Archive for March 30th, 2010

The government practice of eminent domain, the forceful seizure of land by the government under the auspices of “highest and best use”, has been  the bane of many Libertarians and property rights activists over the last few decades.  Recently in Utah, however, we are seeing a newly emerging front in the debate.

Utah Governor Gary Herbert (R) has suggested recently that the state of Utah could seize Federally-owned land under the justification of eminent domain.  To most legal scholars, this seems to be a possible violation of McCulloch v. Maryland. What do you think?  Should a state’s right to apply eminent domain trump the federal government’s right?  Or vice versa?  Or should the whole practice of eminent domain go the way of the dinosaurs?

Alan Reynolds at The Cato Institute launched this scathing attack on the funding mechanism for Obama’s new health care legislation in the New York Times.  The article is well-worth the read and can be read here.

The president intends to squeeze an extra $1.2 trillion over 10 years from a tiny sliver of taxpayers who already pay more than half of all individual taxes. It won’t work.

President Barack Obama’s new health-care legislation aims to raise $210 billion over 10 years to pay for the extensive new entitlements. How? By slapping a 3.8% “Medicare tax” on interest and rental income, dividends and capital gains of couples earning more than $250,000, or singles with more than $200,000.

The president also hopes to raise $364 billion over 10 years from the same taxpayers by raising the top two tax rates to 36%-39.6% from 33%-35%, plus another $105 billion by raising the tax on dividends and capital gains to 20% from 15%, and another $500 billion by capping and phasing out exemptions and deductions.

Add it up and the government is counting on squeezing an extra $1.2 trillion over 10 years from a tiny sliver of taxpayers who already pay more than half of all individual taxes.

It won’t work. It never works.

The Republican Primary is coming up and there are some interesting candidates in the field who desire to unseat long-serving 5th District Congressman Dan Burton. Certainly, many would say he has served far too long, has a tarnished image and maybe isn’t the kind of leader they would like to see.

Those people may have some points; but, at the end of the day Burton’s voting record is far better than most other members of Congress and he often gets credited with having a pretty decent staff. Perhaps there is room for improvement; but, for those who are looking for another option, there MAY be a good choice in that race but Brose McVey does not appear to be it.

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State Chairman Sam Goldstein, Executive Director Chris Spangle, and Hamilton County Chairman Mike Kole appeared recently on Abdul in the Morning to discuss the importance of third parties and the growth of the Libertarian Party in the last year. Spangle used to serve as producer to Abdul’s show before taking on his role Executive Director.

Listen Here:

Indiana Libertarian Party

Changes to the Libertarian Party of Indiana Bylaws are brought to the floor of the annual convention each year. If there are any bylaw change proposals, please submit those to Executive Director Chris Spangle via email at lpinhq@lpin.org by April 16th. The proposed change must be in the proposed language.

Every year we recognize the hard work and passion of those involved in growing the party. Awards are presented at the Libertarian Party of Indiana convention each year. With the exception of one award all winners are granted their award by a vote of the LPIN membership at the convention.

We need your nominations! Below, you’ll find an explanation of the awards, and previous winners. To nominate someone for an award, please email Chris Spangle at lpinhq@lpin.org with their name, and an explanation of why they should win the award. Please submit all nominations before April 16th.

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On Saturday, January 30th, the LPIN held our 2010 Stategic Goals meeting in conjunction with the regular first quarter meeting of the State Central Committee.

Well over 50 LPIN members from all over the state gathered to consider the 2010 LPIN Roadmap developed by Executive Director Chris Spangle for this crucial election year. Any current, dues paying member may recieve a copy of the 2010 Road Map by emailing Spangle at lpinhq@lpin.org.

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