Ed Angleton Rants

The End of Ranting

2011-03-04T18:15:00.000-05:00

This will be the last post for this blog. After four years of ranting it's time for reason and logic to return. Please join me at The Hoosier Libertarian, I've got much to say and that's where I will post it.

A Mad Hatter's Tea Party

2010-05-13T17:18:00.002-04:00

This afternoon I recieved an email from the "Indiana Defenders of Liberty" organizers Duane & Dot Ott. This email was attempt to stiffle discussion of 3rd Party Movements on their email list. We all know which 3rd Party is the largest and who they fear will "steal" their conservative votes.

Granted, they did suggest that such disscussion could be taken to group disscussion folders. This reminds me of how the Republican mainstream dealt with Dr Paul and his supporters at their last National Convention. (A site for them to gather was provided several blocks from the Convention Hall in a parking lot.)

The most offensive, in my opinion, portion of the letter is extracted below along with the reply I sent in response.

"In the same vain, discussions of 3rd party movement & recruitment need to also be moved to the Message Board for discussion. The IndianaDOL & the Indiana Tea Party understand the historical importance & urgency of regaining control of both branches of Congress (both state & federal) in this 2010 election cycle, & we can not encourage the development of 3rd party movements with no realizable opportunity of impact, except to split the conservative vote. Members are welcome to debate the 3rd party perspective, but take that discussion to the Message Board, establish your topic & debate it with those who chose to join. "

As a committed member of such a "3rd Party movement", the Libertarian Party, and the Vice-Chair of its Marion Co. affiliate, I take extreme umbrage at this suggestion. This only confirms what I've felt all along, that the Indiana Defenders of Liberty are not that interested in seeing that true Defenders of Liberty, Libertarians, have a voice in their petty little movement. The "Indiana Defenders of Liberty" is nothing but a shill for the Republican establishment.

What does it matter if we elect Liberal Progressives (Democrats) or Conservative Progressives (Republicans), the overall result will be diminished personal Liberty. The point is some form of Progressive politician will be elected.

As to those Republicans who truly do believe in the natural rights of man as espoused by Locke and Jefferson, why are you not Libertarians? Why do you not have the total strength of your convictions? It takes courage to stand apart from the crowd and follow your heart. The men of Concord and Lexington did it even though it cost some their lives, and I thank Almighty God every day that they did.

I think we are now seeing the Tea Party Movement for what is has become. It is not the Tea Party of the Sons of Liberty, but that of the Mad Hatter and it's later than you think.

With apologies to Rev. Niemoller

2009-11-14T08:15:00.002-05:00

The tactics being used by Smoke Free Indy and their City-County Council Stooges (Yes, I said Stooges for in my opinion that is exactly what they are.) remind me of the poem by Martin Neimoller. I will not go into it in detail here, as I have already quoted it on numerous occasions. The bottom line for me is that details, in a very succinct and credible fashion, the attacks upon our personal freedoms.

First they banned smoking in restaurants, because it was "For the Children".
Then they banned smoking in bars and taverns, because it was for the employees.
Then they banned it in Cigar Shops and Specialty Tobacco Bars, to protect non-smokers.
Then they banned smoking everywhere, and said it was for our own good.
Finally, when tobacco was banned, they came for alcohol, soft drinks, sugar, trans-fats, guns...

At what point do we say enough? Are we as a community, a state and a nation willing to let someone else dictate to us what we can and can not enjoy? Who gets to determine this? Elected officials who represent the special interest groups and not the people? What good is Liberty if we allow it to be slowly legislated away?

The Forgotten Man - A Smoking Ban Story

2009-10-15T11:25:00.001-04:00

Let us consider the case of a cigar store owner. No food is served. No alcohol is available. The only products are cigars and tobacco products and accessories. Since no alcohol is served it doesn't qualify for status as "Specialty Tobacco Bar".

Let us also assume that this establishment is owned by a retiree and he is the sole employee. No one else works there. He started this store because of his love of cigars. The store is open 6-8 hours/day. He has become something of an expert and customers often seek out his advice, much in the way a wine enthusiast may seek the opinion of a sommelier.

Under the expanded ban he will not be allowed to sample a new cigar in his own store in order to provide advice for his customers.

Who is being harmed and needs to be protected by the expanded ban?

Does he not have the right run his business to best of his ability?

A Call to Arms - Proposed Smoking Ban Extension

2009-10-05T11:40:00.001-04:00

The City-County Council is going to begin considering a total smoking ban in Marion Co. removing the current exemptions for Bars, Tobacco Shops and Private Clubs.

Regardless of whether or not you’re a smoker, this issue is a classic case of the nanny state trying to remove an individual’s freedom to make his or her own choice. That’s what it distills down to, choice.

If a bar or tavern allows smoking I can choose to patronize that establishment or not. The question becomes one of, am I willing to put up with a couple of hours of second hand smoke to gain some other desirable benefit such as a great band, really good food, attractive members of the opposite sex (or the same sex if that’s applicable), or is the presence of smokers enough to deter my patronage. The choice is mine, not the government’s.

Two dates to keep in mind:

Oct 5, 2009 (today) The City-County Council takes up the issue for the first time; 7:00 PM City-County Building
Oct 7, 2009 (Wednesday) Libertarian After Hours; 5:00 PM-?, The Beer Garden at the Rathskeller. Strategy, among other things, will be discussed.

Government Health Care Reform - A Potential Outcome

2009-08-11T12:17:00.007-04:00

Will this be the future?

They "reformed" the health insurance companies and I applauded for they were all greedy bastards.

They "reformed" the pharmacuetical companies and I applauded for they were also more interested in profits than people.

They "reformed" the Hospitals and I cheered because they overcharged for everything.

They "reformed" the physicians and I was happy for they were only in it for the money.

Then I became ill.

I waited six months to see a specialist.

I had to wait three months to have a CT Scan and MRI.

I found out that a drug company had been working on a treatment for my condition but had to abandon it as they had no more money for research.

I died because the government health plan decided the cost to benefit ratio for the surgery I needed was too great for some one my age.

I was only 49.

Mr. Obama’s Cross of Carbon

2009-07-02T05:12:00.003-04:00

In 1896 the Democratic Party Convention was electrified by William Jennings Bryan's "Cross of Gold" speech which advocated the addition of a silver standard to the gold standard then in use. His plea for "bimetallism" struck a resonant chord at the convention and defined Bryan as the leading economic populist as he famously compared the use of the gold standard as the basis for the monetary exchange rate to "the crucifixion of mankind upon a Cross of Gold".

Fast forward 113 years and we see a nation about to be sacrificed to the theory that global warming is the result of human activity. Global Warming is just that, a theory. It has not been proved and there is just as much evidence available to disprove it. This cause has been taken up by the Progressives who appeal, not to logic, reason and fact, but to emotion. This is the main strategy of Progressives ignore the facts of an issue and focus on raw emotion, paint your opponents as having sinister ulterior motives while you are concerned about saving polar bears and other fuzzy creatures. Never mind that, if we were to believe the most vocal proponents of Global Warming, anything we do now will be too late. Other predictions, such as the total disappearance of the polar ice cap by 2008, made by these same super-alarmists have failed to bear fruit as well.

So, without knowing whether Global Warming is real and is the result of mankind's industry, our government at the urging of our newly elected President is in the process of enacting the most sweeping restrictions (Cap and Trade) on human enterprise ever conceived, the cost of which will be borne by every citizen of this nation in the form of higher energy prices, potential fuel shortages, and increased inflation in general. Let the individual citizen decide whether to "Go Green" or not, do not legislate it.

To paraphrase Mr. Bryan:

Having behind us the producing masses of this nation and the world, supported by the commercial interests, the laboring interests and the toilers everywhere, we will answer their demand for a carbon emissions standard by saying to them: You shall not press down upon the brow of the people this crown of thorns, you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of carbon.

Cap And Trade or Bait and Switch - I told you so

2009-06-27T18:45:00.001-04:00

I first posted this back in March, no one listened until it was too late to do anything.

The Obama budget includes a provision for auctioning off "carbon pollution permits". This can only result in higher energy costs for all American consumers as the vast majority of our nation's electricity is derived from the combustion of fossil fuels. Most of the expected 646 billion dollars that is anticipated to be raised over the next ten years by this measure would be reflected in a $400 tax cut per individual or $800 per couple. The rest would be given to wind and solar power research. The pollution permits are part of a program termed "Cap and Trade".

Here's what's going to happen.

Coal and oil burning utilities will be forced to buy these permits to remain in operation.
The limited nature of the permits will result in speculation.
The cost to obtain a permit will be significant,
The utilities will pass the expense on to the consumers.
The "Tax Break" may or may not be sufficient for most Americans to cover the increased costs of electricity.
As energy prices grow the government will reap more revenue in the form of taxes on the energy sold.

The results: The government wins, speculators win, the energy companies may break even and the American taxpayers will suffer.

Never mind the fact that no one has demonstrated conclusively that "global warming" is the result of human industrial activity as opposed to a natural cycle occurring over thousands of years.

I guess it's just all part of change we can believe in.

(Don't take my word for it, check out the followinfg link http://www.marshall.org/pdf/materials/636.pdf )

The Case for Libertarianism – Part Two “The Big Tent”

2009-05-24T14:46:00.003-04:00

Over the past eight years our Republican brothers and sisters have managed, at the national level, to alienate a considerable percentage of their constituency. In an effort to rebuild their party after the "meltdown" of 2008, there has been considerable discussion surrounding the need to rebuild the "Big Tent."

The "Big Tent" refers to the attempt of a political party to be inclusive of many different viewpoints, something with which the Republican Party has always struggled. The stance they have taken on issues such as abortion, and gay marriage, to name but a few, have pushed many away. Now the emphasis to remake the party has become almost an obsession, the "Big Tent" is falling down and must be repaired.

Does the Libertarian Party need to also expand its tent? How do we fair on these "wedge" issues? Our National platform states:

1.4 Abortion - Recognizing that abortion is a sensitive issue and that people can hold good-faith views on all sides, we believe that government should be kept out of the matter, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration.

1.3 Personal Relationships - Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the rights of individuals by government, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws. Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships. Government does not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships.

This last issue is particularly illustrative of the general attitude Libertarians hold regarding that which is often been termed, for lack of a better phrase, "Gay Rights". Within the Republican Party and the Democratic Party, there are the Log Cabin Republicans and the Stonewall Democrats, who seek to further acceptance of their views and opinions within the framework of their two respective parties, albeit with little or no success. The Libertarian Party does have the Outright Libertarians and this excerpt from their FAQ explains the relationship between the Libertarian Party and their organization:

Does Outright's positions on "gay issues" differ from the Libertarian Party?

In substance, no. Currently, every one of our positions are consistent with libertarian principle and the Libertarian Party Platform (Neither Log Cabin Republicans nor even Stonewall Democrats can say this). However, we and the LP do sometimes disagree on the approach.

For example: The LP takes a hard line on Hate Crimes Legislation, as legalized discrimination against the victims of some violent crimes in favor of others. Outright opposes Hate Crimes Legislation but understands, sometimes first hand, why it is so popular and seeks to show GLBT people that the legislation is not only discriminatory but flawed even when it actually includes us! The LP's approach is often hard hitting and direct to the central issue. Outright's approach is more understanding, we are more willing to explain the failings of government solutions and to show how some things that look good for us on the surface may actually work against us. But one thing to keep in mind: the national LP has never taken a negative stance on the inclusion of GLBT individuals in any legislation that secures equal rights for GLBT people, whether marriage, military service, taxation, etc.

