Campaign URL Copy
Português - Portugal
Volume 17, No. 19 December 24, 2012
The Liberator Online
for everyone who loves Liberty
Published by The Advocates for Self-Government
"The Advocates for Self-Government is one of
the freedom movement's leading organizations."
-- Ron Paul, The Congressional Record, June 30, 2010
Friend on Facebook
in our Liberty Store!
Just use this special coupon
at checkout:
To be counted, click the "Like" button at the top of our Facebook page.
Help build a dynamic
movement for liberty!
Learn more about the great things the Advocates is accomplishing -- and how YOU can make it happen!
Books, DVDs, CDs, Quiz cards, OPH kits, T-shirts...
Find great libertarian products
by shopping at The Advocates
Liberty Store!
They're Back!
OPH booths,
county fairs, etc.
Not only is
Michael Cloud
an expert
on persuasion --
he wrote the book
Get your copy today
and become an expert communicator yourself!
Dr. Mary Ruwart
shows how libertarian ideas can solve the world's most pressing problems -- including poverty, pollution and war.
"Great message!"
-- bestselling author Wayne Dyer.
Find out more and order your copy today!
Follow up Links
The Advocates
Advocates Page on Facebook
Introduction to libertarianism
Find out where YOU fit on the political map
This issue's
WELCOME to the Liberator Online!
* Welcome to our Holiday Issue!
* Holiday Gift to YOU: 30% off everything in our store!
* A Special Request for Your End-of-Year Support
INTELLECTUAL AMMUNITION
* Will the Feds Bust Santa Claus?
* How the Government Stole Christmas
THEY SAID IT: SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EDITION
Gov. Richard Lamm on deficits... David Letterman on the TSA... Is Santa Claus a Democrat, Republican or... something else?
PERSUASION POWER POINT #337
* Make Your Christmas Joyous -- and Libertarian
ADVOCATES ANNUAL CHRISTMAS POEM
* "A Liberty Christmas..."
by Sharon Harris
Welcome to our Holiday Issue!
Happy Holidays! And welcome to our annual Christmas issue.
We've included some special treats. First up: "Will the Feds Bust Santa Claus?" This has become a libertarian Christmas classic. It was written several years ago as a Libertarian Party press release by former LP Press Secretary and Advocates friend and supporter, George Getz. I love it.
Then a report by Americans for Tax Reform on just how much the government is adding to the cost of your Christmas this year. You'll be shocked.
Either, or both, of these are great to forward to friends.
And there's more.
We have some humorous thoughts about Christmas and current politics, from some very funny people.
Michael Cloud suggests some ways you can make this Christmas a libertarian one. (Hint -- these ideas are good year-round!)
And, as always, our annual Christmas poem, complete with awkward rhymes and exceedingly eccentric rhythms -- read it if you dare!
When I count my blessings, the tens of thousands of great people who read this publication are high on that list.
Thank you for being a Liberator Online reader -- one of the very important people who understand how vital it is to build a worldwide movement dedicated to individual liberty, abundance, and peace.
Our Holiday Gift to You -- 30% Off EVERYTHING!
From now through the end of the year, Liberator Online readers can take 30% off EVERYTHING IN OUR ONLINE STORE!
All you have to do to get your special Liberator Online reader 30% discount is to use this coupon number at checkout: DEC2012.
A Special Request for Your End-of-Year Support
As the quote from Congressman Ron Paul at the top of this issue notes, the Advocates performs vital work for liberty -- work no other organization does. Work that benefits the entire liberty movement.
I'm proud of what we accomplished in 2012, and I am excited about our plans for an even more successful year in 2013 -- which I'll be sharing with you soon.
I've written extensively about our recent achievements in an end-of-year report, and I hope you'll take a few minutes to read it -- I think you'll find it exciting and inspiring.
I especially hope it will inspire you to contribute to see that this great work continues and expands.
We have great thank-you gifts reserved for you if you're able to donate to our work.
And remember your donation is tax-deductible in the U.S.
The purpose of the Liberator Online is to build a stronger movement for liberty. We do this by providing information about the libertarian movement and how to best communicate the ideas of liberty. Thank you for being a part of this!
Learn more about the Advocates and our work for liberty.
Learn more about libertarianism -- the philosophy of liberty.
-- Sharon Harris, President | Email
by James W. Harris
-- Special News Bulletin --
Will the Feds Bust Santa Claus?
by George Getz
When Santa Claus comes to town this week, he'd better watch out -- because the federal government may be making a list of his crimes (and checking it twice), the Libertarian Party warned today.
"Hark the federal agents sing, Santa is guilty of nearly everything," said former Libertarian Party press secretary George Getz. "The feds know when Santa's been bad or good -- and he's been bad, for goodness sakes."
