The LPNM Blog

Follow-up with Steve Terrell (28 Dec 2011)

2012-01-03T12:19:00.003-07:00

This posting follows up on previous comments to Steve Terrell.

On 12/28/2011 2:56 PM, Steve Terrell wrote:
>
> Thanks Mike. I was there this morning but didn't get a chance to meet you.

Glad to be of assistance!

> I have a technical question:
>
> I know the LP has a convention in May. I assume the state party will send a delegation. Will you be having a state
> convention before then to chose delegates and who to back among the 10 or so candidates? If so, when will that
> take place?

The LPNM's 2012 annual State Convention will take place on Saturday, 21 April 2012 at the Quarters BBQ at 3700 Ellison NW (see here for a map and directions – http://tinyurl.com/27rhyrn). Most likely we'll have a no-host meet-and-greet the night before, probably at the same location.

Details (speakers' list, agenda, etc.) will be posted here –
http://lpofnm.blogspot.com/2011/11/2012-annual-state-convention.html

> And if some reader of my story tomorrow wants to get involved with this process, what would they have to do?

In order to vote to nominate candidates for public office, they would have to make sure that they're registered to vote as "Libertarian" or "LIB" as the Secretary of State prints on the voter registration cards before they show up for the Convention.

For them to vote in internal party business (changes in the bylaws, party officer nominations, etc.), they need to :

Register to vote as "Libertarian."
Sign up as what the LPNM refers to as a "Caucus Member." Basically, this means that they've signed the Non-Aggression Pledge and paid $25 in dues.

> I assume only registered Libertarians would be allowed to take part in this process (if you do have a state
> convention or whatever). If they weren't already party members, when would they have to change their
> registrations?

If they just want voting rights at the State Convention, all they need to is show up at that Convention with "LIB" printed on their voter registration card, and sign up as a Caucus Member to take part in internal business.

If they want to be candidates for public office on the LPNM's ballot line, they need to :

Register to vote as "Libertarian" before the Governor's Election Proclamation for 2012 comes out. Usually this Proclamation is put out on the last Tuesday of January.
Sign up with the LPNM as a Caucus Member (see above).
Get nominated by their peers at the State Convention (or a County Convention for offices contained entirely in one county).
Download and thoroughly read the candidate guides available from the Secretary of State's office, as they contain all of the details required by the State of New Mexico – filing dates, signature requirements, etc.

http://www.sos.state.nm.us/2012CandidateGuideInfo.html

______________________________________________________________________
Mike Blessing / 505-515-7015
State Chair, Libertarian Party of New Mexico

Who owns you? Who runs your life? Who should — you or someone else?
Freedom is the answer — what's the question?

Copyright © 2011–2012 Libertarian Party of New Mexico. All rights reserved.

Produced by KCUF Media, a division of Extropy Enterprises. Webmaster Mike Blessing.
This blog entry created with gedit and Notepad++.

Comments to Steve Terrell About Gary Johnson (27 Dec 2011)

2012-01-03T12:01:00.002-07:00

On 12/27/2011 2:56 PM, Steve Terrell wrote:
> Hi Mike,
>
> I’m a reporter with the Santa Fe New Mexican.>
> I’m doing a story on Gary Johnson’s expected announcement that he’ll seek the Libertarian Party nomination for
> president.
>
> As state chairman of the NM Libertarian Party, how do you feel about that? I realize there are several other
> candidates, but how would you expect the former governor to do, both in getting the nomination and in the
> general election here in the state?

Sorry I haven't responded earlier.

I'm OK with Gary Johnson seeking the LP presidential nomination. Can't say I blame him if that's what he decides to do, considering that the GOP consistently solicits support in the form of time, effort, and money from its libertarian wing, then tells the people comprising that part of their organization to "Shut up and do as you're told." Those that don't – well, look at how the GOP machine treated Adam Kokesh in the 2010 primary for New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District.

I left the GOP and joined the Libertarian Party back in January, 1994 because of this sort of thing.

I guess that Johnson kept New Mexico in the black for eight years doesn't really matter to most Republicans. So much for their "support" for fiscal responsibility. So the GOP is going with the guy who created the precursor to ObamaCare in Massachusetts instead? So much for their "support" for free-market economics and health-care choice.

Same goes for the Second Amendment – Johnson has never treated gun owners as political footballs like quite a few Republicans (Romney, McCain, Giuliani, Dole, both Bushes) have. Yet the gun vote always seems to deliver for the GOP, and the GOP returns the favor with more abuse. Classic abused-voter syndrome – kind of like how the Democrats treat the gay vote (remember Patsy Madrid's efforts against any sort of same-sex marriages or civil unions back in 2004?).

But the Republicans sure are hot to stomp on Johnson for Gary's stance that the current version of Prohibition against marijuana needs to be rethought, if not scrapped outright. Never mind the fact that over fifty billion bucks are blown every year on it, and it only stops five percent of the drug traffic from producers to end users. Disregard the fourteen states that have set up some form of medical marijuana program through ballot initiatives and referenda. Didn't Obama promise to end the federal crackdown against medical marijuana dispensaries?

