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NEW MEXICO LIBERTY

“Let Freedom Ring”


The Official Newsletter of the Libertarian Party of New Mexico

June 2010 http://lpnm.us V.2.2 N.22

Table of Contents Notes from the Editor


by Mike Blessing
Page 1 Libertarian Media from New Mexico [ mikewb1971@gmail.com /
mikewb1971.xanga.com ]
Notes from the Editor by Mike Blessing
Page 2 Events at a Glance
Note from the State Chair Running for Office?

The LPNM's Candidates As if it wasn't easy enough to run for office, it just got a bit easier.
\

It turns out that you can file to be a write-in candidate with just a
Other Groups to Network With, and Their
declaration of candidacy. There's no need to gather signatures on
Events a nominating petition – just print out and sign a delcaration of
Page 3 Blue Cross rate hike: Symptom, not cause candidacy from the Secretary of State's website –
by Paul Gessing, Rio Grande Foundation www.sos.state.nm.us/sos-elections.html – and submit it to the
County Clerk or Secretary of State on Tuesday, 22 June 2010.
Page 4 Idiocracy Rising
by William Norman Grigg The main downside to this is that you won't be listed on the ballot,
and thus will garner significantly fewer votes.
Page 5 Harry Brown, the Movie
Of course, it's ridiculously easy to gather the required signatures to
Page 6 Contacts / Internet ResourcesThe be on the ballot for a State Representative race – there are usually
only 100-200 signatures needed. If you live in Albuquerque, you
Page 7 Administrivia can get these just by walking around your neighborhood with a
The Unanimous Consent Challenge clipboard and some blank nominating petition forms.
Page 8 Enrollment / Renewal Form The Weekly Sedition Returns to Ch.27
The Weekly Sedition will be returning to Albuquerque Comcast
Libertarian Media from New Mexico
Channel 27 on Thursday nights at 8 PM, starting July 1st. For those
(not necessarily endorsed by LPNM) who don't get Channel 27, the show can be viewed over the
The Weekly Sedition – Thursdays at 8 PM internet at the Ch.27 website –
(July – August – September 2010) quoteunquoteinc-biz.doodlekit.com/home/public_access_tv
kcufmedia.xanga.com
A New National Committee for the LP
Hemp TV – Tuesdays at 7PM Over Memorial Day weekend, the LNC hosted the 2010 National
myspace.com/nmhemptv Convention for the LP in St. Louis, Missouri. At that convention, a
new National Committee was elected by the membership –
The One Party State – Wednesdays at 11PM
Contact Lance Klafeta [ lklafeta@yahoo.com ] for details Chair – Mark Hinkle
Vice Chair – Mark Rutherford
Reeferhead – Saturdays at 6PM Secretary – Alicia Mattson
myspace.com/reeferheadtv Treasurer – James Oaksun
The Fringe Element At-Large Representatives
thefringeelement.net / postpubco.com Kevin Knedler David Nolan
William Redpath Wayne Allyn Root
YOUR ADVERTISING IN Mary Ruwart
NEW MEXICO LIBERTY? Region 4 Representative – Norman Olsen of Colorado
Region 4 Alternate – Don Wills of Wyoming
CONTACT THE EDITOR OR Region 4 comprises Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana,
SEE PAGE 7 FOR DETAILS Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The LPNM was
previously affiliated with Region 1.
EMAIL mikewb1971@gmail.com
For the full list of the LNC members, go to the requisite page at the
National LP site – lp.org/leadership.
“I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the
government from wasting the labors of the people under the
pretense of taking care of them.”
– Thomas Jefferson

New Mexico Liberty – June 2010 – Page 1


Events at a Glance Other Groups to Network With
Bernalillo County – The BCLP stages one no-host dinner meeting Tuesday, 8 June, 5 PM: Friends of Capitalism hosts a debate
per month, on Thursday, 3 June, 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Fiesta's between incumbent Attorney General Gary King and challenger
Restaurant & Lounge (Carlisle & Montogomery NE). Contact Mike Matthew Chandler at the Rio Chama Steakhouse in Santa Fe.
Blessing for details [ mikewb1971@gmail.com / 505-515-7015 ], or Contact Jim McCaughey at friendsofcapitalism@yahoo.com .
see the BCLP website – lpnm.us/bernalillo. Sunday, June 13, 1-3 PM: Colloidal Silver Antibiotic Class in
Precinct 553 Chair Elisheva Levin, is running for State Albuquerque. Contact Milt Cumiford at
Representative, District 22 against Republican James Smith, with milt.cumiford@excelmanufacturing.com for more information.
no Democrat opposition. Wednesday, June 16, 5-7 PM: The Rio Grande Foundation hosts
The Weekly Sedition returns to Albuquerque Comcast Channel 27 Liberty on the Rocks in Santa Fe at the Rio Chama Steakhouse.
on 1 July 2010 at 8 PM. For those not subscribed to ABQ Comcast, The guest speaker will be Jim Scarantino of New Mexico
the show can be viewed live at the Channel 27 website (NOTE – Watchdog. See this page for details –
this requires MS Windows Media Player!) [ quote-unquote.org ]. riograndefoundation.org/pg_ev_lotrs.html

