Back Home!

It's been a few days since posting, as I was vacationing in Los Cabos, Mexico with the family.

The main draw for Ame was a medical conference. Isabel & I roamed the beach. I'll say this- the medical profession knows where to stage their conferences. We've been to Vegas, Hilton Head, and now Mexico on these conferences. The engineering conferences and training I've been to have been in places like Madison, WI and Chicago. Nice enough places... in June. Madison was one frosty January a few years back.

The highlight was an afternoon cruise on the Sea of Cortez, where we spotted hundreds of dolphins and dozens of humpback whales. It was an absolute thrill! The food was outstanding as well.

Look for more posts in upcoming days- and perhaps some pics from Los Cabos.

Schedule Your Tee Times!

The Libertarian Party of Hendricks County is hosting a golf outing. The proceeds will be divided between the county party and the Kole Campaign- two very worthy beneficiaries! Here are the details:

What: 2006 LPHC Golf Outing
Where: Oak Tree Golf Course on East US 40 in Plainfield on
When: Saturday, May 13, 2006. Play begins at 1:00 p.m. with dinner at the Elk's Club afterwards.
Cost: $65 for an individual entry - $240 for a foursome
Details: Shotgun start / scramble play. Dinner provided afterwards at the Elk's Club. Door Prizes awarded at Dinner. Cost includes fees and cart for play, beverage cart availability, and awards dinner afterward at Elk's.

For more information and signup details visit http://www.lphc.org/

I'll speak briefly at dinner. Big Thanks to the Hendricks County Libertarians, especially County Chair Todd Singer and Event Coordinator David Washburn.

New Polls

First, the results on the old polls. The voters are mainly Hoosier Libertarians, with the numbers looking like this:

Voted for in '04:

Gividen 19
Daniels 9
Kernan 2

If given a second chance in '06:

Gividen 21
Daniels 5
Kernan 1
None of the above 4

With the legislative session having just concluded, I thought the time was right to reflect on what just passed (or didn't), and to think about the 2007 legislative session.

My highlight was the passage of the eminent domain bill. It wasn't everything the defenders of private property rights could have wanted, but it is an improvement over what was law before, and we found that there are some legislators, like Dave Wolkins, who do respect private property.

My lowlight was the overactivity of the session. The old quote is that no one's life or liberty is safe when the legislature is in session. The short session is supposed to be for the consideration of emergency legislation. The only item that qualified was the eminent domain bill, in light of the state's "negoatiations" with the NK Hurst Company. Most everything else was just puffery designed to make the legislators look significant. Well, that doesn't explain Major Moves, does it?

My top priority for 2007 is across-the-board budget cuts of at least 1%. The full session is the budgetary session, so Libertarians need to put pressure on the GOP to make this their priority so long as they have the majority... which they might not have by time the session begins.

If your top issues aren't in the poll, clue me in with comments!

People Vote With Their Feet

Today's Indy Star published an interesting article by Bill Ruthhart this morning. It should serve as a lesson for Marion County's elected officials, and a cautionary tale for Hamilton County's. From Ruthhart's article:

Some of the suburban county's growth is at the expense of Marion County, where the population drain is evident in the census estimates.

From 2000 to 2005, Hamilton County's population increased 32 percent, making it the 18th fastest-growing in the nation. Hendricks was the only other Indiana county to crack the Top 100, ranking as the 75th fastest-growing county with a 22 percent increase.

"An awful lot of this is coming from what we call suburban flight," said Vince Thompson, an economic research analyst with the Indiana Business Research Center in Bloomington.

While the newcomers moving into Central Indiana's suburban areas surged over the past five years, Marion County has seen people continue to move out. From 2000 to 2005, the number of U.S. residents moving out of Marion County outnumbered those moving in by more than 47,000.

What the article did not do is site anyone willing to make a political statement as to why the shift. As a former Marion County resident who chose to become a Hamilton County resident, I can shed some light: people vote with their feet.

The policies that carry the day in Marion County today drive wealth away. When living in Marion County, I could see that my tax burdens were only going to go up, and that my reward for staying would be a fight against urban decay. Consider:

• IndyGo is more than 80% funded by tax dollars.
• IPS continues to reach for ever more tax dollars without improving test scores or even security.
• The streets and sidewalks (where you can find sidewalks) were crumbling.
• The sewers lack the capacity to handle rainfalls of greater than a half-inch.
• Etc. I mean, you could go on endlessly.

Also, where you have people who embrace public policies such as these, you will have people of means looking for the escape hatch.

Here's the biggest difference I found in attitude. I sent my son to IPS for exactly one half year. His teacher was excellent. When he goofed off, she called me on her cell phone to let me know. That was effort beyond the call of duty on her part, and I appreciated it.

I sat in her classroom one day and, being a product of private schooling that included a regiment of corporal punishment, I was appalled at the amount of time wasted just trying to get kids to sit down and settle down sufficient to hear the instruction. At a break I asked the teacher why it is as it is, understanding that the yardstick and paddle aren't available any more.

She told me that it didn't matter if she held the yardstick or if the parents did, as long as one of them held it. Didn't even have to use it, just hold it. She reported that a majority of parents would actually argue with her about the child's behavior, telling her it didn't happen the way she was reporting, and besides, it's her job to educate. It's the parent's job to get the kid to the bus stop.

Simply put, here in Hamilton County, a majority of parents expect their kids to produce in school and to succeed. That attitude makes all the difference.

At the core of it, the difference between Marion County and Hamilton County is the present population's relationship to the concept of self-responsibility.

That's why I am concerned for the future of Hamilton County. Just as so many people who reject self-responsibility embrace Marion County for that place's tolerance of it, Hamilton County is moving towards policies that will make it more hospitable to those who reject self-responsibility. The prime example of this is the embrace of public transportation. It is plain that the riders of mass transit do not foot the bill alone, but that others who never use it bear the lion's share of the cost.

Add to mass transit the approval of low-income housing apartments in Noblesville, the proliferation of Habitat for Humanity housing, also mainly in Noblesville, higher taxes and bigger government, and you have the makings for the reinvention of Marion County north of 96th Street.

Especially when you have children, you consider things like these. If you have the means, you go where you think it best for your children. There was simply no way I was going to be willing to stay in Indianapolis with a newborn in our future, so we moved.

People have been running away from the dominant policies of the dominant population centers for centuries. I come from immigrant stock on four sides- Irish, Polish, Hungarian, and Slovenian. Three of my four forebearers fled starvation. Two additionally fled political persecution. Today's immigrants continue to flee poverty, seeking opportunity. While the flight of wealth is a new American phenomenon, the impetous is the same- people just yearn to be free.

At some point, we need to reverse the dominant public policies in our core cities and return them to self-responsibility so that Americans will not continue this trend of leaving rotted cores for cities and consuming ever more land in developing new cities. You want to stop sprawl? Make the cities more attractive. Want to make the cities more attractive? Make people of means feel safe in cities- financially, in their person, esthetically, and especially, intellectually.

Hillary in '08?

Here's a nice cartoon laff for you: link. It looks like one of those Jib-Jab cartoons you will recall from the '04 presidential campaigns.

It would have been a tad funnier to me personally if Dennis Kucinich was on the chorus line. That's just me, though. (Kucinich was my US Rep. when I lived in Cleveland.)

Fort Wayne TV Appearance Tomorrow

I will be the guest of the Fort Wayne Libertarians tomorrow at 7pm on their live broadcast on cable TV channel 57. Doug Horner is the host, and we'll take calls.

I plan to discuss the highlights and low points of the recently concluded legislative session and issues Libertarians would like to see taken up in next year's session, such as the gerrymandering of electoral districts, and a 1% across-the-board budget cut.

It would be great to get a DVD of this show and the other two I have appeared on, to get clips available for viewing here or on the campaign website.

Tentative Good News Announcement

Just as the blind squirrel finds a nut, the General Assembly is poised to pass minor property tax relief. From an Indy Star report:

Legislative negotiators sealed a deal this afternoon on a property tax relief plan that will give homeowners $227 million worth of tax breaks this year and next.

The final version of House Bill 1001, which will be voted on today, provides $100 million in property tax credit for homeowners in 2006. On average, homeowners will pay 4 percent less this year than they would have without this break.

In 2007, the property tax break would become a deduction, which will mean the standard deduction off Hoosiers' assessed valuation will increase from $35,000 per home to $45,000 per home.

Let's not get crazy with full celebration mode yet. The final vote hasn't happened yet, and if new municipal taxes are attached to it, this is just a shift in how you pay. After all, if there are $227 million in tax cuts without commensurate cuts in spending, one of two things must happen- new tax burdens created elsewhere, or deficit spending.

Now- let's see the final tally on Major Moves!

