The Cabarrus Critic

Time For A Change...

2007-11-12T17:18:00.001-08:00

I have decided to quit being a half assed blogger. In an effort to better organize my thoughts and efforts on behalf of Life, Liberty and Property, I have created a site titled Govern Thyself. I am retiring some of my previous blogs (Restore Our Republic, Cabarrus Critic, etc.) to simplify my on-line activism. My personal website, http://thomasbhill.com is also being “put out to pasture”. I will still maintain my organizational websites, including a new site, currently in the “beta” stage, which I will announce in the near future.

I will still be posting links to articles and stories relative to the struggles we face defending our natural rights. I promise to include my share of original content. I also promise to update the site several times a week.

http://governthyself.com

"Free" Tarps

2007-09-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Need a tarp? Click on the link below for the exciting details....it's free!

http://www.cabarruscounty.us/News/2007/September/Sep21_TarpDay.html

What's next? "Free" duct tape and plastic wrap? Maybe we should lobby the Dept. of Homeland Security for a matching grant.

Ron Paul Wins Straw Poll in New Hampshire...

2007-09-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.lewrockwell.com/blog/lewrw/archives/015351.html

New Hampshire is looking better all the time. Republicans must be more intelligent up there. The NH primary will tell the tale.

Pro-Liberty Outreach In Cabarrus...

2007-09-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

[Disclaimer!] The Libertarian Party of Cabarrus County DOES NOT endorse Ron Paul. Only individual members are promoting Ron Paul's campaign. No party funds have been, or ever shall be used to support any candidate outside the by-laws of the national and state Libertarian parties......

The Libertarian Party of Cabarrus County will be co-hosting (along
with the Liberty Preservation League)an outreach booth at the Cabarrus
County Fair. The fair runs for eight days, Sept. 7th - 15th.

http://www.cabarruscountyfair.com/

This booth will be multi-partisan. The pro-freedom activist non
profit, Bureaucrash will also be represented at our booth. The RLC and
other pro-freedom groups are invited to participate and/or send
literature.

We want to showcase the diverse support the Ron Paul Revolution has
garnered.

Attendance at the fair should reach 100,000 or better. We have 1,000
RP Liberty Cards so far. We are having a RP banner made for the booth.

Four members of the Cabarrus LP executive committee are die-hard RP
supporters. We have already spent several hundred dollars on our
booth. The lease and charge for electricity cost $390. We are by NO
means asking for donations. Send those to Dr. Paul. We are only asking
for participation and fellowship!

Peace & Liberty,

Thomas Hill
Chair, Cabarrus LP
Past Chair, Libertarian Party of N.C.

What It Means To Be A Libertarian...

2007-09-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

According to Charles Murray, What It Means to Be a Libertarian, Broadway Books, 1997

"The American Founders created a society based on the belief that human happiness is intimately connected with personal freedom and responsibility. The twin pillars of the system they created were limits on the power of the central government and protection of individual rights. . . .
A few people, of whom I am one, think that the Founders' insights are as true today as they were two centuries ago. We believe that human happiness requires freedom and that freedom requires limited government.
The correct word for my view of the world is liberal. "Liberal" is the simplest anglicization of the Latin liber, and freedom is what classical liberalism is all about. The writers of the nineteenth century who expounded on this view were called liberals. In Continental Europe they still are. . . . But words mean what people think they mean, and in the United States the unmodified term liberal now refers to the politics of an expansive government and the welfare state. The contemporary alternative is libertarian. . . .
Libertarianism is a vision of how people should be able to live their lives-as individuals, striving to realize the best they have within them; together, cooperating for the common good without compulsion. It is a vision of how people may endow their lives with meaning-living according to their deepest beliefs and taking responsibility for the consequences of their actions."

The Perfect Storm Is Brewing...

2007-07-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07/19/07
POC Thomas L. Knapp
314-705-3042
kubby.communications@...

"ALL TOGETHER NOW" ... LIBERTARIAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE ENDORSES PAUL

Fort Bragg, CA -- Citing overwhelming support from his own party's
members and lackluster response to Libertarian presidential campaigns,
Steve Kubby today endorsed US Representative Ron Paul's campaign for
the Republican Party's 2008 presidential nomination. Kubby, a
candidate in his own party's presidential contest, made the
endorsement in an interview from his home in Mendocino County, California.

"I am not, and have never been, a Republican," says Kubby, 60, best
known for his work for cannabis legalization and on behalf of medical
marijuana patients. "For me, the Libertarian Party has always been,
and remains, our last best hope for achieving freedom through the
American political process. And until recently my position was that
the Libertarian Party needed to stick to its own guns, stake out its
own territory. But sometimes a special situation comes along."

Recent polling shows Paul garnering the support of about 70% of LP
members -- and the LP's front-runners, including Kubby, clustered
together in the 2-3% range among those same members. That polling,
Paul's much higher media profile, and fundraising reports showing that
Paul has raised nearly 100 times as much money as any of his
Libertarian competitors, convinced Kubby that this is just such a
situation.

"I'm still running for president," says Kubby. "My campaign's first
television commercial will debut shortly. I'm continuing to debate my
opponents, attend public events as a candidate, and appear on talk
radio to make my case. There are important things that need to be
said, and I'm saying them. Dr. Paul and I disagree on some issues that
I want to skyline, and I firmly believe that I'm the best candidate to
represent the party next November. But when 70% of your own party
believes so strongly in a candidate that they're willing to cross
party lines to support him at least until he's out of the running, you
owe it to them to back their play."

Kubby states that if his fellow freedom activists' long-shot bet pays
off and Ron Paul becomes the Republican nominee, he will withdraw, ask
the party to nominate "None of the Above" at its national convention,
and work as a volunteer on Paul's general election campaign. "And I'm
urging my fellow Libertarians to approach this in the same way," he
says. "But at the same time, I'll continue preparing to give the LP
the best presidential campaign I can give it if that doesn't work out."

-30-
about 400 words

Web references:

Source interview
http://pauliecannoli.wordpress.com/2007/07/19/steve-kubby-endorses-ron-paul/

Kubby for President
www.kubby2008.com

Ron Paul 2008:
www.ronpaul2008.com

Everybody Loves A Parade...

2007-07-01T09:09:00.001-07:00

I had a blast with my fellow LP Cabarrus friends at the Mt. Pleasant Independence Day Parade.

We will do it all over again in Harrisburg on the 4th.

We'll make room on the float for you!

What A Free Market Is....

2007-06-10T09:07:00.000-07:00

"The market in the broadest sense of the term is the process that encompasses all voluntary and spontaneous actions of men. It is the realm of human initiative and freedom and the soil upon which all human achievements thrive." - Ludwig von Mises

My First Campaign Stop..Twin City Ribfest!

2007-06-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

http://twincityribfest.com/

I am looking forward to working with the Triad area libertarians at the Twin City Ribfest in Winston Salem. The event is June 14th - 16th. We will be gathering ballot access signatures and sowing the seeds of Liberty!

I have hotel reservations in Greensboro the 14th - 17th. I have a LPNC meeting in Durham on Saturday. I plan to be at the Ribfest all day Friday and Saturday after my meeting in Durham.

Looking forward to seeing my Triad peeps week end after next,

Thomas

Spread The Gospel Freely, Vol. 2

2007-06-02T21:51:00.001-07:00

http://www.myspace.com/thomasbhill

Spread The Gospel Freely, Vol. 1

2007-06-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

http://360.yahoo.com/thomasbhill

Thomas Hill
Libertarian Candidate For U.S. Congress

I'm Running For Congress

2007-06-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have decided to seek the Libertarian Party nomination for U.S. House, District 8.

Help me spread the uplifting message of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. I will be adding information about my campaign to my personal website, http://thomasbhill.com , in the coming weeks.

Peace & Love,

Thomas

It's Been Awhile....

2007-05-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

My 3 month "vacation" from the Internet is over. That's how long Time Warner took to install Road Runner at my house. Long story short, my work order found the proverbial black hole...lost in the Mega-Corporate/Quasi-Government Universe.

