E-cig anxiety at WWU

I wrote a letter to the editor that got published in the Western Washington University school newspaper in response to one of their articles. However, my letter has yet to be posted online...even though it has been months, so I am putting it on here for the time being.

Thank you for publishing the article concerning E-cigarettes. I am serious when I say that I have never heard someone complain about other people using them, so I am not sure how the concern over E-cigarettes came to be. While I am glad to know that the school faculty and AS Board of Directors care for our well-being, I believe they need to hear out the student body before making any rash decisions concerning the change of the smoking policy to include E-cigarettes.

It is my opinion that more research needs to be done on E-Cigarettes before anyone can say that they are any more or less healthy than normal tobacco products.

I have a question for those considering changing the smoking policy to include E-cigarettes:

Do you want it changed because of concerns about secondhand vapor negatively affecting the health of third parties, or are you trying to look after the health of the individuals who choose to partake in vaporizing?

If it is the first reason, I am sure the student body would like to see the research concluding that secondhand vapor has that effect on people.

If it is the latter, why do you feel the need to tell students what they can or cannot do with their own bodies via regulation? If instead of changing the policy you started an educational campaign teaching students about E-cigarettes, it would allow them to make informed decisions of their own without limiting their personal freedoms.

The Director of Environmental Health and Safety sent me information on why they were considering these policy changes and I wrote this in reply:

After reading this link from the University of Kentucky, I still stick to my arguments, especially the one dealing with a person being able to choose what to do with his or her own body. I find it very inconclusive. It seems that the university is more concerned with using biased sources, emotional appeals, and scare tactics to try to convince people not to use or support the use of E-cigarettes.  While it is true that they contain chemicals, even those that are considered carcinogenic, I would want to see more evidence that second vapor would actually negatively affect third parties.

It would also be worthwhile to mention that I was told the policy changes were in discussion because some students were vaporizing in the library and it caused the fire alarm to go off. Definitely not a knee-jerk reaction on the school's part. I will definitely be writing more about e-cigs in the future.

Why Miley Cyrus deserved to be one of TIME's "Person of the Year" nominees

I first wrote about Miley Cyrus in this post four months ago after her performance with Robin Thicke.

On Facebook in late November, I noticed that people were freaking about the nominees for TIME's "Person of the Year." Why? Because Miley Cyrus was on it.

Read more about it here.

People were complaining about how TIME has gone downhill and was proving itself to be more of a joke because of this.

It really annoyed me. What exactly - the fact Miley Cyrus was on the list or the fact people were going crazy over this?

Well, both...but mostly the latter.

First of all, READ THE DESCRIPTION OF WHAT MAKES A PERSON "PERSON OF THE YEAR."

On the poll, it says "Cast your vote for the person you think most influenced the news this year for better or worse."

"Person of the Year" is not who is the best all-around role model for the world to follow, it is about who sparked interest and for some reason or another has people talking about him or her and the subjects brought up because of that person. Miley Cyrus did exactly that.

Sure, it was pretty stupid how people were paying attention to her performance at the VMAs while people were either ignoring or were unaware (most likely the latter) of the matter with Syria, but like it or not, it produced a lot of discussion on rape culture, slut-shaming, racism, and feminism.

Then of course when the talk about that was dying out, her music video of her song "Wrecking Ball" was released, which showed her naked on a gigantic golf ball. People hated that she was "naked and provocatively riding the wrecking ball." I would not call that provocative at all, but whatever she was doing with the mallet...well, I will admit if they just deleted those scenes I would have probably thought the video was pretty well done. Then when she was wearing clothes, she had on a tank top...with no bra underneath! How scandalous! Really people? Grow up.

Print Miley cutouts and place them on friends' ornaments and see if anyone notices. Do it.

I am indifferent to Miley to be honest. It does frustrate me when I think of how hard I had to work to get my Hempfest post views higher than the one about Miley, but other than that, I just think she's human - she does stupid things, but can also say stuff of worth

Like this.

Did I think Miley Cyrus deserved to be the "Person of the Year" for 2013. Ehh, I don't think so...I mean, I didn't care to go through the list TIME produced and look at everyone of them, but I think the one I had noticed in the news the most were her, Edward Snowden, and Pope Francis. For those who don't know, Pope Francis got the 2013 title.

Seriously though, people - please read what the "Person of the Year" really is about before blabbing about why someone should not be on there.

To end this all, I leave you with a sage piece wisdom...

Julie Borowski interview

I first discovered Julie Borowski a little over a year ago at a Western Libertarians meeting. The members and I were trying to see which videos on YouTube to watch, and one of the guys suggested we watch TokenLibertarianGirl's channel, so we did. I decided to like her Facebook page and follow what she had to say about politics. During these past twelve months, I have seen Julie endure many criticisms, but also successfully get her name and ideas out there, including writing a counter-response with Cathy Reisenwitz and Bonnie Kristian to a LewRockwell.com piece and going on John Stossel's show. She was kind enough to do an interview with me. Check her out on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

UPDATE: She also has her own website.

