Constitutionalist Andy Horning seeks Libertarian nod for Governor

We were delighted to see the message below on Andy Horning's blog. Don't be afraid of the Constitution. It's really ok to obey it. Its authors carefully crafted it to protect the People. How else will we as a nation actualize our purpose if we do not honor it? Do we not owe it our framers to respect it?
-HFFT

When you need a job done right…

I’m running for the constitutional office of Indiana Governor, and I’ll be seeking the nomination of the Libertarian Party, since the GOP has proven that it is more enemy than friend of liberty and justice.

The GOP has chosen to cast Ron Paul into the dustbin, so things aren’t looking great on the Rule of Law front nationally. Since Indiana is number 45 in the primary crapshoot, and the “contest” will be decided by then, we won’t even have a national say in the matters of liberty, security, peace and prosperity.

…Or will we?

I’ve decided that I must offer ROL here in Indiana. Nobody else has stepped up to do it. I expect I’ll be the only candidate for the constitutional office of Indiana Governor.

But one is better than none, eh?

I need all the help I can get. It doesn’t matter what you think you know, or what skills you possess. This is all about spreading the message that liberty works/ that politics does not; and I need your ingenuity and personal connections to do this.

You can start working on the campaign this very minute. Tell everybody you know to do the same. There is an alternative. We can govern our government.

The constitutions are already written, already proven, and already the law. We just need somebody to dust them off and use them …just as the constitutions demand.

I would honor the oath ““to support the Constitution of this State, and of the United States…” (Article 15, Section 4 of the Indiana Constitution). And if you’ve read anything in this blog, you know that says a whole lot that needs saying right now. Honoring that oath would mean a drastic, immediate and cleansing change for Indiana…and the USA.

If you’re interested in joining the fun, let me know immediately!

Also, we’ll be setting up a website at http://www.horningforgovernor.com and http://www.horning08.com Tell everybody. Start now.

FairTax Event - July 9, 2007 - Indianapolis, IN

Sean Shepard, candidate for Congress on March 11, was one of the key activists who put together this forum. This forum was the first education forum in Indiana in response to the property tax crisis.

The event was covered on all four news channels and the Indy Star.

The other candidates were not there or at any other forum, educational event, or rally concerning the #1 crisis in Indiana.

Sean was there all along giving YOU representation as an activist.

The Howey Report: "There’s a revolution underway in Indiana and it’s about to hit the schools."

Indiana’s tax revolution coming to education
By BRIAN A. HOWEY

INDIANAPOLIS - I heard the news today, oh boy. Michigan City Schools could lose $1.4 million in 2009 if Gov. Mitch Daniels’ cap’n'cut tax reforms pass. Indianapolis schools could lose $14 million. South Bend could lose $6.84 million, Hammond $13 million, Gary $8.2 million. Wayne County schools could lose $1.2 million in 2010.

Centerville Supt. Phil Stevenson told the Richmond Palladium-Item, "It’s a killer.

Gov. Mitch Daniels with students in Terre Haute. One of his first acts as governor was to freeze school construction projects. Now his caps could revolutinize school funding. (HPI Photo by Brian A. Howey)It knocked the wind out of me. It’s just another blow for education."
And yet this plan passed the Indiana Senate. It voted 41-7 for Senate Joint Resolution 1 on the constitutional caps for property taxes. It voted 47-1 on SB12 on the circuit breakers. Similar legislation passed the Indiana House 93-1. So is the governor and the legislature sticking the shiv into public education?

What I didn’t understand is how public schools could be losing all this money when the House legislation, for instance, calls for the state to fund 100 percent of school operation and transportation costs. Currently, the state funds 85 percent and your local property taxes pay for the remaining 15 percent. If the state is paying 100 percent of the operational costs, how come we are hearing about teacher layoffs?

"The governor’s plan provides that the remainder of school operating and transportation costs are picked up by the state," said Daniels spokeswoman Jane Jankowski. "The figures the school corporations are discussing are the effects of the circuit breakers on remaining spending from property taxes once the plan is implemented. The latest Legislative Services Agency report on the Governor’s plan as introduced shows collectively that the impact to school corporations is about $153 million less statewide once the circuit breakers are fully implemented in 2010."
The shortfalls come in places like debt service and capital projects. Jankowski adds, "Even with that circuit breaker impact, schools will still have 7 percent more in 2010 than in 2007. The governor’s plan does not include an offset to the cap for schools. Limiting local government and school spending is one of his core plan elements. Or as he described it to the Association of Indiana Counties, taxpayers don’t need to be funding "exploding scoreboards and edgeless swimming pools."