On Saturday, 5 June and Sunday, 6 June, Mark Curtis will be Thursday, June 17, 5-7 PM: The Rio Grande Foundation hosts
staffing a table at the NMGCA Gun Show at the Manuel Lujan Liberty on the Rocks in Albuquerque at the Chama River Brewing
Builidjng at the State Fairgrounds. Company. The guest speaker will be Rob Nikolewski, who will be
taking over Capitol Report New Mexico. For details, see this page –
Dona Ana County – The next scheduled Central Committee riograndefoundation.org/pg_ev_lotr.html
meeting is August 14, 2010 time and place to be annnounced. Any
county Libertarian wanting support in running for political office or Friday, June 18, 12 PM: The Rio Grande Foundation hosts it
having party or political issues that they wish the county party to second annual Lights of Liberty luncheon. This year's featured
address prior to then can call a meeting of the County Central speaker will be Deroy Murdock of National Review Online. For
Committee by gaining the approval of at least half of the Committee details, see this page – riograndefoundation.org/pg_ev_lol.html
members via email or phone request. Saturday, June 26, 1-4 PM: Coordinated National Screening of
Please contact the chair or check the LPDAC website for more Don't Tread On Me! Rise of the Republic. Contact Elisheva Levin at
information – elisheva@spinn.net for more information. Popcorn provided!
Tuesday, June 29, 5-7 PM: The Rio Grande Foundation hosts
lpdacnm@lpnm.us / 575-541-9079 / lpnm.us/dona-ana.
Liberty on the Rocks – Las Cruces at the Cattle Baron Steak &
If you live in a county with an inactive affiliate and want Seafood Restaurant on the 4th Tuesday of every month. Our next
to get involved, contact the county chair. See Page 6 for event will be Tuesday, June 29, 2010. Guest speaker TBA. The
a list of county chairs, campus contacts and Central Cattle Baron will offer happy hour prices and a full menu for food
Committee members. selection. For details, see this page –
riograndefoundation.org/pg_ev_lotrlc.html
Special Events Sunday, July 4, 2 PM – whenever: July 4 Cookout. Contact
Central Committee Meeting – Sunday, 13 June 2010 Elisheva Levin at elisheva@spinn.net for more info. Burgers, hot
dogs and lemonade provided. Bring side dishes, desserts, and
Lunch at 12:00 PM, meeting from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. All Caucus
other drinks to share. NO FIREWORKS ALLOWED due to
members are welcome to attend. County Chairs and Contacts
proximity to the National Forest.
and candidates are encouraged to attend! Location – Quarters
BBQ at 3700 Ellison NW in Albuquerque – see tinyurl.com/27rhyrn Saturday, July 10 and Sunday, July 11: Pistol Class in Farmington
for map and directions. by Cope Reynolds. Contact Milt Cumiford at
milt.cumiford@excelmanufacturing.com for registration papers and
Central Committee Meeting – Sunday, 12 September 2010
more info.
Lunch at 12:00 PM, meeting from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. All Caucus
Wednesday, July 28, Thursday, July 29, and Friday, July 30: The
members are welcome to attend. County Chairs and Contacts
Rio Grande Foundation hosts Dr. Matt Ladner, Vice President of
and candidates are encouraged to attend! Location – Quarters
Research at the Goldwater Institute in Arizona for a presentation of
BBQ at 3700 Ellison NW in Albuquerque – see tinyurl.com/27rhyrn
"Turning Around New Mexico's Public Schools –- The Florida
for map and directions.
Model" in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe. See this page –
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ riograndefoundation.org/pg_ev_ml.html – for details.
The LPNM's Candidates +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bill Koehler for Governor (independent write-in campaign)


koehler4nmgov2010.blogspot.com "People do not cooperate under the division of labor because they
love or should love one another. They cooperate because this best
State Legislature serves their own interests. Neither love nor charity nor any other
State Representative, District 11 sympathetic sentiments but rightly understood selfishness is what
Eric Pino – epelsewhere@gmail.com originally impelled man to adjust himself to the requirements of
society, to respect the rights and freedoms of his fellow men and to
State Representative, District 16 substitute peaceful collaboration for enmity and conflict."
Mike Blessing – mike4nmh16-2010.blogspot.com – Ludwig von Mises
State Representative, District 22
Elisheva Levin – ragamuffinstudies.blogspot.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