So I ask again, does the Libertarian Party need to expand its tent? No. In fact we don't even need a tent. There is room enough under the sun for all who cherish Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

The Case for Libertarianism – Part One “The Wasted Vote Syndrome”

2009-05-22T23:20:00.001-04:00

In my many conversations with non-Libertarians I have often heard voters state that they would support Libertarian Candidates but are afraid of "wasting their vote". This is one of the great myths surrounding Libertarian Candidates.

What is a "wasted vote"?

Some would say that a "wasted vote" is a vote not cast. Based on current voting trends, this certainly makes a great deal of sense.

Another "wasted vote" is that vote which is cast solely out of habit. It is not unusual to hear a voter say, "My Great-Grandfather always voted for Party X, my grandfather and my father always vote for Party X, therefore, I'm voting for Party X." It reminds me of the phrase "Those who fail to learn from the mistakes of the past are destined to repeat them." So I ask, if your great-grandfather was a horse thief, and your grandfather and father are horse thieves, should I trust you to look after my horse?

Others might argue that a "wasted vote" is a vote for a candidate that has absolutely no chance of being elected, i.e. a Libertarian or other minor party or independent candidate. By voting for one of the two major parties they feel that their vote might actually make a difference. For many of these voters they feel that even though each candidate is far from ideal, one is a little less onerous than the other. The problem here is quite obvious; the lesser of two evils is still EVIL! What does it matter if we have tax and spend elected officials as opposed to borrow and spend elected officials in charge? Either way, our nation's economic health is placed in jeopardy. Let's not even begin on the threats to our precious rights and the rule of law. Evil is Evil.

All it takes is the courage of your convictions, the desire to stand up and vote for the candidate who cares more for this nation, its Constitution and its people instead of building a career on the taxpayer's dime or maintaining the "Statist-Quo", a candidate who is principled, a candidate who belongs to the only Party of Principle, a Libertarian.

What Would Jefferson Do? Part Two

2009-04-11T11:17:00.002-04:00

I am appalled at the current situation off the Somali coast. The U.S. Navy, the most powerful navy in the world, is by all accounts sitting on its collective ass and allowing a handful of CRIMINALS to dictate policy.

This is intolerable.

Is there not one man of courage and vision in the Administration or Pentagon who truly sees the situation?

Thomas Jefferson did when he was President. Rather than give in to the Barbary Pirates as every other nation had done, he sent in the Navy and the Marines, thus was born the a tradition of non-appeasement that we should damn well remember in these trying times. We should long remember the heroes from that war: First Lieutenant Stephen Decatur USN, and First Lieutenant Presley O'Bannon USMC.Each of whom has a current U.S. Navy ship named in their honor. It would be most fitting if the destroyer U.S.S. O'Bannon and the guided missile cruiser U.S.S. Decatur were sent to these troubled waters.

What Would Jefferson Do? Part One

2009-04-07T06:38:00.003-04:00

April 13th marks the 266th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, who was among many things, the third President of the United States, the author of the Declaration of Independence and one of the founders of the Democratic-Republican Party.

Today's modern Democratic Party celebrates Jefferson as one of their founders, therefore it is appropriate to examine the political philosophy of Jefferson and contrast it with the current policies and beliefs of today's Party.

Let us begin with Jefferson's thoughts regarding a central, national bank. Jefferson was a staunch anti-Federalist and strongly opposed the First Bank of the United States. Ironically, it was a Democrat, Woodrow Wilson, who gave us the Federal Reserve System which is in essence a central, national bank. It is not my intention to debate the issues surrounding the Fed and the current banking and credit situation, but to simply state Jefferson's position. A position shared by the other man celebrated as one of the founders of the modern Democratic Party, Andrew Jackson whose opposition to the Second Bank of the United States is legendary.

In Jefferson's own words we have, "The incorporation of a bank and the powers assumed [by legislation doing so] have not, in my opinion, been delegated to the United States by the Constitution. They are not among the powers specially enumerated."

Jefferson was also a champion of States' Rights. He believed that the federal government must not violate the rights of the states. The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions of 1798 (written secretly by Jefferson and Madison) proclaim these principles. These resolutions provided that the federal government had no right to exercise powers not specifically delegated to it (Strict Constructionism. Should the federal government assume such powers, its acts under them would be void. Thus, it was the right of the states to decide as to the constitutionality of such laws passed by Congress. Again, it is not my intent to debate the wisdom of these resolutions, whose principles would eventually lead to the "Nullification Crisis" during the terms of Jackson and later the Secession of South Carolina in 1861, but to demonstrate the principles Jefferson believed. In his own words, "I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground: That all powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States or to the people. [X Amendment] To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specifically drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession of a boundless field of power, no longer susceptible of any definition."

Jefferson believed that Republicanism is the best form of government and representative democracy is needed to prevent the tyranny of the majority, and that, "democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine." Can the same be said of the current Democratic Party?

[To be continued...]

Cap and Trade or Bait and Switch?

2009-03-03T15:06:00.004-05:00

The Obama budget includes a provision for auctioning off "carbon pollution permits". This can only result in higher energy costs for all American consumers as the vast majority of our nation's electricity is derived from the combustion of fossil fuels. Most of the expected 646 billion dollars that is anticipated to be raised over the next ten years by this measure would be reflected in a $400 tax cut per individual or $800 per couple. The rest would be given to wind and solar power research. The pollution permits are part of a program termed "Cap and Trade".

Here's what's going to happen.

Coal and oil burning utilities will be forced to buy these permits to remain in operation.
The limited nature of the permits will result in speculation.
The cost to obtain a permit will be significant,
The utilities will pass the expense on to the consumers.
The "Tax Break" may or may not be sufficient for most Americans to cover the increased costs of electricity.
As energy prices grow the government will reap more revenue in the form of taxes on the energy sold.

The results: The government wins, speculators win, the energy companies may break even and the American taxpayers will suffer.

Never mind the fact that no one has demonstrated conclusively that "global warming" is the result of human industrial activity as opposed to a natural cycle occurring over thousands of years.

I guess it's just all part of change we can believe in.

(Don't take my word for it, check out the followinfg link http://www.marshall.org/pdf/materials/636.pdf )

No Wonder We're in Trouble

2009-02-27T12:28:00.003-05:00

Last Wednesday I heard Glenn Beck mention that on a recent episode of Jeopardy! the three contestants were stumped by the following clue:

Category: NIGHTLY NEWS WORDS (for 1000)

A Marxist stage before communism, this is government control over the economy; I thought it meant friendliness.

The correct response: What is Socialism?

It's true, none of the contestants rang in. The episode aired Tuesday Feb 17, 2009. No wonder we've got trouble.

This is also one of the reasons I never watch the show anymore. If these contestants had been my opponents back when I was a two-day champ in March 2006, I'd still be on there today.

Where There's Smoke, There's Ire

2009-02-04T23:09:00.001-05:00

In 1998 I awoke one morning and decided that I would stop smoking. I went out and purchased my first nicotine patches and my last pack of cigarettes. Over the course of the next 12 weeks I successively ended my use of cigarettes. That was 11 years ago and I have no desire to take up that habit again, although I do enjoy an occasional cigar whether it be on the golf course, sitting on my patio or at a cigar bar or similar establishment.

As a former cigarette smoker I was ecstatic when Marion county’s first smoking ban went into place. I liked the idea of being able to go into a restaurant of my choice and not have to breathe in cigarette smoke. Now upon further reflection, while still appreciative of the result of the ordinance, I have trouble reconciling it to my views on the role of government in a free market. Ideally, market forces would determine whether or not a particular restaurant or bar allows smoking.

So let’s talk about smoking bans and employee rights. If a person accepts a job at an establishment that allows smoking, such as a tavern, smoke shop or cigar bar, then that employee is accepting the risk that accompanies that job. In the case of smoke shops and cigar bars, there is an expectation that customers will be smoking in these establishments, after all that is the only reason these businesses exist, to sell tobacco products, allowing for their use on the premises is good business.

Do smoking and second-hand smoke pose serious health risks? Yes. There is ample evidence to support the connection between cancer, heart disease and a variety of other conditions. Will banning smoking in all enclosed public places prevent people from getting these diseases? No. Only a complete ban of the sale of tobacco products in the State of Indiana would have a truly significant effect on public health. However, it is doubtful that the State would be willing to forgo the tax revenues gained from their sale. Therefore, a simple smoking ban is in keeping with the lack of political courage that the legislature routinely exhibits. Until such time that the legislature is ready to take such a stand, they should let the market dictate policy.

Wanted - A Few Good Libertarians

2009-01-19T15:04:00.002-05:00

The Libertarian Party of Marion County is in the process of expanding our grassroots organization. We are recruiting Libertarian minded men and women who think that the time for debate is over and that the time for action has come. As the new county Vice-Chairman, I am organizing a network of precinct, ward and township chairmen. These individuals will be responsible for attending neighborhood meetings and local business group meetings in your areas. Additionally, you will advise the Vice-Chairman of upcoming events (block parties, festivals and fairs) in your areas regarding the possibility of having a Libertarian presence there. You will also be responsible for explaining the basic tenets of Libertarianism to those wanting more information, and recruiting new members.

No experience is necessary, only a desire to see the local party grow and become a stronger presence in local politics.

A New Year, A New General Assembly, A New Congress, A New Administration

2009-01-04T12:03:00.004-05:00

When I began this blog one of the first posts I wrote dealt with the dangers of citizen apathy. I began that post with the following poem:

First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Jew.

Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up, because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me.

Variation on a poem attributed to Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)

Niemöller was a Protestant minister who, although an early supporter of National Socialism and Adolph Hitler, eventually became a strident opponent of Nazi policies. For his beliefs, he was imprisoned first in Sachsenhausen and then in Dachau concentration camps. In 1945 he was liberated by the American 5th Army. His poem is a lament on the inactivity of the German intellectuals, including himself, who did nothing to oppose the initial rise of the Nazi Party. It is a stark rebuke regarding the dangers of apathy.

This week will see the convening of the 111th US Congress and the 116th Indiana General Assembly. January 20th will mark the inauguration of President-Elect Obama.

Now is not the time for Indiana's citizens to assume that their civic duty ended at the ballot box. We elected these men and women. We must now hold them accountable to their words. We cannot assume that they will automatically fulfill the promises made on the campaign trail. We must hold them to every single pledge and position taken in the pursuit of their elected office. After all, this is the reason they were elected and the voters deserve to receive that which they paid for with their votes.

There are those that will argue that campaign rhetoric should not be taken seriously, that what is said in the heat of battle should have no bearing on policy, that this is the way the political game has always been played.

If politicians have no intention of following through on the promises and pledges they made to the voters of this state and this nation, then they are truely without honor. This includes every single position taken. If a legislative candidate put forth a plan which would increase the state income tax, even if only for a select group of Hoosier taxpayers, then it is that legislator's duty to follow through by introducing that legislation. If a legislator campaigned on a platform which included voting to keep the Property Tax caps from becoming part of the Constitution, then we should expect that when the vote comes up they will be true to their word.

These are extreme examples, meant to provoke thought, but the basic premise is sound.

As I stated earlier, we must hold our elected officials accountable. Our civic duty does not stop at the ballot box or the jury box. We must be vigilant. We must not be apathetic, and unlike Niemöller, we must speak up. Who will do so if we do not?

I Went Digging for the Truth and I Struck a Nerve

2008-12-14T08:30:00.002-05:00

This morning's edition of the Indy Star contains the following "rebuttal" to my op-ed piece of Dec 5, which was posted to this blog as well.

Setting some facts straight about parties and voting

I take issue with Ed Angleton's Dec. 5 My View on two counts; his claim that the lesser-qualified candidate was elected Marion County surveyor in November and that straight-ticket voting hurts third-party candidates.
Angleton describes Surveyor -elect Debra Jenkins as an "executive assistant" in the office of the Marion County recorder when in fact she is that office's chief deputy and previously served as office manager.
Jenkins campaigned strenuously for an office that few pay attention to. She communicated a well-thought-out plan for bringing smarter, cheaper government to Marion County at public events throughout the county. In the end, though, she was elected because there are more Democrats in Marion County than Republicans. Of those who did not vote a straight ticket in November, Jenkins still won handily with 56 percent of the vote.
The election figures from Marion County show that, in down ticket races such as coroner and surveyor, Democrats vote for Democrats and Republicans vote for Republicans whether they vote a straight ticket or not. It is unrealistic to imagine that voters are going to spend time researching these races when there are many more important races to consider.
The figures can also be used to make an argument that straight-party voting actually helps third-party candidates. Third-party presidential candidate Bob Barr received a higher percent of his vote total in Marion County from straight-ticket voting than did either John McCain or Barack Obama. Taking away the option of straight-ticket voting would only inconvenience voters and would make no real difference.
Angleton's real beef seems to be with party affiliation rather than straight-ticket voting, and it seems to have a faint odor of sour grapes about it.
Martin Mahern
Indianapolis

Let us examine the facts you’re setting “straight”.

1. According to the County Employee database Ms. Jenkins title is “Executive Assistant”.

2. A careful reading of the duties of the County Surveyor would seem to indicate that someone with a background in engineering would be more qualified.

3. The statement that down ticket races are not important enough for voters to research is more than a little condescending. Let’s take the Coroner’s office. When candidates are elected solely on the basis of party affiliation we end up with unqualified office holders, scandal and costly legal judgments. There are NO unimportant races.

4. Perhaps, I was amiss in using results of the Surveyor’s and Coroner’s races as my examples. An examination of the Attorney General’s (AG) race shows the effect much more clearly. In Marion County the Democrat (D) received 160318 votes. The Republican (R) received 152917. Of the 369009 total votes cast for AG, the D got 59%, with 41% for the R. There were 134575 straight ticket votes for the D party, 78480 for the R party. If we subtract the straight ticket votes from the candidate’s totals, we have 81517 for the D and 74437 for the R, or 51% to 49%. The percentage HAS changed indicating a discernable effect due to straight ticket voting.

5. If we look at the Governor’s race we can dispel some of the author’s other arguments. 377648 votes were cast for Gov in Marion County. Conducting a similar analysis as was done for AG, we see that with straight ticket voting the D received 42%, the R 56% and the Libertarian (L) 2%. Subtracting the straight ticket votes the percentages become D 16%, R 81% and L 3%. Did straight ticket voting have a significant impact on the two major parties? Yes. On the third party? No. Using the Bob Barr example is also somewhat disingenuous as Mr. Barr never campaigned in Marion Co., whereas the other two Presidential candidates did.

If straight ticket voting is so important to preserve, why have 34 states done away with it?

As for "the faint odor of sour grapes" remark, there's nothing like a good old fashioned ad hominem attack to finish off what should have been a reasoned and fact based rebuttal.
Ed Angleton

Can There Be True Democracy With Straight-Ticket Voting?

2008-12-01T15:20:00.001-05:00

This past election demonstrated the willingness of Hoosier voters to vote a “split ticket”. While Barack Obama, the Democratic Party candidate, was able to narrowly carry the State of Indiana in the Presidential Race, Mitch Daniels, the incumbent Republican Governor, was able to win re-election by a wide margin. However, upon closer inspection the “down-ticket” contests were more dependent upon the coat-tails of a strong top of ticket candidate. The narrow victory of Greg Zoeller over Linda Pence was, in all likely-hood, strongly influenced by straight-ticket voting, else one would have expected a larger margin of victory.

Closer to home, we can look at the influence straight-ticket voting may have had on two county races; Coroner and Surveyor. In the Coroner’s race the most capable and qualified candidate in Marion County, and perhaps the entire state, was defeated. Dr John Pless, a forensic pathologist who has trained many of the forensic pathologists in the state including his victorious challenger, was defeated not on the basis of ability or qualification, but by a system that rewards candidates simply by party affiliation. Dr. Pless ran as a Republican and there is little doubt that had he run as a Democrat he would have been elected. Erica Pugh, a transportation engineer, was defeated by Debra Jenkins, an executive assistant in the Recorder’s Office. Again the candidate with the lesser qualifications was elected.

The effects of straight-ticket voting are even more apparent when third party and independent candidates are involved. These candidates, even if well qualified, must battle the lack of party name recognition and the financial resources necessary to combat this. Voters are in essence consumers and attracted to “brands” that they know. Combating this requires large sums of money that is often beyond the means of the smaller third parties. What we end up with is a “democracy of dollars” that is reinforced by straight-ticket voting which marginalizes and partially “disenfranchises” voters and candidates.

We must begin to seriously consider ending straight-ticket voting in Indiana. Thirty-four other states have already done this. It is time we made it thirty-five.

The Numbers Game Part 1

2008-11-06T07:00:00.002-05:00

A few numbers to ponder regarding Tuesday's District 100 race.

Total Registered Voters in District 100: ~45,000
Voters who voted in the District 100 contest: 12,557

Votes for Ed Angleton: 1980 or 15.77% (Record for Libertarians in Marion Co ?)
Number of postcards sent to Republican voters to inform them that there was not a Republican in the Race: 2500

I'm looking forward to seeing the precinct by precinct breakdown.

Thank You

2008-11-06T06:58:00.000-05:00

To all my friends and supporters,

I want to thank all of you for your support.

To those who gave generously when this campaign was in its infancy, I thank you.

To those who came out to the ballgame, I thank you.

To those of you who worked the neighborhoods with me, I thank you.

To those of you who held fundraisers, I thank you.

To those of you who dug deeper and sent additional donations to enable a mailing, I thank you.

To those of you who participated in the neighborhood blitz and District In A Day, I thank you.

To those of you who worked the polls on Election Day, I thank you.

We ran a good campaign. We ran a clean campaign. We did everything we could to get the message across regarding the way Indiana needs to change, yet in this year of change, few were willing to truly listen to a different voice. The voters of the 100th District have chosen, and have chosen with regard to the Indiana General Assembly to not embrace change. How will the next two years play out? I cannot tell, but pray for the best

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

Once again I thank you all and wish you well.

Ed

Advance Indiana: Smart Mailer From Ed Angleton

2008-10-29T07:00:00.001-04:00

Many Thanks to Advance Indiana.

Advance Indiana: Smart Mailer From Ed Angleton

Indianapolis Star Gives Credit To Ed Angleton, Libertarian Candidate for District 100 State Representative, Endorses His Opponent

2008-10-26T11:24:00.002-04:00

From the Indianapolis Star, Saturday October 25th, 2008.

District 100

Here he comes again. First elected to his Eastside district seat in 1976, Democratic Rep. John Day has made a career of patiently building consensus for legislation with practical impact on working families.
Cracking down on negligent absentee landlords, raising the Earned Income Tax Credit and ending lavish perks for legislators have been among his causes.

As he runs for re-election, Day is pushing for such measures as state-funded pre-kindergarten, bonuses for teachers working in poor areas and a mediation program to encourage homeowners and lenders to renegotiate mortgages and avoid foreclosures.

Challenger Ed Angleton, a biochemist with Eli Lilly and Co., is another strong example of how far the Indiana Libertarian Party has come in recruiting credible candidates. Angleton favors the elimination of township assessors and wants to abolish property taxes, replacing them with a simplified income tax system. He also favors caps on the growth in government spending. Republicans did not field a candidate in this district.

Day's knowledge and initiative are invaluable to his constituents and to the General Assembly's sense of mission. He earns The Star's endorsement.

An Open Letter to The Republicans Living in Indiana House District 100

2008-10-13T21:28:00.002-04:00

To all the Republican Taxpayers and Citizens of Indiana House District 100,

My name is Ed Angleton and I am the sole opposition to 32 year incumbent Democrat John Day.

I should like to point out two salient facts about Representative Day.

If elected to another term Representative Day will work to increase the state income tax by 1% for any household (either unmarried single or married couple) earning more than $75,000. (source Project Votesmart), while lowering income tax for those earning less than $75,000, creating a de facto "progressive" income tax. This change will not be used to offset any existing taxes.
As a 32 year veteran of the Indiana legislature, he was present during the voting that established the current assessment procedures for determining property tax, voting yea for many of them. Yet he wants to be rewarded for his voting in favor of 2008's anemic property tax relief package.

Do you want to return this Representative to office so that he and the Democratic majority in the Indiana House can continue to wreck havoc on Hoosier Taxpayers?

Your Party has chosen to not field a candidate in the race for District 100. A straight party vote without a scratch vote for ballot line 29C, is effectively a vote for Mr. Day and the continued control of the House by the Democratic Party.

Ed Angleton

Trouble, oh we got trouble, right here in Circle City!

2008-10-08T10:56:00.002-04:00

That's trouble with a capital "T" and that rhymes with "B" and that stands for Bonds.

With gratitude to Meredith Wilson

This post is an open letter to my fellow bloggers. The time has come to back off the posts about Obama and the Bailout and things we have very little control over. I understand the need to vent, truly I do. But we have let local politics slide to such an extent that we are in danger of loosing focus on the things we can affect.

Two examples come to mind.

The abolition of the township assessors. We have a golden opportunity to remove one often incompetent, level of government. Yet I see nothing on the blogs calling for a full grassroots push. I have posted on the subject. See my post of September 3, 2008, but I have yet to see anyone willing to step forward and take up the mantle of this cause. If I weren't so busy trying to oust a democrat who wants to raise your income taxes without lowering or eliminating any other taxes, I'd do it myself.
The IPS bond issue. Doesn't anyone other than myself and David Orenitlicher have an opinion on this? He, a resident of Washington township living in an MSDS Washington township district wrote an op-ed piece in last Sunday's Indy Star. My rebuttal is posted here on this blog. Again am I the only one who cares? Will not some one step forward and spearhead the fight against the bond issue

These are the issues we should be blogging.

Vote ‘no’ on the IPS ballot referendum.

2008-10-05T20:40:00.001-04:00

It was with great interest and a very sore lip that I read soon to be former State Representative Orentlicher’s opinion piece in October 5th’s Sunday Star. The great interest was due to the fact that I acknowledge the problems facing IPS and the need to correct them. The sore lip came having bitten it repeatedly to prevent myself from screaming at some of the opinions expressed and disturbing the peaceful quiet morning that my neighbors were experiencing.

Let us look at his arguments and the rationale behind them.

It is true that students will be more inclined to focus on learning, and not how hot and miserable it is, in a properly lit and air-conditioned classroom. But he misses the mark when he states that it is the lack of air-conditioning that prevents IPS from hiring the brightest and best teachers. The true drawbacks are pay and a perceived lack of discipline (both educational and behavioral) on the part of students, too little of the former and too much of the latter. Having taught at the college level myself many years ago, I can say that teachers want and need students that are motivated to truly seek knowledge and not just occupying a seat. Add to this the fact is that inner city schools can induce a fear for one’s safety, if not directly from the students, then from the surrounding neighborhood, you see brilliant young teachers seeking employment elsewhere.
Proper lighting, functional restrooms and roofs that don’t leak are absolutes. There is no debate that these are must have.

The biggest question regarding the ballot issue and the completion of the 2001 plan is the continued relevance of the plan in light of steadily decreasing enrollments. Part of the Phase 3 plan calls for the construction of two new elementary schools, I feel that we must request IPS to delay their construction until a comprehensive review of their necessity is conducted. Additionally, we must ask if all the buildings scheduled for renovation are and will be fully utilized in the next 10-20 years; if not, then the renovations for those buildings must be delayed until a review of the possibility of consolidating schools is completed.