Does Santa belong in the slammer? Instead of stuffing stockings, should he be making license plates?
Yes, said Getz, if he's held to the same standards as a typical American.
* Every December 25, the illegal immigrant known as Santa Claus crosses the border into the United States without a passport. He carries concealed contraband, which he sneaks into the country in order to avoid inspection by the U.S. Customs Service. And just what's in all those brightly colored packages tied up with ribbons, anyway? The Drug Czar and Homeland Security want to know.
* Look at how this international fugitive gets around: Santa flies in a custom-built sleigh that hasn't been approved by the FAA. He never files a flight plan. He has no pilot's license. In the dark of night, he rides the skies with just a tiny bioluminescent red light to guide him -- a clear violation of traffic safety regulations.
* Pulling Santa's sleigh: Eight tiny reindeer, a federally protected species being put to hard labor. None of these reindeer have their required shots, and Santa's never bothered to get these genetically-engineered animals registered and licensed. It's no wonder: He keeps them penned outside his workplace in a clear violation of zoning laws.
* But Crooked Claus the Conniving Capitalist harms more than just animals -- he's hurting hard-working American laborers, too. Isn't Santa's Workshop really Santa's Sweatshop, where his non-union employees don't make minimum wage and get no holiday pay? Add the fact that OSHA has never inspected the place, and you have a Third-World elf-exploitation operation that only Kathy Lee Gifford could love.
* No wonder Santa is able to maintain his monopoly over the toy distribution industry: He's cornered the Christmas gift market. Santa dares to give away his products for free in a sinister attempt to crush all competition -- just like Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Antitrust Lawsuit Memo to the feds: Is Santa Claus the Bill Gates of Christmas?
The bottom line, said Getz: "It might be tough sledding for Jolly St. Nick this Christmas if the government decides to prosecute him.
"We're just surprised it hasn't already happened. After all, Santa Claus is everything that politicians aren't: He's popular, reliable, and gives us something for nothing every December 25th -- instead of taking our money every April 15th."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Editor's Note: George Getz wrote "Will the Feds Bust Santa Claus" in 1999, when he was Libertarian Party Communications Director. Feel free to forward to friends!
How the Government Stole Christmas
Forget the Grinch -- it's the government that's stealing Christmas.
So reports Americans for Tax Reform, a non-profit group that works for lower taxes and smaller government. (The following is based on their 2011 report.)
The holidays are supposed to be a season for giving and spending time with loved ones. However, Uncle Sam has forced taxpayers to add him and his greedy local and state relatives to their gift list. Of an identified $10.72 billion of holiday spending, an incredible 43.36 percent is due to government taxes, fees, and other costs.
If you are one of the 93 percent of holiday revelers traveling this season, you will pay $69.65 in gas taxes for the average $152.47 round-trip excursion -- 45.68 percent of the cost of the trip. Taking a rental is another convenient option, but 38.77 percent of your car's rental cost is due to taxation, particularly from state and local governments.
Choose to fly to visit friends and family and 42.47 percent of your trip is made up of government costs. If you retreat from your in-laws to a hotel, remember that 39.39 percent of the cost of your stay is funneled back to the government. For Christmas 2011, the government will stuff its stocking with $3.79 billion in traveling taxes.
Holiday revelers enjoy an estimated $992 million in alcoholic beverages to celebrate the season. Savor your next mug of eggnog, because 56.31 percent of the price is taxes. Government guzzles 44.33 percent of your seasonal beer and drives up the price of your glass of wine at Christmas dinner by 32.77 percent. Sipping a soft drink won't let you escape frosty government fees -- 27.98 percent, or $61 million in taxes, is attached to the cost of soda.
When Santa comes down the chimney this year, he'll have to save room in his sack for Uncle Sam's gifts. Government gets $21 billion of a cumulative $69.1 billion spent on presents, consuming nearly a third of Christmas gift-giving.
All told, the government collects $25.9 billion in new revenues over the holiday season.
That's naughty -- and definitely not nice!
Intellectual Ammunition is written by Liberator Online editor James W. Harris. His articles have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers, and he has been a Finalist for the Mencken Awards, given by the Free Press Association for "Outstanding Journalism in Support of Liberty."
They Said It...
CHRISTMAS AND DEFICITS: "Christmas is a time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell the government what they want and their kids pay for it." -- Richard Lamm, former Governor of Colorado.
A TSA CHRISTMAS: "It's so cold that the security guys at the airports are putting their hands in their own pants." -- David Letterman, Dec. 7, 2010.
