Let's talk about Aleppo (since you're all experts on it)
We all know what happened. It's all over the Internet. The best part for we Libertarians is just sitting back and watching EVERYONE ELSE NOT KNOW WHAT ALEPPO IS EITHER, whilst they troll Gary for his gaffe. It also makes it better for our cause that this has actually boosted Johnson's presence in the media and online.
In making fun of him and trying to discredit him as a candidate, the liberal and conservative corporate-controlled media in fact exposed Gary Johnson to people who didn't used to know who he is. Now millions are looking him up and discovering that, unlike Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, Governor Gary Johnson is neither psychotic, nor an arrogant power-hungry sociopath.
Read more9th Circuit Affirms Catch-22 for Gun Owners, MMJ Users
In August, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Guam, and Northern Marian Islands, published an opinion on a case sent up from Nevada District Court, Wilson v. Lynch. The case was filed by a woman denied a firearms purchase because the firearms dealer knew that she held a medical marijuana card.
Read moreMove Over, Ayn Rand!
Some people are very effective walking billboards for liberty. They shine a spotlight on libertarian ideas by visibly living libertarian values in the way they talk to people, in their taste as consumers, and in their creative passions. Lauren Rumpler dances to the tune of her own melody and has taken a lot of people with her toward the libertarian philosophy.
Read moreTesla: Much Fluff, Taxpayer Risk and Private Profit?
By Ron Knecht and Geoffrey Lawrence
Unprofitable companies often eventually go out of business. Tesla Motors is very unprofitable.
Read moreTree Huggers Will Find a Friend in Gary
It’s been often mentioned during Gary Johnson’s campaign for POTUS that he has climbed the tallest mountain on all seven continents.
Read moreKaepernick outrage highlights free speech hypocrisy
Spend any time on the internet or watching the news this weekend, and you’re sure to have come across the story of San Francisco 49ers quarterback (and UNR alumnus) Colin Kaepernick refusing to stand while the national anthem played prior to a pre-season game on Friday. The decision has generated the expected outrage, but what exactly is causing the outrage?
Read moreWade-ing into the abortion debate
Of all the hot topic issues, abortion is one of very few that has substantial libertarian support on either side. Officially, the Libertarian Party does not hold a stated position beyond saying that it's a personal decision best suited for individuals and not government to make, although Gary Johnson personally espouses a pro-choice position. My goal here is not to debate the merits of either side of the issue; instead, I want to discuss an aspect of the debate that I've heard brought up recently: how can a pro-lifer morally and ethically vote for a pro-choice Gary Johnson?
Read moreIn Case You Missed Gary Johnson in Vegas Last Week...
I was slightly alarmed and disappointed to hear not all of my friends in the Libertarian Party of Nevada made it to the Gary Johnson rally on the Strip last week. It was an incredible event! Here's a rundown of what you missed (with photos and video).
Read moreObamacare is a paternalistic threat to liberty
Behind every new law or regulation is a group of people trying to justify it, and Obamacare is no different. Every law mandated is a piece of liberty taken away.
Read moreA Nevada Legacy Turned On Its Head
By Ron Knecht and Geoffrey Lawrence
Nevada was once a nationwide model of fiscal rectitude. Not now.
Read moreGary Johnson's coming to Las Vegas this week!
That's right, Governor Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party presidential nominee, is coming to Las Vegas this week! Governor Johnson flies in on the afternoon of this Thursday, August 18. He'll be appearing at a special rally at SLS Casino's The Foundry at 7 PM. The doors will be opening at 6, so get there early if you want to avoid security lines.
Read moreParty Politics: What's The Hook?
This election cycle more than any other, I've noticed a distinct theme running through the parties. It's what I call the "hook" that they use to attract new members to the party and their candidates.
LP’s Ron Johnson scores stunning KO in his return to the ring!
Former light heavyweight champion Ron Johnson scored a stunning victory in the boxing ring last night. The Libertarian Party’s own Ron Johnson faced off against contender Warren Brockie at the Fort Belknap Casino in Harlem, Montana.
Ron Johnson Scored a knockdown in Round 1, two knockdowns in Round 2, and 2 more knockdowns in Round 3. After Round 3’s second knockdown, the referee had seen enough punishment and called the fight off.
