It’s apparent that our voices espousing freedom are not reaching ALL ears.  However, NIMBY hens seem to truly continue to rule the roost.  It’s not about aggression towards your neighbor, it’s about property value and quality of life.  Those are the true things we must hold dear in these economic times.

We attended a meeting tonight concerning Urban Farming and CSA’s in Kansas City this evening.  The hens took over with more concern over “what if’s” and “what could’s” than the average person could possibly think of in an hour debate.  Is it truly that concerning having people possibly sell a few left over goodies from their garden out of their homes??  Seemingly so…

Let me just provide you with their own words from the lovely world wide web:

“Professionals, what is your opinion about this KCMO ordinance that legalizes running a farmers market from residential neighborhood yards?

As a real estate agent, I think that it is a HUGE mistake! I will have to explain to my clients that they cannot sell their home for as much because it sits between two 24 hour a day vegetable stands — and people won’t buy a home next to that. Why would they? Perhaps they will move to a neighboring city where the city doesn’t enocurage commerical businesses to be run out of a yard in our residential neighborhoods. And the Mayor wonders why people are leaving the city…”

“When people are looking for a neighborhood to purchase a home in, they typically tell me (as a real estate agent), that they want a quiet street where homes and yards are well taken care of, streets that are not busy and not next door to commerical development. Supply and demand determine price. If there is no demand to live next door to someone who is running a produce stand from their yard, the price will drop. That’s Real Estate 101. This ordinance is the city basically telling people that we can legally run commercial farm businesses with no oversight (health and business wise).

I don’t want to look out my front door to see neighbors in business battling to have the biggest, most decorated yard, a big, colorful decorated tent to draw attention, creatively decorated signs and elaborate display tables competing for people to stop at their house instead of the neighbors tent. Competition for business is the American Way!

Imagine the children that used to be able to ride their bikes or play together in the street, or front yards on the block. If you have a business, or 2, or 3 on the block, that is a thing of the past. No one will allow their children to navigate around the cars of customers and farm workers, or to go outside without any kind of vetting of the strangers who can potentially have access to them. Not to mention that the more people on the block increases exposure to criminals. We may as well be opening our doors to them.

I cannot find an argument that shows, like Councilman John Sharp says (in other cities), helps to increase property values. What am I missing?”

“I will be speaking directly to HUNDREDS of clients in the KC Metro about this astonishing idea…no health department oversight, no zoning restrictions other than the size of the sign. When homeowners are struggling against watching the value of their homes diminish right before their eyes…taking what is supposed to be an appreciating asset and watching it turn into that much like a car note, we take it to the next level and allow our neighborhoods to be trampled on and turned into adult Lemonade stands…with little to no oversight…ABSOLUTELY AMAZING….Stop this now!!!!”

“Are you okay with the concept of a Farmers Market on your residential block? The council, on May 5, 2010, is on the verge of passing an ordinance that will allow people to run farm businesses from their front yards (side & backyards, too). This is a HUGE problem for not only property values, but quality of life and safety issues, too.

Mayor Mark Funkhouser encourages the entrepreneurship of it. Here are some of the things that can happen under this ordinance:
*Build a 14′ tall outbuilding/greenhouse/hoop house
*Post a 4′ tall sign in the front yard (no time/date restrictions)
*They can construct and put up a tent of any size, color design in front yard
*Set up a table of any size or style for display and selling in front yard
*Garden must only be 3′ back from front property line/street (can grow produce in front, back & side yards)
*Parking lots can be added on properties that are over 15,000 sf
*Can have multiple farm businesses on the block – signs, tents, table, workers & customers
*Will be run like businesses meant to generate income—from their home
*Have workers (no limit on the number allowed) to work on their garden/farm – during any hours of the day or night without limit
*Host a produce sale open to the public 7 days a week, any hours of the day and night, any season/year round- with no restrictions
IS THIS OKAY WITH YOU? The council needs to hear our voices.”

