Repeating History?

Karl Marx attributed to G. W. F. Hegel the dictum that "History repeats itself, the second time as farce." Today, we can say that on Broadway "Film and literature repeat themselves, the second time as musicals."

Drew Carey's TV Program On Eminent Domain Abuse

Comedian and Libertarian Party member Drew Carey is hosting a series of Internet TV programs for the Reason Foundation, which publishes Reason magazine. Reason.tv now has its third program "National City: Eminent Domain Gone Wild." http://reason.tv/video/show/56.html)

The short program focuses on eminent domain in National City, California where a Community Youth Center diverting at-risk youth with its boxing program is threatened with removal by eminent domain abuse in order to install a luxury condominium development. To the rescue arrives the Institute for Justice (http://www.ij.org/), the libertarian public-interest law firm.

The show is interesting, informative and fast-paced. It may be my Internet connection but it was jumpy, requiring me to push the show along.

But it is well worth watching and giving careful consideration. As an eminent domain abuse activist and Libertarian, I heartily approve of its message. Today, we face the New York Regional Interconnect, the Atlantic Yards, Willets Point and Columbia's West Harlem eminent domain schemes. As usual, the public officials and developers lie.

Next year, Americans will elect a new president and Congress. New Yorkers will elect a new state legislature. Let all ask every candidate how they stand on eminent domain abuse and what they are going to do to eliminate it.

I will vote for Ron Paul (http://www.ronpaul2008.com/) in February 5th's New York GOP presidential primary, and will support Libertarian Party (http://www.lp.org/ and http://www.ny.lp.org/) candidates where they surmount New York's unfair and Byzantine ballot access election laws.

Responding To Newsday's "Dark Horses Keep Challenging Suffolk Executive"

As usual, Newsday runs its condescending article covering minor party challengers to the old party establishment candidates "Dark Horses Keep Challenging Suffolk Executive." (Newsday, Oct 31, 2007 http://www.newsday.com/ ) Highlighted are Estelle Edwards from the Libertarian Party and Peter Busacca from the Integrity Party. This year, there is even less pretense of choice than usual. Suffolk voters will have a choice between: Steve Levy, Democrat; Steve Levy, Republican; Steve Levy, Independence; Steve Levy, Conservative; Steve Levy, Working Families. Some choice.

Did any readers notice how much space supposedly devoted to Busacca and Edwards was given over to Levy to respond? Maybe when there is an article quoting Levy, their quotes can be run as well. Naturally, as the incumbent Steve Levy is accorded pages of coverage by Newsday. Perhaps in between its coverage of Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton, Estelle Edwards as an exemplary hardworking woman could be given some space to present her views at length or a full fledged interview, if not both.

The slogan "A choice, not an echo" inspired many to engage in politics. A choice, not an echo can encourage participation in the elections.

Richard Cooper, former State Chair, Libertarian Party of New York http://www.ny.lp.org/ 2000-02, 2006-07
former Chair, Libertarian Party of Nassau County