Less Antman: "The Dallas Accord Is Dead"

Libertarian Party activist and Mary Ruwart supporter Less Antman (also a certified public accountant [CPA]) published a new piece for LewRockwell.com entitled "The Dallas Accord Is Dead." In the piece, he declares the LP's historical agreement in Dallas, Texas in 1974 is now in tatters and urges Libertarians to negotiate on a new agreement at the upcoming Libertarian National Convention in Denver, Colorado from May 22 to May 26.

In an excerpt of the piece, Antman declares the following:

I don't want the LP coalition to end: I want it to thrive. I propose that 2008 be the year of the Denver Accord, and offer the following resolution:

1. The Libertarian Party is committed to advancing the principle of non-aggression and a society based on mutual respect for life, liberty, and property.


2. We support a comprehensive platform based on the current consensus of the party, to guide candidates, activists, and new members toward an understanding of the LP's position and how it would apply to different areas.


3. No idea is too dangerous to be discussed. Platform debates should be open and respectful, and include proposals related to courts, police, and defense, which may succeed or fail, but will educate all who participate. These debates should not be limited to conventions or to platform committee members, but be ongoing and supported by the official party, with official web sites and blogs allowing all to participate, and with platform committee members expected to moderate online discussions as part of their service between conventions.


4. Candidates and activists speaking on behalf of the LP should select their themes from the platform, and design brochures, speeches, and press releases based on those issues where there is a party consensus. When asked questions in interviews and Q&A sessions on a matter on which the LP has no official position, or where the individual disagrees with the party position, they should respond with integrity, identifying the silence or disagreement of the party with their own position.