Read moreFrom GOP to LP: Making the Quantum Leap
Nevada Assistant State Controller Geoffrey Lawrence publicly announced he's leaving the Republican Party to join the Libertarian Party. Lawrence made the announcement during a speech delivered at the recent Gary Johnson/Bill Weld rally in Reno. Geoffrey Lawrence is a big name in Nevada and his decision to switch parties carries a lot of clout. Apart from his public service position as Assistant State Controller, he is heavily involved with the Nevada Policy Research Institute and contributes to Nevada Business Magazine.
Read moreTea Parties Were a Reaction to Bipartisan Cronyism
In our last column, we explained that the financial collapse of 2007-08 was due much to collusion between private banks and government. Congressional mandates required lenders to issue mortgages to people who couldn’t afford them. Then, government agencies would purchase the faulty loans from the banks, thus relieving the banks of the risks.
Read moreWhat Do You Mean, Wasted Vote?
Every election cycle in recent memory, I've had to endure people trying to pressure me into voting for someone I don't believe in. I've heard several arguments for why I should ignore my own choice to vote for a candidate who didn't win me over by virtue of his/her own platform. Some of the most persistent include the following...
Read moreThe World Gets Safer Every Day
We were again reminded this week that ignorance can breed misunderstanding and occasionally violence.
Read moreLearning from Dallas
What happened in Dallas 5 days ago is nothing short of a tragedy, an outrage, a black eye for America. Unfortunately, it's also one outrage following a series of other outrages in which people who did not deserve to die were murdered. Nothing will bring back those murdered officers, nor will it bring back the black men recently shot by police in Minnesota and Baton Rouge. The best that we as Libertarians can do is learn from Dallas. We owe it to the dead, police and civilian alike, to seriously reflect on this wave of violence plaguing our country.
Fiddler on the Roof: It’s about Fathers and Daughters
The two best days of my life will always be the day I married Kathy and the day our daughter Karyn was born.
Read moreNevada Is a Leader in Educational Efficiency
By Ron Knecht and Geoffrey Lawrence – 28 June 2016
Recently, the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual “Kids Count Data Book” ranked Nevada 49th among the states in K-12 education.
Read moreIncome Inequality: The Complete Picture and Its Implications
Recently, we reviewed the records of the last eight presidents on income growth and inequality. Reagan, Clinton and Nixon/Ford had the best overall records and Obama the worst. Income inequality increased most under Obama and least for George W. Bush.
But what does income inequality really mean?
Read moreLibertarians set to rock Politicon!
Politicon is an exciting annual event where politics enthusiasts get together to network, exchange ideas, and meet political celebrities. The event will be on June 25 and 26 at the Pasadena Convention Center. You can get 25% off tickets by using the discount code LIBERTARIAN at http://politicon.eventbrite.com
Libertarians are excited to announce that one pair of political celebrities this year are Governors Gary Johnson and Bill Weld, the Libertarian presidential ticket! Gary Johnson will be delivering the keynote speech to kick off Politicon, which is a big leap from the past obscurity of the LP.
Read moreClassic Rock Showdown: Petty Vs. Eagles
By Ron Knecht and Geoffrey Lawrence
Recently, the beautiful Mrs. Lawrence and Geoff saw a show they'd eagerly anticipated in which two talented cover bands squared off and the crowd got to decide which of their namesake bands reigned supreme. It was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers versus The Eagles.
Read more2016 National Convention: My Most Eye-Opening Experience in Politics
I’ve been a political activist for eleven years. I volunteered for my Congressman and saw him on a regular basis as a teen. I worked within the Ron Paul 2012 campaign and canvassed for the Iowa Caucuses. I’ve been to multiple state conventions since I joined the Libertarian Party in 2014. None of those experiences was as eye-opening and educational as the 2016 Libertarian National Convention.
Read moreSupreme Court Commerce Tax Decision Was Political
By Ron Knecht and Geoffrey Lawrence
In our last column, we explained that the defeat of efforts to repeal the commerce tax shows that Nevada’s political establishment – controlled by Big Gaming and Big Unions – owns not only many officeholders of both political parties, but much of state and local government.
