Next OKC Libertarians March 13th, 2007

Now for a change of atmosphere. Join us at 6:30 PM for a potluck dinner. Our speaker, Lance Schmitz, has graciously invited us into his home for the evening. His address is 2622 NW 11th (a little over 2 blocks east of May, south side of street). Lance serves as the Pastor of Compassion and Social Justice at Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene and is a member of the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. Please join us and bring something tasty to share.

OKC Libertarians meet the second Tuesday of each month.

OKC Libertarians Feb. 13th, 2007

Stuart Jolly, Executive Director of Americans for Prosperity of Oklahoma (AFP), spoke at our last meeting. He outlined a clear agenda for moving Oklahoma forward this session. Lt. Col. Jolly recently retired from service, where he served in the Gulf War and most recently was teaching military science at UCO. He said, "I fought for America and now I fight for Oklahoma."

He described AFP as a special-interest group for taxpayers. He said is complements the work of think tanks. "They come up with the ideas and we work to implement them. We're the legs."

At the top of AFP's agenda is ending the franchise tax in Oklahoma. "We're ranked 21st in being business friendly, one reason is the franchise tax...Some business owners spent $90 to find out they had to pay $10. That's crazy. We already have a corporate tax that is 6%...that's double taxation."

AFP's website says: "This tax harms our already-lagging economy by placing a penalty on businesses for making permanent business investments in our state. Oklahoma corporations currently pay a franchise tax simply for the "pleasure" of doing business here and are forced to pay this franchise tax on their net worth whether they were profitable for the year or not!" AFP is supporting HB 1388 and SB 36 in this effort.

AFP is working to get the Transparency Act passed. We heard about the proposal to implement a searchable database of government spending a couple months ago, when Brandon Dutcher of OCPA spoke about the 2006 piglet book. Mr. Jolly said that in a recent survey 72% or Oklahomans favored setting up the database similar to the national one supported by Senators Coburn and Obama. "It's really easy to see who doesn't want it, those who are abusing our tax money."

Regarding funding for roads and bridges, Mr. Jolly said he thinks the money has been diverted to areas not needed. He suggested dedicating vehicle registration fees to roads, noting that 89% of Oklahomans surveyed support the idea. Last year, 45% of registration fees went to the General fund and 36% went to school districts.

Here is more background on the complex issue of road funding:
State Question 723 suffered a whopping defeat at the ballot in Sept 2005. It would have increased the gasoline tax by 5 cents/gallon and the diesel tax by 8 cents, bringing both to 22 cents/gallon. Many thought HB 1078 would help by sending $35 million more each year to roads and bridges, until an amount of $170 million annually is reached. But this ultimately left funding decisions up to future legislatures. So Senator Kenneth Corn wanted to create a trust fund to limit the use of motor fuel tax revenue to construction and maintenance of state roads, bridges and highways (SJR 58). Complementing calls for moving to a more fee-based system, Tom Elmore, wants a comprehensive audit of state highway user costs, or a "Highway Cost Allocation Study." At an OKC Libertarian meeting a couple of years ago, he showed that a similar study in Texas found that car drivers were subsidizing large trucks that damage the roads disproportionately to the taxes they pay.

Next year, AFP is planning on targeting taxpayer funded lobbyists, as well as accelerating lowering the income tax.

AFP is planning on leading grassroots workshops to teach how to call legislators, write letters, and talk to the press. One workshop is planned for Saturday, March 17th, 3:00-6:00 PM at the Sheraton in downtown OKC.

OKC Libertarians Jan. 9th, 2007 Meeting

Michael Hammer, Independent candidate for state house 59, spoke to the OKC Libertarians about the Oklahoma Defense of Freedom Project (ODFP), which he recently founded. ODFP is addressing the potential abuses of privacy and property rights with the Real ID Act and the National Animal Information System (NAIS). Mr. Hammer started his talk by saying, "It is dificult to undervalue to concern of liberty...Nothing could have provoked me to run for office except concerns for liberty." He then related a recent comment by John McLaughlin: "Authoritarianism is on its way out...Libertarianism is on its way."