New Mexico Liberty – June 2010 – Page 2


Liberty, Opportunity, Prosperity But the federal health care plan will do little or nothing to cut
through any of the other rules and regulations (like coverage
mandates, licensing, or liability laws) that have caused prices to
Blue Cross rate hike: rise so rapidly in recent years. An analysis by the Health and
Symptom, not cause Human Services Department stated that “the overhaul will increase
By Paul J. Gessing national health care spending from 2010-2019.” So, as bad as this
[ pgessing@riograndefoundation.org ] 21 percent hike looks now, don’t look for the situation to get any
7 May 2010 – tinyurl.com/29o759w better. In fact, more massive price hikes are on their way under
ObamaCare.

There has recently been a great deal of consternation and concern To make health care more accessible and less costly, we have a
over the rate increase enacted by Blue Cross Blue Shield New competitive, mostly market-based model to follow in car insurance,
Mexico (BCBS). The company, a “mutual” firm which is legally but Congress is taking us in the opposite, more heavily-regulated
obligated to re-invest any profits back into the company, had direction that locks in the third-party-payer model that caused these
originally requested a 24.6 percent rate increase. Then, just as the rate increases in the first place. Now, more than ever, we need
Public Regulation Commission (PRC) was holding public hearings change, but the change we need is to empower individuals to pay
on the issue, an agreement was reached that allowed Blue Cross to for and wisely use limited health care resources.
raise rates by 21 percent this year. Approval of the rate hike, Paul Gessing is the President of New Mexico’s Rio Grande
absent public input, generated a public outcry. Foundation. The Rio Grande Foundation is an independent, non-
But I believe that anger at Blue Cross is misplaced. It is our political partisan, tax-exempt research and educational organization
leaders in Washington and Santa Fe, who have gotten us into this dedicated to promoting prosperity for New Mexico based on
mess and, given the recently-signed health care law in Washington, principles of limited government, economic freedom and individual
are continuing to make the situation worse. The problem we face in responsibility.
New Mexico (and nationwide) is the rapid rise in health care costs.
The truly unfortunate thing is that Washington’s “reform” bill will do
nothing to mitigate this problem and is actually designed to make
the situation worse.
Notably, the rate hike agreement applies to individual plans, but not
group plans. I happen to own an individual health savings account
plan and will be among the 40,000 New Mexicans impacted under
this rate hike (this is a much smaller group than the 825,000 adults
aged 18-64 who are insured in some form of group plan in New
Mexico).
As a result of the PRC decision, my insurance costs will rise
despite the fact that health savings accounts like mine actually
reduce health care costs. In Indiana, for example, the state
government has given government workers a health savings
account option. Participants in the new plan ran up only $65 in cost
for every $100 incurred by their associates under the old coverage.
Not only are these “consumer-driven” plans not encouraged in the
health care bill, the new law is actually going to make consumer-
driven plans like my health savings account less attractive through
additional, onerous rules and regulations.
Consumer-driven plans are just one possible solution, however. In
a competitive health care market, there would be no need for the
PRC to hold hearings on rate hikes, nor there a need for
government-enforced transparency. Take the car insurance
marketplace, for example. There are dozens of companies
competing to provide New Mexicans with the best, lowest cost car
insurance. Why is that? The single biggest difference is that car
owners pay for their insurance and they have incentives to both
shop around and not over-use their insurance.
What can be done? The simple fact is that at this point, if we want
to control health care costs, we need to rely on the courts to
abandon ObamaCare. This is a real possibility as the federal
government has never forced Americans to purchase any product
in the past, so there are real Constitutional questions here.
Obama’s health care plan is doomed to fail because, by mandating
that individuals purchase health insurance, it only reinforces the
third-party payment system and further reduces incentives for
people to be responsible and care what they spend on health care.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Civilization is the progress toward a society of privacy. The
"Where there is an income tax, the just man will pay more and the
savage's whole existence is public, ruled by the laws of his tribe.
unjust man less on the same amount of income."
Civilization is the process of setting man free from men."
– Plato, The Republic (Book 1)
– Ayn Rand, The Fountainhead

