Florida Liberty! Florida Libertarian & Party Reports

Florida Liberty on Hiatus: Seeks New Chief Editor, Working on History Project

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 04:25:00 +0000

Florida--The Florida Liberty (FLLIB) is on an extended hiatus that will likely last into winter related to a search for a new Chief Editor, creating stories on the past Florida movement, editor health and other factors. It hopes to publish occasional personality profile and update articles in the intervening months. It generally issues a quarterly article or profile.

EDITOR

Florida Liberty is seeking a new volunteer Chief Editor to handle most stories. Responsibilities involve checking Libertarian group websites, getting activist staements, and tracking progress and events. For current editorial division, please see ABOUT. Applicant should have experience in the Florida Libertarian community, and be preferably a former Florida or ISIL Libertarian officer/facilitator and official in public office, elected or advisory, along with normal editorial requirements. Please send application letter to address below.

HISTORY PROJECT

Florida is the oldest US Libertarian group, preceding the US LP and Libertarian SIL groups. Recent changes beyond our control have created many down links to past FLLIB issues. We will be shifting as many past FLLIBS to this site as possible to avoid such concerns in the future, along with "summary of the year" stories. These will then be posted under the appropriate year to create a continuous and inspiring history.

You can help us by sending copies of your archives, past Florida Liberty newsletters, Florida Libertarian or local newsletters, photos, personal (keep to 1 page) memoirs, manuals and more to:

R. Swanson

c/o 211 Pasadena Ave North #311

St Petersburg, Fl 33710

Please send registered. Items become property of the project so again, please send photocopies unless you're ready to part with them. If you would like to e-mail us a PDF, contact us via the yahoo e-group.

BEST WISHES

Our key editors, Ralph Swanson, M. Gilson (blog positive news), J. Chorgo (yahoo e-group) have been suffering or been distracted by medical problems and committments elsewhere in the movement. Regrettably, a prospective editor passed on. We ask for your good wishes.

Florida Libertarians Expect Wins on Several Initiatives

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 04:55:00 +0000

Florida Libertarians are expecting a vote, are working on, or are preparing around several coalitions and initiatives. All have been approved by the LP Florida for candidate and activist use.

VOTE EXPECTED...

Libertarians have helped formulate or are actively supporting:

2-HOMESTEAD AD VALOREM TAX CREDIT FOR DEPLOYED MILITARY PERSONNEL
3-PROPERTY TAX LIMIT FOR NONHOMESTEAD PROPERTY; ADDITIONAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR NEW HOMESTEAD OWNERS
4-REFERENDA REQUIRED FOR ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANS (This reduces state interference. Libertarians will then follow up with local land-use plans based on e.g. contractual methods).
5-STANDARDS FOR LEGISLATURE TO FOLLOW IN LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING
6-STANDARDS FOR LEGISLATURE TO FOLLOW IN CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING
9-HEALTH CARE SERVICES CHOICE

A phony amendment, 7, that purports to ease redistricting is actually an attempt by the legislature to sink the real amendments, 5 & 6, and (Update, 9/2010) has been removed by court order. Amendment 8, the class size amendment, is considered irrelevant as sizes are already under maximum in many cases.

In addition, Florida Libertarians are supportive or involved in other initiatives:

WORKING ON:

Medical Marihuana
Gay marriage amendment development and civil partner and privacy initiative
Various tax or tax rate reduction proposals
End corporate welfare (presently being re-worded as of last report)
IRV

Also:

PREPARING:

A task force related to the Libertarian call group project of over 100 Libertarian leaders and people in public office hosted by past LPF Secretary John Torrance met or e-met this last autumn to work on initiatives also along lines of the LPF strategic plan to:

Abolish all taxes for a permanent fund scheme, and instruct the legislative delegation to work to forbid enforcement of any flat or fair tax scheme in Florida and abolish Federal income, tariff, and other taxes that are involuntary over 30 or less years.
Make Florida a free-immigration zone
Promote MMP (at large legislators representing a proportion of party vote).
"Hands off third parties" removing overriding state primary, membership, audit, or chair dictatorship rules, and fining large parties or religious groups for interference or running "pirate" mole candidates past or present.
Make the Florida offshore a drill-free eco-park under a trust separate from the government
Restore 50% approval of Amendments and ease Judicial review (See: http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2010-08-13/story/florida-amendments-have-tough-time-getting-past-judges )
Allow e-signatures and multiple carbon copy signatures of initiative petitions
Restore 12-person, FIJA juries

