LP Illinois News - October 2008 #2
Why You Should Vote For Larry Stafford
by Kent McMillen
Einstein taught us that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result. When incumbents are re-elected over and over again, and when Democrats and Republicans are the only parties elected to serve the people of Illinois in Washington D.C., history has proven that it is not possible to affect the right change which will benefit the lives of regular citizens. Both of the major parties are beholden to raising money and to repaying their special interest supporters that fund their campaigns.
On November 4th, the voters of Illinois have a chance to send a strong message to career politicians, and to the nation, that they have had enough. They have had enough of an ever-increasing national debt, the outrageous Wall Street bailouts and the possible nationalization of our banks, the shrinking of our civil liberties, the deployment of our precious military to far too many countries around the world, and our dependence on foreign oil.
Make a statement and vote for Larry Stafford for U.S. Senate. Stafford is not a professional politician and does not profess to be an expert on all issues. He is a truck driver, family man and military veteran who will bring common sense and a middle class citizen's perspective to the U.S. Senate. He possesses solid judgment, trustworthiness and an understanding of the Constitution. He is one of us. Aren't there enough lawyers in the Senate already?
Stafford cites three items that his campaign is focusing on to move the country in the right direction: (1) ending the occupation in Iraq and bringing troops home from a majority of bases around the world, (2) ending the income tax to give a real stimulus to taxpayers, and (3) lowering energy costs by creating an environment of American energy independence.
Illinois voters have an alternative. Don't waste your vote by re-electing the same politicians with their same tired old ideas – the ones who created the fine mess we're in right now. We cannot afford it and if we want change, we must start now. Vote for reason. Vote for integrity. Vote for a new path. Vote for Larry Stafford, Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate.
Vandalia Lions Club Annual Halloween Parade
The Bond-Fayette County Libertarians will be participating in the popular Vandalia Lions Club Annual Halloween Parade on Thursday, October 30th. Those participating in the parade are asked to meet at the corner of 8th and Gallatin Streets in Vandalia at 6 p.m. with the parade beginning at 7 p.m. The Chapter has plenty of signs for everyone to carry promoting our LP U.S. Senate Candidate, Larry Stafford and Presidential Candidate, Bob Barr. Area Libertarians are welcome to join in the fun and promote our Candidates and our Party!
For more information contact Jan Stover at (618) 580-8766 or visit the BFCL Meetup Group at libertarian.meetup.com.
Stafford to Speak At Castletown Geoghegan Irish Pub & Restaurant
Our U.S. Senate Candidate, Larry Stafford, is scheduled to speak at the Castletown Geoghegan Irish Pub & Restaurant in Belleville on Saturday, November 1st at noon. The event is being promoted by the Metro East Libertarians.
Castletown Geoghegan Irish Pub & Restaurant is located at 104 West Main St. in Belleville. More information regarding this event can be found through the Metro East Libertarians Meetup Group.
Election Night Party
Join Larry Stafford and a host of fellow libertarians to celebrate the gains we have made for liberty and watch the election results roll in.
Where: The Lincoln Restaurant 4008 N. Lincoln, in Chicago.
When: Tuesday, November 4th starting at 6 p.m.
Don't forget to Vote Libertarian before then!
Federal Spending Hurts Illinois
by Gale Teschendorf
In fiscal 2007 the feds took $6 billion from Illinois to subsidize other states, as if they needed it more. This has been happening for many years. How much better off would Illinois families be if the average family of 4 had $2,000 less taxes each year? Economists say that the multiplier effect is about 7 times, so make that $14,000 per average family of four.
The $6 billion is part of $22 billion that we send to Washington. The other $16 billion is spent in Illinois, but it is estimated that the federal government wastes half of what it spends compared to individuals purchasing the same products and services. In other words, our annual $22 billion "investment" in the USA returns $8 billion.
Angry About the Bailout?
Are you angry with our sad selection of "representatives" in D.C. voting to prop up failing banks and corporations? Are you fed up with our politicians' cavalier views of the Constitution – the way they snub their noses at the Bill of Rights as if it were merely a list of suggestions?
If this is how you view our congressional representatives and senators, it is time to vote them out!
Here is a short letter by Crystal Jurczynski expressing, in a very clear and concise manner, this exact sentiment:
Vote Against Bailout Enablers
Are you angry that both US Senators from Illinois, Dick Durbin and Barak Obama, voted to bailout Wall Street? Will the result be even more corporations crying for even more billions in taxpayer handouts? You have the power to strike back. Join me in voting for Libertarian Party candidates Larry Stafford for US Senate and Bob Barr for President. Vote to bring strong leaders to Washington who will "just say no" to corporate bailouts. Vote Stafford and Barr on November 4th.
Pass this letter on to your local newspapers or e-mail it to your friends. We the people must remember: this is OUR republic! If our elected officials are not upholding their duty to represent OUR best interests, then it is time to send them packing.
Remember: no taxation without representation.
An Urgent Alert From the ISRA
The following is an urgent release from the Illinois State Riffle Association (ISRA).
(It should also be noted that the views expressed in the following news release are the views of the ISRA and may not reflect the views of the Libertarian Party of Illinois.)
ISRA-PVF: URGENT ALERT FOR ALL GUN OWNERS EVERYWHERE – YOUR IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED
Mayor Daley's band of antigunners is on the move in the Western Suburbs.
Dianne McGuire, Democratic candidate for the 96th District House seat, is distributing flyers promising to ban and confiscate your semiautomatic rifles, shotguns and handguns.
McGuire's campaign personnel are also telling citizens that McGuire will, "Shut the Naperville Sportsmen's Club down – once and for all."
All gun owners from across Illinois, and across the nation, must band together to put a stop to Dianne McGuire.
Here is what you need to do to help save your guns.
1. Whether you live in the 96th District or not, be sure to contact that McGuire campaign headquarters at (630) 579-6696 and tell the person who answers the phone that anti-gun nonsense will not be tolerated. Remind them of what the 2nd Amendment says. Remind them that the Heller decision confirms that law-abiding citizens have an innate right to keep and bear arms. Tell the person who answers the phone that McGuire must end her attacks on law-abiding gun owners and end her plan to close down the Naperville Sportsmen's Club.
2. Visit the ISRA-PVF web site at http://www.isra-pvf.com to learn how you can help pro-gun candidates.
A Word from the Editor
This will be the last newsletter before the November 4th election. Thus, this is the last chance to reiterate the point that it is of the utmost importance that you get out and vote.
You live in a great nation, indeed. As an American, you have been endowed with immense liberties and freedoms. You are the master of your own life – the author of your own story. No one thinks or acts for you. More importantly, no one else takes responsibility for your deeds other than you.
Personal responsibility is the greatest gift our founding fathers gave to us. That is why we vote. That is why we debate politics. That is why we petition our government. These things are not just rights. They are our duties as citizens.
So, on November 4th, remember: your vote does count. Your voice does matter. We stand upon the precipice of great change in this nation. The question to ask yourself is whether or not this will be a change for the betterment of our country.
Words of Wisdom
"I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious."
~ Thomas Jefferson