Santa Clara Libertarian
	Volume 27, Issue 5
	May / June 1999
	For Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

Inside This Issue

• Operation Everyone
• Chair's Column
• San Jose State Libertarian Student Group Formed!
• Writers and Reporters Sought for this Newsletter
• Officer Changes
• Email Newsletter Subscriptions
• OE Card Testimonials
• Tax Day Pictures
• The Office Is No More
• Schedule
• Officer List
• Membership Form

Cards must be in public's hands no later than June 4th!

Marv Rudin
LPSCC Chairman

As we go to press, OE card reorders and letters are coming in from members saying they like this easy way to spread the LP word. And we've had 5 OE card induced web site hits, one of them with a request for a registration form. But so far we've had no calls for free registration forms.

I've now handed out all of my cards and five more in the last two days, and I've discovered a sure fire, yet simple approach that should make it easy for you - use a question as the ice breaker. At the gas station I ask a driver while he's waiting for the pump to finish, how do you like your car? At the restaurant I ask the waitress, do you have a computer?

If you haven't yet handed out all your cards, make sure you're carrying your cards at all times, so when the opportunities arise you can take advantage of them. You never know when or where one of those elusive "homo sapien amiabilus" (HSA) humanoid units will pop up :-) I encountered one - a very friendly smiling groundskeeper, while I was exercising at Las Palmas Park the other day. I asked him how long he'd worked there, listened to his 15 second answer, and then popped out a card and handed it to him - it all took about 30 seconds. Another such jovial HSA creature was the manager at Lyons restaurant taking payment at the register during a slack period. He even started reading the card right on the spot after I suggested he take a look at it when he got home (maybe reverse psychology is alive and well?).

Did you have some interesting experiences passing out your cards? If so, please tell our members about it in next month's newsletter. Just write down a brief description of the encounter and send it by email, or U.S. mail to Jascha Lee, our Newsletter Chair, or by fax to me at (408)738-1353. Members will enjoy reading your tale, and knowing they are not alone in undertaking this unfamiliar adventure.

During August our Telephone Team Manager, John Inks will need some help to poll new registered LP voters and find out if it was the OE card or what, which induced them to register Libertarian. The card gives a number to call for a free registration form, and if they call it, we'll know what induced them to join. But many new LP registrants may get a form at the post office or other public source. So we need to contact the new registrants to adequately evaluate the OE cards test. Please offer to give him a hand on this very important project by calling John (650) 941-4167. You probably won't need to call more than a half dozen people, if enough of you volunteer. Remember - "many hands make light work."

Chair's Column

Let's Get Growing!

Marv Rudin
LPSCC Chairman

Elimination of Financial Millstone is a Milestone

A major milestone on the CEGAP plan was passed last month by lifting that misguided 10-year millstone - the unoccupied, unneeded office on Stevens Creek Blvd - off our financial backs. Now we will be able to use your donations cost effectively, using the approximately $350/month saved on rent to distribute OE cards, fund testing of other growth projects, and sustain those programs that are most effective in attracting new registered LP voters.

What a Moving Experience!

You've heard the song "Breaking Up Is So Hard To Do"? So was moving everything accumulated over a ten-year period from the office. It was no mean feat getting those large and heavy furniture pieces plus over 20 boxes of supplies and archival materials down the back stairs that just four stalwart volunteers - Leyla Hanson, Hiram Pierce, Victor Vurpillat, and James Aven plus yours truly, accomplished. Packing the office furniture into a portion of my garage for the purpose of selling most of it was also no mean feat. Now an ad will be run in the local paper and also, maybe, the Mercury. If you can use a desk in good condition or any of the other furniture pieces please stop by and take a look.

Is August 15 - Tax Day II - a Publicity Opportunity?

Reports from James Aven and our other hearty April 15th "Tax Day" volunteers indicate that we probably missed the boat by not focussing on getting broadcast publicity. We needed a Tax Day manager to organize and prepare members to approach the media and engage them with good Libertarian sound bites about income taxes, money wasting, the misguided, unconstitutional Kosovo war, and other big government issues. Also, some kind of publicity stunt like a member in an Uncle Sam-Dracula outfit ought to be tried. Some have said the traffic was noticeably lower because of electronic filing. Those who file for an extension may have more elaborate returns and not use electronic filing as much. In any case, they are probably the most resentful about income taxes, considering that they find it so onerous to complete them on time. The last date for them is August 15th. Do you think we should try to "get it right" on that day? We'll probably have the publicity all to ourselves, as the other parties and political groups who come out on April 15th will overlook "Tax Day II". Any aspiring Tax Day II managers out there? Please contact me to discuss...

Let's Get On TV Via Libertarian Councils

I was watching the Sunnyvale City Council meeting on TV recently when it hit me that we may be able to expound and publicize our libertarian views on cable TV by telling them to the City Council in conjunction with local issues. And if we wear Libertarian garb with our phone number and email address easily visible on TV, we may attract inquiries and new members. Recently a new member, Robert Guarnieri, called our office about Sunnyvale politics, and is planning to join me in forming the "Sunnyvale Libertarian Council." We will discuss ideas by email and phone during the month, and meet before each monthly City Council meeting to rehearse our speaker(s). If you are a Sunnyvale resident and are willing to join Robert and me, your call would be welcome. If you are interested in doing the same in any of the region's municipalities that have council meetings on TV, let me know and I'll try to connect you with others in your area.

