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Letter from Susan Wells

So what would happen if less and less people vote in the U.S., the king of democracy's? After all, if less then 50% is enough to make a Serbian election invalid, what does it say about America if only 40% of the people turn out? I say it's time to find out.

The results are all around us right here and now. The lack of a majority bothering to vote has been repeated for many cycles, long before Clinton's 40% win. 40%, that is, of those who bothered to vote on that question at all.

Couldn't the Libertarian Party use that to our advantage? We could campaign on the disgust felt by the majority; they're sick of voting for what they perceive to be the lesser evil. But if we tell them that the majority don't vote right now, but if the majority WERE to vote the next time they'd be able to bring about real change, we might start electing Libertarian office holders. It's too late for 2002, but we might try this in 2004 (assuming that there are still elections in 2004).

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We need another option. The end result of suffrage must not be a chance to choose between self-righteous nannies that will raise your taxes and sanctimonious twits who will raise your taxes. Therefore, I offer a simple proposition: every ballot in a nation- wide congressional election should have an option marked "none of the above." It must be a real option, and a meaningful vote. A majority of NOTA votes would require that the election be re-held with new contestants. Incumbents do not get to remain in office while the election is re-held.

There could then be immediate primaries featuring all new candidates. Candidates from all parties would be allowed the same amount of free television and radio time. If the American people were to hear of a party that would leave them and their loved ones alone, I believe they'd vote for us in droves.

Susan Wells [email protected]

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Letter from Lowell Potter

Dear Editor,

Re: Oct. 28 TLE item, "Charity, Libertarian Style"....

This writer needs to take a good look at himself in the mirror...all 520+ pounds...

A humble plea for private charity is all well and good, seeing how the writer "does not wish to rely on coerced funds."

I wonder what category of funds he thinks all the unemployment and social stipends he has already consumed fall under?

How did this man survive close to 50 years with his sleep disorder, not to mention his weight disorder, without fancy, expensive, officially approved medical testing and treatments?

My sense of liberty and justice is offended at this author's assumption of the libertarian mantel to disguise the parasitic nature of his existence.

May I also point out that staple Atkins program foods such as eggs, meat, and salad are certainly no more expensive than fancy sweets and starches and/or beers and liquors.

To the author, I would say, "Keep off the carbs and the welfare, pal, and get your duff off the couch and get to work. Things may, or may not, get better, but at least you can become a slimmer and more honest libertarian."

"One thing is certain. When your number is up, you will pass on, fancy treatments and doctors notwithstanding."

"Quit worrying. Get a life. You might live longer."

In the spirit of charity,

Lowell Potter [[email protected]]

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Letter from Alobar

re: Battered Women's Syndrome: Science or Sham?, by Wendy McElroy

While I do not buy that battered women who kill their abusers should get off because of some psychological plea, I am reminded of something I heard some years back. I have no idea if this was ever law in any of the states, but I have been told that in Texas & some other states, it used to be a respectable legal defense in a murder trial to enter the plea of not guilty because the victim needed killing. It was then up to the jury to decide if, indeed, they agreed that the person needed killing.

Whether the above plea was ever in effect, I am in favor of it. Someone kills your kid or bashes you around continuously. Kill the bastard & stand trial with "he needed killing" as a defense.

Alobar [[email protected]]

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