It's ironic that #DaveSmith would be asked how to fix the party. But was I graceful? Did I sufficiently steelman? You can be the judge. https://t.co/9l9f7KU8yY
As the now former Chair of the Libertarian National Committee, I wanted to say thank you to all of the delegates in attendance at the national convention, party members, and ideological libertarians who support the mission of spreading libertarianism both in elected office and in the hearts and minds of man.
This past weekend was an experience I won't soon forget, as were the past 15 months I served as Chairman. Officially, I have served on the LNC for a decade.
I was inspired by Ron Paul to try liberty, given a reason to fight by G. Edward Griffin, and radicalized thanks to Murray Rothbard. It was through the college libertarian movement that I became an ardent apologist and evangelist for the libertarian philosophy.
I'd like to give a shoutout to my Vice Chairman, @paul_darr , for being my right-hand man, introducing me to @JimBabka , and eventually helping lead to the Parity Project, AKA Archimedes 2.0, our plan for membership growth and fundraising.
A special shoutout to @AdrianFMalagon , Kathy Yeniscavich, @FletchHerCox , and Jonathon McGee. I couldn’t think of a better group of killers whom I can also call friends. #E11ven4Lyfe
This weekend I had great conversations with @Melissa_WongMT on bridging the divide between both hemispheres of the Libertarian Party, some great moments with frenemy @AustinShiloh1 , who joins me in the Island Chauvinist Caucus, and great conversations with the equally great @scotthortonshow .
Had a great time with @SmarterGameShow & @amitylee13 , the best gameshow couple, my FL delegation came out strong, including the official LP livestream on the SwampCast, many friends old and new who got to break bread, light a J, and crack open some brewskis once the dust settled.
I had the pleasure of meeting so many of you whom I had previously only known online or through the phone, from many different sides of the party.
I had the honor of making some new international friends, including members of LP Russia, who I believe make up some of the most hardcore libertarians in the world and are extremely persecuted. I also met friends from LP Canada, a look into our dystopian future if we fail to stop it.
I want to formally congratulate Evan McMahon, the Chair of one of the most successful affiliates in the country, and @AjaxtheGriff , a fellow Machiavellian and realpolitik enjoyer, on leading the LNC.
Lastly, I want to thank our amazing staff at @LPNational HQ, whom without, there would be no Libertarian Party. I place their role above the LNC in many respects, they are the unsung heroes of this movement.
My advice to the new LNC:
Firstly, find common ground on objectives. You do not have to like each other, in fact, you may even despise each other, but if you can agree on common objectives, or get out of each other's way on objectives that you may not find a priority but do not disdain, then let the goals of the LNC be known and agreed upon.
Secondly, seek first to understand before being understood. Oftentimes, disagreements arise out of assuming the other side’s intentions. The concerns may be valid, even if the action is disputed, and it may create room for compromise, or at least a less hostile impasse.
Third, do not make the organization look weak. Attacks on each other, especially public ones, only disservice the group in which you’ve chosen to be a part, as well as its subsidiaries. Libertarians are notorious for being low in agreeableness and politeness. I scored in the 15th percentile for agreeableness and the 0th percentile for politeness, which means we like to grapple. Grapple if you must, but do not bleed the organization for sport.
Fourth, remember your roots. Whatever brought you here, do not lose track of it. There are going to be times when you want to quit, and times when you are elated. It is a rollercoaster, and you must remember why you are here. Rekindle that fire every so often, re-read Rothbard, listen to Ron Paul’s speeches, remember Ruby Ridge, Waco, or whatever it is to you that reminds you why you fight.
Fifth, build a life worth fighting for. This goes for everyone. While the Party is the political arm of the libertarian movement, the most important part is your personal life. Are you healthy? Are you doing what you like to do? Are you profiting, we are capitalists after all. Are you seeking mastery? Are you building your family? Are you seeking status, ambition, meaning, and independence? Whatever it means to you, a life worth fighting for is important for the revolutionary.
Lastly, remember that in-person interactions supersede online ones. The internet is a cesspool, although it is extremely useful and not always wrong. Do not mistake the internet for reality, do not mistake online success for real world success, and always stay grounded. Online friends or enemies may not treat you the same way in person. Most communication is non-verbal. The real work for liberty is tangible, difficult, and costs sweat, blood, and treasure.
