Los miembros del partido Un Nuevo Tiempo (UNT), exigen la renuncia del ministro de Salud, Jesús Mantilla a consecuencia de la grave situación sanitaria que se presenta en Venezuela y citaron como ejemplo el repunte del dengue en los últimos días en gran parte del país.

La presidenta del Consejo Nacional Electoral, Tibisay Lucena, en compañía de los rectores del organismo, instaló el Año Electoral como inicio de las actividades de la institución para el período 2008. En el acto, la funcionaria pidió a los partidos políticos que hagan un debate de altura y a los medios de comunicación que mantengan un equilibrio informativo, reiterando que el ente comicial seguirá garantizando la transparencia del voto.

El presidente de Fedecámaras, José Manuel González, asegura que el gobierno tiene un bloqueo económico en los estados fronterizos con Colombia. Rechazó la actitud gubernamental de culpar a los empresarios por los problemas de desabastecimiento y pidió nuevamente al Ejecutivo nacional que se dedique a gobernar y desmonte los controles sobre la economía.

El presidente de Colombia, Álvaro Uribe, afirmó que las ensambladoras de automóviles del país despedirán trabajadores por la restricción de Venezuela a la importación de vehículos colombianos y que su Gobierno buscará proteger a los que se queden sin trabajo.

Súmate presentó el proyecto “supertestigo” en defensa del voto de los venezolanos en los distintos procesos electorales que se registren en el país. Los representantes de esa organización afirmaron que el plan busca capacitar a los ciudadanos para que atiendan las necesidades antes, durante y después de los procesos comiciales

El grupo de estudiantes que fue agredido este martes en la sede del Palacio de Justicia de Maracaibo, estado Zulia, denunció ante la sede de la Fiscalía de esa localidad las agresiones de las que fueron víctimas por parte de funcionarios del órgano público cuando realizaban una protesta por la liberación de los presos políticos de la entidad.

There is no such thing as trust and love. Everything is war and hatred with people blaming each other for even trivial things. It has come to the point that various states and regions have talked about declaring independence or have declared their independence. Bush, Cheney, and Company waste our money on a costly war in the Middle East while people in America are suffering secondary to crisis of insurance, health care, and the housing crunch. Who cannot forget the high gasoline prices and the fact that Bush and Cheney have the offices of Halliburton in Venezuela? No wonder Chavez was restored to power by Bush. The reason is so that Bush can concentrate on invading and occupying a foreign country such as Iraq.

There are people who have been brave enough to present articles of impeachment against Bush and Cheney such as the Green Party USA, Congressmen Wexler, Gutierrez, and Kucinich. There are now more than 210,000 signatures including my own to have Bush and Cheney impeached before the Elections of 2008.Bush and Cheney have to worry about impeachment and now the city of Brattleboro Vermont will place on the ballot a petition which authorizes the arrest of Bush and Cheney should they ever visit the city. Two cities [one in Kentucky and one in Massachusetts] are studying the Brattleboro, Vermont initiative to see if they could do the same thing.

Kurt Daims is the author of this proposal that has more than 500 signatures and the support of the Police Department of Brattleboro, Vermont. The petition has been approved to be voted during the 4th of March Municipal Meetings. The reason for the petition is based on the fact that Bush committed Crimes Against Humanity, Lied, and used espionage on civilians who are American Citizens to get what they want.

This is a positive petition and I hope it progresses at least to give Bush, Cheney, and Company some headache. In other words, I support Brattlesboro Vermont in their desire for justice.

George Bush in his State of the Union and The Governor of Kansas in her Democratic Party rebuttal did not say anything that is significant. What has happened is that both politicians and their parties have been out of touch with reality. The Mainstream Media has also been out of touch with reality for refusing to publicize the rebuttal of the Libertarian Party. It is as though we do not exist.

I will give my version of the Libertarian Party Rebuttal to Bush's State of the Union and the Governor of Kansas Democratic Party Rebuttal. It deals with the loss of freedoms, a war that will never end, deteriorating infrastructure such as the border, health care, and the insurance crisis. There are other extras that have to be dealt with since [and paraphrasing what was once in a Holiday Inn Commercial: "The Best Surprise Is No Surprise".

I. Loss of Freedom and a Never Ending War

The Republicans and Democrats have been doing to the USA what no external force has been able to do. Our freedoms are being slowly eroded and we are being dumbed down by a governing elite that wants to maintain power at whatever cost. The Elite and Mainstream Media talk about freedom and human rights yet at home; the Libertarians, Greens, and other parties are marginalized, ignored, even treated brutally in the psychological and [with some exception] the physical sense. America has become like Cuba under Castro or even Venezuela under Chavez [in addition to sustaining these two dictatorships] with people hating each other, being apathetic, and forcing people to conform to a ideology.

We are in a war in Iraq that appears to never end and with Mc Cain promising a 100 year occupation of the country, our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will be going to Iraq [either on a voluntary basis or by the draft] with the intention of maintaining a government that does not enjoy much support while our country deteriorates.

II. Border

While we are in Iraq, we have the problems of people entering the United States illegally. While there should be rules for legal immigration, illegal immigration is the equivalent of a person entering the back yard of an individual's house without the permission of the individual. The same people who enter the United States are the same people who repress those who enter their countries illegally. If this is not to be believed, try asking a Central American who enters Mexico illegally in order to enter the USA illegally.

