Dr Alveda King's Greetings

Niece of the Late Dr Martin Luther King sends her best wishes to the attendees of the Restoring Freedoms Conference, August 28 at noon on the Trenton Statehouse Steps

Restoring Freedoms Fest in Trenton

Martin Luther King Celebration Slated for Trenton
Restoring Freedoms seeking common ground

Trenton, NJ—Restoring Freedoms, a coming together of diverse groups seeking common ground and in celebration of Martin Luther Kings’ ‘I have a dream speech,’ is scheduled for August 28th in front of the New Jersey State House in Trenton. Speakers representing many different groups are scheduled to begin speaking at noon and visitors will be greeted by the Mayor of Trenton, Tony Mack, according to Lou Jasikoff organizer of the Restoring Freedoms event.

Jessie Epps, longtime civil rights and political activist, founder of the National Union of American families and New Jersey resident will be the keynote speaker as he relates his friendship with Martin Luther King, including being with MLK the day he died, as well as memories of his childhood growing up in the South during the 1950’s. Representatives from the Campaign for Liberty, Tea Party, Smart Girl Politics and other groups will also be speaking. Jasikoff emphasized, “this is not a political rally but rather a celebration of King’s words and how it relates to the troubles we find our country in today.”

Jasikoff continued: “We all want the same things in life regardless of political stripes; clean air, clean water, quality education for our children, affordable health care, safe and secure roofs over our heads, and the list goes on and on. Perhaps the answer lies in the words of Dr. King, ‘we need not do anything new, just live up to what God has given to us on paper.’ The blueprint is there for all of us to see, in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. To me this is what is most poignant, the more people listen to these words, and understand these documents, the better we will all be.”

The event is free and open to all. We will be distributing free pocket constitutions to those attending as long as supplies last. Please visit us at www.restoringfreedoms.com Jasikoff concluded.

Bernadine Wallace: Caught in Corruption Web

Ciavarella Sentencing Commentary and Interviews

"You Stand for Nothing"

 Commentary on Ciavarella Sentencing

I sat in Courtroom Two, staring at the monitor with anxiety while watching the live proceedings taking place in the courtroom next to me.  First the defense spoke, then the prosecution, then Judge Kosik.  I listened in stunned silence as Mr. Kosik sentenced former rat judge “Scooch” Ciavarella to 336 months in a federal penitentiary to be served consecutively.

I, like many others in that courtroom, have lost faith in the integrity of our judicial system.  A judicial system that protects the privileged and well-connected.  Laws and procedures written by the privileged, well-connected lawyers to protect their financial and special interests first, rather than procedures designed to strengthen a system designed to protect the innocent.  A judicial system where one buys his justice.  A judicial system where judges, lawyers and prosecutors routinely break bread before and after their day in court.  A judicial system that has become so corrupted on so many levels that it is designed now to intimidate the accused rather than being a place to seek justice. 

So yes, for a brief moment, a little faith had been restored in this corrupted judicial system we enjoy in America today.  Thank you, Mr. Kosik, and a thank you from the many victims and observers I spoke with in the courtroom and on courthouse steps who also finally believed the punishment meted out came close to fitting the crime.

That Thursday as I started my early morning drive from my home in Factoryville to the Federal courthouse in Scranton, I couldn't help take notice what an absolutely gorgeous day it was, perhaps the nicest morning of the summer to date.  My thoughts turned to what it would be like to be incarcerated, losing the simple ability to enjoy such a day, to the juveniles deprived of these days because of greed.  I thought of the sheep-like behavior of those working in this corrupted judge’s chambers, whether or not part of the racket but still not blowing the whistle. Hoping that this low-life, and eventually his cohorts, would be sentenced to lengthy prison sentences.