*It’s quite true, you know.  Allow this behavior and people will start putting up stands in their front yards ALL over the city!!!  There will be competing farmer’s market sprouting up from every person’s backyard.  It will lead to not only the selling of food, but the selling of t-shirts and salsa out of one’s front yard.*

While one might think that very last statement was sarcasm, it’s TRULY a fear that the NIMBY’s have concerning the passage of this ordinance.  However, in this day and age, I’m all for somebody making a buck on the side of their house or in their front yard.  I just wish they didn’t need a license to do it.  (That is what I’d leave out of the ordinance).

We need to start reconnecting with our neighbors and community.  If you have a problem with your neighbor, how about going and speaking to them personally instead of being a tattle tale and sicking the state on them?  How about having open dialogue with your neighbors?  Fear and negativity do not bring about positive change.

They think the mayor is the one causing people to leave over issues like this??  Maybe they just don’t want to live next door to a dictator neighbor… think about it!!!

We didn’t get all of the best pieces on video due to a lack of tape/battery, however, here’s what we did catch:

Yesterday, Senator Lembke introduced an amendment to HB2111 to include a statewide ban on Red Light Cameras, the amendment passed 23-8.

Senator Lembke asked for a roll-call vote so we know who stands where on this issue:

YEAS:
Barnitz – (573) 751-2108
Bartle – (573) 751-1464
Callahan – (573) 751-3074
Champion – (573) 751-2583
Clemens – (573) 751-4008
Crowell – (573) 751-2459
Cunningham – (573) 751-1186
Dempsey – (573) 751-1141
Engler – (573) 751-3455
Goodman – (573) 751-2234
Green – (573) 751-2420
Griesheimer – (573) 751-3678
Lager – (573) 751-1415
Lembke – (573) 751-2315
Mayer – (573) 751-3859
Pearce – (573) 751-2272
Purgason – (573) 751-1882
Ridgeway – (573) 751-2547
Rupp – (573) 751-1282
Schmitt – (573) 751-2853
Scott – (573) 751-8793
Shoemyer – (573) 751-7852
Stouffer – (573) 751-1507

NAYS:
Bray – (573) 751-2514
Days – (573) 751-4106
Keaveny – (573) 751-3599
McKenna – (573) 751-1492
Shields – (573) 751-9476
Vogel – (573) 751-2076
Wilson – (573) 751-9758
Wright-Jones – (573) 751-2606

ABSENT:
Justus – (573) 751-2788
Nodler – (573) 751-2306
Schaefer – (573) 751-3931

However, HB2111 still has to make it through the Senate Government Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee and then go back to the House and probably a conference committee before it finally passes, and each step carries the possibility that this anti-RLC provision could be stripped, so we’re not done quite yet.

While I appreciate all the Senators who voted in favor of this amendment–and of course Senator Lembke for his tireless fight against Red Light Cameras–it was very nice to see Bill Stouffer vote “YEA” on the amendment. Senator Stouffer, as chair of the Transportation Committee, is key to making sure that this provision stays in the final bill. So while I plan on calling all of the Senators that voted “YEA” and thanking them for their vote, I will be sure to thank Senator Stouffer especially and let him know that I noticed and appreciated his support for this very important measure, and I encourage others to do the same.

I’ll keep everyone updated on the progress of this bill, and if anyone has anything to add to this or any other suggestions on how we might keep this provision in the final bill, please let me know and I will be sure to spread it around. Thanks!

Tracy,
I wanted to write briefly to our South KC supporters to inform you of a couple important opportunities to support urban agriculture.
The harassment from our neighbors here on Bannister Rd. continues, as we had another visit from codes officers earlier this month.  Unfortunately, we simply could not stay on our current site.  We cannot farm here in the manner we wish, and will have more freedom in a more supportive neighborhood.  We are happily and excitedly moving to a new 13-acre site we have purchased on the East Side of KCMO.  Here in South KC, the vocal opposition of a few people succeeded in drowning out our area supporters.
And our opposition may win an even larger victory if good people like you don’t speak out in coming weeks.
Over the past six months, a group of Kansas City farmers and residents have worked to revise the ordinances surrounding urban agriculture.  Our hope is to protect other farmers from the type of harassment that we received, and to legitimize the wonderful farms and community gardens that have existed throughout KCMO for many years.  You may read the proposed changes on the City’s website, and you may also access further information urban agriculture: http://cityclerk.kcmo.org/liveweb/Documents/Document.aspx?q=gwQ25M6kfLBpQAH2KArtCVQTuNiMyZkVhPHNtnlPCMYJ%2b2FvKs5bOtLbpVG3Tq5a

The Center Planning and Development Council (which claims to represent residents of South Kansas City) has a powerful lobby in City Hall, and is opposing the ordinance change.  We feel that it is important for South KC residents show that this group is NOT representative of the whole community.

