These are press releases that Dave Dawson and Steve Richardson sent out during the 1998 campaign. They stand as suggestions for other LP candidates. More important, they stand to remind voters what the Wyoming Libertarian Party's candidates' campaign promises are.
NEWS RELEASE
Dawson for Governor
October 26, 1998
"A lot of Republican and Democratic politicians, including Geringer and Vinich, my opponents in the Governor race, sound more like snake-oil salesmen than statesmen," Dave Dawson, Libertarian candidate for Governor, said today. "Often their proposed cure is worse than the disease."
Dawson said he is becoming weary of hearing government-program-loving-politicians say they want to "work for all of us." "I'm sorry," says Dawson, "'all of us' don't have that much in common." Dawson points out that except for a very short list of things, like protection from force and fraud, most of us have competing interests. "Where we have diverse interests," Dawson says, "the marketplace shines, and government sucks swamp water. That's why our founders gave us constitutions to limit governmental duties."
"For instance," Dawson continued, "the Governor is selling this new 'Wyoming Department of Corporate Welfare Services' they call the Wyoming Business Council as if we all had the same desires in the area of economic development." Dawson says that just isn't the case. He says some Wyomingites don't even want economic development, for very good reasons. "If you are on a fixed income and living in Wyoming, you probably don't want to see living costs bid up the way almost any kind of economic development would do," Dawson said.
Dawson says that even those of us who want economic development wouldn't be able to agree on exactly what kind of development, or where we would want it.
When Dawson was asked for an example of Senator John Vinich "selling snake oil," he joked, "That's a little tougher, since John seems to be against almost everything but open doors." "Actually," said Dawson, "John calling for hate-crime legislation is a typical example of legislating morality in an area where we have diverse views. We wouldn't be able to derive a consensus on what is the right attitude towards what demographic group. When someone has hurt or killed another person, it's not my business to be concerned with why, they shouldn't have done it for any reason other than self-defense."
Dawson further observed that when legislators designate certain groups that are worse to hate, they are, by default, designating that all other groups are better to hate. The bottom line, Dawson says, is: "Playing favorites is for advocacy groups. Government should be like a referee, and referees shouldn't carry the ball for either side."
Dave Dawson welcomes your questions. He can be reached at 237-4648 (home) or 235-2516 (work). His e-mail address is dave4gov@caspers.net, and web site is http://www.caspers.net/selfgovern/index.html. The Wyoming Libertarian party web site is http://www.wyolp.org/.
Dave Dawson
Dawson for Governor
http://www.caspers.net/selfgovern/index.html
NEWS RELEASE
Richardson for Congress - #21
Friday, October 23, 1998
Steve Richardson, Wyoming's Libertarian candidate for U.S. House, finds it very instructive that our state's delegation in Congress split on the budget bill vote. Senators Thomas and Enzi, who are not on the November 3 ballot, managed to stick to principles in voting against the 4000 page package of pork. Barbara Cubin is hoping to get re-elected, however, and admits that her contribution to the spending ($2.6 million for the National Historic Trails Center in Casper) was a factor in her decision to support the same measure in the House vote on Tuesday.
"This should shatter any illusions Wyoming conservatives may still have about the Republican Party's commitment to small government," Steve said. "We haven't left the road to serfdom since they got behind the wheel. And as long as they're in the driver's seat, we won't, because the destination doesn't matter - they just want to drive." He added that it should be clear he is the only choice in this race for people who really want to reduce the size of our federal government.
Referring to the Cubin campaign's latest TV ads (in which both WY senators call her "effective", Steve says, "They don't say how. I have to agree that she has been effective - as a defender of the status quo. And evidently, she thinks holding Wyoming's lone seat in the House for the GOP requires prostitution of principles. She has sold us short in more ways than one. I honestly believe the proud people of our state know better than to force other Americans to pay for the things we want," he added. "Deals like this are the Congressional equivalent of outlaws posing as stagecoach hands and taking turns forgetting their guns so they can rob each other's passengers."
Steve has been campaigning on the vision he has for Wyoming - a leadership role in the House, completely reversing our welfare legacy by refusing offers of education, highway and drug war bribes and calling for privatization of federal lands - by transfer directly to U.S. citizens. "It's time we started behaving like a sovereign state," Steve said. "Until we do, our fellow Americans will continue to treat us as the dependent colony we've become. Electing the first Libertarian to Congress will bring a new era of prosperity to the Equality State. Wyoming can be the new model for liberty that our country needs."
For more information, contact Steve at 265-4459 (home ph./fax), 234-2058 (work phone), email: stever@trib.com or 2362 Glendale, Casper 82601. Visit the Wyoming LP home page at http://www.wyolp.org/
Why are you seeking election?
