Posted on 11/09/2003 8:49:13 PM PST by Libloather
Dean Cameron, Jimmie Vaughan set for LP Convention
A popular Hollywood actor, an outspoken judge, and an incendiary talk show host have been confirmed as speakers at the 2004 Libertarian National Convention.
In addition, a legendary blues musician (and self-declared Libertarian) will perform, said Convention Committee Chair Nancy Neale.
"[We want] to offer the best possible speaker line-up to inform, educate, and inspire," she said.
Speaking at the convention, which will be held May 27-31, 2004 at the Marriott Atlanta Marquis Hotel in Georgia, will be actor Dean Cameron, Superior Court Judge James Gray, and syndicated radio talk show host Neal Boortz.
Performing at a benefit concert will be four-time Grammy Award-winning blues singer and guitarist Jimmie Vaughan.
In addition to speakers and entertainment, up to 1,400 delegates at the convention will nominate the LP presidential and vice presidential candidate for the 2004 election.
Delegates will also debate modifications to the LP Platform, vote on proposed Bylaws changes, choose a National Chair, and elect a new Libertarian National Committee to guide the party for the next two years.
The theme of the convention is "LIBERTY Works!" -- which will be reflected at the convention by "many examples of successful implementation of non-government solutions," said Neale.
But the highlight for many delegates will be the line-up of speakers and entertainers, which includes:
* Dean Cameron: He made his name as a funnyman actor in lighthearted teenage comedies like Ski School (1991), Ski School 2 (1994), and Summer School (1987).
However, he has been in the news more recently as the inventor of the "Bill of Rights, Security Edition" for travelers -- the first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution printed on sturdy, playing card-sized pieces of metal.
The product is designed to set off the metal detectors in airports and force airport security to "take away your Bill of Rights."
The inspiration for the product came from the fact that he is a "hard-core Libertarian," said Cameron.
"I'm always surprised that more artists aren't Libertarians," he told the Advocates for Self-Government.
In addition to movies, Cameron appeared on the short-lived NBC series Mister Sterling, and in small roles on a number of popular TV series, including Will and Grace, ER, and Mad About You.
At the convention, Cameron will provide his humorous perspective on politics, said Neale.
"We can expect his speech/stand-up comedy routine to be quite insightful and entertaining," she said. "He told me he's very grateful and honored to be a part of our national convention."
* Judge James Gray: This Orange County, California Superior Court judge first broke with tradition when he spoke out against the "needless tragedy" of the War on Drugs.
Then, in February 2003, he joined the Libertarian Party, saying, "Drug Prohibition is the most critical issue facing the world today, and the LP is the only party addressing it. I felt compelled to join."
At the time, Gray said he might seek the LP's presidential nomination, but more recently said he may run for U.S. Senate in California.
Gray, 57, is the author of Why Our Drug Laws Have Failed and What We Can Do About It: A Judicial Indictment of the War on Drugs. Published in April 2001, the book expounds on Gray's premise that "Drug Prohibition has failed from every standpoint imaginable: unnecessary prison growth, increased taxes, increased crime and corruption here and abroad, loss of civil liberties, decreased health, [and] diversion of resources."
Gray's two decades of experience as a judge gives him a "unique perspective" on the War on Drugs, said Neale.
"He is one of the most educated and articulate anti-drug-war advocates out there," she said. "I first heard Judge Gray speak a couple years ago. He gave a very impressive and compelling speech from [his] unique perspective."
* Neal Boortz: Talkers Magazine called him one of the "25 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America." And readers of Radio and Records Magazine called him the "NewsTalk Personality of the Year" in 2002.
He's Neal Boortz -- the host of the #1 rated talk show in Atlanta and syndicated on about 140 stations around the USA.
He joined the LP in 1996 after becoming fed up with big-government Republican politicians.
"I'm a libertarian," said Boortz. "Simply put, I believe in freedom. I firmly believe that if liberty is to be preserved in America, it will be libertarian thought, if not the Libertarian Party, that saves it."
Delegates can expect fireworks when Boortz speaks, said Neale.
"Although he's been a great cheerleader for the LP for many years, he's often quite controversial and very much his own man with strong opinions not always in line with every issue in the LP platform," she said. "I expect him to be pretty fired-up."
* Jimmie Vaughan: He is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest guitarists in popular music. In fact, Guitar Player magazine called him "a virtual deity -- a living legend."
He's Jimmie Vaughan, a founding member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, brother of fellow blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan, creator of the Jimmie Vaughan Stratocaster guitar, and purveyor of classic blues riffs and retro rock cool.
He's also a Libertarian, with links to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution on his website.
Vaughan has won four Grammy Awards, most recently for Do You Get The Blues? (Best Traditional Blues Album, 2001).
With the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Vaughan released Tuff Enuff (1986), T-Bird Rhythm (1982), and Hot Stuff Greatest Hits (1992). With his brother, he recorded Family Style (1990).
He also played on Bob Dylan's Under the Red Sky, Carlos Santana's Havana Moon, Willie Nelson's Milk Cow Blues, and B.B. King & Eric Clapton's Riding with the King.
Vaughan will perform at a benefit concert during the convention (date to be announced) that will also be open to the public. The concert should appeal to blues fans and to all Libertarians, said Neale.
"Jimmie Vaughan is a sweet and humble guy who likes to play the guitar," she said. "He's proud to be an LP member and says he's honored to be able to play at the convention for us."
Reservations at the Marriott Atlanta Marquis Hotel are available for the special rate of $99 a night for single or double occupancy, $119 for triple occupancy, or $139 for quad occupancy. The special rates are available from May 24 to June 1, 2004.
For reservations, call (800) 228-9290 or (404) 521-0000. Mention the Libertarian Party convention to get the special rates.
Prices for convention packages and for individual events will be announced at a later date.
Eventually, even artists grow up...
Well, maybe brother of a legendary blues musician. Jimmy is good and so are the Fabulous Thunderbirds, but legendary? I don't think so.
<sigh> That is soooo September 10th.
I'm hoping the so-called Liberteen Party could be infiltrated with a few conservatives. Got any tips on how to do it?
Just think about the press coverage after this fandango. Could be legendary...
I suggest a spell check for the good doctor. Otherwise, we maybe closer to the same page than some may think. The Republican Liberty Caucus - got any info on that?
The product is designed to set off the metal detectors in airports and force airport security to "take away your Bill of Rights."
Only an assbag would intentionally do something like this as a deliberate inconvenience.
Get some gloves. (Look at me - giving a doctor orders...)
Priorities, priorities...Let's see: we're in the midst of a war that has changed the course of U.S. history and that just might alter the destiny of the Middle East, but no, it's all about drugs.
Jimmie Vaughan: He is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest guitarists in popular music. In fact, Guitar Player magazine called him "a virtual deity -- a living legend."
He's nothing compared to his brother, Stevie Ray. His only advantage over his younger brother is that of having not been killed in a helicopter crash at the height of his career.
Yet another reason that the Liberteens will be defunct in just a few more election cycles?
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