Representative Orentlicher’s assumption that taxes will be lower, due to tax caps, in 2010 assumes that local assessors will not be pressured by local governmental units to raise assessed values to meet the levy since tax rates will be effectively frozen at 1, 2 and 3%. What he also does not state in his opinion is that IPS has assumed that the average priced house is worth $75,000. Statistics like this can be misleading without a full disclosure of all the statistical parameters and the assumptions that went into their generation. The average, or mean if you prefer, is $75000. What is the standard deviation of this number? The standard deviation is a measure how widely the individual values that went into determining the average differ. For example, let’s look at two cases. Case 1 has 6 homes valued at $10000, $20000, $30000, $60000, $125000 and $200000. The average is about $74000, but the standard deviation is also about $74000 indicating that there is wide variation in the values. Case 2 also has 6 homes but the differences in price are much less, $59000, $64,000, $69,000, $79,000, $84,000 and $90,000. Again the average is about $74000, but the variation is much less and the standard deviation is only about $12000. In the first case the tax burden is going to be born mostly by the two higher priced properties, whereas in the second case the burden is more evenly distributed. Which case is the most democratic (the philosophy not the party)?

Another measure often looked at is the median. The median is a value that divides the highest 50% of the values from the lowest 50% of the values. In Case 1 it is $45000, half the values are above $45000 and half are below it. $45,000 is the value that is exactly halfway between $30000 and $60000. In Case 2 the median is $74,000 the value exactly halfway between $69,000 and $79,000. Here we see that the median is a better reflection of the true distribution of values than the average when the values are highly different.

Finally, I should like to add that, although Representative Orentlicher’s motivations are noble and sprout from a concern about the need to adequately educate our children and comply with all federal and state requirements, he does not reside within the area served by IPS. He is in fact a resident served by MSDS Washington Township, and he should direct his concerns towards the lavish wasting of taxpayer money by that district’s unrealistic and grandiose building plans.

We, as taxpayers and citizens residing in the IPS district should reject this bond referendum and ask IPS to go back to the drawing board and develop a different plan to accomplish these much needed renovations, a plan that best serves the students and the taxpayers who must provide for them.

On November 4th find the referendum question on the reverse side of your ballot and vote “No”.

The Angleton Campaign For District 100 – The District In A Day

2008-10-03T22:21:00.001-04:00

Join me on Oct. 25 for a whirlwind tour of the district as I hearken back to the days of campaigning without all the modern methods when candidates took to the “Stump” to get their message out. I intend to campaign from the back of a truck stopping at various places in the district to give a speech, pass out literature, and answer questions. This will be all the more impressive if we can organize a caravan of supporters to follow along and be present at the stops. The more of our own people we have, the more voters we should attract.

The exact itinerary for the day will be posted later, but if you plan to come out and show your support let me know as soon as possible (like before Friday Oct 10). I’m going to order Styrofoam skimmer hats for everyone to wear that day.

I really urge as many supporters as possible to come out that day. It's going to be a blast.

Now Is The Time For All Good Men And Women To Come To The Aid Of Their Party.

2008-10-02T12:21:00.002-04:00

This post might be better entitled, "Where have all the Libertarians gone?"

In the 2007 Municipal election there were 1118 straight Libertarian Party votes, 3787 voters supported Fred Peterson and 12,275 voters selected Tim Maguire. This year we have several strong candidates who need all the help, both financial and volunteer, they can get. Where are these people who supported our candidates at the polls last year? How many times have we heard someone say, "I always vote Libertarian", and yet none of us who are active in the party knows them?

My friends it is time to put your money and your time where your heart lies. If even 10% of those who voted for Fred Peterson were to volunteer and make a $25.00 commitment, we can raise almost $9500 for the local party to use in candidate support.

Libertarians, your party needs you.

I'm Calling Shenanigans!

2008-09-25T17:11:00.002-04:00

The Indianapolis Star is reporting that, even if the 2008 property tax bills are ready before the election, the Marion County Treasurer, Mike Rodman, may not mail them until after the election. Read the article linked below and if you're as outraged by this as I am, telephone and/or email his office to register your disapproval, and if this doesn't work use your ultimate weapon, VOTE HIM OUT this November.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080925/NEWS0502/809250489

Political Courage Test Results Available

2008-09-25T10:20:00.003-04:00

The reponses to Project Vote Smart's Political Courage Test are now posted.

You can see mine at http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=109682.

You can look up all the Indiana candidates at:

http://www.votesmart.org/election_state.php?state_id=IN&go2.x=14&go2.y=7

The Angleton Property Tax Plan - Reason over Rhetoric

2008-09-22T22:49:00.004-04:00

The Case For The Repeal of Property Taxes

The inability of the current system to guarantee that assessments will be uniform and equal makes it impossible for Hoosier taxpayers to have confidence in their government.
Property Taxes place an unacceptable burden on working and middle class families.
No Hoosier homeowner should ever be in danger of loosing their home (as defined as the primary place of residence) due to the inability to pay property taxes.
Property Tax Caps do not guarantee relief from poorly conducted assessments and the currently proposed caps (1% - 2% - 3%) are in direct opposition to the spirit of Article X of the Indiana Constitution.

Replacing The Revenue Currently Obtained

Current replacement plans involve the use of a combination of sales and income taxes. I hereby suggest that sales taxes are not a viable choice as part of a property tax replacement scenario. In past years, state and local sales taxes were an option as a deduction on an individual's Federal Income tax. However, this is an either/or situation. You cannot deduct both. Beginning in 2008, state and local sales taxes will not be an option. Therefore, any plan which uses a combination of sales and income taxes will leave a significant portion of the taxes paid as non-deductable. I would even go so far as to repeal the increase in the state sales tax enacted in 2007.
State and local income taxes are and will still be a deduction in 2008 and years to come. The best option is one based solely on income taxes. This will necessitate an increase in both the individual and corporate income tax. I do not believe in the so called "Progressive" tax schemes favored by the more "liberal" elements of our political system. All they are is a thinly disguised attempt at the redistribution of wealth. (For anyone who is interested in learning more about "progressive" tax schemes I suggest reading Karl Marx's Communist Manifesto.) Why do we constantly feel the need to punish success and hard work?
How much will we need to raise State Income taxes? This still needs to be adequately worked out, but whatever the increase it must be uniform and equal for all of Indiana's taxpayers.
At present their are three basic types of local income taxes; COIT, CAGIT and CEDIT. This is two too many. We need to simplify this confusing mix of alphabet soup into one simple tax.
Finally, spending caps need to be enacted at both the state and local levels to control the growth of government spending.

Just Say Yes

2008-09-03T09:54:00.002-04:00

One of the items on this November's ballot is a referendum on whether to eliminate the Township Assessor's office. I cannot speak to the quality of the assessments in all of Marion Co.'s townships, but the performance of the Center Township Assessor has been, in a word, abysmal. Things are so fouled up in this office that the County Assessor assumed responsibility for the reassessment ordered by Gov. Daniels. This all points to incompetence on the part of the elected assessor, Eugene Ackers. Unfortunately, we cannot afford to wait until his office comes up for election. We must act as soon as possible. I call upon the citizens of Center Township to stand up and vote for more efficient government and vote YES on Referendum 1, located on the reverse side of the ballot:

“Should the assessing duties of the Elected Township Assessor in the township be transferred to the County Assessor?”

Just vote Yes.

Ed Angleton for State Represenative Campaign Event

2008-08-20T16:59:00.003-04:00

When: Sat. Aug 23, 11 am to 11 pm
Where: Spades Park on the near Eastside
What: NESCO Feast of Lanterns

Please join me this Saturday at the Feast of Lanterns. Volunteers are most welcome. Stay for an hour, stay all day if you'd like, it's a great event and a chance to further the Libertarian cause.

http://www.indyfeast.org/

The Erosion Continues...

2008-08-03T09:07:00.003-04:00

US Border Agency Says It Can Seize Laptops

Agam Shah, IDG News ServiceFri Aug 1, 7:50 PM ET

Travelers beware: U.S. agents now have the authority to seize and retain laptops indefinitely, according to a new policy detailed in documents issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

As part of border search policy, government agents are now authorized to seize electronic devices and inspect documents in them, the document states. The electronic devices might include laptops, cell phones, portable music players or storage devices such as portable hard drives.

Agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection will also be allowed to translate and share documents with other government agencies.

The DHS document, issued July 16, appears to state publicly a policy that has already existed. Laptops and electronic devices have been subject to search in the past, and travelers have reported not getting their devices back. The policy has drawn strong criticism from lawmakers and nonprofit groups, who charged that the searches were invasive and a violation of an individual's privacy rights. Computers contain a vast amount of private information about family, finances and health, which could be easily copied and stored in government databases, the Electronic Frontier Foundation has complained.

The policy document states that being able to examine documents and electronic devices is crucial for "detecting information concerning terrorism, narcotics smuggling... contraband including child pornography, and... other import or export control laws."

The new DHS policies allow customs agents to analyze the contents of laptops without any suspicion of wrongdoing, U.S. Senator Russ Feingold said in a statement.

"The policies that have been disclosed are truly alarming," Feingold wrote.

The policy could blur the distinction between "search" and "seizure," which could also allow DHS officials to steal personal documents from laptops it has retained, Feingold wrote.

The Time for Liberty

2008-07-25T14:31:00.005-04:00

If you believe in the ideals of the Founding Fathers...
If you hold the blessings of Liberty dear...
If you honor the scarifice of the millions of US servicemen and women...
If you are concerned about the erosion of our precious Civil Rights...

Then you must watch the following video.

(Thanks to Mark W. Rutherford's Electing Libertarians for posting this previuosly)

Thank You Mr. Hobbs

2008-07-23T15:44:00.002-04:00

The local blog world is abuzz with the news that Lawrence Township Trustee Mike Hobbs is considering withholding or delaying aid from parents whose children aren't in school when they should be. (Advance Indiana and Indiana Barrister, see links sidebar) This is an interesting idea, that perhaps needs to be expanded upon. I believe that all forms of "unearned" (unearned being non-pension etc.) governmental assistance should be subject to reduction if the receiver does not uphold certain basic duties such as ensuring that their children are attending school. This should be a statewide program not limited to one particular county or township, and would apply to both parents and guardians. By doing so, we can avoid charges of discrimination because the rules would apply in both urban and rural areas. The only way to ultimately break the cycle of poverty is through education.

Andrea Neal Gets it Right!

2008-07-22T08:50:00.002-04:00

Andrea Neal is probably my favorite columnist at Indiana Policy Review. Her latest submission echoes to a large degree my feelings about the current state of the property tax problem.

Long-Term Property Tax Solution Is Not Yet in Sight
http://inpolicy.org/

Visit my website to get my views on how some of these issues can be fixed.

http://www.edangleton.com/PropertyTaxReform.html

I also favor the payment of a "compensation" by the state to counties that are home to significant state owned properties (parks, governmental buildings etc.)

'Nuff Said

2008-07-08T13:57:00.002-04:00

If you want a very interesting study in probable self-interest look at the following:

http://cms.indygov.org/myassessedvalue/result.aspx?Parcel=1081021
http://cms.indygov.org/myassessedvalue/result.aspx?Parcel=1046648

Another Victory for the Bill of Rights

2008-07-01T17:33:00.002-04:00

The Associated Press is reporting that U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker has overturned Indiana's new leigislation on sexualy explicit material for being too vague, too broad and potentially applicable against "unquestionably lawful, nonobscene, nonpornographic materials being sold to adults."

"A romance novel sold at a drugstore, a magazine offering sex advice in a grocery store checkout line, an R-rated DVD sold by a video rental shop, a collection of old Playboy magazines sold by a widow at a garage sale ... would appear to necessitate registration under the statute," Barker wrote.

