Consolidation Chaos

Sherron Franklin is a marked woman now. In 2007, she has the biggest bullseye on the City-County Council. Not from Republicans, but her own party. Standing up for what you believe in can be a big pain sometimes, but that's the price of integrity. She voted for her job, not her party. Have to respect one with principles, I say. Her victory in 2003 was only by a handful of votes, and you have to imagine Ed Treacy is looking for someone in her district to slate that will spout the party mantra, rather than one's own convictions.

I applaud Councillor Franklin for her integrity and honesty. It's a trait that's long lost in politics, and hopefully I'll see more of it in the future as I move to Indianapolis.

On another note, State Sen. Murray Clark (R-Indianapolis) is resigning, looks like City-County Councillor Isaac "Ike" Randolph (R) wants the job. I think he'd do a good job for his district, but some in the district, which stretches into eastern Hendricks County say Ike isn't "conservative enough." Governor Daniels hasn't taken sides, but has inferred through his people that he'd like Ike.

All in all, 2007 shapes up two years early, and you and I get front-row seats. Will Peterson run for a third term? Will he win a third term? Will the Democrats maintain their razor-thin 15-14 margin?? Will a Libertarian get on the Council, throwing the balance of power out the window?? Only way to find out is to get involved!!

It'll Be a Cold Day in Hell When...

The Democrats are trying to fix the federal budget woes. The Democrat Leadership Council (DLC) is proposing ways of cutting excessive spending from the Republican-controlled budget. Now I didn't think it was possible as the Republican Party is the party is that of "small government." Fiscal conservatives have been suffering through tax and spend policies similar to the ones the Democrats have pushed in previous administrations.

Only the Libertarian Party will talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to economic matters. It's been proven time and again that people in power only care about one thing...more power. Libertarians want to return your power back to you.

On a side note, I'm on the road for the next week and a half for work. I'll try to post as often as I can.

Getting Its Money's Worth?

The first report of the food and beverage taxes from the doughnut counties came in yesterday. According to the Indy Star article, about half of the expected $300,000 came in since the taxes were enacted over the summer.

Johnson County had the highest number, bringing in nearly $70,000, with Hamilton County disclosing $50,000 in collections. The state thinks that businesses aren't paying their taxes, or monies due are in transit (Check's in the mail). I have a gut feeling that people are avoiding going out to eat, or just aren't going as often simply because of the subsequent government-mandated increase in dinner checks. I wonder how much business increased in Morgan County restaurants?? After all, they are the only county that did not enact the tax.

In an interesting twist, the BMV has authorized a Colts license plate. Read here. It looks like it's in the final stages, ready for an early 2006 debut. Now this is an idea I support, because it's personal choice for a project. It's not government-imposed, no dog and pony show, it's very cut-and-dry. Now if this were the initial proposition for the stadium, I'm sure it would have been more warmly received than, "We're authorizing the counties to levy taxes." The counties then say, "We'll 'listen' to constituents before we 'decide' on whether or not we want it, considering we keep half."

The government says it's a minimal tax and no one gets hurt. I disagree with that statement whole-heartedly. Restaurants suffer because of the government-imposed higher prices. Servers make less because people have less money to tip. Trust me, I know firsthand. This does not stimulate an economy that is sluggishly improving at best. What happens if the money does not come in as expected?? What will the liberal Republicans and Democrats do then? Double the tax? Triple it?? Libertarians do not believe in excessive taxation, nor do they believe in limiting the free market. Voting for Democrats and Republicans only means more taxes, fewer freedoms.

Why Republicans Are Losing the War at Home

My friends, everyone talks about what Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity have to say, yet those words are similar to what Hannity calls "Clinton Kool-Aid drinkers." Republicans simply are long on rhetoric, short on delivery. That sounds eerily similar to the Democrats of the past.

In 1994, Newt Gingrich offered citizens the Contract with America, a simple way to limit government. The Republican Revolution happened that year, taking both houses of Congress. In 2000, then-Governor Bush campaigned as a "compassionate conservative", which to me means he'll give me a handshake and take my wallet with the other hand.

