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Liberty in America
by rtbohan (Libertarian)
About The Author
I am a former professor professor of political sciencd and history, now retired. I was born and grew up in Indiana and have been a resident of South Carolina for the past 25+ years. I was a politically a Democrat in my younger years, but have since move away from that part. I now vote for candidates who are Democrats, a few who are Republicans and some Libertarians. I would like to promote the idea that political campaigns should be about ideas and character, and neither a horse race (as the media present it) nor a hate fest, as too many bloggers portray it. About The Column
A column written from an independent perspective on electoral politics. The purpose is not to promote a party or candidate but to explore and evaluate the policy positions of all candidates and all parties.
3 Tips for Obama
Published: May 15, 2008
Barack Obama appears headed for the Democratic nomination. To win in Novemeber he must avoid three mistakes
Ron Paul Says," No"
Published: May 13, 2008
What part of that message do some of his supporters not understand?
The Suspense is Over, or Maybe Not
Published: May 12, 2008
Bob Barr has finally announced that he is seeking the Libertarian nomination for President.
Hillary Loans Her Campaign Money: Why?
Published: May 9, 2008
Is it the start of her 2012 Campaign?
Update on Nevada II
Published: May 8, 2008
The struggle in Nevada goes on
The White Male Vote and the Democratic Party
Published: May 8, 2008
During this primary season, st least in the late stages, interest has focused on the white male vote. Here is a fact to consider.
The Voters' Choices: Primaries in IN & NC
Published: May 7, 2008
With temperatures ranging from the mid 70s to the low 80s under clear skies in Indiana and North Carolina, voters turned out in record numbers
In Case You Missed It: The Guam Primary
Published: May 6, 2008
Maybe you have been enthralled by the run up to Indiana and North Carolina. Bot Guam made its decision Saturday, more of less.
Have We Been Bought? Are We Intimidated?
Published: May 6, 2008
"They think that they have purchased half of us, and intimidated the other half."--Padraig Pearse
The Press and the Primaries: Indiana and North Carolina
Published: May 5, 2008
The candidates maintain a furious pace, the press is relatively laid back with the primaries two days away.
A Bad Week in Reno
Published: May 4, 2008
Last weekend in Reno there was an earthquake, the Governor moved out , and the Republican State Convention ended in disorder. Two of the incidents are resolved, one is getting worse.
RP In NC: Update
Published: May 2, 2008
Ron Paul is speaking today in North Carolina. The troops are turning out and the revolution marches on
George Vs. George (and Wayne Allyn, Too)
Published: May 2, 2008
Libertarian candidate George Phillies took on President George Bush's signing statements, and threw in a slap for Libertarian Wayne Allyn Root.He makes a good case, but forgets an important precedent
The Indiana Primary
Published: May 1, 2008
The Indiana voters have been competing with North Carolina for attentio from the media and the candidates. They get to express their opinion Tuesday.
The North Carolina Primary: One Week to Go
Published: April 30, 2008
The North Carolian Primaries are next Tuesday. For the Democrats, it may be a critical race. For the Republicans, it may provide another disappointment
Update on Nevada
Published: April 29, 2008
The convention will reconvene. The national delegattion will be selected. We hope everything works out well.
Orders from Headquarters
Published: April 29, 2008
Howard Dean has issued orders to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Mitt Romney has brought orders from the top to the Nevada Republican Convention. Can unity be faked?
The Draft is Coming Back
Published: April 28, 2008
If the presidential candidate of either the Rbpuclican of Democratic Party is elected in November, the military draft will again be a fact of life for American youth.
Party Leadership Walks Out
Published: April 27, 2008
It looks like the last days of the two party system.
Hillary, Barack, and "Honest John" in PA
Published: April 23, 2008
The Pennsylvania primary is over, to the relief of all Pennsylvanias. The candidates' struggles go on.
"Time to Stand Up and Resist"--Ron Paul
Published: April 22, 2008
Ron Paul spoke in friendly country in Montana last night. His message remains the same.
The Libertarian Party: Is it Time for a Woman President? YES!
Published: April 21, 2008
The Libertarian Party this year has a superabundance of good candidates. Two of the candidates stand out .
The PA Press and the PA Primaries: Two Days to Go
Published: April 20, 2008
By early Wednesday morning we will have the results of the primaries and be able to gauge the effectiveness of press endorsements and slurs.
BPA: Cyclamates Revisited?
Published: April 19, 2008
Remember cyclamates? Remember saccharin as a cause of cancer? Rmember "Sugar the Killer"? Here we go again.
Watching Montana
Published: April 18, 2008
Ron Paul is speaking Monday in Montana where a strange delegate selection process threatens McCain's march to the nomination
Taxes, Tax Spin and Real Reform
Published: April 17, 2008
"The tax reform that will actually help most Americans is the reform in how taxes are spent. When Uncle Sam spends less money and...stops borrowing money every American will benefit.--George Phillies, Libertarian Candidate for President
Barney and Ron: Together Again
Published: April 16, 2008
It may come as a shock to supporters of both men, but Barney Frank and Ron Paul are jointly sponsoring s bill affecting federal regulatory power and states' rights.
