David,

Have you ever run for public office? I note with all of your words and explanation you did not answer my question. People want simple answers to simple questions. I certainly can agree to the oath in clear conscience, based on my understanding. I would just so hate to be called a liar and fraudulent some where down the line.

So am I just a newsletter or can I be a full member in good standing?

Samantha

I have run for borough council, mayor, state representative and U.S. Congress.  I thought I was addressing your concerns, but perhaps I didn't understand your question.


I agree that "life presents situations where force is necessary".  Certainly in defensive situations, and it can conceivably be justified in offensive situations as well.  As long as you aren't initiating force or fraud for social or political goals, you aren't violating the oath.

The bottom line under the current bylaws, however absurd they may be, is if you refuse to sign the oath, you can't be a full member.  We can only send you a newsletter if we ever start publishing them again.  I know Barry is leading an effort to revive our newsletter committee.  That is a topic for another thread.

I hope that helps.

David Jahn

Samantha

I don't think you're being sarcastic, nor do I think it has to do with how politicians answer questions.  Trying to communicate through written words can be challenging.

I thought these statements from my previous posts went toward addressing your question.

I agree that "life presents situations where force is necessary".  Certainly in defensive situations, and it can conceivably be justified in offensive situations as well.  As long as you aren't initiating force or fraud for social or political goals, you aren't violating the oath.

Everyone seems to agree that we have the right to defend ourselves, even militarily.

The bottom line under the current bylaws, however absurd they may be, is if you refuse to sign the oath, you can't be a full member.  We can only send you a newsletter if we ever start publishing them again.  I know Barry is leading an effort to revive our newsletter committee.  That is a topic for another thread.

My goal was to convey the varying views and principals surrounding the pledge so you could make the determination on your own.  It would be difficult for me to elicit and evaluate your views over this medium.  If you want to talk it over sometime, we could do that and probably accomplish more in a few minutes of conversing then we would in days of posting here.  I'll send you a private message on how to contact me.

I should mention that the newsletter I'm referring to above is the state newsletter.  The national party does a decent job of publishing a monthly newsletter. (I'll comment more on that below.)


That conclusion isn't exactly accurate.  Our state constitution and bylaws do allow for terminating a member for various reasons including "misrepresenting the principles of the Party".  I've never seen that happen (and hope I never do), but there are provisions for termination of membership.


Sadly, due to the McCain/Fiengold campaign finance reform, the national party and the state party had to split and each have their own separate dues.  You can pay to one or the other or both.  The national membership gets you a nice monthly newsletter that keeps you informed on the national level and conveys stories of interest from the other states.  State membership helps our efforts more locally.  We used to publish a state newsletter, and I'm confident we will again.  I'm sad to say, it has been a while since we have had a reliable newsletter in our state.  We occasionally do other mailings in the state, and we are currently working on a petition drive mailing that may go out to state members soon.

Now, I have to wonder if I answered your question or not.  Apparently, my track record hasn't been to good. 

David Jahn

$40  ($15 PA and $25 National)   Just join the state and I can send you the National Newsletter (which is a good read)  Just remind me, I get 3 copies.