"The plan includes the ability for schools to move money among funds, so school corporations will be able to use operating and transportation dollars to manage the circuit breaker," Jankowski explained. Budget Director Ryan Kitchell told HPI, "The governor has been pretty clear that what he wants to try and achieve is a tax cut. We want to take care of schools. We’re going to pay for all the school costs, the bus drivers, the fuel. One thing we think is real important is in all these different funds, you’re locked in. There might be $10 million in one fund and we wanted to reduce some of the barriers. There will be a lot more flexibility there. We think it will help them manage and not just squeeze."

Andrew Norris, policy analyst for Senate Republicans, explained, "School districts must continue to pay their debt service obligations, which means any loss in funding due to implementation of the circuit breakers will force school districts to make cuts to their capital projects fund. The superintendents do not want to see their ability to build new schools impaired by a lack of funding due to the circuit breakers. They are also not in favor of the governor’s plan to offset any losses by transferring monies from other funds, namely the operating and capital projects funds."

The Indiana State Teachers Association opposes the state assuming 100 percent of the general fund. It says that property taxes have been a stable funding source, economic forecasts are predicting an economic slowdown, and 950 schools have not made the Adequate Yearly Progress mandated by the Bush administration’s No Child Left Behind. "Demanding more of students while providing less instructional support is unfair, especially for students most in need of additional assistance," said ISTA Executive Director Warren Williams.

"School general fund property taxes are not the cause of the current property tax issues," said the ISTA’s Nathan Shnellenberger.

There are points where the ISTA appears to approach the governor’s perspective. It advocates separating school construction projects into "learning facility" and "auxiliary facility" components, and urges "local units of government to collaborate on the construction and use of auxiliary school and community facilities."

In my school district, taxpayers are paying for a $14 million swimming pool (it was originally proposed at $20 million) while there is a YMCA across the street that just went through major renovation. Daniels is asking school districts to start sharing football and basketball stadiums. He is urging districts to consolidate, as did the Kernan-Shepard Commission. There is legislation, for instance, that would pool school construction blueprints so that each new school project doesn’t start from scratch. A middle school in Lawrenceburg might just look like one in Auburn. "I understand the logic behind having a common set of blueprints to use, and I think that would save money, and in many cases that would be reasonable," ISTA’s Schnellenberger said.
Derek Redelman of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce explains that the ISTA wants to control the general fund rates. "That hits right at the problem with property taxes," he said.. "They’ve seen the property tax as the guarantee for the amount of money. They could get whatever money they needed. Taxpayers are saying, ‘We’re not going to take that any more.”"
Redelman predicts that when the caps pass (and they almost certainly will), "the immediate focus will be on cutting teachers." When Daniels was asked recently about teacher cuts, he responded by asking why would teacher cuts be the first option?

"Everyone focuses on teachers," Redelman said, adding that half of school employees in Indiana are not teachers. "Why not the janitorial staff or assistant superintendents? If schools end up facing cuts, we’ll see story after story about teacher cuts," he said.

There’s a revolution underway in Indiana and it’s about to hit the schools.

Greg Ballard on Property Tax

Abu Henderson holds the microphone for Greg Ballard last summer during a tax protest led by Hoosiers For Fair Taxation. Greg Ballard says "PROPERTY TAXES HAVE TO GO". Mayor Ballard needs YOUR support and encouragement to talk with the legislature to continue to push for property tax repeal.

Indiana Equality to host forum to 7th district special election candidates

Below is information we found on a forum hosted by the gay community and is focused on where the candidates stand on gay related issues. We still feel strongly that a debate between the three candidates needs to take place. -HFFT

7th District Special Election Candidate Forum
Jesus Metropolitan Community Church
2950 East 55th Place, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Wednesday, February 20th, 2008, 7:00 p.m
Posted on gayindy.org

Please join Indiana Equality for a candidate forum for Indiana's Special Election to elect a new Member of Congress to represent Indiana's 7th Congressional District All official candidates for the special election will be invited to participate.

