By Meghan Clyne (a DC writer)
WHERE'S the outrage?
With all the recent ob sessing over the "rights" of terrorists in Guantanamo, and the idea that President Obama's Supreme Court nominee should support "the constitutional right to privacy," you'd expect the civil-liberties crowd to be inflamed by the federal government forcing Americans to disclose sensitive information about their finances, health and lifestyles.
You would be wrong.
Recently nearly 3 million Americans were sent the American Community Survey. An annual supplement to the decennial Census, the 28-page survey pursues obnoxious nanny-state details such as whether your home has a flush toilet, what kind of fuel you use for heat and how much you spend on everything from electricity and flood insurance to your mortgage and property taxes.
Then come the really nosy questions, ranging from your college major and your health insurance to how you spend each day at the office. The survey even asks what time you leave for work, down to the hour and minute.
It also asks whether, "because of a physical, mental or emotional condition," you have difficulty "concentrating, remembering or making decisions," "walking or climbing stairs," "doing errands alone such as visiting a doctor's office or shopping" or "dressing or bathing."
So much for keeping government out of the bedroom. The survey also demands your current marital status; whether you've been married, widowed or divorced in the last 12 months, and how many times you've been married. If you're a woman between the ages of 15 and 50, you must also answer whether you've given birth in the last 12 months. The Census Bureau says this "measure of fertility" is used to "carry out various programs required by statute, including . . . conducting research for voluntary family planning programs." What was that about a "woman's right to privacy"?
It's tempting to toss the survey in the circular file, but recipients are required by law to respond. According to the Census Web site, the fine for nonparticipation can be as much as $5,000, and filing false information can pack a $500 punch.
Why all this intrusion? The Constitution allows for the "enumeration" of Americans for the purposes of taxation and apportioning political representation -- but this survey isn't part of the head-counting. The information is used by the government to spread around your tax dollars and justify federal bureaucracies; it can also be distributed to private businesses.
The feds say the data will stay secure, but after recent episodes in which personal records were compromised by the State and Veterans Affairs departments, some skepticism is understandable.
Jim Harper, a privacy expert at the Cato Institute, calls the survey "a classic example of mission creep over the decades -- this constitutional need to literally count how many noses are in the United States has turned into a vast data-collection operation." Toss in the push for the 2010 Census to be run out of the White House, and it adds up to a real intrusion into private lives, with the goal of further expanding government's reach.
There is spirited opposition to the survey, ranging from libertarian bloggers to Rep. Ron Paul, who has called it "insulting." Yet civil-liberties groups are strangely quiet.
NARAL didn't respond to a request for comment and an American Civil Liberties Union spokeswoman said last week that she "couldn't find anyone to talk." But an organization fact sheet says the survey is not unconstitutional, adding that the Census "serves a vital role in our democracy . . . it determines apportionment for voting, as well as helps allocate other government benefits such as anti-poverty programs."
So, we shouldn't listen in on terrorists to save American lives -- but intrusions into your privacy to support causes the left likes are just fine.
The good news is that I called the help number on my form and a Census representative finally conceded that the government was unlikely to pursue punishment if I didn't respond, saying it would be "a waste of time and money."
Maybe that's enough to risk telling the government what to do with its survey. But if you do end up facing a harassing Census-taker -- well, don't count on the civil-liberties crowd for help.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Response to Charles Madigan
Response to Charles Madigan:
This is in response to the editorial of Charles Madigan entitled: “Real Protest means sacrifice” which appeared in the April 26, 2009 edition of the Chicago Tribune.
In his editorial, Mr. Madigan claims that the April 15, 2009 Tax Day Tea Party Rallies were “ridiculous” since civil disobedience was not used to make a point. He also goes on to write that the Berrigen brothers of the Vietnam era were effective for taking a hammer to the nose of a warplane and burning draft board records with homemade napalm. Finally, he mentions the involvement of Fox News and Newt Gingrich in the rallies on April 15th as if the main purpose of the protests were to rip President Obama and to put forward a Republican agenda.