Many conservatives were thrilled with George W. Bush's election in 2000, with the Congress, Senate, and White House under Republican control. However, it was a short-lived honeymoon. Yes, President Bush did cut taxes (I got my check for a little over $100), but he failed to slash the budget. The federal deficit is nearly $8 trillion now and growing.

On the local level, Republicans have long held the State Senate, and reclaimed the State House of Representatives in 2004, along with the Governor's Mansion. Conservatives that voted for "My Man Mitch" thought voting for Daniels would be the end of the tax-and-spend days of O'Bannon/Kernan. Not even ten days into his new administration, Governor Daniels proposed raising taxes. At the end of the most recent legislative session, he signed off on the $1 billion project to publicly finance a new stadium for the Indianapolis Colts, a private entity, and the Indiana Convention Center expansion.

After the session, Governor Daniels went on a dog and pony show, talking of the benefits of being over-taxed. He sold out his County Councils, who almost (thank you Morgan County) all approved the measure, some unanimously. And they call themselves fiscal conservatives.

All in all, Republicans can huff and puff about what they're doing for the world, much like Democrats huff and puff about what they're doing for the children, but are they really keeping your individual rights and personal freedoms in their best interests?? Probably not. Only Libertarians have been able to do so.

Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

More and more, President Bush has talked liked a conservative, acted like a conservative, yet he hasn't delivered like a conservative. He enacted tax cuts, which is a GREAT thing, yet he hasn't delivered the spending cuts that are requisite. He talked of bringing the government under control, then bloated the domestic (non-military) budget 7-10% annually, with now Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels at the helm of OMB. He says he's a "compassionate conservative," yet he continues to increase the scope of government. Neither compassionate nor conservative if you ask me.

Now he's pushing for Harriet Miers, a well-qualified attorney, to be an Associate Justice on the US Supreme Court, replacing Sandra Day O'Connor. Some conservatives are upset, after taking the Medicare bill, after taking No Child Left Behind, after spending over a quarter of a trillion dollars in Iraq, because Bush has chosen to go down the road of cronyism. Appointing his personal attorney as a Justice merely diminishes the gravitas of the Court.

President Bush wanted a woman, a well-qualified woman at that, to serve on the Court after Justice O'Connor. There were other well-qualified conservatives that have a better record than Ms. Miers. Simply put, this was supposed to be under the radar, but is turning out to be all over the darned thing.

Changes in Attitudes, Changes in Latitudes

Governor Daniels is at it again. Another liberal tax and spend policy from a "fiscal conservative." Click here for the story on how he wants to give cities and towns the ability to levy income, sales, and food/beverage taxes on individuals.

Now he says he's for the idea if property taxes truly go down, but that's like giving an alcoholic a case of beer. It's been my experience that people in power only want one thing, more power. I highly doubt that property taxes would decrease as a result of other tax increases. That would be the right and decent thing to do of a governmental body.

The only way this law would work is if the municipalities were to concurrently reduce the taxes, not make that an option, but a prerequisite to enacting the other taxes. That would not make it nearly as palatable to legislators because of the zero-sum game principle.

Another way of thinking is the FairTax principle. Make the Indiana tax system consumption based vs. income based. I don't like Uncle Sam or the State of Indiana getting into my wallet before I do. If there is one entitlement program I like, it's that your entitled to your entire paycheck.

Republicans have learned how to govern like Democrats. If you're a voter that believes government should live within its means, the Republican Party will only feed lip service, and waste a vote. Voting Libertarian will ensure your vote is not wasted.

Government Gone Wild

I know that big government is taking over the country, much to my chagrin. But the most blatant example has unfolded over the week. State Sen. Pat Miller (R-Indianapolis) suggested a ban on medical assistance to unmarried couples. What's she really meant was "Keep the gays and single folks from having babies!!" I realize that there are some who think that child-rearing should be in the "traditional" two-parent family that is married with one man and one woman.

My point is I buy into that belief myself, but who am I to stop someone from having a child?? I am a Christian, and have my own personal views about child-rearing, but that does not give me the right to impose my views on others! If two men or two woment want to have a child, then let them. Don't tell them they can't because you don't necessarily agree with it.

