- February 27, 2012 – York County Libertarian Party meeting – 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, First Capital Dispensing Company, 57 North Pershing Avenue, York, PA 17401

- March 5, 2012 – Dauphin County Libertarian Party meeting – 6pm, Harrisburg Hilton, 1 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101

- March 7, 2012 – York County Chamber of Commerce, Candidate Meet and Greet, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, York College, Kings Mill Depot, Conference Room (located on Kings Mill Rd between Grantley Road and South Penn Street) – map available here

- March 12, 2012 – York Daily Record/York Sunday News/York College “Candidates Night to Listen” – 7 pm to 9:30 pm, York College Collegiate Performing Arts Center, map available here

As each of the new candidates rises to the “challenge” of running for a now uninhabited Congressional seat, the push to get prominent party members to endorse their campaigns begins. The Primary Election season has gotten much more interesting to the press and the general public. I have been asked numerous times now what do I see happening in the Primary Election race. Without trying to sound callous, it does not matter to me. As a Libertarian candidate, our party is not allowed in the taxpayer funded primary. Whichever Republican or Democratic candidate survives the battle of party endorsements, political rhetoric and big money funding, is the one I will face this November.

Throughout the Primary Election process, I will not be commenting on the Republican and Democratic candidates or their campaigns. Instead, every couple of weeks, I will post a commentary on the issues affecting our district and country, legislation pending in Congress, and libertarian principles. If there is an issue that needs immediate response, I will issue “special” reports. Until then, keep an eye on this page for the forthcoming “Liberty Reports.”

A volunteer list will soon be compiled for those of you wishing to help me gather signatures. I can begin in February and am looking for more volunteers. If you would like to help, please email me (mike@mikeforpa.com) or my campaign manager Karl Spangler (Karl@Eatatcentral.com) and we will be in touch with you.

For Liberty,

Mike Koffenberger

Another week passes without Congress in session. This week I will discuss earmarks, and why certain earmarks need to be banned from all legislation. What is an earmark? An earmark goes by different names, but it is a legislative provision that directs funds to be spent on a specific project. Sometimes bills have earmarks for expenditures in legislation such as a certain amount of money in a defense budget going to a particular item for purchase. Other times, they are seen as “pork barrel” projects. It is these pork barrel projects that can be considered one piece in the corruption in politics.

A good example of a pork barrel project would be the Congressmen and women that were reported to have been “bought off” to pass the health care legislation. Special money was set aside for particular districts in order to buy that Representative’s vote. These types of earmarks should be considered criminal.

Can earmarks be banned? It is my opinion that it would be unlikely, since they would just be called something else. If Congress needs to set aside a certain amount of money in a budget bill, it is technically an earmark. When a bill contains an earmark for an expenditure on a pet project in a particular congressional district, it should be exposed for what it is and this practice must be banned. If one district gets $5 million earmarked to it, then all congressional districts should get $5 million earmarked to them. Anything else is unconstitutional.

Each and every taxpayer dollar must be accounted for. Sometimes the excuse for earmarks is that the money will be spent anyway, why not earmark it for their district to give the taxpayers their money back because any money not earmarked by Congress will be spent by the President on his/her pet projects. If that is the case, then the entire budget making process needs reform. It is my opinion that any taxpayer money not spent in the budget should go to paying off our national debt. Once the debt is paid off, then less money should be collected by the government. Of course this takes into account needed major reform on the size and scope of government and our current tax policy.

Will Congressman Todd Platts propose legislation to do that? Since he has not done so in over ten years in office, the answer is no. Sometimes I am asked what I hope to accomplish since major change will be met with resistance in Congress. Someone must stand up for what is right and must take a chance that the people in his district will back him. This candidate must be willing to take a national spotlight, take criticism, and weather political attacks to take the message to the people. Once the people hear the message, they will demand the changes and demand that their representatives vote for those changes.

Follow my campaign at mikeforpa.com, Facebook and on Twitter.

You can also follow my campaign and the events of the York County Libertarian Party at yorklp.org and the York LP Facebook page.

For Liberty,

Mike Koffenberger

Libertarian Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is not back in session until January 17^th, and the Senate not until January 23^rd. A nice break for the people. We cannot lose any more of our liberties while they are away! One of my inspirations into becoming more informed and active in politics died a few days before Christmas. Ron Smith of WBAL in Baltimore was a true independent and was the most well informed, well read, principled radio talk show host that I have ever heard. Rest in peace “The Voice of Reason.” He always felt that the best we could hope for in the U.S. Congress was gridlock. One party being the “stupid party,” and the other, the “evil party.” Bipartisanship was considered both stupid and evil. A cynical view certainly, but until things change, and we vote for someone outside the two party dichotomy, perhaps gridlock is the best we can hope for.