Members of the Libertarian Party of Illinois, as well as other Libertarian organizations and freedom loving individuals throughout the country, took time off from their jobs, brought their families, held signs and distributed literature with a common theme: The rise of the level of taxation and the reach of government into our private lives has gotten to a point where we say: “ENOUGH”. The fact that there was no burning or looting of government buildings nor physical violence against people who did not agree with those who attended the rallies does not diminish the importance of American citizens utilizing their constitutional rights to peaceable assembly when they disagree with the direction our leaders are taking the country.
As to Fox News and Mr. Gingrich, I can assure Mr. Madigan that Libertarians do not take marching orders from them, nor from Richard Armey, James Dobson or any other conservative individual or group. We do defend their right to hold their beliefs and welcome any discussion which might uncover common ground on any issue which limits the size of government and maximizes personal freedom.
Will the Tea Parties have a lasting effect? The jury is still out, but with over 700 occurring on April 15th and similar rallies in the works, I can't imagine elected officials, be they Republican or Democrat, did not turn on their television or read a newspaper account of the events of that day and not take some notice.
People taking collective action to express their opinions is never “ridiculous”.
Dave Brady
State Chair
Libertarian Party of Illinois
P.O. Box 1605
Chicago, IL 60690
800-735-1776
This is in response to the editorial of Charles Madigan entitled: “Real Protest means sacrifice” which appeared in the April 26, 2009 edition of the Chicago Tribune.
In his editorial, Mr. Madigan claims that the April 15, 2009 Tax Day Tea Party Rallies were “ridiculous” since civil disobedience was not used to make a point. He also goes on to write that the Berrigen brothers of the Vietnam era were effective for taking a hammer to the nose of a warplane and burning draft board records with homemade napalm. Finally, he mentions the involvement of Fox News and Newt Gingrich in the rallies on April 15th as if the main purpose of the protests were to rip President Obama and to put forward a Republican agenda.
Members of the Libertarian Party of Illinois, as well as other Libertarian organizations and freedom loving individuals throughout the country, took time off from their jobs, brought their families, held signs and distributed literature with a common theme: The rise of the level of taxation and the reach of government into our private lives has gotten to a point where we say: “ENOUGH”. The fact that there was no burning or looting of government buildings nor physical violence against people who did not agree with those who attended the rallies does not diminish the importance of American citizens utilizing their constitutional rights to peaceable assembly when they disagree with the direction our leaders are taking the country.
As to Fox News and Mr. Gingrich, I can assure Mr. Madigan that Libertarians do not take marching orders from them, nor from Richard Armey, James Dobson or any other conservative individual or group. We do defend their right to hold their beliefs and welcome any discussion which might uncover common ground on any issue which limits the size of government and maximizes personal freedom.
Will the Tea Parties have a lasting effect? The jury is still out, but with over 700 occurring on April 15th and similar rallies in the works, I can't imagine elected officials, be they Republican or Democrat, did not turn on their television or read a newspaper account of the events of that day and not take some notice.
People taking collective action to express their opinions is never “ridiculous”.
Dave Brady
State Chair
Libertarian Party of Illinois
P.O. Box 1605
Chicago, IL 60690
800-735-1776
Friday, April 17, 2009
Crystal Lake Tea Party
Let us just say that the Crystal Lake Tea Party was an overwhelming success. This event had 550 people stretched down route 14 making their corporate voice heard loud and clear.
It started at 11:45 and ended at 1:15 and we were met by WND radio broadcasting from our location for a about 30 minutes.
The focus on this rally hovered around the oppressive tax the federal and state governments impose us it's citizens, while bloating the size and scope of government with no shame or apology.
While there the Norwest Herald tracked me down and in addition to the above quotes they also got the admonitions to move this focus and purpose to the ballot box and show our elected officials we are done with this abusive tax system.