New Mexico Liberty – June 2010 – Page 3


Arellano, who had been sleeping on the couch, awoke to see the uninvited
guest in her living room. Case, who was intermittently lucid, told Arellano
that he was under the influence of an hallucinogen.
Idiocracy Rising
by William Norman Grigg [ wngrigg@msn.com ] After making this admission, Case curled up on the floor, giving Arellano
14 May 2010 – tinyurl.com/2eb95uh time to call 911 – and then flee to her daughter's room. After Case forced
the door open, Arellano and her daughter both grappled with the intoxicated
man. When Officer John Jayne of the Tualatin Police Department arrived,
Imagine, if you can stand to, a world in which the entire population has Arellano had pinned the intruder face-down on the floor.
succumbed to Hannitization, and you'll capture the dystopian future At this point, Jayne said "Thanks – I've got it now," slapping Arellano's hand
depicted in the 2006 cult film Idiocracy. like a tag-team partner and taking physical custody of the smaller man.
The fictional future America (written and pronounced "Uhhmerica") of the One would expect that's how it happened. One would be wrong.
year 2505 is inhabited by torpid, barely ambulatory imbeciles, in large
measure because of a quasi-Malthusian population imbalance: Smart For some reason, "Jayne began his own stand-off with Case, who
people, according to the film, reproduce arithmetically, but dimwits multiply alternated between sitting calmly on a bed and lunging at the officer,"
like tribbles. The result is what Huxley's Brave New World would have been recounts Willamette Week. At one point, Case reportedly obtained an item
had it been populated exclusively by Epsilon-minus Semi-Morons. described as "similar to a kitchen knife," something that wouldn't have
happened if Jayne had taken control of him immediately. Case discarded
Uhhmericans spend most of their time in consumption – glutting their bellies the knife and Jayne – along with a man identified as his "friend," Grant
on nutrition-free junk food (Carl's Jr. fare washed down by a "sports drink" Collins – "struggled" with the intruder.
called Brawndo), and clotting their minds with sub-puerile entertainment.
Bear in mind that we're discussing a skinny, 128-pound 20-year-old who
The minimal interpersonal communications that occur are transacted in a had just lost a pinfall to a 5'2", 120-pound single mother. An adult man in
patois that is equal parts hillbilly dialect, urban slang, casual profanity, and decent shape – or even a typical police officer, for that matter – should have
gibberish. been able to bulldog the kid to the floor and drag him out of a home he had
Each Uhhmerican is tattooed at birth with a laser-readable UPC code that invaded without permission. Yet for some reason, rather than subduing the
serves as a commercial interface and tracking device. As long as a suspect, "Jayne backed out of the apartment and Case followed, leaping a
particular Uhhmerican is content to be a dutiful consumer and displays no fence in a single bound," continues the WW account.
troublesome individuality, he will be left unmolested. Otherwise, his UPC Jayne called for backup, and shortly thereafter two other officers –
tattoo will attract the immediate attention of the police, who – in addition to Washington County Sheriff's Deputy Glenn Howard, and Sherwood Police
packing heavy artillery and wearing body armor – are even stupider than the Officer Adam Keesee – arrived at the scene. By this time, Jayne had
common herd. already used his Taser on Case, to no effect. Howard and Keesee shot
As a result of a failed human hibernation experiment, 21st-century Army Case with several beanbag rounds, which likewise did little to slow him
clerk Joe Bauers – the very embodiment of the term "dull normal" – is down.
deposited in this moronic milieu. Without a UPC tattoo, Bauers is Case then approached Deputy Howard, who had left his car running with
"unscannable," and thus he quickly finds himself in prison. the door open. Howard fired his Taser at Case "for seven separate cycles,"
Joe uses his robustly unexceptional mental skills to escape (remember, this narrates the Oregonian. When that failed to subdue Case, Howard – who at
