Audit the Legislature
Mass Auditor Diana DiZoglio is running a Ballot Initiative to make the Commonwealth's Legislature let her audit it. As her 2022 Libertarian opponent, I fully support this - and so should you.
The lack of government transparency and accountability is a long standing issue in Massachusetts. An issue that not only plagues the executive branch: The Legislature of the Commonwealth - across both Senate and House of Representatives - is one of the worst offenders. Its reputation is tarnished by a long history of scandals, it has excused itself from both public record as well as open meeting laws, and it has at best a spotty practice on proper procedures and voting. Secrecy, attempts to keep the public in the dark about proposed legislation, rigged hearings, and hidden committee votes are common tactics used. This all has earned it the dubious honor of being one of the least transparent legislatures in the US.
A recent example of the non-transparency and lack of due process in the Massachusetts legislature that some Libertarians may be aware of, can be found in the proceedings around the collection of anti-2nd Amendment measures moving through the House and Senate: The mechanizations documented by the Massachusetts Gun Owners' Action League (GOAL) demonstrate how the leadership in the legislature attempts to prevent public scrutiny and bias the debate.
An important part of the checks and balances for the Massachusetts government is the ability of the Office of the Auditor to conduct audits with broad authority. And after a period of neglect under the previous leadership, we are now seeing a refreshing commitment to transparency and accountability from Diana DiZoglio, elected to the State Auditor's office in 2022. Her office has stepped up to conduct the first audit of the Commonwealth Legislature since 1922(!). She outlined her objective in a statement from her office: "Taxpayers deserve more - they deserve the opportunity to weigh in on legislative, budgetary and regulatory matters that are important to them. Everyone should have equitable and transparent access to and information about all state-funded agencies, including the Legislature." As Libertarians we obviously agree with this.
The Beacon Hill establishment of course is attempting to prevent this audit and refuses to consent. The AG, Andrea Joy Campbell, unsurprisingly sided with them and even went as far as blocking the Office of the Auditor's attempt to get a court review of the dispute. Finally, most of the Democratic Party establishment in the state appears to also be pushing back against this bid to increase transparency and accountability.
The recourse chosen by the State Auditor is to pursue a clear mandate from the Massachusetts voters via a Ballot Initiative for “a law expressly authorizing the Auditor to audit the Legislature”. This is a bold but promising move that has already won the endorsement of DiZoglio's Republican opponent in the 2022 race, Anthony Amore. As the Libertarian contender for State Auditor in 2022, I concur with Diana DiZoglio and Anthony Amore. The Legislature needs to be audited and should not have the ability to unilaterally block that review.
The initiative needs to collect 12,000 signatures by June 19 to make it onto the Ballot. I am joining that effort and will be collecting signatures to ensure the Ballot question gets in front of the Massachusetts voters this November. The State Committee of the Libertarian Association of Massachusetts endorsed the Ballot initiative in a Resolution adopted on May 8, 2024.
I call on all Libertarians and everyone who agrees with Diana DiZoglio that “No branch of government, especially the Legislature, should be above the law and exempt from accountability.” to join as well.
You can sign up here to collect signatures.
Greater Boston Libertarians Discuss the Election of a New State Committee
The monthly meeting of the Greater Boston Libertarian Meetup was held today at the Watertown Public Library. As the first post-primary meeting, the agenda focused on digesting the results of the March 5 primary election in which a new MALP state committee was elected.
The War on Cars comes to LAMA
The MetroWest LAMA meeting on 1/13/2024 heard from Jay Beeber, fellow libertarian and Executive Director of the National Motorists Association to learn more about the threats to the liberty of the motoring public. You can watch the video of the Zoom recording below.
Chase Oliver campaigns in Massachusetts
Chase Oliver, on his campaign for the Libertarian nomination for President, was hosted by students at Dean College in Franklin, MA today, where he made his pitch for the libertarian cause.
