LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF COLORADO BLOG

WOLF LINKED TO DELTA COUNTY CORRUPTION

WOLF LINKED TO DELTA COUNTY CORRUPTION

Wayne Wolf, Republican candidate for the 3rd Congressional District, has been serving on the Delta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) for the past 7 years. What few people realize is the history and level of corruption within the Delta County BoCC. Most recently County Commissioners, County Planners, and Area Planning Committees have been revising the counties subdivision regulations. However, Engineers, Realtors, Surveyors, mining companies, developers, and ordinary citizens have been forbidden to see the document, let alone have a copy of the drastically changing rules that will deeply affect their personal and professional lives. New regulations regarding working from home have also been included in this document... hidden in the "definitions" section! The chair of the Libertarian Party of Delta County, Debbie Schum, was able to obtain a copy of the document that all but government officials are forbidden to see, and the Libertarian Party of Colorado (LPCO) has posted this document on our web site at: http://www.lpcolorado.org.

Working in collusion with the District Attorneys office, the BoCC has routinely shown a blatant disregard for Colorado law. When the BoCC of Delta County was caught "red-handed" illegally transferring funds in direct violation of state law, the District Attorneys office refused to prosecute the case. A similar legal action was sought by citizens when the BoCC used taxpayer monies to purchase and improve "select" subdivision lots - at taxpayer expense. This case also was brushed off by the District Attorney. Delta County is a statutory county, and therefore must abide by, and not supersede, Colorado state law.
However, many of the counties ordinances (e.g., junk ordinances, sewage/septic requirements) supersede state law by far, and citizens are routinely penalized for non-compliance with illegal and/or non-existent ordinances. Citizen confrontations of the BoCC with legal actions have had no effect.

The LPCO State Chair, Travis Nicks, commented that "Hopefully posting this document to our web site will bring greater transparency to local government in Delta County - and help expose the corruption that has for so long existed there".

For more information, contact:
Debbie Schum
Chair of the Libertarian Party of Delta County
Cell: 970-234-8056
E-Mail: smudgesticks@juno.com

LPCO mourns the loss of Michael Corbin

Today the Libertarian Party of Colorado mourns the loss of a patriot and leader in the new American freedom movement. Michael Corbin, host of the radio show, "A Closer Look" on 1360AM, Johnstown, Colorado, passed away at approximately 3:00pm on March 18, from a stroke late Sunday evening. His family was with him.

Michael believed that every person should question the assumption that they are getting the "facts" and the "truth" from the major media outlets of television, radio and newspapers. He had a vision of reviving, in some small way, the by-gone days when reporters did "on the ground" investigations that often took months, even years, in order to write the news. In addition to his radio show, he created the "Michael Corbin Coalition", which met once a month to discuss what average Americas can do to restore our eroding Constitutional Republic...and protect our national sovereignty. An insightful critic of not only the Bush Administration, but also of our many elected representatives who continue to ignore their oath to support our Constitution, Michael informed and educated his listeners as our human and civil rights were, and continue to be violated by our own government.

The Libertarian Party of Colorado knew and respected Michael as a powerful voice for freedom. He will be missed.

Donations can be made to the Michael Corbin Memorial Fund at any First Bank.

Thanks to blog commenter Indira Singh who directs us to the following site for to those who would like to leave a note of remembrance:

http://rememberingmichael.wordpress.com

PRESS RELEASE: Libertarian Party Nominates Candidates for Key Offices

The Libertarian Party of Colorado's annual convention was held Saturday, March 8th in Fort Collins. Along with the usual business, the state delegates nominated candidates for public office, and delegates to the 2008 Libertarian National Convention - which will be held in Denver, Colorado over Memorial Day weekend from May 22 to May 26, 2008.

Among the candidates nominated for key public offices were Martin L. Buchanan, author of "To Save America: How to Prevent Our Coming Federal Bankruptcy", who will be challenging Diana DeGette (D) for U.S. Congressional District 1. At the State level, Ken Wyble will be challenging Suzanne Williams (D) for the Senate District 28 seat. Jack Woehr will be challenging Robert Witwer (R) for House District 25. And well-known Arapahoe county Libertarian activist James Frye will be challenging Karen Middleton (D) for House District 42 (Middleton was appointed in February 2008 to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Rep. Michael Garcia.).

