That's the way it starts. Everyone is turned into a accomplice to do the dirty work of the government. When you see big electric sign above interstates saying "Suspicious Activity? Call 1-800-I'm A Stooge" or whtever the number is, it's getting bad - and I would say somewhat Un-American.

If there should be one unifying theme that can work for us this Novemeber, it's that the Federal Government has overreached it's boundries on this domestic spying. the related climate of fear it brings, and made a snot rag out of the Bill of Rights. The political environment is ripe for us to make inroads, but only if we

A) have a unified but controlled voice in opposition without the tinhat wearing language creeping in;

B) Prevent or at least remind the American people that the Democrats have not stopped all this from happening in the first place.

The Republicans will kill themselves. Our political direction should be to make sure the Democrats dont get a free ride back into power. We dont have the money or the numbers to stop them, but we should have enough to at least make them hit some speed bumps along the way.

Matt, why don't you post an entry on Bush refusing to negotiate with Bin Laden, who just offered a truce? That's the most important issue at the moment. All the rest of this stuff is comparatively boring, imho.

You cannot seriously believe that terrorist is going to give a truce. Now I know you are living in LA LA land.

The platform that needs to be changed regarding the borders and foreign policy is a dream for those who really believe. But those issues doesn't conform to today real world reality.

If you think by bending over for these people they are going to go away, you better wake up and smell the coffee. There is NO WAY a Libertarian Candidate will be trusted to run this country.

You need to get out of the glass house you are living in.

http://civic.moveon.org/phonesales/
this is important if you value keeping your phone privacy, please sign and pass on.

Of course, this is all in the name of "protecting the children..." Isn't it always... ugh.

Shame on MSN, Yahoo, and AOL for giving in. Bravo to Google for refusing to comply with this subpoena. Send Google some love... Send the Feds something else...

So, Bush is trying to get Google to turn over its records so that it can see what sites are being visited.... This is a complete invasion of privacy.... 1984 is running through my mind as "big brother" begins to know all.

Libertarians must unite to oppose these violations of privacy. This is exactly the sorts of things that Libertarians are all about. We must stop Bush from turning this government into a dictatorship.

The issue of Bush trying to get Google to give over information is much much more important than any "truce" by Bin Laden.

A GWB brainchild at its roots... again! If Bush and his administration had their way, we'd all have everything we do over the internet stored and quoted by the feds, in public if it's not enough for them to just keep it on file.

I think the Libertarians need to unite with Google, the Freedomworks.com and Freestarmedia.com

Please look at the above post to include turning over you phone information as well.

What happening here in USA is insane.

"We must stop Bush from turning this government into a dictatorship?" Did you not notice that it already is one?

After the patriot act, the gummit can put your name on a list, and no financial institution is allowed to do business with you, your assets are frozen. No trial, no jury, no nothing. Your money is just frozen.

US citizens are being held without being charged with any crime for years at a time... the NSA is spying on US citizens in this country, the gummint is attempting to seize library records to find out what we're all reading.... we spent 12 million dollars putting Tommy Chong in Jail for selling bongs on the internet... how much worse does it have to get before you consider it a dictatorship? Someone please tell me.

Jason, you said the same thing I been trying to say about a year ago.

If every one is so mad about the privacy issues then why not get on the ballot and run for office as a Libertarian?

Don't just complain.

Then what can we do to stop this? Not in decades or years but now. We can whine all we want and continue to be pushed off ballots and ignored but what can we do (what are you willing to do) now? Not what are you willing to encourage others to do but what are YOU willing to do?

More power to Google. The time is to take a stand NOW, not when we have to go underground to fight a consolidated dictatorship or defend ourselves in a Civil War.

For started we need those who want to be in Libetarian office certain things need to be cleaned up and not go ignored.
1. Nevada Libertarians phone numbers are not updated.
2. North Carolina needs to be back on the ballot.
3. We need foriegn policy and the border policy on the platform needs to be changed, if we are to move forward. The libertarians are divided on this and I am sorry but we have to be realistic on these issues or we will go no where.
4. We need to start having big bold signs posted on our Car windows with strong statements such as: Freedom Vote Libertarian, Tired of Bending Over, Vote Libertarian.
I saw some other ideas, but they are too weak and wishy washy. We need to convince the voters we are going to do what the Repu merge Demo is not going to do. If we do not offer this, they will continue to vote the in demo and the repul. I hear this repeatedly.

All 50 states as a Libertarian needs to come together as a whole and have allies such as Freedomworks.com Freestarmedia.com and any others to come together to make a bigger party.

I think this Libertarian party needs to contact Yahoo/Google and get our name out there and we also appauld google, could we have them as on our side?

You can contact AOL here:

http://www.corp.aol.com/contactus/contact_inquiry.shtml

Contact MSN here:

http://ccc01.opinionlab.com/o.asp?id=hRwHyjaR

After much searching contact Yahoo! here:

http://yhoo.client.shareholder.com/press/comment.cfm

To Nameless:
"3. We need foriegn policy and the border policy on the platform needs to be changed, if we are to move forward. The libertarians are divided on this and I am sorry but we have to be realistic on these issues or we will go no where."

Kindly define "realistic".

The major problem with the Libertarian party platform is that it is, by and large, too far outside the mainstream to get anywhere. Yes, I agree with the ultimate vision of Libertarianism, but the average American looks at our platform and sees it is too far to an extreme. We must take gradual steps in order to get some Libertarian ideas accepted.

We just can't advocate cutting out most government institutions and programs without people, rightfully, raising their eyebrows with suspicion. All of these things must be done gradually in order to A) work at all and B) get enough popular support in order to move towards a more pure view of Libertarianism. We must learn to make concessions along the way rather than spouting about how we need to privatize most government functions and cut nearly all taxes.