Both Republicans and Democrats also seem to be in love with dropping bombs on foreigners, too – especially when it's their guy in the White House giving the orders. That's something else where Johnson differs from both Obama and the "eventual Republican nominee," whether it's Romney or Gingrich.

What about Gary's chances? I think that he's got a good chance of winning the LP's nomination. As for the general election, that depends also on who wins the GOP's nomination to be his opponent. If it's Romney or Gingrich, I think that Gary will get some good numbers.

I hope to see you in Santa Fe tomorrow morning!

2012 Presidential Candidates

2012-01-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of those currently known (as of 2 January 2012) to be seeking the Libertarian Party's 2012 presidential nomination. They are listed in simple alphabetical order.

Ralph Allen Beach (South Carolina) — FEC P20002358

Jim Burns (Nevada)

Jim Duensing (Nevada)

Roger Gary (Texas) — FEC P20002770

R. J. Harris (Oklahoma) — FEC P20003364

Ronald Keith Hebert (Tennessee) — FEC P20004230

Shawn James Hogan (Pennsylvania) — FEC P20004024

Gary Johnson (New Mexico) — FEC P20002671

Robert W. Milnes (New Jersey)

James Ogle (California) — FEC P60004322

Carl Person (New York) — FEC P20002895

Dave Redick of Wisconsin (Wisconsin)

Bill Still (Virginia) — FEC P20003828

Joy Waymire (California) — FEC P20004370

Lee Wrights (Texas) — FEC P20002952

Copyright © 2012 Libertarian Party of New Mexico. All rights reserved.

Produced by KCUF Media, a division of Extropy Enterprises. Webmaster Mike Blessing
This blog entry created with gedit and Notepad++.

Comments to David Weigel about Gary Johnson (21 December 2011)

2012-01-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

Current mood: excited

On 12/20/2011 6:11 PM, David Weigel wrote:

> Are you led to believe he's announcing as a Libertarian next week?
>
> thanks
> Dave Weigel
>
> David Weigel
> Slate political reporter

Well, he's been talking about the possibility of running on our ticket for a month or two now.

http://politico.com/news/stories/1211/70727.html
http://tinyurl.com/7m4pzza
http://tinyurl.com/8y29758

Before this, it seems like most of the media wouldn't give him the time of day.

Can't say as I blame him — he's been in the GOP's doghouse since 2001.

I've been seeing this sort of behavior towards libertarians from the GOP's insiders for years now — they solicit our time, effort and cash but they think that we're willing to pitch in without getting anything in exchange, i.e. candidates who express libertarian policy stances.

Then when we withhold that support, they call us "losertarians" and such.

The most asinine part of this is how a lot of GOP candidates pitch themselves as having "business experience." What sort of businessman offers an inferior product, then insults the potential customer for refusing to buy in?

Mike Blessing
State Chair, Libertarian Party of New Mexico
505-515-7015

Copyright © 2011-2012 Libertarian Party of New Mexico. All rights reserved.

Produced by KCUF Media, a division of Extropy Enterprises, Webmaster Mike Blessing.
This blog entry created with gedit and Notepad++.

2012 Annual State Convention

2011-11-17T09:41:00.005-07:00

Libertarian Party of New Mexico

2012 Annual State Convention

Theme – The Way Forward: Rebuilding

Venue – Quarters BBQ
3700 Ellison Dr. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114 – See also HERE

Contact Mike Blessing – 505-515-7015

Friday, 20 April 2012

Although there is no formal program for Friday evening, for anyone wanting to arrive early, the early birds will gather in the Quarters BBQ bar area at about 6:00 PM for an informal dinner / discussion – No-host, pay-as-you-go, dinner, cocktails, and networking.

Saturday, 21 April 2012

11:00 AM		Registration and pay-as-you-go lunch, order off the menu – Ø25 per person, to include dinner in the evening

1:00 PM		LPNM Business Meeting [no charge for anyone attending ONLY the business meeting]
		All who are registered with the State of New Mexico as Libertarians ("LIB" on the voter registration card) can vote during nominations for public office. Only Caucus Members can vote during LPNM business and internal LPNM elections. Visitors do not vote in any actions or activities. Central Committee meeting after close of the LPNM Business Meeting. See below the schedule for more details.
3:00 PM		Speaker [To be announced]

4:00 PM		Speaker [To be announced]

5:00 PM		Break [so Quarters can prepare for the dinner]

5:30 PM		Dinner [included in the registration fee]
		Family-style – includes BBQ chicken, ribs, sliced beef brisket, sliced pork brisket, hot links, with various sides, and includes your choice of iced tea, coffee, or soda [other beverages are pay-as-you-go].