This is THE opportunity for you to ask questions of your candidates for Congress about their views on issues relevant to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Hoosiers
Attend the February 20th forum to find out the candidate's opinions on:

The Federal Marriage Act
The Mathew Shepard Act
The Military's Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy
Funding for the Ryan White CARE Act
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)

Additional information regarding the February 20th Candidate Forum will be posted on the Indiana Equality website (www.indianaequality.org) as it becomes available.

On the Web:Indiana Equality Website
Contact:info@indianaequality.org

Apology to Jon Elrod and correction

According to Rep. Jon Elrod he was not requested to raise $300,000 for the Republican party, but is only fundraising for himself. We stand corrected and apologize for what was stated in an earlier post on this blog.

Jon Elrod was asked about hiring 1 to 1 Media, the marketing company connected with Eric Miller's Advance America. Elrod said his campaign hired the company and he didn't know who was hired. He also said his website is built and he has no plans to change it. He mentioned he felt no need to speak out publicly on this because his record supporting the hate crimes bill and his stance against SJR7 speaks for itself.

Jon has not shown himself in any way to be an ememy to the taxpayer. Overall Jon's record and hard work is an ally to the taxpayer.

However, can he do more for the taxpayer on the property tax repeal front? And why is he not committed to finish the term he was elected to complete as a state representative for the constituents in his district?

The "GIT LIST" updated -- Senators who are for/against the People

We apologize, the former list we published contained errors. This is the corrected list which will remain as a permanent link on the HFFT site. Thanks for your patience with us. We're just volunteers and sometimes stretched thin. --HFFT

List #1: Senators who might be (we're not sure), for the People and open process:

1) Phil Boots
2) Mike Delph
3) Jeff Drozda
4) Greg Walker
5) Brent Waltz
6) John Waterman
7) Tom Weatherwax
8) Brent Steele
9) Mike Young1
0) Joe ZakasList

#2: People's GIT LIST (git outa here) or senators outspoken & opposed to open process:

1) Ron Alting
2) Vaneta Becker
3) Richard Bray
4) Ed Charbonneau
5) Dr. Gary Dillon
6) David Ford
7 ) Beverly Gard
8) Brandt Hershmann
9) Robert Jackman
10) Luke Kenley
11) Dennis Kruse
12) Sue Landske
13) Connie Lawson
14) David Long
15) Teresa Lubbers
16) Robert Meeks
17) James Merritt
18) Pat Miller
19) Ryan Mishler
20) Johnny Nugent
21) Allen Paul
22) Marvin Riegsecker
23) Tom Wyss
24) Connie Sipes

The Jon Elrod and Eric Miller connection -- talk about strange bedfellows

St. Allio's blog is reporting that special election candidate, Jon Elrod, is using an anti-gay marketing and media firm for his campaign website. The firm, 1 to 1 Media, has connections to Eric Miller's Advance America.

While this would ordinarily be no big deal, we can't help but think what Elrod's many gay supporters think of their campaign donations being used to feed an organization with a strong anti-gay agenda. Hat tip: St. Allio and Tyrion who originally broke this story.

Will this town get any stranger?

Meanwhile, should our city's filthiest dumpster diver decide to "who is" Hoosiers For Fair Taxation, he will see that our domain is owned by Sean Shepard, the Libertarian candidate for the 7th district special election.

Here's why:

Right after the state's first tax rally at the Governor's mansion on July 4th, Melyssa started this blogspot to have a place to link the resulting news stories and to communicate with her Meridian Kessler neighbors about upcoming rallies. Sean Shepard, being one of our key insider activists and working in the technology field, thought to buy the domain a few weeks after the blogspot was created. He redirected the domain to our blogspot and never asked us for a penny.

You see? We told you Sean Shepard was working for you and your tax dollars last summer and never asked for anything in return. And neither has Hoosiers For Fair Taxation for that matter.

Sean is not one of our blog editors, nor does he have access to the passwords. Only the listed blog editors have access to upload to this site.

Chicago Tribune covers Meridian Kessler property tax crisis

Property tax wallop spurs backlash

In Indiana and across the U.S., homeowners are 'hitting their limits'

By E.A. Torriero Tribune correspondent
February 3, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS - With its stately Tudor-style houses, grand Colonials and cozy cottages, the Meridian-Kessler neighborhood seems an unlikely setting for revolt.

