Published bimonthly by the Libertarian Party of Washington State

Contents copyright (c) 1999 by Washington Libertarian. Any material may be reproduced with credit to the author and to Washington Libertarian.

For the latest on events, speakers, etc., see the ''Updates'' Calendar on the main LPWS web site, http://LPWS.org/events.htm.

Two bits, four bits, six bits a dollar

By John Gearhart

Interesting things are afoot for the fall election here in the Ninth District.

There will be a very well financed campaign on the part of the Democrats to secure a house seat in Olympia. By doing so they will likely break the even split between themselves and the Republicans, and as the saying goes, "will have their way with us." The seat opened when Larry Sheahan was moved from the house to the senate, to fill the one vacated when Eugene Prince moved to the Liquor Control Board. Both seats must now be defended by the Republicans in an unusual off year election; some estimates place the combined amount that will be spent at around $250,000. If the Democrats can pull off a victory, they will break the tie in the house, and the Republican co-chairs will be gone. We plan on having a presence in this fray, and there will no doubt be statewide media coverage, but we will be contesting the senate seat rather than the house seat. A unique set of circumstances resulted from the process of appointing Republicans to fill those vacated Republican seats, and I believe we can turn them to our advantage. In the final decision making process there was a majority of Democratic county commissioners, and the local Republicans did not get their first choice for that senate seat. They wanted Mark Schoesler rather than Larry Sheahan, but Larry evidently talked those Democrats into appointing him instead, and there are a lot of miffed Republicans because of that. I first ran against Sheahan in '92 and have come to be very familiar with his politics. He loves to run as the great defender of all that is good. One could almost take him for a Libertarian! However, once the election is over, he is back into pork barrel politics. We've been at a loss to find an issue that strikes a chord with the voters, especially conservative voters, but he may have finally altered that situation. When discussing politics, I have gotten a very heated response against his proposal to seize the vehicles of individuals seeking to obtain the services of prostitutes - even from women. Around here it's a hot issue, and there is more that can work to our advantage.

But that's not all. The local Republican power structure is divided, and that will deny Mr. Sheahan the united base he has enjoyed in the past.

In a two-way race with Sheahan in '94, we got almost 20% of the vote with an expenditure of just under $2000. It was a year when Democrats failed to turn out in large numbers, and we failed to benefit from the usual crossover voting. We were also hampered by a lack of funds, so we weren't able to take our message to those who usually vote by not voting. I believe Sheahan's asset forfeiture position could bring them out, provided we have the resources to make his position known, and that brings us to the main reason I am writing this.

Two bits won't buy much in the way of media time, paper or ink. Even a buck doesn't go very far. But five or ten dollars is enough to get some attention, even if it is only for a short time, and if repeated, people begin to take notice. I am approaching you for your help in the coming campaign. I believe that this will be a good investment. This is a unique opportunity. I believe that with the organization and professionalism existing in our party, and the lessons of the past, that we can win. I thank you for your time, and my best to you and yours!

Ed. note: see "Libertarian candidates seek donations of $$$ and time" for contact information. O

If you want to increase your region's success as a political party, don't miss the workshop by an East King regional leader. If you want to talk with a Libertarian candidate for President, you'll get a chance in the Q&A breakout and social time. If you want to know how the state legislature really works, catch Brian Thomas, LP and WA House of Representatives member. All afternoon, you choose what you want to see from a menu of choices.

Sunday is the annual business meeting. We will elect officers, consider resolutions and perhaps overhaul our bylaws.

Call the Libertarian Party of Washington State at 206-329-5669 to register (ask for Carol).

Select here for details. O

Libertarian Leadership Conference in Boise, June 5, 8am-5pm. This event, LIBERTY 2000, combines a regional leadership meeting with a campaign workshop for activists and candidates. The morning session will be a regional meeting of state party leaders sharing success stories and ideas. Libertarian Party National Director Steve Dasbach will lead the afternoon session on campaigning and organizing at the state level. This is free and open to any LP member (you can join the day of the event). If you have questions or would like to participate, contact Chris at 208-362-6873 or cstruble@netboise.com.

State Executive Committee July 10th, 1pm to 4:30pm. Odd-numbered months on 2nd Saturdays. Broadview Library, 12755 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle. Directions: From I-5 NORTHBOUND, take the N 130th St exit (Exit #174; turn left off the exit to the stoplight 1/2 block north; turn left (=west) onto NE 130th for 1.3 miles; the library is just beyond Greenwood Ave N. on the left. From I-5 SOUTHBOUND, take the N 145th St Exit (Exit #175); turn right (=west) off the exit onto NE 145th for 1.3 miles; At Greenwood Ave N take a left (=south); turn right onto 130th Street, and the library is immediately on the left. Lost? 206-684-7519 x3. THE LIBRARY REQUESTS THAT WE PARK ON THE STREET, NOT IN THEIR SMALL PARKING LOT. Questions? Contact Carol Miller at 206-329-5669 or director@LPWS.org.