What a nightmare!

As you can imagine, I am catching up on e-mails, blogs and websites. What a way to spend a lovely Memorial Day Weekend!

But hey, I'm not complaining...

It's good to be back.

Upon The Altar Of God

2007-02-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility
against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."

– Thomas Jefferson

Avoiding Evil

2007-01-13T05:10:00.000-08:00

"To avoid evil, it is not enough to intellectually understand that it is morally wrong to coercively harm others. One must also be instilled with sympathy for others, an empathy that dissolves greed and makes it hurtful to oneself to inflict harm on others."
Fred E. Foldvary
"The Origins of Evil"
http://www.freeliberal.com/archives/002522.html

Perception Over Property Rights...

2007-01-06T08:10:00.000-08:00

http://tinyurl.com/shl3f

The link above will take you to a story in the Independent Tribune concerning the removal of a house trailer in Kannapolis. Read the story for yourself.

You can expect more property right violations in K-Town with the arrival of the N.C. Research Campus. Gotta keep them poor folks hidden from the Yuppies as they move into the City of Looms!

How Christ-like, Kannapolis bureaucrats! Shame on the neighbors too! Instead of bitching to Govco about a neighborhood issue, why not offer some help to your neighbor? Instead of whining about the "horrible" people aka 'the homeless', do something to help. Affordable housing is scarce. A local church could help clean up the property and find a tenant for the trailer.

Neighbor helping neighbor. Freewill over Force. That is a threat to Govco and it's jack-boot enforcers. The privileged class won't allow that!

Shame on Kannapolis!

Words Of A Prophet...

2006-12-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

"Prophets who in their heart know themselves to be false cannot prevail against those filled with the power of sincere conviction. Nothing can corrupt ideas. Neither by money nor by other rewards can one hire men for the fight against ideas…. What is needed to stop the trend towards socialism and despotism is common sense and moral courage."
Ludwig von Mises

Is Clay Andrews Lying Or Is He That Ignorant Of Civics?

2006-12-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

"This is a democracy and people get to choose their leaders," Andrews said. "People should trust their leaders to study an issue and make a decision on it. If people don't like it, they can vote their leaders out."

Clay Andrews, Cabarrus Economic Development Corp. [from a Independent Tribune article]

Mr Andrews is a quasi-government official. In other words, he is not an elected official but public policy has his fingerprints all over it. Before I continue, let me say this... I have never met Mr. Andrews. I assume him to be a good man who really cares about Cabarrus County. I hope he can afford me the same benefit of the doubt.

Our nation was founded as a republic, not a democracy. Now, I can make the argument that the republic is dead, replaced by a socialist democracy...however, I doubt Mr. Andrews would agree with me.

Maybe Mr. Andrews was taken out of context or the reporter misquoted him...I don't know.

I can tell you what I do know. For years politicians and teachers have been calling our nation a democracy. Were they lying? Were they simply ignorant?

I would really like to know which it is.

He also said we could replace our "leaders" by voting them out. Half of the General Assembly races here in N.C. had no competition during the general election. That includes State House Representatives Linda Johnson and Jeff Barnhart. I voted for myself against Linda, however my vote was thrown in the trash because of the write-in ban here in N.C..

How can you vote them out when they rig the system?

You see, the rigged system benefits Mr. Andrews and the other corporate fascists who rule this county, state and nation.

Mr. Andrews prefers democracy because it enables the destruction of equality under the law. It extends "privileges" to the select few.

The small business man is forced to subsidize large corporations...all for the sake of "jobs" and economic development.

That seems to suit Mr. Andrews just fine.

Liberty And Building Permits...

2006-12-02T19:15:00.000-08:00

"If the city or county is not liable for the construction work they approved, who needs their advice or permission? If they accept no liability, what are you getting for your money? You pay them to delay your project, increase your cost, and boss you around on your own property. "
Bill Sizemore

http://www.newswithviews.com/Bill/sizemore49.htm

Fight Eminent Domain Abuse

2006-11-28T18:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.castlecoalition.org/

The Anti-Demopublican League...

2006-11-25T19:03:00.000-08:00

Another project brewed at the Govern Thyself Laboratory, deep from within the Pioneer Mill Autonomous Zone…

The Anti-Demopublican League

Obstacles To Peace...

2006-11-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Coercion…Aggression…Taxation….Privilege….Corporations (State Capitalism)….

Peace, the daughter of Liberty and Equality, is obstructed under the conditions listed above. She is absent when neighbors steal from each other via taxation (legal plunder).

She refuses to dwell in the shadow of privilege for she knows inequality when she sees it.

We will never dwell in Peace as long as we use force to achieve social and political goals. If we truly love our neighbors, we will respect their rights and property.

To govern ourselves is to allow others to do the same.

My Visit To The Board Of Elections....

2006-11-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

This past Friday, I journeyed to the Board of Elections. The purpose of my journey was to confirm whether my vote for myself in the 8th Congressional District would be tossed in the trash. I walked into the office and a lady asked if she could help me. I asked her if someone could look over a copy of my absentee ballot and tell me which votes were being cast out.

Silence....then confusion ensued.

Christina Daniels came into the room and took control of the chaos. She confirmed what I already knew, North Carolina has a general statute that forbids write-in votes in partisan races (Disclaimer: You can gather petition signatures to have a write-in line inserted onto the ballot for a particular race).

I pointed out the fact that the U.S. and N.C. Constitutions say I am qualified to serve in Congress.

She agreed...

I told her that a general statute could not trump constitutional law...

She agreed...

I asked her if the Constitution or conscience had any role in the BOE decision to throw away my vote...

With regret, she admitted that they do not.

I thanked her for her help and then made my way to the basement of the building where the process to count provisional votes was about to start.

Near the end of the count, I asked Mr. Moss, Cabarrus BOE Chairman, if I could ask him a question. I walked up front to the table he was sitting at. I introduced myself and gave him my voter ID number. I presented him with a copy of my absentee ballot and asked him the same questions I asked upstairs. He couldn't answer my questions. He said he would have to dig out my original ballot to know for sure. I told him that wasn't necessary. I told him that I already knew the answer. About this time, Linda Grist, BOE Director got involved and confirmed to Mr. Moss that there was a write-in ban here in N.C..

I told Mr. Moss I had announced in August 2005 that I was seeking the Libertarian nomination for U.S. Congress, District 8, only to have my party decertified a couple weeks later. I quoted Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. I quoted Article 6, Section 6 of the N.C. Constitution. I told him that I was being treated like a second class citizen. I told him that I was tired of being lied to.

I told him I was taking legal action. Linda Grist said that they were only following the law. I corrected her by saying they were following a statute, the Constitution was the law.

Linda walked me to the door. She put her arm around me as we walked...I put my arm around her. She said I was doing what any citizen had a right to do. Before I walked out the door, I looked into Linda's eyes and asked her to put herself in my position...to listen to her conscience.

I hope she does...

Lawsuit Filed Against Bonds In Kannapolis

2006-11-18T17:12:00.000-08:00

From the Independent Tribune....

"The North Carolina Institute for Constitutional Law, a legal foundation in Raleigh, filed a lawsuit saying voters were not informed their rights to vote on local bond issues would be taken away."

This is very good news. I am glad to see an organized resistance to corporate welfare.

[Later in the article]

"North Carolina voters passed Amendment One in 2004 - the amendment to the state constitution that allows municipalities to use self-financing bonds for projects in conjunction with private development.

Orr and his group represent four registered voters from North Carolina who say their federal voting rights under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and their due process rights under the U.S. Constitution's Fourteenth Amendment were violated. They are asking that the N.C. constitutional amendment be nullified.

Orr said the language on the ballot did not inform voters they would give up their voting rights.

"It's really a truth-in-advertising issue," Orr said. "Proponents of the amendment said it was about jobs and economic development. But the purpose of the amendment is asking people to give up their right to vote."

Dangerous To Be Right...

2006-11-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

" It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong."

