Two Week Hockey Season?
One of my favorite aspects of the recently concluded Olympiad in Athens concerned the make-up of the various national teams. I enjoyed seeing NBA stars don the jersey of their native country and play the style of game they play at home. As the NBA gradually becomes more international, the flavor of the game improves.
Of course, the NBA has nothing on the NHL in terms of international flavor. The top pro hockey league may play in North America, and be the Canadian national pasttime, but no longer do the majority of players come from Canada. Europe contributes more players than the United States, and not mere role players, but superstars such as Peter Forsberg, Marian Gaborik, Jaromir Jagr, Sergei Federov, and Mats Sundin.
Prior to the fall of the Iron Curtain, Olympic hockey watchers knew they were seeing awesome teams from the Soviet Union, Sweden, and Czechoslovakia, but really didn't know the players. If you were a hockey fan watching Olympic play just 15 years ago, you were watching one set of flag-inspired jerseys skate against another, as the unknown American & Canadian amateurs skated against the unknown Soviet Bloc pros. Now there is an intimacy of knowledge of all teams, as generally the top two lines and the goaltender are NHL stars.
This would make watching this year's World Cup of Hockey exciting enough for the average hockey fan, but with the NHL and its players union lacking a collective bargaining agreement, the 2004-05 season is in serious jeopardy, giving the real possibility that the Cup series may be the only top-level hockey we'll see until September 2005.
All eyes are on Mario Lemieux, the player-owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins who is the captain of the Canadian team. Now age 38, Lemieux has gone through a huge range of physical maladies, from hip and back problems to Hodgkin's Disease, and has persevered lately just to keep his team alive. Without a season ahead, Lemieux might call it quits for good after this Cup.
The games air in the US on ESPN2, and in Canada on CBC. The games run through Tuesday, September 14's championship game at 7pm (EDST).
One excellent aspect of this Cup is that games are hosted around the world- in Helsinki, Prague, Cologne, St. Paul, Montreal, and Toronto- reducing inherent home-ice advantages.
It figures that I am extremely busy with, well, everything right now, but I will be watching as much as can!
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
DC Trip Notes
Washington DC has never been among my favorite major US cities. New York is far and away the tops, for every reason: the magnificent sense of scale, the skyline, the wonderful food, the depth and range of cultural choices, Central Park... I could rave on and on. In that distant second tier, I rank San Francisco, Seattle, and even Indianapolis ahead of DC in terms of spirit and energy.
DC is frankly very depressing to me. Being the seat of such sprawling bureaucracy alone makes DC intellectually oppressive. But the negative vibe present on the street could crush a sensitive idealist such as myself, had I not been prepared for it. There is no city that is quite so narrow-minded as DC, or as polarized by political affiliation. The liberal grafitti use of the swastika on all things illiberal demonstrates well the irrational hyperbolic demonization the Left uses to smear the Right. The Right counters with the equally irrational and hyperbolic, but at least more positive, "Bush is God" stickers- on every light post and newspaper box. There are plenty of midwestern folks I disagree with on issues, but I tend to believe that I could still reach most of them with a well-reasoned position. I do not have that sense about anyone in DC. Add to this atmosphere of general filth and grime (despite a lack of industry), a huge schizophrenic and/or strung out homeless population, and you have me watching Olympic soccer in the hotel in the middle of the afternoon.
Fortunately, DC is still offers history, and that alone can sustain me through such despair. Showing it all to Alex made it a very satisfying experience, and one I still recommend to families.
The first thing to do is to contact one of your Senators. Don't let it get in the way if you are not a supporter of your Senator, or vote for another party. Their office staff doesn't care. Heck, the staffers can just as easily support another party, too. The reason for contacting your Senator's office is that the only way to tour the White House and other landmarks is to do so on a Senatorial tour. Thanks to security concerns, you can no longer walk up to the White House and get in. The earlier you schedule, the better. I gave it two months lead time and was still closed out of the White House. Fortunately, we did get to tour the Capitol with Richard Lugar's office.
Washington DC has never been among my favorite major US cities. New York is far and away the tops, for every reason: the magnificent sense of scale, the skyline, the wonderful food, the depth and range of cultural choices, Central Park... I could rave on and on. In that distant second tier, I rank San Francisco, Seattle, and even Indianapolis ahead of DC in terms of spirit and energy.
DC is frankly very depressing to me. Being the seat of such sprawling bureaucracy alone makes DC intellectually oppressive. But the negative vibe present on the street could crush a sensitive idealist such as myself, had I not been prepared for it. There is no city that is quite so narrow-minded as DC, or as polarized by political affiliation. The liberal grafitti use of the swastika on all things illiberal demonstrates well the irrational hyperbolic demonization the Left uses to smear the Right. The Right counters with the equally irrational and hyperbolic, but at least more positive, "Bush is God" stickers- on every light post and newspaper box. There are plenty of midwestern folks I disagree with on issues, but I tend to believe that I could still reach most of them with a well-reasoned position. I do not have that sense about anyone in DC. Add to this atmosphere of general filth and grime (despite a lack of industry), a huge schizophrenic and/or strung out homeless population, and you have me watching Olympic soccer in the hotel in the middle of the afternoon.
Fortunately, DC is still offers history, and that alone can sustain me through such despair. Showing it all to Alex made it a very satisfying experience, and one I still recommend to families.
The first thing to do is to contact one of your Senators. Don't let it get in the way if you are not a supporter of your Senator, or vote for another party. Their office staff doesn't care. Heck, the staffers can just as easily support another party, too. The reason for contacting your Senator's office is that the only way to tour the White House and other landmarks is to do so on a Senatorial tour. Thanks to security concerns, you can no longer walk up to the White House and get in. The earlier you schedule, the better. I gave it two months lead time and was still closed out of the White House. Fortunately, we did get to tour the Capitol with Richard Lugar's office.