The abject evil of what this rat was able to subject fellow citizens to was magnified after arriving in Scranton and conducting interviews with persons who went before him.  Children's lives ruined and tarnished by such petty offenses as arguments on MySpace;  an 11 year old incarcerated for not being able to pay a fine; first offense school yard altercations; and the list goes on and on for the thousands of kids sent away for minor offenses.  Families torn apart from their loved ones without even a trial or legal representation, and financial hardships imposed on emotionally destroyed relatives is heart wrenching at the very least.  The thought of watching a loved one degraded and ridiculed by this evil judge, then witness one's child fall into such a state of depression that the only way out is suicide is beyond imagining. To think this rat individual and others around him used this suffering for their own personal ATM machine to enjoy the fine wines, fancy yachts, and good food makes me nauseous.   

As disgusted as I am and appalled by Ciavarella's actions, it pales in comparison for the contempt I have for those that knew something was not right and walked out day after day, with their heads held low and saying nothing.  The old adage of if you “don't stand for something you stand for nothing” is very apropos, as these individuals stood for nothing.  In the words of Teddy Roosevelt, “No man who is corrupt, no man who condones corruption in others can possibly do his duty by the community.”  For those officers of the court, policeman, probation officers, lawyers, judges, stenographers -- anyone who was too cowardly to speak up for innocent children when they needed someone at their vulnerable most -- are not fit to serve as public officials or court officers. 

As reprehensible as Ciavarella's actions were perhaps those who stayed silent, those too afraid to speak up are worse.  Once again I quote Teddy Roosevelt, “We cannot afford to differ on the question of honesty if we expect our republic permanently to endure. Honesty is not so much a credit as an absolute prerequisite to efficient service to the public. Unless a man is honest, we have no right to keep him in public life; it matters not how brilliant his capacity.”  These sheep amongst us need to be identified so this injustice is not allowed to repeat itself.  These sheep need to move on to careers that do not require any backbone, or any moral or ethical background.  This sorry chapter in Luzerne County's history must not be forgotten with the incarceration of one sorry judge alone, for surely this is not a problem that exists in Luzerne County only.  Let there be an example made not only of those who committed crimes but also those who allowed these abuses to continue by their cowardly behavior.  The only way faith can be restored in our judicial system is to hold people accountable when they commit an injustice, and demand from those who work in the system that they report an injustice when they see it.

I suggest a wall of shame listing all those that practiced and served in the courtrooms of Conahan and Ciavarella.  A listing of all those probation officers too afraid to speak out, a listing of all those public defenders, public prosecutors, and lawyers who think so much of themselves but lack the self respect to speak out when they knew these horrors were taking place.  They have lost and no longer deserve any kind of respect from the public as they have no respect for themselves.  Judge Ciavarella's scheme of “Cash for Kids” was not accomplished solely by two corrupt judges and a businessman but was allowed to continue because of all the sheep that surrounded him.

Engraved in marble in the Museum of Natural of History is the following quote:

A man's usefulness depends upon his living up to his ideals insofar as he can.

It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.

All daring and courage, all iron endurance of misfortune-make for a finer, nobler type of manhood.

Only those are fit to live who do not fear to die and none are fit to die who have shrunk from the joy of life and the duty of life.

We all have a duty in life to do the right thing.  The time has come to demand from those in public authority to do the right thing.  We must not accept anything less.

August 12, 2011

Lou Jasikoff

Are You Ready to Win?

Longtime activists Tim Mullen and Betsy Summers need your help.  Even after a long campaign season last year where both candidates worked very hard and represented the Libertarian Party in the best of light, they once again have thrown their hats into the ring to give the voters of Northeast Pennsylvania a true independent voice at the ballot box.

A number of things happened last November.  Tim Mullen received 15% of the vote in a hard three-way race, which turned out to be the second highest percentage of any Libertarian in the country in a three-way race.  Betsy received over 6%.  Their efforts qualified the Libertarian Party for minor political party status in Luzerne County.  Luzerne County voters also adopted a new Home Rule Charter.  What this means is that this November, voters will elect 11 new officers for county council.  There are 11 Republicans running, 11 Democrats, and 5 Independents, including Betsy and Tim.  Both Tim and Betsy have a real chance to make some history up here.  They have name recognition, are well received, and in an area that has been racked with corruption trials, are seen as two candidates not influenced by money and power.

