Rand Paul blasts Obama's plan for 9/11 Terrorists; says give them Military Tribunals and keep them at Gitmo

Rand Paul: Try, Convict and Lock Up Terrorists In Guantanamo

For Immediate Release

November 19, 2009

BOWLING GREEN, KENTUCKY – Leading United States Senate candidate Rand Paul today criticized the Obama administration’s decision to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center and try terrorism suspects in United States Civil Courts.

“Foreign terrorists do not deserve the protections of our Constitution,” said Dr. Paul. “These thugs should stand before military tribunals and be kept off American soil. I will always fight to keep Kentucky safe and that starts with cracking down on our enemies.”

Dr. Paul believes in strong national defense and thinks military spending should be our country’s top budget priority. He has also called for a Constitutional declaration of war with Afghanistan.

To Contribute:

RandPaul2010.com

Editor's Note - Although the above banner reads "I Support Rand Paul," sentiments as far as Libertarian Republican is concerned, should read "We Support Rand Paul."

Is Obama a legitimate President? 26% of Americans Say No

Obama's approvals now 49% to 46%; first time firm finds below 50%

Some stunning new poll findings from Public Policy Polling (PPP). A recent survey found that fully 26% of all Americans believe that ACORN committed massive voter to get Obama elected.

From PPP:

Overall 62% of Americans think Obama legitimately won the election to only 26% who think ACORN stole it for him, as few Democrats or independents buy into that line of thinking.

A majority of Republicans agree. Continuing:

PPP's newest national survey finds that a 52% majority of GOP voters nationally think that ACORN stole the Presidential election for Barack Obama last year, with only 27% granting that he won it legitimately...

Note - Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina had razor thin margins for Obama's victory on election night. Nevada, Colorado and Virginia were somewhat close.

The Polling firm also surveyed Obama's approvals. The results are just as stunning. Continuing:

Overall 49% of voters express approval of Obama’s work with 46% disapproving.

"This is the first time President Obama’s approval rating has dropped below 50% in our polling,” said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling. "It does seem that the health care issue is hurting him some with independents who voted for him last year."

Photo is of voter intimidation on election day 2008 by the Black Panther Party at a Philadelphia polling location. Other, of duplicate ballots sent in as absentees in Ohio by ACORN.

Rudy Giuliani may go for Senate, polls show him ahead

From Eric Dondero:

The big political news that broke late Thursday; Rudy Giuliani has decided not to seek the Governorship of New York. Instead, the NY Daily News reported, Giuliani is on the verge of announcing for a Senate run. Coincidentally, the day the news broke a new poll showed him ahead for Senate.

New Marist Poll

what if Giuliani makes a bid for the U.S. Senate? Giuliani leads U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the Democrat appointed by Governor David Paterson to fill the vacant seat left by Hillary Clinton. 54% of registered voters statewide would vote for Giuliani compared with 40% who would support Gillibrand. Even one-third of Democrats report they would back the Republican challenger, and Giuliani runs competitively against Gillibrand in overwhelmingly Democratic New York City.

Politico this morning reports the following:

Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), who spoke at length with Giuliani after a campaign fundraiser last night, told POLITICO that he had no inside information about Giuliani’s political future, but did think it would make sense for him to pursue the Senate race.

“It makes sense for Rudy to run for Senate, because these are the issues he’s been focusing on -- international issues, national security. He really has a lot to say. On the other hand, Rudy’s background is as an executive,” King said.

"I can see him wanting to run for president again, and doing the Senate race would position him well for that....

Indianans heart Palin; Hundreds wait out in the rain for chance at Book Signing

Heartland embraces the ultimate "Christian Libertarian"

The Anderson Herald-Bulletin reports that hundreds lined up for hours in the rain for the chance at a wrist band to gain access to see Sarah Palin. The former Alaska Governor was in town - nearby Noblesville - for a book signing.

One of those quoted in the piece was a self-described Libertarian Party member who said he admired her political stances, as well as her personal religious devotion. From the Herald-Bulletin:

Anderson resident Brock Glaze clutched two copies of Palin’s book, hoping to get one signed for himself, and one for a co-worker.

Although he considers himself a Libertarian, Glaze said Palin is an exemplary Republican. “I think she’s absolutely brilliant. She’s the only one with the guts to say what needs to be said. Her gender has absolutely nothing to do with it. She has more guts than most of the men in her party. I think she’s not afraid to stand up for her conservatism, her Christianity, for pretty much everything that’s necessary for a free nation.”

Meanwhile, World Magazine says that one of the reasons for Palin's successful book tour is that she combines her personal Christian faith, with her increasingly popular libertarian political beliefs. From World:

Palin (helped by WORLD senior writer Lynn Vincent) describes her Alaska childhood, her teenage years, meeting Todd, working her way through college, eloping (and rustling up a couple of witnesses from a nursing home), and having babies. Meanwhile she was developing her Christian faith and a libertarian-leaning political philosophy that eventually led her into local politics...

Wisconsin Libertarian Republican Ed Thompson gets some Big City news attention

LR FOLLOW-UP

Libertarian Republican was among the very first to break the news of the Party switch, and subsequent announcement on the Republican ticket of Libertarian Ed Thompson in Wisconsin.

