TAL Minutes - March 2003

Tulsa Area Libertarians (TAL) met at Ryan's Steakhouse at 7:00 P.M.
March 20, 2003

The meeting was called to order by Angelia O'Dell, Chair.

Angelia welcomed guests who were present.

The minutes were read by Secretary Michael Clem and approved as read.  Copies of the monthly newsletter, of which Mike Clem is editor, were passed out to members present.  A copy is attached.

Mike English, Treasurer, reported $576.22 in the treasury.  Recent expenditures were for the Post Office Box rent and a check to the State for a refund from the Adams Mark Hotel of $73.00 on the 2002 convention in Tulsa.  This payment to the state puts the 2002 Convention, with TAL as the sponsor, at an almost break even status.  Final financial status will also be attached.

Mike English also commented that Nick Dunbar at National had explained that all dues must be mailed to National by the member themselves and not routed through local or state affiliates in order to comply with complicated Election and Campaign Reform laws.

Chair, Angelia O'Dell called for a discussion of the on going situation with the Unified Membership Payment (UMP).  National has not been able to meet monthly payments to the states of their share of the membership payments.  National has offered to exchange the newspaper "Viewpoint" in exchange for the payments for several months until payments are able to be resumed.  After discussion, it was the consensus of the members present that we should encourages the State of Oklahoma to accept the "Viewpoint" handout in lieu of payment for the interim period.  The newspaper is already printed; the expenses has been incurred by National, it is readable, interesting, colorful, and inexpensive.  As TAL is planning to have a presence at several fairs and events, the "Viewpoint" will be an appropriate handout.  It was agreed that Angelia should communicate to the State Chair, Christopher Powell, that we want to accept these in exchange for the money owed to Oklahoma and have them for TAL Outreach events.

Jason Doll, Webmaster, reported on the additions to the website. It now has about 40 links to other libertarian sites and he has plans for more additions such as letters to the editor by our members.

Clint Gallatin, Outreach Chair, reported on the efforts to set up various booths at various festivals.  He also is working with Harry Browne for the 20004 State Convention.  Clint announced the kickoff of the "Personal Time With Harry Browne" raffle ticket sale for a fundraiser to meet convention expenses.  Raffle tickets will sell for $2.00 each and the winner will have a personal hour with Harry Browne to discuss financial planning, politics, or whatever they wish to discuss with him.  Several tickets were sold.

New Business:
Angelia announced that William Stone, South Dakota Libertarian who is planning to run against Tom Daschle, will be in Tulsa for the Tulsa Gun Show.  The problems of securing a booth were discussed as we would have to go on a waiting list.  Cost would be $100.00.  The motion was made by Mike English that if we could get a booth on Saturday morning at a reduced price for $25.00 we should participate in the gun show.  Motion seconded by Rob Roberts.  Motion passed.  It was agreed that we should entertain Bill Stone regardless of whether we secured a booth at the gun show or not.  Lynn Atherton and Roger Bloxham offered their home for a get together.

After a brief break, the program, a debate forum over the War in Iraq, resulted in a lively debate.  Rob Roberts presented the points in favor of the United States involvement in the Iraq War, and Mike Clem presented the con. Following the excellent presentation by both debaters, a lively discussion ensued with many interesting arguments presented on both sides.

Lynn Atherton
Acting Recording Secretary