I believe the State of Wyoming needs to break its addiction to ever more government. Both Republican and Democratic Governors have tried more government programs to solve problems that are usually created by government. I don't believe the Wyoming economy is in bad shape because we weren't spending enough tax dollars on economic development. The Wyoming economy suffers partly because we are spending too much money on government already. I want to put state government on a diet.
What attracts you to public service?
I want my children and grandchildren to realize the benefits of individual freedom and personal responsibility. I want to help lead Wyoming into the next century with policies based on trade and persuasion rather than force and coercion. As a Libertarian I have subscribed to the non-aggression principal which says: "I do not believe in or advocate the initiation of force to accomplish social or political goals."
Why are you better suited for the position than your opponent?
I have read and understand the Constitution of the state of Wyoming and as Governor I will take an oath to uphold it and I will be serious about that oath. I haven't received large donations from special-interest groups so I don't owe them anything. We have too many politicians and lobbyists in Cheyenne trying to use the government to get what they want. George Washington said: "Government is not eloquence, it is not reason, it is force; and force, like fire, is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." As a libertarian I don't believe it's right to beat people up to get what you want.
How will you carry out the duties of your position?
I will serve with honor and integrity and the philosophy of individual freedom and personal responsibility. I served America 7 years in the U.S. Navy, and I would love to serve Wyoming, the state I have lived in and loved the last 22 years.
Which experiences in your past qualifies you for this office?
I am a leader. I have been one of the most respected Libertarian leaders in Wyoming for several years. I've also held several leadership roles with Toastmasters International, a communications and leadership organization, over the last ten years. I am currently the Northern Division Governor for Toastmasters International district 26. My responsibilities include all of Wyoming and the panhandle of Nebraska.
Describe what you see as the most important responsibilities of your office?
I believe it is the Governor's responsibility to lead the state of Wyoming. I would lead toward more market-based solutions to the problems which politicians from the other parties have traditionally tried the use government to solve. I would immediately institute user fees as an alternative to tax-based funding for as many state services as possible. I would also allow the private sector to compete for these services.
What do you most want to accomplish before your term expires?
To see more people in Wyoming begin to understand the need to abandon government solutions to government created problems. I believe most people in Wyoming agree with the Libertarians that we have too much government. If Wyoming voters would just vote the way they say they believe I would be elected by a landslide. Politicians from both the other parties have demonstrated year after year that they will give us more and more government.
Dave Dawson
Dawson for Governor
http://www.caspers.net/selfgovern/index.html
NEWS RELEASE
Dawson for Governor
October 20, 1998
And now…for the Governor's next act…
"Timing is everything isn't it?" That was the comment of Dave Dawson, libertarian candidate for governor, when asked about the announcement of John Reardon as the new CEO for the Wyoming Business Council. Dawson has been referring to the Wyoming Business Council as the "$25 million re-elect Jim Geringer Committee." "The timing of this announcement two weeks before the election pretty well verifies what I've been saying," Dawson said. "Were all supposed to believe that the Wyoming economy will now be rosy because of this announcement, and we can thank the Governor by re-electing him."
Dawson has been saying that even if the Wyoming Business Council is a good idea it shouldn't have been done with 25 million taxpayer dollars. Dawson also observed that in addition to the $160,000 (with bonus) salary, the new CEO would have use of state cars, state airplanes, and a state benefits package. "And they still try to tell us this is a `private enterprise,'" Dawson commented.
The libertarian gubernatorial candidate says that almost everyone would agree with him that government shouldn't be playing favorites in the business community. "It's impossible to do economic development without playing favorites," Dawson explains.
Dawson says the assertion by the new CEO that he is only going to support existing businesses in Wyoming flies in the face of logic. "They may help some businesses with money extracted from all businesses," says Dawson. "Even if it was their intention to support all businesses the best way to do that is to leave businesses' economic development money in their own pocket and let the businesses decide how to spend it."
Dawson when on to explain what the libertarian approach to economic development would be. He suggested that economic development experts should sell their services to business and others who want similar development. That way it would be done on a voluntary basis rather than going to the Legislature and requiring all businesses to pre-pay for whatever services some businesses will get.
Dawson also noted that gubernatorial candidate John Vinich accused him of being willing to let the Wyoming economy wither away. "Sometimes I don't think John thinks about what he's saying," Dawson said. "He is suggesting that if the government didn't do it, Wyoming people aren't smart enough to do their own the economic development without the government forcing them to."
Dawson says that not everyone in Wyoming even wants economic development, but that he has faith that the ones who do are capable of getting it done without government gurus.
Dave Dawson welcomes your questions. He can be reached at 237-4648 (home) or 235-2516 (work). His e-mail address is dave4gov@caspers.net, web page is http://www.caspers.net/selfgovern/index.html. The Wyoming Libertarian party web site is www.geocities.com/capitolhill/wyolp/.