Monday, August 30, 2004
Alex Back to Spain
My son has an in-the-moment outlook that works very well for him, that at times I wish I had. He's flying back to Spain tomorrow and very much looking forward to it. I'm happy for him, but I'm not terribly excited to know that he will be an ocean apart from me.
We had a terrific summer together, with adventures ranging from this past week's DC trip to a white water rafting and camping trip on the New River in West Virginia. I'm hoping that we have a few more summers like it before his Papa Bear is too uncool for him.
My son has an in-the-moment outlook that works very well for him, that at times I wish I had. He's flying back to Spain tomorrow and very much looking forward to it. I'm happy for him, but I'm not terribly excited to know that he will be an ocean apart from me.
We had a terrific summer together, with adventures ranging from this past week's DC trip to a white water rafting and camping trip on the New River in West Virginia. I'm hoping that we have a few more summers like it before his Papa Bear is too uncool for him.
Friday, August 20, 2004
Ward of the State
Fellow Hoosier Libertarian Chris Ward has just launched his new blog, Ward of the State. Welcome to the blogosphere, Chris!
He's a brave man. He's running for office and he allows for comments on each entry.
Fellow Hoosier Libertarian Chris Ward has just launched his new blog, Ward of the State. Welcome to the blogosphere, Chris!
He's a brave man. He's running for office and he allows for comments on each entry.
D.C. Trip
Next week, I’ll be in the Nation’s Capital with Ame and Alex. This is exciting because Alex, world traveler that he is, has still not visited Washington DC.
The Smithsonian is the top destination for us. Alex is especially excited for the aviation displays and the two IMAX screens. I could spend a month in the Smithsonian, but the railroad and other transportation goodies are the main draw for me.
I highly recommend contacting your US Senator or US Representative in advance of any DC trip. Some of the notable landmarks are difficult to get tour access to, because the number of tourists is restricted due to security and other concerns. Walk-up access is virtually a thing of the past, unless extremely lucky. I contacted Senator Lugar’s office about a month ago, and was able to secure tour access to the Capitol Building and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving.
Providing this kind of access to citizens is one action by our elected officials I happily endorse. Alex spends most of the year living on a military base overseas. He ought to get a good look at the places policy is made. It would be even better if he could meet Senator Lugar and some of his colleagues.
Next week, I’ll be in the Nation’s Capital with Ame and Alex. This is exciting because Alex, world traveler that he is, has still not visited Washington DC.
The Smithsonian is the top destination for us. Alex is especially excited for the aviation displays and the two IMAX screens. I could spend a month in the Smithsonian, but the railroad and other transportation goodies are the main draw for me.
I highly recommend contacting your US Senator or US Representative in advance of any DC trip. Some of the notable landmarks are difficult to get tour access to, because the number of tourists is restricted due to security and other concerns. Walk-up access is virtually a thing of the past, unless extremely lucky. I contacted Senator Lugar’s office about a month ago, and was able to secure tour access to the Capitol Building and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving.
Providing this kind of access to citizens is one action by our elected officials I happily endorse. Alex spends most of the year living on a military base overseas. He ought to get a good look at the places policy is made. It would be even better if he could meet Senator Lugar and some of his colleagues.
Rails To Trails Proposal Update
The media coverage has continued on this item, with small stories in the Noblesville Ledger, Fishers Topics, and an excellent front page article in the Noblesville Daily Times.
Now that the word is out, the team building is under way. If you would like to get involved at any level- from the actual petitioning on down to simple moral support, email me at mikekole@insightbb.com.
The media coverage has continued on this item, with small stories in the Noblesville Ledger, Fishers Topics, and an excellent front page article in the Noblesville Daily Times.
Now that the word is out, the team building is under way. If you would like to get involved at any level- from the actual petitioning on down to simple moral support, email me at mikekole@insightbb.com.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
The Indiana Way
I don't flinch nearly as much as the average Libertarian when rocks are cast our way. While folks usually throw gravel, I tend to believe we deserve #9 aggregate dropped overhead by a front-end loader. Why? The usual public M.O. for a Libertarian candidate or official is to loudly squawk about how things are wrong, unfair, suck, or stupid... and then go on to the next complaint. We've come to recognize to obvious her in Indiana- complaining only goes so far, offering an alternative will make you viable.
So it came to pass that an amalgam of regional leaders- mayors, county and city councilors- came together to agree to begin the funding of light rail system. After much negotiation, they unanimously agreed to get behind a starter system that would run from downtown Indianapolis to Fishers, a well-to-do suburb on Indy's northeast side in Hamilton County. The idea was to get the starter up and running with the intention of adding to it in the future towards making a more complete network.
The cost for the starter system? $850 million. The cost was proposed to be bourne by everyone in the country. It is hoped that up to $425 million in Federal money can be earned when the regional leaders make their pitch to a variety of Federal agencies for grant money. The rest of the money, which could be anywhere from $425 million to $750 million, would be supplied by the counties of Central Indiana- Marion (Indy), Hamilton (Fishers), Hancock, Shelby, Morgan, Johnson, and Hendricks via property taxes; also by a hike in the gasoline tax, statewide.
The rationale for the system is that the trains would take car traffic off of the highly congested stretch of I-69 in Fishers, not only to relieve congestion, but to improve air quality. The anticipated usage would result in, optimistically, the diversion of 1% to 4% of commuters from cars to the trains.
This is where the usual Libertarian complaining would come in. Let me try my hand: "1% to 4% of cars dispalced? For nearly a billion dollars? Are ye mad? Back to the drawing board!" -or- "It is unfair and unjust to levy taxes against the good people of Johnson and Hendricks counties for the purpose of providing a benefit to a very small percentage of the people in Marion and Hamilton counties".
While this rhetoric is a useful tool in showing the people of these other locations that Libertarians are the ones defending them while the Democrats and Republicans are the ones taking advantage of them, it won't make a bit of difference towards stopping the proposal. We will win the war of words and lose the battle of the budget. I am not a man of zero sum games! I want to win both battles!
In response, The Libertarian Party of Hamilton County held a press conference to offer an alternative.
We pointed to the corridor chosen for the route. It is the old Nickel Plate railroad, and it still has track on it. We asked the question, "Is light rail the best possible use for this corridor?" We said no, that the best use for the corridor is to convert it into a trail and greenway.
Regional leaders never considered the best use of a resource they govern. They looked at it only as a solution to a problem- congestion and pollution.
We pointed to the extremely successful Monon Trail, running from Indy to Carmel. The Trail is on the former Monon railroad. It has transformed a significant area from a run-down, trash and graffiti catching slum into some of the most desirable real estate in Indianapolis. It elevated hot property in Carmel to ultra-hot. Neighborhoods have been revitalized and small businesses have bloomed along the Monon. The Trail is jammed full of bicyclists, joggers, skaters, and families, all participating in healthy activity.
We asked the question, if it was good for the Monon, why not bring this benefit to the Nickel Plate?
We expect a huge response. We had excellent media coverage for the press conference, with the state's largest radio station (WIBC) and TV covering. We have launched a petition drive designed to show that the Nickel Plate Trail idea has greater support than the light rail system. This is a democracy, isn't it?
Oh, that's right. The regional leaders didn't bother to ask the people who live and own businesses near the corridor which they would prefer. The Libertarians are doing this. Bridges are already being built between us and the supporters of parks and green space. You thought that never happened, didn't you?
Please do continue to cast your rocks at the LP affiliates in other states. They are rhetorically correct, but words do not win the war. Superior policy proposals that are pitched correctly are hard to ignore.
I don't flinch nearly as much as the average Libertarian when rocks are cast our way. While folks usually throw gravel, I tend to believe we deserve #9 aggregate dropped overhead by a front-end loader. Why? The usual public M.O. for a Libertarian candidate or official is to loudly squawk about how things are wrong, unfair, suck, or stupid... and then go on to the next complaint. We've come to recognize to obvious her in Indiana- complaining only goes so far, offering an alternative will make you viable.
So it came to pass that an amalgam of regional leaders- mayors, county and city councilors- came together to agree to begin the funding of light rail system. After much negotiation, they unanimously agreed to get behind a starter system that would run from downtown Indianapolis to Fishers, a well-to-do suburb on Indy's northeast side in Hamilton County. The idea was to get the starter up and running with the intention of adding to it in the future towards making a more complete network.
The cost for the starter system? $850 million. The cost was proposed to be bourne by everyone in the country. It is hoped that up to $425 million in Federal money can be earned when the regional leaders make their pitch to a variety of Federal agencies for grant money. The rest of the money, which could be anywhere from $425 million to $750 million, would be supplied by the counties of Central Indiana- Marion (Indy), Hamilton (Fishers), Hancock, Shelby, Morgan, Johnson, and Hendricks via property taxes; also by a hike in the gasoline tax, statewide.
The rationale for the system is that the trains would take car traffic off of the highly congested stretch of I-69 in Fishers, not only to relieve congestion, but to improve air quality. The anticipated usage would result in, optimistically, the diversion of 1% to 4% of commuters from cars to the trains.
This is where the usual Libertarian complaining would come in. Let me try my hand: "1% to 4% of cars dispalced? For nearly a billion dollars? Are ye mad? Back to the drawing board!" -or- "It is unfair and unjust to levy taxes against the good people of Johnson and Hendricks counties for the purpose of providing a benefit to a very small percentage of the people in Marion and Hamilton counties".
While this rhetoric is a useful tool in showing the people of these other locations that Libertarians are the ones defending them while the Democrats and Republicans are the ones taking advantage of them, it won't make a bit of difference towards stopping the proposal. We will win the war of words and lose the battle of the budget. I am not a man of zero sum games! I want to win both battles!
In response, The Libertarian Party of Hamilton County held a press conference to offer an alternative.
We pointed to the corridor chosen for the route. It is the old Nickel Plate railroad, and it still has track on it. We asked the question, "Is light rail the best possible use for this corridor?" We said no, that the best use for the corridor is to convert it into a trail and greenway.
Regional leaders never considered the best use of a resource they govern. They looked at it only as a solution to a problem- congestion and pollution.
We pointed to the extremely successful Monon Trail, running from Indy to Carmel. The Trail is on the former Monon railroad. It has transformed a significant area from a run-down, trash and graffiti catching slum into some of the most desirable real estate in Indianapolis. It elevated hot property in Carmel to ultra-hot. Neighborhoods have been revitalized and small businesses have bloomed along the Monon. The Trail is jammed full of bicyclists, joggers, skaters, and families, all participating in healthy activity.
We asked the question, if it was good for the Monon, why not bring this benefit to the Nickel Plate?
We expect a huge response. We had excellent media coverage for the press conference, with the state's largest radio station (WIBC) and TV covering. We have launched a petition drive designed to show that the Nickel Plate Trail idea has greater support than the light rail system. This is a democracy, isn't it?
Oh, that's right. The regional leaders didn't bother to ask the people who live and own businesses near the corridor which they would prefer. The Libertarians are doing this. Bridges are already being built between us and the supporters of parks and green space. You thought that never happened, didn't you?
Please do continue to cast your rocks at the LP affiliates in other states. They are rhetorically correct, but words do not win the war. Superior policy proposals that are pitched correctly are hard to ignore.
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Signs Available!
Well, they say that timing is everything, so who am I to argue?
I have yard signs and bumper stickers supporting Michael Badnarik and Richard Campagna, the Libertarian candidates for President and Vice President, ready and available for Hamilton County members, free of charge.
Let's challenge the laws in Fishers and Noblesville and support our team at the same time. There is no downside- if the law is not enforced, it may as well not exist, and you exercise your rights to free speech and property. If the law is enforced, we get free publicity for the county party and the Presidential ticket.
