by Stacy Litz

"I freed a thousand slaves . . . I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves."
Harriet Tubman

Black History Month, for me, is usually spent reflecting on the legacies of many influential people in the civil rights movement for their bravery when combating such horrible injustice. However, it is interesting to see the many methods that were taken to reach a level of equality, and it hurts to see many fall into a trap of a collectivist mindset while fighting for freedom.

Just recently, I saw the first chairwoman of the Black Panther Party, Elaine Brown, speak at my university. After reading her book, Taste of Power, I knew what to expect -- a socialist mindset with hatred towards free markets, laws for affirmative action, "free" housing, health care, and food. All of this came out in her speech, which ended with a Che Guevara quote and a thunderous applause from the audience. I felt incredibly out of place and the anger that had built up throughout the speech put me at a tipping point.

After cooling off, I realized that instead of being angry towards this woman, I should feel sympathy, if anything. She spent her entire life fighting and fighting and fighting -- and her method of choice? Politics. She had run for office several times, even running for president in 2008 with the Green Party. While she tirelessly battled for equality using the same very governmental system that enforced inequality and that continues doing so to this very day, she has not had any of her goals reached.

I feel sympathy towards Elaine Brown for another reason, too, and this is the fact that she had become a complete martyr for the black man, and in her book, she mentions how many times she neglected fighting for women's rights and simply sacrificed herself for men, with no value for herself as an individual. The Black Panther Party represents the anti-thesis of LOLA, that's for sure.

Sadly, this is not the first time that I have heard minorities beg for a socialist government to force equality, and I have heard it many times in other regards. The problem with this argument is that it fails to strike the root of the issue of inequality. Many fail to note that it is only government that forces inequality to exist -- and while we are all different, in freedom, we would not be judged by the color of our skin, but by the content of their character (thanks, MLK).

While I am not a huge fan of Glenn Beck, I heard that he had a special called the "Revolutionary Holocaust" on why minorities, the poor, and the oppressed should not believe that socialism and communism will solve all their problems.  I have yet to see the special, but I hope it does the topic justice!  I feel as if many fall into the trap of  socialism because offers a sense of equality through a system of each receiving a measured collective share, but it has been tried and tested to have failed in several countries. Freedom, however, is restrained as much as possible, and has never gotten a chance to show off its possibilities for equality.

As I've said, striking the root of the inequality problems is the best method to finding the solution. And the root is big government. The war on drugs, prohibition, lack of self ownership, not teaching personal responsibility in public schools, victimless crimes, subsidizing poverty . . . all of these things hurt minorities in their current state and all are based on government. Instead of lobbying for more laws and more regulations for equality, let us try a new approach -- removing these laws and regulations that only make sure inequality exists!

We can all be equally free, but not equally enslaved.

An example of when individuals make decisions in the name of "government," rather than thinking with their own rationality.

By Brittany Cloud

Traveling can deeply change a person. Seeing more of the world fuels that childish curiosity you sometimes wonder if you’ve lost. It encourages learning new things. You know, it calls you out of the daily grind. If you’re lucky, it challenges you out of your comfort zone to find a new one. Even perhaps, it will throw the opportunity in your face to question whether everything in your initial comfort zone was even that great after all.

Having a special affinity for France’s language in college, I luckily obtained enough scholarship funds to participate in a summer graduate teaching program in the French elementary schools. What I did not expect, was that I’d be teaching in some of the most economically worse off areas in France. To top off the experience, most of the children wouldn’t do their homework even if I gave it, because most of the parents were Muslim and refused to learn French. That’s when I started to see a problem: the State-fueled cultural prejudice not only against Muslims, but female Muslims in particular.

This recent, infuriating article confirms many of my suspicions.

To summarize, the article outlines recent legislation proposed to partially ban Muslim women’s usage of the veil in public services. The legislative committee’s president (I should note, a committee that's been in existence to make a decision on burqas and niqabs for over a year now) Communist MP André Gerin speaks as if this legislation’s success is a non-issue. In the same breath, he states, "The full veil is the visible part of this black tide of fundamentalism." The only reason given for withholding the proposal for a full veil ban, is fear “the ban would be socially divisive and hard to enforce.”

But, Mr. Gerin, if you’ll settle for a partial ban because it’s more “politically correct,” why not also tell the French Muslims how badly you think a full ban is best, and you’re just holding back. I’d also like to know how many Muslim women were represented on your committee or interviewed by you personally over the past year. Wait, you might say, there’s not enough women around to ask, because although there are 5 to 6 million Muslims in the country, “according to police figures, no more than 2,000 women – most of them young and a quarter of them converts -- wear a face-covering veil.”

If I may press further, what’s the real issue at stake here Mr. Gerin? Is this just a cover up for State paranoia? Because a lot of other countries are doing it? Is it a fear of relinquishing power, even if ever so slowly, to the Muslims, in your government? What about pleading due respect for laïcité? And are we really helping the women live better lives or is this about your agenda against Muslims? If we must go there, why choose to ban veil usage in public places alone? Is it somehow less offensive that way?

How is a ban against women who would, all else equal, freely choose to wear the veil more beneficial than, say, the Taliban mandate in Afghanistan against women who are not wanting to wear it? Is there really a difference, or are you just flexing the power because you have it?

Most women will understand, from the time you’re a child, life is a series of unique power struggles. The power struggle between the individual and the State is no different, even in France. Women everywhere have an acute sensitivity to these struggles, and once empowered, they won’t tolerate such injustice. That is why the concept of freedom holds such value for us. To be a free and independent woman is something we were born to accomplish. It’s a deep desire, a need. Legislation such as this encroaches on a woman's fundamental right to be free and achieve independence. Not to mention, it's a strong statement against the peaceful toleration of cultural values, and a blatant breach to laïcité. If the government, especially Mr. Gerin, had an interest in furthering cultural prosperity in France, educating women and encouraging them to freely engage in thinking critically through their own personal choices, especially in what to wear, would be the priority. To the contrary, here it appears it’s not the Muslim women in need of the education.

Today I was driving behind someone with a bumper sticker that said: AMERICA, a nation of immigrants. The other sticker on their car was for Obama.

I started to wonder: what happened to immigration reform? It was pushed to the back burner while cap-and-trade and health care have moved to the front.  People argue about whether or not the government should be responsible for the environment and medical treatment but there is little disagreement that both of these initiatives will cost Americans money. They will take money away from the private sector and put it into the government, which will ultimately further weaken our economy.

Our current recession is already causing migration to decrease. These measures, backed by President Obama, will have the unintended consequence of bringing in less immigrants... Less AMERICA, if you will.

After all, "America is a shining city upon a hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere," and wouldn't it be nice if it could stay that way?

I saw this on my favorite website, whitehouse.gov:

And I wanted to know how someone who pays for the health care of her family from the stolen wealth of the citizens of the United States or from money printed out of thin air can talk about it and relate to the average woman without such privileges.

Oh wait, so many do support the theft of the public option, so they're right next to Michelle's ideology.

As a woman, I am appalled to throw out the "emotion card" at people --  "Give me your money, please, I have a family, I have kids to raise!  I need to keep them safe, boo hoo."  -- that's why I never do it.  I know that as a woman, I am responsible for myself and my children, and I would never want to steal from others for our own benefit.

Tell me, does stealing and using violence on innocent people for health care make you feel good inside?

I have been traveling around the New England area helping students voice their concerns and opinions about their campus and country they reside in.  My favorite question to ask when a student approaches me on campus is:  What Aspect of Your Life is the Government Not Involved with?  What comes next is the reason why I love working with college students...

I do not ask this question in a manner that would seem as if I know the answer, because in reality I do not.  I have been surprised at what some of the students have come up with as answers.  However, each answer always leads the student and I to some form of government agency or law that restricts us from having compelte control over it. 

Here are some popular answers that are immediately debunked, although the reasons I have listed are one of many that represent government's control over our lives, (keep in mind this is just the tip of the ice berg):

Driving: NOPE, the Department of Transportation has regulated to death everything from the cars we can drive to how we HAVE to drive them.  The way we are threatened with tickets of astronomical amounts and one might even say gun point because police are armed and ready to stop us from violating the road laws.

Eating: NICE TRY, the Food and Drug Administration have taken over almost every aspect of food from farming to the way it's packaged in a store.

Walking: NADA, a student and I were talking about how you can be cited for not using a crosswalk.  Both knowing that when you think it is a clear time to cross the street, who cares if it's a desginated area.

Breathing: WRONG AGAIN, the government believes that it is its duty to pass legislation like "Clean Air Act" and "Cap and Trade" which in effect taxes us to control the air we breath.  One may say this is not a bad thing, however it is not good or bad we are talking about, yet who is in control.

Love: YEA RIGHT, the government, as anyone who isn't living under a rock knows, has been trying to define marraige and how we should be partnered in society. 

The one answer we did find that could stand up against the rest was Spirituality.  Although, many would disagree because the government and church have been working together for many years.  Many people do not describe their spirituality with their church or religious establishment, they describe it within. 

Spirituality is also the reason why the government will never truly control us.  The spirit this movement has, as well as people in the country unaware of the control over them, gives  the power to hold on and fight for the life we want for ourselves and generations to come. 

I am a recent college graduate, but the spirit I see in this movement, especially with people my age and students on campuses, we will succeed.

