Step aside, now. An exuberant Libertarian Party congregates Saturday in New Orleans for its national convention, predicting it to be one of the largest conventions in the party’s 46-year history. Among them: a Transhumanist Libertarian Futurist, set to enter the political arena

“The Libertarian Party is on track to give Americans more candidates in 2018 elections than we have in at least 15 years,” says Nicholas Sarwark, chairman of the Libertarian National Committee and currently running for mayor of Phoenix.

“We have been building on voters’ clear disillusionment with the dominant parties. Our 2018 candidates, plus the elected officials who are switching parties to join us, share a drive to shrink big government and maximize individual freedom,” he notes.

The 2018 convention’s theme is “I’m THAT Libertarian,” and it is wall-to-wall with seminars, activist training, forums, candidate debates, discussion groups centered on the party’s platform, and leadership.

Speakers include former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld, the 2016 Libertarian vice-presidential candidate; Amaryllis Fox, host of History Channel’s “American Ripper” and a former CIA operative; and Zoltan Istvan, a “trans-humanist Libertarian futurist” and former presidential hopeful who has been very busy in the Golden State in recent days.

“Over the last 18 months, I campaigned as a Libertarian candidate for California governor. While I was eliminated in the primary elections on June 5, as an endorsed Libertarian Party candidate, I traveled the state and spoke about how the burgeoning field of transhumanism — using radical technology to improve the human being — can best be served by the aggressive promotion of personal liberty,” Mr. Istvan tells Inside the Beltway.

“Naturally, the libertarian philosophy suits transhumanism very well, as it allows and even encourages radical innovation to thrive — which is exactly what transhumanism needs to quickly move forward and grow,” he adds.

There are other activities scheduled for the three-day gathering: a Radical Caucus Meeting, Pragmatic Caucus Meeting and the Outright Libertarians 20th Anniversary Masquerade Ball.

MARIJUANA MONOPOLY

A little reality check arrives in the Golden State, at least where the legalization of marijuana is concerned. This trend would have amazed the old hippies of yore, when marijuana use was indeed a clandestine affair.

“Large scale cultivation operations are beginning to emerge in California’s newly legal marijuana industry, despite regulations meant to curtail their presence,” reports Marijuana Business Daily, an industry publication,

“The latest licensing data from the state shows that 20 percent of cultivation licenses are held by just 12 licensees — or 7 percent of licensed cultivation businesses in California. The data reinforce the fear among many smaller growers in the state that large, well-capitalized and more efficient growers will eventually come to monopolize the cultivation landscape,” the publication says.

600 IMMIGRATION PROTESTS

A hefty coalition of progressive groups has organized what they deem a “massive mobilization” against President Trump and his immigration policy on Saturday. Over 600 rallies, marches and protests will take place around the nation organizers say, along with sister events in Britain, France, Germany and Canada.

The centerpiece is planned for Lafayette Square, directly across the street from the White House, among other spots. The largest number of protests will be in California, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan and Texas — and the fewest in North Dakota, where there is only one rally.

Among the 114 organizations who are contributing to the effort: MoveOn.org, the American Civil Liberties Union, Greenpeace, NARAL, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the National Education Association, Pantsuit Nation, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Southern Poverty law Center, Voto Latino, the YWCA and the Women’s March.

The protesters are still irked by the separation of families along the border, a practice which has ceased, thanks to an executive order from Mr. Trump. But they remain irked.

“On June 30, politicians across the country will hear the outrage of the American people,” predicts Anna Galland, executive director of MoveOn.org Civic Action.

Will there be violence or “resistance,” as in past protests?

Organizers say the rallies are “family-friendly events” and are asking participants to wear white “as a striking visual symbol” and to provide “a compelling image for media coverage.” Protests outside detention centers are not encouraged. Organizers have also offered a tutorial video on how to “de-escalate” an event if things get out of hand.

“We appreciate your commitment to engage in nonviolent, peaceful action, to act lawfully, and to strive to de-escalate any potential confrontations with those who may disagree with our values,” they say in a public advisory.

WEEKEND REAL ESTATE

For sale: Muhammad Ali’s Farm, a traditional Cape Cod home built in 1900 on 81 acres near Berrien Springs, Michigan, with one mile of frontage on St. Joseph’s River. Three bedrooms, two baths, chef’s kitchen, full gym with boxing ring, steam room, “The Champ’s Office”; 3,970 square feet. Multiple custom details. Outdoor pool with kitchen, basketball court, carriage house, two 10-car garages, two barns, patios, gazebo, immaculate lawns, rock garden, waterfall, fire pit, “elaborate security systems.” Priced at $2.9 million through Cressyeverett.com; enter 18025247 in search function.

POLL DU JOUR

• 58 percent of U.S. voters trust the FBI; 50 percent of Republicans, 51 percent of independents and 71 percent of Democrats agree.

• 56 percent of voters overall trust Customs and Border Patrol; 72 percent of Republicans, 51 percent of independents and 45 percent of Democrats agree.

• 54 percent of voters overall trust the CIA; 54 percent of Republicans, 45 percent of independents and 62 percent of Democrats agree.

• 54 percent of voters overall trust the Justice Department; 55 percent of Republicans, 48 percent of independents and 59 percent of Democrats agree.

• 51 percent of voters overall trust Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE); 70 percent of Republicans, 43 percent of independents and 39 percent of Democrats agree.

Source: A Politico/Morning Consult poll of 1,989 registered U.S. voters conducted June 22-24.

• Kindly follow Jennifer Harper on Twitter @HarperBulletin

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.