Plaintifs in the case included the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and several bookstores and publishers.

The author of the legislation, Rep. Terry Goodin, D-Crothersville, said he would confer with the state attorney general on next steps, but the options included taking the matter back to lawmakers in the 2009 legislative session.

Given Rep. Goodin's intent to not let this unconstitutional law die the death it deserves, it is more important than ever that we elect legislators and a governor who will abide by the US and Indiana Constitutions.

The Spirit of 2008

2008-06-28T17:37:00.005-04:00

Last year July 4th saw Marion County homeowners protesting en mass in front of the Governor's Mansion. A year later many of us have seen our property tax bills increase by 100% or more. All of us are paying an additional 1% sales tax. The legislature has passed a tax relief plan that will not give us real help until 2010 at the earliest. So what do we do? Do we sit down and allow our elected officials run roughshod over us with a system that's anything but "Uniform and Equal", or do we do what we did last year when we let our voices be heard as one and demand accountability?

Regardless of my candidacy for public office, I will be there. For while many of those in Cottage Home who were cruelly assessed last year, have seen their reassessments drop by an average of$80,000 (which for some represents a 40% drecrease), my assessment only decreased $20,000(about a 10% decrease). This still leaves my assessment at slightly over a 300% increase. Couple this with a 3.75% tax rate my total tax liability is about $4500/year, still a 680% increase over last year. I have also noted that the reassessment has increased the over all tax liabilty of many of my neighbors and friends. The tax rate approximately doubled going from 2005 to 2006. Add to this, a doubling of the assessed values of many of the homes, and the overall result is that many of you have experinced a total increase of about 400%. One would have thought that the higher assessed values would have significantly drecreased the tax rate, but it didn't. So come on out and join your voice to what I hope will be the beginning of a true call for change in the way we tax the citizens of Indiana.

Who: Friends of Liberty and Justice for All
What: July 4 Celebration, as properly done
When: Friday, 4 July, 2008 from 10-11am
Where: In front of the Indiana Governor's Mansion at 4750 N. Meridian,Indianapolis

The Angleton for State Rep Campaign Potential Upcoming Fund Raising Events

2008-06-26T10:03:00.003-04:00

My friends and supporters,

I'm in the process of organizing two major fundraising events for my campaign.

The first is a golf outing, probably in late August at either Pleasant Run or Sarah Shank golf course. The probable donation will be ~ $100. This includes green fees, cart rental, prizes for longest drive and closest to pin, a cookout- type meal and drink tickets for the beverage cart. I will need approximately 32 players to make it work.

The second is an Indian's ballgame in either late July or early to mid August. I hope to be able to include the picnic buffet prior to the game. The donation will be $40. In order to have the buffet 50 reservations will be required.

I will post more details when they become available.

July 4 Celebration at the Governor's Mansion

2008-06-26T09:52:00.003-04:00

Who: Friends of Liberty and Justice for All
What: July 4 Celebration, as properly done
When: Friday, 4 July, 2008 from 10-11am
Where: In front of the Indiana Governor’s Mansion at 4750 N. Meridian, Indianapolis
Contact: Andy Horning; andrewhorning@hotmail.com

For a detailed background regarding this event see Andy's blog:

… Where’s the Relief?

The Very Definition of Uniform and Equal

2008-06-19T15:20:00.004-04:00

Here's a little tidbit I discovered this morning.

The house on the left is now assessed for $141,000. The house on the right is assessed at $146,000.

I realize that it's difficult to see any real details so I'll give some background.

The $141,000 house is the home of an highly educated professional and his family. It has been completely rehabbed and is in very good condition. It also has a separate apartment that is rented out.

The $146,000 is empty and is in a general state of disrepair. It is currently undergoing renovation, but progress is very slow. It has been in this condition since before 2004.

Looks like the taxpayers of Marion Co. really got their monies worth in the reassessment.

So What's Another $278 Million?

2008-06-18T14:22:00.002-04:00

IPS will be having a board meeting at Arsenal Tech High School on June 25th, 7:00 PM, to receive public input regarding a $278 million bond issue to be used to renovate 26 elementary schools and one middle school, replace two elementary schools and make additional improvements at three high schools. According to the Indianapolis Star this will add approximately $104/year for each $100,000 of assessed value.

According to the State Board of Accounts Audit for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2007, the total current long term debt was $544,287,415. So if we add another $278 million we'll have a total of $822 million and change.

Where has all the money gone? Why are the buildings in such disrepair? Why do we throw money at them with little or no signs of improvement. Is the system unmanageable? Does it need to be split up into smaller units?

"I never said it was FAIR"

2008-06-12T15:39:00.006-04:00

From Indiana Barrister:

Marion County lawmakers got a briefing tonight on the property reconciliation bills that are going out this week and when it’s all said and done homeowners will wish their property was under 10 feet of water.

According to one lawmaker, “this is not going to be pretty.”

The briefing was conducted by Marion County Treasurer Mike Rodman. Residents will see very little, if any relief in most cases.

The lawmaker, who asked not to be identified said, “the people who were the most vocal last summer will be the ones who see the least amount of relief.”

Abdul Hakim-Shabazz, June 9, 2008

This is a most interesting comment, and unfortunately I think I can attest to its veracity. Consider the following case:

In 2007 5 homeowners in the Cottage Home Neighborhood on the Near Eastside saw assessments increase approximately 4 times the previous years assessment. We were understandably upset. In fact, that was the spark that breathed life into this blog.

One of our neighbors saw their assessment jump to $225,000. Ours jumped to $256,000.

I attended all the rallies, filed an appeal, and spoke unkindly about the ability of the Center Township Assessor's Office to assess their way out of a paper bag. Our neighbors did none of these.

Now comes the reassessment.

My assessment dropped from $256,000 to $232,000.
My neighbors dropped from $225,00 to $141,300.

Futhermore, I can point to two other neighbors who exprienced similar decreases, one for $193,00 to $114,000 and another that went from $254,400 to $170,200.

So, did the petty little tyrants choose to drop the hammer on my wife and I for speaking up?

You bet they did.

BTW the title of this post is a comment my wife received from someone named Frank in the Center Township Assessor's Office when she pointed out the inequities of the original 2006 assessment.

If at First You Don't Succeed Fail and Fail Again

2008-06-11T16:40:00.009-04:00

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results"

Albert Einstein

I'm not really sure who this applies to more, the Indiana General Assembly, or the voters who keep electing the same two parties over and over again. The Republicans and the Democrats have shown that they cannot be trusted to enact policy that provides meaningful property tax relief. It does not matter one bit which party is in control, it almost always devolves into petty partisan bickering while the Indiana taxpayer gets left holding the bag.

The worst part of this present scenario is that the lawsuit that triggered our current problems was filed in 1993. The court opinions that imposed upon us a "fair market value" system occurred over the time span of 1996-1998. Our legislature has had over 10 years to ensure that a system was in place that would provide for a truly "Uniform & Equal" system of assessment and taxation.

In 2007 the citizens of this state took to the streets to demand true property tax reform, and barring that, repeal. Our governmental units took notice. Those who continued to pretend that the sky was not falling saw their political careers left in a shambles, whether they had the power to affect property tax reform or not. Then came the May 2008 primaries, which conveniently occurred prior to the mailing of the RECONCILIATION BILLS, and the voters, dazzled by the media attention of a suddenly meaningful Presidential primary, forgot the lessons of last summer. In fact many believed that the "tax reform" package passed by the General Assembly this spring and touted as the best they could do, was the real tax relief we needed. Regardless of cause we saw no change in the school boards that account for over 50% of our property tax burden. The same big spenders or the chosen replacements for the big spenders were carried to victory by those who think the school house is the major factor in our children's education. Incumbent legislators survived every primary challenger.

We are headed down a path to nowhere.

This week the reconciliation bills are being mailed, and much the dismay of many, there is little change for the better. Many homeowners have seen major increases over last summer's bill. Once again we will see Hoosier taxpayers marching in the streets.

'Cause the summer's here and the time is right for fighting in the street, boy.

The Rolling Stones, "Street Fighting Man"

The 2008 election year is supposed to be all about change, but as long as the two parties that now control our government are continually reelected, there can be no change.

Calling All Libertarians - Volunteers Needed

2008-06-04T17:03:00.002-04:00

I have obtained a booth and parade entry for the June 14th Indy Pride Festival. Now we need volunteers to march and man the booth.

The parade begins at 10:00 am at Mass Ave & College Ave. This would be an ideal opportunity for our Marion Co and State-wide Candidates to gain some visibility. We will need a banner (I think Marion Co LP has one). Individual candidates are encouraged to have something to pass out, business card etc. A volunteer should march with each candidate to help carry resupply cards and possibly a sign identifying the candidate. There is a meeting on June 6th, which I will be attending, to get the details about the parade.

The Festival itself is in University Park and runs from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. The booth will need to be set up by 10:00 am. The festival is providing us with a table and two chairs. I can supply an additional 6’ table and an artist’s 10’ x 10’ open tent. There will be vehicle access to the site until 9:30 am. Our space (#38) is close to the corner of Meridian and Vermont.

We will need two people staffing the tent at all times from set-up to closing. Tents may not be taken down until 7 pm. Ideally, we can do this in two-hour shifts.
We will need literature from the candidates as well as general Libertarian brochures. We should also have a cooler with soft drinks and water for the volunteers and candidates. (Actually we need a volunteer to handle logistics.)

Please respond via my website:

http://www.edangleton.com

The Hat is in the Ring

2008-04-28T19:39:00.005-04:00

Last year during the protests and rallies surrounding the 2007 property tax crisis I came to the realization that as long as we continued to return the same career politicians to the legislature nothing would ever truly change. I watched with great disappointment as tax reform took a back seat to partisan politics and the desires of special interest groups. It is therefore not any surprise that the tax package that has been labeled as the "best plan we could devise" falls far short of providing all the relief that Hoosier taxpayers need and deserve.

It is for this reason and others that I sought and received the nomination of the Libertarian Party of Indiana for Indiana House of Representatives District 100.

I will be officially launching my campaign on May 9.

Be sure to visit my Campaign Website:

http://www.edangleton.com/

Potential menu item:

Bacon Dogs!

http://reason.tv/video/show/392.html

For What Shall A Man Profit?

2008-03-04T17:16:00.002-05:00

There have been many complaints of late regarding Libertarians “stealing” elections from Republican candidates. That we agree in principle about 80% so we shouldn’t be fielding candidates. It has even been suggested that the Libertarian Party should simply fade away and its members and activists return to the parties from whence they came and work within them to effect change.

I have but one word for these sentiments.

BULLSHIT.

Last evening I had the misfortune to meet a most disagreeable man who voiced these very points. I shall, therefore, endeavor to dissect his “logic” and present a case as to why third parties, and specifically the Libertarian Party, are necessary. JP, this is for you.

Let us begin with the charge of “stealing” elections. Locally the biggest complainer is the old-line Republican Party and it is directed at the Libertarians. This is where the 80% idea comes into play. The Republicans claim that since the Libertarians and they are so similar in their beliefs, what we have is basically two Republican candidates running against each other dividing the vote to such a degree that the Democrat is elected even when he or she would not necessarily be.

What these ideological arguers fail to take stock of is that it is the other 20% that makes all the difference. For example, I can agree for the need to have a balanced budget. I can agree that government spending is out of control. I can agree that we are paying too many taxes. I can agree as to the need for a strong defense. But, I disagree with need for a constitutional amendment defining marriage which many Republicans insist is necessary.