As a pleasant surprise I fielded a phone call from USA Today or US News and World Report (it was so noisy it was hard to tell) telling me that heard that the LP Illinois
came up with the concept, and even though others may have high-jacked it from us
how I feel about the event. I told him plainly that high jacked or not was not important. The important thing is that people came together with a solid purpose to tell our government leaders that we have had it with their oppressive and abusive tax policies, and again, the increase of size and scope of government. The tea party concept is the outcome of their own actions.
And not to be forgotten, I gave credit to Mike Folgelsanger, Josh Hanson, Chris Jenner, John Kramer & Kent McMIllan for their hard work. See Libertarians give credit when credit is due for hard work, unlike other groups stepping on each other
claiming credit for personal glory). If I missed anyone I apologize.
Thank you Jim Young, Bill Baruth and Olaf Klutke for being there with me. Those of you who couldn't be there remember you are doing a good job as well at your work place supporting a struggling economy.
It started at 11:45 and ended at 1:15 and we were met by WND radio broadcasting from our location for a about 30 minutes.
The focus on this rally hovered around the oppressive tax the federal and state governments impose us it's citizens, while bloating the size and scope of government with no shame or apology.
While there the Norwest Herald tracked me down and in addition to the above quotes they also got the admonitions to move this focus and purpose to the ballot box and show our elected officials we are done with this abusive tax system.
As a pleasant surprise I fielded a phone call from USA Today or US News and World Report (it was so noisy it was hard to tell) telling me that heard that the LP Illinois
came up with the concept, and even though others may have high-jacked it from us
how I feel about the event. I told him plainly that high jacked or not was not important. The important thing is that people came together with a solid purpose to tell our government leaders that we have had it with their oppressive and abusive tax policies, and again, the increase of size and scope of government. The tea party concept is the outcome of their own actions.
And not to be forgotten, I gave credit to Mike Folgelsanger, Josh Hanson, Chris Jenner, John Kramer & Kent McMIllan for their hard work. See Libertarians give credit when credit is due for hard work, unlike other groups stepping on each other
claiming credit for personal glory). If I missed anyone I apologize.
Thank you Jim Young, Bill Baruth and Olaf Klutke for being there with me. Those of you who couldn't be there remember you are doing a good job as well at your work place supporting a struggling economy.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Nunda Township Open Space Referendum Again and Again
Nunda Township never gives up. This open space referendum they are voting on (April 7th) is up for vote for the third time; having been defeated twice before in '04 and '07.
While unemployment is skyrocketing, the stock market crashing and people worry from day to day about finances our leaders close their eyes to reality and suggest more taxes. Some people say, "but Dave, it's only $$$ a year, what's the bug deal?" I answer that with this question ... "Ok , ____, give me a tax number that is enough then."
Our property tax increased in McHenry this year even though our property value decreased. They used the 2007 numbers as the base to increase our taxes. Our Libraries (McHenry-Nunda Library District) say they can't operate on what they bring in anymore and needed need more money. Our fire protection districts need more money as well as our school districts. If that's not enough let's add Gov. Quinn's 4.5% tax idea, up from, 3% plus the sales tax, alcohol tax, gas tax increase, cigarette increase, proposed bottle water and chocolate tax. Lastly, and I use that word sparingly because its never last, the federal tax increase that will have to come to pay for all the bailouts and new programs the federal government is coming up with.
So let me ask again, give me a dollar figure where enough is enough. VOTE NO BECAUSE ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
Read these wiki articles on the Stamp Act, (other taxes Molasses Act of 1733, 1763 cider tax, Sugar Act of 1764) and the Whiskey Rebellion.
While unemployment is skyrocketing, the stock market crashing and people worry from day to day about finances our leaders close their eyes to reality and suggest more taxes. Some people say, "but Dave, it's only $$$ a year, what's the bug deal?" I answer that with this question ... "Ok , ____, give me a tax number that is enough then."
