Ron Paul's New Years Message to Congress

By Ron Paul

As I prepare to retire from Congress I’d like to suggest a few New Year’s resolutions for my colleagues to consider. For the sake of liberty, peace and prosperity I certainly hope more members of Congress consider the strict libertarian-constitutional approach to government in 2013.

In just a few days, Congress will solemnly swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. They should read Article 1 Section 8 and the Bill of Rights before taking such a serious oath. Most legislation violates key provisions of the Constitution in very basic ways, and if members can’t bring themselves to say “no” in the face of pressure from the special interests, they have broken trust with their constituents and violated their oath. Congress does not exist to serve the special interests. It exists to protect the rule of law.

I also urge my colleagues to end unconstitutional wars overseas. Stop the drone strikes. Stop the covert activities and the meddling in the internal affairs of other nations. Strive to observe good faith and justice towards all nations, as George Washington admonished. We are only making more enemies, wasting lives and bankrupting ourselves with the neoconservative interventionist mindset that endorses preemptive war that now dominates both parties.

All foreign aid should end, which is blatantly unconstitutional. While it may be a relatively small part of our federal budget, for many countries it is a large part of theirs and it creates perverse incentives for both our friends and enemies. There is no way members of Congress can know or understand the political, economic, legal and social realities in the many nations to which they send taxpayers’ dollars.

Congress needs to stop accumulating more debt. U.S. debt monetized by the Federal Reserve is the true threat to our national security. Revisiting the parameters of Article 1 Section 8 would be a good start.

Congress should resolve to respect personal liberty and free markets. Learn more about the free market and how it regulates commerce and produces greater prosperity ever than any legislation or regulation.

Understand that economic freedom is freedom. Resolve not to get in the way of voluntary contracts between consenting adults. Stop bailing out failed yet politically connected companies and industries. Stop forcing people to engage in commerce when they don’t want to, and stop prohibiting them from buying and selling when they want to. Stop trying to legislate your ideas of fairness. Protect property rights. Protect the individual. That is enough.

There are many more resolutions I would like to see my colleagues in Congress adopt, but respect for the Constitution and the oath of office should be at the core of every single member’s of Congress due in 2013.

LP: A Libertarian’s New Year’s Resolutions

Written in 1998 by Harry Browne, 1996 & 2000 Libertarian Party Nominee for President

1.      I resolve to sell liberty by appealing to the self-interest of each prospect, rather than preaching to people and expecting them to suddenly adopt my ideas of right and wrong.

2.      I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My purpose is to inspire people to want liberty — not to prove that they’re wrong.

3.      I resolve to listen when people tell me of their wants and needs, so I can help them see how a free society will satisfy those needs.

4.      I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social goals someone may seek — a cleaner environment, more help for the poor, a less divisive society — and try to show him that those goals can never be achieved by government, but will be well served in a free society.

5.      I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs that lead people to seek government help. I don’t have to approve of their subsidies or policies — but if I don’t acknowledge their needs, I have no hope of helping them find a better way to solve their problems.

6.      No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to the central point: how much better off the individual will be in a free society.

7.      I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an American. Any plan for improvement must begin with a recognition of the good things we have. To speak only of America’s defects will make me a tiresome crank.

8.      I resolve to focus on the ways America could be so much better with a very small government — not to dwell on all the wrongs that exist today.

9.      I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such things steal time and attention from the work that must be done.

10.  I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may be the first Libertarian someone has encountered, and it’s important that he get a good first impression. No one will hear the message if the messenger is unattractive.

11.  I resolve to remind myself that someone’s “stupid” opinion may be an opinion I once held. If I can grow, why can’t I help him grow?

12.  I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting match, no one wins, no one changes his mind, and no one will be inspired to join our quest for a free society.

13.  I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Republicans and Democrats. They use character assassination, evasions, and intimidation because they have no real benefits to offer Americans. We, on the other hand, are offering to set people free — and so we can win simply by focusing on the better life our proposals will bring.

14.  I resolve to be civil to my opponents, and treat them with respect. However anyone chooses to treat me, it’s important that I be a better person than my enemies.

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P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party with a mission to give voters a choice to downsize Big Government, to do so in the most humane way possible, to greatly reduce taxes, and to slash high government spending. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can simply make a contribution.

VIDEO: West Wing Week, or The Annual Resolutions Edition

This week, the President traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, to discuss appointing Richard Cordray to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau -- which will protect families from predatory lenders -- and spoke on a comprehensive review of our defense strategy, and the White House staff shared its New Year's resolutions.

