Welcome to Gaia! ::

Well, if this thread doesn't get lost, anyway, which I doubt it will.

::Taking a little liberty with this thread (pun unintended). The most recent article is at the top here, while older issues will be moved below, and tacked on to the end. Sincerely, Sinew.::

~~8 JUNE 2006~~

In This Issue:

Rave review for new libertarian film... Surprising facts about private
schools... Pentagon set to dump anti-torture pact... Incredible offer on
Michael Cloud's book and acclaimed tape set... and much more!

THE LIBERATOR ONLINE

June 8, 2006
Vol. 11, No. 12
Circulation: 67,573 subscribers in over 100 countries.
The world's largest-circulation libertarian publication!

Published by the Advocates for Self-Government
Edited by James W. Harris | Email: james@TheAdvocates.org

Want to read the enhanced HTML version of this LIBERATOR ONLINE? Just click on:

http://www.theadvocates.org/liberator/vol-11-num-12.html
___________________________________________

"The Advocates for Self-Government [is] one of America's leading
libertarian educational groups." -- The Times of London
___________________________________________

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT'S CORNER
* New OPH manual online!

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES
* Free State Project Praises Advocates
* Ebaying the Quiz

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
* You Owe the Government Half A Million Dollars
* Pentagon Boots Out Geneva Anti-Torture Provisions
* Surprising Facts About Private Schools
* QUICK SHOTS: New libertarian film called "scariest you'll see all year"; That
big base in Iraq.

PERSUASION POWER POINT #204
* The Greatest Persuasion Advantage You Can Ever Get
by Michael Cloud

ASK DR. RUWART
* The thorny question of abortion -- can technology solve it?

SOUNDBITES FOR LIBERTY
* Harry Browne, Justice Thurgood Marshall, and Jacob Hornberger

PRODUCT REVIEW
* HUGE SAVINGS on Michael Cloud's great book and tape set!
___________________________________________

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Dear friends,

We've just posted online the brand-new edition of our Operation Politically
Homeless (OPH) manual!

Written by longtime libertarian activist and OPH fan Scott Kjar, it's been
beautifully laid out by graphics master Bill Winter.

The new OPH manual is a great read, whether you're familiar with OPH or have
never heard of it before and are curious to learn more.

It tells you just about everything you need to know about OPH: why it was
created, how it works, and why and how to do an OPH yourself.

OPH is the Advocates' acclaimed "event in a kit" that can help you discover
dozens or even hundreds of libertarian-leaning folks in your community. OPH is
one of the great success stories of the libertarian movement. Hundreds of
thousands of people have encountered the ideas of liberty through OPH. And
*millions* more people are out there, just waiting for someone -- maybe you? --
to introduce them to the ideas of liberty with OPH.

OPH works like magic. And one of the most amazing things about it, as Scott
points out, is that it's... fun!

Libertarian outreach -- fun? You bet! Over and over again, I've heard OPH users
say that. Scott says it himself in the manual:

"I've been doing OPH for several years. I have administered thousands of
Quizzes, seen people with all manner of political views, been asked questions
ranging from the insightful to the provocative to the absurd, and generally had
fun. That's right, *I had fun*."

I hope you'll check out the manual, and our other OPH material, and learn more
about this incredible tool.

The timing couldn't be better. It's summer -- and that's the perfect time for
OPH libertarian outreach!

Somewhere near you, this weekend there will be an event -- a political rally, a
county fair, a concert, a neighborhood party -- that is perfect for OPH. Will
OPH be there? It's up to you.

Learn about OPH through the new manual here:
www.TheAdvocates.org/oph-manual.html

And there's still more info -- including photos of OPH in action -- at
http://www.theadvocates.org/oph.html

Take the ideas of liberty to your community - and HAVE FUN!

* * *

Welcome to 292 new Liberator Online subscribers this issue. Thanks for joining
our subscription "family" of over 67,000 liberty-loving readers in more than
100 countries!

To learn more about the Advocates and our work for liberty:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org

To learn more about libertarianism:
www.Libertarianism.com

-- Sharon Harris, President | Email: sharon@TheAdvocates.org

PS: We have an incredible bargain for you.

For a very limited time, you can get Michael Cloud's great book on libertarian
communication, "Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion" TOGETHER WITH a fantastic
Michael Cloud 2-tape set -- for LESS THAN HALF-PRICE!

Get the book AND the tape set - normally priced at $45.00 -- for ONLY $20.00
(plus shipping and handling).

This is no ordinary tape set. It contains a speech by Michael that is quite
simply one of the most important libertarian speeches I've ever heard.

Full details about these great items are in our Product Review section at the
end of this issue.

Or you can read more about them, and order, here:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberator-online-special.html

This offer is good until June 21, 2006.

Thank you!
__________________________________________

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES

* Free State Project Praises Advocates: We were pleased to learn that the Free
State project has created a page at their Web site endorsing Advocates tools
and particularly encouraging use of the Quiz, OPH, and our Lights of Liberty
awards. The Free State Project, which has received a significant amount of
national media coverage during the past few years, describes itself as an
agreement among 20,000 pro-liberty activists to move to New Hampshire, where
they will exert the fullest practical effort toward the creation of a
libertarian society. Thanks!
http://freestateproject.org/volunteer/lights_of_liberty

* Ebaying the Quiz: Advocates fan Paolo Sica sent us a copy of this letter he
sent to Libertarian Party News. Great idea, Paolo! "It's well-known that
Internet users are disproportionately libertarian -- as eBay sellers may well
be! During the process of moving and cleaning out closets, I include a World's
Smallest Political Quiz card with every eBay item I sell. As a matter of fact,
I slip one in almost every envelope that I mail, including bills and surveys!
It adds negligible weight to the package or envelope, and what a great way to
get people with whom you've established even a minor relationship thinking
about their politics in earnest. I encourage everyone to keep a stack [of Quiz
cards] next to their envelopes and stamps."

* Want to quickly learn the basics of libertarianism -- from some of the best
minds in the liberty movement? Want to help a friend quickly learn about
libertarianism? Check out Libertarianism.com, from the Advocates:
http://www.Libertarianism.com

__________________________________________

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS

by James W. Harris

You Owe the Government Half A Million Dollars

Thanks to local, state and federal politicians, you and your loved ones are in
debt -- big time.

According to a groundbreaking story in USA TODAY, federal, state and local
governments have run up unfunded obligations of $57.8 trillion.

That amount is so huge it is almost impossible to fully grasp.

But think of it this way: it averages out to $510,678 per American family.

Worse, just like an unpaid credit card debt, the amount is growing, month by
month. And at a terrifying rate -- 20% in the past two years alone.

USA TODAY: "The $57.8 trillion liability is the amount that government needs
now, stashed away and earning interest, to generate enough cash to pay future
obligations. ... Like an unpaid credit card bill, the balance grows every year -
- about $25,000 per household annually."

This shocking new number dwarfs all previous reports about government's
unfunded liabilities, which usually focus only on the national debt (and
sometimes Social Security). USA TODAY arrived at it by pulling together up
*all* the sources of government debt and unfunded liabilities.

Here's how USA TODAY breaks this $57.8 trillion debt down in a "per household"
model:

Program..................................Liability per household

Medicare.................................$263,377
Social Security..........................$133,456
Federal debt.............................$42,538
Military retirement benefits.............$25,443
State-local debt.........................$16,395
Federal employee retirement benefits.....$14,256
State-local retirement benefits..........$13,257
Other federal............................$1,956

Total....................................$510,678 per household

Most of this debt is to cover the cost of promised retirement benefits for the
79 million baby boomers born between 1946 and 1964. Those program costs will
explode when boomers begin collecting Social Security in 2008 and Medicare in
2011.

To meet these costs will require *massive* tax hikes, *massive* inflation --
and/or a *massive* cutback in the promised benefits of these programs.

Whatever the solution, it threatens to be extraordinarily painful -- a disaster
for ordinary Americans, the economy, and future generations.

Meanwhile, most of the politicians who made all these promises and dragged
Americans into this mess aren't even aware of it. According to Rep. Jim Cooper,
D-Tenn., a member of the House Budget Committee quoted in USA TODAY, most
members of Congress don't even grasp the size or nature of this incredible
problem.

Here is a perfect example of the utter incompetence of government and
politicians. For generations, politicians have played Santa Claus to win
elections, promising wildly irresponsible social programs and benefits without
considering the consequences. Many Americans have gone along with them,
figuring that, even if the programs were bloated and inefficient, they probably
did more good than harm.

But now the bill is coming due, and we can see the results of this incredible
political irresponsibility.

Maybe, just maybe, this will be a wake-up call to Americans: never again put
any trust in the promises of pandering politicians.

(Source: USA TODAY: "Retiree benefits grow into 'monster'"
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-05-24-retiree-
taxpayers_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA

* * *

Pentagon Set to Drop Geneva Anti-Torture Provisions

For several years now, critics around the world have charged that the U.S.
government is engaging in systematic mistreatment and even torture of
prisoners. These critics have cited, among other things, allegations of secret
CIA prisons outside the United States; the practice of so-called "extraordinary
renditions," in which prisoners are sent to countries where torture is
practiced; Bush's declaration that he is not bound to obey the prohibition of
torture recently passed by Congress; and more.

The U.S. government has strongly denied such charges. But this week the Los
Angeles Times and the New York Times report that the Pentagon is planning to
omit the Geneva Convention's prohibition on "humiliating and degrading
treatment" of prisoners from a new Army Field Manual on interrogation. The
manual is intended for U.S. soldiers worldwide.

That prohibition is found in Article 3 of the Geneva Convention agreements.
Article 3 prohibits "at any time and in any place whatsoever...violence to life
and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and
torture, [and] outrages upon personal dignity, in particular, humiliating and
degrading treatment."

Article 3 is part of the current U.S. Army Field Manual on Interrogation. The
U.S. has been a signatory to the Geneva Convention pacts since 1949.

For decades, Article 3 has been part of the official policy of the U.S.
military for treating all detainees, whether in declared or undeclared wars,
civil wars, or peacekeeping activities.

This shifted only in 2002, when President Bush declared -- amidst great
controversy -- that Article 3 did not apply to "war on terror" detainees.

