November 2008 Archives

Washington (January 2013) -

A stunned punditocracy was aghast as President Sundwall refused to take an oath of office after an incredible electoral coup. As Sundwall cited in the eventual inauguration speech;

" I cannot conscionably take an oath to a God I do not believe in or a document that is no longer abided by. I realize that this will be a shock for many, but so will this administration."

Speculation has abounded about what many consider the erratic behavior of the newly minted executive of the state. With statements like, " What part about decentralize and appealing, don't you get ?" and " martial law will desist on day one" many analysts feel the country isn't ready for such a radical departure from mainstream representation. Sundwall, of course, disagrees.

" We've been systematically deprived of our rights to labor, property and self-protection. Our economy is in the tank because mainstream politicians have raped the Treasury assuring us that the Keynesian logic is sound. Our troops are abroad in over 100 countries. What this administration will achieve is nothing short of the second American Revolution."

I was worried that I might have to throw my hat in the ring for President if Wayne Root was the presumptive favorite going into 2012. I figured I could wait until January of that year given the somewhat simplistic process in which these things are decided in the LP. In the mean time I could flirt with a few other campaign attempts and get some other projects done (finish writing a few books, build an addition on the house and expand some business interests).

Fortunately the suspense of the revelation that Knapp2012.com was registered didn't go for very long. Long time libertarian activist, blogger, candidate and party turncoat, Tom Knapp, confirmed his intentions soon after. While a certain faction of the party (the non-active blogging types) are elated at the revelation, the only solace this observer can take from it in the next four years is that Wayne Root will be countered on a style and philosophical basis. Otherwise expect a torturous four years of pontificating, clarifications, bold pronouncements and nothing really being accomplished.

Perhaps Angela's pre-menopause infatuation with a hottie granny down in Texas will provide some relief.

I'm a big fan of the Free State Project and the Ridley Report. When I remember to, I log onto to the YouTube late at night and see what old Dave and the crew are up to up in NH. Dave frequently covers the travails of consummate civil disobedience icons Lauren Canario and Russell Kanning (or his wife Kat). Frequently either are in jail after refusing to have driver's licenses or the such.

Recently another fellow free stater got into a pickle over a couch on his lawn. While it gave Ridley some new material, it also seems to be proving successful for syndicated talk show host, Ian Bernard (Freeman). I stopped listening to Free Talk Live over a year ago because Ian Bernard, was always beating on the LP. It was nothing personal, but I chose not to listen.

Well 'ol Ian popped his civil disobedience cherry last week and the whole community is cooing. While I was sympathetic to the situation he recently fell into, it seems that Mr. 'Freeman' (his recent name change ?) succumbed to the thugs after all. But like Napoleon after the Egyptian campaign, he came back bragging about the whole affair and forgets to relate what really happened . . . He caved in.

You're a political genius. You lead the boomers to power, the backlash was GWB and you confirm how sleazy real good politicians are. Fantastic luck this Hillary thing.

How much mileage can the former state media get any more ? Certainly it will help Limbaugh and Gang, this new job. But when things calm down and people come home, you'll get all the credit again.

Was it the Return of Jason that brought IPR down the morning after ? Is the Last Free Voice that of Elf Ninos Dad ? Poor Third Party Watch, does anyone care anymore ? How did George do up in New Hampshire ? What about Bob ? In NY, the LPNY collected more signatures than votes it seems. Our numbers doubled from 2004 though, with a 47% increase from the Gubernatorial effort two years ago. That's my best Wes Benedict spin on the results . . .

Sorry if I chuckle the next day . . . but it ain't about winning folks . . . it's about the fight.

Generalissimo Paterson petitioned the weary Congressfolk with confessions of destitute coffers in Albany. Citing the voluminous needs of the State, namely myriads of infrastructure needs left neglected for the crime of a well fed and bloated bureaucracy. Nary admitting that the fall of the heralded place in American culture, namely Wall St., has left him and his fellow placated beings (legislators) flat footed and holding a potential 47 billion dollar debt in the next 5 years. What first was only 20, now was more than double.

As this cycle of the American electoral farce closes, a colleague writes;

Governor David Patterson appeared to taking steps toward bringing a little bit of fiscal sanity to New York State. Recognizing that the meltdown of the financial markets, combined with troubles in the housing market, employment, and all other aspects of the economy, he has emphasized a need for some belt tightening budget cuts in state agencies and plans to have the state legislature take action to assist in this effort during a special session later in November.

Commendable first steps, governor, but likely to fail as a result of your own missteps. Your call this past week along with that of Governor Jon Corzine of New Jersey for federal assistance will serve as an incentive for the legislature to do ---- nothing.