7:30 PM		Keynote Speaker – [To be announced]

8:30 PM		LPNM Fundraiser Auction [Bring items to donate]

9:00 PM		Convention [and Quarters] closes

Speakers and Candidates Addressing the Convention Membership

Speakers will have 30–45 minutes to make their case, then should be open to questions from the audience. Audience members are requested to ask questions of the speaker as opposed to making statements. All speakers will be considered to have consented to being recorded, including but not limited to audio or video devices, for posting to the internet (YouTube, etc.).

Handouts for Distribution

The LPNM membership reserves the right to disavow any handouts (handbills, brochures, CDs, DVDs, etc.) offered for distribution to convention membership, as well as the person(s) doing the distributing.

Nominations for Candidates for Public Office

Anyone wanting to vote to nominate candidates for public office needs to make sure that they're registered to vote as "Libertarian" or"LIB" as the Secretary of State prints on the voter registration cards before they show up for the Convention.

So make sure to bring your voterregistration card.

Participating in LPNM Internal Business

All you have to do to participate in the LPNM's internal business (changes to the Constitution and Bylaws, internal nominations, etc.) is to do the following (both steps are necessary, regardless of order completed):

Register to vote as "Libertarian" so that your voter registration card reads "LIB" in the spot marked "PARTY" (lower right-hand corner).
Sign up as what the LPNM refers to as a "Caucus Member." Basically, this means that you've signed the Non-Aggression Pledge and paid $25 in dues. You can do this at the Convention itself, as we'll have the necessary paperwork on hand.
Pay the required amount for a convention membership.

Becoming an LPNM Candidate for Public Office

Anyone wanting to be a candidate for public office on the LPNM's ballot line needs to :

Register to vote as "Libertarian" before the Governor's Election Proclamation for 2012 comes out. Usually this Proclamation is put out on the last Tuesday of January. A safe bet is to get this done at least two weeks before the Proclamation is released by the Governor's Office.
Sign up with the LPNM as a Caucus Member (see above).
Get nominated by your peers at the State Convention (or a County Convention for offices contained entirely in one county).
Download and thoroughly read the candidate guides available from the Secretary of State's office, as they contain all of the details required by the State of New Mexico – filing dates, signature requirements, etc.

See here for the guides – http://www.sos.state.nm.us/2012CandidateGuideInfo.html
Read the Run for Office page at lp.org

Becoming a Delegate to the National Convention

Anyone wanting to be a delegate from the LPNM to the LP's 2012 National Convention needs to :

Register to vote as "Libertarian" before the State Convention.
Sign up with the LPNM as a Caucus Member (see above).
Show up at this convention and signify willingness to be a delegate.
Sign up as a National member.
Download and read the LP National Bylaws and Convention Rules
Request a copy of the pamphlet titled Information for Delegation Chairs and Delegates.
Show up at the National Convention.

Out-of-State Visitors

All national-level candidates (for President, National Chair, LNC spots, etc.) are responsible for covering their own expenses, including but not limited to travel, meals, and lodging. They are, of course, free to solicit financial or other support from individual LPNM members, but the LPNM will not expend organizational resources for this purpose.
The LPNM as an organization will NOT endorse candidates for any office until they have been officially nominated by an accredited affiliate of the Libertarian Party.

Rebuilding and Upgrading the LPNM

2011-06-01T21:37:00.001-06:00

I want to remake the Party into an activists' party, with the intent of supporting the central task of taking the libertarian message to the general public. Running partisan candidates are a way to do that, but not the only way. Here's some resources and tips for the membership to help spread the word and develop their rhetorical talents.

I've created a YouTube channel for the LPNM. This will be for posting videos that support the libertarian message. These include, but are not limited to, recordings of speakers at LPNM conventions. If you're good with a camcorder, I hereby solicit your submissions here.
The LPNM blog remains active. Again, I humbly solicit submissions for that blog (and the newsletter!) in the form of original articles, cartoons, etc., that you've done.
I encourage all LPNM members to post notices to their pages on Facebook, Myspace, wherever, of local LP meetings in their area. I've got a few people on my personal pages, but we can reach more people if others follow suit in this. If there aren't any local LP meetings in your area, feel free to start one – it's not that difficult. What do you have to lose by making the effort?
The Facebook group that I set up for the LPNM remains active. The Myspace group is unavailable at the moment, as Myspace is apparently revamping their setup for that particular feature. The [LPNM-discuss] Yahoo! Group also remains active as an open forum.

What can you do and what can you "get away with" on my watch? I think that it's best if we apply libertarian principles to the Party's internal workings as well as to our rhetoric and to the policies we advocate. So you're pretty much good to go if you meet these three conditions:

You're not breaking any public laws – especially the malum in se ones.
You're not violating the Non-Aggression Principle.
You're not advocating violations of the Non-Aggression Principle.

I maintain that that Libertarian candidates, officeholders or appointed spokespersons at all levels of government or the Party should refrain from advocating new or more restrictive laws, new or more expensive spending programs, or new or higher taxes. To paraphrase from the medical profession, "First, do no harm."