Tom Luongo's Lifestyle Articles on Using Libertarian Tools Read by Millions

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:45:00 +0000

Florida Libertarian Thomas Luongo is developing an independent lifestyle from a Libertarian perspective. He's chronicling his "off the grid" lifestyle in popular articles at the Libertarian-interest mega-blog Lew Rockwell: http://www.lewrockwell.com/luongo/luongo-arch.html

Mr. Luongo was active in Libertarian civic action, and now focuses on lifestyle tools that are independent of any economy or government as much as possible. Along with practical tips and enlightening information on everything from Homeschools to backyard chicken ranching, he includes social commentary and explorations of Libertarian-anarchist tools. His articles have hit a nerve with growing concern over the economy and renewed interest in living options. Some current articles:

A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the Apocalypse

Tom Luongo on rational survival.

Surviving Contact With 'The Plan'

Tom Luongo on one family's life in Neoconerica.

Living Under the Sword of Damocles

Tom Luongo on one's family preparations for trouble.

The Ferment in Alternative Currencies

Tom Luongo on challenging the Fed's monopoly.

The Peaceful Guy Fawkes

Thomas Luongo on Ron Paul.

Nuttiness on Ice

Thomas Luongo on the NHL.

The Trouble With Speed Limits

And the secret police.

The Shame of Inaction

Thomas Luongo on not being in Crawford with Cindy Sheehan.

The State vs. Animal Lovers

Thomas Luongo on outrages.

The Changing Economics of High Art

All hail the internet, says Thomas Luongo.

Teen Kennon Gilson, "Model" Florida Libertarian, in 5 Public Offices

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Kennon Gilson, 17, here in county board chambers, is on several appointive boards, where he successfully proposes Libertarian tools--and says you can get involved.

Editorial by Ralph Swanson.

Gangly, Jimmy Stewart-like Kennon Gilson is so interested in Libertarianism and non-partisan political action he's on not one, not two, but five appointive public and quasi-public boards.

His main current goal is to encourage other Libertarians interested in local affairs to "get started" by seeking office in non-partisan local appointive boards or other positions, he says, which "is easier than people realize if you show up, know the materials and have a courteous, consensus attitude."

GET INVOLVED

His father, Michael Gilson, known as MG, is facilitator for the Libertarian International Organization, developer of many Libertarian platforms and materials, and was one of the first Libertarians in office (in 2002 the LP Political Director, Ron Crickenberger, wrote he thought MG was the first), as an early movement founder. Kennon unsurprisingly grew up attending events, meeting movement figures such as Murray Rothbard, Vince Miller, Dr. Jim Lark III and Harry Browne when they came to visit his father, and got appointed to his first board several years ago at 14. Yet it was a local official of the Democratic Party who first suggested he get involved, he says, "My parents thought I already had a lot to do. I basically sold it to them as a Home School project."

He now serves among others on 2 teen Library boards and was appointed by the County Commissioners to his latest post on the County Youth Advisory Committee. His current interests are low-tax and privately funded alternatives in parks and trails, and encouraging other people "whatever their party" to get involved. He's a "model Libertarian in public office" say fans, which include a growing number of public officials from all parties, Libertarians in public office, and academics at his website.

HOME SCHOOLED TEEN IS BUSY

Kennon works on other Libertarian projects such as developing the local LIO Pinellas project, the medical marihuana petition, a coalition on election reform, and a journal for Libertarians in public office. He has been invited to speak to local groups on teen perspectives such as public safety. He's co-overseeing a project to hand out 22,000 pieces of Advocates' materials locally.

His younger sister Kira is also on several boards.