Now, the Libertarian turned Libertarian Republican, is garnering a great deal of interest for his next political race.

From the Chicago Tribune, Nov. 19:

TOMAH, Wis. - Ed Thompson says he won't seek re-election as Tomah mayor and will instead concentrate on running for a state Senate seat.

Thompson says he has a "tough fight" ahead to unseat Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, a Democrat from Alma, in District 31.

Thompson is running as a Republican. He ran an unsuccessful campaign for governor in 2002 as a Libertarian. He's the brother of former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson.

Texas Liberals shocked Tea Party Patriots would challenge fellow Republicans in primaries

by Eric Dondero

Burnt Orange is continuing to display how even a popular and respected political blog, can spout off drivel at times. And being that they're Texas liberals, that drivel rolling down their cheeks is the juicy brown and red-tinged colored from their favorite cherry-flavored chew.

The Lone Star State's tiny but famed Leftist contingent is shocked, just shocked, that libertarians and hard-line constitutionalist conservatives who make up the Tea Party movement would shoot it out with fellow Republicans in the primaries.

From Libby Shaw at Burnt Orange (and cross-posted to Daily Kos):

According to yesterday's Houston Chronicle, the teabaggers in Texas are fed up and want to throw all of the bums out. In Texas, the bums happen to be Republicans.

Even Rick Perry is a target of this group because he apparently is not conservative enough.

While it's too early to determine if the Tea Party movement will prove to be a durable political force, its candidates could prove a costly and unwanted distraction for establishment Republicans who would rather be aiming their fire at Democrats. Case in point: the GOP race for governor, where Tea Party ally Debra Medina of Wharton has announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination against incumbent Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, whom she dismisses derisively as "get-along-style politicians."

A conservative who is ranked among conservatives as very conservative is not conservative enough, according to tea partiers.

"It's a misdirected frustration," said Hudson, "because [Rep. Mike] Conaway is one of the most conservative members of Congress."

Hudson has a point. Conaway boasts a 96 percent lifetime voting rating from the American Conservative Union, the gold standard for right-thinking politicos. But to Clowdus, he's just another fox in Washington's henhouse.

In an suburban area outside of Houston, The Woodlands, the incumbent Republican there is also being challenged by the right b/c the incumbent voted for Bush era spending and Wall St. bailouts. [Rep. Kevin Brady of the Woodlands]

Teabaggers would be no better because this is what conservatives do. Look out for yourself first and foremost. Screw everyone else.

So-called moderate Republicans are no different, really, from the teabaggers. As far as I am concerned, there are no moderate Texas Republican lawmakers. All are conservative and many have strong libertarian leanings.

And the Teabaggers. Please dear God. Talk about a group of misinformed jokers who are being led around by the nose by a self-serving demagogue called Glenn Beck. The more he can whip teabaggers into a frenzy, the higher Beck's ratings climb. Beck gets richer in the process. And so does FOX. Meanwhile, the teabaggers who seem to have a lot of time on their hands to march to Washington don't seem to have a lot of work to do. Have most lost their jobs?

Firstly, Governor Perry, Congressmen Brady and Conaway have little to worry about from these Tea Party (in the case of Medina, pro-seccessionist) candidates. They're running on principle, mainly to send a message to the incumbents; Don't roll over to liberal elites and special interest groups who are pushing y'all to the center.

Of course, a neutered, squishy centrist GOP is precisely what the Burnt Orange crowd would love to see. They're truly frightened by this new Tea Party phenomena.

Why has the Libertarian Party and libertarians in general been ignored for decades by the major media? Precisely because to give the Libertarians any play, would allow the GOP to be appear more moderate, reasonable and in the center of American politics. Now with the rise of the Tea Party movement the liberals can no longer ignore the libertarian right.

The Tea Party movement is like an iron pan from an outdoor campfire, striking a Texas cowboy across the face. It's a shock to the political system. And as much as it shakes up the Republican Party for the better, it leaves liberals bewildered, flustered, and frustrated.

Like an ole game of Texas Hold 'em, The Burnt Orange folks may have just tipped their hand.

REMINDER: I will be attending a Conference this afternoon/evening for Texas Right Bloggers. This site will not be updated til tomorrow morning.

Libertarian GOPer wins first round for State Assembly, faces run-off

A special election was held on Tuesday in California to fill a vacated state assembly seat. It was won, first round, by a longtime libertarian Republican.

From the LA Times:

After a whirlwind, blistering race to replace a disgraced former state legislator, Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby came in first among five candidates Tuesday but fell short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff.

In the special election for the 72nd Assembly District seat, Norby jumped to an early lead over fellow Republicans -- longtime party activist Linda Ackerman and political newcomer Richard Faher -- Democrat John MacMurray and Jane Rands of the Green Party.

Norby has been a close friend and ally of the Orange County Libertarian Party, and was even rumored to have joined at one point. One of his close advisors and political comrades is former Orange County LP Chairman Bruce Cohen.