is a society in which even Sean Hannity would be seen as marginally bright) one point managed to shock himself while reloading his Taser cartridge –
and is pursued by the police. After the car he's in is remotely disabled, Joe drew his firearm.
and two associates flee on foot. According to eyewitness testimony, Case (who, recall, had been shocked
Seconds later, the empty car is besieged by roughly a dozen police, who more than a half-dozen times) was staggering in the direction of Howard's
without warning simply open up on the vehicle with automatic weapons. patrol car – as if he were "just trying to hold on to something" – when the
One particularly zealous hero deploys a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, Deputy unloaded on him.
which he is holding backwards. When the trooper pulls the trigger he sends Howard testified that he was concerned Case might be reaching for an MP-
the projectile skyward. Scant seconds later, a flaming passenger jet tumbles 5 assault rifle, which was stored in a locked rack accessible through the
to the ground. Nobody – least of all the police – notices when the airliner open driver's side door. Howard also admits that he "didn't think" of closing
crashes and explodes in the distance. the door to prevent Case from reaching the rifle.
As with any successful satire, Idiocracy uses cultural caricature to diagnose Apparently it also didn't occur to Howard – or either of the other uniformed
disturbing trends. heroes on the scene – to secure the rifle and move the injured suspect from
Writer-director Mike Judge doesn't flinch from extravagant exaggeration, as the car after he had been shot and immobilized.
when he makes the U.S. President a no-holds-barred fighting champion and One of the rounds fired by Howard had found its way into Case's chest. For
porn star named Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho and two minutes the 20-year-old sat slumped against the patrol car, motionless
turns the entire population into marginally sentient bags of protoplasm. and bleeding, while the three police on the scene conferred with each other.
By way of contrast, Judge displays creative austerity in his depiction of Although he didn't move to restrain Case or render medical aid, Howard
gratuitous police violence, since – in this particular, at least – there is little took the opportunity to re-load his Glock.
difference between the world created in his film and the one in which we're According to the official police account, after breathing heavily for a couple
presently living. of minutes Case suddenly "sprung off the ground" and reached into the still-
The 2006 death of 20-year-old Tualatin, Oregon resident Jordan Case, who open vehicle. Howard, who later testified that he was worried that Case
was gunned down by police while unarmed and blitzed on hallucinogenic might grab the still-unsecured rifle, fired several more shots. One of them
mushrooms, offers a splendid example of Idiocracy-style police overkill. On penetrated Case's skull, killing him instantly.
May 4, a federal jury hearing an excessive force lawsuit brought by Case's Given that he clearly couldn’t handle their effects, Jordan Case obviously
parents and stepmother deadlocked; a second civil trial will take place this would have been better off not consuming psychotropic fungi. Just as
fall. obviously, he shouldn't have been trespassing. He most likely wouldn't have
When the second trial begins, I earnestly hope that it will focus on this been, had he been in control of his faculties. His behavior created a serious
question: Since an unarmed, terrified 120-pound woman was able to problem for his neighbor. It was the intervention by the police that turned
restrain the intoxicated, 128-pound Case, why was it "necessary" for three that problem into an eminently avoidable tragedy.
much larger police officers (each weighing well over 200 pounds) to
electrocute the young man 12 times with a Taser, and pummel him with nine [ Continued on Page 5 ]
beanbag rounds, before he was perforated with several gunshots fired in
two separate volleys?
Just before midnight on October 21, 2006, Case – who had consumed a
large quantity of hallucinogenic mushrooms – barged into the home of
neighbor Sally Arellano, a single mother who lived with her 8-year-old
daughter.