Recently (28 April), Ron Bjornstad and I met with staffers from the Bernalillo County Bureau of Elections – part of the County Clerk's Office. Things could be looking up on our dealings with them and the Secretary of State. I'll say more about that in future columns.

Copyright © 2011 Libertarian Party of New Mexico. All rights reserved.

Produced by KCUF Media, a division of Extropy Enterprises. Mike Blessing.
This blog entry created with Notepad++

Marilyn Steffen's Radio Interview on the Internet

2011-05-30T14:53:00.002-06:00

Current mood: excited

The radio interview with Marilyn Steffen (see last month's issue of New Mexico Liberty or the LPNM blog) has been posted to the LPNM's YouTube account in three parts –

The interview has also been posted to lpnm.us as a single MP3 file –

lpnm.us/MediaFiles/MarilynSteffenInterview-KOOT.mp3

Thanks to Allen Cogbill for posting it to the net!

Copyright © 2011 Libertarian Party of New Mexico. All rights reserved.

Produced by KCUF Media, a division of Extropy Enterprises. Webmaster Mike Blessing.
This blog entry created with Notepad++

Who Speaks for the Libertarians? (Letter to the Editor)

2011-05-22T23:56:00.004-06:00

Current mood: predatory

Who Speaks for the Libertarians?

Apparently Kenneth M. Brown, former Board member of the Rio Grande Foundation (the same one headed by Paul Gessing), seems to think that he's a mind-reader where libertarians are concerned. I'm citing his recent op-ed piece in the Albuquerque Journal ("Incentives Can Work, If Doled Out Wisely," p. A7).

Here's the comment that leads me to believe this:

"Libertarians hate this governmental intrusion."

While we (libertarians, that is) might object passionately to such governmental intrusions into the economy, I hardly think that the word "hate" applies. We simply look to the historical record and note that when government stays out of the way, the average person "in the street" prospers more than when government is active in "running" the economy. As is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, "That which governs best governs least."

In fact, we as Libertarians are often divided over how fast to cut the State, how much to cut, and what should get cut first. I like to say that as a minimum, we shouldn't advocate any more growth of government – the State should not expand in power, expense or intrusiveness. We'll let everyone else argue over how much to grow the State.

Brown goes on to say, "A well-designed incentive will create more jobs per dollar of lost tax revenue than would a reduction of, say, two percentage points of a state's top tax rate. The reason is that the incentive could be targeted to one firm and made to be worth much more to that firm than a statewide tax cut, and at a small fraction of the lost revenue."

The fact remains that such incentives have often ended up as boondoggles here in New Mexico. After all of the back-room deals from 2003 to 2011, New Mexicans have every right to be skeptical of any sort of such "targeted incentives."

My question for Brown is simply this: Why should I trust his judgment over what is and isn't a "wise" choice where these "targeted incentives" are concerned? Thus I prefer making the tax and regulatory environment a level playing field, as opposed to Brown's idea of mercantilist preferences.

Mike Blessing
State Chair, Libertarian Party of New Mexico
Phone – 505-515-7015 / Yahoo IM – mikewb1971

Who owns you? Who runs your life? Who should – you or someone else?
Freedom is the answer – what's the question?

Copyright © 2011 Libertarian Party of New Mexico. All rights reserved.

Produced by KCUF Media, a division of Extropy Enterprises. Webmaster Mike Blessing.
This blog entry created with Notepad++

What Does It Take to Get Pulled Over?

2011-05-22T20:43:00.000-06:00

Current mood: amused, devious, excited

Florida LP Chairman Adrian Wyllie surrenders license in protest of REAL ID act

Video: In Real ID Protest, Florida Libertarian Chairman Drives Without a License

h/t to Mark Axinn, Chair of LPNY

Copyright © 2011 Libertarian Party of New Mexico. All rights reserved.

Produced by KCUF Media, a division of Extropy Enterprises. Mike Blessing.
This blog entry created with Notepad++

Albuquerque Liberty Forum -- June 2011

2011-05-22T17:02:00.004-06:00

Albuquerque Liberty Forum is a no-host dinner, with discussion of issues important to libertarians, capitalists (anarcho- and otherwise), objectivists, extropians, and Constitutionalists.

We're currently meeting at the 66 Diner at 1405 Central Ave NE in Albuquerque, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Suggestions for speakers are welcome – let us know in advance if you want to address the group, so we can promote you!

Speakers will have 30 minutes to make their case, then should be open to questions from the audience. Audience members are requested to ask questions of the speaker as opposed to making statements. All speakers will be considered to have consented to being recorded, including but not limited to audio or video devices, for posting to the internet (YouTube, etc.).

Agenda for this event

Round-robin introductions (if needed)
Updates, notices about upcoming events
Discussion: Does the Tea Party movement have a future?

Albuquerque Campaign for Liberty

Patriot Action Network

RTR.org

Copyright © 2011 Libertarian Party of New Mexico. All rights reserved.