Third Parties are highly necessary. Consider the citizen, who after years of watching his party drift further and further from the ideals that bound him to it in the first place, can no longer support the creature it has become. Some would argue that one should not leave the party in question, but should stay and work within the party to effect change. I’ll give this an “A” for theory but an “F” for practicality. When the rift has grown to great and the party so insulated from new ideas or change, those who control the workings of it will jealously guard their influence and do everything in their power to maintain the status quo. I give you the Carson Machine and the Center Township “gang”. So what is a Democrat with conservative economic values, but who treasures the civil liberties guaranteed to us by the US Constitution and Bill of Rights to do other than become a Libertarian? Without that third party individuals capable of thinking for themselves instead of regurgitating “party” rhetoric would have no voice. But then that is the goal of those who would impose their ideology on us. It was true in the time of George III and it is just as true in the time of George W.

Red Staters Seeing Red

2008-03-04T12:07:00.002-05:00

Is it just me, or have several of the Republican leaning local websites been experiencing various minor and major meltdowns for the past couple of days?

(Now if only the Dems would do the same.)

Name That Politician!

2008-03-01T11:19:00.002-05:00

His most significant grandparent was a successful politician who held a seat in the US Congress.
He was an average student.
He scored low on exams for his first public service job, barely passing.
He has had his entire early career spoon fed to him due to his family ties.
He has always championed increased funding for education.

Name That Politician!

Give Up? Check your answer here.

Hate Mail from Some Flounders

2008-02-28T20:51:00.003-05:00

While not a supporter of Jon Elrod, I must admit that the flyer I received today from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is quite a piece of work. It begins by criticizing him for being bankrolled by the Republican party.

Mr. Pot meet Mr. Kettle.

According to today's Indy Star the DCCC has spent more than $100,000 on the Carson Campaign, not to mention all the special interest PAC money they have received. Andre may turn out to be the most mediocre congressman money can buy. The money he is receiving doesn't come free, he will be bought and paid for, a tool of the Democratic leadership who will vote as he is told.

The flyer goes on to state that:

"Hoosier families deserve a leader who will fight for quality, affordable health care, good jobs for our families, secure retirement for our seniors and an end to the war in Iraq."

It is my considered opinion that that leader is not Andre Carson.

Why Vote Libertarian? - The Short Course

2008-02-27T15:47:00.003-05:00

There are many who question the existence of the Libertarian Party. They believe that all their needs will be met by either the Democrats or Republicans. But what of the individual who cherishes his civil liberties, all of them not just a convenient few, who is appalled at the state of our economy and its dependence on foreign investment to remain viable, who is tired of the policies of tax and spend or borrow and spend, and who had quite enough of a failed foreign policy that has alienated much of the world, including our allies. Where is this person to turn if not to the Libertarians?

There are many who share the basic Libertarian ideals, yet they remain with the old parties out of a fear to take a chance on something different. As FDR (I know he is probably the farthest thing from a Libertarian as possible) once so eloquently said, "The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself." Take the chance vote with your principles, not with your habits.

Vote for Sean Shepard.

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

2008-02-21T18:58:00.002-05:00

WTHR has relented and decided to include Sean Shepard in the televised debate this Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. I suggest that everyone contact the station at 13news@wthr.com and express our thanks for this change of mind.

Anthem for an Election Year

2008-02-18T12:10:00.005-05:00

The Times They Are A-Changin'

With Apologies and Gratitude to Bob Dylan: (words in bold are minor editorial changes by me)

Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come reporters and pundits
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come incumbants and party elite
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets beat
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'.
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come elephants and asses
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
The voters and the masses
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.

The line it is drawn
The die it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'.
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'.

It's Our Sandbox and You're Not Welcome

2008-02-14T22:31:00.001-05:00

WTHR is having a debate on Feb. 24th between Andre Carson and Jon Elrod on the Sunday morning program Indiana Insiders. Sean Shepard has not been invited to attend as of this writing. The debate was first publicized on Feb 13th.
I urge all of those who are as outraged by this oversight/slight as I, to write WTHR at 13news@wthr.com and express your opinions regarding this state of affairs.

All Counties Are Not Created Equal.

2008-02-14T16:45:00.000-05:00

The Indianapolis Star is reporting that the House Ways and Means Committee will not hear the Fire Merger Bill SB280 eliminating the possibility of a mandated merger of the Marion Co. Fire Departments in forseeable future. House Ways and Means Chairman Bill Crawford had supported such legislation last year when Mayor Bart Peterson was in office, but has now changed his mind after reading the Kernan-Shepard report. He now thinks that any attempts at any type of township consolidation should occur for all 92 counties, be it fire department, assessors etc.

"I don't think we need to move county-by-county. I think we need to wait until next session, when hopefully we deal with all 92 counties and there's uniformity on consolidations," he said.

So my question is this:

Is he that stupid or is he just playing out partisan politcs?

All counties are not equal in their needs and capabilities. Let's compare two counties.

The first county we'll call Marion. Marion is an urban county with a high population density. Each fire department has multiple stations throughout their service areas. Merging these departments would not invovle great distances or logistical problems.

Let's look at the second county which I'll call Clay. Clay is a rural county with a low population density. The county seat, Brazil, has a professional fire department. The rest of the county is served by volunteer departments which are not paid. Clay is long county and consolidation would be a logistical nightmare.

Clearly these two counties are not the same. So why does Rep. Crawford think they can be treated the same?

The "Prince" of Center Township

2008-02-11T17:22:00.000-05:00

Andre Carson's main claim to the 7th District Congressional seat is that the previous holder was his grandmother. Whenever the question of qualification arises being the grandson of Julia Carson is the first point given. The caucus of precinct committemen that nominated him did so primarily out of loyalty to his family name. His followers point to his work with the state excise police and his position on the Indianapolis City-County Council as evidence of his further qualification, both positions obtained because of heredity more than merit. I come not to disparage the man himself. He is the product of his environment and I wish him no ill will. I do, however, wonder about the almost rabid devotion of his supporters. There are many that would compare his nomination to a coronation of the heir apparent. I would remind those individuals that give such fealty that this is the United States and we obey the wisdom of our Constitution.

"No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States" – Article 1 Section 9

"No state shall enter into any treaty…or grant any title of nobility." – Article 1 Section 10

This is reinforced by the Constitution of the State of Indiana

"The General Assembly shall not grant any title of nobility, nor confer hereditary distinctions." – Article 1 section 35

Time to Face Off

2008-02-05T20:15:00.000-05:00

March 11th is approaching.

What do we know about the candidates for the special election.

Isn't it time to find out?

It's time for the three candidates to debate. The public deserves to known where they stand on the issues.

Won't Get Fooled Again

2008-02-03T10:28:00.000-05:00

We'll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals when they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgement of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again

The Who

Friday, Feburary 1 2007 - Indiana Statehouse

A crowd had gathered to attend a rally that had ostensibly been organized to promote the efforts to repeal property taxes. The sponsering organization, Advance America, and its founder, Eric Miller, have been among the leading voices in the tax repeal movement. But, Advance America, has, in my opinion, a darker, more sinister side. Under the guise of protecting "family values", Advance America has an agenda that would restrict personal liberty, subvert the Bill of Rights, and regulate some citizens of this state to second class status.

Even so, I was glad when they weighed in on the side of tax reform. It was, for me, a situation similar to that faced by Winston Churchill, a dedicated foe of Communism, when Hitler's Germany invaded the Soviet Union. Churchill at the time remarked on his new ally, "If Hitler invaded hell I would make at least a favourable reference to the devil in the House of Commons. "

It has often been said, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend". This is not always true. Sometimes, the enemy of my enemy can be a useful ally, but if that ally has his own agenda that ultimately is incompatable with our own belief structure and values, then that alliance must be vigilently monitored. This is most vividly illustrated by another quote from Sir Winston. After the war, Stalin had reneged on his guarantees of free elections in the counties that became known as the Eastern Block, and Churchill described it in his customary elequent way, "From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an iron curtain has descended across the Continent."

Thus, Friday's rally at the stathouse became one in which the emphesis was shifted from tax repeal to support for the amendment banning "Gay Marriage", which goes far beyond that in its scope. An attempt to protest the change of direction away from taxes was shouted down. With "friends" like these, it is doubtful that any real momentum on repeal is possible. Even reform is in jeopardy as the elected minions of Mr. Miller have introduced amendments to bills that would make them unpalitable and unpassable. The alliance crafted to fight an unfair tax is in danger of splitting apart much to the delight of those politicians who think that they know, more than we, what is best for us.

I call upon all men and women of men and women of good conscience must do what they feel is correct, even if it hurts us economically. To do anything else is cowardice. Remember:

First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist,
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up, because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me.

Variation on a poem attributed to Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)

If the alliance is fractured, it is solely the responsibility of Advance America and it's leader Eric Miller for trying to bind these two issues together.

Sometimes the Wheels Do Turn In the Right Direction

2008-01-19T20:32:00.000-05:00

Today's Indianapolis Star reports that the County Assesor's Office has taken over the reassessment in Center Township.

"Bowes said his office has taken over the reassessment in Center Township because of “a question of staffing and skills” of that township assessor’s office.The majority of the work in Washington Township is still being done by the township assessor’s office.The residential work in Center and Washington townships has been complicated, Bowes said, by the fact that many older homes there have increased in value. He said those increases may not have been accurately reflected in the first reassessment after the state moved to a new market-based approach."

As a resident of Center Township I have been speaking out about this sorry state of affairs since the first assessment was released and the taxes on my home went up 850% while many of those of my neighbors minimally increased. I regret that this may mean that many of my neighbors may find their reconciliation bills are going to be higher than they originally expected, but perhaps they too will finally see the need to join the rebellion.

Call for Entries - A Libertarian Art Show/Fundraiser

2008-01-13T15:33:00.000-05:00

Call for Entries

"The Art of Politics"

The Libertarian Party of Marion County invites you to create an original piece of art for the upcoming art show "The Art of Politics". The Libertarian Party believes in the First Amendment and welcomes your artistic opinion on politics. The Show will open during First Friday April 4th at Deano’s Vino Restaurant in Historic Fountain Square. It will hang through April. The work should be priced between $50- and $300 (a portion of the commission will go to Deano’s Vino and the Libertarian Party of Marion County. Please submit 2-D ready to hang and 3-D sculpture. Since this work will be shown in a public establishment we reserve the right to qualify the appropriateness and size of the work submitted. For more information please contact Jenny Elkins at 916-4202 or jse64art@sbcglobal.net.

Who Will Speak For The Middle Class?

2007-12-11T11:10:00.000-05:00

It is with great amusement that I have followed the antics of the Indiana House Ways and Means committee. The overriding theme is one of protecting the status quo, looking out for the interests of government and special interest groups at the expense of the citizen taxpayers. The biggest loser in this farce is the average middle class taxpayer.

The middle class taxpayer, without reference to race, religion or any other demographic except economic status, has borne the burden of our ill-conceived tax system for far too long. It is the middle class taxpayers who are most endangered of loosing their homes due to the capricious assessment system. It is the middle class taxpayer that is being squeezed for every penny the government can get out of them. It is the middle class who are keeping the system afloat.

In 1965 President Johnson proclaimed the Great Society and declared War on Poverty. Has the cycle of poverty been extinguished over the last two generations since then?

Various Presidents have supported the so-called War on Drugs. Are illicit drugs any less available?

We are currently involved in a War on Terror. Will we ever be able to completely eliminate the threat of one group or another that objects so strongly to a political or religious viewpoint that they will unleash a series of guerrilla attacks to further there own cause?

Perhaps we should get our government to openly declare a War on the Middle Class so that it too might meet with the success rate of these other "Wars", for the undeclared war is killing us.

So, who will speak for the Middle Class?

We must learn to speak for ourselves. We must speak loudly and with conviction. We must let our government know that we are not afraid of them any longer and that those whom we elect should fear us.

Who will speak for the Middle Class?

