Not only will the State not get a cut of each transaction - because some online companies will no longer do business in the State - but now the State can't tax the extra income of Colorado residents who are no longer able to transact commercial business online.

So, in its unquenchable desire for money money, the State has driven business out of Colorado and cost Coloradans an untold amount of income.

This letter from one of the largest online businesses in the world shows exactly how this works:

Dear Colorado-based Amazon Associate:

We are writing from the Amazon Associates Program to inform you that the Colorado government recently enacted a law to impose sales tax regulations on online retailers. The regulations are burdensome and no other state has similar rules.

The new regulations do not require online retailers to collect sales tax.

Instead, they are clearly intended to increase the compliance burden to a point where online retailers will be induced to "voluntarily" collect Colorado sales tax -- a course we won't take.

We and many others strongly opposed this legislation, known as HB 10-1193, but it was enacted anyway. Regrettably, as a result of the new law, we have decided to stop advertising through Associates based in Colorado. We plan to continue to sell to Colorado residents, however, and will advertise through other channels, including through Associates based in other states.

There is a right way for Colorado to pursue its revenue goals, but this new law is a wrong way. As we repeatedly communicated to Colorado legislators, including those who sponsored and supported the new law, we are not opposed to collecting sales tax within a constitutionally-permissible system applied even-handedly. The US Supreme Court has defined what would be constitutional, and if Colorado would repeal the current law or follow the constitutional approach to collection, we would welcome the opportunity to reinstate Colorado-based Associates.

You may express your views of Colorado's new law to members of the General Assembly [ http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/CLICS2010A/csl.nsf/directory?openframeset=]

and to Governor Ritter [ http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/GovRitter/GOVR/1177024890452 ], who signed the bill.

Your Associates account has been closed as of March 8, 2010, and we will no longer pay advertising fees for customers you refer to Amazon.com after that date. Please be assured that all qualifying advertising fees earned prior to March 8, 2010, will be processed and paid in accordance with our regular payment schedule.

Based on your account closure date of March 8, any final payments will be paid by May 31, 2010.

We have enjoyed working with you and other Colorado-based participants in the Amazon Associates Program, and wish you all the best in your future.

Best Regards,

The Amazon Associates Team

BlueCarp

The Libertarian Party of Colorado’s convention is Saturday, March 20, at the Red Lion Inn.

LPCO Business Meeting /State Convention

Red Lion Hotel

The Jefferson Room

3200 S. Parker Road

Aurora, CO 80014

303-695-1700

The doors will open at 7:30 am, registration begins at 8:00 am, and the business meeting will start at 9:30 am.

Vendor tables available for advertising your business.

Please complete a quick questionnaire if you're attending, so we can provide the best possible convention.

Book your king sized non-smoking room for $89 a day by calling the hotel directly or by going to: RedLion.com & using access code 0319libe.

If you call 1-800-Red-Lion through central reservations, simply request the Libertarian Party of Colorado rate.

Currently, we have three people seeking our nomination for Colorado Governor.

We have candidates seeking our nomination for every U.S. Congressional District and the U.S. Senate. This is good news.

We have some candidates seeking our nomination for state General Assembly seats. We need more. If you score near the top of the Nolan Chart and can effectively articulate why you answer each question on the World Smallest Political Quiz the way you do, consider running.

With growing dissatisfaction to the big-government two-party duopoly, the Libertarian Party of Colorado has an opportunity to do well in the 2010 elections. We are the only political party that actually believes in small government and free markets. The ONLY ONE. However, to capitalize, we need to provide an option to the public. The best way to provide that option is to run as many qualified Libertarian candidates as we can. We are off to a good start. Let us keep up the pressure.

====

The night before our Convention, there will be a candidate reception at the Red Lion Inn. You are encouraged to attend and meet them all. I will see you there.

LPCO Candidate Meet & Greet

Red Lion Hotel

Rooms A & B

3200 S. Parker Road

Aurora, CO 80014

303-695-1700

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Come meet the 2010 LPCO Candidate Pool,

and schmooze with fellow Libertarians.

$10 donation suggested.

Cash Bar.

All Donations Welcomed.

===

National Update

As I write, I’m in Austin, TX, attending the yearly Libertarian State Leadership Alliance conference. It is a good opportunity to meet members of other state parties and to learn what is working in their states.