Ironically, says Kennon, he gets more flack from "some right-wing so-called Libertarians" upset over his "Youth and strict Libertarianism" than people of other parties intrigued by his proposals. He emphasizes he's still "learning a lot" about Libertarianism, and recently started reading Ayn Rand, a friend of his father's, and Harvard Professor's Jeffrey Miron's "Libertarianism A to Z," saying: "If you're interested in being in office you need to read. You have to put in effort. If you think Libertarianism is just about smaller government I think the trend too much is being done for that to fly as Libertarian. Many feel it's Kindergarten Libertarianism. You have people saying private roads or parks are a far-off idea and lets be gradual without realizing it's going on, for example. They get in the way of people like me who're working on just those issues. So I try and set an example and study something every day that I can."

In addition he has gotten praise from movement figures from the current USLP Chair, Mark Hinkle to publicist and author Wayne Root. "He's a chip off the block, " agrees Ron Cadby, a former Vice Mayor who follows Kennon's activities.

Kennon says he will cut back on his activities next year as he prepares for college. Will he run soon for elected office?

"No. My plan is to encourage others to go from non-partisan appointive to elected office as part of caring about their communities," he says. "The movement will change as more people like me pop up who reject compromised or a vague Libertarianism and know that people are interested in voluntary tools and solutions, but also know how to work with others without going into attack mode. People need to read and look into local opportunities. The age of the 'less-government' Libertarian is drawing to a close as more people want voluntary government solutions, in my opinion. They don't want prospective Libertarians in public office who can't even spell the term or don't know what's being done. "

He summarizes with a quote attributed to Carnegie: "We've at last 7 people who understand what they're doing. Victory is ours," adding "If I help people get inspired, I've done my job."

Several fans at his website have done just that, saying they're inspired to new efforts and now looking into local office.

Florida Libertarian Walt Augustinowitz promotes security against ID theft

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:05:00 +0000

Walt, right, greets ABC celebrities at a promotional event.

Manatee/Sarasota area--Florida pro-Libertarian activist Walt Augustinowicz is a case study in not just citizen activism but applied Libertarianism, say friends. He's developed a simple shield sleeve to protect ID and credit cards from being improperly scanned. It's attracting both national and international attention. Users of the product say it can help against both snooping and ID theft.

Walt was an LP Florida Vice Chair, is an LIO Advisor and presently active in promoting Libertarian-interest solutions with members of the local GOP. He was key in fighting to contain eminent domain abuses and getting a new legislative policy some years ago, and says he has also become very concerned about privacy violations in recent years. His site is at:

http://www.idstronghold.com/

Pinellas Area Libertarian Community Project Starts Well; Called "In-Place Free State Project."

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:25:00 +0000

Left: LIO Community users, coalition friends meet with media.

Pinellas County, Florida--Libertarians working with the LIO community project are moving to the next stage developing a non-partisan community pilot in Pinellas-Pasco and "near Tampa area " that seems off to a good start. It is a continuation of the pilot Pinellas project and party initiative interacting with the LIO local e-clubs projects.

The project, which is metropolitan in scope addressing populations over 1 million, seeks to develop good feelings and dialogue between pledged Libertarians and those so interested in the community, reach out to non-Libertarian but interested community figures and officials, co-sponsor book coffees and social events, encourage coalition work, and encourage Libertarians in non-partisan office outside the formal Libertarian or other Party milieu. It interacts with the USLP along a memo of 2002 re-affirming elements of its strategic plan, and a memo of agreement with the LP Florida encouraging a non-partisan project.

The project was dubbed an "In-Place Free State Project" by Dr. Milton Friedman, who agreed to be its first honorary participant. The reference is to the Free State Projects in the USA and Europe where people interested in Libertarian ideas move to one state (New Hampshire) or EU country to promote both Libertarian numbers to leverage public interest and interest by officials in Libertarian tools. In contrast, the Pinellas Project seeks to set a model of developing similar results in every community of slightly over 1 million population (similar to New Hampshire).