The Los Angeles Times did not specify whether the Pentagon is seeking to omit
the entire Article 3 passage cited above or just the prohibition against
"humiliating and degrading treatment." But either way, the effect will be a de
facto endorsement of prisoner mistreatment and torture.

Why make such a move? The Los Angeles Times quotes one source: "The overall
thinking is that they need the flexibility to apply cruel techniques if
military necessity requires it."

Ironically, President Bush recently declared that "the biggest mistake that's
happened so far, at least from our country's involvement in Iraq, is Abu
Ghraib. We've been paying for that for a long period of time."

Yet sanctioning "humiliating and degrading treatment" of prisoners is a sure
way to bring on more Abu Ghraibs. And of course it can come back to haunt
captured American soldiers and civilians.

On top of it all, it's difficult to imagine worse timing for such a move. Talk
about bad public relations -- does the Administration want the entire world to
hate and despise America?

As the Daytona News-Journal bluntly put it:

"If doubts remained in the rest of the world that the United States is engaged
in routine torture of prisoners, the new Army Field Manual should dispel
them."

(Sources:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-
torture5jun05,0,7975161.story?coll=la-headlines-nation
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/06/opinion/06tue1.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
http://www.newsjournalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Opinion/Editorials/opnOPN2706
0606.htm
Current Army field manual on interrogation:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/library/policy/army/fm/fm34-52/index.html
)

* * *

Surprising Facts About Private Schools

Private schools are good for families, good for kids and good for America,
according to the Council for American Private Education (CAPE), an organization
that champions American private K-12 education.

But you may be surprised at just *how* beneficial and effective private schools
are. According to CAPE:

* One in four U.S. schools is a private school.

* One child in nine attends a private school.

* Private schools produce an annual savings to taxpayers estimated at more than
$48,000,000,000.

* Private school students perform better than their government school
counterparts on standardized achievement tests.

* Ninety percent of private high school graduates attend college, compared to
66 percent of government high school graduates.

* Private school students from low socio-economic backgrounds are more than
three times more likely than comparable government school students to attain a
bachelor's degree by their mid-20s, meaning that private schools contribute to
breaking the cycle of poverty for their students.

* Private schools are racially, ethnically, and economically diverse. Twenty-
three percent of private school students are students of color; twenty-eight
percent are from families with annual incomes under $50,000.

* Private secondary school students are nearly 50 percent more likely to take
AP or IB courses in science and math than government school students.

* The participation of private school students in community service projects is
significantly higher than their government school counterparts.

* Private school students feel safer in their schools, and *are* safer, than
students in government schools.

* A study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that more than
three-quarters of private school parents are "very satisfied" with their
child's school, compared with less than half of parents whose children were
assigned to a government school

.. and that's just the beginning, according to CAPE. (The statements above are
fully documented at the organization's Web site, at the URL just below.)

No wonder, then, that -- to cite another CAPE statistic -- a substantial
majority of adults believe private schools do a better job of providing a
quality education than government schools. And that belief, in turn, is fueling
increased demand among parents for alternatives to the government's education
monopoly.

(Source: CAPE report at: http://www.capenet.org/benefits4.html )

* * *

QUICK SHOTS...

* NEW LIBERTARIAN FILM "SCARIEST YOU'LL SEE THIS YEAR": Libertarian Aaron
Russo's sizzling new documentary "America: Freedom to Fascism" received this
rave review from CBS's Todd David Schwartz: "FOUR STARS (Highest Rating): The
scariest goddamn film you'll see this year. It will leave you staggering out of
the theatre, slack-jawed and trembling. Makes 'Fahrenheit 9/11' look like
'Bambi.' After watching this movie, your comfy, secure notions about America --
and about what it means to be an American -- will be forever shattered.
Producer/director Aaron Russo and the folks at Cinema Libre Studio deserve to
be heralded as heroes of a post-modern New American Revolution. This is
shocking stuff. You'll be angry, you'll be disgusted, but you may actually
break out in a cold sweat and feel a sickness deep in your gut; I would advise
movie theatre managers to hand out vomit bags. You may end up needing one." You
can learn more � and see the trailer � at:
http://www.freedomtofascism.com/

* THAT BIG BASE IN IRAQ: "In an annual security conference on Saturday [June
3], Donald Rumsfeld assured the audience, 'We don't intend to occupy for any
period of time. Our troops would like to go home and they will go home.' Why,
then, would the United States be building an enormous embassy in Baghdad and a
base so large it eclipses Kosovo's Camp Bondsteel, which had been the largest
foreign U.S. military base built since Vietnam? The new embassy, which occupies
a space two-thirds the area of the national mall in Washington DC, comprises 21
buildings that will house over 8,000 government officials. It has a huge pool,
gym, theater, beauty salon, school, and six apartment buildings. The gargantuan
military base, Camp Anaconda, occupies 15 square miles of Iraqi soil near
Balad. The base is home to 20,000 soldiers and thousands of 'contractors' ...
The aircraft runway at Anaconda is the second-busiest in the world, behind only
Chicago's O'Hare airport. And, depending on which report you read, between six
and fourteen more U.S. military bases are under construction in Iraq. It
doesn't appear we'll be leaving anytime soon -- or anytime, really." --
Marjorie Cohn, Truthout.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/060506J.shtml

* * * * * * * *

"Good News, Bad News, Unbelievable News" is written by Liberator Online editor
James W. Harris. His articles have appeared in numerous magazines and
newspapers, and he has been a Finalist for the Mencken Award, given by the Free
Press Association for "Outstanding Journalism in Support of Liberty."
___________________________________________

PERSUASION POWER POINT #204

The Greatest Persuasion Advantage You Can Ever Get

by Michael Cloud

Gary Halbert is a legendary master of marketing. His marketing and sales
campaigns have reaped hundreds of millions of dollars in profits for his
clients. But he's more than a master marketer. He's a master teacher of
marketing.

And he has a vital lesson for libertarians.

Once, while he was teaching a class on selling by mail, he asked his students,
"If you and I each owned a hamburger stand and we were in a contest to see who
could sell the most hamburgers, what one advantage would you want that would
help you sell the most hamburgers?"

"The best-tasting hamburgers," said one student.

"Powerful advertising is the advantage I'd want," said another.

"Location, location, location," said a third.

"The lowest prices is the advantage I want," said another.

"Those are good answers," said Gary Halbert. "But I could give you every single
one of them -- and take just one powerful advantage for myself -- and sell a
lot more hamburgers than you."

"What's the one advantage you'd choose?" they asked.

"A starving crowd!" replied Mr. Halbert. "That's the key. You want large groups
of people -- markets -- starving for what you're offering. People craving what
you're offering."

Gary Halbert is right. About marketing goods and services. About marketing
liberty.

We want people who have a burning desire for liberty. People with a gnawing
hunger for small government.

Individuals starving for liberty will eagerly respond to the libertarian
message.

You don't have to sell them on liberty. They desperately want to buy.

It seems obvious. Simple.

But how do you find a starving crowd for liberty?

How do you find people who desperately and urgently want freedom?

Would you like to learn several ingeniously simple ways to find the crowd of
people who are aching and longing for freedom?

Because that's exactly what I'll show you in the next issue of the Liberator
Online.

(To be continued next issue.)

* * * * * * * *

Michael Cloud is author of the acclaimed book "Secrets of Libertarian
Persuasion" available exclusively from the Advocates:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/secrets.html. In 2000, Michael was honored with the
Thomas Paine Award as the Most Persuasive Libertarian Communicator in America.
___________________________________________

ASK DR. RUWART

Dr. Mary Ruwart is a leading expert in libertarian communication. In this
column she offers short answers to real questions about libertarianism. To
submit questions to Dr. Ruwart, see end of column.

* * *

QUESTION: "In an economy without any 'trade barriers,' where the market can be
flooded by less expensive imported goods at a price our domestic manufacturers
cannot hope to compete with, what is going to stop domestic jobs from rapidly
going overseas to cheap-labor countries?"

MY SHORT ANSWER: "Some jobs will indeed go overseas, but here we'll experience
a net *gain* in the number of jobs and the wages we're paid. Everyone wins.
Here's how it works.

"Let's assume that cheap-labor countries can manufacture and ship clothes to us
more economically than our domestic industry. Our clothing bill goes down,
leaving us more money to buy something else, say, computers. More high-tech,
high-paying jobs are created here to meet the increased demand. We'll
experience a net gain in jobs, because our human capital is more efficiently
allocated. Uneducated cheap labor is manufacturing, and skilled technical labor
is innovating.

"Of course, the domestic clothing workers will experience some trauma as they
scramble to find new positions. Most will end up in jobs that are more
interesting and demanding as our work force as a whole shifts to become more
technical. Like the rest of the country, they will benefit from the lower
clothing prices and the higher standard of living made possible by the more
efficient division of labor.

"Countries that 'protect' inefficient industries with trade barriers keep
consumer prices high and prosperity lower than it otherwise would be. In the
U.S., for example, we pay more for automobiles than we would if tariffs on
imports were abolished. Every extra dollar we spend on automobiles is one less
for the computer and other domestic industries that compete well in the
international markets. Tariffs put our market leaders at risk to preserve
inefficiency. Ultimately, everyone -- even the automobile workers -- lose by
higher prices and the lower standard of living."

* * * * * * * *

Got questions? Dr. Ruwart has answers! If you'd like answers to YOUR "tough
questions" on libertarian issues, email Dr. Ruwart at: ruwart@theAdvocates.org

Due to volume, Dr. Ruwart can't personally acknowledge all emails. But we'll
run the best questions and answers in upcoming issues.

Dr. Ruwart's previous Liberator Online answers are archived in searchable form
at: http://www.TheAdvocates.org/ruwart/categories_list.php

Dr. Ruwart's outstanding books "Healing Our World" and "Short Answers to the
Tough Questions" are available from the Advocates:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/Merchant2/merchant.mv

___________________________________________

SOUNDBITES FOR LIBERTY

WHO REALLY BENEFITS: "Politicians play cruel jokes on us. They talk of plans to
bring peace to the world, when their real interest is in subsidizing military
contractors. They speak of "empowering" minorities, when their real interest is
in empowering the leaders of special-interest groups. They talk of helping the
poor, but eagerly put them out of work with minimum wage laws. Whatever they
proclaim publicly, there always seems to be someone in the background with
extraordinary political influence who benefits far more than those the
politicians claim to help." -- Harry Browne (1933-2006), Liberty A to Z: 872
Libertarian Soundbites You Can Use Right Now.