Voltaire

Thanks For The Show Of Support

2006-11-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

With heart felt affection, I want to thank each of the 6,288 folks who voted for me. Thank you for supporting the parent's right and responsibility to educate their children.

My campaign cost me the $5 filing fee and a little gas money. I raised no money. I told less than a hundred people about my campaign. No advertising. No signs.

I answered all the questionaires and interview requests. I used my existing blog and website to promote my campaign. No additional cost involved.

6,288 votes or 10.19% of the votes on less than $30. I would call that a fiscally conservative campaign.

This was a true grassroots educational campaign. You don't have to win the election to influence public policy. Winning campaigns are not an end unto themselves....moving public policy in a libertarian or market anarchism direction is but a part of a larger struggle...

...a struggle to reclaim our birthright of self government.

Second Class Citizen With His Outlaw Ballot

2006-11-03T13:17:00.000-08:00

This is me with my absentee ballot before our trip to the print shop (I made 20 copies) and the County Board of Elections. How many "voters" go to the trouble of recording their ballot? How else can I prove that the system is rigged.

My ballot has a total of eight (8) unopposable candidates. In spite of the U.S. and N.C. Constitutions, write-in votes in these and other races, will be cast out.

How can statutory law trump constitutional law?

The electoral system has been rigged by the Demopublicans and I aim to prove it!

Misrepresented In The Charlotte Observer

2006-10-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

Below is taken from today's on-line version of Gail Smith-Arrants' school board race article. Notice the second sentence....
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

In this nonpartisan race, Thomas Hill wants to stand out as the Libertarian. Hill's the only candidate who doesn't want to build new schools.

"We need to look toward the private market for inspiration," he said.

Billionaire David Murdock, who's building the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, could contribute construction money, Hill said.

"If we're going to use the public purse to help him build his vision, he needs to pay back somehow," he said. "He could build one school, and put his name on the school: David Murdock High School."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Before I continue, I like Gail Smith-Arrants. She has been very pleasant and professional over the phone. I am NOT accusing Gail of any malice or bias in regards to her article.

However, after reading and re-reading the second sentence of her article, I still cannot imagine what could have inspired her to write such a sentence! Matter of fact, I spent a good deal of time explaining to Gail how the new schools could be funded!

I will include my answers to Gail's questionnaire below [they are not on-line]. If you can find any of my answers justify the second sentence of the article, I will publicly apologize to Gail.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

How should the system get money for more schools that need to be built, such as a new high school in the northwest area? Do you think voters would support a bond referendum? Or, as one school board member suggested, should the board ask the county to use certificates of participation to borrow money, to speed up the process?

[my answer]
We need to seriously consider naming rights and corporate sponsorships. Mr. Murdock and his empire could afford to build all the schools we need. No bond referendums, cut spending in all other areas of government not mandated by the U.S. and N.C. Constitutions. No more debt.

What should the school board do to alleviate crowding at Northwest Cabarrus High School, which is expected to have more than 1,800 students next year? Do you support reassigning Northwest students to other schools? If so, which ones?

[my answer]
Short term, add more mobile classrooms. Long term, encourage private and home schools. Our public system would improve its level of service in a competitive free market. Explore the possibilities of “virtual classrooms” via the internet. Give parents real school choice.

Other than school construction to meet growth, what is the biggest challenge facing the school system over the next 10 years?

[my answer]
Being able to provide a true world class education. We need to be producing independent, mature adults equipped with critical thinking skills. We need to reintroduce the concepts of rugged individualism and self determination, the values that made America the envy of the world.

How would you describe the relationship between the school board and the Cabarrus County commissioners? How would you improve on that relationship?

[my answer]
Combative; this is the usual result when you have two government bureaucracies struggling for control over the public purse. I would remember that I am a servant of the people. I would always remember whose money it is. I would remember the Golden Rule and strive to follow it.

Which current school board members’ views are closest to your own philosophy of education? (Incumbents, please do not choose yourself.)

[my answer]
Until I hear one of them say they seek to reform the school system or parents have the right and responsibility to make educational choices for their children, not the school board, I can’t say any of their views are close to my philosophy. Free market options are my educational philosophy.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Again, I have NEVER told anyone I didn't want to build new schools. I do not believe in stealing from my neighbor, so naturally I prefer voluntary educational associations.

I know we have to build new schools. I have expressed my opinions on how to go about it.

You may not agree with my views. That doesn't give anyone the right to misrepresent me and my views.

I don't give a damn what anybody says about me or my beliefs as long as it is the truth!

Thomas

Non Contested Candidates; Smells Like Castro

2006-10-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Things to consider when you cast your ballot in Cabarrus County....

Hmm! The ballot appears to be less "cluttered" this election season. Where are the Libertarians?

Honey, Why is there only one candidate to choose from?

Why can't I vote for myself and have the vote counted? I am eligible to serve according to the U.S. and N.C. Constitutions. How can they violate the Constitution and more importantly, my civil rights?

Dear, didn't they overturn Jim Crow laws years ago? Why are third party and independent voters treated like second class citizens?

How can this happen in America?

Below is a list of non-contested candidates advertised on my sample ballot...

Linda Johnson (N.C. House 83) *
Roxann Vaneekhoven (District Attorney)
Fred A. Biggers (Clerk Of Superior Court)
W. Erwin Spainhour (Superior Court Judge)
William G. Hamby, Jr (District Court Judge)
Donna Hedgepeth Johnson (District Court Judge)
Michael G. Knox (District Court Judge)
Martin B. (Marty) McGee (District Court Judge)

*Jeff Barnhart (N.C. House 82) is a non contested candidate as well.

It must be nice to know the outcome of the election months in advance. The worst part of this rigged game is the write-in ban. Like the sample ballot says...."Write-in votes are authorized only in certain races". No write-in votes, in clear violation of voting and civil rights, will be "authorized" in the non-races above.

Hail Caesar!

Damn cheaters!

Challenge The Write-In Ban! Vote For Yourself!

School Board Election: Some Random Thoughts...

2006-09-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

During a recent interview, I was asked why I was running, considering I was of the Libertarian persuasion. For those of you unfamiliar with libertarianism, we simply believe education, like religion, health care, housing, etc., are best left to private, voluntary organizations and individuals.

My answer was simple. We have government mandated public schools and this will be the case for years to come. The N.C. Constitution guarantees a "free" public education for every citizen. That is the law until a Constitutional Convention changes it. I believe the taxpayer needs someone like myself on the board for the following reasons....

I will scrutinize each and every line of budget requests sent to the County Commission. Our citizens are taxed to the hilt when you add local, state, and federal wealth confiscation or legal plunder..otherwise known as taxes.(which, by the way, some have said are "the price of civilization". Personally, I find stealing people's money highly uncivilized.

I am from outside the education establishment. I am not simply seeking to improve the system, I seek to reform it. We need to completely overhaul and de-centralize our school system. Okay, sounds good, where would you start...

Break up the county into autonomous, independent school districts. The place to start would be the City of Concord. Concord needs to have it's own school system. If we do not get a handle on the growing bureaucracy, we will become another Char-Meck train wreck.. God Forbid!

Before I continue, I am well aware of the limits of my position on the school board. Reform would have to occur on all levels of government. Don't you believe that reform might happen quicker if we had someone advocating these changes as an elected official? I am not afraid to file my complaints with legislators.

You wouldn't consent to the government choosing your child' s religion. Why would you allow them to make educational decisions for your child?

If our public school system is so great, why do we have to use compulsory laws and extortion of wealth to prop it up?

If this is a free country, why don't we have school choice?

Why does someone who has no children in public schools pay the same tax rate as someone who has five children in the system?

I am not accepting donations to my campaign. I am asking my supporters to donate their money and time to the public school of their choice.

If elected, I promise to use the N.C. and U.S. Constitutions as metrics to determine my conclusions. But more importantly, my conscience will be the final authority over every decision I make.

Drop The Drama, Mr. Cox

2006-09-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

From a story in the Independent Tribune concerning the proposed Interbasin Water Transfer...

...

On the bus before the meeting, John Cox, CEO of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce and president of the EDC, said it would be "ridiculous" if the transfer did not pass.