IS SANTA CLAUS A DEMOCRAT, REPUBLICAN, OR... "If Santa Claus were a Democrat, his elves wouldn't make toys. They'd loot them from rich kids and toy stores. If Santa were a Republican, he'd deport all the elves back to Middle Earth. So Santa must be a Libertarian." -- online comment by "gatman7," responding to an article at TheBlaze.com discussing whether Santa is a Democrat or Republican, December 11, 2012.
"They Said It..." is compiled by Liberator Online editor James W. Harris.
by Michael Cloud
Make Your Christmas Joyous -- and Libertarian
Would it take a miracle to win your family or friends to libertarianism?
Christmas is the season of miracles. And you just might cause one by giving your loved one stimulating and fun libertarian gifts this Christmas.
Does your family member or friend like movies? Why not buy him a DVD of an entertaining movie with a libertarian theme: "The Americanization of Emily" or "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (the 1950s original) or -- if you're a practicing capitalist -- "Atlas Shrugged- Part 1... the movie" and "Other People's Money."
Unsure of which movie to select? Buy yourself "Miss Liberty's Guide to Film and Video" from the Advocates this year. It contains over 250 reviews of films that deal with subjects such as free speech, the draft, drug laws, taxation, regulation, sexual liberty, immigration, and many more.
Does your sister or brother like fiction? Buy them Give Me Liberty edited by Martin Greenberg and Mark Tier. This collection of libertarian short stories might jump-start a lifetime love affair with liberty. Have them read And Then There Were None by Eric Frank Russell first. You haven't read it? Get yourself a copy, too.
Or try these libertarian classics:
* The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein.
* Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.
* The Last War (Ferret Chronicles) by Richard Bach.
Do they prefer non-fiction books?
* How I Found Freedom In an Unfree World by Harry Browne can shatter their prejudices and open their minds. It's available by e-book at HarryBrowne.org
* Why Government Doesn't Work and The Great Libertarian Offer by Harry Browne are simple and direct, engaging and readable books. They make great presents -- and you CAN give YOURSELF a Christmas present, too. Also available at the Harry Browne link above.
* Libertarianism in One Lesson by David Bergland. A short and elegant read, hailed by many critics as "the best short guide to libertarianism available."
* Healing Our World by Dr. Mary Ruwart. Do you have progressives or New Agers in your life? This book really connects with them.
* Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion by Michael Cloud. This is the gift that keeps giving the gift of liberty. It will multiply the effectiveness of every libertarian conversation. This is the perfect gift for the libertarians in your life. Including you. Available from the Advocates.
* One suggested CD set: "Personal Responsibility is the Price of Liberty," a 2-CD set that makes a powerful case for the libertarian concept of individual responsibility. Many people who are NOT receptive and responsive to our message of individual liberty open theirs hearts and minds to personal responsibility.
These are a few popular libertarian Christmas gifts. The Advocates has many more at their Liberty Store.
These are Christmas gifts that may well make a difference in your brother's or sister's or friend's life.
Christmas gifts they will cherish for years to come.
Make this season one of glad tidings and hope for your loved ones.
Make their Christmas joyous -- and libertarian!
EDITOR'S NOTE: All Advocates products mentioned by Michael in this column are discounted 30% now through the end of the year -- our holiday gift to you! Just use this special coupon code at checkout: DEC2012.
Michael Cloud's brand-new book Unlocking More Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion is available exclusively from the Advocates, along with his acclaimed earlier book Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion. In 2000, Michael was honored with the Thomas Paine Award as the Most Persuasive Libertarian Communicator in America.
"A Liberty Christmas..."
'Twas the night before Christmas,
And all through the land
Libertarians dreamed of the ideals of
Rothbard, Mises and Rand.
Enchanted by a vision of worldwide liberty,
Many yearned for better ways to help their neighbors see
The great benefits that would come if they'd only embrace
A philosophy of freedom for all the human race.
At our home the stockings and decorations were up,
We'd left Santa some cookies and milk in a cup.
While dreams of Christmas played in their heads.
I in my Advocates T-shirt, and Mom in her Self-Governor's Cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When outside the window there arose such a clatter
That I leapt from my bed to see what was the matter!
Through the window I saw an astonishing sight
That any other time of year would have given me a fright!
A sleigh pulled by reindeer flying so quick,
And driven by no less than -- Jolly Old St. Nick!
As he soared through the air, heading straight to my abode,
I saw the sled carried a tremendous load
Of packages, treasures, treats and toys --
Gifts for all good men, women, girls and boys!
More rapid than a jet, right toward me they came!
And I heard Old St. Nick call each reindeer by name:
"Now Tolerance! Now Free Enterprise! Now Liberty!
Onward Peace, and Free Speech, and Prosperity!"