New Mexico Liberty – June 2010 – Page 4


[ Continued from Page 4 ]
Harry Brown (the Movie)
It is not a sterile exercise in second-guessing to say that four large men
by Mike Blessing
(three police officers and a tag-along) should have been able to restrain
[ mikewb1971@gmail.com / Case without resorting to weapons of any kind: Remember, when Deputy
mikewb1971.xanga.com ] Jayne arrived, a 120-pound woman had Case pinned to the floor. Yet for
some reason – most likely years of indoctrination regarding ubiquitous
threats to "officer safety" – the three Paladins of Public Order were terrified
After I saw the link to trailers for this movie on Facebook, I was of the skinny 20-year-old kid, whom they later described as displaying
intrigued because of the name – Harry Browne was the LP's "almost superhuman strength and endurance."
presidential candidate in 1996 and 2000. What this movie appears "My level of fear is skyrocketing, 'cause he's not responding to anything,"
to be is a British version of the1974 movie Death Wish, starring Deputy Howard later recalled, explaining his decision to unload two
Charles Bronson. separate volleys with his sidearm. "You don't understand what that feels like
until you actually fear for your life."
The official movie site – harrybrownthemovie.com
Note this well: This armed, trained Sheriff's Deputy feared for his life
The movie's American site – harrybrown-movie.com because he and two other law enforcement officers couldn't subdue a 128-
The movie's Facebook page – pound kid who – his "superhuman strength" notwithstanding – had just
facebook.com/HarryBrownTheMovie finished second in a grappling match with a frightened 120-pound woman.
The single mother who had pinned Case to the floor of her daughter's
The Wikipedia page –
bedroom had the sand to take the boy down and hold him there, yet we're
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Brown_%28film%29 supposed to believe that a similar feat was simply beyond the capacity of
three tax-fed badasses with badges.
More here – tinyurl.com/24qswlf
"Though there were ... three officers on the scene and Jordan was only 128
"No law ever written has stopped any robber, rapist or killer, like pounds, unarmed, outnumbered and did not make any threatening gestures
cold blue steel in the hands of their last intended victim." toward the officers, at no point did any officer attempt to restrain Jordan
– W. Emerson Wright without the use of the taser or other weapons," summarizes the civil
complaint filed on behalf of the victim's family. "Instead, the officers elected
It should be mentioned that the legal ownership of firearms in the to tase him and shoot him.... At no point did any officer attempt to calm
United Kingdom is de facto non-existent, and has been since Jordan or to communicate with Jordan in any way other than shouting
1997, following the Dunblane massacre. Following the 1997 threats and commands to get down on the ground."
Firearms Act, crime has gotten so bad that the National Vigilante In describing what went through his mind as he gunned down Jordan Case,
Organization has formed – see their site at navigor.org.uk. Deputy Howard expresses himself in terms suitable to the world depicted in
Idiocracy: "I remember thinking, unplug him, unplug him, we're f*****g done
with this sh*t."
Though substantially more vulgar, Howard's internal monologue was similar
in substance and intent to the words that fell from the lips of Officer Troy
Meade as he executed the intoxicated Niles Meservey in an Everett,
Washington parking lot June 2009: "Time to end this – enough is enough."
Meade was acquitted of criminal homicide by the same Idiocracy-caliber jury
that rejected his self-defense claim. The Washington County, Oregon DA
declined to file criminal charges against Deputy Howard, insisting that his
conduct comported with the "reasonable officer" standard governing lethal
force cases.
This is to say that the combination of timidity, ineptitude, and impulsive
violence displayed by Howard and his comrades in this episode is what the
public should expect when they seek "help" from the police. Under the
"reasonable officer" standard, summary execution is a proportionate
punishment for overtaxing a police officer's patience. And things will only get
worse from here because most people prefer to take refuge in comforting
illusions, rather than confronting grim and potentially lethal realities.
"People have a huge emotional investment in believing the police are on our
side," explains attorney Greg Kafoury, who has represented plaintiffs in law
enforcement-related wrongful death lawsuits. "If somebody sits on a jury
that concludes that the police have used unlawful violence against a citizen,
that's a declaration that the world is a lot scarier place than they want it to
be."
Unfortunately, reality isn't optional – something too many residents of our
proto-Idiocracy come to understand only when they find themselves on the
receiving end of officially sanctioned criminal violence.
William Norman Grigg publishes the Pro Libertate blog and hosts the Pro
Libertate radio program.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"An enemy of liberty is no friend of mine. I do not owe respect to


anyone who would enslave me by government force, nor is it wise
for such a person to expect it."
– Isaiah Amberay
“Government is not a tool, it is a relationship. Like rape, robbery,
and murder.”
– L. Neil Smith [ lneilsmith.org ]

