***** NORTHEAST REGION LPO *****
| George Baluk | Chair | (440)-871-5110 |
| Keith Donat | Newsletter Editor | (216)-295-0155 |
| Rob Logan | Treasurer | (440)-473-4373 |
| Garry Seman | Media Director | (440)-734-8143 |
| Dave Macko | Regional Representative | (440)-248-8620 |
The Northeast Region LPO the last fourth Tuesday of each month at Denny's restaurant, 1600 Snow Road (398-7076). Get off at I77 at Rockside, turn West on Rockside, continue for about 2 1/2 miles and Denny's is on the right. Dinner is from 6PM to 7PM, and the speaker starts at 7PM. Old versions of this page are available.
As most people know, the United States has declared numerous holidays in their name, including Presidents' Day, Flag Day, Columbus Day, and the like. However, many are unaware that our nation has established - long ago - December 15th, 1791 as the day in which our Bill of Rights was ratified and made to officially limit the new Federal Government from encroaching upon States' Rights, and the Rights of the People. December 15th, 1998, will be the 207th anniversary of the ratification of this great document that recognizes our rights endowed by our Creator and by nature. This has been declared Bill of Rights Day, and it is a holiday any true patriot or any real American should observe.
While the Bill of Rights borrowed much of its legal protections from the English Magna Carta and the British Glorious Revolution of 1688, it was unique in the respect that it was the first to lawfully enshrine numerous rights recognized by Americans, such as Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech and the Press, Freedom of Association, the Right of Suit against the Civil Power, the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, and the Right to Privacy (the violation of this right triggered the American Revolution). The recognition of these fundamental, God-given, natural rights preceded the Declaration of the Rights of Man and other such documents. In fact, it was the American Bill of Rights that inspired all others that descended from it.
However, the Bill of Rights has taken a severe beating by the fedgov throughout our history. Even in the founding era, many founders such as John Adams and Alexander Hamilton refused to recognize these crucial freedoms. During the War of the States, Abraham Lincoln declared martial law, and for all practical purposes, used the Bill of Rights as a handkerchief. But the greatest lasting damage was accomplished during the Nationalist Era (or the Progressive Era), when all important facets of human life were declared the property of the United States government. This era, from 1900 - 1920, gave us a permanent war economy, government education and religion, the fascist, unAmerican Pledge of Allegiance, and numerous other horrors that we live with today. The New Deal, Great Society, and the Nanny State are simply magnifications of what was already established in this dreaded period of American history.
Now America faces an entirely new, grave danger to our Bill of Rights - its official, Constitutional destruction. Two proposed Constitutional amendments are being proposed to serve this purpose: the (so-called) Religious Freedom Amendment, and the Flag Desecration Amendment. First Amendment Freedom of Expression would be the first of the sacrificial lambs for government power, and the precedent would be set for the eventual, Constitutional destruction of the original document in world history that paid homage to our rights and freedoms from nature and under God. We must take a stand. Bill of Rights Day has been declared a national outreach day by the Libertarian Party. Let us act on it!
Join the Libertarian Party of Northeast Ohio on Tuesday, December 15th, for a candelight vigil in front of the steps of the Court House in Downtown Cleveland. Cleveland is one of the 50 largest major cities and metropolitan areas across America, so it is a perfect spot for such an observance. Bring your friends for this historic event in our region, along with plenty of candles, and a mind to observe this crucial Libertarian holiday. The Court House in Downtown Cleveland is located on Lakeside Avenue, just across the street from Ontario Street. The candelight vigil begins at 7 PM. For directions or other information, call our toll-free number at: 1-800-729-1980 ext. 8143, or e-mail liberty@logan.com.
Make December 15th a night for libertarians to remember!