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Practical Libertarianism
by James Oaksun (libertarian)
About The Author
James R. Oaksun is Chair of Liberty For Maine and President of Virtual Galt Corporation.
Born James Dompkowski, he is a cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College and received an MBA from Cornell University.
Prior to founding Virtual Galt in 2008, Mr. Oaksun worked for nearly 20 years at the Unum Group in Portland, Maine, in a variety of roles within the financial, actuarial and communications organizations.
A firm believer in lifelong learning, he received Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant designations from The American College.
Mr. Oaksun has been involved with a variety of civic and charitable organizations. Among others, he has served as both treasurer and president of the Maine Gay Mens Chorus, president of the Community Orchestra of the Portland Symphony, and has done volunteer work with Equality Maine.
Virtual Galt is an economic and financial consultancy focused on the needs of gay men and lesbians at midlife. The company’s holistic Financial FreudSM process examines all aspects of a person’s life and makes recommendations that enhance financial as well as personal freedom. Among other efforts, the company is working on developing the first-ever stock index fund of companies with superior LGBT employee policies.
Mr. Oaksun was a Maine delegate to the 2008 Libertarian National Convention. In 2009, he founded and is now state chaor of Liberty For Maine, which works to advance the interests of freedom and liberty in Maine in an active, creative and assertive manner, offers support to similar efforts underway in many other states and nationally, and engages in other activities as appropriate. The group has declared its support for the Statement of Principles of the national Libertarian Party.
James lives in South Portland, Maine. He is in a relationship and hopes to be married… one day. About The Column
Observations on politics, economics, and other matters. Special focus on marriage equality, health care, and tax policy.
Imperial Overstretch
Published: April 1, 2010
First it was gay and lesbian Mainers. Now, with their latest attack on the homeless, the Catholic Church has gone too far.
Adam Smith Was Right
Published: January 23, 2010
The LNC's financial troubles continue. A new, prudent approach is needed. Only new leadership will bring that.
A Tale of Two States: A Follow Up
Published: January 2, 2010
Recently I published an article where I identified Maine as being the poorest of the 48 continental US states, contrasted Maine's tax and budget policy with that of the wealthiest state (Wyoming), and made some recommendations. The most important recommendation was that Maine eliminate its corporate and personal income tax and replace it with a tax on carbon (i.e., oil, natural gas and coal). I thought it would be wise to respond to some of the comments made about the article and expand on some of the reasoning behind the approach I suggest, from my perspective as (in my mind anyway) a “practical libertarian.”
Maine Question 1: Where Did the Money Go?
Published: December 17, 2009
This report will examine where the money got spent, on both the “Yes” (anti-equality) and “No” (pro-equality) sides. There were some significant differences in how the funds were allocated among different sources. Brief synopses will be provided on the major vendors on both sides. Finally, some suggestions for future equality campaigns will be offered.
State By State Probability of Enacting Marriage Equality
Published: December 8, 2009
As discussed previously, a four-variable model was constructed to estimate probability of passage of marriage equality on a state by state basis.
Marriage Equality: Lessons Learned, 2008-2009
Published: December 6, 2009
This report will examine the reasons behind the Maine loss. Then it will undertake demographic analysis of the results from Maine, California and Washington State to assess whether there were consistent demographic factors in play. Next, a simple model will be suggested to estimate probability on a state-by-state basis of marriage equality being adopted at the ballot box. A going-forward strategy for marriage equality advocates will be proposed.
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