Since this is also a Presidential Election year, there was a Presidential candidate luncheon where Libertarian Presidential candidates Michael P. Jingozian, George Phillies, and Wayne Allyn Root all spoke to the convention and took questions from the attendees. Afterwards, a straw poll for the Presidential nomination was taken. The winner was business mogul and best-selling author, Wayne Allyn Root.

Libertarian Party sees 25% gain in membership

Democrats and Republicans continue to struggle

Washington, D.C. - While Republicans and Democrats struggled with members abandoning the party in pursuit of political alternatives, the Libertarian Party saw an increase in membership of 25 percent for the year.  "The numbers show what everybody has been saying--people are not happy with the two-party system and are ready for a change," says Libertarian Party Executive Director Shane Cory.

"The two-party system has failed the American public," says Cory, "and people are looking for a viable alternative in hopes of returning America to the right path.  Our numbers are a clear indication of the failure of Republicans and Democrats."

From Dec. 2006 to Dec. of this year, the Libertarian Party saw an increase of 25 percent in membership.  Major issues for new Libertarian members include disapproval of the war in Iraq and the use of torture in the so-called "War on Terror," excessive spending by the President and Congress, as well as rampant civil liberties violations.

"We're attracting members from both the Republican and Democratic Parties," says National Media Coordinator Andrew Davis. "People are tired of their old political parties, who care more for power than they do for freedom, and these people see the Libertarian Party as the most viable third party alternative.  The 25 percent membership increase should serve as a example to the two major parties of what happens when you sacrifice your core values for political power."

The Libertarian Party has also attracted a sizable portion of new members who serve in active duty in the United States military. The LP's soldiers, sailors and airmen range in rank from junior enlisted personnel to Vice Admiral Michael Colley, USN, [Ret.], who now serves on the Libertarian National Committee.

"Military service men and women recognize the value in the Libertarian Party's non-interventionist foreign policy position," says Cory, a Marine Corps veteran. "Members of the Armed Forces, just like their civilian counterparts, feel betrayed by Republicans and Democrats, and are searching for an alternative."

There are approximately a quarter-million registered Libertarians in the United States, and the Libertarian Party boasts more than 105,000 members.  To join the Libertarian Party, members simply have to sign a pledge that says the member does not believe in nor advocate "the initiation of force as a means of achieving political or social goals."

The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties.  You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.lp.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

Unsafe Forced Vaccinations

Unsafe Forced Vaccinations



When it comes to state governments taking the parent out of parenting Colorado is seemingly intent on leading the nation with SB080.  Sponsored by Senator Suzanne Williams (D) and Rep. Mike May (R), Senate Bill 080 states: No female student who is over 12 years of age shall attend any school in Colorado after July 1, 2008, unless she submits acceptable evidence to the school that she has been vaccinated for human papillomavirous or that, after receiving information about the link between human papilloma virus and cervical cancer and the
availability of HPV vaccine the student's parent has elected for the student not to receive the vaccine. The Executive Director of the Department of Public Health and Environment will decide the content and appropriate forms.

The associated press has reported that Merck has funneled money through Women in Government, an advocacy group made up of female state legislators around the country.   A top official from Merck's vaccine division sits on Women in Government's business council, and many of the bills around the country have been introduced by members of Women in Government.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16891832/

What's wrong with this bill:
- Gardasil has NOT been proven safe. The National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) has criticized the FDA for "Fast Tracking" the licensure of the vaccine (See http://wwwnvic.org/PressReleases/pr62706gardasil.htm)
- Clinical trial investigators dismissed most of the 102 Gardasil and placebo associated serious adverse events, including 17 deaths, that occurred in the clinical trials as unrelated. (Note: Associate Director of the FDA's Office of Drug Safety Dr. David Graham, well-known for blowing the whistle on both Merck and his own agency during the Vioxx scandal, is now warning the public about another Merck drug called Arcoxia.).
- Gardasil contains 225 mcg of aluminum and, although aluminum adjuvants have been used in vaccines for decades, they have NEVER been tested for safety in clinical trials. However, animal and human studies have shown that aluminum can cause nerve cell death and that vaccine aluminum adjuvants can allow aluminum to enter the brain.
- Although there are over 60 different strains of human papillomavirous (HPV), Gardasil prevents infections from only four strains of HPV (which cause roughly 70 percent of all cervical cancers).
- Cancer screenings will still be required because the vaccine does not cover all types of the virus. Young girls may avoid getting a pap smear thinking the vaccine protects them.
- SB 80 is an assault on parents' rights; the right to choose what is best, and safest, for their daughters.
- According to Merck, Gardasil's maker, a full, three-shot course (spread over 6 months) would cost $360, making Gardasil among the most expensive vaccines ever made. Also, the package insert states "the duration of immunity is not known" boosters may be needed.
- According to the Colorado Children's Campaign, about 57,000 children in the state are in families who lack health insurance and who have incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus. However, Jim Martin, new executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said he is confident that his department can get federal grants to ensure that girls from uninsured families could receive the vaccine at no cost ( i.e., taxpayers expense). This alone could ultiamtely cost taxpayers as much as $20.52 million.
- There is no penalty for schools that don't inform parents of their rights to exemptions. Some colleges, preschools and daycares do not accept exemptions. And some aid programs do not accept personal exemptions (and exemptions may be taken away in order to reach Governor Ritter's immunization goals).