Dave Dawson
Toastmasters Northern Division
<http://www.d26toastmasters.org/>
Dawson for Governor
<http://www.caspers.net/selfgovern/index.html>
NEWS RELEASE
Richardson for Congress - #20
Tuesday, October 20, 1998
Steve Richardson, Wyoming's Libertarian candidate for U.S. House, thinks voters should be concerned about who shows the money in his race. "Our incumbent received ALL of the PAC (Political Action Committee) contributions for the 3rd quarter. This shows that `special interests' have one thing in common - desire to stay in good graces with the Ruling Class," he says.
Steve says we can expect to see a two week media blitz of messages professionally spun to convince us beasts that we should continue to carry the burden. Defenders of the status quo will dominate; opposing views will not come on a silver platter - if they are presented at all.
"My message is reaching you only because your newspaper editor, radio or TV news director has decided informing you of political choices is a service you will appreciate," he added. Steve said he has managed to cover the cost of sending numerous news releases statewide but has no funds for advertising. He explains, "My goal is to remove government from the business of running your life, so those who benefit from governing you don't see my campaign as a wise investment."
Steve thinks most Americans agree that competition is healthy and suspect corruption in lopsided elections - if they are foreign. "It's time we opened our eyes to what's happening in our own country," he adds. "Many seats are not even contested and the rest are usually not at risk. In recent years, U.S. Representatives have been reelected about 90% of the time. It is a shame that our elections resemble a horse race in which the people cast their votes for the candidate they think will win instead of the one who will protect their freedom. Of course, this allows PACs to make an easy bet and take credit when lobbying resumes."
He continues: "You can bet that anyone getting large contributions will find it very difficult to deliver smaller government. Who voluntarily pays more to get less? Corporations like big government because they can use its power to crush or prevent competition. The last thing the establishment wants is a truly free market. Consequently, I have not been offered a single dollar in PAC money. And I'm proud of it."
Steve offers further evidence of his motives - signing the U.S. Term Limits pledge to serve no more than 6 years in the U.S. House and a promise to use the U.S. Constitution and Libertarian Party pledge (not to initiate force to accomplish social or political goals) as standards in each vote. "The choice is yours," he says, "liberty or business as usual."
For more information, contact Steve at 265-4459 (home ph./fax), 234-2058 (work phone), email: stever@trib.com or 2362 Glendale, Casper 82601. Visit the Wyoming LP home page at http://www.wyolp.org/
Matthew Shepard, an openly gay University of Wyoming student aged 22, was brutally murdered recently. Many individuals and organizations are acting on the supposition that the murder was motivated by hatred for gays. Wyoming has no "hate crimes" legislation, but does prohibit murder, however brutal.
NEWS RELEASE
Dawson for Governor
October 12, 1998
Libertarian candidate for Governor, Dave Dawson, today addressed the tragic death of Matthew Shepard and the response from around the state and nation. "We find it difficult to even adequately express our feelings when something as senseless as this has occurred," Dawson said. "The taking of another person's life is the ultimate disregard for individual rights." "The brutality with which Matthew was attacked makes it seem even worse."
Dawson also observed that it seemed rather arrogant for media personalities and politicians (including President Clinton) from the east coast to suggest that it happened here in Wyoming because we don't have so-called `hate-crime' laws. "Their `hate-crime' laws certainly haven't made their cities safe for minorities," Dawson said.
Dawson noted that even in our own state, people are jumping on the `hate haters' bandwagon. "This would have also been a tragic and horrendous murder had it been a couple of gay men beating and leaving a cowboy for dead, except that the media vultures in the concrete jungles wouldn't have cared."
Dawson said he had sent an e-mail message to Governor Geringer expressing his appreciation for the Governor's handling of a tough interview on the Today show.
Dawson also said that he hoped Governor Geringer has the will to stick by his apparent belief that `hate-crime' laws solve nothing. Dawson said that if he were Governor of Wyoming, he would veto any legislation that imposed enhanced penalties for presumed motivations. "'Hate crime' laws are absurd on their face," Dawson explained, "because they would designate specific groups of people who shouldn't be hated. By default, that means it's ok to hate everyone else."
Dawson further said that he wouldn't be surprised to see legislators designating exemptions to make it ok to hate people who wanted to drastically reduce government power. "This is just another flagrant attempt by power mongers to manage our lives for us." "Hating people who are different is stupid, and carries it's consequences with it."
Libertarians believe in individual freedom and personal responsibility. "That means we all reap the benefits or have to pay the consequences of our actions."
"It's bad enough that Matthew Shepard had to die so tragically and early, let's not cheapen the price he paid by another flagrant power grab by government."
Dave Dawson welcomes your questions. He can be reached at 237-4648 (home) or 235-2516 (work). His e-mail address is dave4gov@caspers.net and his web site is http://www.caspers.net/selfgovern/index.html. The Wyoming Libertarian party web site is http://www.wyolp.org/.
Dave Dawson
Toastmasters Northern Division
<http://www.d26toastmasters.org/>
Dawson for Governor
<http://www.caspers.net/selfgovern/index.html>
NEWS RELEASE
Richardson for Congress - #19
Tuesday, October 13, 1998
Dave Dawson and Steve Richardson, the Libertarian candidates for Governor and U.S. House, arrived home in Casper Saturday night after a very busy 6-day campaign tour in the party's 1973 RV (the Liberty Xpress). They left Monday at 4:30 AM, met a snowstorm in Midwest, 50 mph headwinds at Buffalo and slushy roads at Burgess Junction but for the rest of the week, the weather matched the warm welcomes as they visited each of the state's 23 counties, eventually logging almost 1800 miles.
Dave (the veteran) noted, "Our reception with the media around the state was tremendous. Even those who had not been very interested in Libertarian candidates in previous election years gave us great interviews this time. I was surprised when journalists seemed to be liking our less-government message. I think this is probably due to two factors. First, we were showing considerable commitment to our own cause, and second, I think the younger journalists are realizing that `big-brotherism' has failed."
Steve thanked Richard Durney of Basin for his gift of the vehicle and credited members of the Wyoming Libertarian Party with having a great attitude about a matter they all take very seriously. "We see no reason why politics can't be fun," he said. "When Richard delivered the old motor home in August, a dozen of us transformed it with a fresh coat of red, white and blue paint and gave it a name: Liberty Xpress. The joy of that experience was surpassed last week as Dave and I were given an opportunity to share our love of liberty with friends all over Wyoming. And I think we're just getting started on the journey to freedom!"
The two wanted to spend more time in the communities they visited and would like to have included more than the 25-30 towns on their itinerary. But this was all the time and expense they could afford. The trip was financed by exchange of "pocket constitutions" for contributions to make a point as well as generate cash. More copies are available; the attractive 3 1/2"x5"x1/4" booklets include the Declaration of Independence as well as the U.S. Constitution and feature gold lettering on a maroon cover. For any amount in excess of shipping cost (about $2.00), Steve will send a copy. To order, send your check to him at 2362 Glendale, Casper, WY 82601.
For more information, contact Steve at 265-4459 (home ph./fax), 234-2058 (work phone) or email: stever@trib.com. Visit the Wyoming LP home page at http://www.wyolp.org/
NEWS RELEASE
Richardson for Congress - #18
Monday, October 5, 1998
Steve Richardson, Wyoming's Libertarian candidate for U.S. House, sees injustice and lots of wasted energy in our command/control approach to (among other things) foreign relations. He thinks that by deciding what we can trade with whom, the federal government erects barriers which stifle progress at home and abroad. And then it's no wonder that poverty grows, our businesses can't compete and we have to bail someone out over here and send troops over there. The answer: "Quit playing God", he says.
"Free means not bound by restrictions or regulations. It means willing participants determining for themselves what is in their own best interest and accepting any and all risks involved in the transaction. If both parties can see that they will not profit from it, the deal does not take place. If it does, it is by definition fair. Neither cares who else buys how much of either good from anyone else, nor should they. As businessmen, they must know a good deal when they see one, or else they will not stay in business for long."
"This is very basic economics," Steve adds. "Anyone can see that people prosper when they have more options to buy or to sell. The buyer uses savings to buy other goods or to invest, and the seller's profits will be used the same way. Both countries' economies win because wealth is created (and shared) - more so than if a tariff had been imposed or the trade forbidden altogether. The buyer would have had to go elsewhere (and pay more) and the seller would have had to sell to someone else for less."
The most important thing to realize, he says, is that interference on either end is harmful - regardless of what is done on the other side. Costs and restrictions are cumulative and their damage is independent of one another. This means the game of chicken we call "fair trade" is like "cutting off your nose to spite your face" - a loss, no matter how you look at it.
"Allowing Americans to buy and sell freely with our global neighbors will help us prosper and will also allow them to earn what we have, alleviating "bailouts" and conflicts (because people who profit from a relationship don't tend to destroy it). It should lessen the need to emigrate, since most people prefer to stay home, as long as they can make a decent living. The world will be a better place if all trade restrictions are gone. The United States should lead the way by removing ours immediately and unilaterally," Steve adds.
Steve welcomes questions or comments. Contact him at 265-4459 (home ph./fax), 234-2058 (work phone), email: stever@trib.com or write to 2362 Glendale, Casper, WY 82601. Visit the Wyoming LP home page at http://www.wyolp.org/
NEWS RELEASE
Richardson for Congress - #17
Friday, September 25, 1998
Steve Richardson, Wyoming's Libertarian candidate for U.S. House, favors an open immigration policy because by welcoming people who seek opportunity and are willing to accept responsibility for their own happiness, America grows stronger. That's how most of us got here, he says, and to slam the door on current and future generations is selfish and shortsighted.
"Every day, we deny our fellows the chance we have to live free," Steve said. "We have no idea what they may contribute to our community, state or nation and allow fear to dominate our policies. We cheered the fall of the Berlin Wall but left our own intact. What good is it to be able to leave if there's nowhere to go? This is not the spirit in which the Statue of Liberty was erected and it certainly is not the attitude that made our country the greatest on Earth."
He adds, "Our ancestors left their intolerable situation abroad and ventured into the unknown in pursuit of liberty and the prosperity it makes possible. It seems to have worked out very well for most of them. More importantly, it helped those who were already here, as well, because each new citizen brought skills with them which satisfied a demand. It was a win-win deal."
Steve thinks the only reason we see the issue differently today is that our nanny state cannot satisfy the demands of existing citizens, never mind foreigners hoping to help us dispose of government goodies. But instead of quotas or exclusion from eligibility, he proposes elimination of the socialist programs. This would remove the moral hazard and restore the positive incentives which made immigration a good thing in the 19th century, he says.
"Another benefit of more open borders is the effect it has on promoting liberty all over the globe," Steve added. "If citizens of other countries are welcome here at any time, their own government had better treat them well or else most of the talent which keeps their economy ticking will leave for greener pastures. We'll have competition for the most freedom; what a beautiful thing!"
Steve welcomes questions or comments. Reach him at 265-4459 (home ph./fax), 234-2058 (work phone), email: stever@trib.com or write to 2362 Glendale, Casper, WY 82601. Visit the Wyoming LP home page at http://www.wyolp.org/
Webmaster's note: When the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle sent out its questionaire for gubernatorial candidates, this was Dave's response.
Name: Dave Dawson
Address: 3518 Partridge
Casper, Wyoming 82604
Family: Married 20 years to Margaret, and have one daughter, Eva - 16, at home, two grown sons, and a grown daughter. Eva is home-educated.
Occupation: Computer Consultant
Experience: I have run for state house 3 times previously, and the last two elections ran for U. S. House. In 1994 I received nearly 6%, and in 1996 about 4%. Both were enough to maintain ballot status for the Wyoming Libertarian Party.
Political Party: Libertarian
Specifically, what will you do to improve the state's economy?
The best thing any governor of Wyoming could do to improve the state's economy would be to obey the Wyoming Constitution, which I would do. One reason the Wyoming's economy suffers is that we spend far more money on government than the Wyoming people are willing to pay. Most of the rest is paid by out of state energy consumers.
Prospective industries know that golden goose has been plucked until it is about ready to quit laying eggs. People considering moving businesses here have no assurance that they won't be seen as the next goose. The appetite of both Republican and Democratic politicians for even more government spending has to be brought under control.
The state government needs to spend less tax money. I would immediately begin a concerted effort to identify services which the state is providing that can be paid for by user fees rather than tax dollars.
How should the state fund the public school system's growing capital construction tab?
I believe in individual freedom and personal responsibility.
The kind of spending done by both Republican and Democratic politicians on the government school system is unpardonable. Those politicians love spending the hard-earned dollars of Wyoming taxpayers seeking the political support of the teacher's union and school administrators.
I read the Wyoming constitution, and will take seriously my oath to support and defend it. The constitution doesn't even begin to authorize the kind of spending being practiced by our legislators and school officials. I believe America gave the world a tremendous example a couple of hundred years ago with the separation of church and state. I think it is time to give the world another example with separation of school and state. I have set an example with my family by educating our daughter at home, and would encourage other families to actually assume the responsibility for education of their children.
As the state moves toward the next century, what do you see as the most important issue facing the people of Wyoming?
I believe the most important thing for all Wyoming voters to consider is how we deal with each other and with our out of state neighbors.
There are really only two ways to get what you want in life: persuasion and coercion. Politics as usual assumes that we all want to force our neighbors to give us what we want. I believe that is morally bankrupt! I don't blame the politicians entirely, although they certainly pander to the lowest desires of the voters. We need to start electing people who call us to a higher standard. I believe part of that higher standard is individual freedom and personal responsibility. Wyoming people should be free to pursue their dreams without fear of being shut down at every turn by regulators envious of their success. State government should only interfere with people who have chosen not to be responsible for their actions.
As governor, what role would you take to make sure Wyoming's interests are heard in other states and in Washington?
One of the most important jobs of the Governor of Wyoming is to be an ambassador for our state. For more than ten years I have been active in Toastmasters International, a learning laboratory for communications and leadership skills. I have been a district officer for three terms. As Division Governor I have twice represented the Toastmasters of Wyoming and the pan-handle of Nebraska to District 26 of TI.
I have developed the kind of skills that will allow me to serve the people of Wyoming well in taking the interests of Wyoming to other states as well as Washington DC. My experience as a Libertarian candidate in two previous state-wide elections have taught me to stand with conviction, even in the face of opposition to my belief in individual freedom and personal responsibility. I look forward with enthusiasm to representing our Wyoming heritage to the rest of the world.
Wyoming's financial stability is uncertain at this point. What needs to be done to insure that Wyoming doesn't reach a financial crisis?
Wyoming's financial stability is uncertain because we have had Republican and Democratic politicians spending money like drunken sailors!
The July 18th issue of the Economist magazine called Wyoming the most socialist conservative state in the union.
The study that resulted in the new "Wyoming Department of Corporate Welfare Services," AKA "$25 Million Re-elect the Incumbent Governor" (Wyoming Business Council) found that one of the ways our economy differs is that we have far more government per capita than our neighbors. What was the solution of the Governor, Legislature, and Corporate High-Rollers? More government! $25 million over the next two years, including an additional $6 million. State government shouldn't play favorites in the economy, and economic development, of necessity involves playing favorites. I would wean the Wyoming Business Council from tax dollars and make them what they pretend to be:private!
State government doesn't need more tax dollars, it needs a diet!
Dave Dawson
Toastmasters Northern Division
<http://www.d26toastmasters.org/>
Dawson for Governor
<http://www.caspers.net/selfgovern/index.html>
NEWS RELEASE
Dawson for Governor
September 18, 1998
Statewide Libertarian candidates Steve Richardson and Dave Dawson plan to make campaign visits to most of Wyoming during the week of October 5th. Steve, who is the Libertarian party candidate for U. S. House, and Dave, who is the Libertarian gubernatorial candidate will be making the trip in the red, white and blue Liberty Xpress.
The Liberty Xpress is a 1973 Wayfarer Motor home that was donated to the party for use in campaigning. Dawson joked that the trip would be great for the petroleum industry in Wyoming, because the old RV gets about 5 MPG. Dave and Steve said they hope to attract supporters along the way who own refineries or gas stations.
"This trip will be somewhat reminiscent of the campaign trips made by train in an earlier America," Dawson said, "before Democratic and Republican politicians de-railed our constitutions." As part of their trip, they will be giving away pocket sized constitutions, which include a copy of the Declaration of Independence. "Anyone who makes any sized contribution to our campaign expenses will get one of these very nice little gifts," Dawson said. "Most of the politicians of the older parties seem to have quit reading the constitutions, so we will get as many as possible into the hands of Wyoming voters."
Dawson and Richardson plan to start each day at 7am with coffee in the first town on that day's schedule. They are encouraging interested people along the way to contact them beforehand to help set up the stops on their trip. Dave can be reached at 237-4648, and Steve at 265-4459 in Casper.
The two Libertarians plan on stopping at some central location in each town they visit for a press conference and to meet voters in that area. On Monday the 5th of October their plans include Buffalo (7am Coffee), Sheridan (morning press conference), Lovell (about lunchtime), Powell (afternoon), and Cody (late afternoon and evening events).
The rest of the week will be similar with Tuesday's schedule (10/6) including Greybull, Basin, Worland, Thermopolis, Shoshoni (malt time!), Riverton, and Lander. On Wednesday (10/7) Richardson and Dawson will go to Dubois, Jackson, Kemmerer, and Evansville. Thursday (10/8) will take the tour to Green River, Rock Springs, Rawlins, and Laramie. Friday (10/9) will include Cheyenne, Wheatland, Guernsey, Torrington, and Lusk. The tour will wind up on Saturday (10/10) with Newcastle, Moorcroft, Gillette, and Douglas.
At the end of the line on Saturday in Douglas, Louis Stock, a Libertarian candidate for State House in Converse County will be arranging a bar-b-que to celebrate their successful completion of the campaign trip.
Note: for the current schedule of the Liberty Xpress, see the Liberty Xpress page and the Calendar — The Webmaster
This will be the most ambitious campaign effort ever mounted by Libertarians in Wyoming. "We want to meet as many Wyoming voters as possible," Dawson said. "We want people to call us to schedule something in their town."
Dave Dawson welcomes your questions. He can be reached at 237-4648 (home) or 235-2516 (work). His e-mail address is dave4gov@caspers.net and his web site is http://www.caspers.net/selfgovern/index.html. The Wyoming Libertarian party web site is http://www.wyolp.org/.
NEWS RELEASE
Richardson for Congress - #16
Thursday, September 17, 1998
Steve Richardson, Wyoming's Libertarian candidate for U.S. House, has chosen today, Constitution Day, to announce his unique fund-raiser - selling pocket copies of the document to Wyoming voters. In exchange for any campaign contribution, Steve will give a copy of the attractive 3 1/2" x 5" booklet which also includes the Declaration of Independence and a preface by Roger Pilon, director of the Cato Institute's Center for Constitutional Studies. He is confident that it will be a popular item and has ordered 1000 copies to get started.
"The only constraint on government is rule of law - a set of predetermined limits to the scope of its activities," Steve says. "We are very fortunate to have one; it's called The Constitution of the United States of America. Unfortunately, it isn't being enforced because most of us have forgotten that we live in a Constitutional Republic (as opposed to a democracy). Few Americans are familiar with the foundation of our freedom We the people are responsible for seeing that our rights are protected by those we elect to serve us. But we have abdicated this duty and as a result merely watch as the monster spins out of control. Those on our payroll (pick any branch - executive, legislative or judicial) cannot be expected to heed these limitations voluntarily. I don't even trust myself to completely evade corruption for just 3 terms. That's why I want my constituents to be ready to remind me what I am (or, more often, not) authorized to do for them."
Steve asks that people unable to catch up with him in person send checks made out to him to his Casper address and add $1.00 to cover postage if the contribution is $1.00 or less. Why no minimum? He responds, "I want everyone - especially those still too young to vote, to be armed with the knowledge of their inalienable rights. This copy fits in a hip or shirt pocket and we are not yet required to obtain "concealed carry" permits for them. When threatened by the outlaws in Washington, Wyoming citizens will be able to draw their weapon, (maybe even twirl it a few times for effect) and challenge the ruffians to show them proof of authority."
Distributing copies will be one purpose of Steve's Excellent Tour of Wyoming with Dave Dawson (Libertarian candidate for Governor) in their red, white and blue Liberty Xpress RV. They will leave on Monday, October 5, visit Buffalo, Sheridan, Lovell, Powell and Cody that day, Greybull, Basin, Worland, Thermopolis, Riverton and Lander on Tuesday, October 6, and Dubois, Jackson, Kemmerer and Evanston on Wednesday, October 7. Catch them in Green River, Rock Springs, Rawlins or Laramie on Thursday, October 8, Cheyenne, Wheatland, Guernsey, Torrington or Lusk on Friday, October 9, and Newcastle, Moorcroft, Gillette, Douglas or Casper on Saturday the 10th.
Note: for the current schedule of the Liberty Xpress, see the Liberty Xpress page and the Calendar — The Webmaster
For more details or to arrange a speaking engagement, contact Steve at 265-4459 (home ph./fax), 234-2058 (work phone), or email: stever@trib.com or write to 2362 Glendale, Casper, WY 82601. Visit the Wyoming LP home page at http://www.wyolp.org/
NEWS RELEASE
Richardson for Congress - #15
Monday, August 31, 1998
Steve Richardson, Wyoming's Libertarian candidate for U.S. House, fears we have set a dangerous precedent by invading Sudan and Afghanistan to retaliate against a terrorist group. Immediately following the attacks, our Commander-in-Chief declared that no place was safe for such people, and it is this arrogant disregard for the sovereignty of nations that inspires such hatred for Americans in the first place, in Steve's opinion. "By joining every dispute on Earth, our own government is making the world a place where none of us are safe," he says.
"Furthermore," Steve adds, "the guilty parties are proven right in sentiment if not in methods when our response confirms the `bully' behavior they have been protesting. Nothing is so effective in uniting people as a common enemy. Like the domestic violence scenario too many of us are familiar with, both parties are likely to stop fighting when others interfere and turn their rage against the intruder who they agree should be minding his own business."
"My dictionary defines terrorism as `a system of government that rules by intimidation'," he says. "Does that not describe our United States? One does not end terrorism by engaging in it. We do not convince other cultures that our way of life is better by exporting the methods used to keep our own citizens obedient. Members of the Libertarian Party must sign a pledge stating that `I do not believe in or advocate the initiation of force to achieve social or political goals', so obviously we do not approve of terrorism, government-sanctioned or otherwise."
As an alternative, Steve suggests the established international procedures for extraditing criminals, which our current leaders have decided are inconvenient. He noted the hypocrisy of bombing the terrorists' host countries after years of condemning Israel's raids into Lebanon for the same purpose. "I suspect that virtually every American would consider it an act of war for anyone to drop bombs anywhere inside our borders for any reason," he said. "Doing this to others who are poorer than we are shows the disrespect we have for them. If we refuse diplomacy and they have no chance to beat us in war, what choices are left? Even if their government did not know of or sanction the `random acts of violence' form of terrorism their citizens had committed before, this sort of treatment by the U.S. is a good incentive to turn a blind eye now."
Steve favors a simple foreign policy as described by our nation's first Commander-in-Chief, George Washington: "Alliance with none, trade with all".