THREATS TO LIBERTY: "History teaches us that grave threats to liberty often
come in times of urgency, when constitutional rights seem too extravagant to
endure." --Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall (1989).

FREE OR NOT FREE: "If you are not free to choose wrongly and irresponsibly, you
are not free at all." -- Jacob Hornberger, Future of Freedom Foundation (1995).

___________________________________________

PRODUCT REVIEW: Michael Cloud Book and Tape Set Super-Bargain!

Michael Cloud's book and acclaimed 2-tape set - for LESS THAN HALF PRICE!

A $45 value for only $20.00!

Michael Cloud is renowned as a master at teaching libertarians to persuade
others to evaluate and embrace libertarian ideas.

For 30 years, Michael Cloud has studied, investigated, tested, and refined
hundreds of different approaches to persuasive libertarian outreach.

Now we've put together a package of Michael's acclaimed book on libertarian
persuasion AND a great 2-tape set -- a $45 dollar value that's yours for only
$20 for a very limited time only.

This is great stuff! Here's what you'll get.

THE BOOK:

"Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion" by Michael Cloud. 240 pages. Quality trade
paperback. Published by the Advocates for Self-Government, 2004.

"Michael Cloud's book is brilliant. The stories, techniques, and ideas are
right on target. On page after page, I saw new approaches and methods I can
start using right away. Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion is the libertarian
book that can make a difference." -- Gary Nolan, Libertarian talk radio host

Why isn't everyone desperately seeking freedom? Why are so many people
indifferent? Why are many others opposed to liberty? And why have so many
people just given up?

Because no one has opened their eyes to the possibility of liberty. No one has
touched their hearts with the intense desirability of liberty. No one has
reached their minds with the principled and practical wisdom of liberty.

Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion solves these problems. Secrets of Libertarian
Persuasion gives you the keys to opening people's hearts and minds to liberty.

What You'll Learn:

* Why libertarians don't need "A Better Mousetrap." (p.23)
* What libertarians can learn from Mark Twain's Cat. (p.34)
* When impatience undermines libertarian progress. (p.52)
* How to gently dissolve many objections in 60 seconds. (p.63)
* Get people to "Push the Button" and become libertarians. (p.81)
* Treasure Map for finding people who urgently want freedom. (p.83)
* One deadly mistake almost every libertarian makes -- and how to
avoid it. (p.96)
* "You know enough about libertarianism to buy it, but do you know
enough to sell it?" (p.126)
* When to "Save Your Breath." (p.165)
* The Biggest Libertarian Communication Turnoff. (p.171)
* How to handle "The Toughest Prospects: Family and Friends." (p.185)
* Danger: "Counterfeit Libertarianism." (p.210)
* "The Unsettling Question Libertarians Almost Never Ask." (p.236)

And much more!

You will reap huge rewards from Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion. If you talk
about libertarianism with your family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors, you
will start seeing astonishing differences almost immediately.

If you're a libertarian activist or leader or candidate for office, you will
start seeing dramatic differences in your libertarian speeches, interviews, and
conversations. Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion is for you.

Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion will give you a head start. Turbocharge your
libertarian conversations. So you can quickly and simply win people's hearts
and minds to liberty.

THE TAPES:

"Liberty and Responsibility: Two Essential Talks by Michael Cloud."

This two-tape set presents you with two of Michael's most powerful and
effective speeches ever.

Hear Michael Cloud at his very best. These two talks will change the way you
think of liberty -- and how you present the ideas of freedom!

TAPE 1: "Personal Responsibility is the Price of Liberty"

This is the studio version of the speech that electrified attendees and C-SPAN
viewers when it was delivered at the 2000 Libertarian Party National
Convention!

More than just a speech -- it gives you powerful new arguments to make liberty
become desirable to the millions of people who have misunderstood our message
for so many years.

Among the highlights:

* Why is personal responsibility the key to reclaiming liberty?
* How does government really grow ... by seizing liberty or taking
responsibility?
* Responsibility and liberty: two sides of the same libertarian coin.

"One of the most important libertarian speeches I've ever heard," says
Advocates President Sharon Harris. "The message is vital for libertarians and
the public -- and Michael's delivery is superb. A must-hear."

This is a ground-breaking presentation that will change the way you talk and
think about liberty - and give you the tools and training to win hundreds of
others to libertarianism.

TAPE 2: Liberty -- or License?

The perfect accompaniment to "Personal Responsibility is the Price of Liberty"!
"Liberty -- or License" gives you the *winning answers* to the toughest
objection to libertarian ideas!

* Do we need laws to restrain and prevent widespread sin, vice, wickedness, and
depravity?
* Do government regulations and restrictions against vice and sin make things
better ... or worse?
* Does liberty lead to license? ...Or does liberty nurture and reward virtue &
goodness?
* How and why liberty nurtures the sunlit side of human nature.

..and more!

=========== A $45.00 VALUE FOR ONLY $20.00! ===========

For a limited time, you can get the book AND the tape set -- normally priced at
$45.00 -- for ONLY $20.00 (plus shipping and handling).

You can order, here:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberator-online-special.html

Or you can order by phone or mail from the address below.

This offer is good until June 21, 2006.

Your order helps support the vital work of the Advocates. Thank you!

|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|*|

THE LIBERATOR ONLINE is the official newsletter of the Advocates for Self-
Government. Visit us on the Web at: http://www.TheAdvocates.org

THE LIBERATOR ONLINE was created by Paul Schmidt and James W. Harris.
_____________________________________

See you in two weeks! You can contact the Advocates at:

Mail: Advocates for Self Government, 213 South Erwin Street, Cartersville, GA
30120-3513
Phone: 770-386-8372. For orders: 1-800-932-1776
Fax: 770-386-8373
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"May it be to the world... to assume the blessings and security of self-
government." -- Thomas Jefferson, June 24, 1826.

for some reason it wont let me edit your first post so I can sticky this thread. Next time your on, you can sticky this if you want, your part of the crew. I think the Liberator is a great newsletter.

Um, how do you exactly sticky a thread?

In the Guild System, you can't edit the first post of threads that have a poll attached. Which means you can't sticky them. A bad glitch, but one they can't seem to fix.

Which means you'll have to create another "Liberator" thread, without a poll.

I guess they fixed the glitch since I was last on, this thread is officially stickied now. mrgreen

I thought I might try posting the Texas LP newsletter here, maybe other people could share your own state's LP newsletter (if any) or other publications you may find interesting.

In This Issue:

Marijuana arrests reach shocking all-time high..... Majority of
Americans now say the Iraq war was wrong..... White House wants
forcible extraction of DNA from non-criminal Americans.... Record:
5 MILLION Quiz-takers!..... Libertarian classic has been totally
revamped and is now available..... Are you making this common
libertarian communication error? asks Michael Cloud..... Mary Ruwart
is asked what libertarians in city government can do to expand
liberty, and if Americans should be able to take part in foreign
political and military quarrels..... Mary Ruwart's Healing Our World
hits the top of Amazon.com charts -- thanks to Liberator Online
readers!..... Harry Browne's stellar soundbites on the problem with
supply-side economics, victimless crime laws, and more.....

All this and *much much more* in the world's largest-circulation
libertarian publication...

THE LIBERATOR ONLINE

October 26, 2005
Vol. 10, No. 19
Circulation: 65,786 subscribers in over 100 countries

Published by the Advocates for Self-Government
Edited by James W. Harris, mailto:james@TheAdvocates.org
Created by Paul Schmidt and James W. Harris
___________________________________________

"The most frustrating thing about being a libertarian is dealing with
the incredible number of people out there who don't know what
libertarianism means. [The Advocates] provide the fastest and easiest
way to find out in the World's Smallest Political Quiz. This is an
organization that focuses almost entirely on educating people about
libertarianism."

-- OSU College Libertarians (Oregon State University)
___________________________________________

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT'S CORNER
* 5 million Quiz takers!
* Healing Our World becomes Amazon.com bestseller!
* Advocates 20th Anniversary Celebration a blast
* Advocates releases NEW UPDATED libertarian classic book

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES
* Campus success with Operation Politically Homeless
* Exciting opportunities for libertarians!

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
* FBI: Marijuana arrests hit all-time high
* White House: Collect DNA from innocent civilians
* New poll: Majority of Americans now say war was wrong
* Lessons from Vietnam...

PERSUASION POWER POINT # 190
* Are You Forgetting This Crucial Element In Your Libertarian
Conversations?
by Michael Cloud

ASK DR. RUWART
* What can libertarians in local government do to promote liberty?
* Should Americans be able to support military and political
conflicts abroad?

HARRY BROWNE'S SOUNDBITES FOR LIBERTY
* Victimless crime laws
* Liberty, security, and the government
* The problem with supply-side economics

PRODUCT REVIEW
* Get the NEWLY-REVISED edition of Libertarianism In One Lesson --
and get a FREE BONUS GIFT!
_____________________________________

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Dear friends,

LOTS of GOOD NEWS this issue! I'll try to be brief:

1) FIVE MILLION QUIZ TAKERS! Yes, we've reached -- and quickly
passed -- the five million milestone! That's the total number of
times the World's Smallest Political Quiz has been taken online
since we first introduced it online in 1995. And that number is
growing by thousands every day. Hooray!

2) Mary Ruwart's book hits Amazon bestseller lists! You may recall
that I sent you an email several days ago, offering you the chance to
help boost Mary's sales position at Amazon.com for her outstanding
libertarian book Healing Our World. Well, many of you joined in --
and the results were spectacular! "Healing Our World" hit #18 in
Amazon.com's bestseller list -- and #5 in non-fiction. It placed #1
in "Practical Politics" and "Politics, General;" #2 in "Political"
books and "History, US;" #3 in "Social Sciences" and "General and
Business & Investing." Congratulations, Mary! And thanks and
congratulations to all who took part. This will help bring this
great book, and the ideas of liberty, to the attention of many more
readers and critics.