I will, and I urge each of you to do so too.

These taxes are making me sick!

2007-11-26T15:12:00.000-05:00

Well, at least something is. I'm currently in the hospital. I'll return to posting when I get out.

Ed

Update: I'm out and extremely busy trying to get caught up with events, life etc. I'll resume posting soon. I promise.

Irony

2007-11-09T12:13:00.000-05:00

In 1215 AD a group of disgruntled Barons forced King John of England to sign The Great Charter, or Magna Carta, if you will. The Magna Carta restricted the King's powers forcing him to be more observant of the will of those he governed. There were many reason's for the Baron's dissatisfaction with the King. Among these were his excommunication by Pope Innocent III and disastrous defeats in his ongoing war with France, which resulted in the loss of the provinces of Brittany and Normandy, among others. Theses losses forced King John to continuously raise taxes. Finally, the Baron's had had enough. They revolted and forced John to sign away his some of his power. Thus, in many ways the signing of the Magna Carta was partially the result of a tax revolt.

The signing took place in a marshy piece of land near London, on the Thames, called Runnymede.

Now comes the irony.

In April of 2004, my wife and I were house hunting and looking for our first real home. We had looked at many houses, but none seemed appropriate. An acquaintance of my wife told her about an available house in the Cottage Home Neighborhood on the city's Near East Side. She went to see it and realized that it was what we'd been looking for. Thus, we came to reside at 1215 Polk St, a rehabilitated Victorian cottage built in 1893.

The gentlemen we purchased the house from were expatriate Britons. Having an appreciation for British history, they saw the connection between the street number and the year of the signing of the Magna Carta. Thus, they came to christen the house "Runnymede Cottage"

My wife and I now stand in danger of losing our "Runnymede" due to a system of outrageous taxation.

It is up to the the new Barons of Indiana, the people, to rise up with a unified voice and demand from our legislator's that this broken system be scrapped. The system of assessing and taxing property is damaged beyond repair. Repeal all property taxation.

It's on to the Statehouse and let's win there!

2007-11-07T16:00:00.000-05:00

A paraphrase of the last public words of Robert F Kennedy. It was the day of the 1968 California presidential primary. Kennedy had just won that state's votes for the upcoming Democratic nominating convention in Chicago. He ended his victory speech by saying, "It's on to Chicago and let's win there." Minutes later he lie mortally wounded in the kitchen of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.

Yesterday, the people spoke and took back control of the city of Indianapolis from those who would use their positions of public trust to further their own enrichment and aggrandisement.

Now comes the true test of our resolve, confronting the state legislature. We must begin again the long and arduous task of ensuring that these elected public servants realize that it is the people that they serve and it is to the people they must answer. If we are to win permanent release from the burden of unbearable property taxes, then we must be deserving of that victory. We must fight for our cause. We must gather together and petition the legislature. We must organize and demonstrate our resolve.

We can begin this task on Nov. 20th when the legislature meets to organize for the upcoming legislative session. These are the points I suggest we focus upon:

The consolidation of township government with county government, i.e. the elimination of the township structures.
A constitutional amendment repealing, once and for all, the taxing of property in Indiana.
The replacement of property taxes with a 2% increase in sales tax, a 2% increase in personal income tax, and a 2% increase in the corporate income tax. (Dr. Styring's plan)
Mandatory referendums for capital spending projects.
Moving school board elections to the fall general election.

I welcome other viewpoints and suggestions for this list, but let us not be lax, time moves quickly and Nov. 20th will arrive without our adequate preparation. Therefore, I call upon all good Hoosiers, who in this time of need recognize that danger that the current taxation system poses to our state, to gather on the 20th of November, 2007 at the Statehouse to welcome our elected officials back to Indianapolis with the reminder that they can ignore the will of the electorate only at the peril of their political careers.

The Beast Will Still Get Fed

2007-11-01T11:40:00.000-04:00

On this morning's broadcast, one of Abdul's callers brought up the issue of sheriff's sales and foreclosures not being included in process to determine the "Fair Market Value" for property tax reassessments. This got me to pondering whether or not this would have made an overall difference. The answer is, no, it would not.

Take for example my immediate area. There have been virtually no foreclosures or sheriff's sales (that could well change next April). Thus, there would be no change in assessed values. In areas that have experienced these events, assessed valuation would decrease.

Now here's the rub. The beast still must be fed. The total tax levy will not change. Therefore, to make up for the loss in property values, the tax rate must increase. Home owner's living in areas where everyone is making their mortgage payments and doing that which is right will end up with an even larger bill than before to compensate. Fair? No.

The only solution to the inequities that the system introduces is the elimination of the system and its replacement with a combination of sales and income taxes.

Goose and Gander

2007-11-01T10:47:00.000-04:00

The new ads by the local Democratic Machine raise some interesting questions. These ads are being classified as attack ads by many observers not affiliated with the Dems. However, Peterson's campaign has gone to great length to declare that these are not attack ads. Witness the following quote which appeared in this morning's Indy Star.

"It's not a negative ad," said Michael O'Connor, Peterson's campaign manager. "We don't attack character. There's nothing in the ad that isn't a direct quote from the Star endorsement."

Since the Peterson Campaign believes so strongly in the gospel according to Ryerson, one must assume that they are quite happy with the Star's endorsement of a Republican controlled City-County Council.

Same Old Song and Dance

2007-10-31T10:40:00.000-04:00

The Indianapolis Star has completed their endorsements for the 2007 Mayoral and City-County-Council races. Sadly, there are no surprises in their selections. Overall, the theme is one of maintaining the status quo through the re-election of 21 out of 29 incumbents in the CCC races. They do propose a shift from a Democrat controlled council to one under Republican control, but fail to endorse any candidate that is not representing one of the two traditional parties. The biggest insult in their recommendations is the endorsement of Ron Gibson over other more deserving, more morally sound and more fiscally responsible candidates.

One such candidate is Libertarian Tim Maguire. You can read his position on the issues of importance to the citizen taxpayers of Marion Co at his website: http://www.timothyjmaguire.com

The fact that the Star did not even list the names of the other candidates running for the At-Large seats, as they did for the district candidates, is an affront to the voters of Marion Co. It's as if the Star was saying, "These are the candidates we endorse and you don't even need to consider any others." The unfortunate thing is that there are enough uninformed voters who rely on these type of endorsements to make them relevant.

I will not call on a total boycott of the Star's endorsed candidates, that would serve no useful purpose as some of the candidates are indeed worthy of election. However, I would urge everyone to think for themselves and not follow the herd. Vote your conscience and regardless of the outcome you'll be able to say, "I did what I thought was right."

A Call to Duty

2007-10-27T17:09:00.000-04:00

THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God. - Thomas Paine, "The American Crisis", December 23, 1776

The winter of 1776 was severe. Washington's ragged Continental Army was encamped at Valley Forge PA. The colonies had been at war with Britain since April of 1774. Apart from a few bright moments in New England, the war was going badly. Washington had been defeated in every battle he fought. The Continental Congress had been forced to abandon Philadelphia. The Army was freezing and starving. Desertions were high and men whose enlistments were expiring were reluctant to re-enlist. Into this time of crisis came the words of Thomas Paine.

Paine's words ring as true today as they did over 200 years ago. Today there was another rally on the circle. The turnout was but a fraction of the crowd that was there last summer for Black Sunday. Many people thought that the tax crisis was over last summer when Governor Daniels "froze" the property taxes at the 2006 rates pending a re-assessment. This week the Governor revealed his property tax plan. Again many hailed this as the answer to our problems.

Sadly, the crisis remains. The Governor's tax plan does nothing to alleviate the immediate problem. The Marion Co. township assessors have almost without exception said the reassessment will make no difference. Thus, when the reconciliation bills arrive in April those people whose taxes increased beyond their means to pay will still face the loss of their homes. To compound the problem, the first installment of the 2008 bill will be due in May. Of course the Governor's plan relies upon the legislature to enact it, not a foregone conclusion.

I am worried that too many of us resemble those "sunshine patriots" to which Paine referred. Will we show up at the polls this November? Or, will we assume that someone else will make the correct decision for us? We must shoulder our responsibilities just as the soldiers of the Continental Army shouldered their muskets.

March of the Strawmen

2007-10-26T16:31:00.000-04:00

How much did Marion Co. lose from the elimination of the Business Inventory Tax?

The loss of the revenues generated by the business inventory tax has been cited as one of the contributing factors in the need to raise property tax rates. How much did we actually lose? I called the Marion Co. Treasurer's Office on Oct. 25 2007, and spoke to someone who identified herself as Sue who told me that she had been instructed to tell inquirers that in 2006 $48 million had been collected. Attempts by myself and others to confirm this figure on Oct. 26, 2007 were unsuccessful. However, the following exert from the Metropolitan Development Committee meeting of Aug. 13th suggests that this may indeed be a reasonable estimate. $48 million represents about 3.5% of the total levy for 2006. (see following post for amount of 2006 levy).

METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
DATE: August 13, 2007
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:30 p.m.
ADJOURNED: 7:05 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
Attending Members Absent Members
Dane Mahern, Chairman
Rozelle Boyd
Ron Gibson
Scott Keller
Lance Langsford
Robert Lutz
Angela Mansfield
Jackie Nytes
Marilyn Pfisterer

BUDGET HEARING
Robert Clifford, City Controller made opening remarks and gave an overview of the proposed 2008 budget. Some key points are as follows:
Goals for 2008 budget are to reduce property taxes, prioritize spending for public safety in crime prevention and initiatives, fund pre-1977 police and fire pensions, minimize cash flow problems caused by re-assessment, etc.
Challenges in the budget are last year’s shortfalls, spending down fund balances in 2007, and requests exceeding revenues (i.e. Information Service Agency (ISA) request for a $12 million increase), state mandates, etc.
Property tax levy reductions in the amount of $50.4 million: County Cumulative Fund reduced by $600,000, Child Services Debt budget is relatively flat in 2008 and levy can be decreased, Tax Increment Finances (TIFs) are healthy and do not need to collect all the money, seven million dollar reduction in the Redevelopment Debt, etc.

Metropolitan Development Committee
August 13, 2007
Page 4

Property tax levy is frozen due to the increase in County Option Income Tax (COIT) being passed.
The City property tax levy has actually declined over the past eight years and the Council has already made improvements with property tax dollars with the consolidation of Warren and Washington Township Fire Departments.
The City’s portion of the property tax rate is less than 25% and will continue to decrease.
The County represents nine percent of the total levy in the county, and that nine percent keeps people in jail, sends out warrants, and runs the court and the criminal justice system.
2008 challenges: $20 million of the $35 million in COIT notes have to be paid back in 2008, labor contracts, fuel, rent for city and county increase.
There is no borrowing currently required to fund the 2008 budget.
The timing of property tax collection for 2007 and 2008 will have an effect on the cash flow for the city and county budgets (approximately $52 million).
Councillor Mansfield asked for clarification on why there is a cash flow crisis. Mr. Clifford said the Governor has ordered that 2007 property taxes be paid at the 2006 level and in 2006 there was $132 million less in taxes levied The percentage of the total levies has decreased two percent in 2007; therefore, two percent of the $132 million will be lost revenue. He said the second problem is businesses do not pay inventory tax, which is five or six percent of the county levy that is lost.
Mmoja Ajabu, Minister of Social Concerns, said he is concerned with the way the city determines the budget. He said they decide how much money they would like to spend, then come to the tax payers for the money. Minister Ajabu said the city should look at the revenue coming-in and then decide how money is spent. Bart Brown, Council’s Chief Financial Officer, said the Controller looks at the fixed revenue available before looking at the budget request. Mr. Clifford said the rules for property tax assessment are done by the state, and the city can only do what the state provides them by law.

http://www.indygov.org/NR/rdonlyres/BDAD3580-6367-4111-879F-1D868921584E/0/METROmin813withattachment.pdf

So 3.5 -6 % loss of revenue justifies massive increases in the property tax rates? I don't think so.

