Welcome to the September Edition of the Philadelphia LP e-newsletter!

Featured Articles:
9/12: Awake to the Threat
The Philadelphia Housing Authority: Back in the U.S.S.R.

This is our way of keeping in touch with our members between meetings and spreading the word on Libertarian ideas. Look for monthly news on the Philly LP, articles on current events, and activism and events listings. Have a suggestion? Send it along: Vice-chair@lpphilly.org! We want the newsletter to fit the interests and needs of our members.

9/12: Awake to the Threat
by Anthony Perrella II
In all my life I do not believe there has ever been a time when concerned American citizens have come together in such a massive protest of our government as I witnessed at the 9/12 march on Washington. Crowd estimates were as high as two million. People filled the Capital building plaza, extended all the way down the Washington Monument's reflecting pool, and radiated as far as I could see. The pervasive feeling was that this was a historic, unprecedented gathering.

The march down Pennsylvania Avenue began early because so many people had gathered at the starting point that it could no longer hold everyone. We marched past the Newseum, its wall emblazoned with the first amendment, fittingly containing the right to demand of government a redress of grievances, to the Capital building plaza. Chippy homemade signs expressed our revulsion at the political representatives occupying the presidency, House, and Senate.

People asserted the authority of the Constitution, hundreds of years old and seemingly written in anticipation of dark times like these. To us the Constitution is not an old, yellowed sheet of parchment with some quaint notions about freedom, liberty, and individual rights. It is a powerful protection for the rights of men and women to live their lives freely and safely, with a government that upholds these rights, not one that seeks to circumvent them in service of its own corruption. We revere the sacrifices made by those before us to preserve it.

There was a deep pride within the crowd. The gathering felt like an epicenter of realization that the principles on which our country were founded face a profound, ugly threat - a danger that has burgeoned from within and is now manifested in all its malevolence. Signs echoed the atrocities of tyrants past and present. This crowd knows tyranny when it sees it, and perceives the old menace through its modern trappings.

The crowd reverberated with an ethic of civility, rugged common sense, and a shared appreciation of the treasure that is liberty. We demand the freedom to lead our lives as we see fit, with government playing only a minimal role. We hold a deep belief in the sanctity of the American people to define our country and values, not an all-powerful soulless government.

One man stood on a statue of a cart filled with patriots of the past, and as near as we could tell, held his American flag up high for hours without break, only occasionally switching arms. Such was the stalwartness exhibited this day of the will of a people who know the stakes involved.

The crowd basked in the presence of fellow-minded citizens and speakers, roused at times to cries against the scourges of tyranny, and to the true promises of freedom. The movement that began with the tea parties continues to swell in its scope. Each day more and more Americans are activated by the threat to our heritage.

Some questioned after the first round of tea parties whether this would be a one-time event, wondering whether people would lose interest and resume their lives as usual. On the contrary - this movement continues to ignite Americans with a deep pride in our country and our bounty of freedom. We recognize that although times change, tyranny is still tyranny, and freedom is still as precious as ever.

The Philadelphia Housing Authority: Back in the U.S.S.R.
by Oleg Gershman
The Philadelphia Housing Authority is currently the biggest landlord in Philadelphia. It houses around 81,000 people and employs 1150. PHA's budget is a staggering $347 million. 16,000 people are on a waiting list. Just recently the PHA received another $90 million from the stimulus package to expand their already monopoly of a business.

In the words of PHA's executive director, Carl Green, "At PHA, we're bringing more than hope to this great city. We are bringing homes." After reading this quote, I decided to compose a letter to him:

"Dear Mr. Green,

Do you honestly believe that you are really helping the poorest among us by providing public housing? Do you see any hope or pride in the Philadelphia citizens that you are trying to help? In my opinion, public housing eliminates any individuality or determination of a person to better themself. Please let me tell you a little about where I came from where public housing was the norm for everyone, except the communist bosses: The houses all looked the same. People waited in lines to receive an apartment. Does that not remind you of our public housing, here in Philadelphia, Mr. Green? Well, I am from the Soviet Union. My parents came here for capitalism and reward for hard work. Instead, we find the same slogans, the same ideals. It saddens me to see where America is heading. When I drive through the public housing areas in Philadelphia (many of them within one mile of my house) I am struck with a nostalgia that chills my bones.

In my opinion, public housing does not work. It creates laziness and complacency among citizens. I have this opinion because of what I have seen first hand and decided to leave it behind, only to find it on my doorstep once again.

Sincerely,

Oleg Gershman"

Libertarian
Minded Events:

Democracy, Citizenship and Constitutionalism Kickoff Event
Where: University of Pennsylvania
3451 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 | Houston Hall
When: September 29, 2009 | 4:30 - 6:30
Short Description: Featured Speaker: Professor Noah Feldman, Harvard Law

LPPhilly Monthly Meeting
Where: TBD (Our usual Raven Lounge is under construction - check our website closer to the meeting date for more deatils)
When: Tuesday, October, 20 - 8:00PM (Every 3rd Tuesday)
Short Description: Get involved, volunteer, or meet up with fellow libertarians and conservative minded folk.
More Info: lpphilly.org

If you attend a local event, send a review along to Vice-chair@lpphilly.org.

Event Reviews:
LPPhilly Monthly Meeting
by Nicole Koenitzer
Due to unexpected construction to the Raven Lounge the meeting was relocated to the Mahogany on Walnut. As a result, our movie showing was canceled. The Mahogany proved a very welcoming new spot for new and old members to converse freely on local issues.