Produced by KCUF Media, a division of Extropy Enterprises. Webmaster Mike Blessing
This blog entry created with Notepad++

Hats Off to Marilyn Steffen!

2011-05-11T15:47:00.000-06:00

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: county chair
Date: Wed, 11 May 2011 14:46:54
From: M. Steffen

I do the best I can here. I'm not an organizer, but I do hand out DVD's of Freedom to Fascism and the Citizens Rule book by the hundreds and did a radio interview last year at a Silver City radio station and have a 23 minute copy of the show if you would like to have a copy. I talked about the Constitution, Fully Informed Jury and Freedom Fest.
-------- Original Message Ends --------

I'd like to put this interview on the LPNM site.

I've passed this on via email, as well as included in the next New Mexico Liberty, and sent it on to the National Chair, Mark Hinkle.

Copyright © 2011 Libertarian Party of New Mexico. All rights reserved.

Produced by KCUF Media, a division of Extropy Enterprises. Webmaster Mike Blessing
This blog entry created with Notepad++

The LPNM in May 2011

2011-05-07T16:18:00.000-06:00

New Mexico Liberty for May 2011

Albuquerque Liberty Forum is a no-host dinner, with discussion of issues important to libertarians, anarcho-capitalists, extropians, and Constitutionalists.

We're currently meeting at the Sizzler at 7212 Menaul NE in Albuquerque (two blocks to the east of Louisiana Blvd., on the south side of Menaul), from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Suggestions for speakers are welcome. Speakers will have 30 minutes to make their case, then should be open to questions from the audience. Audience members are requested to ask questions of the speaker as opposed to making statements. All speakers will be considered to have consented to being recorded, including but not limited to audio or video devices, for posting to the internet (YouTube, etc.).

ABQ Campaign for Liberty

Agenda for this event

Round-robin introductions (if needed)
State of the Party speech by LPNM State Chair Mike Blessing
Notices about upcoming events
Getting Started as an Activist

After-event review

What went well

We stuck to the posted agenda fairly well – we didn't get sidetracked much at all.
We had a few new faces at this event – total attendance was twelve, which is double last month's number.

What needs improving

The venue's management seated us in the separate room after another group had previously reserved that same room for every Thursday.

NOTES

Original article
Reposted –
1. KCUF Media – Wordpress / Xanga
2. The Weekly Sedition – Wordpress / Yahoo!
3. Partisans of the American Southwest – Wordpress / Yahoo!

Copyright © 2011 Libertarian Party of New Mexico. All rights reserved.
Produced by KCUF Media, a division of Extropy Enterprises. Webmaster Mike Blessing
This blog entry created with Notepad++

LPNM 2011 Annual State Convention

2011-01-14T01:59:00.005-07:00

Libertarian Party of New Mexico

2010 Annual State Convention

Theme – The Way Forward: Rebuilding

Venue – Quarters BBQ
3700 Ellison Dr. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114 – See also HERE

Contact Mike Blessing – 505-515-7015

Friday, 15 April 2011

Saturday, April 16, 2011

11:00 AM		Registration and pay-as-you-go lunch, order off the menu – Ø25 per person, to include dinner in the evening

1:00 PM		LPNM Business Meeting [no charge for anyone attending ONLY the business meeting]
		All who are registered with the State of New Mexico as Libertarians ("LIB" on the voter registration card) can vote during nominations for public office. Only Caucus Members can vote during LPNM business and internal LPNM elections. Visitors do not vote in any actions or activities. Central Committee meeting after close of the LPNM Business Meeting.
3:00 PM		Speaker [To be announced]

4:00 PM		Speaker [To be announced]

5:00 PM		Break [so Quarters can prepare for the dinner]

5:30 PM		Dinner [included in the registration fee]
		Family-style – includes BBQ chicken, ribs, sliced beef brisket, sliced pork brisket, hot links, with various sides, and includes your choice of iced tea, coffee, or soda [other beverages are pay-as-you-go].

7:30 PM		Keynote Speaker – [To be announced]

8:30 PM		LPNM Fundraiser Auction [Bring items to donate]

9:00 PM		Convention [and Quarters] closes

NOTES

Reposted –
1. Personal blogs – Wordpress / Xanga
2. KCUF Media – Wordpress / Xanga
3. The Weekly Sedition
4. New Mexico Liberty

Questionnaire from the Alibi -- Mike Blessing Responds

2010-10-28T01:32:00.003-06:00

Name:		Mike Blessing
Party:		Libertarian Party / Boston Tea Party
District:		16
Website:		http://mike4nmh16-2010.blogspot.com/

What qualifies you for this position?

I am a sapient (self-aware) resident, registered voter and taxpayer of the District.

What qualifies me over my opponent? What qualifies him over me? What qualifies either of us over any other resident of the District?

Beware the person who tells you that they have all the answers to all of your problems, if only you surrender a bit of your liberty to them. To paraphrase what Lord Acton said, "Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. All great men are bad men." And no, I don't see myself as being immune to this tendency.
What should be done to address ethics reform and transparency?