My name is Stacy Litz and LOLA rocks my socks!  These are some of the hardest workers of the liberty movement that I have ever seen and I am so proud of their accomplishments and to be apart of such a wonderful organization.

I love animal print and badly taken mirror photos. I also don't want to give myself away too much before you receive your calendar!

The calendar has already made its debut at Campaign for Liberty's Northeast conference, but not everyone who has purchased a calendar could make it there, so the countdown continues!

Now, a little about me.  I currently attend Drexel University, and I am working on my indoctrinated B.A. in Political Science, minoring in Greek studies.  During classes, I learn that socialism is the answer and that government is genius, while outside of classes, I fight for freedom like no other.  While trying to remain true to my beliefs, it is hard to do so and maintain my high GPA and acceptance in the Honors college -- but I try.

I made my calendar page refer to my location -- Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love.  Philadelphia, while it has a lot of history that involves the foundation of the country, has veered far from its roots into a very, very liberal agenda.  "Obama zombies" are around every corner and they tend to drown out your cries of Thomas Jefferson quotes or message of liberty.  The irrationality of the love for our new, but same as Bush president is horrid, but someone's got to educate the brainwashed masses!

My involvement in the liberty movement did not really start until my second year in college, but I definitely looked into the ideas of Libertarianism back in high school.  I tried so hard to fit the mold as a Republican, because I was fiscally conservative and while I supported issues such as pro-choice and gay rights, I did not feel as personally connected to them as I did with my money.  I felt like I was being pulled between two parties and I did not know which way to go -- they both felt wrong to me.  Eventually, I woke up and found out that there was an option for me and the rights of every individual -- fighting for liberty was the only way for that to happen.

I am currently president of the Drexel chapter of Students for a Sensible Drug Policy and Vice President of Student Liberty Front.  Fighting the man is my specialty.  I currently write for Examiner, and my articles can be found here. My other hobbies include hiking, biking, exercise, IRT/web design, good eats, expensive coffee drinks, and being a workaholic.  Give me a job that involves movin' and I'll be there.  I love being active and staying fit.  And yes, I remember not to drink the water. 

Please feel free to add me on Facebook or add me on Twitter.  You can also reach me by email.  Networking and communication are key to the movement!

Thank you for your time and for reading my addition to the LOLA countdown!  Please remember to purchase your calendar and keep in touch!  Your time and effort is much appreciated!

Hiya! My name is Zaira Dynia. I am a Mexican-born immigrant who loves to sing and dance. I have a B.A. in Theatre and a M.Sc. in Anthropology. I like to say that I'm a collector and a creator of stories. The biggest story that I am interested in uncovering is the story of truth. I was launched into the truth movement on 9/11 2001, which was also my 21st birthday. From that day on, I have been looking for truth and recognizing when lies are being told blatantly to blindfold our lives. For years now I have been stating that we need to rethink the two-party system, which is dead, and finally move towards a true democracy in a republic. The party lines seem like such a joke; it's funny that this year I've lost friends over my involvement in the truth movement.

I am not an angry girl, but it seems I've got everyone fooled. Each time I say something they find hard to hear, they chalk up to my anger and never to their own fear.

--Ani D.

Zaira Dynia - End the Drug War!

I've been accused of "changing" and "not being liberal, but a neo-con," but the truth is that I am the same person. I am a bitching, balls-to-the-wall, intelligent lady that wants freedom for her family to come and for all the people on this planet. I'm still thinking outside the box, though people try to stick me in one. I am still brave. Ending the drug war is a dear topic to me. It has been with me since my first days as a young adult reasoning that the government has no business in our business. More than fifteen years ago, I'd talk philosophy with those same friends who are no longer on my "side" and we'd discuss that marijuana is only illegal because it challenges the status quo. Well, guess what, I'm still that person and I still believe that the government is up to no good. I've just added a few more grievances towards the government and the power hungry who run the show. I wasn't going to drop names but I mean, really, why is someone like Zbigniew Brzezinski always dipping his hands at a high ranking level into every presidency since Carter? And people said Obama would bring "change."

If you think you agree that the government should legalize marijuana, and the sale of commercial hemp, or if you think that some state governments are wrongfully waging a war against our neighbors by criminalizing addiction, if you feel compassion for drug addicts and if you believe that some drugs that are illegal are only illegal because the psychological effects are to push people to question authority, then stand up with me to end the drug war! Further, once you buy the calendar, think critically on every month's theme: do you agree? Blog about it! Do you disagree? Vlog about it! DO SOMETHING! THE TIME IS NOW. This is the right time to do something, and there's no one in the history of all time better suited to do it, so join us: TRUTH and FREEDOM will PREVAIL, with LOVE and JUSTICE. Peace is not a dream, but a reality. We can achieve everything we want in this lifetime. Join me!