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The Colorado Freedom Report--www.FreeColorado.com Vote Liberty: Election 2006Introduction Advocates of individual rights face some miserable choices this year in Colorado politics. Yet some choices are clear. This document links to and summarizes all the election coverage produced by the Colorado Freedom Report and by me (in some cases writing with my father) in columns elsewhere. Obviously, I haven't been able to provide complete election coverage. Nor have I tried to provide recommendations for every race or ballot measure. Nevertheless, the news and views found here offer a unique perspective on many issues facing Colorado voters this year. My strategy may be stated simply: vote liberty. But most candidates offer a mixed bag, and in some cases ballot measures do not clearly support or undermine liberty. Despite the nose-holding inherent in modern elections, Colorado voters will make some important decisions on November 7. Here I offer what advice I can as to how to make those decisions in such a way to advance or at least protect liberty to the greatest extent possible. -- Ari Armstrong Petitioning -- Amendment 38 How Might the Federalists Vote?
The Pros and Cons of Amendment 38
Term Limits for Judges -- Amendment 40 How Might the Federalists Vote?
Minimum Wage -- Amendment 42 Wage controls, including wage floors or a "minimum wage," unambiguously harm liberty. People have a right to contract free from state interference. Wage controls violate the rights of employers and employees alike. It so happens that minimum-wage laws also hurt many poor families. Vote "no" on Amendment 42. Vote liberty this election
Minimum Wage Often Transfers Wealth Away From Poor
Rights and initiatives
The Independence Institute has also made available a brief and paper by economist David Neumark, published by the Show-Me Institute. Marijuana Possession -- Amendment 44 Among our most fundamental rights is the right to control our own bodies. For example, we as adults have the right to decide whether to ingest certain herbs, such as marijuana. Similarly, we also have the right to decide whether to ingest the drug alcohol, even though alcohol is related to numerous deaths and acts of violence. Amendment 44 would remove state-level criminal penalties for possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for adults age 21 and over. Opponents basically argue that marijuana can be dangerous. It is true that marijuana can be dangerous, as it is true that alcohol, guns, swimming pools, fatty food, irresponsible sex, and so on, can be dangerous. (Prohibitionists often wildly exaggerate the dangers of marijuana and other things.) We have a right to do potentially dangerous things, so long as that doesn't involve a violation of the rights of others. The only alternative is to grant the state control over our bodies, a position that ultimately threatens all individual rights. Obviously, using marijuana doesn't inherently violate the rights of others. Those who violate the rights of others while under the influence of any drug, be it alcohol or marijuana, should be sanctioned for the violation of rights. Vote "yes" on Amendment 44. The following article links to extensive commentary and audio files. Officials, SAFER Debate Amendment 4
Vote liberty this election
Rights and initiatives
Unfortunately, Legislative Council lied about Amendment 44 in the Blue Book, the tax-funded voter's guide. This is a serious problem, regardless of one's views on Amendment 44. Return Blue Book to Sender
Legislative Council's Lie of Omission
SAFER Fights Blue-Book Language
Race for Governor Ritter for Governor
The following article reviews Bill Ritter's attacks on civil liberties, yet it also criticizes Bob Beauprez for injecting religion into politics. Candidates undermine rights
Ritter and the reading records
Ritter threatens gun rights
Republicans race to impose government controls
Beauprez camp learns of sheep and men
'Both Ways Bob' can diffuse the title
Republicans duke it out
Colorado Legislature The Armstrong Survey for 2006 Colorado Candidates Vote Caskey over 'Boondoggle' Buescher
Democrats Mock the Vote
Freedom Updates: August 24, 2006: Ellis Challenges Benefield
King tops Alward in House District 54
Penry for state senate
Rick O'Donnell -- Seventh Congressional District O'Donnell Proposes Youth Slavery
Freedom Updates: August 24, 2006: Mandatory Accounts Are Not Private: O'Donnell Essay Search: Day 15
Access Denied to O'Donnell's Social Security Essay
O'Donnell Endorses Welfare Statism
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