Eric Sundwall

My parents house was built prior to the American Revolution. It might be a prime property for one of these gentrified Bed & Breakfasts that pop-up in historical rural areas. After the Kelo case in the Supreme Court, many home and business owners are reacting to it on a local basis. If the government can now decide your house or business is worth more in tax revenues than you can manage, off you go. Fortunately Libertarians in NY are against this taking and will defend the rights of property owners pretty much without doubt or regret. Here's the latest version of 'Hardfire', featuring Richard Cooper, chair of the LPNY . . .

A curious political event occurred a few doors down from The Bowery Mission. Amongst the restaurant equipment merchant district just above ChinaTown and just over from the 'Village', is a bar/lounge called the Katrana (I hope). It was the host to the first third party gubernatorial debate in NY. It's participants were the Libertarian's own John Clifton and organized by Jimmy McMillan, candidate for The Rent is Too Damn High party. Or at least what Jimmy McMillan hopes is a new party. In order to be an 'official' party in NY, an individual who has agreed to carry the banner of an interested group must attain 50,000 votes for Governor. Mr. McMillan tells me he collected 15,000 signatures with the help of community activists and volunteers. Despite being on the ballot, he is certainly not being covered as even the other third parties are. He also grouses that New York State is trying to deny him the 'damn' part on the ballot. I was asked at the last minute to video tape this event on Saturday October 28. Here's what happened . . .

One of the reasons I became active in the LPNY was the Senatorial campaign of Dr. Donald Silberger. His radio interview with Alan Chartock confirmed my desire to work with people identifying Liberty as the greatest political goal. This photo of Don and me is at the Catskill Bi-Centennial this last summer. We also worked the Rhinebeck Fireman's parade with Thomas Ruks a few weeks before this. Ruk's once referred to Don as the 'fire' of the LPNY. Don is twice my age and I had trouble keeping up with him during petitioning. He simply asked every human being he came across for the right to be on the ballot. Don's bid for Lt. Governor includes this latest HardFire episode. The cool part about the Net is that this show hasn't even aired yet and will now be available before the Sunday morning yappers start their thing. I miss David Brinkley, he was Don's era also.

I met Bob Barr briefly at the Portland convention this summer. He takes a lot of heat from the left for his advocacy of the Clinton impeachment. Libertarians in Georgia in fact took credit for his defeat at the polls in 2002. Despite his accolades as a drug warrior he's often cited as being quite Libertarian. So when Mr. Barr spoke this summer in Portland it was heartening to hear a message of Liberty. Here's another piece from the archives.

Libertarian candidate for Governor in Arizona, Barry Hess, sat down with me in Portland and we discussed many things. Here's our back and forth. They may very well have been discussing the pledge or platform while we were doing this, Barry was kind enough to sit and discuss issues. Hopefully this interview and the speech that follows is not too late to help his effort in Arizona. With any luck we get some future help from Barry & Mr. Hancock breaking up the ballot access requirements in New York. Yes, that's 'StarChild' in the background . . .

A good number of LP candidates across the country are making news this election season. I was happy to see Phil Maymin in CT get into his debates. Phil did a stellar job. He counterd mainstream politics with solid answers and solutions. I especially like how he conserved his time and was able to shred an old MSM bobblehead. Roads. Everyone wants to make Libertarians justify roads. Despite the shortcomings of the Fairtax idea, it's an opportunity for people to consider actually eliminating others. Here's what some other noteworthies this cycle.

Gary Popkin of Brooklyn produces a public access show for Brooklyn CATV which features Libertarian themes and guests. Much like the early days of CNN, these programs talk about issues without commerical interruption and the incessant opinions of obnoxious hosts. This programing offers a unique insight into many of the LP's positions. Join the guests and hosts in an informative talk show format not constrained by media conglomerates or a tepid producer. Watch as we cut to real issues, now. Here's a sample of some recent shows with current candidates.

There is a chance in court next week. But remember who's in charge.
Here's our commerical.

Jeff Russell, US Senate candidate in NY and Eric Sundwall 20th Congressional candidate, spoke at the August 30th Rally at the Capital. Later they strolled down to the BOE and checked to see who was reviewing the LPNY petitions. After lunch they ran into the Quakers.

Here's the video . . .

John Clifton & Donald Silberger on Hardfire

LPNY candidates for Governor & Lt. Governor.