But when homeowners opened their reassessed property tax bills last summer, they were aghast to find their taxes jumped an average of 35 percent and in some cases more than doubled, about equaling the yearly price of fancy college tuition.

At the Mournighan household, property taxes soared nearly threefold to an astounding $35,302 annually, as the assessed value jumped more than 70 percent to $1.35 million. Just five years ago the Mournighans paid a property tax of $5,200.

"We figure it would cost us almost $100 a day in taxes just to remain in our home," said Kathy Mournighan, who raised three children in her big Colonial in the last two decades. "We could dump the house and live on a cruise ship with what we would pay in property taxes."

The Mournighans and their neighbors protested. And the spreading sticker shock as homeowners opened bills statewide erupted into an angry backlash that led to the unseating of longtime incumbents and is now forcing swift legislative relief.

Nationwide issueThe Hoosier backlash is symbolic of growing unrest nationwide over rising property taxes, including in the Chicago area, where bills based on a county reassessment will begin reaching some taxpayers this month.

With foreclosures rising across the U.S., property values declining and tax revenues in a nose dive, governments are finding taxpayers in no mood to shell out more money on property taxes. Property tax controversies and reforms have hit at least 20 states, including New Jersey and California. Floridians last week passed a constitutional amendment overhauling the state's property tax system and cutting taxpayers' bills by about $240 per homeowner.

Nationwide, property tax payments jumped 50 percent from 2000 to 2006, U.S. Census Bureau data show, as governments took in $339 billion in property taxes -- their top revenue source."

There is a feeling among taxpayers they are hitting their limits," said Laurence Msall, president of The Civic Federation, a tax policy research group based in Chicago. "There is not a lot of slack in these uncertain economic times for generating more revenue from taxes."

With property taxes rising by so much and so quickly in Indiana, the state legislature in recent days barreled through more than 100 amendments to fine-tune a relief proposal by Gov. Mitch Daniels. Proposals facing compromise committees in the Senate and House would raise the state sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent, cap the residential property tax at 1 percent of assessed value, limit local government spending, and shift some of the education, transportation and child welfare burdens to the state.

By March, Indiana legislators expect to pass a property tax relief package likely to provide an immediate reduction for homeowners by an average of a third. In the meantime, Daniels has ordered a temporary freeze in taxpayers having to pay the increases until a "do-over" reassessment in several counties, among them Marion, which includes Indianapolis.

The swirling political tide in Indiana swept out two dozen mayors in November -- including Bart Peterson, the two-term Democrat in Indianapolis -- after angry taxpayers took to the streets holding signs and staging rallies hearkening back to the days of the Boston Tea Party."

They're listening to us little guys because we wiped out anybody in our path," Mournighan said.

Facing a housing market downturn, and with many struggling to pay mortgages, homeowners in Meridian-Kessler say rising property taxes would send them to the poor house."We look at protecting our home like saving one of our children," said Christine Muller, who saw taxes on her cottage in Meridian-Kessler jump threefold to more than $6,000 in the last six years."

A home is a place of memories and where we have spent most of our lives," she said. "But to government, a house is just some taxpaying agent."J.B. Miller, who moved to the Meridian-Kessler area in 2004 from Oak Park, Ill., said he expected high taxes in the Chicago region, where he last paid about $17,000 annually. But he figured Indiana taxes would not be anywhere near the Chicago region's."

The jump comes out of the blue, and you wonder what you are paying for here," said Miller, who said his bill soared from $5,000 to $13,000.Indiana changed its property tax structure in 1998 when the state Supreme Court ruled assessors' way of taxing property on replacement cost minus depreciation was unconstitutional.

Homeowners slammed

With a new system in place by 2003, many homeowners in Meridian-Kessler say their taxes virtually doubled under the new assessments based on market value. Since then, increased local government spending, the elimination of an inventory tax on business, and inflation factors built into the assessments have walloped homeowners.

Civic and business groups fear that Daniels and legislators will shift the tax burden in ways that will leave less for state coffers. Under the proposals, business property will have a higher tax cap than residential properties. And the proposed sales tax would be higher than in most locales in nearby states, so shoppers might leave Indiana.