Contact me with your request for a sign and bumper sticker by email: mikekole@insightbb.com. I'll deliver, but you have to be an Libertarian Party of Indiana member. Now's a good time to renew your membership if it has lapsed, or to become a member if you had been thinking about doing so/
Well, they say that timing is everything, so who am I to argue?
I have yard signs and bumper stickers supporting Michael Badnarik and Richard Campagna, the Libertarian candidates for President and Vice President, ready and available for Hamilton County members, free of charge.
Let's challenge the laws in Fishers and Noblesville and support our team at the same time. There is no downside- if the law is not enforced, it may as well not exist, and you exercise your rights to free speech and property. If the law is enforced, we get free publicity for the county party and the Presidential ticket.
Contact me with your request for a sign and bumper sticker by email: mikekole@insightbb.com. I'll deliver, but you have to be an Libertarian Party of Indiana member. Now's a good time to renew your membership if it has lapsed, or to become a member if you had been thinking about doing so/
Letters Fun
The Indianapolis Star printed my letter addressing the laws regarding political signs in today's edition. Having a letter printed is always good, so I am without complaint. I do find it an interesting and fun exercise to compare the original letter with what was printed.
There was some editing here, but there were some main points I wanted addressed, and they pretty much showed up:
"The Star described the Libertarian Party's yard sign lawsuit against the City of Indianapolis as a defense of free speech, but it is also an important defense of property rights. Residential property is not owned by the City, but by the homeowner, and City policy-makers should always keep that respectfully in mind.
So, it should be a cause of concern that the City's solution to this issue is to set a limit on the number of signs homeowners can place in their yard. Will there now be sign police to make sure everyone obeys? It is safe to say that most residents would rather see City resources used in more productive and sensible ways than having sign police driving up and down streets counting the signs.
As the Star reported, Indianapolis is not the only municipality with restrictions on signs. My hometown of Fishers is among those that restricts free speech and property rights by ordinance.
Upon moving to Fishers, I found it odd that parents with children in athletics, cheerleading, or music had tacked signs to their garages rather than placing them in the front yard where all could see them more plainly. I was stunned to learn that a family's pride in their student had to take a backseat to compliance with the law, as do political signs. Curiously, 'for sale' signs are permitted.
What message does this send our children? That it's okay to sell the home, but not to control its use? That it is more important to obey than it is to express family pride or political views?
The municipalities are sending the wrong message. Indiana communities need to do the respectful thing by repealing the ordinances and regulations against political and other yard signs in homeowner properties."
For context, here is the letter as printed by the Star:
"The Star described the Libertarian Party's yard sign lawsuit against the city of Indianapolis as a defense of free speech, but it is also an important defense of property rights. Residential property is not owned by the city, but by the homeowner, and city policy-makers should always keep that respectfully in mind.
It should be a cause of concern that the city's solution is to set a limit on the number of signs homeowners can place in their yards. Will there now be sign police to make sure everyone obeys? It is safe to say that most residents would rather see city resources used in more productive and sensible ways than having police driving up and down streets counting the signs.
As The Star reported, Indianapolis is not the only municipality with restrictions on signs. My hometown of Fishers is among those that restrict free speech and property rights by ordinance.
The municipalities are sending the wrong message. Indiana communities need to do the respectful thing by repealing the ordinances and regulations against political and other yard signs in homeowner properties."
It is a shame that the really tasty paragraphs were chopped. Not only is it fine rhetoric, but it is factual that the school related signs are relegated to the garage while for sale signs are permitted in the front yard. I chose to highlight these fact for consideration by parents. They will immediately get the absurdity of the laws and regulations when they see them in this light.
The Indianapolis Star printed my letter addressing the laws regarding political signs in today's edition. Having a letter printed is always good, so I am without complaint. I do find it an interesting and fun exercise to compare the original letter with what was printed.
There was some editing here, but there were some main points I wanted addressed, and they pretty much showed up:
- Signs in one's yard are not only a free speech issue, but also a property rights issue.
- As such, any kind of sign should be permitted, so long as it does not create a hazardous situation, such as blocking traffic visibility.
- As such, the signs should be permitted at any time. Current laws should be repealed.
- Make sure the phrase 'Libertarian Party' is included prominently.
"The Star described the Libertarian Party's yard sign lawsuit against the City of Indianapolis as a defense of free speech, but it is also an important defense of property rights. Residential property is not owned by the City, but by the homeowner, and City policy-makers should always keep that respectfully in mind.
So, it should be a cause of concern that the City's solution to this issue is to set a limit on the number of signs homeowners can place in their yard. Will there now be sign police to make sure everyone obeys? It is safe to say that most residents would rather see City resources used in more productive and sensible ways than having sign police driving up and down streets counting the signs.
As the Star reported, Indianapolis is not the only municipality with restrictions on signs. My hometown of Fishers is among those that restricts free speech and property rights by ordinance.
Upon moving to Fishers, I found it odd that parents with children in athletics, cheerleading, or music had tacked signs to their garages rather than placing them in the front yard where all could see them more plainly. I was stunned to learn that a family's pride in their student had to take a backseat to compliance with the law, as do political signs. Curiously, 'for sale' signs are permitted.
What message does this send our children? That it's okay to sell the home, but not to control its use? That it is more important to obey than it is to express family pride or political views?
The municipalities are sending the wrong message. Indiana communities need to do the respectful thing by repealing the ordinances and regulations against political and other yard signs in homeowner properties."
For context, here is the letter as printed by the Star:
"The Star described the Libertarian Party's yard sign lawsuit against the city of Indianapolis as a defense of free speech, but it is also an important defense of property rights. Residential property is not owned by the city, but by the homeowner, and city policy-makers should always keep that respectfully in mind.
It should be a cause of concern that the city's solution is to set a limit on the number of signs homeowners can place in their yards. Will there now be sign police to make sure everyone obeys? It is safe to say that most residents would rather see city resources used in more productive and sensible ways than having police driving up and down streets counting the signs.
As The Star reported, Indianapolis is not the only municipality with restrictions on signs. My hometown of Fishers is among those that restrict free speech and property rights by ordinance.