From NBCLosAngeles.com Nov. 17:

Three Republicans, Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby, Linda Ackerman and Richard Faher, and Democrat John MacMurray and Jane Rands of the Green Party are seeking 72nd Assembly District seat.

If no candidate receives a majority Tuesday, the top finisher in each party will face each other again in a runoff election on Jan. 12

Norby is more of a libertarian.

The predominately Republican district consists of Brea, Fullerton and Placentia and portions of Anaheim, Yorba Linda, Orange and La Habra.

Norby is a longtime city councilman in Fullerton. The city (pop. 110,000) had a Libertarian Party member as Mayor - Bonnie Flickinger - for 8 years in the 1990s.

Nick Popaditch for US Congress on Gutfeld's Red Eye on Fox

Popaditch is running as a Republican against incumbent Democrat Bob Filner in far southern California (El Centro, El Cajon, Chula Vista). He was drafted to run by former Congressman Duncan Hunter and is being supported by current Congressman and fellow Iraq War Vet from the neighboring district Rep. Duncan D. Hunter.

Rep. Duncan D. Hunter Republican for VP 2012?

Former NC Libertarian Party Chair pushes Military Hawk for the GOP Ticket

In a syndicated column by Liberty Features Syndicated, the former State Chair for the Libertarian Party of North Carolina Dave Bozeman lays out the case for drafting Duncan D. Hunter for Vice-President in 2012.

From the Sebeka-Menahaga, MN Messenger, Nov. 16:

For the title of rising star and possible vice-presidential candidate in 2012, the GOP should consider Duncan D. Hunter, first-term congressman representing California’s 52nd district (San Diego). He, of course, is the son of Duncan L. Hunter, who held the seat for twenty-eight years and ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008.

Duncan D., 33 in December (a rating of 91% from the American Conservative Union, 100% from the Eagle Forum and one of Politico’s “up and comers” in the new congressional class) will have served but two terms as of 2012, assuming, of course, he wins 2010. But, as President Obama has proven, youth, promise and a compelling life story can compensate for a thin resume.

He enlisted in the Marines as a lieutenant just after 9/11, and by late 2007 had served three combat tours, two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. If economic and domestic issues remain top-tier concerns in 2012, his military record and membership on the Armed Services Committee will remind voters of the post 9/11 patriotism and resolve that has helped keep America safe from a second catastrophe. If foreign policy again takes center stage, the House of Representatives knows no finer patriot than Hunter who, under the mentorship of a seasoned presidential contender, could gallantly lead his country and his party for many years to come...

Hunter, much like his father, is a military hawk, a staunch proponent of border security (he opposes amnesty and drivers licenses for illegals), and his opposition to Obama-care includes his amendment, accepted by the House Education and Labor Committee, to protect small businesses from broad employer mandates.

The Congressman was apparently flattered by the piece. The Hill - Blog Briefing Room reports that he twittered it to all his supporters.

New Poll Numbers: Obama dips with Blacks into 80s for the first time

New poll numbers released from Quinnipiac shows Obama's approvals dropping below 50% "for the first time in his presidency," according to the firm.

48% approve
42% disapprove

Comments Peter Brown, director of Quinipiac:

in politics symbols matter and this is not a good symbol for the White House... Moreover, the percentage who approve of the way he is handling the economy has dropped from a split 47 - 46 percent approval in October to 52 - 43 percent disapproval today."

But perhaps an even more interesting number, Obama's support has dropped among African Americans. Continuing:

Among Blacks

Approve 89% [93%]
Disapprove 6% [3%]

Rumble in Ft. Lauderdale: Communists vs. Tea Party protesters

From the Editor:

This video has been making the rounds of the Rightosphere the last couple days. It's a little hard to follow if you don't know who the players are, and who is who in the video.

Basically, last Saturday, Tea Party protesters held a protest Against Amnesty & Illegal Immigration in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Beforehand, the International Communist group ANSWER caught wind of it, and quickly organized a counter-protest, across the street. (The camera angle you see is from a Tea Party protester across the street from the counter-protesters.)

As you can see in the video, a Tea Party patriot comes up to tape the counter-protesters, and one of them - the buzzcut muscle dude - starts attacking him with a sign. A friend of the Tea Party patriot rushes in and gets attacked himself by yet another Communist.

A 62 year old Tea Party protester Dave Caulkett of FLIMEN (Floridians for Immigration Enforcement) is assaulted and then kicked in the face while he is down.

Cops were called in, and charges are being filed on all sides.

Palin's favorite reading material? From two of America's most hardcore libertarian authors

Two of the greatest anti-authoritarian books of all-time turn out to be on the top of Sarah Palin's reading list. From an interview by Erick Erickson yesterday with the former Alaska Governor.

From RedState:

One of the criticisms leveled by the right when Palin was chosen as McCain’s nominee is that she had not shown she’d done the reading to lead, i.e. read the Hayek, Friedman, Goldwater, Bastiat, to form her thoughts. She admitted she is a gut level conservative, but also said that criticism comes mostly from “shallow people who have not delved into [her] record.”

