Changes in LP and LPNC Leadership

There have been a couple of significant changes in Libertarian Party leadership in recent days at both the state and national levels.

Here in North Carolina, LPNC Chair, Matt Drew of Durham, tendered his resignation at the December 10 Executive Committee meeting, citing personal reasons. The EC voted to move At-large member J.J. Summerell of Greensboro into the position as Acting Chair. Summerell has enthusiastically accepted the position to serve until the March convention, at which time the position will be filled by a vote of the delegates attending the convention.

In addition, the Libertarian National Committee has hired Carla Howell of Massachusetts as the new Executive Director for the National LP. Howell replaces Wes Benedict who recently resigned, citing his impending marriage and relocation to Louisiana as the cause of his resignation. Howell has been a long time fighter for liberty.

Welcome J.J. and Carla! Thank you for your commitment!

Click here to read more

Libertarian Message to OWS Activists

The Occupy Wall Street event has turned into a nationwide movement with symbolic "occupations" around the United States. Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle released a statement in response to these events.

"It's true that 99% of Americans do not enjoy the special benefits of crony capitalism," Hinkle said. "Crony capitalism is very different from real capitalism. In crony capitalism, government hands out special favors and protections to politically well-connected businesses."

Hinkle cites some examples of crony capitalism. He also reproaches Republican politicians for misleading people to think that 'free markets' allow governments to engage in crony capitalism.

"That's not what free markets are. A free market is where the government leaves businesses alone, does not attempt to pick winners and losers, does not stifle competition, does not hand out corporate welfare, and does not absolve businesses of liability for their actions. Most of our economy today does not resemble a free market at all."

Hinkle asked OWS protesters to redirect their message away from big business and toward the government, which "has done so much to destroy free markets and entrench crony capitalism."

Click here to read Hinkle's full statement.