Do You Regularly Listen to Talk Shows?

I believe talk shows are the biggest source of new Libertarians. If I'm right it's probably because they are the only kind of media where Libertarian views get anything close to equal coverage. If you are a regular talk show listener to KSFO, KGO, KSFS, KKUP, and any other local stations, you could do our cause a great service by calling Frank Groffie, our "Communications Director" (that's his alias for the undignified sounding "Publicity Chair" :-)) and letting him know what issues are being discussed. If you do, he can confer with other members on the "Talk Show Call-in Group" (TSCIG) which he is forming and be able to come up with some good sound bites for you and others to use when you call in. Please take the plunge and with many others, help get our Libertarian ideas in front of the Silicon Valley public more often than ever before! It won't cost you much in time, it's effective, and it costs no money - remember, "Talk is Cheap" :-)

SC County Fair is Coming Up End of July

Last year we scored a breakthrough at the SCC Fair by taking a booth for the first time in many many years, and by recruiting two dozen new and long inactive members and eight regulars to man one or more four hour shifts at our booth. It wore me out managing it for ten continuous days, especially during some sweltering 100 degree days, but overall it was definitely worthwhile to be the only party besides the Republocrats to be there. This year Publicity Chair Frank Groffie has volunteered to manage it. The Fair doesn't permit an unmanned booth at any time, and can close us down for the rest of the show if that happens. So it takes active management to assure volunteers are available for all shifts. Based on my experience Frank will need help managing it during the week days, and probably some nights as well. I won't be available but will take a shift - too much happening with my business and other party business. Ideally the assistant manager would be a retired or self-employed member with the ability to juggle his schedule to handle the week day afternoon sessions (starting at 2 p.m.). Would you please be that member? It'll be fun for you. Even as overloaded as I was, it was a fun experience. Won't you please step up to the plate, because without an assistant manager, we may not go.

Join a Club Which Uses Email

I'm told that many clubs and organizations in Silicon Valley have an email bulletin board. If they don't frown on using a libertarian solicitation as part of your email "signature" this could be a wonderfully efficient way to attract LP inquiries and new members. There are all kinds of groups, from computer software user groups to art and singles groups. If you have web access, please join a group even if you aren't very interested in their topic, add a catchy solicitation message, and occasionally post a question or an innocuous message. As a solicitation message I suggest one like those on the OE cards. Be sure to give lpty.org and our phone number, (408) 243-2711.

San Jose State Libertarian Group Formed!

Joel W. Johnson
LPSCC Activist

I'm happy to announce the creation of the newest faction of the Libertarian Party on the campus of San Jose State University. We achieved the bureaucratic nod from the school's administration just in time to exercise a brief Kosovo protest before finals rolled around. But next semester we'll be back with a vengeance.

Throughout the coming year we intend to invite speakers, hold protests, recruit members and exploit the state university system to the fullest in an effort to eliminate even its own existence.

One of the most exciting possibilities is a Libertarian talk show, courtesy of the university. The show could be an exciting new medium which we can all use to spread libertarian ideas, news and activism. If all goes well, the weekly show will debut over the summer, before the fall semester begins.

Many students would embrace libertarianism if they only knew what it was about -- they have a healthy blend of both a desire for freedom and a skepticism of government. Having an active Libertarian presence at the university allows us to increase membership where it is most available.

So, look forward to hearing more from us in the future.

Newsletter Reporters and Writers Still Wanted

Attention wordsmiths and inquisitive ponderers! Want to improve the content of your newsletter? We could use someone who'd be willing to be a reporter and/or writer. No experience required, just a willingness to contribute. Contact me at (408) 267-6740 or jascha@sebastian.com

Musical Chairs

Good News, Bad News

Jascha Lee
LPSCC Newsletter Editor

First the bad news: Victor Vurpillat has resigned from his Vice Chairman position without explanation.

Now the good news: Roger Ver has stepped in to fill the Membership Chair's position. Mrs. Trammell has filled this on a temporary basis since her husband was incapacitated. Her efforts at updating the membership database are much appreciated.

Mr. Ver is a young entrepreneur running a web-based business. He goes to the post office everyday, which will come in handy for mailing all those new member packets! He is energetic and is interested in reaching out to local colleges (Bill Carr, are you listening?). Welcome aboard Roger!

Email Newsletter Subscriptions

Jascha Lee
LPSCC Newsletter Editor

Now that we have gotten rid of the office, the other major party expense is this newsletter. I'm of the opinion that few people read it (which certainly makes it more of a chore for me each month). One way to cut down on the cost would be to deliver it electronically. The added benefit for you would be that it would be in color, and there would be little delay in delivery (no printing, sorting, or mailing).