Do I agree that we must ultimately privatize nearly all of the functions that the government now has? Yes. Do I agree that we really need to focus on de-centralization? Yes. But how can we do this in gradual manner which will appeal to the average voter?

Drug policy, for instance, is an area that Libertarianism will have a very difficult time gaining any ground because it is so different to current drug policy, and sounds radical to many. We must start with decriminalization of low volume possession of pot, and have America be comfortable with that before we can legalize the whole lot.

Until National sees that the party must make these kinds of concessions, we don't stand a chance.

For those of you giving Google a pat on the back, you should check out googlewatch.com. Google has its own problems with user privacy. But it is good that they arent giving the government this information. And as for AOL, MSN and M$ having complied, all I can say is that I am not surprised. I am glad that I dont use thier services. I do use Yahoo and I am not happy about thier compliance.

Christopher, you have posted this a couple of times before.

They call this a "Party of Principle" for a reason: because we dont do what you are asking to be done. We dont hire experts to figure out what the public wants to hear and then have all of our canidates tell them what they want to hear in small words while waving flags and throwing in words like patriotism and America to win elections.

I agree with you that the drug policy is a hard sell. But you either have freedom or you dont. There is no inbetween on this. Either the government follows the consitution or it violates it. Legalization of all drugs is supported by the consitution.

The average citizen today is so damn stupid they dont know what true freedom really is. They think that they are free right now. And most of them belive that we still have too many liberties. They buy into the patriotism and flag-waving BS that they are spoon fed from crib to grave.

We cannot save the country from becoming a police state by watering down freedom to a concentration that wont make the voters choke. The time for half-measures passed several decades ago. The country is in a state of crisis. Its like trying to treat the pain from a severed limb with half an Asprin and a bag of ice. It wont work.

Roberto C. Alvarez-Galloso,CPUR,

In a civil war, the government would be defending itself from us -- trying to make us re-submit to it's power, not the other way around. The time to act is now, but sadly many people wait until its too late. I know and understand this and because of this, I want that war to come while I am still young enough to fight it.

The Libertarian needs a incremental approach to reach goals and what the end results will be.
A map outlining how things are going to change, and what it will be like once we are there.
Why the benefits of being responsible for ourselves are better then big government.

Work on the obvious that 98% of the people agree on such as: Property taxes, eminent domain, privacy laws. Selling pot is not going to cut it.

Do a chainletter approach to express your concern to tell others to contact the senators about privacy rights. Also remember libertarians in their votes for future elections.

QUOTE: "A GWB brainchild at its roots... again!"

Not completely. Bush is just trying to enforce a law that was signed by Bill Clinton in 1998, but suspended by the Supreme Court as being too broad and vague.

By the time your "gradual" approach works, we will have long been in our "Re-education" camps. You do not call yourself the Party of Principle and then compromise those principles by trying to hoodwink the average voter into electing you. The timetable of those who are trying to destroy this Republic is advancing VERY rapidly. To lead, we must lead by example, by showing people that we are willing to lay it on the line for what we believe. By being 21st Century Thomas Jefferson's, Ben Franklin's, Thomas Paine's etc.

The first step could be a direct attack on the obvious tyranny of the "two party" system. The body politic is DESPERATE for new ideas. The Republicrat’s and their media stooges have been advancing a theory for years that a vote for anything other than a Republicrat is a wasted vote.

The Democratic and Republican Parties might as well merge since the vast majority of members from each party are not so diiferent from each other. Ron Paul is, of course, one of the few exceptions.

Other than the Libertarian Party, the only other group that supports small government at home and non-interventionism abroad is the Constitution Party. I know. I sound like a broken record since I've said this repeatedly. However, I say this because it's true.

The premise of the 1998 COPA law isn't totally right. Specifically, it (a) includes not only obscenity and non-obscene sexual acts, but also nudity, even of merely uncovered breasts, and (b) it encompasses "protection" not only for young children (who probably should be protected from it) but also for teenagers under 17. But in Germany for the past ten years there has been a teen magazine called Bravo that goes out to readers who are mostly aged 12 to 19. Besides the usual pop culture stuff, like about musicians and so on, it also has sections dealing with sex. Topics like condoms, sexually transmitted diseases, how the body changes during puberty, and the sexual lives of today's youth. With a kind of candor that might shock some. And did you know that these articles about sex are often accompanied by large photographs of naked boys and girls, who are typically between the ages of 15 and 19? These photos are usually of a nature that wouldn't be considered lewd by anyone except a prude, in other words, they're rated R rather than X. In short, Bravo has a section like Playboy, delivered right to the mailboxes of Germany's young people and available on newsstands. There's also a similar magazine in the Netherlands.

Now let's take a look at what Germany's record is with teenage sexual behavior, compared to say places like Arkansas and Utah where everyone wants to shield minors from sex, nudity, and porn. American teens have higher rates of unplanned, unmarried teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, more anxieties about their bodies and about sexual topics, and are being taught "abstinence only" without any actual change in their behavior (teens who take abstinence courses tend to have sex about as frequently as teens who take traditional sexual education courses, that is to say no more and no less sex). British teens also have worse rates of pregnancies than Germany, perhaps a side-effect of Brits' attempts to shield kids under 16 from sex.

For reference consult the article "Foreign magazines expose youths to intimacy, promote sexual responsibility" by Jessica Schneider in the Decatur Daily, September 6, 2005,
http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/teenpage/050906/expose.shtml

And let's be honest here. What teenage boy of say 15 or 16 hasn't at one time or another come across some magazine, book, or website with naked ladies. Where's the proof that it harmed them? Demand proof when a legislator or reporter makes claims like "porn causes violence against women", "porn makes teens have unrealistic expectations about women", etc. If parents want to "protect" their 16 year old son living in a state where the age of consent is 16 from seeing naked girls, that's their right, but it's not the government's proper role.