Benton/Franklin Counties 4th Thursdays, June 24. Dinner 6:30pm, meeting, 7pm. Godfather's Pizza, 1051 George Washington Way, Richland. Directions: From I-182, take Exit 5 = north on George Washington Way, it's 1/2 block past Swift Ave. on the left. From Hwy 14, take the George Washington Exit, head north, and it's 1/2 block past Swift Ave. on the left. Lost? 509-943-8488. Questions? Contact Dave Carson at 509-627-1303 or benton@LPWS.org.

Clark/Skamania Counties Vancouver Libertarians meet 3rd Thursdays, 7pm, Smokey's Pizza, 10411 NE Fourth Plain, Orchards, Washington. Lori or Frank, 360-837-3760. Bruce Lytle organizing affiliate region: brucekey@ix.netcom.com.

Grays Harbor County 3rd Saturdays, June 19, 1pm. River Haven Restaurant. 120 Lincoln Ave, Hoquiam. Directions: It's on Highway 101 just north of the Hwy 109 turnoff. Lost? 360-532-0126. Questions? Art Rathjen, 360-289-4940 or grays@LPWS.org.

Island County June 4th, 11:30 Lunch. Useless Bay Golf & Country Club (about 2 miles south of Freeland). Lunch is a no host bar/ meal $8.00, tax and beverage included. Reserve with Reece at 360-341-1796 or reecau@whidbey.com. Bring a guest.

King County

1. Liberty Supper Club (Seattle) 4th Thursdays (except Nov. & Dec.), May 27, June 24 Dinner (optional) 6:30pm, meeting 7:30pm, speaker 8pm. $2 cover charge. Bring friends, neighbors, and the politically curious to this monthly soirée.There's always plenty of time for questions and conversation. Oscar's II Restaurant, 2051 E. Madison, Seattle (east Capitol Hill). Directions: From I-5, Madison St. Exit; east on Madison; on the right near 22nd, parking in the back. Lost? 206-322-2029. Questions? Scott Semans, 206-322-4180 or ssemans@aol.com.

2. Liberty Forum (Bellevue) CHANGE OF DATE: 3rd Mondays, June 21, dinner (optional) 6:30pm, announcements 7:15pm, speaker 7:45pm, $2 donation suggested. Azteca in the Bellevue Hilton, 150 112th NE, Bellevue. Free parking. BRING A FRIEND! June 21 is the East King County Region's annual Convention. Participate in electing officers and more! All the way back on left side of dining room. Directions: Northbound: Highway 405, SE 8th Exit, turn left at end of exit = SE 8th; turn right onto 112th, it's on the right just past Main, about one mile. Southbound: Highway 405, SE 8th Exit, turn right at end of exit = SE 8th; turn right onto 112th, it's on the right just past Main, about one mile. Lost? 425-453-9087. Questions? Contact Doug Witt at (425) 888-2266 or e-mail Doug at humus@halcyon.com.

3. Bellevue Libertarians: Ernie Ludwick, 425-641-9824, or eastking@LPWS.org.

4. Kirkland Libertarians: Rachel Hawkridge, 425-814-4548 or raehawkrij@bigfoot.com.

5. Business Meeting, East King County (organizers of Liberty Forum): Changing to 1st Mondays, June 7. Same place as Liberty Forum, above.

6. TV! Public Access Cable: Liberty Forum (West King's event) broadcasts 1st Sundays at 4pm Liberty Supper Club (East King's event) broadcasts 3rd Sundays at 4pm, channel 29/Seattle.

7. Speakers Bureau Practice public speaking (loosely modeled on Toastmasters), plus support for people available for presentations. Tentatively, June 20 at home of Chris C. at 12512 9th Ave NW, Seattle. Directions: (TGC 504/G4) From I-5 NORTHBOUND, take N 130th St Exit (Exit #174); turn left off exit, up to the stoplight 1/2 block north; turn left (=west) onto NE 130th for 1.3 miles; at Greenwood Ave N go left (=south); at N 125th St go right (=west); at 9th Ave NW go right (=north); it's immediately on the right. From I-5 SOUTHBOUND, take N 145th St Exit (Exit #175); turn right (=west) off the exit onto NE 145th for 1.3 miles; at Greenwood Ave N go left (=south); at N 125th St go right (=west); at 9th Ave NW go right (=north); it's immediately on the right. It's a tall house with lots of stairs on the left. Lost? call 206-367-4299.) If you want to be included in list, send empty email to speakers-subscribe@lists.LPWS.org.

8. Libertarian Book Club Lauren Bain and Andria Houghton invite all to a discussion of P.J. O'Rourke's EAT THE RICH, Sat., May 29 at 11:00 a.m. West Seattle location to TBA. This book is a humorously informative "treatise on economics." Contact Lauren , lbain@emeraldnet.net or Andria, 206-764-0778.

Kitsap County 2nd Tuesdays, June 8 at 6:30pm Roundtable Pizza, 3276 NW Plaza Rd. (between Toys R Us and Target) Directions: Hwy 16, then Highway 3 North to Silverdale, take the Hwy 303 South = Kitsap Mall Exit, turn right off exit onto Kitsap Mall Blvd, turn right at 2nd stoplight at Plaza Road, the restaurant will be on the right. Lost? call 360-698-4040. Questions? Ron Ralstin, 360-479-2921 or kitsap@LPWS.org.

Pierce County 3rd Thursdays, June 17 at 7pm. Roundtable Pizza, 7901 S. Hosmer, Tacoma. Contact Mark Hamilton 253-846-1928 or hamilton@frugal.com.

Snohomish County Meetings are on odd-numbered months. Saturdays TBA in July, 3pm, Everett Library, Main Branch, lower meeting room, 2702 Hoyt Ave. Tony, 425-355-0543.

South Sound (Thurston, Lewis, Mason Counties) Matt Dunning, 360-432-0162 or matthewddu@aol.com.

Spokane County and surrounding area Marc Whitman, 509-624-7417, spokane@LPWS.org. Spokane Region website: http://infinital.ethereal.net/libertarian

Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille Counties (NE WA) June 14 1999, 7pm Annual Convention: Eva Hart-Fredrick's home, 374 S. Maple Street, Colville, WA. Elections for officers; debate any proposed changes to bylaws. From Chewelah: N. on US 395 to Colville. Turn right (west) onto Birch Ave. (2nd light). Proceed 3 blocks, turn right (south) onto Maple. Proceed 1 block. House on corner of Maple and Columbia. From Kettle Falls: S. on US 395 to Colville. Turn left (west) onto Birch Ave. (4th light). Proceed 3 blocks, turn right (south) onto Maple. Proceed 1 block. House at corner of Maple and Columbia. Lost? 509-684-3595 July 17 or 24 1999 details TBA Mike Hihn, former Executive Director of the LPWS and founder of Washington Liberty PAC, is tentatively scheduled. Questions? Mark, marktaff@theofficenet.com or 509-684-6240.

OTHER DATES OF INTEREST

Sept 17 - Sept 19 Liberty Magazine Conference Port Townsend, WA. Features: David Friedman, Randal O'Toole, Steve Cox, Doug Casey, Fred Smith, Alan Bock, Pierre Lemieux, Durk Pearson, Sandy Shaw, Rick Stroup, Jane S. Shaw, R. W. Bradford. This will be an informal setting with lots of social events.

July 26-30, 1999 Candidate filing week for 1999 elections at County Elections Departments

September 14, 1999 Primary Election

November 2, 1999 General Election O

Hello Fellow Libertarians.

This letter is both the saddest and happiest I have written. It is sad to me because it is the last one I will be writing as State Chair. It is happy because the party is steamrollering forward, making my decision not to run for reelection much easier.

We have grown in an off-election year and continue to accelerate growth. We have more active members than ever before. Nearly every pro-liberty and justice-seeking activity happening in the state has a Libertarian footprint attached. More candidates are planning to run for office in 1999 and 2000 than ever before. Members have been learning how to manage campaigns & campaign themselves, organize a demonstration, speak effectively on talk radio and television, get published in the print media, run grassroots campaigns, testify in front of legislative committees and many more essential activities.

Libertarians are having an impact on politics and policy in WA State, the full effects of which will be felt in 1999 when more Libertarians win public office, I-695 passes into law, freeing us from confiscatory license tab fees and curtailing the funds available for yet more excessive government spending, and I-705 and I-706 are voted into law, ending the state monopoly on alcohol sales.