The Dangers of Overreaching Government: Lessons from History
The concept of limited government is a cornerstone of classical liberalism and libertarian conservatism. It is based on the idea that government power should be limited to prevent the abuse of power and protect individual freedom. However, throughout history, governments have repeatedly overreached their power, leading to disastrous consequences. This article will explore the dangers of overreaching government and draw lessons from history to illustrate why limited government is crucial for a prosperous and free society.
One of the main dangers of overreaching government is the potential for the abuse of power. When government has too much power, there is a risk that it will use that power to further its own interests or the interests of select groups, rather than acting in the best interests of the people it is supposed to serve. This can lead to corruption, injustice, and inequality, with those in positions of power using their authority to enrich themselves and their allies at the expense of everyone else.
The Future of Free Speech on Campus: An Analysis of Current Trends and Emerging Issues
In recent years, debates around free speech on college campuses have gained significant attention, as campuses have become the epicenter for discussions around social and political issues. On the one hand, the First Amendment of the US Constitution protects free speech, including unpopular and offensive speech. However, on the other hand, the pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has emerged as a core value for many colleges and universities.
The tension between free speech and DEI has led to a variety of controversies on college campuses, with some students and faculty arguing that certain forms of speech are harmful and should be restricted. Examples include hate speech, which targets individuals based on their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexual orientation, as well as speech that perpetuates stereotypes or reinforces systemic oppression.
The Role of Social Media in US Politics: Pros and Cons of Digital Democracy.
Social media has transformed the way that political campaigns are conducted, providing a new platform for candidates to connect with potential voters, and for voters to engage more deeply with the political process. In recent years, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have become a vital tool for political candidates and parties, providing them with the ability to reach out to large numbers of people in a relatively short amount of time.
One of the most significant benefits of social media for politics is the democratization of the political process. With social media, it is now possible for candidates to reach a much wider audience than ever before, regardless of their political affiliation or financial resources. Social media enables political candidates to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and communicate directly with potential voters, offering a new level of transparency and accessibility that was previously unavailable.
Breaking the Cycle: How Probation and Parole Reform Can Reduce Recidivism
Probation and parole systems are designed to provide alternatives to incarceration and help offenders reintegrate back into society after serving a sentence. These systems allow individuals to remain in the community under supervision, while also receiving support and guidance to help them avoid future criminal behavior. However, despite the goals of these systems, high rates of recidivism have led to calls for reform.
Recidivism is defined as the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, about two-thirds of released prisoners are rearrested within three years, and more than half return to prison. These high recidivism rates suggest that the current probation and parole systems are not effectively addressing the underlying issues that lead to criminal behavior.
The Case for Change: How Police Reform Can Benefit Taxpayers, Communities and Law Enforcement Agencies
The issue of police reform has been at the forefront of national debate for decades, as communities across the United States have grappled with issues of police brutality, racial profiling, and a perceived lack of accountability for officers involved in misconduct. These issues have been exacerbated in recent years by high-profile cases such as the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others.
While the moral and ethical dimensions of police reform are clear, it's important to also consider the economic implications of the current system. The current model of policing in the United States is characterized by high levels of spending on law enforcement, with little evidence to suggest that this spending is effectively reducing crime rates or recidivism. In fact, research has shown that increased spending on policing is often associated with higher rates of violence and recidivism, rather than lower rates.
From Petty Crimes to Prison Time: The Impacts of Over Criminalization on Communities
In recent years, the United States has seen an increase in the number of criminal offenses, many of which are considered petty crimes. This trend has been accompanied by a sharp rise in the number of individuals who are incarcerated, leading to concerns about the over-criminalization of America's justice system. This article will explore the effects of over-criminalization on communities and the consequences of the punitive approach adopted by law enforcement agencies.
Over-criminalization can be defined as the criminalization of behavior that is not inherently harmful to others or society. Petty crimes, such as drug possession, loitering, and jaywalking, are often included in this category. These offenses are typically punished with fines or short-term incarceration, which can lead to a criminal record, making it more difficult for individuals to obtain employment, housing, and other basic needs.