Does Bill Want Hillary to Lose?
Published: April 14, 2008
As Hillary Clinton's most prominent supporter, Bill Clinton draws attention wherever he goes. The problem is that he hurts her candidacy as much as or more than he helps. Is it deliberate?
'The Campaign Has Just Begun" --Ron Paul
Published: April 12, 2008
Ron Paul returned to his alma mater yesterday in his quest for votes. in the Pennsylvania primary This was his message to the Gettysburgh students and to his supporters naiionwide.
Wayne Allyn Root's Big Bad New Idea
Published: April 10, 2008
Every candidate for a Presidential nomination needs a Big New idea to set him apart from his rivals. Wayne Root has a Big New idea. Unforunately, it's a bad one.
"We Never Make Mistakes"
Published: April 9, 2008
Government Agencies, Banks, Bill Collectors all know the mantra of the bureaucrat
The Libertarian Nomination Today
Published: April 8, 2008
One of Bob Barr's rivals has dropped out, the the race is still on.
Six Candidates and one on the verge
Published: April 7, 2008
The Libertarian Party held its Heartland Conference in Kansas City this weekend. Six candidates debated, but the media concentrated on the keynoter.
The Yoo Memorandum and the Consitution
Published: April 6, 2008
The now rescinded Yoo memo, which argued the right to use harsh interrogation methods has now been released.
I Believe Ron Paul
Published: April 5, 2008
So I am betting against a Bob Barr endorsement.
George Phillies on Libertarians and Conservatives
Published: April 5, 2008
A Libertarian candidate for President with a caveat for conservatives
Ron Paul in Pennsylvania
Published: April 4, 2008
The Campaign goes on, and so does Ron Paul
Hillary Clinton and the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Published: April 3, 2008
We know that Hillary Clinton is the people's champion against the "Vast Right Wing Conspiracy that threatens America. She has told us so.Then why do the conspirators like her?
BOO!!!!
Published: April 2, 2008
The Department of Homeland Security has not scared us enough with terrorists to make us give up all liberty. Now it wants us afraid of the DHS
Hillary as Rocky
Published: April 1, 2008
When will she become Harold Stassen?
Nancy Pelosi and the Gang of Twenty
Published: March 30, 2008
There is a lesson to be learned in the confrontation between Pelosi and the Plutorats. It may not be the one you think.
Mike Gravel's National Initiative for Democracy
Published: March 29, 2008
Mike Gravel has enetered the race for the Libertarian Party presidential nomination. His policies include more than opposition to the war.
Good Plan, Wrong Target, Poor Timing
Published: March 26, 2008
The Granny Warriors seek support for their April 15 rally. I can't give it to them
The Bourbon State Strikes Back
Published: March 25, 2008
A strange new product brings a legislative response in Kentucky
The Vice Roy's Palace
Published: March 19, 2008
Last month the Bush administration blocked an inquiry into the new U.S. Embassy in Iraq. More than the cost needs to be questioned.
John McCain, Ron Paul and the Republican Base
Published: March 14, 2008
John McCain tonight gave an interview on Fox News saying that all of his opponents for the nomination had endorsed him. He must have forgotten Ron Paul again
The Vote in Mississippi
Published: March 12, 2008
The Mississippi Primary is over. What it means for the campaigns
This is Libertarianism? This is Self-Reliance?
Published: March 9, 2008
An awful lot of the response to Representative Paul's effectively ending his campaign seems to be divided between despondance, dependence, and delusion.
Let's Hope A Majority of the Victims Were Adult Males
Published: March 6, 2008
I am becoming a tad annoyed at the politically correct media
Low Paying Jobs and Worthless Money
Published: March 6, 2008
It is ridiculous for politicians to talk about bringing bacl high-paying jobs if the wages are paid in worthless money.
Ron Paul, ABC News, and the Voters of District Fourteen
Published: March 5, 2008
Ron Paul won his primary election for a return to his House Seat. The Main Stream Media is a little bit snide about it.
"Pluck Out One Eye"
Published: February 19, 2008
Bill Clinton is out campaigning for his wife again. And this time he is not telling lies.
Does Libertarianism Need Ron Paul?
Published: February 17, 2008
Yes and, hopefully, no.
About This "Sanctity of Marriage" Thing
Published: February 16, 2008
The State has the power to do many things, but it has not the power to "sanctify" anything.
Great Moments in Law Enforcement: Sumter, South Carolina
Published: February 15, 2008
The police chief said, "We responded as we should have responded" The Sumter Item headlined "Oops!". the Columbia and Charleston t.v. stations called it a "false alarm." Other terms spring to mind.
The Potomac Primary
Published: February 13, 2008
John McCain ended his losing streak, Barack Obama kept his winning streak going, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney battled for third.