Since the House is not in session, I will review a bill that Congressman Platts is currently listed as a co-sponsor. H.R. 998, the “Student Non-discrimination Act of 2011.” Congressman Platts is one of two Republicans sponsoring this bill with 148 Democrat members. Currently the bill is still before the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. Here is the summary from The Library of Congress:

“Prohibits public school students from being excluded from participating in, or subject to discrimination under, any federally-assisted educational program on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or that of their associates.

Considers harassment to be a form of discrimination.

Prohibits retaliation against anyone for opposing conduct they reasonably believe to be unlawful under this Act.

Authorizes federal departments and agencies to enforce these prohibitions by cutting off the educational assistance of recipients found to be violating them.

Allows an aggrieved individual to assert a violation of this Act in a judicial proceeding and recover reasonable attorney’s fees should they prevail.

Deems a state’s receipt of federal educational assistance for a program to constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity for conduct prohibited under this Act regarding such program.”

Discriminating against anyone for their beliefs, religion, race, sexual orientation is of course morally wrong. When Congress creates distinct “protected” groups with extremely vague legislation like this, it is destroying the integrity of the legal system and the base belief that all everyone is created equal. Legislation like this is government protected discrimination in and of itself! The key to this legislation however is that it is for pubic schools. Since the federal Department of Education exists, and all public schools are dependent on government funding, Congress feels that it has the right to write these types of laws. My belief is that we should eliminate the Department of Education all together, but let’s take a look at a few pieces of this legislation, and show why that should be done.

“Prohibits retaliation against anyone for opposing conduct they reasonably believe to be unlawful under this Act.” A school administrator can therefore decide their own set of rules on what is discrimination in their school. For example, think of having a child in second grade in a school under this law. Playground nonsense occurs, and your child says to another child, “You’re gay!” The vast majority of kids in second grade have no idea what that means, yet your child is expelled according to an overzealous school administrator that takes this legislation to heart. Months of hearings go by before a school board. Perhaps your child is then found to be “not guilty” and is readmitted. What if that process took a year and you attempted to sue the school administrator? Sorry – this legislation “prohibits retaliation.” Perhaps the school board will seek to terminate this administrator after several nonsensical expulsions/suspensions? Sorry – “prohibits retaliation.”

“Authorizes federal departments and agencies to enforce these prohibitions by cutting off the educational assistance of recipients found to be violating them.” This is the catch all piece in a vast amount of legislation that allows the federal government to bully states and municipalities into doing its bidding. Be it discrimination laws in public schools like this, or speed limits on highways, or disgusting pictures on cigarette packaging, if the federal government can coerce by threatening to withhold money, then it is “legal” blackmail.

“Deems a state’s receipt of federal educational assistance for a program to constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity for conduct prohibited under this Act regarding such program.” I did not realize that the federal government could make the states waive the 10^th Amendment at will? We know that it pays no mind to the Amendment at all, however this legislation spells it out in black and white. Again, the government is advising that if you take its education money, you waive your rights to oppose what it wishes to legislate. That is tyranny, not a constitutional republic.

Follow my campaign at mikeforpa.com, Facebook and on Twitter.

You can also follow my campaign and the events of the York County Libertarian Party at yorklp.org and the York LP Facebook page.

For Liberty,

Mike Koffenberger

Libertarian Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives

The fight for the 19^th Congressional District has now become the fight for the 4^th! Governor Corbett signed the bill into law from the Pennsylvania legislature just days before Christmas. The new District still includes all of Adams and York Counties and loses parts of Cumberland County, but it now also adds all of Harrisburg City.

Congressman Platts most likely did not want the new district to include Harrisburg (due to its overwhelmingly Democratic registered voters), however I welcome our State’s capital city. With the addition of a 2^nd financially cash-strapped city into the district, I would relish the opportunity to speak with York and Harrisburg leaders about free market/Austrian economics. In York and Harrisburg City politics, it is all about one political party. Ideas, and other issues, take over conversation from partisan politics. As a Libertarian, conversations about issues can take place, as opposed to them being Republican or Democrat in nature. Perhaps real solutions to the problems we face can be found working together instead of divided by party.

The biggest concern Congressman Platts seems to have with the new district is the realignment in Cumberland County which removes the Army War College, Army Heritage Education Center and Carlisle from the district. I do not think that the lost area will be misrepresented by Congressman Lou Barletta, however one has to remember, these new districts are made by the PA legislature. The election in 2010 brought a Republican Governor and Republican majority legislature, and gerrymandering this time, fell to the Republicans. It will certainly be a breath of fresh air when Libertarians (and other 3^rd parties/Independents) start winning seats. Gone will be the days of the senseless “two party system” and blatant pandering.