Check out this edition of West Wing Week:

Zach Foster’s 2012 New Years Message

It’s already 2012 as I write this in the midwest, and though I can currently reveal very little, I can say with certainty that it’s an honor to be surrounded by such quality men as I am with at this moment.

I want to begin by thanking every one of you for being readers of the Political Spectrum blog, whether you were with us since December of 2010 or discovered and followed us recently.  Without your readership, your feedback, and your constant recommendations—both for content on this blog and recommending us to friends and family—this project would be meaningless.  Yet you have stuck with us and some of you have even contributed, and the result is a popular site that features news and articles and tackled events from multiple sides of the spectrum.

Let’s look back on our staggering growth in 2011 and the goals we have all reached together…

My Facebook account was set to attain at least 1,000 politically informed friends.  We closed off 2011 with over 1,800 friends.  I can also be found on Google Plus. We also looked to have 20,000 total hits by the end of the year.  We reached over 23,000, with our average in recent months stabilizing at 3,000+ hits per month.

The RightCenterLeft Twitter account, rich with content from a variety of news sources, was set to reach 5,000 followers.  It has over 6,000!  Furthermore, I decided to start a NEW Twitter account and a Facebook fan page exclusively for Political Spectrum Publishing (we’ll get to PSP later).  Barely three months old, this twitter page, @PublishPolitics, has slowly but steadily grown to have nearly 400 followers.

More people are following us on the Tumblr account, and the Political Spectrum blog’s RSS feed gets more subscribers every week.

We wanted to start a YouTube channel for videos and to start audio podcasts, and we have both on the YouTube channel!

Last but not least, I had a dream for the Political Spectrum to be more than a blog—to also be a sophisticated network.  This dream is coming true and then some!  In the month of December I had the privilege of launching a new publishing house: Political Spectrum Publishing.  We have a website, http://www.politicalspectrumpublishing.com/, and our starting project was a grass roots writing contest in support of Ron Paul.  The result is a book called VOICES OF R3VOLUTION and will be released very soon! (Many thanks to Tom Woods, Jeffrey Tucker, and Rand Paul for helping make it possible.)  More books will follow, including a few written by Yours Truly.

Furthermore, the Political Spectrum is now one of six blogs maintained by PSP.  Joining the ranks are:

• Only the Money! – Reporting on economics, money, and what the government is doing with it.
• California Politics – Political happenings and the triumphs and tragedies of the Golden State.
• Ron Paul Revolution – Reporting more detailed news on the Ron Paul campaign that would appeal specifically to Paul supporters, while the more general/popular headlines go to the Political Spectrum.
• The Anti-Marxists Internet Archive Official Blog – News and articles expoaing the inefficiencies and destructiveness of the Marxian system.  This endeavor is meant to drive traffic to the Anti-Marxists Internet Archive, a not-for-profit e-library.
• The Mises Blog – A blog kindly hosted by the Ludwig von Mises Institute’s Community that features economics and a few political articles I’ve written.

Clearly we have grown a lot over 2011 and we are going strong!  This is all thanks to you all, the raeders, contributors, and fans that make this endeavor worthwhile.

Thank you, and have a happy new year.

Zach Foster

Editor-in-Chief

Closing the Book on 2011

Dear friend of liberty,

As we close the book on 2011, my campaign is surging, with the Iowa Caucus just days away.

The crowds at events swelled with grassroots Americans thirsting for a return to Constitutional government.

My poll numbers in Iowa have mushroomed to where I am running neck and neck with Mitt Romney, the establishment's handpicked frontrunner.

Now, to keep the momentum rolling into 2012, when the first votes will be cast to determine the Republican nominee, I need your help more than ever.

There are just hours remaining before the midnight deadline for the end of the fundraising quarter, and it's vital you contribute whatever you are able right away to help my campaign reach our goal.

Can I count on you to make your most generous contribution to help me finish strong in Iowa and New Hampshire?

2011 has proven one thing - my message of liberty, free markets, and respect for the Constitution is popular.

Voters are rejecting counterfeits who claim to be conservative, but whose records reveal them as the Republican face of Big Government.

And Americans are flocking to my campaign because my record is principled, consistent, and conservative.

So please, click here to make your most generous contribution and help us reach our goal of raising $2 million by tonight's midnight deadline.

A victory in Iowa will slingshot me to a strong finish in the New Hampshire primary and the other early state contests.

As great a year as 2011 was, you and I can make 2012 the year constitutional government was restored to America.

I thank you for all that you have done in the name of liberty, and I wish you and yours a very happy New Year.

For Liberty,

Ron Paul

P.S. 2011 proved that freedom is popular.