New Mexico Liberty – June 2010 – Page 5


Administrivia Subscriptions and Correspondence
by Mike Blessing, Editor
For a print subscription, contact Ron Bjornstad for details. New
If you have news, interesting stories, op-ed pieces, a letter to the Mexico Liberty will be posted to the web, in PDF format, to the Files
editor, or timely information that you think belongs in the newsletter, section of the Google group I’ve set up for it –
please send it along. I can be contacted at 505-918-6567, or just
groups.google.com/group/nmliberty
send it to email address mikewb1971@gmail.com.
If you are moving or change your mailing address, please use keep
When sending your submission as an MS Word (or Open Office
us in the loop so we can keep your New Mexico Liberty coming to
Text) file, send it single-spaced in 9-pt Arial – like this is. Margins
you – contact Ron Bjornstad [ rbjornstad@earthlink.net ] if you're a
should be quarter-inch (0.25”) around, with no headers or footers. If
print version subscriber. Otherwise, contact the editor.
you send it in a text-only format, make it clear to me if you want
anything in bold type, underlined, in italics, struck-through, Advertising in New Mexico Liberty
different colors, etc. I’m not telepathic here, so help me out. And
Current rates for year-long spots
NO Wordperfect files – I can't open those.
Business card Ø 8.00
Graphics (pictures, cartoons, etc.) – send the highest quality
graphics you can – email them to me at the address above, and I’ll Rates are subject to change at the discretion of the editor. The
do what I can to get them in the next issue. In particular, what I editor will do his best to make any such changes only when
want are pictures of YOU the LPNM members, either at LPNM- absolutely necessary.
sponsored events or at other peoples' events. Submission deadline
for each issue – midnight, third Tuesday of the month. Inserts – For an insert into the PDF version that goes out over the
internet, contact the editor at email address . For an insert into the
Articles print edition, contact Ron Bjornstad at email address
rbjornstad@earthlink.net or phone number 505-288-4228.
As for writing your article, It should be concise (no longer than a full
page) and topical. A bit of humor helps, especially for op-ed pieces. Ø – The symbol for Federal Reserve Note(s), as used by Boston T.
What I'm really looking for in the way of articles is what's going on Party in his books. In plain-text message traffic (such as email), the
in the LPNM – what YOU the membership are up to in spreading acronym “FRN” will be used by the editor. See javelinpress.com for
the message. For example, an article about the stupidity, insanity more information. Also see the Wikipedia page for “Federal
and evil of the UN might get put in, depending on available space Reserve Note” – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Reserve_Note.
and the quality of the article. A group of LPNM members counter-
protesting the raising of a UN flag by the city council WILL get put THE LPNM OFFICIAL WEBSITE – lpnm.us
in, and probably will get first priority.
LPNM OFFICIAL MAILING ADDRESS
Editorial Viewpoint AND PHONE NUMBER
The basis for libertarian thought is the Zero Aggression Principle 918 Ivory Road SE
[ZAP] – Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-288-4228
A libertarian is someone who believes that no human being
has the right – under any circumstances – to initiate force If the date on your mailing label reads before 06/01/10, it's time
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delegate its initiation.
New Mexico Liberty holds that Libertarian candidates, officeholders THE UNANIMOUS CONSENT CHALLENGE
or appointed spokespersons at all levels of government or the Party CASH Ø10,000 PRIZE
should refrain from advocating new or more restrictive laws, new or To the first person to write a logical and documented essay
more expensive spending programs, or new or higher taxes. To showing one of the following to be compatible with the Declaration
paraphrase from the medical profession, “First, do no harm.” of Independence:
Submissions Policy Sherman Anti-Trust Act of 1890
The editor reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for any Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906
reason. The editor will most often be willing to explain any such Federal Communications Act of 1934
reasons. Appeals of the editor's refusal to post an advertisement, National Firearms Act of 1934
article, letter to editor, or anything else can be made to the LPNM's Banking Act of 1935
State Chair, Central Committee and/or Judicial Council. The Internal Revenue Code
Controlled Substances Act of 1970
Copyright RICO Act of 1970
Copyright © 2003 – Present, Libertarian Party of New Mexico. All Federal Elections Act of 1970
rights reserved. Permission is explicitly granted for subscribers to Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
recopy New Mexico Liberty for non-commercial purposes, Plumbing Products Efficiency Act of 1992
specifically as use as an outreach tool, provided that New Mexico Anti-Money Laundering Act of 1992
Liberty is copied in its entirety. Use your imagination here. USA PATRIOT Act of 2001
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This challenge is also on the web at tinyurl.com/hn982
“All power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise To claim your prize, contact
influence and not authority: still more when you superadd the Mike Blessing at 505-515-7015 or
tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority.” send an email to mikewb1971@gmail.com
– John Dalberg-Acton, 1st Baron Acton,
Letter to Mandell Creighton (April, 1887)

New Mexico Liberty – June 2010 – Page 6


LPNM Central Committee County Contacts
Chair
Bernalillo – lpnm.us/bernalillo
Jay Vandersloot – 505-362-1733 / jayvandersloot@yahoo.com
Mike Blessing – 505-515-7015 / mikewb1971@gmail.com
Vice Chair
Colfax
Elisheva Levin – 505-286-1387 / elisheva@elishevalevin.com
Richard Moore – 575-377-6849 / myliberty@mail.com
Secretary
Siebert Ickler – 575-541-9079 / lpdacnm@lpnm.us Dona Ana – lpnm.us/dona-ana
John Ennis – 575-571-6881 / johnennis2@gmail.com
Treasurer
Michael P. Simpson Lea
505-999-9954 / michael.p.simpson@gmail.com Christina Groth – 575-397-9366

At-Large Representative, Seat A Lincoln


Allen Cogbill – 505-662-7833 / acogbill@geopotential.com Richard Obergfell – 575-378-8025 / lplcnm@valornet.com

At-Large Representative, Seat B Los Alamos


Attila Csanyi – 505-286-7861 / drcsanyi@yahoo.com Allen Cogbill – 505-662-7833 / acogbill@geopotential.com

District 1 Representative, Seat A Luna


Mike Blessing – 505-515-7015 / mikewb1971@gmail.com Marilyn Steffen – 575-531-2556 / b_lamont5@hotmail.com