Finally this week, I believe that it is time for the one district office in Washington, D.C. to work with one district office in the new 4^th District. Currently, Congressman Platts has a district office in York, one in Adams County and one in Cumberland County. With the availability of telephone and email, it does not seem that an office in each district best serves the citizens. I would propose having only one full time office, somewhere in the center of the District. This cuts down on staff and office costs on all levels (rent, personnel, gas/electric, telephone, internet, etc.) I believe that a true Representative of the people of the 4^th District should be in that district as often as possible. Town hall style meetings can be held in a different area of the district once a week. This would ensure that everyone has an opportunity to address their concerns with their Congressman. Currently, Congressman Platts seems to hold two sets of town hall meetings a year. This plan would result in better communication and ensure that your Congressman addresses your concerns.

Until next week, I wish you and your families a safe and happy new year!

Follow my campaign at mikeforpa.com, Facebook and on Twitter.

You can also follow my campaign and the events of the York County Libertarian Party at yorklp.org and the York LP Facebook page.

Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope that you can find the time to sit back, relax, and enjoy some of your time during the busy holiday season. Decorating, buying presents, preparing dinners, and everything else that goes with this time of year should emphasize what is really important – spending time with your family and friends. I also want to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year that is filled with hope that our government can be returned to a limited, constitutional one, and that our long lost liberties can be returned to us.

One bill that requires discussion that was missed in last week’s Platts Report is H.R. 1905, the Iran Threat Reduction Act of 2011. This legislation was passed on December 14^th, with Congressman Platts voting to pass the bill. The purpose of this bill is to strengthen Iran sanctions laws for the purpose of compelling Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons and other threatening activities. This is one piece of hypocritical legislation! When one reads through the official summary of the bill, various pieces of the legislation stand out:

• “Authorizes the President to provide financial and political assistance to certain foreign and domestic type individuals, organizations, and entities that support democracy in Iran.” – Are we paying off other countries and organizations to “promote democracy” in another country and support our sanctions against Iran?
• “Directs the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the promotion of Internet freedom and information access in Iran.” – From the government that wishes to prosecute Wikileaks for providing information to the public, and conducts closed door meetings to craft legislation that the public can only read after it is passed?
• “Terminates the provisions of this Act when Iran: (1) has dismantled its efforts to develop or acquire nuclear, chemical and biological weapons; (2) no longer provides support for acts of international terrorism; and (3) poses no threat to U.S. national security, interests, or allies.” – To not pose a threat to U.S. national security, interests or allies would most likely never be accomplished without complete destruction of Iran.

There is no doubt in my mind that this bill, and the sanctions it imposes, is a prelude to another war. Is the reason for ending the war in Iraq, to free up resources to invade Iran? We cannot afford another unconstitutional war. We must cease being the policemen of the world.

In other legislation, what can be said for all of the political grandstanding this week on H.R. 3765, the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011? This extended unemployment benefits, a payroll tax holiday and prevented planned cuts to reimbursements for Medicare physicians. A week’s worth of grandstanding for two months of “kicking the can down the road.” The President has already signed it into law, and has touted this bill’s passage as a political victory.

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) stated, “I know that the American people are pleased that we have come together to agree on this extension to give certainty and peace of mind to 160 million Americans who are concerned about losing their tax cut, the 48 million seniors who are concerned about their Medicare and the 2.3 million people who are unemployed and seeking work who are fearful of losing their benefits.”

Certainty and peace of mind? Hardly. Since no one objected, the bill passed by an implied unanimous consent as most everyone in attendance was already giving their holiday well-wishes while walking out of the door. Democracy in action ladies and gentlemen = the grandstanding of the week ended without a whimper.

This week was yet another week lost without Congressman Platts submitting a bill to return our lost liberties, regain fiscal sanity, bring our troops home, or return our government to its Constitutional limitations. This is one of the main reasons that I am challenging him in the 2012 elections. To my knowledge, he has never submitted one bill that would greatly affect a return to the principles above. He consistently submits or supports small pieces of legislation that further regulate every facet of our lives.

Follow my campaign at mikeforpa.com, Facebook and on Twitter.

You can also follow my campaign and the events of the York County Libertarian Party at yorklp.org and the York LP Facebook page.

For Liberty,

Mike Koffenberger

Libertarian Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives

Congressman Platts became a co-sponsor of several bills this week. None of these bills will attempt to fix any of the major problems with our economy, federal government or reduced liberty. The bills that he became a co-sponsor of are:

1. H.R. 2453 – Requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of Mark Twain.
2. H.R. 376 – Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide recruitment and retention incentives for voluntary emergency service workers.
3. H.R. 1511 – Authorizes the Department of Labor’s voluntary protection program and to expand it to include more small businesses.
4. H. Res. 253 – Affirming the rich religious history of our Nation and expressing support for designating the first week of May as “America’s Spiritual Heritage Week.”
5. H.R. 3662 – Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to modify discretionary spending limits to take into account savings from the reduction in the number of Federal employees.