Our immediate concern is getting them on the ballot and we want to make sure we have a sufficient number of signatures to fight off any challenge that comes our way.  I can tell you with certainty that the powers that be do not want to see these two candidates on the ballot.  We need to collect 995 signatures to qualify them and need another 1000 or so to be relatively safe.  Once on the ballot, these two candidates will once again have some remarkable results.  

A problem has developed with the 1000 signatures we have already collected.  Luzerne County ‘forgot’ to certify the Libertarian party as a minor political party till May 24^th.  What that means is the paperwork we collected signatures on might very well be eligible for challenge.  Despite numerous attempts to get clarification in writing from the state and county as to where we might stand, no official has been willing to put it in writing.   

We must ensure these two deserving candidates appear on the ballot.  The only way to do that is to collect at least 2000 signatures over the next few weeks.  I would like to bring in paid petitioners to be certain this happens.  To do this we need to raise $2000.00 now.  If ever two candidates were worthy of your support, it is these two.  I am asking you to help in either of two ways.  Come to Luzerne County and help us collect these signatures or make a donation to help us afford to bring in paid petitioners for the final two weeks of July.

For those who supported Betsy and Tim in the past, you know they did everything they said they would do and more.  There were radio commercials, a campaign office and  printed materials, while no money went to political consultants.  All efforts went to help the campaigns and build the organization in Northeast Pennsylvania.  All money raised will be towards this effort and anything over will go to promote their candidacy throughout the year.

You can make your donations directly to their campaigns or to the NEPA Libertarians.  The time is now, so please be as generous as possible.

www.nepalibertarians.com

www.votemullen.com

www.vote4betsy.com

Thank You

Lou  Jasikoff

for

Tim Mullen

and

Betsy Summers

Campaign Finance Reform, Ballot Access, and the Pennsylvania Legislature

This past week I stopped for a quick sandwich at my neighborhood bar and restaurant and the conversation quickly turned to politics as it always does when the owner is working and I stop in.  Over the years many have got to know my political leanings, and it is not uncommon to be referred to as "Libertarian Lou.”  

“What would you do to fix this problem?” is often asked before the first bite into the sandwich is ever made and this time was no different.  With so many issues in American life today there is never a shortage of topics for sure, but after the usual complaints about school taxes and the worsening state of our education system, the subject quickly turned to campaign finance reform as a way to fix the corruption, nepotism, and cronyism we find so prevalent in our current political system. 

First I need to take a quick shot at the Department of Education.  Would it not make more sense to have 50 incubators of innovation or more rather than just one?  If you want to fix the education problem, start with the federal government -- get rid of the Department of Education!  Seems to make sense to me, but that is a topic for another time in the near future. 

This week’s topic is campaign finance reform, the size of the legislature, and ballot access.  The key is how they interconnect and what we can do to fix the problem.

 
I listened as a solution to getting corruption out of our elections was put forth, the public financing of our elections.  Each candidate would get so much state money to run their campaigns, while being allotted a certain amount of radio and TV time.  Simple!  I quietly shook my head and finished my lunch knowing it would not be long before the real debate was to begin. 

“So what are you shaking your head for, not a good solution?”  “Nope,” I say.  First off, it would be unconstitutional (not that it really matters these days, my being a little sarcastic).  But it is the truth.  The only thing accomplished by limiting one's voice is empowering those in power even more so.  It has not, and will not work, at least to fixing the problem we all want to eliminate.  That would be getting corruption out of politics the best we can.  But my answer is not a solution, just a rebuttal.  So what would I do as an American if I had my way?

To begin, I would make sure our ballot access laws were free and equal.  Did you know that Pennsylvania has one of the most restrictive ballot access laws in the country?  Bet you didn't!  In 1975, the United States and European nations signed the Helsinki Accords to afford human rights around the world.  In 1990 it was expanded to political rights, and in 2007 the same group issued a statement singling out Pennsylvania for excessive ballot access requirements.  Bet you didn't know that either.  Wonder what they would say now that economic intimidation is being used by the two old parties.  A shameful and profoundly un-American tactic that we all should be disgusted with and hopefully will not tolerate much longer.