PILOT PROJECT

If successful, LIO will register similar projects in every state that will also have an effect of helping the USLP focus on partisan elections, and insulate Libertarians from periodic party infiltration/assimilation troubles recently denounced by lead co-founder David Nolan . It is organized as a private personal society, and emphasizes that despite co-operation it is non-partisan and distinct in both platform and approach from the less libertarian US Libertarian Party*, bringing in the broader Libertarian and Libertarian-interest community around a stricter LIO approach.

Libertarian participants must be favorable to the LIO approach and sponsored, while non-Libertarians are less strictly vetted and must be generally supportive or have a common ground issue, say developers. At press time Florida Libertarians in over 20 public offices have joined the project as well, along with public officials and activists of other parties.

The about 400-participant strong Libertarian Party of Pinellas County voted to dissolve in favor of the project in December 2009, citing also concerns with LPF and an increasingly rocky relationship similar to those mentioned by Mr. Nolan.

Based on results, the project will also continue initially with one pilot club in each Continent except Antartica. The project website is at Pinellas Libertarians or GOOGLING "Pinellas Libertarians."

Project goals are encouraging, per 1.3 million population, Libertarians and Libertarian-interested in non-partisan public office, building Libertarian-interest community sharing a reading list and links, and encouraging non-partisan coalitions in areas of Libertarian interest.

___________________________

*The US LP was founded as a Liberal (less government to anarchist)-Libertarian (voluntarist) alliance. Its mission states it moves policy in a Libertarian direction.

PINELLAS LIBS WITH 2 CANDIDATES, GIVE 22K HANDOUTS

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Participants in the Pinellas LIO Libertarian Club and the Pinellas LP attended a workshop to launch distribution of a record 22,000 Advocates Tabloids and 100 windshield cards among other items, more than the rest of the country, say officials. Workshops will be held periodically.

ANOTHER LIB IN OFFICE?

In addition, candidates in local council and mayoral races joined the LIO as cultural Libertarians in what is the next stage of the creation of a transnational parties effort centered in Florida.

In 2002 LIO and the USLP outlined an effort for third stage Libertarian parties. The first two were the Liberal International, founded by LIO Advisors, and the US Libertarian Parties and their world correspondents as a Liberal-center right-Libertarian alliance developed to assist ISIL (then SIL) activists and focused on piloting various efforts and targeting legal blocks. The third stage effort will focus on implementation, based on LIO activists developed by the local clubs.

RECORD HANDOUTS

The effort is Phase II of a long-term effort to put Libertarian information in all but every household. The items will be distributed either through personal networks or by election precinct to, in due course, create per precinct local teams, candidate volunteers, and general interest. The effort is dubbed Operation Saturation, and results will be shared as they come in. In addition, the QUIZ will be distributed to public officials and educators in an e-mail campaign.

The effort will include a new local development manual designed by M. Gilson of www.libertarian-international.org and the late Vince Miller of www.ISIL.org, the mother Libertarian groups. Advice on starting an effort in your area may be obtained by calling

727-344-1038.

Florida's TheFreedomWorks! Radio Show Returns

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:20:00 +0000

Tampa Bay--Paul Molloy's libertarian-friendly radio show, www.TheFreedomWorks.com has returned after a long hiatus, interviewing Libertarian experts and Florida activists in over 3 local stations and internationally via internet.

Molloy, a long-time radio peronality, moved to Florida and became interested in Libertarianism. He's been dubbed the Libertarian world's top talk-show/radio host.

Guests have included Milton Friedman, John Stossel, and a host of local activists and personalities. He regularly has Libertarian interest scholars from various Libertarian think tanks come on to comment on current affairs.

The show is supported by contributions. It will be placing a series of interviews on YouTube starting sometime in 2011-2012 along with other projects, say show volunteers.