Another point, what about the single parents we already have?? What do we do with them?? Do we sterilize them?? Obviously not, because they're doing it naturally! My point is this, we are NOT China! If people want to have children, let them do it, but don't tell them they can't because you think it's immoral. Don't play God, that's His job.

Smoke em if you got em....for now

Greenfield is trying to mimic Indianapolis. Sprawling commercial sites right off the interstate. A Wal-Mart Supercenter and Home Depot within walking distance of each other. A Starbucks, an Applebee's, and a smoking ban. Wait a second, did you say loss of property rights??

It looks like the Greenfield City Council is proposing a smoking ban on par with that of the one introduced by the Indianapolis City-County Council earlier this year. A sweeping ban, that would ban smoking in private businesses as well as public places.

Now I understand that some of the land in Greenfield is city-owned, and they have a right to say what will and won't happen on their property. But for the City Council to tell a private businessman, such as a restaurant or a tavern owner, how to run his business, well that's socialism.

What worries me more is that "small-government" Republicans are seriously considering this measure. This ordinance would only increase the role of government in Greenfield. My grandfather gave me some sage advice, if you don't like what someone is doing, get away from it. In a nutshell, if you don't like going to restaurants with smoking, don't go there, or order the food to go and enjoy it at home.

Property rights have been rapidly eroding, and the Democrats and Republicans are doing nothing to protect homeowners (Kelo v. New London) or businesses (smoking bans). Only Libertarians protect citizens from ther overreach of government.

HOCKEY'S BACK!!!!

To the relief of myself and Beth, hockey's back!! I was tempted to drive north to see my Blackhawks take on the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, but I have to work Dine for America night, which is definitely worth it. Goto http://www.dineforamerica.org and find a list of participating restaurants that are donating their profits tonight to charities benefiting hurricane victims. Beth will be watching her beloved (to me: despised) Red Wings face off the St. Louis Blues with her family.

Why I became a Libertarian

Many ask me why I'm not a "moderate Republican"....here's why.

Why I became a Libertarian...good question. I was raised "politically homeless" and split my ticket for several years. Growing up in the Clinton era, I was a big proponent of social issues, protecting civil rights, etc. My mother is very liberal (self-admitted, I'll have you know) and instilled that in me. But at the same time, I despised how he spent money like a drunken sailor. My problem with Republicans was that they spoke of fiscal responsibility, yet failed to deliver, and moral values, but did not exhibit such.

Conservative icons like Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich have fallen from grace a bit to me, with the scandals that have enveloped their personal lives and turned them into hypocrites, in my eyes. I liked their stance on fiscal issues, but I didn't like how they thought the government had the right to tell people how to live their personal lives.

I had heard of the Libertarians mostly due to hearing the name Andy Horning every election, and heard him speak a couple of times and he made a lot of sense. I thought, it's a good idea, but will never win, it's a wasted vote.

In 2003, I wrote a paper on the Libertarians as a Sociology project, and met Phil Miller. Down to earth, then-incumbent City Councilman in Greenfield. We chatted, he gave me the book Libertarianism in One Lesson. It opened my eyes completely. I agreed with almost everything (nothing's perfect) in the book, and I joined shortly thereafter. I ran for Council as the only legitimate fiscal conservative on the ballot. I've been very involved, but now I'm scaling back my activities a bit as I prepare for my wedding in April, and enjoy the soon-to-be married life.

Major Moves in the Wrong Direction

This week, Gov. Daniels proposed the Major Moves program. He wants to make the I-69 extension from Indy to Evansville a toll road, raise the rates of the Indiana Toll Road and privatize interstates.

I like the privatizing interstates, but if we're raising rates of the Toll Road and making I-69 a toll road, where are the reciprocating spending cuts? To me, it sounds like more of the same rhetoric by Gov. Daniels. He's forgotten it was fiscal conservatives that put him in office, thinking it was the end of tax and spend. All he's done since taking office is raise the taxes in Indianapolis and the surrounding counties, basically cornering the County Councils (all Republican majorities), saying raise taxes and keep 50% of the windfall.