The municipalities are sending the wrong message. Indiana communities need to do the respectful thing by repealing the ordinances and regulations against political and other yard signs in homeowner properties."
It is a shame that the really tasty paragraphs were chopped. Not only is it fine rhetoric, but it is factual that the school related signs are relegated to the garage while for sale signs are permitted in the front yard. I chose to highlight these fact for consideration by parents. They will immediately get the absurdity of the laws and regulations when they see them in this light.
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
LP Calendar
These are busy times, but busy in a good way! There is no shortage of events for Hamilton County and Central Indiana libertarians to participate in.
Wednesday, Aug. 4: The City of Carmel is hosting a meeting for a presentation and Q&A regarding the annexation of Home Place. Libertarians oppose forced annexations. Indy Star article with details. Home Place libertarians are encouraged to attend and to speak. We will meet at 6:30pm outside the meeting place. We will distribute literature either before or after the meeting.
Thursday, Aug. 5: Stand-up Comedy at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 3625 E. 96th Street. The LP of Indiana keeps the entire $8 admission! Comic Peter Berman will do his regular routine, not a political one, so it's a great item to bring non-libertarian spouses to. Email to confirm attendance is requested: justin.kempf@lpin.org, although I'm sure if you just show up, there will be no complaint.
Saturday, Aug. 7: Libertarian Party of Indiana Central Committee meeting, 1:00pm at Tradewinds Restaurant, located at 11480 McKinley, in Osceola. A great thing for county chairs and leadership-minded activists to attend, especially for those in the northern part of the state. Badnarik for President yard signs will be distributed to county chairs.
Long term callendar:
Saturday, Aug. 14: Candidate training seminar, conducted by LPIN Executive Director Brad Klopfenstein, with speakers Phil Miller (former Greenfield City Councilman) and Justin Kempf (LPIN Special Projects Coordinator and former Gary Nolan for President campaign team member). 9am-1pm at the Fishers Holiday Inn, 9780 North by Northeast Blvd. (I-69 at 96th St.) Cost is $25 or $50 for 3 from a campaign team. RSVP at lpinhq@lpin.org by Thursday August 12th.
These are busy times, but busy in a good way! There is no shortage of events for Hamilton County and Central Indiana libertarians to participate in.
Wednesday, Aug. 4: The City of Carmel is hosting a meeting for a presentation and Q&A regarding the annexation of Home Place. Libertarians oppose forced annexations. Indy Star article with details. Home Place libertarians are encouraged to attend and to speak. We will meet at 6:30pm outside the meeting place. We will distribute literature either before or after the meeting.
Thursday, Aug. 5: Stand-up Comedy at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 3625 E. 96th Street. The LP of Indiana keeps the entire $8 admission! Comic Peter Berman will do his regular routine, not a political one, so it's a great item to bring non-libertarian spouses to. Email to confirm attendance is requested: justin.kempf@lpin.org, although I'm sure if you just show up, there will be no complaint.
Saturday, Aug. 7: Libertarian Party of Indiana Central Committee meeting, 1:00pm at Tradewinds Restaurant, located at 11480 McKinley, in Osceola. A great thing for county chairs and leadership-minded activists to attend, especially for those in the northern part of the state. Badnarik for President yard signs will be distributed to county chairs.
Long term callendar:
Saturday, Aug. 14: Candidate training seminar, conducted by LPIN Executive Director Brad Klopfenstein, with speakers Phil Miller (former Greenfield City Councilman) and Justin Kempf (LPIN Special Projects Coordinator and former Gary Nolan for President campaign team member). 9am-1pm at the Fishers Holiday Inn, 9780 North by Northeast Blvd. (I-69 at 96th St.) Cost is $25 or $50 for 3 from a campaign team. RSVP at lpinhq@lpin.org by Thursday August 12th.
Sign Issue Percolating
Last year, the City of Indianapolis was sued by the Libertarian Party in response to ordinances prohibiting political signs in front yards. The ordinance was clearly anti-free speech and anti-property rights. A court order instructed the City to revise the ordinance to permit signs on the basis of free speech. The Star got around to reporting the item this week. That's not complaining- the issue couldn't be better timed, as the election season is upon us!
The City is cute, though. It revised the ordinance to limit the number of signs at five. My home town of Fishers has an ordinance that prohibits signs outside of 30 days prior to the election. This ordinance will be challenged by local Libertarians, as we place our signs whenever we darn well please on property we own.
I found it odd when I moved to Fishers to observe signs supporting kids' extra-curricular activities tacked to garages instead of being posted more plainly in view in the front yards. The signs have the kids' names and activities on them, whether athletics, cheerleading, or the band.
Curiously, 'for sale' signs are permitted in the front yard. What's wrong with this picture? Is a higher value placed on 'for sale' signs than those showing family and school pride? What a misplaced set of priorities.
I hope we do not experience the heavy hand of the sign police here in Fishers. If we do, though, we will be prepared to file a suit of our own so that all homeowners can more fully enjoy their rights to property and to expression.
Last year, the City of Indianapolis was sued by the Libertarian Party in response to ordinances prohibiting political signs in front yards. The ordinance was clearly anti-free speech and anti-property rights. A court order instructed the City to revise the ordinance to permit signs on the basis of free speech. The Star got around to reporting the item this week. That's not complaining- the issue couldn't be better timed, as the election season is upon us!
The City is cute, though. It revised the ordinance to limit the number of signs at five. My home town of Fishers has an ordinance that prohibits signs outside of 30 days prior to the election. This ordinance will be challenged by local Libertarians, as we place our signs whenever we darn well please on property we own.
I found it odd when I moved to Fishers to observe signs supporting kids' extra-curricular activities tacked to garages instead of being posted more plainly in view in the front yards. The signs have the kids' names and activities on them, whether athletics, cheerleading, or the band.