If anyone wants to switch to Google mail (gmail) email me and I will send you an invite.

bentodd2000@gmail.com

Ben

I agree 100% with Mr. Williams.

Being principled is a nice idea; I think Mr. Williams agrees with the principles as outlined (as do I).

The problem is the call to action.

I am an engineer for a living so part of my job is to figure out how to build something from a specification or a design. I'm at a loss for how to implement the LP's design and so most of my friends (which is why they steer clear of the LP).

It needs to be done incrementally. The policy as written now does not have a clear path to implementation.

"It needs to be done incrementally. The policy as written now does not have a clear path to implementation."-Louis G

Incrementation sounds like selling out just to get attention. I am not a big fan of it.

"Now let's take a look at what Germany's record is with teenage sexual behavior, compared to say places like Arkansas and Utah where everyone wants to shield minors from sex, nudity, and porn. American teens have higher rates of unplanned, unmarried teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, more anxieties about their bodies and about sexual topics"

America does have higher teenage pregnancies, but not in places like Arkansas and Utah, try urban cities like New York, Los Angeles and Detroit, etc. where "sex ed" is taught. "Abstinence only" is used and talked about in 35% of the US's school districts. The other 65% of districts allow discussions of contraception as effective in preventing pregnancy. I love how now being sexual responsible is using condoms and contraception now matter how many times you do it or how many you do it with. This just goes to show how personally responsibility has been twisted in the past 40 years. Germany also has socialism do you want that too? Now I am in no way advocating that the government should raise children (Nanny State) that is the parents job, unfortunately many parents today and of the future are and will be products of social engineering.

We indeed live in perilous times, for as the lust, abuse, and misapplication of power gradually corrupts the governments ability to govern justly, so too, all reason and rational thought flees from it's administration. It is always unfortunate that those in government cannot see that such overreaching authority does little to ensure any protections for anyone. Perceived dangers always seem to create a reaction that is far from rational or reasonable. This government has proved itself both irrational and unreasonable on many fronts for which it reacts without foresight, thought or concern for the consequences of its actions and the long term effect of those actions. This government will continue to push it's Neo-Fascist agenda forward under the guise of defending some elusive moral principles or the imperialistic ideals for which it seems intent on fulfilling. I wonder if this government is so deluded in their agenda that they fail to see that their misguided vision is corrupting the very fabric of what it means to be a free society.
Any decision, law, code, regulation or statue which is contrary to, or abridges any part of the Bill of Rights is a Violation of Loyalty to this Nation, and as such, it should be considered an Act of Treason. We see this government using Terrorism and War, as others before it, to increase its grip over the Nation and the Citizens. That is only the beginning, so get use to it.
Now it is within this atmosphere that many in the LP seek to make real head-way into the political arena however, I would ask you to consider the fact that those within this regime and those who adhere to the current Neo-Fascist ideology will never allow that to take place. I do not believe that those within this power-structure will ever allow those of the LP, or any other political party seeking drastically less government and much more Liberty to ever gain more than nominal authority to govern. We may gain local seats of government, but the structure is such that it cannot allow the LP to ever gain control of this government, it simply does not fit into the scheme of their program. I say their program because it is far more than just the Republicans and Democrats that are in power in this country, it is corporations, and in particular those within the Federal Reserve System that actually control this Nation and the direction of this government. If you are still under the illusion that the People have any political power within this Nation then think again. The coming years will prove that fact. The question is: will we be prepared for such eventualities?

It comes down to what was stated in "Brave New World" to the effect that it is insufficient to just enslave. In order to be successful it is essential for those enslaved to love their captivity and clamor for more. The culling of the population began in earnest at the beginning of the 20th Century with the passage of the Federal Reserve Act and the flawed and fraudulent ratification of the 16th Amendment, authorizing an Income tax and selling the people into economic slavery. Since then the noose has continued to tighten to where now in the interest of "National Security" in fighting this bogus, racist "War on Terror" our communications are being monitored by various Federal Agencies.

What keeps this plan on track is the perpetuation of the "two party" system, both of whom are in the pockets of the same interests. We have to destroy the myth of the two party system in order to begin making headway to national elections. The midterm elections are this November so we need to get moving.

While I am in agreement with the proposal that we must remain engaged in the political process, and endeavor to make inroads into the political system as it currently exist, I also know that there may not be enough time to fulfill such pursuits.
I dare say that there will be a string of events which will cause this government to utilize emergency powers and install what amounts to a military government over this Nation. In the worse-case scenario, Bush will, with the advent of a major "terrorist attack" declare martial law immediately preceding 2008 elections.
In another scenario, with the eventual collapse of the dollar and the overwhelming issuance of debt that burdens this economy, there will be, without much doubt, the down-fall of our economic system that will cause such social unrest and that will give rise to a military state. I propose that the whole purpose of the current legislation which is, in part, represented by the Patriot Act I and II, that the full intent of such laws have little to do with protecting this Nation against terrorism and everything to do with protecting the government against the People of this Nation.
As far as the two-party system, we shouldn't have to worry about that much longer either, when you consider that a Bush-ordered report was issued about a year ago to explore the "Feasibility of One Party Rule in America".
As you stated Chuck, the wheels of this Nation's destruction were set into motion decades ago, we just happen to be the generation that will see that plan play out.
As we continue to pursue a political solution to this Nation's woes, we must also begin to prepare for other alternatives, if we don't make such preparations we are fools.