How Should Elected Officials Vote?

Abdul led an interesting conversation on WXNT this morning asking this question. Should elected officials be beholden to the will of the people issue by issue? Or, should they take stock that they were elected to sometimes make tough decisions?

I believe in the latter. They elected you, so it was up to the voters to know what you were about. If it turns out the voters don't like the specifics of what you're about, they can unelect you next time.

The reason Abdul was having this discussion is that the vote on Major Moves happens today. In particular, the northern counties are very opposed to Major Moves, which presumably makes any Republican that votes in favor vulnerable in the next election.

Sticking to your guns is a function of having the strength and courage of your convictions. If Republicans are wavering, it tells me that they aren't completely sold on Major Moves, or that they have failed to do a good job of communicating what Major Moves is about to their voters.

I'll go back to Ronald Reagan, as I have many times in comparing Mitch Daniels. Reagan was brilliant at taking an idea to the people, communicating the benefits of a plan very clearly, often in advance of giving the plan to the legislature. The public was often on board from the beginning, making the decisions for the majority party less difficult. In fact, this is why the phenomenon of Reagan Democrats existed- because Reagan sold plans to the public so well, it became a difficult decision for the other party.

If Mitch Daniels were any kind of communicator, Major Moves might not be a controversial measure at all. If the Republican leadership, such as Kenley, Espich, etc., were any kind of communicators, it might be an easy vote today.

There are still many questions that seem unanswered to the majority of voters, which is why this has become such a controversial issue.

Can't Afford It?

Let me see if I got this straight. Earlier this week, the Colts got $120+ million in naming rights for the unbuilt stadium. Today, Edgerrin James signs with the Cardinals- because the Colts can't afford it? From ESPN's report:

The 27-year-old James played the 2005 season with the Colts under the one-year qualifying offer for a franchise tailback. Indianapolis officials had made it clear they could not afford to bring James back for another season, and the Colts likely will look to the draft for a replacement.

Did Mr. Irsay just blow all the money on the biggest whopping party since Sodom & Gommorah? How on earth could the Colts not afford to bring James back?

Mind boggling. It gets harder and harder to be a Colts fan. From the Indy Star report:

"If you look at our record, when Edgerrin's played, it's spectacular,'' Dungy about the veteran running back, who joined with Manning and receiver Marvin Harrison to form the Colts' highly acclaimed "Triplets."

With James in the lineup, the Colts posted a 70-26 regular-season record. Without him, they're 7-9.

"That says something about his value,'' Dungy said.

Agreed. Which makes it maddening to not have him back. Oh well, light another cigar with a $100 bill, Mr. Irsay.

Stretch Run

This year's short legislative session is coming to a close, and the pressure is on to deal with the Major Moves proposal.

I wish I could be for it, because I am in favor of this kind of privatization, whereby the state retains its' assets, and the private company manages the operation. However,

75 years is too long. 10 years is ideal.
No new terrain I-69. People along the majority of the route don't want it.
The money must be kept in the upper third of the state. No redistribution of wealth.

The Libertarian Party of Indiana has more details on it's legislative page. The LPIN calls for action! Contact your legislator and make your position known!

Link to Indiana's "Who's My Legislator" page.

Campaign Finance Reform, Eh?

Fascinating to look at today's Washington Post and see an article predicting the financing that will be required of a presidential candidate in 2008. From the Post article:

Michael E. Toner, the chairman of the Federal Election Commission, has some friendly advice for presidential candidates who plan to be taken seriously by the time nominating contests start in early 2008: Bring your wallet.

"There is a growing sense that there is going to be a $100 million entry fee at the end of 2007 to be considered a serious candidate," Toner said in a recent interview.

And who's picture is there to accompany the article? Why, it's John McCain, co-author of McCain-Feingold, one of the badly misnamed campaign finance 'reform' laws. The reason?

One of the least known but most important dimensions of the early competition to raise cash is securing the support of men and women who have proven effective in the past at raising large sums -- usually from a well-tended network of business associates, corporate subordinates and clients.

The 2004 Bush campaign designated these people as "Pioneers" (raised $100,000), "Rangers" ($200,000) and "Super Rangers" ($300,000).

Texas lawyer Thomas G. Loeffler, a Bush Ranger in 2004, has already signed on to help Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in 2008; Northern Virginia real estate developer Dwight C. Schar, a Ranger in 2004, was on the host committee for a Super Bowl fundraiser to benefit Sen. George Allen (R-Va.). A senior GOP strategist said these Bush backers undoubtedly are "being swarmed over" by the president's would-be successors.

McCain plays the populist, but is no such thing. Drafting the laws regarding campaign finance and then running for President is very clever. It certainly gives you an inside track.

Thanks for 'taking the money out of elections', John!

Annie Update

It happened that work took me to Greenfield, so I stopped for a minute to visit Ann Tomie, owner of Annie's Restaurant. I knew that the smoking bans affecting her business had been in effect for nine days, and I wanted to see how business was in this new climate.

The smoking bans are killing her business. This was forseeable by Ann. She knows her customers better than anyone. This is why Ann spoke up at Greenfield City Council meetings in opposition to the bans. She knew it would hurt her.

I stood with Ann Tomey outside her restaurant in October. I stand with her today.

What I didn't know was that Ann had appeared again before the City Council, yesterday, to report to them just how badly it was hurting her. From the Greenfield Reporter article:

Tomey approached the council saying she knows it is tired of seeing her and she is tired of coming to meetings, but she wanted the council to know one thing: The new ban on smoking in public is destroying her business.

“This might be the last thing I ask you to do, but talk to the workers,” Tomey said.

She then read a letter from a waitress at her downtown restaurant. The letter said the waitress cannot survive on the income she makes without tips due the lack of business she blamed on the new ordinance. Tomey said many people have been affected by the smoking ban and she had asked them to come to the meeting, but they didn’t show up.

The council listened, but members didn’t budge when they were again asked to change the law.

There was no sign of the tears that would later cause Tomey to leave the meeting when she told the council that this year she has made only $28,000 from her business, or about $500 to $600 of business daily. Since the smoking ordinance took effect March 1, she has had days where she only makes $125 from her business before expenses.

The Greenfield City Council is comprised of six Republicans and one Democrat. These officials did not consult Ann or any other restaurant owner prior to introducing the legislation. They remain unconcerned that her business is suffering. They have never been interested in defending her property rights. They have only been interested in passing feel-good legislation.

I can tell you this, from looking in Ann's face this morning- she doesn't feel good at all.

When I left the restaurant at 11:30 this morning, two diners occupied one table.

The Libertarian Party is the defender of small business owners like Ann Tomey. The Republicans and Democrats work together to crush small business, through their indifference and their unwillingness to consider secondary outcomes. Annie is the proof.

It's a tremendous shame that the people who believe in property rights have not been willing to appear in numbers at Town Council meetings. Without the numbers of citizens to confront government officials, and to run for office against them, they can safely surmise that there really isn't an opinion against them, and they need not change their ways.

People often ask me, "Mike, what can I do?" It's simple.

Be seen. Be heard. Sign your name to letters. Put signs in your front yard. Be enormously visible.

Take stock in John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence. He knew that signing was an act of treason against the British, so he signed with a flourish.

The issues that confront us today and assault our freedoms are significant, but the risk we bear today is miniscule compared to what Hancock signed on for.

Isabel at Nine Months

It's incredible how the time has flown. Isabel is nine months old today. Here are some of Proud Papa's pictures from earlier this evening.

Trust Me!

The Indy Star has an interesting report this evening, with the CEO of the Spanish-Australian company making the pitch for the toll road deal. From the Star article:

At a Statehouse news conference, Stephen Allen, chief executive officer for Macquarie Infrastructure Group of Sydney, sought to ease resistance among some lawmakers and the public to overseas ownership. Macquarie, along with Cintra, a Madrid-based firm, has offered the state an immediate payment of $3.85 billion for the right to take control of Toll Road operations, maintenance and revenues for 75 years.

"What I'm actually doing is proposing to invest in Indiana," Allen said. "I'm actually talking about creating jobs here."

That's true, but he's also talking about minimizing potential, squandering opportunity.

Thanks to Greg Kelver and the LaPorte Libertarians for the sign that says it all.

When the CEO of the company feels compelled to try to sell the deal through the media, my nonsense detector starts beeping. When any salesman works too hard to tell you what a great deal he's bringing to you, it's time to run for the door. When the Governor tells you you're for this deal or against the future, you know there is a lack of confidence in the strength of the deal.

Take this together with the fact that the Daniels Administration gave the store away to the Colts on the naming rights deal, and there is every reason to believe this is a Major Mishap waiting to occur.