Curiously, 'for sale' signs are permitted in the front yard. What's wrong with this picture? Is a higher value placed on 'for sale' signs than those showing family and school pride? What a misplaced set of priorities.
I hope we do not experience the heavy hand of the sign police here in Fishers. If we do, though, we will be prepared to file a suit of our own so that all homeowners can more fully enjoy their rights to property and to expression.
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Quick DNC Note
I have only caught bits and pieces of the Democratic National Convention, but was struck by the common man motif used so frequently. I understand that the Democratic party courts a constituency comprised of people often thought of as the common man- Union workers, the underclasses and the like. That's all fine, but it makes me wonder how the people who the Dems are appealing to can relate to them or take them seriously.
John Kerry, the patrician, wealthy, career politician.
Teresa Heinz Kerry, the pampered, extremely wealthy, globetrotting heiress.
John Edwards, the wealthy, parasitic trial lawyer-turned-politician.
Interesting that Jimmy Carter was one of the early speakers. Carter had a very deep appeal to the people the Dems are still pandering to because he had the credentials. Sure, he was a highly educated man, but he was also a peanut farmer. He could relate to people who worked the land or had menial jobs. After his Presidency, Carter maintained his down-to-earth appeal by swinging a hammer for Habitat for Humanity.
The tenor strikes me as, "I don't practice what I preach, because I'm not the kind of man I'm preaching to!" and I wonder why the Dems' target constituency hasn't questioned it.
I have only caught bits and pieces of the Democratic National Convention, but was struck by the common man motif used so frequently. I understand that the Democratic party courts a constituency comprised of people often thought of as the common man- Union workers, the underclasses and the like. That's all fine, but it makes me wonder how the people who the Dems are appealing to can relate to them or take them seriously.
John Kerry, the patrician, wealthy, career politician.
Teresa Heinz Kerry, the pampered, extremely wealthy, globetrotting heiress.
John Edwards, the wealthy, parasitic trial lawyer-turned-politician.
Interesting that Jimmy Carter was one of the early speakers. Carter had a very deep appeal to the people the Dems are still pandering to because he had the credentials. Sure, he was a highly educated man, but he was also a peanut farmer. He could relate to people who worked the land or had menial jobs. After his Presidency, Carter maintained his down-to-earth appeal by swinging a hammer for Habitat for Humanity.
The tenor strikes me as, "I don't practice what I preach, because I'm not the kind of man I'm preaching to!" and I wonder why the Dems' target constituency hasn't questioned it.
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Time For a Bold Policy Recommendation
Last Monday, I sat through a meeting of regional planning leaders and was mortified to find broad support for a regional transit authority that would feature a light rail system. The system would be a Downtown Indy-Fishers Nickel Plate route, and take -optimistically- 1-4% of cars off I-69. Price tag? $850 million.
Nearly a billion dollars and only 1-4% of the cars removed? Who's the pilot of this spaceship? Can't we do better than this?
Unfortunately, Monday's meeting was merely a prelude to the commitments these leaders would make. On Wednesday, a unanimous vote by various mayors and county commissioners was cast to commit the funding regionally in an attempt to win Federal money. Indy Star report. Several of these leaders proposed an increase to the gasoline tax.
The real hopes behind the project are to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. A negligible reduction is the best this plan can offer. A secondary outcome, it was claimed, was a modest (15%) increase in some property values surrounding the corridor. That's just bunk. In most cities, the property values plunge in the corridor as it becomes a graffiti and litter catcher.
I don't like to complain without offering an alternative proposal, so here's mine:
Convert the Nickel Plate into a trail and greenway.
Look at the Monon trail and greenway. This north-south route from Downtown Indy to Carmel is absolutely beloved, having turned a neglected rail corridor into hot property, revitalizing slumping areas in Indianapolis, and making hot real estate in Carmel even hotter. It is responsible for the doubling and tripling of property values nearby, fueling the resurgence of Broad Ripple and a host of adjacent neighborhoods, bringing healthy family activity to an area once characterized by seedy characters and litter, while adding trees, bike shops, and restaurants along the trail.
The same can be done with the Nickel Plate. The same should be done with the Nickel Plate. Consider:
$850 million for light rail used by few -or- $20 million for a trail and greenway used by many?
A project that will depress real estate values -or- A project that will double real estate values?
How about this: tell the people who live along the Monon that their trail will be restored with track for a light rail line, and then tell the people living along the Nickel Plate that they are getting a trail, and see where you get enthusiasm.
This is an easy call. As Chair of the Libertarian Party of Hamilton County, I will be organizing a petition drive. Petitioners will sign their support for a trail and greenway over the Nickel Plate in favor of a light rail route. The petitions will be delivered to those who can affect policy and to the press, to show where the support lies.
If this interests you, email me at mikekole@insightbb.com
Last Monday, I sat through a meeting of regional planning leaders and was mortified to find broad support for a regional transit authority that would feature a light rail system. The system would be a Downtown Indy-Fishers Nickel Plate route, and take -optimistically- 1-4% of cars off I-69. Price tag? $850 million.
Nearly a billion dollars and only 1-4% of the cars removed? Who's the pilot of this spaceship? Can't we do better than this?
Unfortunately, Monday's meeting was merely a prelude to the commitments these leaders would make. On Wednesday, a unanimous vote by various mayors and county commissioners was cast to commit the funding regionally in an attempt to win Federal money. Indy Star report. Several of these leaders proposed an increase to the gasoline tax.
The real hopes behind the project are to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. A negligible reduction is the best this plan can offer. A secondary outcome, it was claimed, was a modest (15%) increase in some property values surrounding the corridor. That's just bunk. In most cities, the property values plunge in the corridor as it becomes a graffiti and litter catcher.
I don't like to complain without offering an alternative proposal, so here's mine:
Convert the Nickel Plate into a trail and greenway.