"Then we might as well close the Lowe's Motor Speedway and Concord Mills and shut off I-85 and kill the strongest economic engine of North Carolina," Cox said. "It would be as ridiculous if we were to oppose Hickory's use of our air (space) for commercial aviation. If they shut down their airport, we'll go look for water somewhere else."

Please Mr. Cox, your quote is ridiculous! You are playing the part of a quasi-government official to a tee! Hyperbole and fear, oh my!

If Mr. Cox wants to point fingers at the source of our region's water woes, he needs to point it at his beloved government. We are in this position because we rely on government to supply infrastructure for our roads, schools, water, etc. Mr. Cox doesn't trust the free market to provide these things. In other words, he doesn't trust his neighbors to do the right thing. Matter of fact, Mr. Cox doesn't trust the private sector at all. If he did, his EDC would be entirely funded by private enterprise. He would not advocate favoring certain companies over others with economic tax incentives or tax increment finance schemes. If the EDC is such a vital economic development tool, why do they need public money extorted from the tax payers.

You see, Mr. Cox doesn't care for private enterprise because he would have to find another job.

Helms For Hemp

2006-09-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

Below is a op-ed piece published in the Independent Tribune recently. Mike Helms, candidate for NC Senate 36, is the only candidate with the moral courage to support re-legalising hemp.

Industrial hemp would revive our family farms. Tobacco farmers could easily convert to hemp. Nature has provided us with a wonderful resource.

Too bad the powerful oil/drug industries has been successful in suppressing hemp cultivation.

BRING ON THE HEMP

Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both farmed it. The U.S. Navy sailed with it. And today it is used in hundreds of products, from energy bars to auto parts.

Hemp is an agricultural product with an enormous potential, especially in North Carolina, where the idea of legalizing it has been floated several times. But hemp is a cousin of marijuana, and no amount of reasoning about the differences in the two has overcome political fears of being associated with dope. The federal government will hear nothing of it, either.

California and seven other states are on the brink of forcing a showdown on the federal government's refusal to sanction hemp agriculture. The New York Times reports that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger must decide whether he will allow a recently passed hemp bill to become law. He could veto it, sign it, or allow it to become law without his signature.

His decision won't be politically easy. The Office of National Drug Control Policy and California narcotics officers are both opposed. The federal government has been adamant about anything having anything to do with marijuana, even medical marijuana.

The main fear expressed in news articles on the topic is that hemp cultivation would mask marijuana farms. A huge crop of hemp planted alongside marijuana would make it difficult for police to find the marijuana.

That's why North Dakota officials, who want to allow hemp farming, say they are ready to enact tough regulations for hemp growers. They'd register any such farms, open them to inspection, and require their owners to be fingerprinted by authorities.

Back in California, those who support the bill passed by the California legislature contend that a federal appellate court decision backs their position that the federal government has no authority to block hemp cultivation.

More than 30 countries allow the cultivation of hemp. The United States already imports a great deal of that hemp to use in the manufacture of a wide range of products. It appears to make no sense to block hemp production just because it is related to marijuana, especially since it contains only a tiny amount of the chemical that brings about a marijuana high.

There's no certainty that legalized hemp cultivation would be a big hit in North Carolina, or in any of the other states. China controls about 40 percent of the world's production already. But there are big parts of this state that could use a crop that produces a good income, and if the climate and soil here are good for that crop, then farmers should be able to give it a try.

There are ways around the problems associated with hemp's similarities to marijuana. The federal government just has to decide that it wants to pursue those remedies.

I'm Back..I Promise

2006-09-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

Been a while, hadn't it? Life has been pretty crazy. During the past month, my marriage plans have been scrapped (not my choice) and my computer died. That is all I need to bore you with.

I will survive. The fight for freedom is reason enough to get up every morning.

Good Advice

2006-08-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

"Anyone in a free society where the laws are unjust has an obligation to break the law."
Henry David Thoreau

Community Support For Our Public Schools

2006-08-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

The major theme of my school board campaign is voluntary community involvement in the school system. How can we encourage our neighbors and local businesses to become supportive of our public schools?

By asking them!

We all know how generous the citizens of Cabarrus County are. Charities and civic involvement are very important to our community. If a cause is just and right, our neighbors will answer the call.

Therefore, on behalf of the students, parents, teachers and taxpayers, I am asking my fellow county residents to open up their hearts and pocketbooks. I intend to lead by example.

I am asking the Cabarrus County Commission to establish a trust fund dedicated to our public schools. Citizens and corporations could contribute to the fund. Churches could have special love offerings for our schools. We could have fundraisers in our community. How about having a countywide yard sale at the fairgrounds? The NASCAR community could donate memorabilia for a raffle. The options and opportunities are endless!

Earlier, I mentioned that I intend to lead by example. If the county commission will open such a fund, I will donate $100 a month, whether I am elected or not.

In the coming weeks, I will share more of my ideas regarding the establishment of a public school trust fund. Whether you choose to support me for school board or not, I hope each and every person reading this will pledge contributions to our school system.

Let’s answer the call, Cabarrus!

Thomas Hill for Cabarrus County School Board

Thomas Hill For Cabarrus County School Board

2006-07-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Press Release:
Thomas Hill For Cabarrus County School Board
http://thomasbhill.com/
thomasbhill@msn.com

On Friday, July 21st, I filed for a seat on the Cabarrus County School Board. My platform is simple….

Return control of our children’s education to parents and students. No member of the school board has the moral authority to make decisions for your child with out your express consent, regardless of statutes.

Encourage voluntary community involvement in our schools. Implement a non-profit, community-based organization to provide resources for our growing school system.

Re-introduce the concepts of self reliance, rugged individualism, mutual aid, voluntary cooperation and property rights…the very concepts our nation was built upon.

Introduce free market solutions for our crowded schools. Implement the selling of naming rights and sponsorships.

Work with County Commission to grant tax rebates to parents who home school or send their children to private schools.

Re-introduce the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights to the classroom. Teach our children about their birth rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

If you believe our schools should be producing open minded, self reliant adults instead of narrow minded subjects of the state, vote Thomas Hill for Cabarrus County School Board.

Protect N.C. Property Rights

2006-06-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

" We believe that private property is one of the cornerstones of our free society and that the use and protection of private property advances the well being of our state. Private property is one of the foundations upon which our country was built."
N.C. Property Rights Coalition

If you believe we need a constitutional admendment to protect private property, please visit http://www.ncpropertyrights.com/ to sign their on-line petition.

Education: Free & Compulsory by Murray Rothbard

2006-05-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

"Rothbard explores the history of compulsory schooling to show that none of this is accident. The state has long used compulsory schooling, backed by egalitarian ideology, as a means of citizen control. In contrast, a market-based system of schools would adhere to a purely voluntary ethic, financed with private funds, and administered entirely by private enterprise." [from the review of the book]

I just ordered a copy of the book. Click on the cover of the book below to order your copy.

Spotlight On The County Code Of Ordinances... The Room Occupancy Tax

2006-05-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

Below is an example of how our local government steals money from citizens to help fund quasi-government ponzi schemes. The stolen loot in this case goes to the County Tourism Authority. If it ain't for the children, it is for the Almighty Dollar.

Sec. 70-31. Levied.

There is hereby imposed and levied within the county a five percent room occupancy and tourism development tax authorized by ratified Chapter 658 of the 1989 Session Laws (Regular Session, 1989), effective July 19, 1989. The tax hereby imposed and levied shall apply to the same extent and be subject to the same limitations as are set forth in said ratified chapter and section 70-31 of the Code of Ordinances of the county be and the same is hereby amended consistent herewith.

(Res. of 8-21-89, § 1; Res. No. 1998-26, § 1, 8-17-98)

Sec. 70-32. Collection.

Collection of the tax by the county finance officer, and liability therefor, shall begin and continue on and after the first day of October, 1998.

(Res. of 8-21-89, § 2; Res. No. 1998-26, § 1, 8-17-98)

Sec. 70-33. Net proceeds distributed to county tourism authority.