We said that Nevada’s supreme court justices, as loyal members of the establishment, manufactured a bogus excuse to upset the referendum effort. Today we explain why the court’s decision was political.
Read more2016 Libertarian Party National Convention Experience - Day 1
This was my first time attending a Libertarian Party National Convention. I didn’t really know what to expect when I arrived, but I was excited for the opportunity. This was a brand new experience; it was also a good excuse to wear my suit! Here’s what happened on Day 1.
Read moreChairman: The Fairest Person in the Room
Under the leadership of Brett H. Pojunis, LP Nevada is leading the way for the Libertarian Party’s radical transformation. “This is the best opportunity we’ve ever had to grow the Party,” says Pojunis, “and we have to do it right. In Nevada, we’re doing it right and we have the results to prove it.” Those results speak for themselves.
Read moreA Conversation with Judd Weiss, Libertarian VP candidate
I had the opportunity to talk with my old friend Judd Weiss. Known for his exquisite photography of the liberty movement, his latest claim to fame is serving as John McAfee's running mate for the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination. Here's what Judd had to say about pop culture, the future of the Libertarian Party, and how a Libertarian VP would use his Senate vote.
Read moreLas Vegas Libertarian debate in the news! (video links)
The Libertarian Party of Nevada hosted a stellar presidential debate Monday featuring Governor Gary Johnson, John McAfee, and Austin Petersen. The debate was hosted and moderated by celebrity magician and TV personality Penn Jillette. Detailed coverage and behind-the-scenes photos can be found here. This article focuses on the media spotlight that's been shining on the Libertarian Party since the Las Vegas debate.
Read morePresidential debate hosted by Penn Jillette a stunning success!
Three popular presidential candidates, a list of international celebrities, major media outlets, and parties on the Las Vegas Strip... These are just some of the scenes surrounding yesterday's presidential debate, brought to you by the Libertarian Party of Nevada. The debate was hosted and moderated by magician and TV star Penn Jillette. The event was also a charity fundraiser with ALL ticket sales revenue going to Opportunity Village, which works to educate, train and empower Americans with intellectual disabilities.
Read moreMEDIA ADVISORY: Libertarian Presidential Debate
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 12, 2016
THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF NEVADA AND OUT FOR LIBERTY NEVADA ANNOUNCE THE LIBERTARIAN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE MODERATED BY SUPERSTAR ENTERTAINER PENN JILLETTE
Sandoval Errs: Commerce Tax Repeal Will Not Cause Budget Cuts
By Ron Knecht and Geoffrey Lawrence – 10 May 2016
Gov. Brian Sandoval and his allies don’t think voters should have a say on the commerce tax they snuck through in the closing hours of last year’s legislature.
They're entitled to their views. However, they’ve been wildly misrepresenting key facts about the matter and about the actions and words of Ron, who is leading the effort to repeal the tax. Below, we set them and the record straight.
Read morePenn Jillette to host Libertarian presidential debate Monday
The Libertarian Party of Nevada is pleased to announce that celebrity Penn Jillette will be hosting the upcoming Libertarian presidential debate in Las Vegas. The debate will be held next Monday, May 16, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Opportunity Village Englestad Campus. Tickets can be acquired here.
Read moreThe Right Stuff: We Need a Lot More of It Now
By Ron Knecht and Geoffrey Lawrence – 3 May 2016
When we’ve had enough of politics and politicians, we need a good fun exhilarating movie like The Right Stuff. After a long hard week, take Saturday evening to watch this rollicking 1983 classic with great casting, script, directing, settings, performances, action, music, editing and themes. Plus hot planes and some explosions.
Read moreFor the frustrated Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz supporters
This goes out to the frustrated supporters of Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz. This also goes out to the undecided who sure as hell aren't picking between Hillary and Trump. Since yesterday night, recruitment has doubled for the Libertarian Party. You might consider giving us a look.
Read more#NeverTrump: True Republicans Desire an Alternative
So you’re a Republican who has had enough of the party and its support for the Donald, eh? Whether you are dissatisfied with his politics, his personality, or his hair, we want to let you know that there is an alternative this year! And it’s not Hillary...
Read moreNBC’s Sarah Miller gives LP Nevada an inside scoop!