Hi, paleolib. Of course personal responsibility is vital. It goes hand in hand with freedom. Libertarianism doesn't mean libertinism. And I didn't say Germany is better than America in every respect, or even most of the time. But the stats I saw showed higher rates of teenage pregnancy in the American South, compared to states like Massachusetts and other places in the northeastern U.S. I didn't see a breakdown of figures related to specific large urban regions like the ones you mentioned. ... There's a book called "Harmful to Minors: The Perils of Protecting Children from Sex" by Judith Levine that questions attempts to prevent teenagers from thinking about sex, seeing porn, etc. and its ideas took quite a beating in the American media, including FOX News. I came across a related title: "Not In Front of the Children: 'Indecency,' Censorship, and the Innocence of Youth" by Marjorie Heins. That must have razzled people, too. Just like Canadians are fretting about the theoretical, but not so actual, possibility that 14 year olds could visit the orgy clubs that have recently been legalized. It's like no one can calm down enough to think rationally about these topics. Bad laws come from irrationality.

Oh yeah, I think we all see it on the horizon. Bush gets into deep political mud and Osama miraculously makes a fresh appearance from out of the mist. Our saber rattling in Iran is again increasing the price of oil where I read in one report that it may go over $100. per barrel.
Another so called "Terrorist" attack will be all the excuse they need, and the new "Iron Curtain" will drop, right here. The megalomaniac will suspend elections and we will have our very own totalitarian empire. The choices then will be real simple.

http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060120/LOCAL/201200329/1078/GATORS02

Now they want to know if you are having sex or not. Believe me, life as we know it in the US is gone.

I found a great site a few weeks ago. www.bureaucrash.com. These guys and girls are hilarious. Check out the video clips where they "crash" leftist rallies and expose the stupidity of the people attending the rally. In one clip they are at a WTO protest in S.America or Mexico and they sell "Free Trade" drinks for 50 cents and "Fair Trade" drinks for 2 bucks. All these Pinkos buy the the Free Trade drinks and fail to see their own hippocracy.

I have sent the following with the permission of We the People to my Senators and Representative in the House. Let's see if they are as enamored of giving information as getting it. This is one of four petitions. I did not want them refusing my request because of an overload:

Dear....

If I may quote the first Amendment

"Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Therefore:


PETITION FOR REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES
RELATING TO THE "WAR ON TERRORISM"

WHEREAS, During October, 2001, the U.S. Congress passed and the President signed the U.S.A. Patriot Act (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism), and
WHEREAS, The U.S.A. Patriot Act was voted on by men and women engulfed in a terrifying atmosphere of shock, fear, mass media hysteria and anthrax mailings, and
WHEREAS, It has been acknowledged by some members of Congress that most congressmen were pressured to vote for, but never bothered to read the 324-page Act before voting on it, and
WHEREAS, To quote from the text of the Declaration Of Independence: When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn (sic), that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
WHEREAS, to quote from the Constitution of the United States: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
WHEREAS, If and on the presumption that Divine Providence has, in fact, gratuitously provided, equipped and enriched the People with Rights, it follows that those Rights belong to the People and Divine Providence and it follows that any affront to the Constitution (as when government attempts to violate an unalienable Right) is an affront to Divine Providence, and
WHEREAS, If our Rights come from Divine Providence, only Divine Providence can frustrate and deny or defeat our Rights -- that is, government cannot abridge what Divine Providence has put in place, and
WHEREAS, If the Constitution of the United States of America is a strongly worded Divinely inspired set of principles expressly intended to govern the government, not the People, and
WHEREAS, By the terms and provisions of the Constitution, the People have established their government and authorized it to act in certain ways, and have purposely and markedly restricted and prohibited the government from acting in certain ways, and
WHEREAS, The Constitution of the United States of America guarantees to every American citizen and to those lawfully on our soil, the right to privacy and to due process of law, and
WHEREAS, The Constitution prohibits and restricts the Federal Government from infringing on those rights, and
WHEREAS, The Constitution guarantees each and every American citizen the unalienable right to life, liberty, and property, and
WHEREAS, Each of the ConstitutionпїЅs prohibitions and restrictions on governmentпїЅs power is, in fact, another unalienable right enjoyed by every citizen and resident on American soil, and
WHEREAS, Every American citizen has an unalienable right to freedom from a government that would infringe or erode the unalienable rights to privacy, due process, freedom of association, freedom of information, freedom of speech, right to legal representation, freedom from unreasonable searches, right to a speedy and public trial, and right to liberty, now therefore
I, hereby petition the Executive and Legislative Branches of the Federal Government for a redress of grievances relating to the so-called "war on terrorism," and
I, respectfully request that the President of the United States of America, each member of CongressпїЅ House of Representatives and each member of CongressпїЅ Senate honor their oaths of office to uphold the Constitution, by honoring their obligation to respond to this, the PeopleпїЅs petition for redress of grievance, by answering the following questions:
1. Do you admit that under Section 112 of the USA Patriot Act, a "suspected terrorist" needs only to be "certified" by the Attorney General on "reasonable grounds" that he "believes" someone to be engaged in terrorist activities?

2. Do you admit that Section 802 of the USA Patriot Act does not define an act of terrorism by the characteristics of the actors or the nature of the acts?

3. Do you admit that Section 802 of the USA Patriot Act defines an act of terrorism as an act "calculated to influence or affect the conduct of government by intimidation or coercion or to retaliate against government conduct"?

4. Do you admit that under Section 802 of the USA Patriot Act, the definition of terrorist is broad enough to sweep up citizens who engage in hunger strikes and other forms of non-violent demonstrations to force the government to respond to their petitions for redress?

5. Do you admit that under Section 803 of the USA Patriot Act, the act of giving food or shelter to a friend who may have been involved in any of these acts could, in turn, brand a person as a "terrorist" as well?