3) Our 20th Anniversary Celebration -- "Fastforwarding Our
Libertarian Future" -- was a tremendous success! Three solid days of
tremendous libertarian speakers, incredible food, gorgeous
surroundings, and -- best of all -- the company of so many wonderful
people deeply devoted to the Advocates and the great cause of
liberty. If you couldn't make it, don't despair -- we taped and
filmed the whole convention, and we'll be making it available to
you very shortly. Plus, we'll soon be sharing an exclusive interview
conducted with Hugh Downs at the event. Stay tuned!

4) TOTALLY REVAMPED Libertarianism In One Lesson: The Advocates has
just published a totally updated edition of David Bergland's classic
guide to libertarianism, Libertarianism In One Lesson. It has a
gorgeous new cover, and tons of new information that makes this
classic guide better than ever before in its 20-year history!

I am really excited about this, and I can't begin to tell you all
about it in this column. Instead, I urge you to check out these links:

* An interview with David Bergland about the history of his classic
book and this new edition:
http://www.theadvocates.org/onelesson-interview.html
* A review by Advocates Director of Communication Bill Winter:
http://www.theadvocates.org/onelesson-review.html
* A review by Liberator Online columnist Michael Cloud:
http://www.theadvocates.org/onelesson-review2.html
.... and here's where you can BUY copies for yourself and family and
friends:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberator-online-special.html

Thank you!

* * *
Welcome to 323 new Liberator Online subscribers this issue. Thanks
for joining our subscription "family" of over 65,000 liberty-loving
readers in over 100 countries!

To learn more about the Advocates and our work for liberty:
http://www.theadvocates.org
To learn more about libertarianism:
http://www.Libertarianism.com

Enjoy this issue of the Liberator Online.

-- Sharon Harris, President mailto:sharon@TheAdvocates.org

PS: We're so excited by the new edition of Libertarianism In One
Lesson that we're going to give Liberator Online readers 50 FREE
World's Smallest Political Quiz card with each order during the next
two weeks! Check the links just above, or read our Product Review at
the end of this issue, for more details.

Or, to purchase now, just click here:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberator-online-special.html

Thank you!
_____________________________________

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES

* College Libertarians find success with OPH: All across America,
college libertarians are using Operation Politically Homeless (OPH)
to discover libertarian-leaning students, introduce them to
libertarianism, and invite them to join up! One recent example: Boise
State's Students for Liberty received attention in that
college's newspaper for their OPH. Here's an excerpt:

"Students for Liberty has also provided some numbers from a poll
[OPH] they conducted during the recent Organizational Fair on the
Quad. According to their poll, out of 76 respondents, 34 percent were
centrist (moderate), 26 percent libertarian, 25 percent liberal, 9
percent conservative, and 5 percent were authoritarian." The article
also gave a link for the online World's Smallest Political Quiz. Way
to go, guys!

To learn more about OPH, and how you can use it for YOUR libertarian
organization, visit the Advocates Web page:
www.TheAdvocates.org/oph.html

* Libertarian Activism Awards: Can you meet the Lights of Liberty
Awards challenge? Three libertarian letters to the editor, three
libertarian speeches, OR three turns at working an OPH booth done
before January 1, 2006 qualifies you to receive a handsome
certificate suitable for framing -- and also qualifies you for
drawings on some great prizes, including the incredible Libertarian
Presidential Library, an AUTOGRAPHED collector's set of every
campaign book written by every Libertarian Party presidential
candidate from 1972's John Hospers to 2004's Michael Badnarik! Most
importantly, every person who qualifies encourages others by their
example to engage in these vital outreach activities. See details
here:
http://theadvocates.org/lights.html

* Most Acclaimed Libertarian Communication Course Ever: Learn the
very best ways to persuade others of the benefits of liberty. You can
get Michael Cloud's classic 3-tape audio course "The Essence of
Political Persuasion" from us at the GIVE-AWAY price of only $7.50 --
that price includes handling and First Class mail so you'll get it
right away! We've put over 7,000 sets into the hands of libertarian
activists in the past few years! To order, call us or see:
http://www.theadvocates.org/epp-redirect.html

* Want to quickly learn the basics of libertarianism -- from some of
the best minds in the liberty movement? Want to help a friend quickly
learn about libertarianism? Check out Libertarianism.com, from the
Advocates:
http://www.Libertarianism.com
_____________________________________

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS

by James W. Harris

FBI: Marijuana Arrests Reach Shameful New Record

The War Against Marijuana is at all-time high.

Police arrested an estimated 771,608 persons for marijuana
violations in 2004, according to the FBI's annual Uniform Crime
Report, released October 17.

That total is the highest ever recorded -- a shameful new record.

And a closer look at this figure reveals some startling facts about
the Drug War.

* There is, on average, one marijuana arrest every 41 seconds.

* Since 1993, marijuana arrests have more than doubled.

* The number of marijuana arrests far exceeded the total number of
arrests in the U.S. for *all violent crimes combined*, including
murder, manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault.

* Marijuana arrests account for 44.2 percent of all drug arrests in
the United States. (Clearly, the War on Drugs is first and foremost a
war on casual marijuana use.)

* Of those arrested, 89 percent -- some 684,319 Americans -- were
charged with *possession only*.

* The remaining 11 percent were charged with "sale/manufacture," a
category that includes *all* cultivation offenses -- even those
where the marijuana was being grown for personal or medical use.

* Over 8 million Americans have been arrested on marijuana charges
in the past decade -- a far greater number than the entire
populations of Alaska, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Montana,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming... combined.

"It's important to remember that each of these statistics represents
a human being, and in many cases, a preventable tragedy," said Aaron
Houston, director of government relations for the Marijuana Policy
Project in Washington, D.C. "One of those marijuana arrests in 2004
was Jonathan Magbie, a quadriplegic medical marijuana patient who
died in the Washington, D.C., city jail while serving a 10-day
sentence for marijuana possession."

"These numbers belie the myth that police do not target and arrest
minor marijuana offenders," said Allen St. Pierre, Executive
Director of NORML. "This effort is a tremendous waste of criminal
justice resources that diverts law enforcement personnel away from
focusing on serious and violent crime, including the war on
terrorism."

Sources: Marijuana Policy Project:
http://www.mpp.org/releases/nr20051017.html
NORML:
http://www.mapinc.org/norml/v05/n1649/a01.htm?134

* * *

White House: Forcibly Extract DNA of Innocent Americans

The White House has announced it supports the "DNA Fingerprint Act,"
a proposed new law that would permit the government to collect and
maintain a database of DNA samples of individuals who are arrested
or just detained by federal authorities -- even if they are not
convicted, or even charged with a crime.

This latest Big Brother-type proposal was authored by senators Jon
Kyl (R-AZ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) and introduced Sept. 29 as an
amendment to the Violence Against Women Act (S. 1197). It was
approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee by voice vote.

The measure was quickly denounced by civil liberties group across the
political spectrum, from the libertarian Cato Institute to the
liberal ACLU. All are urging that -- despite White House support --
the DNA provision be eliminated from the bill before it goes to the
full Senate.

Currently the FBI maintains a DNA database limited by law to persons
convicted of a crime. The new bill would dramatically expand that.

Those arrested and detained, but not ultimately convicted, would
have to petition the government to have the information removed from
the database.

Civil libertarians have long warned that the government would
attempt to expand the DNA database to include persons not convicted
of crimes, or even, eventually, the entire population. This latest
move indicates those warnings were right on the money.

Sources: Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/23/AR2005092301665_pf.html

ACLU: http://www.aclu.org/news/NewsPrint.cfm?ID=19188&c=15
USA TODAY: http://www.aclu.org/news/NewsPrint.cfm?ID=19188&c=15

* * *

Polls: Majority of Americans now say "Iraq war was wrong"

For the first time, a Wall Street Journal poll has found that a
majority of Americans believe the Iraq war was the "wrong thing to
do."

The poll was conducted October 11-17 and published Tuesday, October
25.

53 percent felt that "taking military action against Iraq was the
... wrong thing to do."

Only 34 percent said they thought the war was the right thing to do.

Just a year ago, the same poll found both sides on the question even,
at 43 percent.

The poll results were announced as the U.S. troop death toll hit
2,000.

Other results:

* 66 percent of Americans believe President George Bush is doing a
"poor" or "only fair" job of handling Iraq, compared to only 32
percent who said "excellent" or "pretty good".

* 44 percent of those polled said the situation for U.S. troops in
Iraq is getting worse, compared to only 19 percent who said it is
improving.

* 61 percent were not confident U.S. policies in Iraq would
succeed.

And then there's this shocker. Another poll -- secretly commissioned
by Britain's Ministry of Defense -- stunned Americans and Britons
when results were published last week in Britain's Sunday Telegraph.

According to the poll:

* 82 percent of Iraqis "strongly opposed" the presence of coalition
troops in their country and 67 percent felt less secure because of
the U.S.-led occupation.

* 43 percent of Iraqis believe attacks against American and British
troops are justified. That number rises to an amazing 65 percent in
the U.S./British-controlled Maysan province.

* Less than 1 percent of Iraqis believe U.S.-led coalition forces have
improved security in Iraq.

(Sources: Wall Street Journal poll:
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB113017755613077776.html?mod=todays_free_feature

Sunday Telegraph:
http://telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/10/23/wirq23.xml

* * *

Lessons of Vietnam...

"Vietnam presumably taught us that the United States could not serve
as the world's policeman; it should also have taught us the dangers
of trying to be the world's midwife to democracy when the birth is
scheduled to take place under conditions of guerrilla war."

-- Jeane Kirkpatrick, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during
the Reagan administration, 1979.

* * * * * * * *
"Good News, Bad News, Unbelievable News" is written by Liberator
Online editor James W. Harris. His articles have appeared in numerous
magazines and newspapers, and he has been a Finalist for the Mencken
Award, given by the Free Press Association for "Outstanding
Journalism in Support of Liberty."
_____________________________________

PERSUASION POWER POINT # 190

Are You Forgetting This Crucial Element In Your Libertarian
Conversations?

by Michael Cloud

Most libertarian scholars forget this crucial element.

Most libertarian writers leave out this key factor.

So do most libertarian candidates.

Probably you do, too.