The Libertarian National Committee is also meeting at the same time. Our current National Chairman, Bill Redpath, is not seeking another term. As of now, there are five announced candidates to replace him. All five spoke at the LSLA.

They are: George Phillies, Ernie Hancock, Wayne Allyn Root, John Jay Myers and Mark Hinkle.

Redpath’s successor will be selected at the National LP Convention this summer in St. Louis, Missouri. The convention will be the weekend of May 28.

In addition to selecting our candidates for the 2010 elections, we will elect our delegates to the National Convention.

If you have interest in attending the National Convention as a delegate, you are encouraged to attend the State Convention and seek a seat. Even if you can not attend the State Convention but wish to be a National delegate, you can have someone nominate you at the State Convention.

Other National News

Tony Ryan is our District Four representative on the LNC. Tony has done a great job representing us, but is not seeking another term. Tony’s alternate, Rob Latham of Utah, does not want the position but is willing to remain the alternate. Enter our own Jim Remmert, of Boulder. Jim is seeking the District Four spot on the LNC being vacated by Tony. Jim is the former Associate General Counsel for Exxon and has retired in Colorado.

Jim is also in Austin meeting many of the LNC and letting people know he is running.

Jim has my full support and I hope you all get a chance to meet him if you have not yet.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss...

The Obama administration and the Democrat controlled congress extended the USA PATRIOT Act.

BlueCarp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ygy0HbbKVM8

I agree that it’s important to live within the means of reality, and I believe that is exactly what I’m doing – and what others should do as well.  Scott Brown is nowhere near the ideal candidate. However, as I argued in another post, it isn’t only about electing the right candidates.  Because I live in reality and I know that many out there wouldn’t vote for a truly liberty-oriented candidate, I argue that rather than focus all of our efforts on electing the “right” candidate, we focus a good amount of our time on informing people and discussing the ideals of liberty.  If we choose not to do this and to simply continue trying to elect candidates, we will always be given choices like Scott Brown.  Not just in Massachusetts, but in other places as well.  I must admit that I don’t have much hope for Colorado in 2010, and the reason is because I don’t believe enough voters in the state truly believe in liberty.  And so long as that is the case, we will never have a truly pro-liberty man or woman in office.

Remember, it is about us! The people elect those in office.  And while those in office often try to lead the people where they want them to go, most will not be elected or get into office by going completely against an extreme majority in this country.  Therefore, I argue that we must spread the ideals of liberty to everyone and everywhere. And yes, Scott Brown being elected was no surprise, and I didn’t see it happening any other way.  He was elected, and we must understand that, but the goal must now be to showcase the example of Scott Brown, and to KEEP talking about this until we are able to get a liberty-oriented consensus in this country.  All lovers of liberty and freedom must take on the responsibility of selling the principles of liberty if they ever wish to have a better reality.

Where:    The Crystal Rose, 9755 East Hampden, Denver, CO 80231

For a map Click here: http://www.crystal-rose.com/images/maps/crhamp_map.gif

The Constitution Made Easy is a 3-Hour Seminar led by Mike Holler, author of the book by that name. Mike is one of the most dynamic speakers you may ever hear fighting for freedom in general and the United States Constitution in particular. In addition to his recent book, Mike also writes for The Constitutionalist Today, has been heard on many local radio stations including the Mike Rosen show, and speaks nationally with the Tea Party Express.

The focus of the seminar is on the meaning of the Constitution itself, and the basis for determining that meaning. Simple truths will form a simple basis for understanding what may have once been a difficult document. You will leave with tools that will help you read the Constitution with understanding, and explain it to others with confidence. The Constitution truly does become easy.

Most of the presentation is in Power Point format and you will enjoy following along in your FREE outline materials. There are frequent opportunities for questions and answers, as well as one or two break-out sessions where you and your fellow patriots will use what you have learned in order to solve problems that face you in your daily lives and as you engage in conversation with the politically misguided.

You will also gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of educating our fellow citizens about the Constitution, the meaning of, and purpose for the Oath of Office, and the dangers created by ignoring the principles of individual liberty, State sovereignty, and limited government.

Mike will be available after the seminar to sign books (available at a discount) and answer additional questions. You will also have the opportunity to pre-order the DVDs (also at a discount). Don’t miss this opportunity to meet one of our country’s most knowledgeable and energetic spokesmen for freedom. 