I did not want to sound like Katie Couric and ask what she’s read, but I broached the subject and she went right into mentioning Thomas Sowell and Jonah Goldberg’s Liberal Fascism. She said she has read some of the foundational stuff, but she sees no need to focus on the old writings. She likes “the modern stuff too.” Her preference is policy and application, focusing on writers who are not just following up on foundational conservative ideas, but applying those ideas too.

Note - Jonah Goldberg is a Senior Editor for National Review, and self-described "libertarian-conservative." Dr. Sowell, a self-described "libertarian," is a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institute in Stanford, CA.

Bobby Jindal, champion government cutter - now winning over the hearts and minds of skeptical Reason

From Eric Dondero:

Reason Magazine/Online is notorious for heavy skepticism of anything that hints of G.O.P. But oddly enough, one Republican is winning some serious praise from the cynical libertarian crowd: Louisiana's Bobby Jindal.

From the Reason Foundation, "Louisiana Provides Model for Closing Budget Deficit" Nov. 17:

Louisiana, the state taking the most thoughtful approach to solving its fiscal crisis. Pelican State policymakers, led by Governor Bobby Jindal, have embarked on a wide-ranging set of government reforms designed to reduce the size and cost of government.

They created a Commission on Streamlining Government this year to identify over $1.5 billion in cost savings through streamlining, consolidation, and elimination. They passed legislation granting more flexibility in cutting spending in protected "silos." Gov. Jindal has eliminated thousands of positions from the state budget and over 70 unnecessary or inactive state boards and commissions. The Louisiana Division of Administration is developing a range of privatization proposals within each of its departments, and it's also piloting a new budgeting approach designed to fund priorities and drive performance. And this is all just a start.

It's already paying off. Ratings agency Fitch upgraded Louisiana's bond rating last month, specifically citing the state's focus on spending control and streamlining as influencing factors. This alone will save taxpayers millions in avoided interest costs over time.

Note - Reason is America's premiere magazine for libertarians, promoting "free minds and free markets." Founded by Bob Poole, and Manual Klausner, it's been publishing since 1972.

LR Update, Housekeeping and Shout-outs

First a housekeeping note. Article posts for Thursday might be a little lighter than usual. Your humble editor will be attending a Right-bloggers seminar in Houston sponsored by Americans for Prosperity. We'll be back up to full speed early Friday morning.

Our numbers of daily visitors have been very solid these past few weeks: 800 to 1,000 on weekdays, 700s on weekends.

Some of the recent articles that have garnered particular attention and praise: Our continuing coverage of Party Switchers from Democrat to Republican, Clifford's article on Major Hasan and his allegiance to the doctrine of Radical Islam, Nick Popaditch for US Congress, Rand Paul for US Senate, the articles on the Military Draft, and unexpectedly Dan Sheill's movie review of "Pirate Radio."

Dan's Pirate Radio review was picked up and run in full by three sites: Jim Fryar's Real World Libertarian, the Australian Libertarian Society and the hugely popular Daily Paul TheDailyPaul.com

My article on the Military Draft and the Massachusetts Senate race was linked by Tim Daniel's Left Coast Rebel, and the conservative blog Jumping Pools.

Tip of the Hat to those sites for citing and linking to Libertarian Republican.

As always, submissions are welcome. And we always invite your feedback as to what articles, and what type of articles you enjoy the most here at LR.

Eric - The Management

New Poll Numbers: Americans overwhelmingly support All-Volunteer Armed Forces

Americans continue to support Libertarian view against mandatory Military Service and Compulsory Civilian Corps

by Eric Dondero

In recent years, Democrats such as New York Congressman Charlie Rangel, have offered legislation to bring back the Military Draft. Their argument has been based on egalitarianism. Democrats in favor of compulsory military service wish to level the playing field, requiring young men from wealthier and "privleged" families to serve.

More recently, calls for compulsory national service have increased. Barack Obama himself has endorsed the idea of mandatory service for young people in a civilian corps.

But Americans in the very latest polling numbers are rejecting both ideas by overwhelming margins.


From Rasmussen, Nov. 16:

Seventy-two percent (72%) of voters nationwide favor an all-volunteer military like the United States has had since 1973 when the draft was abolished. Fifteen percent (15%) oppose an all-volunteer military, and 13% are undecided.

Twenty-five percent (25%) like the idea of requiring U.S. citizens to spend a year in public service, but that’s an 11-point drop in support from the survey two years ago. Sixty-three percent (63%) oppose such a requirement.

Rasmussen goes on to note:

Even though the country no longer has a draft, men ages 18 to 25 are still required to register with the Selective Service System as a contingency.

The Libertarian view is to oppose any and all mandatory service for both the military and civilian purposes. We Libertarians believe that government has no right to force a young man (or woman) into service for the state. In essence, the draft is similar to slavery. Further, we believe pragmatically, that in most instances those forced into service make poor soldiers and sailors. Finally, we believe that forcing young men into military service can be denigrating to those who have volunteered to serve their country.

Ironically in recent years, it has been Republican elected and appointed administration officials who have taken the anti-Draft view. Republican Congressman such as Peter Hoekstra of Michigan, Dana Rohrabacher of California and Ron Paul of Texas have co-sponsored legislation to abolish Selective Service.

In 2003, Bush administration Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld famously stated in a press conference, when asked about the possibility of a return to the Draft: It will happen, "over my dead body."

It's good to see that the American people are agreeing with the former Secretary, and saying loudly and clearly to the Obama administration - A return to the Draft? "Over our Dead Bodies"!

Note - I am one of three identified Libertarians in the Nation who serves as a Federal Appointee to the Selective Service Board (Houston Region.)

Mass Democrat Senate candidate for Kennedy seat says he'd support a Military Draft

Republican Opponent Scott Brown supports current policy of All-Volunteer Armed Forces

One of the leading Democratic Senate candidates Stephen Pagliuca, has come under fire for comments he made in a recent radio debate with his primary opponents. Pagliuca, a multi-millionaire self-funding his campaign, is part owner of the famed Boston Celtics.

From WKRG News 5 - Boston:

"I would support a military draft because I think it talks about equality, so I'd support a draft."

Pagliuca attempted to clarify his remarks, but then reiterated his stance. Continuing:

He said that if there were a need to increase troop levels beyond what voluntary recruitment could provide, "I would support a mandatory draft that would be fair, transparent and equal."

The winner of the Democrat primary will likely face Republican State Senator Scott Brown, a libertarian-conservative, who is expected to easily win the GOP nomination. He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard, and serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee in the Senate. The Senator is a strong supporer of America's All-Volunteer Armed Forces.

Reached for a comment by Libertarian Republican, Felix Browne, a Campaign Spokesman for Sen. Brown stated his position:

"Scott Brown does not support a military draft. Scott Brown knows that our volunteer Military is the finest in the world, and is fully capable of defending our homeland and our interests abroad."

BrownforUSSenate.com

Radical Muslim MO Rep. resigns over Bribery charges, Democrats replace him with admitted Tax Cheat

Republicans can't find candidate to run against tax-avoiding Dem for Special Election

From Eric Dondero:

Missouri Representative T.D. El-Amin has represented northwest St. Louis in the Missouri Legislature for the last two years. El-Amin, is described by Missouri Bushwhacker as a "Muslim media darling." His election was seen as breaking through an ethnic and religious barrier, in the otherwise conservative-leaning State. During his legislative stint, El-Amin, a former auto worker, garnered attention for sponsoring legislation for slavery reparations for Blacks and for a more bizarre attempt to ban baking soda.

El-Amin was forced to resign his seat in September over bribery charges. From the Riverfront Times:

State Rep. Talibdin "T.D." El-Amin (D-North St. Louis) pleaded guilty to bribery charges today in federal court.

According to court documents, and statements made in court by Assistant United States Attorney Hal Goldsmith, during March 2009, El-Amin solicited a cash bribe from a local businessman, referred to as John Doe, who had approached El-Amin for help in dealing with St. Louis city officials relative to the operations of his gasoline station located within El-Amin's 57th district.

During May, 2009, El-Amin took a bribe consisting of several cash payments totaling $2,100 from John Doe in exchange for promises to intervene on John Doe's behalf with St. Louis city officials, including a city department head.

The Times goes on to note that the investigation is "ever expanding," and quotes United States Attorney Michael W. Reap urging St. Louis citizens to step forward to report other allegations of bribery of local politicians. The city has long had a reputation for behind the scenes pay-for-play politics among Democrat elected officials.

El-Amin is seen as a test case to bust the ring. Continuing from the Times:

El-Amin now faces a maximum penalty of 10 years and/or fines up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on December 14.

Comment from blogger Missouri Bushwhacker:

I guess ole "Taliban" thought that since he couldn't force Missourians to apologize, he'd make his own reparations. Maybe he can get his job back at the Ford plant... oh yeah, with the economy the way it is and the memory of all the hell he raised because they wouldn't let him pray 5 times a day to Allah still fresh in the plant managements memory, I don't see that happening either.

Democrats in the minority in the MO House, have moved quickly to fill the seat. A special election is set for Feb. 2. But they've run into another embarrassment over their chosen pick. From St. Louis Today:

A day before she clinched the nomination to fill a vacancy in the Missouri House of Representatives on Saturday, St. Louis Democrat Hope Whitehead paid a visit to City Hall.

Not to mobilize supporters, but to pay hundreds of dollars in outstanding taxes.

Her trip downtown was more than just civic duty. Under state law, candidates with overdue tax bills are ineligible for the ballot.

When her obligations were met, a panel of city Democratic leaders gathered Saturday to nominate Whitehead, 50, to fill the vacancy created by former state Rep. Talibdin El-Amin, who submitted his resignation in September after pleading guilty to federal bribery charges.

Ironically, Whitehead had previously served in the state prosecutor's office, and did a stint on State Liquor Commission under Governor Mel Carnahan, an agency that over the years has been under scrutiny for alleged "favoritism."

However, St. Louians may be calmed by her vow to stay clean. Continuing:

Whitehead also said on Saturday that she would do a better job of paying her taxes on time — city records show she owed $1,155 in personal property taxes and related fees. Whitehead acknowledged paying her vehicle taxes only when her two-year registration expired, not each year as required.

Amazingly, the local Republican Party has no plans to run a candidate against Ms. Whitehead. So, unless a Libertarian or an Independent Tea Party candidate steps forward, she will be automatically elected.

(H/ts St. Louis Beacon, Don Suber blog)

Boortz: Democrats taking over Health Care, looting from Producers so that Moochers can get it for Free

Three Kinds of People in the World - Producers, Looters & Moochers

"You see, I divide the nation into three classes: The moochers, the looters and the producers. The looters (government) loot from the producers and give to the moochers in return for moocher votes." -- Nealz Nuwz

Excerpt from "Moochers need Free Market dose," editorial by Neal Boortz, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Nov. 15:

This whole debate — and the Democrats’ attempt to seize control of a sixth of our nation’s economy — would have ended long ago if the American people had realized that this is about creating dependency on government and nothing else. Look, if these moochers had any concern whatsoever about the availability and quality of health care in this country, they would have turned the free markets loose.

Our friends the Democrats, knowing the power of the free market, wouldn’t so much as propose allowing you to purchase health insurance across state lines, let alone give you the same tax breaks if you were to purchase health insurance on your own that your employer gets purchasing it for you.

To claim a right to health care, then, is to claim a right to either the time or the property of the people with the skills, the drugs or the equipment you may need.

Get the point?

You have NO right to a portion of another person’s life, or to their property. None. Therefore, you cannot have a right to health care.

Think about this: Once you perfect a claim to a portion of another person’s life or property for your health care, where does it stop? Do you then have a similar claim for shelter or three squares a day? How much of that person’s life and property belongs to you? How much can they protect from your ever-growing dependency on government?

Note - Just last week Neal Boortz, one of the Nation's leading Pro-Defense libertarian voices, was inducted into the Radio Talk Show Host Hall of Fame. Rush Limbaugh gave the keynote at his induction.

Old-time Liberal Newsman Mark Shields calls Obama a Girlie Man on Foreign Policy

What America needs again is a Man of Strength

On Inside Washington on Sunday respected liberal journalist Mark Shields broke away from standard leftwing talking points, making some rather unexpected remarks about the conduct of Obama's foreign policy. Shields accused Obama of being too intellectual and lacking in passion.

From Inside Washington (via TPM):

SHIELDS: We have a president of real intellectual horse power who is cool, detached and analytical and if anything you can watch the emotional side of him emerge in this whole process. … There’s an emotional aspect, the comforter in chief as well as the commander in chief. Both roles. And I think it makes me nostalgic for those days when we had a manly man in the White House who could say, “Let’s kick some tail and ask questions afterwards” you know? That’s what we really need instead of any reflection.

Shields, originally from Massachusetts, is a former Marine, and Roman Catholic. He served on Robert Kennedy's campaign for President in 1968. He's been an editorial writer for the Washington Post since 1979.

(H/t Memeo)

Government run Health Care a huge Budget Buster

NEW VIDEO FROM DAN MITCHELL

From the Center for Freedom & Prosperity, Dan Mitchell, a fellow at the Cato Institute makes the case against massive expansion of government through socialized health care.

www.freedomandprosperity.org

Fatty Governor proposes Soda and Candy Tax

by Eric Dondero

Remember back in the 1980s when the feds starting raising revenues from cigarettes and booze, and everyone joked, "what's next soda and candy bars?"

Well, it's no joke any more.

The Democrat Governor of Colorado Bill Ritter is seriously proposing a tax on candy and soda.

From the Denver Post, Nov. 15:

For Libertarians, it is a step toward social engineering.

But to Gov. Bill Ritter, a proposal to tax candy and soda-pop sales is nothing more than a way to help close a widening budget gap.

Regardless of the motivation, if Ritter's idea is adopted next year by the legislature, Colorado would become one of a growing number of states and localities going after candy bars and soft drinks.

And, like cigarettes and liquor before them, sweet treats would achieve a special status as items whose consumption is discouraged by the very governments that become dependent on the revenue they provide...

Predictably, nanny-state organizations are jumping up to express support for the legislation. Continuing:

And groups such as LiveWell Colorado, which promotes healthier eating and lifestyles, applaud Ritter's idea to tax the foods as well.

"We support policies that limit the consumption of unhealthy food," said Maren Stewart, president and chief executive of the group.

It's shaping up to be a classic libertarian vs. liberal nanny-state supporting fight. Continuing:

Organizations that decry what they see as government nannyism are less enthusiastic.

"Not only has Ritter already hacked off taxpayers in Colorado, he's now going to hack off children as well," said Jon Caldara, president of the Independence Institute, a Golden-based libertarian think tank.

"I think the governor needs to sit down and watch Willy Wonka a couple of times and stop being such a buzz kill."

Ritter's up for reelection and faces a stiff challenge by former Republican Congressman Scott McInnes, a libertarian-leaner. It will be interesting to see if the soda/candy debate spills over into the governors race.

Regardless, the Governor may want to start regulating his own personal habits before he starts regulating habits of others. Looks like he's been hitting one too many of those Babie Ruth bars himself, from that stash he's got inside his desk drawer.