WINS! LIBS IN 4 MORE PUBLIC OFFICES IN BUSY FALL

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:40:00 +0000

Kennon and Kira Gilson are here congratulated at the Pinellas LP/ Tampa Libertarian Club Dinner on their appointment as youth advisors by the Pinellas County Commission: Pinellas now has over a third of the Libertarians in public office in Florida, following a strategy of initial focus on low-level appointive boards and multiple positions to develop a team, expertise, and track record. The dinner welcomed a member of the Peruvian Libertarians and got a briefing from Democratic Party participants on common successes in election reform...Also in Pinellas, T. Clark has joined a local Postal Council and pledged as a Libertarian with the LIO...Despite reported closing of the local Polk LP affiliate, with over 61 percent of the vote Jamie Beckett, a local Libertarian, was elected for City Commissioner Seat 4 of Winter Haven. This brings to 4 the number of recent city council or mayoral level Libs in Florida: Cooper City(Broward) #1 City Commissioner, John Sims ( http://www.johnbsims.com with water usage calculator) and is presently campaigning to cut high costs (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/cooper-city/sfl-cooper-budget-091609,0,1607592.story ) ; Mayor of New Port Richey (Pasco), Scott McPherson; Loxahatchee Groves, Council Seat #1 (Palm Beach) David Autrey (whose term finished in March). In addition, Libs are on a growing number of County level Soil & Water Boards...LPF Co-Founder MG has learned he's a finalist for a "Most Active Citizen in Florida" award...Club participants are meeting to discuss helping the Medical Marihuana Initiative (Sign the petition at left)...

J. Beckett with family, John Sims.

WIN! LIBS FREE UP SPEECH, INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:07:00 +0000

Tallahassee, Fla.—Today, Federal District Judge Robert L. Hinkle signed an agreed injunction that prevents the Florida’s State Board of Architecture and Interior Design from enforcing provisions of a Florida law that censored truthful speech by prohibiting people who lawfully perform residential interior design services without a government-conferred license from referring to themselves, accurately, as “interior designers” or from using other, unspecified “words to that effect.” That ruling will stay in effect pending final resolution of a lawsuit challenging all aspects of Florida’s interior design law.

The ruling is another victory of the pro-Libertarian Institute for Justice, which has been working on many cases in Florida.

In addition, it has in recent months scored victories on issues such as campaign restrictions. A new link at our site will help you follow the activity.

Founded in 1991, the Virginia-based Institute for Justice represents individuals nationwide fighting to defend free speech rights and the ability to earn an honest living in the occupations of their choice. The Institute has previously and successfully challenged interior design title restrictions in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Connecticut.

PAUL'S FLORIDA "C4L" SETS GOALS

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Orlando, August 9--The Ron Paul "Campaign for Liberty" or C4L met in Florida where over 1500 fans set the following legislative agenda ( SEE: http://www.campaignforliberty.com/event/2009florida.php ;):

>Health Care Freedom Amendment (HJR 37)

>Florida Firearms Freedom Act (HB 21)

>State Sovereignty Memorial (HM 19)

The proposed Florida Health Care Freedom Amendment is an amendment to the Florida Constitution giving every Floridian the right to reject mandated government health care. The Florida Firearms Freedom Act exempts guns from Federal regulations provided they are manufactured and stay in Florida.

All Libertarians are invited to take interest in the coalitions. Congressman Ron Paul is a past LP Presidential candidate who focuses on a Constitutional Libertarian-orienetd approach.The event also had training seminars where grassroots activists participated in C4L political training, including such classes as The Real Nature of Politics, Tactical Skills, Building Coalitions, Fundraising, Recruiting Candidates, and Parliamentary Procedure.

Their Facebook site is at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=139443493427

AMENDMENTS TO BUILD FLORIDA LIBERTARIANS COMMUNITY UNDERWAY

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Dr. Ralph Swanson, in his study, says "Get to Work"!

(Update of previous story) Pierson & St Petersburg, Florida--Grand Old Man and crusty Libertarian leader Ralph Swanson says he has finished research on several potential Libertarian interest amendments to advance libertarian concepts while building the Libertarian-oriented contact list from the petition signers, to build Libertarian interest and community.

The research builds on a yet unpublished international platform designed by Libertarians Michael Gilson and Milton Friedman he helped oversee with the Advisory Board of the Libertarian International Organization. He stepped down to write his memoirs as the Board Chair earlier this year.

Please contact him directly courtesy the www.floridaliberty.uni.cc to make suggestions or join the informal group.