Steve welcomes questions or comments. Reach him at 265-4459 (home ph./fax), 234-2058 (work phone), email: stever@trib.com or write to 2362 Glendale, Casper, WY 82601. Visit the Wyoming LP home page at http://www.wyolp.org/
NEWS RELEASE
Richardson for Congress - #14
Monday, August 23, 1998
Steve Richardson, Wyoming's Libertarian candidate for U.S. House, has adopted the title of Spike Lee's movie as his campaign slogan because it offers an opportunity to contrast the moral principles of libertarianism with the authoritarian habits of the old parties. Traditional politicians appeal to voters' baser instincts by offering to use government to force others to fork over their hard-earned money or to modify their behavior to fit state-approved models. Libertarians, on the other hand, believe such practices are abuse of power, amount to tyranny of the majority and have no place in our Constitutional Republic. He intends to appeal to the good nature of Wyoming people, who he believes are capable of being better neighbors.
"While apparently taking pride in being more `conservative' than we perceive other states to be, we send our representatives to Washington to grab as much federal money as possible," he says. "They get re-elected by bragging about the scraps that were tossed our way and telling us how they continue the fight against Big Government. We must end this hypocrisy by walking away from the pork politics feeding frenzy."
"Perhaps other states will continue to feed at the trough while we refuse `our share'. Let them deal with their own addiction. What motivates us to remain corrupt just because others are? A clue is provided by our behavior in the term limits battle a few years ago; we refused to place term limits on our own delegation until almost everyone else agreed to do so. We would not sacrifice seniority in the U.S. House or Senate for fear that we'd get less welfare or protectionism than other states. Wyoming pretends to know better but acts like everyone else."
Steve challenges the notion that our federal government can solve Wyoming's problems and believes that in fact it is the cause of many. He says our constant pursuit of government solutions has destroyed our credibility with business because they look at our pond and where there should be swimmers, they see people drowning while looking for a life raft. "If we begin to show some consistency and courage in our actions instead of doing what only appears to benefit our state, we'll attract investment because Wyoming will be recognized as a promising frontier instead of a dependent colony," he says. "I will `Just Say No' to any measure requiring initiation of force by the federal government and thereby establish us as leaders toward a return to the rule of law established by the U.S. Constitution. Do the Right Thing - Vote Libertarian!"
Steve welcomes questions or comments. Reach him at 265-4459 (home ph./fax), 234-2058 (work phone), email: stever@trib.com or write to 2362 Glendale, Casper, WY 82601. Visit the Wyoming LP home page at http://www.wyolp.org/
NEWS RELEASE
Dawson for Governor
August 19, 1998
"You wouldn't know it from reading Wednesday's Star Tribune," says Dave Dawson, the Libertarian candidate for Governor, "but there is still a candidate, myself, in the Governor race, for people who favor individual freedom and personal responsibility." Dawson noted that Jason Marsden's article on the U. S. House race mentioned that the Libertarian candidate, Steve Richardson, is in that race, but that Joan Barron failed to mention his candidacy in her article.
Dawson says he offers an alternative to Vinich, "who will be whining that Governor Geringer doesn' t talk to him enough," and the incumbent, who "claims to be proud of presiding while Wyoming became an economic black hole in the midst of prosperity." He said that both would have state government grow even bigger.
Dawson has said that rather than look for ways to extort more money from taxpayers, he would actually reduce the cost of state government. One of the ways Dawson has proposed is to move everything possible from tax funding to user fees. "If the state government provides services, there are users…let those users pay the cost of providing the services." Dawson also advocates letting the private sector compete to provide the services now provided by the state.
One example Dawson gives is the new "Wyoming Department of Corporate Welfare Services, AKA Wyoming Business Council." Dawson points out that the Republican dominated legislature has already "pounded $23 million worth of sand down the economic development rathole for the Business Council" this bienium, but that the Business Council should be weaned in subsequent budget years. "Let the corporate high-rollers who run that show sell their services to the people who want their brand of economic development, whoever that is."
Dawson doesn't believe government should be playing favorites in the economy with tax dollars, and asserts that economic development, by definition, requires playing favorites. "For example," says Dawson, "if economic developers want to bring in new businesses to Wyoming, they go outside the state and find someone who wants favored treatment and a subsidy of Wyoming tax dollars. Those businesses will then come in to Wyoming and compete with that unfair advantage for Wyoming workers and other resources."
"On the other hand," Dawson said, "the economic developers might find a business which is close to going under and subsidize it to the detriment of similar businesses which are doing well because they are doing it right."
"The bottom line is this," Dawson said, "the Libertarian candidates will be a major factor in this election. If most Wyoming voters cast their votes the way they say the believe, I will be the next Governor."
Dave Dawson welcomes your questions. He can be reached at 237-4648 (home) or 235-2516 (work). His e-mail address is dave4gov@caspers.net. The Wyoming Libertarian party web site is http://www.wyolp.org/.
Dave Dawson
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