We don't overlook it once or twice. We do it regularly. Repeatedly.

What are we forgetting, neglecting, and leaving out of our
libertarian conversations? Why does it matter?

Benefits. We're forgetting to tell people the *benefits* of our
libertarian proposals. The specific, concrete, direct benefits to
them. The benefits to their families, friends, neighbors, and
co-workers. How it will make them healthier, happier, safer, more
successful, or better off financially.

Why does it matter? Because benefits sell the libertarian proposal.
Benefits persuade. Without clear and concrete benefits, your listener
will be unconvinced and unmoved.

You're probably pretty good at showing people the costs and
consequences of a government program. Of government-run public
schools. Of Social Security. Of welfare.

That's a great beginning. Keep doing it.

Then you offer a libertarian solution. Separation of school and
state. 100% total privatization of savings for retirement. Private
charities.

This is where most libertarians stop. Just a few steps short of
moving and persuading.

We forget to tell people the concrete, specific, direct benefits of
our libertarian proposal. And we don't win them over.

It's not enough to *know* the benefits. We must remember to *tell*
them the benefits.

Would you like a simple and effective way to remember to talk about
the benefits?

After you explain your libertarian proposal, say these words:

"And here's what that means to you..." [followed by 3 to 5 specific
benefits]

OR: "And here's how this benefits you, your family, and neighbors.
You get..." [followed by 3 to 5 specific benefits]

OR: "And here's how this makes your life better. It gives you these
benefits..." [followed by 3 to 5 specific benefits]

Your listeners' eyes will light up. They'll lean forward. They'll be
more receptive and responsive. Positive and lively.

Isn't that the response you want? Isn't that the kind of libertarian
conversation you'd love?

I've tested this. It works.

Don't take my word for it. Try it for a week with your family,
friends, and co-workers. See what happens. Savor the experience.

What that would mean to you? How would that benefit you -- and
everyone you talk with?

******************
Michael Cloud was voted the Most Persuasive Libertarian Communicator
in America and honored with the Thomas Paine Award at the Libertarian
Party national convention in July 2000.

Michael is author of the acclaimed new book "Secrets of Libertarian
Persuasion" available exclusively from the Advocates:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/secrets.html
____________________________________

ASK DR. RUWART

Dr. Mary Ruwart is a leading expert in libertarian communication. In
this column she gives readers "short answers to the tough questions"
to real questions libertarians are frequently asked. To submit your
questions to Dr. Ruwart, see end of column.

Dr. Ruwart's past Liberator Online answers are archived in
searchable form at:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/ruwart/categories_list.php

* * *

What can libertarians in local government do to promote liberty?

Question:

"What guidance is there for a libertarian working in the real world
of local government? How would a libertarian official bring economic
development to the community (i.e. entrepreneurship programs,
business retention and expansion, incentives) without relying on
government funding? How would he or she deal with the inevitable
demands for new regulations?"

My short answer:

"Lowering taxes and deregulation consistently stimulate economic
development in cities, states, and nations. Government funding, on
the other hand, is ineffective at best, and detrimental at worst.

"Indeed, the research supporting the above statements is so strong
that even traditionally statist organizations, such as the World
Bank, are beginning to promote liberty, rather than aid, as a means
of economic development. (For more details, see the 2003 edition of
my book, Healing Our World, available through the Advocates.)

"Regulations are usually "demanded" because of the belief they will
make things safer or better. However, a great deal of research show
that they almost inevitably make things worse. With this information
at your fingertips, you can make the case that regulation isn't in
the public interest. You'll likely find that your opponents have
nothing but blind faith to back their positions. The end result
will be more freedom-friendly than it would be without your input!

"The Reason Foundation (www.reason.org) is a good source for local
issues. "Healing Our World" details the fallacies of minimum/living
wages, licensing laws, etc.

"The research is there. Libertarians in local government are needed
to put it into real-world action. Good luck with your efforts!"

* * *

Should Americans be able to support military and political conflicts
abroad?

Question:

"You recently said that, in a libertarian America, citizens would be
free to volunteer their money, time, and even military service to
either side of a foreign conflict.

"This seems unworkable. It would encourage the creation of thousands
of foreign IRA- and bin Laden-style terrorist groups, and this in
turn would have the same effect as our tax dollars in the bin Laden
case -- encouraging terrorism and hatred against Americans.

"If this had been U.S. policy in World War II, the American Nazi
Party and the KKK would have supported Hitler and other tyrants and
the war would have been lost both at home and abroad. Don't we need a
system of vetting mercenary activities, even in a libertarian nation?

My short answer:

"Even in a libertarian nation, some individuals might support
aggressors; however, such support would be much less than it has
historically been.

"For example, few Americans, especially in a libertarian United
States, would have voluntarily contributed to Stalin's rise to power.
However, virtually every U.S. taxpayer supported Stalin through loans
and foreign aid extended through the United States government.

"Similarly, contributions to the American Nazi Party from a
libertarian United States would pale in comparison to what Hitler
actually received from the West.

"People pull money out of their own pockets only to support
something they truly believe in. In a free society, few people could
be tricked into supporting dictators. In today's society, people
cannot withdraw their tax dollars from their government's disastrous
foreign policy without great risk. Many people, even today, would
withdraw their support if the consequences to themselves were not so
severe."

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Got questions? Dr. Ruwart has answers! If you'd like answers to YOUR
"tough questions" on libertarian issues, just email to Dr. Ruwart at:
mailto:ruwart@theAdvocates.org

Due to volume, Dr. Ruwart can't personally acknowledge all emails.
But we'll run the best questions and answers in upcoming issues.

Dr. Ruwart's outstanding books "Healing Our World" and "Short
Answers to the Tough Questions" are available from the Advocates:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/Merchant2/merchant.mv
_____________________________________

HARRY BROWNE'S SOUNDBITES FOR LIBERTY

During his two Libertarian Party presidential campaigns (1996 and
2000), Harry Browne created hundreds of "soundbites" -- short, pithy,
and highly memorable answers to the questions libertarians are most
frequently asked by the media and the public. In each issue we'll be
sharing some of the best. Enjoy -- and put them to use for liberty!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

* Victimless crime laws: "Labeling as crimes acts in which there are
no victims inevitably leads to police-state tactics. Since there is
no one to testify that he has been harmed, the police must enforce
the law by using sting operations, informers, wire-taps, snooping
into your bank account, and other tactics that are an affront to a
free society."

* Liberty, security, and the government: "It is said that Americans
prefer security to liberty. But what security has government given
you? A retirement system that two-thirds of Americans believe won't
be there for you when you retire? Cities that are so dangerous you
can't walk the streets at night? A foreign policy that repeatedly
puts you at risk by forcing your nose into other countries' business?"

* The problem with supply-side economics: "Supply-side economics
claims that a small tax cut will expand the economy, producing more
revenue for the government. But we don't *want* the government to
have more revenue! Government is too big already. We want tax cuts
and spending cuts that reduce the size of government -- not allow it
to grow further."

* * * * * * * * * * *
Harry Browne was 1996 and 2000 Libertarian Party presidential
candidate. He is the author of a dozen books that have sold over two
million copies, including three New York Times bestsellers.

Browne's newest book "Liberty A to Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites You
Can Use Right Now" is a treasury of soundbites like those in this
column. You can get it from the Advocates:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/liberty-a-z.html
_____________________________________

PRODUCT REVIEW

FIRST TIME AVAILABLE: Newly-Revised Ninth Edition of the classic
Libertarianism In One Lesson by David Bergland. $12.50. 2005 edition,
192 pages, trade-size paperback, published by the Advocates for
Self-Government.

PLUS: Order now and get FREE bonus gift! Details below.

* * *

The best introductory book about libertarianism has just gotten
better!

The brand-new Ninth Edition of David Bergland's acclaimed
Libertarianism In One Lesson has been comprehensively updated and
completely rewritten for 2005. It's as current as today's headlines,
and tackles terrorism, the war in Iraq, Social Security reform, and
even the ongoing debate about medical marijuana.

If you're a newcomer to libertarianism -- or just curious -- this
book will answer every question you have (in just 192 pages!).

If you're already a libertarian, this book is an inspiring reminder
of the beauty and power of libertarian ideas.

And if you have a friend who's interested in the freedom philosophy,
this trade-size paperback, with a stunning full-color cover, makes a
great gift.

With insight and candor, Libertarianism In One Lesson answers all
the common questions about the freedom philosophy: What exactly is
libertarianism? What are its historic roots? Are libertarians
conservative or liberal -- or something else entirely? What would
libertarians do to solve America's most vexing problems? And does
libertarianism work in the "real world"?

The book lays out the central premise of libertarianism -- "You own
yourself" -- and reveals how that deceptively simple statement has a
wide-ranging impact on the relationship between government and
individuals.

Libertarianism In One Lesson sparkles with provocative proposals,
insightful analysis, dry wit, and startling information. You'll be
intrigued and enlightened as Bergland discusses:

* National defense and terrorism. Find out why a noninterventionist
foreign policy would make America safer.

* Education. Find out why government per-pupil spending has doubled
over the last 30 years -- and yet 47 million Americans are
"borderline illiterates."

* The War on Drugs. Find out the 15 most compelling arguments
against drug prohibition. And how the War on Drugs encourages
criminals to make more potent, dangerous drugs.

* Poverty. Find out why government welfare programs perpetuate
poverty -- instead of curing it.

* The environment. Did you know: The federal government pollutes
more than all chemical and oil companies combined -- but not a single
bureaucrat can be prosecuted for environmental crimes because of
sovereign immunity.

* Guns and crime. Find out why guns make you safer -- whether you
own one or not.

* Health care. Find out which two healthcare reforms would
immediately shift power back to consumers.

And there's still more! Bergland demolishes the fuzzy thinking that
encourages people to blindly turn to government and politicians to
solve problems. Once you read this chapter, you'll never again fall
victim to the Utopian Fallacy, the "PANG" Premise, or the Free Lunch
Fallacy. This section alone is worth the price of the book!

Libertarianism In One Lesson is an eye-opening book. It will change
the way you look at government, laws, politics -- and human liberty.
It offers a hopeful, inspiring vision of a libertarian renaissance in
America. And it will give you hope for a better tomorrow in America.
Buy your copy today!