A PAC FOR CHANGE

A legislative PAC to focus on MMP, Medical Marihuana, Real Estate tax abolition, and encouraging "Voluntary Cities" and enhanced localism is underway to carry out the plan. The PAC will focus initially on training and networking to promote volunteer petitioners and legislative understanding. "In Florida, when an initiative is making progress, legislators will often just go ahead and make it law." In addition, he says, structural changes such as allowing carbon-copy signatures of multiple petitions are being discussed with other groups.

Swanson is credited in the activist community for a project purging 50,000 laws from US lawbooks and being a driving force behind both the very existence of the Florida Initiative, and Revision 11, and initiative which brought ballot fairness to Florida (earlier article below) and allowed third parties to function. He asl lso did work in the abolition of the income tax efforts and expanding the Homestead real estate exemption.

In Florida today, initiatives are approximately 75% with a favorable Libertarian rating or helped on by Libertarian activists by his estimate. To aid that process, the PAC will rate initiatives on Libertarian interest.

LIBERTARIANISM VIA DIRECT DEMOCRACY

These proposals include study of introducing a:

1% Differential MMP (mixed member proportional) proportional representation into Florida legislative elections (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6228676/) of 30 seats applicable to current election as was introduced successfuly by Libertarians in New Zealand, resulting in several legislative seats. MMP is like at-large or bonus seata by political party. With 16% of the legislative vote in the 2002 election, it would have meant Libertarians would have had 4 seats.
A proportional Electoral College representation by party vote for any State -wide office of over 3% along the lines of States such as Maine;
A policy to replace all taxation and create a guaranteed income with voluntarily funded permanent fund endowments as Libertarians introduced in Alaska (see https://www.pfd.state.ak.us/) with doubling of public service salaries and a universal medical and first-home buyer benefit; an anti-corporate welfare measure;
A policy for phase in of democratization (public non-governmental trusts) and privatization of public agencies;
Restoration of 12 person, fully informed juries;
A low-cost credit by examination or thesis college degree in Florida, similar to Excelsior College in New York or the University of London;
A policy to reduce all ballot requirements to $25 or a petition of 1000 voters as is done in Virginia but with ballot recognition;
A policy to allow local creation of exception and enterprise zones for any law not affecting minors under 16 or as emancipated by a court in any electoral prcinct among those in the precinct or invitees ("Nevada Rules");
A policy promoting a private-enterprise spaceport (as in New Mexico);
A policy allowing churches and cultural groups to set up non-profit mutual insurance for any purpose with minimal regulation;
A policy removing Eminent Domain;
A policy creation or removal of red tape of a SafeEmbryo humane protection voluntarily-funded endowment to freeze and revive removed embryos along lines as as has long been advocated by Libertarians such as Michael Gilson and Walter Block;
Legalization of extended civil unions of up to 6 people without regard to sex, along lines advocated by Robert Heinlein;
Legalization of gay status;
Expansion of the recent legislation harboring insurance co-ops by religious groups to simplify "the major block to true free enterprise: the ambiguous legal status of co-operatives"
A medical marihuana initiative;
Universal drug decriminalization with lay volunteer community boards to mentor addicts as has been working in Portugal;
A policy of ending punishments, large fines, and forfeitures to effect public policy of rehabilitation: ending the death penalty, abolishing prisons, and replacing with aggressive rehabilitation in 5 years as is underway in Spain and Norway;
Allow e-signing of all proposed Constitutional Amendments at the SOE site, and carbon copy signatures of multiple petitions.

Swanson has done surveys discovering that these ideas enjoy at least 15% support and many majority support. He has been talking to legislators and feels that by even seeking these Amendments, legislators will in many cases take direct action. In addition, he feels the effort will also advance the Libertarian agenda by example nationwide. His plan is after further consultations to create a PAC to advance the Amendments and develop coalitions, a website to attract petitioners and supporters, and also promote public discussion and information on the agenda.

A LONG CAREER

Swanson, a retired engineering consultant who has a Doctorate in Religion and an MBA, has been active in Libertarian causes for decades, at one point reviving the State GOP in the 1940's after "a vicious internal struggle" into a Civil Rights defender. He feels this will prove the capstone in a career where he counted as friends John Kennedy, Boris Yeltsin, Ronald Reagan, and Martin Luther King and helped them find "their inner Libertarian," he laughs.

