Letters to the Editor

Nov 15, 2001

Dear Editor:

Now is the right time for two good Libertarians to declare their candidacies for United States Senator and State Auditor. Better than that, how about eight candidates running in the primaries so the races will be competitive?

The Party needs candidates who will run positive campaigns and who are excellent speakers, who can give voters a good reason to vote Libertarian. This will help the Party maintain ballot access.

Good candidates help grow the Party. Too bad there is no Michael Cloud (Massachusetts LP senate candidate) here in the State of Missouri.

The Missouri Libertarian Party leadership needs to show the voters across the country that we, like the Costa Rican Libertarians, are "can-do" Libertarians.

I also hope Show-Me Freedom will be a monthly newsletter again.

One more thing: The Libertarian Party should advertise in the various free advertisement newspapers around the state. A very good ad could have a positive impact and produce effective results. Professionalism should be the goal in crafting ads.

Greg Tlapek is doing a fine job. He should be complemented for his job as state executive director.

William Sollenberger

Lockwood, MO

Nov 21, 2001

Dear Editor:

The Missouri Libertarian Party needs a strategy that will successfully appeal to everyone here in Missouri that votes, not just to university and college students.

There should be an outreach to black, Latino, gay, lesbian, and transgender communities. The MoLP needs to educate Missourians about the Party, its ideas and philosophy, particularly about how state, county, city and federal governments should be run. Also, the education campaign should highlight the differences that the MoLP has with the Democrats and Republicans.

The key to success is educating the voters. Voters need to be educated about the issues that are of concern to them. One key group lies with the communities who are victims of government.

The MoLP also needs to increase and retain membership. It is the responsibility of the MoLP and county chairs to do their jobs to increase Party awareness.

Increased coverage of the Libertarian Party and its ideas in the media is also important. One goal should be for at least one candidate who runs for office on a statewide level to have at least 15% of the votes. This can be done if a very talented candidate who is also a good communicator decides to run. I want to see the MoLP be very successful and not a failure. It takes strong leadership to make it successful.

Sincerely,

William Sollenberger

Lockwood, MO

William,

Thanks for your two letters.

I must confess I am not familiar with Costa Rican Libertarians, but I am impressed with your own "can-do" attitude. In as much as you have taken the time to write two letters to the Show-Me Freedom editor in six days, it is clear to me you are on the doorstep of activism.

But why stop with two letters to the editor? Take the next step and get involved!

In the Missouri Libertarian Party we have a "do‑aucracy". What that means is if you "do-it", you get to call the shots. You won't have to spend time writing letters encouraging someone else to promote your programs and to do it your way.

The door is wide open for your involvement to help affect the initiatives you raise. You can help other activists who also have full-time jobs, a family and real-life interests outside of politics. Our activists must make time for Liberty, often at considerable personal sacrifice.

Here's what you might do to help:

• There is no LP organization in Dade county and no county chair. Step up and create it. Vice-Chair Naomi Smith can help you get started.
• You can attend Executive Committee meetings as a representative from the fourth district and participate in its state-wide projects, or suggest and initiate new ones including outreach to black, Latino, gay, lesbian and transgendered communities.
• You can submit articles and help make Show-Me Freedom into a monthly publication.
• You can find candidates in Dade County and run them to educate Missourians about the Libertarian Party, how we would run government and how we are different from D's and R's.
• You can make a fat donation to help the MoLP get out is message.

By the way, I share your esteem for Greg Tlapek. Greg has decided to work full time for Liberty earning far less than what his labors could produce in the open market. Now THAT's dedication and sacrifice. Greg is the state's shining example of commitment to Liberty.