• 75 years is too long. Get the $3.75 billion for 10 years, and then you're talking a good deal.
• Cut new terrain I-69 from the deal. The people of Perry Township, Morgan County, Monroe County, and on down south don't want new terrain I-69.
• Keep the money in the area that generates it- the northern counties. Otherwise, you're just talking socialism, robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Let's see if House Bill 1008 isn't rightly seen as an anchor around the necks of our legislators who face the voters this November. Libertarians are keeping score.

Legislative Review on WXNT

The "Abdul In The Morning" show continues its series of periodic roundtables, with representatives of each of Indiana's three balloted political parties on to discuss and debate.

Libertarian Party of Indiana Executive Director Dan Drexler will join Mike Edmonson of the Democrats and a top official from the Republicans to discuss this year's nearly completed legislative session.

I love the Libertarian role in these roundtables. While the Ds and Rs claim everything their legislators introduced was great and everything the other side introduced was bunk, Libertarians end up as the voice of reason by agreeing with both parties on some items, and disagreeing on some others, rather than being merely contrarian.

You may recall that I represented the Libertarian Party after the President's State of the Union Address, a few weeks back.

Listen to Newstalk 1430-am Friday morning. If you are outside of reception range, you can stream the signal. Go to www.wxnt.com.

Indianapolis Libertarian Meet-Up Info

This Meet-up group has been very successful to date, with about 20 or so participants each time I've visited. Very spirited conversations!

The next Indianapolis Libertarian Meet-up takes place next Wednesday, March 22nd, at 8pm, at the Border's Bookstore at Keystone at the Crossing. Here's a link to the Meet-up group.

The Polls So Far

The latest polls at the right are surprising to me. Mainly, most visitors here wouldn't change their 2004 gubernatorial vote. Then again, the majority who voted in the polls are Libertarians, so I'm not surprised about them.

The number of poll-takers is way below the number of daily visitors, so I'm adding a third poll. It caters to out-of-state visitors on their 2004 gubernatorial and/or presidential votes. In light of Tom Delay's easy primary victory in Texas, perhaps I should expect little difference.

Data Mining

As many Libertarian leaders check this site, I'd like to direct them to an excellent Washington Post article that highlights the interest of a Democratic Party faction in developing better data mining techniques.

Why are they interested? For the same reasons we should be. From the Post article:

The pressure on Democrats to begin more aggressive "data mining" in the hunt for votes began after the 2002 midterm elections and intensified after the 2004 presidential contest, when the GOP harnessed data technology to powerful effect.

In 2002, for the first time in recent memory, Republicans ran better get-out-the-vote programs than Democrats. When well done, such drives typically raise a candidate's Election Day performance by two to four percentage points. Democrats have become increasingly fearful that the GOP is capitalizing on high-speed computers and the growing volume of data available from government files and consumer marketing firms -- as well as the party's own surveys -- to better target potential supporters.

The Republican database has allowed the party and its candidates to
tailor messages to individual voters and households, using information
about the kind of magazines they receive, whether they own guns, the churches they attend, their incomes, their charitable contributions and their voting histories.

This makes it possible to specifically address the issues of voters who, in the case of many GOP supporters, may oppose abortion, support gun rights or be angry about government use of eminent domain to take private property. A personalized pitch can be made during door-knocking, through direct mail and e-mail, and via phone banks.

(Emphasis is mine.)

This is an area where Libertarians could capitalize. The GOP is targeting eminent domain angered voters? Republican officials instigate as many eminent domain grabs as do Democrats. Mitch Daniels and NK Hurst, anyone? Republicans curtail 2nd Amendment rights as fast as Democrats. Etc.

I am pleased that the Libertarian Party of Indiana is taking this seriously, as shown in our recent County Chairs Convention. A 2% or 4% bump could make a huge difference for us county to county in the SoS race, where ballot ranking and other status issues are resolved.

I hope other LP state affiliates also get deeply involved with database development- especially those states that struggle to earn and keep ballot access

Frost Illustrated Carries Column

Periodically, I contribute a column to the Libertarian Writers' Bureau. My most recent item was picked up by Fort Wayne's Frost Illustrated.

The column ties the gerrymandering of districts and the relative responsive of elected officials together, citing several examples, including Major Moves:

The I-80 toll road is likely to be leased to foreign investors, with the strong possibility of increased tolls. Those who live in the region and use the toll road weren't consulted— not even as an afterthought. After all, leasing the toll road is an attempt to solve problems away from the road itself.

and

So, it was very refreshing to see State Rep. Jerry Torr (R-Carmel) pick up the Libertarian Party's top issue in the 2002 Secretary of State race, and introduce HB 1099, which would eliminate the gerrymandering of districts to suit the parties, and would instead draw districts that are balanced in population, yet geographically sensible.

Torr's introduction of the bill is courageous in light of the major parties' interest in preserving the status quo. The bill's passage might lead to a more responsive, more representative government that asks citizens what is important, and then actually carries out their wishes.

Frost Illustrated serves Fort Wayne's black community as its target audience. Recently, it has been consistently including Libertarian commentary on its pages and website. I am grateful for this. Check out Frost Illustrated.

Thanks to Mike Sylvester for the tip!


Technorati tags: Libertarian, Major Moves, Major Moves, Jerry Torr, Fort Wayne, Mike Sylvester

New Polls

I have heard much discussion about Mitch Daniels and his approval ratings. Many of the grumblings actually come from my Republican friends, who are feeling they aren't getting what they bargained for in Daniels.

In particular, I have cause to encounter many elected Republican township officials. They are angry that he would eliminate their livelihood and effectively destroy the GOP grassroots. Actually, I'm kind of amused by their grassroots being mowed down by one of their own. Fire up the Lawn Boy, Mitch!

Mr. Daniels is fond of reminding folks that he doesn't much care what people think of his work, that he does what he thinks is right. I find that admirable, but of course I don't agree with him on everything with regards to right and wrong. See socialized football stadiums and 75-year toll road leases for my prime examples.

Many of my Republican friends tell me that they wish they had voted for Daniels' primary challenger Eric Miller, or Libertarian Kenn Gividen. I've even had a few tell me they would sooner vote for Kernan if they had it to do all over again.

So, let's have it to do all over again here. It obviously doesn't count, but it's a fun exercise.

I voted Gividen in '04, and would happily do so again. What about you?


Technorati Tags: Mitch Daniels, Kenn Gividen, Eric Miller

Poll Results In

The last poll question posted on Kole Hard Facts asked, What is the best single issue for a Libertarian to run on? Here are the results:

38% None- Libertarian philosophy as a whole
19% Making government less intrusive
14% Lower taxes
14% Libertarians aren't Democrats or Republicans
10% Implementing the Fair Tax
5% Ending eminent domain abuse
0% Opposing forced annexation
0% Daylight Savings Time (for or against)

The correct answer is- none of the above. It depends on the office being sought, and what matters to the people within the jurisdiction as related to the office being sought.

Even though a majority of respondents cited Libertarian philosophy as a whole, that doesn't work so well, because while libertarians eat it up, the public isn't able to get their arms around the whole of it, and besides, they may embrace 2/3rds of it while rejecting 1/3rd. In sum, if you're running for Dog Catcher, you really have little to gain in talking about the Federal Reserve System.

Clearly, forced annexation is a regional issue. It may not affect the reader in Kokomo, or Florida. Ditto, DST... although both may be contained in "Making government less intrusive".

As I've said, these polls are less than scientific, but fun!

Maybe I'm Just Not Finding Them

Articles, that is. Articles that point out that allowing the Colts to take all of the naming rights money, and that this is a big dropped ball on the part of the State of Indiana. Articles that link this dropped ball to the Major Moves plan because if the state could give away the store to the Colts, they could most certainly do it again on a toll road.

Please forward links if I am simply not finding these articles on my own. It would surprise me, because I have been checking the statewide media every morning.

There is little time left in the session, and this track record should be brought to light by the media, prior to the final votes in the Statehouse.

The track record is of shoddy negotiation on behalf of the taxpayers of Indiana. There is no good reason to trust the negotiators in the Daniels Administration, based on this track record.

What I am fearing here is the Indy Star treatment given the Colts stadium project last year. The Star remained largely silent or hinted that the project was okay, but then after it was finalized, their columnists started offering the opinion that the deal wasn't so great. A lot of good that did. Likewise, there will be little benefit in making this linkage after the deal is signed.


Technorati tags: major moves, Mitch Daniels

Gaping Holes

I was astonished to scan the myriad Sunday news sources throughout our state and to not find commentary linking the Lucas Oil-Colts stadium naming rights deal to the Major Moves toll road deal proposed by the State.