Months ago, ten women selected for a fitness reality show were whisked off to a studio property. For ten weeks they were paired off with ten of the top fitness instructors in the world. The two-person teams trained arduously, the women lost weight, and the teams competed in elimination games. Welcome to NBC’s Strong. One of the ten women featured on the reality show is Chicago’s Sarah Miller, Pennsylvania born and bred and “a fan of all things libertarian!”
Read moreRepealing the Commerce Tax Will Not Unbalance the Budget
By Ron Knecht and Geoffrey Lawrence
Recently Ron spoke to an industry group about the petition to give voters the final say this fall on the onerous Commerce Tax passed by the Legislature and Governor last year.
Read moreThe Libertarian Party of Nevada is Proud to Support Brett Pojunis for National Chair
The Libertarian Party of Nevada is proud to support State Chairman Brett H. Pojunis for Chairman of the National Libertarian Party.
Libertarians are concerned about the viability of the Party on the National level. Mr. Pojunis promises to reform the National Party along the same lines as the Libertarian Party of Nevada.
Is our country broken?
Is our country broken? I’m not asking if it has some problems that need to be worked on. I’m asking if it is truly “broken”. Like it needs a complete overhaul to get it right again.
We have one candidate saying he can make our nation great again. I’m sorry, but I believe it’s already great. Name me a country that’s better. If you’re able to answer that with a straight face then I ask…why don’t you live there? Probably because as much as you like something about that country, this one is working for you. If it wasn’t, you’d move your baggage.
Read moreClarification about the NAP
There seems to be a lot of confusion within the party, and the broader Liberty Movement, about the Non-Aggression Principle (NAP), the Statement Of Principles (SOP), the LP Pledge, “pragmatism,” “purity,” and even libertarianism. Lets try to clear it up, shall we? First of all, it is unreservedly false that the NAP is the “core principle,” of Libertarianism, or even that it’s a defining feature. Libertarianism is a political philosophy, defined by an easily identifiable set of policies. One is a libertarian, or not, on the basis of the policies that you support or oppose, not on the basis of your justification for those policies. The NAP is an ethical philosophy, defined by holding the categorical opposition to the initiation of force as the highest good (or, in many cases, the only good).
Read morePersonal Responsibility and the Virtue of Selfishness
The Pennsylvania-born writer Sarah Miller has a lot to say about physical fitness, self-confidence, and the importance of personal responsibility. Her story involves riches, the wilderness, and Ayn Rand.
Read moreThe Allegory of Bathroom-Jesus
There has been much in-fighting in the Libertarian Party as of late. And for us to continue to grow, it needs to stop. We need to come together in a way that we haven't for many years. In fact, I believe the Party is on the cusp on something huge. Something good, or something bad, is what we make of it, and how we handle the next 190 days. To start the conversation, I'd like to share a story my church's pastor told us many years ago: The Allegory of Bathroom-Jesus. It has similar themes to Dr. Seuss's "The Butter Battle Book."
Read moreInterview with Gary Johnson, Libertarian presidential candidate
I had the pleasure of interviewing former New Mexico Governor and 2016 presidential candidate Gary Johnson at the Libertarian Party of California 2016 Convention, held at the LAX Hilton. LP Nevada sent a volunteer delegation led by state chair Brett Pojunis to help the LPC with audio/video and communications. I solicited Libertarian Party members and liberty activists for thought-provoking questions to ask our Party’s candidates.
Read moreInterview with John McAfee, Libertarian presidential candidate
I had the pleasure of interviewing presidential candidate John McAfee at the Libertarian Party of California 2016 Convention, held at the LAX Hilton. LP Nevada sent a volunteer delegation led by state chair Brett Pojunis to help the LPC with audio/video and communications. I solicited Libertarian Party members and liberty activists for thought-provoking questions to ask our Party’s candidates.
Read moreDependently Wealthy to Independently Strong
Sarah Miller thinks outside the box. She has a unique brand of humor and frankly doesn’t care who gets offended. “Since when did free speech become conditional?” she asks rhetorically. When this freelance writer and fan of all things libertarian isn’t stirring up controversy, she’s tackling new challenges. Miller recently competed in NBC’s latest fitness reality show, Strong.