The net proceeds of the tax levied herein, i.e. the gross proceeds less five percent of the amount collected, shall be distributed by the county finance officer to the county tourism authority, or otherwise, on a monthly basis as prescribed by said enabling legislation.

(Res. of 8-21-89, § 3; Res. No. 1998-26, § 1, 8-17-98)

The Constitution And Religious Liberty

2006-05-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

"Most of the founders of the United States were religious people. They and their predecessors fled religious persecution to come to America. The founders believed that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were endowed to humans by a Creator. But they didn't believe, or write into the Constitution, that the Quaker, Jesuit, Catholic, Lutheran or Jewish Creator's laws were those that were to be used to govern humans. The foundations for the new nation were not to be rooted in religious law, but in the moral foundations of liberty and the rights to own property and make voluntary contracts."

Bill Reeside, Jr.
Charlotte Observer Community Columnist

Hardly A Mandate

2006-05-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

I was one of the 8+ % of voters who bothered to vote in the primary on May 2nd. Since the State Board of Elections kicked my party off the ballot last August, I am now an unaffiliated voter. That gives me the "privilege" of voting in either of Caesar's approved party primaries. Well, thank you very much, massa! I try to be a good slave, yes sir!

Well, like a good slave, I went to cast my vote. At least they let you pick your ruler...God, it is wonderful that massa gives me such a long chain!

I chose the Republican primary to cast my lot, uh, I mean my vote. The only reason I bothered to go to the polls was to vote for Marlyn Burns. She came in last, (sigh). Now she knows how it feels to run as a Libertarian. Oh, I forgot, massa don't let Libertarians run for office no more. Stick to the principles of Liberty and get your ass kicked on Election Day. I cast my other two votes for Coy and Robert. At least they try to resemble fiscal conservatives.

I was sorry that Robert lost his seat. He truly is a good man. He will be missed. You won't hear me say that about a demopublican very often! Govco School Princess Grace won and took Robert's seat. Can you say higher taxes? Don't be surprised if granting taxing authority to the school board comes up. It's for the children, you know.

Nothing against the two Democrats in the commission race, but the election is over. The Republicans will win in November. Coy and four RINO's.

Coy, it's gonna be a long four years, my friend!

If You Believe In Free Market Education...

2006-03-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

Click here for more information, http://www.isil.org/channels/archives/category/tcc

The International Society for Individual Liberty (ISIL) has a new feature called The Choice Channel. It is edited by my good friend, R. Lee Wrights. It is a good resource for information relative to school choice.

Holy Tax Re-evaluation!

2006-03-24T11:47:00.000-08:00

Click here for the full story...http://tinyurl.com/zrbxc

Silly Govco mistakes! A man owns a beat up 1967 Ford F600 pick-up truck with a wooden bed. In 2002, the county tax extortionists valued the truck at $500 (tax bill of $3). Today, our esteemed legal plunderers' valued the same truck at $11,383 (tax bill of $88).

I guess you can find some humor in this story. If you find theft by extortion funny.

Render unto Caesar? What property does Caesar own? Only stolen property.

Accessory To Tyranny...N.C. League of Municipalities

2006-02-18T15:12:00.000-08:00

Below is a link to a Carolina Journal article concerning the N.C. League of
Municipalities role in the Kelo vs. New London Supreme Court case.

http://tinyurl.com/7zor3

"It is in the public interest for municipalities to pursue economic development locally and regionally because a healthy economy helps generate the revenue necessary to provide services and infrastructure needs of the public," they wrote. "At times, the ability to provide the public good requires municipalities to exercise the power of eminent domain granted by state authority."

Ellis Hankins, Executive Director, N.C. of Municipalities
Donald Borut, Executive Director, National League of Cities
Co-authors of an editorial explaining why their organizations supported New London

Supporting forced annexation is bad enough. Now the N.C. League of Municipalities (NCLM) supports taking private property to give to private developers. The NCLM filed a amicus brief on behalf of New London, Conn.. When I think of the NCLM, the term Communistic Thugs comes to mind. These people are statists of the worst degree.

Based on these Un-American "crimes" committed by the NCLM, every city and town in N.C. should rescind their membership in that organization. Property owners across this state should demand nothing less!

Jeff Taylor On The T.I.F. Scam...

2006-02-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

" As detailed by Daniel McGraw in the January issue of Reason, tax increment financing, or TIF, is the crystal meth on crack of local government re-development tools. TIFs allow developers and government officials to work together to "earmark" projected tax revenue increases from a new project to help fund that same project. The funding can either pay for government bonds floated on the new development or directly subsidize that development. But in either case, both developers and government win. Politicians get a shiny, new, multi-million project to take credit for with little upfront cost and developers get below-market financing and other subsidies. Everyone wins except the general public. The average tax-paying schmo has to pay for general government services for the free-riding new development."

March Of The Central Planners

2006-02-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

The Independent Tribune has reported that Cabarrus County will now get into the "business" of commercial design "standards". They are following the example of Harrisburg and Mount Pleasant.

From the article; "Susie Zakraisek, the county’s new planning and zoning manager, said the standards call for a more urban design, with buildings positioned closer to roadways, parking to the rear of buildings and connectivity."

Ah!, the joys of Marxist Central Planning........

I guess the county government doesn't have enough to do...like protecting the life, liberty and property of her citizens. Oh no!

You see, when it comes to government, it is all about perception. They don't want any "ugly" buildings in our county. Their perception of what a business should look like trumps property rights. And if you don't believe them, by God, they will use the brute force of Govco to enforce their will!

Government, at all levels, should PROTECT property. Public safety should be the metric used by goverment, not perception.

Property rights end at the property line. I have a stream that crosses my property. That doesn't give me the right to pollute it. If you live in a subdivision, you do not have the right to set up a firing range in your back yard. Government should step in when someone violates the rights of their neighbors.

Government doesn't have the right to design commercial properties. In fact, like all good constitutionalists and libertarians know, government has no rights at all. Only individuals have rights.

That includes individuals who want to build commercial buildings on their own property.

Libertarians Praise BB&T

2006-02-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

NEWS RELEASE
Libertarian Party of North Carolina
1821 Hillandale Rd. #1B-253 Durham NC 27705
919.286.0152
www.lpnc.org
For more information contact:
Brian Irving, press secretary
(910) 987-5277

Libertarians Hail BB&T Policy Decision on Funding Eminent Domain Abuse

DURHAM (Jan. 30) – Libertarians are hailing the decision by BB&T not to loan money to private developers who use the state’s power of eminent domain to develop property taken from other citizens.

“We’re heartened when a major corporation, especially one based in North Carolina, takes a strong stand in support of property rights,” said Brian Irving, spokesman for the Libertarian Party of North Carolina. “This is an excellent example of responsible corporate leadership working in a free market to support individual liberty.”

BB&T changed their commercial lending policy in response to a controversial U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo vs. New London. The court ruled that governments can seize personal property to make room for private development projects. This cleared the way for an expansion of eminent domain authority historically used primarily for utilities, rights of way and other public facilities.

Libertarians have condemned the Kelo decision as a nullification of property rights. North Carolina libertarians have called for a state constitutional amendment to prohibit the state from taking private property for private development.

In a news release announcing the policy, BB&T Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Allison said, “The idea that a citizen's property can be taken by the government solely for private use is extremely misguided, in fact it's just plain wrong”

“One of the most basic rights of every citizen is to keep what they own,” Allison said “As an institution dedicated to helping our clients achieve economic success and financial security, we won't help any entity or company that would undermine that mission and threaten the hard-earned American dream of property ownership.”

“We wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Allison,” Irving said. “We commend BB&T not only for this specific action but for the underlying fact of their acting on principle. As the ‘Party of Principle,’ Libertarians appreciate BB&T as the ‘Principled Bank.”

“I think this is outstanding news,” said Chris Cole, 2004 Libertarian Party candidate for lieutenant governor.
Jim Capo, a libertarian activist said, “Between this press release and the understanding that Atlas Shrugged is assigned reading for their top management team, I have decided to move my Wachovia account over to BB&T.”

