National Catholic Reporter

The Independent News Source

Libertarian Poll Tax?

A notice in the local paper here in Connecticut caught my eye yesterday. The Libertarian Party of Connecticut will be holding their state convention this coming Saturday in Bridgeport.

The notice lists some of the speakers, including a congressional candidate and a constitutional scholar. But, what jumped off the page was this: “Tickets are $45.”

I have been to political conventions before, both as a staffer and as a delegate. The way one secures a seat is by being elected at the caucus in your hometown or in a primary election. I understand that newer parties may need less formal arrangements, but charging admission? It seems downright un-American. I remember libertarian Senate candidate Rand Paul having trouble with parts of the Civil Rights Act. Are his Connecticut partners creating a new kind of poll tax for influence within their own party?

Help us explore new ideas for the NCR website by taking this brief survey.
survey-button3_1.jpg

NCR Comment code:

  • Be respectful. Do not attack the writer. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the original idea may be deleted.

We are not able to monitor every comment that comes through. If you see something objectionable, please click the "Report abuse" button. Once a comment has been flagged, an NCR staff member will investigate.

For more detailed guidelines, visit our User Guidelines page.

For help on how to post a comment, visit our reference page.

Sisters' Stories; read more

NCR Email Alerts

 

In This Issue

May 10-23, 2013

May10-cover.jpg

Not all of our content is online. Subscribe to receive all the news and features you won't find anywhere else.