I see two options: email an Adobe Acrobat file and/or post it fully formatted on the web. Please contact me if either or both of these options appeal to you (or just drop me a line and let me know you read it).

I would much rather us save the $300-$400 dollars we spend on the newsletter each month and put it towards advertising or other outreach activities. So please contact me at lpnews@sebastian.com or (408) 267-6740 or 2301 Shibley Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125-4068.

Thanks.

OE Card Testimonial

Libertarians write in with their experiences

I just wanted to let you know I have the OE cards in hand and will be passing them out between now and May 31 to the extent that I can. Because of an extended business trip away from home, I didn't get to open your mailing (with the cards) until just a few days ago--the day before I left on yet another business trip! I handed out one card before I left--to someone who promised to read it and take the quiz.

The OE card idea is perfect for me.

I travel a great deal in my work (away every week Monday-Friday and many weekends as well), which is why I'm not more active in local party activities.

The OE card idea is perfect for me, though, and I will do my best to hand out the cards to Santa Clara County residents who are likely readers. I should be able to distribute cards at San Jose Airport, for example, or on the plane returning home. Thus I might be able to reach a few frequent travelers like myself that other OE people would miss. I'll keep you posted on my progress, and thanks for making possible this opportunity for me to help out. Cheers from an LP member since 1974 (on the East Coast),

Denise Nessel

Mary Khan doesn't let age get in the way of her activism...

Thank you for your column in the Libertarian and for the cards to hand out. I'll do the best I can to distribute them-may have to give them to family members. I have a legal driver's license, but I have reached the age of 90 and family members won't let me drive. May have a chance to stand in "check out" lines, etc. I think it is one of the best ideas yet for reaching people.

She goes on to write how she has letters published in the Morgan Hill Times, which just goes to show, it's never too late to be active...

	Stephen Holly with one of his Tax Day signs. He withstood hostile Postal employees who moved his signs and threatened him with the police.
	Don Cormier guarding the First Amendment
	Irvin Chambers distributing "million dollar bills" (much to the chagrin of the Postal manager who claimed he couldn't).

The Office Is No More

The office, which has served as a $440 a month storage space, has been closed. The landlord, who also could not understand why we were renting it, let us out of our lease early (he even offered to let us leave everything if we did not want to move it). However with stalwart help from Leyla Hanson, Hiram Pierce, Victor Vurpillat, James Aven, and Marv Rudin, everything was moved out and into Marv's garage. Marv is graciously donating the use of his garage while we sort out what to keep and what to sell/donate. Once we have whittled down the "stuff" to what we need for outreach, etc., we'll rent a small storage space and move the remainder there.

In place of the office, we now have a $20/month address:

663 South Bernardo Avenue, PMB 107
Sunnyvale, CA 94087

If anyone is interested in the desks, etc. give Marv a call at (408) 736-5626.

Schedule

Speakers Meeting

The next Speakers Meeting will be Wednesday June 9th, at 7 o'clock at Coco's Restaurant. Come and critique a libertarian speech, discuss and debate, socialize and eat. We use these meetings to polish presentations/speeches that we will be giving to various groups. If you wish to deliver such a speech or have a group that would like to hear a libertarian speaker, please call Ron Berti at (408) 255-0248 or email at boomer@batnet.com.

Business Meeting

Business meetings are held every third month at 8 o'clock at Coco's Restaurant. The next will be Wednesday, July 14th. These are meetings in which, with a quorum, we are able to conduct official party business. The day of both these and the Speaker's Meetings is the second Wednesday of the month.

Directions To Coco'S

Coco's restaurant is located on the corner of Oakmead Pkwy and Lawrence Expressway. From 101, take the Lawrence Expressway exit south to Oakmead Pkwy.

Officers

This newsletter is the publication of the Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County, a non-profit political organization. For further information, call (408) 243-2711. Or see our web page at http://www.sc.ca.lp.org. Do you have something to say, and want it to reach all the Santa Clara county Libertarian members? Submit a newsletter article! lpnews@sebastian.com or 2301 Shibley Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125-4068. We especially appreciate articles related to local Libertarian news or activities.

The Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County Membership Application

Please print out and mail with payment to:

Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County
663 South Bernardo Avenue
PMB 107
Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Please Print

I choose to set my dues at:
$25	Basic	________________
$100	Sustaining	________________
$250	Sponsor	________________
$500	Patron	________________
$1000	Life	________________
Plus an additional contribution to the LPSCC:
$___________	Monthly pledge	________________
$___________	One-time donation	________________
Total:		________________

Payment Method
___________	Check payable to "Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County"
___________	VISA
___________	MasterCard
Credit Card #:	____________________________________
Expiration Date:	____________________________________
Cardholder Name:	____________________________________
Signature:	____________________________________

The Libertarian Party is the party of principle. To assure and affirm that our party never strays from its principles, we request our members to sign the pledge below. (Non-signers cannot vote on party business).

I hereby certify that I do not believe in or advocate the initiation of force as a means of achieving political or social goals.

Signature: ______________________________________________