Mr. Hammer said the Real ID Act is an "enormous expansion of federal power into the domains of the state." The act was passed in 2005 and May 2008 is the deadline for compliance. Mr. Hammer said that it: established national standards for drivers licenses, gave standard setting power to the Dept. of Homeland Security (which has not issued final standards yet), opened up possibility of biometrics requirements, and requires all state drivers license information to be shared in a federal database.

"What if a state does not agree?" asked an audience member. Mr. Hammer responded that New Hampshire almost opted out, which would have meant drivers licenses would not be accepted as valid federal ID. But they eventually capitulated, and were one of just three states to get money for complying. "That $3 million was their 30 pieces of silver." But the hope is that if just a few states opt out then the logic and support of the process will fall through.

"It's simple to stop the Real ID," said Hammer, "We just add one line with legislation that stops DOT from complying...We could be the ones to set the trend nationally." He also added that national legislation has been introduced that could repeal some of the onerous provisions of the Real ID Act. "We'll fight this on two fronts," said Hammer.

The National Animal Identification System (NAIS), which will require livestock to have a RFID chip implanted by 2009, threatens due process and property rights, said Mr. Hammer. Although the program is still technically voluntary, it places disproportionate cost on small farmers. It originated with the USDA and is an expansion of bureaucratic power. This reminded Mr. Hammer of former state speaker Todd Hiett's reasoning for getting into politics: federal agents almost put his farm out of business with a supposed disease control program.

Once registered with the program, if an animal leaves your grounds, you must report it to the federal system (apparently run by a private group). "This is an unprecedented architecture of monitoring...and a shift in how we view property rights to being given permission for ownership," said Hammer.

Whereas Texas has implemented the NAIS program already, only 3% of Oklahomans have enrolled in the voluntary program so far. The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Assoc. has expressed resistance to the program. Although large ranches may voluntarily comply with the system because of economic pressures (one of the reasons Japan said they banned US beef is the lack of a system to track back just 72 hours, but the NAIS is much broader than what international requests.), but small ranchers may not want or need to track cattle, especially they focus on a domestic or local market. He also noted, "If we promote a market based alternative to NAIS, the we have a more coherent argument."

"It's about concentration of power," said Hammer about his concerns regarding the Real ID and NAIS. "I highlight these two issues because we have the potential to inform and motivate enough people to act for change."

To contact Michael Hammer about the ODFP write ODFP@hotmail.com

Also, read how small farmers can feel government regulation make them feel like "Everything I Want to Do Is Illegal (pdf)."

OKC Libertarians Dec. 12th, 2006 Meeting

The Dec. meeting featured Rense Johnson, Chairman of Citizens for Term Limits, a national movement to put similar restrictions on national legislators that Oklahoma legislators already have. He will spoke about his successful effort in Louisiana and his current effort to stop career politicians in Washington. Sixteen states already have term limits and they passed on average with two-thirds support from voters. Visit www.termlimits.com for more information.

OKC Libertarians at the 2006 PeaceFest

OKC Libertarians hard at work for Liberty.

OKC Libertarians: Nov. 14th Meeting with Brandon Dutcher of OCPA

We discussed the results of the election and how half of the state legislative seats were unopposed in this November's general election. This just underscores the need for ballot access reform. We hope to have another reform bill introduced this session, see www.OkVoterChoice.org Also, the Oklahoma Coalition of Independents (OKIES) has formed with the intent of giving voters more choices, see www.okies.info

Brandon Dutcher, Vice-President of Policy for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, spoke about the 2006 Piglet Book, which discloses examples of wasteful state government spending. It also included a recent poll that found that 64% of Oklahoma voters believe state government wastes between 10 cents and 59 cents of every dollar it collects.

