Circuit Judge Samuel Alito withstood a second day of 'grueling' hearings before the US Senate Judiciary Committee, hearings that exemplified the "delicate" manner in which all constitutional questions are handled in Washington.

In this sound file from "Against the Grain", Gardner Goldsmith discusses the non-answers offered on important issues the hearings covered. One wonders why hearings need be held if no answers about general constitutional theory will be answered, but addressed instead with claims that one cannot comment on cases that may be "heard before the court". Even if they were to be the specific cases that might be heard before the court, the committee members have the right to ask questions pertaining to the cases, and Alito can answer them. But the answers are not forthcoming, even when specific cases are not mentioned, but only abstract, hypothetical situations brought to mind.

With the return of the politicians to Concord, and the new session of the General Court, Conspirators may want to keep track of certain important bills.

A few we can recommend have appeared thanks to Manchester Representative Barbara Hagan. Barbara has proposed FNA 1473, which would, for one year, reduce the NH gasoline tax from18 Cents per gallon, to 9 Cents per gallon. As Barbara has said (see the interview from "Against the Grain"), her associates in the House semed mystified by the idea that the state should take less money out of the productive economy, especially at a time when gas prices are high. She also noted that the contractors and sub-contractors who work on NH road projects were vociferously opposed to the bill. Not surprising, since their projects are reliant on an ever-expanding tax stream taken from NH citizens.

With its two high-profile and principled guides, State Representatives Robert Giuda (Warren) and Saghir Tahir (Manchester), A-R-K is working tirelessly to bring peace and comfort to the people of Kashmir. Kashmir has long been in dispute between the governments and people of Pakistan and India. In addition, the devasting earthquake that hit the area in the fall has left the residents of Kashmir in dire need of help. Saghir Tahir recently reported on "Against the Grain" that more help is needed to maintain proper food and water, heat and protection from disease. You can help by going to the web

Founded by Marshall Fritz in 1985, the Advocates for Self-Government is one of the highest-profile libertarian organizations in the United States. Its staff and board of advisors are recognized as some of the most productive libertarian thinkers of our time. Here is what Congressman Ron Paul had to say about the organization:

"...The Advocates [has made] invaluable contributions to the freedom cause. For almost twenty years, the Advocates has worked tirelessly to help libertarians better communicate the ideas of liberty. I continue to be impressed by the Advocates' work."

-- U.S. Congressman Ron Paul

Libertarianism in One Lesson: Why Libertarianism Is the Best Hope for America's Future asin: 0975432648 binding: Paperback

Origially published in 1984, "Libertariansm in One Lesson" is a concise, very readable explication of the principles of libertarianism, also known as "classical liberalism". The originall "liberals" believed in the primacy of the individual, and the peaceful fostering of a productive society through peaceful market interactions. If they believed in government at all, they believed in small government, based on the protection of Natural Rights, and th principle of "negative reciprocity". Mr. Bergland's book covers these principles and how they are used in practice. It is a valuable book.

David Bergland, the 1984 Libertarian Party Presidential candidate, and author of the famous book "Libertarianism in One Lesson" spoke with Gardner Goldsmith on January 10, 2006. The conversation covered the fundamentals of the freedom philosophy, and how it works in practice. Hear Mr. Bergland in this, and the first part of the conversation on "Against the Grain". For more information on Mr. Bergland, his work, and the work of his associates, go here: http://www.self-gov.org/ or turn to the more detailed link provided in our links section...

Libertarianism in One Lesson: Why Libertarianism Is the Best Hope for America's Future

David Bergland, the 1984 Libertarian Party Presidential candidate, and author of the famous book "Libertarianism in One Lesson" spoke with Gardner Goldsmith on January 10, 2006. The conversation covered the fundamentals of the freedom philosophy, and how it works in practice. Hear Mr. Bergland in this, and the second part of the conversation on "Against the Grain". For more information on Mr. Bergland, his work, and the work of his associates, go here: http://www.self-gov.org/ or turn to the more detailed link provided in our links section...

Libertarianism in One Lesson: Why Libertarianism Is the Best Hope for America's Future

(Please note: Due to technical problems at WNTK, this sound file is distorted with static. We post it here with the understanding that some conspirators would still like to hear it.) It is the second part of a conversation between Gardner Goldsmith and Sheila Francoeur, state representative from Hampton. In the first part of the conversation, Gardner and Sheila discussed the economic arguments for and against a government ban on smoking in private establishments. Here, they discuss the legal aspects of the proposal. Francoeur's bill is HB1177, and will be heard on January 17th, in the NH Legislative Office Building, room 302.

The Second Amendment Sisters are a group of women (and the men who like to support their efforts) who are devoted to the preservation of our Second Amendment Rights, both here in New Hampshire, and across the US.

The Sisters keep tabs on legilation in the US and in NH, and inform their members about the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you would like to become active with the organization, we at the Conspiracy heartily recommend joining their very friendly and dedicated group.

There is no better resource for breaking New Hampshire news than PoliticsNH.com. James Pindell, its editor and chief correspondent, seems to keep an eternal vigil on the happenings in Concord, both on the legislative and the general political level. He is unerringly fair, and always seems to beat other publications with the scoop. The only people who stand beside James Pindell are Kevin Landrigan, and John DiStaso. Go to PoliticsNH to keep abreast of the gamut of events in New Hampshire.

Named after one of the most influential and important economists in history, the von Mises institute is known world-wide as a home of rigorous intellectual thought in support of individual liberty. Mises was in the vanguard of what is now known as the "Austrian School" of economics. He escaped to the United States at the time of Hitler's expansion through Austria, and brought his breakthrough thinking on freedom and markets to the US, where he published numerous books, including his opus, "Human Action".

Part two of our interview with Sheldon.

Separating School & State: How to Liberate America's Families