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Steven Howard [Message] Interim state coordinator P. O. Box 65 Mount Holly, VT 05758

“If the spirit of liberty should vanish in other parts of the union and support of our institutions should languish, it could all be replenished from the generous store held by the people of this brave little state of Vermont.”  Calvin Coolidge

Chapter One, Article 18 of the Vermont Constitution: “That frequent recurrence to fundamental principles, and a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, industry, and frugality, are absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty, and keep government free; the people ought, therefore to pay particular attention to these points, in the choice of officers and representatives, and have a right, in a legal way, to exact a due and constant regard to them, from their legislators and magistrates, in making and executing such laws as are necessary for the good government of the State.”

The Vermont Campaign for Liberty is guided by the sentiments quoted above and the philosophy of our founding fathers.  Our motto is "educate, empower, and motivate".  We seek to create a political environment here in the Green Mountains where liberty-minded candidates will find a welcomed reception and a receptive audience.  Change will happen not in Montpelier until change happens in the small towns and cities of the Green Mountain State.  We dedicate ourselves to educate our fellow citizens in the message of liberty, empower them to resume their sovereignty over their government, and motivate them to act on their new found power and elect a government worthy of the title "republic".  Liberty is not easy or without costs, but it is the only condition that allows us all to be the best we can be. 

My testimony to the Joint Fiscal Committee Posted by Steven Howard

Posted 02/09/10

Arriving late due to work, I came into the Rutland Vermont Interactive TV Site hoping to find several fellow patriots concerned about our budget. I was disappointed. The room contained about 10 other people, each from some non-profit or a beneficiary of some non-profit, concerned and saddened that their particular group was facing budget cuts. Universal Healthcare Advocates and Worker's Center representatives also were in the audience. I signed up to speak and was the last on the list for Rutland.

Over the next half hour, person after person pled for their pet projects and related tales of sorrow over what life would be like without those programs. A few offered a simple solution to the budget crisis, more taxes. Yet, in this chorus calling for legalized theft of your hard earned money, there were voice of sanity and fiscal responsibility. Members from the Vermont Campaign for Liberty from around the state called on our elected representatives to follow the Constitution and obey Chapter 1, Article 18.

When it came to my turn to speak, I presented the following (please note that I don't write my speeches, but only refer to notes, so this isn't a exact transcript of my speech.):

"I want to thank the Committee for holding this public hearing and I agree with many who have gone before me that your job is not an enviable one.

Vermont is in trouble. We are facing a problem that we saw coming for years, but did little to prevent. Numerous voice sounded the alarm well before the most recent economic downturn calling to us, "this budget is not sustainable". Yet those voices went unheard.

In fact, even as the economy started to sour, Montpelier went on a spending spree. Creating programs, agencies, and mandates in such a manner that a drunken sailor would blush at how our tax dollars were thrown around. Even in the last two fiscal years, when the reality of what we faced could no longer be denied, Montpelier continued to created boards, commissions, and programs which further increased the size of government.

The truth is and was well known back before this fiscal house of cards collapsed. We all know that our economy goes through a cyclical process of boom and bust. In the last forty years, our economy has gone through six recessions of a years length or more. This equates to a recession occurring every six years or so. During each recession, we find ourselves in the same place. Falling revenues and increase budgetary demands leads to half measures and wishful thinking. We just squeak by with partial cuts and increase taxes. Yet, when the recession ends, we returned to our spendthrift ways and act as though the last year or so never happened. However, six years later, we are back again, the budget gap has grown larger and the revenue shortfalls greater. Clearly the budget and the size of government as it exists right now is not sustainable.

In preparation for this hearing I went to the Joint Fiscal Office's website and printed off their five year projection for budgets and revenues. I am sure you already know what I found, but I think it is important to restate the problem we face. According to the Joint Fiscal Office, over the course of the next three years, fiscal year 2011 through 2013, Vermont faces a combined debt of $462,000,000. The equivalent of about a third of our budget. However, these figures are based upon two optimistic projects by the Joint Fiscal Office. The first projection is that the budget will not grow more than the rate of inflation (approximately 3.5% per annum). Of course given the fact that simple inflation alone does not take into consideration mandated programs from Washington (generally un-funded) and the growth of costs associated with Medicare/Medicaid which has traditionally outstripped inflation by a mile. The Second, and the most suspect, projection is that revenues for the next three fiscal years will grow by 2.34% (FY 11), 6.87% (FY12), and 6.34% (FY 13). These incredible leaps in revenue are the only thing keeping our projected budget deficits from growing completely out of control. Without this optimistic projection in revenues, Vermonters would be facing a debt closer to $800,000,000 over three years.