--------------- RAVE REVIEWS!!! --------------------

"Excellent. [It explains] the only political/economic philosophy
that makes any sense to me -- or to the Founding Fathers." -- Peter
McWilliams, best-selling author of Ain't Nobody's Business If You Do

"Classic." -- Free-Market.net

"A concise, eloquent introduction to libertarian thought and how it
can be applied to real-world problems." -- Liberty Tree.

"May be the one book that stimulates and stirs the hearts and minds
of NON-libertarian high school or college students in your life.
Buy a copy for yourself, to review your ideals and renew your passion.
Then buy a few copies as Christmas gifts for those young people you care
for." -- Michael Cloud, author of Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion.

BONUS IF YOU ORDER NOW:

*** 50 FREE QUIZ CARDS WITH EACH BOOK PURCHASE! ***

This is it -- THE #1 libertarian outreach tool in the world! Once
people see the world-famous World's Smallest Political Quiz, they
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to give to anyone who's interested in politics.

Essential for outreach booths, speeches, classrooms, campaigns, and
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T h e L i b e r a t o r O n l i n e
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"May it be to the world... to assume the blessings and security of
self-government." -- Thomas Jefferson, June 24, 1826.

~DEC 6~

In This Issue:

Lawyers declare war against "dangerous" soda pop machines..... How
to fix Wal-Mart..... Acclaimed romance novelist is a libertarian.....
Michael Cloud tells you how to leave your listeners always wanting to
hear more about libertarianism..... Mary Ruwart is asked how to
respond to well-intentioned bad laws, and what are a father's
responsibilities to his out-of-wedlock child..... Harry Browne
gives great soundbite answers to calls for government-funded
daycare, concerns about corporate downsizing, and freeing oppressed
people..... LAST MONTH to qualify for libertarian activist awards (and
those great prizes!).....

All this and *much much more* in the world's largest-circulation
libertarian publication...

THE LIBERATOR ONLINE

December 5, 2005
Vol. 10, No. 21
Circulation: 65,738 subscribers in over 100 countries

Published by the Advocates for Self-Government
Edited by James W. Harris, mailto:james@TheAdvocates.org
Created by Paul Schmidt and James W. Harris
___________________________________________

"The Advocates makes invaluable contributions to the freedom cause.
For almost twenty years the Advocates has worked tirelessly to help
libertarians better communicate the ideas of liberty. I continue to
be impressed by the Advocates' work."

-- U.S. Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas)
___________________________________________

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT'S CORNER
* LAST CHANCE to qualify for libertarian activist awards!
* January 28: Sharon Harris speaks at San Diego LP state convention

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES
* Richard Maybury suggests: Quiz your tax preparer
* Notre Dame Libertarians say Quiz is "uber-cool"
* Quiz praised in campus paper

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS
* Romantic Libertarian: Meet Acclaimed Novelist Lauren Royal
* How to Fix Wal-Mart
* Lawyers Declare War on "Dangerous" Soda Pop Machines
* "Obesity and the State..."

PERSUASION POWER POINT #192
* Always Leave Them Wanting More
by Michael Cloud

ASK DR. RUWART
* What's a good response to well-intentioned but bad laws?
* What responsibilities does an unmarried father have?

HARRY BROWNE'S SOUNDBITES FOR LIBERTY
* Government-funded daycare
* Corporate downsizing
* Freeing oppressed people

PRODUCT REVIEW
* Order Michael Cloud's great book "Secrets of Libertarian
Persuasion" -- and get a FREE Cloud audiotape!
_____________________________________

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

Dear friends,


LIGHTS OF LIBERTY AWARDS: ONLY ONE MONTH LEFT TO QUALIFY!

There's less than a month left in 2005 -- but that's still plenty of
time for you to qualify for our Lights of Liberty Awards for
libertarian activism -- and win some great prizes while helping the
cause of liberty!

Just do ONE of the following before January 1, 2006:

* Write and publish three libertarian letters to the editor;
OR
*Deliver three libertarian speeches;
OR
* Work three shifts at an OPH booth.

If you've achieved this between January 1, 2005 and December 31,
2005, congratulations -- you're a winner!

This qualifies you to receive a handsome certificate suitable for
framing, and some other goodies, including discount coupons on
libertarian products.

PLUS, it qualifies you for drawings on some great prizes, including
the incredible LIBERTARIAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY: an AUTOGRAPHED
collector's set of every campaign book written by every Libertarian
Party presidential candidate from 1972's John Hospers to 2004's
Michael Badnarik! Many out-of-print -- and all autographed! It's a
genuine treasure.

*** Most importantly, every person who qualifies encourages others
by their example to engage in these vital outreach activities -- the
kinds of activities our movement must encourage if it is to grow and
win! ***

That's the short and sweet of it. For full details and answers to
common questions, see:
http://theadvocates.org/lights.html

If you've already qualified, please let us know by email:
mailto:lights@TheAdvocates.org
Tell us what category or categories you qualified in, so we can get
your award and other prizes to you.

If you haven't yet qualified... take the Lights of Liberty challenge!
Inspire others by your example -- and help take the good news of
liberty to the world with these essential outreach actions.

* * *
Join me at the 2006 San Diego Libertarian Party Convention:

I'll have the honor of speaking at this event, to be held January
28, 2006 at the Marina Village Conference Center. Other speakers
include Jim Babka from DownsizeDC and legendary libertarian
activist Richard Rider. Plus -- the food is going to be fantastic! I
hope to see many of you there. For more info, please contact
Mike Benoit at mailto:mblibertarian7@earthlink.net.

* * *
Welcome to 453 new Liberator Online subscribers this issue. Thanks
for joining our subscription "family" of over 65,000 liberty-loving
readers in over 100 countries!

To learn more about the Advocates and our work for liberty:
http://www.theadvocates.org
To learn more about libertarianism:
http://www.Libertarianism.com
Enjoy this issue of the Liberator Online.

-- Sharon Harris, President mailto:sharon@TheAdvocates.org

PS: "Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion" is communication master
Michael Cloud's acclaimed book. It is published and distributed
exclusively by the Advocates -- and it's a must-have.

It's a wonderful book, an intriguing mixture of inspiration,
persuasive libertarian arguments, and outreach nuts-and-bolts wisdom.
There's simply nothing else like it.

This issue we have a great SPECIAL OFFER on this book. Order it now,
and we'll include a FREE audio tape by Michael. Hear him put into
practice the communication techniques he preaches!

Details are in the Product Review at the end of this issue.
Or if you prefer you can order it here:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberator-online-special.html

Thank you!
_____________________________________

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE ADVOCATES

* Quiz your tax preparer: Renowned financial advisor and author
Richard Maybury made the following recommendation to readers of his
financial newsletter Early Warning Report: "If you suspect your tax
preparer is working for the government not you, or if you are
interviewing a new tax preparer, you might want to go to the World's
Smallest Political Quiz [Web site]. Ask the preparer to take the
Quiz, then check his or her score." Great idea! Check out Maybury's
provocative newsletter and outstanding educational books at:
http://www.richardmaybury.com/welcome.html

* OPH at Notre Dame: The Notre Dame College Libertarians held a very
successful OPH outreach booth in early November. OPH (Operation
Politically Homeless) is the Advocates tool that turns an ordinary
outreach booth into a crowd-drawing event, using the Quiz and other
material. The Notre Dame Libertarians noted that the Quiz "is
remarkably accurate in identifying a person's political beliefs,
given that it can be administered in about 2 minutes flat and is easy
to do....This format is information-rich and gives a compact way to
represent people who consider themselves combinations such as
"fiscally conservative but socially liberal." We also like their Web
site's description of the Quiz: "uber-cool"! Thanks!
(Notre Dame College Libertarians: http://www.nd.edu/~liberty/ )
(Info on OPH: http://www.theadvocates.org/oph.html )

* Quiz praised in campus paper: "Left, Right or Other? Escaping the
trap of one-dimensional politics" is an excellent article by Brian
Dean on the Quiz that appeared in the November 15 Valley Star, the
independent student newspaper of Los Angeles Valley College. Excerpt:
"The left-versus-right system was inadequate to begin with. Political
thought throughout history has never been so narrow as to be
contained by such simplicity.... The solution: the World's Smallest
Political Quiz. .... The results give a much clearer idea of where
people stand as political thinkers than the old system." Thanks,
Brian! http://www.lavalleystar.com/home/

* Advocates president Sharon Harris to speak at the Libertarian Party
of San Diego's convention, January 28, 2006, Marina Village Conference
Center. For more info, please contact Mike Benoit at
mailto:mblibertarian7@earthlink.net.

* Want to quickly learn the basics of libertarianism -- from some of
the best minds in the liberty movement? Want to help a friend quickly
learn about libertarianism? Check out Libertarianism.com, from the
Advocates:
http://www.Libertarianism.com
_____________________________________

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, UNBELIEVABLE NEWS

by James W. Harris

Romantic Libertarian: Meet Acclaimed Novelist Lauren Royal

A link to the World's Smallest Political Quiz at her Web site is
just one indication that award-winning historical romance
author Lauren Royal is a libertarian.

Here's another. Although Royal sets her novels -- including the
popular "Jewel" and "Flower" trilogies -- amidst the castles and
pageantry of 17th century England, she says she was most inspired by
the great libertarian science fiction writer Robert A. Heinlein,
author of such classics as The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress and Stranger
In a Strange Land.

"I think Robert A. Heinlein was probably most influential," Royal
told Advocates Director of Communications Bill Winter in a November
interview. "I devoured his books during my elementary school years,
and I suspect the ideals espoused in them formed the foundation for
my later beliefs."

Royal also lists the writings of Ayn Rand and "our country's
Founding Fathers" as prime influences.

"I am very much a libertarian," Royal confirms. "I believe we have
the right to do whatever we wish with ourselves and our belongings,
so long as the decisions we make don't affect other people and their
property against their will. I want to see government confined to its
proper role, to protect and serve us and stay out of our personal
lives."

Royal traces her libertarian beliefs to "a very politically aware
family. We walked precincts for various candidates. We all read the
newspapers -- especially the op-ed pages -- and discussed issues
around the dinner table. My father is libertarian-leaning and my
mother is not, but we were all encouraged to come to our own
conclusions and share our views. Now my husband and I do the same
with our own children."