District 1 Representative, Seat B Otero – lpnm.us/otero


Bob Finch – 765-412-2374 / nmlibertarian@gmail.com Gilberto Heredia – 575-439-8234 / thrill@zianet.com
District 2 Representative, Seat A Roosevelt
VACANT Ken Sanders – 505-749-2085
District 2 Representative, Seat B San Juan – sjclp.org
VACANT Gary Wood – zang5775@msn.com
District 3 Representative, Seat A Sandoval
Ron Bjornstad – 505-891-4541 / rbjornstad@earthlink.net Ron Bjornstad – 505-288-4228 / rbjornstad@earthlink.net
District 3 Representative, Seat B
Mike Moss – 505-564-4905 / mmoss@plumbersoft.com LPNM Vacancies
Membership Coordinator Central Committee (1)
Ron Bjornstad – 505-288-4228 / rbjornstad@earthlink.net District 2 Representative, Seat B
Press Secretary County Contacts (20)
Bill Koehler – 505-264-0835 / bkoehler8@comcast.net
Catron / Chaves / Cibola / Curry / De Baca
Media Director Eddy / Grant / Guadalupe / Harding / Hidalgo
Bob Finch – 765-412-2374 / nmlibertarian@gmail.com McKinley / Mora / Quay / San Miguel / Santa Fe
Sierra / Socorro / Torrance / Union / Valencia
Campus Contacts
College Contacts (3)
Central New Mexico Community College [CNM]
groups.myspace.com/cnmlibertarians Eastern New Mexico University (Portales)
Mike Blessing – 505-515-7015 / mikewb1971@gmail.com New Mexico State University (Las Cruces)
New Mexico Tech (Socorro)
University of New Mexico (Various Campuses)
Internet Resources Western New Mexico University (Silver City)
Official Website – lpnm.us Contact the state chair if you're interested in filling a slot.
LPNM Discussion – groups.yahoo.com/lpnm-discuss If you don't, who will?
Open forum (unmoderated for the most part) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Blog – lpofnm.blogspot.com
Facebook group – facebook.com/group.php?gid=20233114967
Myspace group – groups.myspace.com/lpnm
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Law by Frederic Bastiat


See these pages –
bastiat.org/en/the_law.html
jpfo.org/articles-assd/bastiat-the-law.htm
Also in PDF form –
jpfo.org/pdf02/bastiat-thelaw-2008.pdf

New Mexico Liberty – June 2010 – Page 7


Libertarian Party of New Mexico
Enrollment / Renewal / Donation Coupon
(Please print in all areas)

Name ___________________________________ Address ____________________________________

City ___________________________ State ________ Zip ______________ Phone _______________

Email _______________________ Employer ____________________ Occupation _________________

[ ] I am registered to vote as “Libertarian” in the State of New Mexico and wish to [ ] join or [ ] renew as a caucus
member. I am paying $25 annual dues. I will receive a one year (12 issues) subscription to the LPNM state
newsletter “New Mexico Liberty” (the national “LP NEWS” IS NOT included) and I will have delegate status at state
conventions. I certify that I do not advocate the initiation of force to achieve political or social goals.

Signed _____________________________________________

[ ] I am not registered to vote as “Libertarian” in the State of New Mexico and/or [ ] I do not wish to sign the
statement opposing the initiation of force to achieve social or political goals. I am paying $25.00 for a one year (12
issues) subscription to the LPNM state newsletter “New Mexico Liberty” (the national “LP NEWS” IS NOT
included). I understand that I will receive no other benefits.

[ ] I am making a DONATION to the LPNM in the amount of $ ________ to be applied as follows:

$_____ General Fund $_____ Chairman's Fund $_____ Major Player Fund $_____ Win One Fund

TOTAL of DUES or SUBSCRIPTION plus DONATION $_________ to be paid as follows:

[ ] by enclosed CHECK payable to “LPNM” (Sorry, we cannot accept corporate checks)

[ ] by CREDIT CARD (circle one): VISA / MASTERCARD

Number: __ __ __ __-__ __ __ __-__ __ __ __-__ __ __ __ Expires: ____/____

Signature: _____________________________________________

Government mandated notices:

● The US Postal Service requires us to notify you that the annual New Mexico Liberty subscription cost is
included in your LPNM membership dues of $25.00.
● The Internal Revenue Service requires us to print “political contributions are not tax deductible” on all
fundraising appeals.
● The Federal Election Commission requires us to ask for the employer and occupation of each individual
whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in a calendar year.

The preceding notices alone should be enough reason to join the Libertarian Party, the only political party working
to increase your freedom.

COPY OR PRINT, FILL OUT, AND SEND TO:

LPNM c/o Ron Bjornstad


918 IVORY RD SE
RIO RANCHO NM 87124

New Mexico Liberty – June 2010 – Page 8

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