I was just about to write a response to Mr. Dan Carr's well thought, and reasoned comment, when I was shocked to read the post above.

The comment above is from someone unknown to the NHLA (as far as we know).

It in no way represents the opinion, policy, or attitudes of most members of the NHLA, or any official or unofficial position thereof.

Our group is striving for inclusion on common ground, and cooperation toward common goals, differing where we must, but reaching for every opportunity to work with those around us, if only for one issue, before we part away again for a time.

James Maynard
Chairman, NH Liberty Alliance.

P.S. This person totally sounds like a plant... ;o)

Dear Mr. Maynard,

Thank you for your comments, these are noble sentiments. I am a little confused though because I watched the Libertarian Convention on C-Span and these are not the sum of all the ideas your group espouses. For example where do these democratic ideas fit in plans to dismantle public education. For another example if your plans are successful for stripping away laws that pose impediments to free exercise of business, how will I be able to hunt and fish in an environment turned back into the wasteland that was created by unrestricted industrial development in the 19th and early 20th century.

Personally I am in favor of finding ways to make common cause with anyone who opposes the ruinous policies of the current administration in Washington. I suggest you dig a little deeper into the background and recent actions of your featured speaker Craig Benson. You may wish to cancel his appearance. Perhaps if you are not allying yourself to this duplicitous politician there would be no interest in a protest of your particular group.

Dan Carr

Mr. Carr:

Thank you so much for writing such a well-written, thoughtful response.
Although it is not really correct to identify the NHLA with the exact same positions on every issue as the national Libertarian Party, let me talk a little bit about where we agree with different groups and parties, and where we differ, and why.
When we were preparing our choice for legislator of the year, we made sure to carefully balance the exact same number of financial and social liberty issues.
This was done so that legislators who more strongly believe in liberty concerning social or financial issues were on an even footing. The NHLA is a non-partisan group, and this decision was based on that principle.
As I stated above, we have some areas where we can work with Democrats, but it would be a fallacy for me to state that we will always agree. We do have some of the same ideals, but not all.
Let’s begin with education, as you suggest. Believe it or not, we want the exact same thing. The best education possible for our children. We only differ in how to get there.
And yes, some libertarians speak of “ending public education”. I find that unfortunate, and unwise. A good education is essential to the future of American society. That’s the feeling of almost all libertarians I have ever met.
While I understand wanting the security of a large, government run system, I find any monopoly, whether it be in the hands of government or corporations, produces inefficient, expensive systems that don’t provide nearly the services that industries with many competing small businesses and services bring to society.
The phone service is a perfect example – In 1900, a phone call from New York to San Francisco cost $25 a minute. In 1900 dollars. Today, with dozens of competing service providers, free, unlimited, nationwide long distance is common.
Computers speed along at clock rates and with memory undreamed of only a few years ago. The entire Apollo 11 mission only had about 16k of memory in the on-board computers. Today, I have many times that in my $10 pocket organizer.
What we in the NHLA want is more options for our children, not fewer. We want more freedom for parents to decide what kind of education our children will receive. If you want to send your child to a school that teaches only creationism or only evolution or both, you should be allowed to have that choice. If you want a school that teaches sex education, or one that doesn’t, that should be your choice. We want our children to have a better education, not a worse one. And we see competition and the free market as the best way to provide that education for an affordable cost.
That’s one of the reasons we have developed the Liberty Scholarship Fund (http://www.lsfund.org); to provide scholarships for privately schooled New Hampshire schoolchildren, and awards for supplies for home schooled students.
One of the goals of our dinner is to raise money for this fund. We’re going to have a silent auction there, among other things, to help the children.
The environment is one of the greatest examples of how a governmental monopoly, and special favors to big business can do extensive damage to the environment.
Once again, we want the exact same thing – A clean, pristine environment for ourselves and our children, and theirs.
Although I am usually more than willing to lend my own opinion on any issue ;o), Dr. Mary Ruwart wrote a much better article on libertarian environmentalism than I ever could, and it is available at http://www.lp.org/issues/environment.html .
Although I do not agree with the governor on every issue, he is willing to work with us when we agree on issues, and to agree to disagree, and listen with an open mind, where we have a difference. I hope your group decides that it is willing to follow that example, and join with us where we are on the same side of the fence.
We are not going to cancel the governor, but I will tell you we tried very hard to find a notable speaker from the other side of the aisle. For instance, we worked to try to get Claire Ebel, from the NH Civil Liberties Union, but were unable to do so. We were delighted when we had a chance to have Dr. Michael Avery speak on the dangers and abuses of the PATRIOT Act.
I look forward to meeting, and hopefully getting to work with you, in the future.

James Maynard
Chairman
NH Liberty Alliance

These words are taken from a private message, and cross-posted from place to place to place without my consent. That much should be clear.

I wish to clarify that when I wrote those words I had just learned that the NHLA was being stuck with a bill for the police necessitated by this protest against liberty. That fact did and continues to make me angry, because I believe costs should be bourne by those that incur them, and all we wanted to do was meet and have some dinner. The costs were clearly incurred by those exercising their right to protest, and I continue to maintain that they are responsible.

Those words convey the anger that I was feeling at the time. I have since deleted them from the invitation-only board where they were initially posted. In addition, I have since spoken to Charlie, and while I obviously disagree with his politics I respect the fact that he is attempting in his own way to make New Hampshire a better place. I apologize to him for my intemperance in posting those angry sentiments, and promise greater restraint in the future.

"The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding." Louis D. Brandeis

Dear, Academician. I can only assume that you are a member of the Free State Project. Call me any time to elaborate on your concerns. My home number is 603-772-2973.

Best Charlie Proulx

Ian -- I invite you too, to call me some time. Frankly I don't care what you call yourselves. My concern in the effect you are having on Democracy in NH.

call me at 603-772-2973. Please not after 9:30 pm though

Charlie Proulx

Charlie,

I am currently considering calling you, however if you show no care for properly defining libertarianism, why would the conversation even be worth my time? When you care enough to get things right, I'll be more likely to call you.

That said, I will respond to your democracy concern.

Politicians and activists like this group love to throw around the word "Democracy".
"Democracy" means "Majority rule." (dictionary.com).
Democracy is two wolves and a sheep deciding on dinner.
Considering Democrats and Republicans are supposed to be for the little guy, and small business owner (respectively) how they can support democracy is beyond me. It seems really uncaring and inhumane.
It's allright if you never thought this through. In fact, you may need to read this twice. Like myself, you were probably indoctrinated in the very "public institutions" you revere. Don't believe every thing you are told. A free country can never be a democracy. If not simply for the reason that if YOU aren't the majority, YOU'RE SCREWED.

Thanks for the time, in advance!
Ian

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Interesting choice of words. "Protest against liberty". I think perhaps Tom is attending the dinner, not the protest.