The Daniels Administration oversees the stadium via the Stadium Authority. Thus, the Daniels Administration somehow allowed the deal to permit the Colts to collect 100% of the naming rights money, to the tune of $122 million. Naming rights deals are major components of stadium packages. Can the Daniels Administration and the Stadium Authority be so oblivious as to give away that plum? Apparently so.

So, it follows that if the Daniels Administration can give away the store to the Colts, it most certainly can do the same thing with the toll road. Governor Daniels can say all he likes about the benefits of the deal with the Australian/Spanish outfit, but his other major deal has resulted mainly in benefits for the party sitting across the table. That's a fact.

There are gaping holes in the coverage, just as there are gaping holes in the deals. With two weeks left in the session, it will be interesting to observe the votes by our State Representatives, and see if the media points out this glaring, obvious hole in the naming rights deal.


Technorati tags: major moves, naming rights, Mitch Daniels, Lucas Oil

Harry Browne, 1933-2006

The Libertarian world lost a giant yesterday when Harry Browne passed away.

Harry Browne was the Libertarian Party's presidential candidate in 1996 and 2000. It was Browne who interested me in joining the LP in 1996, during his campaign. Hammer of Truth has an excellent obit.

I had a personal encounter with Browne, in 2002. I had the pleasure of meeting Harry at the 2002 national convention, here in Indianapolis. I was a Cleveland resident at the time, and I shared the story of how I put Harry Browne into the #2 position in my home precinct, as Geroge Bush received zero votes in that very heavily unionized precinct, carried by Al Gore. My lone vote put him in second. Harry enjoyed a good laugh at that.

Harry did a great thing when he was running in 1996, that inspired me to join. He closed his speeches by asking those who agreed with his positions to get behind the Libertarian Party, by joining, supporting candidates or becoming one, and by donating. I've done all of these things, and it is because Harry Browne asked.

This is something I have tried to remember to do when I speak- especially before non-libertarian groups. Not everyone will agree, but those who do should get involved.

Harry Browne will be missed.


Technorati tags: Harry Browne, Libertarian Party, Libertarian

Pro-Privatization?

I've been getting a lot of questions about the toll road issue and privatization in general. Mainly, folks expect Libertarians to be in favor of privatization.

In general, yes we are in favor of privatization. In fact, Libertarians like toll roads and other cost solutions that involve user fees, whereby those who use a government managed resource pay for their use, while those who do not use it, do not pay.

With all things, the devil's in the details. Libertarians like a good, equitable deal. We are concerned that Major Moves does not provide the best deal possible for Hoosiers. We are concerned that a 75-year lease leaves too many unanswered questions. For instance, what will the rate of inflation be in 2068? Nobody can answer that, but it will be a major factor in the assesment of tolls. Libertarians prefer a 10- or 15-year lease.

Also, we are not convinced the Daniels Administration is capable of swinging a deal that points the lion's share of the benefits towards the people of this state. Daniels has a short track record, but a very easily assessed record.

The naming rights for the new, unbuilt stadium are being awarded today. The talk is that the rights will rake about $50 million. That's just talk, so we'll have to wait and see.

What isn't talk is that the Colts will get ALL of that money. None of it goes to the state, to defer the cost of construction.

This is a horrible example of giving away the store. Some measure of the money should have been going to the state, had a better- for Hoosiers- deal been worked. Maybe half of the money, or 30% of the money, or even an amount split in proportion to what is borne in costruction costs by both the state and the Colts. Yeah, it's a great deal for Mr. Irsay.

So, yes, Libertarians are skeptical about the deal negotiated with a Spanish-Australian firm. If "Quick Fix" Mitch was able give away so much to the Colts, why are we to suppose the Major Moves deal is any different?

All we have is a short, blemished track record to go by.

Update: It's more lucrative for Irsay than ever imagined, as the Lucas Oil naming deal poised to yield over $120 million. The state's cut remains the same: zero. Per today's Indy Star report:

The Colts will keep the money from this naming-rights deal as they do from the current agreement with RCA. The team is kicking in $100 million toward the cost of the stadium, but the city is helping the Colts out by paying the team $48 million for early termination of the RCA Dome lease.

Construction on the $500 million stadium with a retractable roof began last year and is expected to end in time for the 2008 season's first kickoff.

So, on naming rights alone, the Colts are done paying for "their share" of this project, and are already into their profits- unlike the people of Indiana, who will pay and pay.

Again, we are skeptical of the Daniels Administration on privatization. The Colts stadium should have been private, but Daniels made it public, and worse, gave away the store. The privatization of roads is a good idea, unless you give away the store.

County Chairs Conference Friday

The Libertarian Party of Indiana is hosting its annual County Chairs Conference right here in Fishers, this weekend.

The festivities begin at my home Friday evening, where Ame, Isabel, and I will welcome the County Chairs with a reception. Cocktails at 7pm, poker at 9:30. Contact me by email if you would like to stop by the reception.

The business commences Saturday morning at the Hampton Inn & Suites on 116th, just west of I-69. There will be several speakers and presentations geared towards educating and motivating Chairs and other local level party officers, towards greater effectiveness in organization and getting results at the ballot box. Link for full details.

Forced Annexation Foes Moving Forward

The Noblesville Daily Times reported Saturday that the Geist United Opposition raised over $10,000 at their most recent public meeting last Tuesday. That's quite outstanding for one evening. From the Times:

United Geist Opposition collected more than $10,000 Tuesday night from area residents opposed to annexation by the town of Fishers. Opposition leaders estimate that legal costs could be as much as $125,000.

The meeting at Hamilton Southeastern High School drew over 300 people. Residents were introduced to Stephen R. Buschmann, the attorney retained to represent the Geist opposition. Buschmann had recently represented Home Place in its successful campaign against annexation by Carmel.

I found Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Carter's comments most interesting:

In a phone interview Wednesday, Carter said he wanted to put an end to the rhetoric about police protection. Carter told those attending that Geist is adequately protected and that police protection would not necessarily improve if annexation is successful.

“This political hot potato that's being passed around has nothing to do with public safety,” Carter said Wednesday.

I like to believe that I get a good read on a person when they speak. In the Sheriff, I have always observed a deep earnestness in his approach to his work. I believe him when he says that if the Fishers Police Chief calls for 50 of his deputees in a moment of need that he will send them. And, when Carter says that the issues surrounding annexation are nothing to do with public safety, I believe him there, too.

Smoking Bans In Force Soon

The Indy Star has a lengthy article in today's edition, discussing the smoking bans that will soon be in force around Central Indiana. Many of these bans take effect March 1.

I'll restate my position here. I do not smoke. I never have. I don't like second-hand smoke. When a place is too smoky for my liking, I leave. I never take my son or infant daughter into a place that allows smoking. However, I believe that while the health issues have strong merit, I also believe that the property rights of business owners come first. The property owners should have the right to set their own policies as regards their businesses on their properties. It should be sufficient to post a sign on the front door indicating the smoking policy at any establishment so that a customer can make the appropriate decision. Besides, tobacco is a legal product for adults in the United States.

Alas, this America has drifted away from its' land of the free status towards a nanny state, where decisions are made in everyone's best interest ahead of time, reducing the choices of business owners and customers alike.

Annie Tomey, a Greenfield restaurant owner, was quoted in this article, sounding these same notes:

While some places are adapting to the change, a group continues to lobby for a less restrictive ban. Among them is business owner Annie Tomey, 58, who has been one of the ban's most vocal critics.

She estimates that 80 percent of her patrons at Annie's Restaurant are smokers. She'll follow the ban when it goes into effect -- "or they're going to fine me to death" -- but she's not happy.

She and several other business owners have formed a coalition to change the law.

The smoking ban "is about taking our freedom of choice away from us," Tomey said.

As other area restaurants have voluntarily gone smoke-free in recent years, smokers have gravitated to her business, Tomey said.

"This is still the best country to live in," Tomey said. "But it's getting to the point where our politicians are going overboard."

I support Annie Tomey's property rights. Greenfield does not. Here I stood with Annie outside her restaurant in October, as Libertarians stood with her to oppose the then-proposed law.

Greenfield is not unlike other municipalities, who were swayed by the lobbying efforts of the American Heart Association and other groups. Again, I do not debate the dangers of cigarette smoke. I do debate the means by which we address the issue.

One of the compelling arguments the Heart Association makes is that society bears the medical costs associated with smoking. Unfortunately, that's increasingly true, as we have increasingly socialized medicine in this country. Since Americans are decreasingly responsible for their own health care costs, they can walk away from the cost consequences associated with bad health decision making. We wouldn't need health nannies if Americans were responsible for their choices. We wouldn't need health nannies if this example offered in the Star weren't so common:

Jennifer Deeter and her 3-year-old, Emma, ate lunch Thursday at the Hard Rock Cafe less than 10 feet from a man at the bar smoking an American Spirit cigarette.