Julie Borowski

Age: 25

Pets: Cat and weiner dog

Favorite movies: Jurassic Park, V for Vendetta, Catch Me if You Can, any Will Ferrell movie

Other forms of entertainment she enjoys: "Real country music" and stand up comedy

1. How did you first discover libertarianism? How did you become a libertarian?

I grew up a hardcore conservative Republican. I’ve always had an “all or nothing” type of personality. Even though I was a kid, I was obsessed with political philosophy. But during the second term of George W. Bush’s presidency, I realized that many things that the Republicans were doing wasn’t so small government after all. I began to doubt my views. I was open to libertarian ideas because my grandfather had very strong and cynical opinions about politics. He would always bash politicians at the dinner table. I just never knew the word. I came across the word “libertarian” on an online forum. I googled it. The definition was maximum freedom. I said, "hey that’s me."

2. What made you decide to create a YouTube channel?

Back in early 2007, I was on Facebook in an anti-Patriot Act group. Someone wrote “google Ron Paul.” I did. I said, hey there’s someone running for president that has my views. There’s a trend here… I was hooked. I was a freshman in college. I chalked “Google Ron Paul” all over my campus sidewalks at night. I decided to change my major from elementary education to political science. I decided that I wanted to have a career in advancing the ideas of liberty. I was offered an internship at FreedomWorks in spring 2010 during my last semester of college. I was hired afterwards. When Ron Paul announced he was running again in 2011, I decided that I wanted to help spread the message of his candidacy. After much hesitation, I launched a YouTube channel in the summer of 2011. The first video I did was responding to one of the presidential debates and explaining why Ron Paul totally nailed it. And I’ve been making videos ever since.

3. Which videos of yours do you personally like the most? Which ones have become the most popular?

In the beginning, my videos were serious and dry. I watched only libertarian channels and that’s what all of them were like. But overtime, I started watching popular YouTube channels. I began to realize what works on YouTube. If I wanted to reach more people, I needed to mix it up and make them entertaining as well as informative. I added more of my goofy personality. My favorite thing is making people laugh. When I was little, I would perform silly skits on camera because I wanted to be a cast member of the Nickelodeon show "All That." So, I like making comedy videos with a point. It’s sometimes challenging because the political topics are usually very serious. So, I sit there with a notepad and think, “How can I make a video about the Federal Reserve funny?” It’s sometimes hard! I am very proud of one serious video I made, “Why I Became Anti War” because it’s so personal and raw. The most viewed video that I have is when I spoofed Lena Dunham’s "My First Time" Obama ad. That video really helped me expand my audience outside of just libertarians. I’m thankful for everyone that watches my videos.

4. Did the popularity of your channel or certain videos surprise you at all?

YES! I honestly thought I would put out a couple videos on Ron Paul and call it a day. I remember almost giving up several times in the beginning because I thought that I was pretty bad at this video making stuff and all the trolls. But I kept with it and told myself that I would get better as time went on. I can’t believe the number of people that watch. I remember getting surprised when 200 people would watch one of my videos in 2011. Yes, the popularity of some videos surprises me. Over 250,000 people have watched me wear tampon earrings.

5. I have noticed that you are very much an advocate of working with the Republican Party. Why do you believe in this instead of focusing on just independents or the Libertarian Party?

I’m actually more of a policy person than political. My title is policy analyst. But I believe that working within the Republican Party is the most effective option, for me. I say for me because I don’t want to sound like I’m telling people what they should. Do whatever you want. Unfortunately, the system is stacked against third parties. There are no Libertarian members of Congress. But there are libertarian Republicans in Congress. I believe that libertarians should challenge establishment Republicans in the GOP primaries. To me, that’s the best chance of beating them and getting real libertarians in Congress. Ron Paul, Thomas Massie, and Justin Amash all have libertarian views and they ran as Republicans and won.

6. Why the Republicans and not the Democrats?

I think the Democratic Party is too far gone. Maybe a left leaning libertarian could have some luck in the Democratic Party? They may find some agreements on foreign policy, perhaps. But I can’t think of any Democrat who has libertarian leanings on all or even most issues. At least Republicans talk about limiting government and fiscal responsibility. Unlike most Democrats who are open about wanting big government. And like I said, there are libertarian leaning Republicans. I just think that the Republican Party will be easier to “take over” than the Democratic Party.

7. I finally got around to watching the segment of you on John Stossel. What was that experience like?

Really cool! I couldn’t believe it when I got that call. I used to watch "Stossel" with my parents every Thursday night a couple years ago. So, it was crazy to tell them that I was going to be on it. I’ve never been on national TV before. It was kind of scary because I knew that everyone in my family and a lot people from my hometown were going to see it. Plus, I was a bit star struck by John Stossel. But yeah it was a really cool experience.