Libertarians have been at the forefront of the effort to retain excellent Supreme Court Justices like Richard Sanders, and fighting to put more such people in office. We have been educating people on salmon issues, the traitorous acts of our president in selling military secrets to the Chinese government, the unfairness of the federal tax code, civil rights and Libertarian beliefs in general via such avenues as outreach meetings, demonstrations, initiative drives and radio and television appearances.

Many thanks to those LP activists who have been conducting non-advertising outreach, including the ultimate outreach and commitment of running for office. Just to name A FEW:

• Rachel Hawkridge, for her efforts on behalf of I-705 and I-706, as well as managing Kris Sundberg's campaign for Supreme Court.
• John Tyson, a devoted member who has had a cable TV Show in Clark County on three hours per week for the last three months.
• Doug Witt and Ernie Ludwick, who have been relentless in efforts to get the party and its viewpoints exposure via the Puyallup Fairs.
• Sidra Johansen and the Walds, who have given us a presence at Home Shows and League of Women Voters events.
• Dr. John Bennett, who has stepped forward to run for U.S. Congress against the ever-present Norm Dicks. -Too many people to name here, planning to run for upcoming local elections, such as for City Council and Port Commissioner.
• John Gearhart who is running for the legislature in 1999 (the only district with such a race this year) and others running in 2000.
• Jayne Peralta, Chip Barron, Jesse Malkin and many other young people who have been engaged in issues important to them, such as the compassionate assistance medical marijuana gives so many with illnesses, and improving health care in our state.
• Carol Miller, our Executive Director, for having been instrumental in motivating so many members to engage in the fight for liberty, rather than just being passive observers, as well as for having given us much radio and television exposure since becoming Director.
• Reece Causey for her fight for the preservation and restoration of property rights, and commitment to learn campaign management.
• Ken Houghton for testifying in regards to social security, second amendment rights and other issues in Olympia.

We are also gaining new members and activists from print and radio advertising, sponsored by you, the members.

Operation Everywhere is in full swing. If each of you will join that effort in whatever way your time and talents permit, that momentum will restore more freedom and gain more much-needed media credibility, public attention and inevitably, members. Please contact Carol Miller for ideas on how you can participate.

Thank you sincerely for allowing me the honor and privilege of serving as your State Chair for the past two years.

Mary Maas O

Wouldn't it be nice if the "invisible hand" were a bit more clear?

by Doug Witt

Jokes about economists are almost as common as those about attorneys, but attorneys can actually be of some use in time of need. Except for Henry Hazlitt's Economics in One Lesson, I can't think of any economics book that I enjoyed reading.

Enter Austrian economics. When was the last time someone explained to you that trade and exchange is the basic and most important social relationship? When was it explained to you that this is so because it is exchange that links individuals together and makes a prosperous and peaceful society possible?

For example, Lynn trades "X" for Pat's "Y". In statist Keynesian terms, this exchange is represented as X=Y. To the Austrian economist this is mathematical sorcery, because for any exchange to happen voluntarily, the exchange is inherently unequal, otherwise it wouldn't happen! Both Lynn and Pat are exchanging precisely because their individual value scales desire the other's item more than their own! In other words, it is the subjective value of the individual that determines whether the exchange occurs or not. Where does the subjective value reside? In the mind of the individual. Keynesians ignore subjective value and assume that X=Y because it allows them to invent equations that usurp control of the individuals' decision-making process! Voila! The existence of Big Brother and the Nanny State hinge upon a devaluation of individual choice. As long as it is not understood that voluntary exchanges are unequal, Big Brother's Number Crunchers will move the variables around to justify better management of the equation.

Of course, any intervention in this voluntary exchange must create less total satisfaction since the interfering party is not omniscient of the individuals' value scale-which also changes over time.

As an individual, you will make mistakes. And as Libertarians, we understand that people must have the freedom to do just that. The freedom to make mistakes and self-correct is at the heart of Libertarianism. And to respect the individual subjective nature of this process-even the downside of a bad choice, is to reinforce the sanctity of choice itself. Libertarians know that individuals are "decentralized mistake makers," and with Austrian economics they can help people understand and restore individual economic and personal freedoms.

When the power of Austrian economics becomes generally known to the LP it will be the single most important tool to break government control and interference in the world economy.

If you would like to participate in this process, you can contact the Ludwig Von Mises Institute, one group that keeps the Austrian school in session, at www.mises.org, and strike a blow for Liberty!

Doug Witt is chair of the East King County Libertarian Party. O

Bust the Booze Monopoly!

Rachel Hawkridge, an LP member, heads Citizens for Free Market Liquor (C4FML). The group is waging war on the Liquor Control Board, which even the Federal Bureau of Investigation suspects is corrupt.