Mr. Dutcher gave some of examples of state spending from the Piglet Book: -Oklahoma is 13th in the nation for percentage of state and local government employees
-the Sweetwater school district spends $20,000 per student, tax-subsidized remedial courses at public universities ("Didn't we pay for this kind of stuff in K-12, do we need to pay again?")
-state tourist attractions that can't pay half of their operating costs
-$824,000 for the failed Great Plains Airlines ("another example of what happens when government tries to pick winners and losers")

Mr. Dutcher gave three recommendations for limiting wasteful spending: reduce the personal income tax rate, a constitutional limit on growth in total state spending (i.e., a taxpayers bill of rights, or TABOR), and a searchable database of state government contracts and grants.

"The average Oklahoman works Jan., Feb., March, and two weeks of April to pay federal, state, and local taxes," said Dutcher, "that is too much for a free people." He also said that reducing the share of income going to government will spur economic growth.

The national Transparency Act was championed by Senators Coburn and Obama. Both the political right and left wanted to see what kind of corporate welfare is being distributed, but it was resisted in the Senate (perhaps someone wanted to build a few more bridges to nowhere). Many bloggers brought attention to the bill and directed thousands of emails to Congress and the bill was eventually passed.

Mr. Dutcher said a similar law could allow Oklahomans to easily search the $7 billion state budget. "Hundreds or thousands of watchdogs would pop up to watch where this money is going."

Since this meeting, Senator Brogdon (R-Owasso) and Rep. Wesselhoft (R-Moore) have introduced legislation with the Oklahoma Accountability and Transparency Act. Sen. Brogdon said, "The Oklahoma taxpayers deserve to know where their hard earned money is being spent...All too often politicians spend the money behind closed doors. Sunshine is a great disinfectant and this Transparency Act will open the windows and let in the sun shine in."

A TABOR would put a limit on the growth in state spending, many plans use inflation plus population growth as a basis. Mr. Dutcher said that "without a hard restraint like TABOR, spending will continue to go up and up. [TABOR] puts politicians on an allowance; we decide how much they get and they decide how to spend it...It's impossible to talk about tax cuts without talking about the other side of spending." Even though the Republicans recently took control of the state house, state spending has grown by double digits in the last two years. "That's why we need TABOR...there aren't many panaceas in politics, but TABOR comes close."

Read the 2006 Piglet Book and listen to an audio file of the press conference with Senator Coburn, the President of Citizens Against Government Waste, and Porky the Pig here.

OKC Libertarians Meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 10th

District Attorney candidate, David Prater and state house candidate Jennifer Seal spoke. Both expressed their support for ballot access reform.

OKC Libertarians Meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 12th

The OKC Libertarians discussed the Ballot Access Awareness Campaign, which seeks to reach out to candidates and legislators before the Nov. elections to secure their support for reform.

James Branum, Independent/Green OK House 99 candidate will speak about his campaign spoke, explaining why it is important for third party candidates to run.

Mr. Branum, a Newcastle native and recent graduate from Oklahoma City University Law School, became a newly-minted attorney as of the morning of the meeting. He is currently working to help people leave the military, including conscientious objectors to the current war. Although originally a local Republican Party leader, he joined the Libertarian party in 1999 and ran for county constable the following year in Austin, TX. Another race in that area also included recent Libertarian Presidential nominee, Michael Badnarik. Mr. Branum ran on a platform of: increasing gun ownership, not enforcing drug laws, investigating police brutality, and refusing to cooperate with federal enforcement officials (after seeing the effect in the local community).

Returning to Oklahoma in 2002, Mr. Branum was one of the founding members of the Oklahoma Green Party and currently serves as the state secretary and treasurer. He decided to run for the Oklahoma House because Opio Toure was term-limited out. His platform includes: civil and human rights, poverty relief, transportation alternatives, and ballot access.

"It is discouraging when you can't run as your party," said Mr. Branum. He pointed out that many people have misconceptions about third parties, while they understand at least some of the establishment party stances because voters are reinforced every year.