So how does this all play into political corruption, nepotism, and cronyism? Competition, that's how or lack of it.  Not until we put competition back into our politics will anything ever change.  At least in my opinion.  We look to competition in the private sector to spur innovation, development and new ideas.  We look to competition in the private sector to keep prices low.  If you only had Coke and Pepsi to choose from, I bet it would be more expensive to buy Coke and Pepsi. 

The same goes with our political system.  Our representatives no longer represent us but represent their parties, and their parties have been bought and sold by special interests.  You know it, I know it, we all know it.  Washington has become a barrel of rotten apples, and to think we can take a few rotten ones out now and then, and replace them with a few good ones to get rid of the stench is flawed thinking I believe. 

If you live in Pennsylvania, the Voter Choice Act has been introduced by Senator Fuller to the Pennsylvania Senate as State Bill 21.  This will help level the playing field.  If you want to see some real change call your representative and have him or her not just sign on as a co-sponsor, but make sure it gets out of committee.  That would be a great start.  Remember this, if any one of our representatives are afraid to compete in the arena of ideas, and look to keep people from the ballot, I can assure you they are not looking out for your best interest but looking out for theirs, and I believe that to be a fact. 

Very often the Libertarian viewpoint that a 'limited government is the best government' is confused with smaller government.  Not always the case.  What we seek is government to have less of a role in our lives, not more. Once again, most often a smaller government does just the opposite.  Centralizing power in the hands of a few is not the answer, so in my opinion I would not reduce the size of Pennsylvania's legislature, I would increase it.  Recently I had the opportunity to attend some town hall meetings in New Hampshire and observed a different type of governance.  Did you know the New Hampshire House of Representatives is the third-largest parliamentary body in the English speaking world?  Only the U.S. Congress and Britain’s Parliament are larger.  Bet you didn't know that.  Do you know the second largest state legislature in the nation?  You got it, Pennsylvania.  So what are the differences and how can this have an effect on that corruption in politics we all talk about?

First off New Hampshire's legislature is part time.  Pennsylvania is full time.  Each New Hampshire legislator represents about 3,300 residents.  This is an important fact and I will touch on it in a moment.  And now the salary, $100.00 per year.  For New Hampshire legislators that is, didn't want you to confuse it with Pennsylvania's average of $78,314.00, making it the costliest legislature per capita in the United States.  I wonder if that sum has figured in the perks, per diems, and special privileges that our legislators expect?   Forgot to add in the politicians’ mantra, “We are running to serve the public and represent our communities and constituents.”  Really?

So if I had a magic wand, what would I do?  Certainly not reduce the size of the legislature as I have heard some recently saying.  Nope, not me.  I would double it, salary would be $100.00 dollars, and it would be part time.  I know, but one could dream, yes?   But if that dream was for real and we as a people demanded it, what would that accomplish?  For one, it would truly reduce the influence money had in elections.  Remember that 3,300 figure.  Just imagine if one could actually walk door to door to all your constituents.  Just imagine if the voters actually knew the state legislator they were voting for, and not make a decision based on a 30 second sound bite.  Grassroots campaigns would be much more productive, greatly reducing the money needed to run effective campaigns, which would in turn reduce the corruption we have in politics today.

If you want good government, then reduce the influence politicians have over us.  Remember, the bigger government gets the more favors it can grant.  When it is cheaper for corporations to legislate their competition out of business rather than building the better mousetrap, we all suffer – individually and as a nation. The answer for better government is the same as in the private sector.  Competition! Competition! Competition!      

Lou Jasikoff

Lou@Lou4Liberty.com

 

Memorial Day 2011

Memorial Day, first just a day and now a weekend, is a time to remember those past and present that serve -- and have served -- their country and communities with honor and dignity.  These men and women have done this so that others can enjoy the freedom and liberty we call the American dream.  There is so much I want to say, but for once it will not be political.

 

Long before I was a Libertarian, a distinction I grow more proud of every day, I was first American.  Long before you were a Republican, Democrat, Conservative, Independent, Liberal, Tea Party, or Green you were, and are, Americans first.  Let's remind ourselves of that often. 

On this Memorial Day, my prayers go out to all those that are currently serving in the armed forces, especially those serving in combat areas around the world.  These prayers extend to POW's and missing in action, asking for a speedy and safe return.  

I pray our leaders find the wisdom in the words of our founding fathers and hear their warning to avoid entangling alliances, so that our troops can come home now. There is a better way.  

Above all, to those families and friends of fallen soldiers, I say a special prayer today that you find solace and comfort knowing that your loss will not be forgotten, and they are at peace with those few that gave their all for the greater good of mankind. 

         With this Memorial Day blog, I would also like to acknowledge an individual that has risen above all odds to give hope, encouragement and a voice to those that fight daily with mental health disorders.   I know first-hand all the obstacles, self doubt, anxiety, and ups/downs this recently announced Citizen of the Year has gone through over the years because it is one of my sisters, and one that I am most proud of, Christine Jasikoff.  (http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2011/05/07/news/doc4dc5e513a653f529109024.txt )

We are all here for but a speck of time, so why not make the most of it?  In the scheme of things will anyone really remember, or care that you got that report out on time, or made that sales quota?  When you have reached your later years is that what you will remember, or be proud of?  Of course not!

So make that difference now.  Get involved.  Trust me on this, we all have something.  It could be drinking, drugs, gambling, over-eating, too much shopping, the list goes on and on.  None of us is perfect.  Except Libertarians , of course  LOL!  Oh, I forgot I said no politics today, so enjoy the rest of your weekend.  Hopefully you take some time to be with yourself, family and loved ones.  The craziness begins again on Tuesday!

Talk Radio: Jasikoff on Sue Henry

Lou Jasikoff calls in to Sue Henry on Primary Day -- some of our elected officials do not even know it is legal to sign third party candidates' petitions!  Click above to hear the interview.

Libertarian, Green Parties Slam GOP Judicial Choice

Romanelli, Krawchuk, Wayne Allyn Root

Join Jasikoff in Voicing Concern

Pennsylvania Libertarian Party chair Lou Jasikoff declared the GOP’s choice for Superior Court Judge as nothing short of shameful.  Republican candidate Victor Stabile led the charge to get Libertarians knocked off the ballot in 2008 and was recently quoted as being pleased by efforts to keep the Green and Libertarian Parties from appearing on the statewide 2010 ballot. “Mr. Stabile cloaks himself in the American flag while trampling on the very cornerstone of our democracy and should not be rewarded under any circumstance with a judgeship on Pennsylvania’s Superior Court,” insisted Jasikoff.

Green Party representative Carl Romanelli stated, “The last defense of democracy and the Constitution is the judiciary. When it is corrupted or co-opted, it represents the most significant threat to the principles that once made America the grand protector of liberty. The shame and disgrace of Stabile should not only be rejected by victims of his partisan decisions, but also by his peers. The lack of meaningful review reflects as poorly on justice in Pennsylvania as does Stabile’s blatant obstruction of our rights. It is sad to think that the cradle of democracy, Pennsylvania, has now become its graveyard.”


Romanelli, the US Senate candidate in 2006 for the Pennsylvania Green Party, has long contended that his own removal from the ballot could not have been accomplished without the aid of partisan judges. Romanelli, a retired employee of the Luzerne County Courts, added; “Stabile’s comments, and record in ballot access cases, prove that both old parties are equally corrupted at the judicial level. The prevailing attitude is that anything goes in keeping other voices out of political debate and participation. Judges remain in violation of the Judicial Canons with such partisan behavior.”

Ken Krawchuk, the Libertarian candidate for Pennsylvania Governor in 1998 and 2002, was shocked to hear Victor Stabile was running for Superior Court Judge. “This is the same man who led the failed challenge to have the 2008 Libertarian presidential candidate removed from the statewide ballot. When someone is so ignorant of the law as to mount a frivolous challenge, or so inconsiderate of the voters of Pennsylvania to attempt to limit their choices on the ballot, it’s clear he lacks the knowledge, character and integrity to serve as a judge at any level.” Krawchuk, who is the Libertarian representative to the Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition (www.PaBallotAccess.org), added, “If Mr. Stabile had any sense of justice at all, he’d be working
with us to reform Pennsylvania’s atrocious ballot access laws, which are among the worst in the nation, not exploiting them for political gain.”

“Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation where judges elected in partisan elections determine which candidates may appear on the ballot,” said Oliver Hall of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Competitive Democracy. “Now that Pennsylvania courts have begun to assess costs against candidates just for defending nomination petitions that they are required by law to submit, it is more important than ever that judges demonstrate a commitment to protecting candidate and voter rights to participate in free and equal elections – rather than the partisan interests of the judges’ campaign contributors.”

Wayne Allyn Root, Libertarian 2008 VP Candidate

Wayne Allyn Root, Vice-Presidential candidate on the 2008 Libertarian ticket concluded, “Ballot access is a fundamental right we enjoy as Americans. We can no longer allow or tolerate political operatives like Mr. Stabile to subvert that right; simply put it is Un-American. To purposely disregard laws on the books that allow for candidate substitution, or applaud efforts that totally ignore voter intent is unconscionable. Mr. Stabile is the face of everything wrong with Pennsylvania’s ballot access laws and his flawed and biased judgment should not find its way on Pennsylvania’s Superior Court.”

The Libertarian Party along with the Green Party and groups like the Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition, Free and Equal Organization and other liberty groups in Pennsylvania intend to make ballot access a major focus of conversation this election cycle. Only when all Americans can freely compete in the arena of ideas will we be able break the back of corruption that has so permeated our political system.

Commentary: Free and Equal Elections

The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania states in Article 1, Section 5 that “Elections shall be free and equal; and no power, civil or military, shall at any time interfere to prevent the free exercise of the right of suffrage.”

In the current election cycle Victor P. Stabile, Chairman of the Cumberland County Republican Committee is running for the office of Superior Court Judge. In 2008 he led the charge to preclude Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr and vice presidential candidate Wayne Allyn Root from appearing on the Pennsylvania ballot even after the Libertarian Party collected over 60,000 signatures from registered voters in Pennsylvania. In the most recent election cycle Mr. Stabile praised the efforts of the Republican Party to remove all third party candidates from the statewide ballot in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Stabile wrote, “I am very pleased to report to you that challenges to the Green, Tea Party, and Libertarian candidates for state-wide office have been successful and these third party candidates will not be appearing on the November ballot.” He went on to say the following; “Voters do not get disenfranchised when fraud is uncovered. Unfortunately, this seems to be the process we are left with to deal with these situations until this type of impropriety is prosecuted.”

So let’s examine some of the alleged fraud, to which Mr. Stabile alluded. The Republican lawyers challenged the legitimacy of more than 2,000 signatures submitted by Betsy Summers. Her purported fraud and egregious error was in signing her petition ‘Betsy Summers,’ as she was to appear on the ballot, rather than ’Elisabeth Summers’ as she is listed on the voter registration rolls. I would hope this impropriety does not rise to the level of prosecution that Mr. Stabile speaks of in his comments.

The attorneys challenged nomination papers in which a notary entered the county where the petitioner lived, rather than the county in which the signatures were gathered. Signatures of voters who signed their names where they should have printed it, and printed it where they were supposed to sign it were challenged. Dates that did not have the full year filled out were challenged. They flagged entries that matched voter registration cards but whose address disagreed with the State’s outdated SURE data base, and the list goes on and on. Anything to subvert free and fair elections.

But the abuse did not stop there, as lawyers for the Republican Party then gave the Libertarian candidates a choice: drop out now or face fines personally of over $100,000 if the challenges proved successful. Yes, economic intimidation is now the preferred tactic used to keep third parties off the ballot and circumvent the Constitution of Pennsylvania, a tactic instituted and effectively utilized by the Democrat Party against Carl Romanelli.

