-=> Quoting Mike Angwin to Justin Baustert <=-
 MA> Changing subjects mid-stream...I looking for advice.  I've just
 MA> done a strange thing and filed to run for Texas Attorney General this
 MA> coming fall.  Since noone else in party has filed, if I get by the
 MA> state convention, it appears I will be on the ballot next November.
 MA> What I am looking for, starting with nothing, are recommendations
 MA> about what to do to run a respectable campaign.  Any ideas?
DH> Which party? I thought that you were a partisan of Texas independance.
 
      Very much so, but supporters of self-government in Texas run the
gauntlet of the entire political spectrum.  I happen to be a
Libertarian since the LP most closely parallels my own political
beliefs.  Like everyone, of course, I have my own ideas and am
occasionally at variance with controversial parts of the party platform
with which I disagree, but overall the LP has been my political
affiliation since the late 70s.  
      Interestingly enough the Libertarian Party of Texas has a plank
in it's state platform supporting independence and calling for a
binding referrendum on the issue.  However, I don't personally believe
the question is that simple.  First, there is no referrendum process
under the current consitution and second there are other considerations
that must be taken into account as stipulated in White vs. Texas by the
U.S. Supreme Court.  While I do support the concept of independence and
do encourage open discussion on the issue, I also support following the
lawful, constitutional process to achieve that goal should the desire
ever become present for the people of Texas to pursue it.  
      Unilateral action is simply not an option available to us
legally. 
       Still, be a Texan a Republican, or a Libertarian, or a Democrat,
or a Reform Party supporter, there is no inherent conflict with the
proposition of Texas independence so long as they recognize both the
current state and federal consitutions and abide by the provisions
established within them.  Even an independent Texas would have
political parties and a diverse array of views among the people.
       
                                         Mike Angwin
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