Lies, Damn Lies and Faulty Statistics

2007-10-26T13:21:00.000-04:00

Mark Twain once wrote that there were three types of lies, "Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics". Statistics and numbers in themselves do not lie, the lie exists in the manner in which they are used as the following case illustrates.

By now everyone in Marion Co should have received their Fall property tax bill. Our esteemed County Treasurer, Mike Rodman, included a nice little chart of how these funds were being spent. For those of you who do not have it at hand here's a copy to refresh your memory.

According to the pie chart the % change over the 2006 levy was 100%. To me, this would mean that the levy total doubled from 2006 to 2007.

Well, it didn't, as the following table demonstrates. (click on chart to see larger image)

As you can see the actual increase in the levy is approximately 9.7 % So how did the Treasurer's office arrive at a result of 100% for the change over the 2006 levies?

They used the total Difference to calculate the change. For example let's look at the State Welfare line. The Treasurer's office calculated it as $45,732,251 divided by the total difference,
$132,382,162 multiplied by 100% to arrive at a value of 34.546% (based on the numbers included in the mailing this would be 33.567%). However, if we divide the individual difference amount by the welfare 2007 levy (which is the only way this should have been done) we get a value of 75.09% for the increase in the welfare levy. Please note if you were to try to add individual values given in the Actual % Change column together as they did with the "% Change Over 2006 Levies", you would get a result that is greater than 100%. You just can't do this, it's not mathematically sound.

Another thing to note is that if we were to ponder what the percentage the additional $45,732,251 levied for welfare is of the total 2007 levy we would find that it is 3.06 %. Not a huge increase considering the size of the levy, and yet the cost of state welfare being pushed back onto Marion Co. was cited as one reason for the need to drastically raise the tax rate.

One has to wonder whether this was a deliberate attempt to obfuscate the true numbers or just a matter of someone being mathematically challenged. Either way it does not engender a large degree of confidence in the Treasurer's office.

What a Difference a Year Makes

2007-10-26T10:42:00.000-04:00

From Greg Bowes 2006 election site:

The Bowes Plan for Better Assessment Practices in Marion County

Introduction
The Marion County Assessor is responsible for overseeing the assessment work of the county’s nine township assessors and collecting their data for transmission to the State Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF). In addition, the County Assessor processes inheritance tax returns and determines whether taxpayers are entitled to the exemptions they seek. Finally, any time a taxpayer wishes to appeal a decision made by the Township Assessor, the appeal goes through the County Assessor’s Office and its Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals.
The Marion County Assessor is also one of three County Commissioners, along with the Marion County Auditor and the Marion County Treasurer. The County Commissioners supervise the property owned by the county and make appointments to nine boards.
The main goal of the County Assessor should be to ensure the accuracy of property tax assessments. Our property taxes are imposed by the City-County Council, the school board, and several other taxing authorities. Those taxing authorities determine how much is needed to pay for essential government services. Each property owner pays a fair share based on the value of the property he or she owns. The County Assessor’s job is to make certain the tax burden is shared equally and fairly.

http://www.gregbowes.org/issues/commentary/Plan.shtml

Anyone here think Mr. Bowes has succeeded at his job as outlined in the last sentence?

A Lesson in Creative Assessing

2007-08-09T15:38:00.000-04:00

In light of the property tax fiasco, with the township and county assessors pointing their collective fingers at the DLGF and vice versa, here's a little study in how not to assess. These are 4 houses in Center Township, all located within the same neighborhood. Which one was accurately assessed? What does this say about the quality of the assessment done by the Center Township Assessor's office?

Exhibit 1: 1215 Polk St - Assessed Value $258,000

Exhibit 2: 1210 Polk St - Assessed Value $52,400

Exhibit 3: 730 Dorman St - Assessed Value $47,800

Exhibit 4: 711 Dorman St - Assessed Value $ 197,300

A Break with the Past

2007-07-31T14:31:00.000-04:00

Until a few days ago I was proud to have been a life-long Democrat. I supported our candidates. I contributed to election campaign coffers (not much but what I could). I voted. I was proud of my party, the party of Jefferson, Jackson, Wilson, Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy and, yes, Clinton. One of my most cherished memories was having the opportunity to meet RFK during the Indiana primary of 1968. (I was 10 at the time) As a moderate I was never really comfortable with the manner in which my party of choice, the party of my parents and grandparents, was overly influenced by its more extreme liberal elements, but I stood beside it. Then came last Monday’s City-County Council meeting, I was ashamed of the behavior of the elected representatives of my party. Now I see someone affiliated with the state party organization ridiculing the tax paying citizens of Marion Co. for exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights of assembly and speech to obtain a redress of grievances against a haphazard and capricious application of property tax assessments. I was there last Saturday and I do not live in Meridian-Kessler. I live in a neighborhood on the Near Eastside which is trying through rehabilitation of older homes to bring revitalization to a blighted and crime-ridden area. My property taxes increased 850% mostly due to reassessment (TRENDING!) Before you jump to the conclusion that this is only fair since I was getting by for years paying less than my share, I would like to point out that I have only lived there since 2004 and have paid taxes on that parcel only for the years 2004 and 2005 (due to Indiana taxes being collected a year in arrears). I would also like to point out many of my neighbors, whose homes are comparable to my own in terms of renovation; size and condition were not reassessed and only saw very modest increases in property tax. The Center Township assessor’s office did not do their jobs correctly; else all of us would have been reassessed. Again this is an office under the control of an elected Democrat.

Just to make my position clear, I will not endorse the Republican Party either. They are as equally responsible for the failure of the last General Assembly to adequately address the need for property tax reform as are the Democrats. Additionally, I cannot countenance their stands on many social issues such as abortion, the separation of church and state and freedom of speech to name but a few. From this day forward I will throw my undying support to the Libertarian Party and work diligently for the election of their candidates as a viable and preferable alternative to the stalemate produced by maintaining the current status quo.

From Apathy to Activism

2007-07-29T16:42:00.000-04:00

First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up, because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me.

Variation on a poem attributed to Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)

I had been asleep for quite a long time. I went to work. I came home. I pursued my various hobbies and interests. I didn’t pay close attention to what was happening locally. I watched the evening network news and quietly railed against the loss of American lives in Iraq. I read the comics and light news sections of my morning newspaper. I paid very little attention to what was transpiring at the Statehouse.

To me it seemed just more the same age old partisanship bickering. The Democrats and Republicans arguing over trivial issues such as how the opening prayer should or should not be recited and if it should be recited at all. Certainly, there were matters of importance to be discussed. The attempt to amend the Indiana constitution to define marriage and by doing so possibly condemn a segment of the citizenry to second-class (or worse) status needed to be stopped, and it was. But buried within these sideshow distractions was a much grimmer and far more critical issue, one that has come to threaten the ability of the middle-class of Indianapolis to remain in this city.

The Indiana General Assembly, in response to lobbying by various interest groups representing Indiana’s businesses and industries, had repealed the business inventory tax in 2002, to be fully implemented in 2006. Accompanying this was the conversion of the assessment system to one based on the "fair market" value. Thus, in 2003 several neighborhoods in Indianapolis saw sudden increases in their property tax bills. At that time I was living in a condo in Pike township and was not affected by the increases as my assessment did not change. In fact, the closet populist in me was secretly gleeful to see the "haves" made to pay more. Over the course of the next four years I married and purchased a home in the Cottage Home Neighborhood in Center township. One of the main selling points, for my wife and I, were the relatively low property tax rates.

In the spring of 2007 the General Assembly failed to come to terms with the full implications of these events. The best that they could offer the property owners of Indiana was HB 1478 which allowed local county governments the option of raising the County Option Income Tax (COIT) by up to 1% to provide property tax relief. Also included was a "rebate" to ease the pain that taxpayers may feel. A "circuit breaker" was put in place to prevent the property tax rate from surpassing 2% of assessed value in 2008. Therefore, the individual counties were on their own to come up with a plan to meet their revenue needs.

In Marion county, the solution arrived at was to simply increase the property tax rate and reassess residential property to reach the revenue goal. By now everyone should be painfully familiar with the result. Individual homeowners have seen their tax liabilities increase by 30%, 50%, 100% or more, with the highest increases that I am aware of occurring in Cottage Home, where just five homeowners saw increases greater than 500% with the record coming in at 945%.

My increase was 850%.

I received my bill on July 5th, 2007, and over the next few days my emotions ran the gamut from disbelief to despair to anger. I scoured the newspapers for information. I went on-line looking for solutions. I began to learn.

On July 9th I attended my first anti-tax meeting. The Fair Tax advocates were holding a rally and information meeting at the Talbot Street Nightclub. My wife and I attended. After the organizers had spoken the public was given the opportunity to speak. I stood and began with the poem written at the beginning of this piece. The point I wanted to make that evening was that I was paying for the years of my own apathy and that the price to be paid was high.

I began to work on informing my neighbors in Cottage Home about my plight, the plight of the few residents that had been so cruelly reassessed, and how we, working together and speaking with one united voice, could change the system. I posted notices on our neighborhood list-server. On "Black Sunday" I was proud that several of my neighbors joined with us to protest on Monument Circle.

Our voices were heard, and Governor Daniels froze the 2007 tax levy at the 2006 rate, pending reassessment. We are safe for now, but I fear that the governor’s action is nothing more than a stay of execution. Expert opinion is that the new reassessment will not drastically change the results obtained from the first one. The danger is that we will return to a state of apathy now that the immediate threat is over. We cannot allow this to happen. I pledge to do everything in my power to prevent this. I will write letters, lots of letters, letters to the editor, letters to my city-county councilors, letters to my state legislators, letters to my friends and neighbors. I will work the political system. I will attend the rallies. I will speak up and speak out. I will not go quietly into the night.

I opened with a quote and will close with the following.

"We must hang together, gentlemen...else, we shall most assuredly hang separately."

- Benjamin Franklin 1776

Letter to the Indianapolis Star

2007-07-26T21:21:00.000-04:00

It is not over. In light of the property tax freeze and reassessment ordered by Gov. Daniels, many residents in Marion Co. feel that they can breathe a little easier. This, unfortunately, is not true. We cannot afford (literally) to become complacent. The reassessment promises nothing other than the opportunity for a repetition of the comedy of errors that have led to the recent protests. The reassessment will be conducted using the same broken system that the last assessment used. We must continue to make our voices heard! The recent action by the City-County Council has proved that. The will of the people was ignored. Those whom we elect to represent us must come to understand that they are answerable to the citizens of this county. We must send a message this fall that will be heard in the Statehouse next spring. Ignore the will of the electorate at your own peril.

There have been many comparisons of the current protests to past revolutions, particularly the storming of the Bastille at the beginning of the French revolution. This is not a battle that will be won by storming one building or another. This is a battle that can only be won by storming the polls in November. We cannot allow ourselves to slip into the comfortable apathy that pervades our electoral process. We must continue to attend the rallies. We must continue to turnout in large numbers. We each must do that which we can. We must become part of the process. This is an election year, seek out the candidates, listen to their speeches and, most importantly, question their stances on the issues.

Will you remember in November?

If not, what will you say next May?

Blank page blues

2007-07-21T16:25:00.000-04:00

Here I go, my first post. It's hard to know where to begin.

I started this blog to record and vent my thoughts about the state of affairs in this city, county, state and country. I have become politically energized and I want to make my voice heard, even if no one ever reads these pages. I will, in the course of the next few posts, give voice to my political philosophy.

Stay tuned it's going to be a bumpy ride.