Building a new Colts stadium and expanding the convention center does nothing for my bottom line but shrink it. Increasing taxes on the Toll Road and proposing taxes on the I-69 extension does nothing for my bottom line but shrink it. Anyway, if I'm driving to Evansville, there's always the established route of I-70/US 41 via Terre Haute. It's 12 minutes longer, as well as toll-free.

Republicans have proved once again that they do not care about fiscal responsibility. Liberal tax and spend policies are not the way to balance books. Holding government accountable like a citizen would bring it back in line. Libertarians realize that budgets in government are like those in private life, preset and if the expenses are too great, cuts are made. Republicans have not learned how to say no.

Why One Should Vote Libertarian

Now I could rant and rave as to why one should vote for a Libertarian candidate, but there isn't enough tea in China for that post. What I do have to offer are very compelling statements as to why one would check the "L" instead of the "D" or "R".

-In one party counties, Lake and Hamilton counties come to mind quickly, the other "major" party doesn't have a real voice, leaving Libertarians as the primary voice of opposition to the current powers that be. This was the case in Fishers, as the all-Republican Town Council didn't even vote on a motion to raise a one percent food and beverage tax because of a major Libertarian response.

-Smaller, less intrusive government. If you voted Republican because they said they were fiscal conservatives, they lied. If you live in the doughnut counties around Indianapolis, you know that first hand, seeing those one percent taxes popping up like weeds. If you voted for Mitch Daniels because he said he would trim the budget, that was a half-truth. He cut education budgets to create new Departments, thus growing government.

-Individual rights. Libertarians respect that your house is just that, your house. You should be allowed to do what you want in there, so long as you don't infringe another's rights. You should not worry that Wal-Mart will get in the pocket of government and condemn your house for a new SuperCenter. If you're a business owner, Libertarians will let you make decisions about your business, not let the government do it for you.

-More responsibility in government. A Libertarian would work within the confines of what is given to him. No talk of property tax hikes or cuts in public safety. A Libertarian would work in the most efficient manner to make sure the taxpayer gets the most bang for the buck, not how much bucks could be banged in governmental bureaucracy.

These are a few of the many reasons to vote Libertarian. If you want more information, visit http://www.lpin.org and find your county affiliate.

More Katrina Rhetoric and Relief??

President Bush said basically the buck stops here, but whose buck is it that he's spending? Right now, the estimates are $100-$200 billion, depending on what "expert" you talk to. $200 billion for new homesteading and rebuilding "infrastructure." The spending could reach the trillions if you let the government do it for you!! I understand we help those who can't help themselves, but $200 billion with no spending cuts or tax increases worries me. How can we talk of working in a "fiscally conservative" manner when those who write the checks have no idea what that means??

Right now, Tom DeLay needs to review that highway bill, find that missing pork, and send it squealing to the Gulf Coast. That is what needs to be done if there is to be a federal response.

Hurricane Relief and Rhetoric

Last night, President Bush addressed the nation from New Orleans' Jackson Square. He says the federal government will do whatever it takes to restore the Gulf Coast. My question is at what cost? $50 billion has already been approved for relief, with potentially billions more on the way. Congress has reconvened after their vacation, with over a quarter of a trillion dollars "earmarked" for their home states. $400 million for two bridges in Alaska to connect a handful of citizens stands out greatest. Why can't they shift the focus of bringing home the bacon to helping those who need it most??

Some say that the government dragged their feet. I say they are correct. The failure was at the local and state level initially, then it snowballed into the federal level. Mayor Ray Nagin (D) of New Orleans asked where the federal government was. I ask where was he when everything began?? He had the opportunity to help his citizens, but decided to sit on his hands as a Category 4 storm barreled into the Big Easy.

New Orleans is slowly rising from the waters to become the booming area it was, with the French Quarter bustling, and businesses reopening, but still, there are over 100,000 displaced from their own homes. Nearly $1 billion has been raised in private donations. The effort on the private charities continues next month too. October 5 is Dine for America night. Restaurants across the country will donate their profits that evening to the American Red Cross.