III. Health Care

Health Care has become a major issue with costs spiraling and people needing more and more health care. This is apparent as the Baby Boomer Generation [1945-1965] is entering a phase of middle age and the geriatric era. Demand is exceeding supply with people asking for Universal Health Care and others opposed. Programs like Tenn Care have been damaged by the greed of Politicians [of all political parties], Insurance Companies, Health Care Professionals, and even the people themselves who abuse of such programs. There is some light with the Health Care Program in Kentucky [which emphasizes Prevention] and Massachusetts [in which Health Insurance is Mandatory in its residents].

IV. Insurance Crisis

Who cannot forget that there are victims of unscrupulous vendors and bank employees who sold people the idea of owning a house for less money? This has been a mess with people defaulting on their home loans and payments.

V. Miscellaneous

While the Republicans and Democrats fight amongst each other and practice their discrimination against other political parties, people are taking matters into their own hands. Vermont, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Alaska, Hawaii, Texas, California have independence movements. The Lakota Tribe have declared their independence from the USA and are known as Lakota Oyate. It is the fault of the Governing Elite and its media for failing to address concerns of people who are of a different political persuasion that pushed these states to think and actually declare independence. This cannot be resolved since those with an independence agenda will continue to promote regardless who is in the White House.

Da Marcus Beasley nacio en 1982 y comenzo su carrera de futbol en la Academia de Futbol [IMG Soccer Academy]. Desde entonces, comenzo a jugar para equipos profesionales de la MLS como Chicago Fire antes de trasladarse hacia Europa para jugar con equipos como PSV Eindhoven, Manchester City, y los Rangers. El anoto 29 goles en 182 juegos. Incluso, logro su primer gol para el equipo escoces Rangers contra FK Zeta a pesar de los intentos de actos de repudios y insultos raciales/ etnicos de los hinchas de FK Zeta contra su persona.

Da Marcus Beasley mostro su talla en el equipo nacional de los Estados Unidos [US Soccer] con su Victoria contra China y su participacion en la Copa Mundial de 2002 y 2006. Tambien formo parte del equipo de los EEUU en la Copa de Oro de la CONCACAF en 2007. Da Marcus Beasley fue recipiente de los premios Bota de Oro de la Copa de Oro CONCACAF del 2005 y la Pelota Plateada de la Copa Mundial de Menores de 1999. Da Marcus Beasley anoto 15 goles en 72 juegos para el equipo nacional de los Estados Unidos.

Jamar Beasley nacio en 1979 y jugo para equipos como New England Revolution, Chicago Fire, Puteolana, Indiana Blast, Charleston Battery, Milwaukee Wave United, Kansas City Comets, St. Louis Steamers, y Detroit Ignition. El es Tecnico del equipo “Canton Celtic Soccer Club” en Canton, Michigan.

Quiero agregar que si Da Marcus Beasley hubiese jugado en la Copa America 2007, quizas los EEUU hubiese tenido mejor suerte que ser eliminado despues de perder cada juego. Ojala si la comunidad africano americano lo incluyen pero lo estoy incluyendo en mi dedicatorio de los deportistas que cruzaron el umbral de raza, etnia, y paises.

January 30, 2008

George Phillies: Restore the Fourth Amendment

Libertarian Presidential candidate George Phillies today condemned the Bush Administration for attacking the Constitution. "Warrantless wiretaps of American citizens are felonies," Phillies said. "There is no legal or Constitutional basis for extended warrantless searches of any kind. That's exactly what the Bush Administration did."

Beginning after the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York and Washington, DC, the Bush Administration authorized the NSA to monitor telephone, email and text messaging involving any party the NSA believes to be to be outside the U.S., even if the other side of the conversation is in the U.S.

"Warrantless wiretaps are a police state tactic," Phillies said. "Its advocates are disloyal to our country. They've turned their backs on the Bill of Rights."

The fourth amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects Americans against unreasonable search and seizure. Specifically, it says that the people shall be "secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects," and requires very specific warrants granted upon probable cause for their search or seizure.

Senator Chris Dodd's filibuster in December temporarily delayed a revision to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) bill that would not only have allowed secret courts the power to approve aspects of surveillance but would have granted telecom companies retroactive immunity for their cooperation with the Bush administration in past warrantless wiretapping activities.

"The Democratic party, by delaying action on the FISA Bill, has taken a weak first step toward restoring the Constitution," said George Phillies. "America waited years for that step. That's too slow! Only the Libertarian Party will restore our Constitutional liberties during our lifetimes.

"If elected, I will appoint a corps of special prosecutors to see that persons who committed warrantless searches are given fair trials and, if found guilty, sent to prison. Fortunately, the war on drugs has given us an absurdly huge prison system, so relocating the thousands of government officials and private persons who were apparently involved in this criminal conspiracy against every American to Club Fed for substantial terms will not require new prison construction."

To support the George Phillies campaign, please visit http://ChooseGeorge.org/donation today.

HRH CROWN PRINCE ALEXANDER
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Belgrade 31 January 2008 I am not here to tell you who to vote for nor who is best. I want to say that I know our people are tired after so many manipulations, confusion, isolation and being very misunderstood over one thing and another.

The Serbian people are proud people and strong people, they are tired of sacrificing their only life in constantly waiting and hoping for a better future. The moment has come for the Serbian people to finally move ahead, enough is enough. Whoever is the winner in the elections I appeal to him to understand and to try to achieve for the Serbian people stability, jobs, prosperity, better social services and a peaceful family life. Our people definitely want no more political upheavals and isolation, they wish stability and recognition.