Look at the Monon trail and greenway. This north-south route from Downtown Indy to Carmel is absolutely beloved, having turned a neglected rail corridor into hot property, revitalizing slumping areas in Indianapolis, and making hot real estate in Carmel even hotter. It is responsible for the doubling and tripling of property values nearby, fueling the resurgence of Broad Ripple and a host of adjacent neighborhoods, bringing healthy family activity to an area once characterized by seedy characters and litter, while adding trees, bike shops, and restaurants along the trail.
The same can be done with the Nickel Plate. The same should be done with the Nickel Plate. Consider:
$850 million for light rail used by few -or- $20 million for a trail and greenway used by many?
A project that will depress real estate values -or- A project that will double real estate values?
How about this: tell the people who live along the Monon that their trail will be restored with track for a light rail line, and then tell the people living along the Nickel Plate that they are getting a trail, and see where you get enthusiasm.
This is an easy call. As Chair of the Libertarian Party of Hamilton County, I will be organizing a petition drive. Petitioners will sign their support for a trail and greenway over the Nickel Plate in favor of a light rail route. The petitions will be delivered to those who can affect policy and to the press, to show where the support lies.
If this interests you, email me at mikekole@insightbb.com
4-H Wrap-Up
The Hamilton County 4-H Fair concluded last night with a barbeque beef sandwhich and the tearing down of the Libertarian booth. This was an excellent outreach event for all involved as we signed up some new members, had others sign up for our email newsletter, registered folks to vote, and showed that having libertarian inclinations is downright normal.
More than 100 visitors took the Advocates' Quiz, and of those, about 55% placed either solidly libertarian or on the borderline between libertarian and conservative, centrist, or liberal. This was surprising to many in this county, where so many self-identify as conservative and/or Republican. Highlights:
A woman took the Quiz and placed solidly in the authoritarian area of the chart. She asked what that meant, and volunteer Michael Jarrell cautiously explained, "well, that's where Hitler is". She was horrified! She wanted to take the Quiz again. Michael gave her some literature so she could study at home.
Gubernatorial candidate Kenn Gividen distributed his materials, including a brochure with his picture on it. He asked passersby to tell him who that was on the brochure. Best answer: Donald Trump. There was a terrific buzz around the LP booth as Kenn and US Senate candidate Al Barger worked the crowd. Al let people know that he is running against incumbent Evan Bayh, and touted his challenge of a cage match with Bayh, eliciting near continuous belly laughs. Read Al's report.
Talking with the Republicans and Democrats, who had booths under the same tent. I have heard horror stories of disrespect coming from other libertarians, who had their booths ransacked or damaged while unattended at county fairs, or faced constant harassment. We had nothing but a pleasant experience in every way, and I personally had very pleasant exchanges with volunteers and candidates from both parties. There was one incident that made me laugh out loud, though. When I was setting up the booth, I had to make several trips from my car to the booth to get all the materials in. The first trip was solely dedicated to a table, which I set up and then left for more stuff. When I came back, there was now one item upon the table- a pencil from the Republican Party. I found it hilarious in its' understated position on the table.
Big thanks to those Libertarian Party members and candidates who staffed the booth: Michael Jarrell (3 days!), Mark Schreiber (2 days!), Kenn Gividen (from Columbus), Al Barger (from Franklin County), Rex & Susan Bell (from Hagerstown!), Rob Beck, David Irish, Wayne Kirk, and Rob Place.
The Hamilton County 4-H Fair concluded last night with a barbeque beef sandwhich and the tearing down of the Libertarian booth. This was an excellent outreach event for all involved as we signed up some new members, had others sign up for our email newsletter, registered folks to vote, and showed that having libertarian inclinations is downright normal.
More than 100 visitors took the Advocates' Quiz, and of those, about 55% placed either solidly libertarian or on the borderline between libertarian and conservative, centrist, or liberal. This was surprising to many in this county, where so many self-identify as conservative and/or Republican. Highlights:
A woman took the Quiz and placed solidly in the authoritarian area of the chart. She asked what that meant, and volunteer Michael Jarrell cautiously explained, "well, that's where Hitler is". She was horrified! She wanted to take the Quiz again. Michael gave her some literature so she could study at home.
Gubernatorial candidate Kenn Gividen distributed his materials, including a brochure with his picture on it. He asked passersby to tell him who that was on the brochure. Best answer: Donald Trump. There was a terrific buzz around the LP booth as Kenn and US Senate candidate Al Barger worked the crowd. Al let people know that he is running against incumbent Evan Bayh, and touted his challenge of a cage match with Bayh, eliciting near continuous belly laughs. Read Al's report.
Talking with the Republicans and Democrats, who had booths under the same tent. I have heard horror stories of disrespect coming from other libertarians, who had their booths ransacked or damaged while unattended at county fairs, or faced constant harassment. We had nothing but a pleasant experience in every way, and I personally had very pleasant exchanges with volunteers and candidates from both parties. There was one incident that made me laugh out loud, though. When I was setting up the booth, I had to make several trips from my car to the booth to get all the materials in. The first trip was solely dedicated to a table, which I set up and then left for more stuff. When I came back, there was now one item upon the table- a pencil from the Republican Party. I found it hilarious in its' understated position on the table.
Big thanks to those Libertarian Party members and candidates who staffed the booth: Michael Jarrell (3 days!), Mark Schreiber (2 days!), Kenn Gividen (from Columbus), Al Barger (from Franklin County), Rex & Susan Bell (from Hagerstown!), Rob Beck, David Irish, Wayne Kirk, and Rob Place.
Friday, July 23, 2004
4-H Fun
Come out and meet our candidates and party leadership! We're just a part of the fun of the 4-H Fair!
The Hamilton County 4-H Fair kicked off Thursday, and the Libertarian Party had a booth under the same tent with the Republicans and Democrats. Of note in comparing the booths:
- Both the Rs & Ds put heavy emphasis on their gubernatorial candidates. I was surprised at how under-emphasized their Hamilton County candidates were. Neither had anything about local issues. The LP focused on the County candidates and local issues.