Why is this seminar free?

This seminar normally costs $20 to $30, but is being offered free because it will be filmed and used in creating an instructional DVD series. Attendees must permit the use of their likeness on the DVDs.

Don’t be shy. This is a chance to arm yourself with knowledge and save a few dollars during these tough economic times. 

Children 12 and over (and exceptional children who are 10 or 11) are welcome to attend with an adult.

Please send the name(s) of each person attending. You will receive an email confirmation. Space is limited. Please RSVP to ConstitutionMike@aol.com

While myself and others recognized that Scott Brown was not a liberty-loving fellow and were expecting this kind of behavior, it hasn’t been seen that way across the country (until now, hopefully).  All most people knew was that he was running against a Democrat and he said he wouldn’t vote for Obama’s healthcare bill.  But did many listen when he mentioned he wouldn’t vote for it because he thought he could instead make it better?  

What I’m trying to say is that we shouldn’t be surprised by his vote to advance this bill.  His stance is that government can and should help people better their lives. He stated that he “…came to Washington to be an independent voice, to put politics aside and to do everything in [his] power to help create jobs for Massachusetts families.”  [emphasis mine]  If we wanted a truly liberty-oriented candidate who believes in the constitution, it would have been someone who would never claim that the government is the answer to our problems, rather that they are the problem themselves. Not only should the government not be in the business of bettering anyone’s lives, they are unable to! If you frequent the post office, DMV or pay any attention to politics whatsoever, it should have been clear long ago that the government does not run things well and should be limited to the strict confinements of the constitution. Scott Brown let us down by advancing government rather than diminishing it.

I am glad that Scott made his move when people were watching. All I can hope is that as a nation we are learning our lessons, and it seems that we are. I have been quite pleased with the outrage today by those on the “center-right”, and am happy to see that very few are sticking up for him. However, we still have a long way to go and cannot stop now.  For those of us who truly care about restoring liberty to this republic, there is plenty of hard work ahead.

Christianity vs. Objectivism: Which is the Proper Philosophy for Living on Earth?

This talk argues that only Objectivism, the philosophy of Ayn Rand, provides a code of morality suitable for living successfully and happily on earth. Objectivism holds that reality is real, that reason is man’s only means of knowing it and that one should act in one’s own rational self-interest, with rationality being the highest virtue. Life is the objective standard of morality. In contrast, Christianity asserts that reality is governed by supernatural forces, that knowledge is based on faith and that the highest moral virtue is self-sacrifice. It will be shown that Christianity cannot be practiced consistently, destroys the integriity of man’s mind, and is incompatible with living successfully and happily in the real world. 

When: Wednesday, February 24 @ 6pm

Where: St. Cajetan’s Church at the Auraria Downtown Campus in Denver

A lot of talk has been going around about marijuana and whether it should be legal, illegal, or just heavily regulated. There has been even more talk about the DEA’s questionable medical marijuana dispensary  raid in Denver. The only moral solution to the problem of marijuana I see is to legalize it. Smoking marijuana is a victimless crime that for some reason has become criminalized. As I see it, the government is making mountains out of molehills with this issue.

Economically prohibition does not work but why is legalizing marijuana the only moral option? Normally, moral arguments are made against drugs, but are doing drugs really immoral? Those against marijuana say it is harmful to your health, but even if that is the case, should the government step in to save us from our own choices? Are we really that ignorant and in need of the government and other authoritarians to tell us how to live our lives? Is food immoral because people can become morbidly obese from it? Should the government ban all through drive-throughs to save us from our bad decisions?  Or should we be expected to think for ourselves and to be capable of making the right choice on our own?  Marijuana isn’t totally harmless nothing is totally harmless but it is much safer than alcohol and tobacco**.

Smoking marijuana is a life choice, just like religion. Believing in a certain God, just like smoking marijuana, is a victimless crime and an individual’s choice.  The choice to own a dog is not considered immoral while the choice to smoke marijuana is considered immoral. The words “drug use” have a negative connotation because we have grown up learning that “drugs are bad”.  But are all drugs the same?  There is a misconception about drugs when a relatively harmless drug like marijuana is grouped into the same category as a harmful drug like methamphetamine. Different drugs have different effects just like how a glass of beer is the same as a shot of whiskey.