Old Man McCain: Cut up your AARP cards and send them back

Endorses nationwide campaign against Socialist run group

Senator McCain had a raucous town hall meeting in Kingman over the weekend, a town with a reputation for hard right activism, and strident Western individualism.

McCain was up to the challenge, making some rather radical statements himself.

From the Kingman Daily Miner, Nov. 15:

Another resident asked if McCain was prepared to pull out all the stops and fight the proposed healthcare bill that had passed the U.S. House of Representatives and was now being considered by the Senate.

"I will fight with every fiber of my body," McCain said, adding that his greatest fear is that today's children and grandchilder won't be able to afford healthcare.

The 2,000-page bill would mean more regulation and mandates, he said. People wouldn't be able to keep the coverage they had. It would also increase taxes and the cost of Medicare, he said.

He encouraged audience members to cut up their AARP cards and send them back. The organization endorsed the measure approved by the House.

One of the groups organizing the nationwide boycott of AARP is a Tea Party affiliated organization based in Atlanta, Operationcanyouhearusnow.com

"Pirate Radio" new Movie with Anti-Government, Libertarian theme hits Theatres

SUNDAY AFTERNOON MOVIE REVIEW

Two thumbs up for Pirate Radio

by Dan Sheill

"I don't give a hoot 'n nanny about your limey laws"

“If you’re the government, and you don’t like something, you simply make a law against it.” Most of us have heard this saying before, but the movie Pirate Radio does a fantastic job of highlighting this onerous principle of governments, and how their efforts to regulate social behavior do nothing more than drive voluntary human conduct to thrive in the underground.

Set in 1966, the film tells a story of how the British government drove Rock n’ Roll off of the regular airwaves because the music was perceived as a recruiting tool for criminals, drug addicts, and sexual degenerates. One scene features a cabinet meeting of the British Government where one minister, played by Kenneth Branagh, explains that pirate radio “survives off of “shameless commercialism, and low morals” (sounds like Dondero’s type of music).

While the government is generally in favor of banning pirate radio, one minister concedes that there was no law in existence that gave the government the authority to do so. But this will not stop Branagh’s efforts to crush it. As the captain of the Radio Rock ship (played by Bill Nighy) so aptly put it, “governments loathe free people doing what they want.” This statement was said in the context of one of his DJ’s (played by Phillip Seymour Hoffman) creative use of the “F word” for supposedly the first time on live air.

After failed efforts to fine British companies who purchase advertising on pirate radio, one of Branagh’s subordinates (played by Jack Davenport) discovers that the strong signal emanating from Radio Rock actually blocked out a distress call made by a British fishing boat lost at sea. So, despite public opposition, the government enacts Marine Offenses Act as a pretext to shut down Radio Rock once and for all.

Interesting parallels can be drawn between this fictitious movie and more recent failed attempts by the British government to ban speech by conservative commentator Michael Savage, which it supposedly found offensive and hateful.

So when Radio Rock defies the British government’s edicts, the authorities attempt to raid their ship, but are surprised to find a fishing boat anchored where Radio Rock was previously located. Ironically, the ship’s engines fail during the escape and it begins to sink. The government refuses to respond to their distress call. However, the movie’s final scene shows a hoard of British citizens driving their own boats out to the rescue reminiscent of what actually happened at Dunkirk during World War II (I couldn’t help but shed a tear).

All in all, I definitely recommend this movie.

Note - Dan serves on the Republican Liberty Caucus national board. He is a former Michgander recently relocated to the sunny libertarian environs of the Republic of Texas.

State Sovereignty supporter Rick Perry now has comfortable lead over GOP rival Kay B. Hutchison

Latest Numbers: 46% to 35%

According to the latest Rasmussen, State Sovereignty advocate, incumbent Governor Rick Perry has pulled comfortably ahead of moderate-to-conservative US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison for the upcoming GOP primary.

Perry recently garnered negative attention from the liberal media in Texas and Nationally, for saying to a local GOP County group, "Obama's policies are leading us to Socialism..." Perry had previously told a crowd at a Tea Party rally in Austin ,last March that if things continued the way they were going Texas might consider, the "seccssion" option. With that, previously skeptical libertarians jumped on board his campaign.

From Rasmussen:

Governor Rick Perry is back out front of Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison with an 11-point lead in the 2010 Republican Primary gubernatorial race in Texas.

Two months ago, the race was a toss-up following Hutchison’s tour of the state to launch her campaign. However, in mid-July, Perry led Hutchison by 10 points, 46% to 36%.

GOVERNOR – TEXAS – GOP PRIMARY (Rasmussen)

Rick Perry (inc) 46%
Kay Bailey Hutchison 35%
Debra Medina 4%

Perry has a 52% to 30% advantage over Hutchison among those who identify themselves as conservatives, while Hutchison attracts a majority of party moderates and liberals.

Note - Debra Medina is the Ron Paul-backed candidate. The Chair for the Wharton County GOP, (in Paul's district), Medina has critized Perry for not being consistent and strong enough on the seccession issue.