Jim Pitts, a Lee county libertarian wrote to Allison to say he’s “extremely pleased” to be a customer. “BB&T’s clear stance against supporting eminent domain is very heartening to everyone. People, including governmental entities, who want to take individuals’ and families’ property to use as ‘they’ desire, have challenged our American way of life.”

Libertarian Tim Rohr, who’s also a Lenoir city council member said, “I think I'm going to propose Lenoir move its accounts to BB&T.” Rohr was instrumental in getting the Lenoir council to pass a resolution condemning the Kelo decision.

“The LPNC already has its money there,” noted Bev Wilcox, a member of the LPNC executive committee. “Bravo to them.”

I'm Back

2006-02-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

I have been on a vacation away from politics since I resigned as chair of the Libertarian Party of North Carolina on January 9th. After six intense years of political activism, it is past time for me to put my personal life ahead of my political life. It is time to focus my attention on the social and political issues that affect my home. Cabarrus County is my home and she deserves my full attention.

I'm back and I will have plenty to say in the coming months.

Stay tuned............

True Charity

2005-12-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

"The original concept of charity as an expression of love, now appears to have been largely replaced by a concept of government-guaranteed security.... [But] how can charity — the love of a person for his fellow men — ever be connected with force and compulsion in any form? Are not these two concepts — the voluntary law of love of person for person, and the compulsory law of force of person against person — irreconcilable in all respects?"

— Rev. Russell J. Clinchy, “Charity: Biblical and Political” in Essays on Liberty [1952]

Quote provided by the Future of Freedom Foundation http://fff.org

"Self Financing" Bonds & Other Oxymorons

2005-12-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

I knew it was just a matter of time before the K-Town politicos jumped on the "free" money tree called Tax Increment Financing aka "self" financing bonds. That tree was planted last November when a naive majority approved Amendment One. By voting for A1, the slight majority gave the cities and counties the "privilege" of borrowing millions of dollars through bonds, without asking the approval of the taxpayers. How smart was that?

Before the bonds are issued, a development district has to be created. The tax revenue generated by the district would go to paying off the bonds. The argument is that the development will cause the property values to increase, which would generate addtional tax revenue.

In a recent Independent Tribune article, Drew Masterson, from the First Southwest Company (which is one of the firms trying to "sell" the idea of T.I.F.'s) was quoted as saying..."If you're a taxpayer in a TIF, you don't know it."

What?

How could someone not know it? I bet when they open their first tax bill after their property values increase, they will know it. It is called a TAX INCREASE, no matter how you spin it!

Also, if the tax revenues go toward paying off the bond, who picks up the slack for the district's burden on police/fire protection; schools; roads and infrastructure (outside of the district)? The taxpayers outside of the district will pick up the tab.

What if the development district doesn't live up to it's expectations? What happens if the tax revenue generated is less than the bond obligation? Who picks up the slack. Imagine the amount of interest during the life of a 25 or 50 year bond.

Kannapolis should think twice before it places such a burden of debt upon her citizens.

Why Isn't Cabarrus Recruiting Private Schools?

2005-11-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

In recent months, the county and some municipalities have given corporations huge tax incentive rebates. I have been a vocal critic of this practice of extending "privileges" to certain companies, at the expense of others. I would not have a problem with tax rebates if every company in the county were eligible for them. Having said that, I now ask; Why not extend tax rebates to private and home schools?

The Economic Development Corp. (EDC) should be rolling out the red carpet for potential private education providers. Placing children in private and home schools frees up much needed classroom space. By increasing the market's role in education, the burden of new school construction debt would be less. Millions of taxpayer's dollars would be saved. Extending tax rebates or credits may help some families afford private or home schooling.

Reducing the tax burden and increasing the variety of educational options is within our grasp. Will Cabarrus have the political courage to make it happen?

I hope so.....

Vote Carl Miller For Concord Mayor

2005-11-06T13:33:00.000-08:00

"Why should I vote for Carl Miller", you may ask? Here are a few good reasons...

Of the five candidates, Carl is the ONLY one against giving corporations tax incentative grants. Unlike the others, Carl believes extending privileges to one company over another is immoral. Whatever happened to equality under the law?

Carl believes that his neighbors have a right to use their property as they please, so far as they do not violate the rights of others. Scott Padgett doesn't trust his neighbors! How could he when he supports the UDO?

Carl is an average working man who respects the beliefs and thoughts of others. He is a peaceful man who does not believe in using the brute force of government to coerce his neighbors. "Live and let live" is a philosophy he shares with his fellow Libertarians.

Carl is active in his community because he believes it is the right thing to do. He doesn't serve others just to build a sham political resume. He doesn't "rub elbows" with the rich and well-connected power brokers in Concord. He is a simple man who enjoys the simple pleasures of life.

Carl served his country in the U.S. Army. He loves his country and is a true patriot. He doesn't let "national pride" and obsessive flag waving cloud his judgement. He is man enough to speak out when his nation's government commits a wrong in his name. Carl is no moral coward!

Carl loves his neighbors. He shows this by staying out of their business. He doesn't care what color their shutters are or if they have a couch on their front porch. He is not a member of the Nosy Neighbor Cabal like a growing number of his fellow Concord citizens. He is more interested in reality than perception.

Carl does not believe an "All-American City" should steal private property, extend privileges to the powerful or annex by force. He believes Concord should protect the lives, liberty and property of her citizens.

You see, Carl has faith in his fellow citizens. Can you say that about the current Mayor?

I do not believe you can. Actions speak louder than words.

Please take a positive action and vote for Carl this Tuesday. If you have faith in freedom, a vote for Carl will make that statement.

It has been said that faith without works is dead. Revive your faith by voting for freedom this Tuesday.

Vote Carl Miller for Concord Mayor!

Free Market Solutions To Our Water Woes

2005-10-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is a letter from my good friend, Chris Cole.

To the editor:
It was revealed recently that the town of Midland,
incorporated in 2000, is negotiating to take over the
water system in its area. That water has been provided
by the city of Concord since 1995. Midland authorities
see the water system as a means to control growth,
especially coming over the Mecklenburg County line.

First, I wonder why no one questions why the
government needs to sell water, though there are
private water systems. We understand that government
provides police service for example, because
government is force, and we have delegated a monopoly
on forceful self-defense to government (described in
the Declaration of Independence). How is force and
monopoly proper to the commercial distribution of
water (or any other commercial product)? Ahhh, the
actions of Midland provide the answer.

Second, I wonder why it is accepted as normal that a
government will seize a monopoly on an essential
product, water, then use that monopoly to manipulate
the private choices of its customers. That would be
considered intolerable thuggery by any private
distributor. Is inducing thirst an acceptable means of
public policy?

For the sake of their liberty, I plead with Cabarrus
residents to demand the privatization of their water
supply. Only by transferring water to the competitive
environment of free enterprise can they remove it from
the manipulation of politicians.

The System Is The Problem, Not The People

2005-10-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

I have heard comments like the following since I became interested in politics at the age of ten. "We need "good" people in office" or "If so and so gets elected, things will get better" or how about "We need "good" Christians in office".

Yes, we do need good people in office. People who value the rights of individual citizens over political power. People who understand and apply the wise command of "Thou shall not steal". People who do not covet the wealth of their neighbors. The redistribution of wealth is theft, plain and simple, whether the money goes for a new school or a sports arena.

It does not matter if we elect "so and so" or anyone else unless they work to reform political government. You could elect Billy Graham. The system is broke! Reform is the only solution.

Coercion is a violation of Nature's Law. Our current political system's foundation rests upon coercion and fraud. No politician has the moral authority to govern me. My parents had that moral authority for the first eighteen years of my life. From that moment forward, the sole responsibility has been my own.

Every person has the moral responsibility and duty to govern themselves.

If you elect someone who believes otherwise, you not only waste your vote; you assist the government's continued violation of our natural rights.

We get the government we deserve!

No one can accuse me of not trying to deserve better.