Keeping marijuana illegal is in fact immoral. When the government makes something illegal they give you two choices, obey us or we will initiate violence against you. The government holds a gun to the temple of the public forcing them to do something that they do not want to, or in this case, forcing them to stop doing something they want to do.  How is forcing someone to give up a portion of their life for smoking marijuana moral?  The only immoral act here is the government’s initiation of violence against you. Ayn Rand said, “Force and mind are opposite, morality ends where a gun begins”.  In this case, morality ends when victimless crime laws begin.

*There’s been more public discussion of late than ever before. There’s more medical research into marijuana than any other substance in the world. We know the effect it has on the lungs and we know the effect it has on the brain. The only area where there’s still some uncertainty is the effect it has on a young person’s developing brain. There’s no conclusive evidence that it could be harmful. It could be, but we do know it doesn’t have long-term effects on the adult brain or lungs.

http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_13671900?source=commented-#ixzz0fwUNSsEn

*http://www.saferchoice.org/safercolorado06/

From their website:

Sensible Colorado envisions a system where drug use becomes a health issue, not a crime issue, through innovative drug policy reform that focuses on prevention and harm reduction education, provides accessible treatment opportunities, and reduces incarcerations, crime, drug use by minors, and strains on the judicial system and police departments while increasing the resources available for healthcare and treatment.

Treating drug use like a health issue? Whoaaaa now... that's just crazy talk.

For those "conservatives" that profess a belief in the Tenth Amendment and state sovereignty, do you mean it? Or do you only mean it when it is convenient?

My position is clear: Medical marijuana is a state issue, and the feds should stay the hell out of it.

All "conservatives" that support the DEA in this matter, please, never mention the Tenth Amendment again.

You don't believe in it.

I will be at this event, waving a Tenth Amendment sign. I hope you'll join me.

==================================

MEDIA ADVISORY -- For event on Thursday, February 18

Contact: Brian Vicente, Sensible Colorado, 720-280-4067

Medical Marijuana Patients and Supporters to Rally at President Obama Event

Protesters call for end to recent "rogue" DEA raids; Release of licenced provider and recent arrestee Mark Bartkowicz

DENVER, CO -- On Thursday, February 18, at an event to be attended by President Obama, medical marijuana patients and supporters will participate in a protest of the continuing federal raids of medical marijuana patients and providers in Colorado. This event is a response to the recent Drug Enforcement Administration raids of two front-range medical marijuana testing facilities and the Feb. 12 raid of a licensed medical marijuana grower in Highlands Ranch.

"These DEA raids are out of compliance with both the will of Colorado voters and that of the White House," said Brian Vicente, event organizer and director of Sensible Colorado. "In particular, the recent, armed raid and arrest of licensed medical marijuana provider Mark Bartkowicz, highlights the rogue nature of the regional DEA office. "President Obama needs to be made aware of this agency's miscreant actions."

Colorado voters passed a medical marijuana law in 2000. In October, 2009, the Department of Justice issued a memo instructing federal agents to refrain from focusing resources on the arrest and prosecution of individuals following state medical marijuana laws. That memo is available here.

WHAT: Medical Marijuana Protest at Event Attended by President Obama

WHO: **PHOTO-OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE** with Sign-Waving Medical Marijuana Patient, Providers, and Supporters.

WHEN: Thursday, February 18 from 12-1pm

WHERE: Across from the Fillmore Auditorium, at the corner of Colfax and Clarkson in Denver, CO. See Directions HERE

# # #

Sensible Colorado is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a more sensible, evidence-based approach to drugs and drug policy in Colorado. For more information visit http://www.SensibleColorado.org.

--
Brian Vicente, Executive Director
Sensible Colorado
P.O. Box 18768, Denver, CO 80218
Ph# 720 890 4247
Fax# 303 861 0915
brian@sensiblecolorado.org

Please visit www.sensiblecolorado.org to sign up for Sensible Colorado's
free email updates.

--
Brian Vicente, Executive Director
Sensible Colorado
P.O. Box 18768, Denver, CO 80218
Ph# 720 890 4247
Fax# 303 861 0915
brian@sensiblecolorado.org

Please visit www.sensiblecolorado.org to sign up for Sensible Colorado's
free email updates.

BlueCarp