6. Do you admit that under Section 213 of the USA Patriot Act, government purportedly has the right to go into a citizenпїЅs home while that person is away, copy the content of the personпїЅs computer hard drive and files, gather and take any information or items they please without ever serving a citizen notice of such search or seizure since, "the execution of a warrant may have adverse effect"?

7. Do you admit that Section 213 of the USA Patriot Act authorizes government to issue a warrant based on "reasonable cause," rather than the constitutionally mandated "probable cause?"

8. Do you admit that under Section 218 of the USA Patriot Act, the standards for foreign intelligence collection under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) were radically altered?

9. Do you admit that the standards for foreign intelligence collection traditionally meant that when a federal officer went to the FISA court or designated judge for an order of electronic surveillance under the FISA which may involve communications of a United States person, the application requires not only the approval of the Attorney General, based upon his finding that it satisfies strict criteria and requirements, but also a certification by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs or a designated senior executive branch official that, among other things, "the purpose" of the surveillance is to obtain foreign intelligence information?

10. Do you admit that Section 218 of the USA Patriot Act permits surveillance if intelligence gathering is a "significant purpose" (as opposed to "the purpose") of the governmentпїЅs contemplated action?

11. Do you admit that this wording change effectively allows intelligence to be used by both law enforcement and intelligence agencies, blurring the distinction between domestic law enforcement and foreign intelligence operations?

12. Do you admit that this wording change would allow the National Security Agency to become an arm of domestic law enforcement?

13. Do you admit that Sections 216, 217 and 218 of the USA Patriot Act allow for unrestricted wiretapping, the tracing and spying on email messages and internet activities on anyone anywhere in the USA without the need to obtain a court order as long as "the information likely to be obtained пїЅ is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation?"

14. Do you admit that USA Patriot Act infringes on and erodes traditional due process safeguards and relies heavily on detention in the immigration context?

15. Do you admit that the USA Patriot Act relies heavily on mandatory detention, depriving individuals of their liberty and significantly impacting their ability to secure and maintain working relationships with counsel?

16. Do you admit that the USA Patriot Act and Justice Department rule changes since September 11 permits a prolonged detention of immigration detainees before charges are initiated, continued mandatory detention without bond or a custody hearing after charges have been filed (even when charges are not based on security grounds), and an automatic stay of release when an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals disagrees with the INS and sets a bond?

17. Do you admit that under Section 236A of the USA Patriot Act (at the Attorney GeneralпїЅs discretion), no court shall have jurisdiction to review, by habeas corpus, petition, or otherwise, any such action or decision?

18. Do you admit that under the USA Patriot Act, detainees will not have access to legal counsel with security clearances?

19. Do you admit that under the USA Patriot Act, detainees will not be able to meet privately with their legal counsel?

20. Do you admit that the USA Patriot Act and Justice Department rule changes since September 11 allow for the secret, incommunicado nature of detentions, closed hearings and a lack of access to attorneys and family members?

21. Do you admit that on October 11, 2001, the Justice Department issued a rule announcing that communications of certain federal prisoners would be monitored?

22. Do you admit that the USA Patriot Act and Justice Department rule changes since September 11 seriously impair the ability of attorneys to carry out their constitutional role under the 5th and 6th Amendments of providing effective counsel to their clients and will unduly limit the 1st Amendment rights of detainees to confer in confidence with their attorneys?

23. Do you admit that the USA Patriot Act and Justice Department rule changes since September 11 demonstrate a willingness on the part of the government to suspend the due process rights our Constitution guarantees, with no prior judicial approval and with no grounds other than "reasonable suspicion"?

24. Do you admit that the USA Patriot Act and Justice Department rule changes since September 11 demonstrate a willingness on the part of the government to eavesdrop on conversations between lawyers and their clients, including men, women and children who have never been charged with a crime?

25. Do you admit that the PresidentпїЅs November 11, 2001 executive order on military commissions for trying unlawful combatants is the equivalent of the TalibanпїЅs secret Star Chambers?

26. Do you admit that the PresidentпїЅs November 11, 2001 executive order on military commissions could apply to any non-citizen or resident alien who may have a tenuous (alleged) link to acts of terrorism?

27. Do you admit that the PresidentпїЅs November 11, 2001 executive order on military commissions allows for secret proceedings?

28. Do you admit that the PresidentпїЅs November 11, 2001 executive order on military commissions authorizes a lower standard of proof requirement than military courts, with only a 2/3 verdict necessary for the death sentence?

29. Do you admit that under the PresidentпїЅs November 11, 2001 executive order on military commissions habeas corpus may not apply?

30. Do you admit that the PresidentпїЅs November 11, 2001 executive order on military commissions stands to undermine the stature of the United States as the leader of the free world in ensuring fair and just tribunals for trials?

31. Do you admit that under the PresidentпїЅs November 11, 2001 executive order, and the Defense DepartmentпїЅs implementation procedures, military commissions could apply to U.S. citizens and to those lawfully present in the United States?

32. Do you admit that under the PresidentпїЅs November 11, 2001 executive order on military commissions, and the Defense DepartmentпїЅs implementation procedures, detention could be set for an indefinite period of time?

33. Do you admit that under the PresidentпїЅs November 11, 2001 executive order on military commissions, and the Defense DepartmentпїЅs implementation procedures, habeas corpus rights could be suspended?

34. Do you admit that under the PresidentпїЅs November 11, 2001 executive order on military commissions, and the Defense DepartmentпїЅs implementation procedures, there would be a lack of an appeal to an independent appellate body with the right to certiorari review by the US Supreme Court?

35. Do you admit that under the U.S. Patriot Act, government may monitor religious and political institutions, without suspecting criminal activity, to assist terror investigations?