Although her novels focus more on forbidden love, broken hearts, and
romantic escapades than politics, Royal says her libertarian beliefs
do influence her writing.

"Although I write fiction, my characters -- the good ones, at least -
- share my values," she says. "In romance fiction especially, the
protagonists are referred to as heroes and heroines -- and I wouldn't
consider a character 'heroic' if his or her thoughts and actions
didn't reflect the beliefs I admire and think right."

Royal's first novel, Amethyst, was published in 2000. It was
nominated by Romantic Times for "Best First Historical Romance," and
was followed by two more novels in the "Jewel" trilogy, Emerald
(2000), and Amber (2001). Another series followed, the "Flower"
trilogy: Violet (2002), Lily (2003), and Rose (2003). Royal also
contributed to In Praise of Younger Men (2001). In 2005, she
published Lost in Temptation, the first novel of the projected "Sweet
Temptations" trilogy.

Royal once said she writes romance fiction because it "is very
empowering for women. We get to see all different sorts of women,
with all different sorts of strengths and weaknesses, overcome all
different sorts of problems to win love and fulfillment."

Royal's books have earned considerable acclaim. Amber was named a
Booklist "Top Ten Romance" of 2001, while Rose won the "Golden Quill
Award for Best Historical Romance." The Castle Historical Romance
Society called her novels "witty and sensual." Carol Carter in Under
The Covers said Royal is "an author on her way to becoming a favorite
of historical romance readers.

(Source: Excerpted from a longer profile, with picture and links, at
the Advocates Libertarian Celebrities and VIPs Web site:
http://www.theadvocates.org/celebrities/lauren-royal.html )

* * *

How to Fix Wal-Mart

There is a lot of hatred being stirred up against Wal-Mart, from both
the left and the right. There's even a new documentary movie devoted
to demonizing Wal-Mart, playing across the country now.

A great response to all this comes from a radio commentary by Paul
Jacob, Senior Fellow for Americans for Limited Government:

"Some folks don't like Wal-Mart. Okay. Fine. It's a free country. No
one should be forced at gunpoint to shop at Wal-Mart. Or to work
there.

"And no one is.

"Wal-Mart has found enormous success in the marketplace only because
people have voluntarily chosen to shop and work there. Wal-Mart
employs more than 1.6 million people worldwide and, according to the
company's published calculations, its lower prices saved the average
American family $2,329 last year.

"Now I know why, when my wife sends me to the store, she says, "Go
to Wal-Mart."

"And yet we witness a sustained and hysterical assault against the
company...

"What on earth makes offering lower prices so evil?

"We're told Wal-Mart doesn't pay its employees enough. It doesn't
offer generous enough benefits. But if Wal-Mart is so terrible, why
didn't these employees choose to take other jobs? Or, were no better
jobs available? Is it remotely possible that Wal-Mart should actually
be given credit for creating jobs? Could it be that the company has
helped its employees escape unemployment and poverty?

"Listen: the free market offers Wal-Mart haters an easy way to hit
Wal-Mart right where it hurts. These folks need only start their own
companies and pay workers more and offer generous healthcare
benefits. Problem solved!

"Isn't the free market great?"

(Source: "The Freedom to Hate Wal-Mart," Paul Jacobs
http://www.getliberty.org
NOTE: An expanded version of this responds more fully to common
charges against Wal-Mart. Read it at:
http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/pauljacob/2005/11/20/176217.h
tml )

* * *

Lawyers Declare War on "Dangerous" Soda Pop Machines

You'll be glad to know that a group of dedicated lawyers are
preparing to take on one of the biggest menaces facing Americans
today.

No, not the PATRIOT Act or eminent domain laws or the War on Drugs.
These particular defenders of the public safety have bigger targets
in mind. They're on the verge of launching lawsuits against soft-
drink makers for selling sugared sodas in schools.

As the Washington Post colorfully puts it: "The fight against
sugary soft drinks is beginning to foam over."

Ironically, the lawsuits come at a time when there has been a sharp
*drop* in the use of full-calorie carbonated soft drinks at schools.
A study by the American Beverage Association shows a stunning 24
percent drop in school purchases of such drunks from 2002 to 2004.

In 2004, according to the study, high-schoolers drank the equivalent
of one 12-ounce can of such soda a week in school. Younger students
drank even less.

The reason? The growing popularity of sports drinks, juice and good
old-fashioned water. From 2002 to 2004 the amount of sports drinks
sold grew nearly 70 percent, bottled water 23 percent, diet soda 22
percent and fruit juice 15 percent. Some of this was due to student
choice. Some was due to school policy changes as a result of
persuasion -- not lawsuits -- from parents and consumer groups.

But this display of self-responsibility and self-governance isn't
going to stop Richard A. Daynard, the lawyer leading the lawsuit
drive. Daynard, known as the "intellectual godfather of tobacco
litigation," was a key figure in many of the state anti-tobacco suits
that led to the landmark $246 billion settlement in 1998. He
personally pocketed a cool million bucks-plus from that effort.

"The idea is to get soda machines out of schools because they are
clearly making a substantial contribution to the obesity epidemic,"
Daynard told the Washington Post. "This is an unfair practice under
state consumer-protection laws."

Say what? Daynard explains that the suit's legal basis is the
concept of "attractive nuisance: If somebody has something on his
land like a swimming pool that he knows is attractive to kids and
dangerous, then he has some obligation to keep the kids away from it.
You want to keep kids away from dangerous objects, and a soda machine
is demonstrated to be a dangerous object for kids."

Oh, yeah, those dangerous soda machines. We especially hate the ones
that have the mechanical arms that jump out, grab passing kids, force
their mouths open, and pour sugary concoctions down their throats,
relentlessly, day after day.

The lawyers say they're ready to go. Their only problem is...
finding some parents to sign on as plaintiffs for the class-action
case. "It's taking us longer than we expected," Daynard admitted.

Well, that's good news. Still, we expect some parents can eventually
be found under a rock somewhere who will argue that their child's
obesity can be blamed not on their own lifestyle choices, or on
parental irresponsibility, but on some nefarious corporation.

Hey, who owns those "public schools" that are allowing the sale of
soft drinks, anyway? The government, right? Maybe these lawyers ought
to sue the government. Oh, yeah, we forgot -- you can't do that.
Sovereign immunity and all. And anyway, that's not where the big
money is, as the lawyers pursuing this extremely lucrative nonsense
know all too well.

(Sources: Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-
dyn/content/article/2005/12/01/AR2005120101467.html )
Activistcash.com:
http://www.activistcash.com/biography.cfm/bid/3542 )

* * *

Obesity and the State...

"For most of us, obesity is not a disease but a failure of self-
control. It's in the same category as procrastination, impatience and
many other character traits I try to improve. I don't want the
government hectoring me to eat less and exercise more. I don't want
the government using my money and yours to monitor my fat intake or
the cholesterol allowed in the menu at the local fast food
restaurant. And I don't want the government taxing fat on menus, at
groceries or on my 1040 Form."

-- Russell Roberts, "No Fat Tax," St. Louis Post Dispatch, March 21,
2002

* * * * * * * *
"Good News, Bad News, Unbelievable News" is written by Liberator
Online editor James W. Harris. His articles have appeared in numerous
magazines and newspapers, and he has been a Finalist for the Mencken
Award, given by the Free Press Association for "Outstanding
Journalism in Support of Liberty."
_____________________________________

PERSUASION POWER POINT # 192

Always Leave Them Wanting More

by Michael Cloud

Stage performers do it.

Great movies do it.

Powerful novels do it.

They give you what you want -- and leave you wanting more.

"I never wanted it to end, so I bought another ticket and watched it
again," said one of the tens of thousands of repeat customers of the
movie Titanic. Hundreds of thousands more did the same with Star Wars
and Harry Potter.

"...I didn't want to leave the world of Atlas Shrugged' so when I
finished reading it, I turned to page one and began again," said a
college student.

There are hundreds of thousands of Ayn Rand fans who re-read Atlas
Shrugged or The Fountainhead many times.

"I can't get enough Rush Limbaugh," said a regular listener. "When
the show ends, I can hardly wait until tomorrow's show."

They give their fans what they want -- and leave them wanting more.

What's their secret? How do they do it?

How can you use their secret to boost the impact of your libertarian
conversations?

Simple. Master supply and demand.

Supply libertarian ideas only to those who demand them. Do not flood
the market. Never totally satisfy the demand.

Unsatisfied demand leaves them wanting more. It brings them back.

This is what toy manufacturers do every Christmas with their hottest
toy. And it works.

This is what series novelists like Tom Clancy or James Patterson or
Sue Grafton do. And what Scheherazade did in 1001 Arabian Nights.

Just follow 3 simple steps to master supply and demand.

1. Identify those individuals who clearly show you that they are
receptive and responsive and ready for libertarianism. Those whose
questions and comments demonstrate that they want liberty.

2. Have informative, thoughtful, and lively conversations about
liberty with them. Tell them the features, functions, and benefits of
libertarianism. Engage them. Ask what they like best about
libertarianism -- and why.

3. End the conversation while it's still going strong. Before
they've fully satisfied their curiosity. While they still want more.
15 to 30 minutes in person. 10 to 20 minutes on the phone.

This will cause them to remember more of what you said. And remember
it longer. (The Zeigarnik Effect.)

It will increase their curiosity about libertarianism. Increase
their desire for it.

It will make them more receptive and responsive to libertarianism
during your next conversation. And more likely to buy and read the
libertarian book you recommend afterwards.

Wouldn't you love it?

Want some more pointers and guidelines? Buy and read The Rules by
Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider. It says it contains "Time-Tested
Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right." It does.

But The Rules is much more than a bright woman's guide for dating.

It's a superb marketing strategy for libertarians.

Follow these rules of supply and demand in your libertarian
conversations.

You'll give your listeners what they want -- and leave them wanting
more.

******************
Michael Cloud was voted the Most Persuasive Libertarian Communicator
in America and honored with the Thomas Paine Award at the Libertarian
Party national convention in July 2000.