I-705 is The Liquor Taxation Reform Act of 1999. It repeals all taxes on alcoholic beverages, except the 7 percent sales tax, and replaces them with a $2.00 per Pure Alcohol Liter (PAL) tax. I-706 is The Liquor Control Reform Act of 1999. It abolishes state run liquor stores, and allows private enterprise to take over the business of selling alcohol. The LPWS endorsed the initiatives on March 13.

You can help by filling the petitions enclosed in this newsletter and making a donation. For more information, check out www.C4FML.org, call 425-825-1660, or mail to C4FML, 11613 124th Ave NE Suite 306, Kirkland, WA 98034.

Bennett for Congress!

John Bennett, OD, chair of Clallam County Libertarians, is planning a run for Congress for the 6th Congressional seat in 2000.

Bennett will be up against the Eternal Legislator, Norm Dicks, who has left a trail of battered opponents in his wake. This may be one race in which a Libertarian stands at least as much chance as a Republican.

Bennett, recently appointed to the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, is searching for a campaign chair at this writing. Art Rathjen of Gray's Harbor will be Bennett's finance chair.

Bennett is available as a speaker and seeks volunteers and expertise from around the state. He can be contacted at clallam@LPWS.org or 360-683-9041. O

Libertarian candidates seek donations of $$$ and time:

Jesse Brocksmith for Kirkland City Council
c/o 13110 119th PL NE #N-5, Kirkland 98034
425-820-5133, jessebrocksmith@yahoo.com

Randy Brooks for Lacey City Council
c/o 6421 Shady Lane SE, Lacey 98503
360-491-9031, randybrooks@home.com

James Brown (Bellevue City Council)
"Campaign for More Responsive Government"
c/o 14222 SE Allen Rd, Bellevue 98006
425-643-7846, jamesbrown98006@worldnet.att.net

John Gearhart for State Senate
c/o PO Box 8, Palouse, WA 99161
509-878-1371, tape99@gte.net

Gene Hawkridge for Kirkland City Council
c/o 12832 125th Lane NE #D2, Kirkland 98034
425-814-4548, geneph@aol.com

Mark Hamilton for Port of Tacoma Commission
18003 83rd St E, Bonney Lake 98390
253-863-6275, hamilton@frugal.com

Barry Ross (Bellevue City Council)
"Campaign for More Responsive Government"
c/o 14771 NE 3rd St # 16, Bellevue 98007
425-373-0668, brosslp@aol.com

These candidates responded to Carol Miller's request for permission to distribute contact information. To be included in a list in the next newsletter, contact Carol Miller.

Speaker Riles Up Benton-Franklin

Is Your Town Next?

Did you know that the land federal and county governments are squabbling over, known as the Hanford Reach, was statutorily earmarked to be returned to its original owners, from whom it was "borrowed" for national security reasons? Did you know that the General Accounting Office blasted salmon preservation programs for lacking rudimentary accounting for billions of dollars? Did you know that the Spokane Spokesman-Review was so alarmed by the power and arrogance of the salmon-saving, dam-busting lobby, that it headlined a feature article "Saving salmon is now an industry"?

"That's the only accurate story this paper has published in years," said Bill Riley, executive director of the Big Bend Economic Development Council, a Libertarian and vocal critic of the government's fish preservation industry.

Jocelyn Langlois, the meeting organizer, estimates 30 people attended the potluck and speech. Two became Libertarian Party members and four more "saw the light." "I got responses like, 'Wow, we are Libertarian and had no idea. We did not think that there was a name for how we felt,'" said Langlois.

Besides written invites to LP inquirers, family, friends and co-workers, the Benton-Franklinites also preached to the pagans. "We passed out about 60 flyers at the Earth Day celebration that week at a local park," Langlois explained. "We targeted people who attended the 'salmon and dams' debate that was held that day."

She added that kids can be given the task of distributing flyers. "I found that using the young people really helped, they just do not seem to be intimidated by distribution of hand-outs the way some of us old folks are."

Although Riley's talk used the threat to the dams of Columbia and Snake Rivers as a jumping off point, he delved into the motivations and methods of bureaucrats and media-savvy front groups, like the Bullitt Foundation, for whom the dams are an easy target in their campaign to return the West to a pristine state.

Riley was shocked at how many people were surprised or ignorant of some subjects of his talk. "I guess we haven't been giving enough speeches," Riley commented, wryly. Riley is available to speak at other LP functions, and may be just the person to focus the minds of volunteers and future freedom-fighters. He can be contacted at 509-246-0946. O

Top