Anonymous Cowards

Topeka City Councilmember Jack Woelfel wrote a good letter to CJonline that was published yesterday. The letter was basically thanking the Capital-Journal for making people add their real names (and verifying the identity) before they would publish their letters. Here is his letter: http://cjonline.com/stories/082508/opi_322042433.shtml

I agree that sometimes it can be convenient or “safer” to post comments anonymously. But some anonymous posers are nothing more than cowards who like to talk trash, feeling free to say whatever they want because they think they are free from any kind of retribution.

Take “TopekaVoter” (aka Jason Chaika) from CJonline. That coward is stupid enough to post my daughter’s names online, because he’s mad at me for not supporting gay marriage.

Maybe cowards like that should be hiding their identities. But try telling our founding fathers that anonymity is good. Look at the Declaration of Independence. Do you see any names like “KingGeorgeSux” or “DixieQueen”?

No. Those who signed the Declaration of Independence were obviously NOT cowards. They stood behind their words by signing their real names. I guarantee they faced a LOT worse consequences than people posting trash on CJonline.

I don’t like some of Jack’s politics, but I DO respect what he wrote in his letter. Raubin & Megan, you of all people should agree with that - you speak your mind AND stand behind your words by saying “This is who I am and this is how I feel”. Whether I agree with you or not, I would never call you cowards. But most people who post anonymously are nothing more than childish cowards who want to talk trash freely without facing the consequences of their words.

For cowards like TopekaVoter (aka Jason Chaika), perhaps that is in their best interests. After posting my daughters’ names online, he definitely has a good reason to hide his identity.

Thomas Lessman
Web: http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/
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Meth Wars: Program Monitors Pharmacies

I believe government news like this "Program to monitor pharmacies in meth battle" needs to be recieved cautiously.

Sure it "feels good" to hear the government is going to "do something" to stop illegal drug use. But I need to know a LOT more information before I can just accept another government program, especially when it appears to be a seriously invasive program.

What information are they going to collect from the pharmacies? Who will be collecting the information, where will it be stored, and how will it be used? How do they expect this to fix the meth problem? How will they fund the program? What will they do with the already existing programs that are similar but apparently aren't working? If those other programs are working, then why do they need another program?

WE the People keep letting the government jump into whatever programs it wants, without paying attention to the consequences. We've already got serious budget and economic problems.
Why are we being told that they government doesn't have enough money to pay for all of the road construction, infrastructure, police positions, and various social services the government says it needs?

If the government doesn't have enough money to pay for its existing needs, why is it starting new programs that will cost more and be even more invasive, without disbanding the older similar programs that apparently aren't working?

Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com
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Libertarian Party of Kansas: www.LPKS.org

Government again blowing smoke up your...

From the Topeka Capital-Journal story "Little of tobacco settlement spent on smoking cessation". Here is my response:

It's amazing how much BS people will let the government get away with.

Certain state leaders claimed the $$$ from the lawsuit would go to reimburse states for tobacco-related illnesses and programs, and for educational "smoking prevention campaigns". Instead, State leaders spent the $$$ on just about everything BUT what we were told it would be spent on. It went to road work, pet projects, and many other non-smoking related things.

I predicted that outcome even back when the lawsuits first hit the news. The next prediction is even worse. Since the State blew all that lawsuit and tax money, guess what they'll say when smoking-related health costs and deaths continue to increase?

Government: "Golly people, all these rising health care costs mean we have to raise your taxes - AGAIN!"

Get rid of bad government. Vote Libertarian! www.LPKS.org

Thomas Lessman
Web: http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/
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Political Party Member Disparity Reduced

This is my comment on a story in the Topeka Capital-Journal titled "Political party member disparity reduced". http://cjonline.com/stories/072608/loc_309880856.shtml

Libertarians, Constitutionalists, Reformists, Greens, and other parties have been trying to give you more choices for decades.

Yet time after time, you keep re-electing the same Republicans and Democrats, just different faces.

A lot of Republicans, and some Democrats, are beginning to understand the Libertarian party as being more in tune with what can save America.

But with 523 registered Libertarians in Shawnee County, and only 7 or 8 of us show up for the monthly meetings?

Bottom line is that no matter what party you are registered with, if you don't actively participate in that party, you have only yourself to blame when things don't go the way you want.

LPKS/LNEKs meetings: Last Thursday of each month.
LNEKs meeting this Thursday (7-31-08). 7:00-8:00 PM. Planet Sub on 21st & Wanamaker (Next to Target). All meetings are open to the public!

Thomas Lessman
Web: http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/
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2008 Country Stampede

This was the first Country Stampede I've ever been to. I never thought I'd say this, but that concert was the most fun I've had in years! One way or another, I will FIND a way to go back next year!

I met Chris Simmons from The Simmons Brothers band; you can hear their music for free on The Simmons Brothers' MySpace page. Someday we hope to see them play at Truckhenge!

I also got to see live performances by Rascall Flatts and Taylor Swift. And there were tons of things to do besides listen to music - I highly recommend the Toyota Tundra exhibit, THAT is a vehicle with excellent offroad performance!

This year I only got to attend Saturday's events. Next year I hope to get a better package, for all 4 days and with camping. If you can go, I highly recommend it, and you should plan ahead by at least 3 months! EVERY hotel room, bed & breakfast, and other sleeping places were taken between Manhattan and Topeka! I'd estimate at least 4'500 people were in the main area on Saturday around 7 pm. It was crowded but not too badly. And there were TONS of activities and things to sign up for.

Anyway, I really had a good time, and I want to thank Shannon for taking me. While there I took notes, so now I have more ideas for the next concert we host at Truckhenge!

Thomas Lessman
Web: http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/

Lessman Farm, Catfish Pond, & Truckhenge:
www.thomaslessman.com/LessmanFarm/

World History Maps by Thomas Lessman:
http://www.worldhistorymaps.info/
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