Open up all closed-door conference committees in the Legislature.

Require that all State spending over $1000.00 be posted to a publicly-viewable website within twenty-four hours. Considering that you can be tracked in real time when you use your credit card to pay for gas, fast food, etc., this is a very doable idea.

Allow private citizens to make audio and video recordings of all Legislative and regulatory-agency proceedings.
How can we balance the state's budget?

We can start by using a zero-services baseline, and put all of the State budget onto the table for discussion.

As for cutting specific budget items, we can start with the Rail Runner and the Film Office.

Refrain from expanding existing programs without cause, or from creating new programs or agencies that do the jobs of existing agencies or programs. Consolidate duplicative programs and agencies. Require every agency and program to justify its existence and budget on an annual basis.
Should New Mexico allow domestic partnerships for same-sex couples?

Inasmuch as the State requires any form of permission slip for two consenting adults to engage in romantic or sexual relations, the State should NOT discriminate against anyone of the gay / lesbian / bisexual / transgender / polyamorous / kinky persuasions, especially when it's often clear that such discrimination is done just because of this factor.

Still, it should be remembered that marriage-licensing laws started out under "Jim Crow" in the post-Reconstruction South as a way to enforce segregation, by outlawing interracial marriages between whites and blacks.
Do you favor rehabilitation instead of jail time for nonviolent drug offenders?

The current "rehabilitation" programs offered by the State as an alternative to jail or prison can often be more intrusive and onerous than incarceration.

Instead, let's try repealing the stupidity, insanity and evil known as Drug Prohibition. Consider that all it really does is corrupt law enforcement. Until I hear otherwise, I will assume that anyone who supports Drug Prohibition also supports the 10,000 drug-related murders per year in America caused by Drug Prohibition. Drugs being illegal won't stop people from wanting them, and someone else will find ways to make money providing them.
What do you think of the state's film initiatives?

The Film Office is just as much a corporate welfare handout program as was Isotopes Stadium when it was built, as is the Balloon Fiesta Park. Eliminate them from the public budgets, and then cut the gross receipts tax, cut the personal income tax, so that poor people can save some more money to support their kids. Let the Hollywood studios, all owned by multimillionaires, pay their own way. How many of the jobs created by the production companies still exist after the movie is completed?
How can we improve public education?

APS is one of the State's biggest spenders and employers, yet apparently the following was written by someone in the eighth grade:

ABOUT THE "All Work, No Play" article, I disagree with the run artical on how if the students do poorly on the standard based test then they cant have an elective. I feel bad that you feeled on the test.

See http://tinyurl.com/2a7fmuf for more.

And we should give APS MORE money?! When I was that age, I would have been ashamed to write that. Is APS even fixable?

I'm more focused on charter schools, private schools, and homeschoolers.
Should New Mexico change its laws surrounding immigration?

All of this hysteria about Mexicans coming north like Genghis Khan's Golden Horde is just that – hysteria. Joe Miller, the Alaska GOP's candidate for U.S. Senate, unwittingly reinforced my point when he said that East Germany was "effective" about enforcing its border around West Berlin – http://tinyurl.com/25mf2ml – nice guy, isn't he?

Seriously, what kind of society do we want to end up with – one with fences, walls, scanners, regulations and subgun-toting guards all over the place, or one where people can interact with each other on a basis of voluntary consent?
What kind of infrastructure improvements does your district require?

The usual kinds that just about every other district needs – the roads are the most visible ones. Driving around some parts of Albuquerque can be like four-wheeling, considering the potholes, cracks, bumps, etc. that I often see around town. This is what we spend millions on road bonds for every two years?! There has to be a better way to build roads.

One thing that needs doing around here is speed-bump removal – people still routinely go over them at 40 MPH, and I wouldn't want to be a patient in an ambulence going over them.
What issues do your constituents care about most?

I haven't had the cash to do any surveys or polling, but I'm guessing that they would want their individual rights to life, liberty, property and the pursuit of happiness to be respected by State government. I suspect that they want to provide for themselves and their families in a productive manner by interacting with others on a basis of mutual consent. State (and local, and federal) government should do what it can to defend that liberty, while not infringing that same liberty. Other than protecting those freedoms, government should leave people to their own devices.