RNC Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-Chairman Sharon Day Christmas Message

By  Johanna Persing

 

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus and Co-Chairman Sharon Day released the following Christmas message:

 

“Christmas time is a treasured chance to leave behind the stresses and strains of the year and welcome the holiday spirit of joy and peace,” said Chairman Priebus.

 

“Surrounded by family and loved ones, we pause to celebrate the Child whose humble birth so changed the world. On Christmas, may the hope He brings warm our homes and fill our hearts. 

 

“Let us also remember this Christmas the many men and women serving our country overseas. We think of those far from home and of their families, who are even more aware today of their long absence. They should know we support them and pray for them—ever mindful of their sacrifice and thankful for their service.”

 

“As we embrace relatives and exchange presents, we should also take time to extend a hand to those in need,” said Co-Chairman Day. “In the season when we celebrate God’s gifts of love and grace, we can and should readily give of ourselves.

 

“We wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and we hope the blessings of the holiday season will be with you long into the New Year.”

Nowruz Message

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Secretary of State Washington, DC

I join President Obama in sending best wishes for health and prosperity to all those celebrating Nowruz throughout the world, including Americans, Afghans, Kurds, Azeris, Iranians and the people of Central Asia. For thousands of years, Nowruz has been a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate the beginning of a new year. Among the many rich traditions of celebrating Nowruz, the themes of rebirth and the pursuit of happiness are constant and aspirations we all share. As the Iranian poet Hafiz writes, “The breeze of Nowruz is blowing from the Beloved’s quarter; seek solace from this breeze to brighten your heart.”

This year allows us to reflect on recent events in the Middle East. We commend the demonstration of peaceful expressions of human rights and dignity we have seen in much of the region. We join the world community in embracing Nowruz’s opportunities and in striving to uphold its values.

May this new year be filled with a renewed sense of hope and a new commitment to the human rights and fundamental freedoms that are our universal birthright.

Nowruzetoon Pirouz, Haroozetoon Nowruz! Navruz Mubarak!

May your Nowruz be glorious, and may all your days be Nowruz.

Political Spectrum Goals for 2011

By Zach Foster

The New Year is upon us!  We’re well aware of this as we all hustle to our jobs and continue the effort to keep ourselves grounded and stable, accomplishing the things we all want to achieve.  I have my own goals for my personal and professional life.  While our personal goals are ours alone to understand and appreciate, it is those professional goals we can be publicly proud of, having the rewarding experience of accomplishing goals and showing your fellow people that you have contributed to society.

I have set goals for the Political Spectrum and they have been met.  In just three short weeks of operation the Political Spectrum blog has had well over a hundred articles posted and nearly a thousand views.  My professional profile on Facebook has attracted over 100 friends who are interested in joining the effort to bring balanced politics to Facebook and Americans all over the Internet.  The Political Spectrum Twitter account (twitter.com/RightCenterLeft) has well over 1,000 followers and the Tumblr account (politicalspectrum.tumblr.com) is going strong.  Not bad for a small, fledgling project not even a month old!

The reason the Political Spectrum has attracted all these people (aside from producing quality political news and articles, of course!) is the unique trait that this project is where everyone’s voice is actually being heard.  I guarantee you (and most people have seen already) that among the groups with a voice on political-spectrum.blogspot.com are Socialists, Libertarians, Independents, Republicans, Democrats, Constitutionalists, Greens, and many more!  Furthermore, these groups will continue to be given a platform for them to have their say as long as the Political Spectrum is in existence.  Any other groups or individuals with a voice to be heard are more than welcome to come join the Political Spectrum in its Great Experiment of balanced politics and equal representation in this crazy, polarized world.

Now let us set new goals for the Political Spectrum.  Let us turn those 100 Facebook friends into 1,000.  Let’s make those 1,000 page views 20,000, so that more people are seeing how people like YOU are FINALLY having their voice heard.  Let’s have people subscribing to us via RSS.  Let’s turn those 1,000 Twitter followers into 5,000, and let’s boost up the Tumblr account by encouraging all those with accounts to add the Political Spectrum.  Let’s double the amount of groups with a voice on the site.  Let’s establish a YouTube account where I’ll post videos answering inquiries by curious and enthusiastic readers, and where readers can submit their own videos.  Perhaps we could even do podcasts for readers to also become listeners.  Let’s make it so that the Political Spectrum is no longer simply a blog or website, but rather a sophisticated network.

My friends and readers, this is already beginning!  The goals are very noble, but these are things that I as a writer and political analyst cannot do alone.  I need you all to take an active part in this Great Experiment.  Tell your friends about the Political Spectrum.  Show people that your voice is being heard and respected by all sides.  Let’s make these goals a reality!