He also feels this will greatly increase Libertarian supporters and consitituency."It will kill three birds with one stone: develop a constituency, drive change, and help candidates build networks to win or become centers of activism. "

"We've spent the last few years building a base, demonstration projects, and essential political skills. We can get amendments passed against tough opposition. We get people elected. We get calls for Libertarians to be appointed from even Republicans and Democrats. The Governor asks us for policy backgrounders.We rallied people and put Civil Unions on the map. We led or assisted campaigns that reduced taxes, created the Amendment by initiative process in the first place, a stable homestead exemption, stopped abuse of juveniles in the reform schools with the PAR program, and more.

"I suggest that our candidates leverage their efforts in 2010 and 2012 and go out there with these Amendments along with their petitions to run. Time to push for major change. No more, yes, we can. Yes, we will," said Swanson, who also co-founded the Florida movement.

"How will this go? In 1970 even the gays though Libertarians were nuts talking about Civil Unions. Yet here we are," he says.

LIBS IN PUBLIC OFFICE? SO EASY A TEEN CAN DO IT.

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:16:00 +0000

Kira Gilson is congratulated by board chair for her draft fundraising guide to help privately support public trails.

While conservative extremists and party sad sacks claim Libertarians can barely get into public office, Florida Libertarians at their latest convention applauded one who is in not only one post, but two, and applying for a third.

Namely the youngest Libertarian in public office, teenager Kira Gilson, whose father Michael co-founded the modern movement and the movement in Florida in 1970.

The bright 15 year old is on appointive youth advisory boards dealing with public libraries and trails in Pinellas, Florida, along with her older brother, Kennon. She applied as soon as she was legally able, was accepted, and is now working on a project to help private funding of public amenities.

This is not her first foray into community affairs. The home-schooled politician , who wants to be a biologist and ecologist, wrote a paper on Social Security privatization that got an award from the Libertarian Party of Florida when she was 12 , plus word it was praised from Milton Friedman. While she has taken the Libertarian pledge, she is technically ineligible for LP membership but is a member of the local Libertarian Citizen! Club.

She says she has no patience for people who claim Libertarianism needs to be watered down or who say getting in office is too difficult or involves a lot of money.

"Some 90% of public offices in the US are appointive. The Presidency and many judgeships are technically appointive. Plus more Libertarians get elected every day. If one in 10 Libertarians got busy, we would have maybe 4000 people in office. I think people who say you can't get Libertarianism across are losers. I don't know everything, but I think you can figure out what you can say comfortably then say it, " she says.

Young people in government is a trend pioneered by Libertarians that has spread worldwide. In the UK, a teenager was elected mayor of his city.

Does she intend to run for President someday? Not exactly.

"Why? I'm probably doing more here," she says.

JMI HAS BUDGET SUGGESTION LINK

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:47:00 +0000

Florida's Libertarian-oriented JMI has a link to make budget reduction suggestions and other great features. Check out: http://www.jamesmadison.org/

FLORIDA LIBS IN IRAN PROTEST

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:38:00 +0000

Libs across Florida are organizing or participating in protests and teach-ins on the situation in Iran.

Minutes after the election announcement Libertarians in Pinellas, Key West and elsewhere were holding signs on streets, contacting legislators, and organizing events, prompting WTAN to wonder where the conservatives and progressives were.

Members of the Iran Libertarian Citizen! Club of the LIO expressed gratitude at the Florida Libertarians prompt action, and encouraged Americans to get involved in Sister City projects with Iranian towns to support "long term change."

One press mention is at: http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/hillsborough/iranians_protest_in_tampa_062209

According to the article: "I don't think Iranians will forget this. As Imam Hossein taught them, they will not stand for injustice," Samak.

Regardless of their nationality, protesters say they will continue on Neda's path.

Chris Jones, a Ph.D. student at the University of South Florida came to the event to support his Iranian friend.