Ultimately, SB 80 is a government mandated marketing program benefiting ONLY Merck, the sole manufacturer of Gardasil. This is called corporatism. If the anticipated 30,000 middle school girls in Colorado are vaccinated using Gardasil each year, that will add $10.8 million in annual revenue for Merck. All to prevent a sexually transmitted disease that can be avoided with simple abstinence. Who is SB 80 designed to benefit; the people of Colorado or Merck?

You can view the full text of SB 80 online at:
http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/Clics2007A/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/B59B80A75A7FDAD387257251007B5426?Open&file=080_01.pdf

New Bill Requires Prescription to Tan

New Bill Requires Prescription to Tan

After watching HB 1006 be defeated in the house "Transportation and Energy Committee" on Tuesday, the Libertarian Party of Colorado moves it's sights to another "Nanny Statist" bill... SB 023.

Introduced by Sen. Bob Hagedorn (D), SB 023 would prohibit the use of an artificial tanning device (e.g., tanning bed) by a minor unless specifically prescribed by a physician! The Bill also requires an owner, employee, or operator of an artificial tanning device or tanning facility (tanning salon) to
verify the age of any person seeking access to an artificial tanning device.

Richard Randall, Legislative Director of the Libertarian Party of Colorado wonders what Sen. Hagedorn is hoping to accomplish with this bill; "By prohibiting minors from using 'tanning devices' or visiting tanning salons, which are controlled environments, they may just spend all year playing or
lounging under the greatest source of tanning rays - and a tanning salon's biggest competitor, the Sun.  Does Sen. Hagedorn actually believe that parents would pay a doctor to write a prescription for their children to visit a tanning salon when Colorado has over 300 sunny days each year?"

Under SB 023, tanning rays are so dangerous that parental permission is not adequate for minors to use a "tanning device" or visit a tanning salon.  Libertarian Chairman Travis Nicks stated; "It seems that Sen. Hagedorn believes he knows what is better for your children than you do.  This is an affront to every parent's competence.  What's next; fast food prescriptions, soda prescriptions, or a doctor's note just to go outside?"

The Libertarian Party of Colorado opposes this bill.

The full text of SB 023 can be read here:
http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2007a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont/F116DAB7E99A324687257251007A0FEC?Open&file=023_01.pdf

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For Immediate Release: January 29, 2007
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New Bill may make it a crime to listen to music while driving.

New Bill may make it a crime to listen to music while driving.

Under Colorado House Bill 1006, if a driver is "knowingly distracted" (willfully diverting attention from driving) by anything when committing a "moving traffic violation" (e.g., speeding, improper lane change, etc.), then the "applicable penalties and surcharges" (ticket) will be DOUBLED!

Introduced by Colorado District 12 Representative Paul Weissmann (D), HB 1006 actually lists several specific activities that an officer may cite as having caused a driver to become "knowingly distracted" - including use of cell phones (including those with a headphone or headset), digital music players (e.g., CD Players, iPods), grooming, eating and drinking. If this bill passes, will
traffic cops be staking out fast food restaurants with drive thru windows?

The Libertarian Party of Colorado (LPCO) adamantly opposes Colorado HB 1006.

LPCO chairman Travis Nicks say's, "When will our elected officials understand that the people of Colorado don't need to be told when and where they can listen to music or eat a Big Mac. The unintended consequences from this type of legislation divert crucial law enforcement resources from tracking down real criminals to increasing revenue for their jurisdiction ."  Mr. Nicks will be
appearing on the "Uncle Nasty" radio show on KBPI ( 106.7 FM) Wednesday afternoon to discuss HB 1006.