I am grateful for the honor of serving as Chair, grateful for those who fought beside me, and grateful for the delegates who trusted me to continue serving as an at-large member of the LNC.
No ones coming, it is up to us. See you in the foxhole.
Sincerely,
Steven Nekhaila
@JimBabka thank you for your time during the convention and suggestion of running for an at large. While I did not make it in the end, it went well for someone unknown.
I will be spending the next 2 years working on improvements locally and will reach out in the future as we discussed.
For anyone who did not see it or listen to the guy rant about the stage after the convention ended watch Jim's video on the 2024 convention. This is when I first really started considering getting involved directly i had been a member for sometime years at that point.
While there there is a libertarian party out there it needs to not be embarrassing. Let me be clear what I mean. I don't mean forcing a dress code to look legitimate, I don't mean being a prag thinking high vote or fundraising totals mean you are not embarrassing. I mean the party while one such exists represents what libertarianism is. We are not a place for people who simply are too dysfunctional in the real world the D/R have room for that unprincipled excuse. One just can't be a looser because winning is all they care about.
Should start at 19:40 where he talks about the presentation and other stuff.
https://t.co/EdbKyNr6bC
Just published: “Don’t Gamble With Ohio’s Future” - Or Don’t Gamble With Ohioans’ Freedom?
The “Ohioans to Protect Public Services” coalition isn’t protecting you - it’s protecting its own racket. Here’s why their fear campaign collapses and how voluntary endowments can replace property-tax extortion with stable, consent-based funding for schools, safety, and services.
Read the full response → https://t.co/THFphwuRFA
Support the AxOHTax petition while you’re at it: https://t.co/zQLLsNNbF8
#OhioPropertyTax #AbolishPropertyTaxes #VoluntaryFunding #OhioPolitics
Doug is spot on here. Massie's education is top tier. BS in Electrical Engineering plus a MS in Mechanical Engineering from MIT.
Invented haptic tech there, won Lemelson MIT Prize plus MIT $10K Business Plan Grand Prize, founded SensAble Technologies, raised $32M, 70 jobs, 24+ patents, still used in autos & prosthetics.
Elite innovator fighting the swamp! #TeamMassie #StandWithMassie
🎤 They can steal the microphone but I will never be silenced.
I was defending my wife, calling out my opponent’s COVID PPP fraud, and explaining that Congressmen work for the People, not the Speaker or the President!
Will you help me get my message out?
https://t.co/AgJY01JuFj
@MegynKellyShow@megynkelly "I know I'm supposed to feel sorry for the Chinese students but I don't. You know why I wasn't shot by the People's Liberation Army on June 4th? Because I kept my ass inside and out of their operations."
I remember just a few short months ago conservatives shouting about how awful it was liberals were celebrating Charlie Kirk’s death (which I found abhorrent, by the way), and saying they’d never do anything like that because they are compassionate and respect the sanctity of life. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but these folks are lying, shameless hypocrites and nothing they say should be taken seriously
@NRA The one time a literal tyrannical government executes a law abiding gun carrying citizen you side with the boot lickers.
What little bitches you’ve become.
Republicans just funded the CISA surveillance state that was (and will be) weaponized against them, a government kill switch on your car, and more Minnesota-style welfare fraud, but according to low-IQ influencers, Thomas Massie is the RINO. 🤡🤡🤡
@Rino868@lpmi I think Dave on this topic has been utterly terrible. Not libertarian, actively counter signaling libertarians and making paleo conservatives think they are libertarian and anarcho capitalists.
@JimBabka and @ZAPtheState made a video on this.
https://t.co/NsgNuIexu9
A pastor, associated with Pete Hegseth, says Christians should defend slavery. It's vital we have a conversation that offers a better alternative before people make this view their identity... https://t.co/CXI8GZsSW5
We’re looking for thoughtful individuals to join Antony Davies, Ph.D., and James R. Harrigan, Ph.D., for a weekly discussion group on economic theory, political science, history, and governance.
This junto is open to CiVL members.
Starts today at 4:30pm PT at https://t.co/RQLaCrLT2a