When I heard those names I realized with a start:
"Hey, Santa's one of us -- at the top of the Nolan Chart!"
I had always admired this very special man,
Who flew 'round the world without posting an FAA flight plan,
Who crossed national borders with impunity each year,
And never registered his team with the U.S. Dep't of Reindeer.
Who laughed at licenses and permits and made his own route,
And ran a safe happy workshop far from OSHA's prying snout.
Who lived independent and state-free at the icy North Pole,
Far away from taxes, regulations and the dole.
So I tiptoed downstairs to peep into the den,
To steal a sight of this jolly old gentleman
Who brought such joy to millions in so many lands,
To see him in action -- alive, first-hand!
I heard the sleigh touch lightly on the roof,
Strange noises in my chimney and then -- POOF!
There was Santa standing boldly beside our Christmas tree,
In his famous red suit -- an awesome sight to see!
He took a bite of our cookies and said, "Hmmmm -- not bad!"
Then wrote a quick note thanking our youngest lad.
Then he reached down into the bulging bag at his side,
And spoke aloud as he brought out gifts from inside:
"Here's a new computer for Johnny, and the browser's all set
To take him to the Advocates home on the Internet!
While there he can also subscribe, for free,
To the Liberator Online, the Advocates' email bi-weekly!
"Sally wants to reach libertarians in her home town,
So I've brought her the best outreach tool around!
Operation Politically Homeless will do the trick --
She'll find hundreds of new libertarians!" chuckled old St. Nick.
Then he pulled out a vast supply of pocket-sized cards
And I could guess what they were, without trying too hard.
"Here's a few thousand World's Smallest Political Quiz cards, too!
That should last her for at least a month or two!
"This family wants to communicate the ideas of freedom clearly,
So here are two fine CD sets which they will treasure dearly:
"Personal Responsibility" and the "Essence of Political Persuasion"
Will make them successful libertarian communicators on every occasion!"
From his bag he brought forth yet more great surprises --
Libertarian T-shirts, in all different sizes,
Festooned with clever slogans. Then books galore
By Browne, Bergland, Cloud, Ruwart -- and so many more!
By now our living room seemed filled to overflowing,
But still Santa kept going and going.
He scattered cds and dvds in every empty spot.
"So many great Advocates programs -- they'll like all these a lot!"
He was bringing out still more goodies, but I could stand it no more
So I stepped out from hiding and stood by the door.
He smiled at me and winked, and I knew instantly
He'd known I was there throughout his gift-giving spree.
"I just wanted to thank you --" I began to say.
But he held up his hand and smiled in his jolly way.
"There's no need for thanks! It's a great pleasure to me
To give gifts to people who love liberty!
"The Advocates has made it easy for me and my elves --
In fact, we hardly have any work to do ourselves!
For people who want to see our world freed,
The Advocates has just the products and services we need.
"If you want to thank me, the best thing you can do
Is to support the Advocates -- and put these tools to work for you.
Oh, there's one thing more I want to leave. Here --
Use these Discover Liberty tabloids in your OPH outreach next year!"
I wanted to say more, but he put his finger to his nose,
Then -- POOF! Straight up through my chimney he rose!
I went to my window, saw the sleigh rise to the sky,
And as they faded away, I heard Santa cry:
"On, Free Speech! On, Tolerance! On, Liberty!
Our world is yearning to be set free!
One day soon all will see freedom's bright shining light --
Merry Christmas to all! And to all, a Good Night!"
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM
THE ADVOCATES!
THE LIBERATOR ONLINE, created by James W. Harris and Paul Schmidt, is the official newsletter of the Advocates for Self-Government.
See you in two weeks! You can contact the Advocates at:
Mail: 1010 North Tennessee Street, Suite 215, Cartersville, GA 30120
Phone: 770-386-8372. For orders: 1-800-932-1776
Email: info@TheAdvocates.org
WWW: http://www.theadvocates.org
To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change your address for receiving the Liberator Online, see the links at the bottom of this mailing.
We never send the Liberator Online unsolicited. We encourage you to forward the Liberator Online to interested friends. And if you received this issue from a forward, please subscribe. It's free!
Read previous issues.
The Advocates for Self-Government is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. Contributions to the Advocates are tax-deductible in the U.S.
If you would like to support the world-changing work of the Advocates, we welcome your donation. Please see: TheAdvocates.org or call us toll-free at 1-800-932-1776.
We have some great "Thank you!" gifts waiting for you!
"May it be to the world... to assume the blessings and security of self-government." -- Thomas Jefferson, June 24, 1826.
follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend
Copyright © 2012 Advocates for Self-Government, All rights reserved.
unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences