Following is a summary of positions taken on issues by the Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County Central Committee at its meeting of 8 April:

At its meeting today, the Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County endorsed four candidates planning to run in the 2024 election: Joe Dehn for CD17, Alan Kaiser for SD13, Mark Hinkle for SD15, and Gail Lightfoot for US Senate.

The Executive Committee of the Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County acted this week to fill two vacancies in officer positions, triggered by the resignation of the Secretary.

Three members of the LP of Santa Clara County who are planning to file as candidates in the 2024 election have been endorsed by the Libertarian Party of California.

At the prompting of Santa Clara County central committee member Ed Wimmers, the Libertarian Party of California has adopted a resolution calling for an end to U.S. government involvement in the current war in Europe.

Santa Clara County was well-represented at the Libertarian Party of California's annual convention, held 17-19 February, in Sacramento.

At their annual meeting on Saturday, 14 January, members of the Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County elected party leadership for the coming year.

The Bill of Rights -- the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution -- was ratified 231 years ago today, 15 December 1791.

The Bill of Rights sets limits on the powers of the federal government, including the well-known prohibition on laws restricting freedom of speech and of the press, the right to keep and bear arms, and the right to a trial by jury. It also states explicitly two general principles: that the listing of rights does not mean these are all the rights (9th Amendment) and that if the Constitution doesn't assign a power to the federal government then it belongs to the states, or the people (10th Amendment).

Of course over the last two centuries politicians have tried their best to side-step these rules, and unfortunately have been all too successful. It's up to us to hold elected officials accountable when they go beyond the specific powers named in the Constitution, and when they violate the principles outlined in the Bill of Rights.

More info:
* National Archives
* Wikipedia

Mike ter Maat, who is seeking the Libertarian nomination for President in 2024, visited Santa Clara County this past weekend during a campaign swing through California.