36. Do you admit that under the U.S. Patriot Act, government has closed once-public immigration hearings, has secretly detained hundreds of people without charges, and has encouraged bureaucrats to resist public records requests?

37. Do you admit that under the U.S. Patriot Act, government may prosecute librarians or keepers of any other records if they tell anyone that the government subpoenaed information related to a terror investigation?

38. Do you admit that under the U.S. Patriot Act, government may monitor federal prison jailhouse conversations between attorneys and clients, and deny lawyers to Americans accused of crimes?

39. Do you admit that under the U.S. Patriot Act, government may search and seize AmericansпїЅ papers and effects without probable cause to assist terror investigations?

40. Do you admit that under the U.S. Patriot Act, Government may jail Americans indefinitely without a trial?

41. Do you admit that under the U.S. Patriot Act, Americans may be jailed without being charged or being able to confront witnesses against them?

Respectfully submitted this 23rd day of January , 2006 by:

Charles DeNova

Incrementalism vs. All-or-Nothing

We have 50 state parties. State parties could declare if they are an incrementalist state or an all-or-nothing state. Activists, volunteers and donors could then fund the candidate campaigns in the state with which they agree.

In Vermont we are focusing on the incrementalist approach. First we our going to focus our resources on running 5-10 serious candidates for state house. (Vermont was the last state to elect a Libertarian to the state house.) We started our 10/10/10 plan, and so far are having great success. We are 90 percent of the way to our initial fund raising goal for candidates.

You won't see our candidates campaigning on abolishing the drug war or ending all taxes, but on incremental issues like fixing our education funding system so we can lower property taxes, fixing the health care system so we can lower health care costs.

If anyone wants to see some libertarian success and you can spare $5 or $10 a month to help elect candidates, then read our 10/10/10 plan at http://www.vtlp.org and make a donation.

Hardy Machia

Three cheers for Google. Boycott MSN and Yahoo search engines.

Dear Hardy;

If in a debate you are asked "what is you parties position on taxation and the Drug "War"?
What would your response be?

Keith: I agree with you more. Even though I am still in the 40's, I would fight. In fact, for that reason, I support the decision of the "Lost Liberty Inn" as a starter.

This situation with google,is a clear violation of the constitution's right to freedom of association. If google decides to take this fight into the courts, I know full well that it will win.

Just bombard the search engines with "suspicious" words and phrases so that they have to abandon this medium as a reliable source of valuable information...

Looking at the purported rationale for this snooping, we apparently see this:

1. The feds want to prove that pornography filters don't work.

2. Rather than testing these filters by simply surfing the Internet for porn themselves, the feds want the search engines to (basically) investigate themselves by turning over the data that shows porn can be found.

3. Looks like a self-incrimination problem.

Google apparently saw through the multiple ruses here better than the half of the population that thinks spying is just fine if there's the remotest possible chance that it might make them feel 1% safer than they are now.

--Malcolm
Morning Satirical News
(a Libertarian blog)

We need to put Libertarian News on the Front Page of Google, MSN, and Yahoo.

House Report 109-333 USA PATRIOT IMPROVEMENT ACT, SECTION 605: There is hereby created and established a permanent police force, to be known as the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division.

It appears that this New Federal Police Force will have substantial powers which are both discretionary and arbitrary, and that such powers would allow this Police Force wide latitude in its ability to arrest or detain individuals for just about anything they deem as reasonable grounds. As we have seen with other statutes, the law can be interpreted loosely and just about in any manner that suits the purposes of those who enforce the law.

The consolidation of these new police powers should concern every Citizen; especially those of us who proclaim and espouse the restoration of the Republic, for we will be considered targets of this newly formed Gestapo! Although it would be much easier for me to ignore this threat to Our Liberty and indeed, Our Nation, I cannot ignore it, nor will I turn my back on this Nation, leaving it to the Wolves of Tyranny!

While we continue to work on the political front, it is becoming clear that there will come a time when Resistance to this growing Police State will be necessary! Now is the time to prepare for such Resistance! A Patriot Network must be established which will allow continued communications to flow freely between those of this Patriot Resistance, outside of the scope of the prying eyes and ears of those who seek to thwart the Liberty of the Nation.

If any of you have any suggestions, please state that on this blog, I will then post an email address, which is through a secure offshore server for you to contact. The only thing that I am advocating in this posting is the formation of a network to establish lines of secure communications, nothing more.

I know that even those who purport to be Defenders of Liberty may ostracize me for this posting, but there may come a time when we will all wish we had made some preparations for the rapidly changing events that are propelling this Nation toward a Techno-Totalitarian State.

I posted this a week or so ago on a different blog, but given your mention of the new uniformed division of the Secret Service, it may be worth repeating:

FIVE STEPS NECESSARY FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TOTALITARIAN REGIME IN THE u.s.

Step 1. Eliminate or render impotent the Legislative process.

Is there, or is there not a power grab going on right now from the Executive Branch? Congress has already neglected its Constitutional duties in so many ways it is becoming hard to count. For example, there is a great cry from the Democrats right now about Judge Alito's views to the Executive War Powers Act. According to the CONSTITUTION, only CONGRESS has the power to declare war. EVEN F.D.R. knew and respected that! They could propose and pass legislation repealing that act any time they want. Congress, preferring blame to be shifted to the President should a war go badly, rejected its Constitutional duty. And we keep electing these spineless bastards.

After the destruction of the Reichstag, which Hitler blamed on the Communists, he pushed through the legislature the "Enabling Act" without actually abrogating the Weimar Constitution. The Enabling Act allowed vastly expanded executive powers to circumvent that constitution. The way Congress fast tracked the “Patriot Act” can be viewed in parallel.

