Okay, just a quick reminder. Due to light attendance
last week, the same topics will roll forward for this
week as well. See below for details and location
information.
I'm also looking for host volunteers for upcoming
weeks. If you have a topic you think would be of
interest and willing to commit to a Wednesday evening,
let me know.
David
--- David Rhodes <dfrhodes@...> wrote:
Hi Everyone -
Just to let you know, the Political Chat is back!
I'd like to change the time and place back to
Wednesday at the Sheesh Mahal, if no one complains
too
loudly. I realize there was a poll taken previously
that indicated 2 more people would prefer Tuesdays
rather than Wednesdays. But as that hasn't seemed to
work so far, I think it's time to revert back to the
previous venue and gain back some critical mass. I
don't want to beat the dead horse again on the pro's
and con's of Sheesh Mahal, but it's generally quiet
with large and available tables. Also, we had
outstanding service from Sheesh Mahal last week at
AF,
so hopefully that will continue as well.
So here are the details -
Time: Wednesday, January 28th, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Sheesh Mahal (Indian Restaurant) -1117
Polk
St. (Post/Sutter), 415 775-3888
Topics:
---------------
Okay, I have two topics I think will be of interest
-
one LP related, and one libertarian oriented.
1. "Libertarian Fundamentalism vs.. Incrementalism -
Should a choice be made?"
Abstract - This is probably one of the oldest
internal
debates in the party, but as this is an election
year
it may be coming to a head. Basically, there are
many
members who believe that the best way forward is to
stick rigidly to the LP core values at whatever the
cost to electability. Taxes and government programs
would be slashed immediately following a White House
win. Common slogan -"If we can't act as the party of
principle, then why bother at all?". Then there are
others who believe the LP should use 'reasonable'
methods to get into office and gradually enact
freedom
over time, even though it may mean committing acts
of
force along the way.
Potential Points for Discussion -
- So what are the metrics of success for the
Libertarian Party? Complete dominance of all public
offices or just general adoption of real freedom?
- Is the LP better positioned for success as an
extremist party that forces other parties to change?
- Is it okay to break campaign promises once in
office
if they weren't acts of initiation of force?
2. "Private Cities"
Abstract - One of the most common questions I get as
a
libertarian is "Don't we need government to provide
roads?". And I think it's one of the more difficult
aspects of practical libertarianism to argue, mainly
due to a perception that there are too few examples
of
private roads actually working. I think the best
example is in Las Vegas, where most people assume
the
government is running things where they are not -
http://experts.uli.org/Content/ResFellows/Mcavey/McAvey_Clips_12.htm