I appeal to all politicians to work for everyone regardless of religion or ethnic origin to provide all our future they truly deserve. There should be fewer political arguments, power struggles, more harmony and more in the interest of all the Serbian people to provide a clear stable future without confusion and for the sake of our investors too. Our people need jobs, a superlative health system, pensions and solid education for our youth who are our future

I appeal to the international community to work together with our government to positively help solve the Kosovo and Metohija situation in a fair way, constructive way and not through the unfair imposition of a solution. I fully support the help we have received form our Russian friends particularly President Putin whom has my admiration and deepest appreciation. Our people in Kosovo and Metohija must have guaranteed human rights and the pursuit of life with full security and jobs. I support the united efforts of our government.

I appeal to the international community not to ransom the future of the Serbian people.

Our future also depends upon dealing with all the issues of a modern state. The objective is to be a member of the European Union with participation in Europe and superlative relations with our Russian friends.

I will gladly give my support to whoever the Serbian people choose on Sunday in free and fair elections.

Thank you so much for your interest in Christian Diaz's "Freedom's Reach". Attached is updated information of the project concept and implementation along with how the funds will be raised.

Christian Diaz will be in Miami on Friday, February 1, 2008 making a public presentation of this concept to a few carefully selected Cuban leaders and personalities. We would like to extend a special invitation to you. If you know some people that you think would be interested in supporting what we are trying to accomplish, we urge you invite them.
An architectural model of the Plaza and a bronze model of the sculpture will be on display. This private gathering will be held at 6:30pm at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables (1200 Anastasia Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33134 - 305-445-1926).
Following is a personal letter from Christian Diaz to our community that expresses how he feels about this project.
We look forward to seeing you on Friday .
Thank you,

To my Cuban brothers and sisters:

"Freedom's Reach" is a proposed monument, inspired by my late mother and intended to express the gratitude of the Cuban community for the opportunity and refuge extended to those of us that escaped from a communist regime. As a child I witnessed the generosity and compassion that this nation and its government extended to my family and those around me. It created a deep desire in my heart to express in a tangible, everlasting medium the gratitude and debt that every Cuban in the U.S. feels. I feel it is time that we say "Thank You - al amigo sincero que me da su mano franca."

I would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes and browse through the attached PDF Brochure and give me your opinion and feedback on the concept. The project is designed to involve the whole US Cuban community, and I am seeking Cuban Celebrities to help me bring this effort to the Cuban public awareness.

We are in need of "Star Power" and public media support (newspaper, radio & TV) for dissemination of concept. We intent to produce an Infomercial with Cuban Stars, Celebrities and Prominent Cuban Individuals to encourage public participation and registration on line.

I will be in Miami on February 1, 2008 making a public presentation of this concept to a few carefully selected Cuban leaders and personalities. I would like to extend a special invitation to you, and anyone close to you, that you feel would appreciate what we are trying to accomplish. I will have an architectural model of the Plaza and a bronze model of the sculpture in display. This private gathering will be held at 6 :30 pm at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables (1200 Anastasia Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33134 - 305-445-1926)

Thank you in advance for your time and interest.

Me mantengo a sus ordenes,

Christian Diaz

FIFA was founded in 1904 and was responsible for organizing various World Cups in Europe such as the Sir Thomas Lipton Tournament. FIFA was also responsible for organizing amateur teams within the Olympic Games. The concept for the World Cup started to consolidate under the FIFA Presidency of Jules Rimet from 1921 to 1954 and since there were disagreements between FIFA and the International Olympic Committee. The disagreement was based on the fact that the 1932 Olympics were to be held in Los Angeles California. Football [Soccer] was not included in the roster of the Olympics since Football [Soccer] was not as popular as Basketball, Baseball, and American Football in the USA.

The response of Jules Rimet was to hold the first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930 in order to commemorate one hundred years of independence for that country and to serve as an alternative for those who could not enjoy football [soccer] in the USA. The countries that participated in the First World Cup were Argentina, Chile, France, Mexico, USA, Yugoslavia, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Romania, Peru, Paraguay, and Belgium. In the 1930 World Cup, Uruguay won first place followed by Argentina, USA, and Yugoslavia.

The 1934 World Cup took place in Italy while the 1938 World Cup took place in France. It was in the two World Cups that Italy was the first place winner. Brazil was the only South American Country that went to Europe to participate in the 1934 and 1938 World Cup. Regardless, Europe was undergoing the tensions and instability that was to lead to World War II and the cancellation of the World Cup tournaments in 1942 and 1946.

It was in 1950 with the World Cup in Brazil that the FIFA World Cup was able to prosper. There were changes with television and radio coverage as well as England participating for the first time. It should be remembered that England withdrew from FIFA in the 1920's for reasons unrelated to football [soccer]. In the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, Uruguay won. The 1960's saw the presence of mascots and players such as Pele as well as the dominance of Germany, and Brazil in Football [Soccer]. The 1970's were also a time for new talent and 1978 Argentina was the first World Cup that I heard on my shortwave radio. The 1978 World Cup in Argentina was the time when Argentina won its First World Cup. It was a thrill listening to the championship and celebrating. I also listened to the 1982, 1986, and 1990 World Cups on my Shortwave Radio as well. Italy won the 1982 World Cup [which was in Spain], Argentina won the 1986 World Cup [which was in Mexico], and Germany [reunified in 1990] won the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

The biggest surprise was the World Cup in 1994. The USA was the host of the 1994 World Cup and it had to learn fast forward how to play football [soccer]. It should be remembered that the USA had other sports [Basketball, American Football, Baseball, and Boxing] and there was a hiatus from 1930 to 1994 in Football [Soccer]. One of the conditions from FIFA was the formation of a national football [soccer] league which lead to the formation of the MLS [Major League Soccer]. The 1994 World Cup was a success with more than 60,000 spectators attending the games. The only tragedy in the 1994 World Cup was the game between the USA and Colombia in which a Colombian Player made a wrong move and did an own goal giving the USA an advantage. Unfortunately, the Colombian Player paid with his life when he returned to Colombia.

The 1998 World Cup in France was memorable with Croatia defeating Germany while the 2002 World Cup was memorable in the fact that two Asian Countries [Korea and Japan] were the hosts. There were people who spent sleepless nights watching the games in their computers or in the television sets. Others were content to listen to the 2002 World Cup on their Shortwave Radios.

The 2006 World Cup in Germany would have been great if it were not for Zidane and the Italian Team head butting each other. In fact, many people remember the 2006 World Cup for that one incident which was not related to football. Personally, I was a reporter for Univision and wrote articles on how the people in Miami Florida reacted to the World Cup Transmissions. It was an honour and I eternally thank Univision for giving me the opportunity to report from the sidelines in Miami Florida.

The World Cup in 2010 is the first one staged in an African Country, South Africa. Many people have expressed their doubts about South Africa being able to stage the World Cup. Others have expressed their fear of the situation in Zimbabwe spilling over to South Africa. I am one of those people who think that South Africa [like any country in the world] have the ability to host the World Cup. I wish South Africa the best.

El autor de la Iniciativa Kurt Daims logro obtener mas de 500 firmas y goza del apoyo del Departamento de la Policia en este pueblo. Incluso la ciudad aprobo la propuesta para llevar la peticion a la votacion el 4 de Marzo 2007. Las razones para la peticion “Arrestar a Bush/Cheney” se basa en las mentiras, crimenes de Guerra, espionaje y perjurio.

Considero la propuesta una respuesta hacia tanto tiempo de mentiras, calumnias, guerras, odios, espionaje, y calumnia. Ojala si lleva a cabo esa iniciativa aunque sea para ser un dolor de cabeza para Bush, Cheney, y compania.

Bush and Cheney have to worry about impeachment and now the city of Brattleboro Vermont will place on the ballot a petition which authorizes the arrest of Bush and Cheney should they ever visit the city. Two cities [one in Kentucky and one in Massachusetts] are studying the Brattleboro, Vermont initiative to see if they could do the same thing.

Kurt Daims is the author of this proposal that has more than 500 signatures and the support of the Police Department of Brattleboro, Vermont. The petition has been approved to be voted during the 4th of March Municipal Meetings. The reason for the petition is based on the fact that Bush committed Crimes Against Humanity, Lied, and used espionage on civilians who are American Citizens to get what they want.

This is a positive petition and I hope it progresses at least to give Bush, Cheney, and Company some headache.

REFERENCE:
Smallheer, Susan: “Brattleboro to Vote on Arresting Bush, Cheney” Common Dreans.org; Jan 27, 2008
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/01/27/6663/

Univision.com: “Electores votarán juicio a Bush y Cheney Vermont los acusa de crímenes de Guerra”
http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?cid=1416794

Office: 202-333-0008 ext. 225
Mobile: 202-731-0002

FROM THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY:
Libertarian Party reiterates its call for Iraq withdrawal

Talk of Iraq in Monday's State of the Union address reignites Party's call for Iraq exit

Quick Quotes:
William Redpath, National Chairman, Libertarian Party
• "President Bush's State of the Union address once again emphasized his desire to remain in Iraq without any finite objective or operational goal."
• "Each day we remain in Iraq is a rebuke of the promise we have made to the members of our Armed Forces."

Shane Cory, Executive Director, Libertarian Party
• "The president says he will return our troops 'on success,' but never identifies what this 'success' is."
• "Without a realistic endgame, the president is setting America up for a perpetual state of war for decades to come."

Washington, D.C. - After Monday's State of the Union address delivered by President George W. Bush, the Libertarian Party is renewing its call for a safe and timely troop withdrawal from Iraq. "President Bush's State of the Union address once again emphasized his desire to remain in Iraq without any finite objective or operational goal," says William Redpath, chairman of the Libertarian Party.

"While we are pleased to see a decline in violence in Iraq, this should by no means become a mandate for sustaining our presence in the country," says Redpath. "We were wrong for invading Iraq, and we as a country have paid for that mistake in dollars and blood. Our obligation is not to Iraq, or any other nation in the world. Our obligation is to our soldiers: to keep them as safe as possible and to use them only in the direct defense of our nation. Each day we remain in Iraq is a rebuke of the promise we have made to the members of our Armed Forces."

The Libertarian Party believes in a non-interventionist foreign policy, which stresses trade with all nations of the world, but condemns pre-emptive warfare that initiates hostilities. The Libertarian Party believes the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq violated this non-interventionist stance.

"The president says he will return our troops 'on success,' but never identifies what this 'success' is," says Shane Cory, executive director of the Libertarian Party and a Marine Corps veteran. "Is success a free and democratic Iraq? Is success an Iraq without terrorists? Is success a peaceful Iraq? All of these are things that most of America wants to see, but they are not clear and reasonable objectives for our military to achieve. Without a realistic endgame, the president is setting America up for a perpetual state of war for decades to come."

