Political Director of the Libertarian Party Carla Howell delivers the keynote address at the Libertarian Party of Massachusetts

Given the events in Las Vegas, we thought we would revist the statement following the Orlando Shooting of LPMA Congressional candidate Thomas Simmons

Contact:
Brandon Ahlgrim
617.902.0650
press@lpmass.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Libertarian Party of Massachusetts Denounces Bigotry and Violence on Boston Common

Boston, MA - August 16th, 2017 - The tensions between political extremist groups, like those present at the Unite the Right event in Charlottesville, have come to a flashpoint. Picking a side in a political theatre where actors routinely employ violence against each other is a foolish venture destined for failure. These extremists use violence in their attempts to suppress free speech, regardless of whether they lean right or left. Support for either side will only lead to escalating violence.

The choice between one street hooligan over another is not unlike the antics of major party politics. Given the choice between the “Left” and the “Right”, the Libertarian Party of Massachusetts and its members choose freedom. Only through freedom, opportunity, and peace can the people of the Commonwealth pursue prosperity.

The Libertarian Party of Massachusetts categorically rejects racially motivated bigotry while at the same time supports the rights of all citizens to openly and peaceably express their opinions in the realm of public discourse. There will always be those who hold repugnant views, but we must always embrace freedom of expression and allow the marketplace of ideas to drown out hate and bigotry.

In advance of the Boston Free Speech Rally tentatively taking place on the Boston Common August 19th, The Libertarian Party of Massachusetts denounces the planned violent demonstrations by both the White Nationalists and AntiFa groups.

The Libertarian Party of Massachusetts is the Commonwealth’s third-oldest political party and is committed to defending all the rights of every citizen in the Commonwealth, all of the time.

Visit our website at http://www.lpmass.org to learn more. 

The Massachusetts LP has as one of its priorities this year to start up local groups all over the state, and I think that is a good thing. 

For newcomers to the party, the "big tent" formed by libertarian principles can seem pretty strange, especially compared to the old political divisions. The major parties are simple. You are either a lefty liberal or a conservative on the right. After of decades of conditioning, for many voters, the labels practically apply themselves and people continually act out their role in defeating the other. Even when they both actually want the exact same things.

With libertarians, there is a mix of conservative gun ownership and liberal non-interventionist peacemaking, liberal drug laws and fiscal conservatism. Across just about every issue our principles break the molds used by most Americans to size one another up. So by conventional standards libertarianism is just plain weird, but if you are honestly objective, it is also the most rational.

What is the true state of liberty in our society today? The most honest answer is, "it depends."

Whether along economic, social, or political lines, for a select few the freedom to do whatever one pleases is almost without limit. For most of us, however, freedoms are being eroded more and more with each passing day. As the newly appointed Executive Director, I need to know what you think the Massachusetts Libertarian Party can do to help reverse this trend. What does homegrown liberty look like to you?

Regardless of past political affiliations—independent, republican, democrat, or libertarian—as citizens we all know that our nation is capable of so much more. The desire to make America great again is real, but what makes America great is not one group having the authority to impose its will upon others. What makes America great is the balance of authority that protects liberty for everyone equally. Instead of a government that is the guardian of liberty, we have let it become the instrument of those in power. That is why I believe the Libertarian Party—the party of principle—is crucial to restoring liberty in Massachusetts and across the nation. By taking away the majority from both parities, we can become the fulcrum upon which balance is restored.

Local libertarian groups in various stages of formation are springing up across the Commonwealth. These include the MetroWest group, which meets monthly at the Horseshoe Pub in Hudson, and new groups in Boston, the Greater Worcester area, Cape Cod and the Islands, and the Franklin area. We are still looking for volunteers to start groups in other regions, including (but not restricted to) North Shore, South Shore, Lowell area, Fall River and New Bedford, and Western Massachusetts.

When President Obama used executive orders, Republicans clamored they were unconstitutional. And indeed 12 of Obama’s actions were reversed by the the Supreme Court. I’m now being asked by my liberal friends, who slowly waking up to the fact that authoritarian government is always bad, which an executive order is unconstitutional. Here’s what I tell them:

Most important truth #1? Almost everyone is a hypocrite. The Democrats could solve world hunger and the Republicans would say it was unconstitutional. The Republicans could propose a bill be read aloud before members voted on it, and that would be opposed by the Democrats.

To get into specifics though, It depends on what an executive order covers. We have our basic separation of powers. On some issues the President is specifically empowered by the Constitution to act has he sees fit, while on others only Congress can act. When an executive order crosses that line, it becomes unconstitutional.