North Carolina Ballot Access Coalition

2005-10-07T00:28:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in free and fair elections for North Carolina voters, please join the NC Ballot Access Yahoo group. If you belong to the Constitution, Green or Libertarian parties or just want to vote for someone besides a Democrat or a Republican, this group is for you.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ncballotaccess/

Enjoying The Fair

2005-09-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

I have really enjoyed the fair this week. I have been at the Libertarian Party of Cabarrus County booth, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. This is the sixth year the local party has had a booth.

I have met quite a few folks who are fed up with the two party system or duopoly. People from across the political spectrum have cheerfully signed our petition to regain ballot access.

A special thank you to Cabarrus County Commissioners, Carolyn Carpenter and Robert Freeman for signing our petition. They both agreed that Libertarians were being treated unfairly.

The Cabarrus County Fair is something we can all be proud of. Think of the number of volunteers it takes to pull it off!

Mary Ann Cooper and her staff do a wonderful job of creating the best county fair in the whole country!

A Professor Weighs In On Ballot Access

2005-09-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

N.C.'s repressive stance on ballot access

By MICHAEL MUNGER

DURHAM -- I'm a registered Libertarian. Or I should say that I was. Now I am an outcast, a pariah. I hope I don't have to go sew a pink "L" on my shirt as an outward sign of my shame.

The State Board of Elections decided on Aug. 22 to take away my right to register or vote as a Libertarian. Now, they are being fair about it: they deny the same right to the Greens, the Socialists or any other third party.

But this was a significant decision, because we had made it onto the ballot. There were 13,000 of us actually registered as Libertarians. And more than 50,000 North Carolinians voted for Barbara Howe, the Libertarian gubernatorial candidate, in 2004.

Do we "need" a third party? Do we need all that clutter, and choice, on the ballot?

Suppose you asked Ford and General Motors if the American public "needs" more choices. They'd probably say no. We don't need those Toyotas, or Lexus sedans or nice little Honda hybrids. We don't even need Dodges, Jeeps, Chryslers or other American cars. Two choices ought to be enough, our leaders with a stake in those "choices" might have us believe.

The result is that by two different measures -- access and retention -- our state has among the top-five most restrictive and undemocratic ballot access laws in the nation. We are in violation of United Nation rules on ballot access and fall well short of the requirements for "Free and Fair" elections that we publish and use to evaluate nations like Nicaragua or the Philippines. We were one of only three states where Ralph Nader was kept off the ballot in both 2000 and 2004.

Now, you can be for Nader, or against him, as a presidential candidate, but how can you argue that voters can't make their own choices? Some people accused Nader of denying Al Gore the election in 2000. But you can't blame the Green Party for trying to articulate an alternative vision of government and society, because that kind of competition of ideas is the foundation of a healthy democracy. The problem is a system of election law that forces us to make such stylized choices.

The state might argue that it doesn't exclude third parties. All a party, or a candidate, has to do is collect signatures on a petition. One hundred thousand signatures!

This means the aspiring party has to spend months of time and all of its meager cash standing on street corners and begging. Not just once. Every time there is an election. That is just too difficult a hurdle for an excluded party to jump over.

Our leaders claim they just want to keep "illegitimate" parties off the ballot. Why should the ruling two-party oligarchy decide which parties are legitimate and which are not? If we need ballot restrictions to keep certain parties away on Election Day, we must be afraid that people might actually vote for such "illegitimate" parties. To me, the fact that people might vote for them is what would prove those parties are legitimate.

The very idea of such ballot restrictions is wrong: these laws are both relatively new and completely unnecessary. Until 1981, North Carolina had much less onerous requirements, and we never had the "cluttered" ballots this law is supposed to save us from.

And other states?

The average petition requirement, across all other states, is just one-half of 1 percent; that's a quarter of our present requirement in North Carolina (2 percent of the total votes cast in the preceding gubernatorial or presidential race). No state with a requirement of at least 5,000 petition signatures has ever had even 10 choices on the ballot. Very few states have as many as four alternatives.

The problem is not with the parties that want to offer choices, or with the citizens who would like to see some challenges to the status quo.

The problem is with the overly restrictive and repressive laws that keep all of us from having a voice in the first place. The Political Repression Hall of Fame is not how we should want to be remembered as a state, or as a people.

(Michael Munger chairs Duke University's political science department. He has announced his intention to run for governor in 2008, if the Libertarians regain ballot access.

My Dear John Letter From The Board of Elections

2005-08-28T02:05:00.000-07:00

It' official! I received my notice of decertification from the Cabarrus Board Elections yesterday. Before I go any further, let me make myself very clear. I have no hard feelings toward Linda Grist and her office staff. They have always been very warm and respectful to Libertarians. This is not their fault. The State BOE pushes off the dirty work on the county offices.

Kinda like the General Assembly dumping off on the county governments. I am sure our county commissioners know all about that.

Here is the main text of my Dear John letter....

"Since the Libertarian Party , the political party with which you are currently affiliated, failed to receive sufficient votes in the November 2, 2004 General Election, you are notified under provisions of GS 163-96 that the Libertarian Party has ceased to be a recognized and qualified political party in North Carolina. You have until October 17, 2005, to notify the Cabarrus County Board of Elections office of any desire to change your affiliation to another party. Otherwise your affiliation will be switched to "unaffiliated" after October 17, 2005."

Change my party affiliation? To Democrat or Republican? What a joke? Hell will freeze over before I register with either Socialist/Fascist faction of the one ruling party..the Demopublicans!

Of course running in a Republican primary against a bunch of RINOS would be a hoot!

I intend to keep my letter as another motivational tool in my War on Terror against the State. But then again, I already have all the motivation I need to win.

I have a feeling that my letter and several thousand like it will become ashes on the doorstep of the General Assembly!

I've Got A Good Excuse...

2005-08-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

I have not had much time to spend on my blog as of late. As many of you know, The N.C. State Board of Elections decertified the Libertarian Party yesterday (Monday, August 22nd). We were not surprised by the decision. We have been preparing for it for the past week and and half. As you can imagine, this issue has been priority #1 for me as state chair.

By their actions, the SBOE has removed candidates, which qualify under the N.C. Constitution, from the ballot in Charlotte and Winston Salem. But hey, they don't give a damn about the Constitution.

So I hope you forgive me for being away. Duty has called and I have answered.

I look forward to sharing the story of our struggle for equality.

Carl Miller For Concord Mayor

2005-08-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to announce that I will serve as Campaign Manager for Carl Miller's bid for Concord Mayor. A press release will be forth coming. Annexation, economic development and the Unified Development Ordinance are just a few of the issues Carl will focus on during his campaign. A website is in the works as well.

Stay Tuned!

Wish I Had Written That

2005-08-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

[Originally published at http:restoreourrepublic.blogspot.com on July 24th, 2005]

Below is a copy of a letter-to-the-editor, sent to me by my good friend, Chris Cole. He has sent it to the Independent Tribune. I hope he has better "luck" than me. My last three lte's were ignored by Kathy Nelson and the rest of the editorial staff.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To the editor:
Your article on growth as a "burden" on schools goes a
long way in reminding me why I am a Libertarian.

When they get more customers, businesses like
McDonalds or Wachovia give cheers. Only government
treats new customers as a burden. If there aren't
enough McDonalds, the solution is to build new ones.
When schools are overcrowded, the solution is...? To
pronounce blame. Blame developers. Blame new
residents. Blame immigrants. But never blame
government.

The obvious solution is to get education out of the
hands of government. Of course, bureaucrats would
never say that, because it would undermine their
control of our lives and ability to take our money.

If public schools can't absorb more students, then
give those students other options. Charter schools
would be an easy step, but the state caps those. How
about a tax credit for families that home-school or
send their kids to private schools? Fewer students in
public schools would mean less need for public school
space. Do you see how easy liberty is?

More Corporate Welfare: $233,000 Worth

2005-08-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

[Originally published at http://restoreourrepublic.blogspot.com on July 17th, 2005]

Last week, the Cabarrus County Commission awarded a economic incentive grant valued at $233,000 to Haas CNC Racing. The team intends to expand it's business by relocating to Kannapolis from Harrisburg.