"We must leave Iraq as quickly as possible in a matter that is consistent with the safety of our troops," Redpath concludes. "Democracy cannot come from the barrel of a gun, and to try to force it into existence only results in catastrophe. Every day that we continue the occupation of Iraq is another day that our troops are in harm's way and another day that we have failed to learn from our mistakes."

For more information on this issue, or to arrange an interview, please call Andrew Davis at (202) 333-0008 during normal business hours, or at (202) 731-0002 during any other time.

The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.lp.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

Da Marcus Beasley who is a winger was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1982 and quickly rose to the upper echelons of Football in his short but illustrious career from his humble beginnings in the IMG Soccer Academy. He has played with the MLS Team called Chicago Fire before signing with PSV Eindhoven, Manchester City, and eventually the Rangers. During his career, he managed to score 29 goals in 182 appearances. Da Marcus Beasley also scored his first goal for the Rangers against FK Zeta in spite of being subjected to taunts by supporters of FK Zeta.

Da Marcus Beasley also has an illustrious career with the United States National Soccer [Football] Team by scoring his first cap in the USA VS China Game in 2001. He also participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, 2006 FIFA World Cup, and in the 2002, 2005, and 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Da Marcus Beasley is the recipient of the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup Golden Boot and the 1999 U-17 World Cup Silver Ball. During his career with the United States National Soccer [Football] Team, Da Marcus Beasley scored 15 goals in 72 appearances.

Jamar Beasley was born in Fort Wayne Indiana in 1979 and is currently enjoying a comeback career in Indoor Football [Soccer]. He has played for the MLS Team of the New England Revolution, Chicago Fire, Puteolana, Indiana Blast, Charleston Battery, Milwaukee Wave United, Kansas City Comets, St. Louis Steamers, and the Detroit Ignition. Jamar Beasley also works as a coach for the Canton Celtic Soccer Club in Canton, Michigan.

I hope that the Beasley Brothers are mentioned as sports figures in the African American Community as well as US Football [Soccer] since both have merit on and off the field. It is a travesty of justice that there are other sports figures yet the Beasley Brothers are not mentioned. In fact, if Da Marcus Beasley [as well as Donovan] had played in the Copa America of 2007; maybe the USA would have been able to defend itself instead of losing every game.

Lone Star Liberty newsletter

February 2007

1. TEXAS LIBERTARIAN PARTY CANDIDATES BREAK RECORDS AGAIN


2. STATE COMMITTEE MEETS AT SITE OF STATE CONVENTION, FEB 2
3. PATRICK BARTON JOINS STATE STAFF
4. DIXON TO ADDRESS UT, NEEDS YOUR IDEAS
5. WANT TO BE DELEGATE TO THE NATIONAL CONVENTION?
6. DIXON DISCUSSES GLOBAL WARMING ON YOUTUBE
7. MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
8. SCHEDULE OF IMPORTANT DATES:

************

1. TEXAS LIBERTARIAN PARTY CANDIDATES BREAK RECORDS AGAIN



AUSTIN - January 2, 2008 - 173 candidates have filed with the
Libertarian Party of Texas (LPT) to run for federal, state, and district offices
in 2008. This number does not include candidates for President and
Vice-President. 



The LPT is also aware of 37 candidates who have filed for county-level
offices. 


For the first time, Libertarian candidates filed for every statewide
race. Libertarians filed for 30 of the 32 U.S. House seats, 12 of the 15
Texas Senate seats (80%, a record percentage), 102 of the 150 Texas
House seats (68%, a record percentage), and 5 of the 7 State Board of
Education seats (71%, a record percentage). 



Candidates will be nominated at county and district conventions in
March, and at the state convention in June. 



Several nominations will be contested. Among the contests, three
candidates filed for U.S. Senate, and four filed for Texas House in District
107. 



An unofficial list of candidates may be found
here:
http://www.lptexas.org/candidates.shtml



************

2. STATE COMMITTEE MEETS AT SITE OF STATE CONVENTION, FEB 2

The State Libertarian Party Executive Committee of Texas (SLECT) will
be in Fort Worth this Saturday Feb 2, 1-5 PM at the Radisson Fort Worth
Fossil Creek (http://www.radisson.com/ftworthtx_north). Visitors are
welcome to attend.

This site has been chosen as the location for the 2008 state convention
June 13-15. More details about the state convention will be presented
in this newsletter as they become available.

************

3. PATRICK BARTON JOINS STATE STAFF

The Libertarian Party of Texas has hired its newest staff member
Patrick Barton. Patrick joins Art DiBianca as a staff member working under
the direction of our executive director Wes Benedict.

Patrick is a recent graduate of the University of Richmond where he
majored in History, International Studies: Diplomacy & Politics and made
the Dean's List and National Honors Society. He participated in the
Congressional Student Leadership Conference in Washington DC and was a
Field Assistant for the Brownback for President campaign.

************

4. DIXON TO ADDRESS UT, NEEDS YOUR IDEAS

State Chair Pat Dixon been asked by the University of Texas
(UTLAMP.org) to make a presentation to approximately 150 people about the
Libertarian Party. The presentation will be on February 13. In order to help
with the presentation, he requests your help in preparing for this
presentation. He would like you to provide your best example of a person
that represents the far left and the far right. He is looking for one
individual on each side to use as examples to the audience. Please send
your extreme left and extreme right examples to Chair@LPTexas.org.

************

5. WANT TO BE DELEGATE TO THE NATIONAL CONVENTION?

The Libertarian Party National Convention (www.lpconvention.org) will
be held from May 22-26 in Denver. That comes before the Libertarian
Party of Texas state convention, which by state law has to be held on the
second Saturday in June (June 14, 2008).

Normally the delegates from Texas to the national convention would be
selected at the state convention. But since the national convention
comes first, the party’s by-laws require that the delegates shall be
chosen by an open meeting of the State Executive Committee (SLECT).

That meeting is in Fort Worth on Saturday, February 2 (See topic #2
above)

As many items of interesting and important business occur at these
conventions, most in attendance desire to be credentialed as delegates so
that they can participate and cast votes. Texas typically has a large
allotment of seats for delegates and has not filled its delegation at
previous conventions.

If you would like to be a delegate to the national convention, please
contact members of the state executive committee
(LPTexas.org/leadership.shtml) prior to the February 2 meeting. You are not required to
physically attend the meeting as long as you have submitted your name in
advance.

************

6. DIXON DISCUSSES GLOBAL WARMING

State Chair Pat Dixon presented the issue of Global Warming on the
weekly television show “Live and Let Live” on Dec 22. The video has been
uploaded and posted on Google video. It can be found at
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=617434640025336908

************

7. MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Fellow Libertarians,

We have completed our candidate recruiting and want to thank the
candidates for helping us break the record again. We had a goal of 250
candidates on the ballot, and fell short with 210 filed. Some of these are
contested nominations so the final number of candidates on the November
ballot will be lower. We really wanted to fill the races for state
representative. There are 48 districts in which a Libertarian will not
appear on the ballot for state representative. Out of those 48, 22 of
them had Libertarians on the ballot last time. While this is
disappointing, we still break the record of 2 years ago.

One of the critical issues for every candidate is to take the advice of
our staff in keeping their paperwork in order. Filing the required
reports to the state of Texas is very important and can be accomplished
with the help of our staff.

I want to thank our staff for the great work they do. We have now
hired Patrick Barton to join Art DiBianca working under the direction of
Wes Benedict. We have an ambitious but realistic budget this year and
need to raise additional funds to keep our staff working. Thus far 14
people have pledged over $11,000 toward our goal. Last year many of you
pledged over $48,000 to keep our staff going. Please consider joining
them in contributing to our efforts. Contact us at 512-442-4910 or
Director@LPTexas.org. You can make a secure online donation at
lptexas.org/membership.shtml.

To reward you for your support, we started a membership program last
year. We reward membership card according to the level of contribution
(gold, platinum, etc) each year. If you have not yet received your
membership card please contact us.

We continue to be asked about the Ron Paul campaign. He has far
exceeded the expectation of most people and has grown the liberty movement.
People often ask how they can support both Ron Paul and the Libertarian
Party.

To fully disclose, I have donated the federal limit to Ron’s campaign,
but I have donated more to the Libertarian Party. I have volunteered
at Ron Paul events and in the Ron Paul office in Austin.

The only restriction is that state law prohibits someone from voting in
the Republican primary and being a candidate or leader for another
political party. However, Brazos County activist Clyde Garland suggests
Libertarian candidates can influence many votes. A Libertarian
candidate cannot vote in the Republican primary for Ron Paul, but they can
publicly state their support for Ron’s campaign.

We do have an individual that filed to contest Ron Paul for the
congressional race. Our conventions will be conducted properly and allow the
delegates to decide who our nominees are. I as state chair cannot and
will not interfere with the ability of the delegates to make this
decision.

I think this is a great time for the Liberty movement. You might be
interested in reading our executive director’s opinion on this
(wesbenedictforlnc.blogspot.com/2007/05/my-600-says-ron-paul-presidential.html).
Remember that we will have lots of candidates on the ballot for
federal, state, and local offices that can benefit from the growth of the
liberty movement.

I have been asked by the University of Texas to make a presentation to
approximately 150 people about the Libertarian Party. The presentation
will be in February. In order to help with my presentation, I would
appreciate it if you would tell me what person you think represents the
far left and the far right. I am looking for one individual on each
side to use as examples to the audience. Please send your extreme left
and extreme right examples to me at Chair@LPTexas.org.

Lastly, you might enjoy my presentation on Global Warming. This has
been posted to Google video at
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=617434640025336908
We are coming up on a busy March when our precinct and county
conventions kick off. Let’s be well prepared and be ready for the great
opportunity to grow the liberty movement.

At a time when there is a thought that the artistic world has gone down the tubes, there are few artists who have proved me wrong. I personally think that Maria Lourdes [with her music and talent] is one of the artists who have done that. Some of her music in addition to rhythm and different beats has been based on logic. The Song: “Stop” [in my opinion unless told otherwise] appears to be a song against Harassment which is good. The other songs such as “Un Canto A La Caridad” is a religious song which asks God for a divine intervention for Cuba. “Navidad” is another song which should be played on the radio, television, and the internet during Christmas. “Navidad” evokes the Christmas Season and the need for a divine intervention for World Peace.

Other songs in the CD "Sin Genero" such as "Dejame Darte Un Beso" [Let Me Kiss You], "Angel Prohibido" [Prohibited Angel], "Ense~name" [Show Me], Move, "Voy A Decirles" [I Will Tell You], "Te Enga~ne" [I Lied To You], "Que Le Voy A Hacer" [What Will I Do To You?], "No, No, No" are songs that have dealt with the different phases of love such as the desire to be with someone, the desire to break up, and the frustrations of love. "Move" and "No, No, No" are other songs that deal with the negative aspect of finding and retaining true love.