Our property tax increased in McHenry this year even though our property value decreased. They used the 2007 numbers as the base to increase our taxes. Our Libraries (McHenry-Nunda Library District) say they can't operate on what they bring in anymore and needed need more money. Our fire protection districts need more money as well as our school districts. If that's not enough let's add Gov. Quinn's 4.5% tax idea, up from, 3% plus the sales tax, alcohol tax, gas tax increase, cigarette increase, proposed bottle water and chocolate tax. Lastly, and I use that word sparingly because its never last, the federal tax increase that will have to come to pay for all the bailouts and new programs the federal government is coming up with.
So let me ask again, give me a dollar figure where enough is enough. VOTE NO BECAUSE ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
Read these wiki articles on the Stamp Act, (other taxes Molasses Act of 1733, 1763 cider tax, Sugar Act of 1764) and the Whiskey Rebellion.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Hacker war drives San Francisco cloning RFID passports
Think of it this way: Chris Paget just did you a service by hacking your passport and stealing your identity. Using a $250 Motorola RFID reader and antenna connected to his laptop, Chris recently drove around San Francisco reading RFID tags from passports, driver licenses, and other identity documents. In just 20 minutes, he found and cloned the passports of two very unaware US citizens. Fortunately, Chris wears a white hat; his video demonstration is meant to raise awareness to what he calls the unsuitability of RFID for tagging people. Specifically, he's hoping to help get the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative -- a homeland security project -- scrapped. Perhaps you'll feel the same after watching his video posted after the break.
All passports issued by the US State Department after January 1 will have always-on radio frequency identification chips, making it easy for officials – and hackers – to grab your personal stats. Getting paranoid about strangers slurping up your identity? Here’s what you can do about it. But be careful – tampering with a passport is punishable by 25 years in prison. Not to mention the “special” customs search, with rubber gloves. Bon voyage!
1) RFID-tagged passports have a distinctive logo on the front cover; the chip is embedded in the back.
2) Sorry, “accidentally” leaving your passport in the jeans you just put in the washer won’t work. You’re more likely to ruin the passport itself than the chip.
3) Forget about nuking it in the microwave – the chip could burst into flames, leaving telltale scorch marks. Besides, have you ever smelled burnt passport?
4) The best approach? Hammer time. Hitting the chip with a blunt, hard object should disable it. A nonworking RFID doesn’t invalidate the passport, so you can still use it.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/video-hacker-war-drives-san-francisco-cloning-rfid-passports/
All passports issued by the US State Department after January 1 will have always-on radio frequency identification chips, making it easy for officials – and hackers – to grab your personal stats. Getting paranoid about strangers slurping up your identity? Here’s what you can do about it. But be careful – tampering with a passport is punishable by 25 years in prison. Not to mention the “special” customs search, with rubber gloves. Bon voyage!
1) RFID-tagged passports have a distinctive logo on the front cover; the chip is embedded in the back.
2) Sorry, “accidentally” leaving your passport in the jeans you just put in the washer won’t work. You’re more likely to ruin the passport itself than the chip.
3) Forget about nuking it in the microwave – the chip could burst into flames, leaving telltale scorch marks. Besides, have you ever smelled burnt passport?
4) The best approach? Hammer time. Hitting the chip with a blunt, hard object should disable it. A nonworking RFID doesn’t invalidate the passport, so you can still use it.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/video-hacker-war-drives-san-francisco-cloning-rfid-passports/
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
MR. PRESIDENT, RETAIN FITZGERALD
The Libertarian Party of Illinois (“LP Illinois”) strongly urges President Barack Obama to retain Patrick Fitzgerald as U.S. Attorney.
With the history of political corruption in Illinois, Fitzgerald has acted as a neutral sheriff, vigorously investigating wrongdoing, regardless of political party. He was originally recommended by former Republican Senator Peter Fitzgerald, who wanted an “outsider” as U.S. Attorney, someone with no ties to any local political organization which might influence investigations of inside influence peddling or pay to play politics. As anyone who has followed the news can attest, there is plenty of that in the State of Illinois.
