[Lnc-business] Libertarian Convention vs. Green National Meeting - Registration Fees

[Joshua Katz]

I don't see why Dr. Lieberman is under stating his case like this. Clearly
the issue runs deeper than floor fees - its about the overriding importance
of managing our affairs the way the Greens do.

Less sarcastically, it should be clear, but seemingly isn't, that this
issue has nothing to do with Tanstaafl. Can someone produce one opponent of
floor fees who thinks that conventions should magically be free? No? Okay,
then let's move on to substantive matters. The question is how the costs
should be borne. Some think they should be borne by those, and only those,
who choose to serve as delegates and engage in the party's business, and
who bear the costs of travel, lodging, etc. Others believe the costs should
be borne by the membership as a whole, with some offset by selling valuable
things other than a vote, such as speakers and so on.

Why does the latter make sense? Delegates don't go for personal purposes,
but to do the work all members need done.

What about delegates who aren't sustaining members? Rather irrelevant since
they're still doing the necessary work. However, it might make some sense
to charge affiliates for the portion of their membership that isn't
sustaining members of LPUS.

Connecticut used to charge for speakers but allow members to vote. Last
year, we held our first convention at which we didn't charge for anything.
We also didn't provide food. Donations were accepted.

Connecticut also just started a program of granting life membership (so
long as residency is maintained) to LP life members. On leaving the state,
they may become life associate members.

As for the Greens, they want rich attendees to bear communal costs. Par for
the course, but not particularly libertarian.

I would present another argument, but it's been made to the JC and lost.

By the way, do we have a party worth donating to, or not? If not, we should
respect the judgment of the market and fold, not tax. I believe we do,
though, and we'd get more without making threats.

Joshua Katz
 On Jul 28, 2014 11:06 PM, "Scott L." <scott73 at earthlink.net> wrote:

>
>
> When Nancy and Geoffrey Neale give us their Convention Report for the 2014
> Libertarian National Convention, I will bet you that at least 20% of our
> Delegates chose the no registration fee option.
>
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> The 2014 Green Party Annual Meeting was held this past weekend in
> Minnesota.
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> Unlike our Convention, they did not have a “zero registration fee option.”
>
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> In fact, the cheapest registration option for the Green Annual Meeting for
> Delegates was $140 per person (or $125 per person for couples).
>
>
>
>    https://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/175/shop/shop.jsp?storefront_KEY=40
>
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> Why does the Green Party get TANSTAAFL, but the Libertarian Party doesn’t?
>
>
>   Scott Lieberman
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>
>
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