Tea Party leader and former Libertarian Party member decides to Re-Join the GOP

Post Election, Libertarian turns Republican after turning Libertarian

The Huffington Post reported Tuesday that Eric Odom, former Libertarian Party of Illinois member, has decided to re-join the Republican Party. Odom was originally a Republican years before he had joined the LP. He's decided to re-join the Republican Party after having severely critized the GOP earlier in the year, for being out-of-touch with the Tea Party movement, and independent-minded voters.

From HuffPo:

After years of a love-hate relationship with the Republican Party, the man most often regarded as the founder of the Tea Parties, Eric Odom, announced Tuesday that he is re-joining the Republican Party. This after he posted an open letter to the Republican Party in July in which he said he would be willing to re-join, "if and only if" certain conditions would be met. (His conditions have not been met.) Odom's road to re-joining the Republican Party has been long and full of Tea Party theatrics.

Later in the article, HuffPo goes on to examine the true origins of the Tea Party movement. While all agree that the Tea Parties originated from Libertarians, just exactly who those Libertarians were remains in dispute.

Continuing:

According to the Libertarian Party of Illinois (LP-IL) Chair Dave Brady, his group created a Tea Party group on Facebook in late 2008, and Odom was a member. According to Brady, when Odom (who was an active member of LP-IL) launched his Tea Party efforts, he effectively hijacked their Facebook page and their tea party idea: "This all is kind of frustrating because LP Illinois gets no credit for this project. Eric Odom, a member of LP Illinois, and our original group, created his own website and Facebook group and aligned directly with Santelli."

At the time, Odom gave Santelli all of the credit, describing the CNBC rant as authentic and spontaneous. Months later, in May, Odom would take the credit, saying in a blog posting, "I'm the guy who developed both the site and concept for the February 27th Chicago Tea Party."

Note - in addition to the Eric Odom faction, and the Libertarian Party of Illinois, others claim that the Tea Party movement originated from the Libertarian Party of Colorado, based in Denver (photo); still others say from a Ron Paul group based in Seattle.

Local GOP in Montana hosts former Libertarian candidate Richard Mack

Libertarian now doing the Republican Party circuit

Richard Mack was the 2006 Libertarian candidate for US Senate in Arizona. Now he's touring the country promoting a new group he's affiliated with Oath Keepers. He's being welcomed by local Republican Parties.

Reports the Helena Independent-Record:

The Lewis and Clark County Republican Central Committee recently held a fundraising event featuring Richard Mack.

Mack became a rising star in the militia movement during the 1990s when he sued the federal government over the Brady Bill, a gun control measure. For over a decade, he has been the darling of the anti-government crowd. He’s made a career out of appearing at events with notorious tax protestors, hardcore militia activists and a laundry list of dubious self-styled "patriots..."

he was elected sheriff in 1992 in Arizona’s Graham County. As sheriff, he filed his lawsuit against the Brady Bill. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in the case that it was unconstitutional for Congress to compel local law enforcement to conduct background checks on potential gun buyers.

(Lewis & Clark County includes Montana's capitol city of Helena).

Today Mack is promoting County sovereignty over encroaching Federal regulations.

Notes the IR:

In a 2009 interview, Mack said he “prayed for the day that a sheriff in this country will arrest an IRS agent” for enforcing tax law.

More info: SheriffMack.com

Princess of Positive brings a little Southern Etiquette to Obama bowing to Emporers and Dictators Debate

From New Orleans: Greta Perry

Proud Army Wife and Hometown Mom teaches a few lessons of diplomatic protocol to the former two term state senator and less-than-one term US senator. Also notes some proper techniques for respecting the US flag.

Produced by RightPundits.com where you can catch Greta's weekly videos.

Greta's website is KissMyGumbo.com

Family of slain Daniel Pearl blasts Obama administration decision to allow Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to face trial in New York

From Eric Dondero:

The Hill has some breaking news this morning. The Family of Daniel Pearl issued a statement to the publication late last night, strongly denouncing Attorney General Eric Holder's decision to allow confessed murderer and 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM), to stand trial in New York.

From The Hill:

"We are sorry to learn of the Justice Department decision to try KSM in a NYC Federal Court.

We are respectful of the legal process, but believe that giving confessed terrorists a worldwide platform to publicize their ideology sends the wrong message to potential terrorists, inviting them in essence, to resort to violence and cruelty in order to gain publicity.

We believe that justice is better served if the trial of KSM, the confessed murderer of Daniel Pearl, be held in closed session."

Mohammed confessed to cutting off Pearl's head, after forcing him to admit he was a Jew in front of a video camera.

He reportedly said at a Guantanamo military hearing the following:

"I decapitated with my blessed right hand the head of the American Jew, Daniel Pearl, in the city of Karachi, Pakistan. For those who would like to confirm, there are pictures of me on the Internet holding his head."

Anti-Islamo Fascist libertarian heroine Pamela Geller of Atlas Shrugs comments:

"Obama kisses the bloody fists of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and bestows upon one of America's most lethal enemies in the world the gift of the constitutional rights given to an American citizen."

Note - Geller is running a censored video of Pearl's last moments (link above) which includes scenes of a masked KSM holding the knife.