Troubles: The Clinton and Obama Campaigns
Published: February 12, 2008
Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama are locked in a tight race for the Democratic Nomination, with the race against the Republicans still to come. But their campaign organizations could cause them problems.
The Republicans in Louisiana
Published: February 10, 2008
John McCain campaigned hard in Louisiana and lost. Mike Huckabee stayed away and won a hollow victory
The Democrats in Louisiana
Published: February 10, 2008
Both of the remaining contenders for the Democratic nomination put on a strong campaign in Louisiana. Obama came away with an impressive victory
It's A Good Thing Bill Richardson Dropped Out
Published: February 9, 2008
Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico (remember him?) dropped out of the Democratic race for President before super Tuesday. It's a good thing for him that he did
Is Hllary afraid to debate Obama.?
Published: February 8, 2008
Hillary Hillary Clinton is threatening to cancel a debate with Barack Obama on MSNBC. Why?
Hillary's Choice, or How The Democrats Can Lose the Election
Published: February 7, 2008
If Hillary Clinton does not gain a clear majority of delegates from the coming primaries and caucuses, she has a clear choice to make which may cost her the election
How Do We Stay Together If Ron Paul Loses?
Published: February 7, 2008
I need to disagree with two of my friends on the future course for Libertarians. I want to tell my other friends why, and get your respons
Just For Fun: The Presidential Race as a Spectator Sport
Published: February 7, 2008
Frank Skeffington, the fictional Mayof of Boston in Edwin O'Connor's The Last Hurrah, calls a political campaign the greatest spectator sport in America
The Democrats' Super Tuesday, Going Behind the votes
Published: February 6, 2008
The two remaining Democratic contenders have come through super Tuesday still locked in a near even contest. How is the press arrempting to tilt it"
Will the voters listen? And are we prepared to go on?
Published: February 5, 2008
A columnist on Nolanchart (Logical Premise) asks essentially this question and makes a s trong and valid case that the voters, pursuing their self-Interest will not. But his conclusion that reisistence is futile is not correct.
The News from Maine
Published: February 3, 2008
Mitt Romney is a neighbor with money, John McCain has important endorsments, Ron Paul has a good and ehthusiastic organization, and Mike Huckabee is on the ballot.
Ron Paul, Peter Schiff and Wesley Snipes
Published: February 2, 2008
They are in the New York Times, along with the I.R.S. and J J McNab
The "Tax Rebate", The Chewing Gum Fix or The Christmas Tree?
Published: February 1, 2008
Which is the correct answer for our current economic woes? The correct answer is "None of the above.
The Florida Republican Primary--How many will last a week?
Published: January 30, 2008
The Polls got it right, the Pols got it wrong. Now let's see who makes it through the week.
Ron Paul and the Florida Press
Published: January 29, 2008
Small Minds discuss people, mediocre minds discuss events, great minds discuss ideas.
The Parties, The Press and the Florida Primaries
Published: January 29, 2008
The Democratic and Republican parties have both decided to punish Florida voters. The Florida Press goes along
The Sun Shines on South Carolina and Obama
Published: January 27, 2008
The Democratic primary in South Carolina will not have a decisive effect in the campaign, but it shakes things up.
Advice to Ron Paul Supporters From an Old Socialist
Published: January 22, 2008
No, it's not me. The advice is from Eugene V. Debs and it's worth remembering
The Ron Paul Campaign: Where to From Here
Published: January 22, 2008
There's good news and bad news for Ron Paul in South Carolina
The S.C. Republican Primary: Bad News for the Democrats
Published: January 20, 2008
The low turnout in the S.C. Republican primary may mean a huge turnout for the Democrats. That's bad news.
The S.C. Primary: Bad News for John McCain
Published: January 20, 2008
Jphm McCain's supporters have hailed his victory in the S.C.primary, and believe it makes him a front runner. Not so fast, my friends
Paul to Pols"Get in Touch With the American People
Published: January 16, 2008
The price of graoline is too high. This increases the price of nearly every we buy, makes if harder for poorer workers to get to their jobs, and threatens the whole economy. The Congress and the bureaucrats want to add a new tax to this burden, Ron Paul says no.
What's Wrong with Having to Choose Between Food and Medicine.
Published: January 12, 2008
The argument for universal health care is that people shouldn't have to hoose between food and medicine. But somebody will make the choice.
The Kerry Endorsement: Why Now?
Published: January 10, 2008
John Kerry has endorsed Barack Obama for the Democratic nominatiom/ Why now? What will it mean? Who does it help?
Hacking Our Way Through the Three Pimaries
Published: January 8, 2008
The primary season consists of three systems: The Money Primary, The Press Primary, and The People Primary. With two of these decided, how many voters will stick around for the thir?
A False Spring
Published: January 7, 2008
Governor Huckabee is sounding like Ron Paul. This does not mean that he--or the Republican party--has changed its nature
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