Center Planning and Development is meeting Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m.  It would be great to have some community members show up who have a more tempered perspective.  The time and place of this meeting follows this email, along with this group’s reaction to these revisions.

Also, this revision will be heard by City Council’s Planning and Zoning Committee on May 5th at 1:30 p.m. on the 26th floor of City Hall.  We need as many supporters present at this hearing as possible, especially those from South KC.  This hearing, as well as letters of support to Council, will largely dictate the outcome of the vote.  If you cannot attend this hearing, please consider writing to City Council.  Even a brief email to city-council@kcmo.org would help greatly.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or email us.  Thanks for your support!

Best regards,

Dan Heryer & Brooke Salvaggio

BADSEED

(913)-522-3458

*****

CENTER PLANNING  and DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Summit View Church of the Nazarene

80l W. 97^th Street, KCMO, 64114

Tuesday, April 27th, 20l0, 7:30 p.m.

Will Your Neighbor Be Selling Vegetables From Their Front Yard?

Our speaker will be Patty Noll, Project Manager, and Zoning Ordinance & Subdivision Regulations Revision of the City Planning & Development Department.  She will be explaining the new Urban Agriculture Ordinance No. l00299.    There are many good aspects to urban farming; however we need to reflect on some issues with the proposed Ordinance..

The proposed zoning ordinance allows agriculture (farming) in all residentially zoned districts with very few restrictions or standards to protect residential neighborhoods.  Selling of farm projects would be allowed in all residential districts either through special or temporary use permits with no limits.  Accessory buildings such as hoop buildings could be 20 feet (may be reduced to l4 feet) in a residential district where the current height limit is l0 feet.. .

Would you want an agriculture business next to your property?  How will that impact the value of your property?

This Ordinance is scheduled to be heard before the City Plan Commission at l0: a.m. on April 20 and before the Planning and Zoning Committee of the Council at 1:30 p.m. May 5. We need you to call your councilperson now to oppose this ordinance, and come to the hearing at City Hall.  For more information call Stacey Johnson-Cosby at 8l6 59l 592l.

Published with permission of Richard Hamblen:

Brief Introduction to
Hamblen vs United States
(09-9990)

Richard A. Hamblen was a commissioned officer in the state militia of Tennessee, the Tennessee State Guard, and battalion commander of the 201st Military Police Battalion. He committed an act of civil disobedience by defying the National Firearms Act of 1934 and building for his use, and the use of the soldiers in his command, firearms that are, in the words of the United States Supreme Court, in United States vs Miller, “part of the ordinary military equipment… of the type in common use at the time, which could reasonably contribute to the common defense”.

Hamblen was tried and convicted in 2006 for violating the NFA of 1934 and the 922(o) laws. He served 13 months in federal prison, and 24 months of probation. His case was appealed to the Supreme Court at the exact same time as Heller vs DC. Certiorari was denied without comment. In December of 2008, Hamblen filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus, in which US District Court Judge Todd Campbell said Hamblen “made a substantial showing of the denial of his constitutional rights as regards his Second Amendment claim”. The case is now once again before the Supreme Court.
Question presented to the Court:
“Whether the Second Amendment Guarantees Members Of A Legitimate State Authorized Militia The Right To Keep And Bear Arms Supplied by Themselves Of The Kind In Common Use By The Military At The Time”

Hamblen’s argument is this:

1. Hamblen’s case is the first Second Amendment case to be presented to the Court involving an actual member of a statutorily created state militia, and should be accepted for this reason.