- The Rs & Ds had plenty of slick glossy handouts available. Most of it was positive. The notable exception was the Ds distribution of a 'Defeat Bush' bumper sticker by the MoveOn PAC. The Ds had the greatest variety of candidate yard signs. The Rs had an Abe Lincoln stand-up wearing a green Mitch Daniels t-shirt. The LP booth had good-looking but homemade signage, plus the World's Smallest Political Quiz.
- All were staffed by people who really enjoy talking policy.
Come out and meet our candidates and party leadership! We're just a part of the fun of the 4-H Fair!
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Meet the Hamilton County LP at the 4-H Fair
The Libertarian Party of Hamilton County will be hosting an info booth and greeting the people of Hamilton County, and helping people register to vote at the annual 4-H Fair in Noblesville, this Thursday through next Monday. Directions.
All LP candidates on the ballot have been invited to staff the booth for the duration of the Fair, with a special focus on Saturday at 7:00pm. Gubernatorial candidate Kenn Gividen will be among those present at that time. We expect that our local candidates for county office will be there frequently, so stop by the booth!
Our issues are: Forced Annexation, Eminent Domain Abuse, Mass Transit, and as always, Lower Taxes and Smaller Government.
The Libertarian Party of Hamilton County will be hosting an info booth and greeting the people of Hamilton County, and helping people register to vote at the annual 4-H Fair in Noblesville, this Thursday through next Monday. Directions.
All LP candidates on the ballot have been invited to staff the booth for the duration of the Fair, with a special focus on Saturday at 7:00pm. Gubernatorial candidate Kenn Gividen will be among those present at that time. We expect that our local candidates for county office will be there frequently, so stop by the booth!
Our issues are: Forced Annexation, Eminent Domain Abuse, Mass Transit, and as always, Lower Taxes and Smaller Government.
Saturday, July 17, 2004
A Fine Time To Be a Libertarian
In Indiana, this is true. Thursday's Noblesville Daily Times featured a front-page, above-the-fold article on the LP's countywide candidates and county organization. (Link not available without subscription.) RTV-6 has a live poll on their website showing LP gubernatorial candidate Kenn Gividen at 14%!
I dare say that the LP of Hamilton County is getting the best coverage of any county affiliate in the country. In the past four months, we have been on the front page three times, above the fold twice. The entry of our candidates was covered as routine news, rather than as curiousity. We've been quoted in some articles to the exclusion of the Republicans, and others to the exclusion of the Democrats. The press is giving us coverage commensurate with the other parties, and the tone is very respectful.
Neighboring Hendricks County received excellent coverage in today's Indy Star. Kudos to Chair Dennis Derrick and to Todd Singer.
A request to libertarians who check out the polls: please don't stuff the poll, and please don't vote if you are not a Hoosier. I believe the numbers in the RTV-6 poll are real at the moment (Kernan 43%, Daniels 43%, Gividen 14%, with about 1630 votes in). I don't want it blown out of proportion by ballot stuffers, as one of the presidential polls is. Badnarik is polling 53% on that one, making it a farce, and leaving us dismissed as frauds. Just click on the 'results' tab to see where it is at if you've already voted, or are not a Hoosier.
In Indiana, this is true. Thursday's Noblesville Daily Times featured a front-page, above-the-fold article on the LP's countywide candidates and county organization. (Link not available without subscription.) RTV-6 has a live poll on their website showing LP gubernatorial candidate Kenn Gividen at 14%!
I dare say that the LP of Hamilton County is getting the best coverage of any county affiliate in the country. In the past four months, we have been on the front page three times, above the fold twice. The entry of our candidates was covered as routine news, rather than as curiousity. We've been quoted in some articles to the exclusion of the Republicans, and others to the exclusion of the Democrats. The press is giving us coverage commensurate with the other parties, and the tone is very respectful.
Neighboring Hendricks County received excellent coverage in today's Indy Star. Kudos to Chair Dennis Derrick and to Todd Singer.
A request to libertarians who check out the polls: please don't stuff the poll, and please don't vote if you are not a Hoosier. I believe the numbers in the RTV-6 poll are real at the moment (Kernan 43%, Daniels 43%, Gividen 14%, with about 1630 votes in). I don't want it blown out of proportion by ballot stuffers, as one of the presidential polls is. Badnarik is polling 53% on that one, making it a farce, and leaving us dismissed as frauds. Just click on the 'results' tab to see where it is at if you've already voted, or are not a Hoosier.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Stuffing Straws For Badnarik
North Carolina libertarians convinced a local CBS TV station to udpate their website to include LP candidate Michael Badnarik with a photo and bio. This is outstanding activism. As a matter of journalistic integrity, Badnarik belongs on such websites.
It has become one of my media pet peeves of late that LP candidates who are on the ballot and running actual campaigns at the top of the ticket aren't being included in the coverage. I urge any letter writing libertarian to notice whether our candidate is included in at least a minimum way (e.g.: "Kenn Gividen is also on the ballot"), and to contact their media when it fails to be noted.
It did make me laugh out loud when I took the straw poll, though. I cast a ballot for Badnarik, and the result popped up. Badnarik has 60% of the votes! Do you think that maybe the webmaster might notice that people from outside of North Carolina are stuffing the ballot?
North Carolina libertarians convinced a local CBS TV station to udpate their website to include LP candidate Michael Badnarik with a photo and bio. This is outstanding activism. As a matter of journalistic integrity, Badnarik belongs on such websites.
It has become one of my media pet peeves of late that LP candidates who are on the ballot and running actual campaigns at the top of the ticket aren't being included in the coverage. I urge any letter writing libertarian to notice whether our candidate is included in at least a minimum way (e.g.: "Kenn Gividen is also on the ballot"), and to contact their media when it fails to be noted.
It did make me laugh out loud when I took the straw poll, though. I cast a ballot for Badnarik, and the result popped up. Badnarik has 60% of the votes! Do you think that maybe the webmaster might notice that people from outside of North Carolina are stuffing the ballot?
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