Step 2. Destroy Federalism.

Does anybody remember the 10th Amendment? In was included in the constitution to PREVENT tyranny by granting states ALL the power not specifically given to the Federal. Although we haven’t gone as far as Adolph and actually eliminated State governments, they have been rendered somewhat impotent enough. The Feds have by their words and deeds, made it fairly plain to the states that what they think doesn’t matter and as long as the feed from the federal money tree, the Fed’s will make the rules.

The Neocons, like Adolph, understand that the states exercising their constitutionally granted powers will only inhibit the desired outcome – absolute centralized control. In our case, we can thank Abe Lincoln for this – the FIRST Republican President.

Step 3. Create an Enemy and Declare “Homeland Security”

Hitler’s “boogey-men” were primarily Communists and the Jews. He blamed the burning of the Reichstag on the Communists, although it was actually carried out by Ernest Rohm, leader of the Brown Shirts at Hitler’s specific request. Hitler later had him assassinated so he couldn’t later talk. He also blamed Rohm’s assassination on the Communists and made him a Nazi martyr. Our boogiemen for the moment are Islamic extremists on a Jihad against the free world and anyone we declare to be their “fellow travelers”. Whether you believe the story of 9/11 or not is irrelevant, they are it officially. Hitler declared as German Chancellor, he would protect the Fatherland. He called his program “Fatherland Security”, now in his case he simply eliminated liberties such as freedom of speech , press, assembly AND travel. The Neocons, through Dubya created the “Department of HOMELAND Security” and while not unilaterally shutting down the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, no one can argue that they have not been somewhat “sodomized”, with the violation increasing in intensity each and every day. Hitler, at first, branded dissenters as traitors and soft on terrorism. Sound familiar? He later employed more direct and "Draconian" methods. Hitler’s propaganda director was one fellow named Josef Gobbels, we have whole networks of them with names like Rush who joke about “Club Gitmo”. This is the new equivalent of the sort of internment camp where we imprisoned thousands of Japanese-Americans at the outset of WW2 because they were all spies and potential terrorists.

Step 4. Nationalize the Police Force and Establish Secret and Military Style Police.

The recent Hurricane disasters were an excuse to declare Martial Law and use our Military as Police in violation of U.S. Law. Dubya mentioned again in the event of a “bird flu” epidemic. Congress is now contemplating a uniformed division of the Secret Service (I.C.E.). N.S.A. doing domestic spying on American Citizens while the pundits make excuses for it.

Hitler had his Gestapo; Stalin had the KGB (then G.R.U.). , now WE have "the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division".

Step 5. Disarm the People.

This trial balloon was floated during Hurricane Katrina when the Feds and local police confiscated the weapons of the law abiding citizens of New Orleans in direct violation of the 2nd Amendment. Think it won’t happen again?We just need another "event" to trigger it. The mechanism is in place.

Four out of the five conditions are now in place.

SEIG HEIL y'all. See you in the Concentration Camp.

I am with you Chuck...As I said, it is time to establish a network of communication between Patriots.

CMMC http://www.givemeliberty.org is again a very effective, in your face tool of action in facing down the increasingly oppressive anti-American values government, in a peaceful, rational, civilized, legal and moral way. I have not only signed on to this, but have taken the petitions and have presented them to my own Senators and Representative. One has already tried to weasel his way around it (a Neocon naturally), but I turned it around on him.

I think this is something that you and the rest of us non-Vichy Libertarians would be interested in.

Chuck asked: "If in a debate you are asked "what is you parties position on taxation and the Drug "War"? What would your response be?"

I would side-step the question and turn it around to the issues that the majority of the voters are interested in and that I was running on. There is no need to answer a question designed by your opponents to cost you votes.

If they were persistent, then I would probably say something like alcohol prohibition didn't work and drug prohibition isn't working.

As for abolishing all taxes, it's a great utopists ideal, but I'd distance myself from that part of the party platform. Abolishing all taxes more of a fringe issue and has about 0.0001% chance in any reality. I'd focus on rolling back government spending to what we had 10 years ago. (In Vermont that would cut the size of the Vermont state budget in half.)

Hardy

"There is no need to answer a question designed by your opponents to cost you votes."

About what I thought you'd say Hardy. I mean you no personal disrespect, but I do not support your views. If you stand for nothing, you are nothing. The time for fence straddling and appeasing idiots is over. This is an all or nothing proposition, this country and its Constitution is hanging by a thread in the end and you come off as just another say nothing offensive politician, more interested in getting elected than standing for something worthwhile. As to taxes, people vote with their pocketbooks in mind, remember Mr. Clinton's "it's the ECONOMY stupid". We have enough spineless folk now who refuse to engage a monster that didn't even exist 100 years ago.

Libertarianism is not for the timid, a Constitutional Republic is not for the irresponsible, and the fight for the future of our nation is not for the fainthearted.

Thanks Chuck...actually I am also very involved with GiveMeLiberty! I am also in agreement with you when you proclaim that neither the Timid, Irresponsible, or Fainthearted need apply when it comes to the choices that we will all face in the very near future concerning the future of Our Nation. There will the those who have spoken fearless words against the onslaught of tyranny, yet when the day comes to stand against such tyranny, the harsh winds of reality will winnow away the chaff of armchair Patriots.

Google may have resisted the U.S. Government, but they rolled over like a submissive dog to the whims of their communist masters in China. They are eagerly and totally obeying China's mandate to censor all search results in China and return results on only those websites which are 100% supportive of the People's Republic of China.