2. The Heller decision contradicts the Court’s earlier ruling in Miller by selectively quoting from Miller. Heller claims that, according to Miller, the Second Amendment protects only those arms which are “in common use at the time”. The actual quote is “part of the ordinary military equipment of the type in common use at the time, which could reasonably contribute to the common defense”. Only the Supreme Court can resolve the conflict between the two cases.

3. Heller gets the facts of Miller wrong. Heller states that Miller and his codefendant appealed their conviction for violating the NFA of 1934. In truth, it was the government appealing the dismissal of the charges against the two. The surviving defendant in Miller was not even represented in the Supreme Court. The Court nevertheless did not accept the prosecution’s argument, but said, rather, in the “absence of any evidence” in the trial record that the weapon in question was “part of the ordinary military equipment, of the type in common use at the time, which could reasonably contribute to the common defense”, they could not say the Second Amendment protected it and the case was remanded to the original jurisdiction for further discovery to expand the record. The surviving defendant, instead of introducing the evidence to meet the standard set by the Court, obligingly plead guilty in exchange for a sentence of probation.

4. The United States is prevented by the Constitution from exercising any authority over the Militia, unless and until the Militia is in the actual service of the United States. Under all other circumstances the Militia is under the jurisdiction of the “several states”. Furthermore, the Second Amendment, adopted in 1791, overrides any authority over arms claimed by the United States under any provision of the 1787 Constitution, just as the 13th Amendment removes any protections for chattel slavery found in the 1787 Constitution. The Militia is the only institution named by the Constitution as “necessary for the security of a free state”. The purpose of the Second Amendment is, as Miller says, to preserve and maintain the efficiency of the Militia. For the United States to do anything to impair this goal defeats the purpose of the Second Amendment, and, since the Constitution cannot be internally contradictory, such action is nonsensical.

Hamblen vs United States deserves the consideration and support of all who claim to defend the Second Amendment. Given the circumstances of his case, if Hamblen is not protected by the Second Amendment, then no one is.

Mr. Hamblen talks about his case to the Motorhome Diaries:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTTYyO_8N9M&feature=related

To follow this case or read more about it:  http://www.esnips.com/web/HamblenvsUnitedStates

Your friend in Liberty,

Renea McMasters

Saturday, April 24, 2010

3:00pm – 5:00pm

Outside the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City – Corner of Main and Grand Streets

Join us for our Bi-Annual End the Fed Rally.

Bring your signs, flags, bullhorns, video cameras and let’s rally!!

We will be meeting on the east side of the Federal Reserve Bank at the corner of Main and Grand Street.  Around 3:30, we will start marching down to the IRS building and then back to the Federal Reserve Bank!!

We hope to see you there!!

PRESS RELEASE:

TLR Symposium 2010: Listen to Panels & Speeches

Audio from selected panels and speeches is available below, both streaming and downloadable. To save files to your hard drive, right-click on the appropriate Download link and select “Save link as…”

Introductory Remarks

Lawrence Sager (Dean, University of Texas School of Law)
Download

Panel 1: National security, privacy, and technology (I)

Moderator: William Banks (Syracuse)

Lisa Graves (Center for Media and Democracy)
Download

Benjamin Wittes (Brookings Institution)
Download

Nicholas Patterson (Department of Justice, National Security Division)
Download

Panel Question & Answer Session
Download

Remarks

Shane Harris (National Journal, Author of The Watchers: The Rise of America’s Surveillance State)
Download

Panel 2: National security, privacy, and technology (II)

Moderator: Lisa Graves (Center for Media and Democracy)

Nathan Sales (George Mason)

Alex Joel (Civil Liberties Protection Officer, Office of the Director of National Intelligence)
Download

Remarks

Jameel Jaffer (ACLU)
Download

Panel 3: Investigations

Moderator: Robert Chesney (University of Texas)

Orin Kerr (George Washington)
Download

Paul Ohm (Colorado)
Download

Samuel Rascoff (NYU)
Download

Panel Question and Answer Session
Download

Panel 4: Technology Policy

Fred Chang (Department of Computer Science, University of Texas)
Download

Jim Simon (Microsoft Institute for Advanced Technology in Government)
Download

Moderator & participant: Ken Flamm (LBJ School of Public Policy, University of Texas)
Download