Read moreLibertarian Boxer Making a Comeback!
Earlier this month, American Dream Presents and the Libertarian Party of Nevada hosted LP Nevada’s 2016 convention after-party for a special double announcement. LPN state chair Brett H. Pojunis announced his candidacy for the Libertarian Party national chairmanship. Shortly before that, LPN’s own light-heavyweight champion Ron Johnson announced his return to the ring!
A double main event is happening on May 27, 2016 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida to coincide with the 2016 Libertarian National Convention.
Read moreThe Real Record on Income Inequality and Economic Growth
By Ron Knecht and Geoffrey Lawrence
We frequently hear claims from the Left that Republican economic policies increase income inequality by benefiting the wealthy and leaving the poor and middle class in the dust.
Last year, President Obama dissed Republican leaders' empathy for income inequality, saying, "They're just trying to bamboozle folks. We've got an agenda and we know it works."
As economists, we know that history and experience around the world show that economic freedom and strong property rights, plus the rule of law, limited government with separation of powers, and personal liberty and individual rights produce the best results for the public interest in human wellbeing and fairness. As public officials, we take these matters seriously. So, the first question we ask on issues is whether a particular policy, law, regulation, decision, etc. promotes economic growth and thus gives people greater opportunities and aggregate wellbeing.
Read more‘Strong’ and Full of Sass
“Who is Sarah Miller?” I asked myself when an attractive brunette crossed my social media feed. And why does she look like someone on TV? The answer’s simple: because Sarah Miller is someone on TV!
The 29 year old Chicago resident is a contestant on NBC’s Strong, premiering this spring. I had the opportunity to pick her brain and find out more about this up and coming reality star and what makes her tick.
Read moreThe Power Behind Bartering
Siri, what is a Libertarian?
A person who believes in the doctrine of free will.
It was 1980. Jimmy Carter was soon to leave office and Ronald Reagan would take his place at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The economy was stagnant, except for one interesting niche: Bartering. Bartering had grown beyond an old-fashioned way of country folk trading eggs for chopping firewood or a wagon load of hay for stud services from the neighbor's bull. Nearly every Fortune 500 company had a Barter Division. It was an effective method of making sales that otherwise wouldn’t have been made.
Read moreLP Nevada and American Dream Presents America Fight Night!
To be the best, you have to surround yourself with the best. —Muhammad Ali
The Libertarian Party of Nevada hosted celebrities and dozens of Party members at its 2016 state convention. The convention happened simultaneously in Carson City and Las Vegas and was simulcast so members in both the northern and southern regions could participate without having to travel far.
Attendees included Libertarian Assemblyman John Moore, TV star and Libertarian candidate Dennis Hof, championship boxer Ron "the American Dream" Johnson, and several members of the Libertarian National Committee.
After the convention, Party members and supporters flocked to Satay Thai Bistro for the official after party. The after party was attended by dozens of activists and a variety of special guests, including athletes and billionaires. Best of all, Libertarian Party members everywhere had access to the after party and some HUGE announcements (see video here)!
Read moreLibertarian Assemblyman makes waves with college students
Young Americans for Liberty hosted a state convention at UNLV this past weekend, which was attended by LP Nevada's leadership team. One of the keynote speakers was Assemblyman John Moore, introduced by YAL State Chair (and LPN Youth Caucus leader) Andrew Lea. Assemblyman John Moore is an Iraq War veteran, a businessman, and currently the only capital-L Libertarian serving in a state legislature.
Read moreThe Racism of the Drug War (Part 2)
“End the drug war. The deteriorating economic conditions and the mess with immigration invite the violence of the drug lords and corrupt officials on both sides. It’s time to break up the coalition of the religious drug warriors and the drug dealers who fight any effort to decriminalize drugs. It’s time to treat all drugs the way we treat alcohol and cigarettes, substances that kill millions more than hard drugs do."
News from the North: End of Year Report
This article was originally published in the December 2015 newsletter.