Mr. Branum's thinks alternative party candidates should run to expand voter choice, build their party, and expose the absurdity of our ballot access laws. "People are not motivated if they don't fit into the two-party paradigm." However, these voters could exercise real choice if there was someone on the ballot that addressed the issues they cared about.

"Party activism ebbs and flows based on elections...Having local candidates makes people feel connected and empowered," said Mr. Branum. He pointed out the great media attention the Green Party has received as a result of his campaign.

We then discussed how best to proceed with the effort to reform Oklahoma's restrictive ballot access laws. The Oklahomans for Ballot Access (OBAR) coalition will give all legislators and legislative candidates an informational packet and wants constituents to ask their candidates if they support ballot access reform. To become involved or learn more visit OBAR's website.

David Splinter
Vice-Chair
OKC Libertarians

OKC Libertarians Meeting: Tuesday, Aug 8th

Thanks to everyone who attended the recent OKC Libertarians meeting. It was one of our largest turnouts. Hopefully, we can direct this enthusiasm into real reform, especially of Oklahoma's restrictive ballot access laws.

I have been trying to mention letters to editor that our members have published at our meetings. I forgot to say that Richard Prawdzienksi had a good letter in the Oklahoman about the Libertarian choice. And if you write a letter, whether published or not, please email it to me so we can post it on our website.

Oklahomans for Modern Liquor Laws representative, Kris Masterman, spoke about the initiative petition they plan to start circulating next month. They hope to allow wine to be sold in grocery stores. Oklahoma is sadly behind the times in this regard, and we look forward to reforming this vestige of the failed Alcohol Prohibition. Find more about this issue OKC here.

Former Republican state representative Charles Key opened his talk by saying he considered himself a Libertarian. When asked what top three bills he would introduce if elected again, Mr. Key responded: eliminate the state income tax, reform how sales taxes are collected and redistributed, and change the excise tax on cars to be based on actual sale price. Regarding immigration, he said "We must secure our borders...everything else is a band-aid fix." In response to a question about education, he said, "I'm afraid our government school system is beyond reform." The only solution he said he has found is vouchers.

Democratic state senate candidate Andrew Rice gave a good overview of his diverse district, which he said is really a snapshot of our country. Senate District 46 includes the Asian District, Mesta Park, and Heritage Hills. With 4,000 Independent voters, he said, "It's a very independent-minded district, and so kind of Libertarian." He also related his interest in some of the liberal blogs (www.dailykos.com) which he said represent the "Libertarian wing of the Democratic Party" in that they believe "the government has no role in my private life."

The theme of his talk was that we should "strike a balance of low taxes and funding necessary government responsibilities." The voters deserve transparency, he said, knowing taxpayer money is spent item by item like the proposed Coburn-Obama database.

Mr. Rice said he was against school vouchers because they would fund religious schools and he related his experience in Texas, which he called "a battleground for textbook censorship." Libertarian Damion Reinhardt commented that our state constitution already restricts public money funding religious organizations (Blaine amendment). Although Rice said it did not necessarily work that way in Texas. Rice also said he was in favor of consolidating school districts in rural areas where it creates waste. Regarding charter schools he said, "I want to make sure charter schools are held to the same standard as public schools."

The official Oklahoma Libertarian position is in favor of educational tax credits. These would allow individuals and businesses to give tax-deductible contributions to scholarships, as well as easing the burden on families paying the double costs of taxes and tuition. For a successful example, read about Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.

Libertarians also support the expansion of school choice with charter schools. In 1999, Oklahoma gave 13 school districts the freedom to grant charters, but only two districts, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, have granted any. Find out when these school boards meet at our Charter School page.

A copy of Libertarianism in One Lesson was given to each of our speakers and a copy of Economics in One Lesson was raffled.

If you would like to hear our Tulsa Libertarian Chair's new weekly internet radio program, visit www.StarveTheBeast.net

The next Edmond Libertarians meeting is Tues., Aug. 22nd,, the evening of the run-offs, and the next OKC Libertarians meeting is Tues., Sept. 12th.