What can I Say Damn.I'm A named plaintiff in the We People case.Good to hear you guys Chuck CMMC.You know the saying Hang together or Hang sepratly.Hopfully diplomacy and reason will win the day.it's up to the courts here in about 60 days.

http://epic.org/privacy/terrorism/fisa/doj11906wp.pdf

If you want to see the mental thought processes of this President, take a look at the above link: "LEGAL AUTHORITIES SUPPORTING THE ACTIVITIVES OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY DESCRIBED BY THE PRESIDENT"
It should clearly demonstrate just what this President and his Administration thinks about the role of the Constitution of the United States and the People it is suppose to protect.
I tell you now, we are facing not only a coming storm, but a huge force of Jack-Booted Storm Troopers as well!
Prepare yourselves Patriots-n-Arms!

Has anyone heard about the report that is floating around concerning safe deposit boxes? It says that during a "national emergency"-definition unknown, that agents of the Department of Homeland Security will have the authority to confiscate all safe deposit boxes. All contents of thoses boxes will be retained by the government except the owners personal papers. If true, then for those of you who still believe that we can only press for change in this country in an incremental manner, think again and be prepared to be forced to rip down the Stars and Strips and replace it with the Swastika and Strips.

CMMC - Remember, all banks are FEDERALLY Chartered and part of the Federal Reserve. The concept of banks being "private" is absurd. During the S&L meltdown of the 80's I was part of a team, who with the FDIC and FSLIC would RAID failed S&L's, lock them down and secure their paperwork and computers AND Safe Deposit boxes. I had my own pair of "Jackboots", realizing where this country was going (I was already a Libertarian) I became sick at what I was doing. I learned in a practical way that one cannot "compromise" with evil. I closed my last account in 1990. I have no credit or Debit cards and deal only in cash. I am in the process of revoking my Social Security Card (it was applied for on my behalf when I was a minor, I have never applied for one myself).

New motto, "Live as a sovereign, not a subject."

They can't take what they can't readily lay their hands on. Liquidate all non portable assets and keep them safe. Next "terrorist" incident will cut the cord.

Oh yes Chuck...I am a mortgage banker, so I am very aware of all the ins and outs of the Feds. I am completely debt-free and now I am off the credit radar, nor do I have any non-liquid securities or safe deposit boxes. My assets are in the form of safe-haven items like small coin gold and silver, loose gemstones, trade goods for bartering, farm implements and seed, some land both domestic and foreign, as well as self-defense assets.
As far as computers go...mine are all set up with removable harddrives and jump drives, all my paper work is shredded on a weekly basis and I also have other fail-safe strategies and caches in place in case of intrustions.
I am sure that sounds paranoid to many, but I have heard too many stories from those who lived through the Great Depression and other national disasters to ignore the need to prepare.

Only waiting by some miracle U.S. Court of appeals will uphold the rule of law, and recognize our right of self governance and to redress the goverment for redress of greivenaces.Bob Shultz has refused to pay his property tax and I have not paid any Income tax sence 2000.When I discovered the long chain of abuses by our politicians.So either we get answers to the petitions or War on the government the choice is really whether our serveants serve us or they have become our masters I will not live in a Tyranny rather die fighting.

I have an idea. What if everyone here went to a site that's complying with the goverment, and first typed in a search that would probably raise some red flags to the domestic espionage goons, followed my messages adressed specifically to them in the search field. Just to let them know that we're aware of what they're doing.
And while you're at it, go to your local library and check out all of the most suspicious books you can put your hands to, just to throw a wrench in their cogs. I've been pulling that one for weeks. I bet I'm blacklisted for that "Idiot's Guide to Jihad" alone, even without that copy of "Fatwahs and Long Beards Made Easy" or everybody's favorite book on tape, "Resisting the Great Satan: A Method" as read by the Ahyatolla Khameni.

Oh wait, turns out Chuck already had the same idea. Also, that petition is a thing of beauty, Chuck. I hope they actually read it, although a little bird once told me that they don't necessarily read everything that come across their desk, even if they plan to sign it into law.
But who knows, maybe it'll get so lost in the buerocracy that everyone will sign it without knowing what it is, and inadvertantly repeal the patriot act. One can dream.

I like to see a repeal in the tax signed into law where our property is concerned, and if they did sign it, my guess is they won't tell us.

Chance and anyone else interested: Feel free to copy the petition and send it to your own pet politicos. The redress of grievence is right in the First Amendment. There are three more on the site. Before you do anything with them though, make sure you touch base with Bob Schultz.

Just for a few giggles I also sent this out:

According to Homeland Security last month a centralized manufacturing and distribution operation run by a bearded fanatic in an undisclosed Arctic location was in full play. His agents were numerous and everywhere, and like Saddam Hussein this zelot has been known to use doubles. His vast spy ring provides the raw data that allow him to calculate the details of each year's mission. He keeps lists of pre adolescents and determines who, in his opinion have been naughty or nice. He preys upon our CHILDREN!! A nationwide enemies list!! He then enters American airspace illegally using technology so advanced he can visit millions of households in one night, plants packages in homes around the country, and returns to his base, from which he issues occasional communiquйs urging peace, good will, and our presence at various post-Christmas sales. President Bush is again asking the Senate to re-authorize the Patriot Act to help keep us safe from such potential dangers.

LOL! Friggin Brilliant!Chuck.

I'm voting Libertarian this next time around even if people say I'm wasting my vote.
Like I haven't wasted it on Repubs or Demos who say BS and never do it.
My vote will be a protest vote and a vote for more Libertarian things to come in the near future unless enough people do the same and vote Libertarians in, in 2006.
Enough is enough, if Libertarians don't win expect the same old same old. Lack of vision, and more destruction of what rights we have left.

Apathy Sucks!

Good work Google. Not giving into the Feds while catering to the whims of the Chinese. Great work there *bangs hand against forehead*