I feel honored to have you on board.  Let’s make 2011 a wonderful, happy, and productive year.  I’ll be with you every step of the way.

LP Monday Message: New Year, New Goals

January 3, 2011

Dear Friend of Liberty,

Happy New Year! It's 2011, and that means a new two-year election cycle is underway.

The Libertarian National Committee adopted five goals at a recent meeting. You can help us get started achieving all five of those goals today.

Goal 1. Membership: 20,000 sustaining members by April 15, 2012.

We currently have about 14,400 sustaining members.

Action:

* If you are not a current dues-paying member, please join or renew today.

* Please ask a friend to join the Libertarian Party today.

Goal 2. Organization: Operational affiliates in at least 48 states.

It's absolutely critical that we get more people serving in leadership roles in our state and county affiliate parties. You can help.

Action:

Please visit our volunteer page and type "I'm willing to serve in a county or state leadership position" in the Other box below the Outreach section.

Goal 3. Fundraising: $1.4 million revenue for 2011.

In 2010 we raised over $1.4 million, but that was an election year with a national convention, which tends to boost revenue. Achieving $1.4 million in 2011 will be tough, but I think we can make it.

Action:

Donate today. Your contributions help fund these other activities.

Goal 4. Training: Several seminars around the country in 2011

We want to train people on how to win elections when winning is feasible. When candidates run for offices where winning is unlikely, we want to help those candidates efficiently and effectively promote the Libertarian Party and our policies.

Action:

Sign up to run for office. (See next goal.)

Goal 5. Political: 200 U.S. Represenatative candidates in 2012, 200 elected Libertarians, and at least 30 state ballot access by April 15, which puts us in position for 45 or more state ballot access by election day 2012.

Action:

Please sign up to run for office. You should be contacted shortly either by your state party affiliate, or by Bob Johnston, our new Candidate and Affiliate Support Specialist.

With enough help from you and other Libertarians like you, we can make 2011-2012 the most successful years the LP has had.

Sincerely,

Wes Benedict

Executive Director

Libertarian National Committee

P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party dedicated to free markets, civil liberties, and peace. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can make a contribution separate from membership.

Weekly Address: The New Year

By Jesse Lee

The President resolves to do all he can to get the economy growing and create jobs, and encourages Republicans to embrace their new responsibility to govern.  See the address at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/01/01/weekly-address-new-year?utm_source=010111&utm_medium=intro&utm_campaign=daily.

Zach Foster: New Year's Message to the World

December 31, 2010

The New Year approaches. This is merely symbolic, as we'll all be doing the same things next week that we've been doing all year. Nonetheless, this day carries weight in its symbolism of second chances and new opportunities. Let us all move forward in realizing our dreams, and in making our society, our country, and our world a better place to live in. To all my brothers and sisters in arms who didn't survive to see this New Year, or the ones before, I thank you for your sacrifice and promise you that you are sorely missed and dearly remembered. To those who are still with us, don't be afraid to say you loved them. Years from now we'll look back on these times and realize that through all our toils and struggles to preserve the American Dream, we were the ones writing history with lightning, and our sons and daughters and their own posterity will be sure that our works and our memory will be preserved in the halls of history.

I'll see you on the other side.

Welcome 2011

By Ginger

I love welcoming in the New Year and I don’t mean the New Year’s Eve celebrations with the champagne, the ball dropping in Times Square, the tasty hors d'oeuvres (although, I do love me some little cocktail wienies and shrimp wrapped in bacon), and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. I mean, I love starting a new year.

It’s the beginning of a new calendar, a clean slate. It’s not exactly a do-over, but a promise of a fresh start.  It’s a chance to examine the events of the past year and think about how to make the next year better. For me, it’s a time to sweep away the cobwebs of negative thinking and to focus on new possibilities and positive thinking.

This will sound completely “Pollyanna” of me, but at the beginning of each year I mentally play the “glad game.”   Like Pollyanna, I think about the things in my life that I am glad about.  Even the things that aren’t so good in my life, I make myself find a reason to be glad, and I have to say, it just really makes me feel better and more hopeful.>

I don’t like to make resolutions, because I can’t keep them, but I do think about goals for the New Year.   Last year one of my goals was to get in a regular exercise routine and to eat healthier. I am happy to say, I am doing that.  This year, my goal is to learn to step outside of my comfort zone and to be willing to take more risks. I want to get back to being a Ginger that can embrace change, trust her instincts and lead a more spontaneous life.

What are your goals for 2011?