Browne Announces Bid for LP Presidential Nomination

2/15/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bill Shotey

DEARBORN. Harry Browne, 1996 Libertarian Party candidate for President of the United States has formally announced his bid for the party's nomination for this year's presidential election.

"I am running for President because it's obvious that no Democrat or Republican is going to stop the relentless growth of the federal government," the 66-year-old investment advisor and best-selling author said. "No one but a Libertarian will reduce your taxes dramatically, allow you to live your life as a free American, and restrict the federal government to its Constitutional limits."

Browne offered substantial support for his contentions and Libertarian solutions to our political problems.

"Today federal, state, and local taxes take 47% of the national income. The Republican and Democratic candidates are discussing whether that figure should be raised to 48% or lowered to 46%. I want to cut it in half -- at the very least!

"I am running for President because you shouldn't be forced to put 15% of your income into a bankrupt Social Security system. I believe you are better able than any politician to plan for your future -- and you certainly care more about it. I want to sell off unneeded federal land and other assets to finance secure, fully paid-up, private retirement accounts for today's Social Security recipients -- and free you immediately from the 15% tax.

"I am running for President because I want to bring peace to your city and your neighborhood by ending the nightmare of drug Prohibition. The insane War on Drugs has caused the worst crime wave since alcohol Prohibition of the 1920s. It has filled our prisons with non-violent people who are no threat to anyone -- requiring that murderers, rapists, and thugs be freed on early release to terrorize our communities.

"I am running for President because no Republican or Democratic politician will end the dangerous foreign policy that makes America the world's policeman, the arbiter of everyone's dispute, the bully inciting terrorism, and the enemy of half the world. I want you to be able to sleep securely -- knowing your children will never fight and die in a foreign war and terrorists will never attack your city.

"I am running for President," he concluded, "because the federal government has stuck its nose into virtually every area of your life, with no Constitutional authority. It has made a mess of our health care system, of education, of welfare, and of law enforcement."

Mr. Browne will be appearing at the Libertarian Party of Michigan convention in Ann Arbor on May 20th.