So what traditionally has been the response of Montpelier when the budget goes out of balance? Well, as you know the government attempts to chip away at the problem, cutting a little bit here, trimming a little bit there, raising taxes on some, and fees on others. Yet, this approach rarely solves the problem nor does it provide a long-term strategy to prevent future crisis. A prime example of this tried and not so true method is the most recent Miscellaneous Tax Bill.

Under this bill, the legislature seeks to make up the shortfall in the 2010 budget by increasing fees, taxes, and other revenue generating payments. Yet, this bill is a "death by a thousand cuts" to the average Vermonter. The hard working Vermonter, who already has seen his stagnant wages diminish in value over time, will now face higher fees on his property, his licenses, and his access to governmental services. The people who you rely upon to pay their taxes and make this state work, the ones who have little money to begin with to make ends meet, are now to be milked in a hundred little ways of more of their expendable income. The sad reality of this bill is that it does not solve the problem it seeks to correct nor provides a long term solution to our recurrent fiscal problems. It is only a band-aid provision applied to a gaping chest-wound of a fiscal crisis.

So what is the problem? It is very simple. The problem is the paradigm in which budgets are made in Montpelier. The process is flawed because you approach the issue of budgets by saying "what is it we want?" and then you figure out how to pay for it. I would recommend to you that a sustainable and more fiscally responsible approach would be to ask yourselves, "what do we have for revenues and what does the state need?"

The Vermont Campaign for Liberty believes that the government serves an important, but limited purpose in society. The primary functions of government, that which that government needs to do, are providing for roads and bridges, law enforcement, courts, jails, and infrastructure. These should be of first concern and the first to be provided for. However, today our roads and bridges are in sorry shape, law enforcement is spread thin, our courts are understaffed and becoming harder to access for average citizens, and our jails are overcrowded. Meanwhile, Montpelier continues to create more and more agencies and programs that have little to do with what we need and more to do with what we want. Fiscal responsibility demands that we identify the difference between wants and needs. Then pay for our needs before providing for our wants.

Tonight, you have heard numerous people call for the restoration of cut programs, but you have heard very little about how to balance this bloated budget. Therefore, I will do the unpopular thing and recommend the following to be eliminated, not cut, but permanently eliminated from the budget: Arts Council; Office of Chief Marketing Officer; Office of Economic Opportunity; Department of Education; Elevator Board; Film Commission; Commission on the Future of Economic Development; Department of Information & Innovation; Department of Libraries; Council on Physical Fitness & Sports; Vermont Scenic Preservation Council; Department of Tourism & Marketing; Vermont Life Magazine, Vermont Public Television Grant. Council on the Humanities, Early Education, the numerous (and often ignored) legislative studies, and land use planning grants.

These items are all well meaning and clearly something most Vermonters would like or want to have, but they are not necessary to the core functions of government. By cutting these items, the State Budget would be reduced by at least $60,000,000 and without effecting the traditional core functions of State Government.

As a conclusion to my testimony I want to make the following two observations. First, budget planning to date has always been done with good times in mind, but this ultimately leads us to the inevitable fiscal crisis like we are now experiencing during the bad times. Perhaps, we need to plan our budgets as though every year is a bad year. This method negates the constant recurrence of fiscal problems while ensuring that the budget is sustainable and can weather any changes in the economy. Second, I want to point out that the method of identifying your needs and paying for them first before pursuing your wants has been a method applied in most fiscally responsible households around the state for many decades. It has worked for them over the years and it will work for you.

An Open Letter to Scott Brown Posted by dreypie

Posted 01/28/10

 Just a week ago the liberty community was waiting with baited breath as Massachusetts voters took the fate of the nation in their hands and cast their votes in a special senatorial election. Fifty-two out of every hundred voted for Scott Brown and by nine o'clock that night the word was in - Brown had painted a loud smear of red across a state that was considered pure blue. The second American Revolution was on.

As much as I appreciate the people of Massachusetts (have you noticed that, unlike Martha Coakley, I can spell the state's name?) and admire Brown and his advisors for running a smart and effective campaign, I have become too jaded by what I've seen in the past to trust Brown or any other politician. Almost from the moment I watched him take the podium last Tuesday night I started composing a letter in my head that would set a few things straight with Mr. Brown. Considering some of the discussions and observations of the past week, I think it's time to put that letter down on paper, or at least out in electrons.

Dear Mr. Brown,
Congratulations on recognizing the most important political trend of the decade, the liberty movement, and hitching your wagon to our excellent team of horses. Though I suspect you do not agree with much of what we stand for (your yes vote for Romney care was our first clue), you were wise enough to at least pretend you do. My advice for you is that you keep right on pretending. You also might want to start incorporating some of those principles and values into your own value system, as well as your speeches. I noticed that your acceptance speech last Tuesday night was long on "I" and "me" and rather short on specifics of political philosophy. I suggest you immerse yourself in the study of the fundamental positions of our nation's founders took regarding limited government, states' rights and fiscal and personal responsibility and anchor yourself with that document in which they incorporated those values and principles - the Constitution. Though I understand the Constitution repels most of the current congress like garlic repels vampires, you might want to make like marinara sauce and add as much garlic as you can. To use a well-known radio talk show host's famous dictum, learn it, love it, live it.

Going along with this, I suggest you pay close attention to any communication you receive from well-informed and thoughtful constituents. You'll know who they are - they'll know the names and numbers of pending legislation, might include some important facts and data and will display an overall tone of honest concern for this country and the direction it is taking. Save your form letters for the many communications you will receive from those who want you to do something for them; save your energy for those who want you to do (or not do) something for the country. Engage those citizens who offer you well-informed commentary and put forth workable and creative solutions. Recognize that Congress is not the only place things get done - in fact, it is probably the last place things get done, at least wise and helpful things. Honor the hard-working and innovative people of this country who make it work and make it your mission to allow their voices to join the public discourse. The frustration felt by the middle class, go-to citizens who make this country run is reasonable and real. Acknowledge that and do everything in your power to alleviate it. Give a voice to the truly voiceless - Mr. and Mrs. Good American.

 If you are busy listening to the people who make this country work you won't have much time to listen to your party bosses and that's a very good thing. Perhaps you could make this your inner manta - "People and principles over party." Repeat that every time you stand in from of a mirror to shave or brush your teeth. Have a little sign made up and place it on your desk. Scroll it across the bottom of your emails. The false dichotomy that is the two-party system doesn't leave much room for all the other points of view out there and it certainly doesn't leave much room to diverge from politics as usual. How about if you try the politics of the unusual? If you think it can't be done I have two words for you - Ron Paul. I suggest you talk to Mr. Paul and ask him how he has managed to be re-elected time after time while carving his own niche within the House of Representatives. We need more Ron Pauls - those men and women who have developed a foundational philosophy of governance by which they stand no matter what. Build your own foundation, Mr. Scott, and stand upon it. Even if it does not include all the building materials we might have used we will respect you for your integrity.

Don't get too caught up in your current superstar status Mr. Brown. Celebrities, be they in entertainment, business or politics, tend to fade when the next Lady Gaga comes along. Enjoy your current popularity but do so with a sense of humor and a sense that this is a temporary state thrust upon you by superficial circumstances and shallow people. Remember where you came from and keep yourself grounded in reality. Appreciate the earnest and sincere among your staff and your constituents and turn to them for advice and guidance. Remember your religious principles and use them to help direct your course. I believe you are a Christian so I encourage you to follow the example of Jesus Christ in his interactions with people: teach rather than dictate and serve the people who gave you the gift of higher office with humility and thankfulness. Never forget why you are there.

 And that brings me to my last point - never forget how you got there. Sure, there are plenty of factors in your electoral victory but the most important one is this - the foot soldiers in the liberty movement got you elected. First they recognized and capitalized on their own and their fellow citizens' dissatisfaction with the federal and state governments. Then they started meeting, learning, rallying, writing, organizing, questioning and working to change things. They had a near-miss in the NY-23 special election but learned from experience. You, Mr. Brown, reaped the rewards of this newly active and savvy group of ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things. I'm not convinced that your election was a victory for liberty but I am convinced it was a victory for the liberty movement. After months of being ignored, minimized and mocked we showed ourselves a force to be reckoned with. I will repeat here my favorite Ghandi quote - "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they attack you, then you win."

We won in Massachusetts and we plan on winning in many other states. Though they are not admitting it, politicians are now looking over their shoulders for those big yellow Gadsden flags. They should be - and so should you, Mr. Brown. Because we put you where you are and we can send you home. Be very careful and, whatever you do, don't tread on us.

Core Principles: Fiscal Responsibility Posted by Steven Howard

Posted 01/27/10

At no other time in American History has there been a been a greater need for fiscal restraint. Yet, our government, whether led by either of the major parties, seems unwilling or unable to live within its means and structure our state and national finances in a sustainable way. Their irresponsible actions and spendthrift ways stand in stark contrast with the frugal intent of our founding fathers or our heritage of fiscal responsibility.
This heritage also extends to the framers of our Vermont Constitution who in Chapter 1, Article 18 gave this admonition to both citizens and politicians alike:
"That frequent recurrence to fundamental principles, and a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, industry, and frugality, are absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty, and keep government free; the people ought, therefore to pay particular attention to these points, in the choice of officers and representatives, and have a right, in a legal way, to exact a due and constant regard to them, from their legislators and magistrates, in making and executing such laws as are necessary for the good government of the State"
You will note that the writers of our Constitution specifically enumerated the attributes of good government as "moderation, temperance, industry, and frugality...". Clearly in their minds, our founding fathers new the importance of fiscal responsibility and sober deliberation about our budget. Yet, the adherence to these words and the practice of their clear guidelines seems to be wanting in Montpelier.
Over the last few decades, our government has exceeded it power by recklessly spending our money and weakening the private sector. Social and Corporate handouts, ever expanding and unfunded social programs, and a growing bureaucracy has led this state to the edge of bankruptcy and an overwhelming future debt load. Heavy taxation serves as a major drag on the economy. A government that can not manage its fiscal house will soon bring all of our houses down with it. The only answer is to return to a fiscally sound government that focuses on its essential functions and not wasting taxpayer's dollars on pork-barrel projects, feel-good programs, and expanding governmental involvement in people's lives and wallets.
Governments do certain things very well like roads, courts, and law enforcements. However, Government does a very poor job when it intrudes upon the market, or people's lives. Governments are especially destructive and wasteful when it tries to be everything for everybody. Today, we are saddled with the last example and it is costing us dearly for so little return.
Over the last 40 years, the United States has had six recessions of at least a year each in length. Each time, our State Budgets go into crisis. Each time, our legislature takes half-measures, temporary fixes, and band-aid projects to try and ride out the storm. Once its over, its back to business as usual. Yet, as the recessions come and go, they grow worse.
With a growing budgetary crisis, real leadership and a firm adherence to our nation's fundamental principles are needed. Montpelier must stop asking how to pay for everything, and start asking itself, "What should we be paying for?" "What are the vital functions of government?" "What is a sustainable budget that will work in good times and bad?" Until this discussion occurs within the State House, they will continue to spend our tax dollars without any hope that this cycle of budgetary crisis will end.
Fiscal responsibility requires that we all make the hard choices, and look not at immediate gains, but at the long term consequences of our budgetary decisions. Fiscal responsibility means paying for what government must do and avoiding the temptation of having government do something it should not. It means understanding the difference between needs and wants. It means handling the public's money as a vital trust and not as if it were their own. It means recognizing that what sounds good right now may be financially catastrophic in the future. Ultimately, it means the knowledge that when government spends tax dollars it is really taking someone's hard earn money and giving it to another. Therefore, the reason for this "theft" must be overwhelming and vital to the continue functioning of our nation and society. Our government has gone far too long operating in a manner opposed to this principle which has led us to this point. Nevertheless, it is the only road back to a sound and sustainable budget.

VT C4L Convention Posted by Woodstocker

Posted 01/13/10

What a fantastic time! 

Check out the media coverage at http://vermontcampaignforliberty.org

Rights vs. Responsibilities Posted by DEtli

Posted 12/30/09

A right is something that exists universally among all citizens. A right confers no obligation on others. For example, as Americans, we all have the right to free speech. We all have the right to travel freely. Those rights impose no obligation against anyone else, only the obligation to not interfere with my right.

Contrast that with the right to medical care. That supposition requires an obligation from someone else. If you don't have the money to pay for health care, the government will step in and pay for it. The right to health care deprives someone else of their rights to their own property, and they become obliged to provide you with a "right" while depriving themselves of their own.

If we applied the same logic to our right to free speech and travel, it would require others to fund a radio show so everyone could hear me, or pay for my travel expenses if I were to take a vacation. That's a pretty silly assertion I think we'd all agree, but no less poignant.

I think we really get hung up on rights vs. responsibilities. We need to argue just as hard for our responsibilities as we do our rights. I don't believe anyone has the right to health care, but we have a responsibility as fellow human beings to ensure people receive aid when they are unable to care for themselves. We spend far too much money in this country mopping up problems rather than preventing them from happening.