Having her daughter so close to someone lighting up bothered Deeter. A smoker herself, the 32-year-old Irvington artist tries to abstain around her four children.

Why would a mother take a 3-year-old to lunch at the Hard Rock and allow the hostesss to seat them 10 feet from the bar? Is it honestly possible that she didn't know that the Hard Rock allowed smoking? Or, that people smoke at bars? Was it not possible for her to choose a smoke-free establishment to take her child to?

This is what it comes down to- selfish patrons wanting to have it both ways. "I'm here now, so you have to change". Cities bolster citizens who of their own volition would make bad choices unless the parameters are altered to make the place safe for them.

So, we are willing to sacrifice property rights to accomodate them. That's a real tragedy. This example reminds me of the family who builds a home alongside the railroad tracks that carried trains for the past 150 years in that spot, and then the family complains about the noise. It's arrogant and selfish. But more than that, it's irresponsible.

The result is that the intelligent business owners who had both smoking and non-smoking sections can no longer accomodate smokers and non-smokers. It doesn't matter how good the ventilation is. Unless the situation is like the Fishers Claude & Annie's, where the bar and restaurant are literally separated by a wall, the business owner has to choose to lose one segment of their clientele.

A number of Downtown restaurants focus on dining at lunch and drinks at night, but only a handful have chosen to cut out the lucrative market of family diners and become something more like a bar. The Slippery Noodle Inn, the Elbow Room and MacNiven's are among those choosing the adults-only route.

The choice is especially tough for steak houses, where cigars are part of the culture. Morton's and St. Elmo will go nonsmoking; Mo's and 14 West will not.

Most restaurants will choose to keep family dining and hope it doesn't hurt their bottom lines.

"What we may lose in smoking regulars, we may gain on the other side in families that choose to eat out more often," said Keith Reilly, manager of Champps, a Downtown restaurant where an aisle separates a large smoking bar area from the dining area.

"We hope" is no way to draw up a business plan. But arrogant lawmakers are unconcerned.

Nearly all of the establishments asking to allow smoking appear to be taverns that don't admit patrons younger than 21, said Greg Bowes, the City-County Council member who wrote the ordinance. There are 983 liquor or wine and beer permits in the county.

"I'm seeing it work exactly the way we anticipated," he said. "We specifically created a dilemma where places must choose between smokers and customers under 18. We felt that was the fairest way to make a distinction between bars and restaurants."

Tremendous! Councilor Bowes intended to create a dilemma for business owners! Isn't that helpful?

Actually, that's revisionist history and bunk. When Libertarians confronted Bowes during one of our pub crawls in support of the bar owners, he appeared and confessed that he hadn't given a single bit of thought to how it would affect property owners. His sole concern was health.

Again, it's good to be concerned about health. A nice educational campaign would have achieved that without limiting anybody's rights. The affect on property owners was an unintended consequence.

Isn't it time to have lawmakers who keep property rights as a primary focus rather than the object of secondary outcomes? If you think so, you need to vote Libertarian. The smoking bans were passed in the following locations, with the following majorities on their councils:

Indianapolis/Marion County- Democrat
Carmel- Reublican
Greenfield- Republican
Greenwood- Republican
Bloomington- Democrat

New Poll

Well, the last poll didn't exactly fire up the readers, so here's a new one.

For the record, Thursday evening won out on the last poll. Feel free to suggest ideas for polls. They aren't the least bit scientific, but we can have some fun with them!

Bonus Coverage

Who knew reading a good book could lead to so much attention?

I recently contributed a selection to the Indy Star, and they published the item in their Sunday edition. I have had a surprising amount of people stop me in the street and ask me about the Battle of Trafalgar. Cool by me!

The latest is a mention on Austin Cassidy's Third Party Watch site, where I was named Candidate of the Day for today. Here's the link.

Mr. Cassidy's site runs the entire gamut of third party candidates, not just Libertarians.

Friday Morning Joke

I love a good government joke on a Friday morning. Here's one that's been making the rounds:

Internal Revenue Service
Department of the Treasury
Washington, DC 20001

Dear IRS...

Enclosed is my 2005 Form 1040, together with payment.

For explanation, please note the attached article from "USAToday" archives. It says that the Pentagon paid $171.50 each for hammers and that NASA paid $600.00 each for toilet seats.

Please find enclosed in this package four toilet seats (according to your valuation, worth $2,400.00) and six hammers (using the same calculation, value of$1,029.00). This is in payment of my total tax due of $3,429.00.

Out of a sense of patriotic duty, I am also enclosing a 1.5inch Phillips head screw, for which HUD duly recorded and approved a purchase value of $2200, as my contribution to the Election Fund option on Form 1040.

It has been a pleasure to pay my taxes this year, and I look forward to paying them again next year in accordance with officially established government values.

Sincerely,
Another satisfied taxpayer

Kole Bumper Stickers Available!

I am pleased to announce that my campaign bumper stickers are available. Here's what they look like:

If you would like one or more, email your request to mikekole@msn.com.

Donations are naturally appreciated. Donations are payable to, and can be sent to:

Committee to Elect Mike Kole
7916 Turkel Drive
Fishers IN 46038

Two Ways To Balance A Budget

Over and over, the approaches our lawmakers have taken to trying to bring about tax relief, which is very popular, has revealed a desire to have it both ways. They also want to maintain ever higher spending levels, because that is also apparently very popular.

Providing tax relief is actually very easy if you don't mind cutting a budget. This is where the brain knots start forming. No elected officials at any level have proven willing to cut a budget. Observe the latest evidence, as provided by the Indy Star:

"If I could get rid of (property taxes), everybody would be happy," said Sen. Gary Dillon, R-Columbia City.

But, he asked, "How do you replace that income for local government?"

Instead, he added a provision to the bill that would give local government the option of raising income taxes in order to reduce property taxes.

Sen. Robert L. Meeks, R-LaGrange, called the bill "a responsible way to eliminate property taxes. It's a first step."

It doesn't really matter to the working man if you cut property taxes but raise income taxes. It would be a wash for him, although while retirees who are no longer drawing an income get a benefit from the property tax cut. If the towns and cities aren't willing to cut spending, those who are drawing an income will be facing a heavier tax burden, making this kind of relief no relief at all.

Actually, municipal taxes are some of the worst kinds of taxes, because those who make the most have the greatest incentive to leave. This policy chases wealth away. Brilliant.

Simple and best solution: Cut spending.

Now The Veto?

Are you kidding me? President Bush has hidden the veto pen throughout his entire Presidency, amiably signing into law any hideous legislation the Congress puts before him, including every bill loaded with pork barrell spending. Now he's found the hill he's willing to battle to the death upon? One Congressman has it exactly right. From the Washington Post report:

Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) called Bush politically tone-deaf. "Of all the bills to veto, if he lays down this gauntlet, he'll probably have 350 members of the House ready to accept that challenge," Foley said.

Bush welcomed the fight. "They ought to look at the facts and understand the consequences of what they're going to do," Bush said. "But if they pass a law, I'll deal with it, with a veto."

I'm generally as laissez-faire a capitalist as it get, but I have a real problem with foreign governments owning our ports, especially a government that has the reputation of harboring terrorists, such as the United Arab Emirates has. Also from the Post:

But many Republicans and Democrats who represent the seaport regions remain deeply skeptical of a UAE-owned company playing such a central role at some of the most sensitive entry points in the country. They noted that some of the hijackers involved in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks used the United Arab Emirates as an operational and financial hub.

This is well-placed skepticism, and a poorly placed veto threat. Bush tried to invoke the imagery of Ronald Reagan in his campaigns, but he's far from Reaganesque. His lack of vetoes to date on budgetary issues is the proof. And you can bet that Reagan never would have struck this deal with the UAE.

Another Big Geist Turnout

The Geist residents who are in opposition to the Town of Fishers' forced annexation met again tonight, with about 400 present, including the local news media. This group really has it together. There is no doubt in my mind that they will defeat the Town's attempts. They had the power point presentations, tables set up for accepting charge card doantions, a block captain system set up, and one more very interesting thing-

For the first time, an elected Republican official stood up and declared that forced annexation is wrong. County Commissioner Steve Dillinger has broken the silent ranks of the GOP and spoke out.

Should he run for another term, I'm sure he will be well rewarded at the polls in the Geist area for having recognized the obvious- that these people want no part of a forced annexation.

Amusingly, one Republican precinct committeeman stood up and spoke in roundabout ways about how the annexation couldn't be all bad. Talk about not knowing your audience. The rumbling of discontent swirled through the room. I was delighted, of course. My point on forced annexation is that it is wrong, period, and that the GOP has been conspicuously out of touch. The people sitting at my table all took my business cards and palm cards, thanks to the man's comments. I do thank him kindly.