Even sports is realizing the magnitude of the disaster. Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn, well-known in charitable arenas for building houses for low-income families, has challenged every NFL player except those on the New Orleans Saints to donate $5,000 to the Red Cross. That alone would raise over $8 million, more than the NFL offices donated.

The purpose of this is simple: everyone can say one thing and do another. I encourage you to say and do the same thing.

American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org 800-HELP-NOW

Salvation Army - http://www.salvationarmyusa.org 800-SAL-ARMY

Catholic Charities USA - http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org 800-919-9338

BMV BS

The closure of the BMV branch in Gary is a bit peculiar to me. Gary is the state's fifth largest city, as well as in the center of Lake County, the most Democrat-controlled (and corrrupt, in some eyes) county in the state. The lease is expiring on the main BMV there, and the state isn't renewing it. Many conspiracies and racial divisions are coming forward, but I don't see it that way. I see it as a failure to provide a necessary piece of infrastructure to a broad constituency. Imagine if Joel Silverman said close a BMV office, just one BMV branch in Indianapolis. The outcry would be insane!

I realize that only Texas and California have more license branches than Indiana. I know it's a matter of convenience, but there shouldn't be two license branches in Hancock County. The one in Greenfield is consistently overworked and undermanned. Centralize one branch in each county instead of multiple branches with multiple buildings and staffs. Put it in the county seat for each office, and cut excesses. Now with bigger populations, there should be more offices, I get that. I'm just offering another solution than just throwing darts at the wall and hoping for a bulls-eye every time.

Logistical Nightmares

I'm taking a moment away from politics to talk of another passion, sports. Right now, two major sports leagues have had their schedules thrown into a state of flux, to be generous.

The New Orleans Saints were to have opened their home season in the Superdome on the 18th against the New York Giants. Now, the Superdome is nothing more than a leaky pile of squalor surrounded by a toxic moat. The Giants are now hosting the game, moved to Sept. 19th. The Giants are being gracious hosts, donating money and time to the relief efforts of the Gulf Coast. But the problem does not end there. What of the other seven home games scheduled in the Big Easy?? The Saints are temporarily setting up shop in San Antonio, Texas, which is about 500 miles, or 9 hours, west of N'Awlins. There is also talk of them playing at LSU in Baton Rouge, or at the Houston Astrodome. Worst case scenario, 16 road games, making the Saints the NFL version of the Montreal Expos, a team without a home city.

The New Orleans Hornets play next door at the New Orleans Arena, surrounded by the same toxic moat. The Hornets are based in Houston temporarily and holding training camp at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Fortunately, they have about six weeks to plan ahead, versus just days. Oklahoma City has stepped up to the plate with a NBA-caliber facility, also LSU is a possibility. I doubt they'll play 82 games on the road.

I just feel bad for the fans of these two teams. I find it hard to root for the home team when they don't have a home.

What It Takes to Win an Election

As I have found out in the past, it takes more than a message to win an election. I tried that approach last year, and did shockingly well. Earning six percent in a five-way race is quite a feat! But it wasn't a victory. Lessons learned, indeed.

I spent a sizable amount of money (to me at least), nearly $500 in donations from various friends and my own pocket. The Lions Club Fair in New Palestine, walking the 4-H Parade, participating in candidate forums and various meet-n-greets, walking neighborhoods were all part of trying to get my name out. But I didn't really have a name recognition to everyone in the county. Sure I got some attention from the local paper as a "third-party" candidate. I got attention because I was 23. I got attention because I was forcing the Republicans and Democrats to give my words serious consideration.

Right now, serious and legitimate local Libertarian candidates should start their campaigns (e.g. County Council/Commissioners). Get those fundraisers going. Start knocking on doors. Talk to people about the issues that are affecting them most, then offer them a libertarian solution to the problem. We need to move from a position of promoting the party, to going out and showing people why we should be in office.

Taxes/Budgets - With a Libertarian in office, cutting spending, NOT increasing it is the first order of business. Taxing restaurants an additional 1% is not a good idea, as the town of Fishers has found out. Bond issues would not be a dime a dozen. Spending should be limited to necessities, such as public safety and sewers, not administration buildings that look like college campuses.