NOTES

Original article – alibi.com page
Reposted –
1. Personal blogs – Wordpress / Xanga
2. KCUF Media – New Mexico's Consumer Advocate / The Weekly Sedition
3. New Mexico Liberty / The BTPNM Blog / The LPNM Blog

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Questionnaire from the Alibi -- Mark Curtis Responds

2010-10-28T01:31:00.000-06:00

Name:		Mark Curtis
Party:		Libertarian Party
District:		19
Website:		none. not a netizen

What qualifies you for this position?

not a professional politician. not the incumbent. have some appreciation of the limits of government.
What should be done to address ethics reform and transparency?

would support strengthening of limits on gifts and favors. mostly, voters need to choose candidates who have higher standards. we can't really legislate ethical behavior.
How can we balance the state's budget?

limit growth in expenditures. reduce employee numbers by 15-20 %. pay state employees no better than private sector. tighter controls on state benefits.
Should New Mexico allow domestic partnerships for same-sex couples?

what over-riding interest does the state have in limiting them? civil law is quite capable of handling questions of joint property and child custody. once an "M" corporation license is issued, the partnered persons are espoused. "marriage" ceremonies can be performed at the discretion of the various institutions.
Do you favor rehabilitation instead of jail time for nonviolent drug offenders?

nonviolent drug offenders: what is the states interest in choice of recreational activities? most of the social problems associated with recreational drug use derive from its illegality. we have public and private programs for problem drinkers and gamblers. why criminal penalties for drug users?
What do you think of the state's film initiatives?

I like to have films produced here and am not, for now, opposed to temporary tax rebates. I would much prefer that we create a more business friendly regulatory and tax structure for all businesses.
How can we improve public education?

the states virtual monopoly on primary and secondary education is at the root of our education problems. initially, a program of "backpack" vouchers that would follow the student to whatever institution their parents choose would provide funding for the most capable instructors to establish their own schools. eventually, most students would attend private schools.
Should New Mexico change its laws surrounding immigration?

I do not approve of issuing state drivers licenses to undocumented aliens. there is an international drivers license for temporary visitors. at the national level, immigration quotas should be increased substantially. movement across the borders for temporary employment purposes should be easy to reduce the incentive to bring family to the relatively high cost of living states.
What kind of infrastructure improvements does your district require?

do you mean "what kind of pork will you bring to your district"? None. the city or county could spend quite a bit on old water and sewer lines and some of the streets and curbs are in need of repair or replacement but, I don't see these as legitimate state issues.
What issues do your constituents care about most?

beyond education, I have no idea. most of our discussions have been about runaway state and federal spending and the growing federal interference in matters rightfully left to the states, like education.

NOTES

alibi.com page
Reposted –
1. KCUF Media
2. New Mexico Liberty

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LPNM Going Into "Hibernation" Until Further Notice

2010-09-13T01:26:00.000-06:00

Friends of Liberty:

Due to an ongoing legal situation, the Libertarian Party of New Mexico has been forced to suspend all of its current business except for handling that same legal situation, including regular meetings, Central Committee meetings, etc.

Due to this, we have also placed our long-running email discussion list into "hibernation" by means of requiring moderator approval for any and all postings.

How long will this situation last? I honestly don't know.

On a good note, I have received confirmation from the Bernalillo County Clerk's Office, Election Bureau, that Mark Curtis, nominated for State Representative in District 19, has been officially placed on the ballot for the general election coming up this November.

For more information, contact State Chairman Jay Vandersloot at 505-362-1733.

________________________________________________________________________

Mike Blessing / Phone – 505-515-7015 / Yahoo IM – mikewb1971 / PGP Public Key

NOTES

Reposted –
1. New Mexico Liberty /
  Mike Blessing for State Representative /
  The LPNM Blog
2. Facebook Groups – New Mexico Libertarians
3. Myspace Groups – /
4. Yahoo! Groups – Personal email archive / Albuquerque Campaign for Liberty / FYI-NM-Politics

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LP Monday Message: High Unemployment on Labor Day

2010-09-07T20:49:00.002-06:00

September 6, 2010

Dear Friend of Liberty,

It's hard to celebrate Labor Day when unemployment is 9.6 percent.

Government interference is the single biggest cause of unemployment. Minimum wage laws, OSHA, ADA, etc., etc., make it difficult both to hire and to fire workers. (And when it's difficult to fire workers, it's much less likely that they will be hired in the first place.) To reduce unemployment, we need to start repealing laws!

Section 2.7 of the Libertarian Party platform states: "We support repeal of all laws which impede the ability of any person to find employment. We oppose government-fostered forced retirement. We support the right of free persons to associate or not associate in labor unions, and an employer should have the right to recognize or refuse to recognize a union. We oppose government interference in bargaining, such as compulsory arbitration or imposing an obligation to bargain."

I read today that President Obama wants another $50 billion in Keynesian stimulus spending. Stimulus supporters think that government spending creates jobs. What they don't seem to understand is that the money is taken out of the private sector, which decreases private sector spending and investment, and that destroys jobs. I believe that stimulus spending destroys more jobs than it creates. We'd be much better off with the laissez-faire policies advocated by Austrian economic theory.

It makes me mad to think of all the ways the Republican and Democratic congresses, and presidents Bush and Obama, have hurt the private sector with all their stimulus and bailout programs. (Remember George W. Bush's 2008 "Economic Stimulus Act" with all the $600 "rebate" checks?)

If you'd like to help fight them, please participate in Quiz Across America.

Sincerely,

Wes Benedict
Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee

P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party dedicated to free markets and civil liberties. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can make a contribution separate from membership.