The city of Kannapolis is considering a $212,000 grant as well. It must be nice for the owners of Haas CNC Racing! After receiving the 'bribe money' from the county and already deciding to stay in Cabarrus, they may well receive another bribe from the city of Kannapolis. A whopping total of $445, 000 in tax rebates!

CH-CHING!!!

Once again, in the name of jobs and economic development, our local governments have extended unconstitutional "privileges" to private corporations. When certain companies receive tax rebates, the other companies have to pick up the slack. The privileged company receives the same 'services' as their competition here in the county does, at a lower fee.

Favoring certain businesses over others in immoral and unjust.

Equal Justice For All, Special Privileges To None...

The Independent Tribune Doesn't Get It

2005-08-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

[Originally published at http://restoreourrepublic.blogspot.com on July 10th, 2005]

The editorial in today's Independent Tribune was titled, "Users fees a bad idea for county". I am not surprised the editorial staff took the position they did. They are more comfortable with the redistribution of wealth than a free market.

What is wrong with user fees? What is wrong with paying for the services you use?

In a truly free market, user fees would be the sole source of revenue for government at all levels. Our U.S. Constitution allows tariffs and excise taxes. Regretfully, our Constitution has been ignored and we have become burdened with every tax imaginable!

Here is a paragraph from the editorial.

"Penalizing those who use our parks, libraries and senior centers by making them pay to use them almost defeats the purpose of having them in our community"

What?!!!

What does it mean when we have to pay to use restaurants, movie theatres and hardware stores? Does that defeat the purpose of having them in our community?

Of course not!

It's called market economics. When your family rents a video, do you expect your neighbor to pay for it? When your child needs a new pair of glasses, do you try to force your friends to help pay for them?

I would hope not! That would be highly uncivilized! Our government should be held to the same standard.

Taking money from one person, by force, and giving it to another person is socialism, plain and simple!

Here is another paragraph from the editorial

"What do our property tax dollars go to if we can't go to Frank Liske Park, the Village Park Amphitheatre in Kannapolis or one of our senior centers for a program unless we shell out $5 or even $2?"

Well, I can tell you where they should go!

To protect our Lives, Liberty and Property; to protect the innocent from force and fraud; to enforce contracts.

The reasons I listed above were the same justifications our Founding Fathers used in establishing our Republic.

In a free society, user fees are the most natural and just way to pay for anything, public and private.

The editorial failed to mention the fact Bob Carruth introduced the idea of user fees. It is no secret that Bob and myself often disagree politically. However, he has my full support on this issue.

I just hope the rest of the commission will at least consider this idea.

A Shocking Development: I Agree With Bob Carruth

2005-08-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

[Originally published at http://restoreourrepublic.blogspot.com on July 9th, 2005]

[Disclaimer for my fiscal conservative friends: No, I have not lost my mind. Sorry Coy and Robert, but Bob makes sense on this one]

As a human being, I have nothing but respect for Cabarrus County Commissioner Bob Carruth. However, in regards to politics, we have very little in common. We rarely agree on issues relative to the size, scope and purpose of our county government. There is one issue we do agree on....

USER FEES

In an article this week in the Independent Tribune, (sorry, could not find the story on-line) Mr. Carruth introduced the concept of user fees to fund our parks and libraries. I was shocked when I read the story. As a Libertarian, I believe user fees is the most just and efficient way to fund government "services".

I would like to thank Mr. Carruth for bringing this issue to the table.

I am man enough to admit when one of my political opponents is right.

The Rumor Is True

2005-08-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

[Originally published at http://restoreourrepublic.blogspot.com on July 9th, 2005]

There will be a Libertarian running for Concord Mayor. Mr. Carl Miller, recording secretary of the Cabarrus LP, filed this past Thursday.

I look forward to Carl's campaign. It will be nice to hear from a true fiscal conservative in this race.

Go Carl, Go!!!

Cabarrus Planning & Zoning Critical Of Proposed Development Standards

2005-08-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

[Originally published at http://restoreourrepublic.blogspot.com on May 22nd 2005]

The Cabarrus P&Z board gave newly proposed development standards a chilly reception. Members of the board are concerned about the impact upon the building industry.

In an article from the Independent Tribune, several members of the P&Z board expressed comments regarding the tougher standards. Carl Hill was quoted as saying, "The problem is a lot of people working on this project have never made a payroll"

I agree. Most government planners have no idea what it takes to run a private company.

Regarding the proposed changes, board member Lanny Lancaster said, "I don't think it's needed. I think the market will control itself on that."

Well said Lanny! In a trully free market, that would always be the case. Unfortunately, interference by government has created a distortion in the market. The only role government has in the housing market is protecting citizens from force or fraud and the enforcement of contracts.

I would like to commend the P&Z board for standing up for property rights. We could use a few of those guys on the county commission..

Odell Residents Are Wise Not To Trust Kannapolis

2005-08-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

[Originally published at http://restoreourrepublic.blogspot.com on May 16th, 2005]

(The following is based on an article, written by Ronnie Glassberg, that appeared in the Cabarrus Neighbors section of the Charlotte Observer on Sunday, May 15 2005)

The Odell community is a hornet's nest of rebellion over the threat of forced annexation by the City of Kannapolis. State Senator Flecther Hartsell certainly "stirred up the nest" when he introduced a bill that would allow Kannapolis to further encroach upon residents in the northwest portion of the county. The article stated that Hartsell introduced the bill because Kannapolis asked him to but he hasn't taken a position on the issue. Hmm, let's see, how many legislators introduce bills before they decide whether it is a good idea or not? Sounds like politics as usual.

Also within the article, Kannapolis City Manager Mike Legg said the city had no plans for involuntary annexation in northwest Cabarrus. Regarding forced annexation, Mr. Legg was quoted as saying, "It's what has made cities healthy in North Carolina". Gee Mr. Legg, I consider the usurpation of property rights and the "consent of the governed" to be quite unhealthy.

The citizens of Cabarrus County need to send a strong message to Raleigh! Just say no to forced annexation. The state law allowing forced annexation needs to be removed. We need to send representatives to Raleigh that will defend the rights of individual citizens.

The residents of Odell have every right to organize their own voluntary political association. Municipalities do not have the "right" to expand their corporate limits. Cities and towns have no rights at all. Because our rights are gifts from our Creator, only individuals can have rights.

I admire the folks in Odell for standing up for their's.

Forced Annexation

2005-08-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

[originally published at http://restoreourrepublic.blogspot.com on May 15th, 2005]

Below is a letter to the editor (lte)I sent to the Independent Tribune today. My letter was inspired by a lte written by Steven Hilton, Chair of the Wake LP. His letter compared the Libertarian platform plank concerning forced annexation with the Demopublicans' platforms which do not mention the subject.

Thanks for setting a fine example Steven!
-------------------------------------------
I would like to applaud the efforts by Odell residents to protect their private property from Kannapolis. Forced annexation is a direct assault on property owner’s civil liberties. Government was established to protect our Life, Liberty and Property. Unfortunately, governments at all levels have violated the public trust.

Currently, municipalities cannot annex land more than three miles from their incorporated boundaries. Sen. Fletcher Hartsell has introduced a bill that would drop that requirement. The residents of the Odell community should remember that when he faces re-election in 2006.

Residents in all unincorporated areas of Cabarrus should support candidates that are opposed to forced annexation. There are people opposed to forced annexation from all political parties. However, of the three political parties recognized by the state, only the Libertarian Party of North Carolina officially opposes forced annexation. The plank of the LPNC platform reads, “The LPNC opposes forced annexation by municipalities. All annexation should be subject to the direct approval of those living in areas proposed to be annexed”.

Keep up the Good Fight Odell residents! You have a high mountain to climb. It is a crying shame that in a supposedly free society, citizens have to take drastic steps, such as forming a new municipality, to protect their property. On behalf of Libertarians and liberty lovers everywhere, I would like to offer our support in defending your property rights!

Thomas Hill
Chair, Libertarian Party of N.C.