The Libertarian Party of Tennessee

Here's the skinny: The LPTN was a co-sponsor of this Tennessee Tax Revolt reunion and fundraiser. Five members of the LPTN were in attendance -- Alicia Mattson, Heather Scott, Steve Trinward, David Tomlin, and Jonathan Wright -- plus two esteemed guests from the LP Alabama, Deb & Steve Gordon.

Radio personality Steve Gill once again wasn't shy about heaping praise on our little band of freedom fighters. He remarked on the strong contingent of Libertarians at the event, and he reiterated his previous statements that without the work of Libertarian Party of Tennessee, we would have an income tax today. At one point, he discussed the importance of groups like TTR, saying something to the effect of "we need concerned citizens and organizations like this to be vigilant, keeping watch over the Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians -- well, we don't usually have to worry about that with the Libertarians!” Finally, he led the crowd in a moment of silence for our honored former chair, the late Richard Pearl.

As a co-sponsor, the LPTN was given a few minutes to address the crowd, which our Alicia Mattson handled admirably. The crowd cheered when she said "Libertarians never saw a tax they didn't want to eliminate", and laughed when she closed with a snipe at the campaign finance laws, "I'm Alicia Mattson and I approved this message".

During her address Alicia read a supportive letter to the group from our Presidential candidate Michael Badnarik that was very well received. It would have been nice if Mike could have made it in person, but he was at the time tied up with Pride activities in San Francisco. And, hey, I didn't see any letter of support from Georgie!

All in all the Hornhonkers Reunion was a fun event that did a good deal to raise awareness of the LP among the heroes of the Tennessee tax battle.

Photographs by Alicia Mattson and Heather Scott