Panel 5: Accountability Mechanisms

Moderator: Sandy Levinson (University of Texas)

Steve Vladeck (American University)
Download

John Radsan (William Mitchell)
Download

Jon Michaels (UCLA)
Download

Heidi Kitrosser (Minnesota)
Download

Panel Question & Answer Session
Download

Remarks

Kim Taipale (Executive Director, Center for Advanced Studies in Science and Technology Policy)
Download

Question & Answer Session:
Download

Panel 6: Focus on FISA

Moderator: Eric Greenwald (Chief Counsel, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence)
Download

Ben Powell (former general counsel, Office of the Director of National Intelligence)
Download

Matt Anzaldi & Jonathan Gannon (Department of Justice, National Security Division)
Download

William Banks (Syracuse)
Download

Panel Question & Answer Session
Download

Panel 7 : Cybersecurity and network operations

Moderator: Ben Powell (former general counsel, Office of the Director of National Intelligence)

Eric Greenwald (Chief Counsel, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence)

Guillermo R. Carranza, Col, USAF (Staff Judge Advocate, 24th Air Force)

Eric Jensen (Fordham)
Download

Sean Kanuck (International Attorney and Senior Intelligence Analyst)
Download

Panel Question & Answer Session
Download

Roundtable discussion: The media’s role today

Introduction by Robert Chesney (University of Texas)
Download

Panel discussion
Download

Moderator: David Anderson (University of Texas)

Judge Robert D. Sack (Second Circuit Court of Appeals)

Michael Isikoff (Newsweek)

Mark Mazzetti (New York Times)

Ellen Nakashima (Washington Post)

Ari Shapiro (NPR)

Marc Ambinder (Politics Editor, The Atlantic Monthly)

For technical problems/website inquiries, contact seealso@texaslrev.com

From Anderson Cooper’s Podcast:

Here’s footage from the entire interview:

One Liberty Restoration Project member’s take on the tea party from last year and this year:

The Kansas City Tax Day Tea Party celebrated at the Community America Ballpark this past April 15 was completely transformed from last years tea party…and not in a good way. This years tea party seemed more like an organized, statist political rally unlike the organic, quite spontaneous, tea party rally from last year that I attended at Liberty Memorial.

There were a few reasons I had my reservations about attending this years tea party. First, this tea party was commercially advertised for months in advance. Second, if you wanted to have a table to help promote your organization, your cause, or yourself as a politician, you were charged $50. They also had suites available for those who were better off and could afford the upward cost of $350.00. Third, the tea party was held at a ballpark in the outskirts of western Kansas City, KS. How does having it in a confined area, such as a ballpark, help get the message the speakers were discussing out to the masses? You were literally in a bowl. And last, most of the people in attendance were fans of Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin. I’m sorry, but Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin’s views are opposite of those from which the original tea parties were started from. The Anti-FED, Anti-War, Anti-Left/Right Paradigm, Pro Sound Money, Pro Freedom, and Pro Individual stance originated from Ron Paul’s grassroots movement is where the original tea party started.

I went with the hopes of reaching a few new people to understand that taking on the Federal Government is the incorrect way to reach the change that they are seeking. Yes, I understand that the Federal Government has grown well beyond it’s limits, however, as Lysander Spooner puts it – “the Constitution has either authorized such a government as we have had or has been powerless to prevent it. In either case it is unfit to exist. “ Our mission then is to work on the local/state level and get the individuals in those offices to say NO to the federal government and work within the city’s/state’s own limits and power to take care of itself. Rallies once a year are great, but what are the tea party people doing the other 364 days a year to fight for liberties and freedoms in their own backyard?