"I am a libertarian and I think that everybody should be free," Jones said."Let's hope that this is a wake up call for everybody and that things will change in Iran and other countries."

WIN! FL LIB STUDENTS PROTECT PETITION RIGHTS

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:31:00 +0000

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1119777.html

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida won't appeal a federal judge's decision that struck down a law he said unconstitutionally limited political free speech.

Secretary of State Kurt Browning initially had said he would appeal but has since changed his mind, spokeswoman Jennifer Krell Davis said Monday.

The stricken "electioneering communications" law required nonpolitical organizations to register with the state, submit financial reports and comply with other regulations if they do so much as mention candidates or issues in publications and on Web sites even without taking sides. (...)

The Institute for Justice, a libertarian legal organization based in Arlington, Va., challenged the law on behalf of four nonprofit groups and their leaders.(...) the Broward Coalition of Condominiums, Homeowners Associations and Community Organizations; University of Florida College Libertarians; National Taxpayers Union and national Taxpayers Union Foundation.

College Libs at: http://www.lanuf.org/

JOIN FAIR DISTRICTS EFFORT

Wed, 06 May 2009 02:11:00 +0000

In 2005 Libertarians and Democrats formed a coalition (http://www.ERCPinellas.org) in Florida to create better ballot fairness. One issue was fairer districts, and now a website is up so you can take action. Please take a moment at... http://www.fairdistrictsflorida.org/splash.php to sign the electronic petition and find out more.

WINS: FLORIDA LIBERTARIANS IN SCHOOL REVOLUTION

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:41:00 +0000

See...

http://www.libertarian-international.org/apps/blog/show/787323-us-car-wash-libs-lead-home-school-boards-

" (Lib efforts helped in ) " massive changes' including:

Consensus on an 'all mentor the learner,' not 'authoritarian educator' model

A simplified but detailed set of recommended home school standards developed by the home schoolers themselves, with parents mentoring 2% of learners

Schooling choice such as magnet (themed, such as classical academies or techical crfts), charter (parent designed), or easy to create private schools

A privately funded voucher program passed through the state

Free college tuition funded by lotteries and efficiencies for all students passing tests

Diagnostic tests and teacher incentives

Accelerated certification of teachers if one has university degree

Work on legalization of the teaching of evolution and advanced biology (UPDATE: In 2008 it was agreed that evolution per se could be taught and teachers could not be fired for using the word).

Florida public schools have even adopted the Libertarian suggestion of using the internet so public school students can learn at home or get credit for college courses 'effectively reducing class size to one-on-one tutoring while saving taxpayer funds'

COVER FLORIDA--LIBERTARIAN-DIRECTION FLORIDA HEALTHCARE

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:49:00 +0000

Florida has responded to the health care debate by working with private insurers to highlight low cost plans.

The program, CoverFlorida, follows a lobbying campaign initiated by Florida Libertarians through the Club participants to remove legal redtape to lower cost private plans.

The Clubs are non-partisan and do not do lobbying campaigns, but a call group has been formed by club members.

While states are creating mandatory universal plans, the move has been praised with Florida going in the opposite direction to encourage low-cost plans. See: http://www.coverfloridahealthcare.com/

Many Libertarians would like to see an array of "Private Medicaid" plans supported by voluntarily funded trusts or insurer discounts.

FLORIDA LIBERTARIAN AUTHOR ON AMAZON

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:52:00 +0000

Libertarian Florida activist Darrell McCormick has written a novel on Libertarian-oriented themes. It can be purchased at Amazon and as an e-book.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Amagi%3A+Darrell+McCormick&btnG=Search&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

In the novel the year is 2010. Liberty in the United States is dead. The only man who can possibly resurrect it is computer magnate David Gatlin. But first, he must figure out a way to destroy the current United States government and start over from the ground up. But can one man bring down this once powerful nation?

Readers say Amagi is an engrossing story about one man whose life is shaped by seemingly predestined events—events which compel him to hold liberty in such esteem that he and his small team of confederates will risk everything to preserve it for the world.

Darrell McCormick was raised in Florida and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1974. He currently lives in Gainesville, Florida, and teaches mathematics at the local community college.