My two cents on the controversy over whether it's appropriate to mention non-tax issues at the Tea Party event:
If the organizer has asked us to stick to the topic of taxes, then we should stick to that topic. I think Marcy already has made some very convincing arguments in that regard, so I won't repeat what's been said.
If you're interested in addressing other Libertarian issues on Tax Day, you're encouraged to attend the LPSF-sponsored outreach at Market and Montgomery from 4 to 6 pm that same day. My sign will use the marriage equality angle ("We have second-class rights but pay first-class taxes."), and similar signs such as "Your taxes pay for this immoral war" or whatever are equally welcome.
Thanks,
Rob
Rob,
If the REPUBLICANS (emphasis added primarily for your benefit!) who I believe are organizing this event are willing to treat us as coalition partners for the event, i.e. list the LPSF as a sponsor alongside any other organizations listed as organizing, and give our speaker(s) fair speaking time alongside right-wing talk show host Melanie Morgan and whoever else they may be featuring, and if they request that we stick to an anti-tax message (so far I haven't seen any such request), then I'm OK with abiding by that, in consideration of them being the lead organizers and presumably doing more promotion of the event.
If on the other hand, they attempt to exclude us from having a visible presence, then I think whatever we want to go and say on our own, via signs, fliers, megaphone, etc., is fair game. So far, Sally's initial indication that it might not be possible to have a libertarian speaker at this event, and subsequent silence in getting back to me, gives me the impression that this is the route they plan to take. If you think bending over backward to accommodate Republicans in San Francisco is good politics, I have to respectfully disagree.
Love & Liberty,
((( starchild )))