I applaud Mr. Stabile’s fervor to promote the Republican Party as a party partisan; but being a party partisan should not be the qualification for a Superior Court Judge. We need judges who believe in the Commonwealth’s Constitution, and the rule of law and that above all else, our elections are to be fair and equal as prescribed by that Constitution. We need individuals who understand that we have men and women dying in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere around the world to insure free elections n those far-off lands, and yet right here in Pennsylvania politicians like Mr. Stabile look to quash that right by means of economic intimidation.

Mr. Stabile, you cloak yourself in the American flag and speak of protecting the electorate from fraud and impropriety while you choose to trample the very cornerstone of our democracy, that being free and equal elections. You, sir, in my opinion are not fit to be any judge no less a Superior Court Judge. I urge all groups and individuals who believe in the constitution and good government to send a clear message that despite one’s party affiliation, this behavior cannot and should not be tolerated any longer, and should certainly not be rewarded by a judgeship on Pennsylvania’s Superior Court.

Louis R. Jasikoff
Chair, Pennsylvania Libertarian Party
Contact: ljasikoff@gmail.com

PA Libertarian Party Elects New Officers

Jasikoff takes State Chair, Summers tapped for NEPA Chair

At the annual state convention on April 30th in Franklin, the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania elected a new slate of officers and adopted a new streamlined party platform.  Libertarian Lou Jasikoff was elected to chair the state party. Betsy Summers is now chair for the Northeast Pennsylvania (or NEPA) Libertarian group. Other elected officers were Kat Valleley, Eastern Vice-Chair; Jim Fryman, Western Vice-Chair; Vernon Etzel, Secretary; and Patti Fryman, Treasurer. Numerous other committees were filled along with the initial delegate list to the 2012 National Convention to be held next year in Las Vegas.

Jasikoff stated, “The Libertarian Party is poised to make serious inroads into Pennsylvania’s political process. More now than ever the message of a limited, constitutional government is on the voters’ minds. There is one and only one party that has relentlessly advocated getting government out of our wallets, out of our bedrooms, and out of foreign civil wars, and that is the Libertarian Party.”

Lou Jasikoff and Betsy Summers

“I plan to continue to expand on the successes we have made here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. We have unprecedented opportunities to see our ideas and party grow and will do whatever is necessary to promote and support our current candidates along with recruiting new ones. 2011 should be a very good year for the Libertarian Party in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” added Summers.

Jasikoff concluded, “One of our major initiatives will be to work with the Green, Constitution, and Independent Parties, as well as the Tea Party movement to educate our current elected representatives, the media, and the public at large, about the merits of the recently-introduced Voters’ Choice Act (VCA). It is imperative that we make our election process equal and fair as prescribed by our State Constitution. Chicanery, coercion, and economic intimidation are the current ‘modus operandi’ of party officials in the Democrat and Republican Parties and this can no longer be tolerated. The first step in restoring good and honest government starts with competition in politics, competition afforded all candidates that wish to compete in the arena of ideas.”


For more information or interviews, please visit us at www.lppa.org

SCOOCHED!

Definition of Scooched:

Verb - The act of being betrayed by public officials

Noun (Scooch) -judge, politician, lawyer, any person abusing public trust for personal gain.  Could also be applied to any person turning blind eye to observed abuse of children.

Synonym - Childhood nickname of gangster Judge Mark Ciavarella

 Judge Mark "the Scooch" Ciavarella

Scranton- The media coverage of the recently concluded trial of Gangster Judge Mark “the Scooch” Ciavarella in Northeast Pennsylvania has been intense.   The stories are numerous and I would encourage everyone to acquaint themselves with the accounts of Ciavarella’s corruption, nepotism, case fixing, money laundering and more from writers more eloquent and knowledgeable than myself. (See coverage in Times Leader and Citizens Voice.)

For the past week I have attended, as time permitted, the testimony of witnesses in this incredible and gut-wrenching trial.  At the heart of it all:  the selling of kids into detention for profit.  Let us not sugar coat it and don't spin it; simply put it was about children being sent to a juvenile detention center for profit.   