"In caving in to the demands of the homeowners, they are putting it on the back of the business community, which will suffer unfairly," said Kevin Brinegar, president of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

Municipal officials fear that less tax money will be generated and that with curbs imposed on their spending, cities and towns would be forced to lay off staff or curtail services. School systems predict that they will lose millions if the state does not bridge the gap.

But angry homeowners are in no mood to compromise on property taxes.

At a recent town hall meeting in the House chambers -- shown live on an Indianapolis television station that pre-empted the popular game show "Deal or No Deal" -- residents called for a repeal of property taxes, limits on the building of new schools and cuts in government spending.

Interviews with several homeowners in Meridian-Kessler found a neighborhood in panic. Retirees on fixed incomes say they have no way to pay their tax bills. Young families have little reserves to tap into. And the well-off are talking of dipping into retirement accounts.

Few can escape by selling their houses. At least 100 Meridian-Kessler houses are on the market.

"It's the perfect storm: Houses won't sell, lenders won't lend and people are stuck with outrageous property bills," said Kathy Mournighan's husband, Ed, an insurance broker. "It makes for a lot of sleepless nights."

Face Off Time: The People in the 7th district want a debate !

Ed Angleton said it first publicly, that we need to see all three congressional candidates in a serious debate on the issues. Sean Shepard mentioned last night that he is ready to debate the issues with his congressional challengers. Question is how will they fare compared with an articulate, well-informed and philosophically grounded Libertarian activist? Are they up for the challenge of a debate?

Indiana's district 7 citizens deserve to hear the candidates debate the issues.

The three congressional candidates for district 7 are:
Sean Shepard (L)
Jon Elrod (R)
Andre Carson (D)

Howey Politics: The Daily Briefing

Brian Howey, publisher of Howey Politics, now publishes an online free daily briefing. We think it is well worth your time to check it out every day.

Editorial: Thoughtless legislators 'drunk' with power

This week, at the Indianapolis intersection of 34th and Keystone, we witnessed an all too familiar event. A drunk driver, just released from jail upon the same charges, struck and killed two innocent people. When questioned over the repetition of behaviour which led to the tragedy, the besotted murderer replied that he was “Celebrating the fact that he was released from imprisonment” for an identical crime.

I can hear you asking, “What does this have to do with Property taxes”? My reply, is everything. Some of you have heard me say that allowing the current general assembly resolve the mess at hand, is “akin to hiring drunks to drive the beer trucks”.

If a drunk driver were to kill your child, wife, parent or friend--you would be outraged. You would be overwhelmed with grief, at the senseless taking of so valuable a life. But; when faced with a gang of power drunk, tax addicted rabble, many submit themselves to the adage of: “they might know better than me”.

The power-intoxicated poltergeists at the state house are running down innocent people daily. They are stealing the homes that truly innocent fellow human beings have worked years to both attain and, maintain. And the legislators are still given a pass, to cruelly run down even more blameless folk. Who’s only crime, was to own their own home.

The drunk that ruined two lives the other night, had the excuse that it was not his fault, because they pulled out in front of him. The “governor” and “legislature” that are destroying so many other lives, have made the same excuse, that "it is your fault", for pulling out in front of them…

It is time to teach the “government” of Indiana that their positions are a privilege which will be revoked--for the greater good.

"Piper"

"Thieves respect property. They merely wish the property to become their property that they may more perfectly respect it".
Gilbert K. Chesterton, (The man who was Thursday)

Message from Dr. Strying to the people of Indiana and the legislature

Representatives: STAND UP NOW!

Economist, Dr. Bill Styring, suggests that the case is easily made, for open floor votes on property tax repeal, during this session; by remembering and reminding the legislature, that they will not be amending the constitution (the people will or won't do that, and only after two consecutive sessions of the GA have approved it for referendum), and, the "yet another" summer study commission will have all of next summer to consider repeal, before the next session.

Bringing repeal to the floor for a vote this session, would do wonders for the state's economy and restore public trust in what's supposed to be a free market (vs. the current flee market). The process for repeal, is the exact, same process, that the Governor's plan must follow. Remember that Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, said on the Abdul show (January 14), that a bill for repeal does not conflict with the Governor's plan and could follow the same timing and process. Translation: we can walk and chew gum at the same time.

Those calling themselves our representatives must STAND UP NOW for the people and oppose special interests and distractions within the state house. NOW! Anything short of outspoken support for the people's interest in repeal should be seen as cowardice and ineptitude.

Remember, it's the people, who ultimately, will or won't repeal property taxes by a referendum. In the legislature, we need bravery not slavery.

Currently, legislators believe that if they call it "relief," Hoosiers will thank them for tax increases (1% increase in sales tax, and property tax increases which are less than originally proposed- huh?). There's a correlation, between legislators' approval ratings and their cynical perception of the public whom they're supposed to SERVE.

The people of Indiana deserve better than cynicism. Hoosiers deserve leadership and open process. Those elected, were selected for their leadership and ability to represent the people. The time and test of their pledge to represent the people is now. If they are truly representatives, they must stand up publicly, for our right to open process and a vote on repeal during this session of the legislature.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing."

- Edmund Burke

STEVE KELTNER FOR INDIANA SENATE

Taxpayer activists overwhelmingly support Steve Keltner to replace Teresa Lubbers for Indiana senate in district 30.

Flip: This State House

Enough is enough.

Why should legislators keep their seats while Hoosiers lose their homes? The answer to Indiana's property tax crisis is for citizens to "flip" as many seats as possible, come May and November; again and again, election cycle after election cycle, until we have people in government who aren't familiar to any of the lobbyists.

All incumbents, belong on the "Git List." We can't do any worse than the current crop, who has steered us straight into the perfect storm and tax increases, coded as tax relief. There is absolutely no reason to vote anyone back into office.

Who exactly, has consistently and actively taken a public stand for open process, and an open floor vote, in both houses, for repeal? Many, so called supporters for repeal, have been ineffective, as they cave to special interests, and "leaders" who threaten them with dollars for their districts (House), or committee chairmanships (Senate). Sounds a bit clubby doesn't it; for people who are so busy making "tough decisions" and doing "grownup work?" What does it take to get the decoder ring?

The best hope for Hoosiers, regardless of party affiliation, is to register and vote in record numbers; to flip incumbents out of offices, where their presence actually makes life worse for the people they refuse to "represent." Flip voters, will organize and be the first fifty or one hundred, to vote at select polling sites, passing out literature and encourage fellow voters, to flip: this state house.

When IN doubt, flip 'em out!

The Indiana Voter's League

Sean Shepard, 7th District Special Election Congressional Candidate

PUT AN ACTIVIST IN CONGRESS
VOTE FOR SEAN SHEPARD ON MARCH 11

If you like what Hoosiers For Fair Taxation stands for and what we do, then send this endorsement for Sean Shepard to all your friends and encourage them to go out to vote on March 11 for Sean as your new congressperson to take the late Julia Carson's seat.

As activists, we follow politics on an hour by hour basis. Sometimes we even drive what happens. In other words, we have a clue.

Sean Shepard is your best choice for Congress. If you were involved in the property tax and city council rallies last summer, you would know that Sean Shepard led these rallies beside Melyssa, Andy Horning and Dave Bond of StopIndiana.com. Here's one of Indiana Tea Party videos he made for us. If you want to see more go here to see that Sean is one of our key activists.

Many of you don't know, but when the property tax crisis first hit in July 2007, Sean spent days crunching numbers of various economic plans and studying policy to see if a model of the Fair Tax would be realistic for Indiana.

Sean Shepard is one of Indiana's Fair Tax directors and will co-sponsor HR25, the Fair Tax Act. The Fair Tax, an exhaustively researched economic plan that will dramatically improve our nation's economy for the better by eliminating all tax except a consumption tax. Adopting the Fair Tax will stimulate America's economy while elminating the oppressive IRS. Surveys show that most Americans favor the Fair Tax over our dysfunctional tax system, yet our politicians refuse to let go of the status quo. That's because the status quo directly benefits politicians and their party before you, the taxpayer.

You might ask yourself why you should vote for the Libertarian. I would ask, why not see what he can do for us between now and the end of the year? What do you have to lose? It's not like the 7th district had representation since September 2007 anyway.

Sean would be the first Libertarian in Congress. That means there will be plenty of media for conservative Libertarian ideas a.k.a. Goldwater republican ideas and the importance of Rule of Law. How can that be bad for America or Indiana?

Sean has a proven record of working as an activist (without pay) for freedom. He's already given countless hours of his life to help improve his city and state for no other reason than he cares. If he already does this work for us for free, imagine what he can accomplish when he holds real power as a Congressman to help make positive change for Indiana and America?

Sean's competition is getting the media attention for now. Jon Elrod, the republican, is busy raising 100's of thousands of dollars for the republican power brokers. Jon is courting the gay community for money and publicly backs property tax repeal and gay rights. He's good looking, a lawyer, and is very likeable. He seems to be the perfect mix of fiscal conservative and social liberal.

Yet there is more to Elrod than good looks and gay friendly politics. Jon Elrod has not yet finished his term as Indiana State Representative. He was elected to fulfill that role, not abandon us the moment something shinier comes along.

Elrod is now comfy and cozy with the same bunch of elite republicans that turned their backs on Greg Ballard during our mayoral election. One of the first things these power brokers told young Jon Elrod is that he had to get busy and raise $300,000 for the republican party. And that's what he's busy doing right now. He doesn't talk about representing you in the state house. He does mention that he's never lost an election. What do you think? Are the citizens in Elrod's district taking a back seat to Elrod's fundraising and campaigning for Congress?

Have you heard Elrod on the news championing property tax repeal in the Indiana State House? Why isn't he working day and night lobbying other legislators for us on this very hot issue? The answer is that Elrod is busy raising $100's of thousands for his party and campaigning for a more high profile seat and a bigger salary.

Meanwhile Sean Shepard worked for you for free and sacrificed time from his family and business to do it for you.

Let's take a look at Andre Carson, Julia Carson's anointed grandson who was recently endorsed by Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam. That statement alone should scare you from supporting Carson, but there is more.

Andre took a position on the city council to replace the seat vacated by Patrice Abdullah last fall. Andre has barely uttered a word since he took the city council seat. Within days of his appointment to city council, he accepted a lucrative marketing position with Cripe Architects in spite of the fact that he has no marketing or architectural experience. Guess what Cripe Architects does to pay Carson his lucrative salary? Why they do a whole lot of municipal contracts, of course.

Meanwhile Sean Shepard runs his own tech business that employs Hoosiers with good jobs, raises his children with his wife, pays his taxes plus pays to send his children to a private christian school, and still finds time to serve you by leading tax rallies, protests and educational forums. What are Elrod and Carson doing for you?

Sean Shepard never asked you for anything, but instead he gave you something. He gave you representation for property tax repeal and reform.

Sean Shepard stood up to government tax oppression for you.

Now he asks you for nothing but your vote on March 11 and a chance to show you what he can do for you in Congress between now and the end of the year.

Editor's correction regarding Diane Vice

We incorrectly reported that Diane Vice is from Lake County. She is from Clinton County (near Lafayette Indiana.

Diane is the activist who is exposing Tremco Roofing company's business practices with school systems and public tax dollars. Her blog is called "Welcome To My Tea Party" and is well worth checking on a daily basis as she updates it frequently.

Ed Angleton on 'the enemy of my enemy'

John Price, a close friend and ally of Eric Miller, refuses to acknowledge requests from Hoosiers For Fair Taxation to join the statewide property tax repeal alliance inspite of the fact that the group's founder, Melyssa Donaghy, led the tax revolts in Indianapolis. Melyssa is a heterosexual member of Indy Pride, a local GLBT organization. She joined them in 2005 because she fervently believes that a healthy society embraces diversity, is tolerant of others self-expression, and that judgment of others impedes self-actualization of individuals and society.

In the essay below, Ed Angleton, a former democrat turned Libertarian, weighs in on Eric Miller's divisive February 1st rally that hijacked property tax anger to the issue of gay marriage.
HFFT

Friday, Feburary 1 2007 - Indiana Statehouse
by Ed Angleton


A crowd had gathered to attend a rally that had ostensibly been organized to promote the efforts to repeal property taxes. The sponsering organization, Advance America, and its founder, Eric Miller, have been among the leading voices in the tax repeal movement. But, Advance America, has, in my opinion, a darker, more sinister side. Under the guise of protecting "family values", Advance America has an agenda that would restrict personal liberty, subvert the Bill of Rights, and regulate some citizens of this state to second class status.

Even so, I was glad when they weighed in on the side of tax reform. It was, for me, a situation similar to that faced by Winston Churchill, a dedicated foe of Communism, when Hitler's Germany invaded the Soviet Union. Churchill at the time remarked on his new ally, "If Hitler invaded hell I would make at least a favourable reference to the devil in the House of Commons.

"It has often been said, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend". This is not always true. Sometimes, the enemy of my enemy can be a useful ally, but if that ally has his own agenda that ultimately is incompatable with our own belief structure and values, then that alliance must be vigilently monitored. This is most vividly illustrated by another quote from Sir Winston. After the war, Stalin had reneged on his guarantees of free elections in the counties that became known as the Eastern Block, and Churchill described it in his customary elequent way, "From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an iron curtain has descended across the Continent."

Thus, Friday's rally at the stathouse became one in which the emphasis was shifted from tax repeal to support for the amendment banning "Gay Marriage", which goes far beyond that in its scope. An attempt to protest the change of direction away from taxes was shouted down. With "friends" like these, it is doubtful that any real momentum on repeal is possible. Even reform is in jeopardy as the elected minions of Mr. Miller have introduced amendments to bills that would make them unpalitable and unpassable. The alliance crafted to fight an unfair tax is in danger of splitting apart much to the delight of those politicians who think that they know, more than we, what is best for us.

I call upon all men and women of men and women of good conscience must do what they feel is correct, even if it hurts us economically. To do anything else is cowardice.

Remember:
First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up, because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me.

Variation on a poem attributed to Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)

If the alliance is fractured, it is solely the responsibility of Advance America and it's leader Eric Miller for trying to bind these two issues together.

Self-actualization for Indiana, politicians, and citizens

Most Hoosiers are not self-actualized.

In fact Abraham Maslow, the humanistic psychologist who pioneered the Hierarchy of Human Needs, declared that just two-percent of our population engages in self-actualization. Actualization means we are functional at the top level of the pyramid. Actualization is the realisation of our highest selves and fulfills our purpose for being alive. It is why we live.

Cities, states, countries, and even the planet can actualize too. For instance, the United States has a mandate for its actualization that was conceived and authored by our founding fathers. The Constitution and Bill of Rights is America's crown on the pyramid.

Does not our nation owe it to the rest of the world to function by the Rule of Law while providing protection and encouragement for the individual to engage in self-actualization? Our nation must lead by example.

Indiana is well situated to lead the nation by example, provided power is held in wise hands. America, if true to her constitution, is well situated to lead the globe on the quest for actualization, the ultimate expression of freedom.

The lower needs of the physical, food, clothing, and shelter are life's foundation and must be met in order to advance. The threat of losing one's home to a feudal-like property tax system enforced by a government empowered to seize our homes, critically jeapordizes the climb to actualization. In fact, it creates a toxic and dysfunctional environment.

The next level of the lower needs is safety. Safety requires humans have access secure homes with reasonable and non-obtrusive physical protection by the government.

Things get more challenging at the higher levels of needs. The esteem needs are where most of us get stuck and stay stuck. Esteem has two heads: respect for self and respect for others.

Respect for self means that we live true to who we are as unique individuals. That means we do not pretend to be someone we are not, because when we do, we neither respect ourselves or others. It is not a sign of honor to project a false self to the world.

We respect others by living our unique truths. This is more easily accomplished in a climate free of religion in government, since persons who embrace many valid spiritual truths comprise our society.

Are individuals safe and free to pursue mastery of the higher needs if we fear our physical needs are compromised by dysfunctional government that misses the mark by failing to faithfully follow its constitutional blueprint?

Are our elected leaders who give oath to serve their citizenship, subservient if they do not function in the light of our constitution?

In order for our state to actualize according to its purpose, our politicians must live by Rule of Law. In order for her citizens to self-actualize, the lower levels of physical and safety needs must be protected and secure.

Individuals must also be guaranteed freedom of self-expression to master the esteem needs. This means our government's authority is given no power to interfere in our personal lifestyle choices, unless our choices cause direct and measureable harm to others.

Only when we are secure to live true to ourselves as individuals, society and nation, do we acquire the means by which we can experience self-actualization.

WEATHER IS CLEAR & RALLY IS ON!

The weather men were wrong. Go figure!

The rally starts at noon at the state house.

Look for the the huge banner that says: "POLITICIANS DO YOU WANT OUR HOUSES?"