It's the end of the year. The sun rises later and sets earlier, the ground is either barren or covered in snow, the temperatures consistently dive below freezing when they can be bothered to stay above freezing at all. Ice covers our windshields, pipes occasionally freeze and crack, the passes out of town occasionally close. Though it all sounds depressing and bleak - and, sometimes, it is - it's also a necessary step toward renewal and new life. Winter brings us fresh snow, without which we don't have water for summer. Winter also kills the bugs, which is welcome once they the few stragglers from autumn stop wandering into our homes.
Read moreLibertarian Millennial Caucus Announces Official Launch and New Website
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Libertarian Millennial Caucus Announces Official Launch and New Website
Influential leaders throughout the Libertarian Party team up and launch caucus to build a credible and viable national party to attract new members, donors and be an alternative for voters.
LPN activists train for busy campaign season
The Libertarian Party of Nevada is arguably the most active state chapter of the Libertarian Party in America. I was incredibly proud to take part in this weekend’s activist training at the Libertarian Party of Nevada headquarters in Las Vegas. When I originally joined this band of freedom activists in the desert, I never imagined I’d get a front row seat at a third party’s historic growth.
Read moreIowa Caucuses a Huge Opportunity for Libertarian Party!
If anything characterizes American politics in the days before and immediately after the Iowa Caucuses, it’s this: all emotions, no logic or reason, plenty of name calling and demagoguery. How are we different?
Supporters of the Pepsi candidate verbally abuse folks voting for the Coca-Cola candidate. Republicans accuse other Republicans of being socialists and Democrats accuse other democrats of being fascist corporate sellouts. American voters seem genuinely down in the dumps with the results from Iowa.
Frankly, this is the best news anyone could give to the Libertarian Party.
Read moreAll About Goldfield
Why did we hold an event in Goldfield?
Earlier this month, the Libertarian Party of Nevada hosted an event in Goldfield, the capital of Esmeralda County. Most people in Nevada, if they know of Goldfield at all, know of it as a speed trap with old, seemingly decrepit buildings between Reno and Las Vegas, where the road suddenly makes a sharp 90-degree turn and the speed limit drops to 25. Then you make the turn, go a little further, the speed limit goes back up to 70, and you continue on your way.
So, why did the Libertarian Party of Nevada host an event in Goldfield, anyway? There are no gas stations there, though, if you ask the Esmeralda County Sheriff's Office nicely for a couple gallons, they'll help you out for a modest fee. There's only one restaurant - the Dinky Diner - though it's actually pretty good, believe it or not (try the Texas Benedict). There's only one hotel that's still open - the Santa Fe Motel & Saloon, all eight rooms of it - and a rather notorious hotel that's not. According to the US Census, less than 300 people live in Goldfield. What gives?
Read moreThe Libertarian Party of Nevada is Part of Team Solar
The Libertarian Party of Nevada supports a market based solution to energy production, diversification and innovation. The Libertarian Party of Nevada is part of Team Solar and we join the fight with other groups such as Sunrun, Go Solar, Nevada Solar Owners Association, REPOWER by Solar Universe, Radiant Solar, Scott Lafata for Nevada, Conservatives for Energy Freedom and The Alliance for Solar Choice.
Read moreRev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., libertarian
It’s still fashionable in America to celebrate the birthday of the Reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s a wonderful thing that the Civil Rights Movement is still taught in schools, but quite terrible how the statist agenda behind the curriculum has re-written the history books to portray the federal government as the ultimate savior and champion of civil rights.
Read moreVideo: Celebrity Candidate Meet & Greet Libertarian Party of Nevada Jan 8, 2016
In celebration of the historic event of welcoming Assemblyman John Moore to the Libertarian Party of Nevada and the addition of fantastic celebrity candidates coming on board, the Party held a Celebrity Candidate Meet and Greet at the Foundation Room. The event took place on Friday, January 8, 2016 at 8:00pm.
Read moreVideo: Libertarian Party of Nevada Press Conference January 8, 2016
The Libertarian Party of Nevada made history last Friday with several major announcements. At a press conference hosted in the Libertarian Party’s Las Vegas office, Nevada Chairman Brett Pojunis announced a new Libertarian in the state legislature: Assemblyman John Moore, representing District 8, officially changed his party affiliation to the Libertarian Party. Moore is the first Libertarian in state office since New Hampshire in the 1990s.
Read moreLibertarians work with Nevadans to fight against Monopolies #FightThePower
The Nevada Utilities Commission is not only a corrupt organization serving interests, but it is also robbing regular Nevada citizens of both their liberties to choose clean energy as well as the jobs of workers presenting alternative options outside of the monopoly.
Read moreHistory, Celebrities, and the Libertarian Party
The Libertarian Party of Nevada made history last Friday with several major announcements. At a press conference hosted in the Libertarian Party’s Las Vegas office, Nevada Chairman Brett Pojunis announced a new Libertarian in the state legislature: Assemblyman John Moore, representing District 8, officially changed his party affiliation to the Libertarian Party. Moore is the first Libertarian in state office since New Hampshire in the 1990s.
Read moreMisfortune In Malheur
Whose rights are the protesters representing, exactly?
Over the weekend, the Bundy family and up to 100 supporters occupied the headquarters of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge. This followed the resentencing of Steven and Dwight Hammond, who were found guilty of violating the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996. How the resentencing happened and why, from a legal standpoint, is explained quite well in this Popehat Lawsplainer - long story short, they were convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 844(f)(1), which has a mandatory minimum sentence of five years:
Whoever maliciously damages or destroys, or attempts to damage or destroy, by means of fire or an explosive, any building, vehicle, or other personal or real property in whole or in part owned or possessed by, or leased to, the United States, or any department or agency thereof, or any institution or organization receiving Federal financial assistance, shall be imprisoned for not less than 5 years and not more than 20 years, fined under this title, or both.
Whether arson actually occurred, meanwhile, is also an open question. A rather detailed, if one-sided, description of the events sympathetic to the Hammonds from TheConservativeTreeHouse.com has been making the rounds and paints a picture of an oft-persecuted family performing a series of routine controlled burns that performed according to expectations but were used to manufacture insurmountable legal pressure on the Hammond family - pressure which the family ultimately succumbed to out of expediency in exchange for a plea bargain. The prosecution's side, meanwhile - as summed up by this Burns Times-Herald article - is that Steven and Dwight Hammond set a fire to cover up poaching activities and also started a controlled burn in violation of a BLM-issued Do Not Burn order that inadvertently burned public land, both of which were found by a jury to be acts of arson. A roundup of both accounts, along with a copy of the original sentencing court's opinions, can be found here.
Read moreThe many flavors of Libertarian
Every political movement is a coalition of coalitions - even ours.
With the announcement at the beginning of the year of the birth of the Libertarian Skeptics Network, the number of caucuses organized around influencing the Libertarian Party continues to grow. This is good - the more groups of people choosing to work together to grow the Libertarian Party, the better, and the Libertarian Party of Nevada is proud to have two of its members - Andrew Lea, the Youth Director of the Libertarian Party of Nevada, and Jason Weinman, our Outreach Director - serving on its board.
Read moreTrump's followers might not be racist
Libertarians have seen this sort of thing before.
I was at a gas station a couple days ago when I overheard the clerk talking with a customer about the last GOP debate. What caught my attention was that he was the first person I met that openly expressed support for Trump - most conservatives I've talked to can't stand the guy (he's not conservative enough for them), and most Libertarians are doing their level-best to contrast themselves from his xenophobia - so I naturally wanted to know more. Why, of all the candidates on that stage, did the gas station clerk favor Trump?
"He's genuine. He speaks his mind."
Read moreThe case for a $30/hour minimum wage
Money by Pictures of Money is licensed CC BY 2.0.
The Libertarian Party has been an outspoken opponent of the minimum wage since its inception. However, in much the same way Republicans were telling us in 2012 that we need to focus less on marriage equality and drug decriminalization, Democrats are telling us that a higher minimum wage is politically popular and we need to just go along with it. After examining the evidence, I agree. In fact, I think current Democrat-sponsored plans to raise the minimum wage to $15/hour don't go far enough, and here's why:
Read moreGun rights have nothing to do with militias
Gun Club by Peretz Partensky is licensed CC BY 2.0.
Not anymore - and why that's okay.
