Subject: Misunderstanding the Libertarian message Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 15:28:29 -0400 To: "Dick D. Zigun" From: Bob Armstrong Dear Mermaid Parade Heads , Thank you for thanking us for getting wet with all our fellow merpeople at this year's par-wade . As we passed in review , our motley militia even flubbed our our morning's makeshift marching mantras . But that's minor . You thanked us despite announcing your belief that we are "misguided" . To us , your comment reflects a profound misunderstanding of what the Libertarian message is . Your event itself , a privately sponsored parade , IS= libertarian in its very conception . But beyond that , which of the following efforts do you find misguided ? . Fighting for the rights of parents and children to purchase squirt and other toy guns ? . Fighting for the right of a bar or club owner to choose to permit or not permit patrons to smoke tobacco ? . Fighting for the right of a bar or club owner to choose to permit or not permit patrons to dance ? . Fighting for the right of peaceful individuals to grow and use plants humanity has lived with since pre-history ? . Fighting for the right of individuals to do with their= bodies what they choose -- even for capitalist ( ie , to make a= living ) purposes ? . Fighting for the right of individuals to make their own= decisions with their own resources obtained thru free commerce ? . Fighting for the right of a father , and ex-serviceman , to protect his family from an intruder in his child's bedroom= without facing 2 years in jail for having a gun which has been made= almost impossible to own legally . I think it's that last one which probably gives you pause . If you still believe in the benign State , in these days of unprecedented aggressive militarism nationally , and swollen police budgets and intrusion in everyday life here in the City= , then , I guess , from your perspective , we Libertarians are misguided . I , on the other hand , will find you inconsistent . The literature of Liberty goes back centuries - and includes= the founding documents of our country . It is voluminous ,= consistent and profound . It is worthy of study , especially in these days when squirt guns are to be made illegal out of fear that cops might not think twice before emptying a 16 round clip into a child , and thousands of dollars per citizen is taken to= support the military occupation of countries on the other side of the planet . As you thanked us , we thank you for your great free market festival . It's the most fun I've had standing in a= thunderstorm in my memory . We look forward to paying our fee next year ,= and honing our message to guide our fellow citizens towards a= greater understanding of our philosophy of peace thru freedom . Bob Armstrong -- http://CoSy.com -- 212-285-1864 Manhattan Libertarian DAD ( Drug Affairs Director ) A WTC vision : http://cosy.com/CoSy/ConicAllConnect/ =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A02003/06/23 2:03:03 PM