8. What do you believe are the top few biggest political issues at the moment?

There are many, many issues. If you check out my YouTube channel, I talk about tons of different things. But I’m going to say: health care, monetary policy, and foreign policy. ObamaCare has been a disaster and I worry that single payer is coming. I worry that the dollar is going to collapse. I worry about war with Iran. Not to be negative or anything…

9. Which libertarians, those who have passed or are still alive, do you find to be most inspiring?

Well, I clearly have to give a shout out to Ron Paul. My life would be very different if it wasn’t for him. My favorite libertarian writers are Henry Hazlitt and Murray Rothbard. Whenever a newbie libertarian asks what book they should read, I always say Economics in One Lesson. I am thankful for the minds of F.A. Hayek and Ludwig von Mises. I am thankful for the communication skills of Milton Friedman. Disclaimer: I probably don’t agree with any of these people on everything.

10. How do you suggest the average libertarian get involved with politics and/or educating others?

It depends on what they want to do and what they are good at. If you’re good at writing, consider starting a blog or writing articles for other publications. If you’re good in front of the camera, consider starting a YouTube channel. If you’re in college, consider starting a Young Americans for Liberty group on your campus. If you’re an outgoing person, consider attending local political meetings (Tea Party, Republican, etc.) and talking to people about libertarian ideas. These groups especially want to hear from young people right now. So, if you’re a young person ask your local Tea Party if you can come and speak about how bad economic policies are hurting young people. They will love you.

11. Why do you believe libertarianism is an ideology women should seriously consider?

These questions are always difficult for me to answer because women are individuals. Women care about different things. Our values are not all the same. What works to reach out to conservative women would probably not work to reach out to liberal women and vice versa. But when talking to someone about libertarianism, I try to understand where they are coming from and explain how libertarianism would benefit them. Liberty should resonate with everyone. It’s all about correct messaging.

12. What do you think the future holds concerning women in the Liberty Movement?

It looks good to me! I see more libertarian women getting involved all the time. It’s difficult for anyone to put themselves out there and open yourself to criticism. But I think as more women are being outspoken about their libertarian views, it encourages and inspires others to do the same.

13. Where do you see libertarianism heading in the future?

The status quo isn’t working and more people are looking for an alternative. Libertarianism is that alternative. The problem is that many people have never heard the word “libertarian” or they have misconceptions about the philosophy. As long as there are people out there educating people about libertarianism, we are going to win. Our numbers are growing every day.

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What libertarians say that bothers me the most

A shit ton of things libertarians say really bother me. But what bothers me the most?

It's when they ask me (or other libertarians) why we would be friends/in a relationship/etc. with people who are not libertarian.

One time I noticed a libertarian page on Facebook asked its followers if they would be in a relationship with someone who was not libertarian.

I was expecting most answers to be something similar to my answer: Of course I would date someone who does not agree with my views, whether it be religious, political, etc. As long as we respect what the other thinks, there should be no problem.

However, the majority of the commenters were saying that they would never be in a relationship with someone who was not libertarian. A couple of them said they believed this because they have tried to do so before and it did not work out.

This particular response infuriated me (so much so that I had to save it):

"I refuse to even have a conversation with someone once I find they are liberal. They are in agreement with the destruction of the nation I love and my way of life. They are the enemy. Period."

My hope for humanity plummeted when I saw that it got a lot of likes.

There are so many things that are wrong with what that person said. First off, I am sure that no liberal intentionally wants to destroy the nation (and where is the proof that they are?). If you are unwilling to talk to someone because they are of a different political ideology, what makes you believe that you are so high and mighty to think that your views are superior in any way?

Don't even get me fucking started on the whole double-standard of "Republicans and conservatives are pretty cool, BUT I WOULD NEVER EVER ASSOCIATE WITH A STUPID LIBERAL OR DEMOCRAT."

Of course I had to make an angry Katrina comment on that post.

For some odd reason, I am asked a lot by fellow libertarians if I talk with socialists. For those who are curious...yes I do. You know what is even more bizarre? I have dated socialists. Oh my fucking god!

Then it usually ends with them asking why I do and/or that they would not because socialists do not seem that smart. Are you shitting me? Socialists are some of the smartest people I know! (I mean the ones who actually know what they are talking about.)

Not to mention, socialists, unlike libertarians, actually understand human behavior. I am sorry, but John Locke and Ayn Rand are not reliable sources for how humans evolved into how we interact with others and the environment today. I am an anthropology major - deal with it.

I have barely dated any libertarians - it has mostly been Democrats, Republicans, and socialists. You know what? I am able to get along splendidly with people of other viewpoints! You want to know my secret? I don't try to shove my views into their faces, neither do they, and the both of us are able to understand that we think differently from each other and that. it. is. okay.

Libertarians: please stop being pompous assholes and realize that not everybody is going to "see the light" right away. I love teaching people about my views for educational purposes. I have not really noticed until recently, but a lot of people I associate with are developing some libertarian views because of what I have shown them. You have the choice of attracting people to you and your beliefs by either sharing some ice cream with them or by pissing on them. It's your choice. Choose wisely.

Aaaaand of course my first post in a month is a rant.

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