The full text of HB 1006 can be read here:
http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/Clics2007A/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/E5A8DCDCD87CF36587257251007BE42B?Open&file=1006_01.pdf

Press Release
THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF COLORADO
"The Party of Principle"
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For Immediate Release: January 15, 2007
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Recommendations for the 2006 Statewide Ballot Issues

Recommendations for the 2006 Statewide Ballot Issues

The Libertarian Party of Colorado (LPCO) has released its recommendations for the 2006 Statewide Ballot Issues. The LPCO supports Amendments 38 (Petition Rights) and 44 (Marijuana Possession). However, opposes Amendments 39 (School District Spending), 42 (Minimum Wage Increase) and 43 (defining Marriage). The LPCO stated no position on Amendments 40 (Term Limits for Judges) and 41 (Ethics in Government).

With respect to the referendums, the LPCO supports Referendums G (Repeal of obsolete provisions) and I (Domestic Partnerships). However, opposes Referendums F (Recall Deadlines) and J (School District Spending). The Libertarian Party of Colorado stated no position on Referendums H(Elimination of a State Income Tax Deduction) and K (Immigration Lawsuit Against the Federal Government).

The LPCO Legislative Director, Richard Randall, stated "Due to the complexity of wording in certain issues, there are valid Libertarian arguments both for and against those issues for which we did not take a position."

Explaining the LPCO position regarding Amendment 43 (defining Marriage) and Referendum I (Domestic Partnerships), Randall said "The sacred institution of marriage was established by religion; and the Colorado State Constitution, Article II, Section 4, forever guarantees the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination. An amendment to the Colorado State Constitution defining any religious term, including marriage, would create a conflict with Article II, Section 4 as it would, by its very nature, constitute an abridgment, regulation or restriction of our right to religious freedom."

Randall continued stating, "While we support Referendum I (Domestic Partnerships), we are most disturbed over the fact that our Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S. 14-15-103 (5)) continue to be in conflict with the Colorado State Constitution, Article II, Section 4 by defining the institution of marriage."

The Chairman for the Libertarian Party of Colorado stated "This year's ballot items provide us with a great opportunity to educate the people of Colorado on the Libertarian Perspective.  We hope this will help voters to make more informed decisions on November 7th."

The complete LPCO "Recommendations for the 2006 Statewide Ballot Issues" can be read online at: http://www.lpcolorado.org/

Steve Gresh endorses the Libertarian gubernatorial candidate, Dawn Winkler

Mr. Steve Gresh, Vice President of the Colorado Chapter of the Republican Liberty Caucus (RLC), endorses the Libertarian gubernatorial candidate, Dawn Winkler.

"In politics you rarely get a choice. It's politician A or politician B. Winkler is not a politician; she's a real person with a 9 to 5 job who is raising a family on a budget. She's the most liberty-minded of all the candidates. The Libertarians have a strong gubernatorial candidate. She's concerned with
protecting individual rights and her platform almost mirrors many of the philosophies that are the basis for the RLC." Gresh commented. Gresh has stated that he will encourage other Republicans to support Dawn Winkler's candidacy for Governor.

The RLC is a grassroots, nationwide organization working to advance the principles of limited government, individual liberty and free markets within the Republican Party and throughout America. Their focus is on a broad range of issues, including education, taxation, property rights, gun rights, free speech, federalism and the proper role of government. While rolling back decades of government "nannyism" will require a great deal of public education and grassroots lobbying, the most important means of changing public policy is to change public officials. Therefore, the RLC works to elect pro-liberty Republicans to offices at all levels, partisan and non-partisan, in both primary and general elections. The RLC is committed not to just electing more Republicans... but better Republicans.

As a political organization favoring GOP candidates, the RLC does not endorse Libertarians. Gresh is acting strictly as a private individual. Club 20, a Western slope lobbying organization, will give Colorado Libertarian Party candidates an oppurtunity to be heard in the congressional and governor
debates this weekend in Grand Junction.

Libertarian, Bert Sargent, running for the 3rd Congressional District, will debate Republican, Scott Tipton, and Democrat, John Salazar.

Squaring off for a second time, Libertarian Candidate for Governor, Dawn Winkler will debate Republican, Bob Beauprez, and Democrat, Bill Ritter, Sept. 9, Saturday, at 7:30 p.m.

Winkler, won the nomination to become the Libertarian Party of Colorado’s Gubernatorial Candidate.

Winkler has been politically active in health freedom issues for nearly ten years and is currently the executive director of Health Advocacy in the Public Interest (HAPI).