Editors Enclave

By Kevin Joseph Tull

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If the Old Rights Don’t Work, Vote for New Ones!

There is a story in The New York Times about a crusade to pass a constitutional amendment (Amendment A) in South Dakota to allow criminal defendants to admit guilt of a crime, but to seek acquittal on the basis that the law under which they are charged is misguided or draconian. Imagine that a jury would under South Dakota law be able to judge not just the facts of the case, but the law itself! The Times article ignorantly calls this a “new right.” The Times article condescendingly states “the shorthand term for this complex subject is jury nullification.”

This wonderful idea that is getting national attention via the Times article is being led by a Libertarian, Bob Newland who is also running for attorney general in South Dakota. SMF applauds Mr. Newlands efforts and reminds its readers that this proposed “new right” is, of course, an old right that every juror has had throughout American history. The only thing that I know that is new about this is that a defendant may now make a case based on the jury’s ability to nullify the law that the defendant is being tried under.

In light of the many encroachments on our freedoms today here is a story that is a breath of fresh air and great news for people everywhere, especially Libertarians.

Speaking of great news this quarters issue of SMF is a compilation of several talented writers: Bob Sullentrup the State Chair of the Missouri Libertarian Party has written an article on the MO LP’s and State Rep candidate Chip Taylor’s lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of Missouri’s campaign finance laws. Thomas Knapp keeps us updated on Tamara Millay’s campaign for the senate with a couple of articles from the campaign trail and John Williams the State Vice Chair of the Missouri Libertarian Party tells us about his campaign in the 147th District, where he is running for Missouri State Rep.

We have an article naming several of the new county chairs, and another on organizing and selecting committeepersons for state senate districts and George Mussman has news about county organizing as well as an almost finished manual for county chairs.

Gary Stocker our MOLP Campus Coordinator has an article on the status of Libertarian campus outreach and new organizing techniques.

Mike Ferguson speaks out about 9/11 and Political Malpractice.

We have news about our doubling primary voters on the LP ballot in Missouri and we’re recognizing those fine individuals who volunteered their time and made the State Fair booth in Sedalia a success.

Again Ed has another etching inspired by the South Dakota jury nullification story.

And not to be forgotten, our cover story is about Mrs. Missouri, Teresa Foli, the wife of the Libertarian Mayor of Chillicothe, MO, and state rep candidate, Jeff Foli. We wish Mrs. Foli the best of luck as she is now going for the title of Mrs. America.

Here at SMF we realize that if you have been struggling for many years, like many us have, to help make our country less dependent on the government and more dependent on the individual (where all rights reside) that much of the news today can be frustrating and depressing. Even though much of what we publish has to do with running campaigns and organizing libertarians and helping with outreach, we know that probably most important is that we produce a newsletter that inspires and draws attention to our successes, and heck maybe even gives our readers a laugh or two.

With that thought in mind we proudly present another issue of Show Me Freedom and hopefully it will inspire you to keep pushing like they are doing in South Dakota on the Jury Nullification issue, and like we’re doing here with all the activity we are involved in.

We salute all you do and all you will do for Liberty!