“WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness–that to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of the Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying is Foundation on such principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”–US Declaration of Independence
This second paragraph from the Declaration is a list of axiomatic truths that form the foundation of a free society: The recognition that we are all equal creations, that we have rights that cannot be separated from us, and that legitimate governments can only use just powers, delegated by the consent of the governed, to secure our liberty… never to infringe upon it. The final axiomatic truth, logically derived from the others, is the right of the people to alter or abolish illegitimate government when it “…becomes destructive of the Ends,…”
As we approach Independence Day, the Libertarian Party of Tennessee would like to take a moment to reflect on these words from the Declaration and upon our role in sustaining and enhancing liberty.
It is no secret to libertarians that our bloated national, state, and even local governments and their edicts can make the list of grievances that the Framers laid out in the Declaration look more like quaint irritations than justifications for armed rebellion. It is also no secret to libertarians that armed rebellion is costly and should only be used as a last resort. So what can we do to turn this thing around?
The Libertarian Party of Tennessee submits the following strategy to immediately begin the process of reestablishing the liberty, safety, and happiness of Tennesseans through a three pronged strategy.
Working together across the state, LPTN and its local affiliates will identify non-partisan municipal races for offices that have nullification powers and support candidates and incumbents that are willing to use those nullification powers to restore individual liberty at the local level. Over time we’ll build a bench of liberty-minded men and women to elect to higher level offices in the future. This is part of our Political Strategy.
At the same time, LPTN will identify and provide opportunities to partner with organizations we share common interests with. While we might not agree on everything, we can and should leverage our network of dedicated activists across the state with the established infrastructure of these organizations and work together where we can to accomplish things like cannabis legalization/decriminalization, constitutional carry laws, deregulation, lower taxes, etc. This is part of our Legislative and Policy Strategy.
Finally, recognizing that “politics is downstream from culture” LPTN will support and even help sponsor liberty-centric cultural events across Tennessee. The State is a monopoly that uses force to restrict our lives even as it portends to provide services that we all need. Imagine if more Tennesseans were able to disconnect from this monopoly through homesteading, sustainable energy, homeschooling, private security options, property covenants instead of zoning regulations, food freedom, etc. Imagine if LPTN became the first place people go when they want to learn more about how to “leave Leviathan.” This is part of our Liberty Culture Strategy.
The Libertarian Party of Tennessee has a lot more going on under the hood right now as well:
- We’re suing the state over ballot access
- We have a ballot petition drive going on for the Libertarian POTUS and VPOTUS nominees, Chase Oliver and Mike ter Maat
- We are call-banking for Defend The Guard legislation
- We are organizing for gun rights restoration, education, and protection
- We are running candidates for federal, state and local election
- We are standing up county and region affiliates and actively recruiting people to lead and serve in them
- We have state party committees that support our work and need people who are willing to serve in
We’ve done a lot already, but we have a lot more to do. We need your help.
As we approach Independence Day this year, let’s all take time to reflect on how blessed we are to live in the greatest country in the world in so many ways. America is the first country in history that was established on the principles of individual liberty and a government limited and purposed with one responsibility: securing that liberty.
Then let’s all take a moment to ask ourselves what we can do to support the only party in Tennessee that is dedicated to reestablishing our rights and reining in government at all levels to get back to where we started: the Libertarian Party of Tennessee.
We can do this. We’re already doing it. Will you join us? Reply to this email and let us know where you think your passions and abilities are leading you, and we’ll get you connected to the resources and people that can turn those passions and abilities into results.
Happy Independence Day. Hope to hear from you soon.