The statist mentality at the tea party was almost overwhelming. I don’t believe that the people in attendance were ignorant by any means, I just think that they’re uneducated in certain areas. You can not be a libertarian and be pro-war. That is an oxymoron. You cannot fix a completely broken system, simply by saying no more taxes. There is not left or right paradigm, just as there’s no real difference between Coke or Pepsi. Voting in candidates as individuals who stand for freedom and liberty is one way to address getting the change you are seeking. However, the easiest way to take on big issues, is by starting on your city, county, state, level YOURSELF. Be pro-active in an issue. Keep your eye out for legislation up for a vote in your city council or by an entire city vote and make sure you take it on if it’s against what liberty stands for. ANY issue. I know many people that are rallying behind the freedom to vote for your local judges, legalize cannabis, ending eminent domain, putting at stop to the surveillance state, making sure no more taxes are raised on a local/state level, etc. People need to get out their and find an issue or two that they are passionate about and go fight for it!! Gather people together to protests, have weekly/monthly meetings about strategies for getting your issue voted on the way that you’d like to see it voted on. Go talk to your local city representatives, talk to your state representatives, state senators, and police department. Let them know that you’re a part of a group of peaceful people who just want to bring about a change towards liberty in your area. Localize, Harmonize, Educate, Active. Make your voice heard LOCALLY, because in the end, it will be heard NATIONALLY.

Next Saturday at the Liberty Restoration Project’s two year birthday bash, I will be stepping down as the executive director of the organization.  We will be holding an election so the grassroots may select my successor in the same fashion I was selected to serve, this person will serve a two year term as well.  I will remain intimately involved with the organization in an advisory capacity, as a spokes person, and most importantly, I will continue to focus on one of our most recent projects, http://OperationDefuse.com.  By stepping down as the executive director I hope to give another willing person the opportunity to pick up the balls I have dropped, expand the programs I helped start, and bring new energy and new direction to the organization.

Helping found and run this organization has taught me to deal with the most difficult of adversity, to multi-task like an insane person only could, and has provided me with the opportunity to meet some amazing people as I travel across this beautiful country representing the values and ideals of LRP.  It has been the most rewarding experience of my life, but I am going to be honest, the level of sacrifice has left me exhausted.

For the time being it looks like I will be staying in Austin, Texas where multiple opportunities have made themselves available to me.  I am working on a local school board election (http://glenmayes.com/) and in a few short months the Rise Up Radio Show will be back on air on a local AM network here in Austin.  I also plan to finish my Masters of Public Administration degree, which requires one final semester of dedicated course-work (this is an example of something I have completely neglected since the formation of LRP).  I am in the process of writing two books, one on the use of internet media to grow a business and the second on a little tactic I call “guerrilla activism”. Through the Operation Defuse team, I will be working closely with some major movers and shakers on the formation of a grassroots fusion center – potentially named the Liberty Information Logistics and Analysis Center (LILAC).

Its hard to believe LRP has been around two entire years…. And, boy, have we grown up fast!  In two years members and supporters have put tens of thousands of fliers, Constitutions and DVDs in the hands of Missourians and interested folks across the country.  We have testified in the halls of the Missouri legislature, banner dropped the highways of Kansas City, rallied with our neighbors, knocked on doors, attended city council meetings, organized festivals, and most importantly we have built a community of loving, intelligent, and fun people and we are happy to consider family.  Not all of our dreams have yet been brought to fruition, but we are definitely on the way.

Please join us as we celebrate the growth of liberty and the transition of organizational leadership this Saturday after the 3rd annual LRP End the Fed rally (you may vote on the new leadership if you have donated financially to LRP in the past two years or if you have volunteered with our organization at a minimum of two events.
End The Fed/Central Banking System Rally
Saturday, April 24, 2010
3pm – 5pm
Outside the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City – Corner of Main and Grand Street
Liberty Restoration Project’s 2nd Anniversary/Birthday Bash
Saturday, April 24, 2010
5pm-9pm
The Gusto
3810 Broadway Street, Kansas City, MO
I hope you all know how much I love you and thank you for all of the amazing support you have given to our organization and to me as an individual over the years.  I will still have my LRP email address and phone number, and will still be an “official” member and representative of LRP, I just have to shift my focus so that I may stay sane moving forward

So much love,
Catherine
Catherine Bleish
Executive Director
Liberty Restoration Project (more…)