The majority of the songs in "Sin Genero" were composed by Maria Lourdes and Roberto Hernandez with the arrangement by Jorge Arronte. "Sin Genero" showed the other talent of Maria Lourdes as a composer and as an artists who has worked with other composers of the caliber of Roberto Hernandez and Jorge Arronte.

For this Cuban American born in Ohio, the song “Un Canto A La Caridad” and “Navidad” evoked strong feelings within my heart and the rest of my body. It is these strong feelings within my heart and body that evokes a desire for freedom and self determination. It is a feeling that comes from an artist of the caliber of Maria Lourdes that no politician could even evoke.

It is for this reason that I give Maria Lourdes “Sin Genero” a 100%.

REFERENCE:
www.marialourdesmusic.com

Escribo mi articulo para decir que esta obra discografica sera la pauta para el Siglo XXI y es una alternativa revolucionaria en el entretenimiento. Digo revolucionario pues Maria Lourdes logro romper el estereotipo de que un artista debe limitarse a un genero o un idioma.Las canciones en “Sin Genero” escrito por Maria Lourdes y Roberto Hernandez evoca todas las emociones en el ser humano desde el aviso [“Stop”] hasta la evocacion para una Cuba Libre [“Un Canto A La Caridad”].

Canciones como "Dejame Darte Un Beso", "Angel Prohibido", "Ense~name", “Move”, "Voy A Decirles", "Te Enga~ne", "Que Le Voy A Hacer", y "No, No, No" son canciones romanticas interpretados en distinto generos y se trata de las esferas del amor.

Estoy contento con este disco que es una joya. Incluso “Un Canto A La Caridad” atrapo el Corazon de este Cubano nacido en Ohio que tambien paso mucho trabajo en su ni~nez en ese estado durante los 1960’s. Ojala si Dios podia escuchar la dulce voz de esta artista para hacer su divina intervencion en Cuba y en El Continente Americano.

Dedico mi ultimo parrafo a la cancion “Navidad”. “Navidad” debe ser el Villancico Universal pues fue escrito y interpretado desde el Corazon y Alma. Al escucharlo, senti una emocion fuerte dentro de mi cuerpo. Cual Fue la Emocion? Senti mi Corazon Atrapado y la Sangre Herviendo en mis Arterias [igual como “Un Canto A La Caridad”]. Incluso pedi a Dios otra divina intervencion para un mundo major.

Maria Lourdes y Roberto Hernandez escribieron los Temas en este CD. Jorge Arronte jugo un papel importante en la colaboracion para que este CD se convierte en una joya entre las joyas.

Por eso y mucho mas “Sin Genero”, su interprete Maria Lourdes merece un 100%. Mis Mejores deseos para la cantante con la voz angelical.

Víctor Bolívar, presidente de Acción Democrática (AD), aseguró este lunes que el gobierno quiere hacer la elección de gobernador este año y la de alcaldes el próximo para aprovechar el ventajismo oficial.

El vicepresidente del partido Copei, Luis Carlos Solórzano, advirtió que es alarmante la situación del desabastecimiento que hay en Venezuela y exigió al Ejecutivo Nacional buscar una salida eficaz a este problema. Además, el dirigente reiteró el respaldo de la organización que representa al documento unitario suscrito el pasado 23 de enero por los partidos de oposición para los comicios de gobernadores y alcaldes.

El presidente de Consecomercio, Nelson Maldonado, insiste en que los controles de cambios y precios es lo que genera la escasez de productos básicos. Considera que el desabastecimiento de alimentos debe ser solucionado con un aumento en la producción.

La Asociación Nacional de Usuarios y Consumidores cree que la población no debe permitir aumentos exagerados en los precios de los productos. El presidente de Anauco, Roberto León Parilli, informó que esa asociación presentó una herramienta de ayuda para tramitar reclamos y denuncias ya que considera que no está justificada el alza de precios en los productos por la reconversión monetaria.

Con la supervisión de los vecinos organizados, la Alcaldía de Chacao construirá una plaza de más de 3.000 metros cuadrados en el sector Los Palos Grandes. Para ello será necesario demoler algunas edificaciones en la primera etapa del proyecto, que el alcalde cataloga como un complejo cívico

Con una sesión solemne en el Tribunal Supremo de Justicia se dio inicio al calendario de actividades judiciales de este año. En la sesión estuvieron presentes los representantes de todos los poderes públicos. La presidenta del máximo órgano judicial del país, Luisa Estela Morales, describió la gestión del 2007 como transparente y eficaz.

January 28, 2008
Contact: Andrew Davis
E-mail: andrew.davis@lp.org
Office: 202-333-0008 ext. 225
Mobile: 202-731-0002
FROM THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY:
The Libertarian Party's Response to the State of the Union Address

The following is a response by Libertarian Party National Chairman William Redpath
Washington, D.C. - Following President Bush's annual State of the Union Address, the Libertarian Party issued their response from National Chairman William Redpath:
Tonight's State of the Union address went much as expected. Instead of calling for a more limited role of the federal government in American society, the President laid out plans that would only increase the government's intervention into the realm of economics, health care, education and foreign policy. It is unfortunate to see that after seven years of increasing the size of government and increasing the government's presence in the day to day lives of all Americans, the President refuses to limit the scope of the federal government, a once championed virtue of the President's party. The President's last State of the Union address encapsulated his legacy of an abandonment of the principles of limited government and individual freedom.

