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

A Change of Pace

After the hectic weekend of the “Americans for Prosperity Leadership Conference,” it was certainly a change of pace to be in New Hampshire working with other friends of liberty.

Go Quietly

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.” 

The words of “Desiderata” given to me by my father as a youth are still poignant as I approach sixty.  No better place to find that peace in silence as one walks through the white pine groves, with snow  gently falling in Grafton, New Hampshire.   From a young age, the white pine has always been my favorite.  Is it the soft needles, clean underbrush, or pleasant smell?  I don't know and can't say for sure, but I do love the peace I find walking amongst these trees.

New to New Hampshire but not a stranger am I.  Every summer as a child visiting relatives on J Street in Hampton Beach, it was the epitome of a vacation.  The ocean, dogs on the beach, the boardwalk, ten cent pinball in the arcades, bandstand, fireworks and salt water taffy -- my goodness, I still remember it that way as if it was yesterday, no matter how much has changed.  Such great memories!

Reaching college age, every other year my brother, certain friends and I would climb Mt. Washington on New Year’s Eve.  One year would find us in Times Square and the next looking to start the year off right on a different note at the summit of Mt. Washington.  Returning from our climb, we always found ourselves in some lodge, enjoying the warm fireplace and hot drinks.  I don't ever remember someone not telling us we were crazy.  But youth has no fear.  Perhaps crazy at times, but no fear!  Ah yes, the good old days, but today will be a good old day too sometime soon. 

Being fortunate enough to have traveled extensively throughout North America, I can say unequivocally New Hampshire is one of the most beautiful states in the nation.  From Hampton Beach, to the Notches, to the White Mountains  and Lake Winnepesaukee – yes, New Hampshire has it all.  Perhaps the best part is the people themselves.  They exhibit a friendliness, yet will debate spiritedly to uphold their convictions.  The tradition of freedom runs deep and hard here, like the stone base of Mt. Washington.

So in the words of my father, inscribed on that plaque given to me as a youth, was found this:   “I would like to think these were tried and tested and passed down thru the ages from those so great to those we love.”  I would like to pass the same onto you. In the crazy world we find ourselves today, try to find a little time to be alone with your thoughts.  Enjoy the day! 

Louis R. Jasikoff

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.