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
Monday, August 22, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
"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
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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 24th. 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.
Thank You
Lou Jasikoff
for
Tim Mullen
and
Betsy Summers
Monday, June 6, 2011
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.
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!
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
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