Mik, I think you are right here, particularly when we note that Jefferson himself drafted one of the first religious toleration documents in America's early governance.  Our founding fathers, whatever their beliefs -- and those beliefs varied fairly widely -- definitely saw the legal underpinnings of this country as separate from the religious ones. 

One of the most notable things about the Bible is the ability everyone has to find "proof" for whatever theory they have.  God might be an absolute monarch, as in the psalms, or a libertarian, or a legislator.  In Judaism, the most devout find 613 absolute commandments by God in Hebrew scripture.  Although, admittedly, that's only an inconsequential fraction of the absolute laws we are required to follow in this country.

Dr. Ross Levatter of Phoenix, Arizona is a renowned specialist in Nuclear Medicine.  Additionally, he's been a frequently published political writer and libertarian political activist, contributing money to libertarian candidates, posting articles and comments in popular libertarian on-line journals and websites, and receiving the 2007 Thomas Szasz award from the Center For Independent Thought for his public critiques of government use of forced "therapeutic" psychological treatment.

On August 5th, the Phoenix, Arizona police arrested him and charged him with a string of felonies.  Even if he is found not guilty of any of them, they are of a nature that will ruin his medical career.

Why?  Because during the police investigations that yesteday resulted in the largest prostitution bust in Arizona history, with over 100 people charged, Levatter's name came up.

Not only as a client, for which he *wasn't* charged, but for felonies pertaining to involvment in an escort operation known as "Desert Divas" and other escort businesses, because the owner of these establishments and his associates took seriously Levatter's opinions on which escorts should be hired/fired.  He does not appear to have been an investor or business partner in any real sense, but someone whose thoughts were valued by the agencies' owner.

Levatter was booked on charges of conspiracy to control an illegal enterprise, illegal control of an enterprise, first-degree money laundering and operating a house of prostitution.  Not on solicitation or any of the usual client charges.  And if there is really verified information connecting him with the actual running of these businesses, the DA's office has yet to let this be known.  The DA's office and police have let bits of information on other arrestees out, from the women arrested on up, but not on Levatter.

How the police get from "client" to these charges on Levatter, when all they've indicated is that his opinions were respected by the owners, is baffling.  And really a little scary.

Especially when Levatter's biggest known "crime" is his public criticism of government-enforced psychological treatment. 

She may have been born into a Jewish family but she was a confirmed atheist, not just a non-practicing Jew.

I'm Jewish -- kinda like Rand (who didn't practice) and Rothbard.  It's a fine old background for Libertarians, because Jews are used to seeing the governments of most countries we've lived in come right after us.  I'm sort of surprised it wasn't listed directly on the poll, just under "other".

Ralph Nader was abused by the Repubs and the Dems (especially) during the last election.  They used every underhanded tactic to keep him off the ballots and out of the running. 

Hopefully there is a silver lining in what Nader did and third party politicians can have a better chance at getting on the ballot and improving our 2 party system.

Bonusgate allegations show desperate need for election law changes

Libertarian Party says Voters Choice Act first step to counter corruption

Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania

3915 Union Deposit Road #223
Harrisburg, PA 17109
www.lppa.org
 
For Immediate Release: August 1, 2008

Contact: Doug Leard (Media Relations) or
Michael Robertson (Chair) at 1-800-R-RIGHTS / chair@lppa.org
 

Harrisburg, PA – The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania (LPPa) today called for Harrisburg to open up the ballot to independent and third party candidates so Pennsylvanians can choose representatives who will bring integrity to the state legislature.

According to a grand jury report, top Democrat aids diverted millions of dollars in state resources (tax dollars) for Democratic campaign efforts to stifle their opposition.   

Many of those alleged to be targeted were candidates sponsored by PA CleanSweep, a group formed to oust lawmakers who voted for the legislative pay raise.

State resources were also apparently used to keep third party candidates off the ballot.  According to grand jury allegations, Democratic operatives directed as many as 30 taxpayer-paid employees to review signatures of third-party candidate Carl Romanelli’s petition in the ballot access challenge that killed his candidacy.

According to David Jahn (Ballot Access Coalition member and LPPa Eastern Vice-Chair), “while the Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition was speaking to the Governor’s Election Reform Task force and the State Government Committee regarding inequities in the ballot access laws (which in 2006 required over 67,000 signatures), Harrisburg Democrats were spending tax dollars to assure ‘free and equal’ elections did not occur.”

It is now time for Pennsylvanians to demand real choice on the ballot. Last week, Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) introduced the Voters’ Choice Act, which removes the Commonwealth’s unfair hurdles that obstruct ballot access for independent and minor party candidates for public office.

LPPa Chair, Michael Robertson commented “The recent allegations of abuse of both public funds and public trust highlight the need for reform of the electoral process in Pennsylvania. It is time to restore the authority of the people over their government, and the Voters Choice Act is a good step in that direction."

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in Pennsylvania and the United States. More than 200,000 people across the country are registered Libertarians, and Libertarians serve in hundreds of elected offices. Please visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org for more information.
 

# # #

That is correct. We have submitted about 51,345 signatures and the challenge period expires Friday, August 8. There are still some substitutions to make and those should be done hopefully by August 15 although the deadline is August 21.

There is also one of our candidates who was not listed on the BCEL webpage, although the election office folks say they received his paperwork an he is on the ballot and that is Vance Mays for State Rep in the 64th District.

Mik Robertson

Where did you see that?  I have only seen the opposite.

I just recently saw where Barr wanted to help bail out Fannie and Freddie.  Ron Paul stuck to his guns and said there should be no bail out...