While the Libertarian Party applauds the President on taking a stand against wasteful government spending--though his administration has been a large contributor to this problem--and opening up more foreign markets to trade, we offer the following solutions to issues the President brought up in his address:

Economics: The President's economic stimulus plan is based on a flawed and outdated economic premise. The best solution to an economic slowdown is increasing the ability for businesses to grow and reinvest in the economy. Instead of increasing the federal deficit by $150 billion dollars, the federal government should focus its energy on eliminating taxes that restrain economic growth. Eliminating taxes such as the death tax and capital gains taxes, and lowering income tax rates on private citizens will free up vital capital that can be reinvested into the economy. Additionally, the federal government should remove all trade barriers that prevent free trade with other nations. This is a more sound economic policy that presents real solutions instead of the window-dressing that is the President's stimulus package.

Education: The President's 'No Child Left Behind Act' has failed from the very beginning, and its reauthorization would be a travesty to the American education system. Instead of unfunded, federal mandates with the intent of fixing our failing public schools, alternatives involving the private sector should be explored. Increased local control over public schools and increased use of private alternatives will increase the quality of education for all American children. We call for abolishing the Department of Education and remove the federal government from educating our children.

Health care: Far too long have our politicians tried to find a government fix for the health care problem we have in America. Government interference in the health care system is the root of the problems we face. Only in eliminating government subsidies of health care will we find relief from increasing costs. The Libertarian Party calls for the elimination of all government entitlement programs related to health care.

Foreign Policy: America will spend more than $1 trillion dollars in foreign wars started during the Bush administration. Because of such, the economy is in jeopardy and America's reputation abroad has suffered traumatic blows. On top of this, Americans have seen their civil liberties violated time after time. The Libertarian Party calls for a withdrawal from Iraq following the proper lines of withdrawal, executed by our commanders on the ground. We also call for an abandonment of the reckless policy of pre-emptive war, and a restoration of civil liberties lost under such laws as the Patriot Act and the amendments to FISA. The Libertarian Party reminds our leaders in power of the great words of Samuel Adams:
The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors: they purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood, and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men.

In this perilous time, when our freedom is attacked from both inside our borders by corrupt politicians and from outside by foreign aggressors, we call for prudence, wisdom and above all, an adherence to the United States Constitution, which reigns sovereign over all individuals of American society.

Redpath is a resident of Leesburg, Virginia, where he lives with his wife Melinda. Redpath has served as the Chairman of the Libertarian Party since 2006. He holds a MBA from the University of Chicago.

For more information on this issue, or to arrange an interview, please call Andrew Davis at (202) 333-0008 during normal business hours, or at (202) 731-0002 at any other time.

For the past seven years, we have watched as America has moved steadily backwards. We have become a nation that is less free and less fair. We have become a nation that no longer values the right to privacy and has tragically retreated from our cherished foundations.

Nothing George W. Bush says tonight will change the sad reality of the America he has given us:

- Our economy teeters on the edge of recession while property taxes spike and homeowners are losing their homes at record levels;

- Our educational system is broken and our teachers are abandoned;

- Our roads and bridges languish in disrepair, while our borders and ports remain under-inspected and insecure;

- Our most basic ideals about law and justice have been tossed out, as our President uses fear to pursue his reckless agenda; and

- We remain mired in Iraq in a war built on lies and manipulated intelligence.

Nowhere in American history - not even Watergate - have we been confronted with an Administration so ambivalent about the truth and established law. A recent nonpartisan study found that the Bush Administration lied over 900 times in the prelude to the Iraq war, misleading us on nearly every critical issue.

It is time that we reclaim this country and undue the damage wrought by George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.

Democrats in Congress must stand up and lead no matter the cost.

We need to finally act on the promises of the 2006 election and stop at nothing to bring our troops home from the Iraq. If we do not act Bush will install a permanent US presence in Iraq and John McCain's vision of a 100 year US occupation will become reality. (Click here to read my recent editorial on the Failure of the Bush Surge in Iraq.)

It is time that we faced up to our global responsibilities and begin to prevent global warming. In the richest nation on earth, it is long past time that we provide health insurance to every single American.

We must aggressively pursue impeachment hearings for Vice President Dick Cheney due to serious allegations of abuse of power including illegal wiretapping, torture, and deliberate lies to bring us to war. (Click here to see my recent speech on the floor of the House calling for impeachment hearings).

Fifteen members of Congress - including 4 Judiciary Committee members - have already joined my call to Chairman Conyers for impeachment hearings and more are joining each day: (Click here to see the letter I am sending to Congressman Conyers and the list of members who have joined as signatories.)

Bush Administration officials and cabinet members must answer questions -on the record - regarding illegal wiretapping, torture, and what I perceive as deliberate, knowing lies to the American people in an effort to bring us to war in Iraq.

Impeachment hearings are essential because the Administration has recklessly used claims of executive privilege to block key witnesses from testifying. Impeachment hearings could force the Administration to drop their executive privilege claims and we would then finally get the answers this nation deserves. We are making progress with over 216,000 Americans already registering their support at WexlerWantsHearings.com.

We must rededicate ourselves to the core values of this nation and finally deliver to the American people the change they demanded when they stood up and voted for Democrats in 2006.

I value your support, and I am thankful for your patriotism.

Together, we can