In school civics classes, we all learn about the separation of powers in our government. We learn that the judicial branch cannot make laws, only rule on them and cannot force lawmakers to act, only end enforcement of bad laws. The legislative branch writes laws, and the executive branch enacts laws. The Supreme Court cannot tell the legislature how to operate, nor can the legislature tell the court how to rule on cases. Likewise, the Supreme Court has no executive power to force people to do anything. It is only one of 3 parts, which work together, in a careful check and balance.

Well, despite my best effort, it's been too long since my last entry.

Next week is Election Day, and I'll be very glad to see it arrive.
I've been working on a variety of non-local races in other states, so it's been interesting for me to realize just how lucky we are here in New Hampshire.

For example: our Election Day is really that: a day. Other states do mail-in ballots, or allow voting all week long... Ugh. Here, we take the day seriously, and can show up at the polls and express ourselves, with signs and palm cards, and make a real difference.

Other examples: What other state requires Democrats to promote over and over how they won't raise taxes or implement new ones, and will work together in a bi-partisan manner? What other state has high ranking Republicans refusing (at first) to back their own gubernatorial candidate, hoping to ride the coattails of the incumbent Democratic governor instead?

Finally, here's my take on the local elections I get a voice in -

Today marks the 3 year anniversary of the Free State Project picking New Hampshire in a 10 state vote. 3 years later, and it's interesting to see how the changes are starting to happen, and even pick up speed as more people move and get involved, working for increased freedoms in many ways.

Been quiet lately because I was working nonstop with a few campaigns (some wins, some losses in the Primary), and didn't feel it was appropriate to blog much about them from a privileged or paid position. Now that's over, there'll be more opportunity to blog freely. Most of the other political webwork I'm doing is non-local politics, so that hopefully won't get in the way of my own opinion posting here...

"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice!" according to the late Barry Goldwater. I'm sure Russell Kanning agrees with that sentiment, and because of that belief, he is sitting in a jail cell. He's likely on a hunger strike by now, and protests calling for his release are already in the planning stages. I won't be at any of those protests though, because as much as I like Russell as a person and fellow liberty activist, he's in the wrong, this time, in my opinion.

Despite having no idea how much the Big Dig repairs will cost yet, Mass. Governor Mitt Romney is already plotting ways to reach into your pocket to pay for it.

On Saturday, the people most dedicated to helping you hold onto your wallet will be asking you to open it up to help them out. The Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers are holding their annual picnic again! Held at the Hopkinton Fair Grounds, it's an all you can eat BBQ, so bring an appetite... I always do. (Which is why I need to go back on a diet, I guess.)

Just got back from Canterbury's fireworks display. Wow! I've been to shows across the country (including Washington DC on the green on July 4th), and this was one of the best I've ever seen. Why? Because it was so close, you could touch it.

Marty Boldin's piece on addressing NH drug use uses a metaphor of a three legged stool. I'm also concerned about the drug (ab)use problems in this state. Sadly, I find Marty's wanting to build his stool using legs that just aren't up to the weight of the problem.

One important thing I come away with from events like the Porcupine Freedom Festival (aka PorcFest) is that the stereotypical image of Libertarians as 'selfish' is often completely false, and it's hard to find a group more open and sharing... because voluntary sharing is the only kind that matters.