Property Rights - A Libertarian would work with local and state bodies to make sure that Kelo v. New London doesn't happen in your backyard. A Libertarian would allow the small business owner to make his own rules in his business, not let the government dictate what can and cannot go on inside said establishment.

Also, when talking to voters, take this bit of advice:

Be Brief - You only have really thirty seconds to a minute to get someone's attention. Remember three key ideas, and hand the voter a palmcard that describes your platform. There is no need to hand them a manifesto the size of a small phonebook. That's just a new doorstop.

Be Polite - Offer a firm handshake and introduce yourself.

Be Memorable - I'm not saying make a mockery of yourself, or show up in a clown suit. I'm saying be professional, be presentable, realize your audience. (Walking the neighborhood: golf shirt and khakis, Fundraiser: shirt and tie minimum)

Find Common Ground (if time permits): In my experience, I got a lot of support because of my neighbors. When I told them of what I was doing, first they asked, "Are you serious??", then asked, "Why?" When I told them, they could relate to what I was talking about.

This is just some ideas from a guy who has been there before, and wants to do it again sometime.

Waxing Poetic

My friends, one cannot help but see what has happened and is currently happening in the Gulf Coast. I myself, along with many others, have been to New Orleans. I remember it very clearly, in 1999.

My sister's club volleyball team advanced to the National Championships at the New Orleans Convention Center, and I was a team chaperone. It's a huge building, making the Indiana Convention Center look like a popsicle stand. I remember walking the French Quarter with the parents, going into Pat O'Brien's and drinking the world-famous Hurricanes they made, along with the beer stand called simply "Huge Ass Beers."

I am simply writing of my fond memories of The Big Easy, and on Saturday, at the LPHanC Tax Freedom Rally, we will have a donation site for the American Red Cross. All monies collected will go to the Red Cross for relief efforts in the Gulf Coast.

I ask everyone of all walks of life to pray for the refugees who have survived, and help our fellow Americans in their darkest hour.

http://www.redcross.org - American Red Cross

http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org - Catholic Charities USA

FairTax Thoughts

I bought and read Neal Boortz and Rep. John Linder (R-GA)'s new book, The FairTax Book, and was impressed for the most part. It detailed the history of the income tax and withholdings, as well as the "embedded" taxes consumers pay on everyday items.

It showed how by removing withheld taxes (ie: Social Security and income), prices will go down, plus with the FairTax of 23%, prices will remain almost constant, plus monthly "prebates" for necessities of life (food, shelter, etc.)

Overall, I think the FairTax is a good idea for both business and consumers because everyone's on a level playing field, whether you make $10,000 or $10 million. Not only that, it's a consumption tax, so if you don't want to spend your money, you're not going to be taxed. I like that :).

For more info, go to www.fairtax.org

NCAA Nonsense

All of this garbage over a mascot??

POP QUIZ...

Illinois Fighting Illini, Central Michigan Chippewas, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Florida State Seminoles. Which three are most offensive??

Well, according to Myles Brand, yes that Myles Brand, Illinois, Central Michigan, and Florida State could not use their nicknames in NCAA postseason play or hold any type of postseason tournament games, because their nicknames are offensive to Native Americans. What about Providence Friars, does that embarrass American Catholics, or Notre Dame, saying all Irish-Americans are looking for a brawl with someone??

This type of buffoonery is typical of a City Council, saying whether or not you can allow smoking in your business. Now what happens if Illinois takes their men's basketball team to the Final Four again?? It's not the Fighting Illini anymore, just the University of Illinois.

Florida State threatened legal action against the NCAA, saying that the Seminole tribes in Florida endorsed the nickname. The NCAA concurred, and that issue was dropped. Some tribes, such as the Illini are extinct. The state was named for them, why can't they be honored in a matter such as this??

The real irony is that the NCAA is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. How apropo is that? Myles Brand should have more important things to do, such as root out pay-for-play schemes, than tell a school what they can and can't name their mascots. If schools don't want to be named for something, they'll change it on their own. The decision should not be made for them.