Hope to see you next month,
David Splinter
Vice-Chair
OKC Libertarians
david_splinter@yahoo.com

OKC Libertarians Meeting Announcement: Tuesday, Aug 8th

Another great program is coming...join us Tuesday, Aug. 8th. Like always, 6:30 PM for dinner and the meeting starts at 7:00 PM at Chen's Buffet (NW 23rd & Meridian).

Charles Key will speak for a few minutes before our main speaker, Andrew Rice.

Charles Key won 36% in a tight Republican primary and will face a runoff Aug. 22nd. He was on the OKC Bombing Investigation Commission and has also fought asset forfeiture as a former state House Rep.

Andrew Rice is a Democratic state senate candidate here in OKC. This is from his website:
"Andrew is member of the September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows steering committee, and has worked tirelessly over the past 3 years as a proponent for a legal, humane, and rational response to attacks of September 11th, 2001. Peaceful Tomorrows was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 and 2004. Andrew has spoken in 15 states, and in South Africa, and has been interviewed by the BBC, CBC, MSNBC, Fox News, and has written op-ed columns for the Oklahoma Gazette. Andrew was awarded the 2004 Angie Debo Civil Libertarian of the Year Award from the ALCU of Oklahoma. Andrew is also on the board of The People's Opinion Project."

We will have more updates on the activities of the Libertarian Party of Oklahoma.

Hope to see you there, and bring a friend.

More details on the OKLP Events page and the OKC Meetup Group site.

July 11th, OKC Libertarians Meeting

The July OKC Libertarians meeting had many interesting guests.

Matthew Woodson, Independent candidate for 5th District US House, introduced himself and said he was running to help shed light on the lack of proper investigation of the 9-11 attacks.

Clark Duffe, Republican candidate for state House District 39 (Edmond), said his campaign is progressing well. The next meeting of the Edmond Libertarians, July 25th, will also serve as a watch party for his primary race. Visit his website at www.TheRightRepublican.com

Robert Murphy was the Oklahoma delegate to the national Libertarian Party convention in Portland. He also served on the Platform Committee and discussed the dramatic reductions in the number of platform planks from around 28 to about 9. He noted that before, "There was something in the platform to offend anyone." He described two wings wanting to reform the party: one wanting to "mainstream" the party (www.ReformTheLP.org), another emphasizing Constitutional principles (www.badnarik.org). Another topic discussed was the requirement of the non-initiation of force pledge to become a National Libertarian member.

John Kmetz, president of the ACLU of Oklahoma board of directors, spoke passionately about the need to defend civil liberties, especially as they currently come under attack.

Serving in the state department many years abroad, Mr. Kmetz saw the effect of severely limiting civil liberties. He said that, "In order to defend anyone's rights, you have to defend everyone's rights...and that means defending the unpopular."

Concerning the "enemy combatant" detainees, Mr. Kmetz said, "We know the government doesn't always get it right, because they have released people who were in fact innocent." He also lamented that, "We are a country with an official program of torture."

Mr. Kmetz discussed asset forfeiture. Although introduced as part of the Drug War, "this should concern all of us." It is applied as though one is guilty until proven innocent. One example he gave is that in Florida, if you fish without a license the police can take your boat.

Addressing some criticisms of the ACLU, Mr Kmetz said, "The judiciary is coequal with Congress and the executive...There is tremendous judicial activism on both sides of the political aisle."

His talk ended with a discussion of religion. He asked, "Do you trust the government to teach religion?...Do you trust the government to get it right?" Most Libertarians would emphatically respond, "No."

June 13th, 2006 OKC Libertarians Meeting

Clark Duffe, candidate for State House District 39 (Edmond), spoke at the June OKC Libertarians meeting.

Norma Sapp, state director of the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), spoke about current efforts to bring attention medical marijuana.





What is a Libertarian?

We believe that all individuals have the right to exercise decisions over their own lives, and have the right to live in the manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others. [more]