Michael is author of the acclaimed new book "Secrets of Libertarian
Persuasion" available exclusively from the Advocates:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/secrets.html

SPECIAL SALE: See Product Review just below for a limited-time offer
on "Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion."
____________________________________

ASK DR. RUWART

Dr. Mary Ruwart is a leading expert in libertarian communication. In
this column she gives readers "short answers to the tough questions"
to real questions libertarians are frequently asked. To submit your
questions to Dr. Ruwart, see end of column.

Dr. Ruwart's past Liberator Online answers are archived in
searchable form at:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/ruwart/categories_list.php

* * *

What's a good response to well-intentioned but bad laws?

Question:

"Many organizations are working to pass legislation to ban so-called
"drive-through" mastectomies -- the practice in which women are
forced out of the hospital sometimes only hours after breast cancer
surgery. Some bills would require insurance companies to cover a 48-
hour minimum stay for mastectomy patients and a 24-hour stay for a
woman undergoing a lymph node dissection. What's a libertarian
response to well-intended, reasonable-sounding -- but bad --
legislation like this?"

My short answer:

"Every time we mandate insurance coverage of something, such as
longer hospital stays after mastectomies, insurance prices go up.
More people can no longer afford insurance and have no coverage at
all. Those who can afford the increased premiums benefit at the
expense of those who cannot. The rich get richer on the backs of the
poor.

"In a libertarian society, people will be freed from the crushing
expense of taxes, as well as the artificially high costs of insurance
and medical care currently created by excessive regulation. Thus
higher quality medical care should be available to everyone."

* * *

What responsibilities does an unmarried father have?

Question:

"What if a couple is unmarried when they have a child? What
responsibility legally does the father of that child have, even
though he has not pledged a legal or moral unbreakable tie to the
mother?"

My short answer:

"This is a difficult question in today's government-dominated
society. When you go into business with someone without a written
partnership agreement, disagreements about the rights and
responsibilities of each partner will almost certainly arise.

"Similarly, when you engage in sexual relations without a clear
understanding of what will happen if pregnancy occurs, you set
yourself up for disagreements about the rights and responsibility of
each partner.

"Today, it is fashionable to engage in sexual relations without
discussing the very real possibility of conception. Consequently,
most unmarried couples find themselves somewhat at odds when faced
with an unplanned pregnancy.

"The solution is not to ask the government to dictate a set of
standards, but for people to be more responsible in setting
standards and agreements of their own before undertaking activities
which may result in new life.

"This kind of self-responsibility will be strongly encouraged in a
libertarian society, because people won't be able to force taxpayers
to fund the consequences of their bad decisions."

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Got questions? Dr. Ruwart has answers! If you'd like answers to YOUR
"tough questions" on libertarian issues, just email to Dr. Ruwart at:
mailto:ruwart@theAdvocates.org

Due to volume, Dr. Ruwart can't personally acknowledge all emails.
But we'll run the best questions and answers in upcoming issues.

Dr. Ruwart's outstanding books "Healing Our World" and "Short
Answers to the Tough Questions" are available from the Advocates:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/Merchant2/merchant.mv
_____________________________________

HARRY BROWNE'S SOUNDBITES FOR LIBERTY

During his two Libertarian Party presidential campaigns (1996 and
2000), Harry Browne created hundreds of "soundbites" -- short, pithy,
and highly memorable answers to the questions libertarians are most
frequently asked by the media and the public. Each issue we'll be
sharing some of the best. Enjoy -- and put them to use for liberty!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

* Government daycare proposals: "All proposals for government day-
care programs -- whether advanced by Republicans or Democrats -- are
just attempts to repair the damage caused by previous government
programs. We don't need day-care subsidies, day-care tax deductions,
or policies to encourage marriage or discourage out-of-wedlock
babies. These and other proposals ignore the central problem: the
oppressive level of taxation that impoverishes families and forces
both spouses into the workforce. The only effective solution is to
reduce the federal government to a fraction of its present size and
repeal the income tax completely."

* Corporate downsizing: "It is said that corporations are downsizing
because they are greedy. But corporations have always wanted to
maximize their profits. Why are they doing so now by cutting their
payrolls? The answer is that employment regulations -- the Family
Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights
acts, and others -- have become so oppressive that many companies
cannot survive unless they cut their payrolls and instead contract
for services from companies small enough to be exempt from the
oppressive regulations."

* Freeing oppressed people: "If it's our responsibility to free
oppressed people wherever they are, let's begin by setting Americans
free from big government and the invasions of liberty being imposed
on them. "

* * * * * * * * * * *
Harry Browne was 1996 and 2000 Libertarian Party presidential
candidate. He is the author of a dozen books that have sold over two
million copies, including three New York Times bestsellers.

Browne's book "Liberty A to Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites You
Can Use Right Now" is temporarily out of stock. Stay tuned -- we'll
announce in the Liberator Online when it becomes available again!
_____________________________________

PRODUCT REVIEW

"Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion" by Michael Cloud. 240 pages.
Quality trade paperback. Published by the Advocates for Self-
Government, 2004.

*** BONUS: ORDER NOW AND GET FREE $10 TAPE! Details below. ***

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ideas are right on target. On page after page, I saw new approaches
and methods I can start using right away. Secrets of Libertarian
Persuasion is the libertarian book that can make a difference."
-- Gary Nolan, Libertarian talk radio host

"I'm a second-generation libertarian. I've been immersed in
libertarian books and ideas my whole life. But Secrets of Libertarian
Persuasion took my breath away. It's new, original, and brilliant.
It's the best libertarian book I've read in the last 10 years."
-- Justin Kempf, Libertarian Party of Indiana

Do you sincerely want to convince others to become libertarians?

What if you could open closed minds? What if you could turn
opposition and resistance into agreement and support for liberty?
What if you could melt people's indifference and apathy toward
freedom? What if you could develop a Midas Touch for liberty --
transforming person after person into libertarians?

Michael Cloud's Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion will take you a
long way toward this.

Why isn't everyone desperately seeking freedom? Why are so many
people indifferent? Why are many others opposed to liberty? And why
have so many people just given up?

Because no one has opened their eyes to the possibility of liberty.
No one has touched their hearts with the intense desirability of
liberty. No one has reached their minds with the principled and
practical wisdom of liberty.

Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion solves these problems. Secrets of
Libertarian Persuasion gives you the keys to opening people's hearts
and minds to liberty.

What You'll Learn:

* Why libertarians don't need "A Better Mousetrap." (p.23)
* What libertarians can learn from Mark Twain's Cat. (p.34)
* When impatience undermines libertarian progress. (p.52)
* How to gently dissolve many objections in 60 seconds. (p.63)
* Get people to "Push the Button" and become libertarians. (p.81)
* Treasure Map for finding people who urgently want freedom. (p.83)
* One deadly mistake almost every libertarian makes -- and how to
avoid it. (p.96)
* "You know enough about libertarianism to buy it, but do you know
enough to sell it?" (p.126)
* When to "Save Your Breath." (p.165)
* The Biggest Libertarian Communication Turnoff. (p.171)
* How to handle "The Toughest Prospects: Family and Friends." (p.185)
* Danger: "Counterfeit Libertarianism." (p.210)
* "The Unsettling Question Libertarians Almost Never Ask." (p.236)

And much more!

You will reap huge rewards from Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion.
If you talk about libertarianism with your family, friends, co-
workers, or neighbors, you will start seeing astonishing differences
almost immediately. If you're a libertarian activist or leader or
candidate for office, you will start seeing dramatic differences in
your libertarian speeches, interviews, and conversations. Secrets of
Libertarian Persuasion is for you.

Michael Cloud is uniquely qualified to unlock the mysteries of
effective communication. For 29 years, Michael Cloud has studied,
investigated, tested, and refined hundreds of different approaches to
persuasive libertarian outreach. He's mapped the safest and best
paths through the dangerous communication minefield.

Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion is the result. It will give you a
head start. Turbocharge your libertarian conversations. So you can
quickly and simply win people's hearts and minds to liberty.

Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion is a charming and very readable
book. It's rich with new insights and outlooks, parables, one-liners,
stories, unforgettable phrases, and power tools for persuasion. Much
of this material appeared originally in different forms in the
Liberator Online over several years, but it's all been rewritten,
edited, improved, and updated. Plus the book includes three classic
Cloud articles that have never appeared in any book before. These
alone are worth the cover price!

Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion is published and distributed
exclusively by the Advocates for Self-Government.

Want to learn more? Check these out:
* An interview with Michael Cloud about his new book:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/secrets-interview.html
* A review by Bill Winter:
http://www.TheAdvocates.org/secrets-review.html

BONUS IF YOU ORDER NOW:

*** FREE $10 BONUS GIFT WITH EACH PURCHASE! ***

Liberator Online readers who order this book now will also get a
great FREE gift: a classic tape from Michael Cloud that we normally
sell for $10.00.

"All That Glitters" is vintage Michael Cloud -- a great speaker at
his best. It is filled with original and provocative insights about
the nature of government -- as well as reasons to be optimistic about
the future of liberty.

Some of the classic Cloud tales and metaphors you'll find in this
speech:

* The Weight Watchers' Test for Liberty
* Tiffany's vs. Joe's Zirconium Shop
* Your invitation to the First Libertarian Presidential
Inaugural Ball.

...and so much more. This is a great speech from one of the best
communicators in the libertarian movement. It is packed with laughs,
insight, humor and communication wisdom.

Now you can not only read about Cloud's communication advice - you
can hear him practice what he preaches as he puts his methods to work
in this outstanding speech.

******** ORDERING INFORMATION *********

Via Web: To order this Liberator Online special, you can visit:
http://www.theadvocates.org/liberator-online-special.html

This will take you to a special page at our online store where this
offer is featured. You can order via credit card from there if you
wish. Our site is credit card secure -- you can order with the same
confidence you'd feel at your local department store. While there,
you can browse our other libertarian products and order any you wish.

You can also, of course, order by phone, mail or fax, from the
address below.

Your order helps support the essential work of the Advocates --
thank you!

As with all Advocates products, we guarantee your satisfaction. Try
it at no risk -- if you're not completely satisfied, simply return
for a full refund.

***** This offer good through December 20, 2005 *****

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T h e L i b e r a t o r O n l i n e
is the official newsletter of the Advocates for Self Government
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