Fitzgerald had previously investigated former Republican Governor George Ryan, who ultimately was convicted and is currently serving a prison sentence. In December, Fitzgerald filed a criminal complaint against current Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was arrested, subsequently impeached and will soon come before the Illinois Senate, who will decide whether or not to remove him from office. Based on the accusations in the criminal complaint, LP Illinois expects that Blagojevich will be indicted and will stand trial.
It is quite possible that two consecutive Illinois governors, one a Republican and one a Democrat, will be serving prison sentences at the same time. This shows that neither party is worthy of the citizens' trust and that an independent U.S. Attorney is essential. It is clear that Illinois voters deserve to have more choices than the two traditional parties. Unfortunately, ballot access laws in Illinois are designed to support the status quo and keep other political parties out..
President Obama has indicated his intention to retain Fitzgerald. LP Illinois feels that this is the proper decision and soundly praises the President for taking a non-partisan stand to fight corruption in Illinois politics, despite how members of his own party might feel. We fully expect the President to follow through on his stated intention.
With the history of political corruption in Illinois, Fitzgerald has acted as a neutral sheriff, vigorously investigating wrongdoing, regardless of political party. He was originally recommended by former Republican Senator Peter Fitzgerald, who wanted an “outsider” as U.S. Attorney, someone with no ties to any local political organization which might influence investigations of inside influence peddling or pay to play politics. As anyone who has followed the news can attest, there is plenty of that in the State of Illinois.
Fitzgerald had previously investigated former Republican Governor George Ryan, who ultimately was convicted and is currently serving a prison sentence. In December, Fitzgerald filed a criminal complaint against current Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was arrested, subsequently impeached and will soon come before the Illinois Senate, who will decide whether or not to remove him from office. Based on the accusations in the criminal complaint, LP Illinois expects that Blagojevich will be indicted and will stand trial.
It is quite possible that two consecutive Illinois governors, one a Republican and one a Democrat, will be serving prison sentences at the same time. This shows that neither party is worthy of the citizens' trust and that an independent U.S. Attorney is essential. It is clear that Illinois voters deserve to have more choices than the two traditional parties. Unfortunately, ballot access laws in Illinois are designed to support the status quo and keep other political parties out..
President Obama has indicated his intention to retain Fitzgerald. LP Illinois feels that this is the proper decision and soundly praises the President for taking a non-partisan stand to fight corruption in Illinois politics, despite how members of his own party might feel. We fully expect the President to follow through on his stated intention.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Special Election for U.S. Senate Now!
The Libertarian Party of Illinois calls on the state legislature to call for a special election to fill the remainder of the term of President elect Barack Obama.
The current situation is proof positive that a governor may not always be responsible or ethical enough to make such an important decision. Illinois voters should not be denied the right to elect their representatives, regardless of the length of the term or the current political climate.
Governor Blagojevich actually endorsed the idea of a special election, but it was "back burnered" by Democrats since there was a strong possibility that a Republican candidate could win election to the U.S. Senate. A special election would also open up opportunities for third parties to give voters additional choices with candidates who are not professional politicians interested in enriching themselves and their political donors at the expense of the citizens of Illinois.
The current drama developing in Washington D.C. over the selection and possible seating of Roland Burris to replace Obama is embarrassing to the State of Illinois and is taking time away from more important matters such as the faltering economy and two wars.
It is time for the state legislature to take the only responsible action, and the time is now.
The current situation is proof positive that a governor may not always be responsible or ethical enough to make such an important decision. Illinois voters should not be denied the right to elect their representatives, regardless of the length of the term or the current political climate.
Governor Blagojevich actually endorsed the idea of a special election, but it was "back burnered" by Democrats since there was a strong possibility that a Republican candidate could win election to the U.S. Senate. A special election would also open up opportunities for third parties to give voters additional choices with candidates who are not professional politicians interested in enriching themselves and their political donors at the expense of the citizens of Illinois.
The current drama developing in Washington D.C. over the selection and possible seating of Roland Burris to replace Obama is embarrassing to the State of Illinois and is taking time away from more important matters such as the faltering economy and two wars.
It is time for the state legislature to take the only responsible action, and the time is now.
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