Ever since the San Bernardino massacre, the never ending national conversation surrounding gun rights has reasserted itself once more. The usual cast and characters have adopted their usual positions - either everybody needs to be armed or nobody should be armed - and, past that, the only people profiting from all of this are monomaniacal journalists focused exclusively on the scoop and the new media outlets that cover them. It's a tired, old conversation, one that will never get anywhere since neither side trusts the other and the courts have already decided anyway, so let's talk about something much more interesting:
Read moreWant more Violence? Pass more Laws.
Cicero, one of the most influential philosophers during the age of Rome, famously stated that the more laws that are passed, the less one should expect to see justice manifest. Today's tragedy in California does nothing than solidify Cicero's warning to the modern Rome of the world centuries later.
No One Cares if you're Offended! Pt. 1
In every major generation, it's common for phrases to manifest that sum up he feelings of those who live through the events of their time. During the time of America's revolutionary period, Patrick Henry summed up the thoughts of a population who wanted liberation from tyranny with the well-known phrase, "Give me liberty of give me death!". During the 60s, when the counter-culture movement started to manifest against the unfettered conformity of our society and the bloodshed of Vietnam, "Make love, not war!" became a staple philosophy of the youth of that decade. Fast-forward now, to 2015, and a new phrase has emerged that perfectly sums up one of the biggest, most telling signs of the generation that currently inhabits this country: "I've been triggered!".
Read moreDouble The LP - Libertarian Party Membership Drive
Every Libertarian recruits at least ONE new Libertarian to double the size of the Libertarian Party of Nevada!
Imagine twice as many Libertarian Party Members, Voters, Volunteers, Donors, Candidates & Activists. You can be a part of history we create!
Read moreNew Interactive Website for the Libertarian Party of Nevada
We invested a lot of time developing the new www.LPNevada.org website!
You are here so you probably realized we have completely redesigned our website. Our new website enables members to easily create an account, interact with other members, find out about events, comment on our blog posts (like this) and more! We encourage everyone to sign up for the site by visiting the Join Now link.
Read moreLibertarians Launch Sunday Football Party
Please visit the full Photo Album & LIKE our Facebook Page
With the launch of the Sunday Football Party behind us, I can say with certainty how nice it is to know how much support is out there. Nothing is better than having family, friends, and supporters all in the same building at the same time. What a great opportunity for all Libertarians to support one another and have fun at the same time. The launch of the Sunday Football party was a blast! We had some big name supporters, volunteers, and dues-paying members all show up to show that the Libertarian party knows how to lay back and party hardy.
Read moreBlowback
This article explains the folly of the warfare state. We must not let the attack on Paris, though tragic, cause us to go back to a never-ending war in the Middle East. We must put an end to drone strikes and military bases in the Middle East.
Read moreHappy Veterans Day from the Libertarian Party of Nevada!
Happy Veterans Day from the Libertarian Party of Nevada! Wishing the best for our nations Veterans!
Nevada has a lot of Libertarians!
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According to a Reason Magazine, Nevada is one of the states that has a lot of Libertarians. We are really glad that our hard work has been paying off and that a lot of Nevadans are going Libertarian.
📢 Announcing the Affordable Energy Summit 🌎The Heartland Institute, the Libertarian Party of Nevada & Legislators Team Up
Libertarian and Conservative organizations, speakers and lawmakers team up to counter Obama’s Clean Energy Summit by providing free market solutions to clean affordable energy in United States.
Read moreThe Libertarian Party of Nevada and Out for Liberty Celebrate the Supreme Court Decision on Marriage Equality
The Libertarian Party of Nevada and Out for Liberty Celebrate the Supreme Court Decision on Marriage Equality.
Read moreA Win for Libertarians and Las Vegas! No tax payer money for the $200 Million Dollar Soccer Stadium!
On Wednesday, October 1st, representatives of the Libertarian Party of Nevada, Chairman Brett H. Pojunis, Vice Chairman and County Commission F Candidate Jason G. Smith, and Outreach Director Jason Weinman attended the Las Vegas City Council Meeting to speak out against the use of over $115 Million of taxpayer money to finance a private soccer stadium in downtown Las Vegas. Amongst the sea of brightly colored union shirts and special interests there to speak in favor of using precious resources for this stadium were three stalwart individuals with nothing to do but battle with their wits, Libertarian lapel pins, and the knowledge that taking from working people to give to special interests is wrong.
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