Profit so Judge Mark “the Scooch” Ciavarella and Judge Mike “the Scooch” Conahan, along with lawyer Robert “the Scooch” Powell, businessman Rob “the Scooch” Mericle and many more “Scooches” still unnamed could live a lavish lifestyle on the backs of children, their families and the taxpayers of Luzerne County. 

This case has it all: pocketed political donations, cash in envelopes, cash in FedEx boxes, corruption on every level.   And yet it begs the question why did it go on for so long?  Where were the watchdogs, where were the advocates for the children, where were the court officers, county officials, and where were the lawyers?  Rats, all! 

Franklin's often quoted saying “he who gives up freedom for safety deserves neither” is most appropriate in this case.  “Scooch” Powell testified, “Conahan and Ciavarella were the most powerful people in the County.”  Is that why?  Our watchdogs were too afraid to speak out.  No one thought it unusual that counsel was not afforded to so many of these children?  Disgusting! 

Every person in the court system, child welfare system, or political officials found complicit in any way of allowing this repugnant behavior to continue needs to be relieved of their jobs as they are not capable of performing their duties and deserving of our trust.  Let this only be the beginning of the investigations.

After the initial verdict was read, the courtroom emptied out and I remained as the jury was asked to reconvene to clarify a money issue.  I stayed to observe the demeanor of the lawyers, defendant, and his family.  There was a family conference -- almost business like -- with smiles but lacking any emotion.  Ciaveralla seemed unfazed, detached and self-absorbed.

Then all trekked onto the court steps where Ciavarella’s attorney Al Flora claimed victory for the defense.  As the  impromptu press conference started, Sandy Fonzo, standing in the background, yelled at Ciavarella: 

 Defense attorney Al Flora, "the Scooch" and Sandy Fonzo

“I hope you rot in hell.   Do you remember me?  Do you remember my son?  He was an all-star wrestler and he's gone.  He shot himself in the heart.  You scumbag, you ruined my f..... life.  He was my son.  I don't have kids now.  I don't have anything.  I am not a mother.  I am not anything!” she cried.  Ciavarella's response, “I don't remember you.” Chilling! 

Story after story of child abuse with ridiculous sentences for minor offenses are way too abundant.  Failure to pay fines, underage drinking, parodies on Facebook -- all resulted in lengthy stays at these “scumbags,” yes “degenerates of society” ATM machine known as PA Child Care. The havoc caused to these children and families is incalculable.  I ask again, where were the watchdogs?  They, too, are culpable.

US Attorney's Press Conference

In the words of U.S. Attorney Peter Smith the “judiciary was a criminal enterprise.”  Everywhere we turn these days we seem to be in crisis.  Financial crisis, education crisis, security crisis.  Is there anything not in reform?  We have a corrupted criminal system where the words “you buy your justice in America” are heard way too often. 

The very cornerstone of our democracy of free and open elections is anything but in Pennsylvania and other jurisdictions where economic intimidation and antiquated election laws are the norm.  It is up to us as individuals to make a difference to get involved.  Where we see injustice or wrongdoing, it is our duty to stand up to speak and do something.  

 As we stare in the mirror, remember that if we don't stand for something we stand for nothing.  And as Edmund Burke is credited with saying, “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”  And so it is and was! Where were the watchdogs?

As Sandy Fonzo goes home to an empty house and memory of a dead child, Mark Ciavarella goes home to a warm bed and fine dinner enjoying the company of his family.  Nothing but the best of wine and steaks thanks to the very people he betrayed.   

There to stay as he awaits sentencing in the next 60-90 days unless, of course, that is delayed by the certain appeal he will file.  There to stay to get his affairs in order, something not afforded to the children and families he remanded to his ATM machine after a 30 second hearing.  I pray the citizens of Northeast Pennsylvania are not once again getting . . .

SCOOCHED!

Louis R Jasikoff

In Honor of Lincoln's Birthday, February 12th

 "You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

 

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.   

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.  

You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. 

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.   

You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.   

You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."  

Abraham Lincoln