NOTES

Reposted —
1. KCUF Media
2. New Mexico Liberty / Mike Blessing for State Representative
3. Yahoo! Groups — [LPNM-discuss] / Personal email archive

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How to handle Ronald Reagan? [LP Monday Message]

2010-08-25T11:18:00.003-06:00

August 23, 2010

Dear Friend of Liberty,

As the 2010 election approaches, a lot of Republican politicians are trying to posture as government-cutters, and they often hold up Ronald Reagan as an example.

But although Reagan often talked about supporting smaller government, most Libertarians know that in practice he did exactly the opposite. For example:

Reagan boosted import tariffs and trade restrictions.
Reagan cut marginal income tax rates, but he also raised Social Security taxes.
Reagan increased farm subsidies.
Reagan sent the federal debt through the roof.
Federal spending under Reagan grew from $678 billion to $1.14 trillion.
Reagan set the record for the highest average spending as a percent of GDP over his administration. (Obama may beat him.)

Many people are complaining right now about unemployment under Barack Obama. In the first 18 months of Obama's presidency, unemployment has increased from 7.7 percent to 9.5 percent.

Did you know that during the first 18 months of Reagan's presidency, unemployment increased from 7.5 percent to 9.8 percent? That's even worse, but I don't hear a lot of Republicans mentioning it.

Many Republican politicians, operatives and talk show hosts like to talk positively about Reagan and try to portray him as delivering smaller government. They don't say that about George W. Bush. I presume that's to try and convince voters that Bush was bad in some ways, and we should all try to be more like Reagan.

Some polls show Reagan is reasonably well-respected these days. I think the positive reactions are often based on misconceptions, and that brings up an interesting point: how should Libertarians deal with the Ronald Reagan myth?

To address that question, we put up a new poll today. Please share your opinion.

Sincerely,

Wes Benedict
Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee

P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party dedicated to free markets and civil liberties. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can make a contribution separate from membership.

NOTES

Original article
Reposted —
1. KCUF Media — Blogspot / Xanga
2. New Mexico Liberty / Mike Blessing for State Representative / The LPNM Blog

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Comic-Con vs. Fred Phelps

2010-07-23T13:09:00.003-06:00

Current mood: amused, annoyed cranky

I found this on Facebook —

Nerds vs. the Westboro Baptist Church, Super Heroes vs. the Westboro Baptist Church

Doesn't Fred Phelps have anything better to do with his time than this inanity? Really.

NOTES

Reposted —
1. New Mexico Liberty / Mike Blessing for State Representative

The Weekly Sedition Returns to ABQ Ch.27

2010-06-30T01:04:00.003-06:00

Starting Thursday, July 1st, at 8PM, The Weekly Sedition returns to Albuquerque Comcast Channel 27.

Your cordial host will be myself, Mike Blessing, with Bill Koehler behind the camera running the technical side of things.

NOTES

Reposted —
1. KCUF Media — Blogspot / Myspace / Xanga
2. New Mexico Liberty / Mike Blessing for State Representative

The 100-Word Challenge

2010-06-18T01:30:00.004-06:00

Current mood: amused

New Mexico Turn Around posts a challenge for the rest of us —

CHALLENGE: In 100 words suggest a solution for the economic mess toward which we head.

Oh, really?

Here's my response — let's see if I actually need the full 100 words . . .

Cut spending across the board — no special handouts for anyone.
Cut taxes across the board — no special breaks for anyone.
Repeal regulations across the board — no special breaks for anyone.
Repeal bad, wasteful laws across the board — no special breaks for anyone.
Bring the troops home from Iraq, Afghanistan and everywhere else.
Return to a sound money system (gold? silver?) for government transactions.
Repeal legal tender laws.
Repeal any law repugnant to the written U.S. Constitution or Bill of Rights.

I count 80 words.

And I dared to use That Word Which Shall Not Be Uttered In Contemporary Politics — "repeal" — not just once, but four times! Shame on me!

NOTES

Reposted — Mike Blessing for State Representative / New Mexico Liberty

The 2010 Candidates

2010-06-15T22:10:00.000-06:00

The Libertarian Party of New Mexico's candidates for the 2010 general election are as follows:

State Representative, District 11 — Eric Pino

State Representative, District 16 — Mike Blessing

State Representative, District 19 — Mark Curtis

State Representative, District 22 — Elisheva Levin

More Activity?

2008-09-04T15:24:00.001-06:00

I just sent out some invites for people to post here -- I'd like to see some more activity here, and in the LPNM in general.

-- Mike Blessing

New LPNM Official Website

2008-05-05T01:55:00.001-06:00

Congratualtions to Mike Moss for putting up the new Official LPNM Website!

Firing this one up . . .

2008-03-22T16:06:00.004-06:00

Hello, world!

I'm setting this up as a blog for the Libertarian Party of New Mexico.

See the LPNM's official site.

Mike Blessing,
LPNM Secretary
Executive Heretic, KCUF Media