughts for all to see. Often times it is the simplest sayings that sum up the great travesties of justice in our society.

"When the fox administers justice, the chickens will always be found guilty."

.

Cat Farmer

The Eastern Shore Libertarian Party is Here!

Welcome to the Eastern Shore Libertarians website. We are in the beginning stages of organizing for the Lower Shore. In the wake of Dr. Richard Davis' congressional campaign last year, we have seen that there is a different movement a foot, one that calls out for Liberty and Sensibility. Focusing on the issues that face our region, state, and nation is the key as we will be offering common sense solutions to problems that have been over complicated.

We will be announcing an organizational meeting soon for all of those interested in participating. We will be building up momentum for Dr. Davis' Congressional campaign in 2010.