The first of the five, HR 2453, is authorized in the Constitution. HR 376 and 1511 are both bills that should be taken care of in the private sector – not in the federal government. However, both of those bills fit Congressman Platts’ normal legislative activity of over regulating every aspect of our lives and business.

In last week’s Platts Report, I spoke of the dangers of a section in the Defense Authorization Act bill. There was a bill introduced this week by Rep. John Garamendi (CA-10), H.R. 3702, that states that an authorization to use military force, a declaration of war, or any similar authority shall not authorize the detention without charge or trial of a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States. Of the 13 current co-sponsors, Congressman Platts is not one of them. This bill is an important “after thought” to try and right a wrong. If elected, this is a type of bill that I would strongly feel is worth fighting for. It is important to ensure that we do not give away our liberty (or have it taken away by legislation). When our Congress members do not read the bills that they sign, dangerous legislation is enacted.

Finally, news broke at the end of the week that the House agreed to pass a budget to “avoid a government shutdown.” To state that it avoids a government shutdown is somewhat misleading. H.R. 2055 funds ten cabinet departments for around $1 trillion. Was this some great compromise? No, it funds the day-to-day operations of only a small portion of our overreaching government. The fights over the proposed “Keystone Pipeline” are still to come. If our government is returned to a constitutionally limited in size one, budget bills would not have to be broken into numerous bills of thousands of pages. That will take someone in Congress to fight for limited government.

This week was yet another week lost without Congressman Platts submitting a bill to return our lost liberties, regain fiscal sanity, bring our troops home, or return our government to its Constitutional limitations. This is one of the main reasons that I am challenging him in the 2012 elections. To my knowledge, he has never submitted one bill that would greatly affect a return to the principles above. He consistently submits or supports small pieces of legislation that further regulate every facet of our lives.

This week was light on meaningful legislation. There was a bill (HR 1254) that amended the Controlled Substances Act to put certain synthetic drugs into Schedule 1 classification. Congressman Platts, in his continued effort to regulate every aspect of your life, was a co-sponsor and voted for passage on December 8^th.

Congressman Platts also signed on as a co-sponsor to HR 1148 that would prohibit members of Congress from acting on inside information to their own advantage in the stock/security market. Criminal for you as a citizen, and until this bill, legal for them. This bill is in committee right now, and I question if it will eventually come to the floor for a vote this session. Here is a link to a CBS news article that discusses the 60 Minutes presentation on the topic. This is another example of the members of Congress feeling that they can legislate your life, but tell you to look the other way when it applies to them. Any member of Congress should have the ethics, principle and dedication to their oath to the Constitution and the office that guides them away from this behavior. Now we know how many of them become millionaires while “serving” in office.

More discussion continues this week about the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012. This act normally determines the basics for continuing operations in the armed services. The controversial piece within both the House and Senate versions is that which appears to open the United States and our fellow citizens to the battlefield in the “War on Terror.” Wording in the bill is reported to give permission to detain anyone suspected of terrorist activity (or supporting terrorist organizations) and hold them indefinitely. An amendment proposed by Senator Udall attempted to remove this from the Senate version. Only 37 out of 100 United States Senators voted to remove the provision. Our Senators, Toomey and Casey, voted against the provision, and thus for indefinite detention without trial. Talking about these unconstitutional pieces of legislation could one day land you and I in indefinite detention for speaking out against them. Congressman Platts voted for passage of the House version of this bill. Unfortunately, our only hope depends on President Obama using his veto pen.

Once legislation like the Patriot Act gets passed, and its provisions renewed annually, Congress continues to take away our liberty with additional legislation like I just described. I hear people say things like, “If you don’t have anything to hide, you don’t have anything to worry about,” or “I’m not doing anything wrong…they can search anything they want because I want to be safe.” Trading our liberty for any temporary feelings of security is always wrong. Chances are good that we will not get our liberty back by overturning this legislation. It should be abundantly clear by this thirteenth Platts Report, that Congressman Platts will not take a controversial stance on any issue, and will certainly not vote against this type of legislation. I oppose any violation of our rights of due process, speedy trials, and legal counsel.

This week was yet another week lost without Congressman Platts submitting a bill to return our lost liberties, regain fiscal sanity, bring our troops home, or return our government to its Constitutional limitations. This is one of the main reasons that I am challenging him in the 2012 elections. To my knowledge, he has never submitted one bill that would greatly affect a return to the principles above. He consistently submits or supports small pieces of legislation that further regulate every facet of our lives.

Follow my campaign at mikeforpa.com and the home page of the York County Libertarian Party: yorklp.org.

For Liberty,

Mike Koffenberger

Libertarian Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives