Posted by Don Rasmussen on 05/07/09
Last updated 05/07/09

There is a festive mood in my office thanks to the incredible victory last weekend of classical liberal businessman turned politician Ricardo Martinelli of Panama. I work for the Libertarian Movement Party of neighboring Costa Rica and our own presidential candidate, Otto Guevara, spent the weekend in Panama with his close friend Martinelli as the votes were cast.

Thanks to a deep dissatisfaction with a lousy leftist government and fund-raising of US$35 million, Martinelli was able to mount an overwhelming media campaign peppered with populist slogans and libertarian policies.

Martinelli, who is being described in the English-language press as a conservative, explains that his party is neither of the left nor the right. His beliefs are, in fact, almost identical to Guevera's. He founded the Democratic Change Party of Panama as a way to shift the dynamics of Panamanian politics away from corrupt left wing and right wing traditional parties and in the direction of liberty. In the last election, in 2004, Martinelli received 5% for president. This time, he earned over 60% as Democratic Change with its allies also took control of congress.

Here in Costa Rica, our own champion of freedom, Otto Guevara, founded Libertarian Movement for the same reason. In the last election, Otto pulled almost 10% and many analysts see him as a wildcard who could, with a good and well-funded campaign, challenge for the presidency of Costa Rica.

Latin America may already be getting sick of the leftist swing that many countries have taken.  Martinelli's win might indicate, as so many I talk to do, that this time, it will not be right-wing authoritarianism that replaces the left, but freedom and those that promise to defend it.

Photo: Panamanian President-Elect Ricardo Martinelli (left) and Costa Rican Congressman Otto Guevara (right)

Posted 05/07/09 Scott D Chicago, IL

Awesome story! Thanks for posting!

Posted 05/07/09 Don Rasmussen Baltimore, MD

Thanks Scott. It is really important that we have presidents in Panama and Costa Rica who support sound money and banking privacy. Many Americans protect their wealth in these countries, but Obama and international regulators are going after them hard. Panama has no central bank and Panamanians are free to use whatever currency they want. No surprise that they have no inflation and robust economic growth. Panama City is quickly replacing Miami as the "Capital" of Latin America. Congressman Guevara has promised to do the same in Costa Rica.

Posted 05/07/09 Sue Copeland Bothell, WA

Glad to see someone described as a classical liberal - that's the term I've decided to use for myself.(See Wikipedia)

Posted 05/07/09 smashysmashy dover, NH

Panama has no central bank and are free to use whatever they want, but they currently primarily trade the USD. I made a comment a while back wondering what countries like Panama are going to do who use the USD as their primary currency and if they foresee what we think is going to happen to the dollar. Now this will be very interesting to see what Panama specifically does. On a side note: I highly recommend traveling to Panama for vacation, and this should be even more of a reason to go. If things go much further south here, I am seriously considering relocating after hearing this news.. I, of course, want to see how everything plays out.

Posted 05/07/09 Don Rasmussen Baltimore, MD

That's the nice thing about their system, if the dollar collapses, they are free to use something else...including gold.

Posted 05/07/09 AdamCabrera Upland, CA

What a great story! Thanks for sharing! I look forward to duplicating similar results here in our government!

Posted 05/07/09 minnesotachris Shakopee, MN

Don, I admit I know next to nothing about politics in Panama or any other Central American country for that matter, but I've found very little to convince me that Martinelli is another Ron Paul. I've found references to him pushing through a government $5.25 billion expansion of the Canal that "created" 2000 jobs, a $1 billion subway system, $400 million in highway projects, etc, and a promise "to make radical improvements in education, transportation and public security." Unless those "radical improvements" are "get the government out of those sectors," I don't see much Austrian Economics at work here. Do you have any references that list his views, other than him pushing to pass a "free trade" agreement with the U.S.? And I haven't read that agreement; is it "free trade" in the same way NAFTA claims to be, or is it really a free trade agreement?

Posted 05/07/09 minnesotachris Shakopee, MN

Don, I admit I know next to nothing about politics in Panama or any other Central American country for that matter, but I've found very little to convince me that Martinelli is another Ron Paul. I've found references to him pushing through a government $5.25 billion expansion of the Canal that "created" 2000 jobs, a $1 billion subway system, $400 million in highway projects, etc, and a promise "to make radical improvements in education, transportation and public security." Unless those "radical improvements" are "get the government out of those sectors," I don't see much Austrian Economics at work here. Do you have any references that list his views, other than him pushing to pass a "free trade" agreement with the U.S.? And I haven't read that agreement; is it "free trade" in the same way NAFTA claims to be, or is it really a free trade agreement?

Posted 05/07/09 minnesotachris Shakopee, MN

Sorry for the double post...

Posted by Don Rasmussen on 01/15/09

<!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p {mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -->

I have been getting a lot of inquiries about what I have been up to since the Rally for the Republic so I wanted to write a brief blog and reassure everyone that I remain active and engaged in the freedom movement. 

I recently moved to Costa Rica where I am working with the Libertarian Movement Party ahead of the national elections in March of 2010. For those that don't know the LMP of Costa Rica is the most successful Libertarian Party in the world.  They currently have 6 legislators in the National Assembly and are looking to double that figure in the next election. They are a shining example that the principles of freedom are part of our human heritage and don’t belong exclusively to the United States, though the fight in the US is paramount to the hopes of the world.

I also recently rolled out a new service, (http://www.r3volutionconsultants.com), to aid movement activists in the US who would like to run for political office.  I am already working with a couple of candidates for congress in 2010 and I am looking forward to using my experience and knowledge to aid many of our great candidates running for office at all levels of government.  I am a short flight from the States and will be traveling back and forth regularly for the next couple of years.

Additionally, I have been focused on raising money and awareness for the recent devastating earthquake that hit Costa Rica. Many people have lost their homes and their businesses as a result of the 6.2 magnitude quake that struck on January 8th.  The morning after the quake, the main supply warehouse burnt to the ground.  If you can help, please make donations through Red Cross Costa Rica at http://www.cruzroja.or.cr/.

I have been blessed to have a firsthand view of the growth and successes of this movement. I look forward to working with all of you in the future to continue this historic effort to restore the principles of liberty to our nation and expand it around the world.

Yours in liberty,

Don

Posted 01/15/09 Fu Manchu Belleville, MI

Sounds great Don, well besides the quake of course. But on a side note Costa Rica grows some excellent coffee beans!

Posted 01/15/09 Don Rasmussen Baltimore, MD

Son of Liberty - It depends on your perspective. I look at it as the hardcore radicals got fed up with Otto Guevara because he wanted to craft pragmatic, incremental policies that took the country in the direction of greater freedom while the ideologues wouldn't compromise on a perfect libertarian society today or nothing. It's the same fight that has been going on in the US LP for years. The difference is that the pragmatists here have won the argument.

Posted 01/21/09 Gary Hardee 1776 Miami, FL

I played on a US APA billiards team here in Charlotte, NC with all other players being from Costa Rica. They were fun loving and the team captain was an older businessman and a very fine gentleman. Don, if you are interested in making a contact with him (he has good family there in CR) I would be happy to set it up. He may know quite a few folks there and if he could speak to one of your best locals in their native tongue he might be helpful.

Posted 03/16/09 Linda APO AP, Japan

Don, can you see the Costa Rican membership under C4L countries growing to the point that their page can be subdivided by state and have articles up in Spanish? It would be a good opportunity to spread their success and optimism. I'm still waiting for Canada to get some provincial precinct leaders. They have over 200 members now. I'm here in Japan and would love to see enough literature available here to get that membership boosted and get Japanese articles posted on the page. Right now, we are mostly military employees and other assorted gaijin. Oh, and how is the dinosaur problem down there : )

Posted by Don Rasmussen on 01/13/09

Welcome to R3volution Consultants!

http://www.r3volutionconsultants.com

After I finished my time with Campaign for Liberty, I began to wonder what sort of new project I could take on that would continue to aid the movement for smaller, constitutional government in a meaningful way.  I began to look at the incredible efforts made by our candidates and supporters around the country in this last election cycle with a single question in mind, "What can we, as a movement, do to improve our ability to engage effectively in electoral politics in the future?"

Posted 01/13/09 Fu Manchu Belleville, MI

This is a wonderful idea, thank you!

Posted by Don Rasmussen on 05/21/09
Last updated 05/21/09

Let's be honest with ourselves. If being right was all there was to politics, we would control the entire US government and Harry Reid would be a car salesman in Nevada. Unfortunately, that's not all there is to this political game. In fact, being right is almost a non-factor as a determinant of political success. As a movement, we have not always wanted to be honest with ourselves about that reality.

In politics, perception trumps reality. We should all enjoy our sense of knowing that our beliefs are intrinsically correct while also understanding that they are not, in and of themselves, going to propel us to victory. Electoral politics, regardless of philosophy or lack thereof, serves only one function...to obtain or retain political power. The ends are as honorable or as despicable as those who win.

As Constitutionalists and libertarians, we often fall into the trap of believing that the strength of our ideas will carry us to victory or, conversely, our position in the political wilderness (where the stakes are low) allows us to entertain idealist, even Utopian, ambitions, utterly inconsistent with the political realities in those circles where actual power lies and substantive decisions are made.

If we are to carry our beliefs into the public policy arena through the electoral process, it will be on the strength of our human capital, our organizational capacity, and our ability to recognize and advocate for practical public policy that advances our agenda. We must continue to develop a bench of campaign professionals in every relevant discipline and we must not miss any opportunity to develop and expand our electoral experience. Moreover, we must never, ever miss an opportunity to expand liberty.

One group that has taken this advice to heart is the Libertarian Movement Party of Costa Rica. In the 15 years since it was founded, the LMP has increased its vote totals and its representation in government in every election cycle. Most recently, in 2006, they picked up 6 congressmen and pulled almost 10% in the presidential race. They have set a course of pragmatic libertarianism that views all positions and policies through the lens of practical politics. They have abandoned Utopianism and have engaged, with great success, in Real Politick. The result of these efforts has been continuing and growing success and a tangible increase in liberty for their constituents.

As the LMP prepares for national elections in February of 2010, all eyes will be on this little country in anticipation of an unprecedented event, the possible election of the first libertarian head of government in human history. Indications are that the other major parties are all tracking to the left in response to a number of factors including the economic meltdown and the ratification of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). As a result, the business community and pro-freedom interests are, for the first time, supporting LMP and their charismatic presidential candidate, Otto Guevara, over the traditional parties.

As a movement, we have expended great energy educating and advocating for the freedom agenda, but when was the last time that we actually had an opportunity to deliver our product, human liberty, to millions of people? That is exactly the opportunity that the LMP now represents.

Imagine the real and symbolic power of having a libertarian country shining as a beacon of hope just two hours from Miami? If you are reading this in Phoenix, Costa Rica is 500 miles closer to you than Washington D.C. More importantly, a libertarian Costa Rica will serve as an inspiration to freedom-lovers around the world as our first example of successful electoral politics rooted in the liberty philosophy.

The messaging and public policies of the LMP will serve as a testing ground to be studied, modified, and adapted by libertarian movements around the world. It is also an opportunity for libertarian activists and campaign professionals to get real world experience in a potentially successful campaign.

As I said before, if we are to become a significant force, we must develop our human capital and our political savvy. Here is a group of libertarians capable of delivering on the promise of our ideals and making a positive difference for their country and the world. I encourage everyone to pay close attention to the LMP in the coming months ahead of national elections in February. They just might be making history.

To learn more, visit LMP on Wikipedia here and visit a Google-translated version of their website here.

Posted 03/16/09 BruceKoerber Cedar Rapids, IA

A seed is a small thing but it can grow into a mighty oak tree. Let's continue to plant the seeds of classical liberalism everywhere!

Posted 03/16/09 jabowery Shenandoah, IA

Quoth: "In fact, being right is almost a non-factor as a determinant of political success." In recent history, but nowadays: Dead wrong. Libertarians need to grow up but not in the way you think. They need to take their ideas seriously enough to see how they REALLY apply to the present crisis. I hate to say it but this is an area where Ron Paul, despite his clear greatness as a leader, has led the libertarian movement astray -- and it is resulting in defeatism such as your. For example, no one has talked about remediation of the theft from the middle class except in terms of tax cuts -- despite the fact that huge numbers of the middle class are now deep in debt -- not because they went out and got a plasma TV and tried to flip houses -- but because they were simply trying to have a family. This kind of insensitivity is going to KILL the Campaign for Liberty!

Posted 03/16/09 onesquarelight Mechanicsburg, PA

Working towards an ideal state of affairs (sound money, individual liberty, truly free markets, etc.), starting from any present point in the political landscape and working backwards is nearly impossible; the base from which you work against is ever shifting - most of the time in the opposite direction of the ideal itself. In this situation arguments, meant to persuade others to your point of view will always seem out of date and off the mark. Because of this I believe it is wise to simply start at the point of truth an move towards the ideal from that base. Introducing people to the truth is the best way to bring about the change we all so desire. Playing the game of politics is exactly what everyone here is sick of. The truth is what we grasp onto and what we long for. I don't believe we have to play Washington DC's game to win over masses of people which will sway the tides of political big wigs. Once one is introduced to Austrian economics and the benefits of Liberty they begin to see there is a better way. People are waking up thanks to Ron Paul and the authors over at mises.org. These individuals and countless others are providing perspectives that are resonating amongst the people of this land like never before. I'm one of them. It was the TRUTH that swayed me!

Posted 03/16/09 stevemcgee99 MENLO PARK, CA

Definitely, better marketing and promotion of the ideas of liberty will make them attractive to more people. We need to combat the comfortable definitions and meaning most people now apply to ideas like reduced taxes, de-regulation, smaller government. We need to combat the image of successful business as a fat cat that oppresses people. Obviously, 'hope' sells. So does positivity. Especially as differentiated from fear-mongering. Yet fear-mongering also sells. To understand economics and liberty, do you have to be able to be objective? Can the message be simplified?

Posted 03/16/09 SilverSeraph Goose Creek, SC

Obviously we want to gain as much momentum as we can, and I think we are starting to see that. We've had almost 10000 people sign up just since last Thursday. That's just 4 days. I think a lot of people are feeling buyer's remorse with Obama and they want a truly different answer. I know that's why I came here. Plus in a time of crisis people have a desire to educate themselves. Just look at how the sales of Atlas Shrugged have spiked recently. Also Revolution: A Manifesto and Meltdown are both on the New York Times best sellers list. People finding out slowly and hopefully telling their friends. They are clamoring for something other than the status quo. I wish we could find a way to run television and radio ads. Be the anti-moveon.org if you will.

Posted 03/16/09 Fritz Elgin, SC

Who'd buy a car from Harry Reid?

Posted 03/17/09 FreedomRob Gainesville, FL

There is one line in the last paragraph I would like to point out: "we must develop our human capital" This is NOT stressed enough. If we want to be taken seriously, we need to educate ourselves, earn status, power, and money. We cannot be a bunch of fringe crazies running telling people that the sky is falling. We need to be CEO's, veterinarians, entrepreneurs, engineers, astronauts, actors, actresses, scientists, business owners, CPA's, pHD's, doctors, and (especially) LAWYERS. I consider myself passively active in politics, but I have been around long enough to see enough of those crazy liberty lunatics running around. They are usually ungroomed, wearing tattered clothes, crooked glasses, etc. I think you know what I'm talking about, and if you don't, then you are the crazy. Don't get me wrong though, these people are smart and they know what they're talking about, but as Dan said, perception trumps reality. We aren't going to get our message out there trying to cram it down people's throats. Let's work on our human capital so we can attain status and respect so our opinions will be considered instead of being trashed.

Posted 03/17/09 FreedomRob Gainesville, FL

There is one line in the last paragraph I would like to point out: "we must develop our human capital" This is NOT stressed enough. If we want to be taken seriously, we need to educate ourselves, earn status, power, and money. We cannot be a bunch of fringe crazies running telling people that the sky is falling. We need to be CEO's, veterinarians, entrepreneurs, engineers, astronauts, actors, actresses, scientists, business owners, CPA's, pHD's, doctors, and (especially) LAWYERS. I consider myself passively active in politics, but I have been around long enough to see enough of those crazy liberty lunatics running around. They are usually ungroomed, wearing tattered clothes, crooked glasses, etc. I think you know what I'm talking about, and if you don't, then you are the crazy. Don't get me wrong though, these people are smart and they know what they're talking about, but as Dan said, perception trumps reality. We aren't going to get our message out there trying to cram it down people's throats. Let's work on our human capital so we can attain status and respect so our opinions will be considered instead of being trashed.

Posted 03/17/09 Lawful Money ,

These are all great posts, and there is no doubt that "human capital" and political savvy will have to be our foundation. However, let's not dismiss the things that ignited a relatively unspecific uneasiness into the prairie fires of liberty 2 years ago: THE TRUTH, DELIVERED FEARLESSLY BY THE CHAMPION OF THE CONSTITUTION In order to turn this historic opportunity into a real historic event - we will need that foundation of human capital and political savvy delivering a marketable message without compromise and without delay. We don't need to turn this human capital and political savvy into just another study group. We need the general and a relentless team of media savvy bulldogs. We know who that general is.... My President Is Ron Paul

Posted by Don Rasmussen on 05/19/09

This weeks installment of Freedom Watch with Andrew Napolitano will feature another all-star line-up of Liberty's heavy hitters. 

http://freedomwatchonfox.com/

Wednesday 2-3 PM EST and streaming anytime.

Guests:
Congressman Ron Paul
Lew Rockwell
Dr. Tom Woods
Dr. Rand Paul
Glenn "Kane" Jacobs - Wrestler and freedom lover
Congressman Otto Guevara - Costa Rican libertarian
Jason Talley & Pete Eyre - Motor Home Diaries
Shelly Roche - doing the tweets again @shellyroche