His position will probably cost him his postion. Nedra Moran, a Geist resident and annexation foe, is challenging him for the Precinct Committee post.

This is what is delightful to me: The people of the area are becoming rather politically savvy. They are looking for candidates to back, whether incumbents or challengers. The single issue is the position on forced annexation. If incumbents are unwilling to represent their views, they will back a challenger to replace the office holder. I hope to earn their backing.

Sheriff Doug Carter was there and said words to the effect that he had never seen a finer display of the democratic process in action. I couldn't agree more.

Update: Link to Indy Star coverage. Also, WTHR-TV coverage. Also, WISH-TV coverage.

Fruedian Slip in Greenwood

Johnson County municipality Greenwood is prepared to pass their smoking ban ordinance tonight. It would be one of the most restrictive I've seen in our state.

The issue of city employees' smoking habits arose when considering smoking in city-owned vehicles. The conversation went further, to extend to employees using their own vehicles, but conducting city business. From the Indy Star report:

According to Greenwood City Attorney Shawna Koons-Davis, the ban would prohibit smoking -- "if you have to use your vehicle for business."

But Councilwoman Jessie Reed, who spearheaded the initiative, said the ban would be limited to vehicles the city owns.

"Anyplace that has something to do with the public," she said. "I don't think we're quite that Gestapo."

So, according to Reed, Greenwood is willing to be Gestapo, but not that Gestapo. Wow.

I know that in retrospect, Reed will be hating the fact that she said this. It's a Freudian Slip on the grandest order.

That must be reassuring to the good people of Greenwood, for the business owner who believes he should have the right to set his own policy within the four walls of his business, and for the person who believes her car is her property, no matter who it is serving at any given moment.

Never wonder why Indiana drives people away. Sure, I like smoke-free environments. I don't smoke, and never have. But this is a heavy price to pay for smoke-free environments. Why must civil liberties always be the first thing to hit the curb in the quest for a solution to a problem? Why is force the first thing governments turn to? The arguments against smoking are compelling enough. Can't we let it go at that?

Where To Start?

It can be a frustrating endeavor if you are a supporter of limited government and greater liberty, trying to figure out where to start to apply your efforts in pursuit of your principles. All levels of life are rife with assaults on freedom, whether these are direct attacks or the results of unintended consequences.

Because allocation of resources is a factor, I always advocate starting with the smallest level of governance possible. I use that word intentionally. You'll see why in a moment.

Sure, federal issues are sexy. These are discussed on the network news, on the Sunday morning pundit shows, so you can easily talk to anybody about these issues and make your points. What you cannot is affect change easily, because just as anyone can talk about these, everybody with a million dollars and an advocacy group that spends millions of dollars also talks about, and lobbies on, these federal issues.

Local issues aren't so flashy, but they affect you, and probably more directly, and in ways you feel. Everybody talks about Iraq, but really only a small percentage of people feel this directly. Sure, we all pay federal taxes, but that money goes into the hopper and is dispersed over many more allocations than we could begin to name or even count. When a municipality has a smoking ban, and you smoke, you feel it. If you own a restaurant business, and the smoking ban is enacted, you feel its effect on the numbers of customers you draw.

If you live in a modern subdivision that has a set of covenants included with the recorded plat, coupled with a vigorous enforcement effort by a Homeowners Association (HOA), you can really feel it.

Some HOAs regulate on an order never dreamt on by Soviet Politboro, much less know-it-all city planning commissions. They regulate such arcane things as the color of the roof or the paint on the walls, the make & model of the mailbox, the dates you are permitted to have Christmas lights hung on the house, whether or not you may have a shed or pole barn, etc. Your neighbors may be the very ones keeping an eye on you so they can rat you out to the HOA, insisting you take down a political sign, or re-paint your house a more neutral color.

Today's Indy Star has an excellent article outlining the stresses of living within subdivisions with vigorous HOAs. From the article:

More than 54 million Americans are living in subdivisions subject to covenants and homeowners associations, according to the Community Associations Institute's national headquarters in Alexandria, Va.

Critics say covenants, which gained popularity during the rise of suburbia following World War II, often are overly restrictive. Advocates, however, say the documents protect homeowners' interests by establishing and enforcing community standards.

"They provide homeowners the chance to govern themselves, maintain the property and enhance property values," said Matt Englert, president of the Central Indiana chapter of the Community Associations Institute.

There is no doubt that most homeowners buy blindly, failing to even read the restrictive covenants. It often looks like so much legalese and gobbledegook, that buyers gloss over and sign the purchase documents. At that point, they have locked themselves into not having a backyard pool or Christmas lights in April. As ever, Caveat Emptor.

However, this is a place where Libertarians can do much good. In my Fishers subdivision, there is a covenant about the mailboxes. Nobody adheres to it. Heaven forbid some busybody with nothing else to do should become the HOA president, and enforce the convenants. About 75% of the neighborhood will find itself shelling out some 50 bucks to get the "right" mailbox.

One's choice of mailboxes is not what makes or breaks a subdivision. General upkeep of the properties means a whole lot more than a personalized mailbox.

Libertarians need to get involved with their HOAs on a leadership level. I know- it isn't nearly as much fun as talking about Iraq or earmarks, but it does two things. It makes home a much happier, freer place to live, and, it gives a nice resume item that shows you can work with people and that the neighborhood didn't go up in flames in the way the paranoid distopian fantasies the opponents of freedom like to describe any time you talk about scaling back control and command with regard to property ownership.

Besides, unless you are a millionaire celebrity, you aren't getting elected to the US Senate without having served a lower office first anyway. At home is where you can start to make a large difference.

My Reading List

The Indianapolis Star runs an occasional feature in some Sunday editions called "What Hoosiers Are Reading". I decided to submit "Nelson's Trafalgar, The Battle That Changed The World". The Star ran the item this morning.

This is a great book that coincided with my third trip to southern Spain to visit my son, Alex. The interest came from our annual side trips to Gibraltar, where veterans of the Battle of Trafalgar are buried in Trafalgar Cemetary. I like to read up on the places I visit immediately before or after the trips.

Gate entrance to Gibraltar's Trafalgar Cemetary

The Battle of Trafalgar was a pivotal moment in world history, and unfortunately not well studied in the US. This was the last great naval battle involving wooden ships, but resulted because Napolean desperately wished to control the seas for a few hours so his invasion fleet could make way to Britain across the English Channel. The combined French & Spanish fleets failed to budge the British, even for a few hours. The result was British naval supremacy taht gave rise to an empire on which the sun never set.

If you enjoyed the movie Master & Commander with Russell Crowe, and especially if you have enjoyed the books by M&C author Patrick O'Brian, you'll value the graphic descriptions of life at sea while at war, in the early 19th century. An unbelievable way of life.

The book is as much a biography of Nelson, who remains popular on Gibraltar to this day, more than 200 years after his death at this battle. Posters commemorating the man were available at shops on Gibraltar last month during our visit.

Great Olympic Action

I'm really enjoying NBC's coverage of the Olympics, and especially the hockey- both men's & women's.

It's been tough for the USA so far, with the women losing to someone other than Canada for the first time ever, in more than 100 Olympic games, and with the men struggling to qualify for the next round.

NBC has provided excellent coverage for the hockey. They air entire games on any one of their various networks. CNBC has hosted a great many, and this morning I watched Germany-Switzerland and now Russia-Latvia. The USA plays at 10:30 EST this morning, and I can't wait.

Very rarely were entire games aired in previous Olympiads. With single networks juggling a variety of sports, you might get to see five minutes of hockey, and then luge and skiing, missing key moments of games, sitting in suspense over what you couldn't see. Seeing the whole USA-USSR game live was a rare event, and the Miracle On Ice completely justified it. That game made me a hockey fan forever, and an Olympic hockey fan.

Negotiating 101

As someone who has negotiated land use rights for a living, I have always has a certain professional nose to look down on for those negotiating on behalf of governments. It has everything to do with the fact that those I approach with a proposal can slam the door in my face if they choose. Government negotiators can have the door bulldozed sometimes. Just ask the good folks at NK Hurst.

Thus, it was interesting to read a recent article in on Reason Magazine's website, which demostrates that dynamic, using Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson as the dark example. From Jacob Sullum's article:

"Cities use eminent domain most often as a negotiating tool with property owners," explained Peterson, who was speaking for the National League of Cities. "Just having the tool available makes it possible to negotiate with landowners." Sure it does—in the same way just having a gun available makes it possible for a bank robber to negotiate with a teller.

Im my acquisitions, it was always possible to negotiate with landowners. You had to bring a lot of dollars to the table to trade, but more importantly, you had to convince the opposite party that they wer getting value equal to or greater than what your client would be getting. Demonstrating value to the other party isn't even on the radar in eminent domain cases. Eminent Domain isn't trade. It's force. That's why private negiators look down their nose at government counterparts. Brute force requires very little application of skill.

By the way, Reason has a great blog, called Reason Hit & Run. I keep a permenant link at the right. The comments are a delight.

Eating Endangered Species?

I was listening to Neal Boortz the other day, and he was trying to provoke his audience and Belinda, one of his show producers, by saying he was glad that the Bald Eagle was being removed from the endangered species list so that he could hunt one for the purpose of eating it.

This rubbed me wrong on so many levels, but that's what Boortz was angling for. I simply couldn't eat the bird that is the symbol for our nation. I also couldn't eat a creature that was so recently on the verge of extinction.

Then I read a Washington Post article that suggests that maybe I am doing exactly that. I was stunned, because I eat salmon at least three times a month, grilling it at home, even as the snow flies. From the Post article:

In 2004, federal and state governments spent more than $160 million to preserve that salmon species, commonly known as chinook -- listed by the federal government as endangered in the early 1990s. And that doesn't include the millions spent on other kinds of salmon, such as sockeye, coho and chum.

I don't believe I've ever had chinook salmon, but I seek out sockeye and coho for the health benefits of eating the Pacific varieties. Besides, salmon is the only fish Ame will eat. But I never thought of sockeye salmon as endangered. I buy it at Jonah's Market in the Geist area, and even at my local Target store.

It begs the question- Are these varieties of fish truly endangered, or, is this so much more money tossed out the window to appease a special interest group? Also from the Post:

The report, which regularly invites controversy, provides information to Congress so lawmakers can make decisions on conservation spending, according to the service.

This is as it should be. If salmon is truly endangered, I'm not going to eat it. If it isn't, what are we throwing our money at? The money could be better allocated on real needs, or even returned to the taxpayers, perish the thought!

Thanks, J.A.!

J.A. Thomas has announced his candidacy for Indiana Representative in District 64, which includes his home town of Vincennes, and his home county of Knox. Here's the link to J.A. Thomas' campaign website.

Thomas' entry into the race should make things delightfully uncomfortable for incumbent Republican Troy Woodruff, who won election in 2004 by a mere 189 votes. Mr. Woodruff would be well advised to vote for smaller government with every vote, lest he lose a several thousand to Thomas, along with his hopes for re-election.

I'm glad J.A. announced his candidacy now. It gives him a chance to build momentum now, rather than after our late-April convention. Unless you have big money, time coupled with effort is the only thing on a candidate's side for gaining strength.

Big thanks to J.A on a personal note. He has pledged his support in working together for the highest possible outcome in the Secretary of State race, in which I am a candidate. Indiana election rules tie the parties' ballot status to this race. Our minimum goal in 2006 is Major Party status.

J.A. has my pledge for support as well. Together, we will work to build the 8th District.

I pledge my support to work together with other leaders who step forward to do the necessary work. J.A. Thomas is leading by example.

Thanks, J.A.!

Poll Added

You will note the snappy freebie poll posted at the right side of the page. Nothing too scientific here, but I'd like to get a better idea of times people are inclined to attend a campaign meeting.

This comes in response to the District 5 organizational meeting held last Saturday at Claude & Annie's. The turnout was decent, but I received more emails and voice mails expressing regrets than there were folks present. That tells me I could have done better in selecting a time.

You get one bite at the apple here. Use it well. Thanks!

Fort Wayne Annexation Report

Hamilton County is not the only county to suffer significant forced annexations. In fact, Allen County and Fort Wayne are the seasoned veterans.

Fort Wayne Libertarian Mike Sylvester has a report on a series of pending annexations that affect thousnads of property owners.

Of note, while no elected official in Hamilton County has spoken in opposition to forced annexation, several Fort Wayne city councilors were elected on platforms that included opposition to annexations. These councilors are silent today.

What is it about being elected to office that takes a fiscal conservative and suddenly transforms that person into a tax-and-spend liberal?

What is it about an electorate that re-elects those who fail to keep their word?

Klop on WXNT

It was great to tune in to Newstalk 1430-am this morning and hear Brad Klopfenstein on Abdul's show, along with John Livengood. Brad is the former Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Indiana. He now holds the same position with the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association. Points of interest:

Brad & John pointed to the unintended consequences of the Marion County smoking ban. In particular, the restaurants had to decide- do they continue to permit smoking by excluding patrons under 18 years of age, or do they cater to families and exclude smoking? Many have chosen to exclude minors. Business owners had to decide which demographic, smokers or kids, comprised the smaller subset of their business, and then lose that subset. Not exactly business friendly.

John declared himself a 'civil libertarian' on the issue of smoking. It was an interesting choice of words, as Mr. Livengood was once an elected Democratic official, and that isn't the line most Dems choose on smoking. Sure, he represents the hospitality industry and has to take that position, but the word 'libertarian' was pleasant to hear from him. I hope to word rolls off his lips when he is in touch with his clients discussing political parties that took his side on smoking issues and food & beverage taxes throughout the state.

Wither 2002?

The Indianapolis Star has run two reports recently, covering the possibility that Indy could host the 2008 GOP national convention. The bid has been deep-sixed before it could even get going. From the latest Indy Star report:

Jennifer Hallowell, executive director of the Indiana Republican Party, said it notified the Republican National Committee that it wouldn't submit a proposal.

In addition to the cost and effort of pursuing a bid, Indianapolis would face a timing problem. The convention would conflict with the transition from the old RCA Dome to the new stadium and expanded Indiana Convention Center, which is not expected to open until late summer 2008.

Calling it a "timing problem" really glosses over the fact that the Convention Center will be torn up, thanks to the Governor tying its' expansion to the construction of a new stadium for the Colts. It's a dark irony that the Indiana GOP might have been able to host their party's biggest party of the 4-year election cycle, except that one of their own Governors in ram-rodding a political project home that should have been wholly private anyway left the only site in town for such a thing unavailable. Oh, well. Republicans from across the country can take their millions of dollars and bless some other city with it instead.

There was an error in the report that requires some housekeeping:

Indianapolis has never hosted a national political convention. Chicago has hosted the most: 13 Democratic and 13 Republican conventions.

That is factually incorrect. Indianapolis was host to the 2002 national convention of the Libertarian Party. That event was life-changing for me, in retrospect.

At the time, I was a resident of Cleveland, and served the Convention as a delegate from the state of Ohio. Ame had finished her Master's work and was review potential work locations where she could fulfill service requirements tied to her education. Indianapolis was on the list, along with New York City and some lesser locations.

I stayed on the north side, at Keystone at the Crossing, and was afforded a drive to and from the Convention, whereby I could meander around town en route, examining neighborhoods, picking up sales slips from houses with 'for sale' signs in the front yard.

I was rather taken by the friendly nature of people, both on the north side and in the downtown area. The cost of living was reasonable, and the Libertarian Party of Indiana was the best state affiliate I encountered at the Convention. The state income tax was 4% lower than Ohio, the property taxes were 75% lower than Cleveland, the sales tax was 3% lower than Cleveland, and there was no municipal income tax in Indy, versus a 2% tax in Cle. These were among the numerous factors that made the move exciting for me.

Now we have our own home in Fishers, and we plan to be here for many years to come.

So, please, correct that error in the Star. It is an injustice to our area, and to the Libertarian Party. The Indiana Libertarians did a great job of showcasing Indianapolis and the Central Indiana region.

Who Do You Trust?

CNN published an interesting report on a recent Gallup Poll. Who has a clear plan for the country? From the CNN article:

Democrats? No, according to 68% of those polled.
Republicans? No, according to 67% of those polled.

Apparently, Americans don't trust either party. This begins to explain why voter turn-out is so low in this country. What it doesn't explain is why more Americans aren't willing to turn to other parties. Sure, I'll stump for the Libertarians, but I would extend that inquiry to any other party.

I'd love to see the same poll reissued, but adding libertarian philosophy of smaller government and lower taxes to the questions, to see what rating the public would give it. I bet higher than 32 or 33%.

It just doesn't make sense to keep voting for parties you don't trust.

Greenfield Report

The Libertarian Party of Hancock County held a fun, informal dinner meeting at El Rodeo restaurant in Greenfield, on SR 9, just south of the interstate.

Most of the people there were folks I had not met before. Most were rather disenchanted with the Republican Party. They want smaller government in general. They want to be left alone by what they consider a meddling, busy-body government. This was one extremely pro-liberty group, and it was a delight to be amongst them.

Phil Miller gave me the floor for about 20 minutes. I spoke about the campaign, and I urged them to not only work in support of my campaign, but to allow me to work to support them in their campaigns. The only way to make an unresponsive government take notice is to put the very office at stake, by becoming candidates.

It's not for everyone, but I suspect some of the people I met there tonight will become candidates.

Legislative Update

Dan Drexler of the Libertarian Party of Indiana has been doing a great job of tracking bills that the party supports and opposes. He has posted a useful update today. Check it out via this link.

Top item is the Eminent Domain bill, HB 1010. While it has passed the House, sadly it is stalled in committee awaiting the Senate. Time to give your State Senator a call to urge movement on this bill to curtail the theft of private property by governments on behalf of private interests.

Glad I Left Marion County

This was predictable. You had to know that if municipalities were given the chance, they would initiate municipal income taxes. Marion County leads the way, to ruin. From the Indy Star report:

Two members of the City-County Council are proposing a county income tax to raise about $33 million.

The proposal from council member Jackie Nytes would levy a County Economic Development Income Tax to help pay for the IndyGo bus service and to make up money expected to be lost by next year’s planned elimination of the state’s inventory tax.

“Unfortunately, the State Legislature has resisted efforts from local officials to have more control over funding for local projects, services and operations,” Nytes said in a council news release issued Friday night.

“We are offering this proposal as a starting point for discussion of how we fund local governments, provide tax relief to citizens, and address the elimination of the inventory tax. I'm sure it will be amended along the way.”

That's a curious way of providing tax relief, by proposing the inititation of a new tax.

Here's an idea: CUT SPENDING. Put that at the top of the list of items for discussion on how to balance the books. Increasing taxes is only one way to accomplish that goal.

Municipal taxes lead to the destruction of core cities. I have witnessed this in Cleveland, where the municipal tax was 2% when I lived there. Eventually, towns and cities get to haggling over the rightful collector of the tax.

I lived in Cleveland, but worked in suburban Parma. Both wanted 2% in munipal taxes. After two years of this nonsense, I moved to Parma, thereby preserving 2% of my income. Two years after that, I moved to Indiana, where there was no municipal income tax, thereby preserving another 2%.

Here's the most devastating part: the more you make, the greater your incentive to leave. The 0.35% that Nytes proposes isn't a whole lot to a person making $18,000/year, but is to someone making a million a year. Cleveland's experience was that people of means simply left, leaving only the poor and lower middle class. The city- not only the inner city, but even the fringes- suffered as people of means fled for the suburbs.

That's what Indy is headed for if they pass this tax.

It's really stupid, because Indiana was very competitive relative to the states east of it when I got here. The state income tax was lower, property taxes were lower, and there was no municipal income tax. I calculated that I preserved fully 7% of my income when comparing the Cleveland residence to the Indianapolis residence.

Now, the property taxes are nearly even. Now, Indianapolis is considering a tax hike to support IndyGo, which is already supported by taxes to the tune of 80% of its revenue.

I'm really glad I left Marion County for Hamilton County. I'm just very afraid that Hamilton County is going to reinvent Marion County, and make it another place to flee in order to preserve income. That would be a shame.

Hancock County Meeting is Next

The campaign season is really going to be in full swing now, as I work towards securing the nomination of my party to be our candidate for Secretary of State. This means winning over the votes of the delegates to the Libertarian Party of Indiana's annual State Convention. This year's convention will be held the weekend of April 28-30, in Indianapolis.

On Monday, I will be attending the dinner/business meeting of the Libertarian Party of Hancock County. The dinner begins at 6pm at El Rodeo Restaurant in Greenfield, on SR 9, off I-70.

I am looking forward to this meeting as the attendance at Hancock County meetings has been steadily rising. I attribute this to their increased visibility in defending small business owners from impositions local governments would place on them. Generally, the Libertarians are their only defenders politically. Also, Jenn Bradshaw writes a great column in the Greenfield Daily Reporter.

Bob Barr Has It Right

Even though many on the right think of Bob Barr as royal pain, the former Georgia Republican Congressman is right on the money. Barr has been challenging his party on all things related to the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, leaving cognitive dissonance in his wake. Observe these zingers offered at the recent CPAC assembly. From the Washington Post report:

"Are we losing our lodestar, which is the Bill of Rights?" Barr beseeched the several hundred conservatives at the Omni Shoreham in Woodley Park. "Are we in danger of putting allegiance to party ahead of allegiance to principle?"

and

Dinh brought the crowd to a raucous ovation when he judged: "The threat to Americans' liberty today comes from al Qaeda and its associates and the people who would destroy America and her people, not the brave men and women who work to defend this country!"

It was the sort of tactic that has intimidated Democrats and the last few libertarian Republicans who question the program's legality.But Barr is not easily suppressed. During a 2002 Senate primary, he accidentally fired a pistol at a campaign event; at a charity event a decade earlier, he licked whipped cream from the chests of two women.

Barr wasn't going to get a lesson on patriotism from this young product of the Bush Justice Department. "That, folks, was a red herring," he announced. "This debate is very simple: It is a debate about whether or not we will remain a nation subject to and governed by the rule of law or the whim of men."

For the past five years or so, I concluded that the direction the Republican Party was taking was moving away from Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater, and towards a big government distinct from the kind of big government the Democrats prefer- but big government all the same. The fiscal conservatives, the "small-L" libertarians still clinging to the GOP would at last be cast aside, with the Libertarian Party as their only possible home.

This is not a small constituency within the GOP, so in time, I believe that the divide will come to represent the questions of big government/small government, and individualism/collectivism. The result will again be two dominant parties, but far better defined.

In 2001, I had the timeline for this metamorphosis at 25-30 years. Now, I have it at about 15 years.

In my own way, I hope that the Republican leadership continues to ignore Barr. It will result in the Republican Party going to way of the Whigs, to be replaced by the Libertarian Party.

There They Go Again

The easiest way to tell that a government is growing is that buildings are being added, or added to.

The Town of Fishers, led by an all-Republican town council, is growing. The proof can be found in the expansion of the Town Hall, which will begin this summer. From Bill Fouts' report in the Fishers Weekly:

The expansion is will add 18,945 square feet to the existing Town Hall and will include a “light spire” that Passen said was really more of a dome reminiscent of a capitol dome.

“It's very striking and it's going to look very different than it does now,” Passen said.

In other words, it isn't merely getting bigger, it's getting more palacial. So where will the money come from? Again, from the Fishers Weekly article:

The project will be paid for through bond issues. Huff said some bond money has already been approved.

“I don't know yet whether that's going to be enough to do it depending on all the other things we're tying to do with this building,” Huff said. “We may have to add some to it. We'll just have to wait and see.”

Translated into straight English, this means the Town was counting on the successful forced annexation of the Geist area, which would have at once added the bonding capacity, and would require even more space, because a bigger area to govern means bigger government.

That's today's GOP for you. There they go again, burying the legacy of Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater.

I wish the Town Council and Manager would take stock in what allowed Fishers to develop into a great town, one that earned that fabulous Money Magazine ranking. It was the relative absence of government, the low taxes, and the tiny bond obligation. They seem bent on reinventing Marion County by growing government and bond obligations, which all leads to higher taxes, which drives people of means on to the next Fishers. Why louse up a good thing?

Excellent Organizational Meeting

I was delighted with Saturday's organizational meeting for District 5. It was attended by 20 good people who want to see my campaign, and the Libertarian Party, move to the next level.

Two homework assignments were issued.

#1 Bring 3 people to the next meeting. This is a fun exercise, because even if the person hears 'no' from 12 friends, relatives, or business associates before finding three to say 'yes', that many more people have heard good things about the Kole Campaign and the Libertarian Party from trusted people with relationships and shared values.

#2 Conduct online research on at least one Indiana County. Determine the media outlets (TV, radio, print, blogs, etc.) and their newsroom and contact info. Also, determine the big-deal annual events, such as parades, festivals, fairs, etc., along with the dates, times, locations, and contact info.

Those who were unable to attend but wish to participate are most welcome to do so! Send me an email at mikekole@msn.com, and I will be glad to send the Word Documents with the details.

The event was reported by LPIN State Chair Mark Rutherford in his blog, and by LP of Hamilton County Secretary Michael Jarrell, in his blog. Special thanks to Michael for presenting me with a nice bottle of Boylan's Root Beer!

I learned that Saturday afternoon is not the best time for a meeting, especially when IU and Purdue basketball is happening at the same time. There were more email and voice mail regrets than there were folks present. That's my fault. Chalk it up as a learning experience.

In other news, I am working with Jeff Thomas of Vincennes to put an organizational meeting together for the 8th District. Watch this blog and the campaign website www.mikekole.com for details on organizational meetings statewide.